Bakugan EQG

Chapters

Communication Bakugan
Fury of the Phantom
One True Partner
Lyra Stands Tall
Double Up
Bonnie's Down to Earth
The Legends of Vestroia
Bakugan are Soarin High
A Dark Awakening
Trust and Teamwork
Rainbooms Rise and Fall
The Tournament Begins
Clashing Lights
A Not So Fun Brawl
Dual Brawl
A Fiery Confrontation
Sky High Bakugan Brawl
Fated Finals
Leo's Time to Shine
Darkness on the Rise
A Newer Generation of Brawlers
Flash's Greatest Challenge
Guardians of Vestroia
Burn Brother Burn
Reflections in the Water
Strife with Father
Quitters Never Prosper
A Fight With A Knight
Flash's Fight
Water and Light Collide
The Final Challenge
Clash of the Titans
Truth Revealed
Running the Gauntlet
Phantom Pains
Scorching Land and Heavenly Skies
BakuFighters, Unite
Bakugan Invasion
Earth Fights Back
The Heat is On
No Brawler Stands Alone
A Break in the Battle
The Invasion of Canterlot
Canterlot in Chaos
The Final Battle Begins
Bakugan...BRAWL
Raging Fire
Rainbooms Rock
Hunted
The End of the Trials, the Starts of New Ones
Parting of the Ways

Communication Bakugan

It was getting pretty late, the sun almost setting as we find Flash Sentry peddling through the streets of Canterlot before turning into a more residential area.

He kept going until he arrived at the place he called home, a simple three bedroom house. He got off his bike and moved over to the garage, opening it up and seeing his family's less then stellar car. He put his bike next to it before heading into the actual house. As he did, his nostrils were bombarded by an interesting smell.

"Hey sweetheart," his mother called out. Misty Vail was a silver skinned woman with purple hair, wearing the kind of clothes you would see on a librarian. That made sense considering that was her job, working for the public library. She was currently cooking something in a pot, the source of the unusual smell.

"Hey mom," Flash looked into the pot. "What are we having for dinner."

"Oh, I was doing some research and discovered an interesting recipe the ancient Aztecs used. I thought we'd give it a try, though I had to swap a few of the ingredients out." Flash wasn't surprised by this statement, his mother practically being an expert on ancient cultures. She had studied them extensively in college, though she had never been able to find a job in the field.

"Hey champ!" Flash then heard, making him turn to see an older version of himself step into the room. Trail Blazer was the spitting image of his son, though people usually said it was the other way around, though he was taller and had a blue beard. "How was your day?"

"Not bad," Flash told them. He wanted to explain about his Bakugan, but he knew they probably wouldn't understand. "How was work?"

"The same as usual," Trail Blazer was a janitor for a local company. Like his mother, Trail was almost an expert in ancient maps and cartography. You could set him down anywhere in any point in history and he could find his way home no problem. But like his mother, Trail Blazer was unable to earn a career with his passion.

The last member of their family to arrive was his thirteen year old sister, Scootaloo, who was a perfect mix of their parents. "Hey," she sniffed the air, "what smells so good?"

"Aztec stew," Misty explained. "But it won't be for a while."

"Well then I'm gonna go have a nap," Flash told them before he headed upstairs. The three watched him go, all wondering what was on his mind.

Flash arrived at his room and threw his backpack into the corner, then landed down onto his bed.

As he did, he reached into his pocket and took out his Leonidas Bakugan. He rolled it in his fingers while thinking back to what had happened in the Brawl. When all hope seemed lost. When Flash was just about ready to give up, the most amazing thing had happened.

"Don't you...dare give up," Flash looked up in shock, having heard that strange voice again. His gaze moved over to Leonidas and he saw the dragon's eyes staring down at him. "Have you no shame?"

"You can...talk?" Flash asked, unable to believe what he was hearing.

"It's one thing to lose," the dragon told him with a gruff voice. "But it's another to just give up and accept defeat. Even if it's impossible, never give up until the very end."

Even though he knew it couldn't have really happened, he could swear he had heard his Bakugan talk.

"I had to have been hearing things," Flash told himself before putting the Bakugan down on the windowsill besides his bed. "It's just a game piece. It can't talk." He moved over to his desk and switched on his laptop, the most expensive thing he owned besides his bike.

He booted up the Bakugan website and as he did, he found the message boards were filled with news pertaining to one subject. The same subject Flash was just thinking about.

My Bakugan spoke!

I swear, I heard my Bakugan talking.

It was nuts. One minute I'm Brawling and the next, my Terrorclaw's telling me which ability to activate.

There were even more of them, hundreds of them. Flash found himself standing up in shock, unable to believe this. He then turned towards Leonidas, now more sure then ever that he had actually heard the dragonoid Bakugan talk. "What is going on?"

As day turned to nighttime, we find ourselves in the offices of Dark Industries.

There, a man with grey skin and black hair was sitting behind a desk. He wore a full black business suit and was currently watching a TV on his wall, which was showing Flash's battle from earlier and mainly focused on Leonidas in battle. "Strange. Very strange."

"You're intrigued by it too?" A voice called out before the shades wearing teen stepped out of the darkness. "Leonidas. Where did it come from?"

"That's a question I've been asking myself." He pressed a button on his remote and the screen changed to show Leonidas with stats and statistics. "Until today, this Bakugan has not been in our database. But around the time you said it appeared, our systems went haywire. Once they calmed down, the database had updated with hundreds of new Bakugan included. Bakugan I've never seen before."

"What does this mean?" He asked.

"I do not know," he turned towards the teen. "Phantom, I want to you observe the boy and his Bakugan. I want to learn as much as I can about them both. They may hold the key."

"The key to what?"

"Unlocking the ultimate power in our world." He stood up and moved to the center of the room, the teen known as Phantom doing the same. Once they were there, the section of floor they were stood on began to descend into the building. After a minute or so, they arrived at their destination. A large underground hanger.

Inside that hanger was a strange vehicle, which looked like something out of a Sci-Fi film. It was some kind of pod-like device, the size of a space shuttle, with wires sticking out of it. People in hazmat suits were walking around it, some scanning it with strange devices while others were climbing out of a whole in the top.

Those climbing out of it were carry buckets full of Bakugan, of multiple types and attributes. They took those buckets over to an area where people were sorting them, checking to see what species of Bakugan they were and what attribute. Once that was done, they placed them on a device similar to the one used by brawlers to buy Bakugan. And once the Bakugan was in the bowl, lightning shot out of the top and hit it before it disappeared.

The man and Phantom moved over to a door and the man placed his hand on the device next to it. After a few seconds, the device beeped before the door opened and they stepped inside.

Inside this room was a table with two objects inside. One was a strange black cube with a different Attribute symbol on each side. The other, was a Bakugan.

But this Bakugan was not like the others. It was white, but not the same shade of white as a Haos Bakugan. It was a dull white, symbolising a complete lack of colour and life.

Sombra reached down and picked up the Bakugan, "the Bakugan sealed away is crying out to be released. But in order to revive it, we must obtain a vast amount of power." He put it back before picking up the cube and holding it out to Phantom, "take this. It is the key to amassing that power, but first it must be unlocked. And Leonidas may be the key to that."

"Understood," Phantom took the box. "I will not let you down, master Sombra." With that, he turned and left while the man named Sombra stared down at the Bakugan.

"Soon, my friend. Soon."

The next day.

Flash let out a yawn as he and Scootaloo arrived at school. He had been up late last night, looking over the message boards and even making one of his own. He had gotten multiple responses, some telling him to go see a doctor and other telling him he was just making it up. Only the people who heard their own Bakugan speak seemed to believe him.

He parked his bike at the bike shed while Scootaloo folded up her scooter and placed it in her backpack, both telling the other to have a good day before splitting up and heading in the opposite direction. What they didn't notice, was a bespectacled girl getting off her own bike and staring at Flash as he entered the school. A curious apparent on her face.

Flash arrived at class and within seconds, he was surrounded by his classmates. They had all learned about his one of a kind Bakugan, apparently due to someone having recorded his battle and put it out on the net. Now, they all wanted to see Leonidas.

Flash quickly found himself getting overwhelmed by the number of people wanting to see his Bakugan, unsure how to respond. He was still unsure about the Bakugan since it might get taken away from him. But before he could come up with an excuse not to show it off.

"Alright!" They heard Lyra's voice, "that's enough." They all split apart to see Lyra and Bonnie, "let the man breathe." The students seemed to either respect or be terrified of Lyra, because they did as she instructed and backed off.

Flash let out a sigh and was able to sit at his desk, the teen putting his head down on it. "Thank Ly."

"No problem," the mint skinned girl assured him.

"You've certainly become popular," Bonnie giggled as she sat down. "Though I guess it's really Leonidas that's popular. He's the star and you're the leading actor." They saw Flash let out another sigh, the two knowing they needed to change the subject.

"By the way, did you hear about those rumours flying around the net?" Flash looked up at Lyra, "the ones about Bakugan talking." This made Flash frown.

"Those guys must have been hit on the head or something," Bonnie told them. "Bakugan can't talk."

"I wouldn't be so sure," they turned to Flash. "Yesterday...I swear I heard my Bakugan talk." To say the two were surprised by this was an understatement. "It was only for a minute, but I was sure of it. My Bakugan told me not to give up and to keep fighting, even if it seemed hopeless."

"You can't be serious," Lyra told him.

Flash sighed, "I knew you wouldn't believe me." Before the two could say anything else, the teacher arrived and they had to focus on her. The rest of the day went pretty much the same as the start, with Flash constantly getting hounded whenever there was any free time.

It got so bad Flash had to retreat to the roof during lunch in order to escape the crazy students, with only Derpy knowing his location. "Who would have thought one little Bakugan would have caused such a commotion," he stated while holding the ball up.

Derpy smiled. "I guess it makes sense, given how rare, powerful and cool it is. A Bakugan like that's certainly going to leave an impression." Flash nodded in agreement as he took a bite out of his sandwich. "Is it true, what Lyra told me in math? You really think you heard your Bakugan talking to you?"

"I don't think," Flash corrected her. "I know. I'm sure of it." He looked down at the Bakugan, "maybe it's a new feature. If they can make Bakugan roar and stuff, it can't be too hard to say they can make them talk."

"Maybe," Derpy nodded before gulping down the last of her soda and getting up. "I'm gonna get another drink. You want anything?" Flash shook his head and Derpy soon left, leaving Flash alone on the roof with his Bakugan.

"Maybe everyone's right," he said to himself. "Maybe I am just crazy. I mean...if you could talk, you'd be doing it right now."

"There's one way you could find out." Flash was so surprised by the sudden voice, he accidently threw Leonidas into the air and it bounced on the ground before rolling to a stop as it hit a girl's shoe. This girl was the bespectacled girl from before, who wore her head in a ponytail and had a pink vest over a blue shirt and pink bowtie with a purple skirt that had a star shape on it. She also had a purple BakuColar on her wrist.

Flash watched her reach down and pick up his Bakugan, "so this is the famous Leonidas?"

"Err...yeah," Flash wasn't sure what she was gonna do next. Thankfully, she moved over and sat next to him before handing the ball over to him. "Thanks."

"No problem," Twilight smiled. "It's a very interesting creature you have there."

"Thanks," he repeated. "I guess you want to get a better look at it too."

"Of course." She reached into her backpack and took out a small computer, which she opened up to show a list of Bakugan. "I've been collecting data on Bakugan for a while. I thought I had all the Bakugan on here, but yours is something I've never seen before. Where did you get it?"

"It's...a long story."

"I like long stories. I'm Twilight, by the way."

"Flash." The teen then went on to explain how he found Leonidas, the girl listening with great interest.

"Amazing. And you have no idea what caused this flash of light?"

"None," Flash shook his head. "And I haven't really thought about it. Been too preoccupied with something else."

"Your Bakugan talking?" Flash nodded at this. "Well there is a way to find out if you really are crazy or not." He gave her a raised eyebrow. "Try and get it to talk again. And I know the perfect way. Recreating the scenario that got it to talk in the first place. A brawl."

"A brawl?" Flash watched Twilight pick herself up, then turn towards him.

Flash Sentry, I challenge you to a Bakugan Brawl. For the chance to hear your Bakugan talk and learn more about it, I challenge you. Do you accept?"

Flash was bewildered by this for a moment, looking down at his Bakugan. Then, he looked up at her and smiled. "Alright," he stood back up, "let's do this. After school, let's brawl." The two shook hands, both excited for this.

Meanwhile, hidden in the stairwell leading from the roof to the school, Phantom lent against the wall with a smile on his face. "So he can talk. How interesting."

As soon as school was out, Flash, Twilight, Lyra, Bonnie and Derpy headed over to the Bakugan Battle Arena.

As soon as they arrived, Derpy headed for the front desk and sat down behind it. She typed into the system, but then frowned. "Sorry. Looks like all the areas are full." The others groaned at this.

"Now what do we do?" Flash asked, turning to Twilight. "Are you okay waiting until an area opens up?"

"I don't have any problem waiting," Twilight nodding. "It'll give me time to properly come up with a strategy." She reached into her pocket and took out a Bakugan, which was purple with green highlights. "This is the Bakugan I'll be using Darkus Spikenoid."

"Just that Bakugan?" Flash asked, a little concerned after what happened with Garble.

Twilight nodded, "if you only use Leonidas, than I'll only be using Spikenoid. Or Spike, as I like to call him."

"Cool," Flash smiled in interest. He had never seen this Bakugan, so was eager to find out what it could do. And as he did, Derpy suddenly spoke up.

"Guys!" They turned to her, "I just got a cancellation. If you want, you can battle one another in...an hour." The smiled and agreed to it, Derpy booking them in. Over the next hour, Flash and Twilight sat at different tables. Flash was finally able to see what Ability Cards he had and since he was up against a Darkus type, he tried to adjust his plans accordingly. But even so, he knew nothing about this Bakugan or its Brawler. This might be difficult.

An hour later, the time for their battle finally arrived. Unfortunately, Derpy couldn't watch since she had to stay at the counter. But she wished them both luck as they headed for the stadium, Lyra and Bonnie heading up to the viewing platform. The two headed towards the different entrances, whilst the announcer called out to the audience.

"Welcome Baku-fans, to yet another battle hear at the Dark Industries Baku-Dome." The crowd cheered as the doors opened and the two of them stepped into the stadium, both staring up and seeing many people looking down at them while applauding. "In one corner, we have a girl with brains almost as big as her Bakugan. Twilight Sparkle." She waved at them while adjusting her glasses. "And in the other corner, a newcomer who's quickly taken the Bakugan World by storm thanks to his one of a kind Bakugan. Flash...SENTRY!"

Flash waved as well, hearing people cheering while others asked if he was using Leonidas again. He spotted Lyra and Bonnie in the stands and smiled as he and Twilight reached the center of the stadium.

It was at that moment that a glass dome closed around the battlefield. And once it was completely covering the field, a flash of light filled the room. When the light faded, Flash opened his eyes and found he was in a city-scape. He and Twilight were standing in a large street with no cars or other people there.

"Looks like they'll be brawling in the city zone. Wonder how much property damage will be done by the end of it."

"Alright Flash," Twilight held up a Darkus Bakugan. "I hope you're ready. Time to find out if you're crazy or not."

Flash stared at his Bakugan for a moment before closing his fist around it and looking up, "I'm ready. Let's do this thing."

"Are both Brawlers ready?" They nodded, "then without further ado. Bakugan...BRAWL!" With that, Flash and Twilight's BakuColars beeped to signal the battle's start with both showing their current life gauges.

Flash: 100%
Twilight: 100%

Twilight smiled as she took out a Gate Card. "Based on what I saw in your last brawl, this card should do quite nicely." She threw the card. "Gate Card, SET!" The card hit the ground and exploded into light, which spread across the field before vanishing. Twilight then held up the Bakugan. "Now, prepare to face the power of my favourite partner. Bakugan," she threw the orb, "BRAWL!" The Bakugan hit the ground and bounced along it for several seconds before finally stopping and opening, unleashing a burst of purple light. "Bakugan, STAND!"

The light filled the the city and slowly took shape, then faded to reveal a large purple and green dragon-like creature with no wings. It, instead, had a series of dark green spikes running from the top of its head all the way down to its tail. It also had several spikes running along its arms, with larger ones on its elbows, knees and the tips of its fingers. "Darkus Spikenoid!"

Spikenoid: 450Gs

"Four hundred and fifty?" Flash asked, amazed. He looked down at his Bakugan. "Alright. Time to find out if you really can talk." He pulled the orb back. "Bakugan," he then threw the ball, "BRAWL!" The ball hit the ground and rolled until it stopped and opened, "Bakugan...STAND!" In a burst of yellow light, the white, yellow and purple dragon appeared appeared. "Haos Leonidas, rise!"

Leonidas: 400Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs

"There it is!" The announcer yelled, "Flash's Leonidas. And against Twilight's Spikenoid, this is sure to be an amazing brawl."

"Go Flash!" Bonnie cried while Lyra watched intensely.

"Flash is good but Twilight's got both experience and way more knowledge. This isn't gonna be easy." It was at that moment that Leonidas charged at Spikenoid, while Flash took out an ability card.

"Ability, activate!" The card glowed yellow, "Brawling Dragon!" Leonidas roared as he began to throw wild attacks at Spikenoid, punching, kicking and striking it with his tail

Leonidas: 500Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs

"My turn," Twilight told him as she took out her own card. "Ability, activate!" The card glowed purple, "Scale-Mail!" It was then that Spikenoid's purple scales began to gain a brilliant sheen. This didn't just make the Bakugan look good, but also seemed to make Leonidas' attacks less effective. "This ability negates yours and ups Spike's G power by one hundred points"

Leonidas: 400Gs
Spikenoid: 550Gs

"Not good," Flash realised while pulling out to cards. "Alright. Then Double Ability, activate!" The cards glowed as Leonidas leapt back. "Dragon Flash, plus Alpha Blaster." Leonidas began to glow as Spikenoid went on the attack, but the winged dragon disappeared in a blur.

The beast growled in confusion until he heard Twilight. "Above you!" He looked up, just in time to see Leonidas flying in the air. The creature took a deep breath as blue lightning sparked within its mouth.

Leonidas: 700Gs
Spikenoid: 550Gs

Twilight pulled out a card as Leonidas fired the blue beam, hitting Spikenoid and pushing it sliding backwards. It roared at Twilight was forced to leap to the side in order to avoid getting hit, rolling to the side and making Flash gasp. But she quickly jumped back up and pushed her glassed up while pointing to the ground.

"Gate card, OPEN!" The floor glowed purple as Leonidas landed, "Doppel-Gang-Up!" Flash wondered what this card did, but then he saw something appearing behind his Bakugan.

"Leonidas!" The dragon glanced back and in doing so, saw something behind him. It was another version of Leonidas, only this one was made of some kind of black mist. And upon closer inspection, Flash saw the fake was coming out of Leonidas' shadow. "What is that thing?"

Twilight laughed as the fake suddenly grabbed Leonidas as held him tight, while Spikenoid picked itself up. "Doppel-Gang-Up. It creates a Doppelganger of your Bakugan, with half his base power for its strength."

Leonidas: 700Gs
Spikenoid+Doppelganger: 750Gs

"Do it Spike!" Twilight yelled as her Bakugan ran forward while Leonidas was still trapped.

"Not good," Flash was about to activate another ability but Spike was got there first. It let out a mighty roar and spun around, slamming Leonidas with its tail. The dragon roared in pain before he glowed and transformed back to his ball form.

Flash: 90%
Twilight: 100%

"Ouch," the announcer yelled, "Looks like the first round goes to Twilight!"

Lyra sighed, "I knew it. Flash fell right into Twilight's hands."

"It's not over yet," Bonnie told her. "Flash knows what he's up against now. I'm sure he'll figure out a way to turn this around."

Back at the front desk, Derpy had just helped someone with something and bowed as they walked away. "Thank you, come again." She then looked over at a nearby screen, which showed Flash picking up his Bakugan. "Come on Flash."

She then spotted another worker moving up to the desk. "It's your break time now Derpy. I'll handle the desk."

"Thank you," Derpy nodded before running out from behind the desk and heading for the battlefield.

"Gate card, SET!" Flash threw his card and it hit the floor before exploding into light, which spread across he battlefield. "I'm not holding back this time."

"Neither am I," Twilight replied as they both pulled their balls back.

"Bakugan," they threw them together, "BRAWL!" Both Bakugan hit the ground and rolled for several seconds before stopping and popping open, unleashing the light. "Bakugan...STAND!" The two creatures took shape, Spikenoid slashing the air while Leonidas took the the sky. "Haos Leonidas/Darkus Spikenoid!"

"Gate card, open!" Flash yelled as the field suddenly glowed yellow, Leonidas glowing the same colour. "Haos Reactor!"

Leonidas: 600Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs

"Yes!" Bonnie cheered, "now Leonidas isn't fighting at a disadvantage."

"That's the way Flash!" Lyra yelled, "keep the pressure up."

"Ability, activate!" Twilight held up a card as it glowed, "Fire Burst!" Spike unleashed a volley of green fire that shot in Leonidas' direction, while the Darkus Bakugan powered up.

Leonidas: 600Gs
Spikenoid: 650Gs

"Ability activate!" Flash held up his card, "Hyper Shield!" Light exploded off of Leonidas and formed an orb around him, protecting him from Spikenoid's attack.

Leonidas: 600Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs

"Now," Flash held up a card, "Ability Activate!" The card glowed, "Shining Tornado!" Leonidas began to spin as light formed around him, transforming him into a shining energy drill that headed straight for Spikenoid.

Leonidas: 750Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs

"Ability Activate!" Twilight yelled as Spike cross his arms, seconds before the drill struck him. "Scale-Mail!" His scales glowed again and doing so caused the tornado to slow, negating its effects and powering the wingless reptile up.

Leonidas: 600Gs
Spikenoid: 550Gs

"We're still stronger," Flash stated as Leonidas stopped spinning but he and Spikenoid were both locked with their hands holding one another in place. "Come on."

"Let's end this," Twilight stated as she activated another card. "Ability, Activate." Both the card and Spike's back spikes began to glow. "Spiking Strike!" Suddenly, the light from the spikes exploded off of them and shot into the air before curving around. They then shot straight down and one struck Leonidas in the back.

The dragon roared in pain while Flash looked down at his BakuColar, seeing his score drop.

Leonidas: 550Gs
Spikenoid: 550Gs

It was then that another spike struck, lowering the score again.

Leonidas: 500Gs
Spikenoid: 550Gs

A third spike struck him in the wing even though Leonidas released Spikenoid and flew away, the damage was done.

Leonidas: 450Gs
Spikenoid: 550Gs

"GO!" Twilight yelled, Spikenoid running forward and once again slamming its tail Into Flash's Bakugan. The dragon roared in pain before falling to the ground, glowing yellow and returning to his ball form.

"Ahh," Flash groaned as he reached down to pick him the Bakugan before looking at the score.

Flash: 70%
Twilight: 100%

'Dang it. I've almost lost half my points and I haven't even scratched Twilight yet.' He turned to see her recalling Spikenoid. "She's really good."

"She's...nothing."

"Huh?" Flash looked around before staring down at the Bakugan, "did you just talk again?"

"Keep...fighting." The voice sounded like it was straining to speak, but it was clear what it was trying to say. This Bakugan could talk and it wanted to keep brawling. If he stopped now, it might never talk again.

"Alright," Flash turned to Twilight as she took out a Gate Card, "this Brawl's just getting started."

She smiled back and took out a card, "Gate Card...SET!" She threw it and it hit the ground, exploding in a burst of light that flew across the field as she pulled back her Bakugan. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" The ball went flying and hit the ground, "Bakugan...STAND!"

"Bakugan," Flash threw his as Spikenoid appeared, "Brawl!" It hit the ground rolling for several seconds and then popped open, "Bakugan...STAND!" Leonidas appeared as Twilight prepared her card.

Leonidas: 400Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs

"Ability, activate!" The card glowed, "Dark Spikes!" The spikes on Spikenoid's arms glowed purple and before Leonidas could react, his opponent charged forward and slammed them into his stomach. He roared as his power was drained by the attack. "Now steal away half Leonidas's G power.

Leonidas: 200Gs
Spikenoid: 650Gs

"Dang it," Flash groaned before taking out two cards. "Double Ability, activate!" They glowed as Leonidas leapt back and flew into the air. "Dragon Flash, plus Alpha Blaster!" Once again, Leonidas glowed before he started zipping around the place. After a few seconds, he flew down behind Spikenoid and unleashed the laser from his mouth.

Leonidas: 500Gs
Spikenoid: 650Gs

"Flash is certainly fighting back," the announcer cried out. "But will it be enough to stop Spikenoid?" They watched as Spikenoid was struck by the laser, but his higher power level meant the Darkus Bakugan could withstand the attack.

"It's not enough," Flash took out another card. "Ability, activate!" The card glowed, "Brawling Dragon!" Leonidas, still sped up from his Dragon Flash ability, shot towards Spikenoid and started unleashing a barrage of attacks on him. Spikenoid simply crossed his arms and allowed the attacks to collide.

Leonidas: 600Gs
Spikenoid: 650Gs

"Still not enough!" Flash cried while Twilight took out her own card.

"Ability, activate!" The card glowed along with Spike, "Scale-Mail!" Leonidas suddenly felt like he was hitting a steel wall, his power level going down.

Leonidas: 500Gs
Spikenoid: 750Gs

The next thing they knew, Spikenoid reached out and grabbed Leonidas' arm as he threw another punch. He then spun around and threw Leonidas, making the dragon cry out as he was slammed into the building and caused it to collapse. "WOW!" Flash yelled as the ground began to shook. He and Twilight worked to keep their balance, many in the stadium believing this was it.

"Too bad," Twilight said. "I was hoping for something...more." Flash frowned at this. "Your Bakugan is strong, but it's attacks highly unrefined. It's almost...beastly."

Flash was about to say something, but then...

"I'll show you unrefined." Everyone suddenly turned to the source of that voice, many gasping when they saw the rubble from the destroyed building move to reveal Leonidas. The Bakugan growled as he pushed himself up. "You think you're so great, but you're nothing compared to me. You will lose."

"It can talk," Twilight realised before smiling. "Amazing." The people in the audience were just as amazed, wondering what was going on. Even the announcer looked shocked and started looking through the rule book for anything relating to it.

Meanwhile, Leonidas spread his wings. "HUMAN!" Flash quickly realised he was talking to him, "Do something useful!" With that, he leapt into the air and let out a roar before charging at Spike.

Flash, the first to recover from the shock, pulled out two cards. "Double Ability...ACTIVATE!" Both cards glowed as Leonidas began to spin. "Shining Tornado, plus Fusion Ability, Alpha Hurricane!" Leonidas opened his mouth as it filled with blue lightning, which then flew out and spiralled around him as light did the same. He soon morphed into a golden light drill surrounded by blue lightning.

Leonidas: 1000Gs
Spikenoid: 750Gs

Twilight gasped, finally recovering, but wasn't fast enough to activate her ability. "YOU'RE GOING DOWN!" Leonidas roared through the tornado as it smashed into Spikenoid and caused an explosion, Spike roaring as he was thrown back before reverting to ball form.

Flash: 70%
Twilight: 50%

"Wow!" The announcer cried, "what a turnaround. With a single move, Flash has taken the lead. And is anyone else still a little blown away by his Bakugan talking?"

"A little is an understatement," Bonnie stated while Leonidas returned to ball form and flew over to Flash. "What is going on?"

"I don't know," Lyra told her. "Flash said he found the Bakugan and it's never been seen before, so maybe it's a new model that has speech capability?"

Back on th field Flash was staring at his Bakugan. "So I wasn't crazy. You really can talk." Suddenly, Leonidas popped open without Flash doing anything.

"Of course I can talk," the toy said while moving. "And I can finally speak in this form. Damn, that was infuriating. To have to listen to you pester me and not being able to tell you to shut up." Flash wasn't expecting that.

"No way," he whispered. "The way you're talking. It's almost...sentient." He slowly came to a single conclusion, "you're...alive."

"Of course I'm alive!" Leonidas cried, "now stop stating the obvious and brawl already! We've got a battle to win!" Flash was still unnerved by this, but did as he was told and threw a Gate Card.

"Bakugan!" Leonidas folded himself up and Flash threw him, "BRAWL!" The plastic creature bounced along the ground, "Bakugan...STAND!" He opened up and once again transformed with a flash of yellow light.

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared before staring down at Twilight, "come on! Let's finish this!"

Twilight smiled before holding up Spikenoid. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" Leonidas watched Spikenoid rolling along the ground before opening, "Bakugan...STAND! Darkus Spikenoid!" The wingless dragon appeared with a roar.

Leonidas: 400Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Twilight held up a card that quickly glowed, "Dark Spikes!" Once again, Spikenoid's arm blades glowed purple as he charged forward and tried to slam them into Leonidas.

"Not this time," Leonidas yelled as he began avoiding the blades but knew Spikenoid would eventually get him. "HUMAN!"

"I have a name you know," Flash told him before holding up a card. "Ability, activate!" The card glowed, "Hyper Shield!" The orb of light appeared around Leonidas as he stopped moving, Spikenoid's attack slamming into it but doing nothing.

"Smart," Twilight smiled. "But you've still got a lot to learn about this game." She held up another card, "Ability, activate!" The card glowed along with Spike and Leonidas, the yellow light from Leonidas flying off of him, through the shield and into Spikenoid. "Co-Side!"

"Co-Side?" Flash looked down at his BakuColar and saw the scores.

Leonidas: 400Gs
Spikenoid: 550Gs

"Co-Side, an ability that changes based on the Bakugan. My Darkus Bakugan, gains a hundred Gs if he's fighting any Bakugan beside him on the hexagonal magic circle."

"Like Haos and Subterra," Flash realised. He was really wishing he had that card.

"Who cares," Leonidas told him. "Just use the abilities we have."

"Got it," Flash nodded. "But first, let's amp things up. Gate Card...OPEN!" The field suddenly began to glow a golden light. "Lumino Gate!"

"Wow!" The announcer yelled, "this Gate Card doubles the increase of any Ability used to power up a Haos Bakugan. But it doesn't last forever."

"Ability card...ACTIVATE!" Flash yelled as he held up a card that glowed, "Alpha Blaster!" The Hyper Shield vanished as Leonidas leapt into the air, then started charging up his attack.

Leonidas: 800Gs
Spikenoid: 550Gs

Twilight smiled as she held up a card. "Ability, activate!" Once again, Spikenoid crossed his arms as his scales began to glow. "Scale-Mail!" The laser fired from Leonidas and struck Spikenoid, but his ability allowed him to endure it.

Leonidas: 400Gs
Spikenoid: 550Gs

"Ahh," Flash groaned and held up a card. "Ability, activate!" Leonidas charged forward, "Brawling Dragon!"

Leonidas: 600Gs
Spikenoid: 550Gs

"Ability, activate! Tearing Claw!" Spikenoid's claws glowed purple and as Leonidas began to unleash a barrage of attacks, he countered with multiple powerful slashes.

Leonidas: 600Gs
Spikenoid: 650Gs

"Ability, activate!" Flash held up a card, "Dragon Flash!" Leonidas glowed and his strikes became more rapid.

"Take this!" He yelled, "you overgrown sand gecko!"

Leonidas: 800Gs
Spikenoid: 650Gs

Spikenoid roared in pain as the barrages kept up, only for the Lumino Gate to suddenly disappear. "Looks like the Gate Card's effects are over," the announcer yelled. "Was it enough, or can Twilight still pull off a victory?"

"Let's find out!" Twilight took out a card. "Ability, activate!" It glowed as Spike leapt back, then unleashed a burst of green fire. "Fire Burst!" The flames struck Leonidas and stopped his attacks cold.

"AHHHHH!" He cried, trying to cover himself with his arms.

Leonidas: 800Gs
Spikenoid: 850Gs

"No," Flash cried while Twilight took out her own card.

"Now it's time to end this. And my Fusion Ability will do just that. Fusion Ability, activate!" Spikenoid ceased his flamethrower before the spikes on his back and arms suddenly burst into green fire. "BLAZING SPIKES!" Spikenoid suddenly slammed the ground, causing it to shake as a trail of giant green spikes shot out of the ground towards Leonidas.

Before the dragon could react, several shot out around him and trapped him in a cage before they burst into flames and fried him. "RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared in pain as the power level changed.

Leonidas: 800Gs
Spikenoid: 1150Gs

Flash tried to activate his own ability, but it was too late. Leonidas was consumed by yellow light and morphed back to his ball form, which popped out of the flaming cage and bounced over to Flash.

Flash: 0%
Twilight: 50% (Winner)

The teen couldn't believe it. He had lost.

"We have a winner," he heard the announcer call out. "Twilight Sparkle has defeated Flash Sentry. What a battle. What a sceptical. What an exciting roller-coaster of a brawl." Spikenoid returned to normal and flew over to Twilight as the field returned to normal, Twilight moving over to him while Lyra and Bonnie rushed over to the entrance in order to get down there.

But despite losing, Flash was still the focus of everyone's attention. His talking Bakugan was something truly extraordinary.

"Looks like you weren't crazy," Twilight smiled. "That is an impressive piece of technology you have there."

"Yeah," Flash nodded, "But I don't think it was technology that made him talk." Twilight looked confused as Lyra and Bonnie entered the field, just in time to hear it.

"You're darn right it wasn't technology!" They all looked down at Leonidas as the ball suddenly leapt out of his hand and landed on the floor, then popped over and started moving on its own. "You humans better get this through your skulls. I'm not just some toy that you can play around with. I am the mighty Leonidas."

The humans were all stunned by this, Twilight looking like Christmas had come early. "Amazing. It's so advanced it actually thinks it's alive."

"I am alive!" Leonidas rolled back into a ball and shot into the air, trying to slam into Twilight's head but Flash managed to catch him. "Hey!" He yelled within Flash's fist, "let me out! How dare she think I'm not alive."

"I think he's telling the truth," Flash told Twilight before opening his hand. "I think he really is a living thing."

"That's impossible," Twilight told him. "How could something made out of plastic be alive."

"I'm not supposed to be made of plastic," Leonidas told them. "What you saw in the battle was my true form. But for whatever reason, I look like this when I'm not in a battle."

"Wait," Bonnie pulled out her own Bakugan, "does that mean the other Bakugan are alive too."

"Yes," Leonidas replied. "But like me before, they appear to be in some kind of mental stasis that's preventing them from waking up an communicating. What you see battle is just what their instincts are telling them to do without a mind to give proper commands."

"But why?" Lyra asked. "If you Bakugan are alive, then where did you come from."

"We came from Vestroia," Leonidas replied. "But don't ask me why the Bakugan are suddenly here, because I don't care. All I care about is battling." He turned towards Twilight, "girl! We're battling again. I refuse to let myself be defeated by such a weakling." He then turned to Flash, "and you'd better do better this time. I would have won that match if you had activated my abilities faster." He continued to berate Flash, making the teen wish Leonidas had remained silent.

Meanwhile, on the roof, Phantom stared down into the battlefield once again. And once again, his focus was on Flash and Leonidas. "I don't know where this Bakugan came from, but he's growing more and more interesting by the minute.

As he said that, a Darkus Bakugan leapt up onto his shoulder and opened up to reveal an almost humanoid appearance. "Ha," it laughed, "he is nothing. Send me in against him and I'll prove whose more powerful."

"Patience, Fury. His power is not to be underestimated." The teen turned to walk away, "master Sombra wants us to wait and see how much stronger this one and the partner becomes. If he's strong enough, we'll take him for ourselves. And if he isn't..." He pulled the cube out from nowhere, "he'll simply be used as fuel to awaken a Bakugan like no other." A dark smile crept onto his face, Flash and Leonidas having no idea the kind of danger they were in.

Author's Note

Whelp, that's the second chapter. Hope you enjoyed it. Now I know a lot of you are upset Spike's only getting represented as a Bakugan, but I'm afraid this is the way things have to be. The story I'm planning out doesn't have room for Spike as a human character. If I added him in, I would either make him a pointless character or needlessly take time away from the story to give him a compelling story arch. I'm sorry, but I just couldn't do that. Spike is a Bakugan, so get used to it.

As for Spike's ball form, I like to think he's similar to the Original Hydranoid ball form.

Fury of the Phantom

It was night time in Canterlot and we find two young teens standing in a back alley.

One was just a normal kid, but the other was the fabled Phantom. "So," Phantom asked, "you like to brawl?" The kid looked terrified, but nodded. "So do I." He held up his Bakugan, "what's say we have a friendly match?"

"How?" The kid asked, "the stadium's closed. We can't battle until tomorrow."

"Don't be so sure," Phantom replied before holding up his collared wrist. Suddenly, there was a flash of light coming from the screen and it filled the entire alleyway. The kid looked scared as he was consumed by the light, letting out a scream as he did so.

And as soon as the light appeared, it disappeared.

Phantom was still in the same spot, but the kid was on the floor looking badly beaten up. Phantom also held up the symbol covered cube, a frown on his lips. "Well that was hardly worth the effort." He stated as the images for Darkus and Aquos glowed, the symbols then fading slightly before the glow vanished. "Oh well. At least it gave me something."

"Such weakness," his Bakugan stated as it jumped onto his shoulder. "It'll take us forever to unlock the one sleeping inside if this is what we're forced to work with."

"True, but good things come to those who wait. We'll awaken him, as long as we have brawlers to battle." Phantom smiled, "right now we should focus on our other objective."

"The dragonoid?"

"Exactly. My curiosity about this creature is more then I can bare. It's time we find out just how powerful he is. And that means we must battle the one named Flash Sentry.

The next morning.

Flash let out a yawn as he worked to pack his books into his bag.

At the same time, the Bakugan Leonidas was rolling around on his desk. "Almost, almost!" He tried to stop but when he did, he was a little too forward and ended up popping open in a position that made him fall on his front. "Curse it! Curse this pathetically difficult to control form. My true body is so much easier to move around in."

Flash let out a chuckle as he righted Leonidas. "Maybe, but you're true body's a bit too big and way too intimidating. You'd end up terrifying anyone who sees you walking down the street."

"The fears of weak humans do not concern me," Leonidas replied. "Now hurry, we have to get to the battle stadium and find our next opponent."

Flash frowned, "I'm not going to the battle stadium."

"What?" Leonidas asked, "why?"

"I'd like to go there, but I've gotta get to school first."

"School? What is this...school? Is it another place of battle?"

Flash sighed, "no. It's a place of...learning."

"Leaning?" Leonidas hummed, "ah. I see. You go to this place to learn to be a better battler." Flash almost fell down hearing this, "then we must not waste time. You have a lot to learn in order to properly help me be victorious." Flash decided not to correct him about school.

"Alright," he picked the Bakugan up. "But you've gotta be quiet. I'm still getting used to having a talking Bakugan in the house. If my family hears you, who knows what they'll do. Same goes for school too."

"Fine," Leonidas replied before rolling up and allowing Flash to place him in his pocket. With that, the two headed downstairs and found Scootaloo outside with her scooter.

"Ready to go?" She nodded and the two headed off, rolling towards the school on their normal modes of transport.

"Yaaah!" Flash heard Leonidas cry out from within his pocket, "quit shaking me about. I'm gonna be sick!" Flash sighed, but knew he couldn't do anything about it.

Leonidas had to endure the motion sickness until they reached the school, where he and Scootaloo parted ways. Flash rolled over to the bicycle shed and locked his bike there, then took Leonidas out of his pocket. "You okay?"

"Errr," Leonidas groaned, "if I had my real body..."

"Flash!" They turned to see Derpy running towards them with a smile on her face. Flash was about to call back, but then she suddenly tripped over something and fell face first into the ground.

"Ooh," Flash hissed at the sight. "You okay?" She held up a hand and gave him a thumbs up before pushing herself back to her feet.

"From your reaction I'm guessing this is something that happens a lot," Leonidas guessed before Flash nodded. "How could someone so clumsy get a job at such an important place like that stadium."

"Hey," Flash told him, "Derpy's got a lot of good qualities. And to answer your question, her uncle got her a work experience at Dark Industries last year. She worked in the mail room and when it was done, she got offered the job at the stadium."

"Hey," Derpy finally reached him before the two headed inside. "So, how are you two enjoying being roomies?"

"I could have done without the human's boomful snoring," Leonidas replied while Flash blushed.

"Are you heading to the stadium after school?" Derpy asked after letting out a laugh. "You're not gonna get any better unless you keep brawling."

"That's the plan. You working today?"

"No. But my mom knows that so she's given me a load of errands to do after class." Flash frowned at this, "don't worry. I'll get them done as fast as possible and then come and cheer you own." The two stepped into the building. "Besides, it's not like you'll be alone without me." As she said that, Lyra and Bonnie appeared around the corner.

"Hey guys," Lyra smiled at them before turning to Flash. "Did you remember to do your homework?"

"Of course," Flash assured her. "Won't make that mistake again."

"Enough talking," Leonidas stated. "You're wasting time. Start this school thing so that you can learn to proper ways of Bakugan Brawling!" The others were confused by this while Flash just sighed and kept walking so Leonidas would shut up. He told the dragon to calm down but Leonidas continued to back talk.

"Geez," Bonnie stated. "Those two seem really at odds."

"I guess they do seem to clash a little bit," Derpy agreed. "But I'm sure they'll work it out."

Lyra let out a sigh. "If I had a talking Bakugan, I wouldn't mind a bit of back talking. Just having one would be amazing." She gained a dreamy look in her eyes. "Like...having one would be totally the best!"

"Like?" Bonnie asked.

"Totally?" Derpy replied. Lyra blushed at this and quickly rushed off to follow Flash to their first class of the day, the other two girls sharing a confused look before doing the same.

The rest of the day didn't go so well for Flash. Leonidas quickly realised the truth about school and got bored of the place rather quickly, the Bakugan constantly telling him to leave so they could go battle. Several times, the teacher heard Leonidas and thought it was Flash, getting the teen in a lot of trouble. All the while, Lyra just sighed while watching the two interact.

It got so bad Flash had to stuff the Bakugan into the bottom of his bag so he wouldn't be heard, causing him a lot of grief when Leonidas finally freed himself. "I can't believe you stuffed me in such a rancid place!" He cried as he and Flash left the school at the end of the day. "That...what did you call it again."

"Gym sock," Flash replied.

"Yes! That gym sock smelled horrible."

"Well I told you to be quiet," Flash replied. "But would you listen? No." The two headed off to the stadium, all the while wondering where Lyra and Bonnie were.

The girls were on the other side of the school, Lyra waiting outside the girl's bathroom for Bonnie to finish her business.

All the while, the thought of her own talking Bakugan was driving her nuts. "Come on," she poked her Bakugan. "Just one little word. That's all I ask. Please." She waited for a few seconds, but he ball remained silent. "Ahhh!" She continued to pout and crossed her arms, completely unaware of what was about to happen.

As Lyra continued to stare at the Bakugan, a sudden explosion of blue light occurred outside the window on the hallway she was in. Lyra looked up at this and flinched at the light, but couldn't stop herself from moving forward. She opened the window to get a better look, but still couldn't see what was causing the bright blue light.

Then, something flew out of the light and shot passed her. It hit the ground behind her and bounced for several seconds, whilst the light finally faded.

Light gone, Lyra's attention turned to what was now behind her and she slowly turned towards it. And there, laying on the ground, was an Aquos Bakugan. "No...no way," she whispered before she slowly moved over to pick it up.

Over at the stadium, Flash was at one of the stores.

He smiled as he took the cards from the lady behind the front desk. "Thank you," she smiled. "Please come again." Flash nodded and stepped out of the store, all the while smiling at the cards.

"What has you so happy?" Leonidas asked when they sat at one of the tables and he put the Bakugan down. Flash then showed him what he had just bought. "Cards?"

"Not just any cards." He showed Leonidas one, "this is the same card Twilight used yesterday. With it, we can power ourselves up against a Darkus or Subterra Bakugan."

"Ha," Leonidas chuckled, "like I need anything else. Just throw me in and let me show why I am the strongest of all Bakugan. I will crush them."

Flash frowned before turning back to him. "Er, what's the deal? You sound angry."

"I'm not angry," Leonidas replied. "I just don't fear weak opponents."

"Don't freak me out," Flash told him. "It's like you hate every Bakugan or something. Lighten up, will ya?"

"Whatever," Leonidas proclaimed. "Just hurry up and find our next opponent. We must prove ourselves after our loss against that girl Twilight."

"Did somebody say my name?" They looked up to see Twilight standing besides him with a smile on her face, the girl spotting the cards he had. "Working on your deck?"

"Yup," Flash nodded as he showed her the card. "I've got Co-Side, Diagonal Correlation and even Triple Node."

"Wow," Twilight sat down, "those should help in a big way."

"Yes," Leonidas replied, "so let's put them to the test and get revenge for our previous defeat." He turned to Twilight, "you. Poorly sighted human. Do battle with us again." Twilight frowned at this while Flash looked angry.

"Hey," he told him. "Don't insult someone and then go demanding something from them." Leonidas growled and Twilight could tell the two were about to get into a fight. But before they could-

"GUYS!" They turned towards the door and spotted Lyra and Bonnie as they rushed inside, then headed towards them. "You won't believe what just happened!"

"What?" Flash asked, worrying something bad just occurred. However, he would soon learn it was the exact opposite.

"Look," Lyra held out her hands to show an Aquas Bakugan ball. They stared at it for a moment, not recognising the design of this Bakugan. And before they could ask what the big deal was, the ball opened on its own to reveal a humanoid looking Bakugan with a female face.

"Greetings," it then spoke with a mature feminine voice. The group gasped hearing it speak, "it's a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Aquos Nimue."

"Nimue?" Twilight asked, "I've never heard of that one before."

"Who cares," Lyra smiled. "I finally have my own talking Bakugan." She pulled Nimue towards her and started rubbing her face against her, "I can just tell we're going to be the best of friends."

"I think so too," Nimue agreed. "Even though I am still a little unclear on what we Bakugan are doing in this world?"

"World?" Twilight asked, "what do you mean by that?" She turned to the other talking Bakugan, "Leonidas told us you were living creatures, but he hasn't been very forth coming about anything else."

"Is that that right?" Nimue asked before requesting Lyra place her on the table. Lyra did so before she and Bonnie sat down. "Then allow me to explain. We Bakugan come from a world very different to this one. It was once a place of great beauty, where many Bakugan lived in harmony. Vestroia."

"Vestroia?" Flash asked.

"It is in what you would probably call another dimension. There, Bakugan do not exist in these ball forms you see us in. Instead, we look like...well that." She gestured to a TV and everyone saw a Mantras battling a Falconeer. "I don't know how you humans are able to get us to return to normal, but it seems in these Bakugan Battlefields we're able to return to our true forms."

"I see," Twilight nodded. "So what are the Bakugan doing here?"

"I do not know," Nimue replied. "Though Vestroia has been in great turmoil recently." She looked up at the lot of them, "our once peaceful realm was suffering a great danger. A Bakugan like none seen before was terrorising the realm, sending any Bakugan it defeated in battle to the Doom Dimension."

Flash, though focused on Nimue, noticed that this seemed to cause a reaction in Leonidas. As if the worlds she had just used struck a chord with him. "Doom Dimension?" Twilight asked, "what's that?"

"It is Vestroia's dark counter. Whilst Vestroia is the realm that breaths life into Bakugan, the Doom Dimension is the realm that snuffs it out. Any Bakugan that falls into that accursed place is trapped forever and forced to slowly disappear, leaving not even a spirit of what once was there. You can understand why it is such a feared place."

The others nodded, knowing being sent to such a place must be torture. "And this Bakugan you speak of was sending Bakugan to this place?" Twilight asked.

"Yes," Nimue nodded. "And in doing so, something happened. The more Bakugan were sent there, the more Vestroia suffered. It was almost like the action was scarring the planet, causing it to grow weaker. Over time, natural disaster started occurring all throughout the world. And by the time that Bakugan was stopped, the damage was to great."

"What happened?" Bonnie asked with a worried expression.

"I do not know," Nimue replied. "The last thing I remember in Vestroia was a powerful earthquake, which tore the ground apart. Then, there was a bright flash of light in the sky." She then turned to Lyra. "And the next thing I knew, I was waking up in your hands." Lyra smiled back and patted Nimue on the head.

"Do you think Vestroia was destroyed?" Twilight asked, worried for the answer.

"I fear that I cannot answer that question," Nimue replied. "But something must of happened if we Bakugan are in this realm." She looked around them, "tell me. How long have the Bakugan been in your world?" The others looked unsure about answering that question.

"We're not really sure?" Lyra replied.

"They've been known to the public for over a year," Bonnie continued. "But who knows how long Dark Industries has had them."

"Dark Industries?" Nimue asked, the teen explaining everything about the company that sells Bakugan and created the stadiums so that they could do battle. "I see," she looked down. "To think, the proud Bakugan race reduced to being nothing more then pets or playthings."

"We're sorry," Twilight told her. "We didn't know. The way you look, it just seemed like you were toys combined with sophisticated hologram technology. It wasn't until Leonidas started speaking that we realised there was more to you."

Nimue turned to Leonidas, "why did you not tell them more about us? About Vestroia and the danger it could be in?"

Leonidas let out a grunt, "why should I care what happens to Vestroia? I can battle in this world and that's all that matters. Why bother worry about a place that might not even exist any more?"

"Because it's our home. The place that gives us life. Our very-" Nimue stopped and her head looked up, Leonidas doing the same before the two turned towards the door. The humans did the same and turned to see a strangely dressed teen had entered, with everyone in the room staring at him.

"Who's that?" Flash asked, having never seen him before.

"I...don't know," Twilight replied.

"There's something about him," Nimue told them. "Something...dark."

The teen looked around before spotting them and moving forward, Flash getting the feeling he was looking at him and stood up. "Flash Sentry?"

"Yeah?" Flash asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I have come to challenge you to a brawl." This surprised them all, "my name is Phantom."

"Phantom?" Twilight asked before her eyes went wide, "the Phantom?" The others turned to her, "there's talk of him all over the web. Apparently, he's shown up in tons of different stadiums all over the country. Once there, he takes on any an all challengers and soundly defeats them. He's never been beaten once?"

Phantom chuckled, "seems my reputation precedes me. Yes, I am that very Phantom."

"So what do you want with me?" Flash asked,

"Well," Phantom replied, "it's not you I'm really interest in. It's your little friend there." He turned towards Leonidas, who was staring up at him. "So...this is the famous talking Bakugan."

"He's not the only one," Nimue stated. Phantom turned to her, the others unsure if his face was one of shock or intrigue.

"Another one? I'll have to look into that later," he turned back to Leonidas. "Right now, I'd like to focus on you."

Leonidas hummed. "If you wanna brawl, then I accept." Flash shot him a look, "but be warned. When you battle me, you have no hope of victory."

Phantom simply smiled back, "we'll see."

"Wait a minute," Flash spoke up. "Don't I get a say in this?"

Phantom let out a chuckle, "what's the matter? Scared?" This got Flash to turn and glare at the masked teen, simply kept smiling at him. "I understand. A newbie like you, going up against one of the best like me. It would be rather intimating."

"I'm not scared," Flash told him before grabbing Leonidas off the table and holding him out. "Just watch. We'll take you down, no problem."

Phantom smiled at this, "good. Then let's get going." He turned to head towards one of the stadiums, "I booked us a battlefield just for this occasion." With that, he disappeared into the hallway. When he did, Twilight stood up.

"Flash," she asked, "are you sure about this?"

Flash stared down at Leonidas, then back up at the hallway. "Positive." He began to march forward, the others following after him. They headed for the stadium Phantom had made his way too, Flash going down into the battlefield whilst the girls headed for the stands.

"Welcome, Baku-fans!" The announcer stated as Flash stepped out onto the field. "Today's brawl looks to be a good one, with the up and coming young Brawler, Flash Sentry, facing off against a relatively unknown opponent. Phantom." Flash spotted the strangely dressed teen standing near the center of the battlefield.

Once in the center of the field, the glass dome closed up above them. It was then that the floor below them began to light up, with Phantom hold up his wrist band as the screen lit up. "I know the perfect battle ground for us." With that, the light shot off the screen and hit the ground, mixing with the light on the ground.

"What are you-" Flash couldn't finish as in a flash of light, he suddenly found himself in a battlefield the likes of which he had never seen before. It was a dark canyon area covered by a layer of black clouds, which unleashed bold of black lightning. Large spiked rocks could be seen sticking out of the ground and there were statues covering the land, all in the shape of Bakugan. The statues were all in a state of disrepair, some missing large chunks while others were half buried or broken in half. The air itself felt stay and made him feel sick. "W...what is this place?"

Phantom laughed. "Welcome...to the Doom Dimension." Everyone who had heard Nimue's story went wide-eyed as they looked around the place, now understanding what she meant when she talked about it. "Or at least, a visual copy of it. It's such an interesting place, wouldn't you say."

Flash and Leonidas looked around, Leonidas seeing the statues and staring at them. "Those aren't statues." Flash looked over and realised what they were.

"They're Bakugan," the teen replied. "Ones sent to this place to die."

"And maybe your little friend will join them," Phantom stated. Flash frowned at this but then noticed something. The air was filled with strange floating coins, with a number fifty on them. But before he could ask what they were for, the announcer spoke up.

"This is a very unusual situation, but I see no reason not to continue. Are both brawlers ready to begin?"

"I'm always ready," Phantom stated as he held up a Bakugan.

"Let's do this!" Flash yelled as Leonidas curled up and he grabbed him.

"Then let's not leave this any long. Battle...BEGIN!" Their BakuColars activated and Flash took out a card.

Flash: 100%
Phantom: 100%

"Gate Card, SET!" Flash thew his card and it exploded as soon as it hit the ground, spreading the yellow light across the field. "Bakugan," he threw Leonidas, "Brawl!" The ball hit the ground and rolled for several seconds before opening, "Bakugan...STAND!" A flash of yellow light transformed Leonidas into his true form, the dragon roaring as he took flight.

Leonidas: 400Gs

Leonidas looked down at Phantom, "come on! Bring it!"

"With pleasure," Phantom stated before running to the side. This confused the two until they spotted him running up one of the spikes, then jumped off and threw his Bakugan. "Bakugan brawl!" The sphere flew through the air, only to then hit three of the strange coins that filled the air before hitting the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" A flash of dark light signalled the arrival of a humanoid Bakugan with large claws. "Darkus Fear Ripper!"

Leonidas: 400Gs
Fear Ripper: 380Gs

"Ha," Leonidas smirked, "this weakling'll be no match for me."

"Don't be so sure," Phantom smirked. The two wondered what he meant until Fear Ripper began to glow, Flash looking down at his BakuColar.

Leonidas: 400Gs
Fear Ripper: 530Gs

"What the?" Flash asked, "where did this extra power come from?" It was then he remembered the coins and did the math, realising Fear Ripper had gained a hundred and fifty points. The same as the total on the coins. "Those things power up Bakugan?"

"Only if they're hit in ball form," Phantom replied as Fear Ripper charged. It swung its claws at Leonidas, who quickly dodged before flying upwards. "That's right. Run." He laughed, which enraged Leonidas and made his fly towards the ground.

"Double Ability, activate!" Flash held up his cards as they glowed, "Dragon Flash, plus Brawling Dragon!" Leonidas began to glow as he reached Fear Ripper and started slamming into it at high speeds, letting out grunts and growls.

Leonidas: 600Gs
Fear Ripper: 530Gs

"Now who's running!" Leonidas screamed as he spun around and smashed Fear Ripper, knocking it staggering backwards as Phantom held up a card.

"Ability, activate!" The card glowed, "Slash Zero!" Fear Ripper's claws began to glow as it swung them through the air, the light flying off and hitting Leonidas.

"Augh!" He screamed as he was thrown backwards.

Leonidas: 600Gs
Fear Ripper: 610Gs

Leonidas hit the ground and caused it to shake, making Flash lose his balance and be unable to activate an ability guard. His Bakugan began to sit himself up, only to see Fear Ripper leap into the air and prepare to fall down and strike him with its claws.

"Gate Card...OPEN!" Flash yelled as the ground began to glow, "Haos Reactor!"

Leonidas: 800Gs
Fear Ripper: 610Gs

"RAAAH!" Leonidas raised a foot up and thrust it forward, slamming into Fear Ripper's stomach and throwing it backwards. He then jumped back up and flew forward, body checking the Darkus Bakugan as it tried to pick itself up. Fear Ripper cried in agony before it morphed back to its ball form and fell to the ground, rolling toward Phantom.

Flash: 100%
Phantom: 62%

"Flash Sentry takes the first round, but boy was it a close call." Leonidas transformed back and returned to Flash, "how will the mysterious Phantom counter Flash's attack?"

"Ha!" Leonidas laughed as he opened up, "like anything he does could stop me. That Fear Ripper was nothing."

"Don't get cocky," Flash told him. "Even though Fear Ripper had less points, we were still playing catch up." He looked up at the coins filling the air. "If he can hit enough of those things, even a Bakugan with half your power could be an issue."

"Then we'll just use them to our advantage," Leonidas replied. "Next time you throw me, hit some of those coins." Flash just look at him in disbelief.

"It's not that easy. Those things aren't any bigger then you are. Hitting them is gonna take serious aim."

"Quit complaining," Leonidas told him. "Just do it." Flash growled at him before hearing Phantom laugh, the pair turning to him.

"Lover's quarrel?" He asked before throwing a Gate Card, which exploded into purple light before Phantom rushed off. He reached the statue of a Serpenoid and ran up its back, then jumped off. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" The ball flew through the air and hit a pair of coins as it did, then hit the ground and opened up. "Bakugan...STAND!" In a flash of purple light, a robotic Bakugan covered in gun barrels and missile launchers appeared on the battle field. "Darkus Laserman."

Laserman: 390Gs

"And...of course," the robot glowed as its power level increased.

Laserman: 490Gs

"This is bad," Twilight stated.

"Flash and Leonidas need to be careful," Nimue stated. "If they aren't, they could end up losing the whole thing."

"It's time," Leonidas told Flash. "Hit those coins. Just two will be enough." Flash groaned but did as told, grabbing the Bakugan and running off in search of some coins. He then spotted a line of three and began to jump up onto a large rock, then leapt off the top.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw his Bakugan at the coins and everyone watched intensely, only for the ball to sail passed all three. 'I missed!' Leonidas hit the ground and popped open, "Bakugan...STAND!" Leonidas appeared from the light and turned to Flash, a glare on his face.

"What do you call that!?"

Leonidas: 400Gs
Laserman: 490Gs

Flash growled, "cut me some slack! Aim isn't exactly a skill Brawlers have ever needed up until now."

"Would you guys focus on the real enemy!" Lyra screamed to them, making the pair turn back to Phantom and Laserman.

"Don't hold back on my account," Phantom smiled before pointing to the ground. "Gate Card, open." The ground began to glow, "Laserman."

"A character card?" Flash asked as he looked at his BakuColar.

Leonidas: 400Gs
Laserman: 590Gs

Phantom chuckled. "The Laserman Character Card not only boosts my Bakugan's power level, but it also doubles any boosts given by abilities." He held up a card, "like this one. All Out Assault!" Laserman raised its arms as the cannons on its body began to launch lasers and other attacks at Leonidas.

Leonidas: 400Gs
Laserman: 790Gs

"Not good!" Flash cried as he ran to avoid getting blast, while Leonidas was bombarded by the attacks. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas and the card glowed. "Hyper Shield!" The light dome appeared around the dragon and deflected some of the blast, while others still caused Leonidas to stagger backwards.

Leonidas: 400Gs
Laserman: 590Gs

"Still not enough," Phantom told him.

"Then let's try something new," Flash held up another card as Laserman's attack ended. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed, "Co-Side!" Leonidas and Laserman glowed, Leonidas leaping into the air as his shield vanished. He flew around Laserman as the light around the Darkus Bakugan flew off and into the Haos dragon.

Leonidas: 500Gs
Laserman: 590Gs

"You really think that's gonna stop me?" Phantom asked before holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Laserman's entire top half rotated a full one eighty, the robot raising its cannons and aiming at Leonidas. "Leap Sting!" The Bakugan fired its shoulder cannons and the laser struck Leonidas, making him cry out as he fell towards the ground.

Leonidas: 450Gs
Laserman: 590Gs

"RAAAAAH!" He screamed before hitting the ground, while Flash pulled out another card.

"Let's end this, Laserman!" Phantom was about to activate another card as the robot rolled towards the downed dragon, but Flash was quicker.

"Ability, Activate!" It glowed as Leonidas' eyes shot open before he leapt up into the air, "Alpha Blaster!" The dragon open his mouth before unleashing the blue laser, which struck the robot and knocked it falling backwards.

Leonidas: 650Gs
Laserman: 590Gs

Laserman hit the ground hard and morphed back to ball form, the ball rolling over to Phantom as Leonidas returned to normal.

Flash: 100%
Phantom: 50%

Phantom picked him Bakugan up and smiled, "you are strong."

"Of course," Leonidas stated. "I'm the strongest Bakugan there is, even if I'm being held back by the incompetence of my partner."

"What did you say?" Flash asked. "You would have lost if it wasn't for me."

"I would have won earlier if you hadn't been so slow and picked the right abilities." The two continued to argue as Phantom smiled, while another Bakugan jumped up and opened up on his shoulder.

"Let me handle this, master. I'll show these fools how far they have to go before they can called themselves the best."

"Yes," Phantom agreed, "I think it's time to stop playing with our food. Let's go, Fury." The Bakugan jumped up and closed before Phantom caught it, "if you're done arguing? Why don't we continued this Brawl. Unless you're giving up."

"I never give up," Leonidas stated. "Do it, human."

"My name is Flash!" The teen stated before throwing down his Gate Card.

"Now," Phantom held up his Bakugan as it started glowing purple, "prepare to witness my true power." With that, he leapt straight up into the air. He got a good five meters as he puled his arm back. "Bakugan," he threw the ball and hit a pair of coins, "BRAWL!" It hit the dark ground and popped open, "Bakugan...STAND!" The Bakugan unleashed a burst of dark light that flew up and began to take shape. "Rise, Darkus Fury!"

The light faded to reveal the Bakugan's true form, a black and white demonic creature with purple wings. Its body was mainly black and was covered in white bone-like armour. It had a bunch of yellow spikes running down its chest and from certain other places. Its shoulders had round red orbs covered by white armour with the yellow spikes rolling over it. Its arms had bone-like gauntlets with a yellow spike coming out the end over its hands, the hands being black with yellow tips on the end. Its head had a white helmet with red eyes and three spikes coming out of the top in a triangular location.

"RAAAAH!" It roared while spreading its wings, unleashing a wave of dread that made everyone who felt it shiver.

Fury: 400Gs

"This one is different," Nimue stated. "More then just an ordinary Bakugan." As she said this, Fury glowed and his power rose.

Fury: 500Gs

"I'm not scared," Leonidas stated before turning to Flash. "Do it right this time." Groaned but grabbed him and rushed off, running up the side of a spike and jumping off.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw the ball and just managed to hit a single coin, powering Leonidas up as he hit the ground rolling. "Bakugan...STAND!" The ball popped open and in a flash of light, Leonidas appeared as the power up increased his Gs.

Fury: 500
Leonidas: 450

The two Bakugan stared one another down, Leonidas growling until Fury let out a laugh. "So you're the mysterious Leonidas?" Everyone gasped, unable to believe this Bakugan could talk as well. "I can't say I'm impressed. You're no different from any other beast I've defeated before." Leonidas growled as he charged towards the demon.

"Ability, Activate!" Flash held up a card as it glowed, "Alpha Blaster!" Leonidas opened his mouth as the blue lightning formed within it. At the same time, Phantom held up a card that glowed purple.

"Ability...Activate!" Fury began to glow the same colour, "Darkus Envy! Now Fury's power will increase by the same amount your ability pumped you up." Both Bakugan continued to glow as their power increased.

Fury: 700
Leonidas: 650

"RAAAAH!" Leonidas fired his blast bu Fury simply smacked it away, completely unphased. "What?"

"Pathetic," Fury stated before flying forward and punching Leonidas in the face. He cried out in pain as he fell backwards, hitting the ground as Flash pulled out another Ability Card.

"Ability, Activate!" The card glowed, "Brawling Dragon!" As Fury charged, Leonidas picked himself up and threw himself forward. He roared before he started swinging his arms and legs around, only for Fury to avoid them.

Fury: 700
Leonidas: 750

"Ability," Phantom stated, "Activate!" Fury flew backwards as he glowed again, "Darkus Sloth!" The dark light flew off Fury and hit Leonidas, making him groan in discomfort.

Fury: 700
Leonidas: 650

"No," Flash cried as Fury charged forward. He reached for a card, but Phantom was first.

"Ability, Activate!" He held up a card as Fury's arm spike suddenly extended and glowed, "Darkus Wrath!"

Fury: 900
Leonidas: 650

Before Flash could activate an Ability, Fury slashed at Leonidas down the center with his stinger-like blade. Leonidas roared before he transformed back to ball form, causing him to fall to the ground and roll to Flash's feet. "No way."

Flash: 50%
Phantom: 50%

"Wow!" The announcer cried, "in one round, Phantom has tied everything up. Things aren't looking good for Flash."

"Are you okay?" Flash asked as he picked Leonidas up. The Bakugan remained closed, Flash wondering if maybe he had lost the ability to speak.

"You giving up?" He turned to Phantom as the strangely clothed teen held up a card, "I hope not. We were just starting to have fun. Gate card!" He threw it to the ground, "Set!" He held up Phantom, while Flash clutched Leonidas. They both began to run until they reached a statue of Warius.

Both Brawlers leapt up onto it before jumping off the head and launching. "BAKUGAN!" They cried together, "BRAWL!" Both Bakugan flew towards a cloud of coins and struck them, one Bakugan hitting more then the other, then hit the ground rolling. "Bakugan...STAND!" They both popped open and unleashed the light, which took shape before fading to reveal the creatures.

Fury: 550
Leonidas: 500

"This time!" Leonidas snarled, "I'm taking you down for good."

"Funny," Fury replied, "I was gonna say the same thing to you."

"Ability!" The two Brawlers yelled, "Activate!" Both Bakugan glowed before the lights flew off and were absorbed into the other, "Co-Side!"

Fury: 650
Leonidas: 600

The two Bakugan took to the air and began fighting, the Brawlers running after them. Flash glanced back at Fury as he held up a card. "Ability, Activate." The card glowed, "Darkus Greed!" Fury's claws glowed purple before he stabbed them into the dragon, making him roar in pair as he felt his power being stolen.

Fury: 750
Leonidas: 500

"Leonidas!" Flash yelled before glaring at Phantom, then pulled out two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Phantom smirked as the cards glowed. "Alpha Blaster, plus Shining Tornado!" Leonidas roared as his mouth opened and filled with blue lightning while he began to spin around, causing the lightning to fly out of his mouth and spiral around him as the light did the same. He soon morphed into a golden light drill surrounded by blue lightning.

Fury: 750
Leonidas: 850

Phantom watched as Fury was struck by the drill, making him cry out as he was pushed backwards while trying to use his claws to stab into the tornado. He then held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with Fury, the glow spreading to the tornado. "Darkus Pride!"

Fury: 850
Leonidas: 800

The tornado suddenly began to slow down until Leonidas appeared, revealed to be locked in a stand off with Fury. The two were gripping one another's shoulders as they pushed against one another. But it looked like Leonidas was losing ground. "Try this!" Flash held up a card, "Ability, Activate." It glowed. "Hyper Shield!" The dragon glowed and formed, forcing Fury to let go of Leonidas and be pushed back.

Fury: 750
Leonidas: 850

Leonidas growled back at Flash, "I had that!" Flash said nothing, instead focusing on Phantom as he held two cards up. "Double Ability, Activate!" Fury glowed as he summoned the arm blade, "Darkus Wrath!" Then, his other arm summoned a blade. But this one was twice as long, "Plus, Darkus Gluttony!"

Fury: 1350
Leonidas: 850

Everyone gasped, realising the difference in their points was five hundred. If Flash wasn't careful, he would lose Leonidas. "Triple Ability, ACTIVATE!" Flash held up his cards as they glowed. "Dragon Flash, plus Brawling Dragon, plus, Fusion Ability, Alpha Hurricane!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" Leonidas screamed as he once again morphed into the golden light drill, that was spinning faster then before.

Fury: 1350
Leonidas: 1400

Phantom watched as the attack drew closer, likely strong enough to knock Fury back to fall form if it struck. However, he wasn't done. He still had his own ace in the hole. "Fusion Ability," he held up a card. "Activate." The card glowed before he threw it, the card turning into a beam of light that struck Fury in the back and caused he himself to be surrounded by the dark aura. "Maximum Darkus!"

"RAAAAAH!" Fury screamed as he charged forward, Flash beginning to worry as he looked down at his BakuColar and read what the card did. It granted a hundred Gs to Fury for every Ability he had used with Darkus in the name. And with four being used beforehand, the scores read.

Fury: 1750
Leonidas: 1400

"No," Flash whispered before looking up and seeing Fury collide with the light drill. And when it did-

KABOOM!

The entire stadium struck and the shockwave caused by the combined attacks, with both forces colliding and unleashing wave upon wave of energy. "RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Flash heard Leonidas yell as the light disappeared around him, revealing Fury's fist in his chest. He couldn't hold it any long and was soon reverting back to ball form and falling to the floor, Flash's life gauge dropping.

Flash: 0%
Phantom: 50% (Winner)

As the battlefield vanished, Flash simply stood there in disbelief. "No way."

"Huh," Phantom chuckled. It was then that he held up a strange cub like device, which had two sides glowing. The sides with the Darkus and Haos symbol both glowed their respective colours as the symbols grew fainter.

"What are you doing?" Flash asked, "what is that thing?"

"Nothing a loser like you needs to worry himself over," Phantom replied. "It's a shame I couldn't take your Leonidas. I guess I'll have to win him off you next time." He turned and walked off, Flash standing there until Phantom stepped out of the battlefield.

In the hallway, Phantom strolled down the corridor.

Fury leapt up onto his shoulder, "that Bakugan was nothing to fear. All it has is power and no finesse."

"Maybe," Phantom replied, "but master Sombra still wants him. We'll need to acquire the Bakugan for closer examination." He stared down at the cube in his hand, "but I don't have time to constantly be battling him. I'll have to find someone else who can take the Bakugan for me."

Fury laughed, "it's not like either of them are worth our time." Phantom couldn't agree more.

In the other hallway, Flash stepped outside as Twilight, Lyra and Bonnie rushed around to corner to him. "FLASH!" They all yelled, seeing him looking down.

"Are you alright?" Bonnie asked. Flash didn't reply. "Don't feel to bad. That was a hard battle?"

"Made even harder by that Fury Bakugan," Lyra stated. "I can't believe there's another talking Bakugan, and that it's that powerful and battle hungry." Nimue leapt onto her shoulder.

"I'd heard of Fury before, but the legends didn't do that creature justice. It truly was a bloodthirsty warrior."

"And we lost to it," Flash sighed.

"We?" Leonidas cried out from his hand, making Flash hold him up and open his hand so he could pop open. "Who's this we? You lost to it. Not me." The others couldn't believe he was saying this. "How was I supposed to win with such a terrible battle strategy. You had a Gate Card down during my first fight with Fury and didn't use it! And then there's the abilities you used. How was I supposed to win when you kept giving me the wrong abilities to use! Geez, of all the humans I could have been struck with, I had to get the worst warrior in the entire species."

"ENOUGH!" Flash screamed, causing the girls to flinch and Leonidas to stop talking. "You know what. I've had it with you. I thought you were cool before, but all you've done since you started talking is insult me. Well I'm done with you." With that, he clenched his first and forced Leonidas to close before throwing him with all his might. "JUST GET LOST!"

The girls gasped as Leonidas flew through the air and hit the wall, then fell to the ground and rolled to a stop.

They stared at him before turning back to Flash and seeing him walk away, placing his hands in his pockets. Once he was gone, the four glanced back at the floored Bakugan before Twilight moved over and picked him up. She stared at Leonidas as he remained in ball form, then turned to where Flash had disappeared. "This isn't good."

Author's Note

Well, Flash has faced off against Phantom and got his butt severally handed to him. Plus, he and Leonidas have gone their separate ways. Will they be able to patch things up, or is this team dead and buried.

For those wondering about Nimue and Fury's ball forms, Nimue's is like Mystic Elico and Fury's is like Linehalt.

One True Partner

Flash let out a sigh as he stepped into his room and fell onto his bed, the teen planting his face right into the mattress as he let all the exhaustion of the day wash over him.

After about a minute, he rolled back over and stared at the ceiling. As he did so, the day's events flashed before his eyes. Meeting the second talking Bakugan, being challenged and beaten by the mysterious Phantom and, of course...

"You know what. I've had it with you. I thought you were cool before, but all you've done since you started talking is insult me. Well I'm done with you." With that, he clenched his first and forced Leonidas to close before throwing him with all his might. "JUST GET LOST!"

Flash couldn't believe he had let his anger get the better of him like that, but it wasn't his fault. Leonidas had seriously gotten to his last nerve, constantly belittling him and claiming it was all his fault they lost. "Who needs him," he rolled back over and tried to get some sleep.

Meanwhile, across town, Twilight Sparkle stepped into her bedroom and pulled her newest roommate out of her pocket.

"Here it is," she placed Leonidas down on her desk and he opened up. "Home sweet home, for now." She moved over and sat on her bed. "You can stay here until you and Flash patch things up." Leonidas replied by simply grunting and turned away. "Come on, I'm sure he'll realise he made a mistake once he calms down."

"Why should I care if he wants me back," Leonidas turned away. "I'm better off without him. He was just holding me back."

"That's not true," Twilight told him. "Flash might not be the best brawler right now, but that's just because he's new to the game. He knows a lot about it, but actually being in the battle is a lot to process. In time, he'll get more used to it and will be able to make better decisions."

"And until that time, any Bakugan forced to work with him will undoubtedly lose."

Twilight frowned, starting to see why Leonidas grated on Flash. "Maybe so, but you didn't exactly help Flash." Leonidas turned to her. "If you hadn't been so mean, Flash wouldn't have made so many mistakes. It's hard to think straight when you're angry, so of course Flash wouldn't be able to brawl to his best ability."

"Har," Leonidas growled, "why should I have to be nice to some pathetic humans."

"That pathetic human could have thrown you in a river if he wanted to. And don't think for a moment you can use that same attitude with me." She moved over to the desk and opened a locked box, showing the inside of it to Leonidas. "Don't think just because you're a living think I won't stuff you in here until you have a better attitude." Leonidas actually started to panic at that thought. "Do we understand each other?"

"Perfectly," he replied.

"Good," Twilight nodded, "and think about what I said." She began to head for the door, but stopped just before opening it. "You might think you don't need anyone, but nobody can live alone." Leonidas slowly turned to her. "Even if you survive, even if you're able to beat every foe, a life without friends isn't one worth having. Because unless you have someone to share your victories with, they'll be meaningless and hollow." With that, she stepped out of the room and left Leonidas to think about what she had said.

That night.

Flash was trying to get to sleep, but couldn't help but feel wide awake. His mind kept flashing back to Leonidas, wondering if he made a mistake. "No," he told himself, "this is for the best. He'll never respect me and I can't work with someone like that." But despite saying this, as he looked out and window, he couldn't help but see the stars in the sky and mentally connect them to form an image of the Bakugan. "Leonidas..."

The Bakugan in question was also looking out a window at the stars, Leonidas thinking about what Twilight had said. "It's better this way," he told himself. "To survive in this this world, one can only look out for themselves." But then more of Twilight's words came to mind and made him think. What was the point of surviving if he was alone?

Dark Industries

Sombra was typing away at his computer when Phantom suddenly appeared. "Well?" He turned to she him holding the cube, noting that several of the images looked faded. "It's growing weaker."

"Just like you suspected," Phantom replied. "Whenever a Bakugan battles, it gives off an energy specific to its Attribute. The more energy this cube absorbs, the weaker the seals become."

"Then keep brawling," Sombra replied. "I want the Bakugan awakened." Phantom nodded before Sombra spoke again, "how goes the other mission."

"I battled Flash Sentry and whilst he is nothing special, his Bakugan certainly is. I plan on taking it from him, but I'm making the cube my priority. That's why I thought of delegating the task of ceasing the dragonoid to someone else, though I may require a little leverage."

"What do you need?" Sombra asked before Phantom explained.

The next day.

The bell was minutes from ringing and we find Twilight talking to Lyra, Bonnie and Derpy. "So that's how you found Nimue," Twilight said.

"That's just like how Flash said he found Leonidas," Derpy replied. "What's with these talking Bakugan falling from the sky?"

"Like, who cares?" They turned to Lyra and she continued to cradle Nimue, "all I care about is that we're together." This made Nimue laugh.

"Yes, I must admit I'm glad Ms Heartstrings found me. She's been treating me quite nicely, even emptied out a draw for me to use as my own personal space for whenever I want to be alone."

"Of course" Lyra smiled. "This is your home now, so it's only right to help you feel as comfortable as possible." Twilight smiled at this and hoped Leonidas was listening.

In that moment, Flash and Scootaloo pulled into school and split up after telling the other to have a good day. Flash rolled up to the bike shed and began to secure his vehicle, Twilight moving over to him. "Hey!" she smiled, "I have someone who wants to talk to you." She reached into her pocket and took out a familiar white Bakugan, which opened up to stare at him.

"Err...hello," Leonidas told him.

"Hey," Flash said back with little emotion in his voice.

"How...how are you?" He asked awkwardly, Flash not saying anything back. "Listen...about yesterday-" He didn't get to finish as the bell rang and Flash began to walk off.

"I gotta go," he told them before any of the girls could stop him.

"Wait," Twilight called out to him, "are you gonna be at the stadium later?"

"Can't!" Flash called back to them. "I got work today. Sorry." With that, he rushed into the school and was out of sight. Once he was gone, the girls all sighed.

"He's clearly trying to avoid the situation," Nimue stated. "This isn't good. If he keeps running from his problems, he'll just end up finding it more and more difficult to eventually face them."

Twilight frowned before turning to Leonidas. "Don't worry. We'll find a way to get you two talking again." The fact that Leonidas didn't automatically say he didn't want to talk to him felt like a good sign.

Throughout the day, Flash made sure to avoid Twilight. He didn't want to, but he knew she would try and get him to talk to Leonidas. So he made sure to keep his distance, hiding away during lunch and not giving her any time to talk to him between classes.

And as soon as the bell rang, Flash was the first student out of the school and was away on his bike before the girls even left the building. But throughout the day, he once again couldn't help but let his mind wander to Leonidas.

Meanwhile, in another city, another teen had just stepped out of the Battle Stadium.

This teen had black skin and mohawk-like hair of blue and white, wearing a black long sleeved jacket and green cargo pants with black boots. The teen smirked as he flicked a Ventus Bakugan up into the air before catching it, clearly happy about the day's events.

"Oh yeah!" He cheered, "number one."

"Thunderlane?" The teen stopped before turning to the voice that said his name, seeing a figure in the shadow of the building leaning against the wall.

"Who's there?" He asked, "how do you know my name?" The figure chuckled before stepping out of the shadows, revealing themselves to be Phantom.

"I know you are because you're a talented Brawler. One who has the skills I need to accomplish a very important task."

"What kind of task?" Thunderlane asked before seeing something flying at him, the teen managing to catch it a find it was a Ventus Bakugan. "Hey?" He looked it over, "I've seen this one on the web. Never seen one in real life."

"It's a very rare Bakugan. And it can be yours to keep if you help me out." Thunderlane turned back to him, "there's someone I want to you beat. Flash Sentry. Find him and take the Bakugan he wields named Leonidas. Do that and you can keep that Bakugan. Fail and I take it back."

Thunderlane smirked as he stared down at the Bakugan again, liking the sound of this deal. "Alright, you've got a-" He stopped after looking up, finding that Phantom had vanished. "What the?" He eventually just shrugged and turned towards the stadium, heading inside to ask where she could find this Flash Sentry guy.

That evening.

As the last hour of sunlight ticked away, we find Flash in his back garden. There, he had the Bakugan he had won off of Garble in his hands and was starting at a bunch of tin cans that he had set up at different levels through the garden. "Bakugan," he threw the ball, "BRAWL!" The Pyrus Bakugan flew through the air towards one of the cans, but completely missed it and landed on the ground behind it. "Dang it."

"Problem?" Flash looked around and saw his father walking over to him, raising an eyebrow at the sight of the cans.

"Just...can't get my aim right." Flash took his second Bakugan and threw it, but once again missed the can. Trail then held out a hand and Flash gave him the last one, allowing his father to look it over.

"Interesting toy," he said whilst tapping the ball and causing it to pop open. "Is this what you've been trying to buy for so long?"

Flash nodded as he went to collect the other two. "I finally managed to get one and was able to win the others with it." Of course, he didn't have that first one any more.

"Is this why you've been acting so off lately?" Flash raised an eyebrow before Trail went on to explain, "we can all tell son. You've seemed...distracted as of late. And especially over the last two days. Is something on your mind?"

Flash frowned before letting out a sigh. "I had...an arguement with someone."

"I see," Trail nodded. "A friend?"

"I thought we could be, but he's just so...angry. Everything that came out of his mouth was either an insult or an order. And he kept blaming me for everything that went wrong. In the end...I just had it. I told him to get lost and left."

"Sounds like a smart idea," Trail nodded. "So what's the problem?"

"The problem is I can't stop thinking about him. Wondering if...maybe I made a mistake." He turned to Trail, "but it wasn't. It was a toxic relationship and I shouldn't have had to deal with all that."

"Maybe," Trail nodded, "or maybe you think it was a mistake because you didn't give the time to think about everything from your friend's angle." Flash clearly didn't understand. "Humans are complex. What we show on the surface isn't always the whole of who we are. There may be more hiding deeper then the eye and ear can see and hear."

"What are you saying?" Flash asked.

"I'm saying that even if they were wrong for yelling, ordering and blaming you, maybe they had a reason. Maybe something happened to them that made them act this way. What did you know about this guy before you met him."

"Nothing," Flash replied, "but he never told me about anything he did before we met."

"Then maybe it's something they have a hard time thinking about," Trail told him. "Something bad happened, or they made a mistake they can't forgive themselves for. Who knows."

"Still doesn't give him the right to do all that."

"I'm not saying it does. But if it is something like that, they might need help getting over it. Some problems can't be solved by yourself. So maybe that's why you feel you made a mistake, because you want to help them."

"But it's to late," Flash told him. "I already closed the door on our friendship."

"You may have closed the door, but there's still a chance to open it again. If you're willing to swallow your pride and talk to them again, then there's a chance. But if you're not fast enough, that door my end up locking forever." With that, he threw the Bakugan at the can and hit it dead on." Flash was surprised by this while Trail smiled, "you're a good kid Flash. But if you don't at least try and fix this, it'll hang over you forever."

Flash nodded, "you're right dad. I just hope it isn't too late."

"I'm sure it's not," Trail assured him before taking the other Bakugan. "Now why don't I show you a few tricks. Your old man was quite the marble player in his youth." The two laughed before they started practising, Flash refusing to stop until he at least hit one of those cans.

They were out there for a while.

The next day.

Being the weekend, everyone was free to spend their entire day at the Bakugan Battle Stadium.

That was where Lyra and Bonnie found Twilight, the girl talking to two other girls. One was a pink skinned girl with puffy pink hair while the other was a white skinned girl with purple styled hair. The three seemed to have just finished their conversation when the pair entered the room, which the two girls walking off as Twilight turned see the pair.

"Hey," Lyra waved at her, "who were they?"

"Just some friends," Twilight replied. "And really good brawlers. You two should try facing them sometime." She then looked around, "you haven't seen Flash anywhere, have you?" The two shook their heads, making Twilight frown. She then pulled Leonidas out of her pocket, the Bakugan opening up and looking up at her.

"Let's face it," he told her. "He doesn't want anything to do with me."

"I'm not giving up," Twilight told him. "If we can just get you talking." Leonidas was about to reply, but another voice caught their attention.

"What do you mean you don't know where he is!?" They turned to see Derpy being yelled at by a black skinned teen. "If he's a brawler, this is where he should be."

"I'm sorry," Derpy replied. "I don't know where he is." She looked close to tears with how loud this teen was yelling.

"Derpy?" She turned to Twilight and the others, "is everything okay."

"Stay out of this," the boy replied.

"He's looking for Flash," Derpy explained. This surprised the girls.

"Why?" Lyra asked.

The teen, Thunderlane, turned to them. "If you must know, somebody ask me to beat him and take his Bakugan."

Now the girls were frowning, the lot having an idea who he was talking about. "This somebody," Twilight asked. "They weren't wearing a weird getup and shades, were they?"

Thunderlane smiled, "so you know them."

"Phantom," Lyra growled.

"And this Bakugan," Bonnie continued. "Is it's name Leonidas?"

Now Thunderlane looked really confused, "did he ask you to get it too?"

"No," Twilight said, "but we know why he's after him." Nimue took this moment to leap onto Lyra's shoulder.

"It appears Leonidas has been deemed worthy of taking." She turned to Leonidas, "but not worthy of actually taking by Phantom himself." Leonidas growled while Thunderlane seemed surprised by a talking Bakugan.

That was until he realised who Nimue was talking too and turned to Leonidas, "so you're the Bakugan I was sent to take."

"That's right," Leonidas replied.

"No wonder that guy wants you," Thunderlane smirked. "So what, did this girl win you off the other guy."

"Not exactly," Leonidas replied. "But it doesn't matter. You wanna battle, you've got one."

"What?" Twilight turned to him, "I didn't agree to this."

"If Phantom wants me, he should come take me himself. I'm not gonna let him make a mockery of me by sending someone else to do his dirty work." Twilight still looked unsure, "please." With that one word, Twilight suddenly found herself feeling very surprised. She wasn't sure she had ever heard him ask for something sincerely.

After a few more seconds, Twilight let out a hum before turning to Thunderlane and smile. "Alright. You're on. I'll brawl you."

Thunderlane smiled back, "awesome." He turned towards the stadium, "let's go." He walked off and Twilight was about to follow, but then turned to Lyra.

"Can you do me a favour." Lyra raised an eyebrow.

In the park.

Flash was sitting at the fountain, thinking about the day he had found Leonidas in that very spot. Even though he had decided to talk to him, he still wasn't sure what to say.

But before he could think of the words, his BakuColar beeped to signify he had a message. "What's this?" He pressed the button and the message appeared on the screen, "from Lyra?" He read it over and his eyes went wide when he learned what was going. "Leo," he whispered before looking in the stadium's direction.

Back in the stadium, Twilight and Thunderlane stepped out into the battlefield.

"Welcome Baku-fans!" The announcer cried, "we've got another awesome battle for you today. The stadium's fan favourite, Twilight Sparkle, verses a brawler who's new here but quite well known at his home field. Give it up, for Thunderlane!" The crowd cheered whilst Derpy, Bonnie, Lyra and Nimue watched from the stands.

"This is gonna be a tough match," Bonnie gulped. "I can just feel it."

"I just hope Leonidas doesn't give Twilight a hard time," Lyra frowned before looking around. Hopefully, Flash would get here soon.

"Hope you're ready," Thunderlane told her while throwing the Bakugan he had gotten from Phantom up and down. "I can't go home empty handed."

"We'll see," Twilight told him. "We'll see." She just hoped her plan worked.

"Let's see where our Brawlers will be facing off against one another today!" The announcer cried. It was then that the floor below them began to glow, causing the stadium around them to transform into that of a giant forest with a river running through it. But was really surprised Twilight were the coins that floated through the air, just like the ones that had been in Flash's last brawl.

"Our contestants will be facing off in a forest environment!" The announcer cried. "And with the new power ups. That's sure to spice things up. I can't wait to see how this brawl turns out."

"It'll turn out with me winning," Thunderlane smiled. "That Leonidas Bakugan is as good as mine."

Twilight chuckled, "we'll see. We'll see." She then looked up into the stands, trying to see if she could spot Flash anywhere. 'I hope you're watching.'

"Are both Brawlers ready?" They nodded, "then without further ado. Bakugan...BRAWL!" With that, Twilight and Thunderlane's BakuColars beeped to signal the battle's start with both showing their current life gauges.

Twilight: 100%
Thunderlane: 100%

"Let's do this!" Thunderlane yelled as he took out a Bakugan.

"With pleasure," Twilight replied before throwing a card towards the ground. "Gate Card, SET!" The card hit the ground and was absorbed with a flash of purple light. As soon as it was gone, Thunderlane leapt towards the trees.

Once one a branch, he leapt off before throwing a ball through the air and managing to hit a power coin as he did. "Bakugan Brawl!" The ball hit the ground and opened up, whilst exploding with green light and summoning a gust of wind. It formed a green tornado that quickly vanished to reveal his Bakugan. "Ventus Falconeer, STAND!"

Falconeer: 340Gs

The humanoid bird Bakugan flew around the forest, glowing as its power grew.

Falconeer: 390Gs

"Alright," Leonidas cheered before turning to Twilight. "let's do this." But then, Twilight gave him a smirk before throwing him into her left hand and taking out another Bakugan. "Hey, what are you-"

"Bakugan!" Twilight threw the ball, "brawl!" The Bakugan hit the ground rolling before opening up. "Bakugan, STAND!" In a flash of purple light, Twilight's ace appeared on the field. "Darkus Spikenoid!" The wingless dragon roared, surprising everyone.

Falconeer: 390Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs

"What?" Thunderlane asked, "that's not Leonidas." He turned to Twilight, "what gives?"

"Yeah," Leonidas cried, "what are you doing?" Twilight just smiled and pushed her glasses up.

"I agreed to a brawl. That doesn't mean I agreed to use Leonidas." The two growled at this but couldn't argue, as Twilight held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed, "Tearing Claw!" Spike charged as his claws glowed purple, but Falconeer flew up high and out of range.

Falconeer: 390Gs
Spikenoid: 550Gs

Thunderlane frowned. "Fine," he held up a card, "then I'll force you to bring Leonidas out. Ability, Activate!" The card glowed, "Hyper Whirlwind!" Falconeer flapped its wings and unleashed a powerful gust of wind, which struck Spike and pushed him backwards.

Falconeer: 590Gs
Spikenoid: 550Gs

"Ability," Twilight held up her card, "Activate! Fire Burst!" Spikenoid unleashed his green flames, which flew straight up and over powered the wind before hitting Falconeer.

Falconeer: 590Gs
Spikenoid: 750Gs

Thunderlane didn't like where this was going. "Alright," he held up another Bakugan, "let's see if two Bakugan are enough to make you bring him out. Bakugan," he threw the ball, "brawl!" The ball hit the ground and opened up, "Bakugan, Stand!" Another green tornado signalled the arrival of another humanoid bird. "Ventus Ravenoid!"

Falconeer+Ravenoid: 970Gs
Spikenoid: 750Gs

"Not good," Twilight realised as the two aerial Bakugan began to swarm around Spikenoid and cause problems for the two of them.

"Throw me in!" Leonidas yelled.

"Not yet," Twilight told him before pointing to the ground. "Gate Card, OPEN!" The field exploded into light, which then turned purple. "Darkus Reactor!" Spikenoid began to absorb the Darkus energy, powering him up.

Falconeer+Ravenoid: 970Gs
Spikenoid: 950Gs

"And then," Twilight held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Both the card and Spike's back spikes began to glow, "Spiking Strike!" The light shot off the spikes and flew through the air, hitting Falconeer and Ravenoid.

Falconeer+Ravenoid: 720Gs
Spikenoid: 950Gs

Thunderlane gasped as he watched the two get hit, about to activate an ability, but they both glowed before he could and reverted back to ball form. The two landed on the ground by his feet, Spikenoid returning to Twilight as his life gauge went down.

Twilight: 100%
Thunderlane: 54%

"Awesome!" The announcer cried, "Twilight was able to beat her opponent despite it being two against one." The crowd cheered but Leonidas was not happy.

"That would have been a lot easier if you'd used me from the start. What were you thinking?" Twilight simply smiled.

"It's clear he wants you, so he's obviously come up with a strategy to beat and take you. And the best counter against a strategy like that is to not use you." This enraged Leonidas, angry that he couldn't fight in a battle like this.

Back at the entrance, Flash had finally arrived and was looking around. All the while, the message Lyra had sent him was replaying in his head.

He knew he didn't need to be worried. There was no way Twilight was gonna lose with Leonidas on her side. His power and her skills were a force to be reckoned with. But even so, he couldn't help but feel a little worried.

It was then he spotted a TV showing Twilight and her opponent, their life gauges shown at the bottom. It appeared she was in the lead, but would that last? Flash had to be sure, so he rushed towards the battlefield.

"Gate card!" Thunderlane threw the card and it hit the ground before disappearing in a flash of green, "SET!" He then took out the Bakugan that Phantom had given him, a serious expression clear on his face. "If you don't want to use Leonidas, I'll just have to take your Spikenoid. Then you'll have to give me Leonidas if you want him back."

Twilight frowned at this, but she had to keep to her strategy.

"Bakugan!" He leapt into the air and threw the ball, "BRAWL!" The orb flew through the air and hit a trio of coins before hitting the ground, "Bakugan...STAND!" The ball opened up and was consumed by the tornado, with a new Bakugan flying out of it. It appeared quadrupedal and had a bird's head, but also had three sets of wings coming out of its back. It flew around before suddenly transforming, its bird head folding down into its chest as a humanoid head appeared in its place whilst its body shifted upwards to make it look quadrupedal. "Rise, Ventus...INGRAM!"

"Ingram?" Twilight asked, having never heard of this Bakugan before. She looked down at her BakuColar, seeing Ingram's points as they were powered up.

Ingram: 550Gs

"This one's powerful," Leonidas told her. "There's no way Spikenoid's gonna be able to win this. You need a Bakugan that can fly."

"We beat you," Twilight pointed out before holding up her Bakugan. She looked around, spotting some coins through the trees and rushed over to them. "Bakugan," she threw Spikenoid, "BRAWL!" The ball flew through the trees and managed to hit one of the coins before landing on the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" In a burst of dark light, Spikenoid appeared and glowed as its power increased.

Ingram: 550Gs
Spikenoid: 500Gs

As this happened, Flash arrived at the stadium and rushed to the side. He expected to see Leonidas, but was surprised when Spike appeared. "What the?" He looked down at Twilight as she held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The card and Spike's back blades glowed, "Spiking Strike!" The light shot off his spikes and flew towards Ingram, but the Ventus Bakugan began to fly through the air at incredible speeds and managed to avoid them all. This made Twilight frown before she activated another ability, "Fire Burst!" Spikenoid unleashed a burst of fire, but once again Ingram proved to fast and managed to avoid it.

Ingram: 550Gs
Spikenoid: 700Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Thunderlane held up his card as it glowed, with Ingram suddenly becoming wrapped in a tornado. "Cyclonic Strike Shot!" The tornado exploded and propelled Ingram forward, the Bakugan having morphed into its bird form, then struck Spikenoid before it or Twilight could activate an ability.

Ingram: 750Gs
Spikenoid: 700Gs

Spikenoid fell backwards as Ingram flew backwards, while Twilight did her best not to fall over due to the ground shaking. "Throw me in!" Leonidas yelled, "you'll lose if you don't."

"No," Twilight told him, "I can't."

"Why not!" Leonidas cried.

"Because I'm not your partner!" Twilight yelled at him. "Even if you don't want to admit it, there's only one person you can help you unleash your true power." As she said that, Ingram flew down again but she held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Spike's arm blades glowed and it swung them around, "Dark Spikes!" The blade struck Ingram and made the bird squawk in pain as its energy was drain, Spikenoid stealing half its G power.

Ingram: 375Gs
Spikenoid: 1125Gs

"Wow!" The announcer cried, "that's a power difference of more then five hundred! If Ingram can't withstand it, it's all over for Thunderlane!" But to everyone's shock, the Bakugan managed to hold on as the attack continued to stab into it.

"Ability," Thunderlane held up a card, "Activate!" The card glowed along with Ingram, "Armored Victory!" Twilight looked down at her BakuColar and saw their powers return to what they were before, Ingram's power then increasing some more.

Ingram: 950Gs
Spikenoid: 700Gs

Spikenoid suddenly felt itself getting knocked backwards, as Ingram flapped its wings and pushed it back. "Fusion Ability," Twilight held up a card, "Activate!" Spikenoid arm and back spikes suddenly burst into green fire. "BLAZING SPIKES!" Spike leapt back and struck the ground, causing it to shake before a line of spikes blasted out of it towards Ingram.

Ingram: 950Gs
Spikenoid: 1000Gs

"Double Ability!" Thunderlane held up two cards, "ACTIVATE!" The cards glowed as Ingram returned to human form, whilst the spikes formed a cage around it. "Shadow Echo, plus Double Fang, Jade Wind Shot!" Ingram suddenly melted into its own shadow, allowing it to escape the cage before shooting towards Spikenoid. It then shot out of its shadow and flapped its wings, unleashing blades of razor sharp wind that began striking the wingless dragon.

Ingram: 1150Gs
Spikenoid: 800Gs

Spikenoid roared as it began to fall backwards, straight towards Twilight. She gasped and began to run, but Spikenoid struck the ground and caused it to shake and knock her off her feet before a gust of wind sent her rolling away.

"TWILIGHT!" Everyone yelled in horror, Flash louder then anyone. He then turned to run off, whilst the others simply watched as Spikenoid reverted to ball form and fell. It hit the ground rolling until it stopped, a good five or so meters from Twilight.

Twilight: 30%
Thunderlane: 54%

The girl moaned as she recovered and tried to pick herself, but the force that had struck her and really tired her out. All she could do was crawl along the ground, everyone worrying she might be hurt. "Stop the brawl!" She heard Lyra call out, "she can't keep going like this."

"NO!" She yelled, "not yet." She kept pulling herself across the woodland floor, trying to reach Spikenoid. As she did, Leonidas pushed himself out of her hand and rolled along the ground before stopping in front of her.

"Stop this!" He almost yelled, "you need to use me."

"No," she told him, "I told you. I'm not your partner."

"What does that even mean?" Before Twilight could reply, they both heard another voice call out from behind her.

"Twilight!" They glanced around and saw Flash rushing towards them, kneeling down besides her. "Are you okay?" He looked her oven, but didn't see anything physically wrong with her besides a few scratches and scraps.

Twilight smiled, "I knew you'd show up. Listen," she reached out to grab Leonidas, "do me a favour." She held up her hand and opened it, showing Flash his former Bakugan. "End this match for me."

Flash and Leonidas stared at one another, unable to believe what Twilight was asking. He might have been open to talking to Leonidas, but brawling with him was still out of the question. "Twilight," he looked at her, "I can't."

"Yes you can," Twilight nodded. "Because you two are meant to be together." They were both confused by this, Twilight getting to her knees. "Lyra told me about how she found Nimue and it's the exact same way you said Leonidas appeared."

"So?"

"So don't you think it's weird that Bakugan are just raining from the sky?" Flash turned to Leonidas, beginning to wonder that himself. "There's more to Bakugan then we know. They came here for a reason. Dark Industries is selling them for a reason. And Leonidas appeared to you...for a reason." The two continued to stare at each other, wondering if Twilight was right. "I think...no, I know Leonidas was sent to you by someone. Someone who saw something in you and believed you had what it took to bring out Leonidas' true potential. That's why you have to take him back." Twilight once again held Leonidas out to him.

Flash stared at Leonidas, then reached out. But he stopped inches from him, "what about you?" Leonidas knew he was talking to him. "Even if I want you back, what do you want?"

"You're asking me?" Leonidas asked.

"You're a living thing," Flash told him. "You deserve to chose who you battle with. And it's clear you'd prefer someone else."

"Maybe," Leonidas looked down, "but maybe Twilight's right." He looked up at him, "maybe I was given to you for a reason. And...maybe I was a little too hard on you before. But...our last two brawls. We lost, even though I'm so powerful"

"It's true that you're strong," Flash told him. "But if Spikenoid and Fury are anything to go by, you're not the strongest. Not yet at least." Leonidas let out a sound that seemed to be something between a hum and a growl. He then looked back up at him.

"Since it's clear Twilight will not allow me to be used by anyone but you, I ask that the two of us join forces. At least this once." Flash nodded and finally took Leonidas before turning to Thunderlane, who was looking bored while waiting for them to get on with it.

"Here's the deal. I take Twilight's place and brawl you instead. That okay?"

Thunderlane smirked, "you'll be using Leonidas?" Flash nodded. "Then I'm all good." Flash smirked before his BakuColar beeped and Twilight's face was replaced with him on all the screens.

"Unbelievable!" The announcer yelled. "Flash Sentry will be taking Twilight Sparkle's place in this Brawl. I must admit, this is a first."

"Alright," Flash held up a Gate Card, "time to turn this around. Gate Card...SET!" He threw the card and it hit the ground before exploding into light, Thunderlane taking this moment to rush towards where he spotted some power ups.

"Oh yeah!" He jumped up onto a branch and then leapt into the air. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw his Bakugan and hit three of the coins before it hit the ground, "Bakugan...STAND!" It opened up and created a tornado, which soon faded to reveal the bird-like Bakugan that flew around before transforming. "Ventus Ingram!" The Bakugan glowed as its power rose.

Ingram: 550

"That's a lot of power," Twilight realised before turning to Flash. "How are you going to stand up to that?" Flash didn't reply and instead, ran towards another section of the woods.

"What are you planning?" Leonidas asked.

"I've got an idea, but it's gonna be risky."

"How risky?"

"You might end up being won by that guy, but it's our only hope to beat that thing." He looked down at Leonidas, "do you trust me?" Leonidas remained silent for a few seconds, then responded.

"I do." Flash smirked but spotting a cluster of five coins up ahead, the teen leaping onto and off the trunk of a tree to land on a branch before jumping straight off.

"Here goes. Bakugan," he threw Leonidas, "BRAWL!" Leonidas flew through the air and to everyone's surprise, he hit all five coins perfectly before landing on the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" The ball opened up and unleashing a burst of light, with the dragon flying out of it.

"RAAAH!" He roared as he flew up to the same altitude as Ingram, a light surrounding him as his power increased

Ingram: 550
Leonidas: 650

He glanced back at Flash as the teen landed on the ground, "that wasn't luck. Your aim was spot on!" Flash smirked back, glad all that practise payed off.

"Ability," he turned to Thunderlane, "Activate!" The card glowed as Ingram morphed into its bird form, a tornado suddenly appearing to wrap around it. "Cyclonic Strike Shot!" The tornado exploded and propelled Ingram forward, claws ready to tear at Leonidas.

Ingram: 750
Leonidas: 650

"Ability," Flash held up a card, "Activate!" Leonidas glowed before a dome formed around him, "Hyper Shield!" Ingram slammed into the shield but couldn't get through it.

Ingram: 550
Leonidas: 650

"Fine," Thunderlane told him. "Ability, Activate!" He held up a card that glowed as Ingram returned to normal. "Double Fangs, Jade Wind Shot!" As the shield disappeared, Ingram flapped its wings and unleashed burst of razor sharp wind that struck Leonidas.

"Arrr!" He cried as he felt his skin getting sliced.

Ingram: 750
Leonidas: 650

"Double Ability, Activate!" He felt himself beginning to glow as his body felt lighter. "Dragon Flash, plus Brawling Dragon!"

Ingram: 750
Leonidas: 850

Using his increased speed, he flew out of the path of the air blades and managed to get behind Ingram. "Surprise!" He yelled before beginning to slam his fists, feet and tail into the Ventus Bakugan.

Thunderlane watched this but wasn't worried. "Ability," he held up a card, "Activate!" Ingram began to glow as braced itself, able to now take the assault. "Armored Victory!" Brawling Dragon was cancelled out whilst Ingram's power rose.

Ingram: 950
Leonidas: 750

Flash frowned, but he wasn't done yet. "Ability," he held up a card, "Activate!" Leonidas opened his mouth as it began to spark, "Alpha Blaster!" He then fired a beam of light that shot straight towards Ingram, but the Ventus Bakugan held up its hands and let the beam hit them. The force pushed it back for a moment, but then it stopped and the two were in a stalemate.

Ingram: 950
Leonidas: 950

"It looks like it's a dead heat!" The announcer cried as the two continued to fire their attacks. "Who will be the one to end this stalemate?"

"Me!" Thunderlane yelled before holding up two cards, "Double Ability...ACTIVATE!" Ingram suddenly exploded into a shadow that the beam shot through without hurting it, the shadow breaking apart before shooting towards Leonidas and flying passed him. "Shadow Echo, plus Thunderbolt Torrential Wave!" The shadow reformed behind the dragon and Ingram appeared, it's wings beginning to spark.

Ingram: 1150
Leonidas: 750

The lightning shot off its wings and began to strike Leonidas, making him cry out. The audience gasped, thinking the brawl was about to come to an end. But Leonidas wouldn't let himself go down this easily. "Have to...hold on!" He yelled despite the lightning. "Flash...has a plan." But what was that plan?

The teen stared at Thunderlane, who simply smirked back at him. He waited, hoping Leonidas could hold on a little longer. And after a few moment, Flash smiled. "You're out of ability cards."

Thunderlane's smirk became a frown. It was true. If he had just one more ability card, he would be able to win not just the brawl, but Leonidas. But he didn't. "So what?"

"So I win!" Flash yelled, "Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground began to glow, the light flying towards the Bakugan and making them glow as well. "Reset!" Thunderlane's eyes went wide before he looked down and saw that the Bakugan's G Power was lowering. "This Command Card forces both Bakugan back to their Base Level." Leonidas suddenly flapped his wings and unleashed a burst of wind that hit Ingram and pushed it backwards, cutting the lightning

Ingram: 550
Leonidas: 650

"And you said it yourself," Flash told him. "You're all out of Ability Card." He then held up two, "but I'm not." Thunderlane's realised what was about to happen, but it was too late. "Double Ability, Activate!" Leonidas flew straight up and began to spin around, as his body glowed and lightning formed around his mouth. "Shining Tornado, plus Fusion Ability...ALPHA HURRICANE!"

Ingram: 550
Leonidas: 1150

Thunderlane reached for his other Bakugan, hoping to not lose Ingram. But before he could throw one, Leonidas accelerated. "IT'S OVER!" The dragon screamed before striking Ingram and causing a shockwave that flew out and knocked Thunderlane off his feet. Ingram cried out as it was thrown backwards, then reverted to ball form. The green sphere didn't fall to the ground however, instead flying over to Flash with the teen catching it as Thunderlane's points dropped.

Flash: 30% (Winner)
Thunderlane: 0%

"We have a winner!" The announcer yelled as Leonidas returned to Flash and the field reverted back to normal. "Flash Sentry claims victory over Thunderlane and wins the match. That certainly was a surprise!"

"You did it!" Twilight smiled as she moved over to them, Flash and Leonidas seeing she now seemed completely fine.

"Wait," Flash raised an eyebrow, "were you faking being hurt."

Twilight blushed at this, causing both Flash and Leonidas to be annoyed at being tricked, "so what if I was. It helped you two come together again and you actually managed to win. You were amazing together."

"Huh," Flash looked down at Leonidas, "I guess we were."

"Indeed," Leonidas nodded. "That move at the end was...quite something."

"Thanks," Flash told him, "but it wouldn't have worked if you hadn't held on for so long."

"You see," Twilight told them. "You two are perfect partners as long as you work together." It was then that they heard a groan and turned to see Thunderlane picking himself up. He then looked around and realised what must have happened.

"Ah no!" He cried, "I can't believe I lost!" He then looked over and Flash and saw he was holding Ingram, "and I lost the Bakugan I was given. I can't believe it!" Flash could see he looked genuinely upset, then looked down at his newly acquired Bakugan.

After a few moments, he turned back to Thunderlane. "Hey!" Thunderlane glanced up at him before seeing Flash thrown the green Bakugan towards him. Thunderlane caught it and looked it over, then glanced at Flash. "Keep it. Ventus isn't really my element anyway. Besides," he looked back at Leonidas, "I've already got a pretty awesome partner." With that, he turned to leave with Twilight following after him and leaving a very confused Thunderlane behind.

"Did you really mean that?" Leonidas asked Flash once they were outside, "calling me your partner."

"Yeah," Flash nodded, "I would like us to work together again." They stepped out of the hallway and found a table, Lyra, Derpy and Bonnie arriving at the same time as Flash placed Leonidas on the table. "But there's gotta be some changes."

"I know," Leonidas looked down. "Twilight already gave me this talk." He looked back up, "I'll try and keep my anger in check."

"It's alright to be angry," Flash told him. "I realised that whatever happened to you before must have been bad, especially if you don't want to talk about it." Leonidas looked down again. "I'm willing to help you find a way to work through that anger, but I refuse to be your punching bag. From now on, we respect each other. You keep from insulting me and I'll do my best not to lose my patience with you. And together, we'll work to be the best team the Bakugan world has ever seen."

"I like the sound of that," Leonidas nodded. He tried to move closer and closer, though he was clearly having trouble, but eventually got close enough and turned to offer the plastic part representing his arm. "Partners?"

Flash smiled before taking the arm between his finger and thumb, the two shaking it. "Partners." The girls all smiled, happy to two had made up. "And you know, I think Twilight was right." They all turned to Flash, "Leo and I were brought together for a reason." He turned to Lyra and Nimue, "same for you two." The girls smiled and nodded before Flash looked up at the ceiling. "Someone's entrusting us to find out what's happening with the Bakugan. Why they came to this world and what happened to Vestroia. They want us to discover the truth."

"And I bet we're not the only ones," Lyra told him. "There has to be others out there. Others with special Bakugan that can talk." She turned to Bonnie and Derpy, "brawlers that can help us find that truth." They both nodded as Twilight spoke up.

"If they're out there, I'm sure you'll met them. It's only a matter of time." They all nodded in agreement, all the while wondering who those people could be.

Over in another battlefield, we find a Haos Serpenoid and Saurus collapse to the ground after getting hit by a the attack of a Pyrus Griffon.

All three of them returned to ball form before flying over and getting caught by the same brawler. He was a gray coloured teen with fiery red hair, wearing a red a white jacket with brown pants. He smirked as his opponent yelled out in frustration. "And there it is!" The announcer cried, "the brawl is over and the winner is Heath Burns!"

"Awesome," the teen named Heath smirked as he looked over his prize. "I bet I can trade you guys in for something a little hotter." All the while, he held another Pyrus Bakugan in his other hand and clutched it tightly.

In another city all together, a Subterra Bakugan known as Vandarus was struck by a tornado and knocked backwards. It hit the ground and reverted back to ball form as its Brawler's life gauge fell to zero.

The tornado exploded and revealed a Bakugan that couldn't be seen due to the light of the sun above it. It appeared to be a humanoid bird, having wing-like arms and letting out a loud squawk before returning to ball form and shooting towards its brawler.

That brawler was a light blue skinned boy with dark blue hair, wearing a black shirt under a dark blue open shirt and white ripped jeans. The teen caught the Bakugan and smiled, as the announcer called out. "Another victory! Newcomer, Soarin Skies, is proving himself to be an incredibly skilled brawler. One can only wonder who is going to be a real challenge for him!"

Author's Note

There we have it folks. Flash and Leonidas are back and better then ever. Here's hoping their partnership will lead to some great things in the future.

Lyra Stands Tall

"Ability, Activate!" Flash held up a card as it glowed, whilst Leonidas' mouth filled with lightning. "Alpha Blaster!"

"COME GET SOME!" Leonidas unleashed the laser and struck the opposing Subterra Stinglash. The scorpion cried out as the laser knocked it back and caused it to revert back to ball form, dropping its owner's life gauge down to zero.

"And that's it!" The announcer cried, "another win for Flash and Leonidas!" The crowd cheered as Leonidas returned to Flash, the two laughing at their victory. Several days had passed since their reunion as partners and in that time, the two had really turned a corner.

Not only were they now winning non-stop brawls, they were growing closer as friends. "That was awesome Leo," Flash told the Bakugan as they left the stadium. "That moment when you uppercut Manion, that was awesome."

"Wouldn't have worked it you hadn't used Dragon Flash to speed me up," Leonidas replied. "Good call." Flash nodded back as the two arrived in the main area, spotting Lyra and Bonnie sitting at one of the tables.

"Hey guys," Flash smirked. "Did you see my awesome win?"

"We just got here," Bonnie told him. "But we did watch the final match on the monitor."

"Indeed," Nimue agreed, "it's clear the two of you are getting more and more in sync."

"Well we have Twilight to thank for that," Flash told her. "I'm glad she didn't give up on us as a team." He looked around, "you guys seen Twilight?" Bonnie smiled at this.

"Missing her already?" Flash blushed at this, causing her to laugh. "Sorry lover-boy. She said something about staying behind to work on a project she has due." She then gave him a look, "I hope you haven't let brawling make you forget about your homework?" Flash's eyes went wide.

"Awe, nuts!" Flash turned to run off, "see you guys later!" With that, he was out of the stadium and gone in a flash. Bonnie and Nimue laughed at this.

"Those two," Nimue then turned to Lyra. She had noticed the girl hadn't been speaking, and the look she saw on her face confirmed her suspicions. "Milady?" Lyra finally seemed to respond, turning to her. "Is something wrong?"

"I'm fine," Lyra told them.

"Really?" Bonnie asked, "you don't look fine. You look like someone just took the last of your favourite chocolate. What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Lyra told them before standing up, "I'm fine." She grabbed Nimue and started making her way towards the exit. "I gotta get home. See you later."

"Alright," Bonnie waved her off, "see you." Lyra left the stadium, whilst Bonnie simply frowned. "Something's definitely up with her." She hoped she could find out what it is and help her through it, but currently had to worry about being completely alone now. Flash and Lyra were gone, Twilight was talking to some other friends she didn't know and Derpy was off doing...something for her job. "Might as well go home myself." She got up and walked towards the exit, whilst trying to think of a way to help her best friend get out of her funk.

In another part of the city on a busy street, multiple people were making their way to where they needed to go.

However, many came to a stop when they spotted a table of the side of the street that had a young girl behind it. She was a blue skinned girl with silvery white hair, wearing a blue hoodie and skirt.

A small crowd had gathered around the young girl. The table she stood behind had three identical cups, which she started moving around. "Gather round, gather round. Test your luck with the great and powerful Trrrixie!" She lifted the center cup, revealing a Haos Bakugan. "Just remember, keep your eye on the prize." She put the ball back and dropped the cup, which she started spinning around. "Find the Bakugan and you'll have won."

From out of the crowd, a man in a business suit stepped out and placed a dollar down on the table. "I'll give it a try." The girl smiled before upping the pace, the man following the cup he had seen her put the Bakugan under until she stopped.

"Which one is hiding the Bakugan." The man didn't know what a Bakugan was, but he knew where that plastic ball was. He grabbed one of the cups and picked it up, only to find nothing under it. "Oh, too bad." She looked around, "anyone else wanna try their luck?"

Before anyone could say yes, something shot down from above. A pair of Darkus Bakugan flew passed the crowd's shoulders and hit the two other cups and knocked them over, revealing neither held a Bakugan.

The crowd saw this and went wide eyed, then turned to glare at the girl named Trixie. The man she had swindled was extremely ticked off. She smiled a nervous smile as he and his friends glared at her, all stepping forward to give her a piece of their minds. "Time to go." She took something out of her pocket and tossed it to the ground, causing a large puff of smoke to appear around her. When the smoke faded, Trixie was gone.

In an alleyway, Trixie was panting heavily trying to get her breath back.

"That was too close," she whispered before letting out a growl. "When I find who ruined my trick-"

"You'll what?" She stopped before looking around, not seeing anyone. But then she spotted a fifteen foot wall at the end of the alley and sitting atop it was the figure known as Phantom. He was flipping a Darkus Bakugan in his hand, showing he was the one responsible for getting her in trouble.

"What's the big idea, ruining Trixie's spectacular performance?"

"I wouldn't exactly call that spectacular," Phantom replied. "Makes me wonder if your brawling skills are as good as they say, or are they as pathetic as those lame illusions you were pulling off."

"Excuse me?" Trixie frowned, "why don't we go to the colosseum and Trixie will show you why she's know and the great and powerful."

"Why go to the colosseum?" Phantom stood up and walked forward, falling off the wall and shooting towards the ground until he landed easily on the ground. "We can have a brawl right here and now." He held up his collared wrist before a flash of light suddenly exploded out of the screen. Trixie was shocked by this and let out a scream as the light filled the alleyway.

And as soon as the light appeared, it disappeared.

"AAARRRHHH!" Trixie cried as she staggered backwards and fell to the floor, whilst Phantom held up his cube as the Haos and Darkus symbols glowed.

"Not bad," he told her. "I guess you'll do?"

"Do for what?" Trixie asked before seeing something flying at her, catching it and taking a better look. "A Bakugan?" She opened it up and it wasn't one she recognised.

"Your payment," Phantom turned away. "Find the Brawler named Flash Sentry and sieze his Haos Leonidas. Do that and you can keep that Bakugan. Fail and I'll take it back." With that, he leapt up onto the wall.

"Wait!" Trixie cried, but Phantom jumped down onto the other side. Once he was gone, she smirked before looking at the Bakugan. "Flash Sentry? He must be really good if he's shelling out such a rare Bakugan for his." She got up and headed out of the alleyway, "this will be the perfect chance the prove why Trixie is so amazing."

Lyra sighed as she stepped into her apartment building, where she and her parents lived.

Both her parents were still at work and had already text her saying they would be home late, a regular thing, leaving her to crash down onto her couch and stick her head into the cushion. At the same time, Nimue leapt out of her pocket and opened up on the table.

"Alright, are you going to tell me what's wrong now?"

"I'm fine," Lyra told her.

"No, you're not. You're upset about something and if you don't tell me, I won't be able to help." She waited, but Lyra stayed quiet for a moment. Then she rolled over and sat up.

"Fine, it's Flash."

"Flash?"

"Not just him. Ever since he and Leonidas started working together, they've been all anyone talks about. Flash, the guy with the talking Bakugan. They've completely overshadowed us."

"So you're jealous?" Nimue asked.

"No. I just...wish a few people would acknowledge us. Or at least challenge us to a brawl. But no, all they care about is Flash and Leonidas."

"I see," Lyra sat back on the couch. "I'm sorry you feel this way, but I'm sure people will start to notice us soon. Although, it's not like they have a reason to know about us. After all, you haven't used me in a brawl yet."

"I know," Lyra nodded. "But I plan on starting in our next brawl, now that I know what you can do and what strategies might work with you."

"Then our next brawl shall be our grand debut, and the world shall finally see how amazing we are." She leapt off the table and landed on Lyra's knee, the girl smiling at her.

"Thanks Nimue."

"Any time milady." They both laughed before Lyra switched on the TV so they could find something to watch.

Back in the other part of the city, Trixie had finished going over her plan for the morrow.

With her new Bakugan in hand and all its tricks up her sleeves, she knew she could claim victory over Flash Sentry and his special Bakugan. "Just wait," she told the boy she was after. "By this time tomorrow, your Bakugan will be in the possession of the great and powerful TRRRRIXIE!"

With that, she took out a pen and some paper before beginning to write something down. She already knew how she was going to get Flash to brawl her and it would be an experience to behold.

The next day.

Lyra walked into the stadium after school and looked around, seeing she was the first to arrive there. Maybe she could use this opportunity to get into a brawl and finally prove herself.

She spotted Derpy at the front desk, having just arrived herself and looking worried. "Hey," she moved over to her, "is something wrong Derpy?" The girl looked up before holding out a piece of paper.

"I think Flash is being challenged by Phantom again." Lyra's eyes went wide as she took the piece of paper. "A girl showed up a few minutes ago and left that note, telling me to give it to Flash when he showed." Lyra opened it up and red it out.

Greetings Sentry.

I have been sent to defeat you and take your Haos Leonidas. You may run if you wish, but know that this will forever brand you a coward. But if you wish to accept, meet me at Stadium G and discover why I was chosen to best you.

Yours, the great and powerful TRRRRRIXIE!

She re-read the note a few more times and knew this was Phantom's doing. Like Thunderlane before, he had sent someone to take Leonidas and had likely armed them with a super strong Bakugan. "This is it," she whispered.

"What's it?" Derpy asked as Nimue jumped out of Lyra's pocket and opened up on the desk.

"Milady?" Lyra showed her the note.

"This is totally the chance we've been waiting for. Our turn to...like...show everyone we're just as good as Flash and Leonidas." She held out her hand, "ready to go brawl?"

Nimue laughed at her eagerness, glad she was finally back to her old self. "If you wish to face this girl, then I'll be with you one hundred percent of the way." She folded up and jumped into Lyra's hands as the girl rushed off, Derpy calling out to her as she disappeared into the hallway leading Stadium G.

Lyra eventually arrived at the stadium and stopped in front of the door, taking a deep breath as she prepared herself. "This isn't gonna be an easy match."

"Maybe," Nimue leapt onto her shoulder, "but that's why our victory shall be even more impressive. And as long as we stick together, victory will be ours." Lyra smiled with a nod before pushing the doors open and stepping inside. The sound of cheers filled her ears as she looked ahead and saw the girl named Trixie standing in the center of the stadium.

She smiled at the sound of the doors opening. "So," she began to turn, "you accepted my challenge. A foolish move Flash-" She stopped when she spotted Lyra, "who are you?"

"Lyra Heartstrings," she replied. "And I am here to accept your challenge."

Trixie raised an eyebrow, "there appears to have been a mistake. Trixie challenged Flash Sentry, not you."

Lyra smirked. "Well, if you want them then you're going to have to get passed me first." She held up her Bakugan, "I'm not gonna let you anywhere near them if you're working for Phantom."

"Phantom?" Trixie asked before smirking, "so that's his name. Yes, Trixie was sent to face Sentry on Phantom's orders. And unless she takes his Bakugan, he'll be taking his payment back."

"And like I said, you'll have to get passed me to get to them. So what do you say? Unless you're scared." This aggravated Trixie, who glared at her.

"Trixie fears nothing. Very well. This will be a good chance to test out the Bakugan I was given. I shall master it and take your Bakugan before focusing on Flash Sentry."

Lyra smiled, "You can try." The crowd cheered, glad they were going to get an actual brawl instead of watching Trixie's lame magic tricks.

The announcer spoke up. "Welcome Baku-fans. We have an interesting match today. It was supposed to feature Flash Sentry, but in his place is the lady of the lake herself. Lyra Heartstrings." The crowd cheered, though Lyra noted not as loudly as they probably would have for Flash. "And her opponent. The master of miss-direction. Trixie Lulamoon!" The crowd cheered again at Trixie flicked her hair.

"There's still time to surrender before Trixie humiliates you." She turned to Lyra and saw her smirk.

"Funny. I was about to tell you the same thing." Trixie frowned, now more determined to beat her then ever.

"Let's see where our Brawlers will be facing off against one another today!" The announcer cried. It was then that the floor below them began to glow, causing the stadium around them to transform into a giant colosseum made entirely of crystal. Large crystal pillars lined the walls and crystal stars stood atop them. And from each point of the star, a jet of water flew out and rained down upon the stadium. The entire floor was covered in an inch of water, whilst the air was filled with floating crystal platforms and power up coins. "It's the Water Crystal Stadium. They're sure to be in for a splash."

"Hilarious," Nimue stated from Lyra's shoulder. "But I can handle this stadium no problem."

"We'll see," Lyra said as watched Trixie take out what appeared to be a Haos Bakugan. "I get the feeling this girl's got a few tricks up her sleeve."

"More then a few," Trixie told her. "But why waste time talking. I'll just show you what I've got."

"Fine by me," Lyra told her.

"Are both Brawlers ready?" The announcer asked, the two girls nodding back to him. "Then without further ado. Bakugan...BRAWL!" With that, Lyra and Trixie's BakuColars beeped to signal the battle's start with both showing their current life gauges.

Lyra: 100%
Trixie: 100%

"Gate Card!" Trixie held up a card and threw it, the card hitting the water and exploding with a burst of golden light. "Set!" She then clutched her Bakugan and began to run until she leapt up onto a crystal platform. "Bakugan," she threw it, "BRAWL!" The ball managed to hit three power-ups before landing in the water. "Bakugan," it popped open, "STAND!" The Bakugan exploded with light. "Haos Hynoid, RISE!"

The light faded to reveal a giant cream wolf with white fur and armour, which jumped up onto its back feet and stood tall.

Hynoid: 360Gs

The wolf then glowed as its power rose up.

Hynoid: 510Gs

"Interesting play," the announcer exclaimed. "How will Lyra respond?"

"I'm ready?" Nimue told her, but Lyra shook her head.

"Not yet," she took out another Bakugan. "I wanna get a handle on her play style before sending in the big guns. Hang back."

Nimue sighed, "very well." Lyra nodded back before putting Nimue in her pocket and running. She leapt onto a crystal, then another crystal before leaping off.

"Bakugan," she threw it, "BRAWL!" The Bakugan flew through the air, slamming through a stream of water, and hit four power-ups before landing in the water. "Bakugan...STAND!" It popped open before unleashing a tornado of water. "Aquos Abis Omega, STAND!" The tornado to reveal a large blue snake with a fin on its head and two fish fins on the side of its body.

Hynoid: 510Gs
Abis Omega: 350Gs

Abis Omega hissed as the power-ups kicked in and increased its power.

Hynoid: 510Gs
Abis Omega: 550Gs

"Ability," Trixie held up a card, "Activate!" The card glowed along with Hynoid's armour, "Blinding Light!" The light grew so bright that Abis Omega was forced to close its eyes.

Hynoid: 510Gs
Abis Omega: 500Gs

This was all Hynoid needed, the wolf getting onto all fours and charge. It then leapt forward and swung its claws, slashing the serpent in the face. Abis Omega hissed in pain as it fell back, but Lyra wasn't done. "Ability, Activate!" She held up a card as it glowed, "Spiral Vapour!" Abis Omega opened its mouth and unleashed cloud of mist, which hung in the air in front of it. It then flapped its wing-like fins and caused a wind that picked up the water and formed a tornado that flew towards Hynoid and slammed into it.

Hynoid: 510Gs
Abis Omega: 600Gs

The wolf roared as it was knocked backwards, whilst Abis Omega used the chance to get in close and then wrapped its body around Hynoid. "That's it!" Lyra told her Bakugan, "wrap it up so it can't attack."

"Not so fast," Trixie explained before pointing to the ground. "Gate Card, OPEN!" The ground began to glow, that light flying towards Hynoid and getting absorbed. "Haos Reactor!"

Hynoid: 710Gs
Abis Omega: 600Gs

Hynoid's increased strength allowed it to pushed Abis Omega's grip open before leaping out. It then spun around and charged, claws ready. But Lyra wasn't going to let it end this easily, holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed before Abis Omega unleashed a burst of freezing air that struck the ground and turned the hole thing to ice. "Frozen Land!"

Hynoid: 510Gs
Abis Omega: 600Gs

Hynoid suddenly slipped on the ice and began to slide toward Abis Omega, who spun around and struck the wold with its leaf-shaped tail end. Hynoid roared in pain as it was sent flying before reverting back to ball fall, the ball falling down to hit the frozen water.

That water quickly melted as Trixie's life gauge went down.

Lyra: 100%
Trixie: 82%

"Looks like Lyra takes the lead," the announcer cried as Abis Omega returned to her. "Is this going to continue, or will Trixie find a way to even the odds."

Lyra chuckled as Trixie picked up her Bakugan, "not bad for a nobody, huh?"

Trixie then smiled back, "don't get to cocky. Trixie hasn't even begun to show everything she has."

Back at the entrance, Flash and Twilight had just stepped inside and Bonnie wasn't far behind them.

But as soon as they arrived, they suddenly heard Derpy cry out. "GUYS!" They turned to see she was looking frantic, "we have a problem!" They rushed over to her and asked what was going on, Derpy quickly explaining the situation.

"Lyra's brawling somebody sent by Phantom?" Flash asked as Leonidas leapt onto his shoulder.

"If Phantom sent them, they must be strong."

"Then we've gotta go help her!" Flash was about to run towards the colosseum, but Bonnie jumped in front of him.

"Hold it!" She cried, "you can't stop this now that it's started. This is Lyra's brawl, so we need to let her see it through to the end."

"I'm with Bonnie," Twilight agreed. "Lyra's a strong brawler and she's got Nimue. I'm sure she's anything but helpless." Flash frowned, clearly not liking this. "But we can still go support her and be ready if something happens." This Flash was on board with, the lot rushing towards the stadium whilst Derpy told them to wish Lyra good luck for her.

They just hoped it wasn't to late.

"Gate Card!" Lyra threw the card, "SET!" It hit the ground and exploded before the girls ran to jump onto the nearest platform. They climbed higher and higher until the finally leapt off and threw their Bakugan.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" The two flew through the air, hitting some power-ups, then landed in the water. "Bakugan," they opened up, "STAND!" In an explosion of water and Light, the Bakugan appeared whilst powering up thanks to the coins.

Hynoid: 410Gs
Abis Omega: 450Gs

"Ability," Lyra held up a card, "Activate!" It glowed as Abis Omega unleashed the mist, "Spiral Vapour!" With a flap of its wings, it formed the tornado and set it flying towards Hynoid.

Hynoid: 410Gs
Abis Omega: 550Gs

"Not this time," Trixie told her before holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" It glowed along with another Bakugan ball, which floated next to Trixie before shooting towards the battlefield. "Rapid Haos!" The Bakugan hit the ground and opened up, unleashing a bright light that quickly faded to reveal a new Bakugan that looked like a giant robotic squid covered in pipes and tubes.

"Not good," Lyra realised before looking down at her BakuColar.

Hynoid+Freezer: 760Gs
Abis Omega: 550Gs

Freezer swung its tentacle around and hit the tornado, dispersing it as Hynoid charged and slashed at Abis Omega.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Lyra held up two cards as they glowed. "Maelstrom Guard, plus Water Bullet!" A water tornado appeared around Abis Omega, who then started firing blasts of water that struck Hynoid and knocked it backwards.

Hynoid+Freezer: 760Gs
Abis Omega: 800Gs

"Nice try," Lyra told her. "Even two against one, I can still take you."

"We'll see," Trixie held up another card. "Ability, Activate!" Freezer held up one of its tentacles, "Freeze Jail!" It then unleashed shockwaves that struck the water tornado. Seconds later, the tornado vanished to reveal Abis Omega completely frozen solid.

"Abis Omega!" Lyra cried, then looked down to see the Bakugan's G Powers were the same. But it also told her she couldn't use any abilities for a while.

"You're open!" Trixie held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Hynoid's claws glowed and extended, "Razor Brilliance!"

Hynoid+Freezer: 910Gs
Abis Omega: 800Gs

Hynoid charged forward, ready to end this round. At the same time, Nimue turned to Lyra. "You have to do something!" Lyra nodded and took out another Bakugan, flipping it in the air and catching it.

"Bakugan, BRAWL!" She threw the Bakugan and it landed between Abis Omega and Hynoid, "Bakugan...STAND!" The Bakugan exploded into a tornado of water, which Hynoid slashed at but felt its claws hit something hard. "Aquos Terrorclaw, stand!" The water faded to reveal a giant grab Bakugan.

Hynoid+Freezer: 910Gs
Abis Omega+Terrorclaw: 1110Gs

Trixie frowned at this, thinking she had had this battle won. But she wasn't done yet and held up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" The cards glowed along with her Bakugan. "Pack Attack, plus Psychic Thunder!" Freeze pointed its head down, revealing a glass top that showed a large brain. That brain unleashed a burst of electricity that flew out and struck Terrorclaw, it roared at this whilst Hynoid ran around it. At the same time, Pack Attack activated and gave it a hundred Gs for every Bakugan Trixie had out.

Hynoid+Freezer: 1110Gs
Abis Omega+Terrorclaw: 1010Gs

Hynoid that leapt forward and slashed the still frozen Abis Omega, making it cry out and fall to the ground with a hiss before reverting back to ball form.

Lyra: 80%
Trixie: 82%

"Ouch!" The announcer cried, "Trixie really pulled a fast one there. Now Lyra's behind and what's worse, she's lost a lot of power now that Abis Omega's gone." Lyra looked down at her BakuColar and saw he was right.

Hynoid+Freezer: 1110Gs
Terrorclaw: 210Gs

"Throw me in," Nimue told her.

"Not yet," Lyra replied as Hynoid and Freezer focused on Terrorclaw. At this moment, Flash and the others arrived at the stadium. They looked down into the battlefield as Lyra pointed to the ground. "Gate Card, OPEN!" The field glowed with that light spreading to Trixie's Bakugan. "Power Dip!" The light flew off the two and into Terrorclaw, "this'll suck away two hundred Gs from each of your Bakugan."

Hynoid+Freezer: 710Gs
Terrorclaw: 610Gs

"And now," Lyra held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with both of the crab's claws, "Vice-Leech!" Before either Bakugan could stop it, Terrorclaw thrust its claws out and clamped them onto the two. Seconds later, both Bakugan began to glow and that light flew into the claws. "Now I can steal away a hundred Gs from each of you!"

Hynoid+Freezer: 510Gs
Terrorclaw: 810Gs

Trixie watched her Bakugan getting crushed, but couldn't think of a way to free them. "Let's try this," she held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Some of Freezer's tentacles flew out and wrapped around Terrorclaw, "Shining Constriction!" They tightened around its claws, but they didn't seem to do anything.

Hynoid+Freezer: 510Gs
Terrorclaw: 710Gs

"It's not enough," Trixie realised before both her Bakugan suddenly reverted back to ball form. They fell to the ground and caused a great splash as Trixie lost life points.

Lyra: 80%
Trixie: 42%

"Wow," the announcer cried. "Even though it was two against one, Lyra was able to win that round. Talk about major skills."

"Alright Lyra!" Bonnie cheered, "that's my girl."

"Oh yeah!" Lyra cheered as Terrorclaw returned to her, "that was like...totally awesome!" It was then she seemed to realised what she had said, whilst Nimue laughed.

"Yes, that was quite good. But let's not get careless."

Lyra nodded, "you're right." She turned to see Trixie picking up her Bakugan, seeing a look of confidence still on her face. "She still has one Bakugan left."

Trixie stared at her Bakugan before pulling out the one Phantom had given her. "Trixie thinks it's time to stop playing around and get serious." She took out a card and threw it towards the ground. "Gate Card...SET!" It hit the ground and exploded, bathing the field in light. And before Lyra could do anything, Trixie threw two Bakugan towards the ground. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" They hit the ground and popped open, "Bakugan....STAND!"

With a burst of light, the two Bakugan appeared before Lyra.

Hynoid+Freezer: 710

Lyra and Nimue stared up at the two, Lyra then turning to run as fast as she could before leaping onto a crystal platform. She continued to climb until she got high enough and then threw her Bakugan, the pair flying the air and hitting some power-ups. Abis Omega hit two and Terrorclaw hit three before landing on the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" They popped open and appeared in a burst of water.

Hynoid+Freezer: 710
Abis Omega+Terrorclaw: 660

They then glowed thanks to the power-ups, boosting their powers.

Hynoid+Freezer: 710
Abis Omega+Terrorclaw: 910

"Looks like Lyra has the advantage once again. How will Trixie respond to this?"

"With her very best trick," Trixie smiled as she held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with her activate Bakugan and the one still on the field. "Cosmic Illusion!" Before Abis Omega an Terrorclaw could attack, Hynoid and Freezer suddenly disappeared.

"Where'd they go?" Lyra asked until she saw something. Light, which appeared where the Bakugan had been. And that light quickly transformed into the ghostly images of Hynoid and Freezer. "What are those things?"

"Ghost Mirages," Nimue replied. "Energy bodies that can lend their power to another Bakugan. Look up." She did and spotted the Bakugan's ball forms floating above the Ghost Mirages. "They can't fight or use abilities, but they also can't be defeated in battle. It's a powerful ability I've seen other Bakugan use. But neither of them should be able to use it."

"Maybe not," Trixie had heard her. "But it's also a special ability that can be used, even if the Bakugan isn't on the field." It was then that she held up a Bakugan, which was glowing yellow. "Prepare to witness the full might of the great and powerful...TRIXIE! Bakugan," she threw the ball, "Brawl!" It hit the ground and rolled through the water for several seconds before slowing down. "Bakugan...STAND!" The ball popped open and unleashed a light, which grew before taking shape. "Haos Trickstar!"

The light faded to reveal what looked like a man dressed like a kid's magician, only its cloths were white in place of black and yellow in place of red. He carried a silver novelty wand that had a star on it and its cape and hate were covered in stars. Its face was covered in a V for vendetta mask.

"No way," Lyra had never seen this Bakugan before. She then remembered what Nimue had said and looked down at her BakuColar.

Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1110
Abis Omega+Terrorclaw: 910

"Lyra's in trouble," Flash realised.

Twilight nodded. "With the other Bakugan unable to be knocked out, her only hope is to defeat Trickstar. And that could be difficult."

"Ability, Activate!" Lyra cried as Abis Omega unleashed burst of water at Trickstar, "Water Bullet!"

Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1110
Abis Omega+Terrorclaw: 1010

The magician leapt to the side in order to dodge the blasts, whilst Lyra held up another card. "Ability, Activate!" Terrorclaw charged, "Crab-Hammer!" Its claw glowed and it swung it at Trickstar.

Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1110
Abis Omega+Terrorclaw: 1110

The claw swung down and almost struck Trickstar, who held up his hands and caught it. The two were dead even, but Trixie was about to change that. "Ability, Activate!" Trickstar began to glow, "Lupin Divide!" In a flash of light, Trickstar vanished before five Trickstar appeared around Terrorclaw.

Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1310
Abis Omega+Terrorclaw: 1110

"Lyra," Nimue cried to her, "it's now or never. You have to throw me in!" Lyra nodded as was about grab Nimue, but Trixie was one step ahead of her.

"Gate Card, OPEN!" The ground began to glow. "No Entry!"

"What?" Lyra asked, only to see Nimue was glowing red. "What's happening?"

"No Entry," Trixie replied. "Now no new Bakugan can enter the battle. That means no backup for you."

"No fair!" Flash yelled as Trixie held up another card.

"Ability, Activate!" The Trickstar army each pulled out a bunch of playing cards, "Trump Strike!"

Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1510
Abis Omega+Terrorclaw: 1110

The Trickstar army threw the cards at Lyra's Bakugan, but she was a split second faster. "Double Ability, Activate!" Abis Omega was surrounded by a water tornado whilst Terrorclaw's shell glowed. "Maelstrom Guard, plus Shell Armour!"

Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1310
Abis Omega+Terrorclaw: 1260

The cards bounced off Terrorclaw but flew through the water and struck Abis Omega.

Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1310
Abis Omega+Terrorclaw: 1260

"Ability, Activate!" Trixie held up a card that glowed as all but one Trickstar vanished. That one then pointed its wand at Abis Omega, "Smoke-Sheen!" A bright light exploded out of the water that flew towards the snake and created a cloud of smoke that shined brightly and blinded Abis Omega as the water tornado vanished.

Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1310
Abis Omega+Terrorclaw: 1110

"DO IT!" Trixie cried as Trickstar charged forward and struck the snake with his fist, making it cry out in pain as it was thrown out of the cloud and reverted back to ball form.

Lyra: 40%
Trixie: 42%

"NO!" Lyra cried as her Bakugan fell to the floor, then looked down at her BakuColar. Without Abis Omega, Terrorclaw's power went way down.

Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1310
Terrorclaw: 710

"You're mine!" Trixie cried as Trickstar charged, but Lyra wasn't done yet.

"Triple Ability, ACTIVATE!" As Trickstar got closer, Terrorclaw thrust its claw out and grabbed it around the waist. "Vice-Leech, Plus, Bubble Blast, plus Hyper Clamp!" Terrorclaw began to squeeze Trickstar, stealing its power, then opened its mouth and unleashed a burst of bubbles that hit Trickstar's face and weakened it by a hundred points before the power of its claws increased some more.

Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1110
Terrorclaw: 1010

Trickstar groaned as it was squeezed, but it wasn't enough to hurt it. And Trixie knew that. "It's over," she said as Trickstar pointed its wand at Terrorclaw and unleashed a burst of light that struck it in the face. Terrorclaw cried out as it was knocked backwards, releasing Trickstar and falling to the ground before reverting back to ball form.

"Ouch!" The announcer cried as Lyra's life gauge dropped. "Lyra was just able to save herself from defeat. But with Trixie's strategy, it looks like she might have this one in the bag."

Lyra: 20%
Trixie: 42%

Lyra reached down and picked up her Bakugan, and frown on her face. Meanwhile, Trixie was laughing as all her Bakugan returned to her. "This Bakugan is amazing. Definitely one worthy of Trixie's skill. No doubt, you'll be her new go to Bakugan. As long as Trixie has you, nobody will be able to beat her." She turned to Lyra, "too bad some people don't know how to use a strong Bakugan."

"I can use strong Bakugan," Lyra told her. "But being reliant on one particular Bakugan is never a good idea. It makes you predictable and easy to counter."

"Maybe it makes you that," Trixie replied. "But not a brawler with real talent."

"I'll show you real talent," Lyra held up a Gate Card before turning to Nimue. "It's time. Are you ready?"

"Of course," Nimue nodded. "Whatever you have planned, I will help." She turned to Trixie, "especially if it wipes that smug smirk of that horrible girl's face."

Lyra nodded as she held her other two Bakugan in her hands. "Please, lend us your strength." She turned back to Trixie, Gate Card in hand and ready to be put into place. "GATE CARD...SET!" She threw it and once again the field was covered in blue energy, whilst Trixie prepared her throw.

"Bakugan," she threw all three, "BRAWL!" They hit the water and rolled before popping open, "BAKUGAN STAND!" In a flash of light, all three of her Bakugan appeared.

Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1110Gs

"I'm ready," Nimue told Lyra. But she shook her head.

"Not yet." She then held up her own Bakugan and threw them. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" They hit the ground and rolled through the water, "Bakugan...STAND!" They popped open and unleashed torrents of water that quickly vanished to reveal her Bakugan.

Abis Omega+Terrorclaw: 660
Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1110Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Trixie held up a card that glowed along with her two weaker Bakugan, "Cosmic Illusion!" In a flash, Hynoid and Freezer returned to ball form and their Ghost Mirages appeared. Now Trickstar was the only Bakugan that could be attacked.

"My turn," Lyra told her before holding up three cards. "Triple Ability, Activate!" They glowed as her Bakugan charged. Spiral Vapour, plus Water Bullet, plus Hyper Clamp!" Terrorclaw charged as Abis Omega unleashed the tornado of water before firing water projectiles.

Abis Omega+Terrorclaw: 1160
Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1110Gs

The water tornado struck Trickstar first, followed by the water bullets. These two attacks knocked Trickstar backwards, allowing Terrorclaw to get in close and grab it in its claw. The clown cried out as it was squeezed, but Trixie was prepared. "Ability, Activate!" The cards appeared in Trickstar's hand, "Trump Strike!"

Abis Omega+Terrorclaw: 1160
Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1310Gs

Trickstar threw the cards and hit Terrorclaw's face, making it cry out and let Trickstar go. And as it did, Trixie played another card. "Ability, Activate!" Trickstar suddenly multiplied, "Lupin Divide!"

Abis Omega+Terrorclaw: 1160
Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1510Gs

Everyone watched the Trickstar army running circles around the Aquos Bakugan, Nimue turning to her partner. "Lyra!"

"Not yet," Lyra replied before holding up two more cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" A tornado of water appeared around Abis Omega as Terrorclaw unleashed a bunch of bubbles. "Maelstrom Guard, plus Bubble Blast!" The bubbles struck each Trickstar and caused the fakes to vanish.

Abis Omega+Terrorclaw: 1310
Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1410Gs

"Ha!" Trixie cried, "still not enough. Face it, you just can't hold a candle to Trixie's power."

Lyra frowned. "You know something. You talk to much." Trixie raised an eyebrow at something. "It's time someone put you in your place. And show you what happens when you seal your teammates away instead of working together and sharing your power."

"What?" Trixie asked before Lyra pointed to the ground.

"Gate Card...OPEN!" The floor began to glow a bright light, which spread to Lyra's Bakugan. "Avalon!"

"Avalon?" the magician asked, "Trixie's never heard of that Gate Card."

"Because it's very special," Lyra replied. "It's a Command Card that can only be used if you have an Aquos Nimue." The light flew off her Bakugan and flew over to Nimue, making her glow. "Now, by tributing my other Bakugan, I can add their power to Nimue along with an extra hundred Gs." Abis Omega and Terrorclaw suddenly reverted back to ball form, Lyra turning to Nimue. "Ready?"

"Of course," Nimue nodded before jumping off her shoulder and closing up. "Let's do this milady."

Lyra smiled as she caught Nimue before pulling her arm back. "Bakugan," she threw the ball forwards, "BRAWL!" Nimue flew through the air before hitting the ground. "Bakugan," she rolled along the ground and then popped open, "STAND!" Seconds later, the ball was consumed by a tornado of water, with a silhouette appearing within the water. "Aquos Nimue, RISE!"

The water exploded off the Bakugan, revealing her true form. She was a beautiful woman with blue skin, wearing a shoulderless dress that was a combo of dark and light blue. The dress had a length of fabric that went from the front of the dress, up and around her neck before returning down the other side and connected to the same spot. This and the top of her dress was light blue and stopped at her waist, where it turned dark blue and morphed into a skirt-like structure that went down to her knees. Under her skirt, she was wearing a pair of light blue leggings and dark blue boots with white fur around the top.

She also had two pieces of white fabric that went from her chest to around her arms below the shoulder and onto the back of her dress. Connected to this piece of fabric was yet another, longer, piece of transparent blue fabric that started at the shoulder fabric and was connected the a pair of dark blue bracelets she wore. Her head looked like that of a normal woman's, but instead of ears she had fins similar to the ones Abis Omega had on the side of its body. She also had a light blue helmet on her head and a long white ponytail that went all the way down to her knees.

"I am Aquos Nimue," she announced whilst moving like a graceful dancer. "And in the name of my fallen comrades, I shall end your tricks once and for all." Everyone was in awe at the sight of the beautiful Bakugan, whilst Trixie stared down

Nimue: 1760
Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1410Gs

"Trixie won't let this end this way!" She cried before holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Trickstar pointed its wand at Nimue. "Smoke-Sheen!" In unleashed the light that hit Nimue and morphed into a cloud that blinded her.

Nimue: 1610
Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1410Gs

"This won't be enough to stop me," Nimue told her. She suddenly heard something and leapt to the side, seconds before Trickstar flew passed trying to hit her. "If I can't see, I'll listen."

"Then how about this!" Trixie cried. "Ability, Activate!" Trickstar reached into its sleeve. "Scarf Binding!" In suddenly unleashed a rope made of yellow and white scarves, which flew into the light. Nimue cried out as the cloud faded, revealing she had been tied up with her arms bound to her sides. "How'd you like that.

Nimue: 1410
Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1410Gs

"Not bad," Nimue smiled.

"But not good enough," Lyra stated as she held up a card. At the same time, Nimue managed to force the scarf rope open and leapt out. "Ability, Activate!" Nimue brought her hands together as a ball of mist appeared. "Vapour Blast!" As if doing the kamehameha, Nimue fired the mist ball forward and it exploded into a spray of moisture that struck Trickstar and knocked it staggering back.

Nimue: 1410
Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1210Gs

Trixie growled at this, "fine!" She held up another card. "Fusion Ability, Activate!" The card glowed, "Ultimate Illusion!" Trickstar suddenly multiplied into seven, with each Trickstar taking out cards that they tossed at Nimue.

"Augh!" She cried as the cards slammed into her, exploding upon impact.

Nimue: 1410
Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 1560Gs

"Go down!" Trixie yelled, "just fall already!"

"Never!" Nimue cried, "not after my friends gave so much go give me this chance."

"We won't lose," Lyra told her. "not to you and not to anyone." She held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Nimue leapt up out of the range of the cards, as a ball of water appeared in her hands. "Overflow!" She threw the ball down and it struck the ground, exploding into a wave of water that flew out in all directions.

Lyra leapt up and managed to get onto a platform before the wave hit, but Trixie and Trickstar were both struck and knocked backwards. Not only them, but also the Ghost Mirages. And despite not being washed away, they both seemed to feel that.

"The problem with your Ghost Mirages, is that they're still classed as being on the field even though they can't be knocked out of battle."

Nimue landed, causing a loud splash as she spoke. "That means they can still be effected by abilities that lower G power, like Overflow."

Trixie picked herself up out of the water and looked down at her BakuColar, seeing her Bakugan's new points.

Nimue: 1410
Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 780

"Impossible," she realised the only way that score could work was if her Bakugan's G power had been cut in half. "You won't get away with this!" Trixie cried before holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" A large hat appeared above Trickstar before falling on him, that hat then multiplying into three. "Can you guess where Trickstar is?"

Nimue charged towards a hand before spinning around and slamming it with her leg, causing the hat to explode in a puff of smoke that got in her eyes. "What?"

"Too bad!" Trixie cried, "and for every wrong hat, you lose points."

Nimue: 1310
Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 780

Nimue then turned to another hat and punched it, only to get hit with more smoke.

Nimue: 1210
Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 780

In this moment, Trickstar leapt out of the top of the final hat as Trixie played a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Trickstar waved its wand, "Star Dazzle!" A bunch of stars shot out the wand and hit Nimue, blinding her

"AUGH!"

Nimue: 1010
Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 780

"I can still win!" Trixie cried.

"I don't think so," Lyra held up another card. "Fusion Ability, Activate!" Trixie's eyes went wide, as Nimue leapt up. "Current of Power!" The ball of water appeared again and Nimue fired it like Vapour Blast, creating a high pressured burst of water that shot at Trickstar and struck it head on.

Trickstar cried out as it was thrown backwards, it and Nimue's power changing.

Nimue: 1110
Hynoid+Freezer+Trickstar: 567

Trixie gasped as Trickstar began to fall, eventually reverting back to ball form. It floated in the air for a second before shooting towards Lyra, whilst Trixie's life gauge dropped.

Lyra: 20% (Winner)
Trixie: 0%

"It's OVER!" The announcer yelled as Nimue returned to Lyra, the battlefield morphing back to norma. The crowd cheered, that final battle having seriously gotten their blood pumping. "Let's give it up for our amazing victor, who managed to defy the odds and claim victory. Lyra HEARTSTRINGS!" Again, the crowd cheered as Lyra smiled.

She then turned to Trixie, who had fallen to her knees and was upset at having lost her Bakugan. She then remembered what Flash had done against Thunderlane and if she wanted to be seen as on his level, she had to live up to that same standard.

"Hey!" Trixie looked up and saw Lyra throw something, the magician catching it and seeing it was her Trickstar. "Keep it. Haos isn't really my thing." Trixie looked at her in shock. "But next time, maybe we leave Phantom out of our brawl."

Trixie's shocked expression was soon replaced by one of annoyance as she stood up. "Oh, mark my words. The next time we face off, the only one Trixie will be brawling for will be herself. And she will defeat you, be sure of that." With that, she pulled something out of her pocket and threw it to the ground. The smoke bombs exploded and when it faded, she was gone and the door she had been in front of was wide open.

She looked up at the crowd, taking in the cheers they were giving her, and then her eyes landed on her friends. She smiled up at them and they smiled back, whilst the crowd started chanting. "LYRA! LYRA! LYRA! LYRA!" She and Nimue couldn't help but smile the biggest smiles they had ever had. All over the stadium, their brawl was being shown on every TV and everyone was realising Flash wasn't the only Brawler that was worth challenging.

When Lyra left the battlefield, she would be swarmed by a bunch of brawlers wanting to take her and Nimue on. But as this happened, Phantom was once again watching from the rooftops. "It seems taking any of these new talking Bakugan is going to be a difficult task. But no matter." He held up the cube, all of the symbols on it now slightly faded. "Once I have you, they will all fall before us."

Despite Lyra's victory over Trixie, things would only get more and more difficult. And until the mysteries of the Bakugan were solved, nobody would be able to relax and enjoy themselves.

Author's Note

Lyra got her moment to shine and Trixie appeared. Hope you enjoyed and look forward to what's to come.

Double Up

"Ability, ACTIVATE!" Flash yelled as Leonidas unleashed his Alpha Blaster, slamming into a Ventus Fly Beetle and knocking it back to ball form whilst his opponent's points dropped to zero.

"Gate Card, OPEN!" Lyra screamed as the field glowed and was suddenly filled with geysers, this powering up Nimue enough to slammed her foot into a Pyrus Griffon and knocking it back. It reverted back to ball form as its owner's life gauge was depleted.

This image along with the one before were being shown on a TV in the main lobby, the one focusing on them both being Twilight. The girl was sat at a table watching as the announcers praised the two young brawlers. "And that was a rerun of the final rounds for the Brawls that just ended moments ago. Flash and Lyra are quickly raising through the ranks of the stadium, with their talking Bakugan by their side. It doesn't look like anyone's gonna be able to beat these guys."

"OH YEAH!" Twilight heard, turning to see Flash and Lyra walking towards her after leaving the stadiums they had been battling in. "Another win for us!"

"Was there any doubt?" Lyra asked as they sat down at Twilight's table, their Bakugan jumping down onto it. "I mean, who could possibly compete with us since our Bakugan can talk and plan with us."

"That does seem to give us a tactical advantage," Nimue agreed.

"Plus," Leonidas laughed, "it doesn't hurt that you and I are so strong. Against us, normal Bakugan don't stand a chance."

"You do remember you lost to me and my Spikenoid, right?" They all turned to Twilight, who was giving them a look as she drank a soda she had.

Leonidas turned to her, a look on his...plastic face showing he was thinking back to that moment. "Well...back then me and Flash weren't in sync. If we faced off again, I'm sure we'd wipe the floor with your." Flash saw the ticked off look appearing on Twilight's face and quickly covered Leonidas up.

"What he means is, we've grown a lot since then."

Twilight nodded, "I'll admit that's true." She took a sip, "but don't think that means you're suddenly the best Brawler in Canterlot. There's still a lot of people that out class you. Phantom being one of them." Flash and Leonidas frowned, remembering the beating they had gotten from that shades-wearing weirdo.

"Alright," Flash nodded, "so I'm not the best Brawler in the Canterlot. But I don't think it'd be a stretch to call me the best...Haos Brawler in Canterlot."

"And I'm Canterlot's best Aquos Brawler," Lyra agreed. "I mean, nobody I've met even comes close to using that attribute as well as me." Twilight rolled her eyes before the lot heard a voice call out to the Brawlers in question, both of which turned to see a pair of teen asking if they wanted a match.

The two happily obliged and rushed off to the nearest empty stadiums, Bonnie rushing after them. This just left Twilight, who was still a little upset about the two's suddenly overconfidence.

That night, Twilight was in her room at her computer.

On the screen were five girls. The white and pink girls she had been seen talking too, along with a blue skinned girl with rainbow coloured hair, a yellow skinned girl with pink hair and an orange skinned girl with blonde hair.

Currently, she was complaining about what Flash and Lyra had said earlier. "Seriously, they get a few wins under their belts and they suddenly start thinking they're invincible."

"Geez," the orange skinned girl said, "these two are startin ta sound like Rainbow Dash."

"Hey!" The blue skinned girl cried.

"I'm sure they're just excited about doing so well," the pink hair girl replied.

"Maybe," Twilight frowned. "But if they're not careful, they'll start getting overconfident. And if Phantom or one of this goons show up." The girls all frowned, clearly knowing who Phantom was and what might happen. "There has to be a way to make them see they've still got a long way to go. Or at least knock them down a peg. Flash even went as far as to call himself Canterlot's greatest Haos Brawler."

"Greatest Haos Brawler?" The white skinned girl replied, "that's a bit of a stretch."

"Exactly," Twilight nodded. It was then she had an idea, making her smirk and lean forward. "Rarity, do you think you could lend me a hand?" Rarity looked intrigued by this whilst Twilight turned to the pink skinned girl. "You to Pinkie. I could use your insane style of brawling. What do you say?"

Pinkie smiled, "I'm in. This sounds fun."

"I'll assist you too," Rarity nodded. "Now what's your plan, darling?" Twilight went on to explain the plan, the rest of her friends all smiling as they listened.

The next day.

When Flash, Lyra and Bonnie left school, the Aquos and Haos Brawlers suddenly got a message on their BakuColars. "Huh?" They looked down at their watches, "what's this?" Flash asked as they accepted the message. "It's from Twilight."

"Same here," Lyra told him. "She says to meet her at the colosseum and be ready to brawl."

"That's my message too," Flash nodded before the pair shared a look. "Wonder what she's up to?"

"Not sure," Lyra shrugged. "But I'm sure it's nothing the best Aquos Brawler can't handle." Flash laughed and said something similar before they both rushed off towards the battle arena, Bonnie rolling her eyes and following after them.

They soon arrived at the colosseum and looked around, not seeing Twilight anywhere. They did spot Derpy at one of the counters, the girl looking upset. "Derpy!" Flash called out, "you seen-...problem?" He noticed her expression.

"I'm fine," Derpy told him. "I just learned my shift got pushed back an hour. Wish they'd told me that sooner. Anyway, what's up?"

"Have you seen Twilight?" Lyra asked, "she told us to meet her here."

Derpy was about to answer, then noticed something. "Isn't that her over there?" They looked around and spotted the girl in question walking towards them, with Rarity and Pinkie walking besides her.

"Hey Twilight," Flash turned to the two others. "Who are your friends?"

Twilight smiled back before gesturing to them, "these are two friends I made online a while back. This is Rarity."

"Charmed," Rarity nodded as Twilight gestured to the other girl.

"And this is-" She didn't get to answer as the girl leapt forward and grabbed Flash and Lyra's hands.

"Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie!" She started shaking them eagerly, "it's great to meet you. I hope we can be friends. Isn't this place the best. It's just so much fun." She was talking so fast the three barely managed to figure out what she was saying.

Rarity then cleared her throat, making Pinkie let them go and jump back. "Anyway," she turned to Flash. "Twilight here tells me you think you're the best Haos Brawler here."

Flash gave Twilight a look, "yeah."

"Well, you can't really say that unless you beat every Haos Brawler here. And it seems you missed one." She then took out a Bakugan, which was Haos. "So let's fix that."

Lyra quickly realised were this was going and turned to Pinkie, who smiled and took out an Aquos Bakugan. "So you wanna Brawl me?"

"That's right," Twilight nodded. "And not just any Brawl. A Tag-Brawl. You and Flash against Rarity and Pinkie."

"Why?" Flash asked.

"A few reasons," Twilight retorted. "The most is that you haven't had a Tag-Brawl yet. It could help you a lot."

"I guess," Flash nodded before turning to Lyra. "What do you think." The girl thought for a moment whilst Leonidas and Nimue leapt up onto their shoulders.

"I say we go for it," the dragon told Flash. "If Twilight thinks these two are worthy to challenge us for being the best, they must be good."

"I'm with Leonidas," Nimue agreed. "If we want to prove ourselves, he need to challenge ourselves." Flash and Lyra then shared a look before nodding with a smirk, then turned to their opponents.

"Alright then," Flash pointed at Rarity. "You're on. Winner gets to call themselves the colosseum's best Brawler."

"Yay!" Pinkie clapped her hands. "This is gonna be so much fun!" She turned to skip towards the arena, with the others following. A few minutes later, the crowd of stadium B was cheering as they awaited the start of the next Brawl. And with two of the competitors being so well known, they knew it was gonna be good.

"Welcome Baku-fans!" The announcer cried as the four of them arrived at the battlefield, whilst Twilight, Bonnie and Derpy watched from the seats above. "We have yet another exciting brawl here today. Flash Sentry and Lyra Heartstrings, who wield the mighty talking Bakugan, will be facing off against Rarity and Pinkie Pie. These two have a very respectable win record at the moment. Will they add beating these two to their list of accomplishments?"

"So how does this work?" Leonidas asked, "we just battle side by side?"

"Basically," Lyra nodded. "Just think back to your first Brawl against Garble. His Bakugan fought side by side. The only difference is your G Power won't combine with Nimue's."

"And the point deduction is based on the Bakugan that lands the final blow," Flash went on. "Even if you're five hundred points higher and have done most of the damage, if Nimue knocks it back into ball form then it's her points that get calculated."

"Got it," Leonidas nodded before turning to Nimue. "Try not to get in my way."

"Ha!" The Aquos Bakugan quipped, "I was about to say the same thing to you."

"Let's see where our Brawlers will be facing off against one another today!" The announcer cried. It was then that the floor below them began to glow before constructing a kingdom made entirely of sugar. Everything was made out of some kind of treat, with gingerbread houses, lollipop trees and even lakes of ice cream. It was a dentist's dream. Multiple power ups were also floating there. "It's Candyland!"

"Candyland?" Leonidas asked as Flash crouched down and tapped the ground, realising it was mad of solid chocolate.

"Talk about a weird battlefield," Flash told them whilst Pinkie stared at it in wonder.

"WOW-WEE!" She cried, "this is the best battlefield EVER!" Rarity chuckled at her friend's excitement whilst Flash and Lyra got battle ready.

"Be careful," Nimue told them. "Twilight considers them the candidates for the best of each attribute. No doubt they have a few tricks up their sleeves." They nodded as the announcer spoke up.

"Are all you brawlers ready?" They all nodded back to him, ready to prove they were the best. "Then without further ado. Bakugan...BRAWL!" With that, their BakuColars beeped to signal the battle's start with both showing their current life gauges.

Lyra: 100%
Flash: 100%
Rarity: 100%
Pinkie: 100%

"Me first!" Pinkie cried as she pulled a Gate Card out of her hair. She then span around several times on the spot. "Gate Card..." She threw it, "SET!" The card hit the ground and exploded into green light, which spread across the battle field. Pinkie then rushed forward and leapt up onto a lollipop and bounced off it. "Bakugan," she threw her Bakugan, "BRAWL!" The ball managed to hit three power-ups before landing on the chocolate road. "Bakugan," it popped open, "STAND!" The ball exploded into a tornado of water, with a shadow appearing within it. "Its playtime, Aquos Gumigator!"

The tornado exploded with the water evaporating, revealing a humanoid alligator. It looked similar to a Bakugan they knew as Hammersaur and Anchorsaur, though this one didn't have any armour. It's entire body was blue, most of it being dark blue with a light blue chest and lower jaw. Its eyes were bright purple and it had a purple gem between the pecks of its chest. It open its mouth and they saw it was lacking teeth, a bunch of pink gums in their place.

Gumigator: 390Gs

The Bakugan glowed as its power began to rise.

Gumigator: 540Gs

"Never seen that Bakugan before," Flash stated before looking over at Leonidas. "Ready partner."

"I am," Leonidas rolled up and Flash caught it. But before they could jump into action, Lyra stepped in.

"Hold it!" They turned to her, "she the Aquos Brawler. That means I'm the one who's gotta take her down." She turned to run towards a giant donut, which she used like a springboard to leap up and land atop a candy cane. "Bakugan," she threw Nimue, "BRAWL!" The ball flew through the air, hitting three out of the four power-ups she was aiming for before hitting the ground. "Bakugan," it opened, "STAND!" Another water tornado exploded and quickly exploded, revealing Lyra's ace. "Aquos Nimue!"

Nimue: 350Gs
Gumigator: 540Gs

Nimue landed on the ground as the power-ups kicked in, bringing her closer to Gumigator but not getting her quiet there.

Nimue: 500Gs
Gumigator: 540Gs

"Greetings Gumigator," she told her opponent. "Though you can't talk, I hope we can have a battle to be proud of." Gumigator simply stared at her, looking more mindless then any other Bakugan. "Huh...Lyra."

"Ability, activate!" She held up a card that glowed as Nimue brought her hands together, "Vapour Blast!" Nimue created the mist and fired, hitting Gumigator and making it stagger back as its power was depleted.

Nimue: 500Gs
Gumigator: 340Gs

"Not bad," Pinkie then pulled a card from her hair. "Ability, Activate!" Gumigator charged out of the mist as it opened its mouth, which filled with mist. "Glacial Fang!" That mist solidified into a punch of icicle teeth, which it fired out of its mouth and struck Nimue.

"Augh!" She cried whilst staggering backwards.

Nimue: 500Gs
Gumigator: 540Gs

"Alright," Lyra held up another card. "Ability, Activate!" It glowed as Nimue held a finger straight up, a dark cloud appearing above it. "Draining Rain!" Nimue pointed the finger at Gumigator and the cloud flew towards it before unloading its rain, which struck the Bakugan and caused whatever was struck to smoke like it was acid. "This ability steals fifty Gs from your Bakugan every five seconds.

Nimue: 550Gs
Gumigator: 490Gs

Nimue: 600Gs
Gumigator: 440Gs

Nimue: 650Gs
Gumigator: 390Gs

"That's the way!" Flash cheered whilst Rarity turned to Pinkie, seeing she wasn't worried.

"You are good," she told her Bakugan as she took out another card. "But not good enough. Ability, Activate!" It glowed, "Blank Stare!" Gummy turned to glare at Nimue, its eyes glowing and causing her to glow too.

"What?" She asked as she felt herself getting weaker, Lyra turning to her BakuColar and seeing their points return to normal for a second before Nimue's dropped.

Nimue: 400Gs
Gumigator: 540Gs

"Not good!" Lyra realised as Gumigator charged and tried slashing at Nimue, who barely managed to avoid the attacks. "Alright then," she held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Nimue leapt up and raised her arms, "Overflow!" A ball of water appeared in her hands and she threw it to the ground, it hitting and exploding into a tidalwave. The Brawlers leapt behind the houses so as to not be hit, as the water flew out and struck everything else.

That included Gumigator, who was pushed backwards.

Nimue: 400Gs
Gumigator: 270Gs

"Hold on Gummy!" Pinkie cried as she pulled herself up onto the top of a cake house, "Gate Card OPEN!" As she said that, the ground beneath the water began to glow green before powerful winds shot up and blew the water away. "Ventus Reactor!"

"Ventus?" Flash asked.

"Oh hoo!" The announcer cried, "it appears Pinkie forgot her Bakugan's an Aquos. So Ventus Reactor won't work on it."

"What were you thinking?" Lyra asked, wondering why Twilight would consider her the best Aquos Brawler if she does this."

"I was thinking I should use a Gate Card that helps me and not you," she explained before looking up at her Bakugan. "it's time Gummy!" The alligator nodded before moving its arms around, the gem on its chest glowing. "Attribute...CHANGE!" Everyone's eyes went wide as Gummy was suddenly consumed by light, which quickly faded to reveal a now green alligator Bakugan. "Ventus Gumigator!"

Nimue: 400Gs
Gumigator: 470Gs

Everyone watching, minus Rarity and Twilight, were in total shock. None more so then Flash and Lyra. "It changed its attribute?" Flash asked as Leonidas growled.

"How?"

Lyra was just as flummoxed. "Th...th...that's like...totally impossible!"

"It's not," Nimue told her. "It's rare, but some Bakugan have the ability to change their attribute to another. It's mostly common in Aquos types."

Lyra frowned, turning to Pinkie. "Hey, this isn't right. We're supposed to be proving who the better Aquos brawler is. It doesn't count if you change your attribute!"

"What are you talking about?" Pinkie asked, "changing to suit the situation's what water's all about." She swung her arms around, the way they were wiggling making those watching doubt she had any bones. "Go with the flow!"

Lyra growled before holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with the Bakugan, the light flying off Gummy into Nimue. "Co-Side!"

Nimue: 500Gs
Gumigator: 470Gs

Nimue charged at Gumigator, hoping to take it down before Pinkie could activate an ability. But as she started throwing punches and kicks, Gummy seemed to move without its eyes following her. It barely seemed to notice it was moving at all. But this was enough for Pinkie to pick a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Gumigator leapt back, "Cyclone Fang!" It took a deep breath before opening its mouth, as a burst of wind shot out and struck Nimue. She cried out as the wind sliced into her, feeling like needles biting into her.

Nimue: 500Gs
Gumigator: 670Gs

"Nimue!" Lyra cried as she tried to activate an ability, bit it was too late. Nimue was thrown backwards and knocked back into ball form, falling to her feet as Lyra's life gauge went down.

Lyra: 66%
Flash: 100%
Rarity: 100%
Pinkie: 100%

"Wow," the announcer cried as Lyra picked Nimue up, "round one goes to Pinkie and Rarity. Can Flash and Lyra make a comeback."

"Sure we can," Flash told him as he held up a card before running. He leapt up onto a large pile of jelly, using it to bounce up onto an archway made of cookie. "Gate Card...SET!" He threw it and the card hit the ground, exploding into light before Flash grabbed Leonidas. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw Leonidas at a cluster of power-ups and managed to hit two of them before landing on the ground. "Bakugan," he popped open, "STAND!" In a burst of light, the dragon appeared. "Haos Leonidas!"

Leonidas: 400Gs

Leonidas took to the air as the power-ups kicked in, boosting his power.

Leonidas: 500Gs

Flash pointed at Rarity. "Come on, let's see what you've got." Leonidas roared in agreement as Rarity smiled back.

"Very well," she said before rushing forward and graceful leapt into the air. She landed on one of the gingerbread houses and held up her Bakugan, spotting a cluster of power-ups a ways off. "Bakugan," she threw it, "BRAWL!" The ball shot through the air and hit the power-ups, then landed on the ground. "Bakugan," it popped open, "STAND!" The Bakugan exploded with light. "Haos Cleopal, RISE!"

The light faded and revealed a yellow skinned woman wearing white egyptian style clothing with yellow trim. Her face was covered in a white cat mask with only her mouth and chin visible. She had purple hair styled the same way as Rarity and around her neck was a scarf-like fabric that had four tendrils. On the end of each tendril was a round, multi-coloured, gemstone. Covering hers hands were white metal gloves with small yellow claws on the end of each finger.

Cleopal: 410Gs
Leonidas: 500Gs

The cat woman then glowed as she increased her power, Rarity taking out her ability card.

Cleopal: 560Gs
Leonidas: 500Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Cleopal's claws glowed before doubling in size, "Mad Scratch!" It charged forward and leapt at Leonidas, but Flash was quicker.

"Double Ability, Activate!" He held up two cards as they glowed along with his Bakugan. "Dragon Flash, plus Alpha Blaster!" Leonidas suddenly disappeared, causing Cleopal to miss as it slashed at him, then reappeared behind her as she landed.

Cleopal: 760Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

Leonidas fired the laser from his mouth and struck Cleopal, knocking it backwards and causing it to hit the ground. But it didn't go down and Rarity was ready with a counter. "Ability, Activate!" Cleopal rolled onto her back as her eyes glowed, then unleashing beams of light at Leonidas. "Cats Eyes!"

The beam struck Leonidas, "Augh!" He cried as he fell towards the ground.

Cleopal: 760Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs

"Flash!" He yelled mid-fall. "A little help, please!" Flash nodded and pointed to the ground.

"Gate Card, open!" The ground exploded with light, that light causing Leonidas to grow as he felt his strength return. "Haos Saver! This card negates any effect an opponent's last Ability Card has on a Haos Bakugan!" Leonidas smirked as he spread his wings, allowing him to stop meters from the ground.

"Ahaa!" He yelled whilst flying back up, "that's more like it!"

Cleopal: 760Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

Rarity frowned but held up another card. "Ability, Activate!" Cleopal's scarfs floated up, the gems glowing as they did so. "Gem Leech!" The crystals unleashed beams of energy that struck Leonidas and made him groan, feeling his strength fade.

Flash looked down at his BakuColar and didn't like what he was seeing.

Cleopal: 810Gs
Leonidas: 750Gs

Cleopal: 860Gs
Leonidas: 700Gs

Cleopal: 910Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs

"I gotta stop this!" He held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" It glowed as a force-field appeared around Leonidas, breaking the beams connection on him. "Hyper Shield!"

Cleopal: 760Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

Rarity made an interesting noise, which might have been a laugh. "Not bad." She turned to Pinkie, "maybe we should shake things up a bit." Pinkie nodded and took out her Bakugan before leaping into the air.

"Bakugan, BRAWL!" She threw it and hit a single Power-up before landing on the ground. "Bakugan," it popped open, "STAND!" And unleashed a tornado of water that exploded to reveal the caiman Bakugan. "Aquos Gumigator!"

Cleopal: 760Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs
Gumigator: 440Gs

Flash and Leonidas were so surprised by this, they didn't notice Rarity hold up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Cleopal's scarves flew up before the gems fired another load of beams. "Gem Strike!"

Cleopal: 860Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs
Gumigator: 440Gs

Leonidas fell back as Gumigator charged forward, Pinkie ready to activate her own ability.

"Lyra!" Nimue cried as the girl nodded and grabbed her, then charged towards a wafer tube. She rushed up it as it was leaned against the side of a building, then leapt out and spotted another cluster of Power-ups.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" She threw the ball towards the ground, hitting three of the Power-ups before landing. "Bakugan," it popped open, "STAND!" Another tornado of water exploded out of it before vanishing to reveal Nimue.

Nimue: 500Gs
Cleopal: 860Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs
Gumigator: 440Gs

"Time for some payback!" Nimue leapt between Gumigator and Leonidas, "LYRA!"

"Ability, Activate!" Lyra held up a card that glowed, as Nimue created the ball of mist. "Vapour Blast!" She fired the mist and struck Gumigator, making it stagger backwards.

Nimue: 500Gs
Cleopal: 860Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs
Gumigator: 240Gs

"That's the way!" Lyra cheered as Flash held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" It glowed as Leonidas began to spin, "Shining Tornado!" The light drill formed around Leonidas and he flew forward, ready to take Cleopal down.

Nimue: 500Gs
Cleopal: 860Gs
Leonidas: 950Gs
Gumigator: 240Gs

"This could be trouble," Rarity realised before turning to Pinkie. "Mind lending a hand, darling?" Pinkie smirked and nodded.

"Sure. Go Gummy!" As she said that, Gummy's chest gem glowed before it once again transformed. "Attribute Change!" The light faded to reveal the green alligator, "Ventus!"

"How's that supposed to help you?" Flash asked, but Lyra caught on.

"Oh no!" She cried as Rarity held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with Cleopal and Gumigator, "Diagonal Correlation!" The light flew off Gummy and onto the cat-woman, powering her up.

Nimue: 500Gs
Cleopal: 1060Gs
Leonidas: 950Gs
Gumigator: 240Gs

Seconds later, the Shining Tornado struck her. But she was strong enough to stop the attack and throw it backwards, causing Leonidas to explode out of it as it hit the ground. "Augh!" He cried as he slid back, Flash and Lyra rushing to his side. "What was that?"

"Diagonal Correlation," Lyra realised. "With it, a Bakugan gets two hundred Gs if their alley is opposite them on the hexagonal magic circle."

"They played us," Flash groaned before turning to Gumigator. "If we take that thing down, Cleopal will lose its power."

"I'm on it!" Nimue cried as she charged forward, as Pinkie held up two cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" They glowed along with Gummy and Cleopal. "Wind Cutter, plus Diagonal Correlation!" The light flew off Cleopal and into Gumigator, who then swung its claws around and unleashed burst of wind.

Nimue: 500Gs
Cleopal: 1060Gs
Leonidas: 950Gs
Gumigator: 590Gs

The wind struck Nimue and knocked her backwards, making her cry out. "Enough of this!" Leonidas cried as he took to the skies and flew up, then dived down. "FLASH!"

"Ability, Activate!" Flash held up the card as it glowed, "Brawling Dragon!"

Nimue: 500Gs
Cleopal: 1060Gs
Leonidas: 1050Gs
Gumigator: 590Gs

Leonidas reached Gummy, but before he could wail on him. "Ability, Activate!" Pinkie played a card as Gumigator crossed its arms, his scales glowing. "Power Hide!" Leonidas punched Gummy, flinching at the pain he felt, but kept punching away despite it.

Flash wondered about the ability and looked down at his BakuColar, his eyes going wide when he saw both Leonidas and Gummy's points changing. Every time Leonidas hit Gummy, fifty of his Gs were transferred to the alligator. "LEO!" But it was too late.

"RAAAAH!" Leonidas swung around and struck Gumigator with his tail, knocking it backwards off its feet. When it did, their new points read.

Nimue: 500Gs
Cleopal: 1060Gs
Leonidas: 850Gs
Gumigator: 790Gs

Gumigator suddenly returned to ball form, dropping to the ground as Pinkie lost points.

Lyra: 66%
Flash: 100%
Rarity: 100%
Pinkie: 88%

"Aha!" Leonidas cheered, but then Nimue called out to him.

"Leonidas, behind you!" He turned to see Cleopal had leapt into the air, as Rarity held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The scarves flew up and brought the gems together. "Blazing Light!" The gems then unleashed a blinding flash that filled the battlefield, hitting Leonidas and Nimue in the eyes.

"AUGH!" They both cried as they covered them, "My eyes!"

"I can't see!" Nimue yelled as their brawlers jumped behind a house to escape the light. As they did, Cleopal landed on the ground and ran forward as the light stopped. Flash and Lyra checked their BakuColars and saw the new point total.

Nimue: 450Gs
Cleopal: 1060Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

Before either of them could do anything, Cleopal reached Leonidas and spun around. The four gems slammed into his head and knocked him backwards, causing him to fall to the ground and return to ball form.

Lyra: 66%
Flash: 48%
Rarity: 100%
Pinkie: 88%

As this happened, Nimue's eyes recovered and she was able to turn to Cleopal as Lyra held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" She leapt into the air and formed a ball of water, "Overflow!" The ball was thrown to the ground and exploded, creating a tidalwave that struck Cleopal and knocked her backwards.

Nimue: 450Gs
Cleopal: 530Gs

"Now," Lyra leapt up onto the roof, "before she recovers!" She held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Nimue created another water orb and thrust it forward, the sphere exploded into a steam of water that hit the ground and flew forward and began to wrap around Cleopal like rope. "Raging River! Reverse the effects of Cleopal's last Ability!"

Nimue: 550Gs
Cleopal: 530Gs

Cleopal was lifted into the air and before Rarity could do anything, Nimue leapt up and swung a kick right into her. The cat woman was thrown backwards and reverted back to ball form, Rarity's life gauge dropping as Nimue returned to Lyra.

Lyra: 66%
Flash: 48%
Rarity: 96%
Pinkie: 88%

Flash and Lyra stared at their BakuColars, frowning as they did. Even though Lyra managed to get the final hit of the round in, they were still behind. Up above, Bonnie and Derpy were worried whilst Twilight smiled. "You weren't kidding," Bonnie turned to Twilight. "Those two are good."

Twilight nodded. "Flash and Lyra will have their work cut out for them if they want to win."

"Okay," Flash turned to Lyra, "maybe these two are better then we thought they were."

"Maybe," Lyra nodded, "but we're not out of this yet." Flash nodded and the pair rushed off, whilst Rarity and Pinkie stood there.

"This is fun," Pinkie smiled whilst Rarity nodded.

"Yes," she flipped her hair and held up a card, "but all good things must come to an end. Gate Card," she threw it towards the ground. "SET!" Once it exploded, she and Pinkie rushed off. Soon enough, Rarity, Flash and Lyra reached a sugar-built building and leapt off the roofs.

"BAKUGAN!" They threw theirs, "BRAWL!" The three orbs shot through the air and struck a cluster of Power-ups each before hitting the ground, rolling until they stopped. "BAKUGAN...STAND!" They popped open and it a burst of light and water, the three Bakugan appeared and were powered up.

Nimue: 450Gs
Cleopal: 460Gs
Leonidas: 500Gs

Rarity was the first to play a card. "Ability, Activate!" Cleopal raised her scarves again and brought the gems together. "Blazing Light!" They unleashed the bright light once again, blinding the two Bakugan.

"AUGH!" They cried before Leonidas growled, "not again." Flash and Lyra were also blinded, allowing their Bakugan to lose more points every five seconds.

Nimue: 350Gs
Cleopal: 460Gs
Leonidas: 400Gs

"Ability, Activate!" They both held up a card, which glowed at the same time. "Hyper Shield/Misty Barricade!" Leonidas formed a force-field around him, whilst Nimue was suddenly surround by a cloud of mist. Both shields blocked out the light, negating the Ability's affect.

Nimue: 450Gs
Cleopal: 460Gs
Leonidas: 500Gs

Once the shields vanished, Leonidas and Nimue charged. "Let's get her!" The dragon yelled, Nimue nodding. But as they approached the cat-woman, Pinkie suddenly appeared atop a building and leapt off.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" She threw the ball and hit some Power-ups, then landed between Cleopal and their opponents. "Bakugan...STAND!" It popped open and unleashed a tornado of water, which stopped Leonidas and Nimue. And as the water exploded to reveal Gumigator, Rarity held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" It and Gumigator glowed, "Gem Strike!"

Nimue: 450Gs
Cleopal: 560Gs
Leonidas: 500Gs
Gumigator: 540Gs

Cleopal fired the beams of light from its gems, hitting Nimue whilst Flash and Pinkie held up their own cards. "Ability, Activate!" Both cards glowed, "Dragon Flash/Ocean Assault!" Leonidas glowed and began to fly around fast, whilst Gumigator opened its mouth and blew a giant water bubble from it.

Nimue: 450Gs
Cleopal: 560Gs
Leonidas: 600Gs
Gumigator: 690Gs

Gumigator fired the bubble and it shot straight up, shooting passed Leonidas before exploding and unleashing several large drops of water that shot towards the ground like meteors. "Wow!" Leonidas tried to avoid them, his increased speed helping, but soon got struck. "GAH!" He cried as he was knocked down, hitting the ground hard.

"Ability, Activate!" Lyra held up a card as Nimue formed a ball of mist, "Vapour Blast!" Nimue thrust the attack forward and unleashed the attack, hitting Gumigator and knocking it staggering backwards as Cleopal ran forward.

Nimue: 450Gs
Cleopal: 560Gs
Leonidas: 600Gs
Gumigator: 490Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Rarity held up a card as it glowed, Cleopal's claws doing the same. "Mad Scratch!" Cleopal leapt at Leonidas and slashed him as he picked himself up, making him cry out as he staggered back.

Nimue: 450Gs
Cleopal: 760Gs
Leonidas: 600Gs
Gumigator: 490Gs

Flash held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas opened his mouth as it sparked, "Alpha Blaster!"

Nimue: 450Gs
Cleopal: 760Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs
Gumigator: 490Gs

Leonidas fired the laser, hitting Cleopal and knocking her backwards. As it did, Pinkie held up a pair of cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" They glowed as Gumigator charged at Nimue. "Glacial Fang, plus Aqua Claw!" Gummy launched the icicle fangs, hitting Nimue and making her stagger backwards.

Nimue: 450Gs
Cleopal: 760Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs
Gumigator: 790Gs

Gumigator's claws then glowed as it slashed at Nimue, who evaded the attack whilst Lyra held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" It glowed as Nimue formed the ball of water, dodging another slash. "Raging River!" She thrust it forward, the ball exploding into a steam of water, and struck struck Gumigator. As it was pushed back, its claws stopped glowing.

Nimue: 450Gs
Cleopal: 760Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs
Gumigator: 590Gs

"Not bad," Pinkie told her. "But not good enough. Gummy," the Bakugan stood up, "it's time. Attribute Change!" The alligator waved its arms around as the gem glowed, "let's go...Subterra!" Gummy was surrounded by the light and when it faded, he was now brown with his stomach and lower jaw being orange.

"Now its Subterra?" Lyra asked as Pinkie held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" It glowed as Gummy opened its mouth, with large rock-like teeth growing out of it. "Tectonic Fang!"

Nimue: 450Gs
Cleopal: 760Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs
Gumigator: 790Gs

Like with Glacial Fang, Gummy fired the rocks from its mouth and struck Nimue. "AUGH!" She cried as they stabbed into her, making her stagger backwards.

Whilst this happened, Leonidas and Cleopal continued to fight. "Ability," Rarity raised a card, "Activate!" It glowed as Cleopal fired beams from its eyes. "Cat's Eye!" The beams struck Leonidas and made him stagger backwards.

Nimue: 450Gs
Cleopal: 760Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs
Gumigator: 790Gs

"Leo!" Flash yelled, "you gotta get out of there!" Leonidas spread his wings and took to the air, getting out of the beam's range as Nimue leapt back away from Gummy.

"Ability, Activate!" Lyra held up a card as it glowed, Nimue holding up a finger and forming a rain cloud. "Draining Rain!" She pointed the figure at the two opponent Bakugan and the cloud shot towards them, the two unable to escape and causing the rain to hit them and drain away their power.

It took a few second for them to escape, long enough to steal quite a bit of power.

Nimue: 600Gs
Cleopal: 610Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs
Gumigator: 640Gs

"Close," Pinkie told her, "but not enough."

"Maybe not for me," Nimue told them

"But Flash and Leo are a different story!" Lyra stated. In that moment, Leonidas appeared behind Nimue in the air before diving towards Cleopal. Flash held up two cards.

"Ability, Activate!" The cards glowed, "Brawling Dragon!"

Nimue: 600Gs
Cleopal: 610Gs
Leonidas: 750Gs
Gumigator: 640Gs

"Time for you to take a cat nap!" Leonidas yelled as he threw a punch. But before the fist reached Cleopal, Gumigator got between them as Pinkie played a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Gumigator crossed his arms as his skin glowed, "Power Hide!" Leonidas struck the hardened skin and flinched as his power was drained.

Nimue: 600Gs
Cleopal: 610Gs
Leonidas: 700Gs
Gumigator: 690Gs

"Not again!" Leonidas leapt back into the air, Flash frowning whilst Pinkie smiled.

"Gotta love that ability. It and Blank Stare work no matter what Attribute Gummy is."

"Well I only need one Attribute to use this move," Nimue told her. "Milady!" Lyra nodded and held up her card, whilst Leonidas flew straight up.

"Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Nimue formed the ball of water and leapt up, "Overflow!" She threw the orb and it exploded, becoming a tidalwave that struck the two other Bakugan and pushed them backwards as their power was cut in half.

Nimue: 600Gs
Cleopal: 305Gs
Leonidas: 700Gs
Gumigator: 345Gs

"Now's our chance!" Flash yelled as he prepared his finishing move, "let's end this!" Lyra nodded and held up her card. But before she could use them.

"Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground below the water glowed, causing it to vanish. "Generous Bestowal!" Gummy and Cleopal picked themselves up, Flash and Lyra growing worried and looking down at their BakuColars.

Nimue: 600Gs
Cleopal: 610Gs
Leonidas: 700Gs
Gumigator: 690Gs

"Their power's back to normal!" Flash cried as Leonidas flew down, "but how?"

"Generous Bestowal," Rarity explained. "A special Gate Card that can only be used if Cleopal is on the field." She smiled. "I know we're in the middle of a battle, but there's no reason to be greedy. That's why this Gate Card lets us gift the effects of the last Ability Card played to our opponents."

"Wait," Lyra whispered, "but that means-" Cleopal formed her own sphere of water and threw it to the ground, the resulting tidalwave shooting towards the two and hitting them before either could try to escape.

"Augh!" Leonidas cried as they were knocked backwards, the two feeling their power vanish.

Nimue: 300Gs
Cleopal: 610Gs
Leonidas: 350Gs
Gumigator: 690Gs

"Guys!" Flash cried whilst Pinkie and Rarity nodded to one another, ready to end this.

"Ability, Activate!" Rarity held up a card that glowed, as Cleopal's scarves flew up. "Gem Leech!" The jewels unleashed beams of light and hit Leonidas as he picked himself up.

Nimue: 300Gs
Cleopal: 710Gs
Leonidas: 250Gs
Gumigator: 690Gs

Leonidas leapt away from the beams before they could steal too much power. "We have to end this!" Flash yelled as he held up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Leonidas began to spin around, forming the drill of light that lightning sparked around. "Shining Tornado, plus, Fusion Ability, Alpha Hurricane!"

At the same time, Lyra held up her own card as Nimue leapt into the air. "Fusion Ability, Activate!" The ball of water appeared and Nimue fired the high pressured burst of water, which struck Gumigator and pushed it backwards as Leonidas slammed into Cleopal.

Nimue: 400Gs
Cleopal: 760Gs
Leonidas: 700Gs
Gumigator: 345Gs

Both Gumigator and Cleopal were knocked backwards several inches, but managed to stay up as Cleopal used her metal gauntlets to block the drill. At the same time, Pinkie held up a card. "Ability...Activate!" Gummy glanced up at Nimue as his eyes glowed, "Blank Stare!" Nimue also glowed and groaned as the water vanished, her power being drained.

Nimue: 300Gs
Cleopal: 760Gs
Leonidas: 700Gs
Gumigator: 690Gs

"My turn!" Rarity cried as Cleopal leapt back, the attack she had been blocking flying wildly until Leonidas broke out of it. "Fusion Ability...ACTIVATE!" Cleopal turned to Leonidas as her metal claws were covered by a light, forming a giant metal claw that she pulled behind her as she ran towards Leonidas. "SHINING SLASH!"

Nimue: 300Gs
Cleopal: 1060Gs
Leonidas: 700Gs
Gumigator: 690Gs

"LEO!" Flash cried as he went for his Ability Cards, only to realise he was out of usable ones. Lyra reached for her card but before she could play it, Gummy rushed forward and body checked Nimue.

"AUGH!" She cried as she was knocked backwards, then reverted back to ball form.

Lyra: 0%
Flash: 48%
Rarity: 96%
Pinkie: 88%

"NIMUE!" Leonidas roared, only to find Cleopal had finally reached him. And before he could escape, she swung her claws around and slashed into him. "RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He screamed at the top of his lungs before reverting back to ball form, Flash and Lyra watching in horror as he fell back to the ground and bounced along it until he came to a stop next to Nimue.

Lyra: 0%
Flash: 0%
Rarity: 96% (Winner)
Pinkie: 88% (Winner)

"IT'S OVER!" The announcer yelled, "Flash and Lyra are out. The winners are Rarity and Pinkie!" The crowd cheered as the field reverted back to normal and the Bakugan returned to their Brawlers. Rarity and Pinkie caught them before smiling at one another.

Flash and Lyra were gobsmacked by this loss as they moved over to pick up their Bakugan. Once that happened, Flash looked down at the BakuColar and saw how badly they had been beaten. Rarity barely lost any points. "Ah, man!" He fell to his butt, "I can't believe we were so badly beaten." Lyra nodded, unable to believe it either.

Leonidas then jumped up and landed on his knee. "To be fair, we only lost because Twilight made us fight two on two. If I had been facing Cleopal alone, I definitely would have won!"

"Are you saying it's my fault that we lost?" Nimue asked from Lyra's hands, Leonidas turning to her.

"Err...no. It was...Gumigator. If that thing hadn't been there to help her, she wouldn't have stood a chance."

"Maybe." They turned to see Rarity moving towards them, "but you can't always rely on just yourself to win a brawl. There may come a day when you need to work with someone."

Pinkie nodded, "especially if those rumours are true." This confused the other two.

"What rumours?" Lyra asked before hearing Twilight speak up.

"Rumours about a big competition." They turned to see her walking towards them with Bonnie and Derpy. "It's a tournament open to teams between three and six. A big team brawl that'll require you to work with others if you want any chance of winning."

"A tournament?" Flash asked as he picked himself back up. The thought of entering it entered his head, but that might not be such a good idea. Based on his performance today, he likely wasn't ready to enter any big tournaments.

"It's not for a few months," Twilight pointed out. "Plenty of time get better." She moved over to Pinkie and Rarity, "we're planning on entering with a few more of our online friends."

"It'll be super fun!" Pinkie smiled whilst Lyra and Flash shared a look, whilst Bonnie smiled.

"I think we should enter," they turned to her. "It'll be a good chance to test ourselves. And it'll also give you the chance to get payback for what happened today." Flash and Lyra turned to their opponents, who smiled back at them, then turned to one another.

"I guess it's not a bad idea to consider it," Lyra told Flash.

"I guess," Flash nodded. "And we can always back out if we don't think we're ready."

"Great!" Twilight smiled, "I hope you do enter." She then glanced at Flash and Lyra, then at Bonnie who she suspected would be apart of the same team. "But if it's just gonna be you three, you might find yourself in a difficult situation."

"Yes," Rarity nodded, "you should look around for anyone you think would make a good member of your team. Maybe even someone who uses an Attribute you don't."

The three thought about this and tried to think of all the Pyrus, Ventus and Darkus Bakugan Brawlers. Other then Twilight, they couldn't think of anyone who used that type of Bakugan that they would wants as part of their team. But there had to be someone out there.

Someone who could fill out their team and be a good part of it.

Over in Canterlot Park, in the skate park, we find the teen known as Heath Burns doing tricks on the ramps.

He rolled up and down one, then did a pipe grind followed with a handstand mid-roll before going up another ramp. But when he reached the top of it, something happened.

A bright flash of light exploded above him, blinding the teen. "Gyah!" He cried, flinching away and accidently losing his balance. He cried out again as he fell back and hit the ground, his body landing next to him. As this happened, something fell out of the sky and landed at the top of the ramp.

It bounced off the structure before rolling forward and over the edge, falling down until it hit Heath's foot and came to a stop.

"Ahh," he moaned as he sat himself up. He blinked to get the spots out of his eyes that the light had caused, "what was that?" But as he rubbed his eyes, he looked down at his foot and saw what had fallen from the sky. A Pyrus Bakugan. "What the?" He shifted around so he was crouching, then reached down and picked up the Bakugan. "Never seen one like this before?"

He stared at it for several seconds before the Bakugan suddenly opened up and moved on its own. Then it spoke. "Wazz up?"

Author's Note

So, Flash and Lyra try a two one two brawl with little success. Luckily they weren't up against one of Phantom's goons or they'd be in serious trouble. Next time, we're introduced to a new member of the team.

For Cleopal and Gumigator's ball forms, something like Blade Tigerra or Saint Nemus for Cleopal and Gumigator...honestly I can't think of a design for Gumigator that works. Maybe something similar to Prayes

Bonnie's Down to Earth

Today's adventure opens up mid-battle, in a battlefield resembling a wild west town.

It looked peaceful enough, but that was until one of the buildings exploded and a giant orange elephant staggered backwards from it. Following after it was a large orange and brown sphinx, whilst the elephant regained its footing. As it did, the Bakugan Brawler Bonnie rushed around one of the buildings.

She then looked up at one of the houses, where her opponent stood.

She was an orange skinned girl with blonde hair, wearing a white and green shirt, blue skirt and brown boots. The most noticeable thing about her was the stetson she wore on her head. "Ya'h not too bad," she told Bonnie. "But a'm gonna take the win."

"Don't be so sure," Bonnie told her before holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as the elephant raised its trunk. "Nose Slap!" The Bakugan then swung it around, the trunk doubling in length as it slammed into the sphinx.

Tuskor: 580Gs
Manion: 500Gs

It cried out as it was thrown backwards, then returned back to ball form as the girl's Life Gauge dropped.

Bonnie: 22%
Applejack 18%

"And Applejack falls behind!" The announcer cried as the girl jumped down to retrieve her Bakugan. "Will she claw her way back, or is Bonnie in it to win it?"

"Come on Bonnie!" Lyra cried, being up in the stands with Flash, Twilight, Heath, Rarity and Pinkie.

"You got this AJ!" Pinkie cheered, Rarity and Twilight cheering with her. Flash, Heath and Lyra knew she was part of their team for the big tournament, so of course they would be rooting for her.

Applejack smirked as she picked her Bakugan up, then looked over at Bonnie. "Alright," she took out a Gate Card, "ya'h definitely good. Good enough ta warrant me usin' ma'h best Bakugan. Gate Card..." She threw it before running off, "SET!" She then leapt up onto a building and spotted a cluster of Power-ups.

Bonnie had also spotted them and got up onto the roof as well. "Bakugan!" She threw the ball, "BRAWL!" It hit some of the coins before landing, "Bakugan...STAND!" It popped open and transformed in a flash of orange light. "Subterra Tuskor!" The elephant stood in place, swinging its trunk around.

Tuskor: 380Gs

It let out the distinctive elephant noise as it glowed, its power rising.

Tuskor: 530Gs

"Ma'h turn!" Applejack leapt off the roof. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" She threw the ball and it hit several coins before landing on the ground, popping open. "Bakugan...STAND!" In a burst of orange light, Applejack's Bakugan appeared. "Subterra Fenroar!" The light faded to reveal a large orange wolf wearing brown armour. It was similar to Hynoid, but its armour was covered in yellow spikes. Its mane, elbows and the tips of its tail were also brown.

Tuskor: 530Gs
Fenroar: 430Gs

The wolf howled as it too glowed.

Tuskor: 530Gs
Fenroar: 580Gs

"Ability!" Bonnie held up a card, "Activate!" It glowed as Tuskor's nose extended. "Nose Slap!"

Tuskor: 630Gs
Fenroar: 580Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Applejack held up a card as Tuskor swung the giant trunk up and then down towards Fenroar, "Stealth Hunter!" Fenroar suddenly disappeared with a gust of wind, dodging the trunk as it struck the ground and made it shake.

Tuskor: 630Gs
Fenroar: 680Gs

Fenroar appeared to be teleporting around the battlefield, though Bonnie knew it was just moving at high speed. She held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Tuskor's tusks began to glow, "Tusk Strike!"

Tuskor: 730Gs
Fenroar: 680Gs

The elephant charged forward as the tusks extended, preparing to impale the wolf as it ran forward and Applejack held up her own card. "Ability, Activate!" Fenroar's claws glowed before extending, "Wolf Claw Strike!" Fenroar leapt up before swinging its claws around, slashing at Tuskor. The two attacks collided and in a flash of light, Tuskor's tusks were cut in half.

Tuskor: 730Gs
Fenroar: 830Gs

"Tuskor!" Bonnie cried as her Bakugan staggered back, whilst Applejack took out another card. But she was quick to do the same. "Ability, Activate!"

"Ability," Applejack did the same as Tuskor raised its trunk, "Activate!"

"Sand Blast!" Tuskor fired a stream of sand right out of its nose, hitting Fenroar and pushing it backwards.

Tuskor: 730Gs
Fenroar: 730Gs

"Howlin' Force!" Fenroar took a deep breath and then howled, loud enough to create a sonic blast that pushed the sand back towards Tuskor and slammed it in the face.

Tuskor: 530Gs
Fenroar: 730Gs

Tuskor screamed in pain as it was sent flying backwards, reverting back to ball form and falling to the ground at Bonnie's feet as her Life Gauge fell.

Bonnie: 0%
Applejack 18% (Winner)

"That's it!" The announcer cried as the field dissolved, "the winner is APPLEJACK!" The crowd cheered, with nobody louder then Pinkie.

"YAY!" She screamed, jumping up and down in excitement with Twilight and Rarity staying where they were and giving their own congratulations.

Bonnie picked up her Bakugan and looked it over, whilst Applejack moved over to her. "Hey," she waved, "you were great."

"Thanks," she smiled back, "but you won. Your Fenroar's really powerful."

"Sure is," Applejack nodded. "A'm grateful every day that he was sent ta me when a'h got ma'h random Bakugan. It's like we were meant to be ta-gether, ya'h know?"

"Not really," Bonnie whispered back before the two headed out of the stadium. There, Twilight, Pinkie and Rarity took Applejack off to celebrate her victory. Bonnie was offered the chance to come, but she declined.

Instead, she sat at one of the tables as Flash, Heath and Derpy sat with her. "Here you go," Lyra put a can of soda down in front of her.

"Thanks," she took it as Lyra sat down.

"Hey, cheer up." Lyra smiled, "that Brawl was close."

"Indeed," Nimue agreed, "you should be proud you did as well as you did."

"Maybe. But I still lost."

"That Fenroar was pretty awesome," Flash smirked. "I'd love to battle it myself. Right Leo?"

"Yes," Leonidas nodded, "a battle with it would would certainly get the blood pumping."

"I'd love to brawl it too," Wukong laughed before jumping up and down. "I'd give him a bit of this, then a bit of that and I'll soon have him playing dead in no time."

"You said it," Heath agreed with his partner.

Derpy smiled at this, then saw Bonnie looking upset. "Bonnie?" She turned to her, "you alright? You look like something more then just your loss is bothering you?"

Bonnie sighed. "It's just...something Applejack said got to me. About how she and Fenroar were meant to be together." She looked at them all. "You all have your own special Bakugan that you're extra close to. Not just the talking ones. Twilight has Spikenoid, Pinkie has Gumigator, Rarity has Cleopal and even an evil brawler like Phantom gets Fury." She sat back and took another sip of her drink. "I care about all my Bakugan...but I wish I had a special Bakugan I could fight with. One I could trust beyond any other."

They all nodded. After knowing the amazing feeling of having a special Bakugan they could call their own, they didn't think they could live without them. It hadn't occurred to them until now that Bonnie might be feeling envious, and who could blame her.

Bonnie drank down the last of her soda before getting up. "I should go. My mom'll want me home soon." They all nodded and watched her head out, then looked towards one another.

"Poor Bonnie," Lyra sighed. "I wish there was something we could do."

"Not unless you figure out where our Bakugan came from," Heath told her. "But I do feel bad for her."

As Bonnie drew closer to home, she continued to feel down about lacking her own Bakugan partner.

She eventually arrived at the apartment building she lived in. Six stories of moderately sized homes that weren't huge, but big enough for her and her mother to live comfortably in. She rode the elevator up to the fourth floor and headed over to her apartment, heading inside as she called out to her mother. "I'm home!"

"Hey honey," her mother called back as Bonnie headed into the kitchen. There, she spotted her mother at the stove. She was an older version of Bonnie, only her hair was entirely pink instead of half blue and she wore a dress suit. "Good day?"

"Pretty good?" She told her before sitting down, "school was fine and I spent a few hours at the Bakugan Stadium."

"I see," her mother nodded as she continued to cook whatever it was she was cooking. "So were you just watching or did you...compete, in any of those games?"

"I played one match," Bonnie told her before frowning. "But I lost."

"I see," her mother nodded. "That's...good." Bonnie looked up at her in shock, unable to believe she had just said that. "Not good like I hope you never win but...it's good to lose a game every now and again. Keeps one humble." She glanced back at her, Bonnie giving her a look that told her the girl wasn't buying it on bit. "Alright, fine. I've been researching this whole Bakugan Brawling thing. You know that the really good players end up getting a lot of attention, right?"

"Yeah," Bonnie nodded, "that's the same with anything."

"Well attention is the last thing we need," she told her daughter. "If you end up on websites or even on TV, you're just asking for trouble." She turned off the stove and moved to sit down, opposite her daughter. "Do you remember why we moved here? Why we kept moving around, never staying more then a year in a single place. It was to make sure he couldn't find us. And now your putting everything we did to keep him from finding us at risk."

"So what?" Bonnie asked, "I'm just supposed to not do anything with my life because it might catch his attention. Am I supposed to put my entire life on hold because he might somehow take an interest in the one thing I'm good at. What if I want my future career to be something I can't help getting attention for? Am I supposed to give up on my dream?"

"I just want you to be a little more careful," her mother told her.

"I won't let him ruin my life more then he already has," Bonnie stood up and headed for her room.

"Sweetie-"

"Don't call me that!" Bonnie turned to glare at her, "I refuse to hold onto the name he gave me. I just want to forget he was ever apart of my life and get on with my life, enjoying it to the full extent. And if that includes Brawling, then that's what I'll do." Before her mother could say anything else, she rushed towards her room and slammed the door shut.

She then leapt onto her bed and screamed into her pillow. After about a minute of calming down, she pulled her head up and looked around her room. Her eyes then shifted over to a shelf that had a framed picture on it.

It was one of the few pictures of her childhood she had, the rest having been locked away or thrown out long ago. It showed a five year old her being held up by her mother in front of the entrance to an amusement park, both of them smiling at the one taking the picture. Those would be the last smiles she had during that time in her life.

"It's not fair," she whispered as she stared at the picture. "After everything I've been through. All the hardships I've had to endure. Can't the universe just cut me some slack?" She looked away from the photo and stare out the window that her bed was next too. "A talking Bakugan. Or any kind of Bakugan I could call my partner." She grabbed her pillow and clutched it too her chest. "Just...someone I know I might not have to say goodbye to. Is that too much to ask for?" She started tearing herself up and clutched the pillow tighter, feeling like her heart was breaking.

Hours passed and Bonnie continued to stew in her own problems. But then, as the sun went down, she started to feel a little better after crying it out and decided to get changed for bed. Once she had, she climbed into it and tried to get to sleep. It didn't come easily, not with how upset she was, but eventually she managed to drift off.

More hours passed as she continued to sleep an uneasy sleep. But as the clock struck midnight, something happened that awoke her.

A new star appeared in the sky, which got brighter and brighter by the moment. It would soon become clear that it appeared to get brighter and bigger, because it was drawing closer and closer to the Earth. Specifically, it drew closer to Bonnie's apartment and slowly began to make its way towards her window.

It was at this moment that Bonnie was awakened, the light hitting her face and forcing her out of the realm of dreams. "What?" She asked as she opened her eyes and saw the light floating towards her window.

Before she could even think of what to do, her body moved on its own and pushed the window open to allow the light to fly into her room. She leaned back as the light flew passed her, then hovered in the middle of the room whilst Bonnie knelt on her bed and stared at it in wonder.

And then, finally, the light began to float down until it finally landed on the shelf besides her framed picture. The light then began to fade, allowing her to see what was inside it as it completely vanished.

"A...a Bakugan?" She asked, seeing that orb in question was of the Subterra Attribute. Her entire body remained still as a board as she stared at the plastic game piece, hoping beyond hope that it was more then that. She kept watching, and waiting, preying that it would happen. And then it did.

The Bakugan opened on its own, revealing it to appear as some kind of humanoid Bakugan. She also spotted several pieces of green that had been hidden inside the Bakugan when curled up. The Bakugan shifted from side to side, looking around until it finally spotted Bonnie.

"Where...where am I?" Bonnie's heart stopped hearing the female voice, causing her to finally move and get up off the bed.

"You're...you're on planet Earth."

"Earth. Vestroia..."

"We don't know what happened to Vestroia," Bonnie replied. "The Bakugan appeared here a few months ago. But...they're not like you. They don't talk or appear at all intelligent. It wasn't until recently that we learned what Bakugan truly are."

"I see," the Bakugan nodded before looking itself over. It then focused back on Bonnie, "what is your name, my child?"

"B...Bonnie."

"Bonnie?" She couldn't tell for sure, but the girl was sure she was smiling. "Hello. My name is Subterra Gaia."

"Gaia," Bonnie whispered. She then smiled and moved closer. "I know this is all strange, but you're not alone. There are other Bakugan that can talk and move on their own. There's only a few, but they are all partnered up with humans."

"Partnered?" Bonnie nodded. She carefully picked Gaia up and moved her over to the bed, explaining everything about how Bakugan worked in their world and how they brawl alongside humans. "I see," she took this information in. "Interesting. So most Bakugan are just bought and sold off, like toys."

Bonnie frowned. "We didn't know. We just thought you were toys. Given how you look and how most don't talk or move on their own, it wouldn't be hard to mistake you for toys." She gave her a serious look, "but we've been treating Bakugan with respect ever since we found out. Well...more respect."

"I understand," Gaia told her. "But I was not bought and instead, appeared out of a flash of light?"

"Just like the other Bakugan that can talk. We think someone's sending you to us, partnering us up for some reason."

"And whoever they are as chosen to partner me up with you?" Bonnie nodded, Gaia letting out a gentle laugh. "Well, I can see why. You're clearly a kind, caring girl. Even though I've only just met you, I feel like we've been friends for years."

"I feel the same way," Bonnie nodded. She couldn't tell why, but being here with Gaia was different from being with her other Bakugan. She now understood why the others loved their talking Bakugan so much.

"Bonnie," she went on. "I am not a battle loving Bakugan. Back on Vestroia, the few times I did fight was merely as self defence and only as a last resort. But if we were brought together, it was clearly for a reason and that reason may involve us needing to battle together?" Bonnie nodded, agreeing with that theory. "Then it's only logical we will gain a better understanding of each other if we battle together in one of these Bakugan Brawls."

Bonnie smiled, agreeing wholeheartedly. "I'm with you. And I know exactly who we should challenge."

The next day.

As she and Rarity made their way to school, Applejack suddenly got a message on her BakuColar. "Huh?" She looked at the message and smirked, "alright then."

"What is it?" Rarity asked, Applejack turning to her.

"Bonnie wants ta have a rematch after school. Sounds like fun."

"Indeed," Rarity nodded. "The match was so close yesterday, who knows how it will turn out." Applejack agreed and couldn't wait for the end of the school day. Throughout the day, word of the rematch spread to the rest of their teams. They were all curious to see if Bonnie could get a different result this time.

Bonnie had been excited to tell her friends about her new Bakugan Partner, but Gaia asked her to keep her a secret. She wanted the chance to get a good understanding of her friends before making any introductions. Plus, the looks on their faces when she appeared in the brawl would be hilarious.

Bonnie agreed and spent the rest of the day feeling like she was about to explode, wanting nothing more then to tell them the truth. But she was able to keep it bottled up until the day finally ended and they could all head over to the battle stadium.

There, the crowd gathered wanting to watch another exciting match between the two Subterra Brawlers.

"Welcome Baku-fans!" The announcer cried as the crowd cheered. "We have yet another amazing brawl here today. It's a rematch between Bonnie and Applejack, two of the stadium's best brawlers. Will the outcome be the same as their previous match, or will Bonnie be able to even the score?"

Everyone watched as Bonnie and Applejack headed into the center of the battlefield. "Come on Bon-Bon!" Lyra cheered for her best friend.

"Win it Applejack!" Pinkie screamed.

"You got this!" Flash told his teammate.

We believe in you, darling."

"Bonnie," Heath and Wukong cheered, "Bonnie. Bonnie. Bonnie." Twilight stayed quiet, looking forward to the upcoming match.

Down in the battlefield, Applejack and Bonnie stared one another down. "Hope ya'h ready Bonnie," Applejack told her. "If ya'h thought yesterday's match was hard, just wait." She held up her Fenroar, "we ain't gonna hold back."

"Well neither will we," Bonnie told her. Applejack thought she was just talking about all her Bakugan, but she really meant she and Gaia. Bonnie clutched her hands tight, feeling Gaia wiggle giving her comfort.

"Upon special request, the area our brawlers will be Brawling in has been specially programmed in. So without further ado!" The ground began to glow as it constructed the battlefield, taking the familiar shape of the western town they had Brawled in previously.

Applejack chuckled, "this area ag-in?"

"That's right," Bonnie nodded. "I'm gonna settle the score, right here."

Applejack smirked and ripped her hat, "a'h like your moxie." She held up a Gate Card, "just don't expect an easy match."

"I'm counting on it," Bonnie smiled back before looking over at her shoulder. "You ready Gaia?"

"I am," Gaia nodded. "Let us show them why the pair of us were brought together."

"Looks like our competitors are ready to get things started. So without further delay...Bakugan BRAWL!" The two's BakuColars activated and showed their point totals, as both of them began to run around the place.

Bonnie: 100%
Applejack: 100%

"Gate Card...SET!" Applejack threw the card and it hit the ground, exploding into orange light. She then leapt on a barrel and used it to jump up and land on a rooftop as she spotted a bunch of Power-ups. "Bakugan," she threw the ball and hit three of the coins, "BRAWL!" The Bakugan landed and rolled along the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" It popped open and transformed. "Subterra Manion!"

Manion: 350Gs

The sphinx roared as its power rose, thanks to the power-ups.

Manion: 500Gs

Bonnie had also jumped up onto a house and saw Manion take flight, then spotted a cluster of power-ups. "It's time Gaia," she told her new partner. "Ready to show the world what you're made of?"

"No," Gaia replied, "not yet." This confused Bonnie.

"Why?"

"Whilst I have no doubt we will make an incredible team, I wish to see how you battle without me. That way I know how to best attune my fighting style when the time comes." She turned to look at Bonnie. "For now, please use another Bakugan. I know you won't have any trouble."

Bonnie stared at her for a moment before smiling, giving Gaia a nod before taking out another Bakugan. "Alright. Then watch as I take Applejack down. Bakugan," she threw the ball, "BRAWL!" It flew through the air and hit four of the coins before landing on the ground. "Bakugan," it popped open, "STAND!" It a burst of orange light, it morphed into a long brown rattle-snake Bakugan with a V-shaped head. "Subterra Rattleoid!"

Manion: 500Gs
Rattleoid: 340Gs

The snake hissed as its body glowed, the power-ups kicking in.

Manion: 500Gs
Rattleoid: 540Gs

"Oh yeah!" Bonnie smiled whilst Applejack smirked.

"Not bad," she held up a card. "Ability, Activate." The card glowed as Manion opened its mouth and breathed a stream of pressurised sand out of its mouth, "Roaring Desert!"

Manion: 600Gs
Rattleoid: 540Gs

Rattleoid slithered around the place, barely managing to avoid the sand blast as Bonnie held up her own card. "Ability, Activate!" The snake held up its tail rattle and began shaking it, "Rattle Illusion!" The soundwaves filled the battlefields, hitting the Manion and putting it under some kind of hypnosis.

It shook its head but its vision continued to grow blurry, making it difficult to see. And every few seconds, it power dropped ten points.

Manion: 530Gs
Rattleoid: 540Gs

The second it's G power dropped below its, Rattleoid stopped shaking its tail and lashed out. It bit down on Manion's leg and pulled it to the ground. The sphinx roared in pain as it tried to escape, but Rattleoid bit down harder. Eventually, Applejack took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" The snake on Manion's head glowed before a blast of red energy shot out of the mouth. "Curse of Anubis!"

The beam struck Rattleoid's head and make it release Manion.

Manion: 530Gs
Rattleoid: 490Gs

"Now it's time!" Applejack announced as she pointed to the ground, "Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground began to glow along with Manion. "Character!"

"A Character Card?" Bonnie gasped as she looked at her BakuColar.

Manion: 630Gs
Rattleoid: 490Gs

"Character Manion ups his power and doubles the increase of any Ability a'h use for him," Applejack announced as she held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" It glowed as a tornado of sand appeared around Manion, "Sand Rocket!"

Manion: 830Gs
Rattleoid: 490Gs

Manion shot forward, the sand continuing to spiral around it and turn the sphinx into a sand bullet. Rattleoid tried to escape, but Manion continued to fly after it and get closer. "Ability," Bonnie held up a card, "Activate!" The card glowed as Rattleoid turned towards Manion. "Viper Blast!" Rattleoid opened its mouth and started spitting acid that got through the sand and hit Manion.

Manion: 630Gs
Rattleoid: 490Gs

The sphinx was almost blinded by the acid, but managed to stay on target just enough hit Rattleoid with the side its sand shield. Rattleoid hissed in pain as it was thrown away, slamming into the sand whilst Manion flew back up and circled around for another shot.

"This is bad!" Flash yelled, Twilight nodding.

"One more hit and Rattleoid goes down."

"Bonnie!" Lyra cried, "do something." It was then she noticed the look on Bonnie's face. It wasn't one of panic, but one of confidence. She had a plan.

"Ability," she held up a card, "Activate!" It glowed, "Character Edit: Rattleoid!" Suddenly, Manion stopped glowing whilst Rattleoid began too. "Character Edit lets me change the target of a character card to any Bakugan I want. So your power increase gets transferred to Rattleoid and...the double power up you got from your Ability goes bye bye."

Applejack glanced down at her BakuColar, seeing Bonnie was right.

Manion: 430Gs
Rattleoid: 590Gs

"Not good," Applejack realised as Manion's Desert Rocket attack faded. "Gonna stop this." She held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Manion's claws began to glow, "Razor Slash!"

Manion: 630Gs
Rattleoid: 590Gs

Manion flew down and tried to slash at Rattleoid, but the snake evaded as Bonnie held up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" The cards glowed as Rattleoid evaded another slash, then leapt forward and began to wrap its body around Manion. "Poison Fang, plus Power Coil!" The snake tightened its hold on Manion whilst biting into it, draining its power.

Manion: 430Gs
Rattleoid: 640Gs

Applejack saw this and tried to activate an ability, but it was too late. Manion finally gave out and was squeezed back into ball form, falling to the ground with Rattleoid as Applejack's Life Gauge went down.

Bonnie: 100%
Applejack: 58%

"Bonnie takes the first win!" The announcer cried as Rattleoid returned to her, "but will she be able to hold onto this lead?" Bonnie's friends cheered for her, glad she was able to do so well and almost take out half Applejack's points.

"Great work Bonnie," Gaia told her. "Clearly, you are no slouch in a battle. That Character Edit card was brilliant."

"Thanks," Bonnie smiled before turning to her opponent, "but I can't get careless."

Applejack smirked as she picked her Bakugan up, putting it away and she smiled at Bonnie. "Not bad partner. Not bad at all." She tipped her hat before taking out an all too familiar Bakugan. "Now it's time ta really show ma'h teeth."

Bonnie gulped at the sight of that Bakugan, but knew she couldn't let it scare her. "Let's go!" She took out a card and threw it towards the ground, "Gate Card...SET!" It exploded and the two girls rushed off, looking for some power-ups. And a moment later, they found some. Both leapt up onto the rooftops before leaping off.

"BAKUGAN!" They both threw them, "BRAWL!" The Bakugan shot through the air and struck the power-ups before hitting the ground, "BAKUGAN...STAND!" Both Bakugan popped open and transformed. "Subterra Rattleoid/Fenroar!" The wolf and snake appeared on the battlefield, powered up by the coins they had hit.

Fenroar: 480Gs
Rattleoid: 440Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Applejack held up a card that glowed, as Fenroar took a deep breath. "Howlin Force!" Fenroar unleashed its sonic howl, which shot across the field and struck Rattleoid, making it flinch as its power went down.

Fenroar: 480Gs
Rattleoid: 240Gs

"Double Ability," Bonnie held up two cards, "Activate!" Rattleoid glowed, "Shed Skin, plus Viper Blast!" The snake's body cracked before braking off it, moulting out of its old skin and undoing the effects of Applejack's last Ability before Rattleoid shot a blast of acid that struck Fenroar.

The wolf cried out in pain as it was burnt, shaking its body to try and get it off.

Fenroar: 280Gs
Rattleoid: 440Gs

As Fenroar tried to get the acid off, Rattleoid slithered forwards. As it did, Applejack held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with Fenroar. "Stealth Hunter!" Rattleoid tried to strike at Fenroar, but the wolf suddenly moved at super speeds and avoided the attack.

Fenroar: 380Gs
Rattleoid: 440Gs

Fenroar circled around Rattleoid, moving faster and faster by the second until it became a blur of orange and brown that formed a circle of wind around the snake. Both Bonnie and Applejack held up their cards, Applejack holding two. "Ability/Double Ability, Activate!" The cards glowed Rattleoid raised its tail and started shaking it.

"Rattle Illusion!" The soundwaves flew out around the battlefield and hit Fenroar, making it stop as its power lowered by ten Gs ever few seconds.

Fenroar: 350Gs
Rattleoid: 440Gs

But, before it could do to much damage, Applejack's abilities kicked in. "Wolf Claw Strike, plus Mega Fang!" Fenroar's claws extended along with its canines, the wolf shooting forward and slashing at Rattleoid

Fenroar: 600Gs
Rattleoid: 440Gs

The snake fell backwards, hitting the ground and preventing it from using its Rattle Illusion Ability anymore. Meanwhile, Fenroar prepared to slash at it again. "Gate Card, Open!" The field began to glow as a crack appeared beneath Fenroar and it fell into it. "Land Pressure!" The crack shrunk, trapping everything below Fenroar's waist under it.

Fenroar: 400Gs
Rattleoid: 440Gs

"Fenroar!" Applejack cried in shock as Rattleoid slithered forward, ready to take Fenroar down.

"Ability," Bonnie held up a card, "Activate!" The card glowed as Rattleoid lashed out at Fenroar, biting into it. "Poison Fang!" Fenroar winced as it felt its power being stolen.

Fenroar: 350Gs
Rattleoid: 490Gs

"Yeah!" Bonnie smiled, "get him!"

"A'h don't think so!" Applejack yelled before holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The wolf began to shake, causing the sand on its fur to come loose before spiralling around it. "Sand Cloak!" The sand hit Rattleoid in the eyes and made it hiss, causing the Bakugan to let Fenroar go and move away.

Fenroar: 350Gs
Rattleoid: 390Gs

Free from the snake's fangs, Fenroar was able to push the cracked earth apart enough to allow it to pull itself free. "Oh yeah!" Applejack smirked before holding up another card. "Now, Fusion Ability...Activate!" Bonnie gasped hearing this and tried to activate her own ability, but it was too late. "Desert Howlin!"

Fenroar took a deep breath and unleashing its sonic howl, only this time the sand from the tornado around it was picked up and morphed into a stream of high-pressure sand.

Fenroar: 650Gs
Rattleoid: 390Gs

Rattleoid tried to escape but before it could slither away, the sand struck slammed into it. The snake hissed in pain as it was thrown into the air, falling towards the rooftop Bonnie was on.

The girl gasped and rushed to leap off the side, seconds before her Bakugan slammed into the roof and crushed it. "Gyah!" She cried as the impact created a wind blast that knocked her flying, whilst Rattleoid returned to ball form. She hit the sand as her Life Gauge dropped.

Bonnie: 48%
Applejack: 58%

"BONNIE!" Lyra cried whilst her friends looked worried.

"Applejack, taking the lead back from her opponent." Fenroar returned to Applejack, "is Bonnie down for the count?"

Bonnie groaned as she pushed herself back to her feet. "Don't...count on it." Gaia jumped up onto her shoulder, having taken refuge when Bonnie had tried to escape the destroyed building.

"She is powerful, that's for sure." She turned to her partner, Bonnie moving over to pick up Rattleoid. "I can see why you want to beat her so much. Doing so is quite an accomplishment."

Bonnie nodded as she and Applejack walked back to the center of the town. "Ya'h good," Applejack told her. "But still not enough ta beat me." She held up a Gate Card, "this final match'll end this. Gate Card," she threw it, "SET!" It hit the ground and exploded, with Applejack running off. Bonnie did the same, both girls leaping up onto the rooftops and running until they spotted a cluster of power-ups. "Bakugan!" Applejack threw it, "BRAWL!" Fenroar hit the coins before slamming into the ground, rolling through the sand. "Bakugan...STAND!" In a burst of orange light, Fenroar appeared and was powered up.

Fenroar: 580Gs

The wolf howled as it slowly walked around the desert, Bonnie staring up at the giant beast. It was a powerful Bakugan and defeating it wasn't going to be easy. "I need a plan," she told herself. "What do I use? Think."

"Bonnie," she glanced over at Gaia, "use me."

"Are you sure?" Bonnie asked.

"Yes," the Bakugan nodded. "I've watched how you battle and I know how to best fight to match your strategy. Actually, I believe you and I will be very comparable. Now, let's show them why we were brought together."

Bonnie smiled as she glanced around and spotted the power-ups, grabbing Gaia as she did.

"What's da'h hold up?" Applejack asked, only for Bonnie to leap off the building.

"Bakugan..." she threw Gaia towards the battlefield, hitting several power-ups as she did, "BRAWL!" Gaia hit the ground and rolled for several seconds before popping open. "Bakugan...STAND!" She was consumed by an orange light, which flew up and began to take shape. Everyone watched as the light grew more and more, going well passed the point they expected it to grow before finally coming to a stop and fading.

They all gasped at the sight, seeing the biggest Bakugan anyone had ever seen. "What the hey is that?" Applejack asked, her neck hurting at how much she had to crane it.

Bonnie was just as amazed. "That...is Gaia?"

Gaia was huge. In contrast to Leonidas in height, she was taller by about half his full height. Her entire body was made out of orange wood and brown soil, with vegetation growing off her. Her head was made out of soil and resembled a woman, but only her mouth and eyes could be seen, since the rest of her head was covered in a mask and helmet made of wood. From out of the back of the helmet was a large bushy bush covered in green leaves that flowed down to her neck. Said neck went into wooden chest-armour, with soil coming out of the bottom and going into wooden waist armour. The waist armour also had long vines coming out of it, forming a skirt-like accessory that went just passed her knees. Soil also came out from the chest armour's shoulders to form arms, with everything passed the elbows covered in wooden gauntlets. It was the same with her legs, which filled wooden boots after the knees. Finally, on the back of her wooden gauntlets, were a pair of round wooden shields with the Subterra symbol on them. All this, coupled with her larger size, made her look very intimidating.

Gaia: 350Gs
Fenroar: 580Gs

"Incredible," Twilight whispered.

"Wow!" Wukong cheered, "Gaia looks as big as ever."

Nimue nodded. "Strange how such a big Bakugan was always so caring and gentle." As she said this, Gaia began to glow as the power-ups kicked in.

Gaia: 500Gs
Fenroar: 580Gs

"Not bad," Applejack told her. "But still not enough to beat ma'h Fenroar." But as she said this, Fenroar suddenly began to roar in pain as purple lightning sparked around it. "What da'h?" She looked down at her BakuColar.

Gaia: 500Gs
Fenroar: 480Gs

"What's happenin'?"

"Poison Fang," Bonnie explained. "It's got an extra ability that weakens the Bakugan it's used on if it beats Rattleoid. Applejack smirked, actually impressed by this. Bonnie then held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Gaia raised one of her feet, "Earth Power!" The Bakugan slammed the foot into the ground, causing it to shake violently and make almost everyone lose their balance. This included Fenroar

Gaia: 500Gs
Fenroar: 280Gs

"Wow!" Applejack cried, but managed to stay upright and held up her card. "Ability, Activate!" It glowed as Fenroar regained its balance a took a deep breath. "Howlin' Force!" It unleashed its sonic blast, hitting Gaia and making her stagger backwards.

Gaia: 300Gs
Fenroar: 280Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Bonnie held up a card whilst Gaia raised her arms and used the shields to block the sonic blast, "Oak Defender!"

Gaia: 500Gs
Fenroar: 280Gs

"Gate Card!" Applejack yelled, "OPEN!" The field began to glow, "Pack Attack!" Fenroar shook, the sand flying off its body and slowly taking shape. "This special card only works fur Fenroar, making him multiply and double his G power!" The shade formed two more Fenroar, who all howled together.

Gaia: 500Gs
Fenroar: 560Gs

Gaia watched as the wolves began to run around her, moving in a circle around and around before one of them shot out of the blurry ring and slashed at her. Due to the size difference, what would have been a chest strike struck her waist. "Augh!" She cried, only for Fenroar to return to the ring and circle around her again before another shot out and slashed at her leg. "Gyah!"

"Gaia!" Bonnie cried, knowing she had to stop this. "Ability," she held up a card, "Activate!" The card glowed along with Gaia's vine skirt, "Vine Trap!" The vines extended and shot into the ground, then broke out the spots where the Fenroar were. The wolves howled in frustration as the vines tied them up, stopping them from being able to move.

Gaia: 500Gs
Fenroar: 460Gs

Applejack frowned as the two clones were squeezed until they exploded, leaving only the original. "That ain't enough to stop us!" She held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with Fenroar's claws, "Wolf Claw Strike!" Fenroar began slashing at the vines, cutting itself free before charging at Gaia.

Gaia: 500Gs
Fenroar: 610Gs

Bonnie frowned by stayed calm and held up two cards. "Double Ability...ACTIVATE!" Both cards glowed as a green aura wrapped around Gaia. "Ultra Growth, plus Wood Slammer!"

Gaia: 800Gs
Fenroar: 610Gs

As Fenroar grew closer, Gaia pulled her leg back before throwing it forward. Fenroar saw it coming, but couldn't escape in time. "FENROAR!" Its Brawler cried as the the boot slammed into the wolf, sending Fenroar flying backwards. It crashed into the ground and and slid along the ground, until it eventually came to a stop.

"Ouch," the announcer cried, "that had to hurt."

Bonnie smiled. "Ultra Growth. A special ability that grants a hundred and fifty Gs on its own, but then adds another fifty if a Gate Card has already been used."

Applejack frowned as Fenroar slowly began picking itself up. "That's da'h way. We don't go down so easily!" As Fenroar got to its feet, Applejack held up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" They glowed as Fenroar shot forward, moving at blinding speeds whilst unleashing a trail of sand behind it. "Stealth Hunter, plus Sand Cloak!"

Bonnie watched as Fenroar circled around Gaia, creating a sand tornado around the giant Bakugan. "Augh!" Gaia cried as the sand scrapped against her, cutting into her mud skin.

Gaia: 700Gs
Fenroar: 710Gs

"Gaia!" Bonnie cried, trying to see through the sand.

Inside the tornado, Gaia stood there and tried to spot Fenroar. But suddenly, she felt herself get slashed by something at her side. She cried out, then felt another slash on the back of her leg. "Augh!" She fell to her knee, only to feel a slashing on her shoulder.

"Oh yeah!" Applejack smiled. "That's da'h way. Won't be long before ya'h down for da'h count!" But then, Gaia did something nobody was expecting.

"I don't think so!" Everyone gasped hearing this, unable to believe the Bakugan had just spoken. Gaia was slashed again, but she didn't let this stop her. "I won't let Bonnie down. Together...nothing will stop us!" With that, she swung herself around and thrust her arm out. The sound of a loud howling filled the stadium, seconds before the sand disappeared.

Doing so revealed Gaia, holding Fenroar in one hand. Two of her fingers were wrapped around its neck, making the wolf struggle to breathe. "YEAH!" Bonnie cheered, watching as Gaia stood tall once again and held Fenroar up.

"Ahh!" Applejack cried before holding up a card, "Fusion Ability...ACTIVATE!" She waited for the card to glow, but it didn't. "Huh?" She looked over at Fenroar and realised the problem.

"That's it!" Twilight smiled, "Fenroar can't howl if its air supplies cut off. That's why Gaia grabbed it there."

"I didn't know you could stop abilities form activating," Flash looked confused whilst Bonnie held up her own card.

"Well Bonnie did," Lyra smiled. "Now go get'em GIRL!" Bonnie smiled and intended to do just that.

"Fusion Ability...ACTIVATE!" The card glowed along with the ground, which began to form trees made of green energy. "Spirit of the Forest!"

Gaia swung her arm around. "I call upon the power of nature. Let its vast energy surge through me!" She swung Fenroar up and let go, throwing the wolf into the air. As she did, the trees exploded and the energy shot into her.

Gaia: 1050Gs
Fenroar: 710Gs

"And now..." She clenched her fist as Fenroar fell back towards her, "feel my mighty wrath!" With that, she threw a punch and slammed it into Fenroar with enough force that it unleashed a powerful explosion of wind.

The wind shot around the place, destroying the wild west houses and knocking both Applejack and Bonnie flying as they cried out. The wind-storm lasted almost a full minute until it and the dust finally settled, allowing everyone to look down into the battlefield and see the result.

Gaia still stood in the center of the destroyed town whilst Bonnie and Applejack laid on the ground, both beginning to pick themselves up. But Fenroar was nowhere in sight.

But as Applejack recovered, see looked down at the ground and spotted Fenroar laying in front of her in its ball form. She then looked down at her BakuColar and saw the score.

Bonnie: 48% (Winner)
Applejack: 0%

"It's over!" The announcer cried Gaia returned to to her partner. "With that, Bonnie has claimed victory over Applejack. The score between them is now tied at one to one."

As the battlefield faded, Bonnie couldn't help but smile at the Bakugan she was holding. "You did it Gaia!"

"No," the Bakugan shook itself in disagreement, "we did it. Whoever it was that sent me to you, it was clear they knew what they were doing." Bonnie smiled back, feeling like her heart was gonna explode from the joy she felt. It was then she sensed someone approaching and turned to see Applejack moving closer.

"Well," she tipped her hat, "that had ta be da'h best brawl a've ever add."

"Same," Bonnie replied, "it was great." Applejack held out a hand and Bonnie took it, the two shaking with smiles on their faces.

"So what do ya'h say? Wanna go again tomorrow so we can see who's really da'h best?"

Bonnie was about to agree, but then a thought popped into her head that made her hesitate. She then smiled before nodding to herself, then focused back on Applejack. "How about this? We don't battle one another until the tournament," Applejack was surprised by this. "That'll give us plenty of time to practise and get stronger. Then, when we finally do face off, we'll be battling with everything we have."

Applejack quickly smirked, "a'h like the way ya'h think there Bonnie." She tipped her hat again, "alright. Just make sure ta train as hard as ya'h can before the tournament. And a'h will too." With that, she talked to walk out the battlefield. Bonnie mentally promised and left the field as well.

In the corridor outside the battlefield, she found her friends waiting with baited breath. "Bonnie!" Lyra rushed over and hugged her, "that was amazing!" She pulled away as she spotted Gaia jumping up onto her shoulder.

"Where the heck did you get a talking Bakugan?" Flash asked, "she's...awesome!"

"Thank you," Gaia nodded as Bonnie smiled.

"It happened last night," she explained. "Sorry I didn't tell you."

"This is great!" Heath told her. "Now every member of our team has a talking Bakugan partner."

Derpy laughed at this. "You're gonna start making people think you have to have one to join your team." The others laughed before returning to the main foyer, with Bonnie explaining how she and Gaia met.

"So it happened to you too?" Nimue asked Gaia, who nodded back. "And you don't remember anything before appearing before Bonnie."

"Everything's a little fuzzy," the Subterra Bakugan replied. "I'm sorry."

"There has to be one Bakugan that remembers what happened," Flash frowned. "Hopefully, your memories will come back eventually."

"Hopefully," Leonidas agreed. "But until then, all we can do is wait and see how things play out." The others nodded, but still felt uneasy about not having any answers. They all knew someone who might have answers, but that person wasn't exactly one they were on good terms with.

Later that night.

Sitting on the edge of the Dark Industries rooftop, Phantom was watching Bonnie's Brawl play out on a holographic screen his cuff was projecting. "It appears the game board it acquiring more pieces," he stated as Gaia appeared in the battle. "That's fine." He deactivated the holo-screen and took out the cube, which now only had three symbols on it. Haos, Ventus and Aquos. "The more powerful the opponents, the more power you'll acquire once you defeat them all."

Things were getting more and more interesting by the minutes, causing Phantom to wonder who the next Brawl to have a talking Bakugan would be. Only time would tell.

Author's Note

Bonnie gets her partner and if I might say, I feel it's perfect for her. So, what will happen next. Will we meet the final member of the team, or will something else happen first.

For Gaia's ball form, think of Primo Vulcan. As for Fenroar's, Lupitheon

The Legends of Vestroia

Night had come and the city of Canterlot was still a bustling metropolis, though certain areas weren't so loud.

One such place was the suburbs of the city, which was peaceful and calm with only the lights of the streetlamps causing it to glow. This was where Flash's house was, on the far side of the suburbs, whilst Derpy's house was in the middle of it. And on the other side of the suburbs, closest to the city, was Heath's house.

In said house, the young skater dude laid in bed with his skateboard on the floor. And on the windowsill, Pyrus Wukong was curled up in ball form. Like his partner, the Bakugan was fast asleep. And as he slept, he spoke in his sleep. "W-what's...happening?" He mumbled, causing him to roll slightly to the left. "The ground. G-guardians. Why are?" He rolled in the opposite direction, "what are you doing?"

The sleep-talking and rolling on the windowsill made just enough noise to cause Heath to wake up, the teen opening his eyes before rubbing them. "Wukong?" He asked, sitting up and seeing his partner rolling around until he was to the very edge of the windowsill. And then-

"Stop!" He cried, causing him to shoot open. Doing this, however, caused him to tip over the edge and he fell off the windowsill. "WOW!" He fell, but Heath was able to reach out and grab him before he fell to far. "Ahh, thanks bud."

"Are you okay me?" Heath asked, "you sound like you were having a nightmare."

"It wasn't a nightmare," Wukong told him. "It was...wait..." Wukong looked away, Heath having the feeling he was thinking about something. "What I just saw. Those were..." He suddenly gasped as he looked up, a look of shock probably appearing on his face if his ball form could change it. "I remember. I remember everything." He jumped up and down, sounding like someone who had just figured out a riddle they had been stuck on forever. "Heath!"

"What?" He asked the monkey Bakugan.

"We have to contact the others. I need to talk to Nimue, Gaia and Leo." He jumped out of Heath's hand and landed on the bed, then rolled to the end and leapt onto the floor. "Come on, what are you waiting for. Let's go! Let's go! Let's go!"

"Kong," Heath frowned, "we can't go now."

"Why not?"

"It's the middle of the night," he told him. "We can't go out at this time. It's dangerous. Besides, Flash and the others are all gonna be asleep. I doubt the lot of them are gonna be willing to meet up right now. We'll have to wait until morning."

"Ahh!" Wukong cried before jumping back onto the bed, "fine. But you need to send them all a message as soon as you wake up again tomorrow."

"Alright," Heath nodded before Wukong leapt up onto the windowsill and stared at the sky. "Gotta say, it's kinda weird seeing you act so serious. You're usually so chill. What do you need to talk to the others about that's so important?"

Wukong continued to stare up at the sky, his gaze locked on the moon. "I remembered."

"Remembered what?"

"I remembered...what happened to Vestroia."

The next day.

With it being Saturday, the Bakugan Battle Stadium was in for a full day of Brawling since many of its competitors were free to spend the entire day there. This included Flash, who had a day off and had intended to use it to brawl and improve his game. But before he could, he had to meet up with Heath.

His teammate had sent him a message that morning, calling a team meeting at the battle stadium.

He rolled down the street as the stadium came into view. "What do you think Heath wants to talk about?" Leonidas asked from his jacket pocket.

"I don't know," Flash replied. "Maybe he met someone with another talking Bakugan."

Leonidas laughed at this. "If that's the case, I definitely want to face off against them."

"Well we're about to get an answer," Flash told him as they reached the stadium and pulled up to the bicycle stands. As he chained it up, he noticed Lyra and Bonnie walking towards him. "Hey!" He waved them over, "any idea what Heath called us here for?"

The girls shook their heads before Lyra spoke up, "his message sounded urgent."

"I hope it's not something bad," Bonnie frowned before her eyes went wide. "You think Phantom showed up. Maybe he took Heath by surprise and took Wukong." The others began to worry that that might have happened, but luckily Nimue and Gaia were there to keep them calm.

"Relax," Nimue stated, "let's not get ourselves out of sorts."

"She's right," Gaia agreed. "We don't know why Heath called us here, so let's not jump to conclusions." The others nodded and turned towards the stadium, the three humans and their Bakugan heading inside. They first spotted Derpy over by the counter and she pointed at one of the tables, the lot of them seeing Heath sitting there. They relaxed seeing Wukong and headed over.

"Heath," Flash was the first to speak, "what's the big emergency?" They sat down and their Bakugan jumped down onto the table, Leonidas accidently rolling onto his front.

"Your massage sounded urgent," Lyra told him as Flash righted his Bakugan. "What's so important."

"You should ask Wukong," Heath explained. "It's not you guys he needed to talk to. It's your Bakugan."

"Wukong?" Nimue turned to the ape, "what's going on?"

"I remembered something." This statement caught everyone's attention, "I remember what happened to Vestroia. I know why we were sent this world and who it was that did that." Now they were all completely under his thrall, Derpy seeing this and moving over to join them.

"Alright Wukong," Nimue moved closer. "Just stay calm and tell us exactly what you remember."

"I was there," the ape Bakugan explained. "I saw them."

"Saw who?" Gaia asked, a little impatiently.

"The Legendary Guardians!" The two Bakugan went silent hearing this. "They were the ones that did this to us. I saw them do it."

"But why?" Gaia asked. "The Legendary Guardians have always been our protectors. Why would they transport us to some unknown planet?"

"Excuse me," they turned to Flash. "Does somebody mind explaining who the heck the Legendary Guardians are supposed to be?"

"I'm curious about them as well," Lyra pointed out whilst Heath, Bonnie and Derpy nodded in agreement. The Bakugan all turned to one another, minus Leonidas, then looked back at the humans. Then, Nimue spoke up.

"Maybe it would be better if I told you the whole history of Vestroia." Everyone made sure to get comfy, wanting to hear this. "It started long ago, with the creation of Vestroia. Before it, there existed two mighty orbs of positive and negative energy. These were known as the Silent and Infinity Cores." They all nodded, as Gaia continued on with the story.

"It is unknown where they came from, but they existed in an unsteady balance. But then, that balance was knocked off by an unknown force and risked great universal destruction. But then, the day was saved."

"By who?" Derpy asked.

"Bakugan known simply as the Perfect Dragonoid," Nimue went on. "That Bakugan united the two counter existent orbs to form a single Perfect Core. And with it, Vestroia was built and the Bakugan race lived in harmony."

"Lived?" Bonnie asked, "not born?"

"Were Bakugan around before Vestroia's creation?" Lyra asked.

"Possibly," Gaia stated. "That part of our history is...unclear. All we know is that the Bakugan made Vestroia their home and lived in relative peace."

Nimue nodded before continuing. "Despite the occasional issue, life in Vestroia was good. Until one day, a disaster occurred. It is unknown what happened, but almost all Bakugan were wiped out. Only a select few survived and from them, new Bakugan were born over the years."

The humans all shared a confused look, wondering what kind of calamity could have happened that could wipe out almost an entire race. "But that's when things got bad," Wukong jumped in. "With a new generation of Bakugan, new problems popped up. One of which were the Lucifer Wars"

"Lucifer Wars?" Flash asked.

"Named after the Bakugan that stopped them," Nimue explained. "Over the thousands of years it took for us to return to our former numbers, the six factions of each Bakugan Attribute slowly began to turn against one another. Every day, multiple battles for dominance over the land were raged and almost destroyed the world. Each one believed their faction was the superior race and were willing to fight to prove it. The battles were harsh and apparently, never-ending. But that was when he appeared. Lucifer the White."

"The white?" Heath repeated.

"He was a white one," Gaia explained. "A Bakugan without attribute. He descended upon Vestroia and helped the Bakugan resolve their differences, putting an end to the war. Peace returned to our world, but it didn't last. For Lucifer, fearing his own demise, went mad with a hunger for power."

"Why?" Flash asked, fearing what she might say.

Nimue let out a sigh, the words she said next sounding sorry for the one she was talking about. "The white ones are a race of Bakugan that shouldn't exist, born when a mutation occurs through the process of evolution. They have no power of their own and eventually, they would simple vanish into nothingness." Everyone frowned hearing this, not liking the sound of it.

Gaia went on. "Lucifer's eventual end drove him to seek out power, attacking other Bakugan and stealing their Attribute energy to use for himself. But the more he took, the greater his hunger grew. If he wasn't stopped, he would continued attacking Bakugan until the entire race was wiped out."

"Or worse," Wukong stated. "I heard that if he gathered to much power, he would have likely reached a point where he couldn't hold all of it and explode. If that had happened, the shockwave might have ripped Vestroia apart and caused the Bakugan to be wiped out as well. Good thing the Legendary Guardians were there."

"Who are the Legendary Guardians?" Lyra asked, "you still haven't explained them."

Nimue turned to her. "The Legendary Guardians were six Bakugan, one of each Attribute, who came together to save their home. Each of them trained and managed to get themselves to evolve into their ultimate forms, which allowed them to safely fight against Lucifer."

"Evolved?" Flash asked, only for Leonidas to speak up.

"Bakugan grow stronger by battling," they all turned to the dragonoid. "Eventually, a Bakugan will grow so strong that their bodies become unable to withstand the power. In that moment they have but two options. Let the power overcome and destroy them from within, or evolve and transform into entirely new forms. That is the goal of many Bakugan who do battle. Evolve and increase their power."

"That's right," Nimue nodded. "And those six Bakugan worked to undergo that evolution, each managing to do so and reach a state of power that allowed them to stand against Lucifer. And so they battled with the fight being, as you humans call, epic. And, eventually, they managed to defeat Lucifer and strip him of all the power he had stolen."

"What happened after that?" Lyra asked, Nimue chuckling at how into it they were.

"Without his power, he wasn't much of a threat. But the Legendary Guardians knew he might try and obtain it again. And so, to keep Vestroia safe, they sealed him within the Perfect Core. And peace was believed to be restored. But that did not last."

"What do you mean?" Heath asked, "with the war over and Lucifer powerless, what other threat could exist."

"Lucifer didn't lose all his power," Wukong stepped in. "He still had a tiny speck of Darkus Energy left."

"That's right," Nimue nodded. "And he nurtured that speck over many generations, eventually allowing it to take form as a new Bakugan. This Bakugan could escape the prison holding Lucifer and enter Vestroia, where it began to hunt down any Bakugan it could."

"This is the same Bakugan you told us about before?" Lyra asked, with Nimue nodding back. "The one that sent others to the Doom Dimension to steal their power."

"And caused Vestroia to fall apart," Bonnie went on.

"Indeed," Gaia spoke up. "Back in Vestroia, I used to tend to a large forest that housed many Bakugan. But eventually, the trees began to wither and the soil grew polluted. The last thing I remember before meeting Bonnie was an earthquake, which rattled my entire forest apart." The others frowned, Bonnie tapping Gaia on the head to try and cheer her up, each of them hating that one Bakugan could cause so much pain.

"It was a tough time for us all," Nimue stated. "Though like I said before, I'm not fully sure how that happened."

"I am." They turned to Wukong, surprised by this information. "I was there. It's what I remembered last night."

"You were there when Vestroia fell apart?" Flash asked.

"Well...not exactly. I was close by. I heard that a battle was talking place and decided to go and see if I could get in on the action. But before I got there, the battle was over. All I saw was a brilliant beam of light explode into the air before curving down and slamming into the ground. That was when the place began goong to heck."

"A beam of light?" Leonidas asked.

Wukong nodded. "I managed to get close to the battlefield and when I did, I spotted the guardians."

Wukong had arrived at the source of the beam of light and found the place was a mess, the ground upturned and multiple trees knocked over.

He looked around and then up into the air, where he spotted six figures floating in the sky. They were too far for him to make out their appearances, but he could just make out what they were saying.

"Curses!" A male voice yelled, the source being a Bakugan that glowed red, "what did he do?"

A Bakugan that was glowing purple replied in a male voice. "It appears that before we could strip him of his power, he managed to unleash it. But where did it go?"

"Underground," a green glowing Bakugan replied with a female voice. "It's clear where he sent it."

"The Perfect Core," a blue glowing Bakugan stated with a hiss in its male voice. "To him."

"This is bad," an orange glowing Bakugan stated with a male voice. "The power is beginning to de-stabilise the Perfect Core."

The final Bakugan, which glowed yellow, spoke in a female voice. "If that happens, then Vestroia will be no more. And the Bakugan will suffer utter annihilation." Wukong panicked hearing this, but then the six flew up. "We have no other choice. The Bakugan must abandon Vestroia until we can find a way to restore it." With that, the six glowed and the light shot towards the point between them. And slowly, two strange looking objects appeared.

These objects suddenly unleashed a burst of light that blinded Wukong, as everything around him went blank.

"The next thing I knew, I was being picked up by Heath." The others let this information sink in, unable to believe it.

"So that's it," Nimue sounded worried. "Lucifer was given the power and it allowed him to break free of the Perfect Core, but doing so caused Vestroia to be destroyed."

Gaia nodded. "The Perfect Core was the planet's soul. The binding force that allowed the six Attribute Energy that made up the world to live in piece. Without it, it's no wonder the planet fell apart."

"So the Guardians had no other choice," Lyra realised. "They only had minutes to come up with a way to save their entire race. I guess there were worse ideas to come up with then sending them to another world."

"But then how did Dark Industries get a hold of them?" Bonnie asked. "If they wanted to protect the Bakugan, I doubt letting thousands of stranger buy them would be a good idea."

"We may never know," Nimue stated. "The last thing I remember on Vestroia was trying to protect a group of Aquos Wontu. The poor things were terrified out of their minds, unable to move. Seconds before we were hit with the light, a piece of overhanging cliff broke apart. If I had been a second slower in destroying it, the Wontu would have all been crushed."

Gaia nodded. "Like I said before, my forest was completely destroyed. But now that I know the entire planet's gone, one little forest doesn't seem all that important."

"It was important to you," Bonnie assured her. "That make's it extra important." Gaia turned to smile at her before the lot of them turned to Leonidas.

"What?" The dragon asked.

"What about you?" Flash asked, "what were you doing right before Vestroia was lost."

"I...I can't remember," Leonidas turned away.

"Oh come on," Wukong told him. "An event like that, you gotta remember."

"You didn't," Leonidas replied. "Besides, it doesn't matter anyway. Probably boring, so drop it."

"Well what's the last thing you-"

"I said drop it!" Wukong leapt back in surprise, the others looking just as shocked at the outburst.

"Alright," Flash assured him, "we'll drop it. You can tell us when you're ready." Leonidas nodded before Flash turned to the others, "so what now? We know how the Bakugan got here, but what are we supposed to do about it?"

"What can we do about it?" Lyra asked, "it's not like we know how to recreate a destroyed planet."

Bonnie nodded. "And even if we could, how are we supposed to get there?" It was then that she had a thought, which made her look down at the Bakugan. "What if...Vestroia wasn't even in our universe?" The others looked confused until she explained. "If the Bakugan are from another universe, it would explain why they take on these forms on earth. Different universe, different physical laws." This made the others click, realising she was right.

"That makes sense," Heath nodded. "But if that's the case, how are they able to go back to normal in the battlefield?" Again, they clicked as they realised there must be a reason.

Lyra spoke up, "somehow...Dark Industries is able to mimic the environment of Vestroia. At least enough so the Bakugan to temporarily return to their natural forms."

"But how?" Flash asked. "If they're able to mimic Vestroia's atmosphere then they must know it exists. And if they know Vestroia exists..."

"They know the Bakugan are living things," Derpy finished. Everyone shared a look, then stared around the battle stadium. No doubt the Bakugan business had earned them a lot of profit, but would they really be willing to subjugate an entire race just to earn a profit. Or was there more going on that they didn't know about.

"Geez," Flash sighed, "talk about insane. It's a shame Twilight isn't here. She would have loved to hear all this." He looked around, not seeing her or any of her teammates. "Where is she anyway?" The others shrugged, clearly not knowing.

"I haven't seen them all day," Derpy told them. "Guess they all had somewhere else to be today."

Twilight, along with Pinkie, Rarity and Applejack, had chosen to spend the day at another stadium. One in an entirely other city named Cloudsdale.

There, the four of them were watching a brawl between four girls, with two of them being the final two members of their team. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, both facing off against girls named Cloud Chaser and Flitter.

Currently, Rainbow had a Ventus Atmos out whilst Cloud Chaser had a Haos Sylvee. Fluttershy had a Pyrus Monarus whilst Flitter had a Ventus Falconeer. The four were in an arena known as the spiral canyon, which was a rocky area full of spiral staircases they could run up to get to the power-ups.

Rainbow stood atop one such staircase. "Ability, Activate!" She held up a card that began to glow, as the giant bird began to beat its wings. "Typhoon Chase!" A powerful wind swept towards Falconeer and struck it, pushing it to the ground.

Atmos: 450Gs
Sylvee: 310Gs
Monarus: 330Gs
Falconeer: 340Gs

"Ability," Flitter held up a card, "activate!" Sylvee flew towards Atmos, whilst curling its long tail around to point at the bird. "Light Stinger!" The end of its tail exploded with light, hitting Atmos and making it cry out in pain.

Atmos: 350Gs
Sylvee: 310Gs
Monarus: 330Gs
Falconeer: 340Gs

At the same time, Falconeer had recovered from its earlier attack and leapt into the air with its claws prepared to slash at Atmos. But before it could reach it, Monarus appeared. "Ability," Fluttershy calmly held up a card, "Activate!" The butterfly woman began to beat her wings, causing red dust to fly off and hit Falconeer. "Blazing Powder." Falconeer began to get lethargic, making it difficult for the Bakugan to fly.

Atmos: 350Gs
Sylvee: 310Gs
Monarus: 330Gs
Falconeer: 240Gs

"Nice one!" Rainbow smiled whilst Cloud held up her own card.

"Ability, Activate!" A tornado exploded around Falconeer, "Wind Barrier!" The wind cleared the powder off of it.

Atmos: 350Gs
Sylvee: 310Gs
Monarus: 330Gs
Falconeer: 340Gs

"Nice sis," Flitter told her as Atmos charged at Sylvee. "Now, Gate Card OPEN!" The ground suddenly exploded with light, almost blinding the people looking at it. "Haos Reactor!" The light flew into Sylvee, powering the mechanical dragonfly up.

Atmos: 350Gs
Sylvee: 510Gs
Monarus: 330Gs
Falconeer: 340Gs

Sylvee hovered its ground as Atmos slammed into it, the robotic Bakugan pushing the bird away. As that was happening, Falconeer flew towards Monarus, claws and talons primed to slash at it. Fluttershy, luckily, managed to hod up a card before it could reach her. "Ability, Activate!" Monarus' wings began to glow as if flew up, absorbing the light of the sun that was streaming in from skylight. "Protective Sunlight!" The light then flew off its wings and formed a barrier, protecting the butterfly from Falconeer's attacks.

Atmos: 350Gs
Sylvee: 510Gs
Monarus: 430Gs
Falconeer: 340Gs

"Ha!" Cloud smirked, "not good enough. Because my sister and I have one advantage you two don't have." She held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" It glowed along with Falconeer and Sylvee, "Diagonal Correlation!" The light flew off Sylvee and into Falconeer, powering it up.

Atmos: 350Gs
Sylvee: 510Gs
Monarus: 430Gs
Falconeer: 540Gs

Fluttershy gasped as Falconeer slashed at her Bakugan's force-field, shattering it before flying forward and slashing at Monarus. The butterfly woman let out a cry of pain as it was knocked backwards, reverting back to ball form and falling to the ground. "Oh NO!" She cried as her life gauge dropped.

Flitter: 26%
Cloud: 18%
Rainbow: 84%
Fluttershy: 12%

"Not good," Rainbow gulped, realising she was now facing off against two Bakugan all on her own. "Ah, who cares." She took out a pair of cards, "I'll wipe you both out. Double Ability, Activate!" Atmos flew straight up and began to spin, forming a tornado around it that arched around and shot towards the two opposing Bakugan. "Tornado Burst, plus Wing Blade!" Atmos explode out of the tornado, flying forward at high speed whilst its wings glowed.

Atmos: 600Gs
Sylvee: 510Gs
Falconeer: 540Gs

Atmos moved so fast, Sylvee barely managed to move in time to avoid the attacks, though it did get a scratch that ran down its back. And as Atmos circled back around, Flitter held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Its eyes glowed and the light flew off, forming a barrier in front of it. "Spectral Shield!" Atmos slammed its wings into it, but wasn't able to push through it.

Atmos: 500Gs
Sylvee: 510Gs
Falconeer: 540Gs

As Atmos was pushed back, Falconeer flew up and appeared behind it. "Ability, Activate!" Cloud held up a card that glowed as Falconeer pulled its wings back, "Feather Shot!" It beat its wings and unleashed a barrage of feathers, with the points sticking into Atmos's back. It squawked in pain.

Atmos: 400Gs
Sylvee: 510Gs
Falconeer: 540Gs

"Now sis!" Cloud cried as Flitter nodded and held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Both Sylvee and Falconeer glowed, "Diagonal Correlation!" The light flew off Falconeer and entered Sylvee, causing it to glow and increase its power.

Atmos: 400Gs
Sylvee: 710Gs
Falconeer: 540Gs

"GO!" Flitter cried as Sylvee shot forward and slammed its body into Atmos, making it squawk in pain as it was sent hurtling towards the ground. Seconds before it made impact, it reverted back to ball form.

Flitter: 26%
Cloud: 18%
Rainbow: 22%
Fluttershy: 12%

"Ow!" The announcer cried, "that was a big hit for Rainbow Dash. Can she and Fluttershy turn things around, or will the twins be the ones to take the win today?"

"As if," Cloud smirked as she and Flitter retrieved their Bakugan. "Now that we've pulled out all the stops, there's no way those two can beat us."

"You said it sister," Flitter flicked her Bakugan up and caught it. She then turned to Fluttershy, who moved over to Rainbow as she picked up Atmos. "No offence, but you don't really seem to be the type that makes a good Brawler. I mean, all you do is use defensive abilities and try to weaken our Bakugan without even hurting them. Not exactly a winning strategy."

Fluttershy looked upset by this, the girl playing with her hair. "That's not very nice."

"Don't listen to them," Rainbow told her. "You Brawl the way you like to. Hasn't failed you yet." Fluttershy smiled at her, the pair then hearing their other friends.

"Fluttershy!" They looked up as Pinkie smiled at her, "show those two who's boss."

"You can do it deary," Rarity cried.

"We believe in you," Twilight stated whilst Applejack nodded.

"Ya'h got this!"

Fluttershy's smile grew tenfold, but then it changed to a sly smirk as she looked back at the two. "If those two want me to act more like a brawler, then fine. I just hope they don't complain when they lose." Rainbow saw the look she had and knew what she was planning.

"Shy...you really gonna use that one?" Fluttershy nodded. "Alright then," Rainbow smirked. "Then I'll go all out too." They both turned towards the twins as Rainbow held up a Gate Card, then threw it towards the ground. "Gate Card...SET!" It exploded with green light as the four girls rushed off.

Flitter and Cloud Chaser were the first to reach some stairs and ran right up them, reaching the top and spotting some power-ups. "BAKUGAN!" They threw the balls, "BRAWL!" They hit the power-ups before landing on the ground, rolling for several seconds. "BAKUGAN...STAND!" The two popped open before transforming in a burst of wind and purple light, "Falconeer/Sylvee!"

Sylvee: 310Gs
Falconeer: 340Gs

The two flew straight up as they glowed, their powers increasing.

Sylvee: 460Gs
Falconeer: 590Gs

Rainbow and Fluttershy reached their own stair spirals and raced up them, getting to the top in seconds. "BAKUGAN!" They threw their Bakugan, "BRAWL!" They both shot through the air, hit several power-ups on the way, then landed on the ground. "BAKUGAN, STAND!" They popped open and were consumed by a tornado of fire and wind.

"Ventus Terraspin!" One was a large green Bakugan that looked like a giant turtle shell, with long flipper arms coming out the sides and thick elephant legs coming out the bottom. The shell had nine holes on the bottom, eight being vent-like appendages whilst the top one had a turtle face pocking out of it. The top and bottom of the shell appeared disconnected, creating a gap that allowed the arms and legs to spin freely.

"Pyrus Lepusinge!" The other was a humanoid rabbit with ears so long they flopped down halfway. Its head, neck, chest, stomach and arms were white whilst its waist and upper legs were red. Its knees were surrounded by flame patterned fur and the legs after that were dark blue. Its ears were white at the base but turned yellow just after the fold, whilst the tips of its hands had the same flame patterned balls of fur on the end. A yellow V ran around the front of its head, with the tip connected to its nose, and ran up its head like eyebrows whilst the fur on its forehead was red. Its bunny tail was white.

Sylvee: 510Gs
Terraspin: 430Gs
Falconeer: 590Gs
Lepusinge: 440Gs

The two Bakugan began to move, Terraspin swinging its arms around whilst Lepusinge jumped on the spot. All the while, they both glowed as their powers rose.

Sylvee: 510Gs
Terraspin: 680Gs
Falconeer: 590Gs
Lepusinge: 640Gs

Cloud and Flitter stared at the new Bakugan in amazement, having never seen these ones before. In that moment, Fluttershy held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge dashed forward as its feet began to smoke, "Blaze Kick!" Before either of them could do anything, Lepusinge jumped up and was able to reach way further then any non-flying Bakugan could. At the same time, its feet exploded.

Sylvee: 510Gs
Terraspin: 680Gs
Falconeer: 590Gs
Lepusinge: 840Gs

Lepusinge swung its feet around and smashed it into Falconeer, the bird-man Bakugan squawking as it was blasted towards the ground and smashed into it with intense power. "Falconeer!" Cloud cried as Lepusinge landed on the ground, "no way."

"When did she get this aggressive?" Flitter asked, only to see movement with Terraspin. The giant turtle's head retracted into its shell as it jumped up, its legs merging to form a third flipper that gave it the look of a bi-plane. It then began spinning, allowing it to take off and fly into the air. "It flies?"

"Ha!" Rainbow held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Terraspin flew above Sylvee, as the vents on its shell began letting out air. "Shell Tornado!" The spinning of its flippers morphed the expelled wind into a tornado, which shot straight towards Sylvee.

Sylvee: 510Gs
Terraspin: 880Gs
Falconeer: 590Gs
Lepusinge: 840Gs

"Ahh!" Flitter held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Sylvee formed the force-field from its eyes, "Spectral Shield!" The tornado hit the shield and was still knocked back, but not as badly as it would have been.

Sylvee: 510Gs
Terraspin: 680Gs
Falconeer: 590Gs
Lepusinge: 840Gs

"This is nuts," Flitter whispered before taking out another card. "Sis, Ability, Activate!"

Cloud nodded and held up her card as Falconeer picked itself up, "Ability, Activate!" Both their Bakugan glowed as the twins spoke in unison. "Diagonal Correlation!" The light flew off one Bakugan and into the other, powering them up.

Sylvee: 710Gs
Terraspin: 680Gs
Falconeer: 790Gs
Lepusinge: 840Gs

Falconeer leapt into the air, staying clear out of Lepusinge's reach. At the same time, Sylvee charged at Terraspin and pointed its tail at it as Flitter held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The robotic dragonfly fired the laser and struck Terraspin, "Light Stinger!"

Sylvee: 710Gs
Terraspin: 580Gs
Falconeer: 790Gs
Lepusinge: 840Gs

"Get it!" She cried as Sylvee continued to fire the laser at Terraspin, making it cry out. But then, Rainbow held up a card as Terraspin spun around.

"Ability, Activate!" The shell glowed, the laser hitting it bouncing off without causing damage as the light spread to the rest of it. "Shell Guard. Negate the last ability used and add an extra hundred Gs."

Sylvee: 710Gs
Terraspin: 780Gs
Falconeer: 790Gs
Lepusinge: 840Gs

Flitter growled whilst Cloud held up her own card. "Ability, Activate!" Falconeer held its wings back, then beat them and launched the feathers at Lepusinge. "Feather Shot!" They shot towards the giant rabbit, but Fluttershy held up her card.

"Ability, Activate!" It glowed as Lepusinge jumped out of the way, the feathers hitting the ground harmlessly. "Bounce Deflection. Negates last Ability card and add one hundred Gs to Lepusinge."

Sylvee: 710Gs
Terraspin: 780Gs
Falconeer: 790Gs
Lepusinge: 940Gs

The twins both growled at this, with the two of them holding up a pair of cards each. "DOUBLE ABILITY, ACTIVATE!" They yelled together as their Bakugan performed their attacks.

"Hyper Whirlwind, plus Gale Slash!"

"Shining Rain, plus Burst Aura!"

Falconeer beat its wings and unleashed a powerful blast of wind that struck Lepusinge, whilst Sylvee pointed its tail and the sky and fired. The laser exploded and began raining smaller lasers down onto Terraspin, who was unable to avoid and deflect them. After that, Falconeer charged forward as wind swirled around its claws. Meanwhile, Sylvee opened its mouth and fired a blast of light that struck Terraspin at the same time Falconeer slashed at Lepusinge.

Sylvee: 910Gs
Terraspin: 680Gs
Falconeer: 990Gs
Lepusinge: 840Gs

Rainbow and Fluttershy watched their Bakugan fall to the ground, flinching but far from beaten. Terraspin was still glowing and Lepusinge started break-dancing, managing to get back onto its feet as Fluttershy held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Lepusinge shot forward, its ears igniting. "Flaming Slap!" He reached Falconeer before it could fly back to safety and swung his ears around, smashing one of them into Falconeer.

Sylvee: 910Gs
Terraspin: 680Gs
Falconeer: 940Gs
Lepusinge: 840Gs

He then spun around again and hit it with both ears.

Sylvee: 910Gs
Terraspin: 680Gs
Falconeer: 840Gs
Lepusinge: 840Gs

It then spun around and smashed it one final time, knocking Falconeer soaring into the air.

Sylvee: 910Gs
Terraspin: 680Gs
Falconeer: 790Gs
Lepusinge: 840Gs

"My turn!" Rainbow cried as she held up a card, "time for one of my favourites. Ability, Activate!" The light surrounding Terraspin exploded off it, allowing it to jump into the air and fly and incredible speed. "Shell Smash!"

Sylvee: 910Gs
Terraspin: 980Gs
Falconeer: 790Gs
Lepusinge: 840Gs

"Three hundred Gs?" Flitter asked as Terraspin charged at Sylvee and smashed into it, knocking it flying. "No way!"

"It would have been half that if I hadn't used Shell Guard before," Rainbow explained. "Now watch as your Bakugan gets slapped around." Terraspin stopped spinning and returned to normal in the air, somehow able to glide by expelling the air from his chest. As it got close to Sylvee, he started slapping it with his flippers.

At the same time, Cloud held up a card and it glowed. "Ability, Activate!" A tornado appeared around Falconeer, cooling the areas that had been struck by Lepusinge's ears. "Wind Barrier."

Sylvee: 910Gs
Terraspin: 980Gs
Falconeer: 990Gs
Lepusinge: 840Gs

Falconeer then dived at Lepusinge, ready to claw at it. But Fluttershy smirked as she held up a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge glowed and was able to leap to the side, moving at incredible speed. "Power Dash!"

Sylvee: 910Gs
Terraspin: 980Gs
Falconeer: 990Gs
Lepusinge: 940Gs

That glow was then replaced by a fiery aura, as Lepusinge turned to Falconeer. "Plus, Flare Jump!" The rabbit leapt into the air, flying super higher and shooting well above Falconeer.

Sylvee: 910Gs
Terraspin: 980Gs
Falconeer: 990Gs
Lepusinge: 1090Gs

He then spun around and smashed a foot into Falconeer's head, making it cry out and fall to the ground.

Meanwhile, Terraspin and Sylvee flew around one another as Flitter held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Sylvee's eyes glowed and started projecting hexagon shaped energy screens that formed a sphere around Terraspin. "Energy Vault!" Once the sphere was complete, the hexagons unleashed lightning that shocked the turtle.

Sylvee: 910Gs
Terraspin: 880Gs
Falconeer: 990Gs
Lepusinge: 1090Gs

Rainbow growled, but then held up two card. "Double Ability, Activate!" Terraspin's fins spun faster then before, making it look like a buzzsaw more then anything. "Shell Saw!" The saw flew into the energy vault and shattered it before flying forward, hitting Sylvee and grinding against the machine.

Sylvee: 810Gs
Terraspin: 880Gs
Falconeer: 990Gs
Lepusinge: 1090Gs

"Plus, Shell Spin!" Terraspin then flew straight up and retracted its appendages, so only its shell remained. It then shot down towards Sylvee and spun before slamming into the robot.

Sylvee: 810Gs
Terraspin: 980Gs
Falconeer: 990Gs
Lepusinge: 1090Gs

Sylvee fell towards the ground as Falconeer was picking itself up, only to crash into the Ventus Bakugan and knock it back towards the ground. This made Rainbow and Fluttershy smirked as Flitter and Cloud looked worried, that worry increasing when they saw their opponents rush over to a staircase. "What are you doing?" Flitter asked, only to then see Lepusinge leap up into the air.

At that moment, Terraspin flew down and Lepusinge landed on the back of its shell. "We're just making sure we're not on the ground."

"What for?" Cloud asked, only to realise why.

"So we don't get shocked when we do this!" Rainbow held her arm up, "Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground began to glowed before lightning exploded off of it, shocking not just the Bakugan but Flitter and Cloud. "Paralysing Earth!"

Cloud and Flitter groaned as they were zapped. It didn't hurt, but they couldn't move an inch. "What...is this?"

"Paralysing Earth!" Rainbow replied as she and Fluttershy reached the top of the stairs. "A Gate Card that paralysis any Bakugan on the ground, making them unable to move or use Abilities."

"No way," Cloud groaned as she tried to move.

Rainbow smirked before turning to Fluttershy, "let's end this." Fluttershy nodded back before the two of them held up their cards and spoke in unison. "FUSION ABILITY...ACTIVATE!" Both cards glowed as the Bakugan enacted their attacks.

Lepusinge's body glowed a fiery aura before it leapt off of Terraspin. "Blazing Hi-Jump Kick!" Lepusinge then fell down towards Falconeer, its foot exploding into flames.

At the same time, Terraspin spun its fins and unleashed a powerful blast of air. "Ultra Shell Tornado!" It created a powerful hurricane that shot towards Sylvee. It struck the robotic Bakugan and threw it into the air, Sylvee spinning around rapidly whilst Lepusinge struck Falconeer with its powerful kick.

Sylvee: 810Gs
Terraspin: 1280Gs
Falconeer: 990Gs
Lepusinge: 1440Gs

Both Falconeer and Sylvee cried out in pain, this attack too much for them, the two transforming back to ball form before falling towards the ground. Flitter and Cloud cried out as the zapping stopped, their life gauges dropping down.

Flitter: 0%
Cloud: 0%
Rainbow: 22%
Fluttershy: 12%

"That's it!" The announcer cried as the Bakugan returned to the girls, "the battle's over! Rainbow and Fluttershy have come out on top to claim victory." The crowd cheered as the battlefield began to dissolve, with Rainbow and Fluttershy moving over to the twins.

"So," Rainbow crossed her arms, "still think Fluttershy's not brawler material?"

Flitter looked up at Fluttershy, "where the heck was this girl at the start of the Brawl." Fluttershy blushed as she held up Lepusinge.

"I don't know why, but using this Bakugan just gets me all flared up. Also helps that he's so cute."

"Well we won't make the mistake of underestimating you two again," Cloud exclaimed before she and her sister turned to head towards the exit. Rainbow and Fluttershy did the same and headed for the other exit, stepping out into the hallway and Fluttershy sighed.

"That was...heart-racing." Rainbow playfully punched her in the arm.

"You totally killed it out there." Fluttershy smiled as they made their way down the hallway until they arrived back int he main foyer, where they spotted Twilight and the others.

"Rainbow, Fluttershy!" Twilight waved them over, "you were both amazing."

"Was there any doubt?" Rainbow smirked, "those two are just lucky we took it easy on them. If we hadn't held back, we'd be in the possession of two knew Bakugan."

"I'm sure you would have darling," Rarity nodded. "The pair of you have certainly improved recently."

Applejack nodded with a tip of her hat, "ya'h both gonna kill it at da'h tournament."

Pinkie Smiled, "you two must be the best Pyrus and Ventus brawlers in the city." It was then that Pinkie noticed Rainbow frown and cross her arms, making her think she had said the wrong thing. "Aren't you?"

"Fluttershy's definitely the best Pyrus brawler," Rainbow nodded. "But I'm still in competition." The others looked confused by this. "There's this one Ventus Brawler that I just can't get ahead of. The first time we brawled, I beat him. But the next time, he beat me."

Fluttershy nodded. "The two of them have been going back and forth with their wins. They've brawled ten times now and it's and even five to five."

"My my," Rarity whispered. "They must be quite the brawler to break even with you."

"What's his name?" Applejack asked, with Rainbow about to reply before seeing something.

"He's over there." The girls followed her gaze and turned towards a pillar, where they saw a light blue skinned boy with dark blue hair, wearing a black shirt under a dark blue open shirt and white ripped jeans. "That's Soarin Skies." The boy in question seemed to hear them and turned to smile at Rainbow.

"Hey Dash," he waved to her. "Just saw your last brawl. Pretty good, though you looked like you were cutting it close."

"I was just making sure Fluttershy got the chance to show off how awesome she is," Rainbow assured him. "Anyway, these are the rest of my friends." They all shared their hellos as Twilight spoke up.

"Rainbow said you two are in a dead-heat Brawl-wise," Soarin nodded. "That must mean you're really good."

"Pretty much," Soarin nodded. "But I wouldn't be half as good if I didn't have my partner helping out."

"Partner?" Rarity asked before they spotted movement, seeing something leaping onto Soarin's shoulder. That something was a Ventus Bakugan, who opened up and glanced around at the group.

"Hey," it spoke in a male voice, "you guys talking about me." The girls, minus Rainbow and Fluttershy, gasped at the sight of another talking Bakugan.

"Another one?" Twilight asked before turning to Soarin. "Let me guess, it appeared from the sky after a flash of light."

"Pretty much," Soarin nodded as he thought back to the day he and his Bakugan met.

Soarin was staring down at his school's sport's field, where the Cloudsdale Soccer Team were practising.

He was leaning against the fence of his school's roof, a soccer-ball in his hands. He looked down at it, then back to the field as he heard the coach's whistle before she screamed out for them to run faster. This made him pull away from the fence and throw his soccer-ball at the door of the roof, it bouncing back with him kicking it back towards the door.

Again and again it bounced off the door until Soarin finally used his foot to stop it and sighed, deciding this was no fun on his own. "There has to be something." He looked up at the sky, "something that'll be fun to do. Anything?" He pulled is foot back and was about to kick it, but before he could it happened.

The sky suddenly exploded with light, blinding him. He cried out and accidently placed his foot on the ball, causing it to roll out from under him and make him trip up. "Augh!" He cried, landing on his butt. He groaned as he looked towards the ground, wishing he knew what the heck this light was.

But then, he heard something. The sound of something hitting the roof and bouncing off it, then doing so again and again until a constant sound of something rolling could be heard. The cause of that sound soon came into view, revealing a green ball that stopped just between his legs.

Soarin stared at the ball as the light vanished, allowing him to see.

He heard the coach's whistle and scream, that light apparently not being noticed by her or the soccer players. He then reached down and picked up the ball, looking it over in confusion. "What is this thing?" It was then the ball popped open, shocking him as he saw a bird like head hidden beneath the plastic.

"Where am I?"

Soarin's eyes went wide hearing this, almost dropping the plastic object. "What...what are you?"

"I'm a Bakugan," it replied. "And my name...is Ventus Garuda."

"We've been together ever since," Soarin finished. "Garuda told me about Bakugan and I looked up what they were, the two of us learning all about Bakugan and what they are here. Then we came here and ran into Rainbow, who challenged me the second she saw Garuda."

"So you've only been a brawler as long as you've had Garuda?" Twilight asked, Soarin nodding and making her wonder. "Just like Flash. When did you get him?" Soarin thought about this for a moment, counting the days.

"I think it was about a month ago. Maybe a month and a half?" He reached down and looked through his BakuColar, seeing the date it was distributed to him and telling Twilight.

"Wait," her eyes went wide, "that's the same day Flash got Leonidas." The others were just as shocked to hear this whilst Soarin looked confused.

"Who?"

"They're friends of ours," Twilight explained. "Flash Sentry and his talking Bakugan, Haos Leonidas."

"Leonidas?" Garuda asked, "I've never heard of that Bakugan before. But he can talk?"

"We've actually met five other Bakugan that can talk," Twilight replied. "Four of them are friends of ours and they've formed a team they intend to enter the tournament with." She smirked, "I think you might enjoy meeting them."

"Maybe we will," Garuda nodded before turning to his partner. "What do you say?"

Soarin thought for a moment, but then smiled. "I say Flash Sentry better watch out, because I'm coming to get him."

Author's Note

Whelp, that was an interesting chapter. Hope you enjoyed it. We learned a little about Vestroia, got to she Rainbow and Fluttershy brawl and met Soarin whilst also learning about his partner.

For Garuda, Lepusinge and Terraspin's ball form. Garuda is like Harpus but with a bird head instead, whilst Lepusinge may look like Tristar. Terraspin, I'm not sure. Maybe the front part flips open to show his flippers and the rest is hidden inside. Whatever you think works.

Bakugan are Soarin High

Flash and Leonidas had just arrived at the battle stadium once again, looking forward to another day of training matches.

"Ready Leo?" He asked his Bakugan, "we've still got a lot more training to do before we're ready to enter the tournament." The Bakugan in question jumped up onto his shoulder.

"Just point me at the opponent and let me at'em. I'm itching for a match."

"I'm sure Derpy will be able to find us someone to face off against," Flash turned towards the front desk. But instead of his cross-eyed friend, another worker was sitting behind it typing away. "That's weird. Derpy left school early. That's usually so she can get here on time."

"Maybe she's somewhere else," Leonidas guessed as Flash marched over to the desk. The man looked up at him and smiled.

"Excuse me. Do you know where Derpy is?"

"Oh," he looked confused, "she's not working today." This confused Flash, who explained why he asked. "I see. Well...it's possible she got called into headquarters. Or she might have been sent to another stadium to fill in for someone whose sick. That usually happens to the more experienced workers."

"Is Derpy really that experienced?" Flash asked, the guy just shrugging. "Alright. Thanks anyway." He moved away from the desk and sat down, whilst Leonidas jumped down onto the table.

As he did, Lyra, Bonnie and Heath arrived. "Hey Flash!" Heath waved as they moved over to him, noticing his face. "You okay man?"

"You look upset," Bonnie told him.

"Not upset," Flash replied. "Just...puzzled. Derpy's not here, even though she left school early." This confused the three and their Bakugan, all wondering where Derpy was as they sat down. They discussed her possible locations for a few minutes, until Lyra had the bright idea.

"Why don't you just call her? Better yet, text. In case she's doing something important." Flash nodded and took out his phone. And as he began typing away, someone else stepped into the stadium.

That someone was Soarin Skies, who looked around until he spotted the front desk. He moved over to it as Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity and even Rainbow and Fluttershy arrived. "He's here!" Twilight stated as they spotted Soarin reach the front desk, then looked around to see Flash. "Looks like we'll be in for a show after all." They rushed over to the table, getting there as Flash sent the text.

"Hey guys," he smiled before spotting Rainbow and Fluttershy. "Who are your friends?"

"Hey," Lyra pointed at Rainbow, "I've seen you one the web. Rainbow Dash, right?"

"That's me," Rainbow smirked. "One of Cloudsdale's best Ventus Brawlers."

"Cool," Heath smirked, "you up for a match?"

"Any time," Rainbow said before hearing Applejack cough. "Except right now. There's another match we wanna see first."

"Between who?" Bonnie asked before the girls turned towards Soarin, who was talking to the desk man. Said man pointed in their direction, Soarin turning towards them and smiled before heading over.

"What's this guy's deal?" Flash asked, Twilight looking at him.

"His name's Soarin and he's come to challenge you?" She then blushed, "we...might have put the idea into his head." Flash raised an eyebrow before turning back to Soarin, standing up as he reached them.

"Are you Flash Sentry?"

"That's me," Flash nodded. "My friends told me you're here to challenge me?"

"Not just that." As he said this, the Bakugan known as Garuda jumped onto his shoulder. Those not in the know all went wide-eyed at the sight, as Garuda popped open and looked around.

"Hello," he told them, "I am Ventus Garuda. Soarin's Bakugan Partner."

"Another talking Bakugan," Lyra gasped as the Bakugan looked up at him.

"Garuda?" Nimue asked, "I haven't seen you in a very long time."

"Indeed," Garuda nodded before jumping down on the table. "I'm surprised to see all of you here. Or, at least, here and talking. I thought I was the only one until these girls told us about all of you."

"Do you remember what happened to Vestroia?" Gaia asked, with Garuda shaking his head.

"Not all of it. But I remember some things. Not enough to know exactly what happened."

"Don't worry about it," Wukong told him. "I do." This statement caught those who hadn't heard his story off guard, whilst Garuda looked intrigued.

"I look forward to hearing your tale." It was then he turned to Leonidas, who had remained quiet up until now. "So, you're the famous Leonidas. I'm told we both arrived on this planet at the same time."

"Is that so?" Leonidas replied. He glanced at Garuda and noticed him staring at him, a low growl escaping his lips. "Let me guess, you don't remember seeing me in Vestroia. Well get over it."

"Leo," Flash told him.

"It's not that," Garuda stated. "There's something about you. Something...strange." Leonidas growled again, "I can feel a great sadness within you." Leonidas turned to him, a curious look on his plastic face. "Call it a gift. My eyes can't just see well. They see deep. Deep into the souls of others. And I can see a great sadness, which was once a mighty rage. Clearly, something happened to you."

"Can it!" Leonidas almost yelled, "and keep those all seeing eyes pointed somewhere else."

The others frowned whilst Flash gave Soarin an apologetic look. "He's a little sensitive about these things."

"I can see that," Soarin told him. "Well, anyway, I was hoping I could face off against you in a match. I've never brawled a player with a talking Bakugan before."

Flash smirked, already knowing what Leonidas thought of this. "Alright, let's do it. I wanna see what Garuda really looks like."

"Same with me and Leonidas," Soarin picked his Bakugan up. "Let's meet at the battlefield in an hour. Chose your Bakugan wisely." Flash nodded as Soarin left, Rainbow turning to him once he was gone.

"You better be careful. Soarin's tough. I know from experience."

"I figured that," Flash nodded. "But I've got Leonidas with me, so I know we can take whatever he throws at us. Right Leo?"

"Right," the dragonoid nodded. "Our last match against another talking bakugan might not have ended so great, but we've come a long way since then. This time, we'll be coming out on top." Flash nodded and took Leonidas before heading off to plan which Bakugan and cards they would use, whilst the others were interested in seeing how this battle would turn out.

Only time would tell.

"Welcome Baku-fans!" The announcer cried an hour later, as Flash and Soarin arrived at the battlefield. "Today's battle will involved everyone's favourite bad boy of brawling, Flash Sentry! His opponent, a first timer here at this stadium but one with a great rep over in Cloudsdale. Soarin Skies!"

Flash and Soarin reached the centre of the field at the same time, both smirking whilst their Bakugan waited patiently on their shoulders. Up in the stands, Twilight and the others were watching excitedly. "This is gonna be sweet!" Rainbow cried.

"I wonder what Soarin's battle style is like?" Lyra asked.

"I think we're about to find out," Bonnie told her.

"Let's see where our Brawlers will be facing off against one another today!" The announcer cried, before the floor below them began to glow, transforming the battle arena. In a flash, the two boys suddenly found themselves standing on a very elastic surface. They looked down and saw they were standing on a cloud, then look around to see houses, streetlamps and even a large castle made of clouds with smaller clouds floating around the place and Power-up coins scattered around. "It's Cloud City! Our competitors will either fly high of drop like a stone on this battlefield."

Flash and Soarin smirked at the place before glancing back at one another the two taking out their cards as the announcer called out again.

"It looks like both Brawlers are ready for action. So, without further ado, Bakugan...BRAWL!" The crowd cheered as Flash and Soarin's BakuColars beeped and showed their Life Gauges.

Flash: 100%
Soarin: 100%

"Gate Card!" Flash threw his card and it dug into the cloud before exploding, "SET!" Both he and Soarin began to run, Soarin showing off some incredible athletic skills as he managed to parkour up the sides of too buildings onto a roof before jumping onto a nearby cloud.

"Bakugan!" He threw the ball, "Brawl!" It struck a few power-ups before hitting the ground and bouncing on the cloud, "Bakugan...STAND!" The ball bounced into the air and popped open, exploding into a tornado that filled the air. "Ventus Ravenoid, take flight!" The Bakugan was a large humanoid bird with a raven's head.

Ravenoid: 380Gs

The Bakugan squawked as it flew around, glowing with the power-up's light.

Ravenoid: 480Gs

"He's not using Garuda?" Leonidas asked.

"I think he's testing us out," Flash guessed. "Seeing how well he handle him." He smirked and took out another Bakugan. "Let's match his game." He leapt up onto another house and used it and a nearby streetlamp to jump into the air. "Bakugan," he threw it, "BRAWL!" It hit three power-ups before landing on the ground, bounced. "Bakugan...STAND!" The Bakugan opened up but the bouncing caused it to fall forward.

In a flash of light, Flash's Haos Siege appeared but it stumbled forward as it took form.

Siege: 360Gs
Ravenoid: 480Gs

Flash flinched at this, realising the uneven ground would make this difficult. Siege managed to correct itself as it too powered up.

Siege: 510Gs
Ravenoid: 480Gs

However, this slight stumble allowed Ravenoid to fly down as Soarin held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed, "Tornado Pandemonium!" Ravenoid began to circle around Siege at high speed, forming a tornado that caused Siege to be buffeted by the wind.

Siege: 410Gs
Ravenoid: 480Gs

"Ahh!" Flash cried as he held up his card, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with the head of Siege's weapon. "Star Staff!" Siege swung the staff around and unleashed a wave of light that dispelled the tornado, Ravenoid flying up to a safe distance.

Siege: 510Gs
Ravenoid: 480Gs

"Double Ability, Activate!" Soarin held up two cards that began to glow, Ravenoid doing the same. "Shadow Scratch, plus Slipstream!" Ravenoid flew down, moving at an incredible speed. It kept disappearing and reappearing every few seconds before finally warping behind Siege and slashing at it with its claws.

Siege: 460Gs
Ravenoid: 580Gs

"Come on Flash!" Leonidas told him, "you're not gonna let him get away with that, are you?"

"Of course not!" Flash held up a pair of cards, "Double Ability, Activate!" They glowed as Siege charged towards Ravenoid, its staff head glowing. "Shining Prison, plus Piercing Light!" Siege held his staff up and unleashed a blinding light that shot straight up before exploding into a small dome that trapped the two inside of it.

Ravenoid flinched at the light surrounding it and found it difficult to fly within the confined space, whilst Siege charged forward as the top spike of its star extended into a pike made of light. It thrust the spear forward and stabbed into Ravenoid, making it cry out.

Siege: 460Gs
Ravenoid: 430Gs

Ravenoid tried to pull itself off the pike, but Siege pushed it until its back slammed into the light dome. It flinched but Soarin was quick to hold un a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Ravenoid held up its wings and began to flap, "Feather Shot!" Feathers shot out of the wings and slammed into Siege, hitting it between its armour and making it flinch whilst staggering backwards.

Siege: 360Gs
Ravenoid: 430Gs

Soarin didn't give Flash a moment to react and held up another card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed, "Wind Echo!" Ravenoid spun on its feet, forming a tornado around it that shot up and caused the dome to shatter.

Siege: 360Gs
Ravenoid: 530Gs

Ravenoid flew straight up before circling around and diving towards Siege. But before it could reach him, "Gate Card...OPEN!" The clouds suddenly exploded with radiant light, which flowed into Siege. "Haos Reactor!"

Siege: 560Gs
Ravenoid: 530Gs

Siege held up its staff and used it to block Ravenoid's claws, getting pushed back several inches but managing to hold its ground. It then pushed Ravenoid back and started swiping with its staff, Ravenoid barely managing to avoid it.

"That's the way!" Flash cheered, but Leonidas wasn't.

"Don't get cocky. Use an Ability before Soarin-"

"Ability, Activate!" Soarin held up a card as Ravenoid flew straight up, "Storm Breaker!" A powerful wind swept around Ravenoid before it beat its wings and sent blades of air shooting towards the ground. It smashed into the shining clouds, doing so causing the light they were emitting to shatter off them. Siege stopped glowing, the Haos Bakugan feeling its power beginning to drain.

Siege: 360Gs
Ravenoid: 530Gs

"NOW!" Soarin yelled, Ravenoid diving down and reaching Siege before Flash could react. It slashed at the knight, making it cry out as it was knocked backwards. Flash grunted as it began to fall towards him, but reverted back to fall form seconds before crashing into him.

Flash: 66%
Soarin: 100%

"And Soarin takes the first win of the match!" The announcer cried and the crowd began to cheer, whilst Flash's friends watched him pick up his Bakugan.

"That was a close match," Twilight stated.

"But Soarin was able to outsmart him," Lyra realised.

"Flash is gonna need to step it up if he wants to beat Soarin," Rainbow told them. "If you think he's good with Ravenoid, just wait until he brings out Garuda." They all nodded, knowing Flash might be in trouble if he didn't kick it up a notch."

"Man," Flash sighed as he watched Ravenoid return to Soarin, "he's good."

"You only have yourself to blame," Leonidas told him. "You got careless when you should have activated an Ability. You would have been the one ahead if you hadn't gotten overconfident."

Flash wanted to argue, but knew he was right. "Even so, that Soarin doesn't miss a beat. We're gonna need to pull out all the stops if we wanna win this." He turned to Leonidas, "you ready?"

"Always!" As he said this, Soarin took out a card and leapt up onto another rooftop.

"Gate Card," he threw it, "SET!" It hit the clouds and exploded, with Soarin then holding up Ravenoid. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" It flew through the air and hit a trio of power-ups before landing and bouncing on the clouds. "Bakugan...STAND!" It flew back into the air and opened up before a tornado exploded out of it, "Ventus Ravenoid, take flight!" The avian Bakugan took to the sky and glowed from the power-ups.

Ravenoid: 530Gs

"My turn!" Flash leapt up onto a cloud platform, then onto another and another until he was high enough. "Bakugan," he threw Leonidas, "BRAWL!" Leonidas shot through the air and struck a single Power-up before hitting the ground and bouncing up to hit three more. "Bakugan...STAND!" Leonidas popped open and was consumed by light, which flew through the air and grew larger before exploding to reveal the dragon. "Haos Leonidas, RISE!"

"RAAAAARRRRRHHHHH!" He roared, shaking the area as Soarin stared at him in amazement.

"Wow," he whispered, "that thing looks awesome." He watched as Leonidas glowed, then stared down at his BakuColar.

Leonidas: 600Gs
Ravenoid: 530Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Flash held up a card that glowed along with Leonidas, "Dragon Flash!" His Bakugan shot through the air at incredible speeds, too fast for Ravenoid to keep up with.

Leonidas: 700Gs
Ravenoid: 530Gs

Ravenoid tried to escape, but Leonidas was too fast and kept slamming into Ravenoid again and again. Soarin frowned but then held up to cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Ravenoid also glowed and then started flying around as fast as Leonidas. "Slipstream, plus Feather Shot!" The two shot through the air until Ravenoid beat its wings, shooting out feathers that struck Leonidas in the chest.

"Augh!" He cried as he fell back, but managed to keep flying.

Leonidas: 600Gs
Ravenoid: 630Gs

"Hold on, Leo!" Flash cried as Leonidas pulled the feather out of him, then held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Leonidas' mouth filled with lightning. "Alpha Blaster!"

Leonidas: 800Gs
Ravenoid: 630Gs

Leonidas then fired a blast from his mouth, hitting Ravenoid in the chest and making it scream in pain as it was pushed backwards the ground. But before it could crash into the ground, "Gate Card...OPEN!" The clouds glowed green before unleashing powerful gusts of wind that cushioned Ravenoid's fall. "Ventus Reactor!"

Leonidas: 800Gs
Ravenoid: 830Gs

Ravenoid spread its wings and flew back up, as Soarin held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Ravenoid reached Leonidas and slashed him with its claws, "Shadow Scratch!"

Leonidas: 750Gs
Ravenoid: 830Gs

Leonidas flew away and managed to circle around, as Flash held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas shot down and balled his fists, "Brawling Dragon!"

Leonidas: 850Gs
Ravenoid: 830Gs

Leonidas stared throwing punches and kicks at Ravenoid, making it cry out with every hit that made contact. But then, Soarin held up another card before it glowed. "Ability, Activate!" Ravenoid managed to dodge a punch and then started flying around Leonidas. "Tornado Pandemonium!" A tornado formed around Leonidas, causing him to be bombarded by the winds that caused him too flinch.

Leonidas: 750Gs
Ravenoid: 830Gs

But Flash was ready. "Ability, Activate!" He held up a card that glowed as a force-field appeared around Leonidas and protect him from the winds. "Hyper Shield!"

Leonidas: 850Gs
Ravenoid: 830Gs

Leonidas then flew through the tornado and slammed into Ravenoid, the shield protecting him and making Ravenoid hiss. Flash then held up another card. "Let's end this. Ability, Activate!" Leonidas broke out of the force-field and started spinning, transforming into a drill of light. "Shining Tornado!"

Leonidas: 1000Gs
Ravenoid: 830Gs

The drill shot through the air and flew towards Ravenoid, hitting it before Soarin could activate an ability and causing the bird man to squawk in pain. This lasted several seconds until Ravenoid reverted back to ball form, which fell towards the ground and landed a few feet from Soarin's position.

Flash: 66%
Soarin: 66%

"Wow," the announcer cried, "Flash sure pulled that one out of the fire. Now they're all tied up."

"Orr...yeah!" Rainbow cheered as Flash recalled Leonidas. "Nice one man."

"Ravenoid didn't stand a chance against Leonidas," Lyra smiled as she watched Soarin move over to pick up his Bakugan. She then frowned, "does this mean he'll use Garuda?"

"And if he does, will Flash and Leo be able to stand up against them?" Heart asked, the Bakugan all staying quiet but wondering the same thing. Twilight also wondered how the next battle would go, keeping a close eye on Flash as they stared one another down.

"Those two are good," Soarin told Garuda as he picked Ravenoid up.

"He's definitely powerful. But the way he fights..."

Soarin turned to him, "you okay?" Garuda stared at Leonidas for several long seconds, then turned to Soarin.

"I want you to use me in the next battle." He turned back to Leonidas, "there's something about him. And I won't be able to figure it out unless I face him in battle myself."

"Alright," Soarin nodded before Garuda leapt into his hand.

"You see that?" Flash asked Leonidas, who nodded.

"Looks like Soarin's gonna be using Garuda." He turned to Flash, "it's time to show them why we're the best of the best here." Flash nodded and took Leonidas in his hand before taking out a Gate Card.

"Let's do this! Gate Card," he threw it towards the ground before he and Soarin began to run through the cloud town, "Set!" The Gate Card spread throughout the field as they both leapt up onto some of the houses and jumped from roof to roof until they spotted some power-ups of in the distance.

"Bakugan!" They both leapt of the roofs and threw their Bakugan, "BRAWL!" The two balls flew through the air and managed to get to the Power-ups at the same time, Leonidas' angle allowing him to hit one more power-up then Garuda before they hit the cloud and bounced off. "Bakugan...STAND!" The Bakugan popped open midair and were both consumed by both light and a tornado.

However, Garuda's tornado wasn't like the other Ventus Summons. Instead of just wind, green lightning sparked around it. And when it disappeared, Soarin's Bakugan was revealed.

"Ventus Garuda, take FLIGHT!" Garuda was a large humanoid Bakugan whose entire body was surrounded by green feathers, though his head was that of a bird with a green V-shaped crest on his head whilst his forehead, beak and the front of his neck were yellow. Instead of human arms, he had a pair of large green wings with yellow lightning bolt streaks running through them and his legs were green until after the knee. After that, he had a pair of yellow chicken feet with green talons and large green tail feathers. The Bakugan flew through the air, lightning sparking around him as he flew.

Leonidas also broke out of the light, roaring as he looked Garuda over and Flash checked his BakuColar.

Garuda: 450Gs
Leonidas: 400Gs

The Bakugan was fifty Gs stronger, but Flash knew that wouldn't be an issue right now with the power-ups.

Garuda: 600Gs
Leonidas: 600Gs

"Both Bakugan are equal in power level," the announcer told the audience. "The outcome of this match will rely squarely on the brawler's skill."

Flash was the first to pull out an Ability Card, holding it up as Leonidas flew up. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas opened his mouth, "Alpha Blaster!" He then roared and unleashed the laser towards Garuda.

Garuda: 600Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

Soarin held up his own card, which glowed as Garuda began to be surrounded by lightning. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda suddenly morphed into a bolt of lightning, that dodged the laser and flew through the air at incredible speed. "Spark Streak!"

Garuda: 700Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

The lightning bolt shot through the air, zigzagging all over the place whilst Leonidas tried to keep up with it. But he eventually lost sight of it, only for a flash of light to occur behind him. "Ability, Activate!" Soarin cried as Garuda materialised behind Leonidas. "Lightning Wing!" Leonidas spun around, only to get a sharp electrified wing slammed into his gut.

"AUGH!" He cried, feeling himself getting knocked backwards until he crashed into the ground.

Garuda: 850Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

"Leo!" Flash cried as Garuda flew down, ready to slash at him again. He then held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" As Leonidas picked himself up, the force-field appeared around him. "Hyper Shield!" Garuda slammed his wing into the shield, but couldn't get through it.

Garuda: 700Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

"Now," Flash held up another card, "Ability, Activate!" The shield vanished as Leonidas glowed, "Dragon Flash!" Leonidas shot into the air, moving at incredible speed as Garuda did the same. Both Bakugan were now sped up, everyone else seeing them as nothing but blurs.

Garuda: 700Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

Leonidas tried to slash at Garuda, who managed to avoid the attack as Soarin held up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Garuda's wings sparked with lightning, "Thunder Gale!" He flapped them and the lightning was carried on a wind that shot towards Leonidas and hit him.

"Augh!" He was pushed backwards.

Garuda: 700Gs
Leonidas: 750Gs

Garuda then flew straight up before circling around, the Ventus Bakugan diving towards Leonidas. "Plus, Sky Burst!"

Garuda: 850Gs
Leonidas: 750Gs

Garuda slammed into Leonidas, making him cry out as he was pushed towards the ground. But he managed to grab onto Garuda's wings before spinning around, throwing Garuda away. The bird man squawked as he hit the ground, seconds before Leonidas did. Both slid across the ground, flinching as they did so.

"Ooh," the announcer cried as the crowd flinched, "that had to hurt." They watched as both Bakugan began to pick themselves up, "but it looks like neither are ready to give up yet. But with Garuda a hundred Gs ahead, it looks like Soarin will be winning this match.

"Not yet he won't," Flash stated before holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas focused on Garuda before charging forward. "Brawling Dragon!" The dragonoid shot forward and started slamming his fist, feet and tail into Garuda.

"Augh!" He cried, groaning with every impact Leonidas smashed him with.

Garuda: 850Gs
Leonidas: 850Gs

He looked into Leonidas' eyes and saw a great look of ferocity in them, like a beast that had starved for many days given the chance to finally eat. "What are you?" He asked before managing to dodge an attack and leap into the air. "What happened to you before coming here? Where did you come from?"

"None of your business!" Leonidas leapt at him, but Soarin quickly held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Garuda dodged Leonidas' attack and opened his beak, as lightning sparked within it. "Blitz Bolt!"

Garuda: 1000Gs
Leonidas: 850Gs

Before Leonidas could evade, Garuda spat out a bolt of lightning that struck him in the back. "AUGH!" He cried before falling towards the ground, slamming into it as he felt his body seizing up. "What's...happening?"

"LEO!" Flash cried, running over to him. "What's wrong?" He then saw the green lightning sparking around Leonidas, whilst he remained frozen.

"I...can't move!" He tried to spread his wings and take flight, but they refused the do as he told them. "What did you do...to me."

"Blitz Bolt!" Soarin explained. "Powers up Garuda and paralyses any Bakugan it strikes, making them unable to move or activate an Ability." Flash's eyes went wide hearing this. "Now it's time this battle drew to a close. Garuda!" The lightning bird flew up before diving down, "END THIS!" The Ventus Bakugan charged towards Leonidas, who no doubt would fall if this attack struck. But before it could.

"Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground began to glow, with that light flowing into Leonidas. "Haos Saver!" The lightning exploded off of the dragon, who felt himself able to move again. And not a second to soon, as Garuda drew closer and he barely managed to jump up and avoid him.

"How's he moving?" Soarin asked as Leonidas spread his wings and flew up.

"Haos Saver negates any effect my opponent's last ability has on a Haos Bakugan," Flash told him before holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas began to spin, morphing into a drill of light. "Shining Tornado!"

Garuda: 1000Gs
Leonidas: 1000Gs

The light drill shot towards Garuda, who turned to see in coming and knew he could dodge it in time. "This is gonna hurt," he stated before crossing his wings. The drill then slammed into him and he was pushed down towards, groaning as he did.

He then thrust his feet down into the clouds below him and used them to stop being pushed back. The two Bakugan pushed against one another as hard as they could, grunting and groaning until they couldn't take it anymore.

"AUGH!" They both cried as Garuda was thrown backwards and Leonidas was blasted out of his tornado, both crashing into the ground and rolled as they kicked up a powerful gust of wind. Flash and Soarin cried out as the wind knocked them backwards, whilst the Bakugan continued to around until they finally came to a stop. Both looked badly beat up, but remained in their natural form.

"Seriously?" Wukong asked, "those two can still stand after all this?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Nimue asked him, "they refuse to give up. It's a matter of pride right now."

Gaia nodded. "Both see the other as a worthy opponent and wish to give them the toughest battle they can give them. Then and only then, will the victor be satisfied with winning."

"Maybe," Twilight frowned as she watched Flash and Soarin pick themselves up, "but if they're not careful they're gonna destroy each other."

Flash and Soarin stared each other down, their Bakugan doing the same as the pushed themselves back to their feet. The four all panted at the intensity this battle was putting them through, but they wouldn't let that stop them. The brawlers took out a card, the last card they could activate. If this didn't work, they would need to send out another Bakugan.

"I hope you're ready!" Soarin told him, "because things are about to get crazy." Garuda leapt into the air before beating his wings, Leonidas taking to the air and Flash let out a chuckle.

"Funny. I was just about to tell you the same thing." Both Bakugan were now hovering at the same height, ready for the final attack. "Now let's end this!"

Soarin smirked and held up his card as Flash did the same, both calling out in unison. "FUSION ABILITY, ACTIVATE!" Leonidas flew up into the air and began to spin, whilst Garuda did mirrored his movements almost perfectly. "ALPHA HURRICANE/LIGHTNING VORTEX!" Both Bakugan became surrounded by either green wind or golden light, forming drills of their respective elements that had lightning sparking around them.

Everyone gasped at this and checked the score, wondering which ability have them the edge.

Garuda: 1350Gs
Leonidas: 1350Gs

"It's still even!" Heath cried out as the attack flew through the air before charging towards one another. "What happens now?"

"I...I don't know," Twilight replied as the attacks finally collided. The impact created a shockwave that shot across the field and even made the glass separating the battlefield from the crowd cracked, scaring those that were in the first few rows and made them just back.

And even after that, the two Bakugan continued to push against one another in an attempt to beat the other one. But nothing they did worked the their opponent just kept fighting back. More and more shockwaves exploded off the two, which caused the clouds to break apart and made the brawlers need to cover their faces from getting hit by the wind.

"LEO/GARUDA!" They yelled as they felt the energy build, but still neither allowed themselves to give in. The entire battlefield was shaking by now and, finally, it happened.

The energy they were throwing at the other had been merging together and combining until it reached critical mass. And then-

KABOOM!

The force exploded outwards and rocked the entire stadium, blasting Flash and Soarin and throwing their Bakugan away from one another. Everyone else in the room screamed as the energy made the glass barrier shatter and fly into the air, though luckily it then flew straight back down. The light that had been unleashed blinded them all for a several long seconds, completely making them miss that the lights had gone off.

The rest of the stadium noticed this however, as the entire power supply to the building blew. In the other battlefields, the Bakugan suddenly reverted back to ball form whilst the battlefields vanished. In the main foyer, the lights cut out and the TVs died. The shaking was also felt, causing everyone to question what had happened.

Back in the battlefield that the insanity had occurred in, the light had finally died down and everyone was able to see again.

They all groaned as they looked around. "What was that?" Rarity asked.

"What happened to the lights?" Pinkie asked.

"I think..." Twilight frowned. "I think the power grew beyond what the system could handle and it caused a power surge."

"But what happened in the match?" Rainbow asked, everyone rushing towards the edge and looking down into the battlefield.

The bowl was filled with smoke, which slowly faded to reveal the battlefield had deactivated. And laying on the now flat metal floor were Flash and Soarin, both groaning as they sat themselves up. Everyone looked around, but couldn't see the Bakugan anywhere. That was until they saw Flash and Soarin crawling forward and picking up a pair of balls.

"Leo!" Flash cried as he held him up.

"Garuda," Soarin did the same, "speak to me buddy!" Both Bakugan were silent for a moment, but then they opened up and let out a groan.

"What happened?" Garuda asked.

"Who cares what happened," Leonidas cried. "Who won?" The brawlers turned to one another, then looked down at their BakuColars and saw they were both offline. It was then that the announcer spoke up.

"I apologise for what happened! It appears our brawlers were too awesome for the system to handle. As a result, the battle system has shut down for safety reasons. And since both brawlers had equal life gauges at the time, this match will be designated as a draw." The crowd cheered hearing this, whilst Flash and Soarin shared a look. Neither were sure how they felt about that, but they did know they would need to have another brawl at some point to settle the score.

The pair quickly left the battlefield and headed back to the main foyer, though that was difficult at first since the automatic doors refused to open with the lack of power and they had to pry them open. Moving through the building, they found that most of the place was completely powerless.

They finally arrived at the foyer, where they spotted their friends. "Guys!" Rainbow cried out as they stepped over to them, "that was insane. You completely blew the whole system!"

"Yeah," Flash nodded as he scratched the back of his head, "I guess we went a little overboard."

"A little?" Applejack asked, "a'h think that's an understatement."

"I can't believe you two were able to generate so much power," Twilight told them.

"I've never heard anything like that happening before," Lyra stated.

"Maybe it's because of the Bakugan that were fighting," Bonnie guessed. The others turned to her as she explained, "well Leonidas and Garuda are the two strongest talking Bakugan we've seen so far." That was true. "Maybe it's because of that, they generated to much power for the system."

"So being able to talk makes you stronger?" Pinkie asked.

"Who knows," Heath shrugged. "I just wonder if it's gonna happen again." He turned back to Flash and Soarin, "imagine if it happened every time you guys faced off. Especially in the tournament that's coming up." Flash and Soarin turned to one another, the idea of facing off in the tournament only to overload the system again making them frown.

"So what are they supposed to do?" Rainbow asked, "avoid each other during the tournament?"

"That won't work," Twilight stated. "It's highly likely they'll be some of the last brawlers left by the end of it. The only real way to avoid them facing off is if one of them doesn't enter." Nobody liked the sound of that.

Flash tried to think of a way they could both compete safely. Then, an idea formed that made him smirk. "Hey," he turned to Soarin, "i have an idea." He held out his hand to Soarin, "what if you and Garuda join our team." Nobody had been expecting that. "Think about it. If you joined us, we could both compete without worry. Plus, with you on our team we'd probably be unstoppable." Lyra, Heath and Bonnie all smirked, liking the sound of that. They stepped up next to Soarin, giving him a hopeful look.

Soarin seemed to be considering this, the brawler turning to Garuda on his shoulder. The Bakugan turned to him and also look unsure, the pair turning back to the four. "Maybe. You guys sure are strong. But joining a team full of people I don't really know probably isn't a good idea." They all frowned as Soarin turned to leave. "I think I'll stick around here for a little while. If you guys impress me, then I'll join." With that, the pair left and the four continued to frown.

"What does he mean about impressing him?" Lyra crossed her arms, "like...what makes him so special?"

"I don't think he's trying to be mean or anything," Bonnie assured her. "But he does have a point. We just met him today. Imagine if someone you didn't know asked you to be part of their team."

Lyra thought about this and nodded, "I guess I would want to see what kind of skills they had. And what kind of person they were. Certainly wouldn't want to be on a team with a mean brawler that has no skills."

"Exactly," Flash turned to them, "what's why we have to show Soarin why he belongs on our team. Then, we'll have almost an entire set of attributes." The three nodded, all swearing to themselves that they impress Soarin so much that he would beg them to let him onto their team.

Flash then turned to the front desk, where Derpy usually was. "It's too bad she couldn't be here to watch that awesome match." He took out his phone and saw she hadn't texted him back yet. "Wonder what she's doing right now?"

The Doom Dimension.

Lightning exploded above the land of destruction and death, the statue-like remains of the many Bakugan thrown into this horrible place littered about the place. And standing atop one of these statues, a Wormquake, was Phantom. The masked Brawler stared down at the only other remaining occupants in the dimension. A boy and a girl who looked worried.

Up above them, the cube floated. The only symbols on it now were the Ventus, Aquas and Haos ones, with the Aquas symbol almost completely gone.

"This has been fun," Phantom told them before holding up a card. "But now I think it's time we put an end to it. Don't you agreed?" He didn't give them time to answer before throwing the card towards the dead ground. "Gate Card, SET!" The card hit the ground and exploded, his opponents running off to find some Power-Ups.

"There!" The girl yelled, seeing some coins low to the ground. She took out a Haos Bakugan and threw it. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" It hit a pair of coins before landing on the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" The orb popped open and was surrounded by light, "Haos Fangoid!" The light faded to reveal a giant yellow brachiosaurus wearing white armour. It had a super long curved horn on its forehead.

Fangoid: 360Gs

The dinosaur roared as the Power-ups kicked in.

Fangoid: 460Gs

The boy also spotted some power-ups and smirked. "Alright, Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw the Bakugan, but flinched when it curved and only hit one of the coins before landing on the ground. "Bakugan," it popped open, "STAND!" A tornado or water exploded around it. "Aquas Scaboid!" From out of the water, a strange blue mechanic creature appeared. It had four spider-like legs and and a tortoise-like head that snapped.

Scaboid: 350Gs
Fangoid: 460Gs

It too powered up, but not by much.

Scaboid: 400Gs
Fangoid: 460Gs

"My turn!" Phantom stayed where he was and threw his Bakugan towards a line of power-ups, "Bakugan...BRAWL!" It flew forward, hitting all five before landing on the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" It popped open to reveal a very familiar Bakugan, which exploded with dark light to transform. "Darkus Fury, rise!" The demonic Bakugan appeared, taking to the air and staring down at the two.

Fury: 400Gs
Scaboid: 400Gs
Fangoid: 460Gs

"How pitiful," he stated as his power increased.

Fury: 650Gs
Scaboid: 400Gs
Fangoid: 460Gs

"Let's go!" The girl cried as she held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with Fangoid's horn, "Razor Glow!" It swung its neck around and unleashed a blade of light that flew up towards Fury. The demon crossed his arms as it struck him, but Fury simply swung his arms open and dispelled it without appearing injured.

Fury: 550Gs
Scaboid: 400Gs
Fangoid: 460Gs

"Ability," the boy held up a card, "Activate!" It glowed as Scaboid opened its mouth, "Blast Hydro!" It suddenly fired water out of its mouth, with Fury crossing its arms again and deflecting it like before.

Fury: 450Gs
Scaboid: 400Gs
Fangoid: 460Gs

"Cute," Phantom held up his own card, "here's mine. Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with Fury's claws, "Darkus Greed!" The demon suddenly appeared to teleport, warping from his spot in the sky to behind the two Bakugan. He then stabbed the claws into their back, making them cry out as their power was stolen.

Fury: 650Gs
Scaboid: 300Gs
Fangoid: 360Gs

The two frowned as Fury released their Bakugan and flew up, the girl holding up a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" The cards glowed as the disks on the sides of Fangoid's shoulders started spinning, whilst its mouth glowed. "Hyper Shining Cannon, plus Flash Grinder!" The disks shot off it and struck Fury, grinding into him before Fangoid fired a laser from its mouth.

Fury: 550Gs
Scaboid: 300Gs
Fangoid: 460Gs

"Clever!" Fury yelled before throwing the blades away before holding his hands up to deflect the laser, "but not clever enough."

"Then how about this!" The boy held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Scaboid held up one of its claws and pointed them at Fury, with blue lightning sparking between them. "Freeze Burner!" The lightning exploded forwards and struck Fury as the laser faded, making him cry out as his power was reduced.

Fury: 450Gs
Scaboid: 300Gs
Fangoid: 460Gs

"That's cold!" The demon groaned, unconsciously gliding down towards the ground. As he did, Fangoid charged towards him and swung its neck around to slash him with its horn. Fury held up his hands and grabbed the horn, trying to stop it but felt himself being pushed back.

"Ability, Activate!" Phantom held up a card as Fury's arm spike suddenly extended and glowed, "Darkus Wrath!"

Fury: 650Gs
Scaboid: 300Gs
Fangoid: 460Gs

"Raaah!" Fury slowly pushed the dinosaur's horn until it was finally pushed backwards, staggering around as Fury flew up before dive-bombing it. With a powerful slash, Fangoid was knocked down.

"Fangoid!" The girl cried as the boy held up two cards, Scaboid charging towards the evil Bakugan.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Scaboid opened its mouth and unleashed a freezing cold mist, which began to surround Fury and freeze him. "Subzero Nullifier, plus Hydro Barrage!" Several compartment on the back of the Bakugan then opened, unleashing blasts of water at Fury.

Fury: 450Gs
Scaboid: 500Gs
Fangoid: 460Gs

The water blasts slammed into Fury, shattering the ice that covered him and caused him to fall towards the ground. As he landed, Fangoid began to pick itself up as the girl held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Fangoid charged as its feet began to glow, "Power Stomp!"

Fury: 450Gs
Scaboid: 500Gs
Fangoid: 560Gs

Fury opened his eyes as Fangoid appeared above it and raised its glowing foot, then thrust it down into him. He barely managed to hold up his hands and grab it before it crushed him. He grunted, feeling the force of the attack about to overpower him. But Phantom wasn't worried.

"Gate Card...open." The ground beneath them glowed, unleashing a purple light. "Darkus Reactor." The light flew into Fury, who began to feel a new wave of strength flow through him

Fury: 650Gs
Scaboid: 500Gs
Fangoid: 560Gs

He grunted and groaned, but eventually managed to throw Fangoid's foot off him before jumping into the air. "Now," Phantom held up two cards, "to end this. Double Ability...Activate!" The cards glowed as Fury's arm blades glowed before growing twice as long as they grew before, "Darkus Gluttony!" His entire body then glowed the same light Fangoid's foot had glowed before, "plus, Darkus Envy!"

Fury: 1150Gs
Scaboid: 500Gs
Fangoid: 560Gs

The two brawlers gasped at the point difference and reached for their Ability Cards. But before they could pick one that could save them, Fury shot down towards their Bakugan. "This ends...NOW!" With that, he swung his blades around and struck both Fangoid and Scaboid. Doing so caused a large explosion which filled the Doom Dimension and caused all but Fury and Phantom to be sent flying backwards.

The Bakugan were reverted back to ball form as their life gauges dropped, the light completely enveloping them.

When the light faded, Phantom and his opponents were in Canterlot Park.

Phantom laughed as Fury landed onto his shoulder, holding his new Bakugan in his hand. He then held up the cube and saw the Aquas and Haos symbols fade. The Aquas symbol completely vanished, leaving only the Haos and Ventus symbols on it.

"So close," he stated before looking down at his opponents and seeing them groaning and rubbing their heads. "Thanks for the match, and the Bakugan. It's been a blast." He then noticed that several people were around them and moving over to come check on them. "Gotta bounce." He gave them a two fingered salute before appearing to vanish, appearing in the branches of a nearby tree.

Hidden there, he looked down at the cube and smiled whilst Fury turned to him. "What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking that if I can find a strong enough opponent, I'll be able to finally unlock this thing with just one battle." As he said that, his gauntlet beeped and he activated it. The holographic image of Sombra appeared on the screen. "What's up?"

"Something very interesting," Sombra replied before the screen changed. It showed Flash, battling against Soarin with Leonidas and Garuda.

"Him again?" He asked, but kept watching. And when the two Fusion Abilities collided, the screen turned to static. "What happened?"

"It appears the two generated so much power, our systems couldn't handle it."

"Is that so?" Phantom asked. "Leonidas on his own couldn't do that. That other Bakugan...doesn't look familiar."

"It's a talking Bakugan, just like Leonidas. Possibly the most powerful one. The two were so strong, it completely fried the system. We're already working on a way to increase the dampers to handle it better." It was then Sombra saw a smile on Phantom's lips. "What are you thinking?"

Phantom held up the cube, showing the last two remaining symbols left to get rid of. "I'm thinking I've found my next opponents."

Author's Note

Whelp, Soarin showed why he's a force to be reckoned with. How will Phantom's battle with them go? Find out, next time.

A Dark Awakening

It was night time in Canterlot and the city was still a wash with light.

One such light was coming from the office building of Sombra, who was once again working at his desk. He typed away at the computer, until he suddenly stopped. "About time you showed up."

From out of the darkness, Phantom stepped out with a frown on his face. "How much longer are you gonna have me wait. I could have unlocked the cube by now if you didn't keep me back."

"The stadium's refit is done," Sombra replied. "We don't need to worry about an overload again."

"If you had let me use my battlefield generator, I could have battled them without needing to wait for the refit."

"No," Sombra shook his head, "I want everyone to see when the Bakugan awakens. I want them to see the terror that plagued Vestroia and know what it is they might have to fight against. I want to send a message." Phantom nodded, understanding completely. "Besides, you probably couldn't have awakened it before now anyway."

"What do you mean?" Phantom asked before Sombra took out a card and threw it at him, the teen catching it and seeing it was a Gate Card. "This is-"

"The scientists have determined that in order to awaken the Bakugan, it'll need to be re-energised. It'll need high amounts of Darkus energy and a little something...extra." Phantom was surprised when he read the card. "That card will give it that. Use it when the cube opens."

"Understood," Phantom nodded. "Are you sure this is necessary?"

"Why?" Sombra smiled, "growing attached to the little guy?"

"No. But he is strong and loyal. I'd hate to lose him if it wasn't absolutely needed."

"Well it is," Sombra told him. "Don't worry, your new partner will more then make up for the loss." Phantom nodded and put the card away. "Also," he took out another card, "a special gift from me." He threw it at Phantom, who caught it. "Use it whenever you need to get away."

Phantom smirked hearing this and put the card away, "I won't let you down." With that, he turned and walked into the darkness. As he disappeared, Sombra sat in his chair and took out the colourless Bakugan from before.

"Soon your power will be restored," he told it. "Then you'll be able to reek havoc...Lucifer." He stared at the Bakugan for several seconds, only for it to then let out a sound.

"Good."

The next day.

The stadium was abuzz with activity, as many Brawls were taking place. In one battlefield, Lyra and Bonnie were brawling together and really cleaning house. Meanwhile, Heath was brawling in another battlefield and Wukong had just fried his opponents.

Finally, Flash and Leonidas were going all out in their match.

Meanwhile, this was all being watched by Soarin and Garuda, the pair watching as the four won their matches at almost the exact same time. It had been a few days since his match against Flash, with the stadium having been shut down in order to add new safeties in order to prevent an overload like with what happened in their match. And now that the stadiums were up and running again, the Brawlers were making up for lost time.

"They really are good," Garuda told him as the matches ended. "I think we could go far with this team."

"Maybe," Soarin nodded. "But there's still a few things I wanna know before I make my decision."

"Like?"

"Like Leonidas. You said it yourself that he wasn't like any of the other Bakugan you've met before. And it's clear he's hiding something. I wanna know what that is before I agree to be on a team with him."

"You're not the only one that's curious about Leonidas." Soarin turned to Twilight, seeing her and the rest of her team heading towards him. "We're all curious about where Leonidas came from," Twilight told him. "But even if we want nothing more then to learn the truth, we have to respect his right to privacy."

"Maybe," Soarin crossed his arms, "but if he can't trust me with the truth then how am I supposed to trust him. And I really don't feel comfortable being on a team with someone I don't trust."

"I'm with Soarin on this one," Garuda agreed. "And let's not forget about how viciously he fights in brawls. How can I be sure he won't turn on me if we end up brawling side by side. If I knew why he was so vicious, I might understand and feel a little bit more comfortable. But not knowing can be...worrisome."

The girls frowned at this, but knew he was right. But there was nothing they could do about that. They couldn't force the truth our of Leonidas.

"Wooow!" They heard Flash's voice echo through the room, making them turn to see him, Lyra, Bonnie, Heath and their Bakugan step inside. "That was awesome!" He cried, "that guy didn't stand a chance."

"Same with our opponent!" Lyra smirked, "they totally wiped out when Bonnie and Gaia used Earth Power before Nimue hit'em with Overflow."

"Yeah!" Bonnie laughed, "Aquos and Subterra. The ultimate combo!" The girls high fived as the others laughed.

"Yes," Nimue nodded, "we all did well in our brawls. It's something to be proud of."

"We're on an unstoppable roll!" Wukong cried before noticing Soarin and Garuda with the girls, the fire monkey leaping off of Heath's shoulder and jumping down onto the table in front of him. "So, what do you think? Do we live up to your standards or not? Come on!" He jumped up and down, "you must be impressed after all that!"

"Wukong!" Heath rushed over to him and picked the Bakugan up, "calm down." He turned to Soarin, "sorry about that."

"It's fine," Soarin assured him.

"But he does have a point," Flash sat opposite him. "You gotta admit, we kick butt on the Baku-field."

"I never said you didn't," Soarin nodded. "But I'm still not sure about teaming up with you guys." Everyone frowned at this, Bonnie being to one to ask.

"Why? What is it about us that makes you not want to join us? Have the last few days meant nothing to you?" Despite the stadiums being shut down, the main foyer had remained open over the last few days. This allowed the Brawlers to hang out and Soarin had spent that time getting to know his possible teammates.

Not only had he learned more about them and how they each acquired their partners, he had also found he had at least one thing in common with each of them. He and Flash liked the same music. He and Heath liked to skateboard. He and Lyra liked the same type of pie and he and Bonnie loved a particular film series. All in all, it seemed like they were the perfect group for him.

"It's...complicated," Soarin explained.

"Sure it is," Lyra sighed. He then turned towards the front desk, "it's too bad Derpy isn't here. I bet the five of us together would make you wanna be part on the team." The rest of them turned to the front desk, seeing another worker sitting there instead of their ever lovable, if slightly ditzy, Derpy.

"Is she helpin' out at another stadium again?" Applejack asked, the others shrugging as they weren't sure.

"I've noticed that a lot with Derpy," Twilight told them. "Sometimes she'd just...disappear. She isn't at work. She isn't at school. She isn't...anywhere to be seen."

"Yeah," Rainbow nodded, "what's the deal?"

"Maybe she's a spy!" Pinkie cried out of nowhere, "and she has to go on top secret spy missions that she can't tell us about." The others looked at her, clearly thinking she was nuts. "What? It could happen."

"I...don't think so darling."

"I'm sure she'd tell us if it was important," Fluttershy assured them. "Whatever it is that she's doing right now, I'm sure it's nothing to worry about."

"I hope so," Flash nodded. "We've got enough problems with Phantom sending bounty hunters after us." They all nodded at this, Soarin having been filled in about Phantom from the other.

And just as he said that, the entire foyer went silent.

This caught the group's attention and made them look around, seeing everyone there focusing on the entrance. They turned towards it and when they did, many of them got the shock of a life-time. "Phantom."

The oddly dressed teen walked through the stadium like it was nothing, completely ignoring the fact everyone was staring at him. He then came to a stop and turned his gaze in their direction, a smirk on his face. "Flash Sentry. We meet again." Flash got up and stepped over to him, "we've got unfinished business."

"So that's Phantom?" Applejack asked Twilight, who nodded whilst Fluttershy hid behind Rainbow.

"He doesn't look so tough," Rainbow frowned.

"Don't think of doing anything foolish," Rarity told her.

"What's the matter?" Flash asked him, "run out of goons to send."

"I just decided to finally deal with the problem once and for all." Phantom chuckled as he held up the cube, "and this fits into my schedule perfectly." Flash frowned at the sight of the object, then noticed it only had two symbols.

"What is that thing?" He asked, Phantom chuckling.

"You'll find out...if you face off against me again."

"You wanna brawl?" Flash asked, Leonidas and Fury jumping onto their shoulders.

"Whats say you, dragonoid?" The demon asked, "afraid you'll fall to me again?"

"I fear no Bakugan," Leonidas told him. "And if we do brawl, it won't end the same way it did last time."

"It looks like everyone's on board," Phantom stated before turning his focus on the others. "But let's make this interesting. There's someone else here I wish to test the potential of." Everyone turned to Soarin, realising who it was he was talking to.

"You wanna brawl me?"

"I heard you got your talking Bakugan the same time as Sentry. I'm curious about what makes you so special. But I'm a busy man, so why don't we make this interesting. The two of you against me."

"You wanna go two on one?" Garuda asked whilst Leonidas growled.

"I don't need any help. I can beat you on my own."

"Maybe so," Phantom smirked. "But I wanna test myself. Can't be the best if you're not pushing your limits." He began to walk away, heading towards one of the battlefields. "If you don't wanna battle me together, then flip a coin to see who I take down. I only have time for one match." With that, he disappeared into the hallway and everyone focused on the two he had challenged.

"What are you gonna do?" Rainbow asked, Flash and Soarin turning to one another.

"I don't know about you, but I'm facing off against him!" Flash punched his hand, "you in or not?" Soarin looked unsure, the teen glancing at Garuda.

"What do you think?"

"I think Phantom and Fury are dangerous and should be taken down. And the best chance we have to do that is by brawling with Flash and Leonidas." Soarin nodded, seeing his point. After a few more moments, he nodded again and turned back to Flash.

"I'm in."

The stadium was packed, as everyone wanted to see what kind of battle this brawl would turn into.

Twilight and the others were all sitting in their seats, all staring down at the battlefield with frowns on their faces. "Welcome Baku-fans!" The announcer cried out, "today we have a very interesting match. The mysterious Brawler, Phantom, has challenged two of the stadium's most promising newcomers. Flash Sentry and Soarin Skies!" The crowd cheered as the three stepped into the center of the battlefield, Phantom smirking as he held up the cube.

"This is gonna be fun. You should feel honoured that you get to see what this cube is."

"I don't think so," Flash told him as Leonidas leapt onto his shoulder. "We're gonna beat you before whatever that cube does happens."

Soarin nodded, "we're taking you down and finding out who you are."

"We'll see," Phantom smirked as he held up his BakuColar. The device's screen lit up before it fired a beam onto the ground, which began to light up as well.

Flash frowned, knowing where this was going. And as he assumed, the ground transformed into the Doom Dimension once again. Soarin looked shocked at the sight of it, whilst Flash simply frowned at Phantom as he held the cube up before it started floating into the air.

"What is this place?" The Ventus Brawler asked.

"The Doom Dimension," Garuda explained. "The place has caused nothing but pain and suffering to my kind."

"What better place to revive that great Bakugan?" Phantom told them. "Now, are you two ready?" Flash and Soarin got into a battle stance, their Bakugan ready for whatever Phantom threw at him. "Then what are we waiting for?"

"It looks like our contestants are ready to get this show on the road," the announcer cried. "Without further ado. Battle...BEGIN!" Their BakuColars activated as Soarin took out a card.

Flash: 100%
Soarin: 100%
Phantom: 100%

"Gate Card!" Soarin threw it, "Set!" The card hit the ground and exploded, spreading throughout the death realm as the three of them began to run off in search of their power-ups. Phantom was the first to spot some and leapt onto a Serpenoid head as he took out a Bakugan.

"Let's do this!" He pulled his arm back. "Bakugan," he then threw it, "Brawl!" The Bakugan shot through the air and hit the power-ups before slamming into the ground. "Bakugan," it popped open, "Stand!" In a flash of light, the toy morphed into its true form, "Darkus Laserman!"

Laserman: 390Gs

The black and purple robot stood tall as it began to glow, its power increasing thanks to the Power-ups.

Laserman: 540Gs

"Looks like Phantom's starting off with firepower over agility," the announcer told the crowd. "How will Flash and Soarin respond?"

Soarin was the first to react, jumping off a large rock and pulling his arm back. "Bakugan!" He threw his Bakugan towards a cluster of Power-ups, "BRAWL!" The Bakugan flew through the cluster before landing on the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" It popped open and unleashed a tornado, "Ventus Atmos!"

Atmos: 350Gs
Laserman: 540Gs

From out of the tornado, the large wings bird squawked as it took flight. It then glowed as its power increased as well.

Atmos: 500Gs
Laserman: 540Gs

Flash was next, landing atop a Saurus head before throwing his Bakugan towards another group of coins. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" It hit the coins and land, "Bakugan...STAND!" It opened up and in a flash of light, the Bakugan appeared. "Haos Serpenoid!"

Atmos: 500Gs
Laserman: 540Gs
Serpenoid: 320Gs

The snake hissed as it stared at Laserman, its power growing.

Atmos: 500Gs
Laserman: 540Gs
Serpenoid: 520Gs

"Gotta be fast!" Soarin told Atmos as it flew up, "Gate Card...OPEN!" The field glowed green as the wind began to pick up, "Ventus Reactor!"

Atmos: 700Gs
Laserman: 540Gs
Serpenoid: 520Gs

Atmos shot down towards Laserman, whilst Phantom held up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" The cards glowed as Laserman's guns began to power up. "All Out Assault, plus Leap Sting!" Laserman fired all of its weapons, pointing them in all directions so the attacks were completely unavoidable.

Atmos and Serpenoid were both struck by the Leap Stings, making them wince as their power was drained.

Atmos: 650Gs
Laserman: 640Gs
Serpenoid: 470Gs

"Not enough!" Soarin cried, with Atmos swooping down and slashing at Laserman with its wing. The robot staggered back whilst Serpenoid shook the leap sting off, Flash holding up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Serpenoid opened his mouth and fired a laser, which struck Laserman and powered it down more.

Atmos: 650Gs
Laserman: 540Gs
Serpenoid: 470Gs

This loss of power allowed Atmos to fly down and start scratching at the robot with its talons, the machine attempting to throw it off but being unable to. That was until Phantom held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Laserman pointed one of its hands at the ground, "Devastating Blast!" The laser fired and struck the ground, the green light glowing off it turning purple before exploding into nothing.

Soarin frowned as he felt the wind die down, "he nullified my Gate card!"

Atmos: 450Gs
Laserman: 540Gs
Serpenoid: 470Gs

Atmos felt itself grow weaker, allowing Laserman to throw it off. The robot then fired its shoulder weapons at the bird, making it squawk in pain when it was struck. Meanwhile, it used its hand cannons to shoot at Serpenoid, the snake trying its best to slither out of the way.

Flash frowned, not liking how this was going. But then he realised something. "Wait," he turned to Soarin, "we're on the same team."

Soarin gave him a 'seriously' look, "you just figured that out?"

"No," Flash told him, "we're on the same team...and we're compatible!" Up in the stands, Twilight smiled as she watched Flash take out a card. "Ability, Activate!" Both Serpenoid and Atmos glowed, the light flying off the bird into the snake. "Diagonal Correlation!"

Atmos: 450Gs
Laserman: 540Gs
Serpenoid: 670Gs

Soarin's eyes went wide as he realised what Flash was getting at, whilst Serpenoid swung its tail around and swept Laserman's feet.

As the robot fell to the ground, Soarin held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The Bakugan both glowed again, "Diagonal Correlation!" The light flew off Serpenoid and into Atmos as it dived down towards the recovering Laserman.

Atmos: 650Gs
Laserman: 540Gs
Serpenoid: 670Gs

Laserman fired at Atmos, but the bird simply dodged the attacks before slashing the robot with its wing. Doing so caused its weapons to be knocked away from Serpenoid, Flash taking the time to hold up another card. "Ability, Activate!" Serpenoid and Laserman glowed, the light getting sucked off Laserman and into the snake. "Co-Side!"

Atmos: 650Gs
Laserman: 540Gs
Serpenoid: 770Gs

The snake leapt at Laserman and wrapped around its body, squeezing it as tightly as possible until the robot could take no more. With a robotic cry, it reverted back to ball form and fell towards the ground as Phantom's life gauge dropped.

Flash: 100%
Soarin: 100%
Phantom: 54%

"Wow!" The announcer cried as the Bakugan returned to their brawlers, "Flash and Soarin were able to overpower Phantom. But it wasn't an completely one-sided match, that's for sure."

Despite having lost almost half his life points, Phantom smirked as he picked up his Laserman. He looked up at the cube and saw the Haos and Ventus symbols were glowing and growing fainter, to almost none existent status. "It's time." He took out a Gate Card as Fury jumped onto his shoulder, "we need to give it all we've got. Force them to put everything into this next battle. Only then will we be able to awaken the great Bakugan. No mercy."

"I have none in my heart to give," Fury announced before Phantom turned to his opponents.

"He's up to something," Soarin stated.

"He's always up to something," Flash told him. "And whatever it is, it's got something to do with that cube above us." He looked up at said cube and wondered what could be inside it. "What are you up to, Phantom?"

"All it good time," the teen smirked before throwing his card towards the ground. "Gate Card...SET!" It hit the ground and exploded before Fury leapt into Phantom's grasp, the teen leaping straight up into the air. "Bakugan!" He threw it towards another group of Power-ups, "BRAWL!" Fury struck the five coins before landing on the ground, rolling. "Bakugan...STAND!" He popped open and in a burst of dark light, the demonic Bakugan appeared. "Darkus Fury, RISE!"

Fury: 400

"Come Leonidas!" He cried as his power increased. "It's time I take you down once and for all!"

Fury: 650

"Ha!" Leonidas cried, "you're the one going down this time!" He turned to Flash, "let's get him!"

"Oh yeah!" Flash nodded as he grabbed Leonidas, "Soarin!"

"It's go time, Garuda!"

"I'm with you!" Garuda leapt into the air and Soarin grabbed him before he and Flash ran off, both finding some power-ups and leaping off different statues.

"BAKUGAN!" They threw their partners, "BRAWL!" Leonidas and Garuda shot towards the coins and struck them, then landed on the ground. "BAKUGAN...STAND!" Both Bakugan popped open and in a blast of light and electrified wind, they transformed into their true forms. "Haos Leonidas/Ventus Garuda!"

Fury: 650
Garuda: 450
Leonidas: 400

"Time to settle the score!" Leonidas roared as he glowed, Garuda glowing as well.

"And stop your evil once and for all!"

Fury: 650
Garuda: 700
Leonidas: 650

"Ability, Activate!" Phantom yelled as Fury flew up, his arm blades growing. "Darkus Pride!"

Fury: 850
Garuda: 700
Leonidas: 650

Fury roared as he shot towards Leonidas, who crossed his arms before the demon slashed at him. "Ahh!" He flew back as Fury gave chase, only to be intercepted by Garuda. "Now guys!"

"RIGHT!" Flash and Soarin yelled as they both held up a card. "ABILITY, ACTIVATE!" Both cards glowed along with the Bakugan, "DIAGONAL CORRELATION!" The light flew off them both and into their partners, powering them up.

Fury: 850
Garuda: 900
Leonidas: 850

"Raaah!" Leonidas yelled as he shot down towards Fury, dodging his blade before spinning around and smashing his tail into him.

"Augh!" Fury fell back, only to then have Garuda appear next to him before slashing him with his talons. "Gyah!"

"Yeah!" Soarin cried, "get him."

"We can't hold back!" Flash told him as he took out a card, "we have to take him down fast before-"

"Ability," they turned to Phantom, "Activate!" Fury began to glow as his power rose, "Darkus Envy! Now I get the same power boost as the last ability my opponent used. And since you both activated your Abilities at the same time, I get double the power!"

Fury: 1250
Garuda: 900
Leonidas: 850

Fury grabbed Garuda as he tried to slash at him and spun him around, letting the bird go and sending him flying off to crash into Leonidas. "AUGH!" They both yelled as they were knocked flying, but managed to pull apart before they hit the ground.

"Double Ability!" Flash held up his cards, "Activate!" Leonidas flew back up as Fury began to glow, that lightning flying off him and into the dragon. "Co-Side!"

Fury: 1250
Garuda: 900
Leonidas: 950

Leonidas then shot passed Fury and opened his mouth as it filled with lightning, "Plus Alpha Blaster!"

Fury: 1250
Garuda: 900
Leonidas: 1150

Leonidas fired the laser out of his mouth, but Fury simply crossed his arms to block it with much harm. "Not enough to beat me!"

"But this is!" Garuda yelled as he appeared behind Fury, Soarin holding up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Garuda flapped his wings and unleashed a blade of lightning, "Thunder Gale!" The lightning blade struck Fury in the back, making him cry out as his power dropped.

Fury: 1100
Garuda: 900
Leonidas: 1150

The loss of power allowed Leonidas' Alpha Blaster to push him down, Fury crying out as he was thrown towards the ground. "Augh!" He cried as he smashed through a Warius statue and skidded along the ground, whilst Phantom looked up at the cube and saw the symbols glowing brighter and brighter.

"Yes!" He smiled, "more! Give me more!"

"You heard him!" Leonidas cried before he and Garuda shot down towards Fury, their Brawlers choosing their next Ability Card.

"Ability, Activate!" Flash yelled as Leonidas began to spin, whilst Soarin held up two cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Garuda's wings began to spark with lightning.

"Shining Tornado!" Leonidas morphed into a drill of light, whilst Garuda dived down faster and faster.

"Lightning Wing, plus Sky Burst!"

Fury: 1100
Garuda: 1200
Leonidas: 1300

Garuda was the first to reach him, slashing Fury with his electrified wings and making him cry out before the light drill slammed into him. "Gyah!" He felt the drill dig into him, doing serious damage. But Fury wasn't going to let it take him down. "Get...OFF!"

"Double Ability!" Phantom held up two cards, "Activate!" The cards glowed as Fury's claws grew, "Darkus Greed!" He dug them into the drill and drained away Leonidas' power, "plus Darkus Sloth!"

Fury: 1200
Garuda: 1200
Leonidas: 1100

The light drill slowed down and Leonidas was shown, with Fury's claws digging into him. Garuda took this moment to fly towards them as Soarin held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Garuda took a deep breath, "Blitz Bolt!" Garuda launched bolts of lightning out of his beak and struck Fury in the back, making him cry out as he was electrified.

Fury: 1200
Garuda: 1350
Leonidas: 1100

"I...can't move!" Fury cried as he felt his body go numb, Leonidas smirking as he grabbed Fury's wrist and pulled his claws out of them.

"Ability, Activate!" Flash held up a card as Leonidas raised his feet, "Brawling Dragon!"

Fury: 1200
Garuda: 1350
Leonidas: 1200

Leonidas slammed his foot into Fury's chest, then did it again and again. Each strike got faster and faster, causing the demon to cry out in pain every time. "How'd you like that!" Leonidas laughed before letting go of him and spinning around, smashing his tail into Fury and sending him barrelling towards the ground.

"AUGH!" He skidded along the ground before coming to a stop in front of a Hammersaur statue.

"Looks like Fury's in trouble!" The announcer cried, "will the boys use this opening?"

"You bet I will!" Soarin cried as he held up a card, "Fusion Ability, Activate!" Garuda flew up and started spinning, as lightning and wind began to surround him. "Lightning Vortex!" The Bakugan morphed into an electrified wind drill, which shot towards Fury as the numbness began to fade from him.

Fury: 1200
Garuda: 1700
Leonidas: 1200

Everyone in the crowd gasped, with Rainbow stating the obvious. "If this connects, they'll win and Soarin'll get Fury."

"And Phantom still can't use any abilities," Applejack cheered.

"Go Soarin!" Pinkie yelled, but Twilight wasn't so sure. Phantom was still smiling.

"He's up to something," everyone turned to her. They all wondered the same thing. What?

Phantom watched as Garuda flew towards Fury, then up at the cube. The power they had generated had to be enough. "It's time," he pointed to the ground. "Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground exploded with purple light, seconds before black lightning flew out and struck Fury, Leonidas and Garuda. "Ultimate Sacrifice!"

The three Bakugan all yelled out as they felt their power being ripped out of them, Garuda's Ability even vanishing. "What's happening?" Flash cried as Soarin stared at his BakuColar.

Fury: 100
Garuda: 100
Leonidas: 100

"He's stolen almost all their power!" Soarin yelled as the lightning was sucked back into the ground, then shot out again and this time struck the cube above them. "Now what?"

Phantom laughed. "All the power you generated is going to a worthy cause. The restoration of the ultimate Bakugan!" He then held up a card, "and now to stop you from getting in my way. Fusion Ability, Activate." The card glowed before he threw it, the card turning into a beam of light that struck Fury in the back and caused he himself to be surrounded by the dark aura. "Maximum Darkus!"

Fury: 400
Garuda: 100
Leonidas: 100

Fury shot forward, moving faster then his opponents or their Brawlers could react. First, he smashed into Garuda with enough force to send the Ventus Bakugan crashing into a downwards spiral. "AUGH!" He cried before he changed back to ball form, seconds before he would have hit the ground.

Flash: 100%
Soarin: 40%
Phantom: 54%

Then, Fury turned to Leonidas and shot forward. The dragon tried to escape, but Fury was too fast and socked him right in the chest. "GYAH!" The dragon roared, whilst Fury laughed.

"I guess in the end, you just couldn't beat me."

Leonidas wanted to say something back, but couldn't before the force of the punch finally hit him and he was shot backwards. All he could do was roar as he fell towards the ground, reverting to ball form before he landed.

Flash: 40%
Soarin: 40%
Phantom: 54%

With his opponents beaten, Fury laughed a mighty laugh as he felt like nothing could stop him. But before he could boast about his power to the world, the lightning from the Gate Card shot out of the ground and struck him again. "GYAAAAAH!" He screamed, his eyes going wide as he felt his entire body beginning to rip apart. "What's...happening!?" He glanced back at Phantom, seeing a smile on the teen's face.

"Sorry bud," he told him. "There's a reason this card's called Ultimate Sacrifice. In order to awaken the one I seek, I must restore the power that was once stolen from him. Your Attribute Energy wouldn't be enough, so I need something more...powerful."

"NO!" Fury cried as he felt himself growing closer and closer to being turned to atoms and energy, "there must be another way!" Phantom said nothing as he cried out more, "I've been nothing but faithful to you!"

"And that loyalty is much appreciated. But for the great plan, we must ask for one final sacrifice from you."

Everyone could only watch in horror as cracks began to appear around Fury's body, with his Darkus Energy seeping out of it. Flash, Soarin, Heath, Twilight, Rainbow and Applejack were frozen, whilst Lyra, Bonnie, Fluttershy, Pinkie and Rarity looked away. Fluttershy covered her eyes and Bonnie hid her face in Lyra's chest. But even if they couldn't see his horrible fate, they could still hear his screams of agony.

Fury finally felt his body go beyond the point of no return, the Bakugan turning to glare at Phantom one last time. "You...will...PAY!!!!!" Those were his last words before he exploded into purple light, which were sucked up by the lightning before being transferred into the cube.

"No way," Flash whispered as the cube absorbed the lightning. "He sacrificed his own partner?" Everyone watched as the objected glowed purple, the light getting brighter and brighter by the second. Then, one by one, the sides began to vanish. When they did, the contents were revealed.

"A Bakugan?" Flash asked as the small marble floated where the cube had been. It too glowed with the same purple energy that the cube had glowed, the final side of which finally vanished. When that happened, the Bakugan flew down and landed in Phantom's outstretched hand.

As soon as it landed in his gloved hand, the glow began to fade until it was completely gone. "Welcome back." Everyone stared at the Bakugan, hoping something had gone wrong and it hadn't awakened.

But then, the Bakugan popped open to reveal some kind of serpentine shape with arms. It looked around, then turned towards Phantom and spoke in a dark hissing voice. "Where am I?"

"The planet earth," Phantom explained. "After Vestroia was destroyed, the Bakugan were transported to this world. You've been locked away for a while and now, thanks to me, you have awakened once again."

"I see," it replied before looking itself over. "And...this form?"

"A side effect of being in this world. But you can return to your true state of being in a Bakugan Brawl."

"Excellent. I hunger for battle. To destroy all those that stand against me."

"Then I have a proposal for you," Phantom replied. "The only way to battle is with a human partner, one who can throw you into the battle and active your abilities.

"And I'm guessing you want to be that partner?" He stared up at Phantom and saw a smirk appear on his lips.

"Trust me. You're not gonna find a better Brawler to team up with." He watched as the Bakugan seemed to think for a moment, then turned towards Flash and Soarin. Phantom wondered if he was considering them, but then the Bakugan spoke.

"I sense something. Something...familiar." He kept staring on their opponents, making both of them nervous, until he focused in on a certain Bakugan. "You," he spoke up, "Haos Bakugan."

Leonidas realised he was talking to him, "what?"

"What is your name?"

"His name is Leonidas," Phantom replied. "He's actually been a Bakugan of interest to me as well."

"Yes," the Bakugan agreed, "he's different from the others. Though he wears the attribute of light, a darkness sleeps within him." This statement worried Flash and his friends, wondering what that meant, but Flash quickly shook it of.

"What a load of crud," he pulled out a Gate Card and held it up. "Come on Leo. Let's put this guy in his place." Leonidas said nothing whilst the Bakugan turned back to Phantom.

"Very well. I will team up with you for now. Impress me and I might agree to a more long term partnership. My name...is Ragnaroid."

Phantom smiled and nodded back, "and my name is Phantom. Let us bring oblivion to all those who stand against us."

"Enough of this!" Flash cried as he threw his card. "Gate Card...SET!" The card hit the ground and exploded, Flash grabbing Leonidas whilst Soarin grabbed Garuda. "BAKUGAN!" They both cried before throwing them towards the ground, "BRAWL!" It appeared that in the excitement, they forgot to aim for the power-ups. Both Bakugan hit the ground rolling before popping open. "Bakugan...STAND!" In an explosion of light and wind, Leonidas and Garuda appeared.

Garuda: 450Gs
Leonidas: 400Gs

Phantom smirked at the two Bakugan staring down at him, as Ragnaroid closed up. Phantom then used his gauntlet to scan Ragnaroid, allowing him access to all the Bakugan's abilities

"Interesting," he stated when he saw what he had to work with. He then turned to his opponents, "it's time to bring this Brawl to an end and take your Bakugan for myself." He jumped straight up and landed on a large rock, then pulled his arm back. "Bakugan!" He threw his new partner towards the ground, "Brawl!" Everyone watched with baited breath as the Bakugan hit the ground and started rolling, "Bakugan...STAND!" With that, the ball popped open before it exploded with purple light. That light flew up and began to take form, then faded to reveal the Bakugan that was so horrifying.

At first, it appeared to be a snake due to the extra long black tail it had. But its upper body was more of a mix of a man and a scorpion, with its chest having a large purple shell that looked like football armor. It had a pair of black arms that ended in purple scorpion claws, whilst the end of its tail had a large stinger. From out of the top of the armor was a short black neck and on it was a black snake-like head, which had a purple helmet covering the top of its head, nose and snout that had several black horns on it [AN]. It didn't have eyes on the side of its head, and instead had one large eye that was coming out of the top of its helmet. Finally, when its claws snapped open, everyone saw a single eye within each of them.

Flash and Soarin stared at the beast in horror before looking down at their BakuColars.

Garuda: 450Gs
Leonidas: 400Gs
Ragnaroid: 500Gs

"Five hundred?" Flash cried, looking up at Ragnaroid as he snapped his claws.

"Ahh," he sighed in relief, "it feels good to be in my true body again." He turned to look up at the two flying Bakugan, "give me everything you have. That'll make it more satisfying when I beat you."

"You're not beating us," Flash cried as he held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed and Leonidas opened his mouth, "Alpha Blaster!"

Garuda: 450Gs
Leonidas: 600Gs
Ragnaroid: 500Gs

Leonidas roared as he unleashed the laser from his mouth, that shot towards Ragnaroid at incredible speed. But Ragnaroid didn't looking worried and simply held his claws up to block it. The laser struck and he was pushed back, but didn't seem at all hurt.

"My turn!" Soarin held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Garuda shot down towards Ragnaroid as his wings sparked with electricity, "Lightning Wing!"

Garuda: 650Gs
Leonidas: 600Gs
Ragnaroid: 500Gs

Garuda slammed his wings into Ragnaroid, slashing at his claws as hard as he could. And whilst Ragnaroid was knocked back a few inches, he didn't at all appear injured. "HA!" The Darkus Bakugan threw his claws apart, unleashing a burst of air that pushed Garuda back. "Is that all you've got?"

Phantom smirked as he held up a card, "time to show everyone why you were so feared in your day. Ability, Activate!" It glowed along Ragnaroid's single eye, "Dark Light!" The light exploded outwards and struck both his opponents, making them grunt as the force pushed them back.

Garuda: 650Gs
Leonidas: 600Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

With his opponents blinded, Ragnaroid slithered forward. With Garuda so close to the ground, he chose him as his target and spun around to smash the tip of his tail into him. "AUGH!" The Ventus Bakugan cried as he was thrown to the ground, Ragnaroid turning to him before raising his claws.

"Ability!" Flash yelled out, "Activate!" Leonidas flew down and landed between the two, as a force-field appeared around him. "Hyper Shield!" Ragnaroid slashed at the dome, but his claws simply bounced off without issue.

Garuda: 650Gs
Leonidas: 600Gs
Ragnaroid: 500Gs

"Not bad!" Phantom smirked as he held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Leonidas started glowing, the light flying off and into Ragnaroid. "Co-Side!"

Garuda: 650Gs
Leonidas: 600Gs
Ragnaroid: 600Gs

Ragnaroid spun around and swung his tail at the shield, shattering it as he did so. Leonidas staggered back, whilst Garuda leapt into the air. "Ability," Soarin held up a card, "Activate!" Garuda's wings sparked, "Thunder Gale!" He then beat his wings and unleashed the lightning blade, hitting the serpent...scorpion...thing.

Garuda: 650Gs
Leonidas: 600Gs
Ragnaroid: 450Gs

Leonidas took this moment to charge at Ragnaroid, Flash holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas pulled his fists back, ready to give his opponent a serious thrashing. "Brawling Dragon!"

Garuda: 650Gs
Leonidas: 700Gs
Ragnaroid: 450Gs

But before it could make contact, Phantom held up his own card. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas threw a punch, but Ragnaroid suddenly exploded into black smoke. "Shadow Divide!"

"What?" Leonidas asked as he watched the smoke, which flew in different directions and increased in amount. It then split into four clouds before taking shape and forming a quartet of Ragnaroid. "Four?" Flash and Soarin looked down at their BakuColars.

Garuda: 650Gs
Leonidas: 600Gs
Ragnaroid: 600Gs

"That move nullified our Abilities," Soarin realised as the four Ragnaroid started slashing at the Bakugan. "But it's not enough to take us down!"

"Oh really?" Phantom asked as Garuda slashed one of the Ragnaroid with his wing, but it just exploded into smoke that faded. Leonidas did the same with one of his, whilst the teen held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The Ragnaroid next to Leonidas exploded and the last remaining one threw its tail at Garuda, wrapping around the Ventus Bakugan. "Viper Coil!" He squeezed tightly, feeling his power increase whilst Garuda's dropped.

Garuda: 550Gs
Leonidas: 600Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

"Garuda!" Soarin yelled his Bakugan was squeezed tighter and tighter, likely about to return to ball form.

"Gate Card!" Flash yelled as the ground began to glow, "Open!" The light flew up and into Leonidas, powering him up as he flew into the air. "Haos Reactor!"

Garuda: 550Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

Leonidas shot down towards the other two and slashed at Ragnaroid's tail, making him flinch and release Garuda.

"Nice," Soarin took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda flew straight up before dive-bombing towards Ragnaroid. "Sky Burst!"

Garuda: 700Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

Garuda picked up speed and shot straight towards Ragnaroid, who raised his claws and crossed them over. Garuda smashed into the and the two pushed against one another, at a stalemate whilst Leonidas charged. "Ahhh!" He cried, ready to beat Ragnaroid. But before he could-

"Ability," Phantom held up a card, "Activate!" Ragnaroid's claws glowed as he pushed Garuda away, "Razor Tear!"

Garuda: 700Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs
Ragnaroid: 800Gs

Ragnaroid swung his glowing claws around, Garuda barely managing to fly out of the way as Leonidas got in close. The two tried trading blow, each managing to avoid the other's attacks. And then, Soarin held up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Garuda's whole body began to spark with green lightning. "Spark Streak, plus Blitz Bolt!"

Garuda: 950Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs
Ragnaroid: 800Gs

Garuda started zipping all over the place, moving too fast for Ragnaroid and Leonidas to follow. And once they were thoroughly confused, he started firing blasts of lightning out of his mouth.

Leonidas leapt back as the attacks rained down, but Ragnaroid wasn't scared. His snake-like body allowed him to swing his upper half around, avoiding all the blasts. But as he did, Leonidas leapt right up.

"Ability," Flash held up a card, "Activate!" Leonidas started spinning, light wrapping around him to form his drill attack. "Shining Tornado!"

Garuda: 950Gs
Leonidas: 950Gs
Ragnaroid: 800Gs

The drill shot towards Ragnaroid, whilst Garuda prepared to attack if Leonidas was countered. But despite the oncoming threat, Ragnaroid just smirked. "Pathetic," he turned to Phantom, "I think it's time we show them why I was such a feared Bakugan back in Vestroia."

"I was hoping you'd say that," Phantom took out a card and held it up. "Ability...ACTIVATE!" Ragnaroid raised one of its claws and opened it up, revealing the hidden eye. "Dark Gaze!" The eye glowed purple and unleashed a beam of light, which struck the Shining Tornado. To everyone's shock, the drill began to slow down whilst the light faded.

Within seconds, Leonidas was revealed to be completely frozen. "What?" He growled, trying to move but couldn't.

"Hold on!" Garuda yelled as he charged toward Ragnaroid, only for the Darkus Bakugan to raise its other claw and open it up. The eye in that one was also glowing and shot a beam that struck him, Garuda feeling himself freeze. "No!"

"GUYS!" Flash and Soarin yelled before looking down at their BakuColars.

Garuda: 850Gs
Leonidas: 850Gs
Ragnaroid: 800Gs

Phantom laughed, "now you see why I was able to send so many Bakugan to the Doom Dimension." As he said that, something sparked in his mind. "Wait."

"Hold on guys!" Flash yelled as he pulled out a card. But before he could activate it, it glowed purple. "What?"

"Sorry," Phantom told him, "but Dark Gaze prevents you from activating any Abilities."

"No way," Soarin cried seeing his Ability Card glowing purple as well.

"Now," Phantom took out another card, "let's end this battle...shall we, partner." Ragnaroid nodded as Phantom held the card up. "Fusion Ability, ACTIVATE!" Ragnaroid brought both of his claws together, as the purple light it was producing turned pitch black.

"EYE OF DARKNESS!" He yelled as a wave of shadows exploded out of the eyes, flying towards the two Bakugan.

Garuda: 850Gs
Leonidas: 850Gs
Ragnaroid: 1100Gs

"NO!" Leonidas cried as he and Garuda were struck, both feeling an overwhelming feeling of pain and dread flushing through them. Garuda cried out as he was blasted back to ball form, sent tumbling towards the ground.

Flash: 40%
Soarin: 0%
Phantom: 54%

But Leonidas continued to fight, doing everything he could to fight against the power. As he did, a strange black veil appeared around him. "RAAAH!" He cried, the veil exploding off him and pushing the shadows back.

"LEO!" Flash cried, wondering what was going on. Ragnaroid wasn't wondering.

"I knew it," he stated before unleashing another blast of darkness. This one mixed with the first and pushed back against Leonidas, his energy not enough to stop this.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" He screamed before he was finally knocked flying back, reverting to ball form and falling to the ground as Flash's life gauge dropped.

Flash: 0%
Soarin: 0%
Phantom: 54% (Winner)

The field was completely silent as they watched the battlefield vanish, whilst Ragnaroid returned to Phantom. But finally, the announcer broke the silence. "That's it. The brawl ends with Phantom as the winner." Slowly, several of the crowd gave a gentle round of applause. Many were to terrified after seeing Ragnaroid in action.

Twilight and the others didn't applaud, the lot to worried about Flash and Soarin.

They looked down at the battlefield and saw the two kneeling where their Bakugan had fallen. "Leo!" Flash picked his partner up, "you okay? Talk to me!" Nothing happened for a second, then the ball popped open.

"Ahh," he groaned, "I'm okay."

"Garuda!" Soarin cried, "please talk to me!" The Bakugan opened up as well.

"Don't worry," he assured him. "I'm alright. Though I'll be feeling that one tomorrow."

Meanwhile, Phantom and Ragnaroid were also talking to one another. "So," he asked the Bakugan, "do I meet your expectations?"

Ragnaroid hummed for a moment, "you were able to keep up with me. Yes, I think this partnership will do quite nicely." Phantom smirked before Ragnaroid turned back to his opponents, focusing wholly on the Haos Bakugan. "Now that I've battle with you, Leonidas, I know what makes you different. You...are from the Doom Dimension."

Those words rang out through the stadium and everyone who knew what the Doom Dimension was went wide-eyed, every eyes in the house turning to Leonidas.

"Leonidas?" Flash asked, staring at his partner. "From the Doom Dimension?"

"The energy you wielded before was that of the Doom Dimension. I'd know it anywhere. After all, I've sent hundreds of Bakugan to that place."

Flash still couldn't believe it, "Leonidas..."

"We are the same," Ragnaroid told him. "Though you wield the attribute of light, in your heart there is nothing but darkness." Flash frowned at this. "Join me and together, there won't be a Bakugan alive that can stop us."

"Are you crazy!" Flash stood up, glaring Ragnaroid down. "Leo's not like you!"

"Think it over," Ragnaroid stated. "In your heart, you know the truth. Find me, when you can admit it." With that, curled up and Phantom clutched him in his hand before disappearing. Everyone gasped as the teen appeared on the ledge overlooking the battlefield, then disappeared again. Likely heading for an exit.

Nobody tried to go after him, the lot too focused on what Ragnaroid had said.

Flash finally got up the courage to look down at his partner. "Leonidas," the dragon slowly glanced up at him, "he's lying...right?" He waited, praying Leonidas would say yes. But...alas.

"I'm sorry," he finally spoke up. "But it's true. I am from the Doom Dimension." The confirmation was enough to shock everybody listening, the lot of them unable to believe the truth that had just been revealed. The only question was, where did they got from here? Could they trust Leonidas...now knowing where he came from?

Author's Note

Well, that sucked. Phantom got a serious upgrade and we've discovered the not so secret secret of Leonidas. I know a lot of you were expecting Vladitor, but the guy's kind of boring design wise to be honest. Besides, Ragnaroid's is just such a fun name and I love his design. Hope you enjoyed it.

AN: Imagine MetalGreymon's head from Fusion. Instead of a visor, he has an eye.

Trust and Teamwork

"I don't know how I came into being. It all happened in an instant. One moment there was nothing, then there was everything. But even then there was still nothing.

I was born in the Doom Dimension. A realm of finality for all Bakugan that exist. It was because of that finality that I even came into being. For every time a Bakugan finally succumb to the realm and their spirit faded, something was left behind. Me.

All the hatred, anger and rage that the Bakugan felt before their end remained after they were no more, like an energy that continued to grow with every Bakugan lost. And all that energy came together and built up, growing more and more powerful. Until, eventually, it formed a consciousness.

I was that consciousness. But whilst I knew I was alive and knew how I came to be, I didn't have any kind of physical form. I was a body-less spirit, doomed to wander throughout that accursed realm. Watching as more and more Bakugan succumb to its evils and their hatred became a part of me as well.

I don't know how long this went on for, but the anger I felt never died down. I thought I would have to spend all of eternity like that. But then, something happened.

One day, there was a massive explosion. It rocked the Doom Dimension and ripped it apart, the evil realm crumbling to dust. The Bakugan still there were all destroyed by the explosion, whilst I was thrown away by the shockwave. The next thing I know, I'm floating aimlessly within a black void.

I began to panic, fearing my tormented existence had just gotten worst. The Doom Dimension might have been torture, but at least I knew where I was. There, I had no idea what was happening or how long I was there for. I was worried I'd go insane, but in that moment I was saved.

From out of nowhere, a light filled the void. This light gave off a warmth the likes of which I had never felt in the Doom Dimension. I was drawn towards it, feeling like it was calling me. And I responded, somehow finding myself floating towards it. And when I was finally enveloped by the light, I felt an overwhelming comfort overcome me. The searing rage that made up my being began to slowly simmer into only a burning anger.

And as this happened, I felt something else happen. My formerly formless existence began to vanish, as my spirit was suddenly encased within a physical form that began to take shape. I had no control over what I became, but anything was better then having no body at all. And as my body neared completion, I heard something. A voice. One that was so gentle and loving, it made even my blazing rage flicker."

"Do not be afraid, my child. I know you have suffered much and feel nothing but anger, but there is so much more to life then hate. I hope you will come to understand that in time. You will live your life and decide for yourself what you wish to do with that life. For that is your right as a living thing. Leonidas.'

"I wanted to speak back to her, but I had never spoken before. I wasn't able to before then." Leonidas was explaining how he came into being to the Flash and all his friends, the lot of them being in the Bakugan Stadium's foyer. "After that, everything when black. The next thing I knew, I was being picked up by Flash." He turned to the others, trying to gauge their reaction.

Flash, Twilight, Rarity and Applejack looked intrigued by this, whilst Fluttershy, Pinkie and Bonnie looked sad. Heath looked like he didn't know how to feel, but Soarin, Rainbow and Lyra all looked like they were suspicious of his story. He then turned to the Bakugan, who were all standing on the other side of the table.

"I know what I just said was a lot to take in."

"It's not the information itself we're having trouble with," Nimue told him. "It's the fact you didn't tell us from the start. You have to understand how that looks."

Leonidas looked down whilst the other Bakugan remained silent, but he could tell they were all thinking the same thing. "Come on," Flash then spoke up. "I get him being from the Doom Dimension is a big deal, but that's no reason to give Leo such a hard time."

"It's not that simple," Garuda told him. "The Doom Dimension is a living nightmare to all Bakugan. Nothing good has ever come out of that place. You can't expect us to trust him now."

"And he lied about being from there," Wukong stated.

"I didn't lie," Leonidas told him. "I just...didn't tell you."

"And I don't think he was wrong to keep it to himself," Twilight agreed. "It was his business. He didn't have to tell anyone if he didn't want too."

"That may be your viewpoint," Gaia told her. "But the Doom Dimension is not something to be taken likely. If you had lost a friend to that place, you wouldn't be so quick to trust anything connected to it."

"Maybe that's why Leo didn't tell you," Flash stated. "So you wouldn't judge him unfairly before you got to know him." He then turned to the humans of his team. "Come on guys. You're with us, right?" But they said nothing, making Flash and Leonidas feel even worse. "Guys..."

"It...does make it harder to feel like I can trust him," Lyra explained. "And him being from the Doom Dimension does explain why he was so violent and angry when he first got here."

"But he's changed," Flash stated.

"Maybe," Soarin replied, "or maybe he's just pretending to have changed so he can lull us into a false sense of security."

Heath continued, getting swept up in the paranoia. "And when we're least expecting it, he strikes and sends us all to the Doom Dimension."

"Guys!" Flash cried, looking at each of them. Lyra, Soarin and Heath all seemed to be convinced that Leonidas was up to something. Then, he turned to his final teammate. "Bonnie..."

The girl played with her hair, whilst looking at the table. Then, she looked up at him with apologetic eyes. "Maybe it would be best...if you didn't use Leonidas for a little while." Flash couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"Guys." They all said nothing else, Flash's face turning from looking sad to looking angry. "Well I think you're wrong." He grabbed Leonidas. "And I don't wanna be on a team with anyone who doesn't trust me or my partner." With that, he stormed out of the building.

"Flash, wait!" Twilight cried, but Flash didn't listen. he left and he didn't look back. Twilight sighed, Flash's former teammates all seemed unsure how to feel in the situation. Lyra and Bonnie were wishing Derpy were here right now, as she would probably know what to do in the situation.

Dark Industries.

Sombra sat at his desk, working away whilst waiting for his number one agent to arrive. And just as he finished looking over a report, he sensed a presence in the room and looked up to see Phantom leaning against the wall. "Well?" He asked, "how did it go?"

Phantom simply smirked before taking a Bakugan out of his coat and throwing it, the ball landing on his desk and opening up. "So," Ragnaroid whispered, "you're the one running the show?"

Sombra smirked as he sat back. "Just call me an equal partner in this situation." As he said that, he opened a desk draw and took out the grey Bakugan. "And here is my other partner." He placed it down in front of Ragnaroid, who stared at the orb for a second before realising who it was.

"Master," he whispered.

"He can't talk right now," Sombra explained. "He's very low on power."

"I see," Ragnaroid looked the Bakugan over. "All the power I sent him must have been used to free himself and escape to this world."

"And capture the ark that held you and all the other Bakugan used by the players," Sombra told him. "When I found the two, he was completely drained of power. He barely had enough time to explain everything to me before locking himself away."

"Then it's time to awaken him," Ragnaroid stated before glowing slightly. "Luckily, I should have just enough spare power to bring him out of his coma." The light floated off Ragnaroid and into the Bakugan, "but this will take time."

Sombra nodded before turning to Phantom, "your match with Sentry and Skies ended in victory. But you were still unable to acquire the Leonidas Bakugan."

"Don't worry," Phantom told him. "We'll get him next time."

"No need," Sombra replied. "I've already taken a few steps to acquire him myself." Phantom raised an eyebrow as Sombra turned in his chair and looked out the window. "I tasked a Brawler with some interesting battle skills to win him."

"Good," Ragnaroid told him. "Leonidas is a dangerous Bakugan. Being born in the Doom Dimension will likely give him abilities even he doesn't know he has. We must bring him to our side before he finds a way to awaken them."

"Which is why I'm making it a prime directive to get our hands on him," Sombra nodded. "On all the Bakugan that have mysteriously begun to appear and talk. We'll start with Leonidas, then move onto the others." Phantom nodded whilst Ragnaroid continued to transfer power into the locked Bakugan.

"And who knows," Phantom stated. "Learning the truth about his little friend my have thrown Sentry off his game. And his friends might have even turned against him. That'll make taking Leonidas all the easier."

Back at the battle arena, Flash's former teammates all sat around the table looking rather upset. "I can't believe Flash quit," Lyra whispered. "I've never known him to walk away from his friends."

"I guess Leonidas just has to much of a grip on him," Soarin stated.

"What do you think he'll do now?" Bonnie asked.

"You don't think he'll join up with Phantom, do you?" Heath looked worried as he said this, the lot of them remembering the offer Ragnaroid had given Leonidas. The thought of fighting that monster alone was bad enough, but putting Leonidas into the mix was terrible.

"If that happen, we'll need to take them down." They all looked down at Garuda. "Ragnaroid went on a rampage once and managed to destroy an entire world before he was stopped. We can't let that happen again." The other Bakugan looked like they were in agreement.

"I can't believe you guys!" They all looked over and saw Twilight, who was staring down at them with a frown on her face. "You're talking like Flash and Leonidas have already decided to join Phantom, even though you know Flash would never do that."

"But Leonidas might," Nimue pointed out. "And who knows what kind of powers he has. He could end up brainwashing Flash and make him fight for Phantom."

"You're being ridicules," Twilight told them. "Leonidas isn't going to brainwash Flash and you guys are being a little unfair with how you're judging him. Leo might be a little arrogant and rude at times, but he's far from evil."

"He was born in the Doom Dimension," Wukong reminded her.

"Exactly," Twilight told them, "in the Doom Dimension. Not from the Doom Dimension. Being born someplace doesn't define you. He was born from the spirits of all the Bakugan that perished there. In a way, him being alive is a miracle. As long as he's alive, so are all the Bakugan that were unjustly thrown into that dimension."

"He was born from their anger," Gaia reminded her. "That's not exactly the part of the spirit you want to stick around after you pass on."

Twilight crossed her arms. "Leonidas didn't decide to be born from that anger. He didn't decide to be born at all. He barely had any choices since the day he was born. He didn't choose to come here and he didn't choose to be found by Flash. But what he did choose was to keep fighting with him and you all when he started talking."

"He also chose to keep his origins a secret," Lyra pointed out. "How can we trust him if he was willing to keep such a big secret from us." The others nodded as Twilight let out a sigh.

"I'll admit, learning the truth from someone else was hard. But I understand why Leonidas didn't tell us. Honestly, if I was born somewhere like the Doom Dimension I'd probably keep it to myself as well. For fear of everyone misjudging me before they really got to know me. And I'm willing to bet you guys would do the same thing." The fact that nobody denied that statement said everything. "And I would also wage a guess that there's something each of you have kept hidden about yourselves." Bonnie, Lyra and Soarin flinched at this, as Twilight turned away. "So don't go judging Leonidas until you can look me in the eyes and say that there isn't a thing you haven't told me." With that, she walked off and left them all to think about what she had said.

"She's right," Lyra told them. "It was totally lame of use to judge Leonidas like that."

"We didn't even give him a chance to prove us wrong," Bonnie agreed. She began to hug herself, "and because of that we pushed Flash away."

"It's like Lyra said," Heath reminded her. "It's not like him to abandon his friends. And Leonidas is his friend. A friend that needs support."

"Support we refused to give him," Soarin finished.

The Bakugan all turned to one another, Garuda speaking up. "It'll be a major risk, trusting him."

"Maybe," Nimue nodded before Gaia spoke up.

"But honestly, there can be no trust without the risk of betrayal."

"Yeah," Wukong nodded, "you could trust someone after years of knowing them and they could still stab you in the back. But I'd rather trust someone and get tricked a hundred times, then trust nobody at all." Nimue and Gaia nodded, both appearing to agree with him. Meanwhile, Garuda continued to think about it.

"I guess...Leonidas would be more likely to turn to Ragnaroid without anyone else willing to trust him." He waited a few more seconds before turning towards them, "we have to find them."

"And apologise," Lyra agreed before they all got up and rushed out the building. Twilight watched them leaving, hoping they could find Flash and Leonidas and hoping the two would accept their apology.

Flash had biked over to the nearby park and had begun to wander around aimlessly. As he did, he couldn't stop thinking about what the others had said. He had no intention of abandoning Leonidas, but he couldn't get what they said out on his head.

Eventually, he reached the fountain area where he first found Leonidas and sat down. As he did, Leonidas jumped out of his pocket and landed besides him. "You don't have to do this, you know." Flash turned to him, "choosing me over your friends. I know that can't have been easy."

"It wasn't," Flash told him. "But I don't regret it. We're partners and partners stick by one another."

"Even now that you know my secret?" Leonidas asked, "do you really believe you can trust me after learning where I come from?"

"Of course I can," Flash assured the Bakugan before picking him up. "Now, let me ask you something. Are you here to course problems or have some nefarious scheme?" Leonidas looked him straight in the eye.

"No."

Flash smiled back, "I believe you." He then let out a sigh and put Leonidas back down. "I guess we won't be competing in the tournament. On our own, we'd probably exhaust ourselves going up against all those teams."

"I guess," Leonidas agreed. "I'm sorry you had to quit the team."

"Like I said, I don't regret it." Meanwhile, someone was watching the two. It was a bulky teen with cream skin and brown hair, wearing black sports clothes with a football on the front of his shirt. He stared at Flash, then took out a picture of him and compared the two.

"Finally found you," he smirked before walking forwards. "Hey!" Flash and Leonidas turned towards him, "Flash Sentry."

Flash suddenly got very suspicious, having a feeling he knew why this guy was here. "Let me guess," he stood up and Leonidas jumped into his hand. "Phantom sent you to beat me?"

"Phantom?" He raised an eyebrow, "never heard of him. But I was sent to beat you. And take your Leonidas."

"Not gonna happen!" Flash told him. "If you wanna brawl, let's go."

"We'll take you down no sweat," Leonidas agreed.

"Good," the teen smirked, "name's Teddy by the way."

"Flash," the blue head replied, "but you already knew that. Now let's get to the stadium so I can clean your clock."

"We don't need a stadium," Teddy explained before holding up his wrist. Flash spotted his BakuColar and noticed the screen lighting up.

At that moment, Flash's team all arrived at the park and spotted Flash and Teddy. "What's going on?" Lyra asked, only to see a light explode out of Teddy's BakuColar.

"That can't be good!" Heath cried as the light began to spread around Teddy and Flash. Soarin rushed forward, the others following, as the light formed a dome around the two teens. In that moment, the world around the dome began to slow down. The birds in the sky came to a stop and the drops of water that slid off the leaves became frozen in midair.

The five teens all felt this as they reached out with their arms, trying to grab hold of the teen before the light construct completely formed. "FLASH!" They yelled before time came to a complete stop.

Flash and Leonidas blinked away the bright lights, both looking around and seeing they were in some kind of black void with a white ground.

Floating around them were six spiralling galaxy-like objects that appeared to be made out of fire, wind, water, rock, light and shadow. Flash then looked around where he was standing and spotted several platforms that were suspended in the air along with power-ups floating with them "What is this place?"

Leonidas hummed, "I don't know. But the air feels strange. It has the same atmosphere I usually feel when a battlefield is activated."

"Welcome to the battle space!" Teddy cried as he held up his BakuColar, "a special upgrade from Mr Sombra. Now I can battle anywhere I want."

"So this is how Phantom was able to become so strong without being at any of the stadiums," Flash frowned. "Whatever. I can battle here as well as anywhere else. Ready Leo!"

Leonidas didn't respond, clearly still upset about what had happened before. But he quickly shook his head, knowing those thoughts wouldn't help him now. "I'm ready!" He closed himself up and Flash grabbed him, Teddy taking out his Bakugan as they focused on one another.

"LET'S BRAWL!" They cried together as their life gauges activated.

Flash: 100%
Teddy: 100%

"Gate Card!" Teddy took it out and threw it towards the ground, "SET!" The card hit the ground and exploded with orange light, Teddy then leaping up onto one of the platforms before throwing his Bakugan at a cluster of power-ups. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" It hit them before landing and rolling along the ground. "Bakugan," it popped open, "STAND!" It a flash of orange light, the Bakugan appeared. "Subterra Mantris!"

"WOW!" Flash cried as a giant brown insect appeared, having four legs and a pair of arms that ended in giant curved blades.

Mantris: 380Gs

The mantis Bakugan roared as it began to glow, being powered up by the coins it hit.

Mantris: 480Gs

"Our turn!" Flash cried, as he leapt up onto one of the platforms before leaping onto another and another. Then, he leapt into the air and threw Leonidas. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" The dragonoid flew through the air and hit a trio of power-ups before landing on the ground, "Bakugan," he popped open, "STAND!" In a flash of light, Leonidas appeared and roared at the height of his voice as he glowed from the power-ups.

Mantris: 480Gs
Leonidas: 550Gs

"Raaah!" Leonidas flew down, ready to take Mantris down in a single blow. And Flash was ready to help him.

"Ability, Activate!" He held up a card that glowed, "Dragon Flash!"

Mantris: 480Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs

Leonidas roared as he threw a punch at Mantris, the insect raising its arms and using them to try and block. Leonidas struck its blades and the mantis was pushed backwards, but managed to stay up as Teddy cried out. "Gate Card, OPEN!" The ground glowed before giant stone pillars popped up, "Subterra Reactor!"

Mantris: 680Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs

As Leonidas flew forward, Mantris swung its blade around and slashed at him. "Augh!" He cried as the attack landed, slashing him down the chest. He was pushed backwards, but managed to spread his wings and stop himself before shooting into the air.

"Ability, Activate!" Flash cried as Mantris glowed, "Co-Side!" The light flew off it and into Leonidas, powering him up.

Mantris: 680Gs
Leonidas: 750Gs

Leonidas flew back down and swung his tail around, smashing Mantris in the face and causing it to stagger off. As it did, Teddy pulled out another card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed, along with Mantris' blades. "Twin Machete!"

Mantris: 780Gs
Leonidas: 750Gs

Mantris swung one of its arms around, firing the light at Leonidas as it formed an orange energy blade. "Augh!" Leonidas cried, as Mantris fired the second blade at him. But before it could reach Leonidas.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Flash's cards glowed along with Leonidas, who managed to avoid the energy blade whilst moving at incredible speed. "Dragon Flash, plus Shining Tornado!"

Mantris: 780Gs
Leonidas: 1000Gs

Leonidas spun and formed the light drill, which shot towards Mantris and smashed into it as it tried to block with his blades. The Bakugan was pushed backwards and roared in pain, until Leonidas eventually broke away and Mantris staggered backwards. By the looks of things, one more hit would take Mantris down.

"Give it up!" Flash told Teddy, "your Bakugan can't beat Leo!"

Teddy smirked, which confused Flash. "Maybe my Bakugan can't," he took out another card. "But I bet yours can. Ability," the card glowed, "Activate!" Mantris' blades glowed again before it pointed them at Flash, "Marionette!" The energy exploded off of the blades and formed a bunch of energy strings, which shot towards Flash and hit him in the chest.

"Augh!" He cried, Leonidas gasping.

"FLASH!" He cried in shock, as the strings retracted from him. And as they did, something could be seen on the end of them. "A Bakugan?" Flash also saw this and gasped, trying to reach out and grab it but it was too late.

The Bakugan was pulled over to Mantris and dropped on the ground, opening up to unleash a bright light. "Rise!" Teddy cried as the Bakugan formed, "Haos Serpenoid!"

Flash gasped as he saw his Bakugan appear next to Mantris, then looked down at his BakuColar.

Mantris+Serpenoid: 1100Gs
Leonidas: 1000Gs

"Now way," Flash turned back to the Bakugan as they both charged towards Leonidas. "How can you control my Bakugan?"

"Just something Marionette lets me do," Teddy smirked as Serpenoid leapt at Leonidas and wrapped its body around his waist. All the while, Mantris began slashing at the dragon.

"Get off!" Leonidas cried, taking to the air and trying to pull the snake off of him. But Serpenoid then whipped its tail up and curled it around his wing, "augh!" He fell towards the ground and crashed into it as Mantris kept slashing at him, "FLASH!"

"Double Ability, Activate!" He held up a pair of cards, which glowed whilst Leonidas began to glow. "Alpha Blaster, plus Brawling Dragon!"

Mantris+Serpenoid: 1100Gs
Leonidas: 1300Gs

Leonidas finally managed to pry Serpenoid off of him and throw it to the ground, the snake hissing as it collided with the floor whilst Leonidas took to the air. "Say good night!" He opened his mouth before roaring, the laser shooting out of his mouth and flying towards Mantris.

"Ability," Teddy held up a card, "Activate!" The card glowed along with Mantris and Serpenoid, "Exchange!" In a flash, the two Bakugans teleported to one another's location. Serpenoid replaced Mantris seconds before the Alpha Blaster struck, the snake crying out in pain as it was reverted back to ball form.

"Yes!" Flash cheered before looking down at his BakuColar, only for his eyes to go wide when he saw the score.

Flash: 60%
Teddy: 100%

"Why did my points go down?" Flash asked, but then realised what must have happened. And Teddy proved him right.

"Serpenoid was your Bakugan, even if he was on my side. So of course beating him would mean you lose points." Flash and Leonidas both frowned hearing this. "What's more. Even though Serpenoid is gone, Mantris gets to keep the G power it gave him."

"That's it!" Leonidas charged at Mantris, "I'm taking you down and evening the score." But before he could reach Mantris, Teddy held up one last card.

"Ability, Activate!" Leonidas glowed and the light flew off him into Mantris, "Co-Side!"

Mantris: 1200Gs
Leonidas: 1300Gs

Leonidas threw a punch before Flash could activate an Ability, hitting Mantris square in the chest and knocking it back. It hissed before before morphing back to ball form, falling to the ground as Teddy lost points.

Flash: 60%
Teddy: 80%

"Aw man!" Flash cried as Leonidas returned to him. "This is nuts. We beat two Bakugan, but we've fallen behind."

"I can't believe he can use our own Bakugan against us," Leonidas growled. "It looks like I can't trust anyone anymore." Flash frowned at this, bopping the dragon on the head.

"You can trust me. No matter where you came from, you're my partner. We've been through way to much for me to turn my back on your." Leonidas chuckled at this, nodding his head in agreement. "Now let's focus on taking this guy down," he turned to Teddy. "I've got an idea."

"Then let's brawl," Leonidas closed up and Flash took out a Gate Card and threw it to the ground. "Gate Card...SET!" The card exploded as Flash leapt up onto one of the platforms and kept climbing higher and higher, until he was high enough. "Let's go!" Flash cried as he held up his hand, then opened it to show three Haos Bakugan between his fingers. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw all three Bakugan towards the ground, hitting some power-ups before landing on the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" They popped open and in a flash of light, Leonidas appeared with Serpenoid and Siege on either side of him.

"Let's do this guys!" Leonidas yelled as they all powered up.

Leonidas+Serpenoid+Siege: 1480

"Not bad," Teddy smirked, "realised Marionette only works on Bakugan that aren't already played." Flash smirked back as he landed on the ground. "That's fine. You're not the first person to think that would work." He took out three Bakugan and leapt up onto a platform, climbing high before leaping off and throwing them towards another cluster of Power-ups. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" They hit the coins and landed on the ground, rolling to a stop before popping open. "Bakugan...STAND!" In a flash of orange, three identical Bakugan appeared. "Subterra Mantris...triple treat!"

"What?" Flash asked as the three insects roared down at him, "three Bakugan of the same type and attribute?" The Mantris all glowed as they were powered up.

Mantris+Mantris+Mantris: 1590
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Siege: 1480

"Get'em!" Teddy ordered, his Mantris all charging forward as Flash held up a pair of cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" The cards glowed as one of the Mantris glowed and that light flew off them into Leonidas. "Shining Venom, plus Co-Side!" Serpenoid fired a laser from its mouth, hitting a Mantris and making it flinch as Leonidas powered up.

Mantris+Mantris+Mantris: 1490
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Siege: 1580

"Triple Ability, Activate!" Teddy held up three cards, which glowed along with all three of the Mantris' blades. "Twin Machete!"

Mantris+Mantris+Mantris: 1790
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Siege: 1580

They swung their blades around, unleashing the orange energy crescents in the Bakugan's direction. "Wow!" Leonidas cried, barely managing to dodge the attack. Siege managed to block one with his staff, but Serpenoid was hit and knocked back. "Not good."

"Double Ability, Activate!" Flash held up a pair of cards as Leonidas opened his mouth and Siege's staff-head glowed. "Alpha Blaster, plus Star Staff!"

Mantris+Mantris+Mantris: 1790
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Siege: 1880

Leonidas fired the attack and hit one of the Mantris, knocking it backwards whilst Siege charged and swung its staff around to try and hit another Mantris. But it managed to jump back and avoid the attack. And as it did, Teddy held up two cards.

"I think it's time I thin out the herd a bit." The cards glowed as he held them up. "Double Ability, Activate!" They glowed as the two standing Mantris' eye glowed, "Cowardice!" The light exploded off their eyes and sent out a wave of red in every direction.

"What's that supposed to do?" Leonidas asked, having not felt any pain or found himself suffering any ill effects. Flash checked his BakuColar and saw that none of their scores had changed. But before he could say anything, he heard screams coming from Siege and Serpenoid.

Looking up, he saw they were both shaking and slowly moving backwards. They then glowed before reverting back to ball form and returning to Flash. "What?" He looked down at his BakuColar.

Mantris+Mantris+Mantris: 1790
Leonidas: 850

"What happened?"

"Cowardice. An Ability, that causes a single Bakugan with less Gs then the user to return to the opponent without actually beating them. It's usually used to force the opponent to start again once all their Abilities are used up. But it also lets me do this!" He held up another two cards, "Double Ability, Activate!" The cards glowed along with the two Mantris' blades. "Marionette!"

Flash's eyes went wide as the bugs unleashed strings that struck the Bakugan on the floor and pulled them over to them. When they did, they fell to the floor and opened up. "Siege and Serpenoid. Welcome to the team!" In a flash of light, Flash's two Bakugan were one Teddy's side of the field.

Mantris+Mantris+Mantris+Serpenoid+Siege: 2470
Leonidas: 850

"That's three times more than Leo," Flash realised as Siege charged forward and tried to slash at the dragon. Leonidas quickly took to the air, flying up to a safe distance. "If this hits, I'll lose him." He then frowned, "not happening. Gate Card...OPEN!" The field began to glow, "Heavy Element, Subterra!" The three Mantris all began to feel themselves growing weaker, each losing a hundred Gs for every Subterra Bakugan on the field.

Mantris+Mantris+Mantris+Serpenoid+Siege: 1570
Leonidas: 850

"Still not enough!" Teddy told him as he held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Siege pointed its staff at Leonidas, "Piercing Light!" The staff glowed before the end extended and stabbed him in the chest.

"AUGH!" He cried as his power weakened.

Mantris+Mantris+Mantris+Serpenoid+Siege: 1570
Leonidas: 700

"Leo!" Flash cried, turning to glare at Teddy as his dragon pulled himself free. Flash then held up three cards, "Triple Ability, Activate!" They glowed along with Leonidas. "Dragon Flash, plus Shining Tornado, plus Fusion Ability, Alpha Hurricane!" Leonidas flew towards them as fast as he could, then began to spin until he formed a drill that sparked with lightning.

Mantris+Mantris+Mantris+Serpenoid+Siege: 1570
Leonidas: 1300

"Still not enough!" Teddy cried as a Mantris charged forward and used his blades to block the drill, which ground into the Bakugan but couldn't overcome it. "Double Ability, Activate!" The other two Mantris charged forward and slashed at the drill, "Slice Cutter!"

"AUGH!" Leonidas cried as the drill stopped, showing the blades digging into his shoulder and draining away his power.

Mantris+Mantris+Mantris+Serpenoid+Siege: 1670
Leonidas: 1200

Leonidas tried to fight against the blade holding him in place, but he just couldn't break free. "Leo!" Flash cried, fearing that he was stuck. Even if he activated an ability, Teddy could activate five Abilities at once. "We can't win." Not on their own. "Leo..."

"Flash," Leonidas groaned.

"Ability, Activate!" Teddy held up a card that glowed as Serpenoid slithered forward. "Stinger Strike!" The snake spun around and stabbed its tail into Leonidas's chest.

"AUGH!" He cried, his power dropping.

Mantris+Mantris+Mantris+Serpenoid+Siege: 1670
Leonidas: 1050

"NO!" Flash cried, whilst Leonidas tried his hardest not to fall. If he did, he would be lost. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't fight against these numbers on his own.

"I'm sorry," Leonidas whispered. But just before he could let himself go-

"BAKUGAN...BRAWL!"

"Huh?" Flash looked behind him, just in time to see four different coloured orbs shoot passed him and hit the ground.

"BAKUGAN...STAND!" In a flash of green, blue, red and orange, four new Bakugan appeared.

"Hands off!" Garuda cried as he flew forward and grabbed a Mantris, pulling it away from Leonidas.

"You too!" Wukong threw a punch and smashed the other Mantris away, whilst Nimue rushed over to Leonidas and grabbed Serpenoid's tail.

"What are you doing here?" Leonidas asked as she pulled the stinger out of his chest, whilst Gaia stomped over and tried to kick the other Bakugan.

"What do you think?" Nimue asked, "we're here to help you." At this point, Flash looked around and saw Soarin, Lyra, Heath and Bonnie moving over to him.

"Guys?" He whispered, "how are you here?"

"We've been here since the start," Soarin explained. "We got sucked into the battlefield when that dome formed. But I guess because we only had a finger or two in it, it spat us out super far away from you."

Flash nodded, but was still confused. "But...why are you here?"

"Flash," Lyra looked at him in shame, "we're sorry."

"You were right," Heath nodded. "We shouldn't have judged Leo by where he came from."

"We should judge him by how he acts," Bonnie agreed.

"And he might be a jerk sometimes," Lyra went on. "But he's also been loyal and willing to work with us in the past. That's why we've decided to trust him. And trust you."

Flash smiled at this, then frowned before turning to Soarin. The teen stared back at Flash before nodding. "I'll admit I'm still a little concerned about him, but he deserves the chance to prove those worries wrong." He reached out a hand, "so if you'll still have me. I wanna be part of your team."

Flash stared at his hand, then turned to Leonidas. The dragon was staring at the Bakugan around him. "You really don't care that I'm from the Doom Dimension?"

"That place is horrible," Nimue told him. "But being born there doesn't mean you embody it."

Gaia nodded. "You said you were born from the anger of the Bakugan sent there. But from what I've seen, most of that anger is gone."

"Just try to keep your temper in check," Wukong joked before Leonidas turned to Garuda.

"You may be from there," the Ventus Bakugan stated. "But from what I've seen, you have no desire to send others there." Leonidas nodded. "And there are threats in this more dangerous then you could be." The Bakugan all thought about Ragnaroid and the power it had, along with the danger it posed in the hands of Phantom. "So I'll stand by you and fight against it. But I'll also be ready to stop you if you ever seem to be turning towards being like Ragnaroid."

Leonidas wasn't sure how to feel about that last part, but knew it was a founded concern. "Alright," he stood up, "then what are we waiting for?" The five of them turned towards the five Bakugan they were opposing, "let's end this Brawl." The others nodded as Flash and Teddy's BakuColars beeped to show the new scores.

Mantris+Mantris+Mantris+Serpenoid+Siege: 1670
Leonidas+Garuda+Nimue+Wukong+Gaia: 2600

"No way," Teddy whispered.

"One hit and we can take him down," Heath told the others.

"Just don't hit Siege or Serpenoid," Flash explained. "If they go down, I lose points."

"Leave them to us," Soarin told him before holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda took to the air as his beak sparked, "Blitz Bolt!"

Mantris+Mantris+Mantris+Serpenoid+Siege: 1670
Leonidas+Garuda+Nimue+Wukong+Gaia: 2750

He squawked loudly, causing bolts of lightning to shoot out and hit the opposing Bakugan. All five of them quickly found themselves going numb, meaning Siege and Serpenoid couldn't intervene as Leonidas shot forward and punched one of the Mantris.

The insect roared as it was thrown back, whilst Nimue and Wukong charged forward. The two grabbed Flash's controlled Bakugan and began to push them away, leaving the others free to attack the Mantris without fear. "Ability!" Teddy held up a card, but it didn't activate. "What?"

"Sorry," Soarin told him, "but Blitz Bolt stop you from activating Abilities as well as moving."

"Now we can take you down!" Leonidas roared as he flew towards the Mantris that he had knocked over, Flash holding up a a card.

"Ability, Activate!" It glowed, "Brawling Dragon!"

Mantris+Mantris+Mantris+Serpenoid+Siege: 1670
Leonidas+Garuda+Nimue+Wukong+Gaia: 2850

"RAAAH!" Leonidas threw a punch at the Mantris, who barely managed to lift its blades to block. It cried out in pain with every hit Leonidas slammed him with. Meanwhile, Gaia and Garuda attacked their own Mantris. Garuda slashed at it with his talons whilst Gaia simply pulled her leg back and swung it forward to kick the insect.

Despite the impact and almost twelve hundred points difference, the Mantris all managed to endure the attacks. Gaia's was thrown several feet away, but it managed to stay in place. Meanwhile, Nimue and Wukong watched as Siege and Serpenoid tried to move.

"Give this a try!" Nimue held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Nimue held up a finger as a storm cloud appeared above her, which then shoot towards Siege. "Draining Rain!" The cloud broke open and rained down on Siege, sapping away its power. After a few seconds, the points were drastically changed.

Mantris+Mantris+Mantris+Serpenoid+Siege: 1470
Leonidas+Garuda+Nimue+Wukong+Gaia: 3050

"Come on!" Teddy cried, "this isn't fair."

"I think it's fair," Flash told him. "we're all using one Bakugan whilst you're using five. And they're linked into my life gauge, so it's not like you're outnumbered." The others nodded in agreement, as Leonidas whipped at Mantris with his tail and Garuda grabbed it in his talons before lifting it up and throwing it.

"Let's end this!" Leonidas cried before flying up, Garuda doing the same as Gaia slowly moved over to hers. But as the two dived at the Mantris, the static around the five Bakugan vanished.

"Finally!" Teddy cried before holding up to cards, "Double Ability, Activate!" The cards glowed along with the two Mantris being dived at and Flash's controlled Bakugan. And in a flash, they swapped places.

"WOW!" Leonidas cried as he barely managed to pull back in time to avoid hitting Siege, whilst Garuda pulled up before he struck Serpenoid.

"Ahh!" Teddy cried, having hoped that move would lead to Flash's loss. But before he could do anything else, Lyra and Heath held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" They both cried as Nimue created a sphere of water and Wukong began beating his chest. "Overflow/Blazing Rhythm!" Nimue threw the sphere and it exploded into a torrent that hit the Mantris and swept it towards Leonidas. Meanwhile, Wukong unleashed blazing sound wave that struck the other Mantris and sent it flying towards Garuda.

Mantris+Mantris+Mantris+Serpenoid+Siege: 1225
Leonidas+Garuda+Nimue+Wukong+Gaia: 3050

"Nowhere to run this time!" Leonidas cried as he and Garuda shot towards their opponents, whilst Gaia finally reached hers.

"Ability," Bonnie held up a card, "Activate!" It glowed as Gaia pulled her leg back, "Wood Slammer!"

Mantris+Mantris+Mantris+Serpenoid+Siege: 1225
Leonidas+Garuda+Nimue+Wukong+Gaia: 3150

The Subterra Bakugan swung her leg forward and smashed it into Mantris, at the exact same time Leonidas and Garuda slashed at their Mantris. The three all cried out in pain as they were thrown backwards, then reverted back to ball form as Teddy's points dropped.

"AHHH!" He cried as his Bakugan flew towards his opponents and the battlefield vanished.

Flash: 60% (Winner)
Teddy: 0%

In a flash of light, the six of them were back in the park. Time had started once again and everything was exactly as it had been before the brawl started, with the exception of Flash, Soarin and Bonnie being in possession of their new Bakugan.

"Aw man!" Teddy cried, the teen having fallen onto his but. "I can't believe I lost."

"Well believe it," Flash smirked as he, Soarin and Bonnie showed him his old Bakugan. "Now who sent you? If it wasn't Phantom, then who?"

"I don't need to tell you anything," Teddy told him before getting up and rushing off.

"HEY!" Flash yelled, but Teddy was already gone. He let out a sigh, then turned to the others. They all still looked worried, like he might say something they didn't like.

"Flash," Lyra spoke up, "we're really sorry."

"It was wrong of us to tell you not to trust Leonidas," Bonnie agreed.

Heath slapped his hands together and held them up with closed eyes, "can you ever forgive us?"

Flash didn't say anything, instead holding up Leonidas. "I'm not the one you guys should apologise too." They all focused on the dragonoid and and nodded.

"WE'RE SORRY!" They cried together, their Bakugan agreeing with them. "You have every right to hate us," Nimue stated. "But I hope we can work together and be friends. Real friends."

Leonidas let out a sound that made them think he wasn't sure. "Are you sure you can trust me, knowing where it is I came from?"

"I admit it does concern us," Garuda stated. "But Twilight was right. You might have been born in the Doom Dimension. But you weren't born from it. And your life honours the lives of all the Bakugan that were wrongly imprisoned in that world. And for that, I believe you deserve to be trusted."

"Thank you," Leonidas nodded. "I may not know why I was born or how I came to be as I am, but I'm different from the Bakugan that that all happened to." He turned to Flash. "When I first came here, all I wanted was to take my anger out on other Bakugan. But I've changed since meeting you."

"Me?" Flash asked.

"Yes," Leonidas nodded, "thanks to you, I've learned the importance of friendship and trust."

Flash smiled at this and pulled the Bakugan closer, "we've learned from each other. Friends always do. Whatever happens, you'll always be my partner." Leonidas smiled, though Flash couldn't see it, then turned to the others.

"Only together do we stand a chance against Phantom and Ragnaroid. I want nothing more then to beat them, but I can't do it alone. So. Will you all help me?" The five teens and their Bakugan all smiled at one another, until Soarin reached out with his hand.

Lyra smiled and put her hand on his, with Bonnie doing the same followed by Heath. They all turned to Flash and waited, the teen smiling before putting his hand on top of their. Their Bakugan jumped onto the hands and they all nodded at one another, knowing that from this moment they would be a team. A team that nobody could stop.

"Bakugan," Flash started with the others joining in, "BRAWL!" They threw their hands up, their Bakugan flying into the air before landing on their heads. This would be a day that would go down in history, as the day a new team of heroes was born.

Back at Dark Industries, Ragnaroid was still sending power into the Bakugan on the table. Meanwhile, Sombra got an alert on his computer and sighed.

"Teddy lost," he told Phantom. "And it appears your theory about his friends abandoning him was wrong."

"No matter," Phantom smirked. "Ragnaroid and I will-"

"No," the Bakugan told him, "we have more important duties to focus on." Phantom raised an eyebrow as Ragnaroid stopped glowing. "This infusion will awaken him, but it's not enough to restore his full power. That's what we must focus on. Acquiring power."

"Too right." That voice didn't come from any of them, causing the three to turn towards the locked Bakugan. The light that had been pulsing around the Bakugan remained for several before vanishing, the Bakugan's colour changing from grey to pure white. Then, the Bakugan opened.

Phantom mistook it for an Ingram at first, but the head was different and there wasn't a tail section going over the top.

"Master," Ragnaroid whispered.

"Lucifer," Sombra smirked. "Nice to see you're awake."

"And it's nice to see you've been able to fulfil your side of the plan," Lucifer turned towards him. "However, we are far from finished." He turned back to Ragnaroid, "you know what you must do."

Ragnaroid nodded, "I will acquire power and give it to you. But in the meantime, we have a few annoyances that need dealing with."

"I heard," Lucifer announced. "I've been conscious for a while. Just couldn't unlock reply until now. I know about the five Bakugan and I have a plan. All we need is to find powerful brawlers that can defeat them. It doesn't matter whether they're friends or foes of these five. I can handle that."

Hearing this, Phantom smiled as six particular Brawlers entered his mind. "I know exactly who we need." The Bakugan world was about to be turned on its head. Despite Flash and his friends finally coming together as a real team, they were far from out of danger. And only time would tell what that danger was.

Author's Note

The team has finally formed. Now they can focus on taking Phantom down, if they can. Hope you enjoyed it. Please tell me what your favourite bits were.

Rainbooms Rise and Fall

Night had once again fallen upon Canterlot City. And atop the roof of Dark Industries, we find Phantom sitting on the edge of the building with Ragnaroid curled up besides him

The Bakugan then popped open and turned to him, "you've been quiet for a while."

"Just...thinking."

"Thinking about what?" Ragnaroid replied.

"Nothing important." Ragnaroid didn't seem convinced, the Bakugan jumping up onto his knee and looking up at Phantom's shade covered eyes. "What?"

"I can see it within you," he told him. "A look of doubt in your eyes. You don't want to help Sombra and Lucifer." Ragnaroid saw Phantom's lips quiver, "I know that look because I have had it myself." This surprised Phantom, who gave Ragnaroid and surprised look. "You really think I ever intended to free Lucifer back in Vestroia?"

"You didn't?" He asked, Ragnaroid shaking his whole self in reply. "But you did-"

"Only because it was my only choice," Ragnaroid stated. "Had the six Guardians of Vestroia not defeated me, I would have kept the power for myself. But instead, I was defeated and they sealed me within that cube. So, I knew my only hope of being freed was with Lucifer's help."

"I see," Phantom whispered. "So you transferred the power to him, allowing Lucifer to break out of the Perfect Core."

"And he was about to capture one of the arcs and bring it here, allowing me to once again be freed. And now I can continue my quest to become the most powerful Bakugan in all the world. Even more powerful then Lucifer himself."

"Then why did you awaken him?" Phantom asked, "isn't he a major threat to you?"

"What threat is he? He has no attribute of his own. And even if he's able to acquire more power, he'll pale in comparison to me. And eventually, I'll crush him myself and take whatever power he accumulates. But I'll need a partner to help me achieve that power."

Phantom looked unsure about this, Ragnaroid jumping off as he got up and moved away from the edge. He turned his back from Ragnaroid, who watched with baited breath. "I don't know. Sombra and Lucifer are the ones who made me who I am. To simply turn my back on them..."

"Answer me this," Ragnaroid told him. "For what purpose were you created?" Phantom remained quiet for a moment, but then spoke.

"My purpose was to become the most powerful Brawler in the world."

"And how can you be the most powerful, when you're stuck serving another? Only by defeating all those around you, can you truly deem to call yourself the best. And that includes beating Sombra and Lucifer."

Phantom stayed quiet for a moment, then spoke again. "You may have a point. But still..." Ragnaroid then leapt into the air and landed on Phantom's head, the Bakugan glowing along with Phantom. "What are you doing?"

"So that's it," Ragnaroid chuckled. "A bit of master Lucifer's energy's in your brain. So that's how you can do what you do and feel like you need to be loyal to him. Well, that needs to be fixed."

"What do you-AHHH!" He gripped his head as he fell to his knees, the light around him being absorbed into him before he started coughing. As he did, a white mist-like energy flew out of his mouth and disappeared into the air.

"There," Ragnaroid leapt off his head, "I was able to force out what Lucifer used to control you, but was able to keep what makes you you. Now," he turned to look up at him, "how do you feel?"

"Err..." Phantom moaned before turning to him, "different. Like...my head feels a lot clearer."

"Then let me ask you this. What would you rather do? Spend the rest of your days as someone's loyal lapdog, or actually try and be the best, like no one ever was?" Phantom thought for a moment, then smiled before standing up.

"I wanna be the best. No...I will be the best. And nobody's gonna stop me. Not even Sombra and Lucifer."

"That's what I like to hear," Ragnaroid leapt up and Phantom caught him. "But until we're ready to take them down, we'll need to make sure they think we're still on their side. That means doing what they told us to do."

Phantom nodded, "and I know exactly where to start."

The next day.

Two weeks had passed since the event that had finally brought the team of Flash, Lyra, Heath, Bonnie, Soarin and their Bakugan together. In that time, there hadn't been any other attempts by Phantom or his flunkies to take Leonidas or any of their other Bakugan. This meant that the five of them could work on improving their skills as a team, doing multiple double Brawls to improve their teamwork. Now they were only a few days away from the big tournament that was coming up.

But whilst they were able to work together, there was one problem they were facing.

"I say we call ourselves the Awesome Brawlers!" Heath stated as they sat in the stadium's foyer. He looked around the table and saw his teammates frowning at him. "What? That's an awesome name."

"It sounds like something a bunch of twelve year olds would come up with," Lyra stated. "We need something more refined and dignified."

"Like what?" Flash asked.

"I say we call ourselves Team Tsunami, because we'll barrage our opponents with wave after wave of defeat."

"That sounds a little harsh," Bonnie frowned. "What if we called ourselves Rose Clover. That's the name for a five leaf clover. There's five of us, so it works"

"We're not naming ourselves after a flower," Soarin told her.

"Besides," Garuda jumped up, "shouldn't it be ten leaf clover since we're a part of this team too."

Soarin nodded. "We should be called team Storm-Breaker. You know that sounds awesome."

"NO WAY!" All except Flash told him, Flash letting out a sigh as he leaned forward on the table.

"How can coming up with a name be so hard. Twilight and the others didn't seem to have this issue."

"Yeah," Soarin nodded. "They came up with an awesome name in seconds. Rainbooms. Wish we had thought of that before them." The others nodded and sighed as they tried to think of something to call themselves. As they did, Derpy moved over to them from the front desk.

"Hey guys. Still trying to think of a name?" They nodded and she smiled, "I'm sure you'll think of something. But remember, you need to have your name ready in time for registration. That's only three days away."

"We know that," Flash told her before noticing she looked like she was about to leave. "You going somewhere?"

"I'm heading over to help with the finishing touches at the main stadium." Said main stadium was one that was three times the size of the one they were currently in, which had been designed with only one battlefield. The brawlers weren't sure how the tournament was going to work, but they had a feeling it would be a free for all battle instead of the one on one battles.

"You've been helping out a lot there," Lyra pointed out.

"Of course," Derpy smiled. "The more I help now, the less I have to help in the tournament. I wanna be able to watch the whole thing without needing to be called upon. See yah." With that, she ran off before any of them could say anything else.

"I wonder what they're making her do over there?" Heath asked, "what help could a receptionist be when you're preparing for a tournament?"

"You should have asked her," Lyra told him. "But now that you mention it, I guess it is pretty weird. She's been really really busy lately."

"Well like she said, she wants to be free to watch the tournament." Flash then turned towards the doorway, "I just hope Phantom doesn't show up and give her any trouble."

"Why would Phantom target her?" Leonidas asked, "she's not a brawler."

"He might grab her to use as bait to draw us out," Lyra pointed out before frowning. "Actually, I doubt that. I don't think Phantom actually met her. The last two times he was here, Derpy wasn't around."

"Oh yeah," Flash leaned back. "That is weird."

"Probably just coincidence," Soarin told him. "I mean, a lot of people probably come here and weren't around when Phantom appeared." The others nodded, though Flash continued to think about Derpy and turn back to where she had just been.

"We should focus on coming up with a name," Bonnie stated. "Derpy's right, we only have a short amount of time before we need to register." They all nodded and began to think up new ideas, but still nothing they could think of was met with unanimous agreement.

"Ahhh!" Heath cried, "why is this so hard?"

"I wish Pinkie or the others were here," Lyra sighed. "They might be able to come up with a name for us. Where are they anyway?"

"I don't know," Flash replied. "Maybe they decided to go to another stadium to train?"

Twilight and the rest of her team weren't at another stadium.

She had been on her way to the stadium, when Rainbow had sent her a message asking to meet her at an address Rainbow had sent her. Deciding to see what she wanted, she headed off in that direction. "I wonder what she wanted to talk about?"

"Who talk about what?" Twilight turned to see Pinkie and Rarity walking towards her, the pair appearing to be going in the same direction she was going. "Hey Twilight."

"Hey," she smiled, "did you get a message from Rainbow too?"

"Rainbow?" Pinkie looked confused, "no. We got a message from Fluttershy."

"She said she wanted to meet up at the basketball court under the highway," Rarity explained as Twilight raised an eyebrow.

"Strange. Rainbow wanted me to go there as well. I wonder what they want to talk about?" The girls shrugged and all headed over to the area they were asked to head, which was a large highway that ran from one end of Canterlot to the other. Under a section of it, a fenced off area could be found that had been made into a basketball court with a bathroom next to it.

When they arrived there, they spotted Applejack sitting on one of the side benches. "Applejack!" Pinkie cried, the girl looking up from what she was doing. Twilight saw she had a toothbrush and her ever faithful Bakugan.

"Giving Fenroar a cleaning?" Twilight asked, Applejack nodding.

"Yah. A'h used ta do this once a week. But ever since a'h learned Bakugan were alive, a've bin makin' an effort ta do it at least once a day." The other three girls nodded as they sat on the bench or the ones next to it, each taking out their favourite Bakugan and looking it over.

"You ever wonder what they're thinking?" Twilight asked, the others turning to her. "Nimue said our Bakugan's consciousness are probably asleep within them. But a part of me wonders if they're awake and can see and hear everything around them, but are unable to move or talk on their own."

"It's hard to say," Rarity stated before opening up Cleopal. "But if they are, I hope they know how much we care about them."

"Gummy's the best," Pinkie smiled. "I don't care if I never win another brawl again. As long as I'm with Gummy, I'm having fun and that's what matters."

"We talking about our awesome Bakugan?" They turned to see Rainbow and Fluttershy had arrived at the court. "Yeah, no Ventus Bakugan can beat Terraspin." She held up her Bakugan and smirked. "I remember when I first got him. I thought he was a completely useless Bakugan, but then when I used him he managed to withstand attacks from three Bakugan at once. He's like a freaking tank."

Fluttershy held up Lepusinge and smiled as she placed it up onto her face. "I might not know what he's like, but I know he'd be an absolute angel." She rubbed it up against her cheek, "a rascal but one that's pure of heart." The others smiled at this, all looking down at their favourite Bakugan and thanking whatever god or cosmic force brought them all together.

"Anyway," Applejack turned to Rarity, "what'd ya'h wanna talk about?" Rarity looked confused at this.

"What are you talking about, darling?"

Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Ya'h sent me a message, telling me ta meet'cha here."

"No I didn't," Rarity shook her head. "I'm only here because Fluttershy sent me a message."

"I didn't send any message," Fluttershy told her. "Twilight sent me a message, saying to come here with Rainbow."

Now Twilight was confused. "I don't know what you're talking about. I didn't send any message." She turned to Rainbow Dash, "I don't suppose you sent one to me?" Rainbow shook her head, Twilight looking incredibly confused. "This doesn't make any sense. We all got sent a message by the other, telling us to come here. But now it turns out nobody sent the messages."

"Someone had to have sent them," Rarity pointed out.

"But who?" Pinkie asked.

"Me." The girl's eyes went wide and they all looked around, eventually spotting the owner of the voice standing atop on of the fence poles with crossed arms.

"Phantom!" Rainbow cried as everyone got up, Fluttershy jumping behind Applejack. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to challenge you all," Phantom stated. "Sorry to trick you all, but I knew that if I told you, you'd likely bring Sentry and his little friends with you."

"What's the matter?" Twilight quipped, "scared they'd take you down."

"Oh please. Those fools are nothing I have to worry about. I just have other things to focus on at the moment. Squarely, defeating the six of you and removing as much of their support as possible. Now..." It was then that Phantom raised his arm and his BakuColar began to glow, then unleashed a bright light that shot towards the six girls and hit them before they could do anything. "LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!"

"AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHH!" They all screamed as they were consumed, the light blinding them for a moment before fading. They opened their eyes and when they looked around, they gasped seeing something worrying. "The Doom Dimension," Twilight whispered.

They were once again in the realm where Bakugan met their unfortunate end, the dark storm clouds exploding above them whilst the statues stood in different states of disrepair. It was then they heard a chuckling sound and looked up, seeing Phantom sitting atop a Mantris head with his Gate Card in hand. "Welcome. Here we shall battle and here you shall meet your doom."

"I don't think so!" Rainbow cried as she stepped forward, "I'm taking you down right here and now."

"Maybe you will," Phantom chuckled as Ragnaroid leapt onto his shoulder. "But I doubt that'll happen when I have the ultimate Bakugan on my side. It took Vestroia's most powerful Bakugan to defeat him."

"And even then it was close," Ragnaroid continued. "The six of you shall be no challenge."

"Then you won't mind if we fight you all together," Twilight stated. She and the others girls nodded as they stepped forward, ready to take him down.

"Be my guest," Phantom smiled. "That'll speed things up anyway." As he said that, their BakuColars all beeped.

Rarity: 100%
Pinkie: 100%
Twilight: 100%
Rainbow: 100%
Applejack:100%
Fluttershy: 100%
Phantom: 100%

"Gate Card...SET!" Phantom threw the card and it hit the ground, exploding in a flash of purple light before Ragnaroid leapt into his hand. "Prepare yourself. For this will be the last Bakugan you ever face. Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw Ragnaroid and he shot through the air and landed on the ground, rolling along before popping open and glowing bright purple. "Bakugan...STAND!" Ragnaroid appeared and let out a might roar, which caused the ground the shake and made all the girls suddenly fell very intimidated.

Ragnaroid: 500Gs

"Prepare yourselves," he hissed as he snapped his claws. "Make one mistake and I shall make you regret it."

Fluttershy looked like she was about to cry, as she jumped behind Rainbow. "I don't like this." The others wanted to comfort her and tell her everything would be fine, but they honestly weren't sure if that was true.

"It'll be fine," Twilight told them. "Who cares how powerful he is. It's still six on one."

"Twilight's right," Rarity nodded. "We can do this. We just need to stick together." The others all nodded and whilst they still looked worried, they all stood in line and took out their Bakugan. After taking a deep breath, they pulled their arms back.

"BAKUGAN!" They yelled together as they threw their arms forward, "BRAWL!" The six Bakugan shot through the air towards Ragnaroid and then fell to the ground, all six of them rolling along it before popping open. "BAKUGAN...BRAWL!" Tornadoes of fire, wind, sand, water, light and purple light appeared before Ragnaroid before fading to reveal his opponents. "Lepusinge/Terraspin/Fenroar/Gumigator/Cleopal/Spikenoid!"

Cleopal: 410Gs
Gumigator: 390Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs
Terraspin: 430Gs
Fenroar: 430Gs
Lepusinge: 440Gs
Ragnaroid: 500Gs

"Ha!" Ragnaroid cried as he slithered forward, "this will be too easy!" He then swung his tail around to try and smash them all. Fenroar, Lepusinge and Cleopal managed to leap out of the way, whilst Terraspin, Spikenoid and Gumigator all braced themselves and took the attack. The tail hit them and they were knocked back, but in that moment the girls all held up a card.

"ABILITY!" they screamed together, "ACTIVATE!" Each Bakugan unleashed their attacks, Spikenoid being first. "Spiking Strike!" Spike's back spins glowing before the light shot off and flew towards Ragnaroid, who managed to evade all but one of them.

"Shell Saw!" He looked up and saw Terraspin flying towards them, transforming into a buzzsaw, the Darkus Bakugan holding his claws up as it slammed into him and ground away at his points.

"Howlin' Force/Blank Stare!" As Ragnaroid threw Terraspin away, Fenroar and Gumigator unleashed their attacks. Fenroar fired a sonic howl whilst Gumigator's eyes glowed, Ragnaroid glowing as well.

"Cats Eyes!" Cleopal leapt into the air as her eyes began to glow, unleashing a light which struck Ragnaroid in the chest.

"Flaming Slap!" As Ragnaroid slithered backwards, Lepusinge shot forward and swung its ears around. He tried to block with his claws, but the force was to much and he was thrown backwards.

"AUGH!" He cried as he hit the ground, everyone looking at their BakuColars and seeing his points drop.

Cleopal: 410Gs
Gumigator: 390Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs
Terraspin: 430Gs
Fenroar: 430Gs
Lepusinge: 440Gs
Ragnaroid: 0Gs

"Yeah!" Rainbow cried, "we got him!"

"Take him down!" Twilight ordered, as Spikenoid charged at the downed Darkus Bakugan. Before as he prepared to stomp on him, Phantom held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Spike shot his foot down, only for Ragnaroid to suddenly explode into a cloud of dark smoke. "Shadow Divide!" The cloud split into six clouds and grew larger, then took shape and began to fade to reveal clones of the Bakugan their were brawling against.

"Surprise!" Ragnaroid laughed before the six of them swung their claws around and smashed them into each of the six Bakugan, making them cry out as they were thrown backwards.

Cleopal: 410Gs
Gumigator: 390Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs
Terraspin: 430Gs
Fenroar: 430Gs
Lepusinge: 440Gs
Ragnaroid: 500Gs

"He cancelled out our Abilities," Rarity realised.

"No fair!" Pinkie cried as Phantom held up another card.

"Ability, Activate!" The card glowed, along with Cleopal and Gumigator. "Super Co-Side!" The light shot off the two Bakugan and into one of the Ragnaroid, causing him to roar as his power increased.

Cleopal: 410Gs
Gumigator: 390Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs
Terraspin: 430Gs
Fenroar: 430Gs
Lepusinge: 440Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

"Super Co-Side?" Rainbow asked.

"I've never heard of that ability," Twilight stated.

Phantom laughed, "I have friends in high places."

"So he has Ability Cards no one else does?" Applejack asked, as the Ragnaroid grabbed Fenroar, Lepusinge and Cleopal before throwing them at the others. Fenroar slammed into Terraspin, Lepusinge knocked Gumigator over and Spikenoid barely managed to catch Cleopal. "How are we supposed ta beat him if he has those?"

"By working together," Twilight stated before holding up a card. "Ability, ACTIVATE!" Spikenoid threw Cleopal into the air before taking a deep breath, "Fire Burst!"

Cleopal: 410Gs
Gumigator: 390Gs
Spikenoid: 650Gs
Terraspin: 430Gs
Fenroar: 430Gs
Lepusinge: 440Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

Rarity then held up her card. "Ability, Activate!" The crystals on Cleopal's scarves began to glow, "Gem Leech!" The crystals fired a blast of light towards the Ragnaroid that had received the Super Co-Side energy.

"Ability," Applejack held up her card, "Activate!" Fenroar jumped up and ran as fast as he could, sand flying off his fur as he began to run circles around the real Ragnaroid and formed a tornado. Ragnaroid suddenly felt sand in his single eyes, forcing him to shut it as the Gem Leech hit him.

Cleopal: 410Gs
Gumigator: 390Gs
Spikenoid: 650Gs
Terraspin: 430Gs
Fenroar: 430Gs
Lepusinge: 440Gs
Ragnaroid: 550Gs

In that moment, Spikenoid launched the green fireball that shot towards Ragnaroid as the sand tornado vanished. "AUGH!" Ragnaroid cried as he was struck in the chest, causing him to fall back as his duplicates vanished.

"Our turn!" Rainbow cried as she, Pinkie and Fluttershy all held up a pair of cards. "DOUBLE ABILITY, ACTIVATE!" They glowed as their Bakugan charged. "Shell Guard, plus Shell Spin!"

"Aqua Claw, plus Ocean Assault!"

"Power Dash, plus Flare Jump!" Terraspin's shell glowed before it started spinning, whilst Gumigator spat out a large bubble as its claws glowed. Meanwhile Lepusinge shot forward at incredible speeds before leaping straight up into the air, then spun around and shot towards Ragnaroid with his foot thrust forward.

Cleopal: 410Gs
Gumigator: 540Gs
Spikenoid: 650Gs
Terraspin: 630Gs
Fenroar: 430Gs
Lepusinge: 690Gs
Ragnaroid: 550Gs

The bubble exploded and rained down meteor drops of water, hitting Ragnaroid and making him stagger downwards before he was smashed, slashed and stomped on. "AUGH!" He was thrown backwards, hitting the ground and sliding along it.

Phantom saw him coming and leapt into the air, causing Ragnaroid to slide passed him and crash into a Siege statue. "That got him!" Rainbow cheered, a smirk on her and the other's faces. But then they heard laughter and turned to see Ragnaroid pick itself up.

"You think that's enough to defeat me?" He asked, then started slithering forward. "Don't you get it. THE FIGHT IS WHAT FUELS ME!"

"Double Ability, Activate!" Phantom held up a pair of cards, as Ragnaroid's tail shot out and grabbed Spikenoid. "Viper Coil, plus Dark Light!" Ragnaroid squeezed the Bakugan tightly, making him cry out as his power was drained away.

"SPIKE!" Twilight cried, as the other Bakugan charged in to help him. But when they did, Ragnaroid's head eye exploded with purple light.

Cleopal: 410Gs
Gumigator: 540Gs
Spikenoid: 550Gs
Terraspin: 630Gs
Fenroar: 430Gs
Lepusinge: 690Gs
Ragnaroid: 850Gs

The Bakugan all cried out, as all but Spikenoid were blasted backwards and each crashed into one of the statues and caused immense pain. Ragnaroid then smashed Spikenoid down into the ground several times before throwing him, the wingless dragon roaring before it crashed into the ground and rolled to a stop.

"SPIKE!" Twilight cried again, seeing her partner pick itself up but looking pretty badly beaten up.

"Now you see," Ragnaroid hissed. "How outclassed you all are."

"This ain't over yet," Applejack told him.

"We're not giving up," Rainbow almost yelled. "No matter how impossible it seems."

"We believe in our Bakugan," Rarity stated.

"They're our friends," Fluttershy claimed. "And we know they can beat you."

"Because they're awesome!" Pinkie jumped on the spot. "So don't even try and make us doubt them."

"Don't you get it?" Twilight asked, "you can't make us think it's hopeless. Because it isn't hopeless. When we're together, fighting as one..."

"NOTHING CAN STOP US!" The girls yelled, unknowingly beginning to glow the colour of their chosen Bakugan attribute. Then, something happened that completely shocked the lot of them. A new voice filled the air.

"That's right." Everyone's eyes went wide as they turned towards where the voice had come from, Spikenoid. "We're not letting you beat us."

"You...you can talk?" Twilight asked in shock, only to then spot a purple light coming off Spikenoid and then saw she was glowing as well.

"Of course we can," another voice stated and they turned to Cleopal as she picked herself up. "We were just unable to do it until now."

"Cleopal," Rarity whispered as she saw the light around her.

"But now it seems that is no longer the case," Fenroar growled as he stood up.

"Lamb sakes," Applejack stated before noticing the orange light around her and Fenroar.

"Enough talk," Lepusinge pushed himself up. "It's time we beat this guy, once and for all."

"Lepus...singe," Fluttershy saw the red light she and the bunny were glowing.

"Thank you," Rainbow turned to Terraspin as he stood up. "Thank you for seeing something in me. I didn't think anyone would think I was worthy of being used."

Rainbow smirked, then noticed the green light they were both emitting. "No problem."

Pinkie then turned to Gumigator, who glanced back at her. He then gave her a thumbs up and she laughed, then noticed the blue light then both shined. "Ooh, sparkly."

"What's happening?" Phantom asked, turning to Ragnaroid. "How are they talking?"

"Because Bakugan can do that," Ragnaroid replied. "It appears that whatever dark energy they were exposed to when Lucifer took the arc, has finally worn off. But how?" He thought for a moment, looking very interested. 'Was their friendship able to overpower the dark energy? How interesting.'

"Watch out!" Twilight cried as she and the girls all took out their cards, "because the Rainbooms are about to make you cry uncle! Ready girls?"

"READY!" The rest yelled as the cards all began to glow. "ABILITY, ACTIVATE!" Each Bakugan began to glow their respective colours, along with powering up. "TRIPLE NODE!"

Cleopal: 710Gs
Gumigator: 840Gs
Spikenoid: 850Gs
Terraspin: 930Gs
Fenroar: 730Gs
Lepusinge: 990Gs
Ragnaroid: 850Gs

Ragnaroid hissed as Terraspin and Lepusinge rushed forward, both preparing to cause him a lot of pain. And as he tried to avoid them, Fenroar and Gumigator rushed around him and prepared to attack from behind. At the same time, Spikenoid and Cleopal readied themselves for a distance attack.

"Take this!" Lepusinge slammed his foot into Ragnaroid's chest, whilst Terraspin slammed one of his flippers into him.

"Ability," Applejack and Pinkie cried, "Activate!" Fenroar's claws extended and Gumigator's mouth was suddenly filled with jagged ice, "Wolf Claw Strike/Glacial Fang!"

Cleopal: 710Gs
Gumigator: 1040Gs
Spikenoid: 850Gs
Terraspin: 930Gs
Fenroar: 730Gs
Lepusinge: 990Gs
Ragnaroid: 850Gs

The two charged forward, Fenroar slashing at Ragnaroid's back whilst Gumigator bit down on the end of his tail. "AUGH!" He screamed, then quickly wrapped his tail around Gumigator and slammed him into the ground.

"Ahhhh!" The caiman hissed before Ragnaroid threw him at Fenroar, the wolf being smashed and thrown into the ground with a canine howl of pain.

"Ability," Twilight and Rarity cried, "Activate!" Their Bakugan's claws began to glow. "Tearing Claw/Mad Scratch!"

Cleopal: 910Gs
Gumigator: 1040Gs
Spikenoid: 950Gs
Terraspin: 930Gs
Fenroar: 730Gs
Lepusinge: 990Gs
Ragnaroid: 850Gs

The two leapt at Ragnaroid, ready to slash at it him. But the snake scorpion hybrid quickly raised his claws, blocking their slashes but wincing at the feel as the claws dragged along his claws. "Is that all you've got?"

"You're gonna regret asking that question," Spike told him as he and Cleopal leapt back.

"I don't think so," Ragnaroid stated as he lowered his claws. "This game has been amusing, but I think it's for it to end." He opened both his claws, reveal the eyes hidden within them. "Phantom."

He nodded and held up a card. "Ability, Activate." The eyes began to glow, "Dark Gaze!" They then shot out a bunch of purple laser, which shot forward and struck both Spike and Cleopal.

"Ahh!" Spikenoid cried, feeling himself freeze up.

"No!" Cleopal cried, unable to move, the others gasping before seeing Ragnaroid turn and point the lights at Gumigator and Fenroar. Both cried as two were frozen, Ragnaroid then turning them on Terraspin and Lepusinge. Both attempted to evade, Lepusinge jumping around and Terraspin taking to the air, but eventually they were struck by the beams as well.

"Augh!" They both froze up and fell to the ground, the girls gasping before looking down at their BakuColars and seeing the new scores.

Cleopal: 810Gs
Gumigator: 940Gs
Spikenoid: 850Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs
Fenroar: 630Gs
Lepusinge: 890Gs
Ragnaroid: 850Gs

"Can't move," Terraspin moaned as he tried to pick himself up.

"And we can't activate any Abilities," Rainbow realised.

"What do we do?" Fluttershy asked, looking worried.

"Don't sweat it," Lepusinge cried out. "My power's still higher then his. Once I can move again, I'll clobber him."

"But that won't be for a while," Twilight realised. "And until then, he can activate all the Abilities he wants."

"Who says we need Abilities to take you fools down?" Ragnaroid laughed.

"He's right," Phantom stated as he pointed to the ground. "A simple Gate Card's all we need." The girl's eyes went wide as the ground suddenly began to glow, the light spreading to all the Bakugan. "Gate Card, open!" Each of the Bakugan suddenly felt themselves growing weaker, crying out as their power was sucked away. "Ragnarok!"

"What's happening?" Rainbow asked before they all looked down at their BakuColars.

Cleopal: 410Gs
Gumigator: 390Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs
Terraspin: 430Gs
Fenroar: 430Gs
Lepusinge: 440Gs
Ragnaroid: 500Gs

"He reset them back to their base power," Twilight realised before Phantom laughed.

"I did more then that." As he said that, Ragnaroid suddenly felt himself beginning to power up. The light around the other Bakugan was sucked into the ground and transferred into him, boosting his power. "This is a Character Card. And for every other Bakugan on the field, Ragnaroid gains fifty Gs.

Cleopal: 410Gs
Gumigator: 390Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs
Terraspin: 430Gs
Fenroar: 430Gs
Lepusinge: 440Gs
Ragnaroid: 800Gs

"We're in trouble," Pinkie gulped whilst Fluttershy looked terrified.

"Maybe not," Twilight told her. As she said that, Spike suddenly felt himself beginning to move. "The Dark Gaze is starting to ware off!" Rainbow smirked at this and held up a card, but it still didn't activate. "But not fully."

"Which means I can finally bring this Brawl to an end," Phantom smirked as he held up a card. "Fusion Ability, ACTIVATE!" The girl's eyes went wide as Ragnaroid brought both of his claws together.

"EYE OF DARKNESS!" He yelled as he opened his claws and the eyes glowed black, a wave of shadows exploded out of them before flying towards his opponents.

Cleopal: 410Gs
Gumigator: 390Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs
Terraspin: 430Gs
Fenroar: 430Gs
Lepusinge: 440Gs
Ragnaroid: 1100Gs

"No," Twilight whispered as she saw the wave heading towards them. But before it could hit it, Spikenoid suddenly threw himself in front of her. "SPIKE!" The other Bakugan did the same, shielding their partners as the wave struck each of them and they were all bombarded by an intense amount of pain.

"AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHH!" The six of them screamed as they tried to endure the attack, but just couldn't. And all at once, the six of them were reverted back to ball form and the wave continued by striking the six girls.

"AAAAARRRRRHHHHH!" They all screamed in pain, as they suddenly felt themselves blacking out.

Rarity: 0%
Pinkie: 0%
Twilight: 0%
Rainbow: 0%
Applejack: 0%
Fluttershy: 0%
Phantom: 100% (Winner)

When Twilight woke up, the first thing she realised was that she appeared to be floating. She felt nothing around her, but she wasn't falling through the air or suspended in water. It was like she was in space.

She opened her eyes and looked around, spotting Spikenoid in ball form along with the others floating around her. "Guys?" None of them said anything, making her realise they were unconscious. "GUYS!" This awakened Spike, Rainbow, Applejack and Pinkie, who quickly looked around and saw the situation they were in. They then managed to awaken the others, who were just as confused at their current situation.

"Where are we?" Rarity asked.

"I don't know," Cleopal told her.

"I don't like this," Fluttershy whimpered as Lepusinge turned to her.

"Oh relax. We'll be fine. Promise."

"Don't make promises you can't keep." The twelve of them turned towards the voice and spotted Phantom, floating several meters away from them. Ragnaroid was floating next to him and Twilight had a feeling he was smiling, just like Phantom.

"What are we doing here?" The glasses wearing girl asked, "what is this place?"

"Nowhere you need to worry about," Phantom told her. "Just understand that from this point on, the twelve of you will be working with me." The girls and their Bakugan all glared at him, Phantom not giving them a second to refuse. "Your first assignment is an easy one. Defeat Flash and his team and take their talking Bakugan. You will then hand them to me."

"No way!" Rainbow cried, "we're not doing anything for you."

"Ya'h honestly think we'd work with a creep like you?" Applejack nodded.

"Or betray our friends," Rarity continued. "It's clear fashion sense isn't the only thing your brain has trouble with." Pinkie and Fluttershy nodded, whilst Twilight spoke up next.

"I don't care how long you keep us here. Nothing will make us turn on our friends." The others nodded in agreement, but Phantom simply chuckled.

"Oh, you'll help us. Our master will make sure of that." With that, they turned around and floated off. Twilight was about to call out to him, but they disappeared in a flash of light before she could.

"What did he mean by master?" Pinkie asked, the others shrugging in response. But then, a bright light caught their attention and made them cry out and cover their eyes.

They all looked upwards, trying to see what was causing the light but could barely see anything. All they could see was the outline of a humanoid figure, which appeared to be the size of a child who had eight angelic wings sprouting from its back. "What is that?" Rainbow asked, the Bakugan staring at it and suddenly being reminded of a legend from long ago.

"It can't be," Terraspin whispered.

"Not him," Cleopal gasped.

"This is bad," Fenroar growled.

"What is it?" Twilight asked Spike, who was shivering if fear.

"The one who first brought Vestroia into a time of peace, then terrorised it." With that, the light from the figure increased and became so bright it felt like it was burning the girl's skin. "LUCIFER!" That was the last word any of them heard before they all blacked out, the light completely consuming the lot of them.

The light that had originally been emitted from Phantom's BakuColar and filled the under-bridge basketball court finally faded.

As it did, Phantom and Ragnaroid stood staring at the ground. There, the six girls and their Bakugan were laid out unconscious. "Did it work?" Ragnaroid asked, only to see Twilight and the others begin to come around.

"Let's find out," Phantom replied as the girls picked themselves up. He focused on Twilight, who was correcting her glasses as he spoke. "Who do you serve?" Twilight turned towards him, as if confused, then gave a wicked smile.

"That's a stupid question. Only one being has my loyalty. Master Lucifer." In that moment, Spikenoid leapt up onto her shoulder and opened up.

"And anyone that gets in his way is our enemy." The rest of the girls and their Bakugan nodded, causing Phantom to smirk.

"Excellent. Then you understand what is expected of you?" The girls nodded again. "Good. And we all know the perfect place you can fulfil your assignment." He turned to walk away, the girls following him. "Flash Sentry, and all his little friend, won't know what hit'em."

Several days later.

"WOW!" Flash, Lyra, Heath, Bonnie and Soarin cried out in amazement, as they and Derpy looked up at the giant building they were about to enter. Said building was the massive battle area that would host the tournament they had signed up for.

It was a giant dome with six entrances, each one with a Bakugan Attribute above it, located in the same positions as the magic circle. They were currently at the Pyrus entrance and around it were several statues mimicking Bakugan one would usually associate with the Pyrus attribute. The was a Serpenoid, Griffon, Warius and several more.

"Pretty cool, huh?" Derpy asked with a smirk on her face, the others nodding as their Bakugan leapt up onto their shoulders.

"I must admit, it's certainly impressive." Gaia turned to Bonnie, "I was worried I might not be able to fit in here."

"I wonder how many Bakugan this place can hold?" Wukong asked, Heath turned to him and shrugging.

"This is totally awesome!" Lyra cried, jumping on the spot. "This is, like, gonna be the best tournament ever." She then realised what she said and blushed, "sorry."

"It's cool," Flash assured her. "You're right. This is gonna be the best."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Soarin asked as he stepped forward. "Let's get in there and win this thing."

"YEAH!" The six of them headed inside, discovering it looked just as impressive as it did on the outside. The room was one large round corridor, which they assumed circled the entire building. This area was red, but further along they noticed the hallway turned green and orange on the other end. Several doors lined the back room, each with a sign over the top that said either 'bunker' or 'stands'. The bunker signs also had numbers under them. There were also multiple screens on the wall showing different Bakugan Brawls, the six even noticing some with them in it.

"Must be showing previous matches from all the competitors," Lyra realised.

"Exactly," Derpy nodded before pointing towards a desk with a long line in front of them. "That's where you confirm your team's registration." They all moaned, but got in line anyway and waited as the woman working the desk confirmed the people in front of them. It took ten minutes, but eventually they reached her.

"Welcome," she smiled at them, "are you competing today." They nodded. "Excellent. I just need your team name and the confirmation code sent to your BakuColars." The five teens and their Bakugan all smiled, having managed to come up with a name they all liked.

"No problem," Flash pointed at himself. "We're...the BakuFighters."

"BakuFighters," she typed the name into her computer. "Yes, we have that name on record. Now if you can tell me the five different codes you were each given." One by one, the teen recited the codes sent to their BakuColars. When Soarin gave his, all five were confirmed to be the same as what their team's file had. "Excellent. You're now registered. Team BakuFighters will be stationed in bunker forty five. Please make sure you're there before the tournament begins."

"Got it," Flash nodded as they stepped away from the table. "I wonder what they mean by bunker?"

"I'm guessing they mean those doors," Bonnie pointed the the doors with the word written above it. "I guess we've just gotta find the one with a forty five on it."

Derpy giggled under her breath. "A bunker is the room given to the team in order to rest or strategize. It's basically just a square room with benches in it. It also has a bathroom and vending machines to get food from. A person could spend days in one of them."

"Cool," Heath smirked as they entered the Subterra area of the stadium. And as they did, he noticed a group step into the room. "Hey, look." The others followed his gaze and saw the group, their eyes going wide at the sight of them.

It was the Rainbooms, but there was something different about them.

They were all dressed in new, dark, clothing. Twilight was leading the pack and she was wearing a black button up shirt and black skirt, with a sleeveless leather jacket and boots on as well. Rainbow was wearing a back T-shirt with a blue thunderbolt on it, under a leather jacket with black combat pants and leather boots. Applejack wasn't wearing her hat, instead wearing a black button up shirt under a buttoned up leather overcoat, with black pants and boots like Rainbow. Fluttershy and Rarity were both wearing leather dresses, Fluttershy's having netting around the chest and neck, under leather jackets with black heels and net tights. Finally, Pinkie was wearing a leather skirt and crop-top, under a black leather jacket and black boots. Her hair was different from her usual look, now being straight and flat. The girls had black streaks in their hair, along with black lipstick, eye shadow and nail polish.

"Wow," Flash whispered. He, Soarin and Heath were having a hard time looking away from them, whilst Lyra, Bonnie and Derpy rolled their eyes. "What happened to them?"

"Maybe they're trying out a new look for the tournament?" Heath suggested before they moved over to them.

"Hey, have any of you seen them in the last few days?" Bonnie asked, the others realising they hadn't. The girls had been completely off the grid. Flash couldn't even remember seeing any of them at school.

"Twilight!" He called out, the girl in question turning towards him. The minute she laid eyes on him, a shiver suddenly ran down his spine. "Hey. Been a while. How have you been?"

"Busy," Twilight replied darkly. "We've been...training."

"Training?" Lyra asked before smiling, "well so have we."

"Yeah," Heath nodded, "training hard to win this thing."

Soarin turned to Rainbow, "looking forward to a good match." He held out a hand, "maybe we can finally settle the score."

Then Rainbow did something none of them expected. She slapped the hand away and shot daggers at Soarin. "Oh, I intend to settle the score. And when it's over, I'm taking your talking Bakugan and handing it over to Phantom." The BakuFighters all went wide-eyed hearing this, unable to believe Rainbow would say that.

"Dash," Soarin whispered, "what are you saying?"

"She's saying we've seen the light." That wasn't said by the girls. It was then that a Terraspin leapt up onto her shoulder and opened up, "we're on the winning team now. Phantom's team."

"You can talk?" Garuda asked, only for the other five girl's Bakugan to leap onto their shoulders.

"We all can," Spike stated. "And now that we can, you're gonna find we're a lot harder to battle against."

"Not that they could beat us before," Cleopal laughed. The others followed suit whilst the five brawlers, Derpy and their Bakugan all stood completely still in shock.

"I don't understand," Flash turned to Twilight. "This isn't true, is it? You haven't really joined Phantom. You wouldn't."

"Don't talk to me like you know me," Twilight told him.

"This is ya'h only warning," Applejack started.

"We're gunning for you," Fluttershy hissed with venom in her voice.

"And we're not gonna hold back," Rarity stated.

"We'll enjoy hearing you all beg for mercy," Pinkie told them. "Even though we have no mercy to give."

"We're gonna wipe you out," Rainbow smirked as she said that.

"And take you Bakugan for Phantom," Twilight finished. "So enjoy your time together." The six of them turned and walked off, the others watching as they left in a line. "It won't last much longer."

The BakuFighters all just stood there, shock and horror filling them as their closest friends and rivals left. None of them could believe what they had just heard, but knew it was real. Somehow, Phantom had turned them against the BakuFighters. And now they had to worry about not only losing to the Rainbooms, but having their partners taken from them as well.

"This...isn't good," Flash stated before turning to Leonidas. He could tell just by looking, that the dragon agreed.

Down below the stadiums, underneath the battlefield, a secret lab had been constructed.

Only a select few new about this lab, but to many others it didn't exist. Hidden behind a wall in the battlefield's maintenance area, it could only be opened by those with a specific thumb and retinal scan. And only two people had such a scan.

One of them entered the lab, the wall sliding open to reveal the man known as Sombra. He smiled as he stepped into the room and looked around, seeing all the different machines along the wall. And in the center of the room, with cables plugged into it that come from the roof and ceiling, was a machine that was a round podium with a round glass case over the top of it.

He stepped up to this machine and pressed a button, the glass lifting off the podium and allowing him to place a familiar Bakugan on it. "Ready?"

Lucifer opened up and looked around as the glass came back down and sealed him in, the Bakugan chuckling. "Ready."

Author's Note

Whelp, thing just went from zero to sixty in ten seconds flat. How will this tournament turn out? Only time will tell.

The Tournament Begins

The stadium was packed. The people in the stands cheered at the top of their lungs, excited to watch the biggest Bakugan event ever as it unfolded.

The battlefield was like any normal battlefield, a massive glass floor that was like a TV screen. Only this one was four giant screens put side by side and divided by metal bands. Along the outer edge were glass walls that were also divided by concrete stripes, each with a single door on it. These were the bunkers, which each team could use as a base of operations.

And inside one of these bunkers, the team known as the BakuFighters sat on the benches filling the room. A TV hung from one of the walls, but it was currently off and they weren't in the mood for it anyway. They were all still shook up after what had happened with the Rainbooms.

"I can't believe they joined Phantom," Heath whispered as Wukong tried to comfort him.

"It doesn't make any sense," Lyra stated. "They hated Phantom. Why would they alley themselves with him."

"Something has to be going on," Soarin growled as he stared out the glass wall. "Phantom must have done something to them." The others frowned, unsure how exactly Phantom could do such a thing. He might have had a lot of unusual abilities, but brainwashing was a bit of a stretch...right?

"What are we gonna do?" Bonnie asked, everyone else silent as they didn't have an answer.

Then, they were suddenly shocked by a loud banging sound that filled the bunker. Their heads turned to see Flash, who had punched the back wall as a look of anger emblazoned his face. "Flash?" Derpy asked. "Are you okay?"

Flash was not okay. The dark look Twilight had given him was still burned into his memory. He wasn't sure why, but the way she talked to him hurt more then he thought it would. His friend had been taken from him and he wouldn't forgive the one who did that. "When I find Phantom, I'll make him pay for this."

Leonidas took this moment to jump up from the bench onto his shoulder. "I know this is hard, but we have to face the facts. Twilight and the others are gunning for us. And they don't just intend to win. They intend to destroy us and win me and the others for Phantom."

"He's right," Nimue agreed. "Currently, we have two choices. Forfeit this tournament, or stay in it despite the fact we'll definitely end up facing at least one of the Rainbooms each."

"We can't surrender," Leonidas stated. "That'd just make Phantom think we're scared."

"But can we really battle against our friends?" Gaia asked.

"Are they still our friends?" Wukong asked, "you don't usually say something like that to someone you care about."

"Our friends are in there," Garuda told him. "We just need to find a way to reach them."

"But how?" Derpy asked, everyone else remaining quiet once again. Silence filled the room for almost a whole minute, then was broken as the TV suddenly switched on.

"HELLOOOOO BAKU-FANS!" They looked up and saw one of the announcers they knew from their stadium on screen, this man being a tan-skinned man with a yellow sleeveless shirt, bandanna and shades. "Welcome to the first Bakugan Battle Tournament."

"I guess it's starting," Lyra told them before frowning. "Last chance. Are we gonna forfeit?" The others all shook their heads, all agreeing they wouldn't let what happened before stop them.

"Alright, it's time to explain how this event works. We have a hundred and twenty teams, ranging from between three to six members. Their goal is to be the last team standing at the end of the tournament. But this isn't your average bracket tournament. No, it's a free for all." As he said that, light began to shine from the battlefield. The competitors all turned towards the glass wall and watched the fields in front of them began to change.

In a flash of light, they found they were either looking at a forest, rocky canyon, island filled ocean or a giant city. The BakuFighters were in the forest area, whilst the Rainbooms were staring out at the canyon field.

"Brawlers will make their way across one of four biomes, searching out opponent. The minute two brawlers from different teams get within range of each other, a brawl will begin."

"So we won't know who our opponents are until the brawls already started," Lyra realised.

"That means we can't strategize," Bonnie realised. "Because we won't know what we're up against until it's too late."

"We'll need to think on the fly," Soarin stated.

"Only three brawlers from each team are allowed to compete at any one time. So if another brawler wants to brawl, they'll have to wait for one of their teammates to return to the bunker and tag them in. And when a brawler is defeated in battle, they'll be unable to brawl again and another member of their team must come out and replace them. And any team that loses all its brawlers will be eliminated from the competition."

"So the winners will be the team that has only its members left," Heath realised.

"So teams that have more members in them will be at an advantage," Lyra realised. "We only have five members, so we can only afford to lose four times."

"Whilst the Rainbooms have six members and can lose five times," Soarin caught on. "I'd be surprised if any team has less then five members at least."

"Maybe," Derpy replied. "But the more members you have, the more you have to split the prize." The BakuFighters only then realised they didn't know what the prize was, the announcer speaking up before they could ask.

"If one or more brawlers comes across a battle that's already in progress, they are allowed to enter said battle. However, should you do this, a penalty will be issued."

"What kind of penalty?" Bonnie asked, the others unsure.

"However, if two brawlers that are already battling find two more brawlers that are going at it, the system will switch to battle royal mode and the two pairs shall become one team of opponents."

"So we have to be careful where we go when we brawl," Soarin realised. "Or else we might end up being ganged up on by three or more brawlers."

"One final detail." They turned back to him. "The four battlefields are littered with power-ups, but that's not all they have. They'll also have Surprise Cards hidden around the place."

"Surprise Cards?" Flash asked, the others shrugging to show they didn't know. The TV then changed to show the image of a clear bubble with a card floating inside of it.

"Surprise Cards are special Ability Cards that will either help or hinder you when activated. The only problem is, you won't know what they'll be until they activate. Also, these Abilities cannot be negated and bypass any Ability restrictions."

Nimue hummed. "So it could get you out of a tough spot, or completely doom you to defeat."

"I guess they shouldn't be used lightly," Wukong guessed.

"Let's hope we don't get into a situation where we have to use them," Soarin told them. But despite saying that, he and the others all knew they'd likely have to use at least one. Especially with the Rainboom's earlier threat.

"That's everything you need to know," the announcer stated. "So teams, please select your first three brawlers. You have ten minutes to get to an area you feel the most comfortable battling on." As he said that, the screen changed to show a ten minute timer.

"Alright," Heath turned to the others, "who wants to brawl first?"

"I'll head out," Flash told them. "Leo and I don't really have a field we're good or bad on, so you guys can follow us and get a better look at the battlefields." They nodded as Soarin stood up.

"I'm in too."

"Me three," Lyra stated. Their Bakugan agreed and so, the three rushed out the battlefield and off to the battlefield they wanted to battle on. Meanwhile, the other brawlers all chose their members.

"You three ready?" Twilight asked Rarity, Pinkie and Fluttershy, the three nodding back.

"Don't worry," Rarity told her. "We'll find them and take them all down."

"I doubt the three of you will need to come out," Pinkie said a little to harshly. Rainbow and Applejack frowned, but said nothing back as Fluttershy headed for the doorway.

"Can we go. I don't like wasting time that we could be using to find those losers." Rarity and Pinkie nodded and stepped out into the canyon battlefield.

"Good luck," Twilight told them. "Not that you'll need it. Just remember what'll happen if we fail our master." The three said nothing back as they disappeared into the distance, Spike leaping onto her shoulder.

"You really think those three can beat them?"

"Rarity and Pinkie were able to beat Flash and Lyra before," Twilight smiled. "I don't see why they shouldn't be able to beat them again. And even if they lose, they should at least allow me to gauge the best way to beat them when we face off against them." Rainbow and Applejack frowned at this, clearly annoyed they had to wait for one of the others to lose to get their chance to crush the BakuFighters. "Either way, we will claim victory and take those Bakugan for our master."

All across the battlefields, brawlers were wandering around and getting a good understanding of the environment.

Flash, Soarin and Lyra were all in the forest, Lyra trying to get to the ocean field whilst Soarin had his sights set on the canyon field. Flash simply wandering the field randomly, unsure whether the forest was a good place for him.

But before he could decide to move on, the announcer's voice filled his ear. "The Bakugan Battle Tournament has now begun. In five, four, three, two...ONE!" With that, the BakuColars of every player out on the field beeped to show their first matches had begun.

Flash looked down at his watch and saw he was already in range of his opponent, the name appearing on screen. "Norman?"

"Right here." He looked around and spotted a cream skinned teen with brown hair, wearing a red shirt and grey hat. "Ready?" He took out a Pyrus Bakugan, whilst Flash held up his Bakugan.

"Ready."

He wasn't the only one to begin his Brawl. All over the four battlefield, brawlers were facing off and starting their matches. Lyra and Nimue were up against a Ventus brawler named High Winds, whilst Soarin found himself up against a Haos Brawler named Amethyst Star.

Fluttershy was up against a Subterra Brawler named Octavia, whilst Pinkie was creaming a Ventus Brawler name Jet Set and Rarity was up against another Subterra Brawler named Rover.

"Ability," Rarity held up a card, "Activate!" Cleopal leapt up as the crystals on her scarves glowed, "Gem Leech!" They shot out beams that struck Rover's Subterra Hynoid, making it howl in pain as its power was drained before it reverted back to ball form.

Rarity: 100%
Rover: 74%

"Hmm," Cleopal smiled as she returned to Rarity, "that'll teach them for getting in our way."

"Indeed," Rarity agreed. "Now let's end this and go find our real targets." She took out a Gate Card and threw it, then launched Cleopal the same time Rover threw Hynoid. The two Bakugan appeared and prepared to do battle once again.

Meanwhile, down in the lab below the stadium, Sombra was standing in front of the case with Lucifer inside of it.

He watched as the cables connected to the case sparked with different coloured energy, said energy coming down from the ceiling and being channelled into the case and hitting Lucifer. "Ahh," he sighed like a man who had just taken a refreshing drink, "so much power."

Sombra smirked as he turned to a computer connected to the machine. "This tournament was meant to be used to awaken you, but thanks to Ragnaroid we can start the second phase early."

Lucifer chuckled. "By the end of this tournament, I should have enough power to sustain myself in battle. That, coupled with whatever power Ragnaroid can accumulate, will allow me to become unstoppable."

Sombra smiled, "then this world will be ours."

"Ability," Soarin held up a card, "Activate!" Garuda began to spark with lightning, "Spark Streak!" The Bakugan flew around the woods, dodging the attacks coming from the Haos Abis Omega.

Garuda: 600Gs
Abis Omega: 550Gs

"Ability," Amethyst cried, "Activate!" The snake took a deep breath, "Shine Crasher!" It then fired a laser form its mouth, Garuda's increased speed barely allowing him to evade it.

Garuda: 600Gs
Abis Omega: 650Gs

Garuda then show down and grabbed the snake by the tail before shooting the air, pulling it up along with him. "Take this!" He rolled forward and whipped the snake around, throwing it up into the air as Soarin took out a pair of cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" The cards glowed as Garuda's body sparked with lightning once again. "Thunder Gale, plus Sky Burst!" Garuda flapped his wings and the lightning shot off, the wind carrying it towards Abis Omega and causing it to be electrocuted. Garuda then shot forward.

Garuda: 750Gs
Abis Omega: 500Gs

"Raaah!" Garuda squawked as he smashed into Abis Omega, causing it to revert back to ball form and knocking Amethyst points down to zero.

Soarin 46%
Amethyst: 0%

"And with that, Amethyst Star is out. Team Morning Light is down to three brawlers and are currently sending out their next contestant."

"Alright!" Flash smirked before a roar from Leonidas made him look over and see Norman's Pyrus Stinglash had grabbed him by the tail and right wing.

"A little help...please." Flash nodded and held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Leonidas' mouth sparked. "Alpha Blaster!"

Stinglash: 760Gs
Leonidas: 850Gs

"RAAAH!" He cried as the laser exploded out of him mouth, hitting Stinglash and forcing it to release him. "That's right." He flew up, "nobody messes with the tail."

Over in the ocean field, Lyra and High Winds were battling hard. Nimue was up against a Falconeer and doing quite well.

"Ability, Activate!" Nimue leapt away from Falconeer and landed in the water as the bird man glowed, "Co-Side!" The light flew off Falconeer and into Nimue, powering her up.

Nimue: 550Gs
Falconeer: 440Gs

"Geeer," High growled before holding up a card, "Ability Activate!" Falconeer beat its wings and unleashed a powerful blast of wind that struck Nimue and pushed her back.

Nimue: 450Gs
Falconeer: 440Gs

Falconeer then charged at her, but she smirked and danced out of the way.

"Not enough!" She told it, preparing to punch the bird. But before she could-

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" With a powerful gust of air, another Falconeer appeared and tackled her. She cried out, staggering back as the new Falconeer joined the other one.

"What?" Lyra looked down and saw the new Bakugan's stats.

Nimue: 450Gs
Falconeer: 440Gs
Falconeer: 340Gs

"It's not High Winds," she stated before looking around. Then she saw another girl land on an island near her.

"Hey," the girl waved at High Winds, "bet you didn't expect that."

"Thanks Misty," High smiled.

"Misty Fly of team Skybound has joined her teammate against Lyra. However, that action won't go unpunished."

It was then that Misty's BakuColar beeped and spoke up. "Intrusion Penalty."

"Wait," she looked at it, "what?" She then felt herself get electrocuted, "GYAH!"

Lyra: 90%
High: 72%
Misty: 50%

"Ooh," Lyra hissed, "that had to hurt." She looked down at her BakuColar, "so we lose half our life gauge if this happens."

"Doesn't matter," High Winds stated. "We're still gonna win. Falconeer!" The two bird-men shot down, Lyra smirking.

"I don't think so," she stated before pointing to the ground. "Gate Card, OPEN!" The field glowed with that light spreading to the Ventus Bakugan, "Power Dip!" The light flew off the two and into Nimue, powering her up.

Nimue: 850Gs
Falconeer: 240Gs
Falconeer: 140Gs

"WHAT!" The girls cried as Nimue leapt into the air and swung her legs around, hitting both Falconeer in the heads and knocking them back. They both fell and reverted back to ball form, flying over to Lyra as the two's points dropped.

Lyra: 90% (Winner)
High: 0%
Misty: 0%

"Wow!" The announcer cried as the girls looked horrified, "incredible. Lyra defeated two opponents with a single move. Now Team Skybound are down to only two members.

"Alright Lyra," Soarin smirked as he made his way though the forest. He was close to the canyon field and so far, hadn't run into anyone after Amethyst.

But then, something happened that Soarin wasn't expecting. He suddenly felt something wet land on his arm, making him look down and see what it was. "Rain?" He then looked up and saw multiple dark clouds had appeared overhead, all filled with water that began to fall free upon him. "What the?" He asked, whilst the people watching were just as confused.

"That can't be real rain," Bonnie stated.

"I don't think rain is programmed into the system," Derpy agreed. "What's going on?"

The announcer seem to be just as confused. "Please give us a moment folks. We seem to be experiencing some kind of malfunction in the battle system. However, I'm told by the engineers that this shouldn't cause any issues with the battles. So just bare with it until we figure out how to fix it.

"Weird," Soarin whispered, "wonder what could be causing it?"

"That would be me." He looked around and saw a girl with pale white skin and long blue hair that was curled up at the ends, wearing a blue overcoat and dark blue hat. She was carrying an umbrella and tied to the front of her coat was something he recognised as a teru teru bozu.

He was about to ask who she was, but in that moment his BakuColar beeped and showed him that a brawl had begun.

Rainy: 100%
Soarin: 100%

"Rainy?" Soarin asked before turning to her, "what do you mean by you being the cause of this rain."

"It's always been like that," Rainy replied. "Wherever I go, it always starts raining. The day I was born, it was raining over the hospital. And that rain cloud has followed me since then."

"You can't be serious," Soarin told him. "There's noway it always rains wherever you are."

"It's the truth," she explained. "No matter where I go, the place becomes covered in rain. Do you have any idea what that's like? To never get to go to the beach, or enjoy a picnic. To never get to play outside or even pot around in a garden. To never get to see the sun."

"You've never seen the sun?" Soarin asked, feeling pity for this girl.

"When I brawled for the first time, I had hoped that I could escape the rain with the simulated environments. But even here, I cannot get away from it. No matter what field I battle on, the system glitches and caused rain clouds to form over the area. I'm cursed to forever be trapped under the shadow of a dark cloud."

"Poor girl," Garuda sighed before turning to Soarin. "But we can't allow that to stop us from giving it our all."

Soarin nodded back before turning to Rainy. "I'm sorry about your situation, but I'm here to win and you won't stop me from doing that."

"I understand," the girl nodded before throwing her umbrella into the air. "Let us brawl." She took out a Gate Card, "I only hope this rain does not dull your skills. Gate Card...SET!" She threw it and hit the ground, exploding in a flash of blue light. She then took out a blue Bakugan before leaping up into the air, landing on a large branch before springing into the air. Through the rain, she spotted some Power-ups. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" She threw it and hit a pair before landing on the soaked ground. "Bakugan," it popped open, "STAND!" The Bakugan was consumed by a tornado of water. "Aquos Elico!"

The water exploded to reveal a humanoid Bakugan with light blue skin, dark blue armor and an orange gem on its chest. Its shoulders pads that were designs like spiral shells and it had four long tentacle-like whips on its back, along with three razor sharp blades coming off the back of its arms.

Elico: 500Gs

"Five hundred?" Soarin cried as the power ups kicked in and pumped it up even more.

Elico: 600Gs

"Awe man," he groaned. "It's on Ragnaroid's level right from the start." He then turned to Garuda, "but it's nothing we can't compete with."

"Agreed," Garuda nodded before curling up. Soarin grabbed him and jumped up onto a tree-branch, then onto another and another before leaping off.

"Bakugan," he threw Garuda, "BRAWL!" The Ventus Bakugan shot through the air and hit a trio of power-ups before landing on the ground, "Bakugan...STAND!" He opened up and was consumed by an electrified tornado, "Ventus Garuda!"

"Raaah!" He squawked as it exploded out, the power-ups increasing his Gs.

Elico: 600Gs
Garuda: 600Gs

"Let's do this rain girl!" The Bakugan cried as he took to the air, whilst Soarin pulled out a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Garuda's wings sparked, "Lightning Wing!" He shot down towards Elico, preparing to slash at him with the electrified wings.

Elico: 600Gs
Garuda: 750Gs

"Ability," Rainy held up a card, "Activate!" Elico's wrist became surrounded by a spiral of water, "Screw Blow!" It threw its fist upwards and the water shot off before slammed into Garuda, drilling into him and making him groan.

Elico: 700Gs
Garuda: 650Gs

"Not bad," Soarin smirked as he took out another card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda's body began to spark before he beat his wings to fly backwards, away from the water drill before dodging it at super speed. "Spark Streak!"

Elico: 700Gs
Garuda: 750Gs

Garuda squawked as he shot downwards and slashed at Elico with his talons, making him cry out as he staggered backwards. "Elico!" Rainy cried as Garuda swung around for another attack. "This isn't over." She pointed at Elico, "Attribute Change!"

"Did she say Attribute Change?" Soarin asked as Elico's body was suddenly consumed by a rainbow of light, which exploded off him.

His skin was now yellow and he had orange a brown armour, whilst his claws and the shell shoulder-pads had turned into drills. "Meet, Subterra Elico!" She held up a card as Garuda dived for another attack. "Ability, Activate!" Elico began to spin and somehow dug down into the ground, causing Garuda to miss him.

"What?" Garuda asked as he hovered over the ground, "where'd he go?"

"Fly up higher!" Soarin yelled, but it was too late. The ground exploded and Elico's hand reached out and grabbed Garuda, then pulled him down into a fissure.

"Ahh!" The bird cried as his lower body was trapped under the ground. He tried to pull himself free, but he couldn't and Elico suddenly appeared in front of him.

"Not good," Soarin looked down at their stats.

Elico: 500Gs
Garuda: 450Gs

"He brought them down to their base power," he realised before taking out another card. "No matter. Ability, Activate!" Garuda's wings sparked before he beat them, "Thunder Gale!" The lightning shot off and struck Elico, electrocuting him and allowing Garuda to pull himself out of the hole.

Elico: 350Gs
Garuda: 450Gs

"Smart," Rainy told him, "but we're smarter." She pointed to the ground, "Gate Card...open." The field glowed before water exploded out of it, "Aquos Reactor!" Soarin's eyes went wide as both he and Rainy leapt into a tree above the ground.

"Water?" He asked, "but I thought he turned into a Subterra Bakugan."

"He is," Rainy held up a card. "But this allows me to fix that problem. Ability, Activate!" It glowed as Elico held up its arms, "Arculus!" He began to spin, dirt appearing around him, turning him into a tornado of earth that sucked up the water and made a mud tornado. "This Ability not only decreases your power, it restores Elico's Aquos nature."

Elico: 550Gs
Garuda: 350Gs

"Garuda!" Soarin cried over the wind of the attack, as his Bakugan was suddenly sucked into the mud tornado. "NO!" He tried to pull out an Ability Card, but Garuda was thrown out of the tornado before he could.

"AAAAARRRRRHHHHH!" He cried before reverting back to ball form.

Rainy: 100%
Soarin: 60%

"Garuda!" Soarin rushed over to his friend and picked him up off the soaked grass, "you okay?"

Garuda opened up and groaned, "I'll live. But that Bakugan is powerful." Elico returned to Rainy as he said that, Soarin agreeing.

"That much power, coupled with attribute change and the ability to use his other abilities at the same time. Talk about tough." He then took out a Gate Card, "but I'm not giving up. Gate Card...SET!" He threw the card towards the ground before leaping up into a tree, Rainy doing the same.

Both of them climbed higher and higher until they reached near the top, spotting a bunch of power-ups nearby, and leapt off. "BAKUGAN...BRAWL!" They both threw their Bakugan and hit the powers, flying through them before hitting the ground. "BAKUGAN...STAND!" In a tornado of water and wind, the two Bakugan appeared and powered up.

Elico: 650Gs
Garuda: 700Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Rainy held up a card as Elico's arm became surrounded by water, "Screw Blow!" He thrust his fist forward and fired the water at Garuda, slamming into him and making him cry out as his power was stolen.

Elico: 750Gs
Garuda: 600Gs

"Garuda!" Soarin cried before taking out a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Elico glowed as Garuda flew forward, his wings sparking. "Lightning Wing, plus Co-Side!" The light flew off Elico and into Garuda, who then slashed Elico with his wing.

Elico: 750Gs
Garuda: 850Gs

Elico cried out as it staggered back, whilst Garuda flew back up and prepared to attack again. But before he could, Rainy interjected. "Elico, Attribute Change!" The fish man jumped up and was once again consumed by light, which then exploded off him to reveal his skin had turned white and armor was yellow whilst his claws had turned into sai. "Haos Elico!"

"Haos too?" Soarin asked, only to then realise that without an Aquos Bakugan on the field his Co-Side was now useless

Elico: 750Gs
Garuda: 750Gs

"Alright then!" Soarin took out a card, "Ability, Activate!" Garuda's body sparked, "Spark Streak!" He then shot around at incredible speed, making it impossible for Elico to land a hit on him.

Elico: 750Gs
Garuda: 850Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Rainy held up a card as the now blue gem on Elico's chest unleashed a flash of light, "Flash Freeze!" The light swept through the battlefield, making it impossible for Garuda to dodge it. And when it struck him, his entire body suddenly froze.

"What?"

Elico: 750Gs
Garuda: 750Gs

The light faded to reveal that Elico was gone, Garuda wondering where he went only to suddenly finding him appear right in front of him. "AUGH!" He cried as Elico spun around and slashed his foot into him, knocking him backwards.

"Ability," Rainy held up another card, "Activate!" The tendrils on Elico's back began to glow before the light shoot off, "Mythran Judge!" Garuda was stabbed by the six spears, causing him to fall to the ground and as they pinned him to it.

Elico: 850Gs
Garuda: 550Gs

"Not good," Soarin realised. He took out an Ability, but found it wouldn't activate. "What?" Garuda let out a groan as he tried to break free, but couldn't. Meanwhile, Elico charged in and prepared to stab him with his sai. But Soarin wasn't having that. "Gate Card, OPEN!" The field glowed green as a gust of wind swept over it. "Ventus Saver!"

"What?" Rainy asked as the wind struck the light spears and caused them to disappear, second before Elico could stab him.

Elico: 750Gs
Garuda: 750Gs

"Not today!" Garuda raised his foot up and slammed it into Elico's chest, causing him to stagger back and allow Garuda to roll to his feet and take off. "Now Soarin!"

"Right!" Soarin held up two cards as they glowed. "Double Ability, Activate!" Garuda opened his mouth as his wings sparked. "Thunder Gale, plus Blitz Bolt!" Garuda fired a blast of lightning from his beak, then beat his wings and unleashed an electrified gust that shot towards Elico and slammed him.

Elico: 600Gs
Garuda: 900Gs

The fish man cried out as he was electrocuted, Rainy unable to activate an Ability. This allowed Garuda to soar down and slash at Elico, the attack knocking him back and reverting him to ball form.

Rainy: 40%
Soarin: 60%

"Wow! It looked like Soarin was on the defensive there, but it seems he managed to pull of a comeback and take the lead."

As Garuda returned to Soarin, Rainy picked Elico up. "Even now, the rain of hopelessness drenches my thirst for victory."

"Don't be so hard on yourself," Soarin told her. She turned to him as he held Garuda. "I don't know why the rain continues to follow you around. Maybe it's a curse, or maybe it's meant to be for your own good. Who knows. Honestly, I think you might be the one to cause it."

"What?" Rainy asked.

"Maybe the rain started following you, making you miserable, but at some point things changed. Maybe instead of the rain causing your misery, you misery started causing the rain. I don't know. All I know is that we humans are incredible people, with powers that might even break physics. But what I do know is when life puts a rain-cloud over your head, you can either let it drench you...or look for the silver lining. So," he flicked his Bakugan up, "which will you pick."

Rainy seemed to be thinking about this. As she did, Soarin heard the announcer call out. "What's this?"

Rewind one minute

"Ability, Activate!" Flash held up a card as it glowed. "Brawling Dragon!" Leonidas charged towards the ground and started throwing punches, slashes and tail whips in Stinglash's direction.

Leonidas: 600Gs
Stinglash: 460Gs

The scorpion cried out, trying to strike back with its tail and claws, but Leonidas was too agile to do so. Norman then took out his own card and held it up. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed, Stinglash's tail stinger along with it. "Sting Blade!" The stinger extended into a blade almost as long as its tail, the arachnid swinging it around, Leonidas forced to leap back but getting hit in the shoulder.

"Ahh!"

Leonidas: 450Gs
Stinglash: 460Gs

"I don't think so!" Flash cried as he held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed, "Alpha Blaster!" Leonidas began to charge up his laser attack, Stinglash trying to crawl away but found itself trapped by a large wall of close together trees.

Leonidas: 650Gs
Stinglash: 460Gs

Norman tried to find a way to save himself, but only had one Ability card left and it wouldn't be enough to save Stinglash. But then, he noticed something a ways off and smirked. An Surprise Card. "My only hope!" He rushed towards it, Flash seeing it and running to try and get it first. But Norman was ahead of him and managed to grab it before he could. "GOT IT!" He cheered, pulling the card out of the bubble and leaping back.

But when he turned it around, he was suddenly met with an electric shock. "AAARRRHHH!" He cried as the card disintegrated, Flash hissing and looking down at his BakuColar.

Flash: 62%
Norman: 8%

"What's this?" The announcer asked, "It appears Norman was unlucky with his Surprise Card and got Negative Feedback, a card that takes away ten percent of his current life points."

"No," Norman cried as he fell to his knees. Whilst this was happening, Leonidas unleashed his attack and struck Stinglash. The beast roared in pain and was thrown into the air, falling towards Norman. The teen gasped, but Stinglash returned to ball form before it could hit him.

Flash: 62% (Winner)
Norman: 0%

"With that, Flash Sentry claims victory over Norman." Flash recalled Leonidas before looking over at his opponent, who was picking up Stinglash and a frown on his face.

"Good match," Flash told him. "It was fun." This seemed to cheer Norman up a bit, the teen nodding before he headed off. Flash then turned to head back through the jungle, all the while trying to keep an ear out of any info on Soarin. "Come on man. You can do it."

"Don't you lose this quickly, Garuda." Leonidas stated as the two climbed over a large root.

"Gate Card," Rainy threw said object towards the ground, "SET!"

As the card exploded, she and Soarin once again took to the trees, leaping as high as they could get until they were in line with the power-ups. "BAKUGAN!" They threw Garuda and Elico, "BRAWL!" They flew through the air and hit multiple targets, then landed on the ground before popping open. "BAKUGAN...STAND!" In a tornado of wind and water, the two Bakugan appeared and powered up.

Elico: 750Gs
Garuda: 800Gs

"Alright!" Soarin smirked at the higher points, "I got this!" He took out a card, but before he could activate it-

"Gate Card...OPEN!" Soarin looked down as the ground lit up, surprised she activate the Gate Card so soon. "Tri-Elico!" The light flew towards Elico and surrounded his body, then shoot off him and split in two before taking shape. Soarin and Garuda suddenly found themselves staring at three Elico, one for each of his attributes. Then, the three Elico seemed to merge. Soon enough, Elico's right arm and leg were that of his Subterra form, whilst the left were the Haos. Meanwhile, his chest and head remained the same and four of his six tendrils changed to either yellow or orange.

Elico: 950Gs
Garuda: 800Gs

"Tri-Elico boosts Elico's power by two hundred and lets him count as being any of his three Attributes."

"Not good," Soarin frowned before holding up his card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda opened his beak, "Blitz Bolt!" He then fired a blast of lightning out of his beak, which shot towards Elico.

Elico: 950Gs
Garuda: 950Gs

"Double Ability, Activate!" Rainy held up two cards, which glowed along with Elico and Garuda. "Aqua Shield!" A large bubble appeared around Elico, the Blitz Bolt hitting it and bouncing off. "Plus, Co-Side!" The light flew off Garuda and into Elico.

Elico: 1050Gs
Garuda: 950Gs

Soarin frowned, but then took out two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Garuda's body sparked as he began to fly around incredibly fast. "Spark Streak, plus Sky Burst!"

Elico: 1050Gs
Garuda: 1200Gs

Rainy watched as Garuda shot down with incredible speed, moving so fast and aiming right at Elico. She then held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Elico's arm was surrounded in water, which then shoot off towards Garuda. "Screw Blow!" The water struck Garuda and pushed him backwards, making him cry out as his power was drained.

Elico: 1150Gs
Garuda: 1100Gs

"Get him!" Rainy cried as Elico charged forward, ready to impale Garuda with his drill and sai. But before he could.

"Ability, Activate!" Garuda rolled to his feet and swung his wings around, lightning sparking around them.

Elico: 1150Gs
Garuda: 1250Gs

He managed to slash Elico in the gut, making him cry out and stagger backwards. Garuda then charge forward like an angry roaster and slashed at it several more times, Elico hissing but Rainy was quick with the assist.

"Enough of this!" She cried before holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Elico crossed his arms and began to spin, drilling into the ground. "Gaia Loose!" Garuda's eyes went wide and he tried to take off, but before he could the ground beneath him split open and Elico's hand grabbed his leg.

"NO!" He cried as his lower body was once again pulled under ground, the two's power dropping back to normal.

Elico: 500Gs
Garuda: 450Gs

Elico shot out of the ground, whilst Garuda tried to pull himself out. As he did, Soarin took out his card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda flapped his wings as they began to spark, launching the electricity off of him. "Thunder Gale!"

It shot towards Elico, ready to power him down. But before it could reach him, Rainy held up a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Elico's gem unleashed a bright light, which froze both The electrified wind and Garuda. "Flash Freeze!"

"Not again," Garuda groaned as he tried move but couldn't. The light then faded, revealing Elico wasn't there. But then Garuda suddenly felt a presence behind him.

"Plus, Mythran Judge!" Elico's tendrils glowed again, the light shooting off and stabbing into Garuda once again.

"AUGH!" He cried, his power being drained away.

Elico: 600Gs
Garuda: 250Gs

"Garuda!" Soarin cried, as Elico then used his tendrils to smash into the lightning bird again and again. Every time, Garuda cried out in pain. "Gotta think!" He tried, but remembered Mythran Judge prevented Abilities. "Not good."

"That's it!" Rainy told him, "give into the despair. Let the hopelessness soak you like the rain." Soarin frowned at this, getting really annoyed by all this doom and gloom.

"No way," Soarin told her as Garuda did his best to endure the whipping. "I told you, I wasn't gonna just give up when things get bad. I'll always search for the silver lining. Because humans are incredible people, who can find a way out of any situation." It was in that moment that a gleam reflected through the rain and caught Soarin's eye, making him flinch but then turn towards it. And when he did, he saw something. "A Surprise Card!"

Rainy turned to see the card, floating in a bubble on the end of a branch. She then saw Soarin rush towards it, a frown on her face. "Elico. Finish this before it's too late!" Elico doubled the force of its whipping, whilst Soarin leapt over to a branch and then jumped into the air.

"Soarin," Garuda groaned, "I can't...hold on much longer."

"Just hang on!" Soarin cried as he got up to the same level as the card, which was on the next branch over. "I GOT THIS!" He jumped for it, whilst Elico brought all its tendrils together before swinging them down with as much force as possible. And when they struck...nothing happened.

"Hahaa!" Garuda cheered, looking around at the energy dome that suddenly appeared around him. At the same time, the light spears vanished from him.

Rainy gasped and looked around, seeing Soarin hanging from a branch with the Surprise Card in hand. "Check it!" He smirked, "Defence Reload!" Garuda jumped to his feet and leapt into the air, the dome around him fading. "Not only does it negate you Ability's effects, but it also lets me regain one of the Abilities I used before." He let go of the tree as Garuda flew under him, then took out a pair of cards. "Now, Double Ability, Activate!"

"Let's do this!" Garuda cried as Elico glowed, the light flying into Garuda. "Co-Side, plus Blitz Bolt!"

Elico: 600Gs
Garuda: 500Gs

"FIRE!" Garuda fired a lightning blast towards Elico and before the attribute changer could dodge, the it struck Elico and made him cry out. The lightning sparked around his body, Rainy gasping.

"Now you can't use your abilities," Soarin stated as he leapt off Garuda and landed opposite Rainy. "Not so nice when the shoes on the other foot." He stood tall and smirked as Rainy looked worried, Garuda landing behind him.

"No," she whispered, "again the rain of defeat falls upon me."

"Enough!" Soarin called out, Rainy turning to him. "Until you try to look passed the dark clouds, you'll never see the light. The cloud will just get darker and darker." He took out a card. "Elico can change to make the situation suit him, so why can't you?"

"Raaah!" Garuda charged forward, as Soarin held up a card.

"It's time you got enlightened. And maybe this electrifying display will help with that. Fusion Ability, ACTIVATE!" Garuda leapt up and began to spin, the tornado of green wind spiralling around him as lightning sparked around it. "Lightning Vortex!"

Elico: 600Gs
Garuda: 850Gs

The storm drill shot towards Elico, Rainy gasping as she tried to think of a way to save herself. She then noticed something a ways off, a Surprise Card.

"There!" She ran towards it and grabbed the card as Elico was slammed by the lightning drill, the card activating as Elico cried out. And when she looked at it, she saw the effect and gasped.

"Power Down. Which removes a hundred Gs from every Bakugan the user has out.

Elico: 500Gs
Garuda: 850Gs

Elico cried out more as the drill pushed it up into the air, being electrified as they reached the clouds.

KABOOM!

The lightning drill exploded, unleashing a powerful blast of wind in every direction. The wind struck the forest battlefield and caused everyone in it to be knocked off their feet. This included Rainy and Soarin, Rainy crying out as she felt herself flying backwards. And as she flew through the air, she felt something hit her face. Something...bright.

She opened her eyes and looked up, causing her to gasp as she saw that the force of the explosion had destroyed the clouds above her head. They had vanished, ceasing the rain and allowing the light of the sun to shine down upon her. "Beautiful." She was so stunned by this, she didn't notice Elico cry out and return to ball form, falling to the ground as her life points dropped.

Rainy: 0%
Soarin: 60% (Winner)

"It's over!" The announcer cried as those in the bunker cheered, "Soarin has defeated Rainy Day and Team Weather Warning is down to two."

Rainy simply laid on the ground, staring at the sun and completely mesmerised. "I never thought I'd get to see it." She heard laughing and turned to see Soarin and Garuda, now back in ball form, moving over to her.

"I guess my optimism was to much for your doom and gloom to contend with." She sat up and stared at him as he tossed something at her, Rainy catching it and seeing it was Elico. He then looked up and saw the sun, a smile on his lips. He basked in the glow, Rainy staring at him in amazement. "This is nice." He looked down at her, then held out a hand. "Hopefully, you'll get to enjoy this sunlight for a while. And maybe it'll help you perk up enough to constantly chase those clouds away."

Rainy staring at him a moment, then smiled and took his hand before letting him lift her to her feet.

"I...I don't know what to say." Then she did something Soarin didn't think she was capable of. She smiled. This, made him smile.

"Just...remember not to let all the despair wash over you. When things seem to get hard...think of something that makes you happy." He said nothing else and turned to leave, Rainy continuing to smile as she watched him go. She then looked down at Elico and held him to her heart.

"I can change too." She looked up at the sunny sky once again, "I'll look for the silver lining." With that, she turned to head towards her bunker. She might have lost the brawl, but she had won something even better. And the next time she met Soarin, she would show him a brighter and cheerier version of her that the rain couldn't wash away.

Flash and Leonidas had finally made their way through the forest and reached the edge of the treeline.

They stepped out and found themselves at a strange location, where the four battlefields met. Across from him was the canyon field, whilst the city was to his left and the ocean to his right.

He stepped over the line and traversed the rocky environment, seeing multiple rocks of varying sizes filling the arena. There were several fissures in the ground, leading into ravines of varying sizes. But before he could get a proper look at any of them, his BakuColar beeped to show the start of his next brawl.

And when he looked down at the screen, his eyes went wide seeing the name.

Flash: 100%
Rarity: 100%

Panic filled the two as they looked around, seeing no sign of the fashionista anywhere. But then they noticed the shadow of a nearby rock change, as a humanoid figure appeared out of it. He spun towards the rock in question and was met with the sight of a smirking Rarity, hand on her hip and finger twirling her hair.

"Finally found you."

Author's Note

The tournament has begun and now, Flash will face off against Rarity. Can he win and save her? Who knows.

Clashing Lights

The Bakugan Battle Tournament was in full swing, with multiple Brawlers battling it out to see who would come out on top.

The tournament had its own leaderboard, helping people see which teams had the highest number of brawlers. At this point in time, there were many teams with between one and four members still in the game. But only two teams had more than that.

At the top of the leaderboard, with six brawlers, were the Rainbooms. And just below them with five, were the BakuFighters. These two teams looked to be hot rivals and each member was determined not to lose. This was made obvious in the Ocean Field, where Lyra found herself battling in a fourway battle royale.

It had started as a one on one battle, but then another pair of brawlers showed up and the two one on one brawls morphed into a fourway match. Now, Nimue was battling against a Subterra Hynoid, Haos Verias and a Darkus Bakugan named Cameraclops that was a giant robot with a head that looked like a camera with a long lens for an eye.

One of the opponents, Photo Finish, took out a card and held it up. "Ability," she said with an accent, "Activate!" Cameraclops' lens began to light up with purple energy. "Dark Flash!"

Verias: 650Gs
Nimue: 650Gs
Hynoid: 560Gs
Cameraclops: 790Gs

The camera exploded, firing a purple laser in Nimue's direction. "Wow!" She cried, leaping to the side as the laser shot passed her and hit a nearby island. As this happened, Verias and Hynoid shot forward to attempt to hit Cameraclops with their claws and staff.

Another of her opponents, a girl with pink skin and headphones, held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with the monkey Bakugan's staff. "Crazy Monkey Whack!"

Verias: 850Gs
Nimue: 650Gs
Hynoid: 560Gs
Cameraclops: 790Gs

The ape began to swing the staff around wildly, hitting the robot several times and knocking it backwards. meanwhile, Hynoid ran passed they and flew through the water before skidding to a stop and turning towards them. It was here that the final opponent, a boy going by the name of Fido, took out a card.

"Ability," he let out a dog-like laugh, "Activate!" Hynoid took a deep breath, "Howl Storm!" Hynoid let out a mighty bellow, causing shockwaves that shot towards the three Bakugan and made them all flinch at the noise.

Verias: 650Gs
Nimue: 450Gs
Hynoid: 560Gs
Cameraclops: 590Gs

Knowing she had to end this, Lyra took out a pair of cards and held them up before yelling through the noise. "Double Ability, Activate!" The water around Nimue exploded upwards to create a barrier, which blocked the shockwaves. "Misty Barrier!"

Verias: 650Gs
Nimue: 650Gs
Hynoid: 560Gs
Cameraclops: 590Gs

"Plus, Vapour Blast!" The Aquos Bakugan created a mist ball before thrusting it forward to fire a moisture blast that hit all three Bakugan, knocking each of hem flying backwards.

Verias: 450Gs
Nimue: 650Gs
Hynoid: 360Gs
Cameraclops: 390Gs

The three Bakugan crashed into either an island or the water, the lot crying out before they were transformed back to ball form. Their Brawlers each rushed to retrieve them as their life points dropped.

Fido: 35%
Lyra: 80%
Photo: 42%
Lemon: 64%

"Alright!" Lyra cried as Nimue returned to her, "nice one." She smiled, happy their team was doing so well. But that smile faded when her BakuColar gave an alert, telling her a teammate was about to start another Brawl. "Flash." Her eyes went wide, seeing who it was he was up against. "Oh no."

Meanwhile, in the Canyon Field, Flash and Leonidas found themselves about to battle against someone they had hoped they wouldn't run into so soon.

Rarity was standing atop one of the larger rocks of the canyon, staring down at the pair with a dark smirk on her lips. Cleopal was on her shoulder, the pair believing she was mimicking the look Rarity was giving them.

"Finally found you," she stated with her hand on her hips and her finger twirling through her hair. "So it looks like I get to be the one to give Master Phantom his most sought after prize."

"Rarity," Flash whispered before frowning. "I don't know what Phantom has over you and the others, but we can help you. You don't have to be under his thumb."

"Oh hush," Rarity took out a Gate Card. "The only way you can help is by handing Leonidas over to me."

"Not happening!" Leonidas cried as he jumped up and down. He then focused on Cleopal. "Tell me. You and the others suddenly start talking? Were you just holding your tongue before?"

"That's for me to know," Cleopal stated. "And for you to never find out, as after this battle you'll be rotting in a box in Master Phantom's room. Or maybe Ragnaroid will use you as food to increase his power."

Back in the team's bunker, everyone in it gulped when they saw Flash and Rarity were about to face off.

"We should have expected this," Bonnie frowned.

"I was hoping one of these battles wouldn't happen until later," Heath stated. "But with how determined they said they were, I guess it's no surprise they'd go straight for the kill."

"Awe man!" Wukong cried, "This is bad." He jumped up and down. "Like...super bad. Ultra bad. Mega bad."

Gaia turned to Wukong. "Calm down." He stopped bouncing, "all we can do for now is trust in those two. There's nothing else we can hope of doing unless Soarin and Lyra decide to step in. But even then, I doubt the situation will get any better." The others nodded, turning back to the screen. As they did, Derpy preyed.

"Stay strong, Flash."

Back on the battlefield, Rarity and Flash continued to stare one another down.

Flash didn't want to battle her, but with the rules of the tournament they didn't have any choice. "We have to brawl them," Flash told Leonidas before turning towards on of the large rocks behind them. "And if we wanna stay in the tournament, we have to win."

"No problem," Leonidas told him as he landed on the rock and was now level with Rarity. "Those two might have beaten us before, but this time will be different."

"Enough talk!" Rarity cried as Cleopal leapt into her hand. "It's time to take you fools down. Gate Card!" Rarity threw said card towards the ground, "SET!" The card hit the ground and exploded, as both she and Flash began to jump from one rock pile to another. They then spotted a cluster of power-ups and aimed at them. "BAKUGAN!" They threw Cleopal and Leonidas towards the cluster, "BRAWL!"

Both Bakugan shot towards the cluster and both hit them before landing on the ground, their Brawlers leaping down to the ground as well. "BAKUGAN!" They popped open, "STAND!" The canyon field was filled with brilliant light, their Bakugan leaping out of it.

Cleopal: 410Gs
Leonidas: 400Gs

"Prepare yourself!" Cleopal cried as she flexed her claws, "for this will be your final battle with Flash as your partner."

"Hardly," Leonidas told her. "I may have lost to you before, but this time things will be different. I won't let you or anybody else take me away from Flash." He and Cleopal both began to glow, the power-ups taking effect.

Cleopal: 560Gs
Leonidas: 600Gs

Before either brawler could use an Ability, Cleopal charged forward and started slashing at Leonidas with her claws. The dragonoid was quick to evade the attacks, dodging three swipes before taking to the air. That was when Rarity held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with Cleopal's scarf jewels. "Gem Leech!"

"Raaah!" She cried as the gems unleashed beams of light, which struck Leonidas and made him cry out as the beams drained him of energy. The shock allowed ten seconds to pass, resulting in a hundred Gs being stolen away from him before he was able to fly out of the beam's line of fire.

Cleopal: 660Gs
Leonidas: 500Gs

"Ability," Flash held up a card, "Activate!" Leonidas took a deep breath before firing a laser, "Alpha Blaster!"

Cleopal: 660Gs
Leonidas: 700Gs

The laser hit the ground and moved towards Cleopal, who laughed. "Is that all you have?" She asked before holding both her gloved hands up, the beam hitting the metal and refracting off it whilst she was only pushed back a few inches. "You'll need to do better then this. Rarity!"

"Right," she took out a card and held it up, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Cleopal swung her claws apart, dissipating the laser. As she did, her eyes began to glow. "Cats Eyes!" Her eyes fired out a beam of light, which struck Leonidas in the chest.

"Augh!" He cried as he fell towards the ground, Flash flinching.

Cleopal: 660Gs
Leonidas: 550Gs

"Hold on!" Flash cried before taking out a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Both cards glowed. "Hyper Shield, plus Brawling Dragon!" The force-field appeared around Leonidas and caused him to bounce off the ground without incident. This allowed him to spin in midair and land on his feet before shooting forward.

Cleopal: 660Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

"Raaah!" He cried before slamming a fist into Cleopal, then another before kicking and then swiping her with his tail.

"Gyah!" She cried in pain as the tail struck her stomach and made her skid backwards, her arms wrapped around her gut. Leonidas smirked, but then she looked up and he saw she was also smirking. "It'll take more then that to beat me."

"Gate Card!" Rarity cried as the ground began to glow, "OPEN!" The light caused the area around them to transform, turning from rock to a sandy desert. In the distance, a long river could be seen along with several pyramids. "Cleopal's Kingdom!"

In the bunker, Derpy raised an eyebrow. "Strange," the others turned to her, "I don't recognise that Gate Card."

"So what?" Heath asked, "you can't know every card in the game? You probably missed that one."

"No, I'm sure that card wasn't in the database the last time I checked it." A look of worry appeared on her lips, "it must have just been added. But if that's true, how'd Rarity get a hold of it."

"Who knows what partnering with Phantom got the girls," Gaia pointed out. "It's possible they all have cards we've never seen before."

"Which'll make beating them even harder," Bonnie realised as the Bakugan's scores appeared on screen.

Cleopal: 860Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

"Not only does this card power up Cleopal, it also protects her from Abilities that lower her G Power." Flash wanted to point out Leonidas didn't have any of those Abilities, but he just focused on the battle.

Cleopal rushed at Leonidas and began slashing at him, the dragon avoid as best he could but she managed to get a hit in on his chest. "Gyah!" He cried in pain, holding his chest as Cleopal slashed at him again. He quickly jumped back and took to the air, whilst Flash took out a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Leonidas spun around, forming a drill of light. "Shining Tornado!"

Cleopal: 860Gs
Leonidas: 950Gs

The drill shot toward Cleopal and slammed into her, making her cry on as it dug into her. But Rarity quickly countered with her own card. "Ability, Activate!" Cleopal's claws glowed and extended, "Mad Scratch!"

Cleopal: 1060Gs
Leonidas: 950Gs

The cat woman slashed at the tornado, breaking it apart and scratching Leonidas again. The dragon cried out, whilst Cleopal tried to slash at him again. "Ability," Flash held up a card, "Activate!" Leonidas' body glowed before he shot away at incredible speed, "Dragon Flash!"

Cleopal: 1060Gs
Leonidas: 1050Gs

"Not enough!" Rarity cried as she and Cleopal watched Leonidas teleport around the battlefield. She then took out a card. Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Cleopal's scarf jewels glowed, "Gem Strike!"

Cleopal: 1160Gs
Leonidas: 1050Gs

The crystals unleashed several beams of light, which exploded against anything they hit. Flash cried out as one of the rock towers was struck and exploded, forcing him to avoid it whilst Leonidas did his best to dodge them. "Augh!" He cried as one hit his wing, another hitting his shoulder. He then spotted his partner almost getting crushed, "FLASH!"

"I'm fine!" Flash yelled as he leapt away from the shattering rock, "but I am so done with this!" He took out a card and held it up. "Fusion Ability, ACTIVATE!" Still sped up, Leonidas shot towards Cleopal and began to spin and fire energy from his mouth. "ALPHA HURRICANE!"

"RAAAAH!" He roared as he formed the energy drill, with lightning sparking around it, which shot towards Cleopal.

Cleopal: 1160Gs
Leonidas: 1400Gs

The cat woman gasped whilst Rarity tried to activate an Ability, but couldn't do so in time to prevent the attack from striking her partner. "AAAAARRRRRHHHHH!" She screamed as the attack struck her in the chest and blasted her backwards, causing her to be thrown into the air and reverted back to ball form as Rarity's life points dropped.

Flash: 100%
Rarity: 52%

"Impressive!" The announcer cried as Leonidas returned to Flash, the battlefield returning to normal as the Gate Card's effects vanished. "Despite looking like he was in trouble at first, Flash managed to pull things back and take the first round. Will he continue this streak, or does Rarity have something else up her sleeve?"

"An impressive manoeuvre," Rarity explained as she picked Cleopal up. "You've clearly improved a great deal since our last confrontation."

"Well what can I say," Flash smirked as he took out a Gate Card. "You beating me last time really made me train hard. And your threat to take Leo from me didn't help slow me down."

"Indeed," Cleopal agreed as she opened up, "but now we've seen you are your best. It won't be long before the scales tip in our favour."

Leonidas growled at this. "Please, Cleopal. Wake up and see which side you're on. The moment Phantom has no more use for you, he'll throw you aside or worse."

"Then we'll just have to stay useful then," Cleopal replied.

"Not if I beat you!" Flash yelled, "Gate Card...SET!" He threw the card towards the ground, then leapt into the air and landed on a rock. He kept running, jumping from rock to rock as Rarity leapt up onto another, until he spotted another cluster of power-ups. "Bakugan," he let off the rock and threw Leonidas, "BRAWL!" The Dragonoid shot through the air, hitting three of the power-ups before landing on the ground and popping open. "Bakugan...STAND!"

"RAAAH!" Leonidas roared as he transformed into his true form, powering up as he took to the air.

Leonidas: 550Gs

Flash landed on the ground, only to then see Rarity leap up and do several impressive acrobatic moves before pulling her arm back. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" She threw Cleopal and hit several power-ups before landing on the ground, rolling forward before popping open. "Bakugan...STAND!" In a flash of light, Cleopal appeared with her claws at the ready.

Cleopal: 610Gs
Leonidas: 550Gs

"Ability," Rarity held up a card, "Activate!" Cleopal's scarves flew up before the gems floated together, "Blazing Light!" The crystals then unleashed a powerful flash, that blinded almost everyone who saw it. That included Leonidas.

"Augh!" He cried, feeling his power burn away.

Cleopal: 610Gs
Leonidas: 500Gs

Flash knew he couldn't let this continue. If he did, Leonidas would lose more power. "Ability," he held up a card, "Activate!" Leonidas began to glow, "Hyper Shield!" The force-field appeared and blocked out the light, letting Leonidas open his eyes as his power was restored.

Cleopal: 610Gs
Leonidas: 550Gs

"You're still behind!" Rarity stated as she took out a card, the Blazing Light fading away as Cleopal pointed the gems at the shield. "Ability, Activate!" She fired a bunch of lasers at the shield, "Gem Strike!"

Cleopal: 710Gs
Leonidas: 550Gs

The lasers hit the shield and caused it to shatter, knocking Leonidas backwards. "Ahhh!" He cried, crashing into some of the rocks and grunting with every hit.

"Oow," the announcer cried. "That had to hurt!"

"Flash!" Leonidas cried as he pulled himself up, only for Cleopal to suddenly bounce on him and pin him to the ground before digging her claws into his chest. "A little help!"

"I gotcha, bud!" Flash took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas too a deep breath, his mouth sparking. "Alpha Blaster!"

Cleopal: 710Gs
Leonidas: 750Gs

"RAAAAH!" He roared, the laser exploding out of his mouth and hitting Cleopal. The cat lady let out a hiss as she was thrown back, but managed to swirl around and land on her feet. As she did, Rarity took out a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Cleopal's eyes glowed, "Cats Eyes!" As Leonidas picked himself up, Cleopal fired the lasers from her eyes. They struck and he cried out as his power dropped.

Cleopal: 710Gs
Leonidas: 600Gs

"This is bad," Heath stated as the others watched int he bunker. "Flash is barely holding on."

"He's forced to play catch up," Bonnie pointed out. "Meanwhile, Rarity's storming ahead with barely any effort."

"Leonidas needs to be careful," Gaia stated. "With his power low, it'll be up to him to keep from being hit until Flash can pull something out that'll give him an edge."

"If he can," Derpy gulped before Cleopal charged at Leonidas.

"She's on the attack!" Wukong stated as she slashed at him, Leonidas barely managing to dodge before leaping into the air.

"You're mine!" Cleopal cried, trying to slam him with her scarf crystals.

"Not yet!" Leonidas cried as he flew up as high as he could go. "But I'm not gonna win by playing defensively. Come on Flash!"

"Way ahead of ya!" Flash stated before pointing to the ground. "Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground glowed, "Ring Zero!" The light flew over to Cleopal and formed a ring around her, the cat woman crying out as she suddenly felt her entire body freeze up.

"What?" She asked, trying to move but couldn't. "What's happening!"

"Your last Ability just got nullified," Flash smirked whilst Leonidas felt his power return.

Cleopal: 710Gs
Leonidas: 750Gs

"Plus, it prevents you from moving. Which means you can't fight back."

"Hardly an honourable move," Rarity stated as Leonidas charged. "I expected more from you!" As she said that, Leonidas swung around and smashed Cleopal with his tail. The cat woman fell to the ground, unleashing a burst of wind that struck Rarity as well "AHHH!" She cried as fell backwards, landing next to one of the cracks in the ground.

"Ability," Flash held up a card, "Activate!" Leonidas flew upwards and began to spin, "Shining Tornado!"

Cleopal: 710Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

The drill of light formed around Leonidas as he shot towards Cleopal, who was still frozen to the ground. But as he approached, Rarity picked herself up and noticed a glow.

"Huh?" She turned towards the light and saw it was coming from the crack in the ground, the girl looking inside and seeing a Surprise Ability floating in a bubble.

"Rarity!" She heard Cleopal cry and instantly jumped into action, reaching into the crack and grabbing the card. In that moment, the light around Leonidas vanished.

"What?" He asked, then turned to Cleopal and see her pull a fist back before throwing it forward and slamming him in the face. "AUGH!" Flash's eyes went wide as he saw this, wondering how Cleopal's able to move or punch Leonidas away.

Then, he looked down at his BakuColar and gasped.

Cleopal: 805Gs
Leonidas: 805Gs

"How?" Flash then noticed a light and looked up, seeing Rarity holding a card that vanished. "A Surprise Card?"

"Level Playing Field," she explained. "Which nullifies any active Ability or Gate Card, then takes both our Bakugan's power and splits it evenly between them."

"You gotta be kidding me!" Flash cried whilst Rarity took out another card, he and Leonidas gasping as Cleopal moved towards the dragon. "Wait!"

"To late!" Rarity held up the card. "Fusion Ability...ACTIVATE!" Cleopal's metal claws were suddenly covered by a light, forming a giant metal claw that she pulled behind her as she ran towards Leonidas. "SHINING SLASH!"

Cleopal: 805Gs
Leonidas: 1105Gs

Flash pulled out a card, whilst Leonidas spread his wings, but it was too late. Cleopal let out a mighty feline cry as she swung her claw around and slashed at him, the light burning Leonidas's skin. "AAARRRHHH!" He cried before reverting back to ball form and hitting the ground.

Flash: 40%
Rarity: 52%

"Wow-hoo!" The announcer cried, "an impressive comeback. It looked like Rarity was about to lose, but then she pulled out a move. Surprise Card. Gotta love'em."

"We don't gotta," Flash stated as he picked Leonidas up whilst Rarity recalled Cleopal.

"Now do you see what you're up against?" She asked before flicking Cleopal up and catching her. "If you're having this much trouble against little old me, how will you fair against Twilight and the others?" Flash frowned, wondering the same thing.

Back in the Ocean Field, Lyra and Nimue were still facing off against Photo Finish and Lemon Zest.

Photo had managed to defeat Fido, meaning it was now a threeway match. And it didn't look like it would be even that for much longer. "Ability, Activate!" Photo cried as Cameraclops' lens suddenly extended. "Super Photo Photon!" The camera once again fired a laser that struck Nimue, making her cry out as her power dropped.

Verias: 550Gs
Nimue: 450Gs
Cameraclops: 590Gs

"Nimue!" Lyra cried.

"I'm okay!" The lady of the lake told her, only for Verias to leap at her and swing its staff around. "Wow!" She leapt to the side, barely managing to dodge the attack. "But I could use some assistance!"

"On it!" Lyra pointed to the water, "Gate Card...OPEN!" The ocean glowed and from it, hundreds of bubbles appeared. "Aquos Minefield!"

Cameraclops and Verias looked around, very confused by the side. Then, Verias pocked one and it explode with incredible force that stung it.

Verias: 540Gs
Nimue: 450Gs
Cameraclops: 590Gs

"What?" Lemon asked as her Bakugan staggered back, hitting several more bubbles that exploded and caused it to lose more Gs. Cameraclops also fell into this trap, hitting bubble after bubble and losing ten Gs every time.

"Impossible!" Photo cried as she looked up at Nimue and saw her walk through the bubbles without issue. "Are Aquos Bakugan immune?"

"That's right," Lyra smiled. "Hope your Bakugan can battle and avoid bubbles at the same time." Eventually, the two Bakugan found themselves in an area lacking bubbles, but the minefield had taken its toll on them.

Verias: 320Gs
Nimue: 450Gs
Cameraclops: 430Gs

Nimue then took this moment to rush forward and punch Verias in the face, making it stagger back and dance around the bubbles. Meanwhile, Cameraclops got Nimue in its sights and zoomed in on her.

"Ability," Photo took out a card, "Activate!" The Darkus Bakugan's lens light up with purple energy, "Dark Flash!"

Verias: 320Gs
Nimue: 450Gs
Cameraclops: 630Gs

Nimue saw this and jumped to the side, but Cameraclops managed to follow her as it charged its attack up. "You won't get away!" Photo cried before pointing at her, "FIRE!" The laser exploded and shot towards Nimue, but the Aquos Bakugan smiled. She hadn't moved to dodge the attack. She moved to get in front of Verias.

"Psyche!" She leapt straight up, the laser shooting under her and hitting the monkey instead. Verias cried out as it was blasted back, returning to its ball form.

Fido: 0%
Lyra: 30%
Photo: 40%
Lemon: 0%

"Wow! Lyra bluffed her opponent into taking out her other one. Now that's strategy."

Lyra wanted to tell him it was Nimue's idea, but knew she had to focus. "Ability, Activate!" Nimue created a water orb and thrust it forward, "Raging River!" The sphere exploded into a stream of water that hit the ground and flew forward and began to wrap around Cameraclops like rope.

Nimue: 450Gs
Cameraclops: 230Gs

The machine cried out as it tried to escape, whilst Nimue shot downward. "Raaah!" She cried as she thrust a foot into its lens, shattering it and causing Cameraclops to revert back to ball form.

"NOOOOO!" Photo cried as her life points dropped.

Fido: 0%
Lyra: 30% (Winner)
Photo: 0%
Lemon: 0%

"She did it! Lyra Heartstrings stands victorious out of the four brawlers that battled it out. Talk about impressive."

Lyra recalled Nimue and sighed in relief, then checked her BakuColar and saw Flash's current score. "Be careful," she told him before heading off to find her next opponent.

Back in the Canyon Field, Flash and Leonidas were still recovering after that last beatdown they got. Rarity, meanwhile, merely laughed as she took out a Gate Card.

"Face it. You don't stand a chance against us. Just give up now and spare yourself any more embarrassment.

"No way!" Flash cried out, "we'll find a way to win. Against you, and against anyone else that tries to beat us."

"We're not gonna let ourselves be beaten by someone who's lost the true will of a brawler," Leonidas stated whilst Rarity raised an eyebrow. "When I first came to this world, all I cared about was winning. But thanks to Flash and the others, I've learned so much more. I've learned that a true brawler battles with everything they have, respecting their opponent. Only then can victory be worth having."

"How sweet," Rarity told him. "But very wrong. Victory is only worth having by completely annihilating the opponent and taking everything from them that they care about. Only then will victory truly be achieved. That is what Phantom helped me to realise."

Flash sighed, "what did he do to you?"

"He helped me see the light!" Rarity threw her Gate Card towards the ground and then leapt up onto a rock, Flash following her as they raced to find some power-ups. It was then that they noticed a bunch of brawlers in the distance, battling with a Terrorclaw and Rattleoid.

Neither seemed interested in turning this into a fourway match, so both rushed off in the other direction. And as they did, they both spotted a cluster of power-ups. Both shared a look at one another and raced forward, jumping from rock to rock before leaping into the air. "BAKUGAN...BRAWL!" They threw Leonidas and Cleopal, both hitting the cluster at the same time before landing on the ground. "BAKUGAN!" They popped open, "STAND!"

In a flash of light, Leonidas and Cleopal appeared in what they assumed would be their final battle.

Cleopal: 560Gs
Leonidas: 600Gs

"ABILITY!" Both teens held up a card, "ACTIVATE!" They glowed as Leonidas and Cleopal prepared to strike. "Alpha Blaster/Mad Scratch!"

Cleopal: 760Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

"RAAAH!" Leonidas fired the laser at Cleopal, who was able to avoid the attack and run up close before jumping at him.

"Kyah!" She swung her glowing claws at Leonidas, the dragon barely managing to dodge them and grab her by the wrist. "Big mistake."

"Ability," Rarity held up a card, "Activate!" It glowed as the gems on her scarf floated up and pushed themselves into Leonidas' chest. "Gem Leech!" The energy fired point blank and stole Leonidas' power, making him cry out until he let go of Cleopal and kicked her way.

Cleopal: 810Gs
Leonidas: 750Gs

"Ability," Flash held up a card, "Activate!" Leonidas glowed and began to fly around at incredible speed, allowing him to avoid the Gem Leech beams. "Dragon Flash!"

Cleopal: 810Gs
Leonidas: 850Gs

Cleopal tried to blast Leonidas again and again, but the dragon's increased speed allowed him to avoid every blast. Meanwhile, Rarity and Flash both held up a card. "ABILITY, ACTIVATE!" Cleopal's beams changed colour and fired faster, but Leonidas was still able to avoid them and started flying downwards. "Gem Strike/Brawling Dragon!"

Cleopal: 910Gs
Leonidas: 950Gs

Leonidas reached Cleopal and started throwing a barrage of punches and kicks, the cat woman grunting with every hit. But then, Rarity held up another card. "Ability, Activate!" The gems floated together, "Blazing Light!"

Flash's eyes went wide and pulled out a card as the gems began to glow, making Leonidas cry out. But before he could lose any power, "Ability, Activate!" The force-field appeared around Leonidas, blocking the light. "Hyper Shield!"

Cleopal cut the light from her attack and leapt back, waiting as the barrier remained around Leonidas. Then, as it started fading away, Rarity smirked at took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" Cleopal's eyes glowed, "Cats Eyes!" The laser fired out and hit Leonidas the second his shield faded.

"Augh!" He cried, feeling his power drop.

Cleopal: 910Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

"Hang on Leo!" Flash cried as he took out a card. But before he could activate it-

"Gate Card," Rarity cried as she pointed to the ground. "OPEN!" With that, the ground suddenly began to glow. The light spread to Flash and Rarity, then flew up and hit their Ability Card. "Anti-Ability Zone!"

In the bunker, Derpy's eyes went wide again. "Another one." The others turned to her. "That's another Gate Card I've never seen before."

The others panicked as they watched Flash try to activate his Ability, but the card didn't light up. "Don't tell me," Bonnie whispered.

"It nullifies Abilities," Heath realised.

"That's right, darling!" Rarity smiled after Flash asked the same question. "Until its power runs out, all Ability Cards are on lock down."

"You gotta be kidding me," Flash realised as Cleopal charged forward and leapt into the air. She let out a cat-like cry as she tackled Leonidas to the ground, the dragon grunting as his back skidded along the dirt and crashed through a few more rocks. "LEO!"

"Get off me!" Leonidas cried as he tried to spread his wings, only for Cleopal to stab her claws into one of them and push hard. "RAAAAARRRRRHHHHH!" He cried in pain before managing to swing his tail around and wrap it around her neck, using it to pull her off him enough for Leonidas to pull his leg up and slam it into her.

"Ahh!" She staggered backwards, but then grabbed his tail and used it to swing Leonidas around.

"Gyah!" He cried as he was thrown around and crashing into the ground, rolling several times before coming to a stop. He groaned, pushing himself up before trying to spread his wings. But when he did, he was suddenly hit with pain from the area Cleopal had stabbed. "Ahh," he groaned, "I should not be having this much trouble."

"Just goes to show how weak you truly are," Cleopal stated as she slowly moved over to him. "I guess the Doom Dimension can't be all bad if the Bakugan it created is so weak." Leonidas growled as Cleopal raised her claws. "Maybe after we win and take you, Phantom will send you back there."

"Not happening!" Leonidas roared as he stood himself up, "I will not lose." Then, Cleopal charged forward and started slashing at him. Leonidas barely managed to evade, his loss of flight taking away his biggest advantage. "Ahh!" He cried when Cleopal snagged his shoulder.

Flash grimaced at the sight of this, only to then hear a laugh and turn to glare at Rarity. "This is just too much fun." Leonidas cried out as Cleopal swung her scarf around and smashed him in the face. "Soon enough, Leonidas will be ours. Then, master Phantom will be the strongest Brawler in the world!" With that, she started laughing along with Cleopal as she tried to kick Leonidas.

The pair glared at them, the anger and pain they felt from their betrayal stirring up. But then, something happened that changed everything.

A strange dark light suddenly appeared around Rarity, surprising Flash as he stared at it. "What?" He then noticed another light and looked up at Cleopal, seeing the same aura wrapped around her. "What is that?"

Leonidas wonder the same thing. But when Cleopal tried to slash him, the aura flew over to him and he felt what it was. "Dark energy?" He leapt backwards to a safe distance. "Some kind of negative energy that's flowing from within them."

"Negative energy?" Flash asked as he stared back at Rarity, "could that mean...Rarity really is being controlled." It would explain a lot of things. But if that was the case, "then the others must have the same energy as well." As he said that, Cleopal swung her scarves around and smashed them into Leonidas, making him cry out as he was thrown to the ground and Cleopal pounced.

He barely managed to grab her wrists before she slashed at him, but was slowly losing ground as the claws moved closer to him. "Not...good," he moaned.

"Leo!" Flash cried out, "we can't lose! If Rarity really is being controlled, then maybe beating her will knock the dark energy out of her."

"Where'd you get that idea?" He asked, groaning as Cleopal pushed down again.

"It's the best idea I can come up with!" Flash cried back before looking back at Rarity, who had stopped laughing and just stared at him and smirked. "Either way, we can't lose. If Rarity does take you and then is freed, she'll spend the rest of her life blaming herself. We can't let that happen!"

Leonidas groaned as Cleopal pushed down again, her claws beginning to stick into his chest. "Ahhh," he groaned in pain but then thought about what Flash had said. "He's right." He put extra effort into his arms and pushed Cleopal back, "I can't give up...I won't!" With that, his eyes shot open and they suddenly started glowing.

That light then spread to the rest of him, as he felt a sudden surge of energy flow through him.

Flash and Rarity saw this and looked confused. "Leo?" Flash asked before staring down at his BakuColar, only for his eyes to go wide seeing Leonidas' score begin to raise.

"Power surge detected."

"Power surge?"

Down in the underground lab, Sombra was watching the brawl on a computer screen and was interested when Leonidas started glowing.

"What's this?" He then heard a beeping and turned to another computer, which showed a sudden increase in power being absorbed by the field. "These energy reading and far beyond what Leonidas should be capable of."

"Maybe not," Lucifer whispered before turning to the computer. "Maybe he's just reaching a new level."

The energy flowing through Leonidas finally stabilised, Flash and Rarity staring at their BakuColars and seeing his new Power Level.

Cleopal: 910Gs
Leonidas: 925Gs

"RAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHH!" Leonidas screamed, his roar shaking the whole stadium as he threw Cleopal off of him. The cat woman screamed as she hit the ground, whilst the dragon picked himself up and clenched his fist before throwing it down towards the ground.

The punch caused the light from the Gate Card to shatter, shocking Rarity as she realised her card had been destroyed. "Impossible." She then watched as Leonidas charged at Cleopal and tried to punch her, Cleopal barely managing to evade. "I have to stop this," she looked around and then noticed a Surprise Ability a ways off. She ran towards it as Leonidas managed to hit Cleopal with his tail and knock her down.

"The entire battle's been turned on its head by this suddenly surge of power from Leonidas. We're still trying to figure out how this occurred, but will Rarity be able to stop it before Flash and Leonidas overpower them?"

In that moment, Rarity grabbed the Surprise Ability from atop a few rocks and held it up. "Surprise Ability, Activate!" The card exploded into light, which flew into Cleopal and powered her up. "Strength of the Stone!"

Cleopal: 1010Gs
Leonidas: 925Gs

This extra power allowed Cleopal to block Leonidas' second tail whip before trying to slash at it, only for Leonidas to pull it back and then leap into the air. It appeared the power surge he got had also healed his wing. "Flash!" He cried, "we have to end this now!"

"Right!" Flash cried as he took out a pair of card. "Let's do this thing. Double Ability, Activate!" The cards glowed as Leonidas began to spin in place, the light drill forming around him. "Shining Tornado, Plus Fusion Ability, ALPHA HURRICANE!" In that moment, the drill began to spark with lightning before it shot down towards Cleopal

Cleopal: 1010Gs
Leonidas: 1425Gs

Rarity and Cleopal both gasped seeing this and Rarity took out her own Fusion Ability. But before she could activate it, Leonidas' attack slammed into Cleopal and unleashed a powerful shockwave that hit her and made the card slip from her hand. "NO!" She cried, whilst Cleopal screamed in pain.

As she screamed, the aura surrounding the two girls was pushed back by the wind. And as Leonidas gave one final push, the extra force slammed into the pair and they were both sent flying backwards. The two girls could feel the force of the wind buffeting against them. "AAAAARRRRRHHHHH!" They both screamed as the aura around them was finally ripped off and pushed into the air, where it seemed to congeal into a cloud before dying into nothingness. The second it did, Cleopal returned to ball form and the two fell to the ground.

Flash: 40% (Winner)
Rarity: 0%

"It's over!" The announcer cried as Leonidas returned to Flash. "With that, the Rainbooms and BakuFighters are now tied with the most amount of Brawlers."

"Rarity!" Flash cried as he rushed over to the girl, who appeared to be unconscious, kneeling down next to her and lifting her head up. "Come on. Please be okay." It was then she let out a moan, her eyes flickering open.

As her vision cleared, she looked up and saw Flash before a confused look appeared on her face. "Flash?" He nodded as she sat up and looked around, "where am I?" She then noticed the clothes she was wearing and looked horrified, "and what am I wearing!?"

"She doesn't remember?" Flash asked before a look of hope appeared on his lips. "Quick question." She turned to him, "what do you think of Phantom?"

"That uncouth degenerate?" She asked, "I think he's the absolute worst." This made Flash sigh in relief, Rarity once again looking confused.

"You're back to normal."

"Normal?" She asked before spotting Leonidas next to Cleopal.

"What about you?" He asked his fellow Haos Bakugan, "still wanna take me down?" Rarity was about to ask why he was talking to her, but then the Bakugan popped open.

"Of course," Rarity's eyes went wide hearing that voice. "You're clearly very powerful. I would be honoured to face you in battle and attempt to beat you." Leonidas seemed to consider this a good answer, whilst Rarity was still shocked by Cleopal's sudden ability to talk.

"How?" She asked as she picked her up, "how can you talk?"

"I don't know," Cleopal replied as Rarity stood up. "I just know I can now."

"Rarity," she turned to Flash, "what's the last thing you remember?" Rarity hummed for a moment, trying to think back. Then tried harder to get a clear picture.

"I...got a message from Fluttershy. Pinkie and I went to meet her. We ran into Twilight along the way and..." She tried to think passed that, but everything was a complete blur. And when she tried to force the memory, she was suddenly bombarded with terrible pain. "Ahh!" She cried, clutching her head and almost falling over.

Luckily, Flash was able to catch her. "Don't push yourself."

Cleopal was also trying to remember and unlike Rarity, she managed to remember more of what happened to them. "I remember." They turned to her, "well...most of what happened."

"Come on," Flash helped Rarity along. "I'm taking you back to the bunker. You can talk about it there." They nodded and Flash led them back into the forest, contacting the others and explaining what had happened. "I'll need someone to tag me out."

"I'm on it," Heath stated through the BakuColar.

"I'm heading back too," Soarin stated.

"I'll be ready to swap with you then," Bonnie told him.

Meanwhile, inside the Rainboom's bunker. The TV told those inside in to send a member out.

"I can't believe Rarity lost!" Rainbow cried, punching her fist into her palm. "What the heck. That battle should have been an easy win for her."

"It wasn't just Rarity that caused the loss," Twilight told her. "It was Leonidas."

"I've never seen that kind of energy from a Bakugan before," Spikenoid stated. "You think it has something to do with him being from the Doom Dimension?"

"I'm not sure," Twilight hummed as Applejack turned to the exit.

"Only one way ta find out." The door opened, "a'll just have ta battle him and see for ma'h self."

"Hey!" Rainbow cried, "who says you get to be the one to go out?"

"Me." Applejack smirked before stepping out into the field, Rainbow growling and looking like she was about to chase after her.

"Don't," Twilight told her, "she's already out and we can't have four Brawlers out. Just let it go." Rainbow groaned and sat down, annoyed as she watched the other brawlers battle. Meanwhile, Twilight continued to wonder about Leonidas' sudden power-up. "What was that?"

Miraculously, Flash managed to get back to the bunker without getting into a brawl. All the competitors they ran into were already battling, so he was able to run passed without getting involved.

When he got back, Soarin was already there and Heath quickly rushed off once he was in. "Alright," he put Rarity down, "feeling better?"

"Yes," Rarity nodded, "much better. Thank you." Flash nodded and leaned against the wall, Derpy opening the coms channel so the rest of the BakuFighters could hear as they focused on Cleopal. "Now what happened?"

"I don't remember everything that happened," Cleopal explained. "But I think I remember enough to figure it out. You were right about being contacted, but it wasn't your friend that sent you the message. It was Phantom." She went on to explain everything that happened. The meeting of their enemy in the under-bridge court. The six on one battle against him and Ragnaroid and Cleopal's suddenly acquisition of her ability to talk.

"So you woke up during the battle?" Leonidas asked, Cleopal shaking her head.

"No. I've been awake for a long time. I think it was around the time you first arrived, based on what I overheard from Rarity and the others." This surprised the others, wondering how Leonidas' appearance could have caused her awakening. But then they remembered that day was also the first time other people heard their Bakugan talk as well. "Since then, I was trapped within my own mind. I could see and hear everything that was going on around me, but I couldn't talk or move my body at will. Even when in battle, I wasn't the one in control. It was just my instincts, taking over and fighting for me."

"So you were a prisoner in your own body?" Lyra asked through the coms.

"That's horrible," Bonnie cried. "It's a miracle you weren't driven insane."

"In a way," Cleopal agreed. "But I had something keeping me strong." She turned to Rarity, who seemed amazed by this. "Rarity. Even before you knew I was alive, you treated me with respect and love. That allowed me to stay strong when I was unable to communicate with you."

Rarity smiled and picked her up. "I'm just glad we now have the chance to talk to one another." She then looked worried, "if you don't want to ever battle-"

"I'm usually not one for fighting," Cleopal explained. "But if it's with you and for the right reasons, I'll happily stand by your side. Because you are my perfect partner." Rarity smiled at this. "During the time I was unable to talk to you, I watched how you battled. And nine times out of ten, you activated the same Ability I would have activated. And even on that tenth time, it was because you had a plan I hadn't seen. It is clear you and I are destined to be together and what allowed me to finally break the restraint keeping me from talking."

"Oh!" Rarity cried, beginning to tear up before rubbing the Bakugan against her check. "I love you, darling!" Cleopal blushed at this, whilst the others laughed at her embarrassment. When the laughing stopped, Soarin spoke up.

"So you were able to finally break through whatever stopped you from talking during the battle with Ragnaroid. Is that when the rest of the Rainboom's Bakugan started talking as well."

"Yes," Cleopal replied. "I can't be sure about the others, but I wanted to help Rarity defeat Phantom and Ragnaroid. Nothing else mattered. Just saving her from him. That's when I suddenly found I could control my body again. I assume the same is true for the others." She then sighed. "But despite that, we still lost against Ragnaroid."

"What happened after that?" Garuda asked, only for Cleopal to shake her whole body.

"I don't know. The last thing I remember is being beaten. Everything after that's a blank."

"Phantom did something to you," Leonidas stated. "During the battle, I sensed some kind of dark energy coming off you and Rarity. But now," he moved over to her and seemed to be trying to sense her energy. "It's gone. I'm not feeling it anymore."

Flash turned to Rarity. "So when we beat you, the energy was removed and you were freed."

Rarity frowned, then realised that she wasn't the only one defeated by Phantom. "But what about the others? Twilight, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow...Pinkie?" The others frowned and Derpy switched on the TV, allowing Rarity to see a battle featuring Fluttershy and she saw what she was wearing.

"They're all the same as you were," Soarin stated. "Phantom made them join him."

"And the lot of them are now gunning for us," Heath stated. Rarity looked upset by this, whilst Flash placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry. We were able to save you, so we can save them as well." Rarity looked at him, her face asking if he truly believed that.

"He's right," Soarin nodded. "If beating you got that dark energy out of you, then I bet beating the others will do the same thing."

"Are you sure?" Rarity asked.

"There's only one way to find out," Lyra told her. "We have to find the others and-" She stopped, making the others raise an eyebrow as it wasn't usually Lyra's thing to stop in the middle of a sentence.

"Lyra?" Flash asked, "you okay?" He didn't get an answer, which made them begin to worry. But then, the TV caught their attention as it changed to show another image.

"Wow!" The announcer cried, "Not long after Brawlers from these two teams faced off, another brawl between them has begun." They turned to the computer and looked shocked when they saw Lyra on it with another brawler.

The aquamarine coloured girl stared at the opponent that had just arrived on an island not far from the one she was on.

Pinkie Pie, looking just weird in the new clothes and makeup style, was staring at her. The look on her face looked like something out of a psycho thriller film, her head even slightly tilted the the side. "Hello Lyra," she smiled. "Do you wanna play with me?" Lyra just gulped, hoping their theory about beating the Rainbooms was true. If not, they might be stuck with this nut-job forever.

Author's Note

Rarity's freed. Now the BakuFighters have even more reason to win this tournament. Hope you enjoyed the brawl.

A Not So Fun Brawl

The Bakugan Battle Tournament was in full swing, with the Rainbooms and BakuFighters neck and neck with the most Brawlers. Several teams had already been completely eliminated, with many more close to being knocked out as well.

In the BakuFighter's Bunker, the team and their recently freed friend, Rarity, were watching the TV as the image of Lyra and her next opponent were shown. "Pinkie," Rarity whispered. She stared at the girl on screen and was utterly shocked, "that can't be her."

"I'm afraid it is," Soarin told her. "You're not the only one that decided to dress up after Phantom did whatever the heck he did to you."

"We have to do something!" Rarity cried, "we have to help her."

"We will," Flash assured her.

Derpy nodded. "If Lyra can beat her, the power controlling Pinkie should vanish like when Flash beat you."

"Should," Garuda repeated. "We don't know for sure if just beating them's required." He turned to Leonidas, "don't take this the wrong way. But you're not exactly a normal Bakugan. For all we know, you forced the dark energy out of the two with your own power."

"I don't think so," Leonidas shook his head. "It didn't feel like I was the one doing anything." But as he thought this, he remembered the strange power surge he had felt during the battle. Could that be connected?

"I guess we'll have to watch and find out," Derpy stated before focusing back on the TV.

In the Ocean Field, Lyra and Nimue felt a cold shiver run down their spin as Pinkie moved towards them. All she was missing was the bloody knife to complete the psycho killer look.

"Hello Lyra," she smiled with a tilt of th head. "Do you wanna play with me?"

"Pinkie," Lyra whispered, "you're being controlled. You have to fight this!"

"Fight what?" Pinkie asked in fake confusion. "I just wanna have a friendly little brawl with you. Isn't that what friends do?" Her gaze then shifted to a dark smirk, "battle it out and leave the other one completely crushed."

Nimue turned to Lyra, "it's no use. Whatever control Phantom has is too strong. Our only hope to save her is to brawl and beat her."

"Alright," Lyra nodded before taking out a Gate Card. "I don't wanna do this, but you leave me no choice. Let's brawl!"

"Lets!" Pinkie cried as Gumigator leapt into her hand, "beating you and taking your Bakugan's gonna be so much fun!"

"Not happening!" Lyra cried as she leapt to a close island. "I'm totally winning this brawl and getting my friend back. So, like, get ready. Gate Card...SET!" Lyra threw it towards the ground it exploded, the card hitting the water and exploding as Lyra and Pinkie leapt into the air. "BAKUGAN!" They threw their partners towards the water, "BRAWL!" The Bakugan flew through the air, hitting some power-ups, then landed on the water and skipped on the surface several times before opening up. "BAKUGAN...STAND!"

The water below them exploded into tornadoes, as the pair transformed into their true forms.

Nimue: 350Gs
Gumigator: 390Gs

They both broke out of the tornadoes and stared one another down before Nimue spoke up, "it doesn't have to be this way." Gumigator said nothing, making her wonder if he was actually awake. But then he gave her a look that a mindless Bakugan couldn't give her, the two powering up as their Gs rose.

Nimue: 500Gs
Gumigator: 490Gs

"Ability," Pinkie held up a card, "Activate!" The card glowed as Gumigator's mouth filled with cold air, "Glacial Fang!" The icicle teeth appeared in his mouth as the alligator charged forward.

Nimue: 500Gs
Gumigator: 690Gs

"Ability," Lyra held up her own card, "Activate!" Nimue jumped back to avoid Gummy's bite, as a ball of mist formed in her hand. "Vapour Blast!" She thrust it forward and hit the Bakugan, knocking him backwards as his power dropped back down.

Nimue: 500Gs
Gumigator: 490Gs

Nimue then leapt forward and threw a kick into Gumigator, who managed to raise his arms in defence as her leg made contact. But as she did, Pinkie took out a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Gumigator leapt back as he opened his mouth. "Ocean Assault, plus Aqua Claw!"

"Look out!" Lyra cried as Gumigator fired the bubble into the air, which then exploded and began raining down powerful water drops on Nimue.

Nimue: 500Gs
Gumigator: 740Gs

The Aquos Bakugan danced around to avoid the water drops, though a few managed to hit her and cause some damage. As she did, Gumigator charged forward as his claws glowed.

"Wow!" She cried as she leapt back, avoiding the claws but getting hit by some of the rain drops and hissing. "Ahh!"

"Hold on!" Lyra cried as he held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Nimue held up a finger that formed a storm cloud above her, blocking the water that fell down. "Draining Rain!"

"Take this!" Nimue threw the attack and the rain cloud flew over Gummy and began down-pouring its contents upon him.

The alligator let out hisses of pain as the rain dropped down on him, his power being stolen as he tried to escape from under it. But by the time he did, he had lost serious points.

Nimue: 650Gs
Gumigator: 490Gs

"That's the way!" Nimue cheered as she smiled back at Lyra, who smiled back before taking out another card.

"Oh no you don't!" Pinkie cried as the gem on Gumigator's glowed, "Attribute Change!" Gummy was consumed by light, which then faded to reveal he was now orange and brown. "Subterra!"

Nimue: 650Gs
Gumigator: 490Gs

Lyra frowned, "I was afraid of this." As she said this, Pinkie took out a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Gumigator's mouth was suddenly filled with rock-like teeth. "Tectonic Fang!"

Nimue: 650Gs
Gumigator: 690Gs

Gumigator charged forward and tried to bite Nimue once again. But before he could, Lyra held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Water exploded from beneath her and formed a barrier of fog around her, "Misty Barricade!"

Gumigator jumped forward, but the mist began to swirl and the force pushed Gummy away. The alligator hit the water and cried out as he almost sank.

Nimue: 650Gs
Gumigator: 490Gs

Nimue took this chance to charge at Gumigator and attempt to stop on him. But before she could, Pinkie leapt into the air. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" She threw the Bakugan and it landed between Nimue and Gumigator. "Bakugan," it popped open, "Stand!" The water bellow it exploded, shielding Gumigator as a giant horseshoe crab appeared from out of it. "Aquos Limulus!"

The Bakugan charged forward, flying through the Misty Barricade and slamming into Nimue. "Ahh!"

Nimue: 650Gs
Gumigator+Limulus: 840Gs

"Hey!" Lyra cried as Nimue staggered backwards, "I thought this was a one on one fight?"

"That's no fun!" Pinkie told her, "I'd rather crush you with all my Bakugan!" Gumigator got up as Limulus scuttled around him, "get her!" They charged, whilst Nimue regained her balance and did her best to avoid the oncoming attacks.

"Ability," Lyra held up a card, "Activate!" Nimue leapt up and formed a water bubble, "Overflow!" She threw the bubble down and it exploded, creating a tidal wave that hit the Bakugan on the ground and knocked them down.

Nimue: 650Gs
Gumigator+Limulus: 420Gs

Nimue landed on a nearby island and rushed forward, aiming to take Limulus down. But before she could.

"Ability, Activate!" A beam of light suddenly hit Nimue, the source being Gummy. "Blank Stare!" Nimue cried out as her Ability was cancelled out and her G power reduced.

Nimue: 550Gs
Gumigator+Limulus: 840Gs

She fell to her knees as the Bakugan charged forward, ready to take her down. "Hang on Nimue!" Lyra cried as the pair got closer. "No choice. Gate Card...OPEN!" The field exploded with light, which spread to Pinkie's Bakugan, "Power Dip!" The light flew off the two and into Nimue, stealing two hundred points from each of them.

Nimue: 950Gs
Gumigator+Limulus: 440Gs

Nimue felt her strength returning and pushed herself back up, then threw a punch that slammed Gumigator backwards. 'If I can take them down here, Lyra and I will win and Pinkie should be free. Come on,' she turned to Limulus and stomped her foot down on it, "fall!"

Lyra then spotted movement from Pinkie and turned to see her rushing towards the edge of her island and leap off it, flying over and landing on another. She then rushed over to a crack in the island rock and found a pair of Surprise Abilities.

"Only one Surprise Ability can be used at a time. Which one will Pinkie pick." Everyone knew that one of those was likely a bad card, so watched nervously as Pinkie closed her eyes and grabbed one of the cards.

"Surprise Ability, Activate!" She cried without even looking at the card, which glowed along with her Bakugan. "Re-Energise! Restore my Bakugan's power!" Both Gumigator and Limulus felt their power returning, whilst Lyra was shocked.

Nimue: 950Gs
Gumigator+Limulus: 840Gs

"How'd she know what that card was?" She asked, only to see Pinkie take out a pair of cards. "Oh no."

"Double Ability, Activate!" The cards glowed, along with her Bakugan. "Diagonal Correlation!" Both Bakugan felt a surge of power, Gumigator leaping forward as Limulus swung its tail around.

Nimue: 950Gs
Gumigator+Limulus: 1240Gs

The tail knocked Nimue off balance and allowed Gumigator to body check her, "AHHH!" She was thrown backwards and couldn't take any more, the Aquos Bakugan reverting to ball form as Lyra's points dropped.

Lyra: 42%
Pinkie: 100%

"With that, Pinkie of the Rainbooms takes the lead. Will Lyra be able to make up ground in the next round?"

"Nimue!" Lyra rushed towards the end of the island and grabbed Nimue out of the water, "like...are you okay?" She waited a moment until Nimue opened up.

"That wasn't fun."

"And don't expect it to get any funner," Pinkie told her as Gumigator and Limulus returned to her. "It's only fun to win, and you're not going to."

"She's definitely being controlled," Lyra stated. "Pinkie would never say that." She stood up, "come on. Fight it!"

"I'd rather fight you!" Pinkie took out a Gate Card, "now shut up and brawl. Gate Card...SET!" She threw it and the card exploded, Pinkie and Lyra rushing off to different islands until they spotted some power-ups. "BAKUGAN," they threw their partners, "BRAWL!" The Bakugan flew through the air and hit quite a few power-ups, then landed on the water. "BAKUGAN!" They popped open, "STAND!"

In a burst of water, Nimue and Gumigator appeared. They stared one another down as they felt themselves power-up.

Nimue: 600Gs
Gumigator: 690Gs

"Let's do this, Nimue!" Lyra took out a card, "Ability-"

"Gate Card!" Pinkie cried as the field lit up, "OPEN!" The light shined super bright, hurting Lyra's eyes. "Instant Detonation!" The light shot into Gumigator and the caiman unleashed a roar as the light exploded from his mouth, hitting Nimue.

"AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHH!" She screamed as she was knocked off her feet and sent flying back, reverting back to ball form.

"NIMUE!" Lyra screamed as he points went down.

Lyra: 24%
Pinkie: 100%

The crowd gasped at the quick end to the round, the announcer just as shocked. "What the heck just happened? I blinked and the brawl both started and ended?"

Pinkie giggled as Gummy returned to her. "Instant Detonation allows the Bakugan with the highest Gs to automatically win."

"That's another Gate Card I've never seen before," Derpy realised within the BakuFighters bunker.

"Looks like Rarity wasn't the only one given new tricks," Flash frowned as he watched Lyra picked Nimue up.

"And it's proof she's under some kind of spell," Rarity stated. "The real Pinkie would never end a battle so quickly. The brawl itself is her favourite thing." She sighed, looking down at her hands. "If Lyra can't find a way to win, Pinkie might never go back to normal." Cleopal tried to comfort her, whilst the others watched the brawl continue.

"That Gate Card has to have a drawback," Lyra told Pinkie. "It's way to strong."

Pinkie let out a huff. "Sadly, you're right. Using it means I have to skip my next turn, meaning you get to set the next two Gate Cards." Lyra smirked, happy there was still a chance as she took out her Gate Card.

"Then let's get this done!" She cried, "Gate Card...SET!" She threw it before the pair began to rush off, searching for some power-ups. And sure enough, they spotted a cluster a ways off and both ran to get to it first. "BAKUGAN!" They leapt into the air and threw them, "BRAWL!" Nimue and Gummy shot through the air before hitting the cluster, Nimue managing to get to it first and hit more before they both landed on the water. "BAKUGAN!" They popped open, "STAND!"

In a burst of water, Nimue and Gumigator appeared once again. "I'm not falling for your tricks this time!" Nimue cried as they both powered up.

Nimue: 550Gs
Gumigator: 490Gs

"Double Ability," Pinkie took out the cards, "Activate!" They glowed as Gumigator charged forward, his mouth filling with mist as his claws glowed. "Glacial Fang, Plus Aqua Claw!"

Nimue: 550Gs
Gumigator: 790Gs

The icicle fangs appeared as Gummy tried to bite Nimue, who avoided the attack but got hit by his claws. She grunted and staggered back, whilst Lyra took out a pair of cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" The water beneath her exploded into a fog, "Misty Barricade!" Gummy slashed at it, but couldn't get passed the water and his claws stopped glowing. "Plus, Vapour Blast!" Misty formed a ball of mist, firing it forward through the water and hitting Gummy.

Nimue: 550Gs
Gumigator: 490Gs

As Gummy staggered backwards, Nimue charged through the barrier and prepared to kick him. But before she did, "Ability, Activate!" Pinkie held up a card that glowed, Gumigator raising his arms as Nimue swung her leg around to kick him. "Power Hide!"

"Raaah!" Nimue struck his arms and when she did, she hissed as her leg scrapped against the hardened scales.

Nimue: 500Gs
Gumigator: 540Gs

Nimue leapt back, grunting at the pain and knowing she couldn't hit Gumigator with that move active.

Pinkie then took out another card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Gumigator fired a bubble into the air, "Ocean Assault!"

"Not good," Lyra gulped as the bubble popped and sent powerful drops of water that shot down towards them.

Nimue: 500Gs
Gumigator: 590Gs

Nimue began dancing around as best she could, trying to avoid the water blasts but getting hit a few times.

Lyra then took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Nimue created a water bubble, which exploded into a stream she waterbended around herself. "Raging River!" She used the water stream to absorb the falling water before throwing it towards Gumigator, hitting him head on and reversing the effect of his last Ability.

Nimue: 500Gs
Gumigator: 290Gs

The alligator cried out as he hit the ground and rolled through the water, whilst Nimue charged forward to deal what she hoped would be the finishing blow. But before she could reach him-

"Attribute Change!" Pinkie cried as Gumigator's gem glowed, making him explode with light.

"Ahh!" Nimue stopped and shielded her eyes, whilst the light from Gummy exploded off of him.

"Ventus Gumigator!" Pinkie cried as the green Bakugan leapt into the air, whilst she took out a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Nimue and Gummy glowed before the light flew into Gumigator, "Co-Side, plus Cyclone Fang!"

Nimue: 500Gs
Gumigator: 590Gs

Gummy took a deep breath before opening his mouth, as a burst of wind shot out and struck Nimue. She cried out as the wind sliced into her, feeling like needles biting into her. Gumigator then charged forward, ready to sock him.

"Ability," Lyra held up a card, "Activate!" The Bakugan glowed before the light flew from Gumigator and into Nimue. "Co-Side!"

Nimue: 600Gs
Gumigator: 590Gs

Nimue dodged Gummy's attack before swinging her leg around and smashed it into Gummy's face, knocking him staggering backwards as Pinkie frowned. But then, she noticed another light appear in a crack in the island's ground.

As Nimue attacked again, Pinkie leapt for it and reached inside before pulling out a Surprise Card. "Swap Around!" The Bakugan glowed as Nimue kicked at Gummy, only for the alligator to grab her ankle.

"What?" Nimue asked as Lyra looked down at her BakuColar.

Nimue: 590Gs
Gumigator: 600Gs

Gumigator swung Nimue around several times before throwing her into the air, the Bakugan crying as Lyra took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" Nimue formed a ball above her, "Overflow!"

"Raaah!" She thrust the ball into the ground and it exploded, hitting Gumigator and pushing him off his feet.

Nimue: 590Gs
Gumigator: 300Gs

Nimue fell towards him and prepared to hit her with a swing kick, only for Pinkie to hold up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Gumigator exploded out of the water and glared at Nimue, his eyes glowing. "Blank Stare!" The Bakugan fired a beam of light, which struck Nimue and blast her backwards.

"Ahhh!" She cried as he fell backwards, her last Ability nullified as he power dropped.

Nimue: 490Gs
Gumigator: 600Gs

Nimue landed on the ground, whilst Gumigator prepared to charge forward. "Give it up!" Pinkie cried as Nimue picked herself up, "you can't win. Not whilst I have three Attributes on my side."

"Don't be so sure," Lyra told her. "Your Attribute Changing has one fatal flaw. You might be able to use those three attributes, but not all at once. Which means I can do this. Gate Card, OPEN!" The battlefield lit up as hundreds of bubbles appeared out of the water. "Bubble Minefield!"

Gumigator suddenly found himself surrounded by bubbles, whilst Nimue smiled and shot forward. The bubbles caused her no issue, but Gummy was stuck needing to carefully move so as to not hit any of them. But this allowed Nimue to tackle him as he was knocked off balance.

The alligator cried out as he staggered to the side, causing him to pop several bubbles and look G power. When he got his balance again, his points were very different.

Nimue: 490Gs
Gumigator: 510Gs

"Still not enough," Lyra frowned. But in that moment, she noticed a light coming from the ground and rushed over to see it was a pair of Surprise Cards. Only one could help, so Lyra had to pick one. "Here goes." She grabbed one and pulled it out, the other card vanishing. And when she did, it glowed red. "Oh no."

"AHHH!" Nimue cried as she suddenly felt herself getting shocked, the cause being an Electric Eel that appeared in the water the moment Lyra grabbed the card.

Nimue: 390Gs
Gumigator: 510Gs

"Ooh, Eelectrified! Tough luck!"

"Get her!" Pinkie cried as she took out a card, "Ability, Activate!" Gumigator swung his claws around, unleashing blades of air. "Wind Cutter!"

Nimue: 390Gs
Gumigator: 660Gs

The wind struck Nimue and knocked her backwards, everyone gasping as they feared this was the end. But Nimue managed to stay up despite looking rather beat up. And as Gumigator rushed forward to deliver the finishing blow, Nimue leapt straight into the air.

"Fusion Ability!" Lyra held up a card as it glowed, "ACTIVATE!" Another ball of water appeared in Nimue's hands, "Current of Power!" Nimue fired it like Vapour Blast, creating a high pressured burst of water that shot at Gumigator and struck him head on.

Nimue: 490Gs
Gumigator: 330Gs

Gumigator cried out in pain as it was shot back, Pinkie gasping at this and took out Limulus. But before she could throw it, Gummy hit the ground near her and caused the island to shake. This knocked Pinkie off balance long enough for Gummy to revert back to ball form, whilst her life points went down.

Lyra: 24%
Pinkie: 68%

"With that, Lyra manages to win a round for herself. However, with Pinkie's life gauge almost three times as much as her, she's a long way off before she can claim victory."

Lyra sighed as she recalled Nimue, "that was too close."

"Yes," Nimue agreed, "and we still have a long way to go." Lyra nodded as she watched Pinkie picked Gumigator up.

Pinkie did not look happy, as she stood up and glared at her. "You've done it now." She took out all her Bakugan, "I'm going to rip you apart!" As she said that, a dark aura appeared around her. The same one Flash had mentioned seeing around Rarity.

"You see that?"

"Yes," Nimue nodded, "I know what Leonidas was talking about. That aura...it's pure evil."

"That's why we have to win," Lyra stated. "No matter what, we have to free them."

"Agreed," Nimue nodded, "any ideas."

"Just one," Lyra took out a Gate Card. "Pinkie's not the only one with more then one Bakugan on hand. Gate Card," she threw it, "SET!" The card hit the water and exploded, whilst Pinkie leapt into the air.

"BAKUGAN!" She screamed at the top of her lungs, "BRAWL!" She threw all three of her Bakugan, not even trying to hit the power-ups, which landed on the water and rolled apart. "BAKUGAN...STAND!" The three popped up and exploded into tornadoes of water. "Gumigator, Limulus, Clawcer...STAND!"

The water exploded to reveal Gummy and Limulus, along with a crab Bakugan with one giant claw.

Gumigator+Limulus+Clawcer: 1040Gs

"Pinkie ain't pulling any punches with this battle. Will Lyra do the same and use all her Bakugan?"

Lyra and Nimue both stared at the Bakugan, then noticed Gumigator was glowing the same dark aura as Pinkie. "So he's part of it too." She turned to Nimue, "Gummy needs to be the one we beat. If we don't get rid of his aura, it might reinfect Pinkie once she's freed.

"Alright," Nimue told her partner before rolling up, "then let's do this, milady." Lyra nodded and caught her before rushing over to another island, then leapt onto another island after that. There, she spotted a bunch of power-ups and leapt into the air. "BAKUGAN...BRAWL!" To everyone's surprise, she only threw two Bakugan. They shot through the air, hitting the power-ups, then landed on the ground. "BAKUGAN!" They popped open, "STAND!"

In a burst of water, her Bakugan took form. But neither were Nimue. "Aquos Siege. Aquos Stug. STAND!" The water faded to reveal a blue knight and a round hermit crab Bakugan.

Siege+Stug: 690Gs
Gumigator+Limulus+Clawcer: 1040Gs

Both Bakugan stared Pinkie's down, as they began to power up.

Siege+Stug: 940Gs
Gumigator+Limulus+Clawcer: 1040Gs

"Why isn't she using Nimue?" Rarity asked in the bunker.

"Relax," Flash told her, "Lyra knows what she's doing. She had a plan."

"I just hope it works," Rarity gulped as Pinkie took out a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Gumigator fired the bubble into the air, "Ocean Assault!"

Siege+Stug: 940Gs
Gumigator+Limulus+Clawcer: 1190Gs

But before the bubble could pop and rain down pain, Lyra took out two cards of her own. "Double Ability, Activate!" Stug rolled up in its shell before leaping into the air, "Hermit Defender!" The shell glowed and created a force-field, which blocked the water and it exploded form the bubble and rained down on them. Meanwhile, Siege's lance was surrounded by water. "Plus, Aquos Javelin!"

Siege+Stug: 1040Gs
Gumigator+Limulus+Clawcer: 1040Gs

As the rain vanished, Siege shot towards Gumigator and tried to stab him. But Clawcer got between them, raising its shield-like arm to block the lance as Siege thrust it forward. They pushed against one another, until Clawcer managed to overpower Siege and push it back. Despite this, Lyra smiled.

"All evened up," She held up Nimue. "Time for the plan." She then pointed to the ground. "Gate Card...OPEN!" The floor began to glow a bright light, which spread to Lyra's Bakugan. "Avalon!"

"Avalon!" Pinkie's eyes went wide, having heard what this card could do.

She watched as the light flew off Lyra's Bakugan and flew over to Nimue, making her glow. "With this, I can tribute my other Bakugan and add their power to Nimue along with an extra hundred Gs." Siege and Stug suddenly reverted back to ball form, Lyra turning to Nimue. "Ready?"

"Most certainly." Nimue rolled herself up, Lyra then pulling her arm back.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" She threw Nimue towards the ground, the Aquos maiden hitting the water and rolling along it before popping open. "Bakugan...STAND!" It an explosion of water, Nimue appeared with a twirl as her arms were raised.

"With the power granted to me by my comrades, I will free you from your wicked curse." She landed on the water and took a battle stand, "prepare thyself!"

Nimue: 1490Gs
Gumigator+Limulus+Clawcer: 1040Gs

"I'm super prepared!" Pinkie cried as she took out her card, "Ability, Activate!" Clawcer held up its claw and fired a beam, which struck Nimue and made her hiss. "Power Merge! Steal a hundred Gs from her for every Bakugan I have."

Nimue: 1190Gs
Gumigator+Limulus+Clawcer: 1340Gs

Nimue flinched at the sudden lose of power, whilst Gumigator charged forwards. "WOW!" She cried, avoiding his attempt to slash at her.

"Ability, "Lyra held up a card, "ACTIVATE!" The card glowed, as the water around them exploded into a fog. "Misty Barricade!"

Gumigator slashed at her, but the fog around him pushed him back. "HEY!" Pinkie cried, looking down at her BakuColar.

Nimue: 1490Gs
Gumigator+Limulus+Clawcer: 1040Gs

Nimue then leapt out of the mist shield and began throwing kicks and sweeps at Gummy, making him roar in pair every time he was hit.

"Get in there!" Pinkie told her other Bakugan, who quickly charged forward and tried to save their leader Bakugan. Limulus tried to slash at Nimue with his tail, but she simply caught the horseshoe crab by the tail before swinging it around and slamming it into Clawcer.

"Get'em!" Lyra cheered, her teammates doing the same from their bunker.

Then, Pinkie took out a pair of cards. "Enough of this. Double Ability, Activate!" Gumigator's mouth filled with mist, forming the icicle teeth. "Glacial Fang, plus Hydro Pressure!" Limulus suddenly fired a blast of water from its mouth, hitting Nimue and making her cry out.

Nimue: 1290Gs
Gumigator+Limulus+Clawcer: 1240Gs

Gumigator rushed forward and bit into Nimue, making her cry out in pain whilst trying to kick the alligator off of her. "Get...off!" She kicked him as hard as she could and Gummy finally gave up, letting her go.

As he did, Lyra then took out a card and held it up. "Ability, Activate!" Nimue held her finger up and summoned a storm cloud above her. "Draining Rain!" The cloud opened up and unleashed the rain, that hit Gummy and made him cry out as his power was stolen.

It took him a few seconds, but he managed to escape the rain and leap to a safe distance.

Nimue: 1390Gs
Gumigator+Limulus+Clawcer: 1140Gs

"Lyra continued to keep a strong lead over Pinkie, despite having less Bakugan. Will Pinkie be able to overcome this?"

"You bet I can!" Pinkie cried, "Gummy...ATTRIBUTE CHANGE!" Gumigator leapt into the air as his gem began to glow, transforming him into his Subterra form. "Now," Pinkie held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Gumigator and Limulus both glowed, "Diagonal Correlation!"

Nimue: 1390Gs
Gumigator+Limulus+Clawcer: 1540Gs

Gummy then flew down and swung his tail around, slamming it into Nimue and throwing her back. As she hit the ground, Limulus and Clawcer scuttled forward and attacked with their claws and tail. But Nimue quickly backflipped and rolled onto her feet, dodging their attack before leaping into the air.

"Ability!" Lyra held up a card as Nimue formed a sphere of water, "Activate!" She then shot the sphere towards the ground, "Overflow!"

The sphere struck the ground and exploded, creating a tidalwave that struck Pinkie's Bakugan and pushed them backwards. Pinkie even had to leap off to another island to avoid the wave, as her Bakugan was pulled under the water.

Nimue: 1390Gs
Gumigator+Limulus+Clawcer: 770Gs

"That point difference is enough to end this match. Is this the end of Pinkie?

"I don't think so!" Pinkie cried as she landed on her new island. "Because I already know how to stop this Ability!" She held up her card, "Ability, Activate!" A beam of light exploded out of the water and struck Nimue. "Blank Stare!"

"Augh!" Nimue cried, cursing her luck as her power was dropped and Overflow was negated.

Nimue: 1290Gs
Gumigator+Limulus+Clawcer: 1540Gs

"Nimue!" Lyra cried as her partner splashed into the water, whilst Limulus and Clawcer began to scuttle towards her.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Pinkie held up two cards, which glowed as the Bakugan raised their claw and tail. "Aquos Arrow, Plus Super Claw!" Limulus' tail-tip was surrounded by water, which exploded off and shot towards Nimue. Meanwhile, Clawcer's pincer began to glow.

As Nimue picked herself up, the water bullet struck her in the chest. "GYAH!"

Nimue: 1190Gs
Gumigator+Limulus+Clawcer: 1540Gs

Meanwhile, Clawcer reached her and thrust its pincer out. "Ahh!" She cried, the claw gripping her around the waist and squeezing her tightly. "Lie...LYRA!"

"Hang on!" Lyra took out a card and held it up, "Ability, Activate!" Nimue created the ball of mist, "Vapour Blast!" She shot in Clawcer's face, hitting it in the eyes and making it cry out. This made it loosen its grip, allowing Nimue to slip free.

Nimue: 1190Gs
Gumigator+Limulus+Clawcer: 1340Gs

Nimue leapt to a safe distance, falling to her knees as she panted. "This...is a lot harder than it usually is with this strategy."

"Then why don't you just give up!" Pinkie cried as Gumigator charged forward and tried punching her, Nimue barely managing to avoid it.

"Never!" Lyra cried, "we won't stop until we get our friends back!"

"The friends that brawl simply for the fun of it!" Nimue cried as she reached up and grabbed Gummy's arms, the alligator tried to bite at her.

"That Pinkie's gone!" She cried as she held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Gummy's mouth was filled with stony teeth, "Tectonic Fang!"

Nimue: 1190Gs
Gumigator+Limulus+Clawcer: 1540Gs

Nimue managed to avoid the bites, but felt her strength beginning to wain and Gumigator's claws drew closer to her. "That silly little girl vanished when Master Phantom opened my eyes, showing me that trying to have fun only makes you weak." She held up another card, as Gummy pulled back. "Ability, Activate!" Gumigator swung his tail around, "Tail Swipe!"

"GYAH!" Nimue cried, as the tail slammed into her stomach and threw her backwards.

Nimue: 1040Gs
Gumigator+Limulus+Clawcer: 1540Gs

Everyone gasped as Nimue hit the water, knowing that if she lost now she would be taken. "Now, nothing will stop me from claiming victory over you!" Gumigator charged forward, whilst Clawcer and Limulus rushed ahead and tried to end Nimue at the same time. "SO GIVE UP!" Her face turned more psychotic, whilst the aura around her and Gummy grew more intense.

"Never!" Lyra cried, knowing she only had one hope. She looked around and spotted a glow coming from a crack in the rock of a nearby island. She rushed towards it, jumping from one island to another.

Pinkie also spotted it and realise what she was doing, the girl rushing towards that island as well. Both girls moved as fast as they could, whilst Pinkie's Bakugan surrounded Nimue. And as the three prepared to charge, Lyra and Pinkie landed on the island at the same time.

They then charged forward, leaping to grab the Surprise card. But one managed to get her hands on it, seconds before the other. And that one was...Lyra. "Surprise Ability...ACTIVATE!" In that moment, Pinkie's three Bakugan suddenly found the water around their lower halves freeze. "Ice Lock!"

"Wow! That prevents Pinkie's Bakugan from moving and stops her from activating Abilities."

"No fair!" Pinkie cried as she jumped back to her feet, whilst Nimue stood up.

"Oh, it's totally fair!" Lyra stood up and took out a card. "Now, to get my friend back. Fusion Ability...ACTIVATE!" Another ball of water appeared in Nimue's hands, "Current of Power!"

Pinkie watched as Nimue turned to Gummy and gasped, then looked around and eventually spotted another Surprise Card on another island. She rushed over to it, Lyra seeing this and chasing after her. If she could just keep her from getting the card.

However, Pinkie had to much of a lead and managed to reach the island and grabbed the card. "Hahaa!" She cheered as she held it up, "too-AAARRRHHH!" She cried as the card burst into electricity, which shocked her.

Lyra: 24%
Pinkie: 58%

In this moment, Nimue fired the water blast at Gumigator and hit him square in the chest.

Nimue: 1140Gs
Gumigator+Limulus+Clawcer: 770Gs

The Bakugan roared as he was thrown backwards and slammed into the water next to Pinkie's island. This caused a mighty wave that flew up and struck Pinkie, making her cry out as she was swept off the island, whilst Gumigator reverted back to ball form. "AAAAARRRRRHHHHH!" She cried as she was knocked into the water, her life points dropping.

Lyra: 24% (Winner)
Pinkie: 0%

"And with that, Lyra of Team BakuFighters has defeated Pinkie of Team Rainbooms. It was a tough match, but in the end Lyra and her Bakugan came out on top." In that moment, the megascreen's ranking changed to as the BakuFighter's name moved above the Rainbooms.

Lyra recalled Nimue and rushed over to the island Pinkie had been washed off of. "Pinkie!" She looked over the edge and spotted Pinkie, face down in the water. The dark aura was still surrounding her, but as Lyra leapt into the water it slowly began to fade away. "Pinkie!" She rolled the girl over and then dragged her over to the island, "please be alright."

"Errr..." Pinkie suddenly moaned, making Lyra sigh in relief. "What happened. My head feels fuzzy."

"You're okay," she smiled before helping her sit up. "Are you okay?"

"I think so," she nodded before looking herself over. "What am I wearing?" She then noticed the way her hair was and pinched her nose, then tried to breathe through it. Doing so caused her hair to puff up and return to normal, though the black parts were still there. "

"It sounds like she's been freed," Nimue stated as Pinkie turned to her.

"Free from what?" She asked, only to then feel something small hit the side of her hand. "Huh?" She looked down and spotted a familiar looking Bakugan rolling back and forth next to her. "Gummy?" She picked him up and the Bakugan opened and moved around, showing it was still conscious. "You're awake!"

"Pinkie," Lyra caught her attention, "what I'm about to say may seem strange but it's the truth. You-"

"Were somehow brainwashed by Phantom along with Twilight and the rest of my team and turned into an evil hit squad bent on defeating your team and taking your Bakugan, but you managed to save me and Gummy from it by beating us in a Brawl."

Lyra and Nimue's jaws dropped, the pair simply staring at her in shock. "How'd you know all that?"

Pinkie just shrugged, "just a hunch."

Lyra's brain was threatening to fry itself, the girl quickly shaking her head. "Whatever. Let's just get you back to the Bunker. Rarity's there waiting for you and I'm guessing she's worried sick."

"Okey-doky-loki." Pinkie picked herself up and started skipping in the direction of the BakuFighter's Bunker. Lyra and Nimue wondered how she knew where to go, but then shrugged and followed after her.

In the Forest Area, Fluttershy was sitting on a branch staring down at Lepusinge as he ground a burning foot into a Darkus Stinglash.

After a few more seconds, the Bakugan reverted back to ball form and flew over to Fluttershy. She laughed as she caught it, whilst her opponent complained about losing the match and his Bakugan. "Get lost, loser!" She got up and began to walk along the branch. She then looked down at her BakuColar and frowned. "I can't believe Pinkie and Rarity lost. That's it. It's time I dealt with those idiots myself. Now...who to pick?" She checked with BakuFighters were currently out and smiled, "perfect."

Back in the Canyon Field, Bonnie watched as Gaia kicked a Pyrus Griffon into the air and reverted it back to ball form.

"And with that, Bonnie claims victory over Bright Idea. That's another win for the BakuFighters." Bonnie smiled at this, as Gaia returned to her and she walked off.

"You seem happy," Gaia told her.

"I'm just glad Lyra was able to beat Pinkie," Bonnie told her. "And since Pinkie went back to normal, it means beating the Rainbooms is the way to save them from Phantom's control."

"Maybe," Gaia nodded, "but beating them is not an easy task. We'll need every trick we know in order to save them."

"You're right," Bonnie nodded. "Flash and Lyra got lucky when they beat their opponents. I just hope that luck holds out for me."

"Why don't we find out!" Bonnie gasped at the voice and turned to see someone leap down from a nearby rock-stack, landing right in front of her. She then stood up and glanced over at Bonnie, a smirk on her face. "Howdy."

"Applejack," Bonnie whispered as their BakuColars switched on and showed that their Brawl had begun.

Bonnie: 100%
Applejack: 100%

"Nice," Applejack smirked, "now we can fulfil that promise we made after our last brawl." She took out Fenroar, who growled.

"I'm looking forward to sinking my teeth into you!" The Subterra Bakugan stated before growling again, "let's fight!"

Bonnie frowned, "I made that promise with Applejack. The real Applejack. But if beating you is the only way to get her back, so be it!"

"Then what are we waitin' for?" Applejack took out a Gate Card as the TV screens in their team Bunkers showed them.

"Applejack," Rarity gasped. "She's brawling Bonnie?"

"Don't forget," Flash told her. "Everyone on your team's coming after us."

Garuda sighed. "And now Bonnie will either save Applejack, or lose Gaia to her." Everyone frowned, hoping that the later options would be the one to happen.

"Once again, the Rainbooms and BakuFighters battle for the top spot. Will Applejack be able to tie the score up, or will Bonnie make their team's lead even greater?"

"Gate Card!" Applejack tossed it towards the ground, "SET!" It hit the ground and exploded, as Bonnie and Applejack began to run through the canyon field in search of power-ups

After a minute's searching, they spotted a cluster atop a rock-stack with two larger rock-stacks near them. They both picked up as much speed as possible and leapt into the air, each landing atop one of the rock-stacks before leaping up again. "BAKUGAN!" They threw their partners, "BRAWL!" The two flew towards the rock-stack and landed on it, both rolling along and hitting several power-ups before rolling off the end and falling to the ground. "BAKUGAN!" They both popped open, "STAND!"

Twin flashes of orange light signalled the arrival of Gaia and Fenroar, the giant earth woman towering up above the wolf.

Gaia: 350Gs
Fenroar: 430Gs

"This won't go the same way it went last time," Fenroar growled as he bared his teeth and prepared his claws.

"You're right," Gaia nodded. "Last time, Bonnie wasn't used to fighting alongside me. But now, the pair of us have trained hard and are ready for whatever you might throw at us." As she said that, the two Bakugan began to glow as the power-ups kicked in.

Gaia: 600Gs
Fenroar: 580Gs

"Ability!" Applejack held up a card, "ACTIVATE!" The card glowed, along with Fenroar, "Stealth Hunter!" The wolf vanished in a flurry of speed, shooting all over the place and being almost impossible to see.

Gaia: 600Gs
Fenroar: 680Gs

Gaia's eyes darted around, trying to lock onto the wolf. As she did, Fenroar appeared right next to her. "Surprise!" He cried before leaping up and slashing at her legs above the knee.

Gaia flinched, but kept her gaze focused on Fenroar as he landed and rushed off in another flurry of speed. But this time, she managed to keep up with her. "Now!"

"Right!" Bonnie cried as she held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with Gaia's vine skirt, "Vine Trap!" The vines extended and shot into the ground, then broke out right in front of the speeding Fenroar. The wolf gasped as he ran into the vines, which wrapped around him and tied him up as he howled in frustration

Gaia: 600Gs
Fenroar: 580Gs

Fenroar struggled against the vines, as Gaia moved towards him. But before she could get close enough to deal some damage, Applejack took out a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The card glowed, as Fenroar's claws extended. "Wolf Claw Strike!"

Gaia: 600Gs
Fenroar: 730Gs

Fenroar smirked as he swung his claws around and shredded the vines to pieces, freeing him and allowing the wolf the shoot forward and leap at Gaia, "RAAAH!" He roared, slashing at the giant woman's chest and making her stagger backwards. Luckily, her armor protected her from any serious harm.

"You might be fast," she stated as she regained her footing. "But speed alone won't be enough to stop me. Bonnie!"

"Right!" Bonnie held up a card, "let's show him some real strength. Ability, Activate!" Gaia raised one of her feet, "Earth Power!" The Bakugan slammed the foot into the ground, causing it to shake and make several of the surrounding rock-stacks collapse.

Fenroar was knocked off balance, allowing Gaia to charge forward as he was unable to escape.

Gaia: 600Gs
Fenroar: 530Gs

Before Fenroar could recover, Gaia swung her leg forward and kicked him into the sky. Fenroar howled as he shot through air, slamming into the ground and skidding along it. He eventually managed to flip over and dig his claws into the ground, stopping him before he smashed into a rock-stack that was right behind him.

"You think you're so tough," Fenroar stood up. "But you're just a lumbering mass of rock and weeds. I'll keep my speed any day." As he said that, Applejack took out a card and held it up.

"Ability, Activate!" Fenroar took a deep breath, whilst Bonnie took out a card. "Howlin' Force!" Fenroar unleashed his sonic howl, which shot towards Gaia as Bonnie held the card up.

"Ability, Activate!" Gaia held up her shields, "Oak Defender!" The sonic blast struck the shields and Gaia managed to hold her ground, so didn't lose any points.

"Bonnie was smart to use her shield Ability to negate Applejack's only long range attack. How will Applejack respond?"

"Gate Card," Applejack cried as the field glowed, "OPEN!" From out of the ground, trees began to sprout up. Applejack leapt into one of the branches as it was lifted into the air. "Apple Orchard!"

In the bunker, everyone frowned. They didn't need Derpy to tell them that wasn't a Gate Card that was available to the public.

"Apples," Fenroar licked his lips, "my favourite!" He slammed a fist into the trunk of the closest tree, causing it to shake and drop several apples. He swallowed the whole and groaned in satisfaction. "Delicious."

Gaia: 600Gs
Fenroar: 730Gs

Bonnie frowned, but then held up another card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with Gaia, "Ultra Growth!"

Gaia: 800Gs
Fenroar: 730Gs

Gaia charged forward, knocking down any tree that got in her way as she prepared to stomp on Fenroar. But before she could reach him, Applejack held up a pair of cards. "Double Ability...ACTIVATE!" The wolf began to shake, causing the sand on its fur to come loose before spiralling around him. "Mega Fang, plus Sand Cloak!" Fenroar then shot towards Gaia, the sand cloud trailing behind him, whilst his canines grew. "Thanks to Apple Orchard, any G power he gets in doubled."

Gaia: 700Gs
Fenroar: 930Gs

Fenroar began to circle around Gaia and created a tornado that surrounded her, causing the Subterra Bakugan to cry out as sand got in her eyes. And before Bonnie could activate an Ability, Fenroar leapt up and swung his claws downwards. "AAAAARRRRRHHHHH!" She screamed as the claws slashed right down from her head to her waist, Gaia unable to hold on and reverting back to ball form.

"GAIA!" Bonnie cried as her Bakugan was thrown at of the fading sandstorm, her life points dropping as a result.

Bonnie: 74%
Applejack: 100%

"With that, Applejack takes the lead. That Gate Card certainly helped out. Will Bonnie be able to make a comeback."

Bonnie picked Gaia up, "you okay?" The Bakugan opened up and moved around, sand flying out from between her joints and making her cough.

"I've been better, but I'll survive." Bonnie frowned as she turned towards Applejack, knowing she needed to find a way to beat her and fast.

"What's this?" She then heard the announcer cry, "seems there's yet another brawl about to start between two members of this team." This shocked her, Bonnie and Gaia wondering who was about to brawl.

Rewind thirty seconds.

Pinkie and Lyra had made it into the forest area and were close to getting back to the bunker, having been able to get there without running into anyone. It might have been because over half the teams had been eliminated, but the battlefields were getting less and less populated.

"We're almost there," Lyra told Pinkie. "Once we're there, Rarity will likely want to talk to you." Pinkie smiled at this, glad to see one of her friends and finding out she was okay.

But then, out of nowhere, Lyra's BakuColar beeped.

"Not now," she stated. But before she could look at who she was facing, something shot down from the trees. A Gate Card, which pierced the ground before exploding into a red light. "Huh?" Lyra looked up and gasped when she saw who it was.

"I knew hanging out near your bunker would allow me to brawl against you," Fluttershy smiled as she sat on a tree branch and flicked her Bakugan up and down. "Now, it's time to finally take one of you losers down."

Lyra frowned and looked down at her BakuColar, seeing that they were in fact brawling.

Lyra: 100%
Fluttershy: 100%

Lyra looked back up whilst Pinkie appeared worried, Nimue leaping onto her shoulder. No matter what, they had to win. "We freed Pinkie. Now it's time to free Fluttershy." But despite looking confident, she was worried. She had barely beaten Pinkie and a small part of that was down to luck. Would that luck hold out?

Only time would tell.

Author's Note

Alright. Another Rainboom is free and if all goes well, another two will also be saved. But will things go well? Find out next week.

Dual Brawl

The Bakugan Battle Tournament was growing more and more intense, with over half the teams having now been eliminated.

At the top of the leaderboard was the team known as the BakuFighters, as their members had eliminated two members of the previous top scorers: The Rainbooms.

One of the Rainbooms had finally been set free, allowing her to go wild and make up for the time she spent cooped up. "Ability," Rainbow held up a card as she watched Soartoise shoot through the air of the city field, "Activate!" Soartoise remained in place as the Serpenoid, Terrorclaw and Saurus looked up at him. "Shell Tornado!"

Soartoise unleashed the hurricane, which struck the three and sent them flying back until they struck sides of the buildings. Each one then reverted back to ball form before flying over to Rainbow, who caught them and Soartoise with a smirk on her lips as her opponents lost their life points.

"Later, losers!" With that, she turned to leave and began throwing her newest Bakugan up and catching them. "That was too easy. The next opponent better be a challenge." But whilst she had won her match, her teammate's was still in full swing and another was about to begin.

In the forest area, Lyra and Pinkie were staring up at Fluttershy as she had just set a Gate Card whilst sitting on a branch. "Hello Pinkie," she told her teammate. "You disappoint me. To think you'd lose to such a weakling."

"Weakling?" Pinkie asked, "you'd never say anything like that to anyone."

"She's not the Fluttershy you know," Lyra told her. "She's like you were. Under Phantom's control." Pinkie frowned at this, whilst Lyra noticed Phantom was nowhere to be seen. A small part of her wondered why he hadn't shown up, since this felt like the perfect place for him to battle in.

"What do we do?" Pinkie asked, Nimue leaping onto Lyra's shoulder.

"You should head to our bunker. It isn't to far from here." Lyra nodded in agreement, though Pinkie didn't seem to like that.

"But Fluttershy-"

"She won't see you as her friend. Since you lost, she'll likely want to punish you. The only way to turn her back to normal is to beat her." Lyra turned to her, "leave that to me."

Pinkie waited for a moment, then nodded. "Alright." She took a few steps back, "be careful." Lyra nodded back before Pinkie turned to run off, allowing her turn focus back on her opponent.

"You finished?" Fluttershy asked as Lepusinge jumped onto her shoulder.

"Because we're itching to knock you losers down and show you where you belong."

"I don't think so," Nimue stated. "We're the ones who'll show you where you belong."

"With us," Lyra finished. "Your friends."

"I don't think so," Fluttershy stood up and grabbed Lepusinge. "There's only one way this brawl's gonna end. With you losers beaten and crying in defeat. Bakugan!" Fluttershy threw her partner towards the ground, "BRAWL!" Lepusinge shot through the air, hitting a pair of power-ups along the way, then landed on the ground and popped open. "Bakugan, STAND!" It a burst of fire, the red, white and yellow rabbit Bakugan appeared.

Lepusinge: 440Gs

"OH...YEAH!" The rabbit smirked, "let's get this going!" In that moment, he started glowing as the power-ups kicked in.

Lepusinge: 540Gs

Lyra watched as Lepusinge jumped from side to side, getting into a boxer pose. "Nimue," she told her Bakugan, "you ready?"

"I am," Nimue nodded before closing up. "Let's do this." Lyra caught her and jump up into the trees, spotting a bunch of power-ups and running along the branch before leaping into the air.

"Bakugan," she threw Nimue, "BRAWL!" The Aquos Bakugan flew through the air and struck three of the coins before landing on the ground, "Bakugan...STAND!" Nimue popped open and appeared in a spiral of water, the power-ups boosting her Gs to nearly match Lepusinge.

Nimue: 500Gs
Lepusinge: 540Gs

"The brawl between Fluttershy and Lyra is on! Will this brawl go the way Lyra's last one went, or can Fluttershy claw back a little respect for her team?

"Gate Card!" Fluttershy pointed to the ground, "OPEN!" The ground lit up before fire exploded in lines along the ground, "Pyrus Reactor!"

Nimue: 500Gs
Lepusinge: 740Gs

"NICE!" Lepusinge cheered as he powered up, then started running forwards. "Let's do this!" He started throwing punch after punch at Nimue, who did her best to avoid both them and the fire.

"Double Ability!" Lyra held up two cards, "Activate!" The cards glowed as Nimue leapt back. "Vapour Blast, plus Draining Rain!" Nimue fired the blast of steam into Lepusinge's face, making him cry out and stagger back. As that happened, a dark cloud appeared above Nimue and she quickly used her hydrokenisis to push it towards the rabbit.

"Ahh!" He cried, hating the rain that was currently splashing down on top of him. He quickly jumped out of it, but the power had already been taken.

Nimue: 600Gs
Lepusinge: 440Gs

As he staggered back, Nimue leapt at him and threw her let around to kick him in the cheek. "Gyah!" Fluttershy glared at this before holding up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge regained his footing and jumped forward, his foot exploding as he swung it around. "Blaze Kick!"

Nimue: 600Gs
Lepusinge: 640Gs

"Raaah!" Lepusinge smashed Nimue in the face, making the maiden cry out as she was burned. "Hot enough for yah?"

Nimue staggered back and glared at him, whilst Lyra took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" A water sphere appeared around Nimue, "Raging River!" She sphere then exploded into a stream of water, which Nimue sent flying towards Lepusinge.

"You need to cool off!" She cried as the water struck the rabbit, washing him backwards.

"AUGH!"

Nimue: 600Gs
Lepusinge: 240Gs

Fluttershy was forced to leap into the air, so as to not get washed away, landing on a branch as Lepusinge hit the ground. When she did, she noticed something on the end of the branch.

The water faded whilst Nimue rushed towards him, "I'm taking you down!" But before she could reach him, Fluttershy held up two cards.

"Double Ability...ACTIVATE!" As Nimue attempted to stomp on Lepusinge, he rolled away and jumped to his feet. "Power Dash, plus Flare Jump!" He began to rush around at incredible speed, then leapt straight up into the air.

Nimue: 600Gs
Lepusinge: 490Gs

"That's not enough!" Nimue stated as she crossed her arms, Lepusinge flying downwards and slamming his foot into her but the crossed arms allowed her to push him away. "Lyra!" Her partner nodded and took out a card. But before she could activate it, Fluttershy had run to the end of the branch and grabbed the Surprise Ability there.

"Got it!" She cried, jumping off the end of the branch as the card glowed. In that moment, vines shot out of the tree and wrapped around Nimue's arms and legs.

"What?" She asked, trying to pull herself free but couldn't. Lyra also tried to activate her Ability, but the card remained unresponsive. "What is this?"

"Vine Prison," Fluttershy smirked as she stood tall. "This Surprise Ability prevents you from activate Abilities and traps your Bakugan in place. To bad."

"Not good," Lyra gulped whilst Fluttershy took out a card.

"Now, Fusion Ability...ACTIVATE!" The card glowed along with Lepusinge's body, a fiery aura appearing around him. "Blazing Hi-Jump Kick!"

"THAT'S THE STUFF!" Lepusinge cried as he took three leaps back before running forward, his feet beginning to steam. He then leapt straight into the air, doing several flips before his feet exploded and propelled him downwards. "TAKE THIS!" He roared before spinning around and thrusting his blazing foot into Nimue.

Nimue: 600Gs
Lepusinge: 840Gs

"AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHH!" She screamed as he entire body ignited, burning the vines and throwing her backwards.

"NIMUE!" Lyra cried as she watched her partner revert back to ball form and fall to the ground, her life points dropping.

Lyra: 52%
Fluttershy: 100%

"Fluttershy takes round one of this match. Talk about a lucky Surprise Ability."

Lyra rushed over to Nimue and picked her up, "you alright?" Nimue opened up and moaned.

"That hurt," she stated as Lepusinge returned to Fluttershy. She caught him and smirked before flipping her pair around. "She's just as strong as Pinkie."

"But a lot more brutal," Lyra stated as she stood up. "This is gonna be tricky."

Back at the bunker, Rarity and the BakuFighters frowned as they watched that happen to Lyra.

In that moment, the door opened and Pinkie rushed in. "Guys!" She cried, looking around and seeing them. "How's Lyra?"

"Not good," Rarity stated before rushing over to her. "I'm just glad you're alright," she hugged her and Pinkie hugged back. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Pinkie pulled away before turning to the TV. "But seeing Fluttershy like that..." The others frowned, knowing how she must feel. Then, Flash hit a button of the remote.

"You might not like this either," Pinkie saw the screen split in two and see who was on the other side.

"Applejack?"

Back in the Canyon field, Applejack and Bonnie were looking at their BakuColars and seeing the results of Lyra and Fluttershy's Brawl.

Applejack chuckled before looking up at Bonnie. "As fun as it is ta see Shy whoop ya'h friend's butt, we should get back ta our match."

"Yeah!" Fenroar growled, "let's get brawling again. I'm itching to sink my teeth into you again."

"They're right," Gaia stated. "We need to beat them and free them from Phantom's power." Bonnie nodded and took out her Gate Card, turning back towards the pair.

"Alright then! Gate Card...SET!" She threw it and leapt into the air, Applejack doing the same and the two landed on a large rock each before looking around and spotting a bunch of power-ups. The two of them rushed forward, jumping from one rock to another before leaping into the air.

"BAKUGAN!" They threw their partners towards the cluster, "BRAWL!" Gaia and Fenroar shot through the air and hit the cluster, both collecting around the same amount as one another before hitting the ground and rolling forward. "BAKUGAN!" They popped open, "STAND!"

In a burst of orange light, the two Subterra Bakugan appeared and stared one another down. Gaia took a defensive stance, whilst Fenroar bared his teeth and prepared his claws. Their power-ups kicked in, causing them to glow.

Gaia: 600Gs
Fenroar: 630Gs

"Ability," Applejack held up a card, "Activate!" Fenroar took a deep breath, "Howlin' Force!" He let out his hyper-sonic roar, which shot across the battlefield as Bonnie took out a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Gaia raised her shield and blocked the sonic howl. "Oak Defender!" She flinched, but managed to hold back the pressure placed on her and push forward. Her steps rattled the ground, whilst Bonnie held up another card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed, whilst Gaia pulled her foot back. "Wood Slammer!"

Gaia: 700Gs
Fenroar: 630Gs

Fenroar crossed his arms as the wooden leg swung towards him and smashed him backwards, the wolf let out a yip as he was thrown backwards. He fell backwards, but rolled back to his feet as Applejack held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Gaia tried to kick Fenroar again, but the wolf glowed before disappearing in a flurry of speed. "Stealth Hunter!"

Gaia: 700Gs
Fenroar: 730Gs

Gaia looked around, watching as the wolf Bakugan moved around at incredible speed. Applejack then held up another card. "Ability, Activate!" Fenroar came to a stop in front of Gaia, "Wolf Claw Strike!"

Gaia: 700Gs
Fenroar: 880Gs

Fenroar's claws extended before he shot forward, shooting passed Gaia and slashing at her waist. "AUGH!" She cried, clutching her side. She glanced back and saw Fenroar shoot off with incredible speed. But before he could get away, Bonnie held up two cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Gaia's skirt vines extended and shot into the ground, then broke out of the ground around Fenroar and wrapping around him. "Vine Trap, plus Earth Power!" With Fenroar trapped, Gaia raised her foot and slammed it into the ground.

Fenroar cried out as the ground shook, making him dizzy and causing his power to drop.

Gaia: 700Gs
Fenroar: 580Gs

Gaia rushed forward, ready to slam her boot down on Fenroar. But before she could, Applejack held up a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Fenroar's teeth extended, as her shook and caused sand to shoot off of him and into the air. "Mega Fang, plus Sand Cloak!"

The sand flew into Gaia's eyes, making her cry out as her power lowered. Meanwhile, Fenroar began biting at the vines and freeing himself.

Gaia: 600Gs
Fenroar: 680Gs

Bonnie reached for her Ability, but feared it might not be enough. But then, she noticed a flash coming from a crack in the ground and leapt down off the rock. Landing besides the crack, she spotted the Surprise Ability and reached inside to grab it.

But no sooner had she, the card glowed red and exploded. In that moment, a crack opened up under Gaia's foot and she tripped. "Ahhh!"

Gaia: 500Gs
Fenroar: 680G

"Ouch!" The announcer stated, "unlucky choice of Surprise Abilities!"

Fenroar smirked at this, as Applejack took out a card. "Fusion Ability, Active!" Sand shot off Fenroar and spiralled around him, the wolf taking a deep breath. "Desert Howlin!" He roared, the force causing the sand around him to shot towards Gaia at incredible force.

Gaia: 500Gs
Fenroar: 1030Gs

Gaia raised her shield and tried to block the sand, but the force was just to much. "Augh!" She cried, feeling like she would be beaten any second. But before she was.

"Gate Card!" Bonnie cried, "OPEN!" The ground lit up and several trees made entirely out of energy appeared around Gaia, blocking the sand. "Grand Forest!"

"Grand what?" Applejack asked as the trees exploded, the light flying into Gaia.

"Grand Forest. A Gate Card that only works for Gaia. If her G power if five hundred or less, this card doubles it."

Gaia: 1000Gs
Fenroar: 1030Gs

"Not bad," Applejack smirked. "But you're still not gonna beat-" She stopped when Bonnie held up a card, "ah crab-apples."

"Ability, Activate!" The card glowed, whilst Gaia glowed green. "Ultra Growth!"

Gaia: 1200Gs
Fenroar: 1030Gs

Gaia smirked before charging forward, Fenroar's eyes going wide as Gaia swung her leg around to smash it into the wolf. Fenroar howled in pain as he was thrown backwards, reverting back to ball form. Applejack frowned as her life points dropped, Fenroar landing on the ground in front of her.

Bonnie: 74%
Applejack: 66%

"With that, Bonnie takes the lead over Applejack." Gaia returned to Bonnie, who was keeping an eye on Applejack as he picked Fenroar up. "Things were looking worrisome for a moment, but a surprise Gate Card let her even the score."

Bonnie and Gaia stared at Applejack, as she glared up at them. "Ya'h think ya'h so good, huh?" She flicked Fenroar up and caught it, "but this match is far from over."

"I know," Bonnie told her. "That's why we're gonna keep pushing forward until we win and get our friends back." Applejack and Fenroar before glared at the pair, clearly not liking that. And as they did, the strange dark aura appeared around the pair.

"There it is," Gaia whispered. "The dark energy controlling them."

"And we have to beat them if we wanna get rid of it," Bonnie stated. But with Applejack taking out a Gate Card, she knew that would likely be difficult.

Back in the forest field, Lyra and Nimue were still recovering from the last round.

"Gonna give up?" Fluttershy asked you, "I wouldn't blame you. It's clear you're no match for us." Lepusinge jumped onto her shoulder.

"I hope you don't though. It's to much fun smacking you around."

"You won't be smacking me around any more," Nimue stated before turning to Lyra. "Let's show them why every video game has water as fire's main weakness." Lyra nodded and pulled out a Gate Card before running over to a tree and using it to springboard up onto another tree's branch.

"Gate Card...SET!" The card flew to the ground and exploded, as Lyra rushed along the branch and spotted a cluster of power-ups. Fluttershy leapt up onto a branch as well and began to run along it, spotting her own cluster of power-ups.

"BAKUGAN!" They threw their partners towards the two clusters, "BRAWL!" They hit a good deal of them before landing on the forest floor, then rolled along it before popping open. "BAKUGAN...STAND!" In swirling vortexes of fire and water, the pair appeared and the power-ups kicked in.

Nimue: 700Gs
Lepusinge 640Gs

"Ability," Fluttershy held up a card, "Activate!" Lepusinge leapt up into the air, his foot exploding and propelling him downwards. "Blaze Kick!"

As Lepusinge flew towards Nimue, Lyra held up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Water was pulled from out of the surrounding flora and formed a barrier around Nimue, which Lepusinge struck and bounced off as his flaming foot extinguished. "Misty Barricade, plus Vapour Blast!"

"Take this!" Nimue cried as she thrust a ball of water towards Lepusinge, the ball exploding into a stream that struck him and pushed the bunny backwards.

Nimue: 700Gs
Lepusinge 440Gs

Lepusinge managed to land on his back and used his large feet to push himself backwards, rolling upright as Fluttershy held up a pair of cards. "My turn. Double Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge shot forward at incredible speed, "Power Dash!" He turned into a blur, appearing and disappearing every second.

Nimue: 700Gs
Lepusinge 540Gs

"Plus Flaming Slap!" Lepusinge then appeared the second the Misty Barricade vanished, then started spinning around and swinging his ears around. Again and again, they slammed into Nimue and burned her whilst stealing away her power with every hit.

Nimue: 550Gs
Lepusinge 540Gs

She finally managed to leap back out of Lepusinge's range, but as she did Fluttershy noticed something hanging from a nearby branch like a leaf. A Surprise Card. So, deciding to go for broke, she leapt up and plucked it off the branch. As soon as she grabbed it, the card glowed before exploding out of her hands and shot towards Lepusinge.

"Fluttershy just got Super Fruit. A very useful Surprise Card." Said card reached the rabbit and morphed into a delicious looking fruit, Lepusinge grabbing it and quickly chowing down.

"Ummm," he groaned in delight, "delicious." As he said that, he began to glow.

Nimue: 550Gs
Lepusinge 690Gs

"Great," Nimue sighed, as Lyra held up her card.

"Ability, Activate!" Nimue formed a ball of water before leaping into the air, "OVERFLOW!" She thrust the ball towards the ground and it exploded upon contact, flying towards Lepusinge.

But before it could reach him, Fluttershy leapt up onto a tree and held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge leapt straight up, bouncing over the oncoming tidalwave. "Bounce Deflection!"

Nimue: 550Gs
Lepusinge 790Gs

As Lepusinge flew above the water, Nimue landing in it, Fluttershy held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge flew towards the ground, his feet beginning to steam again. "Flare Jump!" As the water faded, Lepusinge landed and then shot forward with an explosion of fire shooting out of his feet.

"You're going down!" He cried to Nimue, but she wasn't scared.

Nimue: 550Gs
Lepusinge 940Gs

"Ability," Lyra held up a card, "Activate!" Nimue formed another orb and water-bent it around her, "Raging River!" She blasted the water towards Lepusinge and it struck him, the rabbit crying out as he was knocked back and the flames from his feet extinguished.

Nimue: 550Gs
Lepusinge 640Gs

Lepusinge cried out as he hit the ground, with Nimue turning to Lyra and nodding. "Alright," she pointed to the ground, "Gate Card open!" With that, the field began to glow before geysers exploded out of the ground. "Great Lake!" The water spread across the battlefield, hitting Lepusinge and knocking him off his feet again.

"What?" Fluttershy asked as she leapt onto another tree branch, the water submerging several of the lower branches. "What is this?"

"Great Lake!" Lyra stated from another branch. "This card turns the battlefield into a lake and saps away a hundred points from any non-Aquos Bakugan, giving them to the strongest Aquos Bakugan on the field." Fluttershy watched as light flew out of Lepusinge and shot through the water, flying into Nimue. It was then Fluttershy noticed the Aquos Bakugan was actually standing on the water.

Nimue: 650Gs
Lepusinge 540Gs

"Are you kidding me?" She asked, only for Lyra to hold up another card.

"Let's do this. Fusion Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Nimue formed a ball of water. Fluttershy panicked, but watched as Lepusinge tried to jump up out of the water. Unfortunately, the knee-high water made it impossible. She couldn't use her Fusion Ability. "Current of Power!" Nimue fired the high-pressure blast of water, which shot across the lake and struck Lepusinge.

"GYAH!" He gargled as he was blasted back, slamming into the water as their points changed.

Nimue: 750Gs
Lepusinge 270Gs

Fluttershy looked around and spotted a Surprise Card on the branch of a tree, though her Bakugan and a large lake stood between them. But she wasn't worried. "Lepusinge!" She leapt off the branch and down towards her Bakugan, who saw her fall and quickly raised one of his feet.

She landed on his toe and he kicked her upwards, allowing to sail towards the tree and grabbed the Surprise Card. And as luck would have it...it was just a basic power-up card.

Nimue: 750Gs
Lepusinge 370Gs

Before Fluttershy could try and find another Surprise Card, Nimue temps levé forward and landed in front of Lepusinge as he picked himself up. She then twirled around and slammed the back of her leg into Lepusinge, making him cry out as he was thrown into the tree Fluttershy was one.

"WOW!" She cried as the tree rattled, knocking her off and into the water. In the same moment, Lepusinge reverted to ball form and Fluttershy's life gauge went down.

Lyra: 52%
Fluttershy: 24%

"Lyra of the BakuFighters showing she isn't washed up yet," the announcer stated as Nimue returned to Lyra and the water began to dry up. "How will Fluttershy take this development?" In that moment, Fluttershy appeared from under the water. She was soaked and her hair was plastered to her face, whilst Lepusinge rolled over to her.

Lyra leapt down from the tree, as Fluttershy grabbed her partner, stood up and pulled her hair away from her face to reveal a pair of burning hatred filled eyes. "You...will...pay for that!" She seethed as a dark aura appeared around her and Lepusinge, Lyra and Nimue frowning as they felt the same darkness they felt from Pinkie.

"She's not gonna hold back this time," Nimue stated.

"That's fine," Lyra nodded. "Neither will we." As she said that, she hoped Bonnie was having any luck against Applejack.

"Gate Card...SET!" Applejack threw said card towards the ground, exploding as she held Fenroar up. "This is it!" Applejack cried as she picked Fenroar up. "A'm beatin' ya'h and takin ya'h Bakugan."

"Not gonna happen!" Bonnie stated before the pair looked around, spotting a cluster of power-up a ways away. "Let's go, Gaia!"

"I'm with you!" Gaia stated before the pair ran towards the cluster, Applejack and Fenroar following after them. Applejack was fitter and faster, allowing her to catch up and then overtake Bonnie. Once she was a good distance away and close to the cluster, she leapt up and landed on one of the rocks. Her angle gave her a great show, whilst Bonnie wouldn't be able to fire at the same angle in time.

"Bakugan!" Applejack pulled back and Bonnie panicked, then had an idea and pulled her arm back.

"Bakugan!" She cried before throwing her partner forward, "BRAWL!" She threw Gaia, her aim appearing off as Gaia flew towards one of the rocks.

"BRAWL!" Applejack threw Fenroar towards cluster, only to then hear a clunking sound. She looked down and saw Gaia had bounced off on of the rocks and was now shooting upwards. She then realised she was set to collide with Fenroar, the two Subterra Bakugan hitting one another seconds before reaching the cluster.

Due to the impact, the two were thrown away from one another. Because of this, Fenroar only hit two power-ups whilst Gaia managed to hit six. The pair then hit the ground and opened up, both Bakugan popping open. "BAKUGAN, STAND!"

In twin flashes of orange, the two Bakugan appeared with Fenroar growling at Gaia. "You'll pay for that!" Gaia just smirked as the power-ups kicked in.

Gaia: 650Gs
Fenroar: 530Gs

Applejack held up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Fenroar shook his body and created a cloud of sand around him, then shot forward at incredible speed. "Sand Cloak, plus Stealth Hunter!"

Fenroar spun around Gaia and blinded her, making the Bakugan cry out as she tried to cover her eyes.

Gaia: 550Gs
Fenroar: 630Gs

"My turn!" Bonnie held up her own two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" The cards glowed as Gaia raised her foot. "Earth Power, plus Wood Slammer!"

"Raaah!" Gaia cried as she slammed her foot into the ground, creating a shockwave that knocked Fenroar off balance and made him trip up. He let out a yelp as he began rolling along the battlefield, causing the sand to fade away and allowing Gaia to see where he was before charging.

Gaia: 650Gs
Fenroar: 430Gs

Fenroar picked himself up and looked around, just in time to see Gaia throw a kick in his direction. He gasped and reached out, grabbing onto the foot and flinching as she tried to send him flying. But he managed to hold on, Gaia lifting her foot off. "Get off!"

"No way!" He cried before pulling himself up onto her foot, "Applejack!"

"Ability," Applejack held up a card, "Activate!" Before Gaia could react, Fenroar took a deep breath. "Howlin' Force!" Fenroar unleashed his sonic roar, hitting Gaia in the chest and letting it push him away from her before she could react.

Gaia: 450Gs
Fenroar: 430Gs

Gaia staggered back, Bonnie taking out a card as Fenroar landed on the ground. But before she could activate it, Applejack held up another card. "Now, Ability, Activate!" Fenroar's claws glowed and extended. "Wolf Claw Strike!"

"Raaah!" He roared before charging forward, leaping into the air and preparing to slash at Gaia.

Gaia: 450Gs
Fenroar: 580Gs

But before he could reach her, Bonnie held up her card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Gaia raised her shields, "Oak Defender!"

Fenroar swung his claws at her, but the shields blocked his attack and made the extended nails shatter upon impact. "Augh!"

Gaia: 450Gs
Fenroar: 430Gs

Gaia then swung her shields around and smashed one into Fenroar, making him howl in pain as he was sent flying and struck the ground. "Gyah!" He cried, rolling along it and heading towards Applejack.

She gasped and leapt to the side, barely avoiding her Bakugan as he rolled passed her. "WOW!" She cried as Fenroar rolled to a stop, whilst Gaia smirked and Bonnie began to walk towards her.

"Come on Applejack," she told her. "You're stronger than whatever spell Phantom has on you. Fight it!"

Applejack growled, the dark aura appearing around her again. "Can it!" She cried as Fenroar picked himself up, "ya'h not winnin' this fight!" She pointed to the ground, "even if a'h have ta risk everythin'! Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground glowed orange before the light turned dark. "Feral Rage!"

Bonnie watched as the light flew into Fenroar and mixed with his dark aura. "What's this?" Gaia asked as Fenroar turned to her, the Bakugan seeing his eyes were lacking all conscious light and his mouth was beginning to drool. "Fenroar?"

Bonnie looked down at her BakuColar and gasped.

Gaia: 450Gs
Fenroar: 950Gs

"What?" She asked as Fenroar shot forward and slashed at Gaia, making her cry out at the power his attack had. "Not good!" She took out a card and held it up. "Ability, Activate!" Gaia glowed green, "Ultra Growth!"

Gaia: 650Gs
Fenroar: 950Gs

"Still not enough," Bonnie whispered as the light from the field glowed against and flew into Fenroar. When it did, his score changed again.

Gaia: 650Gs
Fenroar: 1150Gs

"How?"

"Feral Rage!" Applejack smirked. "No matter what ya'h do, this Gate Card will make Fenroar five hundred points stronger than any Bakugan ya'h have!"

"Seriously?" Bonnie asked as she watched Fenroar run forward and turn into a blur, which shot passed Gaia several times and made her cry out. "Gaia!" She watched as Gaia fell to her knees, whilst Fenroar appeared and Applejack held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Fenroar's fangs extended, "Mega Fang!"

Gaia: 650Gs
Fenroar: 1250Gs

Fenroar charged at Gaia and leapt at her, the humanoid Bakugan raising her shields to try and defend herself. But Fenroar's fangs sank into one of them and began to cut right through it. "No!" Bonnie cried, but then noticed that Fenroar's face looked...strained.

He let go and leapt back, landing as Bonnie watched him carefully and noticed his body was shaking in pain. It was then she realised what was happening.

"The Gate Card," she looked down at the dark energy flowing into him. "Applejack!" She turned to her possessed friend, "you have to stop. You're hurting him!"

"Who cares!" Applejack told her. "All that matters is a'm winnin." Bonnie couldn't believe she was hearing this. Even with the mind control, she never expected Applejack to say that.

"I have to do something." Bonnie new she had to end this brawl, but how? If she lost, then Gaia would be taken by Applejack. Her only hope, though a slim one, was a Surprise Ability. "Gaia. I need you to hold on as long as you can."

"I'll try!" Gaia stated as Fenroar charged forward and prepared to slash at her, the giant leaping to her feet and trying her best to get away. "But I don't know how long I can last."

Bonnie nodded and started running through the canyon, Applejack chasing after her as their Bakugan continued to fight it out. But it was clear that the only thing keeping Gaia from being all out destroyed, was Fenroar stopping after each attack due to the pain he felt.

"Please hurry," Gaia whispered as she staggered back.

Bonnie continued to run through the canyon, eventually coming to a large crack that was several meters deep. And there, floating above a ledge ten meters down, was a Surprise Card. "My only hope," she stated before she took a deep breath and leapt into the fissure.

Applejack reached the edge seconds later and stared down into it, seeing Bonnie had grabbed a branch sticking out of the side. She then spotted the Surprise Card and smirked before taking several steps back...then rushed forward and leapt off the edge.

Bonnie saw her fly overhead and hit the wall opposite her, grabbing onto it and now being right above the Surprise Card.

"Both girls are risking everything to grab the Surprise Card. But will it be worth it?"

Applejack began to let go of the rock, causing her to slid down the wall. At that rate, she would reach the card before Bonnie. "Not happening!" She cried, trying to find a way to get there. As she did, Gaia was tackled by Fenroar and staggered over to the fissure. "That's it," she whispered before taking out a card. "Ability, Activate!" Gaia's skirt glowed before the vines extended and most of the slammed into the ground. "Vine Trap!"

The vines shot out of the ground and wrapped around Fenroar, but he quickly began to bite through them.

Gaia: 650Gs
Fenroar: 1150Gs

However, one of the vines flew down into the canyon and next to Bonnie. She quickly leapt off of the branch and grabbed the vine, abseiling down the wall and swinging around to get to the card. Applejack saw this and picked up the speed, quickly getting close to the card.

But as she reached out for it, Bonnie flew passed and snagged the card. "Got it!" She cried, the card activating as Gaia retracted the vine. Applejack leapt off the wall and grabbed the vine, being pulled up as the card's effect took hold. "Groundwork!"

"WOW!" The announcer cried, "talk about luck. That card has the power to cancel out the current Gate Card and allow the user to plant any Gate Card they want."

"What the hey?" Applejack asked as they were pulled out of the canyon and she saw the light of her Gate Card fade away, allowing Fenroar to return to normal.

"Ahh," he groaned whilst falling to his knees. "What happened?"

Gaia: 650Gs
Fenroar: 430Gs

Bonnie smiled up at Gaia, happy she was able to hold on. "Now," she took out a Gate Card, "let's end this. Gate Card...SET!" She threw it and it hit the ground, exploding into light as she then spoke up. "Now, Gate Card...OPEN!" The light flew into Gaia, powering her up. "Miracle Growth! Add two hundred Gs to the strongest Bakugan on the field!"

Gaia: 850Gs
Fenroar: 430Gs

"NO!" Applejack cried before holding up a card. "Fusion Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Fenroar shook, creating the sand cloud around him. "Desert Howlin!" Fenroar roared, unleashing the sonic blast that sent the sand shooting towards Gaia.

But the Subterra Bakugan simply raised her shields and blocked the Fusion Ability, not harmed by it at all.

Gaia: 850Gs
Fenroar: 730Gs

"Not enough!" Applejack cried, looking around for a Surprise Card. But none were in sight.

"Let's end this!" Bonnie cried before holding up a card. Fusion Ability...ACTIVATE!" The card glowed along with the ground, which began to form trees made of green energy. "Spirit of the Forest!"

Gaia swung her arm around. "I call upon the power of nature. Let its vast energy surge through me!" The trees exploded and the energy shot into her.

Gaia: 1200Gs
Fenroar: 730Gs

Fenroar's ears flopped down as he saw this, Gaia clutching her fist and pulling it back. "Now, with this power, I will free you from the one that imprisons your true self!" Fenroar let out a growl and charged forward, Applejack rushing up behind him.

"NO!" She yelled, but it was too late. Gaia threw her fist forward and smashed it into Fenroar, unleashing all the energy into a powerful blast that sent a shockwave flying out in all directions. The shockwave sent Fenroar flying and knocked Applejack backwards, both of them crying out as the dark aura surrounding them was thrown off seconds before Fenroar reverted back to ball form.

Bonnie: 74% (Winner)
Applejack: 0%

"The brawl is over!" The announcer cried as Gaia returned to Bonnie. "And once again, the BakuFighters stand victorious over the Rainbooms!""

"Applejack!" She rushed over to the girl and knelt down besides her, "are you okay? Say something!" She waited with baited breath, until Applejack let out a moan and opened her eyes. "You're okay!"

"Bonnie?" She clutched her head and sat up, "what happened?" She then noticed what she was wearing, "and what da'h Sam-hill am a'h wearin?"

"It's...a long story," Bonnie stated.

"A very long story," Gaia agreed before jumping down next to Fenroar. "How are you feeling?" As she asked that, Fenroar popped open and let out a whine.

"I'm...okay I think." Applejack's eyes went wide hearing this, the girl picking Fenroar up.

"You can talk?"

"Apparently," Fenroar nodded. "I'm...not sure how though."

"We'll explain everything we know to you on the way to our bunker," Bonnie helped her up. "And hopefully, when we get there Lyra will have beaten Fluttershy." Now Applejack was really confused, but followed her as Bonnie lead them back towards the forest area.

"With this, the Rainbooms drop down another space. They're down to the bare minimum, whilst the BakuFighter's roaster remains untouched. Will this continue, or can Fluttershy make it fourth time's the charm?

"Gate Card...SET!" Fluttershy threw the card towards the ground, the card exploding in a burst of red energy as Fluttershy leapt up and landed on a tree branch. "It's time you learned your lesson. NO ONE MAKES ME LOOK LIKE A FOOL!" She threw Lepusinge towards a nearby cluster of power-ups. "BAKUGAN...BRAWL!"

Lyra saw him fly through the air, the girl jumping up onto another tree as he struck several power-ups. "There!" She spotted another cluster and leapt towards it, as Lepusinge hit the ground.

"BAKUGAN...STAND!" In a blast of fire, Lepusinge appeared again. The power-ups kicking in as he bounced from side to side.

Lepusinge: 690Gs

"Oh yeah!" He cheered before spotting Lyra about to leap off the tree, "I don't think so!" He stomped his foot down on the ground near the base of the tree, causing it to shake and Lyra to lose balance.

"WOW!" She cried as she fell off the branch, but managed to get some kind of target as she pulled her arm back. "Bakugan," she threw Nimue, "BRAWL!" As she fell to the ground, managing to at least do a rolling land, Nimue shot towards the cluster and hit a few power-ups before landing. "Bakugan...STAND!"

Nimue exploded into a spiral of water, exploding out of the tornado and glaring at Lepusinge as she powered up.

Nimue: 500Gs
Lepusinge: 690Gs

"ABILITY," both girls cried out as they held up a card, "ACTIVATE!" Lepusinge leapt up, as Nimue formed a ball of water. "Blaze Kick/Vapour Blast!"

"Raaah!" Nimue cried as she fired the water blast at Lepusinge, who thrust his flaming foot forward and struck the water. He carved through it on his way to Nimue, the two Abilities cancelling one another out. But with his higher Gs, Lepusinge was able to push through the water and stomp down on Nimue. "Augh!" She cried as she was knocked back, hitting the ground as Lepusinge stood above her.

But before he could attack again, Lyra held up another card. "Ability, Activate!" Nimue thrust her hands upwards and formed a storm-cloud above them. "Draining Rain!"

The rain began to flow down towards them and slam into Lepusinge, making him cry out as he felt his power begin to drain away. After a few seconds, their power levels were very different.

Nimue: 650Gs
Lepusinge: 540Gs

As Nimue picked herself up, Lepusinge charged at her. Fluttershy then held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge leapt at Nimue and slammed his foot into her stomach. "Bouncer Deflector!"

"Bye bye!" He smirked before pushing off of her and fly backwards, knocking Nimue backwards as he flew out of the rain. As he did, their points changed back.

Nimue: 500Gs
Lepusinge: 790Gs

As the rain began to fade, Fluttershy held up another two more cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge shot forward, moving at incredible speeds towards Nimue. "Power Dash, plus Flare Jump!"

"HE-YEAH!" Lepusinge then leapt up, his feet exploding with fire as he shot into the air before flying down towards Nimue.

Nimue: 500Gs
Lepusinge: 1040Gs

"Double Ability!" Lyra held up her own card, "Activate!" Water was pulled from the surrounding trees and formed a shield around Nimue, "Misty Barricade!"

Lepusinge landed in the mist and hissed as he felt it begin to soak him, his Flare Jump's power being extinguished.

Nimue: 500Gs
Lepusinge: 890Gs

"Plus, Raging River!" As Lepusinge tried to get out of the mist cloud, Lyra formed a ribbon of water around herself. It grew larger and larger by the second, Nimue then thrusting the water towards him and hitting the rabbit.

"Gyah!" He cried as he was knocked backwards, his Power Dash's effects reversed.

Nimue: 500Gs
Lepusinge: 690Gs

Lepusinge gargled before managing to leap out of the path of the water, panting as he hit the ground with Nimue and the girls glaring at one another. "Not bad," he shook his ears to get the water off of them. "But I'm still ahead."

"Only because we haven't used our trump card," Nimue stated as Lyra held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Both she and Nimue leapt into the air, Lyra landing on a branch as Nimue formed another water sphere. "Overflow!"

Nimue threw the orb towards the ground, Fluttershy leaping onto a nearby branch as the sphere hit the ground and exploded.

"WOW!" Lepusinge cried out as the wave struck him and he was knocked backwards again, his power being severely diminished.

Nimue: 500Gs
Lepusinge: 345Gs

"Now's our chance!" Lyra told Nimue.

"Right!" She agreed, as she fell towards where Lepusinge had been washed to. "this should do a lot!" But before she could reach him and deal the finishing blow.

"Gate Card!" They heard Fluttershy scream, "OPEN!" The field glowed through the Overflow water and caused it to evaporate, "Magma Flow!" Lepusinge suddenly felt himself be imbued with new power, as he rolled to his feet and leapt away. Seconds later, Nimue landed on the ground and suddenly found her feet being burned.

"AUGH!" She cried, looking down and seeing the floor was literally lava.

"Haa!" Lepusinge yelled as he bounced around on the lava, not a care in the world. "Can't take the heat, stay out of the lava."

Fluttershy nodded. "Magma Flow has two effects. The first is to power up any Pyrus Bakugan on the field by a hundred Gs." Lyra looked down at her BakuColar.

Nimue: 500Gs
Lepusinge: 445Gs

In that moment, the lava suddenly solidified and transformed into super hot rock. "The other one is that it can trap any non-Pyrus Bakugan, making them unable to move or activate Abilities." Lyra's eyes went wide as she looked down at her Fusion Ability, which wouldn't activate.

"Oh no."

"Oh no indeed," Fluttershy smiled before holding up another card. "Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge rushed forward, as his ears began to smoke. "Flaming Slap!"

He reached Nimue and started spinning on the spot, his ears swinging around and around to smack Nimue again and again. Nimue cried out, but was unable to escape of fight back as the ears smashed into her and burned away her Gs.

"Stop!" She cried, whilst Lyra looked around for the only thing that could save them at this point. A Surprise Ability.

As she searched, Lepusinge finally lost momentum and leapt away from Nimue. But as he did, her points were now greatly diminished.

Nimue: 200Gs
Lepusinge: 445Gs

"Let's end this," Fluttershy smirked as she took out a card. "I'm taking your Bakugan. Fusion Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with Lepusinge's body, a fiery aura appearing around him. "Blazing Hi-Jump Kick!"

Nimue gasped as Lepusinge jumped back, his feet steaming up, then rushed forward before leaping straight up into the air.

Nimue: 200Gs
Lepusinge: 795Gs

"LYRA!" Nimue cried, pulling on her feet to try and pull them free. But the molten rock still wouldn't give. It was then that Lyra noticed a card hanging from a tree. She knew it could easily destroy her, but she didn't have any choice.

"Hang on!" Lyra cried as she leapt towards it, whilst Lepusinge flew towards Nimue with both feet ablaze. And seconds before he reached her, Lyra leapt up and snagged the card.

It activated the second she touched it and shot out of her hand, flying towards Nimue. As it reached her, it morphed into a familiar looking fruit. And Nimue grabbed it and scoffed it down, seconds before Lepusinge thrust his blazing feet into her.

Nimue: 350Gs
Lepusinge: 795Gs

"AUGH!" She screamed at the force of the impact, feeling her will finally break. She reverted back to ball form, whilst Lyra fell to the ground after jumping for the card. She hit it at the same time as Nimue, whilst her life gauge dropped.

Lyra: 0%
Fluttershy: 24% (Winner)

"She's done it!" The announcer cried as Lepusinge returned to Fluttershy, who did not seem happy. "Fluttershy has managed to finally score a win for her team against the Rainbooms. This hasn't changed the standings, but it's certainly shown the Rainbooms are far from outmatched."

Fluttershy moved over to Lyra as the girl sat up. "Nimue?" She turned to her partner and slowly crawled towards her, "are you...like...okay?" She waited a moment, Nimue opening up and turning to her.

"I'll survive. But that was close."

"That was luck." They turned to Fluttershy, the Pyrus brawler looking at her...seething. "Remember that. You lost and the only reason you still have her is pure luck." Lyra and Nimue frowned, whilst Fluttershy turned away from them. "Your next teammate won't be so lucky." With that, she ran off before taking a massive leap and landing on a tree.

As Lyra picked herself up, Fluttershy jumped from branch to branch until she was gone. "I'm sorry," she told the retreating girl before picking Nimue up.

"Lyra!" She turned to see Bonnie and Applejack rushing into view, "are you guys okay?"

"We are," Lyra nodded. "But..." She let out a sigh, "we totally failed."

"Fluttershy." Pinkie looked like she was about to cry, Rarity doing her best to comfort her.

"I guess it was stupid to think we'd make it through this without losing at least once," Soarin pointed out. The others nodded as he turned towards the doorway, "I'll head out."

"Be careful," Flash told him. Soarin nodded and headed out, Flash turning back to the TV as it showed Soarin leave the bunker before splitting into three to show him, Heath and Bonnie. It then changed to show another triple image, with Fluttershy leaving the forest area and entering the city field, Rainbow making her way around the Canyon Field and Twilight...was only now leaving the bunker.

"Alright," the glasses wearing girl stated as she stepped into the light. "Let's get this done." The Rainbooms might have been down three members, but three more still remained. And with Lyra now out of the match, the BakuFighters would need to be extra careful if they wanted to save them all. If they could.

Author's Note

The BakuFighters finally lost a player. Hopefully the other battles won't be as close as Lyra was to losing Nimue.

A Fiery Confrontation

Down in the secret underground lab, Sombra hummed as he typed away at his laptop.

Behind him, Lucifer was standing in the tank soaking up the energy that was being produced by the battles taking place up top. He turned towards the man in question and appeared to have a inquisitive look on his face. "Still stumped?"

Sombra stepped away from his laptop and let out a frustrated growl. "I can't figure out what that energy surge was. Whatever Leonidas did, it produced an energy spike we've never seen before. But the data we have doesn't tell us anything about what it could have been." He then turned to Lucifer, "you know more about Bakugan then anything. Do you have any clue what this might have been."

Lucifer said nothing, though Sombra could tell he had an idea. "There are many things it could have been. But I'd need to sense it again to know for sure."

Sombra raised an eyebrow at this. "Well, Sentry hasn't brawled since then. So we might not get a chance to see it again unless another member of his team loses."

"We were right to have Phantom capture those girls," Lucifer told him. "They're attempts to utterly destroy the BakuFighters and win their Bakugan has caused them all to pull out all the stops. They're producing more energy then anyone else. If this keeps up, I'll have enough power to brawl myself by the time this tournament is over."

Sombra nodded and turned back to the computer, a smirk on his lips at how much energy they were accumulating. "That's right my gullible little friends. Brawl. Brawl to your heart's content."

The Bakugan Battle Tournament was starting to wind down. Now only fifteen teams remain and at the top of the board were the BakuFighters, who managed to hold onto their lead despite having just lost a member.

Said member had just arrived at the team's bunker, alongside Applejack, looking glum at what had happened. "Lyra!" She looked up as she stepped inside, seeing Pinkie rushed up to her. "You okay?"

"That brawl was pretty intense," Flash told her. "Is Nimue alright?"

"I'll survive," Nimue replied from her shoulder. "But Fluttershy certainly doesn't go easy, does she."

"Not when she's Brawlin'," Applejack explained before sitting down. "But from what Bonnie told me, she's being super aggressive twenty-four seven."

"And she's not the only one," Flash explained before pointing to the TV. Applejack looked towards the screen and was met with the sight of Twilight, Rainbow and Fluttershy all destroying their opponents on the battlefield.

"GET'EM!" Rainbow cried as Terraspin shot towards the opposing Aquos Abis Omega and cutting into it, causing the snake to cry out and be reverted back to ball form as the opponent's life points hit zero.

"RIP HIM APART!" Fluttershy screamed as Lepusinge used Power Dash and shot towards a Subterra Wormquake, using the speed to shoot passed it several times and slam it until it reverted back to ball form.

Twilight remained quiet, as Spikenoid charged forward and tackled a Ventus Siege to the ground. The knight dropped its fan tipped spear as it fell onto its back, Spike growling as he slashes away at it. Applejack could tell that he was more feral then usual, something Twilight would usually make him back off from so he didn't go too far. But she remained quiet and Applejack even noticed a smirk appear on her lips when Spike got up and used his tail to slam down into it.

"This ain't right," Applejack stated. "This ain't them."

Fenroar leapt up onto her shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll find a way to get them back."

"And it looks like the way to do that is to beat them," Leonidas stated. "We're not sure why, but that seems to be what knocks them out of it."

"It's possible it's the Bakugan," Lyra told him. "I've been thinking it over and I thought that maybe the Bakugan are the ones infected this dark energy and they're transferring it to the brawler through some kind of link. That would explain why they're snapping out of it when that happens. Every time it's been after the Bakugan receives a serious blow."

"That could be possible," Rarity agreed. "But we can't know for sure unless one of the others uses a different Bakugan and loses. And since they're all determined to beat you and take your Bakugan, that's not likely to happen."

The others sighed as Derpy held up a remote. "For now, let's just focus on the others. They need all our support right now." They turned back to the screen, seeing Heath, Bonnie and Soarin as they battled against other opponents.

Soarin was in the Ocean Field, with Garuda flying over the water whilst his opponent, an Aquos Hammersaur, remained stuck slogging through the water. "Ability," his opponent cried, "Activate!" Hammersaur's claws glowed before extending, "Mega Slash!"

Garuda: 600Gs
Hammersaur: 650Gs

The Bakugan ran forward and jumped onto an island before leaping off of it and trying to slash at Garuda, but the flying Bakugan managed to fly out of the way. "I don't think so!" He cried as Hammersaur fell back to the ground. "Soarin!"

"Ability," Soarin held up a card, "Activate!" Garuda beat his sparking wings, sending the lightning flying off of them. "Thunder Gale!" The lightning struck Hammersaur and made it roar, as the water covering its body made it do extra damage.

Garuda: 600Gs
Hammersaur: 500Gs

"Now!" Soarin cried, Garuda shooting down and reaching Hammersaur.

"Take this!" He pointed his claws at it and slashed away and the alligator, making it roar in pain as it was thrown back before reverting back to ball form. The opponent's life points dropped, but not enough to end the match.

Soarin's friends smiled before turning to watch another brawl, where Bonnie and Gaia had just started another brawl in the Forest Field. Her opponent was a guy using a Pyrus Gargonoid, which ripped through the forest canopy as it flew around.

"Ability, Activate!" Bonnie's opponent cried as Gargonoid was surrounded by flames. "Fire Judge!"

Gaia: 550Gs
Gargonoid: 600Gs

Gargonoid dive-bombed, shooting straight for Gaia like a blazing commit. But before it reached her, Bonnie held up her own card. "Ability, Activate!" Gaia held up her shields, "Oak Defender!" Gargonoid crashed into the shield and was thrown back, the flames going on.

Gaia: 550Gs
Gargonoid: 500Gs

"Now!" Bonnie held up another card, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with Gaia, who charged forward as the G power began to rise. "Ultra Growth!"

Gaia: 700Gs
Gargonoid: 500Gs

Gaia smashed her fist into Gargonoid, making it cry out as it was sent flying and reverted back to ball form. The opponent's life gauge dropped, whilst Gaia returned to Bonnie.

Her friends then shifted their focus onto Heath's brawl. He and Wukong were in the City Field, where they were battling against a Darkus Fear Ripper.

"Ability," He held up a card, "Activate!" Wukong's mane exploded as he began to whip it around. "Blast Infernal!"

Wukong: 700Gs
Fear Ripper: 580Gs

As the mane swung towards Fear Ripper, it tried to slash at it but suddenly felt its claws begin to burn and cried out in pain before staggering back. "Ability," the brawler cried as he held a card up, "Activate!" Fear Ripper roared as it leapt into the air, its claws beginning to glow. "Slash Storm!"

Fear Ripper swung its claws around and every time it did, the light flew off its claws and slammed down into the ground. It also struck Wukong, making him hiss but he could withstand it.

Wukong: 600Gs
Fear Ripper: 580Gs

"Not enough!" He stated before turning to Heath, "let's end this!" Heath nodded and held up a pair of cards.

"Double Ability...ACTIVATE!" Wukong leapt out of the laser downpour and formed a ball of magma. "Fire Smasher, plus Eruption Force!" He slammed his fist into the sphere and felt the heat power him up.

Wukong: 950Gs
Fear Ripper: 580Gs

As Fear Ripper fell towards the ground, Wukong pulled his fist backwards before swinging it around and smashing the Darkus Bakugan. It roared in pain as it was thrown backwards, smashing into a building and reverting back to ball form.

His opponent's life points dropped the zero, claiming victory for the flaming duo. "Heath of the BakuFighters burns away the competition. Can anything stop this hot shot pair?"

"I doubt it!" Heath cheered as Wukong returned to him. "Way to go bud."

"Nice timing on the Abilities," the ape leapt onto his shoulder. "Now come on. I got one or two more brawls in me before I'm ready to take a break." Heath nodded and headed off down the street, which were looking staggeringly empty at the moment.

"I guess there aren't that many brawlers left," Heath replied before hearing an explosion off in the distance. "Sounds like a brawl's already starting."

"You wanna go interrupt?" Wukong asked, with Heath thinking for a moment.

"Nah. Seems kinda rude. Let's go find our own opponent." Wukong nodded and they continued through the streets, but found no other opponent. "Maybe we should head to one of the other battlefields?"

"Just as long as it's not the ocean field," Wukong replied. "If I don't have the time to use it as a hot spring, I'd rather not be anywhere near water." Heath nodded in agreement and headed for the canyon field, only for his BakuColar to suddenly beep to signal that he had an opponent.

"Wonder who it-" Heath stopped when he saw the name on his BakuColar.

Heath: 100%
Fluttershy: 100%

The pair's heads looked up and around, trying to spot Fluttershy. But she wasn't in the street, on the roofs or even sitting on the sides of fire escapes. "Where-" He stopped when he heard a clicking noise, the sound of heels on the pavement, making him look around to see a figure moving through the darkness of a nearby alleyway.

And eventually, out stepped the darkly dressed Fluttershy. "Hello Heath," she smiled as Lepusinge jumped onto her shoulder.

"Ready to throw down, losers?"

Heath frowned and took out a Gate Card. "Yeah. Time to get some payback for Lyra."

"Oh?" Fluttershy asked, "but I only did that to get payback for Pinkie. Are you really gonna continue the endless web of violence?" She then laughed, "just kidding. I don't care that she beat Pinkie. I just wanted one of you losers to taste defeat." Heath frowned at that, hating the person she had become.

"Don't worry Fluttershy," he stated as Wukong prepared himself. "I'm gonna win and get you back to normal."

"Wow. Another match between the BakuFighters and Rainbooms. What is with these two teams constantly going after one another? Do they have a vendetta against one another or something?"

"Heath verses Fluttershy," Flash gulped. "They're gonna have a hard time against her."

"Fluttershy didn't let up during her battle against me," Lyra told them. "I hate to say it, but it was luck that I managed to get out of it without losing Nimue." The others remembered that and all frowned, hoping that Wukong wouldn't be taken.

"Come on Heath," Flash told him. "Don't do anything dumb. If you wanna win, you gotta play smart."

"And hope that Fluttershy doesn't have any other tricks up her sleeve," Leonidas stated as the brawl began.

"Gate Card," Heath threw it towards the ground, "SET!" As it hit the ground, the pair rushed through the city. Fluttershy instantly began to parkour up the sides of the wall until she reached the top, whilst Heath rushed through the street.

From her vantage point, Fluttershy could see a large number of clusters and spotted the largest one. She ran towards it and off the edge of the building. "Bakugan!" She threw her partner towards the cluster, "BRAWL!" The Bakugan headed towards the cluster and struck them, right as Heath rushed around another corner and spotted his own cluster. "Bakugan...STAND!"

Heath looked around and spotted Lepusinge appear within a swirl of fire, the rabbit smiling down at him as the many power-ups kicked in and increased his Gs.

Lepusinge: 690Gs

"Come on out here monkey boy!" He yelled as Heath prepared his shot, "I'll show you why rabbit is the best of the twelve zodiacs!"

"Yes," Fluttershy agreed from atop the building she had grabbed onto after throwing Lepusinge, "show me how you plan to 'save' us from Phantom."

"Gladly!" Heath cried before he threw his partner, "Bakugan...BRAWL!" Wukong shot through the air and reached the cluster, but only managed to hit three before landing on the ground. "Bakugan!" He popped open, "STAND!" The tornado of fire appeared before exploding to reveal the flaming monkey.

"RAAAH!" He beat his chest as the power-ups kicked in, boosting his score but not more then his opponent.

Wukong: 550Gs
Lepusinge: 690Gs

"Alright fluffy tail!" Wukong began to crack the knuckles in his hands along with his neck, "hope you're ready for a serious beatdown. Because I don't intend to go easy on yah." Lepusinge just smirked and raised his hand to give a 'bring it' gesture. "Heath!"

"Ability!" Heath held up a card, "Activate!" It glowed as Wukong charged forward, clenching his fists as they ignited. "Fire Smasher!"

Wukong: 750Gs
Lepusinge: 690Gs

Wukong started throwing punches at Lepusinge, but the rabbit artfully dodged away at him. Fluttershy the held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge smirked as he began to glow, "Power Dash!"

"Oh yeah!" He leapt backwards a good few meters before shooting forward at incredible speed, moving to fast for Wukong to keep up with. One moment he was in front of him, the next he suddenly disappeared.

Wukong: 750Gs
Lepusinge: 790Gs

"Surprise!" Wukong heard from behind him and spun around, just in time to see Lepusinge's foot come flying at him before pain wracked his face.

"Augh!" He cried, staggering backwards as Lepusinge landed before he started flying around in different directions. Still moving at incredible speed, he circled around Wukong several times. As he did, Fluttershy held up another card.

"Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge shot straight up, his foot igniting. "Blaze Kick!"

Wukong: 750Gs
Lepusinge: 990Gs

Wukong recovered in time to look up and see Lepusinge flying towards him with a blazing foot. But before he could reach him, Heath held up his own card.

"Ability, Activate!" Wukong clenched his fist the thrust it down into the ground, "Firewall!"

In that moment, the ground around him broke opened and unleashed a circle of fire that flew up and formed a dome around the monkey.

Lepusinge slammed his foot down into it, feeling the flames around his foot being sucked off by the dome as he passed through it. Wukong then crossed his arms to block the flameless kick that was coming his way.

Wukong: 750Gs
Lepusinge: 790Gs

Wukong staggered backwards, flinching at the attack as Lepusinge tried to push passed his defences. But before he could.

"Gate Card, OPEN!" Heath cried as the ground began to glow before it exploded into flames. From out of those flames, large trees began to sprout. "Flaming Jungle!" The trees were soon fully grown. But instead of leaves, they had flames for foliage.

"YEAH!" Wukong cried, swinging his arms apart and throwing Lepusinge away. He then leapt up and grabbed onto the branches, swinging around as his power rose.

Wukong: 1050Gs
Lepusinge: 790Gs

Wukong swung towards Lepusinge, preparing to end the battle. But before he could, Fluttershy held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Wukong leapt at Lepusinge, both fists raised above his head in preparation of slamming them down into him, but the rabbit suddenly leapt straight up. "Flare Jump!"

Wukong: 1050Gs
Lepusinge: 940Gs

Wukong ended up smashing his fist into the ground, whilst Lepusinge was safely in the air. But as he began to fall towards the ground, Wukong smirked up at him as Heath pulled out a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Wukong brought his hands together and formed a ball of molten rock, which began to grow larger. "Eruption Force!"

Wukong: 1200Gs
Lepusinge: 940Gs

Fluttershy's eyes went wide, as she watched Wukong thrust the orb into the air. Lepusinge fell towards it and hand no way to escape it, with none of his Abilities being ones that could help in this moment.

She knew she only had one chance and as luck would have it, she spotted a Surprise Ability atop a lamppost within view. So, as Lepusinge continued to fall, she leapt off the side of the building and grabbed the ladder of a fire escape that began to fly downwards and stopped just shy of the ground. She then leapt off it and ran towards the lamppost, reaching it seconds before Lepusinge hit the magma sphere.

But as soon as her fingers touched the card, she felt a static shock. "Augh!"

Heath: 100%
Fluttershy: 90%

"Ouch!" The announcer cried, "looks like Fluttershy grabbed Taxation, a Surprise Card that takes away ten percent of her current health."

She gasped when she heard this and looked down at her BakuColar, seeing the points change. A moment later, Lepusinge struck the magma sphere and it exploded. "GYAH!" He cried as he was blasted backwards, then reverted back to ball form as Fluttershy's points dropped.

Heath: 100%
Fluttershy: 38%

"With that, the first round is complete!" The Announcer cried as Wukong returned to Heath. "Fluttershy was hoping that card could save her, but instead all it did was cost her points."

"Ha," Heath sighed in relief, "good thing I put that Gate Card down."

"Maybe," Wukong stated. "I just hope we didn't play our ace in the hole too early." They both turned to Fluttershy, as she moved over to where Lepusinge had fallen and picked him up. "Think she's okay?" He got his answer when Fluttershy slowly looked up at them and shot a dark gaze, whilst sent a shiver down their spines.

"I'm thinking no." As he said this, Heath noticed the dark aura beginning to appear around Fluttershy. "She's mad."

"You have no idea," Fluttershy replied before taking out a Gate Card. "I'm going to make you pay for that humiliation. Mark...my...words."

Back in the Ocean Field, Garuda and Hammersaur continue to do battle.

The alligator swung its claws around wildly, but nothing it did allowed it to hit Garuda as he flew up out of range. Soarin then held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" With that, Garuda fired a blast of lightning from its beak. "Blitz Bolt!" The lightning struck Hammersaur and made it roar, as the Aquos Bakugan was paralysed.

Garuda: 600Gs
Hammersaur: 650Gs

"Got him!" Soarin cheered as Garuda shot down, letting out a squawk as he prepared to attack. But before he could, something small shot into the water in front of Hammersaur.

Seconds later, a tornado of water exploded between the two and blocked Garuda. "What?" He asked as the water exploded, revealing an Aquos Anchorsaurus.

Garuda: 600Gs
Hammersaur: 650Gs
Anchorsaurus: 400Gs

"Bro!" Soarin and his opponent heard, making them turn to see another brawler standing on a nearby island. "Thought you could use a hand." He gave him a thumbs up, only for his BakuColar to beep.

"Intrusion Penalty." Before he could say anything, he was suddenly zapped and his life points cut in half.

Soarin groaned, hoping to have had this Brawl over with by now. "Whatever," he stated as Garuda slashed at Anchorsaurus and knocked it back. "Hope the others are having an easier time than me."

"Gate Card!" Bonnie cried as Gaia threw the Gargonoid she was fighting away from her, "OPEN!" The ground began to glow before large stone columns appeared out of the ground and ripped through the trees around them. "Subterra Reactor!"

Gaia: 900Gs
Gargonoid: 650Gs

The demonic Bakugan shot towards Gaia, it's claws primed to shred into her. But Gaia simply swing her hammer around and smashed the Pyrus Bakugan, sending it flying backwards and crashing into the ground.

"Oh come on!" The opponent cried as he rushed over to his Gargonoid, as it laid on the ground. "Get up! Get up! Get up! Get up!" This seemed to rile the Bakugan round and made it slowly start to sit up, but Bonnie wasn't about to give it the chance to recover.

"Ability," she held up a card, "Activate!" The card glowed as Gaia ran forward before pulling her leg back, "Wood Slammer!"

Gaia: 1000Gs
Gargonoid: 650Gs

Before Gargonoid could react, Gaia swung her leg around and smashed it into the beat and sent it flying into the air. It roared in pain before reverting back to ball form and falling to the ground, the brawler's life points hitting zero.

"Yes!" Bonnie cheered as the announcer stated her victory, Gaia returning to her. "Another win for us."

Gaia nodded. "Beating Fenroar has me feeling more powerful than ever. I feel like I could beat anyone right now, though that's probably sounding a little cocky."

"Just a bit." Bonnie then used her BakuColar to look at how Heath's Brawl was going, a smile on her face seeing the score. "Come one Heath. Just a little more and you can get her back. You can do this."

"GATE CARD!" Fluttershy threw it towards the ground, "SET!" The card landed and exploded, as Fluttershy and Heath both rushed over to nearby buildings and began climbing up them.

Once there, they began to leap from rooftop to rooftop until they both spotted a cluster of Power-ups. "BAKUGAN!" They both threw their partners, "BRAWL!" The two Bakugan shot through the air and reached the cluster, hitting several of them before hitting one another and bouncing away to land upon the ground. "BAKUGAN!" They popped open, "STAND!"

The two Bakugan were consumed by fire the transformed into their true selves, Lepusinge quickly leaping a good distance away as they felt the effects of the power-ups.

Wukong: 700Gs
Lepusinge: 690Gs

"Ability," Heath held up a card, "Activate!" Wukong began beating his chest, unleashing shockwaves that ignited in the air. "Blazing Rhythm!" The flames shot towards Lepusinge, but Fluttershy was ready.

"Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge leapt into the air, the flames passing under him. "Bounce Deflection!" She then held up another card. "Now, Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge fell towards Wukong as his ears ignited, "Flaming Slap!" Lepusinge landed in front of Wukong and spun on the ball of his foot, allowing him to rotate twice and hit Wukong's face twice with each ear.

Wukong: 500Gs
Lepusinge: 690Gs

Wukong groaned as Lepusinge then jumped up and thrust his foot into his chest, knocking him staggering back into the building Heath stood on. "WOW!" He cried, almost falling off the edge. But he managed to hold on, spotting something falling free from the building as he did. "A Surprise Card!"

Fluttershy frowned seeing this, whilst Lepusinge rushed forward hoping to do some damage whilst he was still stronger.

Heath then leapt off the building and fell towards the card. "Wukong!" The ape saw this and quickly thrust his hand under Heath, the teen grabbing the card before landing in it. As soon as he did, the card glowed along with both Lepusinge and Wukong.

"What the?" Lepusinge came to a stop.

"WOW!" The announcer cried as the light flew off the two and merged into one, both feeling slightly weakened by this. "Heath got Evenly Built, which combines both Bakugan's current Gs and splits it evenly between them!" The light chain broke as their energies returned, though Lepusinge's felt a little less.

Wukong: 595Gs
Lepusinge: 595Gs

Fluttershy frowned as she watched Wukong quickly lift Heath back up onto the roof of the building, then turned to Lepusinge and nodded. He nodded back and rushed forward, Fluttershy taking out a card. But as she held it up, Heath held up a card he had taken out whilst on Wukong's hand.

"ABILITY, ACTIVATE!" They both yelled as Lepusinge leapt forward and Wukong turned towards him, both pulling a fist or foot back. "FIRE SMASHER/BLAZE KICK!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" Both Bakugan yelled as their appendages burst into flames and they threw them forward, smashing into one another

Wukong: 795Gs
Lepusinge: 795Gs

They pushed against one another, but couldn't overpower each other. Eventually, the flames reached peak heat and exploded. The pair was both knocked back, Lepusinge ending up landing on his back. Wukong took this opening and charged forward, Heath taking out a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Wukong held up his hand as the magma ball appeared. "Eruption Force!"

Wukong: 945Gs
Lepusinge: 795Gs

Wukong prepared the throw the sphere, whilst Lepusinge pushed himself back to his feet. And as the ball went flying at him, Fluttershy held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge's feet expelled flames, allowing him to leap into the air. "Flare Jump!"

Wukong: 945Gs
Lepusinge: 945Gs

He was able to leap over the magma sphere and land on the ground, right as Fluttershy pointed towards the ground. "Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground glowed before the light shot into Lepusinge, "Double Booster!"

Wukong: 945Gs
Lepusinge: 1095Gs

Lepusinge took this moment to reposition himself and thrust a foot into Wukong, hitting him in the chest and making him cry out as he fell back. He then landed and leapt back several feet, Fluttershy holding up a card as he did.

"Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge began to glowed, "Power Dash!" He shot forward, as Wukong sat himself up.

Wukong: 945Gs
Lepusinge: 1195Gs

Seeing the attack coming, Heath quickly held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Wukong raised his fist and slammed it into the ground, "Firewall!"

The ground ripped apart before circle of fire appeared around him, Lepusinge forced to leap above the flames and do several spins in midair before landing on the other side of the circle. He skidded to a stop, the light from his Ability vanishing.

Wukong: 945Gs
Lepusinge: 1095Gs

Wukong spun around as the flames around him vanished, he and Lepusinge glaring one another down as their partners held up their last card. "FUSION ABILITY...ACTIVATE!" Both leapt into action, Lepusinge literally leaping straight up as his feet unleashed blasts of fire that rocketed him into the air. Meanwhile, Wukong formed another ball of magma and pushed his fist into it. "VOLCANIC IMPACT/BLAZING HI-JUMP KICK!"

Wukong: 1295Gs
Lepusinge: 1445Gs

Lepusinge blasted back towards the ground, whilst Wukong swung his magma coated fist back before leaping into the air. The two thrust their foot/fist towards one another and met in midair, the impact causing shockwaves that shock the city. Despite this, however, Wukong could feel himself beginning to lose ground as they began to fall towards the ground.

Heath looked around, trying to find something that could help him. And then, he noticed a Surprise Card over on another roof. He rushed over to the edge and jumped, barely managing to reach the other side and rolling upon landing before grabbing the card. But when he did, the card exploded and shot a blast of light at Wukong.

"GYAH!" He cried, the blast hitting his back and causing him pain.

Wukong: 1095Gs
Lepusinge: 1445Gs

Lepusinge smirked at this, the sudden loss of power allowing him to kick Wukong's fist away before swinging his leg back around. "TAKE THIS!" He smashed his foot into the monkey's face, making him cry out again as he was kicked away and fell towards the ground. Seconds before crashing into the roof of a building, he reverted back to ball form and bounced along it as Heath's life points dropped.

Heath: 30%
Fluttershy: 38%

"Wukong!" Heath cried, rushing over to that roof as Lepusinge returned to Fluttershy.

"Tough break for Heath. He tried to turn the situation around, but all he did was cause himself more pain. But hey, that's the risk you take here in this tournament."

"You okay?" Heath asked as he picked Wukong up.

"Peachy," Wukong moaned as Heath stood up. As he did, the sound of Fluttershy's laughter filled the air and they turned towards her.

"Face it," she told him. "You don't stand a chance again me." The dark aura around her intensified, "just give up."

Heath frowned. "No way." He marched towards the edge of the roof, "I'll never give up. Not until I get the real Fluttershy back." This caused the girl's face to turn from happy to sour.

"This is the real Fluttershy. The Fluttershy that was trapped within that wimpy, whiny little cry baby and only given a slight amount of freedom whenever that faker brawled. But now, thanks to master Phantom, I'm free to do whatever I want. And the weak Fluttershy is gone forever."

"I don't believe that," Heath told her. "I know she's in there somewhere. And she's not weak." Fluttershy frowned. "I might not have known her that well, or for very long, but I respected her. She was willing to be kind to those around her, even if she knew it might cause her problems, and had the strength to be stern with those that needed it. That's the Fluttershy I and the others respect. The one her friends are waiting to see again. And I'm not gonna let them down."

Wukong leapt onto his shoulder. "We'll fight and burn away the darkness trapping her. Just you wait and see."

Fluttershy and Lepusinge both didn't like this, Lepusinge jumping up. "The only thing getting burned today is you, by me. Now throw down your Gate Card. It'll be the last one you ever fight on." Heath said nothing in return and pulled out said card, leaping into the air before throwing it.

"Gate Card...SET!" It flew towards the ground and exploded as Heath landed, he and Fluttershy then rushing off in search of some power-ups. Deciding not to let the other get in their way, they rushed off in different directions.

Fluttershy was the first to spot some power-ups and leapt off the building. "Bakugan," she threw Lepusinge, "BRAWL!" He flew towards the coins and struck a good many of them before landing on the ground, rolling along it before popping open. "Bakugan...STAND!" In a burst of fire, the rabbit appeared and let out a mighty roar as he felt his power rise.

Lepusinge: 790Gs

He then spotted Heath and rushed over to him, intending to make him trip up and not give Wukong the power he needed.

And as Heath spotted some power-ups, he leapt into the air. "Take this!" He cried, stomping his feet into the ground and causing it to shake. This caused Heath to trip up and fall over the edge.

"WOW!" He cried, but didn't let that stop him. Turning towards the cluster, he held up his hand like he was gonna do a delaware smash. Wukong was situated between his thumb and middle finger, the teen waiting until he was at just the right spot. Then- "Bakugan...BRAWL!" He flicked his finger and sent Wukong flying. He flew through the cluster and only hit a few power-ups.

But then, he hit the opposite wall and bounced off to fly back into the cluster and hit some more.

He then landed on the ground, rolling for several seconds as Heath continued to fall. "BAKUGAN!" he popped open, "STAND!" A burst of fire exploded beneath Heath, as a large hard flew up and caught him before he hit the ground. Wukong appeared from out of the fire and quickly placed his partner back on the roof, then turned to Lepusinge as his power-ups kicked in.

Wukong: 800Gs
Lepusinge: 790Gs

"Let's throw down!" Wukong cracked his knuckles, but Lepusinge smirked back.

"We will. Once we've reset the stage." Wukong raised an eyebrow at this, whilst Fluttershy held up a card.

"Go. Phantom Ability, Activate!" The card glowed, whilst Heath looked confused.

"Phantom Ability?" He asked, as the card flew out of Fluttershy's hand and shot towards the ground. When it struck it, the ground glowed before the light shattered off. "What the?"

"Say hello to Earth Shatter, a special Ability that I can only use once in the brawl. It lets me replace a Gate Card with any card I want." She took out said card before throwing it to the ground. "Gate Card...SET!" The card hit the ground and exploded, Heath frowning at the loss of his advantage. "Now," she held up another card, "Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge shot forward as his ears began to set alight. "Flaming Slap!"

"Hahaa!" He cried before slamming his ears into Wukong several times.

Wukong: 550Gs
Lepusinge: 790Gs

"Augh!" He staggered backwards, as Heath held up his own card.

"Ability, Activate!" As Lepusinge charged to smack him again, Wukong raised his fist before slamming it into the ground. "Firewall!" The ground exploded and unleashed a burst of fire, whilst struck Lepusinge and made him cry out as his power was burned away.

The flames then flew into Wukong and restored his power, making their points the way they were before.

Wukong: 800Gs
Lepusinge: 790Gs

"Seriously?" Fluttershy asked, as Wukong turned to Lepusinge and smirked before Heath held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Wukong punched his fists together, causing them to explode. "Fire Smasher!" He then charged forward, through the Firewall towards Lepusinge.

Wukong: 1000Gs
Lepusinge: 790Gs

"Raaah!" He swung one of his fists forward and smashed it into Lepusinge, making him cry out in pain and stagger backwards. Wukong then swung his other fist around, Lepusinge barely managing to avoid it this time.

As he did, Fluttershy realised she had no choice. "Gate Card, OPEN!" The field began to glow, as Wukong jumped forward to punch Lepusinge again. "Mirror Enemy!" From out of the ground, a giant mirror appeared in front of Wukong. He ended up punching his own reflection, suddenly feeling himself getting drained of energy.

"What?" He jumped back and when he did, he saw that the reflection remained in the pose form before. It then began to move on its own before stepping out of the mirror. It looked like Wukong, but appeared...shinier. "What is this?"

"Mirror Enemy creates a perfect clone of your Bakugan, taking away half of the original's power.

Wukong: 500Gs
Lepusinge: 790Gs
M-Wukong: 500Gs

"You gotta be kidding me," Heath frowned as Wukong growled.

"You think this faker's gonna be enough to beat me?" He asked, as both he and his clone cracked their knuckles. "Don't think so!"

"Ability," Heath held up a card, "Activate!" Wukong's blazing mane suddenly grew larger, "Blast Infernal!" He swung it towards Lepusinge, but Mirror-Wukong suddenly let in front of him as its own mane exploded and it swung it around.

The two burning hairstyles struck one another and was perfectly matched. "What?" Wukong asked, Heath looking down at his BakuColar.

Wukong: 575Gs
Lepusinge: 790Gs
M-Wukong: 575Gs

"Don't tell me!" Heath cried as Fluttershy smirked.

"Mirror Enemy also takes half of any G power you add to your Bakugan," she finished for him. "Yes. Yes it does."

"How the heck is that fair?" Pinkie asked.

"It's not," Lyra told her. "That's why she's using it."

"This isn't good," Flash frowned. "Heath needs to find a way out of this, or he and Wukong are gonna be in a lot of trouble." The others nodded, but wondered how they could save themselves.

"Ability," Fluttershy held up a card, "Activate!" Lepusinge leapt forward, "Blaze Kick!"

Wukong: 575Gs
Lepusinge: 990Gs
M-Wukong: 575Gs

His foot exploded before he swung it around, smashing it into Wukong and making him cry out before staggering back. As he tried to recover, Mirror-Wukong rushed forward and punched him in the face. "Gyah!" He was thrown into the side of a building, smashing right through it. Luckily, Heath wasn't on this one.

He had rushed off, searching for the only thing that could help him out of this situation. A Surprise Card.

He leapt from one rooftop to another, in a despite search. And as he did, he heard Lepusinge rushed forward and hit Wukong in the chest. "Ahhh!"

"Hang on bud!" Heath cried, looking around to see the ape pick himself up only to be struck by his clone. "Ability," he held up a card as he leapt over to another building, "Activate!" Wukong pushed his copy backwards before turning to Lepusinge. "Blazing Rhythm!" He beat his chest and unleashed the blazing shockwaves, only for Fluttershy to hold up two of her cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge ran forward and leapt straight up, his feet expelling fire. "Bounce Deflector, plus Flare jump!" He shot over the flame waves, the flames from his feet propelling him towards Wukong.

Wukong: 575Gs
Lepusinge: 1140Gs
M-Wukong: 575Gs

"If this lands, Heath might lose both the match and his Bakugan." But as the announcer said that, Wukong jumped back seconds before Lepusinge swung his foot around. He bent backwards, the foot flying inches over his head. "Wow!" He cried as Wukong rolled backwards, "that was close!"

Fluttershy growled as Wukong stood back up, only to get body checked by his fake. "Gyah!" He hit the ground, his clone standing over him. "I am really getting sick of this guy."

Heath rushed around, still looking for a Surprise Card. But then, he noticed Fluttershy rushing towards him. Clearly, she intended to grab whatever card he found to stop him from using it.

Meanwhile, Wukong continued to dodge his lookalike and Lepusinge. But it wasn't easy.

Then, the brawlers spotted a Surprise Card. It was floating in the middle of the street, both Pyrus Brawlers glaring at one another. Fluttershy was the first to make a move for it, running towards the edge of the building where a fire escape was located. And as she rushed down it, she held up a card.

"Fusion Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge smirked and ran forward, his feet igniting. "Blazing Hi-Jump Kick!"

Wukong: 575Gs
Lepusinge: 1490Gs
M-Wukong: 575Gs

Wukong watched him coming and tried to escape, but in that moment his clone grabbed him and tackled him to the ground. "Hey!" He cried as he was pinned, "get off me!" But if didn't. Clearly, it intended to take him down with it.

"Hang on!" Heath cried as he reached the edge of the building, seeing Fluttershy climbing down the escape. Seeing no other option, he leapt off the side of the building and everyone watching gasped.

Then, he grabbed a drain pipe and used it like a pole to slow him down. He and Fluttershy reached the ground at the same time, both turning to one another before leaping forward and reaching out for the Surprise Card. And at the same time, Mirror-Wukong charged at the original.

"This is it folks. Whoever grabs that card first, might very well be the winner of the contest." The go within arms reach of the card, but only one was able to grab it.

"YES!" Heath cheered as his fingers gripped the card first and pulled it away from Fluttershy, the two teens jumping away and rolling to their feet. Heath then held up the card, "now please be something good." The card exploded and flew towards Wukong, as Mirror-Wukong held him down.

Heath feared the card might hurt him, but then it shot passed the monkey and struck Mirror-Wukong.

The fake let out a roar of pain before its shiny body began to crack. "Huh?" Wukong asked as he felt his clone's grip on him loosen. He then smirked and managed to throw Mirror-Wukong off of him, "gotcha!" He then spun around and threw a punch his way. "Take this, ya'h poser!" The fist struck the fake and made it shatter, Wukong smirking as he felt the energy it had stolen return to him. "Accept no substitute!"

Wukong: 1150Gs
Lepusinge: 1490Gs

"Wow!" The announcer cried as a card appeared in Heath's hand. "That's Ground Restoration. A Surprise Card that cancels out the Gate Card currently in use and replaces it with one that's already been used."

Heath smirked before throwing the card, whilst Lepusinge continued to shoot towards Wukong.

"So what?" He asked, "I've still got more power!" He swung his leg around, but Heath was faster.

"Gate Card, OPEN!" The ground instantly exploded with fire, forming the blazing trees. "Flaming Jungle!" Wukong leapt up and out of Lepusinge's way, grabbing onto one of the branches as he felt the flames power him up.

Wukong: 1450Gs
Lepusinge: 1490Gs

"In one move, Heath has turned the tide of the battle. He was way behind before, but now he actually has a chance to win." Heath's friends cheered for this, thanking the god of brawling for giving him that Surprise Card. But then the TV changed to show Fluttershy, who wasn't looking happy as the dark energy around her and Lepusinge began to grow more and more powerful.

"This means nothing!" She cried before holding up a card, "I'm still gonna win. Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge began to shoot around the battlefield, moving at incredible speed. "Power Dash!"

Wukong: 1450Gs
Lepusinge: 1590Gs

Wukong tried to keep his eyes on the rabbit, but he was just too fast. And after a few seconds, Lepusinge appeared in front of Wukong and smashed his foot into him. "Augh!" He cried, getting knocked out of the tree he swung from and crashing into another building.

"It's over!" Lepusinge cried before jumping back, then shooting forward and thrust his foot towards the ape. But before it could make contact, Wukong's arm shot out of the dust and grabbed it.

"You're right!" Wukong cried, as he pulled himself out of the rubble and continued to hold Lepusinge's foot. "This is over! HEATH!"

The teen nodded before holding up a pair of cards. "Double Ability...ACTIVATE!" Wukong swung Lepusinge around with all his strength and threw him into the air, making Lepusinge cry out. "Eruption Force, plus Fusion Ability, VOLCANIC IMPACT!" Wukong raised his hands and formed the ball of lava between them, the ball growing larger then normal, then thrust his fists into it.

Wukong: 1950Gs
Lepusinge: 1590Gs

"This is it!" Wukong swung the magma ball back, as Lepusinge fell towards him. "Time to free our friends!" With that, he leapt into the air.

Fluttershy looked around, trying to find a Surprise Card. But there was nothing. "No," she turned back to her Bakugan, "no!" Wukong swung his magma ball fist forward and slammed it into Lepusinge, causing the rabbit to cry out as he was thrown towards the ground.

The force of the impact caused the dark energy to be blasted off him, whilst the crash into the ground caused a shockwave that struck Fluttershy.

"NOOOOOOOOO!" She screamed at the top of her lungs, as she was thrown backwards and the dark aura around her was blasted away from her. At the same moment, Lepusinge reverted back to ball form and her life points dropped down.

Heath: 30% (Winner)
Fluttershy: 0%

"That's it!" The announcer cried as Wukong returned to Heath. "With that, the BakuFighters continue to hold their lead over the Rainbooms and the rest of the teams. They out rank all the other teams two to four." The crowd cheered at this, whilst Heath rushed over to Fluttershy.

She was laid out on the ground, looking unconscious. But as Heath reached her, she sounded like she was coming back around. "Fluttershy? You okay?"

"Err," she cried before her eyes fluttered open, "what...what happened?" She sat up and looked around, seeing the destruction done to the city all around them. "What happened here?" She then noticed the clothes she was wearing and her eyes went wide, a blush appearing on her face as she let out a cry and covered up her chest. "Why am I wearing this?"

Heath could tell this wasn't gonna be easy to explain, then noticed something a way off and got up. Fluttershy watched him move over and pick something up off the ground, then moved back over to her and held it out.

"Lepusinge!" She recognised her Bakugan and took it, feeling the ball was rather hot. "What happened to you?" Then, to her surprise, the Bakugan opened.

"I don't know," he told her. "But I'm sore in places I didn't even know I had." Fluttershy's eyes went wide hearing this, making her gasp before a look of absolute joy filled her face.

"Oh...my...GOODNESS!" She pulled him closer to her, "you can talk. This is so amazing!"

"Sure is," Lepusinge moaned as he was crushed into her chest. "But please...no more hugs. They're embarrassing." Fluttershy pulled away and smiled at him, then turned to Heath.

"Did you do this?" She asked, getting up. "Making Lepusinge talk?"

"Not exactly," Heath told her. "It's...a long story." He then looked at his BakuColar, in order to see how his teammates were doing. Soarin was still in a brawl whilst Bonnie was currently on the move and had just entered the Canyon Field. "Why don't we get you back to the bunker. Rarity, Pinkie and Applejack are there waiting for you."

"What about Twilight and Rainbow?" She asked, "where are they?"

"That's...a good question." Heath really didn't wanna get surprised the way Lyra was before. "Can I look at your BakuColar?" She nodded and held up her wrist, allowing Heath to fiddle with the device and bring up a map. When he did, his eyes went wide seeing both Rainbow and Twilight were in the Canyon Field. "Not good." He opened up the chat option on his BakuColar. "Bonnie!"

"Heath?" She asked through the device, "what's up? You beat Fluttershy, right?"

"Yeah, and I just looked at her team's locations. Rainbow and Twilight are both near you. If you run into them, you might have to brawl them both."

"Not good," Bonnie replied. "What do we do?" Heath thought for a moment and realised he only had one option, making him turn to Fluttershy.

"I'm sorry. But I'm gonna have to leave you here." Fluttershy's eyes went wide. "I need to go help Bonnie." He then pointed to an area of the map, "our bunker is right here. Follow it and you should find it. If you can't, call one of the others and they should lead you there."

"Alright," Fluttershy nodded, "what are you gonna do?"

"I gotta go help Bonnie," Heath told her. "If I don't, she'll be in real trouble." With that, he stood up and rushed off. All the while hoping he could get to Bonnie before the others did. With only two members of the Rainbooms left, they were close to saving all their friends. But would they be able to?

Author's Note

Heath saves Fluttershy and now, it looks like a tag brawl is about to start. Hope Heath and Bonnie are up for it.

Sky High Bakugan Brawl

The Bakugan Battle Tournament was reaching its final matches, with only five teams remaining. The two lead teams were still the BakuFighters and the Rainbooms, each having only two Brawlers left whilst the rest of the teams were down to just one.

In the forest field, Flash and Leonidas had just entered the battlefield again and were in search of the last remaining opponents. "You okay?" Leo asked Flash, who seemed on edge.

"With everything that's happened, I'm expecting Twilight or Rainbow to leap out at me any minute."

"I doubt that'll happen," the Bakugan told him. "Those two were all the way over in the Canyon Field. There's no way they'll be able to get from there to here in such a short amount of time."

Flash let that info sink in and nodded, "I guess you're right. But still, this place is starting to give me the creeps." He continued through the forest and as he did, he remembered the brawl he had just witnessed. Heath and Bonnie had given everything against Twilight and Rainbow, but in the end they were still defeated. That Phantom Gate Card Twilight used was a dangerous one indeed. And as far as Flash could see, there was no way of stopping it once it was activated. "Winning this tournament and getting the girls back to normal might not be as easy as we'd hoped."

At the same time, Soarin and Garuda were still making their way through the Ocean Field.

As they did, they finally spotted the edge of the battlefield. "Finally!" He cried whilst leaping onto the ring of land that surrounded the battlefield, then walked forward towards the force-field that separated the two battlefields.

As they did, they were greeted to a rather humbling sight. Heath and Bonnie, both death marching through the force-field with their heads hung low. "Guys!" He rushed over to them, "are you okay?"

"Yeah," Heath nodded. "We didn't lose our Bakugan, so there's that at least."

"I just wish we could have freed Twilight and Rainbow," Bonnie sighed as Gaia leapt onto her shoulder.

"Now now, no need to be down. You might have lost but you were both able to free Applejack and Fluttershy."

"Yeah!" Wukong leapt onto Heath's shoulder, "and you gave Soarin and Flash the heads up to watch out for those Phantom cards. Now they know what they're up against!" Heath and Bonnie turned to Soarin, who nodded with a smirk. This made them both smile back and nod as well, Soarin stepped forward.

"Leave the rest to me and Flash," he told them. "We'll save the girls and finally put an end to this." They nodded against before Soarin rushed passed and leapt through the force-field. As soon as they were in the Canyon Field, Soarin burst out into a full on sprint. "Rainbow!" He called out, "Twilight!" They looked around and saw no sign of either girl, "where are you? Show yourselves!"

He continued running for another five minutes until, finally, his BakuColar beeped. Skidding to a stop, he looked down and smirked when he saw the name.

Soarin: 100%
Rainbow: 100%

"About time you showed up." He turned towards one of the rocks, as Rainbow calmly stepped out from behind it. "I was hoping I'd get to be the one to take you down."

"That's not gonna happen," Soarin told her as he and Garuda prepared themselves. "I'm taking you down and then I'm turning you back to normal."

"Normal?" Rainbow asked, "I am normal. Phantom just showed me how much more powerful I can be if I didn't care about silly things like friendship, good gamesmanship and all that other lame stuff."

"No," Soarin told her, "this isn't you. And I know you're not like this through your own choices. And if it's the last thing I do, I'm bringing you back to our side."

Terraspin leapt onto Rainbow's shoulder, "then what are we waiting for? Time to finally put this rivalry down for good."

"LET'S BRAWL!" They both yelled.

"And once again the BakuFighters and Rainbooms square off. I'm not even surprised this time. But how will this match play out? Will Soarin get revenge for his fallen teammates, or will Rainbow be adding another name to the list of BakuFighter's she's taken down."

"Come on Soarin," Lyra prayed as the others watched hopefully.

Derpy was also praying. "If Soarin can beat Rainbow, maybe he and Flash can work together and take Twilight down."

"We can only hope," Applejack nodded as the brawl began.

"Gate Card...SET!" Rainbow threw the card as it hit the ground, exploding into light whilst the two teens grabbed their Bakugan and started running.

Soarin was the first to find a cluster and after leaping off some rocks, he threw his partner. "Bakugan, BRAWL!" Garuda shot towards the cluster and hit several of the power-ups before landing, "Bakugan...STAND!" Garuda exploded into the battlefield as Rainbow leapt off another rock.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" She threw Terraspin and hit the remaining power-ups. And as Garuda appeared from his tornado, he hit the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" Another tornado appeared and from it, the giant tortoise appeared and quickly spun his fins around to take flight.

"Bring it!" Garuda squawked as he shot into the air, both Bakugan glowing from the power-ups as their G power increased.

Garuda: 600Gs
Terraspin: 580Gs

As Rainbow landed, she quickly took out a card and held it up. "Ability, Activate!" It glowed as Terraspin pointed the bottom of his chest towards Garuda, "Shell Tornado!"

Garuda: 600Gs
Terraspin: 780Gs

The spiral of wind exploded out of him and shot towards the bird, who was slammed by it and flinched. "Augh!" It took all his strength to not get blown back to the ground, as Soarin held up a pair of cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Garuda's wings sparked with lightning, "Thunder Gale!" He beat them quickly and unleashed a blast of lightning, which caused the tornado to explode as it struck Terraspin

Garuda: 600Gs
Terraspin: 630Gs

"Plus, Lightning Wing!" Garuda quickly shot forward before Terraspin could react and smashed an electrified wing into him, the tortoise crying out as he was knocked down towards the ground.

Garuda: 750Gs
Terraspin: 630Gs

As Terraspin fell, Rainbow began running as fast as she could. The tortoise barely managed to recover and spin his rotors in time to avoid splatting into the ground, Rainbow leaping up onto the back of his shell as he flew across the ground.

"Rainbow Dash has taken to riding her Bakugan. It's not against the rules, but she will have to be careful in case a stray attack should knock her flying."

"Hey!" Soarin cried as Garuda flew down, "get back here." Soarin jumped onto Garuda's foot as the bird took off, flying after the tortoise as Rainbow looked back at him.

"Sucker!" She laughed before holding up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Terraspin suddenly spun around in the air, Rainbow holding on tight, and shot towards Garuda. "Shell Saw, plus Shell Spin!" Garuda saw this coming and quickly planted his feet onto the ground, allowing Soarin to leap off as he raised and crossed his wings. Seconds later, Terraspin slammed into him and started grinding his fins against him as he squawked in pain.

Garuda: 650Gs
Terraspin: 730Gs

"Soarin," he groaned as he felt himself slide backwards, "I could use a hand here."

"You got it!" Soarin took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda's beak began to spark, "Blitz Bolt!" He let out a squawk and fired a bolt of lightning, which struck Terraspin and forced Rainbow to leap off in order to avoid getting zapped.

Garuda: 800Gs
Terraspin: 730Gs

"Augh!" Terraspin cried as he felt his entire body suddenly began to go numb, his fins slowing down until Garuda was able to throw him off.

"Finally!" Garuda leapt into the air, as Terraspin fell onto his chest and still couldn't move.

"Rainbow, what's happening?"

"Blitz Bolt's stopping you from moving," Rainbow told him as Garuda got high enough. "And I can't activate any abilities."

"But I can," Soarin held up another card. "Ability, Activate!" The Ventus Bakugan suddenly began to dive down towards Terraspin, a slipstream appearing around him as he did. "Sky Burst!"

Garuda: 950Gs
Terraspin: 730Gs

Terraspin tried to move, but his body refused to follow his command. Rainbow growled at this, then got an idea. "Gate Card!" She cried as the field began to glow, "OPEN!" The light from the field shot into the air and struck Garuda, "Enemy Down!"

Garuda: 650Gs
Terraspin: 730Gs

"What?" Soarin asked when he saw how much Garuda's points had dropped, the slipstream vanishing around him as he slammed into Terraspin only to feel himself get hurt.

"Augh!" He cried as he bounced off the shell and hit the ground, Rainbow laughing at this as Garuda moaned.

"Soarin almost had this round down, but some quick thinking from Rainbow has him now being the one on the back foot in the battle."

Soarin could see the sparks around Terraspin slowly beginning to fade, whilst he started twitching and weakly moving. "I gotta end this match before she can fight back." He held up a card, "Fusion Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Garuda shot into the air, "Lightning Vortex!"

"RAAAAH!" He dived down and began to spin, the wind spiralling around his body to form a green tornado that sparked with lightning.

Garuda: 1000Gs
Terraspin: 730Gs

Rainbow saw this and gasped, looking down at her BakuColar but seeing she still couldn't activate her abilities. She tried to find a Surprise Card, but there wasn't any in sight. "Terraspin!" She yelled, "you gotta move!" Terraspin groaned as he started rocking back and forth on his shell, hoping to roll out of the way in order to survive.

"You're not dodging this!" Garuda yelled as the drill slammed into him, Terraspin crying out as he was burrowed into and electrocuted. Eventually, his body gave out and he cried as his body reverted back to ball form and he was thrown away by the wind as Rainbow's life gauge dropped.

Soarin: 100%
Rainbow: 46%

"Wow!" The announcer cried, "Rainbow was practically a sitting duck during that battle. Soarin managed to overcome her powerful gate card and now has over double the amount of life points as Rainbow.

Soarin smirked as Garuda returned to him, "nice work."

"Thanks. You did good as well. Using Blitz Bolt when you did really helped us out." Soarin nodded, but then felt an intense anger and looked over at Rainbow as she picked Terraspin up. She slowly turned to them, showing a look that would make milk curdle.

"Enjoy your lead whilst you have it," she told him. "Cause next round, I'm not letting you go until I take all your life points and your precious Garuda."

Soarin frowned, but was ready for whatever she intended to throw at them. "Not gonna happen."

In their bunker, the BakuFighters and Rainbooms continued to watch.

"Way to go Soarin!" Pinkie cheered. "I hate seeing my friend lose a match, but I'll take it if it means getting the real Rainbow back!" As she said that, the Bunker door opened before Heart and Bonnie stepped inside.

"Did we miss anything?" Heath asked, the others pointing at the TV and showing them Rainbow's lowered life gauge. "Okay," they sat down, "Soarin's got this."

"I hope so," Fluttershy nodded. But as she said that, the screen suddenly beeped an alert. Another member of their team had just entered a brawl.

"Flash must be battling," Lyra realised

"But who's he up against?" Rarity asked, Derpy switching the channel to side-by-side with Soarin's match. "There can't be many more teams left in the match." They all suddenly began to worry, fearing Twilight might have found him. But when the screen solidified, it showed Flash wasn't facing Twilight.

One minute earlier, Flash was still wandering around the forest field.

But as he did, he suddenly heard a beeping noise and looked down at his BakuColar. He expected to see Twilight's name, but was amazed to see three names besides his that weren't her's. "Who?" He asked, not recognising the voice.

"Right here!" He looked up and spotted three individuals appearing out of nowhere, two boys and a girl. "Flash Sentry. We heard your Leonidas is a Bakugan like no other."

"That means you're the guy to beat," the girl smirked.

"Good thing we all showed up together," the other boy nodded.

"Wow. We have a four way battle royale between four of the remaining teams. If Flash can win this battle, it'll just be the BakuFighters and Rainbooms battling it out of the first place trophy."

"So you guys are all from different teams?" Flash asked, the three nodding as Leonidas spoke up.

"And I'm guessing you plan on ganging up on us to take us down."

"Hey," the first guy said, "we know the drill. You guys are strong, so there's no way we could beat you on our own."

"But if we all team up," the girl smiled. "That's a different story."

"We'll beat you, then battle each other to see who takes on the winner of your teammate's battle."

"None of you are gonna take them on," Flash held up a Gate Card. "Because you're gonna lose to me. Gate Card!" He threw it to the ground, "SET!" As the card exploded, Flash grabbed Leonidas. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw the Bakugan towards the ground, hitting several power-ups along the way. "Bakugan...STAND!" In a burst of light, Leonidas appeared.

"Raaaaah!" He roared, taking to the skies and looking down at his three opponents. "Alright, show us what you've got!"

"Alright!" The first teen took out a Ventus Bakugan and threw it, "Bakugan...Brawl!" The Bakugan exploded into a tornado and from it, a giant hornet creature appeared. "Ventus Bee Striker!"

"Bakugan!" The girl threw a Subterra Bakugan, "Brawl!" In a flash, a giant plant creature appeared with vine-like tentacles. "Subterra Rafflesian!"

"Bakugan!" The other boy threw a Darkus Bakugan, "Brawl!" In a burst of dark light, a giant sphere with wings, clawed arms and a mouth appeared. The mouth opened to show a giant eyeball. "Darkus Goblin Ball!" The three Bakugan glared Leonidas down, Leo and Flash both knowing this was gonna be tricky. And sure enough, the Darkus teen took out a card and held it up. "Ability, Activate!" Goblin Ball unleashed a bright light that struck the ground, "Spy-Sight!" The ground suddenly glowed and revealed the card that Flash had thrown, including its name.

"What the?" Flash asked.

"Spy-Sight," the teen told him. "Lets me see what Gate Card you threw. Now we know it's Haos Reactor."

"Which means I can do this!" The girl held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Rafflesian raised its tentacles and slammed them into the ground, "Earth Shatter. This Ability gives me the chance to guess what your Gate Card is and if I'm right, it's destroyed and Rafflesian gets a two hundred G power up." Flash's eyes went wide at this, "and I'm guessing it's Haos Reactor!" And sure enough, the card Goblin Ball had revealed shattered with the pieces being absorbed into it through its tentacles.

"Ah man!" Flash cried, as Bee Striker flew forward and its Brawler took out a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Bee Striker's stinger glowed, "Twin Needle!" It then fired a pair of air darts, which shot towards Leonidas. The dragon barely having enough time to hold his arms up in defence, as the darts pierced them.

"Ahhhh!" He cried, but fought through the pain. He wasn't gonna let this stop him, "you're gonna have to do better than that if you wanna win!" He swung his arms apart dispel the darts and then flew forward, ready to deal some serious hurt to these three.

"Gate Card!" Soarin threw the card towards the ground, "SET!" As it exploded, the two teens rushed off in search of power-ups.

It wasn't until they were near the edge of the battlefield, the city field's border coming up, that they spotted a cluster and both rushed up a giant rock before leaping off the top. "BAKUGAN...BRAWL!" Garuda and Terraspin shot through the air and both struck the cluster, Terraspin hitting multiple power-ups whilst Garuda only hit one. The pair hit the ground and started rolling, "BAKUGAN...STAND!" They popped open and unleashed a pair of tornado, the Ventus Bakugan exploding out of them and glaring one another down as their G Power increased.

Garuda: 500Gs
Terraspin: 780Gs

"This time, it appears that Rainbow's Bakugan has the upperhand instead of Soarin's. How will this change the battle as it takes place?"

"Gate Card!" Soarin instantly yelled, "OPEN!" The field began to glow and the light shot into Terraspin, surprising Rainbow as Soarin called out the card's name. "Icarus!"

"Augh!" Terraspin cried as he suddenly felt his energy drain out of him.

Garuda: 500Gs
Terraspin: 250Gs

"What?" Rainbow cried as Soarin smirked.

"Why'd you think I let you hit so many power ups. Icarus is a special Gate Card that affects the Bakugan with the highest G power when activated and cuts it down so that it's half the power of the weakest."

"You little..." Rainbow growled before taking out a pair of cards, "Double Ability, Activate!" The cards glowed as Terraspin broke away from the power draining him and unleashed the twister, "Shell Tornado, plus Shell Spin!"

Garuda: 500Gs
Terraspin: 550Gs

The tornado struck Garuda and slammed him down towards the ground, whilst Terraspin dived and ducked into his shell as it spun around. "Ability!" Soarin held up a card, "Activate!" Garuda suddenly morphed into a bolt of lightning and shot out of the way, allowing Terraspin to slam into the ground instead of him. "Spark Streak!"

Garuda: 600Gs
Terraspin: 550Gs

Terraspin cried out as he slammed into the ground, rolling several times until he pulled himself free of his shell and slid to a stop. Rainbow growled at this, as the speeding thunderbolt zigzagged around the place before appearing right about Terraspin. As he did, Soarin held up another card.

"Ability, Activate!" Garuda breathed in, "Blitz Bolt!" He then squawked as he shot a lightning bolt towards Terraspin, ready to paralyse him once again.

Garuda: 750Gs
Terraspin: 550Gs

"Not this time!" Rainbow held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Terraspin's shell glowed, "Shell Guard!" The lightning bolt struck it, but the sparks simply bounced off leaving no damage to him.

Garuda: 600Gs
Terraspin: 650Gs

"That's right!" Terraspin quickly shot into the air and smashed himself into Garuda, who squawked in pain as he was knocked away. "How'd you like that!?"

"I don't think so!" Soarin took out a card, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed and Garuda's wings sparked, "Lightning Wing!"

Garuda: 750Gs
Terraspin: 650Gs

Garuda leapt towards Terraspin, but Rainbow was ready and took out her own card. "Ability, Activate!" The light around Terraspin's shell suddenly exploded off of him, the tortoise Bakugan shooting out of the way before Garuda could hit him. "Shell Smash!"

Garuda: 750Gs
Terraspin: 950Gs

Soarin growled, "that won't be enough to take us down!" They watched as Garuda flew after Terraspin, attempting to slash at him with his wings only for the terrapin to avoid every attack. "That thing's fast, but Garuda can be faster."

"You sure about that?" Rainbow asked before taking out a card. But there was something different about this one. It was glowing with a dark aura. One that gave Soarin the creeps. "Time to show you just how pathetic you really are. Phantom Ability...ACTIVATE!" The card exploded into multiple dark light fragments, which shot up towards Garuda as they took the shape of arrows. "Draining Arrows!"

Soarin's eyes went wide. "GARUDA, LOOK OUT!" The bird saw the arrows shooting towards him, Garuda attempting to dodge them but they were like homing missiles.

"GYAH!" He squawked as they slammed into his back, exploding to morph into a dark aura that wrapped around him. "Raaaaah!" He felt like something was slicing apart every cell in his body, Soarin only able to watch in absolute horror as his partner was hurt.

Then, the light flew off of him and shot into Terraspin. The tortoise looked like he too was in pain, but he endured as his light flew into him. Soarin checked his BakuColar and was shocked by what he saw.

Garuda: 550Gs
Terraspin: 1150Gs

"No way," Soarin whispered as Garuda fell to the ground. "GARUDA!" He took out an ability card, but Rainbow spoke up.

"No use!" She told him. "Draining Arrows steals two hundred Gs from your Bakugan and prevents you from using any of his Abilities for the rest of the round." As she said that, Terraspin spun his rotor fins and unleashed a burst of win that struck Garuda and sent him flying backwards.

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He cried as he shot towards the border of the field and flew right through it, Soarin running after him as Rainbow leapt onto Terraspin.

"Things are looking bad for Garuda. If Soarin can't figure out how to save him, he'll be losing both the Brawl and his Bakugan."

"This isn't fair!" Pinkie cried, "why are those Phantom Abilities even legal?"

"What's Dark Industries thinking?" Lyra agreed. "Cards like that just break the game." The others agreed, wanting to know why Dark Industries wasn't putting a stop to these cards.

"Could Phantom have them under control as well?" Bonnie asked, catching the other's attention. "If he can control Twilight and the others, maybe Mr Sombra and the other higher ups are being manipulated as well." They didn't like that idea, especially since it meant that Phantom pretty much had control over the entire Bakugan gaming industry.

Rainbow smirked as she and Terraspin flew into the city field, spotting Garuda laying on the ground. "Finish him off!" She cried as she leapt off his back and onto a nearby building, Terraspin diving down to slam into him.

But as he got close, Garuda opened his eyes and pushed off the ground. "Haaahhh!" He cried as Terraspin barely missed him and he pushed himself into the air, Terraspin hitting the ground but not looking hurt at all. Garuda, meanwhile, looked ready to drop at any moment. "Gotta...keep fighting. Can't let it end like this!"

"Garuda!" Soarin cried as he arrived at the field, seeing the bad situation his partner was in. "I gotta do something, but what?" He looked around hastily, as Terraspin took to the air once again and shot towards Terraspin. "Come on...come on!" Garuda barely managed to avoid Terraspin's attack, but the tortoise quickly spun around and dived towards him once again.

Then, Soarin spotted something coming out of a nearby trash can. A glow, which Soarin realised could only be one thing. "A Surprise Card!" With nothing to lose, he rushed towards the bin as Garuda dodged another attack.

"FINISH HIM!" Rainbow cried, as Terraspin flew up once again and dived down. Garuda could feel his wings about to give in, there being no way for him to escape this. But as Terraspin got in close, Soarin thrust his hand into the trash and grasped the card.

As soon as he did, the card exploded and shot towards Terraspin. The light struck the tortoise seconds before he hit Garuda, Soarin fearing he might have powered him up. But then.

"GYAH!" He cried as he was suddenly wrecked with immense pain.

Garuda: 550Gs
Terraspin: 950Gs

Seconds later, he slammed into Garuda and the bird squawked as he was knocked towards Soarin. "WOW!" The teen cried as he ran away, Garuda slamming into the area he had just been standing and causing an earthquake and shockwave that knocked Soarin off his feet as his partner returned to ball form. "GYAH!" He crashed into the ground and rolled to a stop, Garuda rolling up besides him as his life points dropped.

Soarin: 20%
Rainbow: 46%

The audience all gasped as they watched Soarin laid out on the ground. In their bunker, his teammates and the other Rainbooms all watched in horror. "Is he okay?" Bonnie asked, but he wasn't moving.

"Come on man!" Heath yelled, "get up!"

"Soarin," Flash frowned as he was distracted from his battle for a moment.

"FLASH!" Leo cried, getting his attention back as Rafflesian unleashed his tendrils and wrapped them around the dragon. "Can we please focus on the task at hand...ahh!"

"Right!" Flash nodded as he took out a card, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Leo's mouth sparked with energy, "Alpha Blaster!" Leonidas roared and unleashed the laser, hitting Rafflesian and causing it to slacken its grip enough for him to escape as the plant Bakugan was blasted backwards.

Leonidas: 850Gs
Rafflesian: 800Gs
Goblin Ball: 750Gs
Bee Striker: 800Gs

As Leonidas flew up, Bee Striker and Goblin Ball flew up with him as their brawlers held up cards. "Ability, Activate!" They both cried as Goblin Ball unleashed a beam of purple energy, which struck Leonidas and made him freeze in place. "Freezing Sight!"

Leonidas: 750Gs
Rafflesian: 800Gs
Goblin Ball: 750Gs
Bee Striker: 800Gs

"Can't...move," Leonidas groaned as Bee Striker flew in closer.

"Super Stinger!" Bee Striker's stinger glowed as it flew forward, Leo trying to escape but being unable too. All he could do was float there as Bee Striker stabbed him.

Leonidas: 750Gs
Rafflesian: 800Gs
Goblin Ball: 750Gs
Bee Striker: 900Gs

"Ahhhh!" Leonidas cried as he reverted back to ball form and fell to the ground, Flash catching him as his life gauge went down.

"You okay?" Flash asked, the other Bakugan returning to their brawlers.

"I think so. But these guys are tough!"

"Yeah," Flash nodded. "But we can't give up. We've gotta keep fighting, no matter what."

As Terraspin returned to Rainbow, the girl slowly made her way over to a building just above him. "Come on," she told him. "That can't be all you've got. I was expecting more from you." He remained silent and she sighed, looking away expecting the Brawl to be terminated. But then...

"And I was...expecting a fair fight." Rainbow turned to see him slowly move his arm over and grab Garuda, then push himself to his knees. "I was really looking forward...to settling our score properly. Not having you cheat."

"Cheat?" Rainbow asked, "what are you talking about? If that Phantom Ability was against the rules, I'd already be eliminated."

"The ability might be legal, but it's still not right. And the real Rainbow would know this!" He pushed himself to his feet, standing shakily but solidifying his balance as he glared at her. "The real Rainbow, someone I came to respect as a brawler. Someone who hated to win if it was through dirty and underhanded tactics. Where's the skill in what you just did?"

"Oh please," Rainbow told him. "How's it any different from when you used Blitz Bolt!"

"My ability might have stopped you from using your abilities, but it had a time limit. How is that Phantom Ability, with no time limit, allowed to be used?"

"Who cares about what you need to do to win," Rainbow flicked her Bakugan up and grabbed him. "All that matters is to win. You hear me!" Soarin glared at her, hating the person she had become.

"Soarin." He looked down at Garuda, the Ventus Bakugan opening up. "It's no use. There's only one way to get through to her and that's the beat her."

"Yeah," Soarin nodded. "But...are you up for it? That last match put you through a lot."

"I'll be fine," he assured him. "We can win this. Together." Soarin nodded as Garuda closed up and Soarin turned to Rainbow.

"I'll win this match," he told her. "I'll win this and save you!"

Rainbow smirked at this, as she took out a Gate Card. "I don't think so. I'm winning this match once and for all!" She threw the card towards the ground, "Gate Card...SET!" As soon as the card exploded, the pair began to rush throughout the city in search of a cluster of power-ups. And soon enough, Rainbow spotted a bunch as Soarin used a fire escape to climb up to the top of a nearby building. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" She threw Terraspin and hit almost all the power-ups before landing on the ground, "Bakugan...STAND!"

Terraspin appeared in a mighty tornado, the power-ups kicking in and making him stronger.

Terraspin: 580Gs

Soarin saw this and frowned, knowing he would need a heck of a lot of power-ups if he wanted to have an edge. And as he ran along the rooftops, Rainbow leapt onto Terraspin and they both spotted a cluster in the streets a distance away.

"Can't let him get them!" She cried as Soarin got in close. "Terraspin, time to shake things up!" Terraspin nodded and as Soarin got close to the edge of a building with Garuda in hand, he stopped spinning his rotors and fell towards the ground.

"Almost in range!" Soarin cried. But as he did, Terraspin hit the ground and caused the entire battlefield to shake. "WOW!" He cried, the building rocking back and forth so badly that Soarin couldn't keep his balance.

"Soarin!" Garuda cried as Soarin fell over the side of the roof and fell towards the ground. Everyone in the audience and bunkers gasped as they fell, Garuda slipping from his grasp.

"Garuda!" Soarin yelled as he tried to grab him, but he was too far away. As Rainbow laughed, Soarin growled and pulled his leg back. "It's not...OVER!" He swung his leg around and struck Garuda like a tiny soccer ball, sending him shooting towards the cluster.

"No way!" Rainbow cried as Garuda hit a bunch of power-ups before hitting the ground, opening up and unleashing a powerful tornado. Everyone watched as that tornado suddenly curved around and grabbed Soarin before he hit the ground, lifting him back upwards as Garuda appeared.

"Wow!" Soarin landed on Garuda's back as they flew out of the tornado, Garuda's body glowing as the power-ups kicked in.

Garuda: 750Gs
Terraspin: 580Gs

"Wicked!" The announcer cried, "Soarin looked like he was about to go splat, but used it to give himself the advantage over Rainbow."

The girl growled at this, as Terraspin spun his fins and took to the air. "You'll wish you had gone splat when I'm done with you!" She took out a card, "Ability, Activate!" Terraspin shot up and unleashed the twist, "Shell Tornado!"

The twister shot towards the pair, but Soarin held up his on card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda's wings sparked, "Lightning Wing!"

Garuda: 900Gs
Terraspin: 780Gs

Garuda shot into the tornado and pushed through it, Soarin holding onto him as they broke through the other side. Once there, Garuda quickly slammed his wing into Terraspin's shell. "Gyah!" He and Rainbow cried as they were both zapped, Terraspin eventually pulling away and escaping as Garuda flew up higher.

After a few seconds, he managed to right himself as he and Rainbow shook off the electricity. They then shot up as Rainbow held up a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Terraspin's shell started spinning as he got in close to Garuda, "Shell Spin!"

Garuda: 900Gs
Terraspin: 880Gs

Garuda used his talons to try and grab him, making him flinch as the fins ground into him. "Plus, Shell Saw!"

Garuda: 800Gs
Terraspin: 880Gs

Garuda struggled against the attack as he slowly felt his strength beginning to wean. As he did, Soarin held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda opened his mouth as his beak began to spark, "Blitz Bolt!"

"Not happening!" Rainbow held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Terraspin's shell glowed, "Shell Guard!" Garuda fired the lightning bolt and just like before, it exploded off the shell and the sparks vanished.

Garuda: 800Gs
Terraspin: 980Gs

This added power was just what Terraspin needed to push through Garuda's strength and slam into him, Garuda squawking as he began to fall towards the ground. "Soarin!" He cried, "hold on!"

Soarin groaned as he held on for dear life, but then took out an Ability Card. "Ability, Activate!" He threw the card and it exploded into sparks, which wrapped around Garuda. "Thunder Gale!" Garuda beat his wings and unleashed a powerful burst of wind that flew towards the ground and then bounced back up to cushion their fall, allowing Garuda to glide above the city's street. He then spun around and beat his wings again, unleashing the lightning bolts that struck Terraspin.

"GYAH!" He and Rainbow cried, as his power dropped.

Garuda: 800Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs

"Enough of this!" Rainbow cried as Garuda came to a stop and hovered above the ground, the girl pointing towards the ground. "Phantom Gate Card...OPEN!" Soarin's eyes went wide as the ground beneath them began to glow a strange dark light, that light suddenly shooting into the sky and wrapping around Garuda's legs before he could escape.

"AUGH!" He cried as the energy tendril squeezed him tightly, then started pulling him towards the ground.

"Garuda!" Soarin yelled as he looked at his BakuColar.

Garuda: 770Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs

Garuda: 760Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs

Garuda: 750Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs

Garuda: 740Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs

"Oh no," he gulped as Garuda landed on the ground and as he did, more tendrils began to fly up and wrap around his body. "Garuda!"

"Soarin!" Garuda groaned, "you have to get off!" Soarin didn't want to, but he saw no choice and leapt off the Ventus Bakugan as more and more tendrils wrapped around him.

Garuda: 670Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs

"Gotta do something!" Soarin cried as he held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda's body began to spark with lightning, "Spark Streak!"

Garuda: 760Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs

But even with his added power, the energy tendrils refused to give out. Garuda continued to grow weaker and weaker by the second.

Garuda: 750Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs

Garuda: 740Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs

Garuda: 730Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs

"No, no, no, NO!" Lyra stood up, "do something Soarin!"

"Get out of there Garuda!" Nimue yelled from her place with the other Bakugan.

"He can't," Fenroar growled. "He's trapped and I don't think those tendrils are gonna let go." The others frowned, hating these Phantom cards more and more. If Soarin didn't do something quick, he was gonna lose everything.

Rainbow smirked as she watched Garuda become as weak as a newborn kitten. "We don't even have to do anything. We can just wait until your power level hits zero, then swoop in and take you out!"

Garuda: 490Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs

Soarin was done with simply standing their and letting his partner get hurt. Instead, he started looking around. His only hope right now was another Surprise Card, but what were the odds of finding two good ones in a row.

He ran atop the rooftops in search of the card, all the while Garuda fought against the bonds holding him.

Garuda: 410Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs

"We could take him down if he hit him now," Terraspin pointed out.

"No," Rainbow told him. "This time, we're coming out of this match with his Bakugan." She then frowned when she watched Soarin run across the rooftops. "But if he finds a Surprise Card...follow!" Terraspin nodded and flew after Soarin, who leapt from one rooftop to another as he kept running.

"Soarin Skies, searching for a card that could save him. I'm not confirming it's close by, but there is a Surprise Card left in the City Field that could get his Bakugan out of this situation. But can he find it?"

Those words pushed Soarin on and as he leapt over to another building, he spotted a section of the city that had a construction yard in it. And floating atop one of the girders...were two Surprise Cards. "There!" He ran forward and as he did, Rainbow flew passed him.

"Sorry!" She cried as they got close to the construction yard, but that Surprise Card is gonna be mine!" When Terraspin was close enough, she leapt off the tortoise and landed on a beam a ways off. Soarin reached the roof next to the construction yard and as Rainbow balanced along the beam, he leapt off and managed to grab one of the lower beams in his hands.

"Raaah!" He moaned as he pulled himself up, glancing at his BakuColar as he did so.

Garuda: 290Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs

"Hold on," he moaned as he balanced on the beam and then leapt up again to grab the higher beam that Rainbow was running along. As he did, she got in close to the cards.

"Brawlers can only hold one Surprise Card at a time. So will Rainbow be able to pick the right one?" As Soarin pulled himself up and balanced on the beam, Rainbow reached the cards.

"Sorry," she smirked back at him, "but this battle is mine!" She reached into the bubble and pulled out a card. But as as she did, the card glowed red and Rainbow suddenly felt herself getting the jolt of a lifetime. "AAAAARRRRRHHHHH!" She screamed as her life guard dropped.

Soarin: 20%
Rainbow: 23%

"OH! Looks like Rainbow picked the wrong card and now, she's lost half her life points." That wasn't all that happened, as the shock had caused her to lost her balance. And to Soarin's shock, she fell off the beam.

"RAINBOW!" Without thinking, Soarin leapt forward and grabbed Rainbow's arm. "Hold on!" He cried as Rainbow flailed around.

"Rainbow!" Terraspin cried as he flew in close, only for his wind to cause the teens to cry out as they almost fell off the beam. "No!" Terraspin pulled away and as he did, Soarin started at his BakuColar.

Garuda: 170Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs

Soarin looked passed Rainbow and saw a beam a short drop. "Alright!" He started swinging her, "get ready to grab that beam!" With that, he let go of her and Rainbow fell.

"Yah!" She cried, but managed to wrap her arms around the beam next to her and stop her descent. Soarin sighed in relief as Rainbow pulled herself up. And as she did, he looked at his BakuColar.

Garuda: 90Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs

"NO!" He pushed himself up and as Garuda's point got closer and closer to zero, he grabbed the remaining Surprise Card. As soon as he did, the card glowed green before exploding. The light shot into the air and as flew across the field, reaching Garuda as he fell to ten Gs.

It struck the Ventus Bakugan and he gasped as the light surrounded him, causing the energy tendrils to explode off of him as he felt his strength rise.

Garuda: 830Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs

"YES!" He cheered as he shot into the air, spinning as he did so before spreading his wings wide and spotting Terraspin. "Time to end this!" He shot forward, Spark Streak's speed boost still in effect. As Terraspin spotted his approach, he shortened the distance between the pair and tackled the tortoise.

"Augh!" He cried as he fell to the ground, Garuda taking to the air as Soarin leapt off the structure onto a nearby building.

"Oh yeah!" He cheered and took out a card as Garuda soared up, "try this on! Ability, Activate!" The Ventus Bakugan suddenly began to dive down towards Terraspin, a slipstream appearing around him as he did. "Sky Burst!"

Garuda: 980Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs

"Not gonna happen!" Rainbow yelled as she jumped down from the scaffolding and took out a card, "Ability, Activate!" Terraspin's shell glowed before it exploded off of him. "Shell Smash!"

Garuda: 980Gs
Terraspin: 1130Gs

Terraspin took to the sky and the two Bakugan smashed into one another, Terraspin overpowering Garuda and pushing him back. "Augh!" Garuda yelled as he was thrown away, but he wasn't giving up. "Not yet!" He cried, as Soarin held up a card.

"Time to end this and get the real Rainbow back!" He yelled, "Fusion Ability, Activate!" Garuda began to spin around and around, the green twister forming around him. "LIGHTNING VORTEX!" The tornado sparked with energy, as he shot through the air and barrelled towards Terraspin.

Garuda: 1330Gs
Terraspin: 1130Gs

The pair gasped as Terraspin braced himself, the dark aura appearing around him. And as Rainbow took out her own Fusion Ability, the tornado slammed into him. "GYAAAAAAAH!" He screamed as he was overwhelmed by the power and pushed backwards, slamming into the ground right in front of Rainbow.

"WOW!" She cried as the tortoise caused the ground around her to explode and knock her flying backwards, Terraspin returning to ball form as the dark energy exploded off of them both.

Soarin: 20% (Winner)
Rainbow: 0%

"With that, Soarin claims another victory for the BakuFighters. Now the Rainbooms are down to only one Brawler. But what's this!?" The announcer yelled this as the structure Rainbow had been standing next to began to break apart, having taken a lot of damage from Terraspin crashing into the ground next to it.

Soarin gasped at this as Garuda, instead of returning to ball form, dived down. "HANG ON!" He yelled as Garuda landed above Rainbow and covered her body with his as the structure collapsed atop him. "NOOOO!" Soarin quickly rushed to the fire escape and climbed down it, whilst the audience watched in worry as they waited to see if Rainbow was okay.

In the bunker, the BakuFighters and Rainbooms were all holding their breath. Fluttershy looked ready to start crying at any minute, as Soarin reached the wreck.

"Garuda!" He cried, climbing up the pile of beams and girders. "Rainbow!" He was about to start digging, when suddenly the pile shifted and Garuda pulled himself out of it.

"Ahhhh," he moaned as he turned to Soarin.

"Garuda!" He rushed over to him, seeing Garuda holding something in his wings. "Is that..." Garuda lowered his wings and Soarin saw both Rainbow and Terraspin with his grasp. "Rainbow!" Garuda put her down and as soon as he did, he reverted back to ball form and undignifiedly fell to the ground until Soarin caught him. "You okay?"

"Errr," Garuda opened up, "that battle really took a lot out of me." They then heard a moan and looked over at Rainbow, whose eyes opened up and appeared to no lack the malice they previously held.

"What happened?" She sat up and looked around, "where are we?" She then noticed her clothing attire, "and what's with the goth look?" Soarin sighed in relief, glad Rainbow was okay. "You wanna tell me what the heck is going on?"

"I'd like to know that too." They looked down at Terraspin, Rainbow's eyes going wide when she saw him move on his own and open up. "My head is spinning."

"You can talk?" Rainbow picked him up and looked at him in wonder. "That's awesome!"

"You know it," Terraspin nodded. "And you're awesome too Rainbow. I've wanted to tell you for the longest time how happy I am that you chose me as your Bakugan." Rainbow smiled at this and turned to Soarin.

"Did you do this?" She asked, "make Terraspin talk?"

"No," Soarin shook his head, "I'm actually not sure what made him talk. But it might have had something to do with your recent attitude adjustment."

"My what?"

Soarin was about to explain, but then his BakuColar beeped. "Oh, not now!" He looked down at the device to see who his opponent was and, to his shock, he saw the final member of the Rainboom's name.

Soarin: 100%
Twilight: 100%

They looked around, but saw no sign of the girl in question. "How disappointing." They turned to a building across the street from the construction site, with Twilight standing atop it looking upset. "I had hoped you could actually beat him," she told Rainbow as the girl she berated noticed how weirdly she was dressed.

"Twilight?"

"Looks like I'll have to deal with him myself," Twilight took out a Gate Card, Soarin and Garuda getting battle ready.

Flash and Leonidas panted, as they stared the three Bakugan down. He had managed to get the other brawler's life gauges down passed fifty percent, but he wasn't doing much better and Leonidas had had to fight like never before in order to do it.

"This...is a lot harder then I figured it would be," Leo groaned as Bee Striker shot forward. "But I'm not giving up!" Flash let out his own yell as he took out a card, the Haos team ready to fight to the very end until a victor was decided.

Down in the lab, Sombra and Lucifer watched the battle Flash was competing in. Both were interested to see whether or not Flash could pull off another victory like the one he had against Rarity.

"Come on Leonidas," Lucifer told the dragon. "Show me your real power. Show me what makes you so special." The Bakugan Battle Tournament was in its final stage. Should Flash and Soarin win, their team would take the victory. But things were never gonna be that easy. Only time would tell how things will work out.

Author's Note

Soarin manages to defeat Rainbow and now, he'll be up against Twilight. Meanwhile, Flash faces a trifecta of strong opponents. How can he overcome them? Only time will tell.

Fated Finals

Five teams now remained within the Bakugan Battle Tournament.

Within the City Battlefield, Soarin and Garuda had just won a particularly difficult battle against Rainbow and Terraspin. The battle had seriously warn them out and they could really do with a long rest. Alas, as soon as that brawl ended Soarin found himself within another one. And this time, he was up against Twilight Sparkle.

"Once again, the BakuFighters find themselves up against the Rainbooms. With only one member remaining on the second team, a loss for them here will mean they will be knocked out of the competition."

"Twilight?" Rainbow, who had been freed from Phantom's control, looked up at her in confusion. "What are you doing up there?"

"Watching you fail to bring down your target," Twilight told her. "But don't worry. I'll pick up the slack for you." Rainbow looked confused, but also annoyed Twilight would speak to her like that. But before she could say anything else, Soarin held up an arm to stop her.

"Don't bother. That's not the Twilight you know." Rainbow gave him a confused look, "she's under Phantom's control. Just like you and Terraspin were."

"Really?" Now Rainbow only looked worried, glancing back at her friend as the girl took out a card. "What do we do?"

"If I can beat her in a brawl, she should return to normal the same way you did when Garuda and I beat you." Rainbow was surprised by this, but then frowned.

"Then I'll brawl her. She's my friend too."

"You can't," Soarin stopped her. "We're in a tournament right now and you just got eliminated. If you try to brawl her...I don't know what'll happened but it'll definitely be against the rules. Just head back to my team's bunker. The rest of the Rainbooms are there waiting for you." He turned back to Twilight, stepping forward as he held up Garuda. "You okay to keep going? That last brawl was tough."

"I'm okay," Garuda assured him. "I'm a little tired, but I can keep going."

"Okay," Soarin nodded and focused on Twilight. "Let's do this thing. It's you and me Twilight."

"Indeed it is," Twilight nodded. "And I look forward to taking your Garuda and handing him over to Phantom."

"That's not gonna happen! Instead, I'm gonna beat you and free you and Spikenoid from his control." Twilight smiled at this, as if Soarin's words were a humorous joke.

"We'll see about that." She held out her Bakugan and Soarin did the same, the pair yelling at the same time. "LET'S BRAWL!"

"And the battle is underway."

Within their bunker, the rest of the BakuFighters and the Rainbooms watched the battle on the edge of their seat. "This is it," Heath smirked. "If Soarin can win this, the Rainbooms are all free."

"But he's up against Twilight," Bonnie pointed out. "And if she uses that Phantom Gate Card she used against us...Soarin might not be able to win this."

"We just have to hope he can end the brawl before she takes that card out," Lyra told her. But despite that, she was still worried. Then there was the brawl between Flash and the three other teams, who were all ganging up against him.

Flash glared at the three Brawlers that had teamed up to take him down, their Bakugan giving Leonidas a seriously hard time.

Leonidas dodged Goblin Ball's attack and shot towards Rafflesian, as his brawler held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" In the blink of an eye, Leonidas vanished and appeared behind Rafflesian. "Dragon Flash!"

Leonidas: 900Gs
Rafflesian: 850Gs
Goblin Ball: 800Gs
Bee Striker: 800Gs

He slammed a foot into the plant's back and sent it flying, reverting it to ball form as Leonidas shot over and punched Bee Striker in the face before grabbing its stinger and throwing it towards Goblin Ball. The two Bakugan hit the ground and reverted to ball form, their brawler's losing points but Leonidas felt exhausted. This brawl was far from over and as Leonidas returned to Flash, they knew it was gonna be awhile before they won.

"Gate Card!" Twilight threw the card towards the ground, "SET!" As it burst into light that filled the area, the two began to run off. Rainbow remained where she was, still confused about what the heck was going one

Soarin and Twilight ran as fast as they could throughout the city, Soarin quickly finding a way up to the rooftops of the buildings using the fire escapes and a bit of parkour. Once up there, he followed Twilight as they both searched of some power-ups and both found their own cluster not to far from one another.

"BAKUGAN!" They threw their partners towards them, "BRAWL!" Garuda and Spike shot through the air and struck the coins, powering themselves up as they landed on the ground and rolled to a stop. "BAKUGAN!" They both popped open, "STAND!" And in a burst of purple light and lightning charged green wind, the two Bakugan appeared and the power-ups kicked in.

Garuda: 750Gs
Spikenoid: 600Gs

Twilight was the first to hold up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Spikenoid's mouth filled with green flames, "Fire Burst!" And he quickly spat the stream of fire out, heading straight for Garuda.

Garuda: 750Gs
Spikenoid: 800Gs

The Ventus Bakugan did his best to avoid the flames, though the tip of his right wing did get a bit singed. "Ahh!" He hissed, but kept flying forwards whilst continuing to avoid the fire.

"Ability, Activate!" Garuda's wings sparked with lightning, "Thunder Gale!" With a powerful beat of his wings, the lightning infused wind shot towards Spike and slammed into him.

"Augh!" He cried as his was slashed and zapped, the lightning sparking around his body and freezing him in place.

Garuda: 750Gs
Spikenoid: 650Gs

"Get up!" Twilight ordered him.

"I...can't," Spike moaned as Garuda flew down and quickly spun around to thrust a foot into his chest. "Augh!" He was knocked backwards and slammed into the building next to the one besides Twilight's, the Bakugan's tail flailing around and smashing into her's. She quickly rushed to the edge and leapt to another building, as Garuda flew back up.

"Nice one Garuda!" Soarin cheered from across the street, but Twilight wasn't letting this fight end so quickly.

"Gate Card...OPEN!" The floor began to glow and unleash a purple light, "Darkus Reactor!" The light flew into Spike and powered him up, the Darkus Bakugan's eyes going wide as he felt his power increase.

Garuda: 750Gs
Spikenoid: 850Gs

"Oh yeah!" He cried as he pulled himself out of the building's remains before unleashing a blast of fire, which flew up and struck Garuda before he or Soarin could counter.

"Augh!" He yelled, crossing his wings to try and protect himself from the flames as best as he could. But this caused him to fall from the sky and Spike followed him with his fire stream. "Soarin!"

"Right!" Soarin took out a pair of cards, "Double Ability, Activate!" Garuda spread his wings as his body sparked with lightning. "Spark Streak, Plus Lightning Wing!"

Garuda: 1000Gs
Spikenoid: 850Gs

Speed increased, Garuda spread his wings and shot into the air faster than Spike could follow. "Hey!" He cried, looking around. "Where'd he go!"

"I'm behind you!" He heard behind him, making him spin around but saw nothing. "Still behind you!" He spun around again, but still there was nothing. "Still here!" He heard behind him, making him roar in annoyance as he swung his tail around. But it hit nothing but thin air. "Surprise!" He heard from above him, making him look up to see Garuda floating in the air. And before he could think, the bird shot down and slashed at him.

"Augh!" He was sent hurtling backwards, as Garuda flew back into the air. At the same time, Soarin was running along the rooftops when he spotted a Surprise Card on one of them. Glancing up at Garuda and seeing him looking exhausted, Soarin decided he needed to take this chance and rushed over to grab it.

"Gotcha!" The card glowed green and shot into the air, then flew towards Spikenoid and slammed into him.

"Gyah!" He cried, as the light spread around him and turned red. "What's...happening." He could feel his power beginning to drain away.

"It's Power Tax. A Surprise Ability that takes away a hundred Gs from a Bakugan for every Ability his opponent has used already. Since Garuda's used three, that's three hundred Gs being depleted."

Garuda: 1000Gs
Spikenoid: 550Gs

Spike tried to push himself back to his feet, as Garuda dived down. "Gotta finish this now!" But before Garuda could get to Spikenoid, Twilight held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Spike's body spikes began to glow, "Dark Spikes!" As Garuda got in close, Spikenoid swung his arms around and slammed one of them into Garuda's chest.

"Augh!" He cried, as half his G power was stolen away.

Garuda: 500Gs
Spikenoid: 1050Gs

"Wow! With a single move, Spikenoid has stolen half of Garuda's power. Now he's the one with the advantage. If Garuda drops now, it's all over for him and Soarin."

Garuda could feel himself about to change back, but knew if that happened he would be taken by Twilight. "I...won't let that happened." He brought his feet up and pushed Spike back, allowing him to fly upwards as Soarin held up two cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Garuda dived at Spikenoid, whilst his beak sparked with lightning. "Sky Burst, plus Blitz Bolt!"

Garuda: 800Gs
Spikenoid: 1050Gs

The attack wasn't enough and as Garuda fired the lightning bolt, Spike swung his tail around to unleash a wind that blue the electricity away. "Finish him!" Twilight cried, as Spike unleashed another bout and green fire that struck Garuda head on.

"Augh!" He cried, being blown towards where Soarin was standing. But before he could crash into the building, he turned back to ball form and landed on the roof as Soarin's life gauge dropped.

Soarin: 50%
Twilight: 100%

"And with that, Twilight takes the lead in this Brawl. Quite an unexpected turn around, given how Soarin had the lead for most of the match. How will this affect the rest of the brawl?"

"You okay Garuda?" Soarin asked, picking his Bakugan up.

Garuda groaned as he opened up, "that hurt."

"This isn't good. You're too exhausted from the last brawl to keep going. I'm gonna have to use another Bakugan."

"No," Garuda told him, "we both know I'm the only one you have strong enough to take Spikenoid down. I can do this. We just need to play smarter, not harder." Soarin nodded and turned to Twilight, Spikenoid having returned to her.

"That was too close," she told the Bakugan. "You got careless and let him have the upper-hand for too long."

"Give me a break," Spike told her. "I did win after all."

"Barely." She turned to Soarin, the pair locking eyes and knowing the next round wasn't gonna be an easy one.

Those in the bunker frowned, having hoped Soarin could end the brawl then and there before the Dark Spikes was activated. "Should have known it wouldn't be that easy," Lyra sighed.

Derpy chose this break in the action to change the channel, Flash's brawl now being shown.

Leonidas dodged Bee Striker's attack and as he did, he flew over where Rafflesian was.

"Ability, Activate!" The girl yelled as she held up a card. "Draining Roots!" Rafflesian slammed its thorny vines into the ground, the vines exploding out of the ground beneath Leonidas and wrapping around him.

"Ahhh!" He groaned, as a hundred and fifty Gs were stolen from him.

Leonidas: 300Gs
Rafflesian: 450Gs
Goblin Ball: 400Gs
Bee Striker: 500Gs

"Leo!" Flash cried, quickly taking out a card. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas' mouth sparked, "Alpha Blaster!" He fired a blast towards Rafflesian, slamming into it head on and causing it to loosen its grip enough for Leonidas to pull himself free.

Leonidas: 500Gs
Rafflesian: 450Gs
Goblin Ball: 400Gs
Bee Striker: 500Gs

He then shot forward, diving towards the plant Bakugan ready to take it down. But before he could, Bee Striker appeared. "Ability, Activate!" Its Brawler yelled as he held up a card, the bee suddenly multiplying. "Swarm Assault!"

Leonidas: 500Gs
Rafflesian: 450Gs
Goblin Ball: 400Gs
Bee Striker: 600Gs

The multiple Bee Strikers shot towards Leonidas and slammed into him several time, the dragon crying out as he was struck again and again. One's stinger struck his wing and he fell towards the ground, crashing into the field as Goblin Ball flew towards him.

"Ability, Activate!" The Darkus Bakugan unleashed a powerfully bright light, which struck Leonidas. "Eerie Gaze!" Leonidas flinched, feeling his power drain.

Leonidas: 400Gs
Rafflesian: 450Gs
Goblin Ball: 400Gs
Bee Striker: 600Gs

"Ability!" Flash held up a card, "Activate!" The sphere of energy formed around him, blocking out the light. "Hyper Shield!" Leo sighed as the feeling faded and his power returned.

Leonidas: 500Gs
Rafflesian: 450Gs
Goblin Ball: 400Gs
Bee Striker: 600Gs

Leonidas took to the air, but as he did Bee Striker was waiting for him there. The hornet shot forward and pierced its stinger into his shield, causing the force-field to shatter like glass. "Get him!" Its Brawler cried as it shot forward, attempting to stab Leonidas.

"Raaah!" The dragon reached out and grabbed him by the stinger and trying to stop it. But the force wasn't enough and he slowly felt the stringer getting closer and closer.

At the same time, Rafflesian and Goblin Ball's Brawlers held up cards. "Ability, Activate!" They both yelled as their Bakugan powered up.

Leonidas: 500Gs
Rafflesian: 550Gs
Goblin Ball: 500Gs
Bee Striker: 600Gs

Goblin Ball fired a beam of light that hit Leonidas in the back, "augh!" He accidentally released Bee Striker's stinger and allowed the Ventus Bakugan to stab him in the chest, making him hiss as he was thrown to the ground.

At the same time, Rafflesian swung its vines around and slapped him away. "LEO!" Flash cried as Leonidas was knocked flying through a tree, hitting the ground and rolling as Flash watched him in worry. "No." He turned to the others as the three Bakugan grouped up, watching to see if Leonidas would get up. "You haven't beaten us yet!"

"You sure?" The Darkus Brawler asked, "because your overgrown iguana isn't looking so good."

"Who you calling an iguana!" Leonidas growled as he pushed himself up out of the tree's remains, "say that again and I'll step on you. And Flash is right. You haven't beaten us yet."

"And you won't!" Flash told them. "We've got friends waiting for us that needs our help." The image of Soarin and Garuda appeared in the forefront of his mind, followed by the image of Twilight and Spike. The dark new look Twilight had taken on slowly faded, showing the girl he had come to expect and admire. Those four were his friends and they needed his help. "And you three are standing in our way!"

"And since you won't move...WE'LL JUST HAVE TO STEP OVER YOU!" Leonidas roared as his body began to glow, starting at his eyes and spreading around the rest of him. Flash and his opponents were blinded by this light, Flash looking down at his BakuColar and seeing the same words that had appeared when he battled Rarity.

"Power surge detected."

"Again?" He asked as Leonidas' power began to rise.

Down within the lab, Sombra watched the footage and looked over at the data.

"It's happening again. An incredible amount of power flowing from Leonidas. More then his body should be able to handle." He turned towards Lucifer, who was still absorbing the power generated by the battles. "You said that you would know what this was if you sensed it again. So...what is?"

Lucifer chuckled, "It's something I didn't expect to ever see in this world. To think, a Bakugan would become strong enough to surpass his limits. He hasn't reached it yet, but soon he'll grow so powerful his body won't be able to handle the power he's amassed. And when that happens, he'll have only two options."

"And what are those options?"

"Be overwhelmed by the power and destroy himself, or transform himself into a form that can handle the power."

"You don't mean..."

"Yes," Lucifer nodded, "evolution."

The light around Leonidas continued to glow, as his power level finally stopped rising.

Leonidas: 700Gs
Rafflesian: 550Gs
Goblin Ball: 500Gs
Bee Striker: 600Gs

"Flash!" He took to the air, "let's finish this!"

"You got it!" Flash held up his cards, but the Ventus Brawler was faster.

"Oh no you don't!" He cried!" Holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Bee Striker flew up and unleashed a bust of wind, "Tornado Impact!"

Leonidas: 700Gs
Rafflesian: 550Gs
Goblin Ball: 500Gs
Bee Striker: 800Gs

The wind struck Leonidas and despite his power level being lower, the Bakugan seemed unharmed by the attack!"

"Ability!" The other two cried, "Activate!" Goblin Ball and Rafflesian unleashed beams of energy towards Leonidas, but they simply bounced off the light the same way Bee Striker's attack had. "What's happening?" The girl asked, looking down at her BakuColar.

Leonidas: 700Gs
Rafflesian: 750Gs
Goblin Ball: 700Gs
Bee Striker: 800Gs

"Our power level's stronger, so why won't the attacks connect?"

"Triple Ability, Activate!" Flash held up the cards, as Leonidas suddenly vanished in the blink of an eye. "Dragon Flash!" He reappeared next to Bee Striker and slammed his tail into him, knocking him towards the ground. The Ventus Bakugan crashed into Goblin Ball, causing them both to fall to the ground and hit Rafflesian. "Plus, Shining Tornado, plus Fusion Ability, ALPHA HURRICANE!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Leonidas roared as he spun around, the tornado of light forming around him as the energy sparked around it.

Leonidas: 1300Gs
Rafflesian: 750Gs
Goblin Ball: 700Gs
Bee Striker: 800Gs

"TAKE THIS!" Leonidas roared from within the drill, as he crashed into the three Bakugan and caused a massive shockwave that knocked the three other Brawlers back as their life gauges each hit zero. Their Bakugan were also sent flying and all returned to ball form, the three shooting towards Flash.

The teen held up his hand and the Bakugan landed in his palm, Leonidas breaking out of his attack and floating above him with another loud roar escaping his mouth. "That's it! Flash Sentry, out of nowhere, manages to turn things around and win against three teams of brawlers. Now the only teams left are his BakuFighters and the Rainbooms, meaning his team could claim victory if his teammate can win.

Leonidas returned to Flash, the teen catching him as he started running through the battlefield. "Leo, what the heck his happening to you. What's with this sudden surge of power?"

"I don't know," Leonidas told him. "For a moment I just felt...stronger. Like something buried within me awaken for that one moment. But now...now it's gone."

Flash felt a little worried, fearing Leonidas might be accidentally tapping into some Doom Dimension power he didn't know he had. Flash might have trusted Leonidas, but the Doom Dimension was an insane place. If Leonidas did have some kind of power like that, it might end up hurting him or causing him to lose control. Hopefully, that wasn't the case.

"Let's focus on that later. For now, let's just get to Soarin and help him out before something bad happens."

"Gate Card!" Soarin threw his towards the ground, "SET!" Once again, he and Twilight rushed off to find some power-ups. And they spotted them, though there was only a few this time.

"BAKUGAN!" They both threw their Bakugan, "BRAWL!" Spike and Garuda shot towards the cluster and reached it at the same time, Spike managing to grab one more coin then Garuda before they struck the ground. "BAKUGAN, STAND!" They popped open and in a flash of light and wind, appeared as the power-ups activated.

Garuda: 550Gs
Spikenoid: 600Gs

"Double Ability," Soarin held up a card, "Activate!" Garuda took to the air as his body sparked, "Thunder Gale, plus Lightning Wing!" Garuda beat his wings and the electrified windstruck Spike, making him flinch as his power dropped and Garuda's rose.

Garuda: 700Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs

Garuda dived down, ready to slash at Spike, but Twilight was ready. "Ability, Activate!" Once again the Darkus Bakugan's spikes glowed and as Garuda got in close, Spike swung his arm around and stabbed into Garuda. "Dark Spikes!" Garuda flinched as his power was drained away.

Garuda: 350Gs
Spikenoid: 800Gs

"Ouch. Once again Twilight has stolen Garuda's power and made it her own. Will Garuda once again be defeated?"

"Not gonna happen!" Soarin yelled as he pointed to the ground, "Gate Card...OPEN!" The field lit up, "Ventus Saver!" The light spread to Garuda and Spike, making Spikenoid flinch whilst Garuda could feel his power being restored. "Ventus Saver nullifies my opponent's abilities as long as I'm using a Ventus Bakugan, which means Dark Spikes is cancelled out."

Garuda: 700Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs

"Ahhh," Twilight growled before taking out a card. "Ability, Activate!" But nothing happened, "what?" She asked, then realised what was going on. "Don't tell me, Ventus Saver keeps me from activating new abilities."

"I saw what you did to Heath and Bonnie," Soarin told her. "Thought I'd return the favour." He took out his own card, "Ability, Activate!" Garuda's beak sparked, "Blitz Bolt!"

Garuda: 850Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs

Garuda squawked as he launched the lightning bolt, hitting Spike right in the chest. "Augh!" He cried, as the electricity began to spread around his body and paralysed him. "Can't...move."

"That's right!" Garuda yelled before diving down and slashing him with his wing, "now fall!" Spike did fall, but managed to spin around and catch himself on his hands whilst Garuda circled around and dove again.

Twilight glared at Soarin, "why won't he end it!" She knew Spike likely wouldn't take another hit if he used another Ability, so why didn't he?

If only she knew that Soarin didn't want to win yet. "If I use another Ability, I'll win but Spikenoid will become mine." He knew he could just give Spike back, but he also feared the transfer of ownership might cause Spike to lose his voice again. "Just fall already!" Garuda continued slashing at Spike again and again, as the light of the Gate Card began to dim. "No!"

"Looks like the Gate Card's effects are starting to die down. Can Soarin end this before it fades completely?"

As the light faded, Soarin sighed. "I've got no choice." He took out a card, "Ability Activate!" Garuda flew straight up, as his body became shrouded by lightning. "Spark Streak!"

Garuda: 950Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs

Garuda shot down, ready to end this and defeat Spikenoid. But before he could, the light of the Gate Card vanished completely. "Too late!" Twilight held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Spike's body glowed, "Scale-Mail!" Garuda slammed off Spike's body, his power weakening but not by enough.

Garuda: 850Gs
Spikenoid: 450Gs

"Ahhhh!" Spike cried as he was knocked flying backwards, slamming into another building as Garuda took to the air.

"Double Ability!" Twilight held up a pair of cards, "Activate!" The cards glowed and Spike pushed himself up to his feet before breathing in, "Fire Burst, plus Tearing Claw!"

Garuda: 850Gs
Spikenoid: 750Gs

Spikenoid unleashed the fire stream, but Garuda was able to evade all the attacks as he flew down and Soarin held up his own card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda tucked in his wings as the slipstream formed around him, "Sky Burst!"

Garuda: 1000Gs
Spikenoid: 750Gs

Spikenoid pulled back his claws, ready to slash at Garuda whilst Twilight prepared her Fusion Ability. But before she could, Garuda spread his wings and suddenly accelerated. "Take this!" He squawked before slamming into Spikenoid, knocking him off his feet before he could slash at him.

He fell to the ground and reverted back to ball form, Twilight gasping as her life gauge dropped.

Soarin: 50%
Twilight: 50%

"Yow! Soarin manages to tie the battle up, whilst Twilight scurries to collect her Bakugan." Garuda returned to Soarin, the teen looking down and seeing Twilight climb down the side of the building to collect Spike.

"One more fight," Garuda told him. "One more win and the Rainbooms will all be free."

"Yeah," Soarin nodded. "But I get the feeling this isn't gonna be that easy." He watched as Twilight picked Spikenoid up, then slowly turned her attention back to him. "She looks mad." The look on her face was screaming that, but she said nothing and instead headed back towards the fire escape. As she did, Rainbow ran onto the street. Instead of heading to the bunker, she wanted to be right where the action was.

"You think Soarin can beat Twilight again?" Pinkie asked.

"I don't know," Rarity told her. "He was able to stop her Dark Spikes Ability because of his Gate Card, but he's not gonna have that again. If he can't find a way to stop it again, all the power his Bakugan gains is gonna be sucked away."

"Soarin's smart," Nimue stated. "He'll come up with a plan to win."

"Maybe," Applejack frowned, "but Twilight's smarter. Plus, she hasn't used any of those Phantom Cards yet. If she does, a'm not sure how well Soarin's gonna be able to hold out." They all realised she was right, but even so they all had to hope and believe Soarin could win this fight.

"I'll admit," Twilight finally spoke up as she reached the top of the building. "Countering my Dark Spikes like that was impressive, but you let your mercy get the better of you."

"How so?"

"Had you activated your Abilities sooner, you would have won not only the brawl but Spikenoid too."

"I don't know what caused Spike to start talking," Soarin told her. "But I do know that him losing that ability would be horrible for you guys. If taking Spike from you caused him to lose his voice...I couldn't do that to him."

"Well that kindness will now destroy you," Twilight took out a card. And even before it was set, Soarin could feel the dark energy coming off of it. "You'll regret showing me mercy. Gate Card, SET!" She threw it towards the ground and ran off, Soarin doing the same whilst Rainbow climbed up a fire escape.

The pair quickly found another batch of power-up coins and Twilight leapt into the air. "Bakugan!" She threw Spike before Soarin could get a good aim, "BRAWL!" Spike struck all but one of the power-ups before hitting the ground, "Bakugan...STAND!" He popped open and unleashed a burst of dark light, "Darkus Spikenoid, RISE!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" Spike roared as he took to the field, his power spiking from the extra Gs he had acquired.

Spikenoid: 750Gs

Soarin frowned, but knew he had to keep going. "Let's do this Garuda!" He leapt off the edge of a building, "Bakugan...BRAWL!" Garuda shot towards the final coin and slammed into it before hitting the ground and popping open. "Bakugan...STAND!" A tornado exploded into the city, "Ventus Garuda, TAKE FLIGHT!"

Garuda squawked as he shot up into the air, spinning several times before stopping as his G power rose.

Garuda: 500Gs
Spikenoid: 750Gs

"Double Ability, Activate!" Soarin held up two cards, as Garuda shot down and his body sparked. "Lightning Wing, plus Spark Streak!"

Garuda: 750Gs
Spikenoid: 750Gs

Spike braced himself, as Garuda flew in close. He then thrust his arms out and grabbed Garuda by the wings, flinching because of the lightning sparking into him and being pushed backwards. But he didn't let it overpower him and held Garuda tightly, as Twilight held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Spikenoid opened his mouth, "Fire Burst!" The green flames exploded out of him, hitting Garuda head on and making him squawk in pain as he tried to pull away.

Garuda: 750Gs
Spikenoid: 950Gs

"Garuda!" Soarin yelled, as the Ventus Bakugan raised his claws and slashed at Spike's stomach. The dragon flinched and his grip on Garuda's wings lessened, allowing the Ventus Bakugan to pull away and take to the air. "Now," he held up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Once again, Garuda's body sparked with energy. "Thunder Gale, plus Blitz Bolt!"

"Move!" Twilight told Spike, but Garuda launched the lightning bolt from his beak before beating his wings to unleash the electrified gust. The two attacks fused and Spike tried to get out of the way, but the wind struck him before he could.

"Augh!" He cried, falling to the ground and sparking with energy.

Garuda: 900Gs
Spikenoid: 800Gs

"Get him!" Soarin yelled, Garuda diving down towards Spike with his claws primed.

Spike groaned, unable to move or activate Abilities. However, Twilight wasn't worried. "You think I'd fall for that?" She asked, chuckling as she pushed her glasses up her face. "As if." She pointed towards the ground, "Phantom Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground glowed once again, unleashing a dark energy that flew towards the two Bakugan. It spread around Spikenoid and shot into the air, hitting Garuda in the chest.

"Augh!" He cried, feeling his power being drained away. Spike, meanwhile, felt his power begin to raise and Soarin looked down at his BakuColar to see what had just happened.

Garuda: 750Gs
Spikenoid: 950Gs

"Their power levels reset?"

"Darkus Excellence," Twilight explained. "A Phantom Gate Card that can nullify the activate Abilities of any non-Darkus Bakugan. But that's not all it does." More energy flowed throughout the battlefield and into Spikenoid, the Darkus Bakugan's face showing a lot of pain.

Garuda: 750Gs
Spikenoid: 1150Gs

"What the?" Soarin asked.

"An extra hundred Gs for every Bakugan on the field. Plus one final effect."

"How many more Abilities can one Gate Card have?" Soarin asked as Twilight took out another card, which glowed the same dark aura as her last Gate Card.

"Now I can set a new Gate Card." Soarin's eyes went wide as she threw the card towards the ground, the Gate Card exploding as she took out another card. "Ability, Activate!" Spike's body spikes glowed once again, "Spiking Strike!" The light then shot into the air and Garuda began to do everything he could to avoid them.

However, he just wasn't fast enough. "Augh!" He cried, as one spike struck him in the wing.

Garuda: 700Gs
Spikenoid: 1150Gs

This slowed him down, allowing two more spikes to slam into him. "Gyah!"

Garuda: 600Gs
Spikenoid: 1150Gs

He tried to stay aloft, but just couldn't and slammed into the ground before sliding to a stop on the street. "Garuda!" Soarin screamed, about to take out an Ability card. But Twilight was quicker.

"Phantom Gate Card...OPEN!" The field began to glow and the light shot towards Garuda and Spike, enshrouding them and causing them both great pain. "Power Lock!"

"Not that one!" Heath yelled, remembering what that Gate Card had done to him and Bonnie.

"This is really bad," Bonnie looked petrified. "With their power levels the way they are, if Garuda falls..." She couldn't bare to say it, but everyone knew what she was getting at.

"Come on Soarin," Lyra whispered. "You've gotta find a way around this."

Soarin couldn't see a way around this. Even if he activated an Ability, it wouldn't change his power Level and he couldn't throw in a new Bakugan. "We're trapped."

"Spikenoid!" Twilight ordered, pointing at the downed Ventus Bakugan. "Take...him...down!" Spike roared as he charged towards Garuda, who was picking himself up. And as he got to his feet, Spike swung his tail around and smashed it into him.

"Augh!" He cried, being thrown backwards and crashing into a building. The structure crumbled and as it did, Soarin knew he had to act fast.

"It saved me last time," he looked around, trying to spot a Surprise Card he could use to stop this. But nothing was in sight, making him frown as Garuda got back to his feet. "Get into the air. You'll be safe there!" Garuda nodded and pushed himself out of the rubble, flinching in pain as Soarin began running throughout the city.

And as Spike charged to get him, Garuda leapt into the air and flew up with a pained look on his face. "Get him!" Twilight ordered, Spike unleashing a blast of fire towards Garuda. The Ventus Bakugan barely managed to avoid it, whilst Soarin landed on another rooftop and spotted a card.

"There!" He rushed forward, "please be one I can use!" He grabbed the card, but as soon as he did it turned red. "AUGH!" He cried as he was zapped, his BakuColar beeping to show a loss of points.

Soarin: 40%
Twilight: 50%

"Ouch! Too bad for Soarin. This is only getting worse and worse for him." Spikenoid unleashed another green fire blast and struck Garuda's wing, making him cry out as he fell towards the ground. Soarin panted at the pain, but refused to let this stop him.

"Raaah!" He pushed through the pain and ran along the rooftops, leaping over to another rooftop as Garuda hit the ground.

Flash and Leonidas finally arrived at the City Battlefield and as they did, they spotted Spike a good distance away. "There!" They ran towards the fight, hoping they could find a way to help Soarin and Garuda.

"Hang on guys," Leonidas stated from Flash's shoulder. "But if we enter this battle, we'll be penalised."

"Better than Soarin losing and us having to fight Twilight on our own!" Flash pointed out.

As Garuda pushed himself back to his feet, Spike charged yet again. "Take this!" He swung his tail around and Garuda barely manged to leap out of the way of it, the tail instead hitting a building he was in front of.

Soarin kept searching but still found nothing, the teen knowing he was running out of time. Spike unleashed another fire blast and he watched as Garuda leapt back into the air to avoid it, but he couldn't get very high up with his injured wings. "Please Soarin," he told his partner. "Hurry!"

"There's...no more cards," Soarin gulped. But as he said this, Rainbow ran up to a building on the other side of the street from him. And as she did, Terraspin spotted something.

"Rainbow, down there!" He did his best to point in his ball form, Rainbow looking down at a street's trash can and seeing a glow.

"Soarin!" Rainbow cried, getting the teen's attention as she pointed towards the trash can. Soarin followed her finger and his eyes went wide seeing the can, unable to see the light from his angle. But he believed her and quickly began to climb down the side of the building.

As he did, Garuda landed up the street as Spike charge. The Ventus Bakugan crossed his wings to block a slash from him, then leapt back to dodge a fire blast. As he did, Soarin hit the street and ran for the trash can.

And as Spike prepared another fire attack, Soarin reached into the bin and grabbed the card. "Please!" He begged, as the light changed colour...to green.

Suddenly, the light of the Gate Card vanished. And as Twilight reached the roof of a building on the street, she saw this and her eyes went wide. "What happened?"

"Wow. Talk about luck. Soarin got the Street Closed Surprise Card, which temporarily negates the effects of a Gate Card that's active." Everyone who heard this gasped, Soarin smiling as he acted fast.

"Fusion Ability, ACTIVATE!" Garuda leapt up and began to spin, the tornado of green wind spiralling around him as lightning sparked around it. "Lightning Vortex!"

Garuda: 950Gs
Spikenoid: 1150Gs

Soarin frowned at this, seeing he still didn't have enough power to match her. But before he could use another card, "Ability, Activate!" Spikenoid roared and charged forward, as the Garuda's lightning drill continued to fly towards him. "Tearing Claw!"

Garuda: 950Gs
Spikenoid: 1250Gs

"Ability-" Soarin held up his card, but before he could activate it the field began to glow away. "No!"

"The effects of Street Closed have ended and so, Soarin can no longer increase his Bakugan's G power." Everyone watched as the lightning drill struck Spike, who swung his claws forwards and smashed them into the attack. The two Bakugan struggled against one another, as Spike's mouth filled with fire.

He let the attack rip and it collided with Garuda's attack, eventually reaching a critical point. Before Soarin or anyone else could do anything, a massive explosion filled the battlefield.

KABOOM!

The entire field suddenly rocked and Flash almost fell over from the shockwaves, he and Leonidas looking up and seeing a large smoke cloud appearing from behind a line of buildings. "Soarin!" He rushed forward and made his way through an alleyway, coming out on the other side of the street.

They could barely see a thing, the pair blinded by the smoke still filling the city. But slowly, the smoke began to fade and reveal the outcome of the brawl that had taken place there.

"Ahhhh," Soarin moaned as he was laid out on the floor. Garuda was right in front of him, the Bakugan on his back trying to push himself up. But he couldn't and fell back to the ground, reverting to ball form and rolling towards Soarin as their life gauge dropped.

Soarin: 0%
Twilight: 50% (Winner)

"It's over. With that, Twilight Sparkle of the Rainbooms claims victory over Soarin of the BakuFighters. The young lad did well, but he just couldn't overcome her skills."

"Soarin!" Flash rushed to his side, as the rest of the smoke faded to show Spikenoid.

The Darkus Bakugan roared again as Twilight landed on his head, then lowered his neck. Flash looked up at her as she jumped onto the street, Rainbow climbing down and rushing to Soarin's side as well. "Is he okay?" She asked, only for them to hear a beeping noise and look down at Flash's BakuColar.

Flash: 100%
Twilight: 100%

"It's here. The battle to determine who will take home the trophy and be the winners of the first Bakugan Battle Tournament. It's Flash Sentry of the BakuFighters against Twilight Sparkle of the Rainbooms. These two teams have had it out for one another since the start of the match, only losing to members of the opposite team. Now it all comes down to these two young brawlers."

"Twilight," Flash whispered as Rainbow helped Soarin up to his feet. The girl made her way towards her, as Spikenoid returned to ball form and flew into her hand. "I wanna say that you don't have to do this, but I know it won't work. Phantom's grip on your mind is too strong."

"Maybe it is," Twilight smiled. "Or maybe he's just shown me to true meaning of being the best." She pointed at him, "I might not have been able to get Garuda for him. But your Leonidas is the ultimate prize. I will seize it for him."

"Don't be so sure," Flash told him as Leonidas landed on his shoulder.

"You were the one who helped Flash and I become a real team," he told her. "I'll repay that by beating you and freeing you both from Phantom's clutches." As he said that, the field around them began to change as the City Battlefield faded away. This confused the lot on the field and those in the bunker, but the announcer quickly explained.

"Since this will be the final brawl of the tournament, we have a special field ready just for it. Prepare yourself for the final battle!" The BakuFighters and Rainbooms all rushed out of the bunker, the lot wanting to be right near the action to cheer Flash and Leonidas on when the brawl started. And as they did, the field began to form.

The ground turned to a greyish rock that had a strange sparkly dust covering it, and from that ground a bunch of crystal spikes began to grow. Flash and Twilight suddenly found themselves on the very tip of a crystal spike, a good fifty feet away from one another. When the spikes stopped growing, they looked up and saw the ceiling had turned as black as the night. It had multiple stars twinkling from it along with many strange looking planets of all different shapes and sizes.

"Welcome to the Crystal Galaxy. It's here that our Brawlers will determine who will be crowd the absolute winner of the contest. Are both brawlers ready?"

"As I'll ever be," Flash took a deep breath.

Twilight smiled and took out a card, "I'm ready to destroy this fool." Flash frowned at this.

"Then let's get this show on the road. In three...two...one...Bakugan..."

"BRAWL!" They both yelled, as Twilight threw the card. "Gate Card...SET!" It hit the ground and Twilight spotted a cluster of power-ups a ways off. "Perfect," She leapt off the crystal and rushed towards them. Flash slid down his crystal and as he did, he heard his friends call out to him.

"Flash!" He turned to them as they arrived, all smiling and nodding at him. "You've got this," Lyra told him.

"Bring Twilight back!" Pinkie cheered, Flash nodding and running off to find his own power-ups. Twilight reached the power-ups first.

"Bakugan!" She threw Spike, "BRAWL!" The Darkus Bakugan shot through the air and struck five of the coins before hitting the ground and rolling, "Bakugan...STAND!" Spike exploded with dark light, the wingless dragon appearing with the crystal covered battlefield. "Darkus Spikenoid!"

"RAAAAAH!" He roared, his power raising.

Spikenoid: 700Gs

Twilight chuckled and turned to Flash, who had rushed up one of the crystal spikes. "Now, bring out Leonidas so I can finally take him."

Flash frowned, "don't tell me how to brawl." He held up his partner, "ready bud?"

"Always," he nodded before closing up. Flash nodded back and threw him, yelling the iconic words as he did so. Leonidas shot through the air and struck a bunch of the remaining power-ups before hitting the ground.

"Bakugan...STAND!" Leonidas popped open and exploded into light, "Haos Leonidas!" From that light, the white, yellow and purple dragon flew out and did several spines before stopping and letting out a roar. The power-ups kicked in and his G power rose to meet Spike's.

Leonidas: 700Gs
Spikenoid: 700Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Both brawlers held up their cards, "Alpha Blaster/Fire Burst!" Leonidas flew down and unleashed the laser beam, whilst Spike fired the green flames towards him. The two attacks collided and exploded, unleashing a shockwave that pushed both Bakugan and their Brawlers back.

Leonidas: 900Gs
Spikenoid: 900Gs

Flash fought through the shockwaves and quickly held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" From out of the smoke, Leonidas shot down as his muscles tensed. "Brawling Dragon!"

Leonidas: 1000Gs
Spikenoid: 900Gs

Leonidas slammed a fist into Spike's gut, making him flinch, then swung around and thrust a kick into his chest. "Ahhh!" Spike staggered back as Leonidas stayed closed and kept throwing rapid random punches, kicks and tail swings in his direction.

But then, Twilight held up a pair of cards and Spike caught his tail. "Double Ability, Activate!" Spike's scales glared along with his claws. "Scale-Mail, plus Tearing Claw!"

"Raaaaah!" He threw the tail away and Leonidas was thrown into the side of a crystal spike, the wingless dragon rushing forward and slashing at him.

Leonidas: 900Gs
Spikenoid: 1000Gs

"Augh!" Leonidas cried as he was slashed down the chest, Spikenoid holding up his other arm ready to repeat the attack.

"Ability, Activate!" Flash held up a card as Leonidas glowed, then vanished in the blink of an eye. "Dragon Flash!" Leonidas appeared above Spikenoid, cracking his knuckles ready for their next tussle.

Leonidas: 1000Gs
Spikenoid: 1000Gs

But before Leonidas could dive down, Twilight held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Spike's body spikes began to glow, "Spiking Strike!" The spikes fired off of him and shot into the air, however Leonidas' increased speed allowed him to evade almost all of them.

Only one hit him, catching the dragonoid right in the leg. "Ahhh!" He hissed, feeling the sting as his power lowered.

Leonidas: 950Gs
Spikenoid: 1000Gs

He slowly guided towards the ground, grabbing the spike in his leg and pulling it out of him as Spikenoid charged. As he did, Twilight held up another card. "Ability, Activate!" His spikes once again glowed, only this time they glowed purple. "Dark Spikes!"

Everyone began to grow fearful of this move, but Flash had been expecting it. "Ability!" He held up a card, "Activate!" It glowed along with Leonidas, the light flying off of him to form a force-field sphere. "Hyper Shield!"

Spike stabbed his razors into the shield and it did nothing, allowing Leonidas to recover from the Spiking Strike and push himself up. He shot into the air, the sphere fading as Leonidas hovered. "Do it Flash!" The teen nodded and took out another Ability Card.

"Ability, Activate!" Leonidas dived, then spun around as light spiralled around him. "Shining Tornado!"

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Spikenoid: 1000Gs

The attack got close to Spikenoid, but neither he nor Twilight was worried. "I don't think so." She pointed towards the ground, "Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground suddenly lit up with purple light, "DARKUS REACTOR!" The light flew into Spikenoid and he smirked.

"YEAH!" He roared, his power raising as the Shining Tornado got it close

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Spikenoid: 1200Gs

Spike suddenly thrust his arms out and grabbed the attack, stopping it in its place as the revolutions slowed down. He then spun around and smashed his tail into it, sending Leonidas flying out of the light and crashing into the ground. "Augh!" He cried, sliding through the sparkly dust until he crashed into a crystal spike.

"LEO!" Flash yelled, as Twilight took out another card.

"Fusion Ability, Activate!" Flash's eyes went wide as the spikes on the Darkus Bakugan's back and arms suddenly burst into green fire. "BLAZING SPIKES!" Spikenoid suddenly slammed the ground, causing it to shake as a trail of giant green spikes shot out of the ground towards Leonidas.

The dragon groaned as he pushed himself up. But as he did, several spikes shot out around him and trapped him in a cage before they burst into flames and fried him. "RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared in pain as the power level changed.

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Spikenoid: 1500Gs

"LEO!" Flash cried, as his Bakugan tried to fight against the pain. But it was too much and he reverted back to ball form, Flash's life gauge dropping rapidly.

Flash: 20%
Twilight: 100%

As Leonidas fell to the ground, Spikenoid returned to Twilight and the announcer called out. "WOW! In one round, Twilight wiped away almost all of Flash's life gauge. Flash better kick things up if he wants to win this match."

Flash's friends all watched and worried, as Flash picked Leonidas up. "You okay?"

"Uhhh," Leonidas opened up, "that hurt." They both heard laughter and turned towards Twilight, who was once again atop one of the crystal spikes.

"You should just give up now and hand Leonidas over. Save him being hurt anymore then he already has." She laughed some more as Flash frowned.

"We're not giving up," Flash told her. "Just you watch. We're gonna win and bring you and Spike back!" But as he said this, he couldn't help but feel uneasy. 'That's easier said than done. Twilight's one of the best brawlers I know. If I wanna beat her, I've gotta pull out all the stops. This isn't a game anymore. In this match...it's winner takes all.'

To be continued...

Author's Note

We've reached the final part of the tournament. I know a lot of you have been feeling bored by the repetitive, but hopefully you'll have enjoyed this and are looking forward to what comes next week. Which brawl of this tournament did you all enjoy?

Leo's Time to Shine

The Bakugan Battle Tournament was in its final stage, with only two Brawlers left.

Flash of the BakuFighters and Twilight of the Rainbooms both stared one another down, Flash glaring whilst Twilight simply smiled.

Off to the side, the rest of their teammates watched and worried that Flash might be in over his head. Since Flash was now down to only a hundred points whilst Twilight's life gauge was completely full. "This is bad," Soarin groaned as Rainbow held him up. "If Flash doesn't do something, we might never get the real Twilight back."

"Don't count those two out yet," Garuda told him. "Twilight might have gotten the drop on them before, but Flash won't fall for the same trick twice."

"I hope you're right," Derpy gulped. "If they don't find a way to win, Twilight could remain Phantom's slave forever. And if she uses that Phantom Gate Card, she might take Leonidas away and give him to that monster."

"Yes," Lyra's eyes drifted to Derpy, "we don't want that."

"Come on Twilight," Flash told her. "You're stronger then Phantom. Don't let him control you!"

"He's not controlling me," Twilight repeated. "He just showed me what it means to truly be strong. Now shut up and battle. I'm done wasting time with a weakling like you, so stop stalling and brawl so I can take your Leonidas."

"It's no good," Leo told Flash. "There's only one way to wake her up. We have to beat her and blast that evil out of her."

"Yeah," Flash nodded, "but can we? We've never beaten Twilight before and the way she is now, I'm worried she might do something that could hurt you and Spikenoid to win."

"I'm not worried," Leo assured him. "She might have beaten us in the last round, but this time we'll turn things around. Don't forget, since our last battle with them we've become true partners. With you by my side, I know we can win."

Flash smiled at him and nodded, "Thanks Leo." He turned back to Twilight and took out a Gate Card. "You're right. Together, we can beat anyone!" With that, he threw the card towards the ground. "Gate Card...SET!" As the card hit the dusty floor, he and Twilight rushed off to find more power-ups. This time, it was Flash who found a cluster first. "Bakugan," he threw Leonidas, "BRAWL!" The dragon flew through the air and struck several coins before landing. "Bakugan...STAND!" Leonidas popped open as the light exploded from him, "Haos Leonidas.

"RAAAH!" Leonidas roared as he took to the air, flying around and avoiding the crystal spikes as the power-ups kicked in.

Leonidas: 600Gs

Twilight was next, the girl reaching the tip of a crystal spike and seeing some power-ups. "Bakugan, BRAWL!" She threw Spike and hit several power-ups, though not as many as Flash, the Darkus Bakugan landing in the sparkly dust covered sand. "Bakugan...STAND!" He popped open and unleashed the purple light, "Darkus Spikenoid!"

The wingless dragon appeared and let out a mighty roar, as he too powered up whilst Leonidas flew towards him.

Leonidas: 600Gs
Spikenoid: 600Gs

"They're both even," Heath realised.

"Here's hoping Flash can get the upper hand," Soarin stated as Leonidas landed. He and Spike stared one another down, both ready to battle it out like true dragons.

"You really are a sorry sight," Spikenoid snarled. "I'm gonna look forward to ripping you into pieces!"

"You can try," Leonidas growled back before charging. "But I'm taking you down when this is over!" As he said that, Flash held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Leonidas started throwing punches and kicks at Spikenoid, "Brawling Dragon!"

Leonidas: 700Gs
Spikenoid: 600Gs

Spikenoid did his best to avoid getting hit, but Leonidas managed to get several hit in on his chest and shoulders before swinging his tail around and slamming Spike right in the stomach. "Augh!" He cried as he slid backwards.

"Ability," Twilight held up a card, "Activate!" Spike's body spikes glowed, "Spiking Strike!" The light shot off Spike and flew towards Leonidas, who took to the air to try and avoid them. But three managed to hit him.

"Augh!" He cried, his glide slowed as the light drained his power.

Leonidas: 550Gs
Spikenoid: 600Gs

Spike charged forward and as he did, Flash and Twilight both held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The two Bakugan glowed and the light shot off and into the other one, "Co-Side!"

Leonidas: 650Gs
Spikenoid: 700Gs

Spikenoid leapt as Leonidas and slashed at him, Leo crying out as he staggered back. But as he did, Flash held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas' mouth sparked, "Alpha Blaster!" The beam shot out of his mouth and flew towards Spike, but Twilight was quicker.

"Ability, Activate!" Spike's scales glowed and the beam that struck him simply bounced off, "Scale-Mail!"

Leonidas: 650Gs
Spikenoid: 800Gs

Flash growled, but then noticed something hiding in the shadow of a crystal spike. A Surprise Card.

Flash decided to take the chance and rushed towards it, whilst Spike stomped forward and swung his tail around. But before he could hit Leonidas, Flash grabbed the card. And as soon as he did, it glowed green and the light shot towards Leonidas.

"Wow!" Leo cried as the energy hit him and created a shield around him that was like glass.

Spike's tail slammed into the shield, but all he struck was his own reflection. "What?" He asked as the shield shattered and the light flew into Leonidas, making him glow.

Leonidas: 800Gs
Spikenoid: 800Gs

"Lucky Flash got the Crystal Reflection Surprise Card, that allows a weaker Bakugan's power level to increase to that of the strongest Bakugan." Twilight growled at this, then took out a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Spikenoid's spikes glowed purple, "Dark Spikes!" He charged, ready to impale Leonidas and take his power. But before he could, Flash used his own card.

"Ability, Activate!" A force-field appeared around Leonidas and blocked the attack, protecting him from Spikenoid's Ability. "Hyper Shield!"

"Yes!" Bonnie cheered, "as long as he's got Hyper Shield, he'll be okay."

"Maybe," Rarity frowned, "but Twilight has a few more strong Abilities left to use." And sure enough, Twilight held up a card as Spike leapt away from Leonidas.

"Ability, Activate!" Spikenoid unleashed a stream of green flames, "Fire Burst!" As the Hyper Shield faded, The flames struck Leonidas and the Haos Bakugan groaned in pain as he felt them burn away at him.

Leonidas: 800Gs
Spikenoid: 1000Gs

"Leo!" Flash cried, as Leonidas slowly staggered back whilst the flames continued to burn away at him. "Come on, get out of there!" But Leonidas couldn't, the dragon instead falling to his knees.

"Looks like your little dragon's running out of steam," Twilight laughed as Spikenoid continued to burn away at Leonidas. "Don't worry, I'll make this quick."

"I don't...think so," Leonidas groaned before pushing himself up onto one knee. "I'm...not losing that easily!" As he said that, his body started to glow and Flash looked down to see Leonidas' power level increase.

"Power Surge Detected."

"Again?" Flash asked as Leonidas roared and swung his arms around, dispelling the flames as his power level stopped growing.

Leonidas: 1025Gs
Spikenoid: 1000Gs

"What just happened?" Pinkie asked.

"Leonidas powered up," Lyra told her before turning to Rarity. "Just like when he battled you." Rarity didn't remember this, but hoped this added power would be enough to help Flash.

"Gate Card!" He pointed to the ground, "OPEN!" The field lit up and unleashed a bright yellow light, "Haos Reactor!" The light flew into Leonidas and powered him up.

Leonidas: 1225Gs
Spikenoid: 1000Gs

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared before charging forward, reaching Spikenoid before the Darkus Bakugan could react. And in the blink of an eye, Leonidas was suddenly behind Spike with his claws pointed forwards. Seconds later, an explosion of light appeared in front of Spike.

"GYAH!" He roared as he was blown backwards and reverted back to ball form, falling to the ground and rolling passed Leonidas towards Twilight as her life gauge dropped

Flash: 20%
Twilight: 55%

"And Flash Sentry manages to even up the score, though Twilight still holds the advantage over him. Will the next round decide the winner, or is this battle just getting started?"

Twilight stepped over to pick Spikenoid up. "No," she told the announcer as she stood straight whilst Leonidas returned to Flash, "I'm through playing around." She turned to Flash, the pair locking eyes. "This game ends now." She took out a card and Flash could sense the malice within it. He knew what that card was.

"A Phantom Card."

"This could be tricky," Leonidas growled as Flash turned to him.

"You still feeling okay?" He asked.

"I'm fine," Leonidas nodded. "In fact, I feel great. That power surge I felt's making me feel stronger than ever. Now let's show Twilight what it really means to brawl."

"Yeah," Flash nodded before turning to Twilight. "Bring it on Twilight. I'm ready for anything you throw at us."

"Are you sure?" Twilight asked. "You might regret those words."

Down in the lab, Sombra watched as more and more power flowed into Lucifer. "Another power surge," he stated after seeing Leonidas defeat Spike.

"Yes," Lucifer nodded. "It won't be long now until he reaches the limit. If he can't achieve his evolution, the power will be too much for him. He'll burn himself out unless he can reach his next stage. Question is, can he push passed his limits and access his next stage? If he can, I look forward to facing him and taking his power for myself."

The crowd and Flash's friends watched as Flash and Twilight rushed through the battlefield.

Twilight ran up one of the crystals and as she did, she threw card that they all feared could destroy Flash and Leonidas. "Gate Card...SET!" The card hit the ground and exploded, Twilight spotting a nearby cluster of power-ups and leaping into the air. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" Spikenoid shot through the battlefield, almost hitting two crystals, and flew straight through a butt tone of power-up coins before hitting the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" The ball popped open, "Darkus Spikenoid arise!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" Spike screamed, his roars filling the air as the power-ups kicked in.

Spikenoid: 950Gs

"A power level of nine fifty right off the mark?" Rainbow asked, "what the heck."

"I hope Flash can catch up," Fluttershy quivered as Flash turned to his partner Bakugan.

"You up for this?"

"You know it," Leonidas nodded. He tried to feel the power surge he had felt before, but it was gone. "Even if I can only use my normal power, it'll have to be enough to get us through this."

"Right," Flash nodded before grabbing him and running through the battlefield. As he did, Spikenoid watched him carefully. Flash reached a crystal spike near some power-ups and ran up it to get the best shot, but Spike and Twilight had other ideas.

"Now!" Twilight yelled, Spike raising his tail and smashing it into the ground right as Flash reached the top of the spike.

"WOW!" Flash cried as the crystal shook and Flash felt himself loose his balance, slipping off the crystal as his friends called out to him. "Not yet!" He spotted the power-ups and pulled Leonidas back. "Bakugan!" He threw his partner towards them, "Brawl!" Leonidas shot through the air and hit the cluster, but only managed to hit about half the power-ups before flying out the other side. "Bakugan!" Flash and Leonidas landed on the ground at the same time, Leonidas popping open. "STAND!" The light filled the battlefield as the dragonoid appeared. "Haos Leonidas!"

"Cheap shot!" Leo told Spike as he flew into the air. "But I'll make you regret that!" The power-ups kicked in and Leonidas roared as he felt new strength fill him.

Leonidas: 700Gs
Spikenoid: 950Gs

"Seven hundred points," Derpy looked worried. "Normally, that'd be a great score. But against Twilight and Spike, I don't think that's gonna be enough."

"Ability," Flash held up a card, "Activate!" Leonidas' mouth sparked, "Alpha Blaster!" The dragon roared and unleashed the attack, which shot towards Spike as his G Power increased.

Leonidas: 900Gs
Spikenoid: 950Gs

But instead of reacting, Spike simply swung his tail around and deflected the laser without taking any serious damage. As he did, Twilight held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" His body spikes glowed and shot into the air, "Spiking Strike!"

Leo's eyes went wide and he quickly started flying around to avoid them all, but several projectiles managed to stab into him again and again. "Augh!" He growled, falling to the ground as Spike began to charge towards him.

Leonidas: 650Gs
Spikenoid: 950Gs

"Leo!" Flash cried, as Spike reached him and prepared to unleashing his tail swipe on him. "Ability, Activate!" Leo vanished, "Dragon Flash!"

Leonidas: 750Gs
Spikenoid: 950Gs

Leonidas appeared behind Spike and charged, throwing a fist forward ready to punch him a new one. But before he could get to him, Spike spun around and caught him by the wrist.

"I don't think so!" He told him before swinging the Haos Bakugan around and smashing him into the ground.

"Augh!" He cried, as Spike raised his claws at him. But before he could slash at Leonidas, the dragon rolled away and managed to jump to his feet.

"Ability," Twilight held up a card, "Activate!" His spikes glowed a dark colour as he charged, "Dark Spike!" Spike thrust the attack forward and prepared to impale Leonidas, but before he could-

"Ability, Activate!" Flash held up the card, "Hyper Shield!" The force-field appeared around Leonidas and blocked the Dark Spike, protecting the dragon. But cracks started to appear around the force-field, which would give at any moment.

"Ability, Activate!" A light flew off Leonidas and into Spike, "Co-Side!"

Leonidas: 750Gs
Spikenoid: 1050Gs

This extra power allowed Spike to break through the force-field, Leo trying to fly up out of reach only for Spike to grab his tail. He then threw the Bakugan around and smashed him into the ground, Leo crying out but not letting this push him to defeat.

Instead, Flash quickly held up three cards. "Triple Ability, Activate!" Leonidas' eyes shot open and he quickly thrust a foot into Spike's chest, making him flinch as Leonidas kicked him again and again and again. "Brawling Dragon, plus Co-Side, plus Shining Tornado!"

As Leonidas stamped his foot into Spike again and pushed him far enough away, Spike glowed and the energy flew off of him and into Leonidas. The dragon took this chance to fly straight up, then started spinning as light coiled around him.

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Spikenoid: 1050Gs

The tornado shot down towards Spike, ready to drill into him. But before he could reach, Twilight held up her own three cards. "Triple Ability, Activate!" Spike's mouth filled with fire, whilst his claws glowed and his spikes smoked. "Fire Burst, plus Tearing Claw, plus Fusion Ability, Blazing Spikes!"

The green fire shot out of Spike's mouth and flew to his spikes and as the tornado got in close, he slammed his arms into the ground and caused it to shake. The next moment, the green spikes shot out of the ground around Spike and blocked him from the Shining Tornado.

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Spikenoid: 1650Gs

"Raaah!" Leonidas cried as his attack ground against the spikes, but eventually he started slowing down. When he did, the spikes exploded into green fire and blasted him away. "AUGH!" He roared, hitting a crystal spikes and breaking right through it.

"LEO!" Flash cried, looking down at his BakuColar and seeing what their power levels were. "They're five hundred Gs apart," he gasped before taking out a card. "I gotta stop this!"

"Oh, I don't think so!" Twilight cried, "Phantom Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground glowed as the Gate Card activated, "Power Lock!"

"NO!" Flash cried, his eyes going wide as he realised what this meant. If he couldn't raise Leonidas' G power, "he's gonna be taken."

"That's right!" Twilight chuckled, "soon your Leonidas will be in Phantom's possession." Flash glared at her, hating the words she had just said. He then looked around, but not a single Surprise Ability was in sight.

The others looked around, but they couldn't see one either. "This isn't good," Bonnie gulped. "Flash has to do something."

"But he can't!" Heath cried, remembering how badly that Gate Card screwed them. "He can't power his Bakugan up and he can't throw in a new one. There's nothing he can do."

"None of his natural Abilities can negate a Gate Card," Derpy realised as Leonidas pushed himself up. "He...he's done for."

"LEO!" Flash rushed over to him, Leonidas pushing the crystal top off of himself. "Are you okay?" Leonidas groaned in pain as he got onto one knee.

"I'll live," he told him. "But we're in trouble." As he said that, Spikenoid charged forward with his claws glowing and his spikes still ablaze.

"You're in more then just trouble!" He roared as he slashed at Leonidas, the Bakugan barely managing to avoid it before taking to the air. "You're absolutely done for!" He unleashed a burst for fire that Leonidas crossed his arms to endure. But it still hurt like heck.

"Augh!" He cried, doing everything in his power to keep from returning to ball form.

"NO!" Flash turned to Twilight, "stop this!" But Twilight simply smiled.

"Leonidas is the one causing himself pain. If he just gave up and let me take him, his suffering would all be over." Leonidas finally flew out of the fire stream and looked down at Twilight. He panted, his body burned and covered in injuries.

"There's...no way I'll lose. Not if it mean...becoming Phantom's toy. And not if it means...making you two suffer." He dived down towards Spike, who fired several flamethrowers that he barely managed to avoid as he got in close. "I'm bringing the real yous back!" He roared, throwing a punch at Spike only for the wingless dragon to dodge it before swinging his tail around. "Even if it kills me!" He grabbed the tail as it smashed into him, the dragonoid grunting but not being pushed away. As he did, his body started to faintly glow once again.

"That's right!" Flash cheered as he held up his card. "I don't care how impossible it seems, we are gonna win this!"

"Do it Flash!" Lyra cried.

"Save Twilight!" Rainbow yelled.

"FLASH!" The rest of his human friends cried.

"LEONIDAS!" The Bakugan all screamed as Flash held up the card.

"Fusion Ability, Activate!" Leonidas pushed the tail away as light spiralled around him, "ALPHA HURRICANE!" The light formed a tornado around him, which sparked with lightning. But even with this super strong ability activate, Leonidas' power remained the same.

"Don't you get it!" Twilight told him, "Power Lock seals your power level into place. Nothing you do will ever make Leonidas grow stronger." As she said this, the dark aura appeared around her and Spike. "Just give up already! It's impossible to win"

"Never!" Leonidas' voice called out from the tornado, as his body's outline appeared within the light. "If winning is the only way to save you, even if it's impossible, I'll find a way to do it." The light that was coming off his body began to grow brighter and brighter. "No matter what...I WILL SAVE MY FRIENDS!" With that, the light exploded off his body and combined with that of the Alpha Hurricane, causing the attack to transform.

Everyone watched in amazement as the tornado lifted off the ground and began to twist and curl, forming a cocoon shape that floated in the air. "LEO!" Flash cried, "what's happening?"

"Is he okay?" Fluttershy asked.

"What's going on?" Soarin asked.

Twilight didn't like this and when she heard her BakuColar beep, she looked down and saw something else she really didn't like.

"Power surge detected."

"Again?" She asked as she saw Leonidas' power level increase, slowly but it was definitely happening. "How? That shouldn't be possible." She looked up at the cocoon, then at Spikenoid. "Don't just stand there, ATTACK!" Spike didn't need to be told twice and he unleashed another fire blast, which struck the cocoon but did nothing to even damage it. Leonidas' power level just continued to rise.

As they watched, the Bakugan felt something. Staring at the cocoon, they each sensed a great change occurring within it. "Could it be?" Gaia asked, turning to the others as the humans looked at her.

"Gaia?" Bonnie asked, "you know what this is?"

"Maybe," Gaia nodded.

"So what da'h hay's goin' on?" Applejack asked.

"Is Leonidas okay?" Lyra turned to Nimue, who just kept looking at the cocoon.

"Do you remember what we told you once, about how the Guardian Bakugan fought to protect Vestroia and how they gained the strength to do so?"

"Yeah," Lyra nodded, "you said they evolved." Her eyes went wide as she looked back at the cocoon, "is that what's happening?"

"Yes," Nimue nodded, "I'm sure of it. Leonidas has grown so powerful, that his body can no longer contain the power he now wields. He only has two options, evolve...or perish."

Flash heard this and began to worry. What if Leonidas couldn't complete his evolution? What if he ended up succumbing to the power. "Leo."

Within the cocoon, Leonidas was curled up as his wings wrapped around him. He felt his body undergoing many changes and it felt strange. He felt like any moment, his body would rip apart and disappear into the ether. But then, his eyes shot open and his body solidified.

It was then, with a great surge of strength, he burst out of the cocoon with a mighty roar and flash of light that almost blinded everyone. When the light faded, Leonidas' new form was displayed for all to see.

He was slightly larger than before, his physical bulk having increased. His body was mostly white, but it had purple running from the front of his neck, down to his chest, stomach and waist before connecting to his tail and running down the bottom of it. His shoulders now had yellow pads covering them and arm bads made of yellow metal were also wrapped around his arms between the wrist and elbow. The same metal was also covering his knees and could be seen on the tips of his fingers and toes. His wings were mostly the same, but certain parts of the yellow were larger and the tip of his tail now had a large golden trident on it. His head now had several golden horns on it, one small one on the tip of his nose, another in the center of his head and several more one the back of it.

"Whoa," Flash whispered at the sight of his partner. "Leo...you've really evolved!"

"Yeah," Leonidas looked himself over whilst feeling giddy, "I feel...amazing." He spread his new wings and flexed his stronger muscles as he declared, "Haos...Omega...LEONIDAS!"

"Omega Leonidas?" Flash asked, as his BakuColar beeped and he looked down at it. It was a signal from his Ability Card folder, the teen opening it up and finding that almost all of Leo's Abilities were now different. "No way."

"That is the coolest thing I've ever seen!" Rainbow cheered.

"But was it enough to save him?" Rarity asked. As she asked, Twilight checked her BakuColar and smiled seeing Leonidas' power level had stopped growing.

Leonidas: 1350Gs
Spikenoid: 1650Gs

"You might have saved yourself from being taken, but you'll still lose this battle." She looked over at Flash, but noticed he wasn't worried. In fact, he had a big smile on his face. "What are you so happy about?"

"I'm happy, because Leonidas isn't the only thing that's evolved." He took out a card, "his Abilities are all new and improved as well." Twilight's eyes went wide hearing this, as he held the card up. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas flew down and slammed all four limbs into the ground. "Omega...ERASER!"

Standing like a cannon, Leonidas opened his mouth as powerful burst of energy sparked out of his mouth. The energy formed a sphere in his mouth that then launched a blue beam of light, which struck the ground and caused cracks to appear in the Gate Card.

"What?" Twilight asked as her Gate Card exploded into a million tiny pieces. "NOOO! The Phantom Gate Card!"

Flash smirked. "Omega Eraser is an Ability that destroys any active Gate Card, then powers Leonidas up. Leonidas swung his neck around and the beam continued towards Spike.

Leonidas: 1600Gs
Spikenoid: 1650Gs

Spike's eyes went wide as he crossed his arms, the beam slamming into him. He flinched, but managed to keep his ground. "That's not gonna be enough to beat me!"

"That's fine!" Flash told him, "cause I've got more Ability Cards." He held up a card as it glowed, "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas flew into the air as his claws glowed and extended, "Dragon Slash!"

Leonidas: 1750Gs
Spikenoid: 1650Gs

Leo dived down and swung his claws around, slashing at Spike before he could try and dodge. "Augh!" He staggered back, whilst Twilight looked around.

"Gotta find a way to-" She stopped when she spotted a surprise card that had been blown into view when the Gate Card was destroyed, the entranced girl rushing towards it and grabbing the card as Leonidas flew back around for another attack.

When she did, the card turned green and sent the light flying towards Spike. "Twilight, despite now being on the defensive, comes back and unleashes the Crystal Shine Surprise Card."

Leonidas: 1750Gs
Spikenoid: 1850Gs

Spike unleashed a fire stream that shot towards Leonidas, but Flash wasn't having that. "I don't think so!" He held up another card. "Ability, Activate!" The golden parts of Leonidas's body glowed before unleashing a light that formed a shape that looked like two pyramids stuck together. "Prism Reflector!" The fire bounced off it and flew back, hitting Spike instead.

"Augh!" He cried as his Ability was negated and Leo's power went up.

Leonidas: 1850Gs
Spikenoid: 1650Gs

As Spike staggered back, Twilight looked completely horrified. "No," she stated as the dark aura around her grew thicker, "this can't be happening. Not when Phantom gave me the cards to defeat them. How can I lose to such...weaklings?"

"The real you wouldn't be losing so easily," Flash told her as he took out a card. "And soon enough, I'm gonna be bringing the real you back" He held the card up as it glowed. "Ability, Activate!"

"This ends now!" Leonidas landed and took a deep breath, inside of his mouth beginning to glow as he and Flash called out the attack name. "SHINING ROAR!" As he did, he unleashed a bright light that swept across the battlefield and blinded them all.

The attack also unleashed a shockwave, that struck Spikenoid and pushed him backwards. "GYAH!" He cried, as the force of the wind finally knocked him flying backward. "RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

Leonidas: 1850Gs
Spikenoid: 1500Gs

He crashed into the ground in front of Twilight with enough force to knock the girl flying backwards, Twilight screaming as Spike returned to ball form and her life gauge dropped. As that happened, the dark aura that cloaked them both was blown away.

Flash: 20% (Winner)
Twilight: 0%

As the light of Leonidas' attack faded, the crowd in the stadium went quiet as they stared at the winning brawler. Then, finally, the announcer broke the silence. "It's over! Flash Sentry of the BakuFighters is victorious. He and his team are the champions of the first Bakugan Battle Tournament!" The crowd cheered, but the BakuFighters didn't seem to care that they had won.

They and the Rainbooms rushed over to where Twilight had fallen, as the battlefield returned to its original state after Leonidas returned to ball form, Flash getting to her first and kneeling down. "Twilight!" He called to her, sitting her up. "Are you okay?" Twilight remained still for a moment, then moaned as she opened her eyes.

"Flash?" She asked, her voice no longer having any malice within it. "What...happened?" The others smiled at this, realising Twilight was back to her true self.

"You had a bit of a personality shift," Flash explained. "But you're okay now." He looked to the Bakugan laid out besides her and picked him up, "and I think someone wants to say hi." He held Spikenoid out and Twilight looked confused, until the ball popped open.

"Twilight," the Bakugan announced with his partner's eyes going wide, "you're okay!"

"Spike?" She picked him up, "you can talk?"

"Yeah," he nodded. "Pretty cool, huh?"

Twilight smiled, "more then cool. This is amazing." She looked ready to start crying, "I can't believe you're actually talking now." She turned to Flash, "did you do this?" The teen looked away and scratched the back of his head.

"Well, no. But we did free you from Phantom's control." Twilight looked confused by this, whilst the rest of her friends chose this moment to gather around her. Twilight took in their new looks and raised an eyebrow, then noticed what she was wearing and seemed horrified.

"I gotta get out of this as soon as possible," she then turned to Flash. "So we were all brainwashed?"

"You sure were," Lyra nodded. "But luckily, the five of us beating you all snapped you out of it. But they weren't easy battles."

"Yes," Leonidas nodded from Flash's shoulder. "At some points, you almost won us with intent to turn us over to Phantom." Twilight seemed upset with this, but then looked closely at Leonidas and frowned.

"You look...different." Flash turned to Leo and gave him a proper look, realising Twilight was right.

"Yeah, so you look different even in ball form." He took Leo off his shoulder and held him up, "how do you feel bud?"

"I feel incredible. Never felt better. Like I could take on a hundred Bakugan at once."

The other Bakugan nodded at this, Nimue speaking up for him. "I never thought I'd actually see a Bakugan evolve like that. Hopefully the rest of us will be able to do the same thing soon."

"Yeah," Wukong nodded. "Taking down Phantom and Ragnaroid'll be a lot easier if we all evolve." They all nodded as the sound of clapping filled the air, making them turn to see a man walking towards them. A man they recognised as the one in charge of Dark Industries. Sombra Shadows.

"Congratulations BakuFighters," he told them. "You've all shown some amazing skills in your many battles this day." He pressed something on the BakuColar he was wearing and suddenly, the ground beneath the BakuFighter's feet all rose up until they were all standing on three foot high cubes that moved along the ground. Soon enough, the five boxes combined to create a large podium that they now stood upon. "Baku-fans!" He called to the crowd, "I present to you, your champions and the winners of the grand prize!" They all looked up at the megascreen, with light up as the number six thousand appeared on it. "That's right, six thousand Baku-Points that will be given out equally to the five members."

The BakuFighter's eyes went hearing this, realising that meant they would all be given twelve hundred points. "With that many, we could by any Gate or Ability card we want," Lyra stated.

"That's right," Sombra nodded. "But that's not all you'll get to enjoy." This intrigued them as he held up his wrist, "hold out your BakuColars please." They all did so and a moment later, Sombra's unleashed a burst of light that split into five and flew into their BakuColars.

The BakuFighters pulled back in surprise and stared at the items on their wrists, as something appeared on their screens.

Updating Data

"What did you just do?" Bonnie asked, Sombra giving them a smile.

"I've uploaded a new program into the system. One that should revolutionise Bakugan Battling. A portable battlefield that will allow you to battle outside the stadiums. With it, anyone can battle any place any time. This upgrade will soon be released to the public. But until then, enjoy being one of the first few brawlers to have access to this."

The BakuFighters stared at their BakuColars in amazement, all remembering the brawler called Teddy and how he had created such a battlefield. Smiles appeared on their lips, since now they would be able to battle as soon as they wanted without needing to wait for a stadium to open up. "This is amazing," Soarin smirked.

"Well the five of you certainly put on an amazing show," Sombra told them. As he did, the Bakugan felt something. It was as if there was some kind of dark aura coming off the man. One that sent a chill down their spine. "I look forward to see what else the five of you can do. So please, keep battling and growing stronger. That's the only way the sport of Bakugan Battling can evolve." They all nodded, planning to keep doing just that.

Everything seemed to be going well. The BakuFighters had won the tournament, saved the Rainbooms from being Phantom's slaves, had Leonidas evolve and earned some pretty amazing prizes. The day had been a hard one, but they had come out of it better then ever. And someone knew this.

"Well, well, well." A voice echoed through the battlefield, making the BakuFighters and Rainbooms tense up as they looked around. "I never thought you would defeat all the Rainbooms." Phantom was really living up to his name right now, as he seemed to be speaking from all directions. "And little old Leonidas actually evolved."

"Phantom!" Flash yelled, leaping off the podium and trying to find where he was located. "Get out here and show yourself!"

"Very well!" From out of nowhere, a Bakugan shot down towards them. Flash saw this coming and barely managed to jump out of the way in time, as the ball flew around the stadium and forced everyone to take evasive manoeuvres. Then, the ball shot towards the far end of the field and hit the ground. It unleashed a blinding dark light and when it faded, Phantom stood there with his hands on his hips.

"Phantom!" Flash growled.

"He's really here!" Derpy gasped, as Lyra turned to look at her.

"Yes...he is." Lyra's heart suddenly squeezed as she realised how silly she had been, thinking Derpy and Phantom could be one in the same. "Idiot." She looked back at their foe, who was focusing directly on Flash.

"Impressive," he told the teen, "you've come a long way." He then turned to Leonidas, "and you. I can see why Ragnaroid wants you as an ally. The offer to join us still stands. Together, we can rule all Bakugan."

Leonidas remained silent for a moment, then chuckled. "I might have been tempted once, but why would I choose second best." This statement made Phantom growl.

"Fool! You'll regret this. If you will not join us, you will become food to nourish Ragnaroid's growth." He held up a Bakugan as it glowed a dark energy, the sphere being thrown to the floor and unleashing a dark light. When if faded, Phantom was gone. But his voice still remained, "soon all Bakugan will bow down before me!" With that, he was gone and the BakuFighters and Rainbooms stood strong with a glare escaping them.

"Just you wait Phantom," Flash told him. "We'll show you what happens when you mess with our friends." The others all nodded, whilst Sombra stood behind them with a smile on his face.

He slowly stepped away from them and retreated back the way he came, heading into a corridor that led towards the exit. But halfway down, he stopped and pressed his hand against the wall. A moment later, the wall opened up to reveal an elevator that he stepped inside. Riding it back down into the lab, he returned to find Lucifer still absorbing the power given off by Leonidas's battle.

"Ahh," Lucifer sighed as the last of the energy flowed into him. He continued to glow for several moments before the light finally died down and the glass tube retracted. "That was refreshing." He began to beat his plastic wings and flew into the air towards Sombra, who held out a hand for him to land on.

"Let's hope it was enough," he stated before carrying him over to a device. Lucifer closed up as Sombra held him under it, the device unleashing a laser that ran over the Bakugan and scanned him. His data came up and Sombra looked it over, smiling and nodding as he did so. "Yes, these readings indicate your energy levels have grown enough for you to enter battle." He then frowned, "but you'll only be able to do so once or twice."

Lucifer sighed as he jumped out of Sombra's hand, landing on top of a machine. "The energy generated through a Bakugan Battle is a drop of water in the ocean, compared to the energy of the source."

Sombra turned to him as he smirked, "we still have plenty of Bakugan from the arc. You can drain them."

"No," Lucifer told him, "those Bakugan won't be enough. Even if I drained each and every one of them, the power would eventually drain out of me. If we wish to rule this world, we must find a way to allow me to generate my own power like a regular Bakugan. But only a source of pure Vestroyen energy can allow me to do such a thing."

"But Vestroia is no more," Sombra told him. "How can we find that kind of energy if there is no world to create it. And even if Vestroia still existed, I doubt the technology of this world would allow us to go there. We've had the arc in our possession for over a year and we sill have no idea how it works. Reverse engineering it would take decades, maybe even centuries."

Lucifer growled, "when we must find another way." He turned towards one of the screens, showing rerun footage of Flash and Twilight's brawl. The image showed Leonidas' evolution, making him think. "A Bakugan who evolves grows more powerful. That means they have more power for me to take. If we can get a Bakugan to evolve enough, taking their energy means I'll be closer and closer to awakening as a true Bakugan."

Sombra nodded, remembering what he had told the BakuFighters. "Then it's a good thing I encouraged those children to keep brawling. If they get stronger and stronger, their Bakugan will evolve and give you all the power you need. And with Phantom still acting as their true enemy, they'll constantly be training in order to defeat him."

"Then he and Ragnaroid will also grow stronger," Lucifer nodded. "Either way, I'll eventually get what I want. The first of them to evolve and grow strong enough to sustain me, will become my ultimate prey. Their power will be mine."

Outside the stadium, Phantom was still there re-watching Flash's battles on his gauntlet.

When Leonidas evolved, he and Ragnaroid were focusing on every little detail. "I see nothing that indicates what might have caused his evolution," Ragnaroid explained. "But the fact that a Bakugan born of the Doom Dimension is able to evolve, possess many interesting questions."

"Leonidas hasn't been in this world long," Phantom told him. "How is it he was able to reach the point of evolution before any other Bakugan?" He turned to Ragnaroid, "you spent a far longer time battling in Vestroia before the Six Guardians defeated you. How come you weren't able to evolve?"

"That's a good question," Ragnaroid nodded. "And there could be many different answers. There's still much about Leonidas we do not know. It's possible that him being born in the Doom Dimension caused his body to be so weak, it more easily reached the point it couldn't handle his growing power level. But without knowing where he came from, we find ourselves simply guessing about what the secret behind him is."

Phantom looked annoyed by this. "I'd say that taking him from Sentry should be our next goal, but his evolution has made him even stronger then you."

"Then what we must do is obvious," Ragnaroid explained. "I must evolve. It is the only way to match Leonidas' power. And once I have evolved, I will take him down and take whatever power he has acquired." Phantom nodded and looked down at the ground, where the BakuFighters and Rainbooms were stepping out of the stadium.

"And I think I know who we'll use to help you achieve that evolution." He chuckled as he pushed his glasses up, "enjoy this moment whilst you can my friends. Soon, you will fall to us and become nothing but a footnote in the history we'll carve."

Down on the ground, the two teams were all laughing and smiling. Despite Phantom's appearance at the end of the tournament, they weren't gonna let it ruin the good mood they were in.

After Phantom left, the BakuFighters found themselves being interviewed by a few news crews that had come to watch the tournament. As it turned out, the entire thing had been broadcast across the country. The BakuFighters winning it may have just made them some of the most famous Brawlers ever.

"I can't believe this!" Soarin smirked, "we actually won. And now, everyone's gonna see us as super stars in the Bakugan world."

"I know," Lyra smiled before letting out a girly squeal. "This is like, totally awesome!"

"Now now," Nimue tried to calm her down, "let's not get to overexcited. After all, this also means we've become the ones every brawler will aim to take down."

"She's right," Gaia nodded. "Anyone who wants to become the very best will aim to take us down. And let's not forget the little threat Phantom threw at us before he left. Now that he no longer has the girls under his control, he might start sending other brawlers after you all."

"Then we'll be ready for them!" Heath told her. "Let Phantom send whoever he wants after us. As long as we're united, nobody can stop us."

Flash nodded. "And don't forget, now Leonidas has evolved and is stronger then ever. The next time Phantom tries to take us down, he'll be the one on the ground in defeat." They all agreed and looked over at the Rainbooms, who were currently having their own conversation.

The Bakugan had finished telling them what they remembered. "So the last thing you remember is being beaten by Ragnaroid?" Twilight asked Spike, who nodded.

"Yeah, that guy's strong. And I can't remember anything else after that. One minute I'm being blasted by Ragnaroid, the next I'm being picked up by Flash after he beat us."

"So we have no idea how Phantom brainwashed us?" Applejack asked, "that's not very comfortin,"

"What if he tries to do it again?" Fluttershy quivered. "I don't wanna be turned into someone else's mind slave again." She looked herself over, her arms covering her chest. "Especially if it means I have to wear cloths like this."

"Yeah," Pinkie frowned, "seeing you guys like that was no fun."

"I don't think Phantom was the one who brainwashed us," Twilight told them. They and the BakuFighters gave her a curious look, "if he could then why didn't he do it to Flash after he beat him?"

"Same with Ragnaroid," Lyra realised. "After he beat Flash and Soarin. But if those two weren't the ones that turned you into mindless puppets, who was?" The Rainbooms all thought, trying desperately to remember what had happened to them all. The imagined everything that their Bakugan had told them and as they got to the point where Phantom beat them, five of them just went blank. But one had the tiniest inkling of remembrance.

"Wait," Twilight saw something, "I think I remember something." She clutched her head, "after Phantom beat us." A figure appeared on the forefront of her mind, "someone else appeared. I think it was another Bakugan." The figure began more and more clear, though not clear enough to give every serious details. "They had...six feathery wings."

"Like an Ingram?" Flash asked, remembering Thunderlane and his Ventus Bakugan.

"No, it's body was a lot smaller then Ingram's. It almost looked...child-like. And...I think the light it gave off was strange. It was bright, but not like a Haos Bakugan. It was more...white."

"White?" Nimue asked, turning to the other Bakugan. "A child-like Bakugan with six wings and a white aura."

"It couldn't be," Garuda told them. "Could it?"

"I hope not," Gaia gulped. "If it is him, then we might be in more trouble then we realise."

"Who are you talking about?" Rainbow asked, as Terraspin turned to her.

"One of the most evil Bakugan to ever lived. The one the original Six Guardians of Vestroia came together to stop."

"Sealed within the Perfect Core," Fenroar growled. "He remained trapped, but then gave birth to Ragnaroid in order to fulfil his mission."

"The White One," Spike finished. "Lucifer." The brawlers all felt a chill go down their spine, realising now why the Bakugan were all so worried. If they were right and Lucifer was the one who brainwashed the Rainbooms, it would mean Ragnaroid wasn't the only threat they had to worry about. Things just got a lot more dangerous for them.

Author's Note

The Rainbooms are saved and Leonidas evolved. I know these last few chapters have been a bit repetitive, but hopefully this one had more spice to it and you enjoyed. Now we can move onto the next part of the story.

Darkness on the Rise

The Bakugan Battle Tournament was officially over and the winners were the BakuFighters.

It had been a tough series of battles, but in the end the five Brawlers and their Talking Bakugan were able to come out on top. But despite the victory, they weren't exactly happy. The reason: They had discovered the culprit behind the brainwashing of their friends the Rainbooms. The Bakugan that was likely behind Phantom and Ragnaroid's actions. Lucifer, the White One.

"And that's the story," Wukong finished telling the BakuFighters and Rainbooms the story as they all sat in the Bakugan Stadium's hang out area. He had decided to tell those that hadn't heard about it, the story he had told the others a while back. The story of when he saw the Six Guardian Bakugan as Vestroia began to collapse. The Bakugan had already told the uninformed humans about the legend of Lucifer and how the Six Guardian Bakugan had sealed him within the Perfect Core. After then, Wukong had chosen to tell them how the Bakugan came to be here. "That's how we ended up with this world."

"So Ragnaroid was the cause of our world's destruction," Cleopal sighed. "I had assumed, but actually hearing it."

"So when the Guardians beat him, he sent the energy he'd gathered to Lucifer?" Lepusinge asked, the others nodding as they realised what's what must have happened.

"That still doesn't explain how Dark Industries got a hold of us," Garuda told them. "If the Guardians sent us here, how did the Bakugan end up getting sold as toys for their game."

"That's a good question," Twilight sighed. "One we might not be able to find an answer too." She and the rest of the Rainbooms had all returned to their normal looks and clothing choices, though getting the dye out of their hair had taken a lot of washing and three bottles of shampoo each.

"It's clear something happened when Vestroia was destroyed," Flash told them. "I don't know how and I don't know why, but Dark Industries got its hands on a lot of Bakugan."

"Maybe those Guardian Bakugan you told us about gave them to Dark Industries?" Pinkie suggested. "Maybe they knew about Lucifer and wanted help fighting against him. So they gave Sombra the Bakugan so he could find people strong enough to stand up against Phantom." She looked down at her Bakugan partner, "what do you think?" The Bakugan, though quiet, moved in such a way that told her he didn't think so.

"That doesn't sound like the Guardians," Fenroar told her. "They wouldn't give us away to be sold."

"Yeah," Applejack nodded. "That don't sound like somethin protective heroes would do."

"But then how the heck did Dark Industries get the Bakugan then?" Rainbow asked, with nobody sure how to answer her question. "Man, wish we'd have asked Sombra when we met him?"

"I don't think he would have told us," Twilight sighed. "He must know about the Bakugan being alive. After everything that's happened, he couldn't be blind to that fact."

"So what are you saying?" Flash asked, "Sombra knew the Bakugan were alive but didn't tell anyone so he could sell them and make a quick buck?" Twilight shrugged, showing she thought it was at least a possibility.

"But he seemed so nice," Fluttershy stated.

"Doesn't mean he can't let his greed get the better of him," Bonnie told her.

"Maybe he doesn't know," Leonidas stated. The others looked down at the newly evolved Bakugan, who was still having a hard time learning to move in his ball form so kept as still as possible. "If Lucifer was able to brainwash these girls, maybe he did the same to Sombra."

"You think he's being manipulated?" Twilight asked, "made to sell the Bakugan."

"It's possible," Nimue nodded. "I doubt any of you would have done what you did during the Tournament if you weren't under Lucifer's control."

"But why would Lucifer want Sombra to make money?" Heath asked.

"Good question," Soarin sat back. "I doubt he's the type to be concerned with making a good profit. He must be after something else."

"This is all just speculation," Garuda told them. "We don't know for sure that Lucifer and Sombra are even connected." They all frowned, knowing he was right. The only real way to find out was to talk to Sombra alone, but they doubted that such a thing would be possible.

"There's someone else we might be able to ask," they turned to Flash as he crossed his arms. "Phantom."

"What?" Derpy asked, "why would Phantom answer any of our questions?"

"If we tell Phantom we know about Lucifer, he might let something slip. It doesn't have to be something big, but even a little bit of information would be enough."

"He's right," Twilight nodded. "Phantom's the only one we know for sure has information we can use."

"But it's not like we can just call him up," Heath pointed out. "The guy doesn't exactly have an address we can find in the phone book."

"He'll show up," Flash told them. "Now that Leo's evolved, Phantom's even more interested in getting him. He'll come and try and take him. When that happens, we'll take him down and get some info out of him." The others hated to admit it, but Flash was right. "And until then, we need to focus on getting stronger and stronger." He stood up, "who's with me?" They all nodded and got up as well, bringing their hands in. "For the Bakugan!"

"FOR THE BAKUGAN!" They all yelled, throwing their hands up. As they did this, they continued to wonder whether their theories about Sombra were right or not.

Sombra was in his office, Lucifer flying behind him looking out at the window. "Strange," the Bakugan told the man.

Sombra stopped typing on his computer and turned to him, "strange? What's strange?" He stood up and stepped over to the window with the Bakugan, looking out at the city that surrounded his building.

"I find this world rather strange. It's roughly four times the size of Vestroia and yet, it appears so much smaller. So many things are crammed together that it feels like there's truly no room left. I just find it rather strange."

"Yes," Sombra nodded. "We humans are rather concerned about maintaining space. We build apartment buildings to create hundreds of homes in one place and use mass transit to allow more space on the roads."

"Considering how small you humans are, you'd think you'd be less concerned about space." Lucifer flew away from the window as Sombra sat back down, whilst getting an email that told him his company's current profit margin.

"Ha," he chuckled, "looks like the Battle Tournament did more than just help you regain power. There were so many people watching who got interested in brawling that a wave of new players is beginning to flood in, buying Bakugan and Cards like they're scared we'll run out."

"Which you eventually will," Lucifer explained. "How much of the Ark's contents remain?" Sombra frowned and typed something up, bringing up schematics of the ship below his company.

"We still have thirty five percent of the Bakugan remaining in the Ark. By the time that runs out...you'll have already completed your awakening as a true Bakugan."

"Good," Lucifer chuckled, "just you wait and see. Soon we will have everything our worlds denied us. I will have the power I was always meant to wield and get revenge on the ones that wronged me, whilst you will be the man that helped secure this world's future."

"Yes," Sombra smiled, "I remember the day we met. Things were a lot different back then."

A year and a half ago.

Sombra was in his office, looking worried as he went over his company's profit margins. Sombra had inherited the company from his parents at a young age, the pair having died in a plane crash. Since his teen years, he had done everything in his power to try and keep the company afloat. But alas...

"Ahhh!" He cried, spinning his chair away from his computer. His company was going under. It had always been on the cutting edge of technology in the country, but over the last few years it had been going through a slump. Anything it wanted to create was either patented by somebody else, or decades away from being a reality. "If I don't do something, my company's gonna go under." He let out a sighed and stood up, looking out the large window at the city below him.

The sight of it made him frown, as his company had helped build this city. It had been a small town when his ancestors first opened the company and as it grew, more people travelled to the area to work there and that made the city grow and grow and grow. But now the company that had given the city life was about to die, and nobody was gonna even notice.

"There has to be something that can save my company. Something the whole world would be interested in buying. But what?" He continued to stare out at the city, then looked up at the sky. "If there's anything or anyone out there that's willing to help me save my company, then I'll be willing to do anything. Please?"

Silence followed this request and he let out a sigh, believing his company really was dead. But then it happened.

From out of nowhere, a bright flash of light filled the sky. "Augh!" Sombra cried, shielding his eyes as he stepped away from the window. The light continued to blaze and after a few moments, Sombra opened his eyes and looked up to see something he never thought he would see in Canterlot. "An...aurora?"

The air was filled with waves and brilliant light, the type that was only seen up north. They flowed in every which way, being so bright that every car and vehicle in the city had to stop for fear of crashing. And as they did, the vehicles began to spark as every electrical device in them went nuts. And it wasn't just the vehicles.

"What?" Sombra cried as his computer, the lights and anything else electrical went nuts as well. He was getting seriously scared now, wanting to know what the heck was going on.

What he didn't know, was that the same aurora was covering the entire planet and causing the electrical devices of the world to freak. Everyone in the world was terrified, many screaming it was the end of the world. But they had no idea how close to the truth they were with that statement, only it wasn't there would that was meeting its end.

Sombra stepped away from the window, hoping that would lessen the strength of the light. But it was still super bright and Sombra could feel himself beginning to tan. But before he could go insane with freight, something new appeared that caught his attention.

Shooting down from out of the aurora, a small white ball flew towards the Dark Industries building. When it struck the window of Sombra's office, it phased through the glass and into the room. Sombra saw this and his eyes went wide, wondering what might be happening.

The orb landed on the desk and when it did, the light of the aurora suddenly vanished and the electrical devices calmed down. Everything slowly returned to normal, Sombra continuing to stare at the orb. "What...what is this?" He looked around, seeing if anything was out of the ordinary. But everything was exactly as it had been before the light show.

He turned back to the orb and as he did, the object began to pulse a strange light. That light was like an angler fish's antenna, causing Sombra to feel a compelling need to move closer to it. Slowly, he made his way forward and lifted his hand. When he got close enough to grasp it, he did so. That was a mistake.

The orb suddenly exploded with light, making Sombra scream as he tried to let it go. But his hand wouldn't open. It was like it was glued to the orb as the light filled the room, his screams intensifying as he was blinded.

When he opened his eyes, he found that he was no longer in his office. Now he was in a white void, floating there aimlessly with nothing in sight. "What's going on?" He asked, looking around. "Where am I?"

"Sombra!" His eyes went wide and he looked up, as a figure appeared shrouded in light. The figure appeared humanoid, but had six large feathery wings sticking out of his back. The figure slowly floated lower and lower, Sombra's heart beating at the sight of it.

"Are...are you an angel?"

"In a manner of speaking," the figure replied. "I am a Bakugan."

"Bakugan?"

"My name is Lucifer. I sensed you from my world. You and I both need one another and if we join forces, our wishes will be granted."

"What are you talking about?" Sombra asked but was intrigued.

"My realm of Vestroia, home of the Bakugan, has been in turmoil for a long time. I was able to quell the fighting, but then my subjects turned on me because I attempted to save my life. In doing so, they destroyed our world and now the Bakugan are in danger."

"What can I do?"

"I managed to save many of the Bakugan and sealed them within an Ark. In this world, we Bakugan appear to only exist in the ball form you saw before. But if you can figure out a way to generate a field that simulates Vestroia's dimensional energy, the Bakugan could return to their true forms. Bakugan are natural warriors, so you could create a fighting game that uses them. Anyone and everyone on your planet will want to play it, making you a very rich man."

"A game?" Sombra thought about what he suggested. If what he said was true, he might be able to save his company. "What do you get out of this?"

"I have very little energy left. The betrayal of my subjects and the effort to save the Bakugan has left me drained. Once I give you the Ark, I will fall into a deep sleep. You must find a way to re-energise me. And for that, you need Bakugan energy. When Bakugan battle, they give off this energy. Build your stadiums to absorb this energy, and use it to revive me. Once that has occurred, we can work together to make everything we ever wanted come true."

"If this game you're suggesting saves my company, those are all my wishes."

"Are you sure?" The angel asked. "Surely there's more you wish to accomplish. Running your company is small potatoes compared to what I can offer you."

"What do you mean?"

"This world is vast, but I sense it is just as chaotic as mine was. I brought peace to Vestroia, which became a paradise under my rule. And I can do the same to your world, make it a peaceful Eden with no war, no pain, no fear. With me as its one true ruler, I can make your world into a utopia. And if you help me, you will stand by my side and help govern that utopia."

"Me...ruler of the world?"

"Haven't you ever thought about what life in your world would be like if you were the one in control of it. Help me and we will make that world a reality. All I ask if for your allegiance." As he said that, the light coming off of him slowly flew towards Sombra. It swirled around him without the man noticing and as it was absorbed into his skin, the man's sense of morality slowly faded away. Suddenly, the thought of him being the ruler of the world felt like a genius idea. This world was corrupt, and only he and his new friend could save it.

"Yes," he nodded, "you're right." He held out a hand, "let's work together and make this world great."

"Excellent," Lucifer held out a finger and the two shook. "Find a space to place the Ark. When you do, open it up and go through the Bakugan. Amongst them, you'll find a cube that contains a loyal servant of mine. Find a way to free him and you'll be able to awaken me. Sombra nodded, as the Bakugan unleashed a bright light that blinded Sombra. When he opened his eyes again, he found he was back in his office and everything was back to normal.

He thought maybe it was all a hallucination, but then he noticed something in his hand and looked down at the orb still in his possession. He smirked, turning towards the elevator that led into the underground lab. "We built this lab to test products and vehicles." He rode the elevator down, "it should hopefully be big enough for this Ark. If not, we could have an issue."

As it turned out, the lab was more then big enough. When he arrived there, Lucifer glowed and unleashed a bright light. In a flash, the empty lab was full of a giant ship containing the keys to Sombra's future success.

"Studying the Ark gave us an understanding of technology decades ahead of our time. With it, we learned to create the battlefields that allow Bakugan to return to their true forms."

"And now your company is ten times richer than it was in its golden days," Lucifer told him. "But that matters little. Soon enough, this entire world will fall under my guiding hand and we will rule it like I ruled Vestroia."

"And what if someone attempts to get in our way?" Sombra asked, "you said you were betrayed before and locked away. What if those that betray you return?"

"This time will be different. Now I have you, Ragnaroid and Phantom by my side. Those two will fight in my place whilst I gather my strength. And once I'm strong enough, nothing will be able to stop me. Not even those six fools that defeated me last time. And with the strength of the other Bakugan out there growing, my future food only grows more satisfying."

"If you say so," Sombra nodded and looked back at his computer. Ten images appeared on his screen, showing each of the BakuFighters and their Bakugan Partners. "Keep training my little pawns. All your doing is giving us more power when we eventually cease it." He smirked and began his work again.

The next day.

It was the start of the school week, so the BakuFighters and Rainbooms found themselves returning to normal life pretty quickly despite their vow to get stronger in order to go up against Phantom, Ragnaroid and Lucifer.

Lyra and Nimue had just stepped outside her apartment building, Lyra looking around with a frown on her face. "That's strange. Usually Bonnie's here when I step outside to walk to school together."

"I'm sure she's fine," Nimue assured her. "Everyone's allowed to be late every once in a while." Lyra nodded as Nimue looked down the street, "here she comes now." Lyra followed her gaze and spotted Bonnie walking towards them, the girl noticing her best friend had a rather sower expression on her face.

"Bonnie?" She asked when the girl got into hearing range, "what's wrong?" Bonnie hadn't noticed her friend until this point, the girl's head jerking up.

"Oh, it's nothing."

"Come on," Lyra told her. "You know you can tell me anything."

Bonnie let out a sigh, "my mom and I had an argument." Lyra and Nimue looked shocked by this, "she's not happy about me being part of the Bakugan Battle Tournament and getting my face broadcast all over the country."

"Why?" Lyra asked, "we won so you're famous now."

"It's...complicated. Mom wants me to live a more discrete life and she's been worried about me being a brawler for a long time." Lyra and Nimue wondered why her mother would say this, the two wanting to ask more only for Gaia to motion for them to drop it from Bonnie's shoulder. "The fight was pretty bad and mom threatened to take away all my Bakugan. I barely managed to convince her not to, but only by promising not to brawl for a while."

"You're gonna stop brawling?" Lyra asked, "but we need to get stronger."

"I know," Bonnie nodded. "I promised mom I'd hold off on brawling at the stadium." She then smiled and held up her BakuColar, "but luckily I don't need to stadium to brawl." Lyra smiled at this and the two continued on to school, as they did a convertible car drove passed and then came to a stop.

The car's lid came down and when it did, it revealed three girls sitting in it. "Lyra?" One of them asked, making Lyra turn to them as her eyes went wide.

"Minuette," she smiled, "Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine. It's good to see you guys again."

"Like, totally girlfriend!" The girl naked Twinkleshine smiled. "So what's the haps? Haven't seen you since Middy School."

"But we saw you on TV," Lemon smiled. "You were playing in that Baku...ball...thing. It looked totally funsies."

"Yeah," Lyra smiled, "it is. You guys should try playing it sometimes."

"Maybe," Minuette nodded. "But it looks like it'd make us super sweaty and dirty."

"And we might break a nail," Twinkleshine looked horrified at the thought of that. "There should be a way to you play without doing anything. Maybe we can buy a drone or something to do all the hard work." It was then the radio told them the time. "Oh, we gotta get to school. We should catch up some time."

"Yeah," Lyra nodded, "we should."

"Kisses!" The girls all told her before driving off, leaving Lyra and her very confused friends behind.

"Who were they?" Nimue asked, not wanting to talk in front of people that didn't know she wasn't a toy.

"My old friends from elementary and middle school," Lyra explained. "They went to a different high school, so we kinda lost touch after that."

"They didn't seen like the type of people you'd normally hang out with," Bonnie told her. "Way to girly and ditsy for you." Bonnie noticed Lyra looking a little embarrassed, the aquamarine skinned girl pulling her bag higher.

"Yeah, we...didn't have a lot to talk about back then. But there weren't a lot of better options in friends back then. Let's...let's just get to school." She marched off, Bonnie watching her in confusion.

"What do you think that was about?" Gaia asked.

"I don't know," Bonnie told her. "She's hiding something. But it's not like I can blame her." 'After all, I'm hiding something from her too.'

After school.

Over in Cloudsdale, Soarin was heading to the stadium there. Even though he had been spending a lot more time over in Canterlot, he decided he needed to come back to his home stadium every now and again to show the brawlers there why he was able to win the Battle Tournament.

When he stepped inside, he spotted Rainbow and Fluttershy at the front desk. "Hey," he waved to them as he stepped over, "you girls planning to tag brawl?"

"Maybe," Rainbow smirked, "depends whose playing." Fluttershy nodded as Terraspin and Lepusinge jumped up onto the counter.

"I just wanna brawl!" Lepusinge cried, "this'll be the first time I actually get to enjoy a good fight and make my own decisions in the brawl."

"Yeah," Terraspin nodded. "Now that I'm in control, I bet Rainbow and I will be even better than before."

"You are," Garuda told him. "When Soarin and I battled you, the two of your were a lot stronger than the other times we've faced off."

"Yeah," Rainbow smirked, "but I bet we'll be even better now that we're not mind zombies."

Soarin smirked at this. It seemed like today was gonna be a very good day for him, but he soon found he was wrong. "We thought we'd find you here." Soarin's eyes went wide and he spun around and saw a pair of teens his age walking towards him, both dressed his soccer uniforms. "Hey Soarin," one of them smirked. "We saw you on TV the other day. So this is what you quit for."

The other one looked around, seeing the screens that had images of Bakugan Battles. "I guess I can see why you'd chose to do this over soccer. Don't have the share the limelight."

"What are they talking about?" Fluttershy asked Soarin, as Rainbow looked at their uniforms.

"Hey, you're part of the Cloudsdale Wonderbolts. Didn't you guys make it to the regional championship this year."

"Yeah," one of them nodded before turning to glare at Soarin, "we would have made it all the way to the national championships, if someone hadn't quit the team."

Soarin frowned, "me quitting didn't ruin your chances. The team just wasn't ready."

"Oh don't give us that. You know the only reason we made it to regionals was because of you. Everyone was so proud of you, but then you up and quit. All so you could come play this game with those silly little ball things. You completely ditched us and ruined our season."

"Well maybe you guys should have trained harder instead of just expecting me to do everything." The two glared at him and Soarin glared back, Rainbow and Fluttershy fearing a fight was about to break out.

"Whatever," the first guy and his friend turned away, "you're not worth it. I just hope that team you made are gonna be okay when you ditch them for something else." They walked off, leaving Soarin to glare at them until they left the stadium.

"What was that all about?" Garuda asked, Soarin letting out a sigh.

"They're just upset I decided to quit soccer. And it wasn't so I could start Bakugan Brawling. I didn't even know what Bakugan were when I first quit."

"So why did you quit?" Rainbow asked, Fluttershy glaring at her in such a way that said she needed more tact.

"It's...complicated," Soarin told them. "Can we not talk about it please. I just wanna brawl." He moved to a nearby computer to look for an opponent, whilst the others shared a look. Soarin was clearly hiding something, but they knew he wasn't gonna tell them what it was. Hopefully, it was something Soarin could get over so he wouldn't be distracted as he trained to take on Phantom.

Back in Canterlot, Flash had just arrived at the stadium ready for another day of brawling.

As he locked up his bike, he heard the sound of skateboard wheels and looked over to see Heath racing towards the stadium. "Wow!" He cried as he kicked his board into the air, soaring over a flowerbed and landing safely on the other side.

"Yeah!" Wukong yelled from Heath's pocket, as the teen did a wheelie and spun several times before stopping.

"Nice!" Flash cheered as he rushed over, the pair high-fiving after Heath kicked his board up. As they did, another teen rushed over to them.

"Hey, that was sick man." Heath smirked at him and when he did, the teen seemed to recognise him. "Hey, are you related to the pro boarder Blaze Breaker?" Suddenly, Heath's smile vanished.

"Yeah," he nodded, "he's my older brother."

"I knew it. You look just like him. I bet he taught you everything you know about skateboarding."

"Yeah...he taught me a thing or two."

"Awesome. I wish I had an awesome brother like that. I bet he taught you everything you know about Brawling to, right. That's gotta be how you were able to win the Battle Tournament." Now Heath's frown turned to a look of absolute anger.

"NO!" He told the teen, scaring him a bit. "My brother doesn't play Bakugan. Everything I know about the game, I learned myself." Before the teen could say anything, Heath turned to rush off into the stadium.

"Wow," the teen finally spoke, "what got up in his grill all of a sudden." Flash wasn't sure, but rushed after his teammate.

"Dude," he asked when he finally caught up with him, "what was that all about?"

"Nothing," Heath told him. "I just don't need everyone thinking my brother's the only reason I'm such a good Brawler. All the skills I worked really hard to gain weren't passed down by him. I earned them."

"Heck yeah you did," Wukong agreed as he leapt onto his shoulder. "Just forget about them and focus on your next brawl. We got a lot of battling to do with we wanna power up the same way Leo did."

"Ha!" Leonidas chuckled, "you think you're gonna evolve like I did?"

"If you can do it, so can I! We just gotta fight the right opponent." But as he said that, Flash and Heath found the front desk was surrounded by brawlers with Derpy and two other clerks trying to calm them all down.

"Okay, okay, okay!" Derpy cried, "I'm sure they'll be here soon so if you all just relax!" But they didn't, the Brawlers constantly yelling and calling out to them. Then one looked around noticed Flash and Heath.

"Hey, there's two of them now!" The crowd turned towards them and the next thing Flash and Heath knew, they were being swarmed as the crowd challenged them to a brawl.

"Hey!" Flash yelled, "calm down...not the face!"

"You wanna battle us?" Heath asked, several Brawlers crying out yes. The pair barely managed to hold onto their Bakugan as they pushed their way towards the desk.

"When did this start?" Flash asked Derpy, who shrugged.

"You knew this was coming. Everyone wants to try and get famous by taking you guys out." Flash and Heath were suddenly very uncomfortable, realising they wouldn't get any peace until after they defeated all these opponents.

"Alright," Flash turned towards them, "you guys wanna brawl then you're on!" He took out Leonidas, "but be warned that you're going up against one of the strongest Bakugan in existence." The brawlers all cheered, looking forward to the battle.

Six brawlers stepped forward, all holding up Bakugan of different Attributes. "If your Bakugan's so strong, he shouldn't have any issue going up against all six of us at once." Flash and Leonidas were surprised by this, but smiled and turned to nod at one another.

"This is gonna be fun," he smirked.

Within the stadium, Flash stepped forward as the six Brawlers stared at one another.

"Welcome Baku-fans!" The announcer yelled as the audience cheered, "it's time for the next battle in our stadium here today. We've got a special battle here today, with one brawler being the winner of the recent Bakugan Battle Tournament: Flash Sentry." The teen stepped forward and waved at the crowd. "And his opponent's who have all agreed to battle against Flash Sentry to see if he's really worthy of his championship title." The six all waved at the crowd, whilst the battlefield activated.

In a flash, the seven of them found they were all a large desert covered in shells of different shapes and sizes. "Nice," Flash nodded as he took out a Gate Card. "Alright, Gate Card Set!" The card flew towards the ground and activated, as a girl took out a Ventus bakugan.

"This is gonna be fun!" She leapt up into the air. "Bakugan, BRAWL!" She threw the Bakugan and as soon as it hit the ground, it popped open. "Bakugan, STAND! Ventus Monarus!" The green butterfly woman appeared in a green tornado.

Monarus: 330Gs

"BAKUGAN!" The others threw theirs, "BRAWL!" In a flash of different elemental lights, a Pyrus Warius, Subterra Centipoid, Haos Anchorsaur, Darkus Gargonoid and Aquos Siege appeared.

Siege: 360Gs
Warius: 350Gs
Monarus: 330Gs
Centipoid: 400Gs
Gargonoid: 350Gs
Anchorsaur: 400Gs

"Wow!" Flash cried as the six Bakugan stared down at him, the teen stepping backwards. "You know, a few months ago this situation would have had me terrified."

"Ha!" Leonidas laughed, "but this is nothing we can't handle." Flash nodded and grabbed him.

"Bakugan," He threw his partner, "BRAWL!" Leonidas shot towards the six Bakugan and hit the ground, "Bakugan, STAND!" He opened up and unleashed a brilliant flash of light, which blinded all the Bakugan and made them stagger back as the dragonoid appeared. "Haos Omega Leonidas!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" Leo roared as he flew up his roar rocking the battlefield and making the other Bakugan look afraid.

Siege: 360Gs
Warius: 350Gs
Monarus: 330Gs
Centipoid: 400Gs
Gargonoid: 350Gs
Anchorsaur: 400Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs

"Six hundred and fifty all on his own?" One of the brawlers asked, as Flash held up a card.

"And it's gonna get bigger. Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Leonidas flew down, "Omega Eraser!"

Siege: 360Gs
Warius: 350Gs
Monarus: 330Gs
Centipoid: 400Gs
Gargonoid: 350Gs
Anchorsaur: 400Gs
Leonidas: 850Gs

Leonidas slammed into the ground and braced himself as his mouth opened up and he fired the laser towards Monarus. But before it could hit the Bakugan, Anchorsaur leapt it front of it and tried to shield the Ventus Bakugan. The attack struck and blasted the alligator backwards, causing it to crash into a spiral shell and revert back to ball form.

"No way!" Anchorsaur's Brawler yelled as his life gauge dropped to ten percent, "with just one hit!"

"We're in trouble," Warius' Brawler gulped as Leonidas leapt into the air again. The dragon roared as the five remaining Bakugan all seemed to quiver, as another brawler looked at the floor.

"Hey, I thought that Ability destroyed Gate Cards. Why is his still here?"

"That effect only kicks in if the Gate Card's been activated," Flash explained. "As long as I play Omega Eraser before activating it, my Gate Card's safe." The Brawlers realised only now how much trouble they were in, even with it being six on one.

Back in the foyer, Lyra and Bonnie arrived alongside Twilight, Rarity and Applejack.

The girls noticed the long line of people in front of the counter and then noticed Derpy, who quickly waved them over. "Lyra, Bonnie. You've gotta do something. All these people are here to challenge you guys."

"All of them?" Bonnie asked, the brawlers turning to smirk at them. Lyra, Bonnie and their Bakugan all shared a look before smirking and nodding, the pair turning towards them. "Alright," Bonnie gestured for them to follow, "but I can't use the Stadium right now. You wanna battle, meet me outside."

"Same here," Lyra nodded as she looked at her BakuColar. "I've got this thing now. Might as well use it." They nodded and followed the two, leaving only a few stranglers who wanted to go up against Flash or Heath.

Speaking of Heath, he was in another battlefield. This one was designed like a giant kids room, with massive toy blocks all over and cuddly toys.

One such cuddly toy, a stuffed parrot, suddenly exploded as two Bakugan were sent flying through it and crashed into a nearby toy block. Subterra Saurus and Tuskor fell to the ground, as the one that caused their sudden flight leapt out.

"Yeah!" Wukong cheered, beating his chest as Heath and the Subterra Brawler ran around the ruined toy and checked the Bakugan's G Power.

Wukong: 600Gs
Saurus+Tuskor: 450Gs

"Get up!" The Brawler yelled, as Heath rushed over to Wukong.

"You okay?"

"Oh yeah!" The ape cheered, "better than ever. Now let's finish them off before they recuperate!" Heath nodded and held up a card as Wukong charged.

"Ability, Activate!" As the two Subterra Bakugan got up, Wukong got in close as his flaming hairdo exploded. "Blast Infernal!" The flames shot towards the pair and wrapped around them, making them flinch as Wukong's power rose.

Wukong: 750Gs
Saurus+Tuskor: 450Gs

Before the Brawler could save them, his Bakugan reverted back to ball form and his life gauge dropped. Heath smirked at this, whilst Wukong returned to ball form. "I'll show Blaze who the best Bakugan Brawler is."

In Cloudsdale, Soarin was in a battlefield made entirely of clouds crafted into different shapes.

He watched as Garuda soared through the air, fighting against a Pyrus Atmos. "Ability, Activate!" He yelled as Garuda's body sparked, then dived towards Atmos. "Lightning Wing!"

Atmos: 500Gs
Garuda: 750Gs

Before Atmos' Brawler could reacted, Garuda slammed a wing into him and knocked it flying backwards as it reverted back to ball form. "Yeah!" Soarin cheered, grabbing Garuda. "Now this is fun!" He cheered, then frowned as he remembered meeting his teammates. "And that's the whole reason I started playing. To have fun, unlike back then."

Lyra and Bonnie stood back to back in the BakuColar generated battlefield, which looked just like the battlefield they had battled Teddy in.

Nimue was battling against a Haos Rafflesian, whilst Gaia was fighting against a Darkus Atchibee. "Ability," Nimue held up a card, "Activate!" It glowed as Nimue held her finger up, "Draining Rain!" The cloud appeared above Nimue and she threw it at Rafflesian, who cried out as the rain began to pour down and burn it.

Gaia: 550Gs
Nimue: 450Gs
Atchibee: 500Gs
Rafflesian: 300Gs

"Ability," Bonnie held up a card, "Activate!" Gaia swung her arm around, "Wood Slammer!" It smashed into Atchibee and knocked it towards the ground, making it cry out as Gaia pulled her leg back.

Gaia: 650Gs
Nimue: 450Gs
Atchibee: 500Gs
Rafflesian: 300Gs

The girls both smirked at how well their battle was going, all the while both thinking about what happened earlier. 'I'm totally not the same person I used to be!' Lyra shook her head and frowned, 'I'm not the same. No totally, no like, no nothing. I'm not that silly little girl any more.'

'I won't stop doing what I love,' Bonnie told herself. 'I'll keep brawling and growing strong.' As she said that, the mental image of a large man appeared on the forefront of her mind. Doing so caused a great rush of fear to overwhelm her. She quickly shook her head of the mental image, not wanting that fear to overtake her. Instead, she simply focused on her battle.

Back in the stadium, Twilight, Rarity and Applejack watched as Flash and Heath's battles were being broadcast. They wondered how Lyra and Bonnie's was going, and also wished they knew if Soarin was brawling, but quickly got over it and continued enjoying the show.

"They've all gotten really strong," Rarity marvelled as Leonidas flew passed the screen.

"A'h guess there was one upside ta us bein' brain-jacked," Applejack smirked. "Saving us probably pushed them ta da'h next level."

Twilight nodded, knowing she was right. Leonidas might have been the only one to evolve, but all the BakuFighters had grown thanks to their many battles in the Battle Tournament. "But will it be enough to simply get stronger?" Twilight asked, confusing her friends. "Strength is great, but there are other ways they can grow. If they want to beat Phantom, they'll need to grow in those ways." She focused on Flash's brawl, watching as the teen battled with all his might.

The five remaining brawlers had all used their Abilities to power their Bakugan up and weaken Leonidas. Each Ability had only done a little, but it had all added up.

Siege: 460Gs
Warius: 500Gs
Monarus: 430Gs
Centipoid: 500Gs
Gargonoid: 450Gs
Leonidas: 550Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Siege's Brawler held up a card as the Bakugan charged, thrusting his lance forward. "Aquos Javelin!"

Siege: 560Gs
Warius: 500Gs
Monarus: 430Gs
Centipoid: 500Gs
Gargonoid: 450Gs
Leonidas: 550Gs

Leonidas grabbed the end of the lance, but flinched at the impact as he was pushed backwards. "Nice try!" He told him, though he felt his strength slipping.

"Get out of there!" Flash told him, "he's got you locked into place!" Sure enough, the other four Bakugan attacked.

"ABILITY, ACTIVATE!" Their Brawler's yelled as the Bakugan powered up.

Siege: 560Gs
Warius: 600Gs
Monarus: 580Gs
Centipoid: 600Gs
Gargonoid: 600Gs
Leonidas: 550Gs

They all fired beams, flames or gusts of wind at Leonidas, but Flash was quicker and held up his one card. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas glowed, "Dragon Flash!" The evolved Bakugan let go of Siege's lance and in the blink of an eye, swung around to smash his tail into the knight before shooting into the air seconds before the multiple attacks collided.

Siege: 560Gs
Warius: 600Gs
Monarus: 580Gs
Centipoid: 600Gs
Gargonoid: 600Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs

"No way!" The Gargonoid Brawler yelled as the dragon reappeared high above them, a smirk on his face. "How can something that bulky be so fast."

"My armour's strong but it's also lightweight!" Leonidas growled before flying down, with Flash holding up another card.

"Ability, Activate!" Leonidas took a deep breath as his mouth glowed, "Shining Roar!" He did so, letting out a mighty roar that unleashed a blinding light that flew out in a shining wave.

It struck the five Bakugan and knocked them all back.

Siege: 410Gs
Warius: 450Gs
Monarus: 430Gs
Centipoid: 450Gs
Gargonoid: 450Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs

In a flash, Siege and Monarus reverted back to ball form whilst the other three hit the ground flinching. Leonidas chuckled as he took to the air, loving how much stronger his newly evolved body made him. "Let's end this with something flashy."

"With pleasure!" Flash smirked as he held up a card. But before he could activate it, Warius' Brawler held up his own card.

"Ability, Activate!" Warius' eyes shot open and he threw himself back to his feet. "Flame Berserker!" Warius' club exploded into fire, as it swung the weapon around and caused the flames to grow stronger and stronger.

Warius: 650Gs
Centipoid: 450Gs
Gargonoid: 450Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs

It thrust the club forward and the flames flew off of it towards Leonidas, but the dragon simply crossed his arms and endured the fire despite how hot it was.

"Ability, Activate!" Gargonoid's Brawler yelled as he held up a card, Gargonoid flying up above Leonidas. "Dark Uproar!" The beast then unleashed a sonic blast, which struck Leonidas and made him flinch.

Warius: 650Gs
Centipoid: 450Gs
Gargonoid: 450Gs
Leonidas: 550Gs

Though the attack didn't damage him, it did cause the Flame Berserker attack to overpower him and push the dragon towards the ground. There, Centipoid was waiting. "Ability," its Brawler held up a card, "Activate!" Centipoid dived into the sand, completely vanishing. "Desert Hole!"

As Leonidas flew down close to the ground, Centipoid exploded out from under him and wrapped its upper body around him. Tying his wings and arms up, it tried to pull him down into the hole. As it did, Warius and Gargonoid charged.

Warius: 650Gs
Centipoid: 450Gs
Gargonoid: 450Gs
Leonidas: 450Gs

"End this!" Warius' Brawler yelled, but Flash was ready and held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Light exploded off of him, knocking Centipoid away, then formed the double pyramid shield around him. "Reflector Prism!" Warius and Gargonoid both bounced off the shield, they and Centipoid's Ability's being cancelled as Leonidas was powered up.

Warius: 450Gs
Centipoid: 450Gs
Gargonoid: 450Gs
Leonidas: 750Gs

"Now to end this!" Flash stated as he held up another card, "Fusion Ability, Activate!" Leonidas flew out of the shield as his mouth filled with light and sparks, the energy coming off of him making the Brawlers all panic.

"TRIPLE ABILITY ACTIVATE!" They all cried as their Abilities kicked in and powered the Bakugan up, allowing them to even stronger then Leonidas.

Warius: 850Gs
Centipoid: 850Gs
Gargonoid: 850Gs
Leonidas: 750Gs

But it wasn't enough, as Leonidas shot down and slammed his feet into the ground. "ROARING OMEGA!" He bellowed as the light and energy in his mouth exploded into a wave that struck the Bakugan, making them all scream as they felt their powers drop whilst Leonidas' spiked.

Warius: 650Gs
Centipoid: 650Gs
Gargonoid: 650Gs
Leonidas: 1050Gs

The Bakugan were all thrown backwards and reverted back to ball form, their Brawler's life gauges dropping as Leonidas finished roaring and took to the air. He did a victory loop before returning to Flash, who caught him with a smirk whilst the six brawlers were all in shock. The Brawl wasn't over, but they felt like it was.

The audience also thought so, now seeing why Flash and the other BakuFighters claimed victory in the tournament. Against these strong brawlers, almost no one could stand up against them. But the BakuFighters knew they couldn't get complacent. If they didn't keep training, Phantom would walk all over them. They had to keep pushing. Keep growing stronger. No matter what.

Author's Note

With the tournament over, we move onto the next stage of the story. What will that stage be? Only time will tell.

A Newer Generation of Brawlers

Two weeks had passed since the Bakugan Battle Tournament and in that time, things had certainly gotten crazy.

A week after the tournament had ended, Dark Industries had released the newest upgrade. The portable battlefield that any brawler could use to battle any time, anywhere. Every brawler was excited to get it, though many were curious about how it worked given it seemed to have the strange power to stop time during the battle.

It was in one of these battlefields that we find two young brawlers battling it out. One was a grey skinned teen, with hair that was black and grey wearing a black hoodie over a white shirt with blue pants. The other was a white skinned boy with brown hair that had a brown birthmark over his left eye, wearing a blue jumper with green shorts.

Between them were two Bakugan, one being an Aquos Scaboid whilst the other was a Darkus Bakugan that was humanoid with a dragonic head and strange wings.

"It's over," the grey skinned boy announced as he took out a card. "End this, Ziperator!" He held the card up and it glowed, unleashing a dark light that flew up to the Darkus Bakugan and made it glow. Seconds later, the beast dived down and slammed into Scaboid. The mechanical spider turtle roared in pain as it was knocked backwards, reverting back to ball form as the boy it belonged to was thrown backwards as well.

"Ahhhhhhhhhh!" He screamed as his life gauge hit zero.

The light of the battlefield vanished and the two were in the city park, the grey skinned boy laughing at the sight of white skinned one. "That makes four loses in a row for you Pipsqueak."

The boy moaned as he pushed himself up off the floor. "You don't have to rub it in, Rumble."

"Whatever," the boy named Rumble smirked. "Well, same time tomorrow."

"Do we have to?" Pipsqueak asked, "you've already beaten me four times."

"And tomorrow I'm gonna make if five," Rumble pointed at him. "Be there or I'll tell everyone at school you're a massive chicken." With that, he ran off laughing whilst Pipsqueak picked his Bakugan up.

"I hate losing," Pip moaned as he held his Bakugan tightly.

Over at Flash's house, the teen entered his room and let out a sigh as he put his bag down. He also took his Bakugan partner out and placed him on the desk before falling onto the bed. "This day has been rough!"

"Tell me about it," Leonidas nodded as he unfurled. "Six different opponents, all challenging us. I love to battle but boy am I feeling beat."

"It's all for a good cause though," Flash explained. "The more you guys battle, the stronger you'll become. Hopefully, Garuda and the other Bakugan'll all evolve soon enough. Then Phantom won't stand a chance against us." Leonidas nodded, only for the pair to then hear a knocking on the door.

Before Flash could get up, it opened and Scootaloo looked inside. "Flash," she looked around, "who are you talking too? I could have sworn I heard another voice in here."

Flash and Leonidas both let out an unintelligible sound, Leo's voice drawing Scootaloo's attention. She stepped over to the Bakugan and picked him up, looking him over. "Do you mind?" He asked when she poked his face, making her cry out and drop him. "Hey!" He cried as he hit the desk, being stuck on his back until he curled up and rolled back to his upright position. "Show a little more care, would yah!"

Scootaloo turned to Flash, looking horrified as her brother laughed. "I guess I've got some explaining to do." This was gonna be a long night for sure.

The next day

Derpy was happily walking through town on her way to the Battle Stadium. She wasn't working, but the rest of her friends were all going to be hanging out there. "Ahh," she sighed, "what a lovely morning." She crossed a bridge that was located on a river that ran through the city, the girl looking down at the water and seeing several boats in the middle sailing down it.

Then, when she reached the end of the bridge, she spotted something that gave her pause. A young boy standing on the river bank. He was looking at something in his hand, Derpy needing to focus but realising it was an Aquos Bakugan.

"Oh," she smiled, "must be a Brawler." She smiled, happy so many young children were enjoying the game. But then she saw something that made her gasp, as the teen pulled his arm back as if he was going to throw the Bakugan into the water. "NOOOOOOOOOO!" She screamed, running down the hill towards the bank. "STOP!"

The boy heard her and jumped, looking around to see her. He looked confused and as she got close, she tripped over a rock.

"Ahhh!" She cried as she fell onto her face and rolled down the rest of the hill, eventually sailing passed the boy and crashing into the water. "Ow," she moaned as she sat up and was now completely soaked.

"Are you okay?" The boy asked, the girl letting out another moan as she stood up.

"I'm fine," she assured him. "I'm used to it." She got out of the water and took off her bag, which contained a set of new cloths in a waterproof bag. When you tended to be as clumsy as Derpy, you learned to take several precautions. She and the boy went over to the bridge, the shadow of it shielding her as she dried off and got changed whilst the boy kept a lookout.

As she changed, Derpy asked what he had been doing. The boy, who was named Pipsqueak, frowned and explained the situation about his 'friend' Rumble.

"You lost a Bakugan Brawl?" She asked, "I don't see what the problem is."

"I hate losing," Pipsqueak frowned. "I love having my Bakugan and battling was fun at first, but then I kept losing. It wasn't so bad before because I could just avoid the Stadium and play with my Bakugan at home. But ever since they released that new update, Rumble's been making me Brawl every single day."

"You could always say no," Derpy told him.

"If I did that, he'd just make fun of me at school and call me a scaredy cat." Derpy frowned, hating to see someone who clearly loved Bakugan be turned against it because of a bully like this Rumble kid. "I don't have a choice. I hate losing and the only way to stop Rumble from coming after me is to get rid of my Bakugan."

"That's not true," Derpy told him as she stepped out from under the bridge in her dry cloths. "There's another option. You can beat him in a brawl." Pip looked at her in shock. "It's clear the only reason he comes after you is because he thinks you can't win. If you beat him, he'll stop coming after you."

"But I can't win," Pip told her. "I'm terrible at brawling. I'll never win a game."

"Not with that attitude," Derpy told him. "If you think you're going to lose, then you'll have already lost before you throw down your first card. In order to win, you need the believe you can win." Pip frowned, clearly believing that him winning was impossible. "I'll tell you what. Why don't I help you come up with a strategy to beat him?" Pipsqueak raised an eyebrow at this.

"You Brawl?"

"No," she told him, "but I've seen enough Brawls to know how to win. Now," she smiled, "tell me everything you know about how this boy battles."

Over at the stadium, Flash and Scootaloo had arrived. The young girl looked around the stadium in amazement, seeing the many different brawlers all hanging out there and then noticed the TVs showing off the battles.

"Wow," she marvelled at the sight of a Saurus knocking down a griffin. "So that's what a Bakugan really looks like." Flash nodded as Leonidas was on his shoulder, the pair promising to bring Scootaloo to the stadium after she learned the truth about Bakugan.

"Flash!" He looked around and smiled seeing Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash walking over to him. With them were two girls about Scootaloo's age. "Hey man," Rainbow smirked before noticing Scootaloo. "Who's this?"

"Guys," Flash put a hand on Scootaloo's shoulder, "this is my sister Scootaloo. Leonidas and I are showing her around the Stadium."

"What a coincidence," Rarity smiled. "Applejack and I are doing the same for our sisters." She pattered the smaller girl's shoulder, "this is Sweetie Belle."

Applejack ruffled the other girl's hair, "and this here's Applebloom."

"Hi," Applebloom waved.

"It's nice to meet you," Sweetie smiled as Scootaloo did the same. She then turned to the older girls.

"Do you guys all have Bakugan that can talk as well?" They smiled at this and presented their partners, the younger girls all marvelling at the sight as the balls popped open.

"Hey," Terraspin cheered, "nice to meet you."

"Wow," Scootaloo had stars in her eyes. She wanted to learn as much about Bakugan as she could. "I wanna watch a Brawl as soon as possible." The other girls all nodded and the teens smiled, happy they were enjoying themselves. And in that moment, a teen rushed up to them.

"Flash Sentry!" He turned to see him hold up a Ventus Bakugan, "I challenge you!" Flash smirked at this with Leonidas nodding back at him, both agreeing to show Scootaloo and the girls what a real brawl was all about.

"You're on."

Back with Derpy and Pipsqueak, the pair were still at the river.

Pipsqueak had told Derpy that Rumble had only two Bakugan, a Darkus Fear Ripper and Ziperator. Derpy was surprised by this, since Ziperator was quite a rare Bakugan. But then Pip showed her his Bakugan. "Wow," she smiled at the Aquos Bakugan, "I've never seen a Scaboid before. These are really rare."

"Thanks," Pip smiled, "he's my favourite Bakugan." He then showed her a Subterra Bakugan, "but I've also got this one." Derpy took it and opened it up.

"Robotallion," she smiled, "Not bad." She then looked at the cards Pip had, going over all the Ability Cards and the Gate Cards. "You've got a really good collection here."

"Really?" Pip asked, "they can't be that good."

"Oh, but they are." She picked up one of the cards. "Take your Robotallion Enforcement, for example. It'll nullify your opponent's Ability and grant it an extra hundred Gs. That could come in really useful in a tight spot."

"I guess," Pip frowned. "But if I keep losing even with these good cards, that must mean I'm really bad."

Derpy shook her head, "everyone starts off bad at first. What matters is learning from your losses and using them to get better. Don't worry, I'll show you everything you need to know about how to play your cards right."

"Okay," Pip nodded again. Even so, he was still unsure, 'how do I know this girl is any good if she's never played before?' But as Derpy explained the ways each card can be used, Pip slowly started to get more and more confident that she actually knew what she was talking about.

"And this should be your ace in the hole," Derpy handed him a Gate Card. "It's downsides could be dangerous if played early on, but play it later and you'll find yourself in a really good spot."

"Really?" Derpy nodded as Pip took the card and then looked at his Bakugan, an uneasy feeling washing over him. "But...what if I mess up. It's all well and good telling me how to battle, but when I'm in the middle of the fight everything's happening really fast and my brain just stops. It's scary being all on your own in the middle of a brawl."

"But that's just the thing," Derpy smiled at him. "You won't be alone." Pip gave her a confused look, only for her to hold up his Subterra Bakugan. "Bakugan aren't just toys. They're living things. They battle because it's fun and it helps them get stronger. You're never battling alone. As long as you have your Bakugan, you'll always have someone there with you."

"My...Bakugan?" Pip looked at Scaboid and had no idea what she was talking about. "Derpy, can you come with me?" The girl was surprised by this question. "If you were there with me, giving me advice, I bet I could win no matter what Rumble did."

"I don't know," Derpy frowned. "The win wouldn't really be yours if I'm the one making all the decisions."

"Please," Pip begged. "Please help me." Derpy couldn't say no to that face, the girl nodding.

"Alright," she told him. "I'll help. But I won't give you all the answers. You need to figure that out on your own." Pip nodded, looking actually excited about the battle that was about to come.

Back at the stadium, Flash and Leonidas were on a winter wonderland field with multiple christmas candy canes sticking out of the snow.

"Bakugan!" Flash leapt off a candy cane threw his partner, "BRAWL!" Leonidas shot through several power-ups and hit the snow, rolling along it before opening up. "Bakugan, STAND!" In a burst of light, the dragon appeared and let out a mighty roar. "Haos Omega Leonidas!"

"Wow," Scootaloo marvelled as the five power-ups kicked in. "So that's what Leonidas really looks like."

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" His opponent threw the Ventus Bakugan towards the ground, hitting three power-ups along the way. It impacted and opened up, "Bakugan, stand!" The toy was surrounded by a tornado. "Rise, Ventus Struthion!" The tornado exploded to reveal a light green ostrich Bakugan wearing dark green overalls, black fishnet clothing beneath that went up its neck, a yellow scarf around its neck that trailed behind it and a yellow fur-tail and head of hair.

Struthion: 350Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

The beast let out a squawk as it powered up, but remained on the ground.

Struthion: 500Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

"I've never seen that Bakugan before," Rarity stated.

"I've heard about it," Rainbow told her. "Even though it's a Ventus Bakugan, it can't fly. But it's speed is almost unmatched. Flash might have trouble against that, even with his G Power so much higher." They watched as Leonidas dived down towards Struthion, who suddenly vanished in the blink of an eye and appeared on the other side of the battlefield. Rainbow was right, that thing was fast.

Pip and Derpy arrived at the park, finding Rumble standing in front of the fountain.

"About time you showed up," he teen smirked before noticing Derpy. "Whose this, your girlfriend?" He laughed as Derpy frowned and placed a hand on Pip's shoulder.

"I'm Pipsqueak's coach. And today, he's going to beat you and you're gonna stop picking on him."

"Ha!" Rumble smirked, "like that's gonna happen. Even if you're the best brawler in the world, there's no way you can help him beat me." He took out a Bakugan and flicked it into the air, "let's get this started." He caught as Pip looked scared.

"You can do this," Derpy assured him. Pip took a deep breath and nodded before focusing back on Rumble.

"Bakugan!" They held up their BakuColars as Derpy grabbed Pip's shoulder, "FIELD OPEN!" The watches unleashed a bright light, which surrounded them. For a brief second, they looked around themselves and saw time begin to slow down before the light caused them to go blind for a moment.

When that light faded, Derpy opened her eyes. She expected to be in the battlefield, but was shocked to find she was still in the park. "What?" She looked around, wondering if maybe the battlefield had malfunctioned. But then she noticed Pipsqueak and Rumble were gone, and the world around her was still frozen.

The birds were locked in place midair, some kids playing with a ball were frozen with the ball hovering between them and even a leaf that had fallen from a tree was suspended.

"What's happening?" She asked, feeling weird. "Pip?"

When Pipsqueak opened his eyes, he was in the battlefield once again. Rumble stood opposite him and had a smirk on his face, their BakuColars beeping to show the start of the battle.

Rumble: 100%
Pipsqueak: 100%

"I'm up first," Pip smirked. "So which Gate Card do I-" He stopped as he looked around and found that Derpy wasn't there. "Derpy?" He looked in every direction, but couldn't see her anywhere. "Where are you?"

Back outside the field, Derpy was still worried about what was going on. "This is so strange. Is this because I didn't have a BakuColar on. If that's true, why wasn't I frozen in time like everything else.

"Derpy?" She heard Pip's voice call out, making her look around but seeing no sign of him. "Where are you?"

"Pip?" She called out, "is that you?"

"Derpy?" Pip replied, "I can hear you but I can't see you."

"Same here," Derpy replied. "But it's okay. You're in the battle, right?"

"Yeah," Pip nodded, "but without you here-"

"Hey!" Rumble called out, "what's the hold up. Are you gonna play or what?" He then noticed something, "where'd that girl go. I thought she was gonna watch?"

"Derpy," Pip began to panic, "I can't do this without you."

"It's okay," Derpy assured her. "You just need to focus. Now, throw down your Gate Card."

"Which one?"

"Any will do, just leave that special one until later." Pip nodded and took out a card, throwing it towards the ground.

"Gate Card, Set!" The card exploded, making Rumble smirk.

"About time!" He cried before taking out a Bakugan, "time to Brawl!" He leapt into the air, "Bakugan," he threw it, "BRAWL!" The Bakugan shot through the air before hitting the ground and opening up. "Bakugan, STAND!" It burst into light, "Darkus Fear Ripper!" The giant clawed demon Bakugan appeared and let out a roar, making Pip quiver.

Fear Ripper: 380Gs

"He chose Fear Ripper," Pip told Derpy.

"That's okay. Don't panic. Did he throw it through any power-ups?"

"No," Pip shook his head.

"Then you can use that to your advantage. Try and get up to the platforms and throw your Bakugan through a power-up." Pip nodded and looked around, seeing a floating platform that was moving up and down. He took several steps back before running forward and leaping into the air. He grabbed the platform and pulled himself up, as it floated higher and allowed him to spot several coins.

"Here we go!" He cried as he took out a his Subterra Bakugan. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw it and the orb towards the coins and hit three of them, then landed on the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" The Bakugan opened up and exploded with light, "Subterra Robotallion, stand!"

From the light, an orange robot appeared.

Robotallion: 340Gs
Fear Ripper: 380Gs

Rumble frowned as he watched Robotallion glow, the power-ups kicking in and increasing its power.

Robotallion: 490Gs
Fear Ripper: 380Gs

"This kid's been practising." Rumble took out a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Fear Ripper's claws glowed, "Slash Zero, plus Doom Slicing!" Fear Ripper swung its claws around and slashed at Robotallion, making the robot cry out as it staggered backwards.

Robotallion: 390Gs
Fear Ripper: 480Gs

"Oh no," Pip cried as he began to panic.

"Stay calm," Derpy told him. "Remember, you have the Gate Card. You have the home field advantage?"

Pip nodded, "I understand." He pointed towards the ground, "Gate Card...OPEN!" The field began to glow, "Subterra Reactor!" From out of the ground, giant pillars of rock suddenly appeared. As it did, Robotallion glowed with its power increasing.

Robotallion: 590Gs
Fear Ripper: 480Gs

The holes on the machine's chest then began to glow before they fired twin beams of light, which struck Fear Ripper and blasted in back. "Yes!" Pip cheered, happy he was actually putting up a fight.

Rumble wasn't happy, "how'd he get so good so fast?" He held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Fear Ripper pushed itself up and charged forward, "Spiral Tearing!" Fear Ripper suddenly morphed into a tornado, one that was likely going to feel very sharp when it touched Robotallion.

"Oh no," Pip cried.

"Remember your Abilities!" Derpy told him.

"Oh, right." He took out a card, "Ability, Activate!" Robotallion began to glow, "Robotallion Enforcement!" The machine charged forward and punched the tornado, the light flying into the tornado and causing it to vanish as Fear Ripper staggered back.

Robotallion: 690Gs
Fear Ripper: 480Gs

"Look out!" Rumble yelled, as Robotallion fired a laser from the holes all over its body. The many beams combined into one, hitting Fear Ripper and blasting it backwards before it returned to ball form. "No way!" He cried as his life gauge dropped.

Rumble: 58%
Pipsqueak: 100%

"I did it," Pip's eyes went wide. "I won." He had never defeated any of Rumble's Bakugan before, so winning this match actually made him feel amazing. "Derpy, I won!"

"That's great Pip," Derpy smiled where she was. "But don't let one win go to your head. This match is still anyone's game."

"Got it," Pip nodded as Rumble picked up his Bakugan. He then turned to give Pipsqueak a glare, as he took out another Bakugan and Gate Card.

"Don't think you'll win this. You might have beat Fear Ripper, but I'm far from out of tricks. Gate Card!" He threw it, "Set!" As the card exploded, he held up the ball. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw it and the Bakugan hit the ground before opening up. "Bakugan...STAND!" Dark light exploded from it, "Darkus Ziperator!" The dragon-like Bakugan appeared and took to the sky, the beast letting out a bird-like squawk.

Ziperator: 400Gs

Pip quivered, "he's using Ziperator."

"It's okay. This is what we expected."

"Huh?"

"Of course he would use his best Bakugan after losing. That's what happens when a brawler who expects a flawless victory hits a roadblock. He's been thrown off, which means you still have the advantage." Pip nodded and looked around, seeing more power-ups close to the ground.

"Alright!" He threw Robotallion, "Bakugan Brawl!" The ball shot through the air, hitting a pair of power-ups before landing on the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" It popped open and appeared in a burst of orange light, the robot standing strong as the power-ups kicked in.

Ziperator: 400Gs
Robotallion: 440Gs

"Let's go!" Rumble held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Dark energy formed under Ziperator's chest, forming a gear-shape. "Greth Gear!" The energy blade shot off and flew down, slamming into Robotallion and causing it to stagger backwards.

Ziperator: 400Gs
Robotallion: 340Gs

As Robotallion regained its balance, Ziperator dived down ready to punch him. But Pip remembered what Derpy told him and took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" Robotallion punched its fists together, "Surface Pressure!"

"Good," Derpy nodded, "that Ability will allow you to steal a hundred Gs from Ziperator."

"I don't think so!" Rumble held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with Ziperator, the light flying off and forming an orb around his body. Robotallion thrust its hands forward and smashed them into the orb, but all this did was push Robotallion backwards.

Pip looked down at his BakuColar and saw the Bakugan's G Power didn't change. "Not good."

"it's about to get worse!" Rumble yelled, "Gate Card, OPEN!" The field began to glow as Robotallion quickly found itself stuck in place, "Dark Crystal Prison!" Pip looked at Robotallion's feet and saw they were covered in crystals that were growing out of the ground, which were quickly growing up Robotallion's legs.

"What's happening?"

"Dark Crystal Prison," Derpy explained. "It locks every non-Darkus Bakugan into place a saps them of a hundred Gs for every Darkus Bakugan on the field. The energy flowed out of Robotallion, moving into the crystals and making the robot appear weaker.

Ziperator: 400Gs
Robotallion: 240Gs

"No!" Pip cried as Ziperator flew down, reaching Robotallion before it started unleashing punch after punch after punch into the robot. "Derpy, how do I stop that Gate Card."

"None of your Abilities can do that," she explained. "You need to hold out until the effects wear off. Try a defence card to help Robotallion endure it."

Pip nodded and held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Robotallion brought its arms up, as the small shields on its wrists glowed orange. "Iron Guardian!" Ziperator hit the shield, which absorbed some of the impact but it still hurt.

Ziperator: 400Gs
Robotallion: 340Gs

"Nice try," Rumble held up two cards. "But this is where you lose. Double Ability, Activate!" Ziperator flew straight up, "Dark Surge, plus Skydive Dogma!" Ziperator shot straight down, as its body burst into black fire.

Ziperator: 700Gs
Robotallion: 340Gs

Robotallion tried to pull itself free, whilst Pip looked terrified. "Pip, you've gotta use an Ability." But Pip was too panicked to do that, allowing Ziperator to smash into Robotallion. This blasted the robot out of its crystal hold and sent it flying, the machine reverting back to ball form.

"See," Rumble smirked as the ball hit the ground. "You might have gotten a little better, but you're still no match for me." Pip frowned, his life gauge dropping.

Rumble: 58%
Pipsqueak: 28%

"It's okay Pip," Derpy told the boy as he picked Robotallion up. "This battle is far from over. You've still got that special trap card, remember." Pip smiled and nodded.

"It's fine," he told himself. "I've got Derpy with me. As long as she's there to guide me, I'll be fine."

Derpy waited to hear what Rumble did next. But as she did, something about the world around her suddenly started changing.

"Huh?" She looked around and noticed one of the birds was slowly beginning to move, though its wing beats were a snail's pace. The same was happening with the other frozen things, each of them beginning to move so slowly you would still think they were frozen if you weren't paying attention. "How can time be starting when a battle's still in progress?" She began to worry, wondering if something bad was gonna happen. And she soon got her answer.

A flash of light suddenly appeared in front of her, making her gasp and step backwards away from it. But then, the light spread around her and completely surrounded the girl as she cried out.

Pip heard this and looked behind him. "Derpy?" He called out, but the girl remained silent. "What's going on?" Again, there was no response. "Where'd you go." He began to panic now, whilst Rumble frowned.

"HEY!" He called out, "It's you turn to throw a Gate Card. Hurry up!" Pip began to panic again, as his coach was gone and he had no idea what to do.

"I...I can't do this." He looked down at his two Bakugan, "I'm gonna lose. I don't wanna lose." But then he remembered what Derpy had told him. "The trap." He took the card out and threw it towards the ground, as Rumble held up his Bakugan.

"Let's go!" He leapt into the air, whilst Pip ran over to a platform. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw it towards the ground and it quickly opened. "Bakugan, STAND! Darkus Ziperator!" The Darkus Bakugan appeared and took to the air, whilst Pip climbed onto the platform and leapt onto another as he spotted some power-ups.

"I can do this," he held up his Aquos Bakugan. "Let's do this Scaboid!" He threw it towards them. "Bakugan, brawl!" The Bakugan shot towards the power-ups and flew through three of them before landing on the ground. "Bakugan," it opened, "stand!" Water exploded out of the toy and swirled into a tornado, which then exploded to reveal his robotic spider turtle.

Scaboid: 360Gs
Ziperator: 400Gs

The beast roared as its power increased, whilst Pip leapt back down off the platform.

Scaboid: 510Gs
Ziperator: 400Gs

Rumble acted fast. "Ability, Activate!" Ziperator glowed, "Dark Surge!"

Scaboid: 510Gs
Ziperator: 550Gs

Ziperator then flew down and started punching the turtle, making it cry out as it tried to crawl backwards and escape without much success. "Scaboid!" Pip cried, seeing his Bakugan in trouble. But remembering what Derpy had told him, he held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Scaboid opened its mouth, "Blast Hydro!" It suddenly fired water out of its mouth, hitting Ziperator and knocking it flying backwards.

Scaboid: 510Gs
Ziperator: 450Gs

Ziperator shook the water off of itself, then shot into the air as Rumble held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The energy formed around Ziperator, "Greth Gear!"

However, as the attack charged up Pip held up his own card. "Ability, Activate!" The center of Scaboid's back opened up before a gun barrel folded out, this barrel unleashing a burst of mist. "Vapour Guard!" The gear fired as the mist formed a dome around Scaboid, deflecting the gear.

"Nice try!" Rumble held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with Ziperator, who dived downwards. "Skydive Dogma!"

Scaboid: 510Gs
Ziperator: 600Gs

Before Pip could stop it, Ziperator's body burst into black flames as it shot through the mist and slammed into Scaboid!" The beast screamed out as it was knocked flying by an explosion and struck the ground, sliding backwards toward Pipsqueak.

"Ahhh!" Pip cried as he tried to run, but was struck by a wave of wind caused by Scaboid's fall. He was sent flying and struck the ground, as his Bakugan stopped inches from him. "Augh!" He moaned as he laid there, feeling his eyes beginning to tear up. "Derpy...where did you go?"

Derpy was scared out of her mind, as she made her way through the corridor of light that she suddenly found herself inside of.

She could no longer hear Pip or anyone else, making her worry she might have fallen outside of time or something. But before she could start panicking, another light filled the air and made her stagger back. This light had some kind of figure within it, one that for some reason gave her a sense of comfort. "Who are you?"

"I am Regulus," the figure told her. "And I come before you to ask for your assistance."

Pip was still laid out on the ground, Scaboid also down for what seemed to be the count. He let out a moan as he tried to push himself up.

"You done?" Rumble asked. "Tell you what, I'll make you a deal. Give up now and I won't make too much fun of you at school." Pip felt like crying, as defeat seemed inevitable once again. Everything Derpy had told him was gone from his mind.

"Why?" He asked, "why does this always happen. Why do I always lose?"

"If you think you're going to lose, then you'll have already lost before you throw down your first card. In order to win, you need the believe you can win." Derpy's words flowed through his mind, making him remember what she had said.

"Finish this!" Rumble yelled as he held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Ziperator's body sparked with purple lightning, "Plasma Shroud!"

Scaboid: 510Gs
Ziperator: 700Gs

Ziperator flew down and prepared to punch Scaboid out of commission. Pip couldn't bare to watch and closed his eyes, only to then hear Scaboid let out a cry. He figured this was the end, but then he heard Ziperator cry out as well. "Huh?" He looked up and was surprised to see Scaboid had grabbed Ziperator's punch in its claws and was trying to force it back. "Scaboid." It was then he realised what was happening, "you...you haven't given up yet."

"No way," Rumble cried. "How is that thing still up? Come on Ziperator. Knock it into next week. But the Darkus Bakugan, despite being stronger, couldn't seem to overpower the spider turtle.

"Whoa," Pip whispered. "He's still trying. He doesn't wanna give up." He slowly pushed himself back to his feet, "even if he still loses he's not gonna give up and just take it." It was then that he remembered more of what Derpy had told him.

"You're never battling alone. As long as you have your Bakugan, you'll always have someone there with you." Now those words were beginning to make sense. Bakugan weren't tools for battle, but their partners who fought side by side with them.

"Scaboid," Pip whispered as his Bakugan began to get overpowered. But still, it refused to give up. "You...you..." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, "YOU CAN DO IT!"

"I know I can!" The voice was one he had never heard before, making him open his eyes and look up at Scaboid as its eyes seemed to focus on him. "But I need your help to do it."

"You...you can talk?" Pip asked, but quickly shook that question off when he remembered what Scaboid said. "My help. But how can-" It was then he remembered what it was he could do, "the Gate Card!" He pointed to the ground, "Gate Card...OPEN!" The field glowed a mixture of blue and and orange. "Diagonal Relation Ambush!"

"What?" Rumble asked, as Pip held up his Robotallion.

"This Gate Card lets me sacrifice a Bakugan, meaning I'm not allowed to play it for the rest of the brawl. The upside, I get add that Bakugan's power to one it has a Diagonal Relation with!" Robotallion glowed and that light shot off it towards Scaboid. The Aquos Bakugan roared as its power skyrocketed.

Scaboid: 850Gs
Ziperator: 700Gs

"That's more like it!" Scaboid cried as he pushed Ziperator back. "Well done Pip." He turned to the still confused kid, "your confidence gives me strength. Remember that and together, we can win no matter who we're up against." Pip nodded as Rumble recovered from the shock of what had happened.

"Don't think you've won yet!" He held up a card, "Ability, Activate!!" The card glowed as Ziperator horns sparked, "Neon Lightning!"

Scaboid: 850Gs
Ziperator: 800Gs

The lightning shot off Ziperator's horns and flew towards Scaboid, but the Aquos Bakugan endured the attack. "Pip, hurry!"

"Right!" Pipsqueak's fears all seemed to vanish, now that he knew he wasn't alone. "Try this." He held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Scaboid held up one of its claws and pointed them at Ziperator, with blue lightning sparking between them. "Freeze Burner!" The lightning exploded off of his claws and struck Ziperator, making it cry out as its power was reduced.

Scaboid: 850Gs
Ziperator: 700Gs

"Come on!" Rumble yelled before holding up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Ziperator began to spin around, transforming into a drill of purple energy. "Darkus Impact!"

Scaboid: 850Gs
Ziperator: 900Gs

Pip pulled out two cards, but didn't know which one to use. Then, he realised he didn't have to choose. "Double Ability, Activate!" Scaboid opened its mouth and unleashed a freezing cold mist, which began to surround the energy drill. This caused Ziperator to slowly stop spinning, as the energy began to fade from around him. Moments later, the Bakugan's body began to freeze up. "Subzero Nullifier, plus Hydro Barrage!" Several compartment on the back of the Bakugan then opened, unleashing blasts of water at Ziperator.

Scaboid: 1050Gs
Ziperator: 700Gs

Ziperator screamed with every impact of water, as Scaboid opened its mouth and charged up an extra strong water blast. As Rumble pulled out an Ability card, Scaboid fired and it shot towards Ziperator at incredible speed before smashing into it. The Darkus Bakugan screamed as it was knocked flying back towards Rumble, reverting back to ball form before it could crash into him whilst Rumble cried out.

Rumble: 0%
Pipsqueak: 28% (Winner)

The light of the battlefield faded and this time, Pipsqueak was the one standing over a downed Rumble. He looked absolutely shocked. "I...I won."

"Pipsqueak!" He turned to see Derpy running towards him, a smile on her face.

"Derpy," she called out, "where'd you go?"

"I'm sorry," she told him. "Something happened that broke our connection." She then looked over Rumble, "but it looks like you didn't need me in the end." Pipsqueak nodded.

"I won!" He held up his Scaboid, "and you'll never guess what." The ball opened up to show the Bakugan moving.

"Hello there." Derpy's eyes went wide and she smiled, crouching down to get a better looked.

"Hello Scaboid. It's nice to meet you." She looked up at Pipsqueak, "you understand how this happened, don't you?" Pip nodded as she explained, "your belief in your Bakugan allowed it to finally awaken. Now its true strength is revealed."

"She's right," Scaboid nodded. "We Bakugan feed off our partner's emotions. As long as your will is strong, I become strong." Pip smiled at this, happy he and his Bakugan had grown closer.

"I can't believe it." They turned to Rumble, who was still kneeling on the ground. "I lost. I can't believe I lost...to Pipsqueak."

"You lost because you underestimated Pip," Derpy told him. "Maybe that'll teach you not to pick on other because you think they're week. Push them to much and they'll push back."

Rumble got up and glared at her. "You did this!" He cried, "you told him how to win!"

"I might have given him a few tips," Derpy nodded. "But Pip's the one that won this match all on his own." Rumble grumbled at this and turned to leave. But he only got five steps before Pip called out to him.

"Rumble!" He turned to him, "let's battle again tomorrow." Rumble raised an eyebrow at this, seeing Pip smiling. He then smirked back.

"You're on. I'll take you down and reclaim my honour!" He ran off, whilst Pip laughed as Scaboid jumped onto his shoulder. Derpy smiled, happy Pip had fallen in love with brawling again. But then she frowned as she remembered what had happened to her.

"Regulus," she whispered as she look up at the sky.

"Ability, Activate!" Struthion's brawler held up a card, "Kunai Wing!" Struthion opened its wings and with a single beat, sent several dozen feathers flying at Leonidas.

The dragon grunted as four of them hit him, each taking fifty Gs off of him.

Struthion: 800Gs
Leonidas: 1000Gs

"Raaah!" Leo roared as he shot up out of range of the feathers. "That's not enough to stop me. Flash!"

"Right!" Flash held up a card, "time to end this. Fusion Ability, Activate!" Leonidas' mouth filled with light and sparks, causing Struthion's brawler to panic. "Roaring Omega!" He then show down and slammed his feet into the ground, then let out a might roar that caused the light and energy to shot out in a wave that flew towards Struthion

The attack struck the bird and blasted it backwards, making it squawk in pain as their G Power changed.

Struthion: 500Gs
Leonidas: 1200Gs

The Bakugan reverted back to ball form as its owner's life gauge dropped, the ball flying over to Flash who caught it with a smirk.

"And with that," the announcer yelled. "Flash Sentry takes the win!" The crowd cheered as Flash's opponent ran off, the teen looking down at the Ventus Bakugan he had just won before leaving the field himself.

Heading out of the corridor, Flash spotted his sister and friends at the end of it and Scootaloo had a massive smile on her face. "Flash!" She cheered, "you were awesome!" She ran over to him, "you too Leonidas!"

"Was there any doubt?" Leonidas laughed, as Scootaloo's eyes got super wide.

"I wanna be a brawler too!" She announced.

"Me too!" Sweetie cheered.

"And me!" Applebloom nodded. The others teens all smiled, happy they were interested in the sport.

"That's good," Rarity told them. "But remember, being a brawler means you'll be responsible for all the Bakugan you get. They're not toys you can just throw in a drawer when your bored with them.

"Yes," Cleopal agreed, "and we're not just pets either. Becoming a Bakugan Brawler means you and your Bakugan will be partners, understand." The girls all nodded, agreeing to that wholeheartedly.

"Well then," Applejack tipped her hat. "Let's go get you ya'h first Bakugan." The girls nodded again, but then Scootaloo stopped.

"I...I can't afford one." The others turned to her, as she realised how expensive Bakugan were. Flash had spent months trying to save up enough money to get one and she didn't have any serious savings.

Flash felt sorry for his sister, knowing how much having a Bakugan can mean to somebody. He then looked down at the Bakugan he had just won and smirked at an idea, whistling to get his sister's attention. Scootaloo looked around and was surprised when a Bakugan went flying at her, the girl barely catching it. When she saw what it was, she gasped and realised what Flash was doing. "Really?"

"Yeah," Flash nodded, "I'm a Haos Brawler. If I kept it, I would have just traded it for something. Besides," he looked at Leo, "I got my start with a Bakugan someone gave to me, even if I have no idea who that someone was. Might as well pass it on." Scootaloo looked ready to start crying and ran towards her brother, hugging him tightly. Flash smiled and hugged her back, whilst the others all smiled.

At the same time, across town, Pinkie and Gumigator were working at a cafe called Sugarcube Corner.

Pinkie finished making a milkshake and handed it to customer, who smiled at the delicious treat whilst Pinkie happily watched him take the first suck and hummed in enjoyment. "Come again," she smiled before turning to Gummy. The alligator Bakugan was standing on the on button of an electric whisk.

The machine was turning up the batter and when it was done, he jumped off the button and the device stopped spinning.

"Thanks Gummy," Pinkie smiled as the Bakugan remained silent but she could tell he was happy to help out. Pinkie continued mixing the stuff until Mr Cake, one of the people running the cafe, stepped out from the back room.

"Pinkie," he stated as he carried several boxes for a delivery, "can you go and throw the trash out? The bin's starting to overflow."

"Okie dokie loki!" Pinkie saluted as Mr Cake left and Pinkie stepped into the back room, finding the overflowing trash can and taking the bag out of it before stepping out into the back alley that housed the dumpster.

She swung the bag around several times to get enough momentum and then threw it, the bag flying into the air and landing right in the dumpster. Pinkie cheered at this, but as she was about to celebrate she felt something. A horrible feeling that ran up the base of her spin.

She looked around, but saw nothing. Then, she heard it. Footsteps coming from behind her, Pinkie spinning around and gasping when she saw who stepped out of the shadows.

"Hello, Pinkie." Phantom smirked at her as he stood a good distance away, Pinkie staring at him in shock but then frowning. "It's been a while. How about we catch up with a friendly game." He held up his Bakugan, whilst Pinkie shivered.

"You...you don't scare me." She told him. "I might have lost to you before, but that won't happen again." Gumigator nodded as he leapt into Pinkie's hand, the girl holding up her BakuColar as Phantom did the same with his gauntlet.

"Bakugan, field...OPEN!" In a flash of light, the two were in the Doom Dimension battlefield with Pinkie on the ground as Phantom stood upon a tall rock. The shades wearing individual held up a Gate Card and threw it, the card exploding as Pinkie began to run.

She ran up a Wormquake statue and leapt off it, "Bakugan...BRAWL!" She threw Gumigator and hit four power-ups before landing on the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" He opened up and burst into an explosion of water, "Aquos Gumigator!" The blue reptile Bakugan broke out of the water, glaring at Phantom as the power-ups kicked in.

Gumigator: 590Gs

Phantom smirked as Ragnaroid leapt onto his shoulder. "Finally," he told the human, "let's show these girls why they were fools to turn away from us."

"Let's," Phantom agreed before grabbing the Bakugan and leaping into the air, "Bakugan!" He threw the Darkus beast, "BRAWL!" Ragnaroid also hit four power-ups before landing on the ground, rolling for several seconds before popping open. "Bakugan...STAND! Darkus Ragnaroid!"

The Bakugan exploded with dark light that took shape and faded to reveal the scorpion snake hybrid, who chuckled as he looked down at Gumigator whilst the power-ups kicked in.

Ragnaroid: 700Gs
Gumigator: 590Gs

"You were a fool to think you could defeat me," Ragnaroid laughed. "Now you will face my wrath and wish you had never met me."

"Here we go!" Pinkie cried as she held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Gumigator's mouth filled with cold air, "Glacial Fang!"

Ragnaroid: 700Gs
Gumigator: 790Gs

Gumigator charged as Ragnaroid swung his tail around, Gummy grabbing the tail and biting into it. This caused his tail to begin to freeze up, but neither Ragnaroid nor Phantom appeared worried.

"Pathetic!" He held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid flexed his tail and the ice shattered, "Viper Coil!" He then swirled around Gumigator, squeezing him tightly.

Ragnaroid: 800Gs
Gumigator: 690Gs

"Gummy!" Pinkie cried before Ragnaroid raised Gummy up and then slammed him into the ground, Gummy flinching in pain before the serpentine scorpion threw him away. Gummy went flying and crashed through a Mantris statue, rolling along the ground as he did so. Pinkie ran over to him and as she did, Phantom pointed to the ground.

"Gate Card, OPEN!" The field glowed, "Silent Land! Now you can't activate any new Abilities." Pinkie gasped at this, as Gumigator pushed itself up. At the same time, Phantom held up three cards. "Triple Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid's claws opened, revealing the hidden eyes as they and the one on his head glowed a dark light. "Dark Light, plus Dark Gaze, plus Fusion Ability, Eye of Darkness!"

Pinkie gasped as the dark light exploded out of Ragnaroid's eyes and shot towards them in a wave. The energy wave struck all, knocking Pinkie and Gumigator backwards. "AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHH!" Pinkie screamed as the G Power changed.

Ragnaroid: 1000Gs
Gumigator: 290Gs

Pinkie forced her eyes open and stared through the dark light, as Gumigator glanced back at her. Without speaking, she knew what he was telling her. "I'm sorry." With that, he reverted back to ball form as the battlefield vanished.

Back in the alleyway, the light faded as Phantom stood over a badly injured Pinkie that was laid out on the ground. He chuckled as he held the Aquos Bakugan he had just won.

"One down," he told himself before turning to leave. "Five to go."

Author's Note

Well, that certain took a drastic change. Hope you enjoyed it and look forward to the next chapter.

Flash's Greatest Challenge

Canterlot didn't have a lot of crime, nor did it tend to have a lot of fires or strange medical situations. All in all, Canterlot was a pretty boring place to live compared to other places.

So when six girls all suddenly appear with similar injuries, their cloths damaged and the lot of them knocked out, along with being friends with one another, it obviously becomes a bit of a mystery about what the heck happened to them.

The Rainbooms had all been taken to Canterlot hospital. Fluttershy had original been sent to one in Cloudsdale, but when it was discovered five others had the exact same afflictions she was transferred over so they could work on them together. None of them had any lasting injuries, but they were all going to need a few days to recuperate.

Once the doctors were sure they weren't in any danger, the police came in to ask them questions. Of course, they asked the question most would think when they heard about a girl being badly injured and left with damaged clothing. But they quickly assured the officers nothing like that happened. The question was however, what exactly did happen.

The girls all worried about this, none of them wanting to tell the officers the truth.

The most likely outcome of that would be the adults not believing, thinking the girls had all conjured this insane story as a way of coping with whatever horrible event had actually occurred. And if they did believe them, that could be even worse. Their parents and guardians would likely force the lot of them to never Brawl again. And if the girls wanted to win back their partners, they would definitely need to Brawl again.

So they all told the officers that they couldn't remember what had happened. Explaining that what they were doing before Phantom showed up was the last thing they remembered.

Now Derpy and the BakuFighters had arrived to see how they were doing. As they made their way towards the girl's shared hospital room, they were all worried about what they were going to find when they got there. If they had lost their partners the way the Rainbooms had, they would have been devastated.

"I hope the girls feel better with these," Bonnie looked down at the large tin of candy she had made to cheer them all up. It was a recipe Pinkie had taught her, so hopefully they would enjoy them.

"Remember to be extra supportive," Lyra told them. "The girls are probably all feeling really fragile right now." They all nodded as they reached the room they had been told about.

"Here goes," Flash took a deep breath before opening the door. And what they saw when they stepped in wasn't was they were expecting.

"I think this Gate Card would work best as an opening play," Twilight told Pinkie as she handed the card to her.

"Oh," Pinkie looked it over, "you're right." He playfully punched her head, "can't believe I didn't see that before." They looked over as saw Rainbow and Applejack sitting on a bed, polishing their Bakugan.

"Just wait Phantom," Rainbow stated. "I'm gonna get Terraspin back."

"We'll get'em all back," Applejack assured her. They then looked over and saw Fluttershy and Rarity, Rarity working on brushing Fluttershy's hair as the girl was going over her Ability and Gate Cards. It was then they noticed their visitors and Twilight smiled.

"Flash." They all stepped over to them, "thanks for coming."

"You think we wouldn't?" Flash asked, as they all sat on whatever chairs they could find. Bonnie handed Pinkie the sweets tin and the girl cheered before digging in with Rainbow. "So how you girls doing? After what happened, we were a little worried you'd all be broken up."

"No way," Rainbow told him. "We might have been upset at first, but that doesn't help us."

Applejack nodded, "mopping around won't fix anything. There's only one way that can happen."

"We find Phantom and take our Bakugan back," Fluttershy looked more serious then they had ever seen her. The rest of the Rainbooms nodded and the BakuFighters smiled, happy the girls were doing okay. But then Soarin stepped forward.

"I'm happy you're all okay, but this wasn't really a social visit." He turned to Twilight, "you told Flash that Ragnaroid evolved, didn't you?" This caused the atmosphere in the room to turn bitter and cold, Twilight letting out a sigh as she leaned back in her bed.

"It's true," she told them. "Ragnaroid evolved during our battle. He's now Dusk Ragnaroid." The BakuFighters didn't like the sound of that.

"That must be why he challenged the six of you," Derpy realised. "Taking your Bakugan was just an added bonus. Getting Ragnaroid to evolve was what he was truly after."

"And he managed it," Leo stated as he and the other Bakugan sat on a table. "He was already powerful, but now he'll be even more so."

"What do you think his next plan will be?" Wukong asked as Heath turned to Flash.

"If he's going after the strongest Bakugan he can find, no doubt he's gonna be gunning for you eventually. He's been interested in Leonidas since he first showed up, right?" Flash frowned.

"I think he's right," Lyra nodded. "Taking out Twilight and the others was likely practise for him. I bet he was hoping to make Ragnaroid evolve so he could be on par with you and Leo."

"So what do we do?" Bonnie asked.

"If Leonidas is his goal," Gaia began. "Then we should focus on keeping him and Flash safe."

"No way!" Leo told her. "I'm not just gonna hide whilst someone else fights my battles for me. If Phantom wants a fight, he'll get one. Right Flash."

"You bet!" Flash smirked, "Ragnaroid's not the only one that's evolved. Leo and I have gotten just as strong and when he shows up, I'll show him who the real strongest Brawler is." He punched his fist into his palm. "I've lost to him twice already. Time to make up for it." Everyone knew Flash wouldn't change him mind about this. They all smiled and nodded, promising to help out however he could.

"But you're gonna need to know everything about Ragnaroid's new form if you want to face him," Twilight stated. Flash nodded and Twilight was about to explain everything that happened during her brawl, but before she could the door opened and Twilight's family arrived.

"Oh," her mother noticed the BakuFighters and smiled, "are you all friends with our daughter?" They nodded and she smiled, whilst her brother Shining Armor focused on Flash.

"I'm afraid we're about to reach maximum capacity," a nurse who had joined the family told them. "I'm sorry, but we have several others who want to see the patients. Fire codes, you know." The BakuFighters nodded and turned to the girls, then stepped out of the room.

As they did, Shining Armor stepped out with them. "You were there when my sister got carted away," he pointed at Flash. "You know something about what happened to her, don't you?" They frowned at one another, knowing they couldn't risk telling him the truth.

"Sorry," Flash told him. "But...we can't tell you." Shining didn't like that answer, "it's not that we don't want to tell you. It's just...something that Twilight wouldn't want us to tell you."

"Why?"

Lyra frowned. "It's...complicated."

"Does it have something to do with Bakugan?" Shining asked, "Twilight's always talking about that game. If this has something to do with that then I need to know." The BakuFighters and Derpy all frowned, but just walked away. They felt bad for the guy, but they couldn't risk telling. The man continued to glare at the lot of them until the left the hallway, the team leaving the hospital.

"That was painful," Bonnie sighed.

"You didn't have a choice," Derpy stated. "We can't let anyone else know about this yet. If they do, who knows what'll happen."

"The authorities might get involved," Heath frowned. "And they might decide to take away every Bakugan we have." They wouldn't let that happen, "we have to deal with this ourselves."

"Then we gotta get training," Soarin stated. "Especially you Flash. If Phantom's coming after you, then you need to be on top form." Flash nodded and the lot of them headed off to the closest battle stadium, hoping to find the usual large group of Bakugan Brawlers that liked to show up and challenge them.

At the same time, Phantom was standing atop a large building with his coat blowing in the wind.

Ragnaroid was behind him, moving around in his ball form in order to get used to it. "Ahh," he sighed, "this new body is quite comfortable. And the power is like nothing I've ever felt before!"

"Is it enough?" Phantom asked.

"Not yet. But I know we're close." Phantom smirked at this and looked back towards the city, "then we know what the next step is."

Flash was exhausted. He had spent the entire day Brawling, taking any challenge that was thrown at him. He had won them all, but the experience had been rather draining.

As soon as he was in his room, he collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep with Leo on the windowsill besides him. He didn't know how long he slept for, but he suddenly found himself waking up in the middle of the night when a strange sensation washed over him. "Wha..." He slowly opened his eyes and looked around, not seeing anything out of the ordinary the first time. But then he spotted something out of place. A figure whose dark clothing made him almost invisible in the night's lighting, until he turned towards Flash and showed off a pair of golden shades. "Phantom!"

"Evening Flash," Phantom chuckled as the teen got out of bed and glared at him. "Nice undies." Flash looked down and realised he was only dressed in his shirt and underpants, but quickly shook it off.

"What are you doing here?"

"Why else," Phantom took out a piece of paper. "I challenge you."

"You wanna brawl?" Phantom nodded and held up six familiar Bakugan.

"And you'll accept, if you don't want me to throw these into the deepest pit I can find." Flash growled and charged at Phantom, but the figure suddenly vanished before Flash could grab him. "Now are you going to brawl?" He spun around to see Phantom behind him and leapt at the teen again, Phantom once again vanishing with Flash landing on his bed. "Or are you not the Brawler you claim to be?" Flash turned to see Phantom somehow floating above him before throwing the piece of paper at him.

"Ahhhh!" Flash cried as he shot up, panting as he looked around to see his room was normal. Phantom was nowhere to be found.

"Flash!" He turned to Leonidas as the Bakugan popped open, "what's wrong." Flash kept panting and was about to say it was just a bad dream, but then he noticed something on the ground next to his bed. The paper Phantom had been holding.

He got up and grabbed the paper, opening it up and seeing the instructions that would lead him to his most important brawl ever. "Leo, Phantom's just challenged us."

Leonidas growled, "then we have no choice but to accept." Flash nodded and picked up his BakuColar, knowing the others wouldn't want to wait to hear this.

The next morning.

Twilight and the others were still in the hospital, though the doctors promised that each of them would be discharged in another day or two. All they could do was sit around and constantly work on their decks. But as they worked, a nurse came in. "Twilight," she turned to her, "you have a phone call." They turned towards the phone and Twilight stepped over to pull it off the wall, hitting the accept call button.

"Hello?"

"Twilight, Phantom challenged me. I'm on my way to face him now." Twilight sighed, knowing this was coming eventually. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm gonna get Spike back. I promise."

"Flash," Twilight whispered, "please be careful. Ragnaroid's like nothing you've ever faced before. And if he beats you, he'll get even more powerful."

"I know. But this has to end. And I might be the only one able to stop them."

"Then good luck," she told him. Flash gave his thanks and hung up, Twilight putting the phone back on the wall. She turned to the others and they all frowned, worrying that Flash and his friends might not be able to pull this off. "They can do it," she then assured them. "Flash and the others were chosen by something. I don't know what, but we've seen what they're able to do. We have to believe in them." They all nodded as the doors opened, their families once again arriving.

They had to end their conversation there, but Twilight took one last look out the window and prayed they would all be alright.

Flash sat on his bed, staring down at all the Bakugan and Cards he had collected since starting his brawling career.

He wanted to just rely on Leonidas, but couldn't trust Phantom not to pull something like throw in other Bakugan. If he wanted to win, he had to bring his absolute A-game. Leonidas was also there, staring at his fellow Haos Bakugan. "What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking I'm gonna need something strong," Flash picked up his Haos Siege. "But...I might also want something that's fast." He picked up Serpenoid. "Or one with a lot of fire power." He looked down at them, trying to use everything he knew about Phantom to decide which Bakugan to chose. Closing his eyes, he reached out and chose two Bakugan.

Leonidas saw which ones he had and nodded, "good pick." Flash smiled at this and put the rest away, Leonidas jumping onto his shoulder before the pair headed downstairs. As he did, he saw Scootaloo and his parents in the kitchen enjoying breakfast.

"Hey kiddo," Trail smirked as his mother put a plate of bacon and eggs down for him. "Your mom and I have the day off, so we were wondering if you wanted the spend the day together."

"We could go see a movie," Misty suggested as Scootaloo put one of her Gate Cards on the table and began practising her flick with it. "Or maybe a picnic in the park."

"Sorry guys," Flash sat down. "But I've got plans today. They're really important, so I can't blow them off." His parents wondered what he was talking about, but then noticed he had his hand on over his pocket where he kept his Bakugan.

"You've been playing that game a lot lately," Misty told him. "It must be really fun, especially if you managed to get your sister into it." Scootaloo flicked Struthion across the table and as it landed on the Gate Card, it popped open. "Maybe we could come and watch your match today."

Flash smiled at this, but then frowned. "This match...isn't gonna be in a stadium, so you can't watch it. But when I'm done, we can spend the rest of the day together." He finished off the food his mother had made for him and gulped down the juice. "I gotta get going." He rushed off before any of them could say anything.

"I wonder what he's doing that's so important?" Trail asked as the parents turned to their daughter, Scootaloo looking up from her own food.

"What?" She asked, "I don't know what he's doing." That was only partly true. She knew it must have something to do with this Phantom guy, but that was all she knew. She focused back on her breakfast, all the while hoping Flash was gonna be okay. "Good luck bro."

Flash and Leonidas made their way towards the docks. As they did, Flash's mind thought back to everything that had happened since meeting the dragon. Finding him in the park, battling against Garble, Twilight and many others. Throwing him away only to make up with him, and the battles that led to his evolution. The last few months between them had certainly been interesting.

The entrance to the docks came into view and as he got closer, he spotted Heath boarding towards him. The skater flipped over some flowers and landed next to Flash, kicking his board into his hands as he joined Flash in his march. Like Flash, Heath also remembered everything that had happened to him since becoming a brawler. Meeting Wukong, joining Flash in a tag-brawl, facing off against Fluttershy and so much more.

Standing in front of the gated fence was Lyra and Bonnie, the two girl joining the boys as they marched towards their destination. Lyra remembered meeting Nimue, her battle against brawlers like Trixie and others. Then she remembered when she was forced to battle Pinkie, a tough battle to be sure.

Bonnie was also remembering how she met her Bakugan Partner. She might not have been as big a target as the others for Phantom's schemes, but she had still gone through many tough battles to get to this point. Including the battle against Applejack, managing to save her from the control of Phantom along with the others.

Finally, leaning against a container, Soarin stood waiting for them. As he joined them, he too thought back to everything that had happened. Meeting Garuda and facing off against Flash, the pair fighting Phantom and Ragnaroid together. Competing in the tournament and saving Rainbow from Phantom's control.

Each of these teens, all appearing to be chosen by something or someone to have one of a kind Bakugan. This was their moment. If the could stop Phantom here, everything would end.

They finally arrived at their location and there, they saw Phantom standing at the end of the docks. He slowly turned towards them as they approached, a smile appearing on his lips.

"So," he stood tall, "you finally arrived. I was beginning to think that maybe you chickened out.

"No way!" Flash told him, "I'm here to make sure you get what's coming to you." He pointed at him, "you made a big mistake going after our friends." Leonidas leapt onto his shoulder.

"It's time someone put a stop to your wicked plans once and for all."

"Wicked?" Phantom asked, "what's wrong with wanting to be the most powerful brawler in the world? I didn't see anyone complaining when you took that Struthion Bakugan away from its owner, just so you could give it to your sister." He took out the six Bakugan he had won from the Rainbooms, the teen beginning to juggle them around. "Your friends were strong and defeating them made me stronger." He grabbed the six in one hand and blew into it, then opened it up to reveal they were gone. He then held up his other hand and showed they were in it, "that's just a fact of life.

"Don't play games!" Flash yelled, "we know what you're up to. You're working with Lucifer, trying to help him awaken. Well it's not gonna happen." Phantom then did something than made them all feel uneasy. He frowned.

"Don't think you know me," he told them. "You know nothing." He held up his gauntlet, "now are we going to brawl or are we just gonna sit around talking."

"Fine!" Flash held up his BakuColar and the others did the same, "we'll let our Bakugan do that talking." He glanced back at the others, "ready?" They nodded before he looked back at Phantom, the six of them all yelling in unison. "Bakugan, field...OPEN!" With that, the screens lit up and surrounded them.

In the blink of an eye, they were transported to the Doom Dimension. Just being in the area was giving them to creeps and making their Bakugan feel uneasy. Flash and Phantom simply stared one another down, their BakuColars beeping to show the battle's start.

Flash: 100%
Phantom: 100%

"Gate Card!" Flash took out the card and threw it, "SET!" As the field glowed, the two leapt into the air and spotted some power-ups. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" They both cried as their Bakugan shot into the air, Phantom's hitting three whilst Flash's hit two. "Bakugan!" They landed rolled before opening up, "STAND!"

Everyone watched as a burst of purple and golden light filled the air, Flash's Bakugan being the first to appear. "Haos Robotallion!" The white robotic Bakugan stood tall, whilst Phantom's appeared as well.

"Darkus Gargonoid!" The gargoyle Bakugan took to the air, spinning around before turning towards Robotallion

Gargonoid: 350Gs
Robotallion: 340Gs

They stared each other down as their power-ups kicked in, both ready to battle.

Gargonoid: 500Gs
Robotallion: 440Gs

Gargonoid dived towards Robotallion, but before it reached it Flash pointed to the ground "Gate Card...OPEN!" The field instantly began to glow, "Haos Reactor!" The light flew into Robotallion, the robot crossing its arms to brace itself as Gargonoid slammed into him.

Gargonoid: 500Gs
Robotallion: 640Gs

Gargonoid bounced off the robot, who quickly rushed forward and threw a punch into its face. Gargonoid cried out as it was knocked to the ground, but Phantom quickly held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Gargonoid spun around as its horns glowed, "Ramming Terror!" It leapt forward and slammed into Robotallion, knocking it backwards.

Gargonoid: 650Gs
Robotallion: 640Gs

Robotallion staggered backwards as Gargonoid leapt up and flew towards him. But then Flash held up his own card, "Ability, Activate!" Robotallion began to glow, "Robotallion Enforcement!" As Gargonoid tried to slam its horns into him, Robotallion grabbed them and the horns stopped glowing.

Gargonoid: 500Gs
Robotallion: 740Gs

Robotallion then swung Gargonoid around before letting it go, the gargoyle being sent flying as the machine fired a laser from the holes all over its body. The many beams combined into one, hitting Gargonoid in midair which caused it to revert to ball form.

"Yes!" Soarin and the others cheered, Flash recalling Robotallion as Phantom's Life Gauge dropped. "First round goes to Flash.

Flash: 100%
Phantom: 52%

"Don't think you've beaten me yet," Phantom told him as he held up a card and threw it towards the ground. "Gate Card Set!" He then leapt up onto a Mantris head before jumping into the air and threw a Bakugan towards a Serpenoid statue, "Bakugan...BRAWL!" It bounced off the statue and hit several power-ups before landing on the ground, "Bakugan...STAND!" It opened up, "Darkus Laserman!" In a flash of dark light, the gun covered robot appeared and glowed as its power raised

Laserman: 690Gs

"Laserman, huh?" Flash smirked as he flicked his Bakugan into the air, "think I'll go with Robotallion again." He caught it and leapt up, "Bakugan...BRAWL!" Robotallion flew through the air and struck four power-ups before landing on the ground, "Bakugan...STAND!" In a burst of yellow light, Robotallion appeared and glowed.

Laserman: 690Gs
Robotallion: 540Gs

"Get him!" Flash cried, as Robotallion rushed forward. He took out an Ability Card, but Phantom was faster.

"Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground unleashed a dark fog that shot over to Laserman, "Joker's Wild!" The fog surrounded him and prevented Robotallion from getting closer, then shot over to Robotallion and made it cry out in pain before reverting back to ball form.

Flash: 70%
Phantom: 52%

"Robotallion!" Flash cried as the ball hit the ground in front of him, then turned to glare at Phantom. "What was that? They didn't even brawl yet?"

Phantom smirked as Laserman returned to him, "the Joker's Wild card. With it, the most powerful Darkus Bakugan wins unconditionally."

"What?" Bonnie asked, "I've never heard of that card before."

"This is getting serious," Lyra frowned. "Flash might still be ahead, but this battle could go either way." Flash took out a Gate Card.

"I hope you know what you're doing," Soarin told him.

"Gate Card...SET!" As it hit the ground, Flash leapt into the air. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw another Haos Bakugan towards several power-ups and hit them before it landed, "Bakugan...STAND!" It popped open, "Haos Siege!" The white knight appeared, swinging its star tipped staff around as the power-ups kicked in.

Siege: 610Gs

"Bakugan!" Phantom leapt up and threw it, "BRAWL!" It hit the power-ups and landed upon the ground. "Bakugan," it popped open, "Stand! Darkus Laserman!" The robotic Bakugan appeared, the power-ups raising its strength as it charged up its weapons.

Siege: 610Gs
Laserman: 590Gs

"Ability!" Flash held up a card, "Activate!" The card glowed as Siege's staff-head glowed. "Star Staff!"

Siege: 710Gs
Laserman: 590Gs

"Ability!" Phantom held up a card, "Activate!" The guns on Laserman's body began to power up, "All Out Assault!" They started firing rapidly, hitting everything around them.

Siege: 710Gs
Laserman: 790Gs

Siege spun its staff around to try and deflect the beams. Meanwhile, the humans all screamed and ran as the lasers destroyed many of the statues and caused the pieces to fall towards the ground. "Flash!" Heath yelled, "do something!"

"Gate Card!" Flash cried, "OPEN!" The ground glowed and caused both Bakugan to suddenly stagger, "Reset!" Their powers dropped back to their base level, as the light draining the excess out of them.

Siege: 360Gs
Laserman: 390Gs

"That won't make a difference!" Phantom told him, only for Flash to hold up a card.

"Ability," he threw it, "Activate!" The card shot towards Siege and seemed to revitalise him. "Holy Glow!" Siege held its staff up as the tip glowed, the star unleashing a beam of light which struck Laserman's face.

Siege: 360Gs
Laserman: 290Gs

The robot found itself staggering back in surprise, whilst Siege ran forward and swung its staff around. In the blink of an eye, Laserman was knocked off its feet and fell to the ground. As it bounced off the floor, it reverted back to ball form and fell at Phantom's feet.

Flash: 70%
Phantom: 38%

Everyone cheered as Flash recalled Siege, whilst Phantom picked up his Bakugan. "And the crowd goes wild."

"Enough of this," Ragnaroid appeared on Phantom's shoulder. "The time for games is over." He turned to Phantom, "let us show him what true power looks like."

"Couldn't have said it better myself," Phantom nodded as he took out a Gate Card. "You know, I was considering using your little friend Spike in this match. But why would I risk using a weakling such as him." This angered Flash and the others, as Ragnaroid leapt into Phantom's hand. "Gate Card...SET!" As he threw it towards the ground, Flash leapt into the air.

"Bakugan!" He threw the Bakugan towards some power-ups, "BRAWL!" He shot through the power ups and hit the ground, popping open. "Bakugan...STAND! Haos Siege!" The knight appeared and swung its staff around, his energy rising

Siege: 660Gs

"Prepare yourselves," Phantom held his Bakugan up as a dark mist came off of it. "You've never seen anything like this before. Bakugan!" He threw the Bakugan, "BRAWL!" He flew through the air, leaving a trail of the mist behind him, and landed on the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" He popped open and the mist exploded off of him, slowly taking form. "Darkus Dusk Ragnaroid!"

The mist slowly vanished to reveal the now partly robotic snake scorpion hybrid. He let out a bone chilling hiss, as the others looked up at him in amazement.

"This is Ragnaroid evolved," Lyra whispered.

"He's horrifying," Bonnie took several steps back whilst Flash looked down at his BakuColar.

Siege: 660Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

"Seven hundred Gs on his own?" He asked in amazement, but quickly shook his head. "It's nothing we can't handle. Go get him Siege!" The knight charged forward, ready to run Ragnaroid through. But as he did, Phantom held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid's tail blade glowed black as it swung it around, "Deadly Slash!"

Siege: 660Gs
Ragnaroid: 850Gs

Siege raised its staff as the blade slammed into it, but the force was too great and it was knocked backwards. Before Flash could pull out a card, it reverted back to ball form and fell to the ground. "That was one hit!" He whispered in amazement, as the ball rolled towards him and his life gauge dropped.

Flash: 32%
Phantom: 38%

"Not even a challenge!" Ragnaroid hissed as he returned to Phantom.

"This isn't good," Soarin whispered. "Ragnaroid's way too powerful." Garuda agreed.

"Flash only has one Bakugan that even stands a chance against him." They watched as Flash picked Siege up, as Leonidas turned to him.

"Flash, you need to use me. It's our only hope of beating him." Flash turned back and nodded, the teen standing up and taking out a Gate Card.

"This is for all the marbles Leo," Flash told him. "Let's take him down...for Spike...for Twilight. For everybody. We'll beat this guy and stop Lucifer." Leonidas agreed, whilst Phantom smirked.

"How cute. You actually think you stand a chance."

"I'll show you!" Flash yelled, "Gate Card...SET!" As the card flew to the ground, both brawlers leapt into the air and landed on a different statue.

"Bakugan!" They both threw their Bakugan towards the same group of power-ups, "BRAWL!" The two shot through the air and each struck some power-ups before landing on the ground, rolling for several seconds before popping open. "Bakugan...STAND!" The two exploded into golden light and black fist, which quickly took shape. "Haos Omega Leonidas/Darkus Dusk Ragnaroid!"

Both Bakugan appeared from the light and mist, Leonidas taking to the air whilst Ragnaroid swung his tail around. The pair glared at each other as the power-ups kicked in.

Leonidas: 850Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

"You should have joined us when you had the chance," Ragnaroid hissed. "Now you have to face the wrath of the worlds most powerful Bakugan."

"Like I'd ever join a monster like you," Leonidas told him. "Now I'm gonna make you pay for all you've done!"

"Funny," Ragnaroid told him. "Your little friend Spike said the same thing. Unfortunately, he couldn't back up his words." This made Leonidas growl as Flash held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Leonidas shot down and landed upon the ground, "Omega Eraser!" His mouth sparked and he prepared to fire, as his G Power changed.

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

He roared as the laser exploded out of his mouth and shot towards Ragnaroid. But before it could reach him, Phantom held up another card. "Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid exploded into a black cloud, "Shadow Divide!" The cloud split into four as the laser shot passed it, the four clouds flying at Leonidas.

"Augh!" He cried as each one flew passed him, returning his power to the previous state.

Leonidas: 850Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

The clouds took shape and formed a quartet of Ragnaroid, one quickly swinging his tail blade around and hitting Leo. "Gyah!" Another then slashed at him with his metal claw, "ahhh!" One thrust its mouth forward and bit into his left arm, "raaah!" The last one then slithered forward and body checked him, "augh!"

"Leo!" Flash cried as he held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas glowed and shot into the air at incredible speed, "Dragon Flash!"

Leonidas: 950Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

Leonidas quickly dived back down and in the blink of an eye, shot passed each Ragnaroid whilst dealing them a powerful punch. The first three all disappeared whilst the last one cried out, the punch knocking him backwards. But Phantom quickly held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid's tail shot up and wrapped around Leonidas' body before he could escape, "Terror Constrictor!" Many mechanical sounds could be heard, as the tail's grip on Leonidas grew tighter and tighter.

"Augh!" Leo cried, as their power levels shifted.

Leonidas: 800Gs
Ragnaroid: 1050Gs

"Hang on Leo!" Flash cried as he held up his cards, "Double Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid glowed and the light shot off him into Leonidas, "Co-Side, plus Shining Roar!" Leonidas opened his eyes as the inside of his mouth glowed, the dragon taking a deep breath.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared, the light shooting out of him in a wave that struck Ragnaroid to both blind and burn him.

Leonidas: 900Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

The two now at a stalemate, Leonidas was able to push the tail off of him and shoot into the air. "Don't think you've won yet!" Phantom held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid's chest opened up to reveal the single giant eye located within it. "Evil Eye!" The eye unleashed a light and it shot towards Leonidas, ready to freeze him and prevent his Abilities. But before it could reach him, Flash held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Leonidas was surrounded by the crystal-shaped light, "Reflector Prism!" The light struck the shield and bounced off it, leaving Leo unharmed whilst powering him up.

Leonidas: 1000Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

As the Evil Eye's effects stopped, Leonidas shot out of the shield and flew down to punch Ragnaroid. "Augh!" He roared in pain, as he was knocked backwards. Flash smirked at this.

"Now!" He pointed towards the ground, "time to pick things up a notch. Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground exploded into light, "Character!" Flash's friends all cheered at this, as the light flew into Leonidas. "Check this out. The Omega Leonidas Character Card doubles Leo's current power level!"

Leonidas: 2000Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

"Two thousand Gs?" Heath cried, as Ragnaroid tried to pick himself up only for Leonidas to fly down and smash him through a Juggernoid statue. "That's awesome!"

"There's no way Phantom can catch up to that!" Bonnie cheered.

Lyra smiled, "if he can end the fight here, he'll win not just the fight but Ragnaroid as well."

"Maybe," Soarin frowned, "but I doubt Phantom's gonna let it end that easily." The Bakugan were all in agreement, knowing that he likely still had a trick up his sleeve.

Leonidas charged forward and started slamming his claws, fists and tail into Ragnaroid. The Darkus Bakugan raised his claws in self defence, hissing with every strike. Flash smirked at Phantom, who simply stood there. "What's the matter?" He asked, "realising you can't win? Maybe you should have thought about that before attacking my friends!"

"No," Phantom told him, "I'm just marvelling at how absolutely pathetic you are." Flash's eyes went wide at this, whilst Ragnaroid attempted to slash at Leonidas with his tail blade. But Leonidas ducked under it before leaping up into the air. "Time for this game to come to an end!" Phantom held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Ragnaroid opened his claw, the gun barrels folding out. "Shadow Blast!"

Leonidas: 2000Gs
Ragnaroid: 1150Gs

"Prepare yourself!" Ragnaroid pointed one gun at Leonidas and another at the ground, "to fall to my might."

"The only one falling here is you!" Leonidas cried as he began charging up energy, his mouth sparking with the power similar to his Omega Eraser. Both Bakugan charged up and eventually, they fired. The two lasers shot towards one another and slammed into each other, causing an explosion.

"Yes!" Flash cheered as he braced himself, the smoke surrounding him and covering both Bakugan. He expected Leo's attack to blow away Ragnaroid and blast him out of the contest, winning him to Brawl. But as the smoke began to fade, he was in for a surprise. "What?"

The two beams continued to push against one another, The Bakugan constantly firing. "But how?" Leonidas asked despite still launching a laser from his mouth. "How could he survive?" Flash looked down at his BakuColar and his eyes went wide.

Leonidas: 1000Gs
Ragnaroid: 1150Gs

"What?" He asked, "how did Leo's power go down?" It was then that the smoke on the ground faded, allowing him to see that it was no longer glowing. "The Gate Card!" He looked over at Ragnaroid's other claw and saw its barrel smoking as it pointed at the ground, Flash quickly catching on, "don't tell me!"

"That's right," Phantom smirked. "Shadow Blast can nullify the effects of any active Gate Chard, making your Character card useless."

"No way!" Heath cried, as Ragnaroid's laser began to overpower Leonidas'

"Look out!" Wukong yelled, but the blast struck Leonidas.

"AUGH!" He roared as he was blasted out of the sky, falling towards the ground and crashing down onto a Fly Beetle statue. "Ahhhh," he moaned as he lay on his back, but rolled onto his front. "I'm...not done yet!"

"Is that so?" Ragnaroid raised his guns at him again, "maybe this'll do the trick then!" He charged up a blast, but Flash took out a card.

"No way!" He cried, "we won't let you beat us. Ability, Activate!" Leonidas shot up as Ragnaroid fired the laser, his claws glowing as he did. "Dragon Slash!" He swung his claws forward and into the laser, deflecting it and getting in close to Ragnaroid.

Leonidas: 1150Gs
Ragnaroid: 1150Gs

Their powers even, Leonidas reached Ragnaroid's chest and slashed at him. But Ragnaroid barely seemed phased. "Pathetic!" He hissed, as his chest opened up to reveal the eye. It lit up, blinding Leonidas.

"Ahhh!" He cried, staggering back as Phantom held up a card.

"And now," he told Flash as he raised it up. "Your pet lizard will fall. Fusion Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid raised his claws as the gun barrels extended and began to glow. "Gaze of the Abyss." The guns unleashed a burst of dark light, which struck the light coming off his chest eye.

With Leonidas still so close to Ragnaroid, he wasn't able to avoid the attack that was coming. "Gyah!" He cried as the the light struck him, freezing the dragon in place and draining him of his power.

"LEO!" Flash cried, looking down at his BakuColar to see what had happened.

Leonidas: 750Gs
Ragnaroid: 1150Gs

Leonidas tried to fight against the light, but it was just too powerful. He felt the last of his strength begin to fade and as he began to glow, he closed his eyes. "Spike...everyone. I'm sorry." That was all he could say before he reverted back to ball form, Flash's eyes going wide as he fell towards the ground and landed in front of him.

"No," he whispered as he fell to his knees, "this can't happen."

Flash: 0%
Phantom: 38% (Winner)

In a flash of light, they were returned to the docks as Flash's friends rushed to his side. "No," he punched the ground, "no, no, NOOOOO!"

Phantom smirked as he held Ragnaroid up, the Bakugan glowing. "How do you feel?"

"Stronger than ever," he chuckled back. "Even though we weren't able to take Leonidas, my power has grown greater than ever."

"Excellent," Phantom turned to the others. "I guess I should say good game. But honestly, I barely remember anything that happened you were so boring." Flash looked up and glared at him, the teen panting heavily before throwing himself back to his feet.

"Flash!" Lyra cried as he ran at Phantom, ready to beat the living snot out of him. But Phantom easily avoided Flash's punch, deflected another and blocked the third before thrusting an elbow into the teens chest. Flash cried out in pain as he fell back and onto his butt, the others glaring at Phantom but not daring to try anything unless he laid them all out as well.

"You BakuFighters are really disappointing. You think you can stop Lucifer. Face it, you don't stand a chance. Just give up now and enjoy things whilst you can." He was about to leave, but then stopped. He slowly glanced back at Flash, seeing him still on the floor moaning. As if feeling pity for the teen, Phantom took something out of his pocket. "These things are just weighing me down. If you want them back so badly, here." He dropped six Bakugan onto the floor, everyone seeing who they were and gasping.

They rushed forward as Phantom leapt into the air and onto a container, the BakuFighters all grabbing the Bakugan before they could roll off the side of the pier. "Spike!" Flash cried as he held him and Cleopal up, "are you okay?" But the Darkus Bakugan didn't say anything. "Spike?" He looked to the Haos, "Cleopal?"

"Gummy?" Lyra asked, fearing she already knew what was gonna happen.

"Lepusinge?" Heath shook him, hoping he was just asleep.

"Fenroar?" Bonnie looked terrified.

"Terraspin!" Soarin yelled, but the Ventus Bakugan's reply was the same as the others. None. "No," he turned to Garuda, "this can't be happening." The other Bakugan looked their friends over and all came to the same horrible conclusion.

"They're not awake anymore," Nimue told them. "They're just like the other Bakugan again. Trapped within their own bodies, unable to communicate." The others grimaced, hating that they were unable to save them. And none was more upset about this then Flash.

But what none of them realised was that this whole event had been seen, by a group of individuals that had been watching them for a while.

In a dark void, who knows where, a large orb of light was the only thing that brightened the place up. Within the light, the image of Flash and his friends at the docks could be seen.

From out of the darkness, six figures appeared and stood around the light in a circle. They watched the image flicker, as they let the scene play out. Each of the figures was wearing a differently coloured armor, with a mask covering their faces.

One was a tall female figure, wearing golden armor and a white mask with white feathery robes flowing down the sides that had yellow trim. On her chest was the Haos Attribute symbol.

To her right was a bulky individual who was wearing orange armor atop brown clothing, who appeared to have hooves in place of feet and the Subterra Symbol on his chest.

To his right was a figure in red flame patterned armor. He didn't have any robes or clothing, instead he was entirely covered in armor with spikes sticking out of his arms and legs along with a large curved one sticking out his forehead. The Pyrus Symbol was on his back.

To his right was a rather short figure, sitting atop what looked like a green cloud. She was wearing thin green armour under a bunch of robes, with the Ventus Symbol barely visible on her stomach, whilst her helmet had feathers coming off of it and a bird's head sticking out the top.

To her right was a tall individual in dark blue armor, wearing a light blue cape with scale patterned. He was carrying a staff that had a serpent's head upon the top, whilst the Aquos symbol was on his chest.

The last member of the group, standing between the blue and white figure, was another tall individual in mostly black armor with a purple cape flowing down his back that had black fur around the edges. The same black fur could be seen round his neck, elbows and knees, with the Darkus Symbol on his chest and lion-shaped shoulder guards on his shoulders.

The six of them stared into the light, which the Haos figure speaking what they were all thinking. "It appears our chosen champions...have failed."

Author's Note

Well, things didn't go as Flash and the others expected. How will things turn out now? Only time will tell. Hope you enjoyed.

Guardians of Vestroia

Several days had passed since Flash's battle against Phantom.

In that time, the Rainbooms had all been released from hospital, though their parents were still worried about them going out on their own after what had happened. Meanwhile, the BakuFighters had been trying to avoid the battle stadium. Flash and Leonidas hadn't battled since Ragnaroid had defeated them, the two appearing crushed.

"Come on guys," Derpy told them as she and the BakuFighters sat around a table at a cafe a mile or so away from the stadium. "You can't let this loss get you down. You've gotta pick yourselves up, get pumped and start brawling again. You're never gonna beat Phantom if you don't train."

"Sorry Derpy," Lyra sighed. "It's kinda hard to get excited after what happened."

Heath nodded. "Flash and Leonidas were the strongest brawlers we have and they weren't able to beat Phantom and Ragnaroid. What hope do we have?" They looked down at their Bakugan, who were also feeling down after seeing how powerful Ragnaroid had become. His base power was now double some of their's. How could they compete against that?

"I just feel bad for the Rainbooms," Bonnie sighed. They all remembered when they had returned the girl's Bakugan to them. They had been excited at first, but when they realised what had happened they all broke down. Pinkie, Fluttershy and even Rainbow had started crying. Many of them feared their friends would never talk again.

Over at the battle stadium, Rainbow and Applejack were tag-brawling against Trixie and Thunderlane.

Their opponents were using Trickstar and Ingram, whilst Rainbow and Applejack had a Falconeer and Tuskor out. "Ability, Activate!" Thunderlane held up his card as it glowed, with Ingram suddenly becoming wrapped in a tornado. "Cyclonic Strike Shot!" The tornado exploded and propelled Ingram forward, the Bakugan having morphed into its bird form, then struck Falconeer.

The bird squawked in pain before it was reverted back to ball form, falling to the ground as Trickstar charged at Tuskor. "Ability, Activate!" The magician Bakugan pulled out a bunch of playing cards, "Trump Strike!" It threw the cards and they slammed into the elephant, exploding and reverting it back to ball form as well.

"Ouch!" The announcer cried, "that had to hurt. These girls just can't seem to get it started today." The Rainbooms watching knew he was right. Rainbow and Applejack just weren't bringing their A game to this match.

As Trixie threw a Gate Card, Rainbow and Applejack pulled out their partners. But as their opponents threw out Trickstar and Ingram, they found they couldn't throw them in. After everything that had happened, their partners talking and becoming true friends with them, neither had it in them to use Fenroar and Terraspin in the feral state they would both be in when battling.

Twilight, Pinkie, Rarity and Fluttershy all felt the same. If they saw their partners acting like feral animals, it would likely break their heart.

The BakuFighters all sighed as they tried to enjoy the drinks they had ordered. But none of them were really in the mood for sweet treats, especially with Phantom and Ragnaroid still on the loose. The Bakugan were also down in the dumps.

"What do we do?" Garuda asked. "We've trained and we've trained, but we haven't been able to evolve yet."

Nimue nodded nodded. "And even if we do evolve, Ragnaroid's already way ahead of us. Even if we're able to catch up, he might evolve again before we can hope to beat him. And then there's Lucifer. He won't stay hidden forever. Eventually, he'll show up and we'll have two problems to deal with."

"It all feels so overwhelming," Gaia sighed. They all looked down, contemplating their possible fate. But then Wukong looked up.

"Hey, we can't think like that." He started jumping up and down, "if we think we can't win then there's no way we can. We gotta start thinking positively."

"I'm all for positive thinking," Garuda told him. "But how can we possibly match up to the power Ragnaroid showed us." Wukong thought for a moment, then started jumping up and down.

"We'll take him on together. He can't stop all of us at once."

"He beat the Rainbooms all at once," Heath told him. "And that was when he was un-evolved." Wukong turned to him.

"Bro, you're bumming everyone out. Remember, positive thinking. You'd be amazed what it can do." But nobody felt like being positive at that moment. Instead, Flash picked himself up off the table as Leonidas leapt onto his shoulder. "Where are you going?"

"I'm gonna go clear my head," Flash told them. "I'll see you guys later." With that, he was gone and the others all frowned.

"I guess Flash is taking the situation worse than anybody," Derpy sighed.

"He promised the Rainbooms he'd beat Phantom," Soarin told her. "So losing to him and failing to get Spike back, the real Spike, must sting a lot."

"His confidence has been shaken," Nimue told them. "And until he can get it back, he won't be able to brawl like he did before."

Flash and Leo walked in silence, the two thinking back to the Brawl with Phantom. Their battle had started out looking so even, but as soon as Ragnaroid appeared they were completely overpowered.

"I'm sorry Flash," Leonidas told him. Flash looked at him in shock, "if only I'd been stronger. We could have beaten them." Flash frowned, but then held his finger up and patted the Bakugan on the head.

"It's not your fault. We both did our very best." He sighed, "it just wasn't good enough." He looked up at the sky, "but that begs the question. Where do we go from here? We've trained and trained as hard as we could, but it wasn't enough. So how are we supposed to get stronger now?" Flash wished the answer could just appear, but he knew that wasn't likely to happen.

Oh, how wrong he was.

In another dimension, the six armoured individuals stared at the light showing the BakuFighters. The one in white spoke up, "they have yet to bounce back after what has happened."

The one in brown turned to her, "a heavy loss is sure to shake anyone's confidence. Do not forget how often we felt we could not accomplish our goal when we first started."

"We must find a way to restore their confidence," the one in green stated.

"They need to get up and try again," the one in red proclaimed. "They just need another victory to get themselves back into the groove."

"Trying without confidence is just dumb luck," the one in black told him. "The time may have come to realise we have made a mistake in the ones we've chosen."

"Nonsssssssense," the one in blue cried. "Up until now, they have proven themselvesssss time and time again. We sssssshouldn't give up on them after one ssssssetback."

"Time is running out," White proclaimed. "Phantom and Ragnaroid grow more and more powerful with each passing day. If they cannot overcome this, then we must intervene."

"What do you suggest?" Green asked. "We do not have the power to battle against Ragnaroid ourselves. If you recall, that is why we chose them in the first place."

"I mean we must make ourselves known to them," White explained. "We chose not to reveal our intentions so they and their partners could form a true bond as friends and not just as battle partners. And now that time has passed. I'm confident if they meet us now, it won't affect how they see one another."

"So you wish to talk to them," Orange stated. "Then what? Tell them to get over their issues and keep training?"

"Training isn't enough," White told them. "It's possible their Bakugan can not evolve the way Leonidas and Ragnaroid can. The time of natural evolution may have ended with the last generation. But they can still evolve, with the right conditions." She brought up her hand and in a flash, an orb of yellow light appeared.

"You can't be sssssserious?" Blue asked her. "You wish to give them the Haos Energy?"

"I wish to give Flash and Leonidas this energy," White replied. "As for the others..." She simply looked at them all, and one by one they each summoned an orb of their colour.

"These Attribute Energies are all that is left of Vestroia," Green pointed out. "Simply handing them over would be foolish."

"We may have chosen them," Orange stated. "But that does not make them worthy of these. They each possess limits that are holding them back. If we were to give these to them, those limits would be heightened and possibly make them less powerful."

White thought about this, then seemed to remember something. "In the distant past, during the time of the Perfect Dragonoid, humans were made partners of Bakugan during a time of crisis. In order to help them grow strong enough to overcome that crisis, those humans were put through trials in order to face the demons that plague them." She looked towards her compatriot, "I say we test them as well. Give them the chance to prove themselves."

The others looked at one another, appearing intrigued by this suggestion. After a few seconds, they turned back to white before Black spoke up. "You make an excellent selection."

"Yesssss," Blue agreed, "we will tesssst them. If they can overcome what it holding them back, we will agree to let them have the Attribute Energies."

"But if they should fail," Green began before White spoke up.

"I am positive they will not fail. I have seen how the human spirit can overcome almost any limitation. These tests will not be easy and push them to the breaking point, but if they can find the strength to overcome them then we will bare witness to the birth of Vestroia's mightiest heroes."

"One small problem," Red pointed out. "We still have the confidence issue. How do we know they'll even agree to go through these tests."

"We did no chose quitters as our champions," White explained. "When push comes to shove, they will stand up once again and fight." She turned to look at Flash and Leonidas through the viewing light, her expressionless staring hard at the pair. "I am sure of it."

That night, Flash was asleep in his room with Leonidas on his windowsill.

The teen rolled around, letting out groans and moans as he did so. He hadn't been able to get much sleep over the last few days. Every time he tried, he found himself having the same dream again and again.

He was back in the battle against Phantom and things were going the exact same way as before. "And now," he held up a card. "Your pet lizard will fall. Fusion Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid raised his claws as the gun barrels extended and began to glow. "Gaze of the Abyss." The attack struck Leonidas and made him roar in pain.

"LEO!" Flash cried as his partner returned to ball form. But instead of falling to the floor, he flew over to Phantom. "NO!"

"Pathetic!" Phantom chuckled before throwing Leonidas into the air, allowing Ragnaroid to swallow him. Flash cried out again, feeling like he was gonna break. But then, something happened.

A sudden orb of light filled the space and then exploded, spreading the light around and causing everything except Flash to disappear. "What?" Flash asked, blinded by the light but getting used to it. He suddenly found himself floating in a white void, the teen terrified by what was going on. "This is freaky."

"FLASH!" He spun around, only to see Leonidas in his true form floating behind him.

"Leo!" Flash cried, as more figures appeared from the light. "Garuda?" He cried seeing the bird Bakugan, then saw the others. "Nimue, Gaia, Wukong. What's going on?"

"Flash!" He looked around to see Lyra and all the other BakuFighters, standing in front of their Bakugan. "What's happening?"

"This is one freaky dream," Heath gulped as Soarin looked at him.

"But I'm the one dreaming this." Everyone else looked at him like he was crazy, even the Bakugan looking confused. Flash was about to ask what the heck was going on, but in that moment another flash of light occurred in the distance. They looked around and saw a mix of red, blue, green, brown and yellow light appear.

"Do not be afraid," a feminine voice called out to them.

"That voice," Leonidas whispered. "I know that voice." He couldn't quite figure out where he remembered it from, but he was sure he had hard it before.

"BakuFighters," the voice continued, "are you giving up?" They looked confused at this, "do you wish to end your quest to stop Phantom and those wishing to cause pain and misery? Or will you stand once again and fight, no matter what you may face?"

"I...I don't know," Flash asked. "Phantom...he's so much stronger than us." He frowned before giving the light a serious look, "no! I don't wanna give up." The others looked at him, "not if that means letting Phantom have free reign to hurt anyone he wants. I won't let that happen! He may have beaten me, but I'm still standing. And as long as I can stand, I can fight!" The others looked at one another, then smiled and nodded before turning back to the light.

"Us too," Soarin cried with the others agreeing.

"And us," Leonidas declared for the Bakugan. "Ragnaroid isn't unbeatable. He was stopped before and we can find a way to stop him again."

"Then come to this place tomorrow," the voice replied as the light exploded. In the blink of an eye, the lot of them found they were back in Canterlot. Only now they were near the large river that ran through the city, on a back near the draw bridge that ran over it. That was all they got to see before the light blinded them all.

"Ahhhh!" Flash cried, sitting up in his bed as Leonidas popped open.

"Flash!" He turned to him, "did you see that?"

"The dream?" Flash asked, Leonidas nodding. "White void with the rest of our friends, talking to a weird voice that asked us if we're giving up against Phantom?" Leo nodded again, "I don't think that was a dream bud." Sure enough, his BakuColar started beeping and he quickly answered it.

"Flash!" Soarin's voice called out, "I know this might be crazy, but-"

"Did I have a strange dream where we're all in a white void?" Flash asked, with Soarin going quiet. "If that was your question then the answer is yes."

"We need to get in touch with the others," Soarin told him. "Someone's summoning us."

"And it would be rude to say no to their invite," Flash smirked. For some reason, all the anger he had felt about losing to Phantom had died down. It wasn't completely gone, but he realised now that sulking about it wouldn't solve anything. "I'll call Lyra and Bonnie. You get in contact with Heath."

"Got it!" Soarin agreed before hanging up.

As Flash began searching for Lyra's name in his call list, Leonidas spoke to him. "You sure you want to keep going? Even after how we lost?"

Flash smirked and looked back at him. "When I was little, my dad taught me to ride my bike. I was terrible. I kept falling over, or crashing, or falling over as I crashed. But no matter how badly I fell, my dad told me it was okay. As long as I keep getting back up, I didn't fail. I learned. And eventually, all those mishaps helped me realise the best way to ride my bike. It's the same here." He held out his hand and Leonidas jumped into it. "We might have failed to beat Ragnaroid before, but we've still got a chance to beat him next time. You with me?"

"Always," Leonidas told him. Flash smirked and started messaging the others, all the while Leo looked out the window. "That voice. Where do I know it from?" He tried to think, but he kept coming up blank. Until a memory surged through his head like a bullet train. "Wait, that time." He remembered back before he had a body, back when he was just an angry spirit that had been thrown from the Doom Dimension. He had thought he was doomed, until the voice called out to him. "Could it really be them?"

The next day.

As soon as Flash was awake the next day, he was up and out the door before Scootaloo or his parents could ask where he was going. He quickly grabbed his bike and raced towards the area he had seen in his dream. Heath, Lyra and Bonnie had all confirmed having the same dream, the BakuFighters realising they needed to go there.

As he shot down the street towards the busier area of the city, he got a call from his BakuColar an carefully answered it. "Flash?" It was Twilight, "Lyra said you guys are being summoned."

"Yeah," Flash nodded as her swerved around a corner, "I don't know who but I get the feeling we can trust them."

"Well we're coming too," Twilight explained. "I already contacted the rest of the Rainbooms and we're on our way."

"Okay," Flash nodded, "I guess I'll see you there." Flash hung up as Leonidas carefully stuck his head out his pocket.

"You sure letting Twilight and the others come is a good idea? We have no idea if this is a trap or not. Letting Twilight and the others be there might allow whoever's setting this up to take us down if we're not careful."

"I don't think this is a trap," Flash told him. "Call it a hunch, but I get the feeling whoever this is is on our side." They continued to discuss this as they entered the city and eventually, they arrived at the riverbank and spotted the bridge a ways off.

They appeared to be the first ones there, Flash pulling up to a stop on his bike as looking around for any sign of his friends. He let out a sigh and headed down the back, sitting on the grass waiting for them to show up. Heath arrived fifteen minutes later on his board, with Applejack and Rarity arriving not soon after. Lyra and Bonnie arrived together with Twilight and Pinkie just behind them.

"Is that everyone?" Twilight asked as they grouped up.

"We're still waiting on Soarin," Flash explained. "Rainbow and Fluttershy aren't here either."

"What about Derpy?" Twilight asked, Lyra turning to her.

"I called her, but she said she had to work today." This made them frown at Derpy missing out, as Twilight stepped over to Flash who was currently skimming rocks.

"You okay?" She asked, Flash stopping mid skim and turning to her. "I know your lose against Phantom was hard."

"Yeah," Flash nodded, "It was. But I can't let that get me down. Derpy was right. Being moppy doesn't help anyone. I gotta pick myself up and keep pushing if I wanna beat Phantom." Twilight nodded as Flash skimmed his rock, "I'm sorry about Spike. I wish I could have won him back for you. If I did, maybe he'd still...you know."

Twilight nodded, "I'm not giving up hope. I don't care how long it takes, I'll find a way to bring him back to his full strength." Flash smiled and nodded.

"And I'll help in any way I can." Twilight smiled back at this as they heard someone call out.

"Hey!" They looked around to see Soarin, Rainbow and Fluttershy approaching after stepping off the bridge, "we the last ones here?"

"Looks like it," Flash told him. The eleven teens and their Bakugan all grouped up and looked around the place, "see anything that might be a clue to why we were called here?"

"Nothing," Lyra sighed. "I wonder why this place was chosen."

"It's possible whoever called you wanted to do it someplace with not a lot of people around," Twilight guessed. "You all found this place, so it's obvious you all knew where it was." The BakuFighters nodded, having all walked by this area quite a few times.

"So they wanted to talk to us away from the public eye?" Bonnie asked, Twilight shrugging and replying that it was just a theory.

"Well," Rainbow crossed her arms, "whoever it is better show up soon. I hate waiting around for-AHHH!" She cried out as a bright light suddenly exploded between them, blinding the lot of them and forcing them all to step back.

"What is that?" Applejack cried, as Rarity took out a pair of sunglasses. But even after putting them on, the light was still too bright to see through.

"Are we under attack?" Fluttershy cried, as Pinkie tried to get closer. But doing so caused the light to heat up her skin, the girl feeling like she was standing next to an oven.

"Hot!" She cried as she stepped backwards, the rest of the Rainbooms doing the same. But the BakuFighters didn't feel any heat and instead, they felt an overwhelming urge to move towards the light. Like a moth to the flame, their feet began to move without them think. One by one, they moved closer and closer to it.

"Flash!" Twilight cried, seeing him move. She reached out to grab him, but he was out of reach and she couldn't bare to get any closer.

When the five were all close enough, they reached out and touched the source of the light. This caused them to snap out of the trance they had been under, only now realising what they were doing. But before they could try and pull back, the light source grew larger and completely enveloped them. They all cried out as they tried to escape, but they couldn't move.

And in the blink of an eye, the light suddenly vanished and the Rainbooms were able to open their eyes. They looked around, blinking the spots from their eyes, and were shocked see the BakuFighters were gone as well. "FLASH!" Twilight screamed, all of them fearing for their friend's fates.

When Flash opened his eyes, he found he was someplace unlike anywhere he had seen before.

He was in a vast open wasteland surrounded by rocks of varying sizes and shapes. Of in the distance, he could see what appeared to be a forest with several unusual shaped and coloured trees. "Where are we?" Soarin asked as they all looked around, with all the Bakugan except Leo gasping.

"This is...Vestroia," Gaia realised.

"Vestroia?" Bonnie asked, "your home."

"I wasn't expecting it to be so rocky," Heath frowned as Wukong leapt onto his head.

"This is just a small section of it," he told him. "Your planet's not one biome. Look over there," he gestured to the forest. "That place is all nice and lush. Perfect place for a Bakugan to live." Heath nodded as Lyra moved over to one of the rocks.

"But how are we here?" She asked, placing her hand on the rock. "I thought Vestroia was destroyed.

"Yes," Nimue nodded, "it doesn't make any sense."

"Maybe it wasn't destroyed," Garuda suggested. "We were all sent to earth when the planet was breaking apart, so it could be that it somehow found a way to survive."

"I am afraid that isn't the case." Everyone jumped at the unknown female voice, the lot of them looking around and getting ready for a fight. "This is merely an illusion of our old home. We hoped seeing it again would put you all in a more talkative mood."

"We're already in a talkative mood," Flash told the voice. "Weird dreams, voices in our heads and a light that suddenly transports us to an illusion of a destroyed world. Safe to say we have some questions we'd like answered." The others all nodded, "so why don't we cut the theatrics. Who are you, where are you and why did you summon us here?" The reply was a mild famine chuckle.

"Straight to the point with no beating around the bush. That sounds like you, Flash." The teen frowned, wondering how they knew his name. "Very well. We will accommodate your demands." Suddenly, a woman in white armour appeared before them. "I am Haos Dragonia."

Before anyone could say anything, a figure in orange and brown amour appeared to her right. "I am known as Subterra Trojan."

A figure in flame patterned armour appeared besides him, "Pyrus Salamandra is my name."

A small woman in green armour, sitting on a cloud, appeared next to him, "I am Ventus Zephyria."

A tall individual in blue armour, carrying a snake-headed staff, appeared to her right. "Call me Aquosssssss Seadranoid."

A final figure in black fur-covered armour appeared between the blue and white figures, completing the circle that surrounded them. "And you my refer to me as Darkus Regulus."

"No way," Wukong cried.

"The Legendary Guardians of Vestroia," Nimue gasped as the others went wide-eyed.

"The Bakugan that beat Lucifer and Ragnaroid the last time?" Soarin asked, getting a nod from the other Bakugan.

"You already know of us," Dragonia chuckled. "Good. That will save us time."

"You're the ones that sent the Bakugan to our world, right?" Flash asked, the Guardians turning to one another. "We want to know why the Bakugan went from being evacuated to being sold by Dark Industries. Did you give Sombra the Bakugan or something?"

"Absolutely not," Trojan announced. "We would never allow our people to become mere playthings, even if many of you humans have proven to respect them." The other Guardians nodded, as Dragonia stepped forward.

"The fact is, we never intended for the Bakugan to be sent to your world. When we evacuated Vestroia, we intended to find a world that could accept the Bakugan as refuges. That might have been your world had we been able to contact your world's leaders, but there are many other worlds that would have been much better suited for our new home. However, events outside our control occurred that forced our worlds to collide."

"What events?" Bonnie asked.

"Lucifer," Zephyria proclaimed as the others frowned. "We managed to evacuate Vestroia and open a portal to multiple other worlds. We planned to journey from world to world, deciding which one would be the most willing to accommodate our people as equals. To keep them safe, we created a pair of ships we could use to transport the Bakugan through space."

"Why two ships?" Heath asked, "why not one big ship."

"You have any idea how big a ship that could carry that many Bakugan would be?" Salamandra asked, "we'd never be able to control the thing." Heath nodded in understanding as Regulus continued.

"Once every Bakugan was loaded onto them, we opened the portal and began to escape. We managed to get away as Vestroia was destroyed, sending out a shockwave that we were able to ride away from the explosion on. However, that was when it happened."

The Six Guardians were flying through a tunnel of light in their armoured forms, the two arcs each being controlled by three of them.

"We're almost clear of the blast," Regulus told the others.

"I can't believe we allowed Vestroia to be destroyed," Zephyria looked down in shame. "We failed in our duty." The others also looked down in shame, but Dragonia turned to them.

"We haven't failed yet. Vestroia might be gone, but it was never just a place." She looked down at the arc she was protecting and placed a hand on it. "The Bakugan that called it home are as much Vestroia as the planet itself. As long as they survive, so does Vestroia." The Guardians let this information sink in and nodded, realising they were right. "This isn't the first time Vestroia was brought to ruin. Others found a way to restore it once. And so can we. We just need time."

"Until then..." Seadranoid stated. "...we must find a sssssuitable place the Bakugan can remain sssssafe. A world that will accept them asssss equals."

"I know of a place," Dragonia assured him. "There are four other worlds out there with Bakugan. Hopefully, the millennia that has passed since the last time I was there hasn't changed them that much." The other five wondered what she meant, but before they could ask Zephyria sensed something.

"What's that?" She looked behind herself, just in time to see something flying at them. "Look out!" The others turned and saw a ball of white flying forwards, but couldn't react in time to protect themselves. Zephyria was the first to be slammed by the small orb, knocking her flying away from her arm. Regulus and Trojan was also knocked away, the arc they were guiding flying loose.

"NO!" Dragonia cried as the ball landed on the arc before something happened. It unleashed a powerful shockwave that struck the Guardians and their arc, sending they all flying in the opposite direction. "This can't be happening," Dragonia whispered as the second arc flew off and then out of the dimensional tunnel.

"We do not know what happened to the arc after that," Dragonia finished the tale.

"Somehow it got into the hands of the one you call Sombra," Trojan explained. "Most definitely, he is working alongside Lucifer. We, meanwhile, were thrown into another world and had no idea where the arc had been sent. It took months of searching, but we eventually found the arc in this world and discovered the fate of the Bakugan."

"We're sorry," Lyra sighed. "We thought they were just toys. If we had known..."

"You cannot be blamed for your ignorance," Dragonia exclaimed. "Lucifer must have known you humans would realise Bakugan weren't toys if they could talk, which is likely way he suppressed their consciousness and made them act purely on their instincts. Something we're thankful we were able to start undoing."

"You undid it?" Flash asked.

Dragonia nodded, "do you remember the day you found Leonidas?" Flash nodded, "the light that unleashed him was our power. We combined the last of our strength to undo the dark power Lucifer contaminated the Bakugan with. Over time, they slowly began to awaken."

"Wait," Leonidas flew up to Dragonia. "The light that awakened the Bakugan was you. So if I came out of that light...were you the ones that gave me to Flash?" This was a shock to them, but they realised it made sense. And if they gave Flash Leonidas...

"Yes," Dragonia chuckled as she looked him over. "I am happy to see how much you've grown Leonidas. You've certain come a long way since I found you."

"You found me?" Leonidas asked.

Dragonia nodded again. "When Lucifer destroyed Vestroia, the Doom Dimension was ripped apart as well. Most of it still exists, but the rest was thrown into the void between worlds. That includes you. Whilst searching for Lucifer and the arc, I discovered your spirit wandering through the void. I realised what you were and where you came from, making me fear you could be something even more dangerous than Lucifer."

"I see," Leonidas looked down in shame.

"But then I realised that just because you were from the Doom Dimension, that didn't mean you were destined for evil. I believed that with the right influence, you could be a great force for good. So I chose to take your spirit into my body, sharing my own Haos energy with you. This allowed you to form a body of your own and be granted the Haos Attribute."

Everyone who heard this were amazed, glad they finally knew how Leonidas came into being. and then Flash realised something. "Wait," he stepped forward and look between the two Haos Bakugan. "If you did that, doesn't that mean you're technically Leonidas' mom." Leonidas turned to him in shock, whilst Dragonia chuckled.

"I guess I am. And I guess I should thank you for taking such good care of my son. Despite a rather rough start, you two have proven you were the right one to entrust Leonidas with."

"Why did you entrust him with me?" Leonidas asked, "I'm grateful you did. But why?"

"And were you the ones that gave us to our partners as well?" Garuda asked, the other Bakugan all wondering the same thing. The Guardians turned to one another and nodded, all agreeing to tell them.

"Yes," Trojan announced, "we are the ones that entrusted you with the Bakugan from the other Arc. We had no other choice but to do so."

"Why?" Wukong asked, "why give us to humans we've never met?"

"We had no other choice," Salamandra explained. "Defeating and sealing Ragnaroid, transforming the Bakugan into balls and storing them into a pair of arcs, opening a dimensional portal, getting attacked by Lucifer and thrown into another world, searching multiple dimensions and freeing the Bakugan under Lucifer's control. After all that, the power we had left was practically nothing. It's taken us this long to regain enough strength to battle just once or twice."

"So that's it," Nimue nodded. "You didn't have the power to fight for the Bakugan, so you had the choose others to do it."

Seadranoid nodded. "Each of usssss searched the remaining arc for a Bakugan of our attribute, who we believed had great potential. We then sssssearched and found humans that could not only work well with that Bakugan, but help them grow sssstronger. Those became our champions."

"Us," Bonnie turned to Trojan, "you chose us to be your champions." Trojan nodded as Flash looked around.

"Wait," he turned to Regulus, "where's your champion. There are six of you and five of us, so we're missing one."

"I did not choose a Bakugan," Regulus explained. "None of the Darkus Bakugan we were holding had the qualities I was looking for in a champion. When we arrived here, I searched for Darkus Bakugan and Brawlers to make my Champion. But none of them had what I was looking for."

"I see," Nimue nodded in understanding. As she did, Lyra suddenly remembered something. "Wait, you freed the Bakugan from Lucifer's control and woke them up." They nodded, "then please help our friends." The others looked shocked at this, but then realised what she was getting at.

"Yeah," Flash looked back at Dragonia, "our friends. The Rainbooms-"

"We know," Dragonia nodded. "We saw what happened to them. We wish we could help, but we have to conserve our power for what is to come. I'm sure they'll awaken on their own once again." The BakuFighters looked down, the hope they had been feeling crumbling. Until...

"I will do it." They turned to Regulus in shock, "I will not be participating in the tests. So I will help them. They will need all the help they can get, so I will free them." Before they could say anything else, Regulus clapped his hands together and created a ball of energy. It then shot into the air, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

The Rainbooms were still at the riverbank, trying to figure out what the heck was going on.

"See anything?" Twilight asked from the top of the bank. They shook their heads, none of them seeing a thing. "Flash," she whispered, "where are you?" Then, out of nowhere, a purple ball of light appeared in front of them.

"Wow!" Rainbow leapt back, "what's that?" They didn't get a chance to answer, as the ball exploded into six beams of light that shot towards each of them. More specifically, they shot towards the areas they kept their Bakugan.

"My goodness!" Rarity gasped as the lights struck their Bakugan, the lot taking them out and watching as they glowed. Twilight had a small hope that she knew what this was, and as the light died down she got confirmation when the ball popped open.

"Twilight?" Spike's voice was like music to her ears, the girl's eyes filling with tears as the other Bakugan began to open up.

"SPIKE!" She pulled him closer to hug, the others doing the same to their partners. "I never thought I'd get to hear your voice again." She pulled back, "are you okay?"

"Yeah," he nodded, "but what happened to us. The last I remember...I lost to Ragnaroid." Twilight patted him on the head.

"It's okay," she assured him. "You're okay now. And I think you were helped by Flash and the other BakuFighters." She looked up at the sky, a smile on her lips. "Flash, wherever you are, thank you." She didn't know why, but she just knew they were the ones responsible for this.

Back with BakuFighters and Guardians, Regulus lowered his arms. "It is done. Your friend's Bakugan have all been awakened again." He staggered, but managed to stay upright.

"You okay?" Flash asked, Regulus nodding.

"I'm fine. Just need a day of two to regain my strength."

"So Spike and the others are all back to normal?" Lyra asked, with Regulus nodding as the BakuFighters cheered. But as they did, Heath remembered something.

"Wait, what was that about a test?" The others realised he was right, the lot focusing back on the Guardians as they all got serious again.

"We granted each of you your Bakugan," Dragonia explained. "Hoping the lot of you would be able to work together and fight against Lucifer and his minions, which you have. And whilst you have won many victories and even allowed one of your Bakugan to evolve, Ragnaroid continues to grow more powerful. He has even been able to evolve whilst the rest of you remain un-evolved."

"Are you saying we failed?" Soarin asked.

"Of course not," Zephyria shook her head. "But we are running out of time. Every day, Lucifer grows more and more powerful. Meanwhile you all remain the same."

"We've been trying," Garuda told her. "We've trained as hard as we can. We must be getting close to evolving."

"I'm afraid that might not be possible," Trojan told him. "Tell me, how many Bakugan aside from Leonidas and Ragnaroid have you seen evolve?" The Bakugan had no answer, since they had never seen another Bakugan evolve. "That's what we thought. It's possible the age of natural evolution is over. We each descend from Bakugan of the first era, which is why we and the Bakugan we spawn all have the ability to evolve on our own. But it's likely the newer generation of Bakugan, which you all belong too, no longer have that ability."

"So you're saying we can't get stronger," Gaia sighed.

"Well that sucks!" Wukong groaned.

"There's more that you're not telling us," Garuda stated. "This test, is it the key to help us evolve?"

"But she said you couldn't evolve," Soarin told him.

"Naturally evolve," Seadranoid hissed. "But there isssss a way. Bakugan have been known to evolve when acquiring an energy sssssource. The Perfect Dragonoid became that by absorbing the Silent and Infinity Cores. And we have sssssomething almost as powerful." Each of them held up a hand and when they did, something appeared in them.

They were six strange looking orbs, each filled with the light of their respective attributes. The BakuFighters didn't know what they were, but they knew they were powerful. They could feel the energy flowing from them. "These are the six Attribute Energies of Vestroia," Dragonia explained.

"Attribute Energies?" Flash asked.

Dragonia nodded. "Vestroia was a world made up of those six energies, with the Bakugan that it birth being created from a tiny spark of them. When the Perfect Core was destroyed, the planet's energies de-stabilised and split apart.

"Most of that energy was lost," Salamandra explained. "But we were able to collect enough to form these orbs, which each hold great amounts of power."

"Enough power to allow you to evolve," Zephyria explained.

"Awesome!" Heath cheered. "We'll beat Phantom for sure with those."

"Who said we intended to give them to you," Trojan told him. "These orbs are all that remain of Vestroia. They can't simply be given away like candy on Halloween." The BakuFighters frowned, until Zephyria spoke up.

"But we will give you the chance to earn them." That caught their attention and made them look up, as Dragonia continued to explain.

"We each selected you, not just for the comparability you possessed with our chosen Bakugan, but also because you yourselves have great potential within you. However, you are each being held back from reaching that potential by obstacles you each possess. Unless you can overcome these obstacles, you will not be able to grow stronger. That is why we have devised these tests, in a hopes of you breaking through your limits. Succeed and you will earn the Attribute Energies and allow your partners to evolve. Fail...and you must step down from this conflict and allow us to take over."

The BakuFighters all shared a look, the lot of them smiling at the prospect of what was being offered. They could pass some silly little test. "Be warned," Seadranoid told them. "Succeeding in these trials will not be easy. And if you cannot overcome the obstacles you hold, you may end up succumbing to them and being broken...either physically or mentally."

"This chance should not be taken lightly," Salamandra told them.

Flash stepped forward, "Ragnaroid and Lucifer destroyed your world. They may find a way to do the same to ours if they're not stopped. If passing these tests are the only way to beat them, then I'm in!"

"So am I!" Soarin cried.

"Me too!" Lyra nodded.

"Count me in!" Heath smirked.

"Can't let you guys have all the fun," Bonnie smiled. Their Bakugan all nodded, knowing their partners would be able to handle whatever the Guardians threw at them.

"Very well," Dragonia nodded before a beam of light appeared in front of each BakuFighter that went up into the sky. "Then step into this light, and your test will begin." They nodded before turning to one another.

"We can do this," Flash told them. "No matter what we face, even if we're on our own, we can still support each other and come out the other side." They all agreed as Flash held out a hand, "let's show these guys they weren't mistaken in choosing us."

"YEAH!" They all cried as they slapped their hands on his, with the Bakugan jumping on top. "Bakugan," they threw their hands up, "BRAWL!" The Bakugan shot into the air and landed on their partners heads, the five teens all turning to the light and stepping forwards. As each one stepped into the light, they found themselves being blinded as their bodies morphed into blobs of light. The blobs shot up the light tunnels, as five of the Guardians flicked away.

Regulus was the only one left, the Darkus Bakugan looking up as the light beams vanished. "Good luck BakuFighters. You will need it for what is to come." He turned away and summoned a ball of light, allowing him to see into the human world. "And what will you do?" He asked, staring at the figure in the light.

That figure was Phantom, the Darkus Brawler's location unclear. But wherever he was, he would soon find himself up against a powerful opponent.

Author's Note

Well, that was a bit of information overload. Now you know who sent the Bakugan and what each BakuFighter will need to do to help their partners evolve. Will they pass the test? Only time will tell.

Burn Brother Burn

Everything was a blur to Heath, who suddenly found himself laying on something soft.

As he felt himself beginning to wake up, he remembered that he and his friends were all being challenged to a test by the Six Guardians of Vestroia. If Heath wanted to help Wukong evolve, he had to overcome some kind of obstacle. He had stepped into a pillar of light and the next thing he knew, he had been sent flying into the air at mach speed and blacked out.

And now as he woke up, he looked around and realised where he was. "I'm home?" He was in his living room, having been asleep on the couch. "Was that all a dream?"

"No." He turned to see Wukong on the arm of the chair, "that wasn't a dream. And we're not in your house." He looked around, "it's an illusion created by the Guardians. This has something to do with your test."

"But what is my test?" Heath asked, only to hear footsteps and turn to the door. As he did, someone stepped into the room. It was Heath, only this Heath was taller and older. He appeared to be about twenty-one years of age, wearing a black leather jacket with flames on the sleeves atop a cream sure and blue pants. Heath's eyes went wide, "Blaze?"

"Hey little brother," the older Heath smirked.

"What are you doing here?" Heath stood up, "you're supposed to be on the European Circuit."

"That's not your brother," Wukong told him. "It's just another illusion."

"It might as well be." Suddenly, Salamandra appeared in his living room. The armoured figure stared at Heath, "he is a perfect copy of him. Anything your brother can do, so can he."

"Why are you doing this?" Heath asked, "why make a copy of my brother?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Salamandra asked before disappearing, seconds before the Burns siblings found a light appearing in front of them. Skateboards appeared out of the light and they both caught them, Heath turning to Blaze who smiled back and ran out the room.

"Wait!" Heath cried, chasing after him with Wukong leaping onto his shoulder. They left the house and both saw Blaze had jumped onto his board and was rolling down the street, Heath quickly running after him before leaping onto his board. The brothers raced down the street, Heath barely able to keep up as Blaze zigzagged around several corners.

"This makes no sense," Wukong cried, "why would Salamandra have you chase after your brother?"

"Unless this is my test," Heath guessed. As he did, he was suddenly reminded of many unhappy memories. "Blaze has always been the better brother. Every since we were little, Blaze was always overshadowing me." He frowned as he jumped over an obstacle in the road, "everyone always loved him. Oh, Blaze is so great. Blaze is the best at everything. Heath needs to be more like Blaze." He growled as they spun around a corner. "Well now's my chance to final prove how much better I am. I don't know where we're racing to, but I'm gonna win!"

They turned around another corner and found themselves on a busy street, with cars rolling towards them from the opposite direction. The pair started swerving from side the side, barely missing the oncoming traffic. Heath glanced at Blaze and watched him jump over a car, doing several flips whilst not losing his board. he even landed atop a bus and rolled along it before flying off the end.

He tried to show he had just as much skill, jumping over a car and grinding along the top of a divider before landing back on the road. But doing so caused him to come face to face with a truck. "WOW!" He swerved around it, almost losing control and allowing Blaze to get ahead. "Ahhh."

They eventually left the traffic and flew down a side street, full of many other obstacles that they had to avoid. And as Heath was forced to slow down, Blaze continued forward at full speed. "How is he doing that?" Wukong asked as Heath jumped over a downed trash can. "Salamandra's gotta be making this unfair."

"I'll still win!" Heath cried, kicking himself ahead and moving at max speed. He then noticed a ramp that Blaze had missed and chose to change direction towards it, putting on as much speed as possible as he shot up it. "YEAH!" He cried as he flew off the end and soared into the sky, flying above Blaze much to his brother's shock. "WOOO!" He landed and threw a smirk back at his brother. Of course, he now had no idea where to go.

It was then that they turned around a corner that led to the top of a tall hill, Heath spotting someone standing at the bottom. Salamandra. "That must be the finish line!" He cheered, only for Blaze to suddenly catch up and overtake him. "Hey!" He made himself as aerodynamic as possible, allowing him to close the gap between them. The siblings raced side by side as they shot down the hill towards Salamandra.

They kept pulling ahead of each other, one second Heath being ahead whilst the next Blaze was. And as a red line appeared behind Salamandra, they became neck and neck and couldn't overcome the other.

They shot passed Salamandra and over the line, both brothers pulling themselves to a stop and turning to one another. "Who won?" Heath asked, Blaze not saying anything. Salamandra then turned to them and held up a hand, as an orb of light appeared. Inside the orb, a slowed down photo finish appeared. It zoomed in on the finish line as the image slowly showed the two crossing it. And the first to make it over the line was...

"Blaze," Salamandra determined as Blaze's outstretched arm touched the line first. Heath's eyes went wide.

"No!" He cried, as Blaze walked over to Salamandra. "He beat me again!"

"This shouldn't come as a surprise to you," Salamandra told him as the light vanished. "All your life, Blaze has always overshadowed you. I would expect you to be used to it by now."

"That doesn't mean I like it!" Heath cried, as Salamandra chuckled. "It's not funny. How'd you like it if someone only ever saw you for your relation to somebody more famous." His body shook, "I'm so sick of people thinking that all I am is Blaze's little brother." It was then that he realised something. "That's it. That's my obstacle. Blaze. In order to break my limits and reach my true potential, I have to beat Blaze."

"Maybe," Salamandra told him. "Figuring out what's holding you back is part of the test." In a flash of light, the Pyrus Energy appeared above them. "And if you can overcome it, the Pyrus Energy will be yours." In that moment, the energy glowed along with the ground beneath their feet. Moments later, the ground began to heat up.

"What's going on?" Heath asked. And then he got his answer.

Suddenly, the city began to explode. Lava shot out of the manholes and filled the place, Heath seeing this and crying out as he ran towards the closest building with a fire escape. The climbed it as fast as he could, the heat of the lava filling the streets making him sweat. When he reached the top, he looked around and saw the entire city was now flooded with lava.

"Not good," Wukong cried as the building they were on started to sink into the lava. But then it stopped and the lava instantly cooled, turning the city into a giant obsidian flow with the tops of building sticking out of it. Heath then spotted multiple power-ups appearing.

"Wait," he whispered, "is this..."

"This is your test." He looked over to see Blaze and Salamandra on another rooftop. "In order to pass and earn the Attribute Energy, you must defeat your brother." As he said that, his armour suddenly began to fall apart and reveal a Bakugan Ball that had been hidden within it.

The ball flew over to Blaze, who caught it and took out a Gate Card.

Heath's eyes went wide and he smiled. "Ouh, yeah!" He took out his own Gate Card, "this is perfect. Blaze might be better than me at everything else, but there's no way he can beat me at Bakugan."

"Just be careful," Wukong told him. "Salamandra's tough. Even with a novice Brawler, he could still win almost any battle." Heath barely listened, to focused on what winning this brawl would mean.

"Finally, I'll have something to hold over my brother. Everyone will realising I'm just as great as him." He pointed at Blaze, "let's do this!" Blaze nodded as they both held up their BakuColars, which activated signalling the start of the brawl.

Blaze: 100%
Heath: 100%

"Gate Card!" Blaze threw it towards the ground, "SET!" He then took out a Bakugan and leapt into the air, "Bakugan...BRAWL!" It shot through the air and hit several power-ups before landing on the street. "Bakugan," it popped open, "STAND!" In a burst of fire, his Bakugan appeared. "Pyrus Warius!" The armoured ogre roared as it swung its giant club around, its power going up by one fifty.

Warius: 500Gs

"That's gonna be tough to beat," Wukong told Heath. The teen smirked and took out his own Bakugan.

"I can do it. This is my game. I'm the better sibling when it comes to this." He leapt into the air and threw the red orb towards some power-ups. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" It shot through the coins and hit the ground, rolling towards Warius before popping open. "Bakugan...STAND!" The Bakugan burst into flames, "Pyrus Robotallion, STAND!" The flames dispelled to reveal the red robot, who stood strong as its own power rose.

Warius: 500Gs
Robotallion: 540Gs

"Get him!" Heath cried, as Robotallion charged forward ready to knock Warius out. But before it could, Blaze pointed towards the ground.

"Gate Card, OPEN!" The ground began to glow, that light flying over to Robotallion. "Element Merge!" The light shot off the robot and into Warius, "this command card allows me to sap away two hundred Gs for every Bakugan I have!"

Warius: 700Gs
Robotallion: 340Gs

Once the drain was complete, Warius charged at Robotallion and swung its club around. The impact to its chest knocked Robotallion to the ground, Heath letting out a gasp as Warius rushed over to deal another blow.

"I don't think so!" Heath cried before holding up a pair of cards, "Double Ability, Activate!" Robotallion pushed itself back to its feet and slammed its fists together, the holes on the back of its hands unleashing fire that spiralled around its arms. "Burning Uppercut, plus Fiery Onslaught!"

Warius: 700Gs
Robotallion: 640Gs

As Warius got in close, Robotallion started throwing a barrage of punches in his direction, but the ogre used its club to defend against them with ease. "Not good enough!" Salamandra told him as Blaze held up his own card.

"Ability, Activate!" The spikes on Warius' club extended, "Power Spike!"

Warius: 800Gs
Robotallion: 640Gs

It swung the club around, slamming into Robotallion and knocking it staggering backwards. Heath growled, but he wasn't gonna let this battle end like this. "I won't lose to you!" He cried, taking out a card. "Ability, Activate!" Robotallion's multiple laser holes charged up, "Robotallion Enforcement!" The energy rose and then, Robotallion fired a bunch of lasers from every hole.

The lasers combined before slamming into Warius, the Pyrus Bakugan roaring as his power was drained whilst his opponent's spiked.

Warius: 700Gs
Robotallion: 740Gs

The ogre was knocked off its feet and reverted back to ball form, hitting the ground as Blaze's life gauge dropped.

Blaze: 92%
Heath: 100%

"Yeah!" Heath cheered, as Robotallion returned to him. "I did it. I beat Blaze!"

"Don't get overconfident!" Salamandra told him as Warius flew into the air and returned to Blaze's hand. "The damage you did was barely a scratch. And now Blaze has seen how you battle, he'll be able to adjust his strategy appropriately." Heath frowned, knowing he was right.

'Blaze never went all out in the first round. He always held a little something back so he can feel out his opponent. And it always made them overconfident and surprised when he pulled out all the stops. I can't do that.' He took out a card, "I gotta be careful and ready for anything. Gate Card...SET!" He threw it towards the ground and began to run off.

"After him!" Salamandra told Blaze, who rushed off as well. The two brother ran from rooftop to rooftop, eventually spotting some power-ups in the distance.

"Bakugan!" Heath threw his first, "BRAWL!" The Bakugan shot through the power-ups before hitting the ground. "Bakugan!" It popped open, "STAND!" It burst into flames, "Pyrus Serpenoid!" The fire snake appeared, hissing as it took to the field and its power rose.

Serpenoid: 470Gs

"Seriously?" Salamandra asked before turning to Blaze, "show him." Blaze nodded and took out a Bakugan before leaping into the air.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" It shot towards the ground and struck several power-ups along the way, landing and popping open. "Bakugan...STAND!" It burst into flames, morphing into a tornado. "Pyrus Ziperator, STAND!" The flying warrior broke out of the tornado, staring down at Serpenoid as its power rose.

Ziperator: 550Gs
Serpenoid: 470Gs

"Gate Card!" Heath pointed to the ground, "OPEN!" It light up and Serpenoid glowed, "Character! This card ups Serpenoid's power by two hundred Gs and doubles any power added by any Ability"

Ziperator: 550Gs
Serpenoid: 670Gs

Serpenoid opened its mouth and unleashed a flamethrower, which shot towards Ziperator. But the Bakugan dodged the attack before diving towards Serpenoid. As it did, Blaze held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Ziperator opened its mouth, which filled with red and orange energy. "Tetra Blaster!"

It let out a roar as the attack fired, shooting a laser that struck Serpenoid and made it cry out as its power dropped.

Ziperator: 550Gs
Serpenoid: 520Gs

As Serpenoid recovered, Ziperator got in close and dealt a powerful punch to its face. Serpenoid cried out and was knocked to the ground, as Ziperator took to the sky. As it did, Heath held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Serpenoid tail was thrust into the ground before it began to shake, though Blaze didn't appear affected. "Erupting Land!" As he said this, the ground exploded as a burst of lava flew up and began to rain down on Ziperator and Serpenoid.

Ziperator didn't seem to feel the lava, but Serpenoid did and it loved the intense heat. Thanks to the Character Card, he was getting twice the power up.

Ziperator: 550Gs
Serpenoid: 720Gs

Ziperator dove down and as it did, Serpenoid leapt forward and began to wrap its body around it. "That's the way!" Heath cheered, "take him down!"

"Don't be a fool!" Salamandra told him. "That's always been your problem. You're such a hot head, almost letting your emotions cloud your judgement. Well if you weren't so heated, you'd realise you've just set yourself up for a loss. Blaze!"

"Ability!" Blaze held up a card, "Activate!" Ziperator glowed, "Slepton!" The light grew brighter, and Ziperator began to flex. "This card grants Ziperator the same power boost your Ability gave you."

Ziperator: 750Gs
Serpenoid: 720Gs

With that, Ziperator was able to force Serpenoid off of it and grab its tail. It leapt into the air, pulling the snake along with it before it started spinning the beast around. "Serpenoid!" Heath cried, as Ziperator let Serpenoid go and sent it flying through a building. "Ahh!" He turned to Blaze, "I'll get you back for that!"

"Your temper makes you sloppy," Salamandra told him. "Whilst Blaze's calm demeanour will always let him stay ahead of the game." As he said that, Blaze held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The gear around Ziperator's chest burst into flames, "Inferno Gear!" The gear shot off its chest and shot towards Serpenoid. And before Heath could retaliate the attack slammed into the beast, making it roar in pain as its power dropped.

Ziperator: 750Gs
Serpenoid: 620Gs

"NO!" Heath cried as Serpenoid returned to ball form, his life gauge dropping.

Blaze: 92%
Heath: 74%

"Heath!" Wukong cried as Heath shook, clearly angry. "It's okay. We can still win this."

"You're right," Heath told him. "I am gonna win. Because I won't let Blaze beat me at something else. I WON'T LOSE TO HIM!"

"You're losing to yourself!" They turned to Salamandra, as Ziperator returned to Blaze. "You allow your jealousy to get the better of you and because of that, you can't control your temper. Until you overcome those feelings, you'll never beat Blaze at anything."

"Shut up!" Heath cried as Blaze threw his Gate Card to the ground, "I don't care what you say. I'm gonna win this and show that I'm better than Blaze." As he said that, Blaze threw Ziperator into the battlefield and hit several power-ups before opening up and transforming.

Ziperator: 650Gs

"Let's go Wukong!" Heath grabbed the ape and threw him into the battle. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" Wukong shot through the air and hit a bunch of power-ups before landing. "Bakugan...STAND!" He burst into flames and the tornado formed, "Pyrus Wukong!" Before Ziperator could fly up, the ape shot out and threw a fist into his face.

"TAKE THIS!" He roared, knocking the Bakugan back.

Wukong: 700Gs
Ziperator: 650Gs

"Ability!" Heath held up a card, "Activate!" The card glowed and Wukong charged, his fists bursting into flames. "Fire Smasher!"

Wukong: 900Gs
Ziperator: 650Gs

Wukong threw his fist at Ziperator, but the Pyrus warrior leapt into the air and Wukong struck a building instead. As he did, Blaze held up a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Ziperator glowed, "Slepton!" He then dived down as his mouth filled with energy, "Plus, Tetra Blaster!" He fired his attack and struck Wukong in the back.

"Augh!" He cried, staggering forwards as he did.

Wukong: 750Gs
Ziperator: 850Gs

Wukong moaned as Heath rushed over to a building near him, whilst Ziperator flew down and charged up another Tetra Blaster.

But before it could, Heath held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" He threw the card at Wukong and as it hit the ground, it exploded into a spiral of flames. "Firewall!" Ziperator fired but the blast couldn't get passed the flames, allowing Wukong to pick himself up and leapt forward.

"Raaaaah!" He roared, shooting through the fire and smashing a fist into Ziperator face.

Wukong: 900Gs
Ziperator: 850Gs

Ziperator crashed into the obsidian ground and slid backwards. And as it did, Heath took out another card. "Ability, Activate!" Wukong started beating his chest, "Blazing Rhythm!" The flaming shockwaves banged off his chest and flew towards Ziperator, hitting it as it tried to pick itself up.

Wukong: 900Gs
Ziperator: 750Gs

Ziperator cried out as it was knocked backwards, returning to ball form and falling to the ground as Blaze's life gauge dropped.

Blaze: 62%
Heath: 74%

"Ahaaaa!" Heath cheered as Wukong returned to him, "you see that? Proof that I'm better than Blaze at Bakugan."

"All it proves is that you like to get ahead of yourself," Salamandra told him. "This battle isn't over until one of the life gauges drops to zero. Until then, it's anyone's game."

"Well Blaze is about to have his life gauge drop so fast it'll fall into the negatives!" Heath took out a Gate Card, "let's do this Wukong. Gate Card!" He threw it, "SET!" As it hit the ground, he grabbed his partner and threw him forwards. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" Wukong was sent flying through a whole bunch of power-ups before hitting the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" In a burst of fire, he popped open and transformed.

"Let's do this!" Wukong cheered as he broke out of the fire tornado. "For Heath and all of Vestroia, I won't hold back!" He powered up.

Wukong: 750Gs

"Very well," Salamandra told them. "I think it's time you saw what a true Pyrus Bakugan looked like." Blaze grabbed him before leaping into the air.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw Salamandra and the Bakugan shot through a quartet of power-ups before hitting the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" He popped open and exploded into flames, "Pyrus Salamandra." The flames then faded to reveal Salamandra's true form, being a large blue humanoid lizard with a white nose, mouth, neck, chest and stomach. He wore red flame patterned armor on his chest, knees and feet, whilst he wore a pair of flame patterned gauntlets on the ends of his arms that had three long silver claws. His face was covered by a red flame patterned mask and coming out of his head was a long curved horn.

Wukong stared at Salamandra in amazement, as Heath checked out his power.

Wukong: 750Gs
Salamandra: 600Gs

"Salamandra," Wukong whispered, "he's the most powerful Pyrus Bakugan that ever lived." He gulped, as Salamandra powered up. "I don't stand a chance."

Wukong: 750Gs
Salamandra: 800Gs

"Gate Card!" Heath cried as the flow glowed, "OPEN!" Suddenly, the ground burst into flames which caused large trees to grow out of them with fire coming out the top. "Flaming Jungle!"

"WOW!" Wukong yelled as he leapt up and grabbed onto the branch of a tree, the flames on its powering him up.

Wukong: 1050Gs
Salamandra: 800Gs

Salamandra watched as Wukong swung from one branch to another, clearly not impressed. "You shouldn't have been so eager to get a leg up," he told Heath. "You should have tried to save this for a better chance."

"And why's that?" Heath asked, as Blaze held up a card.

"Because now I'm going to destroy this Gate Card!"

"Ability, Activate!" Salamandra leapt forward, bouncing off a tree trunk and jumping high above the forest. "Fire Rocket!" His entire body ignited before he shot towards the ground, flying passed each of the trees and causing the tree's wood to ignite and burn to ash.

"Yaaaah!" Wukong cried as the tree he was on snapped, causing him to fall and crash into the ground. "Ow." As he picked himself up, Salamandra slammed into him. "GYAH!"

Wukong: 750Gs
Salamandra: 1050Gs

Heath's eyes went wide as Wukong hit the ground. "He wiped out my Gate Card and powered himself up!" He watched as Salamandra exploded out of the flames and landed, spinning around and making the flames around him dance. "He's strong!"

"Now you see the full power of a Pyrus Bakugan!" Salamandra cried, "burn everything that stands in your way to ashes. That is how we brawl."

"Ahh!" Wukong cried as he rolled onto his front and pushed himself up, "he's tough."

"Well we're not gonna lose," Heath told him before holding up a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Wukong pushed himself up as his flaming hair exploded, "Blast Infernal!" He then brought his hands together to create a sphere of lava, "plus, Eruption Force!"

Wukong: 1050Gs
Salamandra: 1050Gs

Wukong charged at Salamandra, swinging his hair around to try and slam it into him. But Salamandra's powerful legs allowed him to leap up and over the attack. "Too slow!" He cried, whilst Wukong threw the lava sphere at him.

"Ability, Activate!" Blaze held up a card as Salamandra's claws burst into flames, "Blazing Knuckle!"

Wukong: 1050Gs
Salamandra: 1200Gs

Salamandra dived down and thrust a burning fist into the lava ball, causing it to explode. He then reached Wukong and swung the other fist at him, hitting him right in the face and causing him to cry out. "Gyah!" He staggered back, whilst Salamandra leapt forward to plant a powerful stomp into Wukong's chest.

"WUKONG!" Heath cried as his partner fell into a building, whilst Salamandra landed next to Blaze's building. "You okay. You gotta get up!"

"it's over," Salamandra stated. "Face it. You have no chance against Blaze. Not in the state you're in!"

"SHUT UP!" Heath yelled, holding up a card. "Fusion Ability, ACTIVATE!" Wukong, despite the pain he was in, forced himself up and out of the building's remains as the ability activate. "Volcanic Impact!"

"Raaaaah!" He created the lava orb and thrust his fist into it, as he charged towards Salamandra

Wukong: 1300Gs
Salamandra: 1200Gs

"GET HIM!" Heath yelled, as Wukong got in close towards Salamandra. But as he did, Blaze held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" He threw the card and it burst into flames before hitting the ground in front of Salamandra, the flames shooting up and forming a barrier. "Flame Shield!" Wukong struck the shield with his fist and when he did, the lava vanished.

"What?" He asked as Salamandra then absorbed the flames, powering him up as Wukong felt his drop.

Wukong: 1050Gs
Salamandra: 1300Gs

Before Wukong could react, Salamandra shot forward and struck him in the face. "AUGH!" He cried, staggering back as Blaze held up another card.

"Ability, Activate!" Salamandra's claws ignited and he thrust them into the ground, causing a fissure to open and fill with flames. "Burning Cyclone!" The fissure shot towards Wukong and formed a circle around him, the fire exploding out of it and spiralling around.

Wukong tried to get through the flames, but they were moving so fast they formed a solid wall that knocked him back. "I'm stuck!" He cried, attempting to punch through it with little success. "Heath!"

"Ability," Heath held up a card, "Activate!" But the card didn't, "what?" He looked it over before holding it up again, "Activate!" But still, the card didn't react. "What's wrong?" He then turned to the vortex surrounding Wukong and slowly came to a realisation. "Don't tell me."

"Burning Cyclone!" Salamandra cried, "traps the opponent and prevents them from using Abilities. You're trapped."

"This can't be happening!" Heath cried, as Wukong kept tried to escape. But as he threw a punch, the tornado suddenly unleashed a dragon-headed fire serpent that smashed into him.

"Augh!" He cried as he staggered backwards, whilst another serpent shot out and hit him in the back. "Gyah!" More and more serpents shot out and slammed into him, the ape unable to fight back as every time he threw a punch his attacks phased right through. A serpent then struck the back of his knee, making him cry out as his leg gave out and he fell to the ground and barely held himself up.

"Wukong!" Heath yelled, then turned to see Blaze smiling at him. That smug expression on his face made Heath's entire body shake, as tears began to leak from his eyes and he fell to his knees. "You couldn't do it. You couldn't let me have this one thing. Couldn't let me be better then you at just one thing!"

Wukong groaned as he tried to push himself up, "Heath..."

The teen didn't hear this and was too preoccupied thinking about everything his brother had ever bested him at. Sports, video games, cooking, school and even skate boarding. "When I learned about Bakugan, I thought it could be something I could be better at him at. And by the time he decided to try it, I could already be so good people would start thinking he learned form me. But...but now..."

"Heath!" Wukong roared, "that's not your brother. It's just a copy Salamandra created."

"A perfect copy," Salamandra reminded him. "One that is brawling exactly like your brother. And since you're losing to it..."

"I'm losing to Blaze," Heath cried. "I'm being overshadowed by him again." He punched the ground, "WHY! Why do I always have to live in his shadow." He continued to think back to his childhood, remembering how people would always cheer for him. And when they saw Heath doing something.

"Oh, how cute. He's trying to imitate his brother."

"He must idolise him."

"I did idolise him," Heath stated. "I wanted to be just like him. I worked so hard." He thought back to the time he learned to ride his skateboard.

A six year old Heath looked at the board in his back garden. He then placed his foot on it. But as soon as he lifted his other one, the board slid out from under him. "Ow!" He cried as he hit the ground. He looked ready to start crying, but then someone appeared next to him. "Blaze!"

An eleven year old Blaze smiled down and picked his younger brother up. "Don't cry bro. You can do it. It's all about balance." Heath nodded and Blaze grabbed his board, showing Heath how to get on it. Where to put his foot so the board didn't slip.

They spent the entire day practising this and by the end of it, Heath was able to get on and off the Board without falling. "That's it. You're doing great. Took me three days to figure out how to stand on this without falling." Heath smiled at this, happy he had been able to do something faster than his brother.

But when he started showing people, it began. "Of course it took you less time," an adult told him as he stated this fact. "Your brother learned to skateboard on his own. If he had had someone to teach him, he would have learned much faster." That sapped the enthusiasm out of Heath in an instant.

"Don't listen to them," Blaze told him. "I might have shown you how, but you're the one who worked so hard to learn it. Be proud of that."

And so it was that Blaze started teaching him everything he knew about skateboarding. Heath took to it like a fish to water, absorbing everything he had learned like a sponge. And as he learned, he started experimenting on his own.

"WOOOW!" an eleven year old Heath cried as he performed a trick for all his friends that marvelled them, the kids all being amazed as he landed perfectly. "What do you think of that?"

"It was awesome!" A kid cried, "can your brother teach us that too?" Heath frowned.

"My brother didn't teach me that. I learned it on my own."

"No way," another kid told him. "Your brother had to have shown you how to do it." They then noticed Blaze arrive at the skatepark, the lot rushing over to him and crowding around to ask him to teach them how to do it. Heath watched and frowned before throwing his board to the ground in anger and stomping off.

"Why?" He asked as he sat on a nearby bench, "why can't anyone see how good I am?" He knew that as long as he tried to become as good as Blaze at anything he was known for, all anyone would see him as was his little brother that couldn't hold a candle to him. "Why?"

"Why?" He cried as Wukong continued to groan in pain.

"Heath!" Wukong cried, "you have to stop this." Heath barely heard him say this, "constantly moping about it isn't gonna help. It wasn't you brother's fault people thought like that." Heath looked up at him, as another serpent slammed into him.

"It...it wasn't?"

"Did Blaze ever make fun of you? Did he ever put you down, saying the only reason you were so good was because of him?" Heath thought about it and realised that, no, Blaze had never said anything like that. "Did he ever try to diminish your accomplishments?" No, he had always tried to make him feel happy about what he had done, no matter what others said. "I've never met Blaze, but I don't think he would have taught you all that stuff just so people could praise him. I think he loved everything about all those things and wanted to love them more by sharing them with you."

"He wanted...to share it with me?" Heath asked. And as he did, he suddenly found himself remembering other events.

The only reason he wanted to learn how to skateboard was because Blaze had bought him the board. "I saw you watching me and if you learn, we can board together." More memories began to flood through his mind. Memories of him and Blaze skateboarding side by side down the street. Heath remembered the looks on Blaze's face as they did so, seeing he was more happy then than any other time he had seen Blaze board. "Great work bro!"

"Blaze..." He whispered as he remembered the time he had stormed off. Until now, he only ever remembered that part. But now, more of the memories were beginning to play.

Heath sat on the bench, upset that everyone kept fawning over Blaze. "Why?" He asked, getting ready to start crying.

But then, someone appeared besides him and sat down. It was Blaze, the sixteen year old putting both his and Heath's boards down next to them. "You okay?"

"It's not fair," he told him. "I worked really hard on that trick and everyone thinks you came up with it." Blaze sighed.

"I know. I'm sorry." He put an arm around him, "but you shouldn't care what anyone else says. You came up with that trick and you should be proud of it."

"But what's the point if everyone thinks it was just you?" Heath sighed and pulled his legs up to push them into his chest. "I love boarding, but I'll never get to be seen for it. Whenever someone looks at me, they always see you. That's all I'll ever be, Blaze's little brother who was taught everything he knows by the more talented brother who learnt everything on his own."

Blaze chuckled, "well that's not true." He gave Heath a serious look, "I taught you everything I know. But I didn't teach you everything you know." Heath looked at him in confusion, "I never would have thought to do that trick. And you've shown me a bunch of other moves I never thought possible. I knew you had a talent for skateboarding."

"I'm only good because you taught me."

"That's true," Blaze nodded. "But I know for a fact that if I didn't teach you, you would have just learnt it yourself. All I did was show you the right way to do things. I sped up what you were gonna naturally learn. I wasn't half as good as you are now when I was your age and you're just as good as me now. I bet when you're my age, you'll trounce me at skateboarding."

"But nobody will notice. They'll just think you did it."

"Who cares what others think. Just care about what you can do and let everyone else think whatever they wanna think. It doesn't matter. You know I'll always have your back, no matter what you decide to do." Heath smiled at this, actually feeling better as Blaze grabbed his board. "Now come on, mom'll probably be wondering where we are. Race you home!"

Heath laughed and grabbed his board, the brothers jumping onto them and riding towards home. As they did, Heath looked over and smiled seeing his brother laughing at how much fun they were having.

"Blaze never tried to make me think he was better. He always told me I'd be the best, encouraged me to do my best at whatever I tried." Heath looked down at his hand, now realising what had been happening.

He always thought he was trying so hard at everything to beat his brother, to prove he wasn't just his copy. But that's not it at all. He had always tried so hard to be the best to make his brother proud. So that Blaze could tell people he was right about Heath. His jealousy and feeling of inferiority had blinded him to that fact, until now.

"Is that what's been holding me back?" He asked, "my jealousy of my brother? Always feeling inferior to him and wanting to try and prove how much better I am at things then him." As he said this, be began to glow along with the Pyrus Energy. "But I'm not better than Blaze. And he's not better than me. We're bother equals. We're brothers who are stronger standing together, instead of competing. Blaze knew this and I can't believe I didn't realise it until now."

"That's it Heath," Wukong nodded as he pushed himself back to his feet despite the fire serpents slamming into him. "You tell'em!"

"I know who I am now," Heath pushed himself up to his feet. "I am Blaze's little brother. But that's not all I am. I'm a skateboarder. I'm a Bakugan Battle Brawler! I'm a member of the BakuFighters! And I'm the one the Legendary Pyrus Guardian chose to entrust Wukong too." He placed his hand over his heart, "I am Heath Burns. And I'm gonna win this brawl, not to get one over on my brother. But to grow strong enough to protect him and anyone else I care about from Lucifer and anyone who tries to hurt them. I WILL WIN!" Then it happened.

Suddenly, a bright red light filled the air and everyone looked up to see the Pyrus Energy had activated. "What?" Salamandra asked as the orb burst into flames and shot down towards Wukong, combining with his Burning Cyclone.

Then the flames of the twister began to fly inwards and spiral around the ape, who instinctively curled himself up. The tornado completely vanished, being replaced by a fiery cocoon that sealed the Pyrus Bakugan inside. "Wukong!" Heath cried, fearing his friends was in trouble. But then his BakuColar beeped and he looked down to see Wukong's G Power begin to raise.

"Power Surge Detected"

Heath remembered the same thing happening to Leonidas when he evolved, making him realise what this must be.

"Amazing," Salamandra whispered, "did the Pyrus Energy react to Heath's strong emotions.

Suddenly, the flames exploded off of Wukong and revealed his new form. He was now taller and stood more upright, appearing practically human. His arms and hands were smaller, whilst his legs were longer than before. His chest was bulkier and covered in white fur now, along with his feet and the sides of his head. He now had a long red tail and his fingers and toes remained bright yellow. The bushy mane of fire he once wielded was now a long thin stream of fire that resembled a ponytail, and around his head he had a strong golden ring.

"RAAAAH!" He roared before beating his chest, "check me out! Introducing, the new and improved Pyrus King Wukong!"

"King Wukong?" Heath asked, as Wukong looked around and smiled at him.

"Because you were able to overcome the inferiority you were feeling, the Pyrus Energy deemed you worthy to let me evolve." He smirked and poked a thumb into his chest, "what do you think?"

"I think you look awesome!" Heath cried, looking down at his BakuColar to see Wukong's new score.

Wukong: 1300Gs
Salamandra: 1300Gs

"You may have evolved!" Salamandra cried, as Wukong turned back to him. "But that's still not enough to defeat me." But then he saw Heath and Wukong smile as the teen took out a card.

"You wanna bet!?" He held the card up, "Ability, Activate!" Wukong brought his fists together and pulled them apart, a line of fire appearing between them that continued to extend. "Ruyi Bang!" The flames vanished, revealing a long staff that Wukong began to spin around before charging.

Wukong: 1550Gs
Salamandra: 1300Gs

As Wukong reached him, Salamandra tried to attack with his claws. But the monkey began swinging the staff around, deflecting the attacks before hitting the lizard several times. The Pyrus Guardian cried out with every hit, as Blaze took out a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Salamandra's claws began to heat up and as it leapt back, he swung them around. "Heatwave!" The wave of hot air shot towards Wukong and hit him head on, pushing the ape back and he winced.

Wukong: 1450Gs
Salamandra: 1300Gs

Wukong shook this off and charged, as Salamandra took on a defensive tactic and leapt into the air again and again. "You might be stronger, but all that power is meaningless if you can't hit me!"

"You're right!" Wukong cried, "so then I'll have to hit you. Heath!"

"Oh yeah!" Heath smirked as he held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Wukong's hair exploded and shot off of him, forming a fiery cloud in the sky. "Flaming Nimbus!" Wukong leapt up and landed on the cloud, using it like a skateboard and taking off as his power rose.

Wukong: 1600Gs
Salamandra: 1300Gs

Salamandra was shocked by this, as Wukong got in close and swung his staff into the lizard's face. "Augh!" He was slammed into the ground as Wukong continued to fly around, the reptile quickly getting back up. "You have gotten stronger!" Wukong dived down, "but it's still not enough to beat me!"

Blaze held up a card, "Fusion Ability, Activate!" Salamandra's body exploded into flames, which began spinning around him as he shot into the air. "Spiral Inferno!"

Wukong: 1600Gs
Salamandra: 1650Gs

The two Pyrus Bakugan slammed into one another and Wukong tried to push Salamandra back with his staff. But eventually, Salamandra overpowered him and the attack slammed him backwards. "Gyah!" He cried as he was knocked off his cloud and both it and the staff vanished. "Augh!" He crashed into the ground, whilst Wukong spun around and dived down ready to slam into him again.

"Wukong!" Heath cried, but took a deep breath. "We're not done. For Vestroia, the Bakugan, our FAMILIES!" He opened his eyes and took out a card, "WE WILL PROTECT THEM ALL!" He held the card up, "FUSION ABILITY, ACTIVATE!"

Wukong began to breakdance, spinning around on his back as his hands, feet and tail-tip ignited. This sent spirals of fire shooting out in all directions, "Monkey King Inferno!" The flames struck Salamandra again and again, stopping him dead in his tracks.

Wukong: 2050Gs
Salamandra: 1650Gs

Wukong let out a powerful monkey roar as he leapt forward, the staff reappearing in his blazing fists. He then swung the staff around with all his might, striking Salamandra right in the chest.

"AUGH!" Salamandra roared as he was struck, the lizard forcing his eyes to stay open. He stared at Wukong, then shifted his gaze to Heath. The look in the boy's eyes made it clear, he really had overcome his issues. "Well done." With that, he reverted back to ball form and was sent flying who knows where.

Blaze: 0%
Heath: 74% (Winner)

Heath panted, then realised what had just happened. "We...we won." Wukong turned to him and smiled before reverting back to ball form and flying over to him, Heath catching him and marvelling at his new ball form. "We did it Wukong!"

"Heck yeah we did!" Wukong cheered, jumping up and down on his hand. Heath smiled, then heard movement behind him and looked around to see that Blaze had somehow gotten onto the same roof as him.

"Blaze," he whispered. He stared his brother down, Blaze looking at him before giving him a smile. A sincere one that Heath couldn't help but reciprocate. "Blaze!" He rushed forward, hoping to hug his brother. But before he could, Blaze vanished. "Huh?" He stopped as the world around him turned black, "what's happening?" Then, a bright light filled his vision and made him cry out.

The light then dimmed enough for him to see he was standing on a stage in front of a large group of people, who were cheering his name and applauding.

"What's going on?" He asked as Wukong leapt onto his shoulder.

"Isn't it obvious. They're cheering for you." Heath was amazed by this and continued listening to the cheers, his heart swelling at the sound before he smiled and began to wave back.

"Thank you!" He told them, "I promise I won't let you down."

"You'd better not," Salamandra's voice called out. The pair looked around, but couldn't see him anywhere. His voice simply echoed out from every direction. "Heath Burns, you have overcome the limitations that have held you back. Now you can reach for your true potential. Remember this day and the lesson you have learnt, for you will need it the next time you find yourself facing this obstacle. Keep firm in your beliefs and you will always succeed, my new Pyrus Warrior."

"Thank you Salamandra," Heath smiled. "I promise to fight with everything you've taught me." He then turned to Wukong, "and thank you for standing by me through this."

"No problem bud," Wukong nodded. "You know I've always got your back. And now that you've helped me evolve, I can fight against Ragnaroid and whoever else tries to stop us from saving the world." Heath nodded and as he did, the room they were in vanished as well.

The next thing they knew, a beam of light shot down and surrounded them. Before either of them could figure out what was happening, they were suddenly shot up into the air. They cried out as the light blinded them, wondering where they were going now. And wondering how the others were doing as well.

Author's Note

Well, the first test is over and Heath has past. Hope you enjoyed Wukong's new form and liked Heath's test. I tried to foreshadow just enough so it wasn't obvious. Please tell me what you think.

For those wondering about Wukong's ball form...I'm not sure. Maybe Aranaut. If anyone has any suggestion for his ball form, let me know.

Reflections in the Water

Lyra's mind was awash with images, as she felt herself beginning to come around. As she did, the images reminded her of the situation she was in. Of meeting the Guardians and being challenged by them.

As he mind cleared, she could hear a voice calling out to her. "Lyra...LYRA!" Her eyes flew open and she found the first thing she saw was Nimue, who was standing on her chest looking down at her. "Oh, good. You're okay. I was beginning to worry."

Lyra moaned as she sat up and looked around, seeing they were in a large forest. "Where are we?"

"This is Seadranoid's realm," Nimue explained. "The place where you are to be tested." Lyra got to her feet and looked around, seeing no sign of Seadranoid or anyone else.

"Well when's the test gonna start?" She asked, feeling worried she had just been dumped in the middle of nowhere and left to aimlessly wonder.

"I'm sure Seadranoid will make our test known to us," Nimue explained. "For now, let's see if we can get somewhere high and figure out the best place to wait." Lyra nodded and looked around, seeing there was actually a path up ahead of them. Seeing no better options, she began to make her way towards it.

As they did, Lyra couldn't help but wonder. "What do you think my test is gonna be?"

"I'm not sure," Nimue told her. "The Guardians said there was an obstacle holding you back from your true potential, so this test will likely have you face that obstacle. If you can't overcome it, you'll fail." Lyra frowned, wondering what that obstacle could be. But before she could think about it for too long, something came into view that made them both gasp.

It was a little old woman, who was only about four feet tall and dressed in ragged clothing with wild bushy white hair. She was laid out on the ground, looking like she had collapsed. "Are you okay?" Lyra asked, rushing forward and kneeling by her side. "Oh please don't be dead." As she said that, the little old woman moaned and opened her eyes.

"Young lady," she whispered. "Are you real or just an exhaustion induced hallucination?"

"I'm real," Lyra stated as she helped her sit up. "But what are you doing out here in the middle of the forest?"

"I could ask you the same question," the lady replied. "But to answer your question, I'm out here searching for a legendary spring."

"A spring?" Nimue asked.

"This spring is said to have the power to rejuvenate the body and grant those that drink it new life. It'd make someone as old as me feel like someone as old as you. But I can't seem to find it." Lyra and Nimue shared a look, having a feeling this might be part of her test.

"We'll help you find it," Lyra smiled. "Where's this spring located."

"It is said to be at the base of a mountain in the north," the lady explained. "But I have no idea where that is." Lyra frowned and looked up, only to then see a mountaintop above the trees.

"There it is," Lyra smiled before Nimue noticed something.

"Er...Lyra." She turned to Nimue and saw another mountain to their right, then they looked around and saw another two all perfectly distanced away from one another. Now she had four mountains to pick from. "Which one could it be?"

Lyra tried to think, then had an idea. "You said it was in the north?" She asked her new friend, who nodded before Lyra turned towards the nearest tree. She looked it over, smiling when she saw something. "Moss only grows north," she explained whilst pointing out a patch of green fuzz growing on the trunk. "So that means the mountain is in that direction!" She pointed towards the mountain in the same direction the moss was growing, the woman and Nimue marvelling at this.

"Incredible Lyra," Nimue told her as Lyra knelt down in front of the woman.

"Get on," she told her. "We'll get there quicker if I carry you." The woman nodded and climbed onto her back, Lyra hoisting her up. Despite the old lady being small, Lyra found she was rather heavy. She grunted under the weight, but kept going and began to walk towards the mountain.

"Thank you young lady," the woman smiled. "You're such a nice girl. So kind and so smart."

"Like thanks," she smiled before flinching and looking back the way they were going. The lady seemed to notice this and they kept going, eventually reaching the base of the mountain and stepping out of the trees.

There they found a large open field with many beautiful flowers, along with a large crescent of rocks in the centre. "Over there," the woman pointed. "The spring." Lyra began to move towards it but as they did, she noticed a stream that was originating from the crescent. At least it was the remains of a stream.

Instead of being filled with water, it was just a trench that looked dry to the bone. "But if the streams are dried up..." Sure enough, when she arrived at the crescent she found herself looking at an empty pit that they surrounded. "The water's gone."

"Oh dear," the lady sighed. "I was afraid of this." Lyra turned to her, "the legend says that the spring will only appear when it hears the sound of beautiful music."

"Beautiful music?" Lyra asked, wondering how the heck she was gonna do that. But then Nimue spoke up.

"Lyra, other there!" She looked around and was surprised to see a large harp located besides on of the rocks. "What's that thing doing here?"

"I don't know," Lyra was confused but realised she could use it. "Miss, could you please get down?" The woman nodded and Lyra carefully dropped her, then walked over to the harp. "It's been a while." She cracked her knuckles as Nimue looked at her.

"Lyra, do you know how to play this?" Lyra blushed and stepped forward, then started playing the instrument. She plucked at the strings with amazing skill, causing them to unleash a rhythmic sound that filled the field. Nimue and the woman were amazed by this, as Lyra played a perfect piece with barely any concentration.

As she played, the pit where the spring was supposed to be began to shake and rumble. But Lyra didn't stop and kept playing, causing it to continue. Then, from out of a small hole in the pit's base, a stream of water shot out and began to rill the bowl.

They were all in awe at this, as the spring completely filled and began to feed the stream as well.

As soon as the spring was filled, the woman pulled herself over to it and practically submerged her entire head into the water. As she did, Lyra stopped playing. "That was amazing," Nimue told her. "I didn't know you could play the harp."

Lyra smiled, "I haven' had a chance to play with everything that's been going on. Glad to see my skills haven't faded." At that moment, the woman pulled her head out and sighed.

"So refreshing. They were right about this spring. It really does have amazing effects." She got to her feet and to the girl's shock, she leapt a good twenty feet into the air before landing on one of the rocks. There she turned towards them and had a new look upon her face. "You have a good heart, and a strong mind. But one has to wonder what else lies within your ssssoul."

"What?" Lyra asked, only for the woman to suddenly become surrounded in a tornado of water. When the tornado faded, someone else stood in her place. "Seadranoid!"

"That'sssss right," the figure stated. "I chose you Lyra, for I ssssssaw much hidden potential within you. But you have allowed that potential to be squandered because of your own insecuritiessssss."

"What are you talking about?" Lyra asked, "I'm not insecure about anything."

"Oh really?" Seadranoid asked as he held up his hand, the Aquos Energy appearing in it. "Then prove it to me, and take the energy that you ssssseeek." With that, the orb flew into the air and glowed. As it did, the spring suddenly exploded and unleashed a massive amount of water that flew everywhere.

Lyra and Nimue cried out as the wave knocked them both down and surrounded them with water, the two barely having enough time to hold their breaths. When they recovered from the shock and looked around, they were both deep under the water body and looked up to see the surface ten feet up.

They quickly swam up and when they broke through the surface, they looked around and found nothing but water in every direction. They then noticed a lilypad that appeared out of the water, the pair swimming over and pulling themselves up onto it.

"What just happened?" Lyra asked, only for a blue light to make them look up and see a bunch more lilypads in the sky around them along with a bunch of power-up coins. And above that, the Aquos Energy was glowing as Seadranoid appeared floating next to it.

"Now your true test ssssshall begin," he explained before pointing to the water. "Behold your opponent!" Lyra looked down and as she did, she saw her own reflection in the water. But this Lyra was completely blue, her skin, hair and clothing all looking so.

Lyra was about to ask what was going on, only for her reflection to wink back at her. "Huh?" She pulled back, but the reflection remained the same. Then, it shot over to another lilypad whilst remaining intact before leaping out of the water. The reflection was now completely whole, landing on the lilypad and smiling as the girls were shocked.

"What is this?" Nimue asked, "how can there be another Lyra?"

"It has to be a fake," Lyra frowned as Seadranoid floated down next to the clone.

"Oh I beg to differ," he explained. "This Lyra is every bit assssss real assssss yoursssssself." Lyra didn't believe that at all, "and if you wisssssh to passssss thisssss tesssst, you mussssst defeat her."

"Fine then," Lyra stated as she held up her BakuColar. "Hope you're ready, fake me. I'm taking you down in one round!"

The new Lyra looked at her before she started giggling, surprising the pair. "Like, whatever. This is gonna be a total blast." She held up her BakuColar, "like...Bakugan Brawl!"

"What?" Nimue asked, "what is she talking about?" Lyra also looked confused, but she felt a strange sense of familiarity with the way that version of her was talking.

She quickly shook it off as he BakuColar glowed. "Bakugan Brawl!" The watches glowed and unleashed a light, starting the match.

Lyra: 100%
Lyra-2: 100%

The other Lyra held up a card, "like...Gate Card Set!" She threw it and as it landed on the water and exploded, she leapt into the air onto one of the lilypads. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" She threw the orb through the air and hit several power-ups before landing on the water, bouncing on it like a skipping stone. "Bakugan, Totally Stand!" The ball opened up and exploded, "Aquos Stug!" It sunk below the water seconds before the surface exploded, with a giant hermit crab Bakugan appearing.

Stug: 330Gs

The Bakugan glowed as its power rose.

Stug: 480Gs

"My turn!" Lyra leapt up onto another lilypad, then another and another before jumping up into the air. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" She threw the Bakugan and it shot through the air, hitting a quartet of power-ups before landing on the water. "Bakugan...STAND!" Is sank beneath the waves, "Abis Omega!" From out of the water, a giant snake Bakugan appeared.

Stug: 480Gs
Abis Omega: 350Gs

Seadranoid chuckled at the sight of it, as Abis Omega glowed.

Stug: 480Gs
Abis Omega: 550Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Lyra instantly called, "Dry World!" Suddenly, the water around Abis Omega turned into mist that filled the entire area.

"You think a little misssst can sssssstop usssss?" Seadranoid asked as Stug looked around, only for the mist to clear and reveal the water around them had vanished. They looked up and saw Abis Omega was inside a water bubble.

"Check it out," Lyra smirked. "Dry World prevents other Aquos Bakugan from using their Aquos Ability, whilst Abis Omega can still use his. Plus, it steals two hundred Gs from the opponent.

Stug: 280Gs
Abis Omega: 750Gs

"Not bad," Seadranoid smirked. "Too bad I saw this coming. That's why I chose to use Stug." He turned to the other Lyra, "do it."

"Okay," she giggled before holding up a card, "like Ability Ability!" The card glowed as Stug's body changed colour, "Dark Vice-Grip!" Its claws suddenly surrounded themselves with dark energy, which shot off and formed shadows claws that flew towards the bubble.

"Look out!" Lyra cried, as the claws grabbed Abis Omega and caused the bubble to pop. Suddenly, a million gallons of water exploded out of the bubble and refilled the area around them. "Gyah!" She cried as her lilypad was almost tipped over by the sudden flood.

"This isn't good," Nimue cried, "Dark Vice-Grip is a Darkus Ability that nullifies an opponent's last Ability and steals a hundred Gs from them.

Stug: 580Gs
Abis Omega: 450Gs

As Abis Omega was held by the shadow claws, Stug retreated into its shell and started spinning. Suddenly, it shot into the air and smashed into the snake. Abis Omega hissed in pain as it reverted back to ball from.

"No!" Lyra cried, as her Bakugan and Life Gauge both fell.

Lyra: 74%
Lyra-2: 100%

"YAY!" The other Lyra cheered as she jumped up, grabbing the returning Stug and dancing around. "I win, I win, I win, I win!"

"Now now little one," Seadranoid told her. "That wassss only round one. We ssssstill have a waysssss to go before victory is oursssss."

"Oh," she smiled and bonked her head, "my bad!" Lyra frowned as she heard this, the way her duplicate was speaking feeling off. But then, she realised something.

"No," she shook her head, "it can't be." Nimue turned to her, "no, no, no!"

"What?" She asked, "what's wrong?" She turned to the other Lyra, "do you know what that is?"

"Seadranoid was right," Lyra whispered. "That Lyra is the real me. The old me." Nimue turned to her, clearly confused. "That's the me that I stopped being a long time ago. When I was young, I was always bright. When most kids were learning a cat from a dog, I was reading at a fourth grade level and had already learned several songs on the harp. But that brightness I had caused the other kids to be afraid of me. I never made any friends and was forced to be on my own. Then my parents and I moved here to Canterlot right before middle school. That's when I decided to change."

"Change?"

"I decided to hide how smart I was. I kept my grades up but never participated in class questions unless specifically asked. And even then, I pretended I was another idiot."

A younger Lyra was sitting in her class, staring at the other kids as the teacher asked a girl a question.

The girl frowned for a moment, trying to think. Then she answered. "Like...I don't know." The teacher frowned at this and turned to Lyra, asking her if she knew the answer.

Lyra looked at the board and the answer came to her without much thought, but she frowned in fear that the other students would make fun of her. So, she played the fool and mimicked the other girl. "Like...I don't know."

"And that's how it started. I went from being the class prodigy to being a ditsy girl that constantly giggled and got confused. I made sure to keep how well I did in class a secret and whenever I wasn't working, I was playing the part of the brainless bimbo so people would like me. That was who I was throughout all of middle school."

"But you don't act like this anymore," Nimue pointed out. Lyra nodded.

"It was fun at first and I figured I could slowly start showing my friends how smart I was, but as time went on I started fearing that if I did that they wouldn't like me anymore. I couldn't stand being alone again, but I hated pretending to be an idiot who was only interested in clothes and boys. Then I started high school and I learned my friends were all going to a different school."

"So you decided to give up being that version of you," Nimue realised with Lyra nodding.

"And I was able to find friends that liked me for who I was. Who I really was. A year later Bonnie moved to Canterlot and joined us in school, and I met Flash, Derpy and my other friends. I was able to be the real me and not be alone." She glared at her clone, "but she never truly went away. The valley girl persona I made kept popping up every now and then when I got excited."

"I see," Nimue realised she was right. Whenever Lyra got scared, excited or angry, she would slip into a different way of speaking. "So this is the you from back then. But why have you face off against it."

"Isn't it obvious?" She asked, "this is my test. To prove I'm better than the old me. If I can beat this bimbo, I can finally put her behind me and move on as the real me." Nimue frowned, not entirely sure that being the case as Lyra took out a card. "Now I have to win this. Gate Card!" She threw it, "SET!" The card exploded as Lyra leapt up onto a floating lilypad before jumping up. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" The ball shot through the air and hit a few power-ups before landing in the water, "Bakugan...STAND!" It opened up and sank below the water, "Aquos Fangoid!"

The water exploded and from it, the blue horned brontosaur appeared.

Fangoid: 350Gs

"Interesting choice," Seadranoid hissed as Fangoid's power rose.

Fangoid: 500Gs

"Use Limulusssssss," Seadranoid told the other Lyra as she seemed confused about her choice of Bakugan.

"Oh," she smiled, "O K doe K." She leapt up and up until she reached a high lilypad, then leapt off of it. "Bakugan, BRAWL!" She threw it, hitting some power ups before landing. "Bakugan, Stand!" She sung that last bit as Limulus opened up and fell under the water, surging out of it moments later.

Limulus: 350Gs
Fangoid: 500Gs

The horseshoe crab scuttled forward as its power rose and the other Lyra held up a card.

Limulus: 500Gs
Fangoid: 500Gs

"Like...Ability, Activate!" Limulus suddenly dived under the water, "Dive Mirage!" It swam faster and faster, moving straight towards Fangoid.

Limulus: 650Gs
Fangoid: 500Gs

"Ability," Lyra held up a card, "Activate!" Fangoid took a deep breath as its mouth filled with cold air. "Goliath Snow!" It roared and unleashed a stream of snow that shot towards the water, causing it to freeze with Limulus locked in place. "That's it," Lyra smirked as Dive Mirage was cancelled out.

Limulus: 500Gs
Fangoid: 500Gs

"Ssssmart," Seadranoid chuckled, "but there's more to this game then just brains. Heart is a big factor as well." As he said that, the other Lyra held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The frozen water beneath them shook as Limulus vibrated, "Depth Tornado!" Suddenly, the ice shattered as a water vortex shot out and struck Fangoid. The beast roared as Limulus flew through the tornado and slammed into it.

Limulus: 600Gs
Fangoid: 500Gs

As Fangoid staggered back, Lyra saw no other choice. "Gate Card, OPEN!" The floor began to glow a bright light, which spread to Fangoid. "Avalon!" The light flew off Fangoid and into Nimue, "ready?"

"Always," she told her as Fangoid returned to ball form. Lyra then grabbed Nimue and threw her in.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" Nimue flew onto the field and instantly shot into the water, which then began to glow a bright light. "Bakugan...STAND!" Moments later, the water exploded as Nimue leapt out in her true form. The lady of the lake smiled as she inherited all of Fangoid's power plus a little extra.

Limulus: 600Gs
Nimue: 950Gs

Nimue charged, dancing across the water ready to deal a powerful blow to Limulus. But before she could, the other Lyra held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Limulus suddenly glowed, "Holograph Divide!" The light shot off him and formed a barrier, which Nimue kicked only to find she couldn't break through.

"Excellent. Holograph Divide allowed Limulus'ssssss power to grow to mirror the opponent'sssss."

Limulus: 950Gs
Nimue: 950Gs

Limulus shot through the barrier and swung its sharp tail around, slashing at Nimue and hitting her in the waist. "Ahhhhhh!" She cried, staggering back and clutching her waist. The attack hadn't done any surface damage, but she could feel her insides screaming in pain.

"You okay?" Lyra asked, as her other self held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Limulus opened its mouth, "Bubble Barrage!" A stream of bubbles shot out and headed towards Nimue, who dug deep and pushed herself to her feet.

Limulus: 1050Gs
Nimue: 950Gs

"Lyra!" She cried, her partner nodding and holding up two cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Nimue created a bubble that exploded into a current of water, which swirled around her to absorb the bubbles. "Raging River!" Nimue thrust the attack forward and it struck Limulus, reversing its last Ability.

Limulus: 850Gs
Nimue: 950Gs

"Plus Vapour Blast!" Nimue then leapt up and formed the mist in her hand, the Aquos Bakugan firing her attack that struck the horseshoe crab and knocked it flying away.

Limulus: 650Gs
Nimue: 950Gs

Limulus cried out as it returned to ball form, falling to the ground as Nimue landed. As she did, she clutched her side in pain and fell to her knees. "Augh!" She moaned as the other Lyra's Life Gauge dropped.

Lyra: 74%
Lyra-2: 40%

She reverted back to ball form and flew to Lyra, who caught her and looked worried. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," she lied. "Focus on the battle. We still have a long way to go." Lyra nodded and looked over at her other self, frowning as she thought about that battle. Her Avalon should have given her an advantage, but the other Lyra had managed to even the score with a single move.

"It's like she knows everything I'm about to do."

"She doessssss," Seadranoid told her. "Don't forget, she's the you of before. She might act like an idiot, but inside she's just asssssss smart as you. Too bad she could never show it."

"That's why she's the weaker version of me," Lyra stated. "And I'll defeat her and put that terrible time behind me."

"Terrible time?" Seadranoid asked, "wassss it really so bad back then? Are you sssaying you never had any fun?" Lyra thought about that and remembered her time being an airhead, acting like an idiot. There were times she did have fun, like the many sleepovers they had had or the shopping trips they had taken. She had to admit, those were fun.

"But it wasn't the real me," she stated. "It was just an act I was playing."

"Maybe," Seadranoid chuckled, "or maybe you spent so much time with that act it sssslowly became a part of your very being. That'ssssss why you so easily ssssslip into playing it again whenever you're not focusing."

"That's not true," Lyra told him. "I'm not an idiot!"

"Nobody'sssss saying you are," Seadranoid announced before turning to the other Lyra. "I think it's time to pull out all the stopsssssss." The other Lyra nodded and took out a Gate Card, as Seadranoid's armor glowed then fell apart to reveal a Bakugan Ball. "Do it!"

"Like, Gate Card!" She threw it, "SET!" As it hit the ground and exploded, she leapt up into the air. "Bakugan!" She threw Seadranoid, "BRAWL!" Seadranoid shot through the air and struck several power ups before landing in the water. "Bakugan!" he popped open, "STAND!" The water beneath him suddenly exploded into a tornado, with a dark shadow appearing within it. "Aquos Seadranoid!"

"Here it comes," Nimue gulped. "His true form!"

The water exploded off of him, revealing a large snake-like Bakugan whose body was mostly blue. His upper head was covered in a yellow mask with a yellow fin on either side of his face, whilst a lightning bolt shaped horn stuck out from between his eyes. His lower jaw was white and that white spread down the front of its neck and body, eventually stopping before the tip of his tail. He had two pairs of blue turtle-like fins, one pair near the top of his body and another pair just after his halfway point. Finally, the tip of his tail was covered in a red leaf-shaped tail fin.

Seadranoid: 600Gs

"Behold!" It hissed, "I am Aquosssss Seadranoid. I wassss once a simple Abisss Omega, but in order to sssssave my world I evolved into what you sssssee before you." As he said this, he glowed and powered up.

Seadranoid: 750Gs

"That much power?" Lyra asked, realising none of her Bakugan could match that strength.

"Lyra," Nimue told her, "throw me in!" Lyra frowned, not thinking that was a good idea given Nimue's injury. "Lyra!" She cried when the girl leapt into the air and took out another Bakugan, throwing it towards some power ups.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" It reached the coins but only hit three before splashing down into the water, sinking beneath it. "Bakugan...STAND!" The water exploded and Fangoid appeared, glaring at Seadranoid as its power increased.

Fangoid: 500Gs
Seadranoid: 750Gs

"You really think you can defeat me with that weakling?" Seadranoid asked before turning to the other Lyra, "make them pay for their foolishnesssssss."

She nodded and held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Seadranoid raised its tail as the leaf-shaped tip began to freeze, "Ice Arrows!" It then swung it around and the ice broke off, flying towards Fangoid.

Fangoid: 500Gs
Seadranoid: 1000Gs

The icy projectiles flew forwards, but before they could reach Fangoid Lyra took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" Fangoid breathed in, "Goliath Snow!" It then launched the snow blast towards the ice arrows, hitting them and causing them to be deflected.

Fangoid: 500Gs
Seadranoid: 750Gs

As the attacks were nullified, Fangoid changed as Lyra took out another two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Fangoid's horn and the disks on the side of its legs glowed. "Horn Striker, plus Power Discus!" Fangoid swung its horn around and unleashed a shockwave that flew towards Seadranoid.

Fangoid: 650Gs
Seadranoid: 750Gs

Seadranoid avoided the attack but as he did, the disks shot off Fangoid and flew towards him. They slammed into him and ground against his body, making him groan as Fangoid got in close.

Fangoid: 650Gs
Seadranoid: 600Gs

"Ability, Activate!" The other Lyra held up a card, which began to glow. "Ocean Javelin!" Seadranoid's horn sparked as water surrounded it, firing off to form and electrically charged water bullet.

Fangoid: 650Gs
Seadranoid: 750Gs

The bullet struck Fangoid and made it roar out as it was knocked backwards, its feet slamming into the water with enough force that it cause the ocean to rock and knocked Lyra off balance. "Wow!" She cried, falling to her knees. As she did, Nimue jumped onto the lilypad.

"Use me!" She cried, "you can't win otherwise!" Lyra frowned as as she tried to think, her clone held up another card.

"Ability, Activate!" Seadranoid's mouth filled with cold air, "Frozen Breath!"

"RAAAAAH!" He roared as a gale of freezing wind flew out of his mouth and struck Fangoid, causing it to flinch as parts of its body began to freeze over.

"Fangoid!" Lyra cried, looking down at her BakuColar

Fangoid: 500Gs
Seadranoid: 750Gs

"Ability!" She held up a card, but it didn't work. "Don't tell me!" Frozen Breath had frozen her Bakugan almost completely, with only its head and tail left uncovered.

"Time to end this!" Seadranoid cried as he slithered forward, ready to knock Fangoid down.

"Lyra!" Nimue yelled, causing Lyra to flinch as she knew what she wanted. "Do it!" Lyra saw no other choice.

She grabbed Nimue and leapt up onto another lilypad, throwing her towards several power-ups before she smashed into the water between the two other Bakugan. Seadranoid saw this and a moment later, the water exploded as Nimue leapt out.

"Hiyah!" She cried, swinging a leg around and hitting Seadranoid in the face.

"Ahhh!" He cried as he was thrown backwards, Nimue landing on the water as the power-ups kicked int

Nimue+Fangoid: 1000Gs
Seadranoid: 750Gs

Nimue smiled, then flinched when she felt her side surge with pain. "You are in no fit ssssshape to fight," Seadranoid told her. "Defeat isssss inevitable."

"Maybe," Nimue sighed, "but I refuse to sit back whilst Lyra needs me." She stood tall, "you were the one who gave me to Lyra. For that, I thank you. But now I will defeat you and prove we have what it takes to save our worlds!"

"Let'ssss see about that!" Seadranoid turned to the other Lyra, "do it!"

She nodded and held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Seadranoid dived into the water and started swimming around Nimue and Fangoid, picking up more and more speed. "Maelstrom!" The speed of his swimming caused the water to spin, the force creating a vacuum that the water began to fly up through.

Nimue could only brace herself as she and Fangoid were bombarded with the high speed water tornado surrounding them

Nimue+Fangoid: 600Gs
Seadranoid: 750Gs

"Guys, no!" Lyra cried as they continued to get buffeted about, only for one of her Bakugan to suddenly be thrown out of the tornado. "Fangoid!" Her Bakugan was knocked back to ball form, both her Life Gauge and Nimue's power dropping.

Lyra: 44%
Lyra-2: 40%

Nimue: 300Gs
Seadranoid: 750Gs

The tornado then vanished and Nimue staggered back, clearly severely injured as Seadranoid surfaced from the water. "Nimue," Lyra looked ready to start crying, "I'm sorry."

"It's...it's okay," she fell to her knees. "You don't have to feel guilty. I wanted this."

Lyra frowned, then turned to her doppelganger who smiled a happy smile. Lyra's sorrow turned to anger, "stop it! Stop smiling that stupid smile. What do you have to be happy about?" She pointed at her clone, "everyone thinks you're an idiot. That you wouldn't be able to make ice cubes if you were stuck in the arctic. Why are you so happy?" Ditsy Lyra looked confused, then just started laughing. This infuriated the real Lyra. "LIKE SHUT UP!" She then slapped her hand over her mouth, realising she had done it again. No matter what, she couldn't escape that fake version of herself.

"Lyra," Nimue looked back at her, "was your old self really that terrible?" She turned to her Bakugan, "did you hate every minute of it?"

Lyra thought about it and no, she hadn't hated every minute of it. She remembered having fun quite a lot. The sleepovers she had with her friends, the shopping trips she had gone on and just hanging out with them. It was all fun. "But it wasn't real," she stated. "It wasn't me having that fun. It was a fake girl I just pretend to be so people would like me."

"Maybe that's how it started," Nimue told her. "But over time you changed.." Lyra didn't understand. "You spend so long playing the part, that it became so ingrained onto your soul."

"What are you saying?" Lyra asked, "that I really am a ditzy airhead?"

"Of course not," Nimue shook her head. "You're a brilliant young lady with many talents. But who says the same can't be said about the version of you that liked to giggle at boys and go on shopping trips." She looked back at the other Lyra, "you don't have to be serious all the time to be brilliant. Even the dumbest looking person can be amazing. That's what you wanted to do before. Show that you were smart, but also fun."

"But nobody would take me seriously," Lyra told her. "If I acted like that, people would just think I'm nothing but a idiot."

"Who cares what other people think!" Nimue stated as she pushed herself to her feet with a flinch. "I know you're amazing and so do all of your friends. If others can't see how great you are, that's their loss and not yours. You need to be the person that makes you the most happy being."

"But I don't know what would make me most happy," Lyra looked down. "I used to love being the ditsy me, but then nobody would take me seriously. And when I started acting more serious, the old me would keep showing up." She felt like crying, "it's like I'm two people that are fighting over who gets to be in charge."

"Then don't fight it," Nimue told her. "Embrace everything that makes you you. Your brains and your heart. Don't pick one, be both."

"But what if people don't like that version of me?"

"It doesn't matter what other people think. The only one who should care about who you are, is you." Those words sunk into Lyra's heart and as it did, she felt a weight being lifted. As if a wall that had been keeping parts of her soul locked away had finally been broken down. And in that moment, she and her clones started glowing along with the Aquos Energy.

"Nimue...you're right." As she said that, the light surrounding the two Lyra exploded off them and into the Aquos Energy.

Nimue and Seadranoid saw this and were amazed, as the Aquos Energy suddenly burst into a stream of water that shot down and began to spiral around Nimue. The Aquos Bakugan gasped as she was surrounded, the force of this causing shockwaves that made the water below them rock.

"What's happening?" Lyra asked, fearing something bad had happened. She then looked down at her BakuColar and gasped seeing Nimue's power rise.

"Power surge detected"

"The Aquosssss Energy hasssss accepted her," Seadranoid hissed in amazement. "She'ssss overcome her limits. As he said that, a shadow appeared within the tornado

The water spiral then exploded, revealing Nimue in all her new glory. She looked a little taller and was dressed in more refined clothing, now wearing a ballgown that was a mixture of white along with light and dark blue. Her chest, shoulders and a bit of her arms were white with light blue dots on it that represented bubbles, whilst the waist and her arms were dark blue. Everything below that was light blue, though the very end of the gown had white wave images running along it. The front part of the lower section was missing, revealing her legs which were wearing white leggings with light blue high heels on her feet. Frilly white cuffs could be seen at the ends of her sleeves and her helmet had morphed into a water-themed tiara, whist her white hair was now up in a high-class bun with a short ponytail coming off the top and two elasticated pigtails running down the sides of her hair behind her ears onto her shoulders. Finally, she was carrying a long golden staff with a large harp on the end of it.

Nimue floated in the air for several long seconds before opening her eyes and waving her staff around, the water droplets in the air hitting the strings on the harp and making a beautiful sound. "I am Aquos Lady Nimue, and I shall stand strong in defence of my partner."

"Lady Nimue?" Lyra asked in confusion, as Nimue turned to smile at her.

"Because you were able to embrace who you truly are, it allowed me to evolve. Well done." Lyra smiled at this before she and Nimue got serious and turned back to Seadranoid, Nimue finding all her injuries were gone.

"You think you've won just becausssss you've evolved?" Seadranoid asked, "it'sss not that simple." Lyra looked down at her BakuColar and saw Nimue's new point total.

Nimue: 550Gs
Seadranoid: 750Gs

"Nimue!" She held up a card, "let's do this thing. "Ability, Activate!" Nimue leapt into the air and as she did, the end of her staff began to produce a water bubble. "Overflow!" Nimue threw the orb towards the ground and when it crashed into the water, it exploded and created a tidalwave.

It struck Seadranoid and when it did, he was knocked back. "Augh!" He cried as his power was halved.

Nimue: 550Gs
Seadranoid: 375Gs

"Gate Card, open!" The other Lyra cried as the water began to glow, "Leviathan's Wrath!"

Lyra frowned as she looked at her BakuColar, "a special Command Card for Seadranoid?" The energy from the card flowed into Seadranoid, powering him up and would double the power given by card effects.

Nimue: 550Gs
Seadranoid: 575Gs

"Raaah!" Seadranoid charged, ready to take the girls down. But then Lyra held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The card glowed and Nimue started playing the harp, "Whirlpool Trap!" She then swung the staff around and in doing so, caused the water below Seadranoid to explode upwards and spiral around him.

"Gyah!" He cried as he was pulled under by the powerful current. After a few seconds, he felt his strength drain.

Nimue: 550Gs
Seadranoid: 475Gs

He tried to swim through it, but as he did he felt more of his strength drain.

Nimue: 550Gs
Seadranoid: 375Gs

The other Lyra saw this and quickly held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as the Gate Card doubled the power it would give Seadranoid. "River of Power!"

Seadranoid roared as he took a deep breath and then unleashed a powerful stream of water, which he swung around and ripped through the whirlpool with.

Nimue: 550Gs
Seadranoid: 775Gs

Seadranoid leapt into the air and prepared to fire another burst of water at Nimue, but the Evolved Bakugan simply smiled as Lyra held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Nimue swung the harp staff around before thrusting the bottom into the water below, "Geyser Burst!" The water exploded upwards and slammed into Seadranoid, making him cry out as he was blasted away. "This Ability Reverses the Effects of your last Ability and then either takes another hundred Gs from you and gives a hundred Gs to Nimue."

Nimue: 650Gs
Seadranoid: 75Gs

Seadranoid crashed into the water and sank below the surface, as Nimue pulled her staff out of the water. "Did that stop him?" She asked, hoping he had been defeated. But then, the water exploded and Seadranoid's form appeared from the mist as streams of water rolled off his sides.

"it'sssss not gonna be that easy," he hissed before fully extending. "Now feel me at full power!"

The other Lyra held up a card, "Fusion Ability, Activate!" Seadranoid took a deep breath that was like a powerful vacuum, Nimue and Lyra finding themselves needing to fight to keep from being pulled in by the incredible suction. "Giga Sea Destroyer!"

Nimue felt herself begin to glow, looking down at herself and seeing the light getting sucked off of her as her power began to drain. "He's...stealing my power." He fell to her knees as the light flew into Seadranoid's mouth.

Nimue: 250Gs
Seadranoid: 475Gs

Seadranoid roared as a powerful blast of water shot out of his mouth, looking strong enough to wipe an entire city off the face of the earth. And it was heading right for Nimue.

"HOLD ON!" Lyra cried, as she held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The water blast made contact and created a large burst of mist that filled the air, Seadranoid smirking as he continued to launch the water from his mouth. But then the mist faded and his eyes went wide.

Nimue was standing completely unharmed, whilst Seadranoid's attack was bouncing off a sphere of water that was surrounding her. The other Lyra checked her BakuColar and gasped.

Nimue: 750Gs
Seadranoid: 75Gs

"But...like...how?" She turned to the real Lyra, who smirked.

"Hydro Sphere," she explained. "It's...like totally the best at protecting Nimue." The other Lyra seemed amazed by her saying this, but then smiled as Lyra took out another card. "Time to end this. Ability, Activate!" Nimue began playing her harp as the sphere vanished, whilst she began to glow. "Maiden's Fury!"

The other Lyra looked down at her BakuColar and was shocked when Nimue's power kept getting higher and higher.

Lyra smirked, "Maiden's Fury can only be used if Nimue's G Power is higher than yours. It takes the difference in the G Power, then doubles it!"

Nimue: 1425Gs
Seadranoid: 75Gs

Seadranoid could only watch as Nimue finished playing and leapt into the air, her gown flowing in the wind as she started swinging the staff around. Doing so caused bubbles to appear all around her, the Aquos Bakugan then focusing down on him. With a swing of his staff, the bubbles shot down towards him. Like a hundred wet bullets, they slammed into the snake and exploded with tremendous force.

"AUGH!" He cried with each and every impact, unable to stand the power of them as he began to fall backwards. "Excellent, my new Aquos warriors." With that, he crashed into the water and caused a tidalwave that flew over to the other Lyra.

She gasped at this and found herself being knocked overboard, as her Life Gauge dropped.

Lyra: 44% (Winner)
Lyra-2: 0%

Battle over, Nimue reverted back to ball form and flew over to Lyra. She caught her and as she did, she couldn't help but start crying. "Nimue, we did it."

"Yes we did," Nimue opened up to reveal her new ball form. "But this isn't over yet." She turned around and Lyra followed her gaze and saw her reflection pulling herself up and out of the water. Lyra realised what she had to do and Nimue jumped down so she could move to the edge of the lilypad, which slowly began to move towards the other one.

Her reflections stood up and the two stared at one another, as the lilypads appeared side-by-side. "I'm sorry," Lyra sighed. "I kept ignoring you. Pretending you didn't exist, because I was always ashamed of you. But you are me...and I am you. You've always been inside me." She held her hand out, offering it to her reflection. "I promise that from now on, I won't try and hide parts of myself I don't like. I'll let everything about me shine, for all the world to see." She smiled, "so will you accept my apology. Together, we'll totally show the world why we're a force to be reckoned with."

Her reflection stared at her for a moment, then smiled and nodded before rushing forward and throwing her arms around Lyra. The girl happily allowed her and hugged her back, the pair holding each other tightly until the others Lyra melted back into water that seemed to be absorbed by the real her.

When the water vanished, Lyra took a deep breath and smiled as Nimue leapt onto her shoulder. "I'm proud of you Lyra. You've overcome your greatest obstacle and now you can grow into the wonderful young woman you were always meant to be."

Lyra smiled back, "thank you Nimue. I couldn't have done it without you." She took her into her hand, "I'm so glad I met you." Nimue nodded and in that moment, Seadranoid's voice echoed around them.

"Congratulationsssss. I look forward to seeing what elssssssse you are able to accomplish. Go forwards in all your believessssss, and prove to me that I am not misssstaken in mine. Goodbye and good luck." With that, the lilypad beneath them suddenly vanished and the pair found themselves falling into the water.

The girls cried out as they found themselves sinking, whilst the water around them began to glow. Eventually, the water was completely replaced by a bright beam of light. All they could do was cry out as they flew through it, the memories of their little adventure burning through their minds whilst they wondered what the rest of their friends were all doing.

Author's Note

Lyra's overcome her past and helped Nimue achieve her evolved form. Hope you enjoyed this chapter and tell me what you think.

Nimue's ball form is Aquos Elico's.

Strife with Father

It was another busy day at the Bakugan Battle Stadium. Derpy was at the reception area, having just booked a battle for a pair of Brawlers and sighing at how exhausted she already was. Luckily, her break was coming up and she could relax a little.

But as she did, she started thinking about her friends. She couldn't help but wonder how they were doing after hearing about the strange dream they had all had. She planned on calling them as soon as she had a moment, but before she could she noticed someone step into the stadium that didn't look like she belonged.

Strangely, she looked like an older version of Bonnie. Her hair was entirely pink and she was wearing a business suit, but other then that she was a perfect copy of the girl. The woman looked around, clearly unsure what to do there. "Excuse me," Derpy then called out. "Can I help you with something?"

The woman turned to her and slowly made her way over to the front desk. "I'm...I'm looking for my daughter."

"Bonnie," Derpy guessed with the woman appearing surprised by this, "I'm a friend of hers. You two look so much alike." The woman nodded at this, "I'm Derpy by the way."

"Candy," the woman replied, "so do you know where Bonnie is?"

"I'm afraid she's not here," Derpy explained. "She and the rest of her team had something to take care of." Candy seemed surprised by this, but also looked a little happy.

"She has so many friends here." She looked around at the stadium, "and she made them all because of this game?"

"Not all of them. But she made a lot of them here. Bakugan have that effect. They bring people together and form bonds through battle." She pointed up at the screen, as a Brawl was being shown. Candy watched this and frowned.

"I heard this is becoming quite a sport. People might actually be able to make a living with it someday and grow famous." Derpy nodded, knowing that Bonnie was already rather famous. "But if that happens...he might find her." Derpy wondered what she meant, a look of fear on Candy's face making her feel like something was wrong.

She decided to take her break then, "can I get you a drink of something?" Candy nodded and moved over to an empty table, Derpy getting them both a soda from a vending machine before joining her. "Is there something wrong?" Candy frowned, clearly wanting to explain but probably didn't wanna say in case in upset her daughter. "I'm Bonnie's friend. If there's something wrong, I wanna help her." Candy sighed at this and nodded.

"It's about her father."

Bonnie let out a moan as she felt herself beginning to come around, the girl feeling herself sitting on something lumpy.

"Ahh," she grunted as she felt her body scream with discomfort at moving atop the lumpy surface. As she did, she took a breath and almost threw up due to a horrible smell that filled the air. A horrible, yet familiar smell. "Where am I?" She asked, clutching her head.

"I don't know," she heard Gaia say as Bonnie opened her eyes. She then found she was on some kind of couch, one that looked like it had seen better days, inside some kind of apartment that had a large number of beer cans littering the floor. Stains of multiple kinds covered the floor and were likely the course of the terrible smell, with Gaia moving carefully on the couch's arm since there were several sticky spots. "But wherever we are, someone needs to clean it up."

Bonnie couldn't agree more. As she stood up and looked around, she became scared of taking a single step for fear of stepping on something unsanitary. But as she looked around, she couldn't help but feel like she had been here before. But when?

Bonnie spotted a door leading to what she assumed were the bedrooms. She moved towards them and Gaia leapt onto her shoulder, Bonnie opening the door and heading down a hallway. There were three rooms, one being a very filthy bathroom. Another was an equally filthy bedroom, whilst the last was another bedroom. But it was one she seemed to remember.

"I've been here before," Bonnie asked as she stepped into the room. Said room was decorated, poorly, to be that of a young girl's. There was a bed in one of the corners that had a name on it. A name that Gaia noticed and hummed at as she jumped onto it.

"Who's Sweetie Drops?" Bonnie's eyes went wide hearing this, the girl turning to the bed and seeing the name. It was then that she realised where she was.

"No," she panted, "not here. Why did they send me here?" Gaia began to worry and turned to Bonnie.

"What's wrong?" She asked, "what is this place." Bonnie didn't answer, the girl looking like she was ready to start hyperventilating. "Bonnie!"

"This is my room," she whispered. "The room I grew up in for most of my childhood. The place he...he..."

"Your room?" Gaia looked back at the bed, staring at the name on the headboard. "But this says this room belongs to someone named Sweetie Drops."

"That's my name," Bonnie told her. "My old name." Gaia was very lost right now, as Bonnie leaned against the back wall whilst hugging herself. "My mom and I changed our name when we moved away from here, to make it harder for him to find us."

"For who to find you?" Gaia asked, only for them to hear something. Very heavy footsteps, which made Bonnie gasp and start saying no repetitively as she slid to the floor. "Bonnie, what's going on?" The footsteps got louder and eventually, the door was thrown open so hard it was a miracle it stayed on its hinges.

Gaia leapt off the bed and landed on the girls knee. Turning to the open door, she watched something push its way through the smaller opening.

It was a large man. An insanely large man. Almost ten foot in height with muscles covering every section of his body. He was wearing a stained white vest and ripped jeans, whilst his head was covered in a large beard and shaggy blue hair that was the same shade as half Bonnie's hair.

The man had a look of pure rage upon his face, making Bonnie shake and looked down as she sniffed. "Please go away. Please don't hurt me."

"Bonnie, what is this?"

"I would have thought it was obvious." Gaia turned to the voice and saw the Subterra Guardian, Trojan, appear within the room. "This is Bonnie's father. Or, at least how she remembers him." Gaia turned back to the man and realised there was a bit of resemblance. Gaia had noticed Bonnie's lack of a father, but never asked where he was. "He was arrested many years ago, serving a ten year prison sentence for domestic abuse."

"Domestic abuse?" Gaia asked, then realised what that meant and turned to Bonnie. "Don't tell me."

Bonnie continued to sniff as she heard Gaia's voice, knowing she needed to know.

"Bonnie's father used to be a good man," Candy told Derpy as they sat at a table. "He had a bit of a temper, but when he wasn't angry he was always smiling and treated me so well. It was a bit of a whirlwind romance after we met and got married after only six months of dating.

"So what happened?" Derpy asked.

"Not long after Bonnie came along, Crusher was fired from his job. He had been working incredibly hard to climb the corporate ladder, but he made one mistake that cost his company a lot of money and he was terminated." She let out a sigh as she took a sip of her drink, "after that he got depressed. He started drinking and when that happened, he turned into a completely different person. He blamed us for what happened, saying we distracted him and caused his mistake. At first it was just verbal abuse and I hoped that he would come out of it and go back to who he was before. But he didn't. Then the abuse turned physical."

"He'd hit us," Bonnie explained. "He'd hit us with whatever he had at hand whenever I made him mad. His belt. A can of beer, anything. He said he was teaching us to be proper ladies, who are seen and not heard."

"That's horrible," Gaia gasped before turning to Crusher. "How could anyone do such a thing to their family." Crusher said nothing and continued to stare down at Bonnie, making her quake in terror. "How...how badly did he hurt you?"

"When Bonnie was eight, she accidently spilled his beer. Crusher was so mad he grabbed her by the arm and intended to pull her into a small kitchen closet saying it was a time out."

"That's sick," Derpy whispered with Candy nodding.

"Bonnie tried to pull herself free, but Crusher was stronger and pulled her too hard. Her arm ended up dislocated." Derpy gasped. "I begged him to let me take her to the hospital, but he said it was a waste of money we didn't have. So he just pushed it back in himself."

"But that's so dangerous," Derpy realised with Candy nodding.

"When he finally passed out, I grabbed Bonnie and rushed out the house to the emergency room. There was damage to her arm but with treatment, she was as good as new. But that's when I realised I had to do something. I called the police and they arrested Crusher, allowing me to sell our apartment and move away. I changed our names and swore I would never allow him to find us."

"That's why you moved around so much?" Derpy asked, with Candy nodding.

"I don't want to stop Bonnie from doing what she loves, but if she gets too good at this game she might attract his attention. If he finds us...I don't think Bonnie could survive seeing him again."

"I understand what you mean," Derpy nodded before smiling. "But this isn't like then. You and Bonnie aren't alone. Bonnie's made a lot of really good friends. Friends that'll help her when something like that happens. Trust me. Even if he finds you, you'll be safe. "

"It's okay Bonnie," Gaia told her partner. "This isn't real. That's not really your father."

"No," Trojan told her, "he is simply the representation of all the fear Bonnie holds for him. Fear she has hidden away, tried to keep buried by believing he never existed. But you cannot escape him that way." Bonnie flinched at this, as her hand moved up towards her right shoulder. "Even if the physical injuries have healed, the mental scares have yet to truly fade. And they never will until you can overcome the fear that is holding you back."

"This is Bonnie's test," Gaia realised.

"Yes," Trojan nodded as the Subterra Energy appeared in his hands. "To defeat your father in a brawl." Bonnie gasped hearing this, looking up at her father only to flinch away when he stared at her.

"What would beating him prove?" Gaia asked.

"Bonnie is afraid," Trojan stated. "And she will not be able to grow into her true self until she overcomes that fear. Beating her father at the game she loves most will help her in that regard." He held up the Attribute Energy Orb. "And if she can overcome this fear, she'll be able to keep fighting in the upcoming battle no matter how terrified she gets."

The Subterra Energy unleashed a burst of orange light, blinding Bonnie and Gaia as they cried out. When they felt the heart of the energy fade away, they looked around and saw they were somewhere completely different.

The house was gone and now, they were in a mountainous around with large rocks surrounding them in every direction with power-up coins floating in the air. When they heard movement, they looked around and saw Bonnie's father standing atop a rock with Trojan next to him. "Do you dare face off against your father?" Trojan asked, as her father cracked his knuckles.

"I...I...I..." Bonnie couldn't even put a sentence together, at least until Gaia spoke up.

"Bonnie!" She turned to her, "snap out of it. This isn't your real father. He's an illusion. One you have to defeat if you want to get over what happened to you and pass this test."

"But," Bonnie still looked terrified, "how? He's so big and strong. And what if I get him angry and he attacks me again." Tears formed in her eyes.

"I won't let that happen," Gaia assured her. "Trust me, you're safe with me. I'll protect you no matter what." Bonnie turned to her, the Bakugan giving her a look that calmed Bonnie's nerves a little.

Bonnie took a deep voice and then nodded, smiling at Gaia. "Thank you." Gaia nodded back before they turned towards their opponents, Bonnie taking a deep breath before holding up her BakuColar. "Let's do this!" Her father did the same thing and they both called out, "BRAWL!"

Bonnie: 100%
Crusher: 100%

"Gate Card!" Bonnie quickly threw if forward, "SET!" As it hit the ground, Bonnie leapt onto a rock and took out a Bakugan before leaping into the air. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" She threw it and it shot through the air before hitting several power-ups, then landed on th ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" It popped open and exploded into a dust tornado, "Subterra Tuskor!" The giant elephant appeared from the dust cloud, stamping on the ground as it did.

Tuskor: 380Gs

It let out the famous elephant cry as it glowed.

Tuskor: 530Gs

Crusher then leapt into the air, taking out his own Bakugan and throwing it. It flew through the air and hit many power-ups before landing, rolling and opening up. "Subterra Warius!" He finally announced as the dust tornado appeared and exploded to reveal the giant ogre.

Tuskor: 530Gs
Warius: 350Gs

Warius swung its club around, the power-ups kicking in.

Tuskor: 530Gs
Warius: 600Gs

Before Bonnie could pick an Ability, her father took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Warius swung his club around before slamming it into the ground. "Spiking Fault-Line!" A line of spikes shot out of the ground towards Tuskor and pieces its feet before it could escape, making it cry out as it staggered away.

Tuskor: 430Gs
Warius: 600Gs

"Tuskor!" Bonnie cried, then glared at her father before taking out two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Tuskor regained its footing and swung its nose up, as the mighty limb began to extend. "Nose Slap, plus Tusk Strike!" Tuskor swung its extra long nose downwards and Warius could barely hold up its club to defend. The impact caused it to fall to its knees, as Tuskor then charged with glowing tusks pushed forward.

Tuskor: 630Gs
Warius: 600Gs

Warius pushed itself back to its feet and swung its club around, colliding with Tuskor's tusks and duelling against them to stop from being impaled.

As they did, Crusher held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed and Warius let out a roar as his muscle's flexed, "Berserker's Wrath!" His arms began to vain as it clutched its fist.

Tuskor: 630Gs
Warius: 750Gs

Warius swung its fist around and punched the elephant right in the face, causing it to stagger backwards and forcing Bonnie and Gaia to leap away to avoid getting stomped on. "Gate Card!" Bonnie cried, "OPEN!" The ground began to glow before the section under Warius's feet began to crack, "Unstable Footing!" Suddenly, the ground broke apart and Warius fell through the hole. It managed to save itself by holding onto the sides of the hole, but it couldn't pull itself up.

"What?" Crusher asked, as Bonnie smirked.

"Unstable Footing. It targets the Bakugan with the highest G Power and takes away two hundred Gs."

Tuskor: 630Gs
Warius: 550Gs

"Great work Bonnie," Gaia smiled. "I guess it's true what they say. The bigger they are, the harder they fall." Bonnie smiled back and commanded Tuskor to finish Warius off. But as Tuskor charged it and prepared to stomp on Warius, Crusher took out another Bakugan and threw it.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" The Bakugan shot through the air and landed between Tuskor and Warius, popping open as Crusher yelled out. "Bakugan...STAND!" Bursting into a tornado of sand, a figure appeared within it before leaping out. "Subterra Fear Ripper!"

The large clawed demon hissed as it swung its claws around, slashing at Tuskor and making it stagger backwards whilst crying out in pain.

Tuskor: 630Gs
Warius+Fear Ripper: 930Gs

"What?" Bonnie cried out in shock, as Crusher held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Fear Ripper's claws glowed, "Slash Zero!" It swung its claws at Tuskor and the light flew off, hitting the elephant once again.

Tuskor: 630Gs
Warius+Fear Ripper: 1010Gs

Tuskor cried out as it reverted back to ball form and fell to the ground, Bonnie's eyes going wide as her life gauge dropped.

Bonnie: 24%
Crusher: 100%

"Bonnie!" Gaia cried as the girl looked shocked, whilst Crusher's two Bakugan returned to him. "That was a dirty move!"

"Was it?" Trojan asked, "Fear Ripper's friend was in trouble. Why wouldn't he try and help him against an opponent that had him trapped?" Gaia glared at the Subterra Guardian, feeling friendship wasn't on Crusher's mind when he did that.

Bonnie continued to look shocked, but quickly shook it off as she looked up at Crusher. He continued to glare down at her, Bonnie flinching for a moment before taking a deep breath. "I...I can't let you scare me." She took out a Bakugan as Crusher threw a Gate Card onto the field, Bonnie then leaping up onto a large rock before jumping into the air. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" The Subterra Bakugan shot through the field and hit the power-ups, as Crusher also threw his Bakugan and did the same. "Bakugan," it landed and popped open, "STAND!" Crusher's did as well and two sand tornadoes appeared. "Subterra Mantris, Stand!"

The giant insect Bakugan appeared, whilst Fear Ripper broke out of its tornado and the two glared one another down.

Mantris: 380Gs
Fear Ripper: 380Gs

Fear Ripper rushed in, as the two's power-ups kicked in and increased their power.

Mantris: 530Gs
Fear Ripper: 580Gs

Fear Ripper began slashing at Mantris, who used its giant arms to try and block them. But the attacks still hurt and Mantris looked to be in trouble. "Hold on," Bonnie told it as she noticed her father pull out his other Bakugan. "Not this time!" She held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Mantris' blades glowed again before it pointed them at Crusher, "Marionette!" The energy exploded off of the blades and formed a bunch of energy strings, which shot towards Crusher and hit the Bakugan he was holding.

"Augh!" He cried as he dropped the Bakugan, which was pulled back towards Mantris and dropped down next to the insect. As it did, it opened up and transformed into Warius.

"Ha!" Bonnie smirked, "how'd you like that!" She looked down at her BakuColar and saw the new total.

Mantris+Warius: 880Gs
Fear Ripper: 580Gs

"Take him down!" Bonnie cried as both Mantris and Warius rushed forward. Fear Ripper slashed at them both, but together the pair were able to block the attack and knock him back. Warius then charged, ready to deal a serious blow. But then...

"Ability, Activate!" Crusher held up a card as Fear Ripper slashed its claws through the dirt, throwing sand into the air towards Warius' face.

Mantris+Warius: 780Gs
Fear Ripper: 580Gs

"That won't be enough to beat us!" Bonnie told him as Mantris flew forward and slashed at Fear Ripper, who barely managed to block with its claws. "I won't let you win," she stated. "No matter what, I'll be stronger than you. I'll never let you hurt me again!"

"Bonnie," Gaia whispered as Mantris slashed Fear Ripper backwards. But Crusher not Trojan appeared at all worried.

"Gate Card...Open," he stated as the ground began to glow. "Trojan Horse!" The light spread to Fear Ripper and he flinched, as the light shot off of him and into Crusher's last remaining Bakugan.

"What is this?" Gaia asked, as Fear Ripper reverted back to ball form and fell to the ground.

"My Special Gate Card," Trojan announced before his armor dropped to the floor and revealed his Bakugan Ball form. "Now I can trade places with any Bakugan on the field and gain half their power." Crusher grabbed hold of him and threw the Bakugan in, the Subterra beast bouncing around before opening up.

In a burst of orange light, he appeared in his true form. Said true form was that of a giant wooden horse. He was one of the largest Bakugan Bonnie had ever seen. Not as big as Gaia, but still quite large. Though his body was made of wood, it was also covered in metal sections. His joints had wooden gears built into them to allow movement, whilst his body had a bunch of metal cannons and machine guns sticking out of it. His chest had a massive cannon sticking out of it, whilst his mussel was replaced by a metal cylinder that had metal strips coming off it to wrap around the head like a mask.

Mantris+Warius: 780Gs
Trojan: 890Gs

The girls were amazed by what they were seeing, as Trojan took a single step that caused the entire field to shake. "Wow!" Bonnie cried as she fell to the ground, Gaia falling off her shoulder and landing with amazement at what she was seeing.

"Tremble at the power of Subterra Trojan," he neighed. "You have no hope of defeating me."

"Don't be so sure!" Gaia told her, "Bonnie!" She didn't get a response. "Bonnie?" She looked over and saw the girl was terrified by the size of the beast. "Bonnie, snap out of it!" The girl blinked and seemed to realise what was happening and quickly got up.

"Ability!" She held up a card, "Activate!" Warius glowed and the light flowed off it into Mantris, "Power Redistribution!" Crusher looked at his BakuColar and saw that their total power hadn't changed, but their individual power did as Mantris stole two hundred Gs from its teammate.

"Interesting strategy," Trojan told her. "But pointless!" As he said that, Crusher held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Trojan began to move forward, as the blasters on his side powered up. "Gatling Gallop!"

Mantris+Warius: 780Gs
Trojan: 1140Gs

Before Trojan could fire, Mantris took to the air and shot behind Warius. As it did, Bonnie held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Warius roared as he began to glow, "Raging Vengeance!" Warius charged as Trojan spun and unleashed a barrage of highly powerful blasts in the Bakugan's direction. They struck Warius and he screamed as he was blasted backwards, getting blown into ball form and falling to the ground as the red energy flew off of him into the sky. But Crusher was the one who flinched.

Bonnie: 24%
Crusher: 28%

"Forgot that Warius was your Bakugan, huh?" She smirked, as Crusher growled.

"Maybe," Trojan told her, "but now your out of shields to protect yourself with. And you power is lower.

Mantris: 730Gs
Trojan: 1140Gs

"One more blast and your life gauge will be nothing." But Bonnie just smiled, making Trojan wonder if he had missed something. Then, the red light shot down and slammed into his back. "AUGH!"

Mantris: 730Gs
Trojan: 570Gs

"What?" He asked, then remembered the last Ability, Warius used. "Raging Vengeance. It cuts the power of the Bakugan that beat Warius in half."

"Exactly," Bonnie smirked as Mantris flew forwards, ready to end the Brawl. "Now take him down!"

"Double Ability!" Crusher held up two cards, "Activate!" As Mantris got in close, the gears on Trojan's shoulders detached and flew towards it. "Gear Strike, plus Wood Stomp!" The gears slammed into Mantris and ground against the insect, making it cry out in pain. As it fell towards the ground, Trojan galloped forward and got in close.

Mantris: 630Gs
Trojan: 720Gs

Before Bonnie could activate her own card, Trojan raised its wooden hoof and brought it down. Mantris was suddenly crushed beneath it, crying out as it reverted back to ball form and fell to the ground. "NO!" Bonnie cried as he life gauge dropped to almost nothing.

Bonnie: 6%
Crusher: 28%

Bonnie fell to her knees as Trojan returned to Crusher, the girl panting in absolute terror of the force she was facing. "Bonnie!" Gaia cried, "you have to stay strong."

"I can't," she told her. "They're too strong!"

"Don't let them scare you," Gaia cried. "We still have a chance to win. Throw me in." Gaia turned to her, looking terrified at the idea.

"But they might hurt you. You can't stand up to that kind of power."

"I can," Gaia stated. "Those two might be strong, but the strength I have when protecting those I care about is unrivalled." Bonnie still didn't look sure. "Do it!" This shocked Bonnie into action, the girl taking out a Gate Card and throwing it before grabbing her.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" She threw Gaia forward without trying for the power-ups, Gaia landing and opening up. In a brilliant flash of light, the giant Bakugan stood tall and ready for battle.

"Her fear is overwhelming her," Trojan chuckled. "This battle is over." Crusher grabbed Trojan and threw him in, not bothering with the power-ups either as he landed and opened up. In the blink of an eye, Trojan took his true form and the two Subterra Bakugan stared one another down.

Gaia: 350Gs
Trojan: 600Gs

"I commend you for wanting to protect your friend," Trojan told her. "But it is clear she has reached her limit. She cannot overcome the fear that is holding her back."

"She doesn't need to overcome it," Gaia told him. "For there is nothing for her to fear. You've just tricked her into forgetting that." She began to charge forward, "and I will make you pay for upsetting her!"

"You can try!" Trojan yelled as Crusher held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The horse spun around as Gaia got close, "Mega Kick!" Before she could stop, he leapt onto his front hooves and thrust his back wards into Gaia.

Gaia: 350Gs
Trojan: 750Gs

"Augh!" She staggered back, Bonnie gasping and holding up a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Gaia regained her footing as Trojan attempted another kick, "Oak Defender, plus Earth Power!" She raised her shield and blocked the oncoming attack, flinching as it connected whilst she raised her foot and slammed into the ground to make it shake.

Gaia: 350Gs
Trojan: 400Gs

"Ability!" Crusher held up a card as Trojan spun back around, "Activate!" The cannon on the front of his chest began to power up. "Greek Cannon!" The weapon fired a powerful beam, which struck Gaia and made her cry out in pain as she felt her energy be drained away

Gaia: 250Gs
Trojan: 500Gs

"Gaia!" Bonnie cried, then pointed to the ground. "Gate Card...OPEN!" The field began to glow and from the light, trees made of energy appeared. "Grand Forest!" The trees began to share their light with Gaia, allowing her to overpower the cannon. "This Gate Card doubles Gaia's G power if it's below five hundred.

Gaia: 500Gs
Trojan: 500Gs

"Raaah!" She cried as she swung her arms around, the laser exploding off her as she jumped back to her feet and charged. But as she got in close, Crusher held up another two cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Trojan spun around and started firing its weapons at her, "Gatling Gallop!" The attacks slammed into Gaia, making her cry out as she was forced staggering back. Eventually, she lost her footing and feel to the ground.

Gaia: 500Gs
Trojan: 750Gs

Before she could pick herself up, Trojan rushed forward and raised its hoof. "Plus, Wood Stomp!"

Gaia: 500Gs
Trojan: 900Gs

The hoof flew down and smashed into her chest, making the Bakugan unleash a scream that echoed throughout the entire valley. "GAIA!" Bonnie yelled, as Trojan raised its hoof and stomped down on her again. "NO!" She turned to her father. And as soon as their eyes met, Bonnie saw the same angry expression she had seen so many times in her childhood. The expression she had seen whenever he was about to make her hurt badly. "STAY AWAY!"

"BONNIE!" She gasped and turned to Gaia, who caught Trojan's hoof as he tried to push him off. "You...you have to snap out of this. You mustn't be afraid."

"How can you say that?" Bonnie asked, turning back to her father as the man began to make his way towards her. She gasped as she suddenly found herself remembering a similar time she had seen him walk towards her like that. Right before he used his belt to beat her. "NO!"

"Bonnie!" Gaia cried, "don't be scared. Remember, it's not real!"

"He's real enough to hurt me," Bonnie moved backwards and tripped. She cried as she fell onto her rear, continuing to shake in terror as Crusher got closer and closer. "No..."

"Bonnie," Gaia groaned under Trojan's strength. "You have to stand up to him." Bonnie barely listened, "he's can't really be that big. He probably just looked that way because you were so small." Bonnie was still not listening, her fears still too strong. "You have to stand up to him. It's the only way you'll ever truly be free from him."

"But he's too strong."

"He's not. He's a weakling!" Gaia lost her strength and Trojan's hoof slammed into her chest again, the Subterra Bakugan flinching and doing everything in her power to no go back to ball form. "If he was really strong, he wouldn't have had to pick on you and your mother. He hurt you because if he went up against anyone else, he would have gotten beaten six ways to Sunday. Does that sound like someone who's strong? Hurting defenceless woman because he's scared to fight someone his own size?"

"N...no," Bonnie replied, "it doesn't." he looked back at Crusher, and he still towered above her. "But he's still stronger than me."

"Maybe back then," Gaia told her. "But you've gotten so much stronger since you were a child. I've seen how strong you can be. And you don't have to fight back. He's a bully and the only way to deal with bullies is to stand up to them." Trojan raised his hoof and prepared to stomp on her again, but Gaia once again reached up and grabbed his hoof. "All he has is fear. If you weren't scared, he wouldn't be able to do anything. Take away his only weapon. Stand up and show you're not afraid of him."

"But I am afraid," Bonnie whispered. "So afraid."

"He doesn't deserve your fear," Gaia told her. "He's nothing to be afraid of. He scared you as a child because it was the only way to make himself feel like he had power. Take his power away from him. Stand up to him. Because if you don't, then you'll never be free of him. You can move to the other side of the world, change your name and never see him again. But until you truly face him and overcome your fear of him, he'll always have his clutches in you."

Bonnie let those words sink in and realised she was right. She couldn't escape him by just pretending he didn't exist. She looked up at Crusher again, fear continuing to grip her heart.

"You're strong Bonnie. And you're not alone. You have me with you." Gaia continued to push Trojan's hoof back, actually managing to lift it. "And it's not just me. You have Lyra, Flash and all your other friends. Your real family may have let you down, but your true family will always be there to help you stand up against any bully."

Bonnie still felt fear, but then felt a presence behind her and a sudden grasp on her shoulder. She looked around and when she did, she saw Lyra standing behind her with her hand on her shoulder and a smile on her lips. Another hand on her other shoulder made her turn to see Flash was there, with Hearth, Soarin and all their Bakugan behind him.

"Guys," she whispered as more people appeared. Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie and the other Rainbooms. Plus so many other friends that she had made. "You're all here." Staring at them, she suddenly didn't feel so alone. Not like when she was a child. She had people who cared about her. Who wouldn't want to see her scared and upset. "Thank you," she couldn't help but cry at this. But then she stopped crying and turned to glare at her father, standing up and as tall as she could. "I am not afraid of you..."

"That's it Bonnie," Gaia smiled as she pushed Trojan back more. "Show him who the truly strong one is."

"I'm not afraid of you!" She repeated. "You've terrified me my entire life, made me spend every day fearing my happiness could be stripped away. You made me scared to make friends because I figured I'd have to leave them again if you found us. You've been ruining my life for too long. And it ends right now!" As she yelled this, her body began to glow orange. "I don't care if you find us. I'm not leaving my new life behind. You might be my father but you'll never have a place in my life!" The light grew stronger and Gaia also felt it. "I won't ignore you and pretend you don't exist, because you don't deserve that much of my attention."

"What's happening?" Trojan asked as he noticed the light on the two, then looked up at the Subterra Energy. "Don't tell me!"

"I'm not gonna run from my past anymore," she cried. "You're apart of my past and I can't change that, but I can leave you in my past." The light grew stronger and stronger, "you can try and act tough all you want but I won't let it affect me. Because I'M NOT AFRAID OF YOU!" With that final outcry, the light exploded off of Bonnie and shot into the air.

Everyone else saw this and watched the light hit the Subterra Energy, causing it to glow brighter before it unleashed its own light down towards the ground. Down towards Gaia.

"Raaah!" She cried before finally managing to push the distracted Trojan off of her, seconds before the light struck. "YES!" She cried, feeling new energy flowing through her "You did it Bonnie!" As the light spiralled around her, something else happened.

The ground beneath her began to grow upwards, first encasing her feet, then her legs, waist and the rest of her body.

"Gaia!" Bonnie cried as she and the light became entirely encased within a stone cocoon. She then looked down at her BakuColar and saw Gaia's G power raising.

"Power Surge detected"

They all watched and waited, Bonnie hoping Gaia was okay. Then something happened.

Grass began to grow atop the cocoon, breaking out of cracks that appeared all around it. Flowers soon followed and eventually, they were looking at a giant flowery hill. But then, the flowers and grass exploded off of it whilst a burst of light erupted out from within. It blinded them all but they quickly recovered, not daring to miss a second of what was happening.

The light finally faded, revealing Gaia in all her glory. If Bonnie thought she was tall before, that had nothing on Gaia now. She was tall enough that two Trojans standing one on top of the other would only reach her chin. Her helmet and mask were now made of solid stone and looked more stylised, whilst her chest, waist and feet armor was also replaced with stone armor. Her vine skirt was gone, replaced by more armor that was either stone or wood. Her knees had wooden knee pads and her wooden arm gauntlets remained, but the shields she previously had were gone so the gauntlets were thicker than before. Her bushy hair was much more controlled, now appearing to have fruit of all varieties glowing out of it along with some long vines that flowed down the sides of her head and down her chest. Her chest armor also had the Subterra attribute engraved in the centre of it and connected to the back of her shoulders were a pair of large wooden logs.

The new Bakugan stood tall and strong, a single step causing a minor earthquake. "Behold!" She bellowed whilst holding up both arms, "I am the evolved Subterra Gaia!" She swung her arms around and unleashed a powerful gust of wind that blew Trojan back. "I am Grand Gaia!"

"Grand Gaia?" Bonnie asked, as Gaia turned to smile at her.

"Yes. Because you managed to overcome your fears, you've allowed me to evolve and grow stronger. I knew you could do it. I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks," Bonnie smiled before getting serious and turning to her father, "now let's win this Brawl!"

"You read my mind," Gaia turned back to Trojan as the Brawlers checked their BakuColars.

Gaia: 750Gs
Trojan: 900Gs

"Alright," Bonnie held up a card, "Ability Activate!" Gaia's body began to glow a bright green glow, "Gaia Spirit!"

Gaia: 1000Gs
Trojan: 900Gs

Gaia charged forward and tried to punch Trojan, only for the wooden horse to dodge her attack and cause her to hit the ground instead. This caused it to shake and Trojan barely managed to stay upright, as Crusher held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Trojan's shoulder gears flew off and shot towards Gaia, "Gear Strike!" The new Subterra Bakugan held up both her hands and blocked the gears, flinching for a moment but remaining strong.

Gaia: 900Gs
Trojan: 900Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Bonnie held up a card as Gaia pushed the gears away, the ground beneath her feet beginning to glow before the light spread to the rest of her. "Heart of the Earth!"

Gaia: 1100Gs
Trojan: 900Gs

She swung her foot towards Trojan and he once again barely managed to avoid the attack, Crusher holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Trojan spun around as Gaia tried to kick him again, "Mega Kick!"

Gaia: 1100Gs
Trojan: 1050Gs

He thrust his legs backwards and struck Gaia's leg, knocking her back though she managed to keep herself upright. As she did, Bonnie held up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" The logs on Gaia's back shifted upwards until they were on her shoulders, looking like a pair of anime shoulder blasters. "Gaia Cannon!" The logs were filled with energy and then, they fired two green beams at Trojan.

Gaia: 1250Gs
Trojan: 1050Gs

Trojan's eyes went wide at this and he did his best to escape, the beams hitting the ground and causing it to explode and send him flying. "Augh!"

As this happened, a gale suddenly appeared around Gaia and the force caused the leaves of her hair to fly off. "Plus Leaf Cyclone!" The gale turned into a whirlwind, which carried the leaves towards Trojan and slammed into him as he picked himself up.

"Gyah!" He cried, the leaves and twigs slashing against his body. After a few seconds, he felt his power drain.

Gaia: 1250Gs
Trojan: 950Gs

He endured it, but the longer he was in it the more power he felt he lost.

Gaia: 1250Gs
Trojan: 850Gs

"RAAAH!" He jumped up and stomped his feet onto the ground, creating a shockwave that blew the tornado away from him. "You've grown stronger, but will this strength be enough?" As he said that, Crusher held up a card.

"Fusion Ability, Activate!" All of Trojan's weapons began to power-up and turn towards Gaia, "All Out Siege!" With that, they fired a barrage of energy attacks that shot through the air. They slammed into Gaia, making her cry out as she was knocked back whilst Trojan's power grew and hers depleted.

Gaia: 1150Gs
Trojan: 1200Gs

The bombardment upon Gaia continued on and on, with some of the blasts missing her entirely and causing the ground around her and Bonnie to be decimated. But Gaia and Bonnie stood tall and Bonnie stared her father down. "No matter what you do, I won't let you scare me." She took out her card, "I will protect everything I card about. Bare your teeth all you like, you won't stop me from marching forward." She held the card up, "Fusion Ability, ACTIVATE!"

"Raaah!" Gaia held up her hands and the attacks bounced off of them, as the log cannons moved back up onto her shoulders and Gaia began to draw power from all of nature. "Prepare yourself, for the ultimate power of the earth!" The light she had summoned began to fill the cannons, which hummed as more and more energy built.

"INFINITE GAIA!" Bonnie screamed as Gaia swung her arms around and caused Trojan's assault to be deflected, whilst the cannons fired the super blasts that quickly combined into one powerful laser.

Gaia: 1550Gs
Trojan: 1200Gs

Trojan gasped and tried to escape, but the laser slammed into him and caused a massive explosion that made him cry out as the light consumed him. The shockwave of this attack also flew towards Crusher, who gasped and tried to run. But the force hit him and he too was blasted away whilst screaming in terror.

Bonnie: 6% (Winner)
Crusher: 0%

The light from the attack blinded Bonnie and when she finally felt the brightness dime, she opened her eyes to see she was back home. Back in her real home in Canterlot. She looked around, unsure whether she was really there of just having a dream.

"Bonnie!" She looked around and smiled seeing Gaia on the couch, rolling to the end of the arm rest before popping open. "Bonnie, you did it. We won."

"We did," Bonnie smiled as she picked Gaia up and looked her over. "Loving the new look by the way."

"Thank you," Gaia nodded. "I wouldn't look like this is it wasn't for you. Thank you." Bonnie smiled before a light appeared behind them, the pair looking back and seeing someone Bonnie hadn't been expecting.

"Mom?" She asked, looking at her mother. Bonnie wondered why she was here, but then realised Trojan was probably trying to tell her something. "I'm sorry. I wasn't the only one who suffered under dad for so long. You took the brunt of his bullying and protected me as best you could. And you finally stood up to him and managed to get him out of our lives. I'm sorry I was such a pain whenever you showed your concern." Bonnie's mother nodded at this. "But you don't have to worry about me anymore. Even if dad finds us, we'll stick together and he won't be able to hurt us. And if he tries, my friends will help us stop him. I promise. Let me be the one to protect you for once."

Her mother smiled again and nodded, the woman moving over to hug her daughter. Bonnie hugged her back and even though she knew this wasn't her real mother, she felt like something in their relationship had changed. When she returned home, she was going to make things up to her mother for real.

Candy smiled as she watched some playbacks Derpy had brought up to show her, seeing Bonnie having so much fun as she and Gaia fought against their opponent.

Bonnie really was a great Brawler and the look of joy she had on her face was like nothing she had ever seen her daughter experience. Candy didn't wanna take that away, especially when she saw the rest of her team move onto the battlefield to congratulate her victory. She looked over at the desk Derpy was once again working behind, remembering what she had told her.

Maybe she was right. Bonnie clearly had some good friends. Ones that would do anything for her. And Bonnie really had grown a lot since she was younger. If Crusher found them, maybe things wouldn't go back to the way they were when she was younger.

Candy hoped she could find her daughter soon and apologise for getting on her case. Hopefully, she could make things up to her.

Derpy smiled at this and as she did, she got a call on her phone. "Excuse me," she smiled before getting up and moving over to a quieter area to answer it. "Hello?" She asked, hearing who was on the other side. "Twilight. What's wrong?" Twilight replied and as she did, Derpy's eyes went wide. "What?"

Bonnie and the fake Candy continued to hug for several more moments. The image of her mother then slowly vanished and as it did, Bonnie felt a weight be lifted from her heart. She smiled as Trojan's voice echoed out from around them. "Well done Bonnie," he told her. "Or maybe you'll prefer to be called Sweetie once again."

Bonnie smiled. "I won't deny that used to be my name. But that's not who I am anymore. My name is Bonnie and that's who I am. Sweetie might be a part of who Bonnie is, but she's not who I am completely."

"Wise words," Trojan told her. "You have passed your test. I'll admit, I didn't think you had it in you. But I'm glad I was proven wrong and also proven right in choosing you two. Go forth my young Subterra Warriors and battle with all your might. The road ahead of you will be difficult, but as long as you remember what you've learned here you won't falter."

The girls smiled at this and Gaia leapt onto Bonnie's shoulder as a light appeared around them, shocking them as they suddenly found themselves being pulled upwards. They cried out in surprise, but didn't panic. They had passed their test and could now begin to gain their full potential. No matter what, Bonnie was going to live her life to the best of her ability. She wouldn't hide her past from herself or her friends anymore.

Speaking of her friends, she wondered how their tests were going.

Author's Note

That was a heck of a ride for Bonnie. I know this chapter might be hard for a lot of people who could have suffered the same abuse, but if you have I hope Bonnie's resolutions have helped you realise what you need to do. For everyone else, I hope you enjoyed and tell me what you think of the chapter and Gaia's new form.

Grand Gaia's ball form is based on Gravity Nome

Quitters Never Prosper

The school bell rang at Cloudsdale High School and Soarin was making his way through the halls towards his locker, all the while avoiding the glares of everyone that was shooting them at him.

He reached his locker and opened it up, only for someone to slam it shut a moment later.

Soarin sighed and turned to to the one that shut his locker, seeing it was one of the school's top soccer players. His former teammates. "Hey Skies," he said to Soarin with venom in his voice. "How was your weekend?"

"Relaxing," Soarin replied, "you?"

"Terrible. You know why?"

"I told you switch to a different powder." The teen glared at him, then grabbed his shirt and pushed him into the locker.

"We lost! We could have been national champions but you quit on us and now our school's hopes of having that trophy are gone. All because you didn't wanna play anymore."

Soarin grabbed his hand and pulled it off of him, "you hate how she does things as much as I did. You really wanna keep going through all that just to win a trophy?" The teen glared at him, then pointed to the other students.

"It wasn't just about a trophy. Everyone was counting on us, cheering for us. They dropped everything to watch us on TV and you know what happened, we let them down." He poked Soarin in the chest, "you let them down!" Soarin looked down, clearly feeling bad about that. "I used to look up to you man. But now all that respect is gone." With that, he turned to walk away.

Soarin turned to everyone else and saw they were looking just as angry, the teen turning towards his locker and placing his head on it. His heart was pounding as guilt began to well up within him. What had he done?

Soarin gasped as his eyes shot open, the teen sitting up suddenly and looking around. "Garuda?"

"I'm here Soarin?" Garuda told him, Soarin looking down and seeing the Bakugan on his knee. "You were having a bad dream." Soarin frowned as he held his head, then looked around. He noticed he was somewhere very familiar. The roof of his school.

"What are we doing here?" Soarin asked as he picked himself up, moving over to the fenced off edge of the roof and looking down. The field was empty. In fact, the entire school was empty. There didn't appear to be a single person there with them. "What's going on?"

"We're not in your school," Garuda told him. "This is some kind of make believe world, created by the Guardian Bakugan." Soarin remembered their meeting with the guardians and his agreement to the test, wondering what bringing him back to school was meant to do. "I guess it is the place you'd test someone," Soarin frowned as they left the roof and headed downstairs. "But didn't think it'd be that kind of test."

"Who knows what your test could be," Garuda told him. "All we know is it'll push you to your limits." Soarin frowned, but knew he had to try and do whatever the guardians wanted him to do.

As they made their way through the school, they stepped passed a trophy case. When they did, Garuda spotted something that made him stop. "Is that you?" Soarin stopped and moved back to the case, seeing a picture in front of a larger soccer trophy. In the picture, he and a bunch of other boys were holding up said trophy and smiling.

"Yeah. That was when my soccer team and I won the state championship."

"You were state champions?" Garuda asked, Soarin nodding. "Your team must have been really good." Soarin shrugged, as Garuda tried to remember how good Soarin was. But then he realised something, "I don't think I've ever seen you play soccer before. You've never even touched a ball. What happened?"

Soarin shrugged again, "life got in the way. With everything that's been going on, I haven't really had time to play." He began to walk away and Garuda leapt onto his shoulder, as the pair stepped outside the school. They made their way over to the soccer field and when they got their, Soarin was in for a surprise. "What's this?" He looked down at the ground and saw a soccer ball on one side of the field and a single goal on the other side. "Wonder what this is doing here?"

As soon as he placed his foot on the ball, something happened. A bunch of soccer players suddenly appeared between him and the goal, glaring at him. "Wow!" Garuda cried, "where did they come from?"

"No idea," Soarin gulped before realising something. "Maybe this is my test." Before Garuda could ask what he meant by that, Soarin shot forward and was dribbling the ball as the first opponent rushed at him. But Soarin managed to manoeuvre himself in a way that allowed him to get around him without losing the ball.

He continued on and the second opponent charged, Soarin moving to kick the ball behind him. The opponent looked confused until he saw the ball somehow fly upwards from behind Soarin and shoot over both their heads. This allowed Soarin to get passed him and grab the ball. He moved on and now two opponents were heading for him. He smirked and zigzagged from side to side, the ball becoming a blur at his feet. He then shot it forwards and the ball flew right between them before they could catch on, Soarin then running forward and leaping over them.

When he landed, Soarin grabbed the ball again and found his only obstacle was the goalie. He smirked and built up as much speed as he could, then fired the ball at it as hard as he could. The goalie watched it fly towards the left side of the net and leapt to catch it, only for the ball to curve the right as he did and slam into the back of the net.

"Yes!" Garuda cheered, whilst Soarin pumped his arm. "Nice work Soarin. You're not just good. You're freaking incredible."

"Yes, he is." The two's eyes went wide and they looked around, seeing the one who spoke appear before them. Zephyria. "You have great skill. Possible one of the best, yet you don't do anything with it. Had you taken the game seriously, you could have become a professional player by the time you graduated. Yet you didn't."

"I take the game seriously," Soarin told her. "But I just chose not to follow a career as a professional."

"Why not?"

Soarin glared at her, "it's no fun."

"I see. So you only want to play a game when it's fun. Bakugan Battling is fun, but will you want to keep playing with what's at stake. You wish us to trust you with taking down Lucifer, but how can we trust someone who won't take the battles that are to come serious."

"I'd be serious about beating Lucifer!" Soarin cried, only to then hear footsteps. He turned towards them and when he did, his eyes went wide when he saw who it was. "Coach?"

Stepping towards them was a woman in her mid-twenties, with bright yellow skin and spiked hair that was two different shades of orange. She was dressed in a white top, black joggers and blue jacket with a whistle around her neck. "So," she removed the sunglasses she was wearing, "the quitter returns."

"Quitter?" Garuda asked, turning to Soarin. "Who is this woman?"

"Spitfire," Soarin replied, "the coach of my school's soccer team." As he said that, Zephyria flew over to her.

"And the person you must defeat if you wish to pass your test," the Guardian Bakugan held up a hand as the Ventus Energy appeared. "I warn you, this battle will be like nothing you have ever faced." The Ventus Energy unleashed a burst of wind that swept across the field, knocking Soarin and Garuda backwards. They hit the ground and moaned as they did so, then sat themselves up and looked around. The sports field looked the same, only now it was covered in a bunch of clouds with power-ups all around.

Spitfire and Zephyria stared back at them as they stood up, Spitfire holding up her BakuColar as she prepared for battle.

"So this is our test?" Soarin asked, "we have to beat you." He smirked and held up his BakuColar, "then bring it. Garuda and I can win no matter what you throw at us."

"Too right," Garuda agreed. "Let's throw down."

"I look forward to seeing how well you do," Zephyria stated. "And what'll happen when you face adversity." Spitfire and Soarin's BakuColars lit up.

"Let's brawl!"

Soarin: 100%
Spitfire: 100%

"Gate Card!" Soarin threw said card towards the ground, "SET!" As it exploded, both he and Spitfire rushed up and leapt onto the clouds that surrounded them. They climbed higher and higher until Spitfire was the first to leap off one.

"Bakugan," she threw it, "BRAWL!" It shot towards the ground and hit a few power-ups before landing. "Bakugan," it popped open, "stand!" In a burst of green win, a green butterfly woman appeared. "Ventus Monarus!"

Monarus: 330Gs

Soarin stared at the butterfly woman as it flew upwards, every beat of its wing causing the clouds to blow around whilst it powered up.

Monarus: 480Gs

"You ready?" Garuda asked Soarin once he regained his balance.

"Oh yeah!" Soarin nodded before leaping into the air. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" The orb shot through the air, hitting several power ups, then landed. "Bakugan...STAND!" It popped open and in a burst of wind, a giant insect appeared. "Ventus Bee Striker!"

Monarus: 480Gs
Bee Striker: 400Gs

"Let's do this Bee Striker!" Soarin yelled as he landed on the ground, Bee Striker powering up as he did so.

Monarus: 480Gs
Bee Striker: 550Gs

Monarus flew down towards Bee Striker, as Spitfire held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Monarus thrust its foot forward started spinning, a tornado appearing around its foot's end. "Twisting Ballet!"

Monarus: 580Gs
Bee Striker: 550Gs

As Monarus got in close, Soarin held up his own card. "Ability, Activate!" Bee Striker's stinger glowed, "Twin Needle!" It fired a pair of energy stringers, each one hitting Monarus and taking away fifty Gs each.

Monarus: 480Gs
Bee Striker: 550Gs

This caused Monarus to flinch and slow down, the twister vanishing and allowing Bee Striker to fly in and stab its stinger into the butterfly woman's stomach. She flinched, but kept fighting as Spitfire held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The two Bakugan were suddenly surrounded by a powerful spiralling wind that made them both glow. "Winds of Change!"

Monarus: 550Gs
Bee Striker: 480Gs

"She swapped their G power!" Garuda cried, as Monarus grabbed Bee Striker's stinger and started spinning it around. Eventually, it let the hornet go and sent it flying until it crashed into the ground. "Soarin!"

"Ability, Activate!" He held up a card as Bee Striker picked itself back up and shot into the air, it's stinger glowing as it did so. "Super Stinger!"

Monarus: 550Gs
Bee Striker: 580Gs

The hornet once again stabbed Monarus and the butterfly flinched as it tried to pull away, whilst Soarin pointed towards the ground. "Gate Card, OPEN!" It began to glow and unleashed a light that shot into Monarus, then flew out of it and into Bee Striker. "Element Merge!"

Monarus: 350Gs
Bee Striker: 780Gs

"That's it!" Soarin cheered, "take its power and win this."

"Oh, I don't think so." Soarin turned back to Spitfire as she held up another card. "Ability, Activate!" Monarus finally pulled itself away from Bee Striker and started flying around unleashing a powerful burst of wind. "Air Battle!" As the wind struck the Gate Card, the glowing stopped and the light that had flowed into Bee Striker returned to Monarus.

Monarus: 550Gs
Bee Striker: 580Gs

"She cancelled your Gate Card!" Soarin was shocked by this, as Spitfire activated another Ability before Soarin could.

"Ability Activate!" Monarus spun around and slammed a kick into Bee Striker's face, "Fata Danza!" The kick sent Bee Striker falling to the ground and before it could recover, Monarus dived downwards.

Monarus: 550Gs
Bee Striker: 380Gs

Seconds before it collided with bee Striker, Monarus spun around and dealt an axe kick to Bee Striker's chest. The insect cried out in pain as it reverted back to ball form and rolled back to Soarin, who frowned as his life points began to drop.

Soarin: 66%
Spitfire: 100%

"Such a shame," Zephyria told him. "You were doing so well at the start, but now you're quite far behind." Soarin frown at her as he picked his Bakugan up.

"What's the matter?" Spitfire asked him, "gonna quit? That's what you usually do whenever things get hard."

"No way," Soarin told her. "No matter what you do, I'm not giving up. I'm gonna pass this test and prove that I'm no quitter!"

Spitfire smirked, "we'll see." She took out a Gate Card and threw it towards the ground, then leapt up onto a cloud before leaping into the air. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" Her Bakugan once again hit several power-ups before landing on the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" It burst open with a blast of wind, "Ventus Atmos!"

"Bakugan!" Soarin leapt off his own cloud and threw his Bakugan towards some power-ups, "BRAWL!" It too struck them before landing on the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" Another tornado exploded out of the orb, "Ventus Falconeer!"

The tornadoes exploded, revealing the two bird-like Bakugan that both squawked as they took to the air.

Atmos: 350Gs
Falconeer: 340Gs

The brawlers both landed as their Bakugan began to glow, their powers rising.

Atmos: 500Gs
Falconeer: 490Gs

The two Bakugan shot into the air and started flying around one another, both trying to claw at the other as they did so. Falconeer's lower G Power was made up for by the fact he had four sets of talons into of two, allowing him and Atmos to be on even ground. But not for long.

"Ability, Activate!" Soarin held up the card as it glowed, "Hyper Whirlwind!" Falconeer beat its wings and unleashed a powerful gust, hitting Atmos and pushing it backwards.

Atmos: 500Gs
Falconeer: 690Gs

As Atmos tried to regain control of its flight, Falconeer dived down and tried to slash at it. But before it could, Spitfire held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Atmos swirled around as wind spiralled around it. "Typhoon Chase!" It then beat its wings and launched the wind towards Falconeer.

Atmos: 600Gs
Falconeer: 690Gs

This attack didn't hurt Falconeer, but it did push the Ventus Bakugan back and allow Atmos to spread its wings and land on the ground without injury. Speaking of the ground.

"Gate Card, Open!" The ground glowed with light, which flew into Atmos. "Take-Off!" Atmos beat its wings and rocketed off the ground, a tornado appearing beneath it that pushed the beast skywards with more power.

Atmos: 800Gs
Falconeer: 690Gs

It shot towards Falconeer with blinding speed, Falconeer crossing its arms and bracing itself as Atmos slammed into it. The force of the attack sent it flying backward, but it managed to stay upright as Atmos charged again.

Soarin quickly held up a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Falconeer's hand claws glowed along with its wings. "Talon Strike, plus Metal Wing Slice!"

Atmos: 800Gs
Falconeer: 940Gs

As Atmos got in closer, Falconeer dived and started spinning. This created a tornado of wind around it, which blew Atmos back before it could strike. Falconeer then stopped spinning and slashed at it, using both its claws and wings to slice Atmos down.

The bird squawked in pain as it reverted back to ball form, falling to the ground as Spitfire's points dropped

Soarin: 66%
Spitfire: 72%

"Ha!" Soarin smirked as his Bakugan returned to him, "how'd you like that. I told you I'm no quitter!"

"Maybe," Zephyria stated as Spitfire picked Atmos up. "But just because you don't quit with a little pressure doesn't mean you aren't a quitter. When things get too hard, you'd rather cut and run instead of actually trying to overcome this an obstacle. You only like challenges you know you can win."

"That's not true!" Soarin cried.

"Calm down," Garuda told him. "They're just trying to rial you up."

"Well it's working!" Soarin took out a Gate Card and threw it to the ground, then leapt onto a cloud and climbed up until he was at the right height. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" His Bakugan shot through the air, hitting several power-ups, and landed on the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" It exploded into a tornado, "Ventus Falconeer!"

The tornado exploded with the birdman flying out of it, its Gs increasing from the power-ups

Falconeer: 540Gs

"It's time you faced a true obstacle," Zephyria announced. "One you won't be able to overcome easily. Then we'll see whether or not you have what it takes to face adversity." With that, her armour fell apart to reveal her ball form and she shot over to Spitfire.

She caught it and threw the ball forwards. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" Zephyria shot forward and landed, rolling close to Falconeer before popping open. "Bakugan...STAND!" She exploded into a tornado that shot into the air, "Ventus Zephyria!"

The tornado exploded, revealing Zephyr's true form. It was a tall woman wearing dark green light-armor, which covered her chest, shoulders, arms and legs whilst leaving the rest of her light green body exposed. Her hands and feet were covered in metal armor, giving her sharp talons on her fingers and toes. She was also wearing a green mask that covered her mouth and nose, leaving only her eyes exposed as she had light blue hair on her head that was styled to resemble wings. She also had a pair of long green wings sticking out of her back, allowing her to take flight.

Zephyria: 600Gs
Falconeer: 540Gs

"Wow," Soarin whispered at the sight of the Bakugan.

"Wow is right," Garuda told him. "Zephyria is one of the most powerful Ventus Bakugan that ever lived. Against something like this, we won't have an easy time."

"We'll see about that!" Soarin held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Falconeer shot forward, its wings glowing. "Metal Wing Slice!"

Zephyria: 600Gs
Falconeer: 690Gs

Zephyria shot to the side, easily avoiding Falconeer's attack. "Too slow," she told it as the birdman spun around and shot forward again. But Zephyria avoided the next attack too. "How'd you expect to win with such pitiful attacks." As she said that, Spitfire held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Zephyria's metal claws began to glow, "Tornado Talon!" The winged woman shot forward at incredible speed, her claws becoming surrounded by a spiral of air.

Zephyria: 850Gs
Falconeer: 690Gs

Before Falconeer could escape, Zephyria was on it and slashed at the beast. It squawked in pain and was sent flying backwards, Soarin's eyes going wide. "No way," he whispered as Zephyria danced through the air. "She's so fast. There's no way Falconeer can keep up."

"Be cautious," Soarin nodded and thought. He would use his next attack to knock Zephyria off balance and then open his gate card for a super power up.

"Ability, Activate!" He held up a card as Falconeer prepared its attack, "Hyper Whirlwind!" The birdman Bakugan beat its wings and unleashed a powerful gale, hitting Zephyria and knocking her backwards. She didn't seem to fight this however.

Zephyria: 850Gs
Falconeer: 890Gs

As she landed on the ground, Soarin smirked. "Time for Quicksand. Gate Card-"

"Ability, Activate!" Spitfire yelled, as Zephyria's claws once again glowed. "Updraft Uppercut!" She pulled her claws back before swinging them in a pendulum arc upwards. Doing so created a power gust that swept over the battlefield, hitting Falconeer and making it cry out.

Zephyria: 1000Gs
Falconeer: 890Gs

"Falconeer!" Soarin cried, about to activate his Gate Card. But before he could, the ground began to glow and the light shrank into a card that was blown away by the wind. "What?" He grabbed it and saw it was his Gate Card. "How?"

"Updraft Uppercut can blow any unused Gate Card back to the owner," Zephyria replied. "What's more, that Gate Card can be replaced by whoever's the fastest one to throw it down." Soarin's eyes went wide at this and tried to throw his card back in, but Spitfire was quicker.

"Gate Card...SET!" The card flew forward and hit the ground, exploding into light as Soarin gasped.

"Now she has another Gate Card?" He asked, worrying that this might be a problem. "I've gotta do something." But he was so busy thinking about this problem, Spitfire quickly activated another card.

"Ability, Activate!" Zephyria was suddenly surrounded by a vortex of wind, "Tornado Guard!" Zephyria shot upwards as the tornado surrounding her acted as the shield, the Ventus Bakugan slamming into Falconeer and throwing it backwards.

"No!" Soarin looked down at his BakuColar.

Zephyria: 1100Gs
Falconeer: 690Gs

"She powered herself up and negated my Hyper Whirlwind!" Soarin realised, Falconeer falling to the ground. He tried to think. None of his Abilities could catch up to Zephyria and if another attack landed, Falconeer would got down and he would lose.

"Soarin!" Garuda yelled, as Zephyria dived at Falconeer with its claws ready.

Soarin saw no other option and grabbed Garuda. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" Garuda shot through the air and landed under Falconeer, opening up and unleashed a tornado. Zephyria pulled back to stop from being blown away, as the tornado exploded. "Ventus Garuda!" Garuda was now flying next to Falconeer, the two Ventus Bakugan staring her down.

Zephyria: 1100Gs
Falconeer+Garuda: 1140Gs

"So you think you can win by teaming up?" Zephyria smirked under her mask, "a foolish miscalculation!" She flew up high, "all you've done is give me two target to hit and deal you damage against." Spitfire held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Zephyria raised her claws, "Hurricane Gale!" She swung them around in a circular motion, causing a powerful tornado to be created and fly down towards the two.

"Augh!" Garuda cried, Falconeer squawking as they were both struck and had their powers dropped.

Zephyria: 1100Gs
Falconeer+Garuda: 940Gs

Falconeer could no long hold on, the force of the attack blowing it back towards the ground. It let out a might cry as it struck the ground, reverting back to ball form as Soarin's life gauge dropped.

Soarin: 34%
Spitfire: 72%

"Not good," Soarin groaned as Zephyria's attack ended, Soarin looking down at the new difference in their points.

Zephyria: 1100Gs
Garuda: 350Gs

"Over seven hundred points of difference," Zephyria chuckled as she floated downwards with crossed arms. "Most definitely a difficult obstacle to overcome." She focused on Garuda, then on Soarin. "What will you do? Quit?"

"No way!" Soarin took out three cards, "I'm no quitter! TRIPLE ABILITY, ACTIVATE!" Garuda shot upwards and spread his wings, as lightning sparked around them. "Lightning Wing, plus Blitz Bolt, plus Fusion Ability, LIGHTNING VORTEX!"

"RAAAH!" He squawked as he fired a bolt from his mouth, which shot towards Zephyria. However, she easy avoided it as Garuda dived downwards and spun.

Zephyria: 1100Gs
Garuda: 1000Gs

He morphed into a lightning drill and shot towards Zephyria. But even with all the extra power, he was still weaker and Zephyria held out he claws. The lightning drill slammed into her claws but Zephyria managed not to lose any power. "Not bad!" She then thrust the arms forward, "but still not good enough." Garuda was knocked backwards and forced out of his drill, the birdman barely managing to stay upright.

"Gate Card!" Spitfire yelled, "Activate!" The field glowed, "Heavenly Winds!" A gust flew across the battlefield. Despite how strong it was, Soarin didn't feel like he would be blown over. Instead, the wind felt...sweet.

"What the?" Soarin asked as he looked down at his BakuColar.

Zephyria: 1200Gs
Garuda: 1000Gs

"Only a hundred Gs?" He asked.

Zephyria smiled, "this Gate Card is a special one of mine. It powers me up and lets me reuse two random Ability Cards I've already used before." Spitfire held up her hand as two cards appeared within them. Soarin's eyes went wide. Since Zephyria had already used some Abilities before facing Garuda, he thought he could still be on even ground. But now. "Having a hard time accepting this battle isn't one you can win?" Soarin glared at her, "that's alright. Just say the word and we'll end this."

"Don't you dare!" Garuda squawked as he flew up and glared Zephyria down. "This battle isn't over yet. Soarin and I won't quit, no matter how much you push against us. Right Soarin."

Soarin took a deep breath and nodded, "yeah!" He pointed at Spitfire, "just watch. This won't be like last time!" He held up a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Garuda's body began to spark and he moved around at high speed. "Spark Streak, plus Sky Burst!"

Zephyria: 1200Gs
Garuda: 1250Gs

Garuda shot upwards before diving down, picking up speed and flying as fast as he could towards Zephyria. But before he could hit her, the flying woman barely managed to soar out of the way. "Still so fast!" He cried, quickly pulling to a stop and shooting back up towards her. "Raaaaah!"

"Double Ability," Spitfire held up two a cards, "Activate!" The sphere of wind appeared around her again, "Tornado Guard"

Zephyria: 1300Gs
Garuda: 1100Gs

Garuda slammed into the sphere and bounced off it, flinching in pain as he fell back. As he did, Zephyria brought her hands together. "Plus, Aero Blast!" An orb of wind appeared between her hands, which she kamihamiha'd forwards to make explode into a powerful but small tornado.

"GYAH!" Garuda was slammed in the chest, sending him plummeting towards the ground.

Zephyria: 1300Gs
Garuda: 900Gs

He smashed into it and cried out, the tornado continuing to push him downwards. "Garuda!" Soarin yelled, as his friend tried to push himself back up. But the force of Zephyria's attack was just too strong, "stop it. You're hurting him!"

"This can all be over if you let it," Spitfire stated. "Admit it, you want to quit. This silly little game isn't fun anymore, so you're gonna give it up and turn your back on your teammates...again."

Soarin tried to say something, but the words wouldn't form in his throat. All he could do was fall to his knees, as Zephyria finally stopped her attack. "It's over," the Guardian Bakugan sighed. Soarin looked down in shame, but then...

"No...it's not!" Soarin looked up and gasped seeing Garuda rolled onto his front and push himself to his knees, "we're not giving up yet."

"Garuda."

"Soarin...what is she talking about? Why does she keep calling you a quitter?" Soarin looked down again, clearly ashamed of the truth.

"Because I am," he sighed. "I abandoned my soccer team and quit playing." Garuda turned to him. "I always loved soccer. It was the most fun thing I ever did. It was the only way I knew how to have fun."

Years ago.

Soarin and several other ten year olds laughed as they ran around the field, Soarin kicking the ball around. A kid managed to get in front of him, but he managed to flick the ball into the air above the kid before running around him. He kicked the ball before it could land and shot it into the net, he and his team cheering at the goal.

"I loved the game so much, it's all I ever did. I practised because it was fun and over time, I got better and better. I got so good I managed to make my school's team, which I only joined because it meant I could play against more people that enjoyed the game. All throughout junior high when I wasn't in school, I was playing soccer with the rest of my team. And as the years went by, we all got better and better. Then we entered high school.

"Alright kids," Spitfire called out as she looked at the new students that had joined the high school soccer team. "I've heard a lot of great things from your last coach and I'm expecting big things. When you're on my team, I expect you to give it a hundred and ten percent and always go for victory. Is that understood."

"Yes coach!" They all cried before Spitfire had then running laps.

"I was fine giving it a hundred and ten percent, but I wasn't really focused on winning. Sure, I would try to win and we did win. But to me, winning the game was just something that happened at the end of the game. I played because it was fun. But Spitfire didn't see it that way. It was okay at first, but then it happened."

"And with that, Cloudsdale High win the Regional Championship!" The crowd cheered as Soarin's team rushed over to him, hoisting him up onto their shoulders.

"You did it!" Soarin's friend cheered

"We're going to the state championships!" Another teammate yelled.

The next week, the team was back to training. Spitfire was paying particular attention to them, watching as Soarin dribbled the ball. He then launched it at the net, only for it to hit the post and bounce off. "Skies!" She cried, "what was that?"

Soarin looked at her curiously, "I missed. It happens sometimes."

"Well it can't happen anymore!" She cried, "this is the state championship. One missed goal could mean a loss for us. We didn't come this far just to lose now." She pointed at the goal, "shot drills. You can't stop until you get twenty goals with no misses." Soarin's eyes went wide.

"She went nuts after that, constantly making us practise like the world would end if we lost. She was always telling us how the school was counting on us, piling up the pressure more and more. Eventually, I started hating soccer practise. My favourite thing was being turned into a nightmare. I understood a lot of people were counting on us, but I couldn't take it. I loved the game, but hated how it had suddenly turned into nothing but trying to win and nothing else mattered. The fun was gone.

"Skies!" Spitfire yelled after Soarin missed another shot the week before the state championship was to start, "what are you doing? You can aim better then that. What's wrong with you?" Soarin finally couldn't take it any more and turned to glare at her.

"I'll tell you what's wrong. This isn't fun anymore." He turned and marched off.

"Where are you going?"

"I quit!" Soarin yelled, his teammates crying out and begging him not to go. But he didn't listen.

"I quit the team and they lost the first match of the state championships. After that, everyone was upset with me. They said they lost because I wasn't there. Because I quit."

"I see," Garuda understood now. "Soarin, it wasn't your fault."

"Yes it was," Soarin looked down. "I let my own enjoyment get in the way of what my team needed. I left my friends high and dry, just because I wasn't having fun anymore. I betrayed them."

"No you didn't." He looked up at Garuda. "Maybe you could have done something different, but there was nothing wrong with you walking away. You said it yourself, that you only played soccer to have fun. If it wasn't fun, then there was no point in you playing at all. You wouldn't have been able to play at your best if your heart wasn't in it."

"But my friends were counting on me and I let them down."

"There's no shame in putting your well being above the demands of others. If you had kept playing. what would have happened?" Soarin didn't answer. "You might have lost anyway and people might have still blamed you for not trying hard enough. Or you might have won and kept winning, causing Spitfire to get even more obsessed with training. She didn't care about you. All she cared about was winning and that wasn't your fault."

"You really think so?"

"I do," Garuda nodded. "You should never feel bad for walking away from something if it makes you unhappy. That doesn't make you a quitter."

"But I still love soccer," Soarin frowned. "And I love brawling. With everything that's been going on with Phantom and Lucifer, brawling's gotten so serious. How am I supposed to keep brawling if I know me losing could mean the end of the world. I'll have to brawl to win and that's just like what happened before."

"But there's a difference," Garuda told him. "We're fighting to stop Lucifer. And when we do, we can go back to brawling for fun. Because you're not the only one who loves this game. I do too. And so do many others. For now, we have to play to win. But that doesn't mean we'll never get to have fun with this game. Once Lucifer's gone, we can play for fun."

The words Garuda told him rang is Soarin's ear and he realised he was right. Soarin smiled at Garuda, "thank you." He then turned to Spitfire and stood up. "You ruined my love of soccer. Your need to be the best destroyed my enjoyment of one thing, but I won't let you destroy my enjoyment of another." Unbeknown to him, he started glowing as he pointed at her. "I'm no quitter! I'm gonna play for fun, but I'm also gonna play seriously to protect the fun I have with this game."

"Tell'em Soarin!" Garuda cheered as Soarin's light grew brighter.

"I'll protect this game that I love. Cause it's not just me that loves this game." He thought about all the friends he had made during his time as a Brawler. "Flash...Leo...Lyra...Rainbow...everyone!" He glowed brighter once again, as the attribute energy glowed just as brightly. "I'll protect this game that we love. And I'll protect those that love it as much as I do. Human, Bakugan...everyone. I'LL PROTECT THEM ALL!" With that, the light shot off of Soarin and into the Ventus Energy. The orb glowed brightly as it absorbed this light, then launched it back to the ground hitting Garuda.

Everyone gasped seeing this, as a massive tornado erupted around the Ventus Bakugan.

"Garuda!" Soarin cried, seeing his partner disappear into the wind. He then heard a beeping noise and looked down at his BakuColar, seeing Garuda's power beginning to raise.

"Power Surge Detected."

The tornado started sparking, unleashing occasional bolt that hit the ground and made it explode. Zephyria was forced to fly back away from the tornado, as the lightning grew stronger and stronger by the second.

Then, tornado and lightning exploded off of Garuda, who took to the air once again to reveal his new form. He was larger then before and the most noticeable thing about him was his new arms. Said arms were pure green whilst his hands were bright yellow with green claws. He had green gauntlets around his forearms which had yellow lightning bolt shaped blades sticking out of them. His chest was covered in a green armor with yellow lightning patterns around it, whilst his knees had pads on them with the same lightning blades as his gauntlets. His wings were now connected to his back instead of his shoulders, the wingspan of it now being larger with yellow lightning bolt tips on the ends of them. His head now had a large green Roman Centurion Helmet on top, with a bright yellow plume.

The bird man let out a squawk so powerful it shattered every plain of glass surrounding them, both Soarin and Zephyria watching in amazement. "I don't believe it!" The Ventus Guardian cried, "Garuda has evolved!" Lightning sparked around Garuda as he glided down towards them, "he has become Storm Garuda!"

"You're okay!" Soarin cheered, happy to see Garuda was alright.

"You think something like that would be enough to destroy me?" Garuda smirked back at him, "I'm a little insulted. You can make up for it by helping me beat these two."

"With pleasure!" Soarin smirked as he looked down at his BakuColar.

Zephyria: 1300Gs
Garuda: 1150Gs

"You might have evolved," Zephyria told them. "But you're still no match for me."

"We'll see about that," Soarin held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda shot upwards as his body began to be surrounded by an electric aura. "Sky Spark Surge!"

Zephyria: 1300Gs
Garuda: 1400Gs

He then dived down as the lightning flew into his new hand claw, the Ventus Bakugan slashing at Zephyria before she could react. "Augh!" She cried as the lightning flowed into her, knocking her backwards.

"Hahaa!" Garuda laughed, as Zephyria regained control.

"You think that's funny?" She asked, as Spitfire held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Zephyria swung her arms around, "Hurricane Gale!" The tornado flew towards Garuda and slammed into him, pushing him backwards and making him flinch.

Zephyria: 1300Gs
Garuda: 1300Gs

Despite this, the Ventus Bakugan smirked and spread his wings as wide as they would go. "Soarin!"

"Ability, Activate!" Garuda's body once again began to spark, "Storm Booster!" The birdman vanished in a flash, disappearing from within the tornado and appearing back out of it.

Zephyria saw this and gasped, as Garuda warped to another area, then another and another in a zigzag pattern. "He can teleport?" She asked, but then caught on. "He's fast. Faster than any Bakugan I've even seen." Sure enough, Garuda shot down towards her in the blink of an eye, He then circled around her so fast, it looks like there were dozens of him.

Zephyria: 1300Gs
Garuda: 1450Gs

The next thing Zephyria knew, she was being slashed at by Garuda. "Augh!" She was then struck several more times, making her cry out again and again. "Enough!" She shot straight up as Spitfire held up a card.

"Fusion Ability, Activate!" Zephyria's claws glowed pink before extending, as wind and lightning began to pulse off of them. "Storm Slash!

Zephyria: 1800Gs
Garuda: 1450Gs

She shot forward, her claws ready to end this battle with a single slash. But before she could, Soarin held up his own card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda's yellow wing tips began to glow and spark as he pulled them back, "Feather Shock!" He beat his wings and unleash a barrage of lightning infused feathers that stabbed their tips into Zephyria, pushing her back.

"Augh!" She cried, he Storm Slash Ability fading as her power dropped.

Zephyria: 1200Gs
Garuda: 1450Gs

She fell to the ground and landed, causing the ground to shake and making Spitfire stagger whilst Soarin managed to keep his footing. As she did, she look ever at him and saw the look of determination on his face. And a look of enjoyment. "I won't quit. Because this game is too fun to let someone like Sombra and Lucifer ruin it." He took out a card, "I'll play to win so that I can play for fun once again. And to do that, I'm gonna beat you!" He held the card up, "Ability...ACTIVATE!"

Garuda shot upwards and began to spin, swinging his claws around whilst cupping them to apparently catch the air in them. "Soarin and I will never give up, no matter who tries to stop us. Because we're teammates. Partners. FRIENDS!" He pulled all the wind he had caught into a single spinning sphere, condensing it into a great force of power. "Now watch us beat you!"

"Aero Bomber!" Soarin yelled as Garuda threw the sphere towards the ground.

Zephyria: 1200Gs
Garuda: 1600Gs

Zephyria gasped as the orb struck the ground and exploded, unleashing a powerful wave of wind shooting out in every direction. When the wave struck Zephyria, the Guardian Bakugan could do nothing but try and shield herself with her claws and wings. "So...much...power!" She screamed as she was pushed backwards, "it's...it's too much!" Finally, she was blown off her feet and screamed as she reverted back to ball form. Spitfire was also knocked backwards, as he life gauge dropped.

Soarin: 34% (Winner)
Spitfire: 0%

Soarin had been forced to close his eyes and shield them from the wind, but eventually the wind began to die down and Soarin was able to open his eyes. He looked around and saw he was still on the playing field, but Spitfire and Zephyria were gone. "What happened?"

"We won!" Soarin looked up and his eyes went wide seeing Garuda flying down towards him, now in his new ball form. "We did it Soarin. I knew you were no quitter."

Soarin smiled as he held up his hand. "I would have been if you hadn't made me realise how wrong I was about what I did." Garuda landed in his hand. "Thanks Garuda." He took a deep breath, "no more feeling guilty. Next time I see my old teammates, I'll let'em know they can't guilt me anymore. And I'm gonna tell Spitfire how wrong she was for pushing us too far."

"Good for you Soarin," Garuda nodded. "Maybe you can find some new people to play soccer with. People who don't care whether you win or lose. If you really love that game so much, there's no reason you should stop playing it forever." Soarin smiled and nodded back before they heard Zephyria's voice speak up.

"Well done." They looked into the sky, as he voice echoed all around them. "You've proven yourself worthy of the Attribute Energy. And now you must return to your world and fight to protect it. Be warned, these battles coming up truly do have the fate of the earth depending on them. If you do not feel that you can handle the pressure, then there is no shame in admitting it."

Soarin and Garuda smiled at one another, "how can we quit now?" Soarin asked, "the fate of the world is depending on us." He looked up at the sky. "Besides, it's not like it'll be just us. We have our friends and teammates fighting by our side. The battles to come probably aren't gonna be fun, but if winning is the only way to return the game to how it was then I'm not gonna turn and run from it. Garuda?"

"Couldn't have said it better myself," Garuda nodded. "The BakuFighters brawl for fun, but we also brawl to protect those we care about. Nothing is going to make us stop."

"You speak well," Zephyria told them. "I am glad I chose to team you up. Good luck, my new Ventus Soldiers." With that, the green light appeared around them and the pair suddenly found themselves being pulled upwards. Both of them cried out, as they were pulled out of Zephyria's world and returned to their's. Hopefully, their friends would be waiting for them there and they would have all passed their tests as well.

Author's Note

Soarin knowing that winning isn't everything, but learning that there are some battles you can't afford to lose. But that doesn't mean everything else about the game can't be fun. Hope you enjoyed the chapter and let me know what you think.

Garuda's new ball form is based on Falcron.

A Fight With A Knight

Derpy panted as she ran as fast as she could, hoping to get to the riverbank where Twilight and the others were waiting.

She remembered back to the call she had gotten, Twilight explaining how the BakuFighters had all vanished in a flash of light. She feared something horrible had happened and maybe Phantom had done something horrible to her friends, so she had asked her supervisor to let her go early claiming she had just gotten word of a family emergency.

She ran through the park and stopped for a moment, completely out of breath. She leaned against a lamppost, trying to get her breathing under control. "Flash...Lyra...everyone, please be okay." But as she said that, she felt her head beginning to swim. "What's...what's happening." She staggered around, trying to regain her balance. And as she did, she heard a strange voice.

"Derpy...Derpy...it's time..."

"That voice," the voice sounded familiar but she couldn't quite place it.

"Derpy...it's time to fulfil your destiny." That was the last thing Derpy could remember before everything went dark. As she fell, her thoughts were only on one thing. Her friends.

Flash didn't know where he was. His brain felt fried and he felt like he would pass out the moment he felt himself wake up. But before he could drift of, he heard someone.

"Flash...Flash...FLASH WAKE UP!" His eyes shot open and he sat up, seeing Leonidas floating in front of him. "You're awake." He sounded relieved and Flash looked around, seeing they were in some kind of dark void.

"Where are we?"

"I don't know," Leo frowned as he too looked around. "I'm guessing this is meant to be the place we're supposed to be tested." Flash remembered what had happened and realised he was right. This was where he was too be tested. But where exactly was that.

Before he could saying anything, a quartet of light appeared above them. They looked up and saw four orbs of light, one red, one blue, one orange and one green, floating above their heads. When they drifted down and began to circle them, the two looking at each orb and seeing something shocking.

Inside the red orb, they saw Heath and Wukong battling in a destroyed city. In the blue orb, Lyra and Nimue were battling atop a large body of water. Bonnie and Gaia were in the orange orb, battling in a rocky mountain area. And finally, Soarin and Garuda were in the green orb battling on a school field.

"What the heck is this?" He asked before another light appeared behind them, the pair turning to see a figure they both instantly recognised.

"Dragonia!" Leonidas cried, seeing his 'mother' standing there.

"Welcome!" She told them before pointing towards the orbs again. They looked inside and as they did, they saw each of their friend's partner Bakugan begin to change. "All your friends have succeeded in their trials, overcoming various hurdles set before them. Some were more difficult than others, but all of them remained determined to win. And their prize for victory was the Attribute Energies we offered, which allowed each of their Bakugan to evolve. And each of your friends were taught a lesson along the way. Lessons they will carry with them for a lifetime."

"Awesome," Flash smiled at the sight of his friend's new Bakugan. "Way to go guys."

"Do not celebrate too soon," Dragonia told him. "Now it is your turn." She held out her hands and in it, the Haos Attribute energy appeared. "You must take on this great trial. Pass and you will be rewarded. Fail and you must step down in your ambitions to stop Lucifer."

"What trial?" Flash asked, "I don't need any life lessons to get stronger!"

"Don't you?" Dragonia asked, "many are blind to their own limitations. But unless you overcome this limitation, you cannot progress and allow Leonidas to evolve."

Flash frowned, turning to Leo. The Bakugan looked at him and they both knew, the only way they were gonna be able to get out of this place and get him to evolve was to let this test happen. "Fine," Flash turned back to her, "bring it on. I can handle any test you send my way. So what have I gotta do?" His question was answered when he felt a new presence appear behind him, causing him to spin around and see someone stepping out of the dark void.

That someone was a strange looking knight, wearing silver armour with green fur around the shoulders, knees and wrists. They also had a green cape on their back and a sword strapped to their hip, Flash fearing he would put it to use any second.

Sure enough, the knight rushed forward looking ready to draw his sword. Flash did the best he could to get into a defensive stance but as the knight drew closer, Flash felt himself tripping over his own feet and falling backward. "Augh!" He hit the ground and as he did, the knight suddenly leapt up and did several flips as he passed over the teen. "Wow!" He followed the knight as he flew over to Dragonia and landed in front of her, Flash quickly jumping back to his feet. "Who is this guy?"

"Your opponent," Dragonia explained. Flash looked confused and she began to explain, "your test is to defeat him. Should you succeed, you will be given the Haos Attribute Energy. And hopefully, you will come to understand what it is you must learn if you wish to have any hope of defeating Lucifer. If you wish to forfeit, now is your only chance!"

"Ha!" Flash smirked, "I never back down from a challenge. If beating this guy is all I need to do to pass, then just watch." He pointed at the knight, "I'll make him eat that sword of his!"

"Very well," Dragonia raised the Attribute Energy. "Your test will begin...NOW!" With that, light exploded out of the orb and blinded everyone. Flash and Leo both cried out and as they closed their eyes, they felt the ground beneath their feet vanished.

"WOW!" Flash cried as he and Leo fell, the two still blinded as they descended down from wherever they were. After a few moments of this, he felt himself crash into something hard but not enough to break anything. "Ow!" He moaned as he felt the light fade away, "that's gonna leave a mark."

He opened his eyes and when he did, he was shocked to discover he was somewhere he never thought he would be. The moon.

"What the heck?" He looked around, seeing that the place was covered in tall rocks and craters. He also noticed several of the craters had power-ups within them. "Where are we?"

"And where'd that guy go?" Leonidas asked, only for them to hear a someone clear their throat. They both looked around and saw the knight standing on the far side of a crater, with Dragonia standing behind him.

"Looking for us?"

"You bet we are!" Flash cried as he took out an Ability Card. "You ready to play?"

"Play?" Dragonia asked, "this is no game. It is a battle. A battle you cannot afford to lose." She summoned the Haos Energy and it began to float into the air, Flash and Leonidas watching it. "If you lose, you will no longer be allowed to fight for the fate of the Bakugan."

"Well then it's a good thing I'm not gonna lose!" Flash cried, "come on! Let's go!" He held up his wrist as his BakuColar activated, the Knight raising his gauntlet as a screen on the back of it glowed also. "Bakugan, BRAWL!"

Flash: 100%
Knight: 100%

The Knight quickly took out a card and threw it into the crater, the card exploding as Flash took out a Bakugan. "Let's see just how good he is. Bakugan!" He threw the ball into the crater, "BRAWL!" The orb shot down and hit several power ups on the way, then rolled down the crater until it reached the very bottom. "Bakugan," it popped open, "STAND!" In a burst of light, a serpent Bakugan appeared. "Haos Serpenoid!"

Serpenoid: 320Gs

The beast hissed as the power-ups kicked in, making it glow.

Serpenoid: 470Gs

Dragonia chuckled, "such a simple move." She turned to the knight, "use the Mock Dragonoid." The knight nodded and took out a Haos Bakugan that it threw into the field, hitting a few power-ups along the way. It that hit the ground and opened up, exploding into golden light and quickly taking shape before fading to reveal a large white dragon Bakugan with yellow running from the front of its neck, down its chest and stomach until it it reached the end of its tail. Its arms were connected to its wings, which had a white membrane inside it.

"Wow!" Flash cried, "he's got a dragonoid Bakugan!" He looked down at his BakuColar and saw the score.

Serpenoid: 470Gs
Dragonoid: 390Gs

The dragon spread its wings and took to the air, as the power ups kicked in.

Serpenoid: 470Gs
Dragonoid: 490Gs

"Not good," Flash gulped as he held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Serpenoid's mouth filled with light, "Lumino Venom!" It fired a laser from its mouth that struck the Dragonoid in the chest, making it cry out as its body began to stiffen up.

Serpenoid: 470Gs
Dragonoid: 290Gs

"Interesting strategy," Dragonia nodded. "Stopping us from activating Abilities and lowering our power, all the while preventing our Bakugan from escaping your next attack. Almost Phantom-like of you."

"I'll admit I'm not the biggest fan of that kind of strategy," Flash nodded. "But it's like you said, this battle is too important to take lightly." He took out another card, "Ability, Activate!" Serpenoid slivered over to where Dragonoid had landed and swing its tail blade at it, "Stinger Strike!"

It stabbed the dragon and made it cry out as it was thrown backwards, hitting the ground hard.

Serpenoid: 470Gs
Dragonoid: 190Gs

"That's the way!" Flash cheered as Serpenoid slithered up onto the dragon's chest, preparing to strike the final blow.

"Activate the Dual Dragonoid!" Dragonia announced as the knight snapped his fingers, causing the whole crater to start glowing. As it did, the knight held up another Bakugan that was also glowing before throwing it into the crater.

Flash's eyes went wide as a second Haos Mock Dragonoid appeared, the beast taking to the air and letting out a mighty roar. "I can't believe he's got two?"

"How can there be a duplicate?" Leonidas asked, Flash looking down at his BakuColar.

Serpenoid: 470Gs
Dragonoid+Dragonoid: 590Gs

Flash did the math and realised the second Dragonoid was ten Gs stronger then the first. This wasted time however and the second Dragonoid flew down and grabbed Serpenoid in its claws, lifting it into the air and out of the crater. "Serpenoid!" Flash could only watch as the dragon spun around and threw the snake towards the ground, Serpenoid hissing in pain as it crashed into the ground before reverting back to ball form. "No way!" He cried, his life gauge dropping as the Dragonoids returned to the Knight.

Flash: 76%
Knight: 100%

"Such a shame," Dragonia told them. "I had hoped the two I chose would put up more of a fight." Flash and Leo turned to frown at her, both knowing they weren't gonna take that insult laying down. This Brawl was far from over.

Back on earth, we find the lovable young brawler known as Pipsqueak. He was happily making his way through the park, riding his bike as he made his way towards the stadium to meet up with his friends.

He hummed happily as he did so, not having a single care in the world at all. But as he turned a corner, he spotted something that brought many cares crashing down upon him. Someone was laid out in the middle of the park, looking like they had just collapsed.

"Huh?" He got off his bike and ran towards them, "hey. Are you okay?" But as he got closer, he slowly realised her recognised them. "Derpy?" He knelt down besides her and rolled Derpy onto her back, the girls remaining as still as a rock. "Derpy, please wake up. Please!" He began to panic and looked around, hoping to find someone who could help or at least call an ambulance or something. "Derpy!" It was then that he heard her beginning to moan.

Derpy's eyes slowly began to open, the girl flinching at the bright sun above her head. She then looked around and spotted the boy besides her, "Pipsqueak?"

He sighed, "you're okay. What a relief."

"What happened?" She sat herself up and Pipsqueak stood.

"You stay here," he told her. "I'll go find someone who can help." He turned to run off, but Derpy stopped him.

"Wait!" Pipsqueak turned back to her, as she held her head. "I'm okay. I think I just need to rest for a minute."

"Are you sure?" Pipsqueak asked, Derpy nodding as he hummed. "Well, laying around here isn't very good. Come on," he moved to help her up. "I know someplace you can rest in peace and quiet." Derpy got to her feet and Pipsqueak began to lead her through the park.

"Gate Card...SET!" Flash threw his card into another crater that he and the knight ran over to before they both took out the Bakugan they had chosen. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" They both shot into the crater and hit some power-ups before landing, "Bakugan...STAND!" They opened up and in a flash of light, Haos Hammersaur appeared alongside the stronger Dragonoid.

Dragonoid: 400Gs
Hammersaur: 400Gs

The large clawed crocodile hissed as Dragonoid flew into the air,

Dragonoid: 650Gs
Hammersaur: 600Gs

Flash quickly holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Hammersaur's claws glowed and extended, "Crushing Light!"

Dragonoid: 650Gs
Hammersaur: 750Gs

Hammersaur leapt into the air, trying to slash at Dragonoid but the lizard flew higher than it could jump. As it did, Flash pointed to the ground. "Gate Card...OPEN!" The field glowed and Hammersaur absorbed the light, as it suddenly started growing larger and larger. "Enlargement Force!" By the time it stopped growing, its body was almost one and a half times as big.

Dragonoid: 650Gs
Hammersaur: 950Gs

Its new size allowed Hammersaur to reach Dragonoid and it slashed at the beast, making it roar as it was thrown towards the ground. As it crashed into the ground, Dragonia turned to the Knight. "Do it." The knight nodded and took out the other Dragonoid before throwing it into the crater, not aiming for any power-ups and landing on the ground were the first Mock Dragonoid was. It opened up and in a flash, the second appeared and began to protect the first.

Dragonoid+Dragonoid: 1040Gs
Hammersaur: 950Gs

Flash smirked, "teaming up against me. Let's see how well that works against my colossal-" He stopped talking as his Hammersaur started glowing, "huh?" He looked up and was shocked to see Hammersaur start to shrink.

"What's happening?" Leonidas asked as Flash checked his BakuColar.

Dragonoid+Dragonoid: 1040Gs
Hammersaur: 750Gs

"My Gate Card's been nullified!" Flash cried, "but how?"

"Silly boy," Dragonia chuckled. "Think back. What did the last Gate Card do?" Flash thought about it, realising now that throwing another Bakugan in couldn't be its only purpose.

"Don't tell me!"

"Dual Dragon allows Mock Dragonoid to nullify any Gate Card that's been activated for the rest of the game, so long as there are two of them on the field." Flash gulped hearing this, his worries increasing as the first Dragonoid picked itself up and the second took to the air.

Before Flash could respond, it grabbed Hammersaur by the shoulders and lifted it up and out of the crater. "Throw another Bakugan in!" Leonidas cried, Flash nodding and taking out Serpenoid.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw Serpenoid into the crater before the other Dragonoid could take off, the ball popping open at its feet. "Bakugan...STAND! Haos Serpenoid!" The snake appeared and leapt at Dragonoid, wrappin its body around the dragon as tightly as possible.

Dragonoid+Dragonoid: 1040Gs
Hammersaur+Serpenoid: 1080Gs

At the same time, the first Dragonoid released Hammersaur and the clawed reptile fell crashing into the earth...moon. "Come down and fight!" Flash cried as Hammersaur picked itself up, but the Dragonoid remained in the air safely away from its claws.

The other Dragonoid continued to be constricted by Serpenoid, preventing it from taking off. However, the other one quickly dived down before Hammersaur could get to it. It reached down with its clawed feet and grabbed the snake's neck, the two dragons fighting against it and managed to unravel it enough for the second to escape and take flight.

As the two took to the air, Hammersaur jumped back down whilst Flash held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Serpenoid opened its mouth as a light appeared within it, "Shining Venom!" Serpenoid unleashed a laser that struck one of the Dragonoid, causing it to cry out as its power dropped.

Dragonoid+Dragonoid: 940Gs
Hammersaur+Serpenoid: 1080Gs

The two dragonoids began to fall towards them, Hammersaur rushing forward ready to deal the finishing blow. But before it could, Dragonia spoke up. "Dragon Lumination!" The knight held up a card and both Dragonoid's mouths filled with light.

Dragonoid+Dragonoid: 1240Gs
Hammersaur+Serpenoid: 1180Gs

Just like Serpenoid, they both fired a laser that flew down and struck both Hammersaur and Serpenoid. The two Bakugan hissed as they were blasted backwards and reverted back to ball form, the two being blown out of the crater and landing at Flash's feet.

"Seriously?" He asked, as his life gauge dropped even more so.

Flash: 52%
Knight: 100%

"We're in trouble," Leonidas sighed as the Mock Dragonoids returned to the knight. "But this battle isn't over yet!" Flash nodded, the pair knowing their only chance was to hold nothing back.

Pipsqueak had led Derpy through the park to a denser area of it, that not a lot of people liked to go to since there was barely any room to run around between the trees.

But in the middle of this area was a larger than normal tree and in its branches, a well built treehouse could be found. "Here we are," Pipsqueak smiled as he helped Derpy lay down on a makeshift bed. "My dad and I found this thing when I was a kid and we fixed it up to be my own personal hangout. You should be able to rest here without much issue."

"Thank you," Derpy smiled as Pipsqueak sat next to him. "So, how have you been since I last saw you? I know it wasn't too long ago, but I hope you're still brawling."

Pipsqueak nodded, "I am. And it's been a lot of fun." As he said that, his Bakugan Scaboid leapt out of his pocket and onto his shoulder.

"We've been training hard to make sure nobody's able to beat us," he explained. "And it's all thanks to you giving Pipsqueak your support."

Derpy smiled, then frowned as she leaned back. "I guess that's all I can be. Someone who'll always be cheering the real heroes on from the sidelines."

"What do you mean?"

"My friends are in trouble," Derpy explained. "They disappeared in a flash of light and when I ran to help them, I passed out." Pipsqueak frowned hearing about this, feeling bad for her and worried for her friends. "I want to help them, but I'm not a brawler. I'd probably just get in the way."

"That's not true." She turned to her little friends, "you're great at Bakugan. You helped me learn to be a better Brawler."

"That's right," Scarboid nodded. "I'm sure with the right Bakugan, you would be an amazing Brawler." Derpy smiled at this as Pipsqueak stood you.

"You stay here. I'll go get you something to drink and when you're feeling better, we'll both go find your friends together." With that, he got up and ran off. Derpy smiled as she watched them leave and laid back on the bed, taking deep breaths to get herself under control." But just as she was about to relax, it happened.

"Derpy." Her eyes went wide as she sat up and looked around, whilst the dizziness in her head returned. "It's time for the real you to awaken. The Brawler within." Derpy clutched her head as she felt intense pain appear in her mind, the girl falling onto the bed.

"What is this?" She asked, rolling back and forth. "Who's doing this?"

"You know who it is."

She tried to remember, but she could only think of one being it could be. "Reg...Regulus."

They rushed over to another crater, knight throwing another Gate Card down. As it exploded, he threw two Bakugan down into the crater without hitting any power-ups.

In a burst of light, the two Haos Mock Dragonoids appeared and took to the air.

Dragonoid+Dragonoid: 790Gs

"Ready Leo!" Flash cried as he grabbed his partner and rushed up one of the rocks, running as fast as could before leaping off it. Sure enough, the moon's lack of gravity meant he could stay up their longer. "Bakugan," he threw Leonidas into the crater, "BRAWL!" Leo struck a trio of power-ups and hit the ground, popping open as he did so. "Bakugan, stand!" He exploded into a tornado of light that appeared between the two dragonoids, "Haos Omega Leonidas!"

"Raaaah!" He cried as he broke out of the tornado, staring down at the dragonoids below him as the power-ups kicked in.

Leonidas: 800Gs
Dragonoid+Dragonoid: 790Gs

"Activate the Gate Card!" Dragonia told the knight, who snapped his fingers and caused the ground to glow. "Twin Power!" The light flew up towards the two dragons and began to spiral around them, powering them both up.

Leonidas: 800Gs
Dragonoid+Dragonoid: 1190Gs

The Dragonoids shot towards Leonidas, Leo doing everything he could to avoid the attacks. He avoided one Dragonoid's wing attack but then got slammed by another. "Ahhh!" He cried, getting slashed in the back by it. The other one then charged at him, but Leonidas tried to slam it with the end of his tail. However, this just allowed the Dragonoid to grabbed it in its mouth and spin it around. "WOW!" He was then thrown towards the crater, whilst Flash pulled out a card.

"Time to even the odds. Ability, Activate!" Leonidas straightened himself out so that instead of falling, he was diving towards the ground. "Omega Eraser!" His mouth filled with energy and as he got close to the moon's surface, he let it rip and unleashed a powerful laser that struck and destroyed the Gate Card whilst powering him up.

Leonidas: 1050Gs
Dragonoid+Dragonoid: 790Gs

Before the laser's energy was completely spent, he swung it around and attempted to hit the Dragonoids. But before it could, "use Dragon Lumination!" The Knight did so and activated the card, the Dragonoids launching a laser from each of their mouths.

Leonidas: 1050Gs
Dragonoid+Dragonoid: 1090Gs

The two lasers united and struck Leo's, the attacks pushing against one another but eventually fading out of power. As they did, Leonidas began to fly back up.

"Ability, Activate!" Flash held up a card as Leo's claws began to glow, "Dragon Slash!"

Leonidas: 1200Gs
Dragonoid+Dragonoid: 1090Gs

He reached the two Dragonoids and swung his claws at each of them, hitting their chests and knocking them backwards. They fell for several moments, then spread their wings and regained control.

"Burst Impact!" Dragonia cried as the knight activated the card, the two Dragonoids flying straight up and beginning to spiral around one another as they glowed blue. They quickly formed into a pair of blue comets that kept moving in a helix, flying up above Leonidas before curving around to shoot towards him.

Leonidas: 1200Gs
Dragonoid+Dragonoid: 1290Gs

"This will end it!" Dragonia announced, but Flash had other ideas.

"Not gonna happen," he held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas glowed and the light shot off of him, "Reflector Prism" It formed the energy gem that shielded him from the two blue comets as they slammed into it. The shield shattered, but the comets bounced off and the light faded to reveal the Dragonoids once again.

Leonidas: 1300Gs
Dragonoid+Dragonoid: 1090Gs

Leonidas was quick and shot forward, reaching the two before they could recover and spinning his tail around. Both Dragonoids were struck by the blade and roared as they continued falling, reverting back to ball form and landing at the knight's feet whilst his life gauge dropped.

Flash: 52%
Knight: 16%

"Ha!" Flash smirked as Leonidas returned to him, "how'd you like that? Leo and I are the ultimate team!"

Dragonia hummed, "it appears you truly have grown strong together. Despite your rough start together, you've become a force to be reckoned with. However, power alone will not be enough to defeat Lucifer and his followers."

"Then what is it that we need?" Leonidas asked, but Dragonia said nothing in reply. "Well?"

"That is something that can not be taught, only learned." The two wondered what the heck she was going on about. "Now for your final trial. To claim victory, you must face your ultimate opponent. Me!" With that her armour fell apart and revealed a Haos Bakugan Ball within that flew over to the knight before he ran off.

"Hey!" Flash and Leo followed and the two Brawlers arrived at another crater, only to see that this one had no power-ups. "You ready Leo?" He took out a Gate Card.

"More than ready!" Leonidas cried.

"Then let's do this. Gate Card...SET!" He threw it into the crater before leaping into the air and throwing Leonidas into it, "Bakugan...BRAWL!" Leonidas hit the ground and popped open, exploding into a tornado of light. "Haos Omega Leonidas!"

Leo broke out of it and roared, spreading his wings and getting ready for the final battle.

Leonidas: 650Gs

The knight leapt into the air and threw the ball into it, the ball perfectly mirroring Leonidas as it opened up and unleashed a powerful light tornado. That light soon faded and Dragonia's true form was revealed.

She was a humanoid dragon whose body was pure white, but was covered in yellow sections of thicker scales around her chest, arms, waist and legs. Instead of having traditional dragon wings, hers looked more like a pair of giant dove wings. Her tail was long and tipped with a golden star-shape with a purple orb running through the centre, another purple orb being on her chest that the yellow sections of her body curved around like a giant yellow V. Her head was pointed and had a long golden horn on the front, whilst the back of her head had a crown of yellow feathers sticking out the back

"I am Haos Dragonia," she announced as she spread her wings. "All those who wish to harm the Bakugan must face me and feel my wrath!"

Leonidas: 650Gs
Dragonia: 700Gs

The two Bakugan stared one another down. "You may have given me form and life," Leonidas told her. "But that won't stop me from fighting you with everything I have...mother."

Dragonia chuckled, "I would be disappointed if you didn't. Now come at me, my son."

"Gate Card!" Flash yelled, "OPEN!" The field exploded with light, which shot up into Leonidas. "CHARACTER!" Leonidas roared as his power level was doubled.

Leonidas: 1300Gs
Dragonia: 700Gs

"How'd you like that?" Flash cheered as Leonidas flew straight at Dragonia, slashing at her relentlessly with his claws. Dragonia quickly went of the defensive, her speed equal with Leonidas'.

"Your power is impressive!" Dragonia cried. "But like I said, power won't be enough to defeat Lucifer!" The knight held up a card, as Dragonia flew backwards and spun her tail around so the star tip was in front of her chest. "Let me show you. Star Heart!" The Ability Activated and the gem on Dragonia's chest fired a beam that struck the one in the tail, which glowed and unleashed an orb of light. The orb expanded and surrounded the entire battlefield, causing the Gate Card to stop glowing.

"What?" Leo asked as he suddenly found his power weakening. "What's happening?" Flash checked his BakuColar.

Leonidas: 650Gs
Dragonia: 800Gs

"She returned you to your base level and powered herself up by a hundred Gs!" He cried, as Dragonia shot forward.

"Gyah!" Leo cried as she threw a punch at him, then another and another before swinging her tail around and slamming into him. "Augh!" He was pushed back and Dragonia charged again, only for Flash to hold up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Leonidas unleashed his laser blast attack, "Omega Eraser!" The beam flew at Dragonia and slammed into her, making her wince.

Leonidas: 900Gs
Dragonia: 800Gs

"Glimmer Shield!" She ordered as the knight held up a card and activated it, the gem on her chest glowing before unleashing a transparent energy full of differently coloured sparkles. It formed a barrier around her, protecting her from Leonidas' attack.

Leonidas: 650Gs
Dragonia: 800Gs

"Ahhh," Leo growled as he stopped firing. Once he did, the shield vanished and Dragonia shot forward again. "Raaaaaah!" He flew forward, the two of them getting closer and closer to one another.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Seconds before they connected, Leonidas glowed before vanishing. "Dragon Flash, plus Dragon Slash!" Leonidas appeared behind Dragonia and slashed at her with glowing claws, then warped around and slashed her someplace else. He did this again and again and again, as his power level grew.

Leonidas: 900Gs
Dragonia: 800Gs

As Leonidas went to slash at her again, Dragonia dived down to avoid the attack before flying upwards passed him. "Radiant Glory!" She cried as the knight held up a card, her body beginning to glow. Once she was high enough, she spread her arms, wings and legs wide as the light exploded off of her.

It flew down and blinded Leo, "ahhhhhh!" He clutched his eyes, unable to see anything.

Leonidas: 750Gs
Dragonia: 800Gs

Opponent sufficiently blinded, Dragonia dived towards him with her claws ready to strike the finishing blow.

"Leo!" Flash cried, but his Bakugan still couldn't see. "Good thing you've got an ability that doesn't need to be aimed!" He held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Leonidas took a deep breath, his mouth filling with light. "Shining Roar!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He cried, unleashing a super loud cry that sent flying right out in a wave.

"Huh?" Dragonia asked as she accidently flew down into the light. "Augh!" She cried, the energy slamming into her and knocking her backwards.

Leonidas: 750Gs
Dragonia: 600Gs

Leonidas opened his eyes and was able to blink away some of the fuzz, allowing him to see Dragonia above him. "Now I've got you!" He charged forward and pulled his fist back for a super strong punch. However.

"Shining Dragonia!" She roared as the knight held up a card, her mouth filling with light that quickly exploded into a laser.

Before Leonidas could escape, it slammed into his chest. "AUGH!"

Leonidas: 750Gs
Dragonia: 850Gs

"LEO!" He smashed into the ground and slid backwards, eventually coming to a stop. He groaned and as he did, Dragonia dived down with her mouth charging up another laser. "Hang on!" Flash held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Dragonia fired the laser, right as Leonidas was surrounded by his shield. "Reflector Prism!" The laser bounced off, leaving him unharmed as their powers charged.

Leonidas: 850Gs
Dragonia: 600Gs

As soon as Dragonia's laser stopped, Leo leapt out of his shield and shot forward. He roared and he swung his foot around and smashed it into her head.

"Gyah!" She crashed into the moon's surface and slid along the ground, but was then able to kick herself into the air and spread her wings. Both she and Leonidas panted, it clear that their power was even. "You've done well. Your teamwork is certainly something to be proud of."

"It's like we told you," Leo smiled. "Flash and I are the ultimate team."

Dragonia smiled as she got into a fighting stance, "let's see how much this ultimate team of yours can take." She turned towards the knight, "activate the Fusion Ability!" The knight nodded before holding up the card, Flash and Leonidas readying themselves for anything. The card glowed and so did Dragonia's orbs, as she swung her tail around.

This time the orb on her chest fired the light alongside her mouth, which shot a blast of light into the tail orb.

"Infinite Shining Spirit!" She roared as the tail orb exploded with a powerfully bright light, which expanded outwards and formed a massive sphere that completely covered the moon.

"What's happening?" Leonidas cried, only to then feel himself growing weaker. "Augh!" He cried, felling to the ground along with Dragonia. Flash checked his BakuColar.

Leonidas: 650Gs
Dragonia: 700Gs

"It's just like with Star Heart!" Flash realised, "but if this is a Fusion Ability!" Sure enough, Dragonia's power level began to raise.

Leonidas: 650Gs
Dragonia: 1000Gs

"Seriously?" He asked, shocked by this. He took out his own Fusion Ability, but Leonidas fell to his knees. "Leo!"

"Infinite Shining Spirit drains the opponent of any desire to battle," Dragonia explained. "Even if you activate that Ability, Leonidas wouldn't get any stronger." Leonidas growled up at her, "all you can do is accept defeat." She raised her clawed hands as a ball of light appeared within it. Clutching it in her claws, she pointed it at Leo before a beam shot out at him.

"LEO!" Flash cried, expecting this to be the end. But then Leonidas moved. He raised his arms and crossed them over his head, the laser slamming into the gauntlets around his wrist.

"What?" Dragonia was shocked by this, as Leo began to force himself to his feet.

"I won't give up," he told her. "I will pass this test and join the rest of our friends." He stared at Dragonia, "no matter what you do you won't beat me. Not if losing means I can't help my friends!" He spread his wings, "they mean too much to me. I won't let anything stop me from helping them!" With that, he shot into the air and flew towards Dragonia.

"Now that's impressive," Dragonia whispered as he got in close. "Such an indomitable will!" She ducked to the side as Leonidas slashed at her, the flew up to avoid a tail slash. "But you cannot defeat me!"

"GO LEO!" Flash roared as the dragons battled it out, Flash not daring to even blink and miss a moment. As he did, Flash couldn't help but remember the day they met and everything that had happened since then. 'Man, Leo and I have sure been through a heck of a lot together. And no matter who we battled, we gave it are all. Despite how badly we were at the beginning, everything since then has made our bond strong. As crazy as it feel, it's like we're connected by more than just friendship. When we're in battle, it's like our heart and minds are one.'

As he thought this, Leo used his arms to shield himself against Dragonia's tail attack. "Augh!"

"Leo!" Flash cried, then realised something. 'That's it. That's what Dragonia was trying to tell us before. Power alone won't be enough to defeat Lucifer, but that's not all we have. We have something much more special. We have each other and all our friends.' As these thought flowed through his head, Flash began to glow along with the Haos Energy. "That's the power we have that Lucifer can never hope to obtain. The power of the bond we and the other BakuFighters all share. THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP!" With that, the light exploded off of him and shot towards the Haos Energy.

"What?" Dragonia cried as she saw this, the light hitting the Attribute Energy and causing it to glow bright. The energy then exploded and shot towards Leonidas, slamming into him.

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared, feeling a sudden surge of energy flowing through.

"Power Surge Detected" Flash's BakuColar announced as his strength pulsed, eventually stopping.

Leonidas: 775Gs
Dragonia: 1000Gs

"Yaaaah!" He roared as he shot forward and punched Dragonia. Despite still being weaker, Dragonia was sent flying backwards by the punch and slammed into the orb surrounding the moon. It shattered, the energy vanishing as Leonidas felt his full fighting spirit return. "YES!" He roared, ready to end this. "Let's do this Flash!"

"You got it bud!" Flash took out a card and held it up, "Fusion Ability...ACTIVATE!" He tossed the card at Leonidas as it glowed and struck him in the back, merging with the energy surrounding him. "Roaring Omega!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared and unleashed a fusion of light and energy that shot out and struck Dragonia.

"AAAAARRRRRHHHHH!" She screamed as the energy slammed into her, causing their power levels to change.

Leonidas: 1075Gs
Dragonia: 800Gs

Dragonia tried to endure, but the energy was just too much. "Such power!" She cried, "I haven't seen anything like since...since." It was in that moment a memory appeared in her mind. A memory of another human and their Bakugan partner, this one being another Dragonoid but with the attribute of fire. "If they are truly like them, then I know we can trust them with this task." With that, the energy overwhelmed her and she was blasted backwards.

The light exploded in every direction, blinding all those on the moon.

Flash: 52% (Winner)
Knight: 0%

Flash felt himself blackout for a second, though it might have been longer, and when he came around he could here Leonidas' voice echo in his ear. "Flash. Flash you have to wake up." He opened his eyes and looked around, seeing they were once again in the dark void they had been in before.

"We're back here?"

"Be careful," Leo spoke from his spot on the ground next to him. "We're still in the world the Guardians created."

"But we won," Flash pointed out. "Didn't we?"

"Yes, you did!" They looked around and there was Dragonia, back in her armored form looking down at them as she floated in the air. "The power you wield is truly exquisite, but it is the bond you share with your friends that is your greatest power. Always remember that you are not alone and you will always find that no task or enemy is too great for you to overcome. I entrust you with our mission and the Hoas Attribute Energy."

"Yes!" Flash cheered as he stood, "this is great. Right Leo?"

"Yes," Leonidas nodded, "however, there's something I don't get." Flash raised an eyebrow. "When the other Bakugan passed their tests and gained their Attribute Energies, they all evolved. But even though I can feel the energy within me, I don't feel any stronger and I'm still the same."

"Oh yeah," Flash tilted his head. "That's true." He turned to Dragonia, "what's going on? Is it because Leo's already evolved once?"

"No," Dragonia told him, "the answer is much more simple." The two listened carefully. "You have passed your test and been deemed worthy to hold the Attribute Energy, but there is still more you must do in order to access its power and evolve."

"Oh come on!" Flash cried, "how many more hoops do you want us to jump through?" But as he said that, he sensed someone behind him and spun around to see the knight standing there. "You again!" The knight remained silent and Flash had finally had enough, "say something!" He charged and the knight and tackled him to the ground.

"Flash!" Leo cried, as Flash grabbed the knight's helmet and pulled it off. And the person beneath the mask shocked him.

"Soarin!?" Indeed, it was Soarin. But this Soarin didn't appear like the one he knew. His eyes were giving off a blank stare and he continued to stay silent as Flash pinned him down. "What's going on?" He got off of Soarin and looked him over, Soarin barely making any facial expressions as he slowly picked himself up.

It was then that he sensed others appearing and turned around, seeing three other knights with either blue, red and orange in place of green. Before he could say anything, the three removed their helmets and Flash was just as shocked to see who they revealed.

"Lyra...Heath...Bonnie?" His eyes went wide as he saw they were all as stoic faced and blank eyed as Soarin was. "What...I don't understand?" Soarin suddenly leapt over him and landed besides them, "what is this?"

"This is your final test," Dragonia announced. "In order to access the Haos Energy and allow Leonidas to evolve into his Supreme form, you must fight and defeat your friends."

"Are you insane?" Leonidas asked, "why would you have us do this? You said it yourself that our friends are what give us strength. Why would we risk that friendship by battling against them."

"A team is made of many parts and without a strong head, the body will die." She pointed at Flash, "though you do not realise it, you have become your team's leader. The others look to you for guidance and thus, it is you who must lead this team forward. That is why you must have greater strength. For a true leader is always the first to charge and the last to retreat, requiring greater strength than those he leads in order to allow them and their team to survive. This is your final test."

Flash could hardly believe it. Leonidas also didn't seem to like this, "do we really have to defeat our friends?"

"We've got no choice," Flash told him. "If we wanna defeat Lucifer, we have to get stronger. And if we have to fight our friends to do that, then that's what we've gotta do!" Leonidas was clearly still not happy about this, but eventually nodded.

"Okay."

"Then I wish you luck," Dragonia told them. "May you battle hard a prove yourself worthy of the power." With that, a light appeared below the pair that exploded upwards. Flash and Leo cried out as they were blinded, the two being thrown upwards into the sky. Dragonia watched them go and nodded, "I know you can do it. As long as you stick together, nothing can stand in your way."

Back on earth, Pipsqueak ran back towards his tree fort.

"I'm back!" He told Derpy as he climbed the ladder, "I got you a bunch of different flavours to make sure you had something you'd like and-" He stopped when he saw that nobody was in the tree house. It was completely empty and there was no sign of where Derpy went. "Derpy?" He frowned as he knelt on the floor, "where'd you go?"

On the other side of the city, a new battle was just about to begin.

Standing on a building opposite Dark Industries, Phantom smirked as he and Ragnaroid stared the place down. "It's time to take Lucifer and Sombra down," Phantom smirked as Ragnaroid agreed. They would defeat their former masters and take whatever power they both had for themselves. Then they would truly be the best of the best.

Author's Note

Flash and Leonidas passed their test, but now another more difficult one awaits them. Will they be able to handle it? Only time will tell.

Flash's Fight

The sun was beginning to rise upon Canterlot, with many people having awoken hours ago to prepare for the day ahead.

One person had yet to even go to sleep, having been too busy preparing for the trial that lay ahead of him. Phantom and Ragnaroid appeared at the riverbank near the bridge, the place Flash and his friends had encountered the Guardian Bakugan of Vestroia. And it was here that they intended to find them themselves.

As the stepped onto the bank and looked out at the lake, they saw no sign of the ones he was searching for. "Legendary Guardians of Vestroia!" Phantom called out, "I am Phantom and you have something that I want!" There was no reply. "Show yourselves, or are you too afraid to face me in battle!?"

"Ha!" Ragnaroid chuckled, "of course they're afraid. They know they were barely able to defeat me when they battled against me themselves and now I'm even more powerful. They may as well hand over the Darkus Attribute Energy." But it was then that they got a reply.

Suddenly, a light appeared beneath the bridge to their left. They turned to it and saw the light grow larger and larger, illuminating most of the darkness beneath the bridge. They quickly realised what this was and both smirked, Phantom moving towards it.

When they got under the bridge and stared into the light, they were greeted to the sight of a place they knew all too well. "The Doom Dimension!" Phantom recognised, seeing multiple statues of fallen Bakugan within it.

"What's left of it," Ragnaroid corrected. "It appears the Guardians of Vestroia wish to invite us to the place I've sent many a Bakugan to perish."

Phantom smirked. "Well, it would be rude to refuse such a generous invitation." He then frowned, "but what if it's a trap? They may be inviting us here to simply seal us away in this dimension."

"I doubt it," Ragnaroid chuckled. "The Guardians of Vestroia might want to stop us, but they're too goodie good to do that. If they were willing to seal us in the Doom Dimension, they would have done it to me and Lucifer the first time they defeated us." Phantom nodded and was about to step through the portal. "However," he stopped, "some worlds operate under different temporal laws. A day over there could be ten years on this side. Or the exact opposite. There's no way of knowing how long we'll be gone for."

"Not like I've got anything waiting for me," Phantom chuckled. He stepped through the portal, all the while wondering what would be waiting for him on the other side.

Meanwhile, Derpy was fast asleep in her room.

She wasn't having an easy sleep, causing her to shift around again and again as she tried to comfort herself. "Ahh," she groaned, "yaaaah." She curled herself up and as she did, something happened that made her settle down for a moment.

That something was a light, which appeared within her room and hovered over her body. Its aura drifted into her, making her glow and causing her breathing to grow calm. It also made her wake up, the girls eyes flickering open as she slowly glanced over at the light.

"What?" She asked as she sat up, the light floating away from her bed. Despite the insaneness of it, she wasn't scared of it in the least. She got up off her bed as the light steadied itself in the air, then began to grow larger.

"Derpy," a voice she recognised spoke out to her, "it is time." Derpy frowned hearing this, but nodded and went to change. She had made a promise and now, it was time to fulfil it.

Later that day, Flash was in his room with Leonidas on the windowsill besides him.

He knew this was coming, but it didn't make things any easier. And the beeping that came from his BakuColar also made things feel even more real, as he checked his messages and found it was from Twilight.

My team's meeting at the fountain at noon today. I think you should get the others to meet us there as well, so that we can get this over with in one go.

Flash sighed again, Leonidas hearing this and looking over his shoulder to see the message. "She's right you know. We can't avoid this forever."

"Okay," Flash nodded before typing into his BakuColar and sending a message to Lyra.

Lyra, can you get in touch with Bonnie and Derpy to ask them to come to the park fountain today? I need to tell you guys something and it's really important.

He sent it and waited, Lyra messaging back to him after a few moments.

Sure, but what's this about?

Don't wanna explain over messaging. See you at noon.

With that sent, he sent similar messages to Heath and Soarin. They agreed to show up and with that done, Flash moved over to his wardrobe to get changed.

As soon as Lyra finished messaging Flash, she sent Bonnie a message and got a reply saying she would be there. She then tried to contact Derpy, using her cellphone since Derpy didn't have a BakuColar, all the while wondering what Flash wanted them there for.

"The number you have dialled is currently unable to pick up. Please hang up and try again." Lyra frowned as she stared at her cellphone, wondering why Derpy wasn't picking up. She hung up and dialled again, "The number you have dialled is currently unable to pick up. Please hang up and try again."

"What's going on?" Lyra asked, getting up and heading for the door. "It's not like Derpy to miss a call." Nimue leapt onto her shoulder, "I'll head over to her place and find out."

"I'm sure she just forgot her phone or something," Nimue tried to reassure her. "Derpy can be a little forgetful sometimes." Lyra nodded, hoping that was just it.

Once Flash was dressed, he headed downstairs where his family was waiting.

"There you are," Misty smiled. "I wondered when you were gonna get up." She then seemed to notice Flash's worried expression, "what's wrong?" Trail and Scootaloo turned to him as he sat down.

"There's something really important I have to do," he explained. "But doing it means having to compete against my friends. I don't wanna do that, but I have to if I want to complete this challenge I've been set."

"Are we talking about that Bakugan Game you play?" Misty asked, with Flash nodding as his parents shared a look.

"Well, how important is this challenge you've been set?" Trail asked.

"Really important. The most important challenge I've ever been given. If I don't pass it, things could get really bad." Scootaloo looked concerned, since she of course knew the truth about Bakugan. His parents still looked unsure.

"Well...if it's that important then you need to do it," Trail told him. "But if doing this will effect your friendship with your friends, you should be careful. Nothing is worth losing friends over."

"This is just a game," Misty explained. "I'm sure they'll understand and won't hold it against you. Just try and think of it as a game with no stakes, like you would any other day. Remember to have fun and I'm sure things will work out for you."

Flash smiled at this and nodded, as his mother put his breakfast down for him. Flash quickly began to eat up and once he was done, he gave them his thanks before rushing out the door and biking to the park. Along the way, he thought about what his parents had said. "The others have to know this battle won't be anything personal. It shouldn't affect our friendship."

"I hope you're right Flash," Leo stated from his jacket pocket. "We can't afford to chicken out. If we do, all could be lost."

"You're right," Flash nodded as they arrived at the park. "No matter what, we have to do this." He rushed through the place as fast as he could and eventually arrived at the area he had first met Leonidas, spotting Twilight was already there. "Hey!" He smiled seeing her and pulled his bite to a stop, Twilight smiling at him as he got off and walked the rest of the way. "Didn't think I'd see you here so soon."

"We figured you would come early," Twilight smiled. "Probably spend a whole bunch of time constantly stressing about having to do this." Flash smirked at this.

"Yeah, probably. But I think what my parents told me is helping a bit." Twilight was curious about this and inquired as he explained, Twilight listening closely.

"You're parents are right," Twilight smiled. "Your friends will understand and this something you need to do. They won't take it as an offence."

"Yeah," Flash leaned back, "you're right. And thanks Twilight. You have no idea how much you've helped me since I started as a Battle Brawler." Twilight smiled hearing this. "You helped me get Leo to start talking, helped us work out our differences. Gave me a good kicking when my ego started getting to me. And so many other things. You're awesome."

Twilight blushed at this, "well you've helped me just as much. I'd still be one of Phantom's puppets right now if you hadn't saved me when you did. Even though it almost cost you losing Leonidas." She reached into her pocket and pulled her Bakugan partner out, "and you got Spike back for me. In both body and mind."

Spike popped open and looked at Flash and Leo, "I haven't gotten to say thanks for that. I know you guys went through a lot to help us. So thanks man."

"No problem," Flash told him as Twilight smiled at him.

"Flash, you'll always have me cheering you on. No matter what happens with these battles that are coming, I'll be right there with you. We will defeat Lucifer and Phantom. I promise." Flash smiled back and the two stared at one another for several moments, unconsciously moving their heads closer to one another.

But just as they were about to unknowingly kiss, Leonidas sneezed and the pair's trance was broken.

They quickly pulled apart from one another and looked away, not daring to let their eyes meet. Twilight let out a nervous chuckle with her glasses steaming up a bit from the heat of her face, whilst Flash rubbed the back of his neck several times.

Leo and Spike shared a look, both shaking their heads in disbelief.

Flash and Twilight remained there for about an hour, going over everything they were going to tell the others. Eventually, Heath arrived with Pinkie and Bonnie. Applejack and Rarity showed up a little after that with Soarin, Rainbow and Fluttershy arriving soon after.

"Hey man," Soarin told him as they reached the fountain. "What was so important that you needed to bring us all here?" That same question had been asked by the others when they arrived, with Flash and Twilight giving them all the same answer.

"I'll explain once we're all here," Flash stated. "We're just waiting for Lyra and Derpy."

"Where are they?" Twilight pushed her glasses up, "I figured they'd be one of the first ones here." The others shrugged and continued to wait, Twilight trying to call them. "That's weird. I can't get a hold of Derpy."

"Huh?" Flash looked confused by this statement, the others sharing the same look. Flash went to his BakuColar and typed in Lyra's contact info, seeing if he could get through to her BakuColar. A few moments later, Lyra's voice answers.

"Hello?"

"Lyra, where are you? The rest of us are waiting for you."

"Sorry Flash. I couldn't get through to Derpy. I called a bunch of times, but she wouldn't pick up." Now they were beginning to worry, since two people unable to get through to Derpy was more than just bad luck. "I'm heading over to her house to see if she's okay. We might be a little late, so you guys should do whatever you wanted us to be there for and we'll catch up later." With that, she hung up and was likely heading to Derpy's place.

Flash frowned as he turned off the watch's communication function, everyone wondering where Derpy was and why she wasn't answering. "Maybe we should go over there," Fluttershy suggested.

"No," Twilight shook her head, "we shouldn't worry too much until we know for certain something's happening. If we all rush over there and Derpy just has a cold or something, she's gonna feel really bad for making us all worry."

"She has a point," Soarin nodded. "For now, let's just focus on why we're all here." They turned towards Flash, who suddenly felt very hot under the collar, "so why are we here?"

"Yeah," Rainbow nodded, "what's the big problem?"

"It's...hard to explained," Flash replied. "But the long and the short of it is...Leo and I haven't completed our test." Those words rang out amongst his friends as they let the information he had just given them sink in, the lot's eyes slowly going wider and wider whilst their mouths slowly began to drop.

"WHAT!?" The word rang out throughout the park, every bird in a five mile radius shooting into the air from the sudden surprise. Heath, Bonnie and Soarin then rushed forward and got right in Flash's face.

"What do you mean, you didn't complete your test?" Heath yelled out to him.

"Did you lose against the Haos Guardian?" Bonnie asked, looking ready to start hyperventilating.

"Or did your test involve a lesson you refused to accept?" Soarin inquired, "seriously man. How could you fail? These tests were supposed to help us. I mean it was hard for me to accept what I needed to learn by I did learn it and so did the rest of us." Before they could say anything else, Flash pushed the three away from him.

"Would you guys calm down and let me talk for two minutes!?" He yelled, causing the others to stop and slowly move backwards as Flash took several deep breaths. "Okay, I did beat the Haos Guardian and I did learn a lesson. Probably not as life changing a lesson as you guys, but I did learn it. We were able to access the Haos Energy and for a moment it did power Leo up, but that's all it did."

Wukong took this moment to turn to Leo, "so does that mean you haven't actually evolved yet?"

Leo sighed, "no."

"Not even a little bit?"

"No."

"Not even a teenie eenie wenie little bit?"

"I said no!" The dragon almost roared as the others continued to listen.

"So what's the deal?" Rainbow asked. "If you passed their test and got the Attribute Energy, why hasn't Leo evolved?"

"Dragonia said I had one more task to complete before Leonidas can evolve." He turned to the three members of his team, looking worried. "She said I had to defeat you guys." Everyone's shocked expressions returned, the lot completely gobsmacked hearing this.

"What do ya'h mean ya'h gotta defeat'em?" Applejack asked, the others nodding as Flash tried to remember what Dragonia had told him.

"She said that since I'm the leader of the group, I need to have more strength then the rest of them in order be the first to charge and the last to retreat. Or...something like that." He turned to the other BakuFighters, "do you guys really see me as the leader?" Heath, Soarin and Bonnie shared a look, each slowly nodding at one another.

"I guess so," Bonnie replied. "You were the one that brought us all together as a team."

"You were the one that stood by Leo even when the rest of us didn't trust him," Heath agreed.

"And you have pretty much been leading the charge when it came to our fights against Phantom and spoke for the rest of us when we agreed to take the Guardian's test." Soarin shrugged, "I guess you are the leader."

Flash let out a sigh, "yay me. So yeah, now I've gotta beat you guys. If I don't, then Leo will never be able to evolve into his ultimate form. I have to battle each of you, plus Lyra, and if I lose I'll have failed my final test."

"I don't like this," Fluttershy frowned. "Friends shouldn't have to fight against one another. Isn't there some other way you can get Leonidas to evolve?"

Leo sighed, "if there was then I'd happily do it. But I'm afraid the only way for me to reach my next stage of evolution is to defeat the rest of our team. This is our only choice."

"Alright then!" Bonnie smirked as she stepped forward, "then let's get this party started!"

"Huh?" Flash asked, clearly not following.

"I'm saying we'll battle right here and now," Bonnie took out a Gate Card. "Basically, I challenge you. To save time, we'll make this a one on one battle. No Life Gauge, with the first Bakugan to fall being the loser. How's that sound?"

"Errr..." Flash still seemed to have reservations about this, but quickly shook his head. "Fine then!" He held up his BakuColar, "just don't start crying when I beat you."

"As if!" Bonnie smirked as she held up her BakuColar, "I'm gonna win and I bet doing so will help Gaia evolve even further." The others also held up their BakuColar's, the screen coming to life and unleashing a blinding light.

"BAKUGAN! FIELD...OPEN!" The light surrounded them and they were all transported to the dimensional battlefield, the attribute galaxies glowing above their heads.

"Gate Card!" Bonnie threw it to the ground, "SET!" The card exploded as both Bonnie and Flash held up their Bakugan. "Are you ready, Gaia?"

"Always," the Subterra Bakugan replied before Bonnie threw her into the field.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" Gaia shot through the air and struck the field, "Bakugan...STAND!" In a burst of orange light, the giant Bakugan took form and made the earth shake upon her arrival. "Subterra Grand Gaia!" Everyone was shocked by what they saw.

"That's Grand Gaia?" Rainbow asked.

"She's huge!" Pinkie cried.

"And I bet she had power to match," Twilight greed.

"Bigger isn't always better!" Flash cried before turning to his partner, "you ready bud?"

"Never more!" Leo laughed before Flash threw him into the battlefield.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" Leo hit the ground and rolled before popping open, "Bakugan...STAND!" He exploded into a tornado of light, which shot into the air before exploding to reveal his true form. "Haos Omega Leonidas!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared, he and Gaia being practically eye level.

Gaia: 600Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs

"Show me your new power," Leonidas growled.

"With pleasure!" Gaia replied before Bonnie held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Gaia began to glow, "Gaia Spirit!"

Gaia: 850Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs

Gaia swung her fists around, attempting to swat Leo out of the sky like a mosquito. And whilst Leo was able to avoid each of the attacks, the wind her swing unleashed struck him and he was knocked about and found it hard to fly. "Is that the best you can do?" She asked her opponent.

"Just wait!" Leo cried as Flash held up a pair of cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Leonidas glowed and suddenly shot towards Gaia at blinding speed, "Dragon Flash, plus Shining Roar!" In the blink of an eye, he moved behind Gaia and roared a roar that unleashed a powerful light.

"Augh!" Gaia cried as it struck her in the back, making her stagger forwards as their powers changed.

Gaia: 700Gs
Leonidas: 750Gs

"YEAH!" The others cheered. They didn't want Bonnie to lose, but if winning was the only way for Flash and Leo to pass then it's what had to happen. But Bonnie wouldn't make it easy for them.

"Ability, Activate!" Gaia swung around and thrust her fists forward, "Bark Barrage!" The wooden sections of her gauntlets broke off and were sent flying like hundreds of ninja stars, slamming into Leo and making him roar in pair as he tried to avoid them.

Gaia: 800Gs
Leonidas: 750Gs

"LEO!" Flash cried, whilst Bonnie pointed to the ground.

"Gate Card, OPEN!" The ground began to glow, "Subterra Reactor!" Large rocks began to grow out of the ground, giving off an energy that flowed into Gaia and powered her up even more.

Gaia: 1000Gs
Leonidas: 750Gs

As Leo flew out of the Bark Barrage and up to safety, Gaia moved over to where Bonnie was standing. The girls stared at each other and nodded before Gaia knelt down, offering her hand to Bonnie.

"What's she doing?" Applejack asked as Bonnie climbed up and allowed Gaia to place her on her shoulder, then turn back to Leonidas.

"Get him!" Bonnie cried as Leo dived down, ready for an attack. Gaia's gauntlets had regrown the wooden sections and she fired again, Leonidas doing his best to avoid them.

"That's it!" Flash cried as he took out a card, "Ability-" He stopped when he remembered when Bonnie was, then imagined what would happen if Leo launched his attack. The image of his friend being struck by a laser and blasted away made him freeze on the spot. "No."

"Flash?" Leo asked as he got closer, only for Gaia to fire the Bark Barrage again. "What are you doing?" He avoided the shards as best he could, but this caused him to fly right into Gaia's range.

"Take this!" She threw a punch and slammed it right into Leo's chest, the dragon roaring out as he was sent flying back and barely managed to keep himself from reverting to ball form.

"Come on Flash!" Bonnie called down to him, "quit holding out on me. Gaia and I are going full force, so you need to do the same or you're gonna lose!"

"I can't!" Flash yelled back, "and you know why?"

"Flash!" Heath cried, "what are you going?"

"He can take the lead with one move!" Rainbow agreed, "why's he holding back?"

"He's scared." They all turned to Soarin, who pointed at Gaia. "Don't forget where Bonnie is." They looked up and spotted Bonnie on Gaia's shoulder, "what'll you think'll happen if Flash unleashes his attack on Gaia?" They quickly caught on.

"Bonnie'll be caught in the crossfire!" Fluttershy gasped.

"That's why he's not fighting back," Rarity realised. "What does Bonnie think she's doing?"

"Fine then," Bonnie took out another card. "If you won't fight back, then I'll end this fight her and now. Ability, Activate!" She shifted as Gaia's long blasters folded upwards only her shoulders. "Gaia Cannon!" The logs filled with energy and as Leo recovered from the sucker punch he endured, the energy exploded out into a pair of green lasers.

Gaia: 1150Gs
Leonidas: 750Gs

Leonidas saw this coming and his eyes went wide, the dragon leaping into the air and barely avoiding the beams as they struck the ground. "Wow!" He cried as the ground exploded, pushing Leonidas into the air, "Flash!"

"Ahhh!" The teen growled, "how am I supposed to fight if I can get a clean shot!" He turned to Bonnie, glaring at her in annoyance. "Would you quit interfering. Come on, what's the point of winning this fight if you do it through cheating."

"You think Phantom and Lucifer are gonna play fair?" She asked as Gaia fired again, Leonidas barely escaping the blasts. "If you want Leo to become the ultimate Bakugan and save the world, you're gonna have to risk everything to make it happen. Because face it, this isn't a game anymore. This is war and in war, you've gotta do things you don't like to defeat the bad guy."

"She's right!" Gaia agreed, "this battle isn't just to see who's stronger. It's to prepare us for the battles that are yet to come. And if you can't handle this kind of fight..." Her cannons powered up, "then you might as well STEP ASIDE!" She fired and Leonidas was struck head on.

"AUGH!" He roared, falling towards the ground in a spiral descent.

"Leo!" Flash cried, then his eyes fell on Bonnie. Gazes locked, Flash remembered what she said and realised she was right. If Flash was going to defeat Lucifer and save the world, he couldn't hold anything back. No matter what, he had to push past his limits. "LEO!" The words echoed through the air and as they did, Leonidas' eyes shot open.

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared as he spread his wings and pulled himself up, seconds before he hit the ground. He skimmed just above it as Flash ran towards him, leaping into the air and landing on Leo's head. "Let's do this!"

"You bet!" Flash cried as they flew back into the air, Flash holding onto his horn and holding up his card. "Ability, Activate!" Leo's mouth filled with energy, "Omega Eraser!" Leo roared again and unleashed a supercharged energy blast, that struck the ground and made it shake.

The Subterra Reactor's rocks began to crumble, causing Gaia's power to lower as Leo's rose.

Gaia: 950Gs
Leonidas: 1000Gs

Leo shot forward and slashed at Gaia's chest, the force sending her staggering back and making Bonnie hold on tight. "Now we're really fighting!" She cheered, "but it might be a little too late!" She held up a card, "Fusion Ability, Activate!" Gaia glowed and began to draw the power of nature into her body, channeling into the cannons on her shoulders.

"Get ready Leo!" Flash cried, "This one's gonna be big!"

"INFINITE GAIA!" Bonnie screamed, as Gaia unleashed the energy beams. They combined into one and shot towards leo, who fired his Omega Eraser to try and deflect them.

Gaia: 1350Gs
Leonidas: 1000Gs

The two beams pushed against one another, but slowly the Infinite Gaia began to over power the Omega Erazer. "Ahhhh!" Leonidas groaned as Gaia's attack got closer and closer, the dragon knowing if it hit he would be down for the count.

Flash also knew this and decided to pull out the big guns. "Fusion Ability, Activate!" He threw the card into Leo's laser and when it struck, it exploded and filled the attack with new energy. "Roaring Omega!" Leo's mouth filled with light that began build up, right as the Infinite Gaia got close to hitting him. And right before it did, Leo stopped firing his beam and took a deep breath.

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared as the light and energy exploded out of his mouth, hitting Gaia's attack and pushing it back with a wave.

Bonnie and Gaia both gasped as Gaia's attack was nullified, the Subterra Bakugan quickly raising her hands to try and defend herself from the attack. "Ahhhh!" She cried, as the wave slammed into her hands and she was slowly pushed backwards. "It's...it's too much!"

Gaia: 1150Gs
Leonidas: 1300Gs

"GAIA!" Bonnie cried as she took out a card, but Gaia's legs gave out and the two were blasted back. They both cried out as Gaia was reverted back to ball form, causing Bonnie to fall as her friends gasped.

"Bonnie!" Flash tried as Leo dived down towards her, the teen leaping off the dragon's head to try and grab her as the battlefield around them disappeared.

In the blink of an eye, they were back in the park and the others quickly spotted Flash kneeling on the ground holding a panting Bonnie in his arms.

"You okay?" He asked the girl he had just defeated, Bonnie taking a few deep breaths before nodding.

"I'm fine." She pulled herself up out of Flash's arms and looked around, "Gaia?" Her Bakugan suddenly leapt onto her shoulder and opened up, "how are you doing?"

"A little wobbly, but I'll live." She turned to Leonidas, who jumped on Flash's shoulder. "I must commend you on a battle well fought. You truly were the better Bakugan today."

"Thank you," Leonidas nodded.

"Yeah," Flash agreed, "thanks Bonnie. You were right to push me like that. I can't fight halfheartedly if I'm gonna get Leo to evolve." He then turned to Soarin and Heath, "now who's next?"

The two teens looked at one another, only for Wukong to start leaping up and down on Heath's shoulder. "Me, me, me! I want the chance to take Leo down. My new form will be just what I need to do it."

"Alright," Heath smirked before turning to Flash, "on behalf of my Bakugan Partner. Flash, I challenge you to a battle!"

"Oh, it's on!" Flash held up his BakuColar and Heath did the same, the others mirroring the movement. "BAKUGAN!" They all yelled, "FIELD OPEN!" The screen shined and once again, the lot of them were transported to the other dimension.

"Here we go!" Heath took out a Gate Card and threw it to the ground, "Gate Card, Set!" As it exploded, Heath held up his partner. "Let's do this, Wukong!"

"I'm ready for action!" The ape cried as Heath threw him into the battlefield.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" He hit the ground and rolled several times before stopping. "Bakugan...STAND!" He burst into flames and formed a spiralling tornado, "Pyrus King Wukong!"

"YEAH!" Wukong cheered as the tornado exploded, revealing the Bakugan as he seemed to be breaking dancing around. "King Wukong in the house!" He stopped and struck a pose, "wazzup!"

"Evolution's certainly given him more energy," Twilight laughed as Flash held up Leonidas.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw him in and hit the ground near Wukong's feet, "Bakugan...STAND!" He popped open and the tornado of light exploded out of him. "Haos Omega Leonidas!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared as the tornado exploded off of him and he stared down at Wukong, "let's do this thing monkey boy!"

"That's Mr Monkey Boy to you!" Wukong smirked as he got into a fighting stance.

Wukong: 650Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs

Leonidas dived down with his claws at the ready, Heath quickly holding up his card. "Ability, Activate!" Wukong's flaming ponytail exploded and surrounded his entire body, "Wildfire Burst!" Wukong spun and swung his arms around, causing the flames to explode off of him and slam into Leonidas as a fire wave.

"Augh!" He roared as his power was burned away, Wukong's hair relighting itself.

Wukong: 650Gs
Leonidas: 500Gs

As Leo shook his head to get rid of the stinging to his face, Wukong leapt up at him. "Take some of this!" He started flailing his arms and legs around in a wild manner, hitting Leo several time. "How'd you like that, huh?"

"How is it evolution's made you even more annoying?" Leo asked as he swung his tail around to hit Wukong in the stomach, knocking him back but doing little to no damage.

"Just a talent I guess," the ape smirked as Leonidas flew up before diving down.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Flash held up two cards, as Leo's body began to glow. "Dragon Slash, plus Dragon Flash!" Moving at incredible speeds, Leo shot towards Wukong and swung his glowing claws at him.

Wukong: 650Gs
Leonidas: 750Gs

"Augh!" The ape cried as he was knocked backwards, his chest hair now slightly trimmed. "Not cool!" He cried, as Leonidas charged at him once again.

"Ability, Activate!" Heath held up a card as Wukong swung his hair around, causing a wall of fire to appear between the two Bakugan. "Backfire!" Leonidas flew through the wall before he could stop himself, the dragon groaning as he felt more of his power burn away. "This Ability doesn't negate your last Ability, but causes it to reverse its effects!"

Wukong: 650Gs
Leonidas: 550Gs

As Leo continued flying forwards, Wukong swung around and slammed his foot into the dragon's face. "Augh!" He was knocked to the ground and slid along it.

"LEO!" Flash cried as the dragon came to a stop, moaning as he laid there whilst Wukong charged forward. "Quick, get up!" Leonidas rolled to his back as Wukong leapt up and prepared to throw a punch right at him, only for Flash to hold up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas took a deep breath as his mouth glowed, "Shining Roar!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He cried as the light exploded out of his mouth, slamming into Wukong and blasting him backwards.

"Gyah!" He cried as he fell through the air, hitting the ground and backwards several times.

Wukong: 500Gs
Leonidas: 550Gs

Leo used this time to push himself back to his feet and take to the air again, whilst Wukong managed to stop his roll and thrust his feet into the ground to slid to a stop.

As Leo circled around and prepared to dive, Heath held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Wukong brought his fists together and pulled them apart, the fire stick appearing between them. "Ruyi Bang!" The flames vanished to reveal the long staff, the ends of which remained alight as he swung it around.

Wukong: 750Gs
Leonidas: 550Gs

Leonidas tried to slash at him, but Wukong swung his staff around and deflected the claws before he thrust it into Leo's chest. "Augh!"

"Wow," Rainbow was impressed, "Wukong's fighting style sure has changed." They watched as Wukong used his staff like a pole vault and leapt into the air, dealing a stomp kick to Leo's chest.

"Yes," Twilight agreed, "his attacks used to involve mainly brute force. But now they're much more refined." Wukong repeated the process of pole vaulting into the air, but this time the staff extended for a second and shot him up above Leo. He then brought his staff up in preparation of swinging it down at his head.

"Ability, Activate!" Flash held up a card as Leo charged up the energy in his mouth, "Omega Eraser!" Before Wukong could hit him with the staff, Leo fired the beam and struck him in the chest.

Wukong: 750Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

"Augh!" He cried as he crashed into the ground, with Leonidas firing a second blast towards him. But Wukong quickly started spinning his staff, causing the attack to be deflected. And when Leo stopped to take a breath, Heath held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Wukong leapt into the air, his entire body exploding into fire. "Blazing Trickster!" The flames exploded off of the original into several fireballs, which quickly took shape and extinguished to reveal multiple copies of the ape that were all armed with Wukong's staff.

"What?" Flash asked before looking down at his BakuColar. "No way!"

Wukong: 1250Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

"Five hundred Gs?" Soarin asked, "how's that possible?" Twilight brought up the stats of Blazing Trickstar and read them allowed.

"Blazing Trickstar. Increase Wukong's G power by the amount of the last Ability used times two." The others were amazed to hear this, as the Wukong army charged.

Leonidas fired multiple Omega Erasers, but several of the monkeys deflected them with their staffs before the others leapt into the air. "Augh!" He cried as one struck him, then another and another and another.

"Hang on Leo!" Flash held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Leo glowed and as one of the clones attacked, the crystal-shaped barrier appeared around him. "Reflector Prism!" The clone hit the barrier and the light shot out, making it burst into flames before extinguishing.

The light spread out and struck the rest of the clones, making them vanish whilst the original Wukong was blinded. "Ahhh!"

Wukong: 750Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

Leonidas then dived down and swung his tail at Wukong, knocking him off his feet as he was thrown backwards. "Augh!" He cried, Leonidas taking to the air. "What, you think you're safe up there!" He danced around until he landed back on his feet, "Heath!"

"I hear ya'h!" Heath cried as he held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Wukong's hair exploded off of him and into the air, "Flaming Nimbus!" It formed the cloud and Wukong leapt onto it, shocking everyone as he took to the air.

"He can fly?" Pinkie cried.

Wukong: 900Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

Wukong shot towards Leo with his staff primed, Leo's claws also ready for action. The two charged at one another and began trading blows in the air, those on the ground barely able to see anything except a yellow light and red fireball flying around and crashing into each other.

"Stalemate!" Applejack cried.

"Not for long," Fluttershy realised as Heath pointed to the ground.

"Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground burst into flames, "Pyrus Reactor!" The flames shot up and surrounded Wukong, morphing into a blazing aura that surrounded him a he charged.

Wukong: 1100Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

"Batter up!" The ape cried before swinging his staff like a bat and slamming it into Leo's face.

"Augh!" He cried, falling to the ground but managing to regain control. "Enough is enough. Flash!" The teen nodded and as Leo flew passed, Flash leapt into the air and landed on his head once again. The others watched in wonder as Flash held up a card.

"Time to end this! Fusion Ability...ACTIVATE!" The card glowed as Leonidas' mouth filled with light and energy, the power glowing to emense levels. "Roaring Omega!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Leonidas unleashed the attack, the wave of light and energy shooting out of his mouth and flying towards Wukong.

The ape gasped as he swung his staff around, trying to deflect the energy wave as best he could. But the power was just to great. "Ahhhhhh!"

Wukong: 900Gs
Leonidas: 1200Gs

"WUKONG!" Heath cried as he watched his partner be overcome by the super powered attack, the Flaming Nimbus extinguishing and causing him to be thrown backwards.

"AHHHHHHH!" Wukong yelled as he slammed into the ground and reverted back to ball form, Leo's attack sweeping over the battlefield and causing them all to be blinded for a moment.

When the light faded, everyone opened their eyes and saw they were back in the park. Flash stood over a sitting Heath, both teens panting. "Ow," Heath finally moaned, "I guess you win." He turned to Wukong, who was laying on the ground besides him. "We'll have to try another time to become the best of the best."

"No fair!" Wukong cried, "I didn't get to use my Fusion Ability. Let's go again. This time, I'll crush you!"

Flash ignored Wukong's challenge, too busy trying to catch his breath. Someone stepped up to him and offered him a bottle of water, the teen looking up at a smiling Pinkie and taking the bottle whilst not bothering to ask where she got it from. He sucked down the entire contents of the bottle without it leaving his lips, Flash letting out a refreshed sigh. "Thanks," he gave the bottle back to Pinkie before turning to Soarin, "two down and one to go. You ready Soarin?"

"I am," Soarin nodded. "But you aren't." Flash raised an eyebrow at this, "look at you. You're exhausted. There's no way you'll be able to beat us in that state. You and Leonidas need to rest up." He turned to leave, "I'll meet you here tomorrow morning. Get ready for the fight of your life." With that, he left and the others watched him leave.

Flash stared at him and nodded, "alright." He remembered back to when he and Soarin had first met and the insane battle they had had back then. They never got to have a real outcome to the fight, so this would hopefully help fix that problem. "Tomorrow. This is gonna be a blast."

Lyra arrived at Derpy's house and knocked on the door, waiting for Derpy or someone to reply.

After a few moments, someone did open the door. Derpy's mom Dipsy, who was an older purple skinned version of Derpy. "Hello?" She then realised who it was, "Lyra. How nice to see you again."

"Hello," Lyra nodded before looking behind her, "is Derpy home. She hasn't been responding to my texts."

Dipsy frowned hearing this, "I haven't seen her all day. I thought she left to hang out with you or go to work. She tends to up and leave whenever she has someplace to be." Lyra frowned at this, taking out her phone and trying to call it again. But she didn't get an answer. "Dinky?" Her mother called out, with a thirteen year old version of Dipsy stepping out from another room. "Do you know where you sister is today?"

"No," the girl replied, "I haven't seen here all day." Now Lyra was very worried, wondering where the heck she had gone.

Phantom looked around the Doom Dimension as if seeing it for the first time.

The battlefield he had battled on so many times was nothing compared to the actual place itself. The air felt like something within it was rotting and the ground felt like it could open up and swallow him at any moment if it so chose to. "So, this is the Doom Dimension."

"Indeed," Ragnaroid nodded, "I've sensed this aura many times in sending Bakugan here. I wonder if there are any that have managed to survive this long? After all, this place was created as a prison."

"A prison?" Phantom asked, wondering what he was talking about.

"It is said that the Perfect Dragonoid, or the Original Dragonoid I think he's referred to in this story, did battle against many evil Bakugan known as the Nonets. When he defeated them, he created the Doom Dimension in order to keep them safely contained. It is said they lived out the rest of their existence in this realm and over time, other evil Bakugan were sealed away here. Eventually, it evolved into the ultimate dark fate of all Bakugan. The prison became a hell."

"And now we are within it," Phantom chuckled. "But it'll take more then this place to put a stop to me." He stopped walked and looked up towards the sky, "Legendary Guardians of Vestroia! I am here! Now, show yourselves so that we may battle!" He waited and waited, but so no sign of the Guardians. But then-

"Very well." Phantom turned towards the voice, seeing the air in front of him begin to distort. It was like someone had hung a curtain that looked exactly like the environment behind it. And stepping through that curtain, Regulus appeared. "You have challenged me to a battle and I will accept." He held up his hand as the Darkus Attribute appeared, "this is what you're after."

"The Darkus Attribute that remains of Vestroia," Phantom smirked. "And you would willingly risk it to battle me, knowing that if you lose it will make me more powerful than ever?"

"If this is the only way I can stop you, then so be it. I will make the efforts of the ones chosen to stop Lucifer easier by eliminating you from the situation. When you and Ragnaroid lose, I will once again seal Ragnaroid away and you will be of no more threat."

"Ha!" Ragnaroid laughed, "even if you could defeat and seal me, you really think Phantom would stop trying to be the best. All losing me will do is make his journey a little bit harder. Harder, but not impossible."

"Indeed," Phantom nodded, "and I will not lose. Now, let's get this battle started."

"A moment," Regulus stated. "There is still one player that has yet to arrive." The world behind him distorted again before someone stepped out of it. Someone Phantom didn't expect to see here.

"You?" He asked, as Derpy stepped in front of Regulus. The girl opened her eyes and a look of serious focus could be seen. This girl meant business. "You can't be serious. What, is she some kind of illusion?"

"Oh no," Regulus smirked. "She is as real as you are. I summoned her here from her world, hoping she could help me defeat you. I knew eventually, you would come seeking the power of the Darkus Attribute. And whilst I could not find a Bakugan worthy of entrusting the fate of our kind too, I saw that this girl had a truly righteous heart."

Phantom smirked. "That's rich, coming from a Darkus Bakugan."

"Oh how little you know of the element you love to use so much. Darkness is only evil is someone makes it evil. Any element can be the same way. Darkness in its purest state, can cloak those in need a keep them hidden from the evil that tries to plague them. But it can also consume evil and drown it out, as we will now do to you."

"Don't make me laugh!" Phantom told him, "you expect to defeat me with this girl. She's no Brawler. Just the BakuFighter's little cheerleader. Defeating her will be a snap."

Derpy frowned, "I won't let you see me as an obstacle." She took out a Gate Card, "I'm going to defeat you and save my friends from the danger you present. This is my promise."

"Don't make promises you can't keep," Ragnaroid told her as Phantom's gauntlet and the purple BakuColar Derpy was now wearing both beeped.

"BRAWL!" They cried as the battle started.

Derpy: 100%
Phantom: 100%

"Gate Card!" Derpy threw it towards the ground, "SET!" The card exploded as Derpy took out a Darkus Bakugan and threw it, "Bakugan...BRAWL!" It hit the ground, "Sylvee...STAND!" It popped open and in a burst of purple light, Darkus Sylee arose.

Sylvee: 310Gs

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" Phantom threw his Bakugan in and it instantly popped open, "Bakugan...STAND!" A purple light exploded onto the battlefield, "Siege, RISE!" The dark knight appeared, ready for the battle.

Sylvee: 310Gs
Siege: 360Gs

"Ability," Phantom held up a card, "Activate!" Siege charged as his staff's blade glowed, "Nightmare Thrust!"

Sylvee: 310Gs
Siege: 460Gs

Siege swung his staff at Sylvee, but the mechanical insect was able to avoid the attacks for the most part. Then, Derpy held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Sylvee's body glowed, "Shadow Sink!" The flying Bakugan dived down and disappeared into the ground, morphing into a shadow that shot over to a Warius statue's shadow and vanishing.

Sylvee: 410Gs
Siege: 460Gs

Phantom growled, "I knew you were all talk. Running away the second things get tough."

"You call it running away," Regulus told him as Siege slashed the statue in half and removed the shadow. "But we call it a tactically retreat. Lulling the opponent into a false sense of security, creating an opening for us."

"Ability," Derpy held up a card, "Activate!" It glowed as Siege's shadow began to shift around, "Shadow Drain!" The shadow split in half and shot into the air, reforming Sylvee behind Siege.

"Look out!" Phantom cried, but Sylvee opened its mouth and shot a laser, hitting Siege and sapping away its power.

Sylvee: 510Gs
Siege: 360Gs

Before Phantom could retaliate, Siege reverted back to ball form and fell to the ground. Phantom growled, unable to believe he lost the first round against this silly girl.

Derpy: 100%
Phantom: 70%

"She's better than we thought," Ragnaroid exclaimed as Sylvee returned to ball form.

"Yes," Phantom nodded, "she is." He moved over and picked Siege back up, "but no matter." He turned back to her, "now I know not to underestimate her." The two brawlers stared one another down, both prepared to go all out to claim victory over the other. "This might actually be fun."

Author's Note

Two down, two to go for Flash. And how will things turn out with Phantom and Derpy? Only time will tell.

Water and Light Collide

It was another beautiful day in Canterlot and as the sun was rising, Flash had just woken up.

He and Leonidas had spent most of the previous night going over their strategy for when they faced Soarin and Garuda, which resulted in them both sleeping late into the morning. So now, here they were having just awakened. Flash let out a yawn as he opened his window and looked out onto the street with the dragon jumping onto the windowsill with him. "What a great day!"

"Yes," Leonidas nodded, "perfect weather for our battle with Garuda."

"Yup," Flash smirked, "I'm actually kinda looking forward to this. We never got to actually end our last brawl against Soarin and with everything that's been happening, we haven't had a chance to brawl them again."

"I'm glad you're excited," Leo told him. "But don't forget this is a test. One we're gonna have to pass, if we want to stand any chance of beating Lucifer when the time comes."

"I got it," Flash nodded. "I'll take this serious, like I always do."

"Just make sure you're not late," Leonidas stated. "I'd hate the show up there and find you got distracted and lost track of time." Flash frowned at this and brought his face closer to Leo's.

"You're talking like you're not going with me."

"I'm not." Flash was very confused by this. "It's nothing personal, but I've made other plans. I'll meet you at the park."

"Since when do you make plans of your own?" Flash asked, Leonidas letting out a low growl.

"Since now! I've learned to get around quite fine on my own, so I figured I could use this chance to go wherever I want to go. It's nothing personal, but everyone needs their space."

Flash knew he was right, but still smirked and poked him on the head. "It's a big world out there."

"I'm not a child!" Leo told him.

"Don't talk to strangers."

"Stop speaking to me like that!" Leo started jumping up and down, "I can take care of myself!" With that, he leapt out of the window down onto the street. "I'll see you later."

Flash chuckled at this, "make sure to look both ways before you cross the street!"

"Silence human!" Flash laughed for a good five minutes at this before finally stopping and heading out himself, deciding to go to Derpy's place. He hadn't had a chance to see why Derpy never showed up yesterday and wanted to make sure she was okay.

He biked down to her house and when he got there, he spotted Lyra looking very concerned when she walked away from the building. She noticed him before he could say anything, "Flash?"

"Lyra," Flash stopped his bike and gave her a look, "how's Derpy doing? She ill like we thought?" But then Lyra frowned and shook her head, explaining what she had learned. "WHAT!" Flash cried, looking horrified. "Derpy's missing!"

"Not missing," Lyra told her. "But apparently, she hasn't come home since yesterday. When I got there, her family thought she was out with us or at work. I called the stadium and Derpy isn't set to work there for the next few days. When her mom heard this, we went up to check in her room and found a note.

"What did it say?" Flash asked.

"It said she had something important to do that she can't explain. It also said she didn't know when she'd be back, but to not worry about her."

"That's strange," Flash frowned. "It's not like Derpy to go awol and not tell anyone way. What could she be doing that's so important she couldn't tell us?" Lyra frowned, wondering the same thing and worrying a lot.

Back in the Doom Dimension, the Brawl between Phantom and Derpy continued to wage on.

"Alright," Phantom smirked, "you've stocked my curiosity." He held up a Gate Card, "let's see what you can really do when I go all out." He threw it to the ground, "Gate Card...SET!" As it exploded and covered the field, Phantom took out another Darkus beast. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw it as hard as he could and it hit the ground hard, "Bakugan...STAND!" It popped open with a burst of purple like, "Darkus Laserman arise!" The gun wielding robot stood tall, staring down at Derpy as she took out her Bakugan.

"Here we go. Bakugan...BRAWL!" She threw it forward and it hit the ground, "Wormquake, stand!" Another blast of purple light and the giant sandworm appeared, quickly tunnelling into the decaying earth of the Doom Dimension before popping its head up.

Laserman: 390Gs
Wormquake: 340Gs

"Get it!" Phantom roared as Laserman started unleashing multiple lasers at Wormquake, who quickly leapt underground and avoid them. Even so, several blasts managed to it it before it could dive fully. "Now, Gate Card, open." The ground began to glow, "Laserman!" The light shot into the robot, powering it up.

Laserman: 490Gs
Wormquake: 340Gs

The robot's attacks became much more powerful, the lasers flying all over the place and shattering several statues whilst Regulus rushed over to Derpy and shielded her with his armoured body.

"You know what you must do," he told her with Derpy nodding and holding up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The card glowed and Wormquake broke out from under the ground, "Quake Break!" The worm then slammed its head into the ground, causing it shake as the beast sent out a bunch of vibrations. Those vibrations caused the Gate Card to crack before shattering, nullifying the effects of it whilst Wormquake raised its head.

The particles of the destroyed Gate Card were sucked into its mouth like dirt into a vacuum cleaner, Wormquake guzzling them down and powering itself up.

Laserman: 390Gs
Wormquake: 440Gs

"Not bad," Phantom smirked as he took out a card. "But not good enough. Ability, Activate!" Before Wormquake could escape underground, Laserman's shoulder cannons fired at it. "Leap Sting!" The beams struck the worm as it was diving and caused it to cry out.

Laserman: 390Gs
Wormquake: 340Gs

Once the beast was safely below ground, Laserman moved over to one of its holes and started firing into its with its hand blasters. But Wormquake was already out of range, meaning the attacks were pointless. "You're wasting your energy," Regulus told Phantom.

"And I'll take advantage of it," Derpy held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Suddenly, the ground beneath Laserman's feet began to crack. "Spiced Assault!" The ground suddenly collapsed and Laserman fell into a whole up to its waist, the robot finding itself trapped as Wormquake exploded out of the ground behind it.

The worm then slammed it mouth onto Laserman, then began sucking out its power like a leech.

Laserman: 290Gs
Wormquake: 440Gs

"Ahhh," Phantom growled, "get it off of you!" He ordered, with Laserman quickly beginning to spin its top half around. This caused Wormquake to be dragged out of the ground and eventually, it let go of Laserman who was still stuck. "Now," he held up two cards, "Double Ability, Activate!" Laserman continued to spin, as its many weapons charged up. "Hyper Phasor, plus All Out Assault!"

It started firing in every direction, causing the ground around it to be blown apart and slowly form a ramp for it to escape from the hole with. It continued firing as its power rose, the blasts hitting everything and forcing Wormquake to dive whilst Regulus protected Derpy.

Laserman: 490Gs
Wormquake: 440Gs

Phantom smirked as the lasers rained down around him, making the ground more and more damaged with every attack. Some of the rubble landed near Laserman's feet and as they did, Phantom noticed they started bouncing up and down as if something was travelling below the ground in that spot.

"Oh no you don't!" Phantom took out his Siege, "Bakugan...BRAWL!" The orb shot through the air and landed near Laserman's feet, "Bakugan...STAND!" In a burst of light, Darkus Siege appeared behind Laserman. At the same time, Wormquake shot out of the ground attempting to tackle Laserman. But instead, it found itself coming face to face with Siege.

Laserman+Siege: 850Gs
Wormquake: 440Gs

Before it could try to escape, Siege swung its blade around and slashed at it. Wormquake was knocked backwards, as Laserman turned towards it and pointed all weapons at the worm.

Derpy gasped. She knew she didn't have time to throw in another Bakugan, but she could lessen the damage. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Wormquake sucked a bunch of stones into its mouth, "Dark Gravel Blaster!"

Wormquake then fired the rocks towards the two Darkus Bakugan, but Siege began swinging its spear around to try and deflect them. Two of the rocks got passed and hit it in the knee and shoulder, whilst a third hit Laserman's chest.

Laserman+Siege: 700Gs
Wormquake: 440Gs

However, it wasn't enough to damage Laserman. The robot let its attack rip and the lasers rained down upon Wormquake with great force.

"WORMQUAKE!" Derpy cried, as Regulus protected her from the explosion that followed as Wormquake was reverted back to ball form.

Derpy: 48%
Phantom: 70%

As the explosion began to die down and Wormquake fell to the floor, Derpy stepped out from behind Regulus and moved over to pick it up. "He's so strong," she whispered as Phantom's Bakugan returned to him. "But I can't give up." She stood tall, "I can't stop if it means my friends might be in danger." She pointed at Phantom, "I will defeat you!"

"And I am here to help you," Regulus stated as Phantom simply smiled.

"Bring it on."

Flash and Lyra were walking together and continuing to talk, Lyra using her phone to try and call Derpy but not getting any answer.

"I hope Derpy didn't get mixed up with some bad people," Lyra frowned whilst Nimue turned to her.

"I'm sure she's fine. Derpy might be a bit clumsy, but she's a good girl and wouldn't do something too dangerous without telling her friends." Lyra smiled at this as Flash looked up at the others.

"Maybe we should tell the others and have them search the whole city with us. We're bound to find something." He sighed, "we'll have to cancel my battle with Soarin but this is more important."

"Battle with Soarin?" Lyra asked, looking confused. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh yeah," Flash turned to her. "You weren't there when I explained it to the others." And so he told them all about what had actually happened during his trial with Dragonia. About how he managed to get the Haos Energy, but were unable to access it until he completed one final test.

"Beating us?" Lyra answered, with Flash nodding. "That's harsh, but I guess it makes sense. You are our leader, even if you don't think you are."

"So where's Leonidas?" Nimue asked, "shouldn't he be preparing for your battle?"

"Nah," Flash frowned. "He said he has some place to be. Don't know where, but he wanted to go out on his own."

Leonidas was sitting atop a speeding car, managing to hold on despite the speed it was going at. "Almost there," he stated whilst remembering what had happened last night.

Last night.

As Flash slept soundly after their intense strategy meeting, Leonidas sat on the windowsill looking up at the stars. As he did, he slowly began to drift off to a calm slumber. But as he did, he found himself falling into the strangest dream.

Opening his eyes, he saw that he was in his true form whilst being in a black voice. "What's happening?" He asked, looking around but seeing no one else there. Then, a bright light appeared above him and he flinched. But after a few seconds, he forced his eyes open and saw what was causing the light. "Dragonia."

The Haos Guardian floated above him in her true form, Leonidas unable to make out her expression due to the light radiating off her body. "If you wish, come to children's playground tomorrow. I will meet you there if you wish to talk to me." With that, she began to disappear as the light grey brighter.

"Wait," Leonidas tried to fly to her but found he couldn't move. The light became so bright he was forced to shut his eyes. When he opened them again, he was back in Flash's room. "What was that?"

Of course, Leonidas wanted to meet her again. How could he not, given that she was his mother.

"Here it is!" He leapt off the car and landed on a bench on the side of the road, then began leaping from bins to any other object up off the ground. Eventually, he arrived at the area Dragonia had told him to met her. A bunch of kids play equipment, Leonidas leaping onto a roundabout.

He sat there and waited, but Dragonia didn't seem to be arriving. "Maybe she's not coming." But then a bright flash of light occured behind him and he looked around.

"Of course I'm coming," Dragonia stated as she stood there in her ball form. "I said I would, didn't I?" Leo couldn't help but smile at this, as the two moved closer to one another. As they did, several children arrived at the park and started playing. "I'm sure you have a lot of questions for me," she told him. "Why else would you be here?"

"You're the closest thing to a family I have," Leo replied. "Of course I'd want to see you."

"True, though there are others that you can call your family." Leonidas knew she was talking about Flash and nodded, all the while remember the battle he had to compete in later on. "Your challenge is going well."

"Yes. I've defeated Gaia and Wukong. Garuda is the next one I face."

"Good," Dragonia nodded, "hopefully you will be able to defeat them and evolve once again. Then you can focus your attention of Lucifer and his goons."

"Yes," Leonidas watched as the kids played on the swing set. "To think one Bakugan could cause so much heartache. I hate to think what the Perfect Dragonoid would have thought if he learned the world he worked so hard to create, was destroyed because of one monster's foolish ambition."

Dragonia chuckled, "he would have probably felt a sense of deja vu considering everything that happened to him." Leonidas gave her a confused look.

"You talk like you actually know him?"

"Oh, but I do." Leo had not been expecting that, "I wasn't always the Bakugan you see before you. A long time ago, I was known by a different name. Wavern the White One."

"You were a White One?" Leonidas couldn't believe what he was hearing, Dragonia nodding.

"Yes, my brother and I came into this world without any power of our own. We thought we would simply fade away and before that happened, I met a young Pyrus Bakugan who would one day become the Perfect Dragonoid." She let out a sigh, "I was so happy back then. I became content with my fate. But my brother, Naga, wasn't willing to simply fade away. Instead, he stole the Silent Core in an attempt to become the most powerful Bakugan in existence."

"Did it work?"

"Yes, but not as he had intended. He sent Vestroia into a state of chaos and caused the Infinity Core to be sent flying. Eventually, it was drawn to me and I was forced to absorb its power."

"But I thought the Perfect Dragonoid combined the two cores?" Leo remembered the story his friends had told him.

"He did. But to do that, he had to evolve into the Ultimate Dragonoid. My brother was attempting to take the Infinity Core from me and in order to keep it safe, I sacrificed my life in order to give the Perfect Dragonoid the core. With it, he was able to defeat my brother and take the Silent Core from him to forge the Perfect Core."

"You died?"

"Yes, but the power of the Perfect Core allowed my spirit to remain. I watched as Vestroia was created and over the years, it faced many hardships. But through the strength of the Bakugan that lived then, it always managed to come out on top. But then it happened. One day, eighty five percent of the Bakugan population vanished. The remaining fifteen percent had to start from scratch and over the millenia, new Bakugan were born. Some were the same as the first generations, whilst entirely new species of Bakugan were born like your friends. Through it all, I watched as the six factions began to war against one another. Then he appeared."

"Lucifer," Leonidas growled.

"When I saw him bring peace to Vestroia, I believed he was the second coming of the Perfect Dragonoid. But then he turned away from the light, like Naga before him. That's when I chose to reincarnate myself using the power of the Perfect Core. I was reborn as a dragonoid with barely any memories of my past life, but knew I had to stop Lucifer. I joined with fve other Bakugan and together, we evolved and were able to defeat Lucifer. And over time, my memories of my past life slowly returned."

"So you really knew the Perfect Dragonoid?"

"He went by Drago for short," Dragonia chuckled. "And yes, I knew him well. In fact, he was a lot like you in many ways."

"Me?"

"He could have a short fuse at times, but he cared about his friends and fought as hard as he could in order to gain the strength he needed to protect them. And like you, he was forced to battle them in order to evolve into his Ultimate Form."

"You really think I'm like him?"

"In more ways than you think," Dragonia smiled. "He also had trouble trusting his partner before they became the ultimate duo."

"Partner?" Leonidas asked, "what are you talking about?" Dragonia seemed hesitant to explain this next part, but after a few seconds, she began her story.

Back with Flash, Lyra and Nimue, Flash was explaining how his battles against Bonnie and Heath had gone.

"Wow," Lyra whispered, "sounds like they really put you through the ringer." Flash nodded at this. "So your next opponent is gonna be Soarin?" Flash nodded again.

"Yeah, and I hope Leo's gonna be heading there soon. It's almost time for the brawl to start." As she said this, Nimue was thinking about something and turned to Flash.

"If you defeat Garuda, that means I will be the last one you need to defeat. Is that right?"

"Yup," Flash nodded. "So I hope you're ready. Cause I'm not gonna be holding back. Leo and I are gonna hit you hard and fast, right from the start."

"I see. And if you and Leonidas happened to lose your brawl against Garuda?"

"Well then you won't need to worry about a thing," Flash replied before suddenly looking very upset. "Hey," he turned to her, "are you trying to say you think I'll lose?"

"Oh, of course not. But that is the facts. Losing to Garuda means you won't challenge me and Lyra."

"I guess so," Flash nodded.

"Then I have a small request," Nimue stated much to the human's confusion.

Twilight and Spike had just arrived at the park, where Applejack, Rarity, Bonnie Heath and Pinkie were waiting.

"Hey Twi," Applejack waved as the girl smiled. "Whelp, it's almost time. Flash V Soarin and the winner takes all." They all smirked at this, looking forward to see how it would be that came out on top.

"Any sign of Flash or Soarin?" Twilight asked, the others shaking their heads until Pinkie spotted someone come.

"Look." They looked around and saw that Soarin, Fluttershy and Rainbow were all heading in their direction. "That's one, but where's Flash?"

"Lyra and Derpy aren't here either," Bonnie frowned. "I wonder what's keeping them?" Soarin heard this as he stepped forward and frowned.

"I know Flash isn't the type to run from a challenge," Soarin stated. "So what the heck is taking him so long?" It was then that his BakuColar started beeping, the teen seeing he had a message. "Huh, it's from Flash." He opened it up and when he saw what it said, he nodded. "So that's it."

"Vestroia was originally created when a being known as Code Eve, gave birth to the first two Bakugan. One was Genesis Dragonoid, the ancestor of Drago, who used his power to create Vestroia as a place Code Eve's next Bakugan creations could live."

"Wow," Leonidas whispered, "so every Bakugan that exists was created by Code Eve?"

Dragonia nodded, "the only spirit that she didn't give birth to was yours. Though through me, you still share a connection. Anyway, Genesis Dragonoid's version of Vestroia wasn't stable. As such, it eventually split apart and created six Attribute Worlds. Only Bakugan of that specific Attribute could live in that world and there was...slight peace."

"Until your brother threw everything out of whack."

"Exactly," Dragonia nodded. "And in doing so, our world came into contact with another world. A human world. Different from this one, but with humans who created their own version of Bakugan Brawling. Drago eventually met a young human named Dan and together, the pair became the greatest Brawlers in the world."

"And he helped Drago unite he cores and remake Vestroia?" Leonidas asked, with Dragonia nodding. "So what happened to them? Why aren't they here helping us right now?"

Dragonia sighed, "I don't know." She looked up at the sky, "the eighty five percent of Bakugan that disappeared so long ago didn't just up and vanished. They were all on earth or one of the many other worlds that became allies with earth and Vestroia. Then, one day, the connection between Vestroia and the other worlds vanished. It was like Vestroia had been put in a box and unable to allow anyone in or out of the world."

"Really?" Leo couldn't believe that. Vestroia had been connected to this world and so many Bakugan had gone to live there, but then suddenly Vestroia was sealed away. "What do you think happened to this other world?"

"I wish I knew," Dragonia told her. "But it's been a millennia since Vestroia lost its connection to that world. Dan...Drago..." She suddenly looked heartbroken, "Joe. They've all long since passed on by now. For all I know, that earth has been destroyed or abandoned, or maybe even morphed into an all new empire. I just don't know. But I would like to see that world again, at least one more time."

"Maybe you will," Leonidas told her. "You were able to travel to this world, so maybe whatever cut Vestroia off from the universe is gone now. Maybe when this is all over, you can find that place and see what happened."

"Maybe," Dragonia nodded. "But with the time that's passed, that world will likely be so different I wouldn't be able to recognise it." She looked up and noticed the time on a nearby clock, "you should probably go soon. I wish we had more time, but you have an important battle to go too."

"I know," Leonidas nodded. "Maybe you can come and watch?" Dragonia chuckled at this, seeing Leonidas as a child hoping for their parents to come and see their soccer game.

"I am always watching you my dear," Dragonia assured him. "But I must get back to the other Guardians and keep watch on everything. If Lucifer makes a move, we have to be ready."

"I understand," Leonidas nodded as Dragonia began to glow.

"Good luck my child," Dragonia vanished in a flash of light and Leonidas sighed. He looked at a nearby clock and saw that Dragonia was right, he needed to get moving if he wanted to make it to the battle in time.

He leapt through the playground until he reached the street and spotted a motorbike flying passed. He leapt onto it and luckily, he was heading in the direction of the park. "So, there were other world Vestroia was connected too. That's interesting." He wondered what this Drago and his human partner were really like, and if they really were just like he and Flash.

In that moment, the bike took a turn and Leonidas had to leap off it and onto a car that was going the right way. As he did, he wondered about what Dragonia has said. What could have caused an entire world to become locked away from all the others it had come in contact with? And could it happen again?

Leonidas didn't know what life would be like after they defeated Lucifer, but he liked to think Vestroia would be restored and earth could remain connected to it. He didn't want to have to say goodbye to Flash, or any of his other friends. He wanted to live with them for as long as possible, no matter what challenges that might bring.

Eventually, he reached the street next to the park. He quickly leapt off the vehicle and jumped around, slowly making his way towards the fountain. "Ah man!" He cried as he leapt towards a bridge that went over a small stream that ran through the park, "I hope I'm not late for the battle. Flash won't be happy with me if I am."

He leapt onto the bridge's barrier and rolled along it, only to stop when he sensed another presence.

"Huh?" He popped open and spotted an Aquos Bakugan rolling along the wall towards him, "who's this?" He got his answer when the Bakugan stopped and popped open. "Nimue?"

"Hello Leonidas," Nimue chuckled. "May I please speak with you?"

"Of course," Leonidas nodded. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong," Nimue stated. "I heard about what you must do in order to pass your test. And whilst I have no doubt you can win against Garuda, the thought of you losing before I got a chance to face off against you didn't sit right with me."

"What are you say?" Leonidas asked.

"I might not be the most battle loving Bakugan, but I still have my pride as the new Aquos Soldier. That's why, I want to test myself against you. So please, before you battle Garuda, will you accept my challenge?"

Leonidas wasn't sure what to say, but then Flash's voice filled the air. "Let's do it, Leo!" He turned to see his partner walking over the bridge with Lyra, Flash smirking at him. "Nimue really wants to do this, so I say we give her what she wants."

"Flash," Leonidas began. "But what about Soarin and Garuda?"

"We're okay with it," Leonidas spun around and spotted Soarin and the others coming over the other side of the bridge. "It makes sense since there's no way Flash and Leo could beat us." The two in question shot him a look as Garuda spoke up.

"Go ahead Nimue. Show us just how strong you and Lyra have become."

"Thank you Garuda," Nimue nodded. "That's very generous." She turned back to Leonidas. "So my scaly friend, what do you say. Will you face me in battle?"

Leonidas chuckled, "I'm always up for a challenge. Doesn't matter to me which order I take you both down in. Alright Nimue." He turned to shoot her a look, "let's Brawl!" Flash and Lyra both nodded and leapt away from one another, landing on the end of each bridge as their partners leapt onto their shoulders and the lot of them held up their BakuColars.

"BAKUGAN...FIELD OPEN!" In the blink of an eye, their BakuColars unleashed a bright light that filled the entire area. That light completely surrounded them and in a moment, they were transported to the world of the battlefield with the Attribute Worlds swirling around them.

"Let's do this!" Lyra cried as he held up a card and threw it, "Gate Card, Set!" It hit the ground and exploded, as Lyra turned to her partner. "Are you ready, like, Nimue!"

"With you by my side, I'm always ready for battle."

"Then let's do this!" Lyra threw her, "Bakugan...BRAWL!" Nimue shot through the and and hit the ground, rolling for several seconds before opening up. "Bakugan...STAND!" A tornado of water exploded from her and she quickly took her true form, "Aquos Lady Nimue!" The tornado exploded as she revealed her true form, the others amazed by the sight of her.

"Spectacular," Rarity whispered.

"This isn't gonna be easy," Flash smirked. "But we can do this. Ready Leo?"

"You know I am." Flash smirked and grabbed him before throwing the Bakugan forward.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" Leonidas hit the ground rolling before popping open, "Bakugan...STAND!" The tornado of light exploded into the sky, "Haos Omega Leonidas!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared, breaking out of the tornado and staring down at Nimue. Both Bakugan smirked at one another, ready to see which of them was truly the strongest.

Nimue: 600Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Flash held up a card as Leo dived, "Dragon Slash!" Leo swung his glowing claws at Nimue, who did her best to block them with her claws. Leo did manage to get one good hit in though.

Nimue: 600Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

"Augh!" Nimue staggered back, as Leo charged for another slash. However.

"Ability, Activate!" Lyra held up a card as Nimue slammed her staff into the ground, causing water to explode out of it and form a bubble around her. "Hydro Sphere!" Leo slashed at the bubble, but his claws just passed through it and stopped glowing.

"Huh?" He asked, as Nimue smirked and swung her staff around. Doing so caused the bubble to explode and the wave slammed into him. "Ahhhh!"

Nimue: 700Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs

He hit the ground and rolled for several moments before managing to jump back to his feet and leaping into the air, Nimue staring up at him with her staff raised in defence. "Is that the best you can do?" She asked with a smile on her face, "come on. Where's the great Omega Leonidas' true strength?"

"Right here!" Leo roared before diving downwards, Flash holding up a card.

"Ability, activate!" Leo's body glowed, "Dragon Flash!"

Nimue: 700Gs
Leonidas: 750Gs

He shot forward with incredible speed, turning practically into a blur that shot passed Nimue. "Augh!" She cried, as the light curved around and slammed into her back, "gyah!" The light curved again and prepared what he hoped was the finishing blow. But then.

"Ability!" Lyra held up a card, "Activate!" Nimue began playing her harp, causing water to appear on the ground. "Whirlpool Trap!" The water exploded into the air right as Leonidas flew over it, swirling into a powerful vortex.

"Augh!" Leo slammed into the water but bounced off of it, falling backwards as Nimue chuckled.

"Now you're trapped and forced to sit and wait as your power is drained away.

Nimue: 700Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs

"Leo!" Flash cried, trying to think of a way to save him. "Maybe Reflector Prism? No, I'm gonna need that for when she brings out the big guns." Leo tried to break through the swirling water, but he just couldn't no matter how hard he hit it.

Nimue: 700Gs
Leonidas: 550Gs

"That's it!" Lyra smirked, "and whilst you're taking your bath, we'll win this battle!" She pointed to the ground, "Gate Card, OPEN!" The field glowed before spouts of water exploded into the air, "Aquos Reactor!"

Nimue: 900Gs
Leonidas: 550Gs

Flash frowned, but then smiled. "Thanks, you guys gave me a reason to use this." He held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Leo dived down deeper into the water vortex, as his mouth began to spark with energy. "Omega Eraser!" He fired the laser at the base of the tornado, ripping right through it and slamming into the ground. This caused the Gate Card to crack before shattering, the water being blown away.

Nimue: 700Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

Before Leo lost the energy from his attack, he quickly swung it around and fired the rest at Nimue. The Aquos Bakugan leapt back, the ground in front of her exploding and making her almost trip up.

She managed to regain her footing thanks to her staff and as Leo flew low to charge at her, Lyra took out two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Nimue leapt into the air and hew up the bottom of her staff, a sphere of water appearing on it. "Overflow!" She thrust the water ball down and it exploded upon hitting the ground, creating a wave of water that flew out in every direction.

"Augh!" Leonidas cried, as he was knocked backwards and his power cut in half.

Nimue: 700Gs
Leonidas: 400Gs

"Plus, Maiden's Fury!" As Nimue landed, she started playing her harp and glowed as the difference between her power and Leo's doubled.

Nimue: 1000Gs
Leonidas: 400Gs

"Smart move," Twilight smiled as Flash held up a card. "Lyra knew Flash was saving his defence card for Overflow, so she used it first in a Double Ability."

"Ability, Activate!" Leonidas shot out of the water, his defensive crystal construct appearing around him. "Reflector Prism!" He charged with the shield around him towards Nimue, who thrust her staff forward in an attempt to block it.

Nimue: 700Gs
Leonidas: 500Gs

"Reflector Prism only nullifies the last Ability used," Bonnie caught on. "So using Overflow in a Double Ability means it can't be nullified."

"The perfect way to protect it from protection effects," Soarin finished.

"Lyra's gotten really good," Pinkie smiled as Nimue knocked Leonidas back and shattered the crystal construct.

"Nice try Flash!" Lyra smiled as she played with her hair, "but my Nimue's still stronger." Flash knew she was right. If he wanted to wind this battle, he had to pull out all the stops and hold nothing back.

"Let's do this Leo!" Flash cried as his dragon shot into the air, Flash holding up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Leonidas' mouth filled with light, "Shining Roar!" His mouth then sparked, the energy combining with the light. "Plus Fusion Ability, Roaring Omega!" Lyra's eyes went wide hearing this, quickly taking out her own Fusion Ability. But before she could activate it.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Leonidas roared, unleashing the light and energy in a wave that shot out towards Nimue.

The Aquos Bakugan gasped as she held up her staff, trying to block it. But it struck with so much force she could barely withstand it. "Augh!" She cried as her power dropped harshly.

Nimue: 350Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

"NIMUE!" Lyra cried, her Fusion Ability now unable to work now that Nimue's G Power was lower. "HOLD ON!" But Nimue couldn't, the refined Bakugan finally losing her footing.

"AUGH!" She was thrown backwards, the wave washing over her. But despite this, she smiled. "Well done Leonidas. I concede." With that, she reverted back to ball form and the field around them vanished. In the blink of an eye, they were right back where they were before the battle had started.

Lyra fell to her knees as Nimue lay on the ground of the bridge at her feet, Flash and Leo looking a little winded but fine all things considered. "Ahh," Nimue sighed as her ball form opened up and turned towards her opponent. "Looks like you defeated me."

"Yes," Leonidas jumped down, "maybe this time. But you didn't make it easy for me, that's for sure. I was lucky to come out on top."

"Luck had nothing to do with it," Nimue stated. "You defeated me today because you are the better warrior. You were born to battle, unlike me. Even so, I'm glad I had this chance to test myself against you. Maybe next time, I'll have a better chance."

"Well when you decide you're ready, I'll happily accept your challenge."

Flash and Lyra smirked at one another and high-fived, glad that the battle had gone so well. Lyra and Nimue may have lost, but they had given it their all and they wouldn't feel any shame at losing. Flash then turned to Soarin, smirking at him as he did so. "Now it's down to just you and me." He held up his BakuColar, "ready?"

"Not yet," Soarin replied before gesturing him to follow. "If we're gonna do this, I wanna do this right. At the stadium, for everyone to see. You good with that, or are you too scared that you'll lose in front of so many people?"

Flash smirked, "bring it on. But it'll be you losing in front of everyone." Soarin smirked back and everyone else was excited, looking forward to seeing Flash and Soarin duck it out for real. It was time for Flash's final challenge. Only time would tell whether or nor he could succeed, or if this was as far as he and Leonidas could go.

"Gate Card!" Derpy threw the card towards the ground, "Set!" As it exploded, Phantom held up his two Bakugan before throwing them forward.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" The two shot through the air and struck the ground, "BAKUGAN...STAND!" In a burst of light, Laserman and Siege appeared and stared Derpy down.

Laserman+Siege: 750Gs

"It is time," Regulus announced.

"Okay," Derpy nodded before Regulus' armor glowed and collapsed to reveal a ball. It shot over to Derpy and she caught it before throwing it towards the field. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" The ball hit the ground and opened up, then unleashed a purple light brighter than anything they had seen before. "Darkus Regulus, STAND!" The light took shape and slowly began to fade, allowing them to see his new appearance.

He was a giant mechanical lion, made of black metal with purple trim. His face was like that of an Egyptian sphinx and his tail looked more like that of a scorpions with a pyramid trident on the tip. Each of his shoulders had pads in the shape of dragon heads, with open mouths that contained purple orbs. And on his back were a pair of wings made from purple steel.

The Darkus Bakugan let out a roar that shook the area around him before he took off, Phantom hardly looking impressed by the sight of it. "So I'm guessing this is your true form?"

"Yes!" Regulus growled, "this is who I truly am. Darkus Regulus, the Guardian of Vestroia!"

Regulus: 700Gs
Laserman+Siege: 750Gs

"I am so not impressed," Phantom cried. "What makes you such a legendary warrior!?"

"Let me show you!" Regulus announced. "Now my child!"

"Okay!" Derpy held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Regulus opened his mouth as it filled with a strange black mist, "Dark Roar!" He let out a mighty cry as the blast mist shot out of him, down towards Laserman and Siege.

Regulus: 950Gs
Laserman+Siege: 750Gs

The mist slammed into them and both Bakugan were pushed backward by the force. But they didn't let this stop them, as Phantom held up a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Laserman's shoulder cannons powered up, as Siege rushed forward. "Leap Sting, plus Nightmare Thrust!"

Laserman fired and the blast struck Regulus' wing, making him flinch and forcing him to drop down a bit. Drop down enough for Siege to be in range to attack.

Regulus: 850Gs
Laserman+Siege: 850Gs

Siege thrust its spear at Regulus, but the Darkus Bakugan quickly spun around and parried the spear with his trident tail. "Nice try," he growled. "But you'll have to do better than that!" He pushed Siege away as Derpy held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Regulus' claws glowed purple, "Shadow Slash!"

Regulus: 1000Gs
Laserman+Siege: 850Gs

"Raaaah!" Regulus slashed at Siege, knocking the Bakugan back and making him fall to the ground. But before Regulus could attack again, Phantom held up another two cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Laserman's weapons powered up. "All Out Assault-" He began firing multiple times, creating a smoke screen between Regulus and Siege as the knight picked itself up.

Regulus: 1000Gs
Laserman+Siege: 950Gs

"Plus, Phantom Earth!" Once Siege was stood up, he stabbed his spear into the ground. This caused the ground to glow purple as the Gate Card appeared and shrank back down into a card, Derpy gasping as Siege swung the spear around and flicked the card into the air.

"No way," she gasped as the card flew towards her. "He got rid of my Gate Card." She grabbed it and tried to throw it back down, but Phantom was faster.

"Gate Card...SET!" He threw his towards the ground, the light flowing around as Regulus flew through Laserman's barrage and prepared to slash at Siege. "Now, Gate Card open!" The ground glowed a tendrils of purple light shot out of it and wrapped around Regulus, "Doom Desire."

"What?" The Guardian asked as he was pulled towards the ground, whilst his opponents prepared to attack.

"Doom Desire causes the opponent to lose a hundred G Power for every Darkus Bakugan on the field, including yours." Regulus flinched as he felt his power drain away.

Regulus: 700Gs
Laserman+Siege: 950Gs

"It's over!" Phantom announced as Siege thrust his spear at the Bakugan.

"Not yet!" Derpy then cried, holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Regulus' tail began sparking with black lightning, "Curse of Darkness!" She then threw her other Two Bakugan towards Regulus and the light exploded off his tail and hit them, both Sylvee and Wormquake appearing before being sealed within black energy orbs that had two red rings around them that formed an X-shape.

"What?" Phantom asked as the energy from these orbs flowed into Regulus, causing him to gain new power.

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared as he ripped through the tendrils before swinging his tail around, deflecting Siege's attack.

Regulus: 1100Gs
Laserman+Siege: 950Gs

"How?" Phantom asked in horror, as Regulus took back to the air. And before Siege of Laserman could attack again, he unleashed another Dark Roar and the mist enveloped them both. The Bakugan cried out as they were swept up in the attack and thrown backwards, both reverting back to ball form and falling to the ground. "Impossible!"

Derpy: 48%
Phantom: 10%

"Now you see what you're messing with," Regulus told him as he and Derpy's other Bakugan returned to ball form and flew back towards her.

Phantom growled as he moved over and picked his Bakugan up, then turned towards Derpy and Regulus. "You are powerful, I'll admit to that much. But even so, you can't expect to win this battle. Not when I've still got my strongest ace in the hole."

"Yes," Ragnaroid hissed, "I look forward to finally getting revenge upon you after what you and the other Guardians did to me back on Vestroia."

"You had that coming," Regulus stated. "In my opinion, you got off easy back then. I won't make the same mistake a second time. And since your Phantom Earth card was used, Derpy gets to set the next Gate Card."

"Then let's not waste our time with anymore talking!" Phantom announced. "Let's end this brawl once and for all!" Derpy nodded, as she and Regulus prepared themselves for the final battle. And hopefully, it would end in Derpy's victory.

Author's Note

Flash and Lyra's battle concludes with Flash's victory, Derpy and Phantom's battle is still going and we got to learn more about the history of Vestroia. All in all, pretty jam packed chapter.

The Final Challenge

The Bakugan Battle Stadium was in an uproar, as everyone had heard the news.

"Flash and Soarin of the BakuFighters are gonna battle it out!" A brawler cried as he and his friends ran towards the stadium it was happening in. Said stadium was full of brawlers who had been wondering for a while, which BakuFighter was actually the best. Now they would get to find out.

Scootaloo, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were there, having gone to the stadium to battle only to learn about the match. Now they were pushing their way through the crowd until they reached the front of the stands, spotting the rest of the BakuFighters along the the Rainbooms.

"Guys!" Scootaloo cried as they turned to her, the three rushing up to them. "Flash and Soarin are really brawling?"

"Yup," Twilight nodded, "and if Flash wins his Leonidas will evolve." The girls were amazed to hear this, as the announcer began to speak up.

"What's up Baku-fan! We've got a seriously special event right here today. Two members of the team that won the first Bakugan Battle Tournament, facing off against one another. It's Soarin Skies, V Flash Sentry!" The crowd cheered at this, as Flash and Soarin continued to stand in the centre of the battlefield. "According to our records. Flash Sentry has already battled and defeated the other members of his team. If he wins this match, he'll claim the title as the strongest member of the BakuFighters."

Everyone was surprised to hear that, the girls turning to the BakuFighters as they nodded.

Flash and Soarin continued to stare one another down, both looking serious. "This is it Soarin," Flash told him before smirking. "Let's have some fun."

"Oh I intend too," Soarin smirked back before getting serious again. "But I'm playing to win. I want Garuda to evolve again and if beating you has even a one percent chance of that happening, I'll do whatever it takes to make it happen."

Flash got serious as well, "well I'm not gonna hold back either. I won't insult you by giving you anything less than my all. I'm gonna come at you hard right from the start." Soarin nodded, liking the sound of that.

"By special request, the battlefield will not be random. Now, let's see where our young brawlers will be battling it out!" In that moment, the battlefield below them powered up and began to shape the field. And it was a field many of them recognised.

"Cloud City!" Bonnie cried, seeing the many buildings and street lamps made of clouds.

"I should have expected this," Lyra smirked as she turned to the others. "This is the field they battled on when they first met."

Twilight nodded. "Their attacks were so powerful, they shorted out the whole stadium and forced their battle to end prematurely."

"And now their Bakugan are even stronger," Heath frowned. "I hope they don't blow the system again. Or have these two hold back for fear of doing it."

"I don't think we have to worry about that," Lyra assured them. "Those two are gonna totally throw everything they have at one another. This battle's been a long time in the making."

"You ready to do this!" Soarin cried.

"Bring it on!" Flash yelled.

"I'm ready when you are!" Garuda squawked.

"Hit me with your best shot!" Leonidas roared before the four all screamed the same word. "BRAWL!" The teen's BakuColars beepered, showing the start of the battle.

Flash: 100%
Soarin: 100%

"Gate Card!" Soarin threw the card towards the ground, "SET!" As it exploded, he and Flash grabbed their partners. "Bakugan," they both threw them, "BRAWL!" The two Bakugan flew through the air and shot passed one another before landing on the ground. "Bakugan....STAND!" They popped open and exploded into tornadoes of wind and light.

"Let's do this!" Flash cried, "Haos Omega Leonidas!" The light vortex exploded to reveal the dragon, who roared a roar that shook the stadium.

"Take flight!" Soarin announced. "Ventus Storm Garuda!" Lightning surged through the tornado and it suddenly exploded, Garuda appearing from within and letting out a high pitched squawk.

Garuda: 700Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs

The battle had begun and both Bakugan charged at one another, locking hands and feet as they tried to overpower the other. Garuda then let go and started slashing at Leo, who used the armor on the back of his arms to block as best he could.

"Not bad," Garuda smirked as they continued to struggle against one another. "I really am impressed with just how powerful you are."

Leonidas smirked as he tried to slash back at him, "you've grown much stronger too."

"But you also surprise me," Garuda smirked as Leonidas gave him a look of confusion. "Once, you were a ferocious brute that only cared for finding and defeating powerful opponents. But now look at you. Bowing to the whims of a human like a cute little lap dog. Oh, how the mighty have fallen."

"Don't try and trick me into losing my temper!" Leonidas told him. "I'm just as powerful as I ever was before I met Flash. Even more so even. And I'll prove it...BY DEFEATING YOU!" Leo then let go of Garuda's feet and swung around, slamming his tail into the birdman. But the stronger Bakugan was able to take the hit and beat his wings, pushing Leonidas back before flying straight up.

"Ability, Activate!" Soarin held up a card, as Garuda's body sparked with lightning. "Sky Spark Surge!"

Garuda: 950Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs

Garuda shot towards Leonidas and tried to slash at him, Leonidas barely managing to avoid this but feel the static burn the tip of his wing. "Ahhh."

"Double Ability, Activate!" Flash cried as Leonidas spun around, his mouth and claws both glowing. "Shining Roar, plus Dragon Slash!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Leonidas bellowed as the light shot out of his mouth and slammed into Garuda, the birdman hissing as his feathers were roasted.

Garuda: 800Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

Leonidas then shot forward and slashed at Garuda, making him cry out in pain as he was sent hurting back towards the cloud-covered ground. But before he could crash into it, he managed to open his wings and save himself. He skimmed along the ground and then shot up, as Soarin held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Garuda spun around, cupping the air in his claws as he flew passed Leonidas. "Aero Bomber!"

Garuda: 950Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

Garuda brought his hands together, forming the spinning air sphere between them before turning to Leonidas. "Take this!" He threw the sphere and before Leonidas could dodge, the sphere exploded and sent of wave of powerful wind flying towards him.

"Augh!" He cried as the wind slammed into him, knocking him flying back whilst Flash was almost blown off his feet.

"Wow!" He cried, barely managing to keep his footing. "LEO!" He saw the dragon falling, but was beginning to regain control. But as he did Garuda charged down ready to strike. "I don't think so!" He held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Leo's body glowed and seconds before Garuda struck, he shot out of the way. "Dragon Flash!"

Garuda: 950Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

The next thing Garuda knew, Leonidas was in front of him and spinning around to smash his tail into him. But Garuda managed to grab it in his claws, as Soarin held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda began to spark, "Storm Booster!"

Garuda: 1100Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

The next thing Leonidas knew, he was being pulled around at speeds he didn't think were possible. "YAAAAAH!" He cried as he was constantly swung it multiple different directions, Garuda eventually throwing him with enough force to make the entire stadium shake.

"LEO!" Flash cried, and Soarin wasn't letting up.

"Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground glowed and unleashed multiple tornados, "Ventus Reactor!" The power of the many blustering winds made Garuda sigh as he powered up, whilst Leonidas was picking himself up.

Garuda: 1300Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

Garuda shot down, Leonidas gasping as he knew getting hit now would likely mean defeat. Using all his strength, he leapt backwards seconds before Garuda could strike him and into one of the tornadoes. The wind blew him straight up, allowing him to avoid Garuda's attack as Flash held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" His mouth sparked, "Omega Eraser!" Before Garuda could attack, Leonidas fired a laser towards the ground. It struck the Gate Card, destroying it and causing the tornadoes to vanish.

Garuda: 1100Gs
Leonidas: 1150Gs

Leonidas then swung the beam around and slammed it into Garuda, making the birdman squawk as he was thrown backwards. "Augh!" He crashed into a cloud house, Leonidas smirking and preparing to fire again. But before he could.

"Ability, Activate!" Garuda's body began to spark, "Blitz Bolt!"

Garuda: 1250Gs
Leonidas: 1150Gs

He fired the lightning bolt towards Leonidas, who gasped and barely managed to avoid it. If that attack hit, he would be in serious trouble.

As Garuda charged up another one, Flash held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The lightning bolt fired and shot straight towards Leonidas, whose body glowed. "Reflector Prism!" The energy gem appeared around Leonidas and the lightning bolt bounced off it, harmlessly dissipated as Leo's power rose.

Garuda: 1100Gs
Leonidas: 1250Gs

"Raaaah!" He dived down, hoping to end this battle now. But Soarin had the same idea and as Leonidas got close, he held up a card.

"Fusion Ability, Activate!" Flash's eyes went wide at this, as Garuda shot straight up and avoided Leo's attack. As he did, his body exploded with enough electricity to power a city. "Storm Striker!"

Garuda: 1500Gs
Leonidas: 1250Gs

Garuda dived down with incredible speed, so much so that Leo had no way of dodging. Flash tried to activate his Fusion Ability, but before he could the attack struck and exploded. "AAAAARRRRRHHHHH!" Leonidas cried as he was blasted back and returned to ball form, falling to the ground as Flash's life gauge dropped.

Flash: 50%
Soarin: 100%

"Soarin Skies takes the first round!" The announced as Garuda returned to Soarin, the crowd cheering at this whilst Flash's friends frowned.

"This isn't good," Twilight stated. "Flash needs to get the led out, or he's never gonna pass his test." The others nodded as Flash picked Leonidas up.

"Good thing we agreed to a full battle," Leonidas moaned. "That would have been a fail right there."

Flash nodded, "Soarin has the advantage because we haven't seen everything his newly evolved Garuda can do." He turned back to Soarin, "but that's not gonna stop us." He took out a Gate Card, "you haven't won yet pal!"

"I know," Soarin smirked. "But where's the fun in a one round victory? I think I'm gonna take my time with you before finishing you both off." Flash knew Soarin was only saying that to get him riled up...and dang it it was working.

"Gate Card...SET!" Flash threw it to the ground as as he did, both he and Soarin began leaping up clouds until they spotted some power-ups. "BAKUGAN!" They both threw their partners, "BRAWL!" They flew towards the cluster and Leonidas managed to hit one more power-up then Garuda before landing, "BAKUGAN," the popped open, "STAND!" And it a burst of light and wind, the two Bakugan appeared and let out their cries as they powered-up.

Garuda: 800Gs
Leonidas: 800Gs

Both Bakugan flew as high as they could, Flash taking out a card. "Alright, let's do this Leo! Ability, Activate!" Leonidas' mouth sparked, "Omega Eraser!" He fired the beam before Garuda could react and it slammed into the birdman, making him squawk in pain as he was blown backwards.

Garuda: 800Gs
Leonidas: 1050Gs

The laser pushed him towards the ground, but Garuda managed to barrel-roll out of its path and regain control. He shot up as Soarin held out a card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda's wings began to spark, "Feather Shock!" He beat his wings and the electrofied feathers shot off, slamming into Leonidas.

"Augh!" He felt his whole body be zapped, negating his Omega Eraser and causing his power to drop down further.

Garuda: 800Gs
Leonidas: 700Gs

Garuda flew towards him with his claws primed, but Leonidas managed to throw the electricity off of him and dive. "Ability, Activate!" His claws began to glow, "Dragon Slash!"

Garuda: 800Gs
Leonidas: 850Gs

Leonidas slashed at Garuda, his claws flying down his chest and making him flinch. Leo tried to slash him again, but he dodged and flew straight up as Soarin held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda began to form the sphere, "Aero Bomber!"

Garuda: 950Gs
Leonidas: 850Gs

As he was preparing to fire, Flash pointed at the ground. "Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground began to glow, "Haos Reactor!" The light shot into Leonidas, right as Garuda threw the sphere. It exploded, the wind flying towards Leonidas as the dragon's power rose!"

Garuda: 950Gs
Leonidas: 1050Gs

He flew forward and into the wind, pushing through it without much trouble as he prepared to attack. But Soarin held up to cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Garuda's body sparked, "Storm Booster, plus Sky Spark Surge!"

Garuda: 1350Gs
Leonidas: 1050Gs

As Leonidas tried to slam his tail into Garuda, the birdman vanished in a flash. "Huh?" He asked, only to feel a presence behind him. He spun around and saw Garuda, whose claws began to spark as he swung them around and struck his chest. "AUGH!" He was thrown backwards and Garuda prepared to attack again, but Flash held up two cards before he could.

"Alright. Double Ability, Activate!" Leonidas glowed, "Dragon Flash!" He shot up and barely managed to avoid Garuda's attack, instead flying right above him.

Garuda: 1350Gs
Leonidas: 1150Gs

"Plus, Shining Roar!" Once Leo was directly above him, he let out a mighty scream and the light that appeared in his mouth slammed into Garuda.

"Augh!" He cried as he was blasted downwards, his power dropping.

Garuda: 1200Gs
Leonidas: 1150Gs

Before he could hit the ground, he once again barrel-rolled and flew out of the light. As he did, Soarin held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda's body sparking with lightning, "Blitz Bolt!"

Garuda: 1350Gs
Leonidas: 1150Gs

Garuda fired but Leonidas managed to move out of the way of it. And as he charged up another, Flash held up his card. "Fusion Ability, Activate!" Garuda fired his second Blitz Bolt as Leonidas took a deep breath, his mouth filling with light and energy. "Roaring Omega!"

Garuda: 1150Gs
Leonidas: 1450Gs

Seconds before the Blitz Bolt struck him, Leonidas unleashed a mighty roar and the energised light exploded out and deflected the attack. It then flew down towards Garuda and slammed into him, Garuda letting out a might squawk as he was blasted backwards and eventually crashed down on the cloud street. "Augh!" He bounced off the ground and as he did, he reverted back to ball form and fell to the ground as Soarin's life gauge dropped.

Flash: 50%
Soarin: 40%

"Flash Sentry now takes the lead!" The announcer cried, as Leonidas reverted back to ball form and flew over to Flash. "This is anyone's game now. Will the next round decide it all?"

The crowd cheered as Flash took a deep breath, trying to steady his heart. "That battle was tough."

"Really tough," Leonidas agreed. "Soarin and Garuda weren't kidding when they said they were gonna throw everything they had at us." They looked over at Soarin, who picked Garuda up and turned to them.

Both brawlers knew their next round would likely be the last. There was no room for mistakes this time. They had to go into this match with everything they had. No matter what, they intended to win this battle here and now.

Within the Doom Dimension, Phantom and Derpy stared one another down. Derpy had the lead as Phantom was down to only ten percent. But they all knew anything could happen in this brawl.

"This is it, Regulus!" She stated as she took out a Gate Card. "One last win and Phantom is down!"

"Then let us not waste a single moment," Regulus roared from within his ball form. "Let's end this!" Derpy nodded and threw the Gate Card, Regulus then flying into her hands as it exploded along the ground.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" She threw the Darkus Bakugan and hit the ground, the card opening up and exploding with dark light. "Bakugan...STAND!" The Darkus Guardian appeared, letting out a mighty roar as he did so. "Darkus Regulus!"

Phantom smirked as he turned to his partner. "No mercy, Ragnaroid!"

"Don't worry," Ragnaroid chuckled. "I have none in my heart to give." Phantom smiled and grabbed him before throwing the Darkus beast forward. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" He hit the ground and opened up, the purple mist exploding outwards and taking form. "Bakugan...STAND!" The mist vanished to reveal Ragnaroid's form, "Darkus Dusk Ragnaroid!"

Regulus: 700Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

The two Darkus Bakugan stared one another down, raging burning in Ragnaroid's single eye whilst Regulus' eyes were those of disappointment. "What a shame," the guardian spoke. "All this power and you choose to waste it."

"Waste it?" Ragnaroid asked, "I've never wasted it!"

"Power used for anything except the betterment of others is always wasted," Regulus stated. "You may have be created by Lucifer, but you were never his servent. You could have done so much good, but instead you chose to follow in your creator's footsteps. Are you really so weak willed that you allowed him to influence you so much?"

"Enough!" Ragnaroid roared as he slithered forward and slashed at him, only for Regulus to take to the air. "I won't be lectured by an old fool like you! Phantom!"

"Ability, Activate!" Phantom held up a card, hoping to end this with one blow as Ragnaroid's chest opened up. "Evil Eye!" The eye appeared and began to shine, heading straight towards Regulus. But before it could reach him.

"Ability, Activate!" Derpy held up a card as the crystal orbs on Regulus' body began to glow a dark maroon colour. "Ebony Guard!" The light shot out of the gems and surrounded Regulus, forming a protective barrier that deflected the Evil Eye's effect and powered Regulus up.

Regulus: 850Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

"Phantom growled seeing this, as Ragnaroid's check slowed and Regulus dived down. The lion tried to slash at Ragnaroid, but the serpent scorpion was able to duck and weave around them.

"Ability," Phantom held up a card, "Activate!" As Ragnaroid ducked under a slash, he swung his tail around. "Deadly Slash!"

Regulus: 850Gs
Ragnaroid: 850Gs

The crescent blade struck Regulus and knocked him away, allowing Ragnaroid to slither forward and attempt to slash at him with his claws. But before he could, Derpy took out her other two Bakugan and two cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Regulus' tail sparked as she threw the Bakugan, "Curse of Darkness-" The lightning exploded off the tail and struck the Bakugan, Sylvee and Wormquake appearing on the field and being sealed within the black orbs.

"Come my brothers and sisters!" Regulus roared as the pair began to give off light that flew into his shoulder orbs, "lend me your strength so that I may defeat the evil one!" He roared again as his power spiked.

Regulus: 1250Gs
Ragnaroid: 850Gs

"Plus, Phantom Predator!" Regulus charged forward and his claws were drawn, ready to slash at Ragnaroid. But as Ragnaroid prepared to retaliate, he suddenly vanished and disappeared into a shadow on the ground.

Ragnaroid growled, "I won't fall for that trick like last time." He remembered back to his first battle with the Guardians, Regulus pulling this same trick to knock him off balance and allow the others to hit him hard. "Phantom!"

"Double Ability, Activate!" Regulus suddenly shot out of Ragnaroid's shadow, attempting to slash at him. But before he could, Ragnaroid exploded into his own cloud of darkness. "Shadow Divide!" The cloud split apart before Regulus could hit him and they began to fly around him like a bunch of insects, the lion roaring as he fought against them. Then, one of the shadows formed a body behind him. "Plus, Terror Constrictor!"

"Look out!" Derpy cried, but it was too late.

Ragnaroid's tail slithered forward and wrapped around Regulus, the mechanical sounds filling the air as he tightened his tail around him. "Augh!" He cried, feeling the life being squeezed out of him and his power dropped.

Regulus: 1100Gs
Ragnaroid: 1000Gs

However, it didn't make him so weak that he was unable to escape from Ragnaroid's clutched. He pushed his legs and wings against the tail, slowly pushing it open.

Phantom growled at this and prepared to use another Ability Card, but Derpy was faster.

"Ability, Activate!" Regulus' mouth filled with black mist, "Dark Roar!" He let out a mighty cry as the mist shot out of his mouth, hitting Ragnaroid square in the face.

Regulus: 1350Gs
Ragnaroid: 1000Gs

"AUGH!" He cried, being pushed backwards and forced to completely uncoil his tail from around Regulus. The Darkus Bakugan leapt into the air once again, glaring down at Ragnaroid as the scorpentine regained his balance.

"This is your last warning," he stated. "Surrender yourself, or face the consequences."

Ragnaroid started up at him and growled. "Even if I believed you could defeat me, I would never surrender to you. I would rather die with my pride than survive as your whimpering prisoner." His claws snapped open and closed as his tail slammed the ground, "I WILL NOT BE MADE WEAK!"

"Then you leave us no choice," Regulus stated. "Derpy!"

"Gate Card...OPEN!" She cried as the ground began to glow, unleashing a bunch of ghost-like entities made of purple smoke that were shaped like the heads of crown wearing lions. "Imperial Shadows!" The ghost flew towards Regulus, linking him to the ground as they swirled around him. "This is a special Gate Card that only works for Regulus, granting him an extra five hundred Gs."

Regulus: 1850Gs
Ragnaroid: 1000Gs

"Time to end this!" Regulus roared as he shot down, "RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He tackled Ragnaroid with so much force, the snake-like Bakugan was slammed into the ground.

"Augh!" He cried Regulus pinned him down, his front paws pushing on his chest and neck whilst his wings pinned his arms by the elbows. "Raaah!" He tried to slash at him with his tail, but Regulus' tail deflected it.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Regulus roared as he fired the dark mist at Ragnaroid, making him cry out in pain.

"No!" Phantom cried, watching as Regulus continued to fire his dark mist at point blank range. "I won't...let it end this way."

Flash and Soarin continued to stare one another down, whilst the crowd watched and waited for them to brawl their final battle.

"This is it," Lyra stated. "I get the feeling this is gonna be the final round. They both know their opponents pretty well now, so they're not gonna hold anything back." The others agreed, everyone looking concerned that the battle might get so intense, the stadium would blow again.

"Come on Flash," Heath whispered. "You can do this."

"You've come this far," Bonnie told him.

"Leonidas and Garuda will fight with everything they have," Nimue stated as Soarin took out a Gate Card. "This is the moment that will decide which of them is the best candidate to battle Ragnaroid."

"I don't think I can watch," Wukong wiggled.

"Why not?" Gaia asked, "this Brawl might be the best one you ever get to see."

"Huh," Wukong nodded, "good point!"

"Gate Card...SET!" Soarin threw the card towards the ground and as it exploded, he and Flash rushed off. They started leaping up and up and up, jumping from cloud houses or lampposts onto the many clouds that filled the air. They went as high as they could before leaping into the air.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" They threw their partners towards the ground, both of them flying through two cluster of power-ups each before landing on the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" They both popped open and the tornadoes of light and wind exploded upwards. "Haos Omega Leonidas/Ventus Storm Garuda!"

The tornadoes exploded and from out of them, the two Bakugan appeared. A roar and squawk filled the air, as they opened their wings and took flight whilst the power-ups took hold.

Garuda: 850Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

The two Bakugan watched one another as they flew around, waiting to see which one would take the first move. "This is it!" Leonidas told him. "Winner take all."

"And that winner shall be me!" Garuda stated as Soarin held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Garuda's body sparked as he shot forward, "Sky Spark Surge!"

Garuda: 1100Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

He slashed at Leo, who tried to block using his arm guards but the lightning from it shot off and into him. "Augh!" He pulled away, shaking the lightning off as Flash held up a pair of cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Leonidas glowed and began flying around and high speed, as his claws glowed with him. "Dragon Flash, plus Dragon Slash!"

Garuda: 1100Gs
Leonidas: 1150Gs

Garuda's eagle eyes followed Leonidas as he watched Leonidas fly all over the place, zigging and zagging in random directions until he finally shot forward and slashed at him. "Augh!" He hissed, then pulled back and spun around to try and slash Leonidas with his feet talons.

Leonidas pulled back, the claws barely missing his face as Soarin held up a pair card. "Double Ability, Activate!" Garuda's wings sparked and with a power beat of them, the feathers were sent flying. "Feather Shock!"

"Raaah!" Leonidas roared as they stabbed into him and the lightning flew through his body, causing his claws to stop glowing.

Garuda: 1100Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

As this happened, Garuda spun around and gathered the wind. "plus, Aero Bomber!"

Garuda: 1250Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

As Leonidas was throwing off the lightning, Garuda fired the attack. It shot forwards and Leonidas gasped as it exploded in his face. "AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHH!" He roared as the wind slammed into him with tremendous force, throwing him downwards towards the ground.

"LEO!" Flash cried, rushing over to his Bakugan as he slammed into the ground. He struck with such a force, that the entire ground shook. And then he began to slide along the ground towards Flash, creating a wave of air that Flash couldn't escape. "AUGH!" He crashed into the ground and rolled for several seconds, eventually stopping and being laid out along with Leonidas.

"Flash!" Scootaloo cried, gasping at the sight of her brother apparently unconscious.

"Is that it?" Bonnie asked, as Garuda flew down.

"Leo hasn't returned to ball form," Lyra stated. "So what does that mean?"

"I didn't think a Bakugan could stay like that if they're knocked out," Heath frowned. "Does that mean there's still a chance." Everyone else remained silent and watched, wondering what this meant for the battle.

Flash and Leonidas continued to remain on the ground, looking like they were out for the count. Many were starting to say they should stop the brawl and get an ambulance. Soarin wasn't one of those people, as he and Garuda stared down at their opponents.

"I think this battle is over," Garuda told Soarin.

Soarin frowned, not wanting it to be this way. "COME ON FLASH!" Everyone was surprised by this, "is this really how you want it to end? I thought you were better than this, but I guess I was wrong!" This didn't get any reaction from Flash, "don't you get it. This is your destiny. It's you who's meant to take Phantom down and you know it. Dragonia trusted you with this task. You and Leonidas are our best bet for beating Lucifer. But I guess something like that's too much work for you. Are you gonna prove me wrong, or are you gonna get up and fight like a man." Flash continued to remain quiet, "FLASH!"

"Come on Flash!" Twilight called up.

"Get up!" Applejack and Rainbow cried.

"Please get up!" Bonnie, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie prayed.

"You have to win this!" Lyra told him.

"Come on man!" Heath called out.

"FLASH!" Scootaloo and her friends cried.

Down on the ground, Flash's eyes began to flicker open and he let out a groan. Everyone gasped as he began to push himself into a sitting position. "Alright," he groaned, "you don't have to yell." He began to push himself to his feet, "but you're right. It is my destiny." He staggered for a moment. "I'm gonna beat Phantom, and Lucifer too. But not because Dragonia wants us too. We're gonna do it because we're the best and we're gonna prove it." He turned to his partner, "get up Leo. We can't afford to lose now. Our world, Vestroia and who knows what else. So you have to get up. Get up and fight with everything you have!"

Leonidas had heard every word and started moving again, letting out a pained moan but rolling himself onto his front and pushing himself up. "I'm...I'm here for you, Flash."

"Hahaaa!" Flash cheered, as Leonidas got onto one knee. "Come on. Give me all the power you've got. Everything you have, or we'll never win."

Leonidas shook his head. "You're looking at it all wrong. Our strength has always come from deep within you." He pushed himself to feet feet. "Garuda said that I'd grown soft by partnering with you. But he's wrong. It is you who gives me strength. You're the one giving your power to me."

Flash smirked and shook his head, "no. You've got it wrong. Our power comes from the combination of you and me and feeds off of our friendship." He punched his fist into his palm, "and that's why...we're the ultimate team!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" Leonidas spread his wings and prepared for takeoff, Flash quickly running forward and leaping up until he landed on his head.

"Now let's show the world that's what we are!" Leonidas shot into the air so fast, he caused a little wind wave. Everyone was amazed to see Flash go from being unconscious to leaping onto his Bakugan in just over a minute, his friends all just smirking as if they were expecting this.

Garuda landed next to Soarin, "shall we?" Soarin smirked and began parkouring around the cloud street until he was able to leap onto Garuda's back, the birdman shooting off into the sky. Everyone in the crowd realised, the true battle, had just begun.

Back in the Doom Dimension, Phantom continued to watch as Regulus pinned Ragnaroid down. "There has to be a way to stop this." He held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid's claws opened and the barrels folded out, "Shadow Blast!" He fired the lasers at the ground and caused the Gate Card to shatter, the power of Imperial Shadows vanishing. But Regulus was still stronger.

Regulus: 1350Gs
Ragnaroid: 1250Gs

Ragnaroid tried to points his blasters at Regulus, but they were still pinned by the wings. "It's useless to resist," the lion told him. "Give up and spare yourself more pain."

"Never!" Ragnaroid roared. "Phantom...do something!"

"I'm working on it!" Phantom growled, "but what can we do?"

"Give up," Derpy told him. "If you're a true brawler, you won't put the life of your partner above your own victory."

"Be quiet," Phantom growled. "I don't need someone like you lecturing me. If I wish to become the ultimate brawler, then I have to be willing to risk everything to win. Because that's what it truly means to be the best."

Derpy frowned, "you need help."

Phantom took out his Fusion Ability, but knew Regulus likely still had his up his sleeve. He needed to find a way to weaken him. Then he spotted it. Regulus' weak spot...two of them.

"Ragnaroid! Aim for the Bakugan he's sealed!" Regulus and Derpy's eyes went wide as Ragnaroid lifted his claws as much as he could, then launched a laser right at the sphere holding Sylvee. They gasped as the laser shot through the orb and hit the robotic insect, making it cry out as it was blasted back and reverted back to ball form.

Derpy's life gauge didn't drop, but it did weaken Regulus. "Ahhh!" He cried as his power dropped.

Regulus: 1150Gs
Ragnaroid: 1250Gs

Ragnaroid swung his tail up again and though Regulus tried to deflect it with his, Ragnaroid's greater strength allowed him to overpower it and slam him in the side. "Augh!" He was knocked off Ragnaroid, allowing the Darkus Bakugan to lift his claws and fired at Regulus. "Gyah!"

Ragnaroid then lifted himself up and pointed his claws at Wormquake's orb, firing a pair of lasers that entered the sphere and hit the burrower. The beast roared as well as it too was reverted back to ball form, weakening Regulus even more.

Regulus: 950Gs
Ragnaroid: 1250Gs

Ragnaroid smirked at Regulus, "I told you. I don't waste my power. It allows me to be the most power Bakugan that ever lived."

"You're not the most powerful Bakugan yet!" Regulus growled before charging forward, "and I won't let you become it!"

"Fusion Ability, Activate!" Derpy held up a card as the orbs on Regulus' shoulders glowed again, "Beast King's Roar!" The lights exploded off and began to form a shape around Regulus, that shape being of a giant lion made entirely or dark maroon energy.

Regulus: 1300Gs
Ragnaroid: 1250Gs

"IT'S OVER!" Regulus roared as he shot towards Ragnaroid, the avatar mimicking his movements and thrusting its claws forwards.

Ragnaroid thrust his claws out and blocked the avatar's, the force of the attack sending shocks into him. "Augh!" He roared, as every fibre of his being was being electrocuted and telling him to return to ball form. But he would not. He refused to lose. Not now.

"I...I..." His eyes shot open and were filled with rage, "I WILL NOT BE DEFEATED!" He managed to open his claws and fire a Shadow Blast from each of them, hitting the avatar and actually pushing it back.

"Fusion Ability, Activate!" Phantom held up the card as Ragnaroid's chest opened, "GAZE OF THE ABYSS!" The eye was revealed and it unleashed a bright light, combining with the Shadow Blast and flying into the avatar.

It burned away the energy and struck Regulus, making him roar as his power was severally dropped.

Regulus: 900Gs
Ragnaroid: 1250Gs

"RAAAAAH!" Regulus cried as he was pushed backwards, the light growing stronger and stronger with every second. "So much power. I...I can't hold on!" He fell towards Derpy, the girl's eyes going wide. "I'm sorry."

Derpy gasped at the sight of this, then slowly turned towards Phantom. The pair locked eyes and as they did, Phantom smiled. "Too bad this ends here," he told her. "Because you were pretty good." With that, Regulus slammed into the ground with enough force to send out a shockwave as he reverted back to ball form.

Derpy gasped as the shockwave flew towards her, the realisation that she had failed sinking in. "Flash," she whispered, "everyone." The shockwave struck and she was blasted backwards, "I'M SORRY!" She screamed in pain as she was blown backwards, becoming engulfed by the dust wave that was kicked up around her.

Derpy: 0%
Phantom: 10% (Winner)

When the cloud faded away, Phantom was still standing with Ragnaroid next to him. They looked over at where their opponents had vanished too and found they were gone, the only thing left of them being a strange streak of light Phantom realised would return him to earth.

He looked up at Ragnaroid, then at the Darkus Attribute that they had just won. Seeing this, Phantom began to laugh. He had done it. He had won.

Flash and Soarin continued to ride their Bakugan into the air of the stadium. As soon as both Bakugan were high enough, Flash quickly launched the first attack. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas' mouth filled with an extra bright light, "Shining Roar!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" The light exploded outwards and flew towards Garuda, slamming into him and causing him to lose control.

Garuda: 1100Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

"Wow!" Soarin cried, barely able to hold on. But he did and Garuda quickly spun out of the way of the light, he and Flash holding out cards and speaking at the same time. "ABILITY, ACTIVATE!" Both Bakugan summoned the power, though Garuda's ability was faster. "Blitz Bolt!"

"Raaah!" He fired the lightning bolt from his mouth and it shot towards Leonidas, but before it could land the Haos Bakugan's Ability kicked in.

"Reflector Prism!" The gem-shaped shield formed around Leonidas, causing the lightning bolt to be deflected and powering him up.

Garuda: 1100Gs
Leonidas: 1000Gs

"That was close," Twilight sighed.

"But Garuda still has more power," Lyra pointed out. "And I think that difference is about to get a whole lot bigger!" Sure enough, she was right.

"Gate Card...OPEN!" Soarin watched as the ground beneath their feet began to glow, the light then exploding upwards in a single beam. "Ansamon Judgement"

Before Leonidas could try to escape, the laser slammed into him. "AUGH!" He roared, as he felt his energy being zapped away. Flash was also caught in the light, his entire body freezing in place.

"What's happening?" Scootaloo asked, as Leonidas' G power got lower and lower.

"Ansamon Judgement!" Rainbow told her, "it sends all non-Ventus Bakugan's G power down to zero." Scootaloo and her friend's eyes went wide hearing this, as they turned back to the battle.

Twilight frowned. "Flash has to do something, fast."

"Errrr," Flash groaned as he pulled out a card. "Ability...Activate!" Leonidas forced his eyes to open as his mouth filled with energy. "Omega...Eraser!" Leo pointed his head downwards and fired, the laser exploding from his mouth and hitting the ground. The Gate Card shattered and Leo's power level shot back up.

Garuda: 1100Gs
Leonidas: 950Gs

He swung the laser around towards Garuda, but the birdman Bakugan summoned some electrical energy and swung it around like a sword. It knocked the beam away, as Garuda shot forward and Soarin held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda's body sparked again, "Storm Booster!"

Garuda: 1250Gs
Leonidas: 950Gs

He shot forward and flew passed Leonidas, slashing at him with a burst of lightning that zapped both he and Flash. "AUGH!" They cried, Leonidas barely keeping himself from falling to the ground. Garuda then spun around and charged again, shooting passed and shocking them again. "GYAH!"

Everyone on the ground watched with worry as this continued, Garuda moving too fast for Leonidas to stop him. "Come on Flash," Twilight whispered. "You can do it."

"Go guys!" Heath yelled.

"We believe in you!" Bonnie cheered.

"I know you can win!" Lyra screamed.

"GO FLASH!" Scootaloo screamed, whilst the rest of the crowd cheered for them as well. It seemed Soarin's earlier words at gotten the crowd really stirred up. They continued to chant the pair's name into the air, the two beginning to hear this as it echoed through the stadium.

"You hear that Leo?" Flash asked, "everyone is cheering for us. Lending us their support. We can't let them down!"

"You're right!" Leonidas nodded. "No matter what, we will be victorious!" As Garuda flew in for another charge, Leonidas spun around and grabbed him. "NOT THIS TIME!"

"WOW!" Garuda cried as Leo threw him away, Soarin barely able to hang out.

As they did, Flash held out a card. "Fusion Ability...ACTIVATE!"

"ROARING OMEGA!" Leonidas bellowed as the light and energy filled his mouth, the dragon letting it explode outwards as Garuda managed to stabilize himself. It slammed into him, the bird and Soarin letting out a mighty cry as their power dropped.

Garuda: 1050Gs
Leonidas: 1250Gs

The attack finally ended Garuda managed to hold on, Soarin trying to take out his Fusion Ability. But before he could, Leonidas shot down towards him with his fist pulled back. "IT'S OVER!" He yelled, throwing the punch downwards and slamming it into Garuda's chest.

"AUGH!" Garuda squawked as he was thrown backwards and eventually smashed into the ground, bouncing off it as Soarin was thrown loose.

"GARUDA!" Soarin cried, his Bakugan reverting back to ball form as he landed on the ground and his life gauge dropped.

Flash: 50% (Winner)
Garuda: 0%

Everyone was amazed as the battlefield disappeared, through Leonidas remained in his ball form. They couldn't believe what had just happened.

"Garuda...Soarin..." Rainbow whispered, "they...lost."

"Yeah," Heath nodded, "and...and that means..." He could barely get the worlds out, but Wukong was happy to end the sentence.

"It means Flash and Leonidas win!" Those words echoed through the stadium and it broke the silence, as the crowd all exploded into cheer for the victors.

Flash and Leonidas flew down as Soarin began to pick himself up, Garuda rolling around and jumping onto his shoulder showing he was okay. "Looks like we lost," Soarin sighed.

"Yeah," Flash smirked as he heard everyone cheering for him and Leonidas, "that means we did it." He turned to smirked at his partner. "We beat everyone! You did it, Leo"

Leonidas couldn't help but chuckle. "You're right!" He held his head up proud, "we won!" But as soon as he said that, his body began to glow.

"Wow!" Flash was surprised by the light and lost his footing, falling to the ground and Leonidas' entire body was encased by the light. He quickly managed to right himself and looked up at his partner, unable to believe what he was seeing.

"What's going on?" Pinkie asked, as Twilight smiled.

"Leonidas is starting to evolve," she explained to the others. "Which means Flash finally passed his final trial." Everyone smiled at this and continued watching, as Leonidas' body began to shift and change within the light. Then, finally, the light faded to reveal Leonidas' new form.

He was a little bigger than his last one, with his neck, chest, waist and under-tail being purple like before. But now he had chest armor that was mostly white with a yellow V along the front. He had two short yellow spikes sticking out above each shoulder, said shoulder being covered in a white armoured pad with yellow trim. His arms were also covered in a white armor with the same yellow trim, whilst his claws were the same as his last form. His legs were also covered in white armor with yellow streaks on it, whilst his feet were also white with yellow claws. His wings were larger and about the same in design, with the only difference being a section of them were rounded and had the Haos symbol within it. Finally, his nose and head horns had grown and merged into a single double tipped horn whilst the others had grown larger. The trident on the end of his tail had been replaced by a star-shaped arrowhead

Leonidas looked himself over and liked what he was seeing. But he liked what he was feeling way more, as new strength filled every fibre of his being.

He looked down at his partner and smirked. "Thank you, Flash." Flash smiled back and gave him a thumbs up, as his friends all rushed down into the battlefield. As they did, Soarin stepped over to him.

"Flash," the teen turned to him and Soarin held out his hand, "well done. You beat me fair and square." Flash smiled at this and shoot his hand, Garuda nodding.

"Congratulations Flash." He then turned to the dragon, "and you too, Leonidas."

"Thank you Garuda," Leonidas nodded as the others reached them.

"You did it Flash!" Rainbow cried, "I guess you really are one of the best brawlers out there!" Flash smirked at this as Twilight stepped forward and gave Leonidas a good look over.

"You should both be proud. You've come a long way from the disfunctional team I met all those months ago." Flash and Leonidas smirked at this, Flash turning to his partner.

"Now that you've evolved, our next goal is clear."

Leonidas nodded, "take down Ragnaroid and Phantom. Then we turn our attention to Lucifer!" The others all nodded, knowing that they couldn't rest of their laurels yet. The true battle had only just begun.

Within the Doom Dimension, Phantom watched as Ragnaroid held the Darkus Energy in his claws.

He crushed the orb and unleashed the energy, sucking it down his gullet like it was hot chicken soup. And as soon as he did, his body started to glow and change.

Phantom watched the process and smiled. "Out with the old and in with the new," he told Ragnaroid. "It's time to show the world the true power of my evolved Ragnaroid." The light finally faded, revealing Ragnaroid's new appearance.

He looked practically the same, except now his scorpion claws had been replaced by a long black metal spikes. The ends of those spikes then split into three and pulled back to reveal their were triple claws, the part between the claw's hinges having a large hole in it that looked ready to fire something out of them. His tail was now longer and and tipped with a metal end that had a black drill. His chest was the same, though a little bulkier with the opening having four triangular doors that form an X pattern, but the most noticeable change was on his back. A set of large mechanical wings could be seen, allowing the beast the power of flight. The horns on his head were larger and looked like that could cut through anything, which only added to how deadly he looked. [AN]

Phantom smiled at the sight. "Another step forward, to you becoming the ultimate Bakugan."

"Yes," Ragnaroid chuckled, "now anyone who faces me will meet their doom." The two began to laugh, now believing that they were truly unstoppable. But before they decided to go after Lucifer again, they would need to test out their new power. And they knew the perfect bunch of fools to take on.

Author's Note

Flash and Leonidas managed to win, but so did Phantom and Ragnaroid. Now they'll have to face one another's evolved forms. Man, that's gonna be a major fight. Hope you enjoyed.

For those having trouble imagining Leo's new form, look up Chibi's adult form from Dragon Drive and give it Leo's head and colour scheme. His ball form is like Viper Helios

AN: Look up Gigadramon to better understand the wings and claws.

Clash of the Titans

Derpy's entire body was aching. She couldn't remember much of what had happened. Her last memory was battling against Phantom and losing, with great amounts of pain flooding her body as she did, then everything after that was a blank.

"Where am I?" She asked, as she seemed to be walking around with no idea where she was or where she was going. She tried to clear her head and as she did, she looked herself over and saw that her hair was a mess and her cloths damaged. She had several cuts and bruises covering her body, but no injuries that looked life threatening. But they still hurt.

She finally stopped walking and as she did, her vision began to clear and she felt the world around her coming into focus.

Slowly, she realised she was near the river where she had met Pipsqueak and where the BakuFighters had met the Guardians. She looked down at the river and saw the boats floating on the water, their honking making her feel more clear headed. But what really brought her back to reality, was a familiar voice calling her name.

"DERPY!" She looked around and spotted Lyra running towards her, a look of worry on her face.

"Lyra?" Derpy asked, staggering towards her and almost falling over until the girl caught her.

"Are you okay?" She asked, "you're not, like, hurt or anything, are you?"

"No," Derpy shook her head but flinched when Lyra's hand touched one of the scraps on her arm. "I'm fine." Lyra didn't believe that for a moment, neither did Nimue.

"We need to get you to a doctor," the Aquos Bakugan announced. But Derpy shook her head.

"No," she told her, "I need to talk to Flash and the others." Lyra raised an eyebrow, "it's important. It's about Phantom." Now Lyra and Nimue were very concerned, but knew Derpy was being serious.

It had been two days since Flash's battle against Soarin. Everyone was still talking about the insane brawl the two had competed in and how, after the battle, Flash's Bakugan had evolved.

Everyone wanted to see this new Bakugan in action, but nobody had the guts to actually challenge him. With his Bakugan so strong, they were all convinced he wouldn't even need to use an Ability to win their Bakugan from them. So Flash and his new Supreme Leonidas had gone two days without a challenge.

They were okay with this, since the pair of them had had to endure some pretty tough battles recently. They were happy to have a little break and give Leo the chance to settle into his new body.

Currently, the BakuFighters and Rainbooms, minus Lyra, were at the stadium talking about a serious matter. "Derpy's missing?" Twilight asked, shocked that Flash was only now bringing this up. "Why didn't you tell us this before."

"Derpy left a note saying she had something important to do and not to worry about her," Flash explained. "But now it's been three days since she disappeared and I'm starting to get worried."

The others frowned, sharing looks of concern. "What could be so important, that she'd vanish for three days?" Heath asked, Flash unable to answer that question.

"Maybe Phantom has her," Bonnie looked worried. "Maybe he grabbed her hoping to use her as a hostage to stop us from getting in his way."

"That sounds like him," Soarin frowned as he remembered how Phantom got Flash to battle him before. "We have to think of a way to find him."

"Maybe we should call the police," Fluttershy suggested.

"And tell them what?" Rainbow asked, "that a guy we barely know anything about might have kidnapped our friend to get us to play a game with him. They'd think we're nuts."

"Maybe we should tell people the truth," Rarity exclaimed. "Try and get the world out to everyone that Bakugan are more than just toys." Everyone thought about that and whilst the idea of telling everyone the truth about the Bakugan did sound like a good idea, some of them started wondering what might happen if the government decided to use them as tools of war.

If Sombra was able to make a field that allowed Bakugan to return to their true forms, no doubt the government would be able to do the same and maybe create them anywhere they wanted. Images of the Bakugan being sent into warzone, attacking people against their will or being used as cannon folder made many of them shudder, not daring to see such a horrible event.

"Okay," Applejack rubbed the back of her neck, "maybe not a good idea."

"Well we have to do something," Bonnie told her. As she said that, several people around them began to gasp and caught their attention. They all looked up and turned to see Lyra walking into the stadium. And she wasn't alone.

"DERPY!" They cried when they saw Lyra with the girl's arm over her shoulder, keeping her up as they staggered forwards. They got up and rushed to them, seeing that Derpy was in a pretty bad state. "What happened to you?" Flash asked, looking her over as Soarin and Applejack took over carrying her. They moved Derpy over to one of the tables and sat he down.

"You need a hospital," Twilight stated.

"No," Derpy shook her head, "I'm fine. And I don't think I'd be able to explain to the doctors what really happened to me."

"What did happen to you?" Flash asked, "you just disappeared off the face of the earth. Lyra and I were worried about you. Not to mention, your family." Derpy frowned as she looked down at the floor, whilst someone brought over a first aid kit in order to treat her few wounds.

"I'm sorry I worried you. But I had to do something important."

"And what was that?" Twilight asked, everyone leaning in curiously as Derpy sighed before taking a deep breath.

"I brawled against Phantom." Those words echoed through the room as her friends took the information in. It took a few moment for them to connect the dots, but when they did their eyes went from looks of worry to look of absolute disbelief.

"WHAT!" They all screamed, making Derpy flinch as she began to explain. How she was contacted by the Darkus Guardian Regulus, asked to help him fight against Phantom and how she would have been chosen as his soldier had he found a worthy Bakugan. How Phantom had apparently learned about the Attribute Energies and how he challenged Regulus for the Darkus Energy. How Regulus had called upon her to battle with him and how, unfortunately, they lost to Phantom and Ragnaroid.

"That's not good," Soarin frowned. "If Phantom won, that means he and Ragnaroid have the Darkus Attribute now." Everyone else quickly caught on to what that would mean.

"Ragnaroid's likely to have evolved," Nimue stated.

"Great," Wukong groaned, "like he wasn't already strong as he was."

"We need to do something before he causes any more trouble," Gaia told them. "I see this situation turning one of two ways. Ragnaroid gives Lucifer the power he just gained and makes that Bakugan almost unstoppable, or Ragnaroid betrays Lucifer and tries to take him down himself. And that'll either end with Ragnaroid or Lucifer taking the other's power, resulting in them becoming a true monster."

"We can't let that happen," Bonnie looked terrified at the idea.

"But what do we do?" Spike asked from Twilight's shoulder. "If a Guardian of Vestroia couldn't stop him, what hope do we have now that he's evolved?" Everyone frowned, wondering the same thing. But before anyone could start to panic, Flash stood up.

"I'll take him on!" They looked at him in shock.

"You?" Lepusinge asked, "didn't you already lose to that guy before?"

"Maybe. But this'll be different. After all, Leonidas has evolved as well. Phantom and Ragnaroid might have beaten us once, but now that our Bakugan have evolved it's a totally different ball park. This is the whole point we even went through all those trials to begin with. So we could gain the strength to battle again Phantom and Ragnaroid to finally take them down."

"But when you did that, you weren't expecting Ragnaroid to have his own Attribute Energy." Twilight looked concerned, "what if something bad happens and you lose Leonidas and his Attribute Energy?" Flash frowned at this before turning to his Bakugan, who had been oddly quiet since Derpy had arrived.

"What do you think, Leonidas?"

Leo thought for a moment, looking down and thinking before looking back at his partner. "We have to try. Even if we can't defeat Ragnaroid, not trying at least once would be an insult to our prides as battlers." He turned to the others. "When I first came to this world, all I cared about was getting stronger and defeating Bakugan. But now I see just how hollow a life like that was. Even though I had Flash as a partner, I was friendless. But you all opened up to me and even after learning of my origins, you stuck by me."

Everyone smiled at this, happy Leonidas had grown so much since he first arrived on earth.

"It's clear I'm the best choice for battling Phantom and Ragnaroid. So I say, let's do this thing. To save my friends and this world, I'll beat them both no matter how tough the fight is."

"YEAH!" They all cheered, but then realised a small problem they had.

"How are you gonna challenge Phantom?" Heath asked, "it's not like we have the guy's phone number." But Flash simply smirked at this.

"I think I know how to get him to show up."

That night.

Sombra was in his office, trying to track down Phantom. But ever since Sombra and Lucifer defeated him, he had been completely off the radar. "I know you're out there somewhere." After a few more minutes, he took a break from searching for his wayward servant and instead chose to look into Flash and the rest of the BakuFighters.

He had heard about the battle between Flash and Soarin and was surprised when he brought up the footage from the stadium, finding that not only had Soarin's Bakugan evolved, but Leonidas ended up defeating him in battle and evolving as a result.

Now, as he looked into their BakuColar records, he found something rather interesting. A video that had been sent to every colosseum his company had.

Clicking on it, he saw an image of Flash appear looking rather serious. "Hey there Phantom!" He told the camera, "I know you're watching this and I also know you now have the Darkus Attribute Energy!"

"What did he say?" Lucifer asked, having been half listening from his spot on the desk.

"Well you're not the only one with an Attribute Energy. Me and my team all have one too and we're not gonna let you use what's left of Vestroia to continue your evil agenda."

"They all have Vestroia's Attribute Energy?" Lucifer asked before chuckling, "interesting."

"It's time we put an end to our little rivalry once and for all. I'm calling you out. You and Phantom against me and Leonidas. Winner takes all! Meet me at the stadium noon tomorrow and if you don't show up, I'll know you really are the coward I always thought you were. See you then!" With that, the video ended and Sombra smirked.

"Looks like we know where Phantom's gonna be tomorrow. There's no way he'd be able to deny a challenge like that."

"Yes," Lucifer nodded, "but more importantly, they have Attribute Energies. Such power wasted on fools like them." He turned to Sombra, "you know what we have to do." Sombra nodded and began to get to work.

On the roof of a building, Phantom was staring at his gauntlet as the video finished playing once again.

"You know it's a trap," Ragnaroid told him. "No doubt, they intend to take the Attribute Energy from us." Phantom nodded, "but we're still going to battle."

"Of course," Phantom nodded again. "This is the perfect chance to test out your new power. And when we win, we'll take the Attribute Energies from those losers and you truly will become the ultimate Bakugan." He stared at the image of Flash on screen, a smirk on his lips as he did so. "Just wait Flash Sentry. You'll regret challenging me."

The next day.

The stadium was pact with brawlers, all looking forward to what might be the ultimate battle between two of the best Bakugan Brawlers on earth.

The Rainbooms, BakuFighters, Scootaloo and her friends were all there, along with several brawlers they had met along their journey to this point. Brawlers like Trixie, Thunderlane, Royal Pin and Neon Lights.

Down on the battlefield, Flash was waiting with Leonidas on his shoulder. "What's taking him so long?" Leo asked. "You think he's even going to show up?"

"I challenged his skills as a brawler," Flash pointed out. "I doubt he'll take that laying down."

Up in the stands, his friends were all waiting with bated breath. "I don't like this," Derpy quivered. "Flash shouldn't have to face such an opponent alone."

"What other choice do we have?" Lyra asked, "I doubt even Phantom would be dumb enough to accept a challenge against all of us. Our Bakugan all have Attribute Energies and have all grown to be just as strong as the Guardians that defeated Ragnaroid in the past. Even if Ragnaroid's evolved, he'd be insane to fight against us all."

Twilight stared down at Flash, "I just hope he knows what he's doing." In that moment, footsteps could be heard coming from the other side of the stadium. They all turned towards the entrance and saw someone in the shadows of the doorway, who stepped out to reveal himself. "There he is."

Phantom smiled as he made his way across the battlefield, he and Flash locking eyes with one another.

"Flash Sentry," he smirked as he looked him over. "I would have thought you'd have learned your lesson after the last time I knocked you down a peg. Man are you a sucker for punishment."

Flash smirked, "the only sucker here is you. Cause only a sucker would work for Lucifer." Phantom glared at him.

"I work for no one. After I've taken you out, Lucifer and Sombra are next on my list of victims." Everyone who heard that was quite surprised, not having expected Phantom to turn against Lucifer like that. But Flash smirked.

"If you're going up against Lucifer, then we should work together. We both want Lucifer taken down, so let's stop fighting against one another and beat him."

"No thanks," Phantom told him. "I battle alone. Now if we're done talking, let's get this battle started." Flash frowned, wishing he could have convinced him to join them.

"Fine them. Let's do this thing!" The ones controlling the stadium activated the battlefield, which unleashed a bright light that almost blinded everyone.

When the light faded, they looked down to see the battlefield had transformed into an ancient roman colosseum. There weren't any power-ups, so it looked like this battle would just be one that used the Bakugan's own strength.

"Let's do this thing!" Flash cried as he held up his BakuColar, which began to glow.

"With pleasure!" Phantom did the same and his gauntlet glowed, the two brawlers and their Bakugan yelling out in unison. "BRAWL!"

Flash: 100%
Phantom: 100%

"Gate Card!" Flash threw the card, "Set!" As it exploded into light, Phantom held up his Bakugan.

"Now you'll see, what the Ultimate Bakugan truly looks like." He leapt straight up and threw his partner towards the ground, "Bakugan...BRAWL!" He hit the ground and popped open, "Bakugan...STAND!" Everyone watched with bated breath, as the Bakugan burst into a cloud of black and purple mist that began to take shape. "May I present the all new, all powerful, all unstoppable Ragnaroid." The mist faded, revealing the Darkus Bakugan in all his horrifying glowing as he spread his wings and snapped his claws. "Darkus...Doom...RAGNAROID!"

Ragnaroid let out a mighty roar that shook the battlefield, everyone astonished by what they saw.

"So Ragnaroid did evolve!" Soarin stated as they looked up at the megascreen.

Ragnaroid: 900Gs

"Nine hundred as its base level?" Twilight asked, the others looking just as shocked. "That's insane!"

"Maybe," Lyra looked down at the field, "but Ragnaroid isn't the only powerful Bakugan down there." They all turned their attention to Flash, who turned to Leonidas.

"You ready, bud?"

"Always, but we must be careful. Ragnaroid was tough before and now, he'll be even stronger." Flash nodded and grabbed his partner before throwing him.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" The Bakugan flew into the colosseum before landing upon the ground, "Bakugan," he popped open, "STAND!" Light exploded from him and formed a tornado in front of Ragnaroid, who watched as a figure appeared within the light and flew up. "Haos Supreme Leonidas!" The tornado exploded to reveal him.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared, shaking the stadium once again as Phantom went wide-eyed.

"Supreme Leonidas?"

Leo smirked as he looked down at Ragnaroid, "you're not the only one whose evolved!" Ragnaroid didn't look shocked by this and instead, simply smirked.

"And here I thought this was going to be boring."

Leonidas: 900Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

Flash was the first one to hold up a card, "Ability, Activate!" It glowed as Leonidas' mouth filled with energy, "Ultra Destroyer!" He roared and a laser exploded out of his mouth, shooting towards Ragnaroid.

Leonidas: 1200Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

Ragnaroid saw it coming and smirked before opening his wings. Using his tail like a spring, he shot into the air as the laser struck the spot he had just been. And with a beat of the mechanical limbs, he remained airborne much to everyone shock. "Flight is no longer your advantage, Leonidas!"

Leo growled, "who cares if you can fly now? I'll still beat you!"

"Don't be so sure!" Ragnaroid chuckled as Phantom held up a pair of cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" The X-shape on his chest opened up to reveal the eye, "Doom Vision!" Before Leonidas could fly to safety, Ragnaroid appeared above him and the eye unleashed a dark purple light that struck him.

"Augh!" He cried as his body froze in place, his power vanishing.

Leonidas: 1000Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

"Plus, Purgatory Crusher!" Ragnaroid then swung his tail at Leonidas and coiled it around him. The dragon was still frozen and couldn't escape, as the mechanical tail tightened his grip.

"Leo!" Flash cried, holding up a card but finding it wouldn't activate. "I thought so!" He then looked down at his BakuColar.

Leonidas: 950Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

Flash didn't think that was too bad, but then the points changed again.

Leonidas: 900Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

Flash realised the Ability was gonna continuously power his Bakugan down, and sure enough...

Leonidas: 850Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

His friends all watched in horror, as Leonidas' power continued to drop. "Do something Leo!" Wukong cried.

"He can't!" Gaia told him. "He's trapped!" The others were just as worried, since Doom Vision's effects were still preventing Ability use.

Leonidas: 800Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

"No choice!" Flash pointed to the ground, "Gate Card...OPEN!" The field began to glow, "Haos Reactor!" Pillars of light exploded into the air and were absorbed by Leonidas, powering him back up.

Leonidas: 1000Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" Leonidas roared as he used his new strength to push Ragnaroid's tail off of him, giving him just enough room to spread his wings and take flight. He shot out of Ragnaroid's grasp, getting ready to attack again. But before he could, Phantom held up another card.

"Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid opened his claws to reveal the holes in his arms, which he pointed towards the ground. "Apocalyptic Fire!" The holes unleashed a black and purple fire that shot towards the ground and caused the field to be set ablaze.

"WOW!" Flash cried as he jumped back to avoid getting fried, whilst the Gate Card began to burn up and eventually exploded away along with its effects.

Leonidas: 800Gs
Ragnaroid: 1200Gs

Ragnaroid then swung his claws up towards Leonidas, the flames moving with them and firing at the dragon. "Uh oh!" He cried, trying his best to escape the flames. Luckily, Flash was ready.

"Ability, Activate!" The Haos symbols on Leonidas' wings glowed before unleashing a bright yellow and white light, which formed a sphere around him. "Spectral Barricade!" The flames slammed into the shield and were extinguished, Ragnaroid's power decreasing as Leonidas powered up.

Leonidas: 900Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

"They're right back to where they started!" Bonnie cried, as Leonidas dived down with his shield fading away.

"A'h don't think that's gonna last much longer!" Applejack explained, as Flash took out another card.

Ability, Activate!" Leonidas' body glowed, "Turbo Overdrive!" Suddenly, he exploded forward with a burst of speed and shot passed Ragnaroid. The limbed serpent hissed at the impact whilst Leonidas shot back and repeated to process.

Leonidas: 1050Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

Leonidas slammed into him again and again, getting faster and faster with every hit. Ragnaroid growled at this and as Leonidas came around for a second attack, Phantom was ready. "Ability, Activate!" The drill on Ragnaroid's tail began to spin, "Death Spiral!"

Leonidas: 1050Gs
Ragnaroid: 1100Gs

He thrust the drill forwards and Leonidas was moving so fast, he couldn't stop in time to avoid it. The drill slammed into his chest and ground against his armor, making him cry out in pain as he was knocked backwards.

"LEO!" Flash cried, as Leonidas reverted back to ball form and his life gauge dropped.

Flash: 90%
Phantom: 100%

"Hahaa!" Phantom smirked as Ragnaroid returned to him, "evolved or not, your pet lizard still can't stand up to my almighty Bakugan."

Flash frowned as he picked Leonidas up, "you okay?"

"I'll live," Leonidas replied. "But Ragnaroid truly has grown stronger."

"Maybe," Flash turned to Phantom as the shades-wearing teen took out a Gate Card. "But so have we. We've seen most of what Ragnaroid can do now, but he's still in the dark about most of what you can do. We'll use that to our advantage."

"Are you ready to lose again?" Phantom asked, with Flash smirking back at him.

"Tough talk, but let's see you back it up." Phantom growled at this.

"I really don't think it's a good idea for Flash to taunt him like that," Rarity told the others with worry.

"No," Lyra shook her head, "getting Phantom angry is good. He usually keeps his composure during a brawl and constantly acts like he's in control. I bet him losing his patience will throw him off his game."

"I don't know," Derpy looked concerned. "When I brawled him, Regulus was able to get Phantom and Ragnaroid pretty upset. All it did was make them attack even harder then before."

"Well let's hope Flash has better look throwing him off his game," Soarin stated.

"Time to end this little tussle!" Phantom yelled. "Gate Card...SET!" As he threw it, he and Phantom grabbed their partners and both leapt into the air. "Bakugan," they threw them, "BRAWL!" Both Bakugan shot through the air and eventually slammed into one another before bouncing backwards and landing on the ground, "Bakugan...STAND!" They popped open and in a burst of golden light and purple mist, the pair appeared and both took flight.

Leonidas: 900Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Phantom held up the card as Ragnaroid opened his claws, "Apocalyptic Fire!" The purple and black flames exploded out of his metal arms and shot towards Leonidas, ready to roast him alive.

Leonidas: 900Gs
Ragnaroid: 1200Gs

But before they could get close, Flash held up two of his own cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Leonidas glowed and leapt to the side, avoiding the flames as he shot towards Ragnaroid. "Turbo Overdrive, plus Mega Claw!" His claws glowed and the light made them double in length, the dragon preparing to slice up Ragnaroid like a christmas turkey.

Leonidas: 1250Gs
Ragnaroid: 1200Gs

Using his incredible speed, he flew right in front of Ragnaroid before dealing a slash to his chest. "AUGH!" He then warped back a good distance before flying forwards again and hitting his shoulder. "Gyah!" He flew around him in the blink of an eye and slashed at his back, "haaarrrhhh!" He swung his tail around, trying to slam Leonidas away, but Leonidas simply shot backwards to avoid it.

"Ability, Activate!" Phantom held up a card as Ragnaroid's chest opened, "Doom Vision!" The eye unleashed a light that shot towards Leonidas, but the dragon's increased speed allowed him to avoid it for a few seconds.

"Ability, Activate!" Leonidas spread his wings as the Haos symbols glowed and unleashed the light, "Spectral Barricade!" The sphere formed around him and blocked the Doom Vision light, Ragnaroid frowning as his chest closed up.

Leonidas: 1350Gs
Ragnaroid: 1200Gs

As soon as the eye was covered, Leonidas shot forward out of his shield and prepared to slash at Ragnaroid. But Phantom pointed towards the ground. "Gate Card...open!" The ground glowed purple, "Darkus Reactor!" The purple light shot into the air and into Ragnaroid, powering him up.

Leonidas: 1350Gs
Ragnaroid: 1400Gs

"Raaaah!" He swung his tail around and slammed it into Leonidas, knocking him backwards.

"Augh!" He fell towards the ground, but managed to open his wings and save himself before it was too late. And as he skimmed along the ground, Flash held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Leonidas' mouth sparked, "Ultra Destroyer!" He roared and the laser exploded from his mouth, hitting the ground and causing the Gate Card to shatter.

Leonidas: 1650Gs
Ragnaroid: 1200Gs

As the Gate Card vanished, Leonidas swung the laser around and aimed it at Ragnaroid. But before it could hit him, Phantom held up a pair of cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" As the laser struck him, Ragnaroid exploded into a cloud of shadow. "Shadow Divide!" The laser flew through the shadow but did nothing to damage it, instead the shadow shot towards Leonidas.

Leonidas: 1350Gs
Ragnaroid: 1200Gs

"Plus, Purgatory Crusher!" Before Leonidas could counter, the shadow cloud flew behind him and reformed. Ragnaroid swung his tail and wrapped it around him.

"AUGH!" Leonidas cried, trying to fight against the squeeze but Ragnaroid put every bit of strength he hand into constricting the life out of Leonidas.

"LEO!" Flash cried, looking down at his BakuColar and seeing the power had just stopped.

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Ragnaroid: 1200Gs

He knew the power would drop again in a few seconds, so had to act fast. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas' mouth began to glow, "Supreme Cannon!" A sphere formed within his mouth and he fired it out towards Ragnaroid, hitting him in the head before he could dodge.

Leonidas: 1300Gs
Ragnaroid: 1200Gs

BOOM!

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared as the sphere exploded, knocking him backwards and making him loosen his grip on Leonidas. The dragon quickly pushed the tail off of him but instead of flying out of the grasp, he grabbed the tail and started spinning around and pulling the Darkus Bakugan around.

"YAAAAAH!" He cried, letting Ragnaroid go and sending him hurtling towards the ground. And as Phantom prepared to activate another Ability, Leonidas launched a second sphere that struck him before Phantom could.

"AUGH!" Ragnaroid roared as he reverted back to ball form, falling to the ground as Phantom's life gauge dropped.

Flash: 90%
Phantom: 80%

Flash's friends all cheered as Leonidas returned to him. "Flash took the lead!" Scootaloo cried, but Twilight looked up at the scores.

"Two rounds down and they've barely put a scratch on each other." Everyone else looked up at the scores and realised she was right. Flash was ahead, but it was only by fifty points. "They're so evenly matched that this battle could go on forever."

Phantom picked up Ragnaroid and turned to glare at his, "Flash Sentry! You dare get the upper hand on me!"

"Oh quit your bellyaching!" Flash told him. "If you can't handle one little setback, how can you be called a true Bakugan Battle Brawler!" Leonidas nodded as he leapt onto Flash's shoulder.

"You've finally met your match. It took a while, but now I can fight you on equal ground."

Ragnaroid growled, "you dare say you're equal to me. I am the greatest Bakugan ever. And now the kid gloves are coming off! Phantom...no more holding back!"

"Agreed!" Phantom nodded, as Flash took out a Gate Card and threw it.

"BAKUGAN...BRAWL!" They both threw their partners in and the two super powerful Bakugan took to the field and began their battle. "Ability, Activate!"

"Augh!" Leonidas cried.

"Gate Card...OPEN!"

"GYAH!" Ragnaroid hissed.

"Ability, Activate!"

"AUGH!" Leonidas was knocked back. The battle raged and unleashed a powerful force, so strong it sent shockwaves out that even damaged Flash's cloths.

"Haaah!" The teen yelled, clutching his arm as Leonidas fell back and reverted to ball form.

Flash: 75%
Phantom: 80%

"BAKUGAN...BRAWL! BAKUGAN...STAND!"

"Ability, Activate! Apocalyptic Fire!"

"Augh!" Leonidas roared in pain.

"Double Ability, Activate! Turbo Overdrive, plus Mega Claw!"

"Raaaaah!" Ragnaroid cried out.

"Ability, Activate! Doom Vision!"

"Ability, Activate! Spectral Barrier!"

"Death Spiral!"

"Ultra Destroyer!"

Flash: 75%
Phantom: 70%

Up in the stands, Flash's friends watched as the two battled over and over. Every time neither was able to get much of a lead over the other.

Flash: 65%
Phantom: 70%

Whenever one seemed to take the lead...

Flash: 65%
Phantom: 55%

The other would pull ahead.

Flash: 55%
Phantom: 55%

And all the while, Flash and Phantom were constantly getting bombarded by the aftershocks of the attacks. "AUGH!" Flash cried as his pants were torn at the legs.

Flash: 50%
Phantom: 55%

"Gaaah!" Phantom's over coat had taken several slashes from the wind and practically fell off of him.

Flash: 50%
Phantom: 45%

More and more time passed and with every round, things got more and more intense. Eventually, Leonidas fell and reverted back to ball form as Flash was bombarded with enough energy that his own jacket fell away.

Flash: 10%
Phantom: 15%

Despite how long they had been battling, none of the audience had gotten bored. "Amazing!" Rarity checked the time on her phone, "these two have been battling for just over two hours."

"That's insane!" Rainbow cried, "I never knew a battle could last so long."

"These two are evenly matched," Soarin reminded her. "So there's no way for one to get a serious advantage over the other."

Flash panted as he picked Leonidas up, Phantom also panting as Ragnaroid returned to him. "Are you...ready to...call it...quits," the Darkus Brawler asked.

"I'm...just getting...started," Flash replied as he took out a card. "Just watch. I'm gonna win."

"No...you're not."

"We'll see about that! Gate Card...SET!" He threw the card and with the last of his strength, he grabbed Leonidas. Phantom did the same and the two were barely able to stay up, but still threw them forward. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" Both Bakugan barely made it six feet before hitting the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" They popped open as the light and mist exploded out of them, both Bakugan appearing from them and standing opposite one another as they panted.

Leonidas: 900Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

"Look at them," Rainbow frowned as Flash took out a card. "They're all exhausted!"

"I don't think this match will last much longer," Derpy stated.

"Ability, Activate!" Flash cried as Leonidas forced his wings open and leapt into the air, "Ultra Destroyer!" Leonidas' mouth filled with energy that exploded forwards into a laser.

Leonidas: 1200Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

Phantom, despite his exhaustion, was able to hold up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" The laser struck Ragnaroid, but he exploded into a shadowy mist. "Shadow Divide!"

Leonidas: 900Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

The mist then shot into the air and reformed behind Leonidas. "Plus, Purgatory Crusher!"

"Raaaah!" Ragnaroid roared as his tail swung around and captured Leonidas in its grasp. He squeezed Leonidas as tightly as it mechanized tail would allow, Leonidas grunting as he tried to pull himself free from his opponent's deadly grasp. "You're...not...getting out of...this!"

"Ahhh!" Leo cried, "yes...I...am!"

"Just...give up!"

"NEVER!" Leo roared, but his power to dropping harshly.

Leonidas: 750Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

But before Leonidas lost the last of his strength, Flash took out two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid glowed and the light flew into Leonidas, "Co-Side, plus Supreme Cannon!" As the energy flew into Leonidas, he felt his strength returning.

Leonidas: 1150Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

He was able to force the tail off of him and as he did, he opened his mouth as the light sphere formed within. "Raaaaah!" He roared, firing the sphere at Ragnaroid's chest.

"AUGH!" He cried as the sphere exploded and knocked him backwards, allowing Leonidas to completely free himself and leap into the air. But Ragnaroid was able to spread his wings and stop his fall, then shot back into the air towards Leonidas.

"Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid's chest opened up, "Doom Vision!" The light shot out and flew towards Leonidas, but Flash had been expecting this.

"Ability, Activate!" Leonidas' wing marks glowed, "Spectral Barrier!" The light flew off and swirled around him, forming the shield that deflected the Doom Vision and powered Leonidas up.

Leonidas: 1250Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

As soon as the Doom Vision ended, Leonidas shot down towards Ragnaroid and slashed him with his claws. "Augh!" He cried, getting pushed backwards. Leonidas didn't stop there and slashed at him again, "gyah!" He then swung around and tried to slam his tail into Ragnaroid, but the Darkus Bakugan grabbed his tail.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Leonidas glowed as the energy flew out of him and into Ragnaroid. "Co-Side, plus Death Spiral!"

Leonidas: 1250Gs
Ragnaroid: 1200Gs

Ragnaroid thrust his drill tail into Leonidas' chest, grinding against him and making the dragon cry out in pain. But despite this, Leonidas was still strong and able to pull his tail out of Ragnaroid's grip.

"Ability, Activate!" Leonidas glowed and shot straight into the air, "Turbo Overdrive!" He then spun around and dove towards Ragnaroid, picking up more and more speed by the second.

Leonidas: 1400Gs
Ragnaroid: 1200Gs

Leonidas flew passed Ragnaroid and slashed him with his wings, making the beast roar in pain. Leonidas shot up and spun around, attempting a repeat performance. Phantom growled, but knew the only way he was gonna be able to stop this attack was to use his ace. But if he did that...

"AUGH!" Ragnaroid was knocked forward when Leonidas slashed at him again, Phantom yelling in frustration.

"Ability, Activate!" As Leonidas flew down for another attack, Ragnaroid pointed his claws at him. "Apocalyptic Fire!" The flames exploded out towards Leonidas and slammed into him, making the dragon cry out.

Leonidas: 1400Gs
Ragnaroid: 1500Gs

The attack was doing some serious damage to Leo, but the dragon refused to give up. "NO!" He thrust his arms forward and stopped the flames before they struck the rest of him, Flash preparing another Ability Card. As he did, Leonidas fired a Supreme Cannon and the sphere struck the flame stream halfway down made it explode.

The field shook at this, as the stone walls and floors of the colosseum began to crack. Leonidas and Ragnaroid fired these attacks again and as they collided, another explosion occurred that caused more damage to the stadium.

"WOW!" Rainbow cried as she, Scootaloo and Rarity were shaken off their feet. "This is getting kind of intense!"

"Their energy levels are building too high!" Twilight cried, "I'm not sure if the battlefield can take it!"

"Well they're not gonna stop!" Soarin yelled, "not after everything that's happened." The two fired again and caused another mild earthquake, more of the colosseum shaking apart with pieces of rock flying everything. Even the forcefield protecting the crowd seemed to be having trouble blocking the energy output.

"This isn't just a battle to save the world any more," Nimue stated. "It's personal. These two are putting their pride on the line and trying to overcome everything that's been thrown at them up to this point." The two stopped firing and charged at one another, now practically street brawling in midair. "Every battle. Every victory and defeat. Every obstacle that's been put in their way. It's all lead them to this very moment. The deciding point for many things."

Ragnaroid tried to drill at Leonidas, but the Bakugan dodged this and bite down on his tail.

"I think this battle will come down to who wants it more!" Wukong stated.

"Well nobody wants it more than Flash and Leo!" Heath told him as the two Bakugan pushed away from one another and fired their attacks once again. They collided and once again, the battlefield shook and the stands were even starting to be shaken apart. Dust began to fall from the ceiling and the screws holding down the chairs were starting to twist out.

"FLASH!" Twilight cried, "you've gotta do something to end this battle. Or at least lessen the power they're giving off!"

Flash heard this and nodded, quickly pointing towards the ground. "Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground began to glow as the light shot up into the Bakugan. "Hyper Reset!" Both beasts roared as they felt their power drop. "This Gate Card sends both our Bakugan back to their Base Level and then pumps mine up by a hundred Gs!"

Leonidas: 1000Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

With their new power-levels, the Bakugan charged forward with Leonidas managing to swing his tail and hit Ragnaroid with his star-shaped axe-tip. Ragnaroid slashed back at him with his claws and the pair kept battling it out, their partners watching every second.

Then, Phantom heard Flash do something he didn't expect. Laugh. "Huh?" He looked over at Flash as the kid began chuckling his head off. "What is so funny?"

"Nothing's funny," Flash told him. "I'm laughing because this is seriously fun!"

"What?" Phantom asked, unable to believe Flash would say that.

"Well...yeah. Haven't you ever brawled just to have fun. If not, you're missing out!"

"I brawl to win!" Phantom growled.

"Then you're brawling for all the wrong reason," Flash stated before taking out a card. "Now let me show you how this game is supposed to be played. Time to end this Leonidas!" His Bakugan charged again and attempted to slash at Ragnaroid. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas' claws glowed, "MEGA CLAW!"

Leonidas: 1200Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs

He slashed at Ragnaroid and the beast hissed in pain as he fell back, the Darkus Bakugan feeling moments away from returning to ball form. But he was able to hold on and as he did, Phantom held up one final card. "Fusion Ability...ACTIVATE!" Ragnaroid's eyes shot open as his claws and chest opened up. "END OF DAYS!" In that moment, lasers exploded from his claws, black fire shot out of his mouth, his tail spun so fast it created a tornado and his chest eye unleashed a blinding light.

These attacks exploded around the battlefield, ripping the colosseum to shreds whilst the forcefield flickered out of control.

"LEO!" Flash cried as Leonidas flew in to try and stop him, only to be struck by the eye light.

"AUGH!" He cried, feeling his power drop as Ragnaroid's increased.

Leonidas: 600Gs
Ragnaroid: 1400Gs

With all the shaking going on in the stadium, the audience barely managed to realise that Ragnaroid's power was more than double Leo's, making everyone gasp.

"That's it!" Ragnaroid pointed his claws at Leo and unleashed a laser barrage, the dragon crying out as the attacks slammed into his body again and again. Leo could barely figure out what the heck was going on. "Now fall. Fall! FALL!"

Leo felt himself getting closer and closer to losing, but he refused to let it end this way. "NEVER!" He roared, beating his wings and unleashed a burst of wind that pushed Ragnaroid off balance for a nanosecond. "No matter how much pain I have to endure, I won't allow myself to be defeated by you. No, never again."

"We're not gonna let you win for such selfish reason!" Flash agreed as he managed to stay on his feet. "As long as we still draw breath, we'll fight to make sure people like you and Lucifer never win. Even if it kills us, we'll find a way to beat you and anyone else like you."

"That's sweet," Phantom smirked. "But you have to realise there's no way you can defeat us now."

"You're wrong," Flash took out a card. "There's always a way to win, so long as me and Leonidas fight as one. Because...WE'RE THE ULTIMATE TEAM!" Both he and Leo yelled that last part together, as Flash held the card up. "Fusion Ability, ACTIVATE!"

Leonidas flew up into the air and took a deep breath, as light surrounded by energy formed inside his mouth. "ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION!" He roared, the sphere flying forward towards Ragnaroid. The Darkus Beast fired all his attacks at the sphere, but the orb cut through them all before slamming into the ground in front of him.

"NO!" He roared as the orb exploded into a dome of sparking energy, which expanded outwards faster than Ragnaroid could escape. "AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHH!"

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

"RAGNAROID!" Phantom cried as the dome suddenly exploded, sending out a powerful shockwave that finally overpowered the system. But not before Ragnaroid was blasted backwards and reverted back to ball form.

Flash: 10% (Winner)
Phantom: 0%

The light from the attack blinded everyone as the stadium shook and the power finally went out, smoking filling the stadium as it did so. When the light finally did fade, delving them into darkness, everyone remained curled up in case the roof cave in. But it didn't and eventually, the stadium's backup power kicked in and the lights came back on.

Everyone slowly stood up, Pinkie being the one to state what they were all thinking. "That was wild!"

"But what happened in the match?" Twilight asked, with the megascreen coming back on as she did. They looked up and were shocked to see that Phantom's life gauge was at zero, then looked down into the battlefield.

Smoke filled the air but was beginning to fade away, revealing the battlefield's hologram had vanished with both Flash and Phantom still there. Flash was still standing, though he looked ready to drop at any moment. Meanwhile, Phantom was laid out on the floor with his clothes torn to shreds.

Leonidas and Ragnaroid were on the floor, Ragnaroid smoking as he appeared unconscious.

Finally, Phantom spoke up. "I...I can't believe I lost."

Flash sighed before falling onto his but, "I can't believe I won." He smirked as he looked down at Leonidas, who rolled over to Ragnaroid and popped open.

"It's over," he told Ragnaroid.

"How?" The Darkus Bakugan popped open, "how did you win?"

"Simple. I had something worth winning for." He turned and leapt back onto Flash's shoulder, as the teen stared Phantom down.

"You've only ever battled for yourself and that's helped you get pretty strong. But there's a limit to how far that way of battling can get you. But when you're battling for something or someone important to you, the power you can get is limitless." He forced himself to his feet and took several steps forward. "And it's like I said before. This is a game. You can take it seriously if you want, but if that's all you play it for then it can start feeling pretty hollow."

"All I've ever done is battle to prove I'm the best," Phantom replied. "I...I've never known what it means to brawl just for the fun of it."

"Then let us teach you," Flash told him as he held out a hand. "Me and my friends. We'll show you how to brawl for the fun of it." Phantom stared at his hand, clearly unsure whether or not to take it. "And in return, you can help us take down Lucifer. We might not stand a chance apart, but together there's no way he can beat us. What do you say."

Phantom kept staring at him, then slowly stood himself up. "I say that sounds like a pretty sweet deal." He reached out to take Flash's hand, everyone watching amazed that this was actually happening. But just as Phantom was about to grab Flash's hand, he pulled his away. "But I just don't think what you're offering is for me." With that, he reached out and grabbed his shades. "See you around...Flash Sentry." With that, he pulled the shades away and as he did, his body was consumed by light.

"What?" Flash asked, as his body changed and even grew a few inches shorter. After a few moments, the light faded away to reveal someone completely different. Someone who made Flash's eyes go wide, as he knew for a fact she couldn't be there. "Derpy." Everyone in the stadium watched in shock, as the girl they all knew that worked at the stadium and helped anyone who needed it was standing where the most feared Bakugan Brawler used to stand.

Derpy simply stood there, not saying anything as everyone looked at her. Whatever was going on, they knew they were in for a long explanation.

Author's Note

Whelp, some of you were probably expecting this. Hope you still liked the reveal anyway. And I hope the battle was fun for you.

Truth Revealed

Everyone was completely frozen at the sight before them, as what they were seeing just wasn't something their brains could process.

A few seconds ago, their sworn enemy Phantom had been standing in front of them. He had been in a real state after the intense battle he had had against Flash. Then, he removed his glasses and suddenly, he transformed into someone else entirely. Someone who couldn't be him, because she had been up in the stands the entire time.

"Derpy?" Flash asked one of his closest friends, who looked just as confused as they were. "What's...what's going on?" He looked up at the stands and sure enough, Derpy was standing right there. Her friends turned to her and had the same shocked expression Flash had, whilst Derpy looked like the sky had just turned pink.

"That...can't be me," she stated.

Down on the field, the other Derpy was still standing there. Flash was about to ask who she really was, but then noticed something about her eyes. They were completely blank. As if she was in some kind of trance. "Derpy?" Then, the girl's head turned towards the stands and as soon as they made eye contact with her lookalike, something happened.

The Derpy in the stands gasped as she staggered backwards, clutching her head. "What's...happening!?" Her eyes then shot open and she let out a scream, scaring the others who staggered back. Her body then glowed.

"Derpy!" Lyra cried, as Derpy's body suddenly disintegrated.

"What the heck's going on?" Heath asked as the light that had once been her body began to condense and create a new form, a Bakugan Ability Card. Said card flew into the air and down into the battlefield, shooting towards Derpy who held out a hand and caught the card without even trying.

As soon as the card touched her fingers, the light the card was giving off shot into her skin and radiated around her body until it completely vanished. When it did, Derpy's eyes returned to normal. "What?" She asked, lowering her arm and looking around. "What's going on?" She looked up at the stands, "wasn't I just...up there?"

"Derpy?" Flash asked calmly, "what's going on?"

"I...I don't know," Derpy truly looked like she was about to have a mental breakdown. Tears appeared in her eyes as she clutched her head, "I remember watching the battle. I remember Phantom taking off his glasses and becoming...me." She looked up at Flash, "what am I?"

"You...were my valuable puppet." Everyone turned towards the voice, the lot of them gasping at the sight of Sombra.

"You!" Flash cried, rushing forward to shield Derpy. "What did you do to her?" Sombra simply smiled back.

"Me?" He asked, "I didn't do anything. What happened to your friend was just a simple act of fate. It was her destiny to become Phantom." He then took something out, a Bakugan ball that looked like nothing any of them had ever seen. "And to work under Lucifer and I."

Everyone's eyes went wide, "that's Lucifer?" Leonidas asked.

"So," Nimue hummed, "the one responsible for all of this has finally shown himself."

The white Bakugan opened up, "yes. It is I, Lucifer the White. Future ruler of both Bakugan and Humans." He stared down at the terrified girl, "but to accomplish that destiny, I had to acquire power. And to do that, I needed an underling that could take the power I needed. That's where you came in."

"But..." Derpy fell to her knees, "I don't understand. I...I would never do this. I would never help you."

"Maybe not consciously," Lucifer chuckled. "But you have always had a great desire to be more than what you are. Even as a child, you would constantly strive to do whatever you could to be seen as a useful individual that others would want around. But it never happened. Again and again, you would mess up or a stint of bad luck would ruin it. Those who looked upon you would simply see you as nothing more than a nuisance. At least...that's what you believed."

Derpy looked down in shame, Flash turning to her. "Don't listen to him. That's not true."

"But it is," Derpy nodded. "I've never been useful. No matter what I did, I always found a way to mess the most basic of tasks up." She started crying, "I'm pathetic. I knew that, but I didn't want others to feel sorry for me. So I pretended to be a total ditz in not noticing when I messed up."

"And that's how Phantom was born," Sombra told her. "All the negative emotions you suppressed, built up over time and hid away at the back of your subconscious. Eventually, an entirely knew personality was born from it. Fast asleep, just waiting for something to snap it awake."

"And that something was me," Lucifer chuckled as Derpy shook her head. "Don't you remember my dear. The day we met. The day the real you was born." Derpy tried to fight it, but as she heard Lucifer's voice new memories began to form. Memories of the time she worked at Dark Industries.

Derpy was riding the elevator up to one of the main floors.

So far, nothing had gone wrong and Derpy hadn't been yelled at, caused an accident or even spilled coffee on someone. It was a pretty good day. But when the elevator opened, she pushed the cart out only to noticed something on the floor.

It was a key card, which every employee had to indicate where they could go. She picked it up and took a closer look, realising whoever it belonged do must be someone high up given the access level printed on it. She stared at it curiously for a few moments, then shrugged before placing it into her pocket with intent of putting it in the lost and found later.

She spent the next hour or so delivery the mail until her cart was empty, the girl heading back to the elevator. Pushing the cart inside, she took out her key card and swiped the scanner to indicate the floor she was meant to be on. It was only after she did this that she realised she had used the wrong card, having accidently used the one she had found earlier.

The doors had already closed and the lift began to descend, meaning the only way out was to wait until it came to a stop and leave instantly. She prayed nobody would notice the elevator or plan on using it whilst she was inside, Derpy knowing that being caught in a restricted area would likely get her in serious trouble.

She pulled out her key card and prepared to scan it the moment the doors opened. But as soon as the ding of the doors opening filled her ears, it was quickly replaced with another sound. It was the sound of many tools and people working, which caused her curiosity to overpower her logic, the young girl desperately wanting to know what this restricted section was doing.

She only planned on taking a quick look, but as soon as she did she was gobsmacked by the sight of it. A giant ship, with hundreds of workers doing different types of tests, standing in the middle of a hanger the size of a baseball field.

She slowly stepped out and as soon as she did, she had to leap behind a bunch of boxes so one of the scientists didn't see her as they walked by. All thought of leaving the place left her mind as she sneaked around the lab, hiding behind different objects as she tried to get a better look at the ship.

She then heard the sound of something falling and looked over to see someone on top of the ship had dropped a box, spilling the content over the edge of the ship. The content, as it turned out, were a bunch of strange balls that bounced along the floor, all different colours. One of the black and purple balls rolled over to Derpy, who picked it up to look over.

"What is this thing?" She asked before the ball suddenly shot open, the girl barely holding back a gasp when it took the shape of...she couldn't be sure but it had a lion face on it. "Weird. But...kind of cute." But as she said that, she heard movement to her left and saw someone step up next to the line of boxes she hid behind. All they had to do was turn their head and they would see her.

Derpy, without thinking, jumped out from behind the boxes and looked around until she spotted a door. Hoping it might be a hallway out, she rushed over to it and thanked heaven it was unlocked. She stepped inside and to her displeasure, found it was actually some kind of office.

"No," she sighed whilst realising she was trapped. She looked around and found another door, but that only led to a bathroom. When she decided to try and sneak back to the elevator, the doorknob began to jangle as someone tried to open it. She gasped and before it could open, she leapt into the bathroom and closed the door right as the other one opened.

She silently prayed whoever it was didn't need to bathroom and would leave quickly. But then she heard the sound of a desk chair being moved and sat on. As she did, she heard a voice. "Mr Sombra."

"How goes the study?" Another man asked, the first speaking back.

"We have no idea what material this ship is made from, what powered it or how it managed to get down into this underground cavern. All we do know is that it's giving off and energy reading unlike anything we've seen before. Whatever's powering it, it could revolutionise the energy industry."

"I see. And the spheres inside the ship. How many have you registered."

"There are thousands, possible millions of them inside the ship. We have yet to properly register them all and determine what they're supposed to be, but there is something strange. The few we've run tests on have proven to have...life signs."

"Is that so?"

"Yes sir. We're not sure how that's possible, but everything we've done has confirmed it. Whatever these ball things are, they're a life form."

"Keep up the good work. I want to be notified the second you find out anything else." Derpy heard the first man leave, the girl's curiosity once again getting the better of her as she reached out and slowly opened the door a slight crack. Gazing out into the office, she spotted a man sitting at a desk and instantly recognised him as the head of Dark Industries: Sombra.

The man sat at his desk, appearing to be thinking of something. He then opened a draw and took something out, placing it on the desk and staring it down. "Soon my friend. Soon we'll find a way to revive you. Even if it requires destroying all those Bakugan in the ship."

"Bakugan?" Derpy raised an eyebrow, then took out the ball she had gotten earlier. "Is that what you are?" She continued to watch as Sombra stared at the item he had put on the desk, Derpy still unable to tell what it was. After a few more minutes, he got up and left the room but kept the item on the desk. She sighed in relief, but then flinched at the sound of the door being locked. "No, no, no, no!" She rushed out of the bathroom and grabbed the knob, trying to open the door but finding it was indeed locked. "Ahhh," she moaned.

She turned to look at the office, trying to see if there was anything she could use to open the door. But then her eyes fell on the desk and at the item Sombra had placed on it. A glass box with something inside of it.

It was a Bakugan, but not like the ones she had seen outside. This one was a pale white, looking like someone had drained all the colour out of it. But as Derpy stared at it longer and longer, she couldn't help feeling a strange sense coming off of it.

"Come closer." Her head shot up and she looked around, absolutely sure she had just heard someone whisper something. "Come closer, and be embraced by my power. Let it flow through you."

"Who said that?" She asked, spinning around and walking backwards. She eventually hit the table and when she did, her hand landed right besides the Bakugan. Then it happened.

The white Bakugan unleashed a bright light that flowed through the glass and into the girl's hand. She gasped when she felt this and looked around, seeing the light crawling up her arm. She cried out and swung her arm around, but the light stayed locked on and refused to let go.

"NO!" She screamed as the light enveloped more and more of her body, "WHAT'S HAPPENING!" Soon her entire body was consumed and she let out a high pitched scream, which was heard by everyone outside the office. A minute later, Sombra threw the door open and rushed inside. But what he found in the office wasn't a scared mailroom girl, but a figure who would one day be feared throughout the Bakugan world.

"Who are you?" He asked as the spectated teen turned towards him and let out a chuckle.

"My name...is Phantom."

"You became my loyal follower," Lucifer told them. "And to keep you from having memory gaps and causing your conscious to fight back against your Phantom persona, Sombra and I created a card that could make a perfect copy of you and transfer all its newly made memories into you afterwards."

"So you started working for us," Sombra stated. "Whenever your Phantom personality took over, your copy would take your place and act just like you. This freed you to do everything you needed to do in order to further our goals."

"I...I'm starting to remember," Derpy whispered as the memories came back. Everything she did as Phantom. All the people she brawled, all the pain she caused. Taking control of the Rainbooms, stealing their Bakugan and losing to Sombra and Lucifer. It all came flooding back. "NOOOOOO!"

"Yes!" Sombra laughed, "you were our perfect little minion."

"Until Ragnaroid freed your Phantom personality from my influence," Lucifer stated. "But even after that, you continued to be of use to me. Especially now that you've acquired the Darkus Attribute Energy that remains of Vestroia."

"That Darkus Energy is mine!" Everyone turned to see Ragnaroid as he floated up into the air, the Bakugan having been silent since his defeat by Leonidas. "I may have lost to you before, but things are different now." He started glowing and suddenly shot into the air, exploding into a cloud of dark mist.

Flash grabbed Derpy and pulled her to the side of the battlefield, as Ragnaroid somehow appeared in his true form within it. Everyone in the stadium screamed and many headed for the exit, whilst Sombra simply stood there with Lucifer not looking at all worried.

"Prepare to be taken down, once and for all!" He roared whilst snapping his metal claws. However, Sombra simply smirked before pressing something on his wrist watch.

A clicking sound filled the area, as several slots in the wall opened up before unleashing a bunch of gun barrel-like machines. Those machines then fired a beam of light at Ragnaroid, hitting the Darkus Bakugan before he could stop them.

"AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHH!" He screamed in agony, as the energy formed a sphere around him. "What...is...happening?"

"A little something I designed a while back for just such an occasion," Sombra chuckled. "When I learned the two of you were going to brawl, I quickly had them installed in all the battlefields to make sure I got you."

"What are you doing to him?" Flash yelled as Ragnaroid continued to roar in pain, whilst the others watched.

"Look!" Garuda yelled, "something's being pulled out of him!" And sure enough, a strange purple mist was slowly being drawn from the Bakugan. As it was, five other Bakugan felt something pulse within them. Their Attribute Energies.

"Sombra's draining the Darkus Energy out of him," Leonidas realised. They watched as the sphere filled with more and more of the Attribute Energy, leaving Ragnaroid weaker and weaker. "But if that happens-"

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" Ragnaroid let out one last roar before he suddenly reverted back to ball form and began to fall towards the ground, Derpy gasping as she rushed forward. She didn't know what compelled her, but she leapt forward and managed to catch the Bakugan before he hit the ground.

"Ragnaroid!" She pushed herself to her knees, "are you okay?"

"My...power," he moaned. "They...took my power." Derpy looked up and sure enough, the lasers was still trapping the Darkus Energy within the sphere.

Sombra chuckled as he grabbed Lucifer and pulled him back, everyone gasping when they realised what he was up to. "NO!" Leonidas cried, but Sombra threw the White One forward and into the energy. As he did, the guns stopped firing and the Darkus Energy was free to be absorbed by him.

Everyone watched as Lucifer was surrounded by the light, which began to spiral around him. In a flash, he morphed into his child-like true form. The albino Bakugan then began to absorb the Darkus Energy and as he did, his body body began to glow purple before he started growing larger and larger. He grew bulkier and his wings became longer. His hair grew longer and armor began to appear within the silhouette.

As he changed, laughter filled the stadium and the light finally began to die down to reveal Lucifer's new form. He looked like a young adult instead of a child, his skin still pale white. But now his hair was longer and purple in colour, whilst he now wore black armor over a purple bodysuit. In the center of his chest armour was a circle with the Darkus Symbol in it. He started beating his wings and as he did, the six angelic limbs began to moult as the feathers fell from them. As they did, they revealed a bunch of demonic bat-wings hidden beneath them. His formerly human hands began to turn bony and his fingernails began to extend into claw-like appendages. And from out of his hair, a pair of horns extended to give him a serious devil appearance.

"No way," Rainbow whispered. "He evolved."

"Not just that," Twilight whispered. "He managed to shed his White One form. He's a Darkus Bakugan now."

Lucifer smiled as he looked his new body over, as he once again started chuckling. "Finally. I've missed this. The power of an actual Attribute flowing through me." He licked his lips as he turned his attention back to them, "but it's not enough." He held out his new claws, pointing them in Flash's direction. "I will add Haos to the mix, then go to the rest of your friends." Flash stepped backwards as Leonidas prepared for a fight, the others doing the same. But before they could, Lucifer suddenly flinched and cried out. "AUGH!" He clutched his stomach as a purple glow suddenly appeared around him, pulsing brighter and dimmer by the second. "What's...happening?"

"Lucifer!" Sombra cried.

"I...I can't contain the Darkus Attribute!" He cried, as his body's light grew brighter. "No other choice!" He suddenly transformed back into ball form and flew towards Sombra, the man catching it and glaring at the children.

"This isn't over." He pressed something on his watch and the lights in the stadium suddenly switched off, blinding the teens and making them cry out. A few moments later, the lights came back on and they looked back at where Sombra was. However, the man and Lucifer were gone.

"No!" Soarin cried, "they got away."

"Our one chance to whack him!" Rainbow moaned.

Pinkie turned to Twilight, "what happened? Why did Lucifer suddenly start crying out in pain?" Twilight tried to think, coming to the only conclusion she could think of.

"Being a White One must have meant that he couldn't properly synchronise with the energy right away. It'll take time for his new body to adjust to the power." Spike leapt onto her shoulder.

"How long do you think that'll give us?"

"Not long," Gaia told him. "Which is obviously why he fled. He knows that if he were to battle now, he would lose control of the energy. But if he manages to get his body in sync with that energy..."

"We'll be dead meat," Wukong finished. "Great. Just great. We gotta find him and fast."

The others nodded and turned back to the field, spotting Flash and Leonidas still staring at the spot Sombra had been. But then they noticed someone was missing. "Where's Derpy?" Lyra cried, worrying the others as they looked around and found no trace of the girl.

"She must have run off with Sombra!" Rainbow cried.

"Why would she do that?" Fluttershy asked.

"She was working with him," Applejack pointed out.

"No!" Lyra told them, "she wasn't working with him. It was Phantom that worked with him. Derpy..." She didn't know what to say. The whole, Derpy being Phantom thing was still insane to her. "Derpy."

Outside the stadium, the young girl ran as fast as she could.

She didn't know where she was going, but she knew she had to get as far away from everyone as possible. "I'm sorry," she told nobody in particular. "I'M SORRY!" Her voice echoed out through the area of the city, worrying everyone who heard it as she ran through the street.

The BakuFighters and Rainbooms were back in the stadium's main foyer, all of them looking around but seeing no sign of Derpy.

"She's nowhere in sight!" Rainbow cried, "any idea where she might be?" They all shook their heads as Lyra took out her phone and called her. But no matter how many times she tried to ring her, nobody picked up.

Bonnie tried her BakuColar, but like her phone she got no answer. "Where is she?"

"She must be feeling guilty," Flash told them. "Derpy's a good person, and learning she was actually Phantom isn't gonna make her feel great." He looked down in shame, "it's not like we were subtle about how much we hated her other personality." They all frowned at this, realising they were right.

"Hopefully she'll come around and realise we don't blame her for what Phantom did," Twilight rubbed her arm as a few others nodded.

"So what do we do now?" Soarin asked, "Lucifer has the Darkus Energy and it's clear he plans on getting the other Energies from us." He turned to them, "we have to hit him before he hits us." They all nodded, knowing they only had a limited window of opportunity before Lucifer was ready to battle once again.

"Then let's find him and Sombra and taken them down!" Leonidas roared.

"YEAH!" The others cried, throwing their fists into the air. Lucifer had a lot to pay for, destroying Vestroia, stealing the ark, turning Bakugan into mindless drones and turning Derpy into Phantom. No matter what, he and Sombra would pay for the pain and suffering they had caused.

But what they didn't know, is that Lucifer was prepared for this situation.

Back at Dark Industries, the two in question rod the elevator up to Sombra's office.

Lucifer was in Sombra's hand, his ball form looking pretty much the same despite now being a mix of black and purple. The ball also glowed, the pulsing light filling the elevator as Lucifer groaned and growled. "How long will it be until you've successfully synchronised with the Darkus Energy?" Sombra asked him.

"To long," Lucifer cried. "If I take my true form, the power will be even less controllable."

"So what do you plan to do?" He asked, sitting down and turning to look out the window. "With Phantom gone, we have nobody that can possibly slow them down long enough to buy you the time."

"Don't be so sure," Lucifer chuckled. "Distributing all those Bakugan may have been to gather energy for my awakening and empowerment, but now that the Darkus Energy is powering me I can us them and the gathered energy to another use." He glowed once again, only this time it wasn't pulsing like before. "Take me up to the roof."

Sombra raised an eyebrow at this, but picked up the Bakugan and headed for the elevator. They rode it up and onto the roof, which looked over the entire city.

"How many Bakugan do you think are in this city alone?" Lucifer asked, "hundred thousand. Maybe more?"

"Hard to say," Sombra agreed. "Why do you ask?"

"Because from this moment forward...all those Bakugan will rampage." With that, the light glowing off of him exploded and shot straight up into the air. Once it was high enough, the shot outwards and began to form a dome that slowly encased the entire city. "Bakugan...RISE!"

Back with our heroes, they were all making plans to attack Dark Industries and stop Lucifer. But as they made their way through the park, they stopped when they noticed the dome appearing.

"What is that?" Flash asked, the others shrugging unsure. Then, when the dome completely encased the city, the Bakugan all started glowing their respective colours.

"Wow!" Leonidas shivered, the other Bakugan doing the same. "That was weird."

"What was?" Flash asked.

"I almost went into my true form. Had to consciously keep myself from transforming."

"Same," Spike told him. "It's like we're in a battlefield."

"Huh," Twilight looked up towards the sky, "do you think...that dome might be-"

"HEY!" They heard a voice cry out, making them turn to see a couple of kids. "What's happening to my Bakugan." He was holding an Aquos Bakugan and it was glowing blue, making the others tense up with what they had just heard their partners say. Then, the Bakugan floated into the air and shot towards the sky. "HEY!" It got a good ten meters up before it suddenly exploded into a burst of blue light, which took shape and then faded to reveal an Aquos Abis Omega.

The serpent let out a hiss as it turned towards its owner, who looked shocked by the sight of his Bakugan out in the real world. Then that shock turned to horror when the snake lifted its tail and looked like it was about to slam it down onto the kids.

"LOOK OUT!" Flash rushed towards them as Leonidas leapt off his shoulder, a flash of golden light marking his transformation. As Flash tackled the kids seconds before the tail smashed into them, Haos Supreme Leonidas flew in and grabbed the Bakugan by the neck.

"Not today!" He roared before throwing Abis Omega away from the humans, the snake hissing as it was knocked through several trees.

"What's going on!?" The kid cried as Leonidas charged after the snake.

"I don't know," Flash told him. "But try and recall your Bakugan!" He nodded and started typing into his BakuColar, but nothing happened.

"I'm not getting a signal!" He cried, whilst Abis Omega tried to snap at Leonidas. The dragon grabbed it by the mouth and slapped it shut, the Aquos Bakugan crying out from its mouth.

"Flash, give me something that'll let me take this thing down!"

"Got it!" Flash took out an Ability Card and held it up. "Ability, Activate!" Leo raised his arm as his claws were surrounded by light, "Mega Claw!" He slashed at Abis Omega and the serpent cried out as it was knocked backwards and suddenly reverted back to ball form.

The kid rushed over to his fallen Bakugan, as Leonidas returned to ball form. He picked it up and looked it over, seeing it didn't appear damaged. "It's fine. But why'd it attack like that?"

"Who knows," Flash told him.

"But I'm willing to bet this dome has something to do with it," Twilight stated. "It's turning the whole city into a battlefield like environment, which is why the Bakugan could transform."

"This has to be Lucifer's doing!" Lyra stated. "He did this but...why?"

"To distract us," Nimue guessed. "He knows he wouldn't stand a chance right now, so he's using the Bakugan he handed out as an obstacle." As soon as she said that, a new light caught their attention. They all looked over at the source of it and gasped when a Ventus Ravenoid appeared in the sky just outside the park. "Another one!"

"We got this!" Soarin cried as he and Garuda rushed off in its direction

"Hey!" Rainbow went after him, "wait for me!" They ran as fast as they could towards the Ravenoid and as their friends were about to follow, another flash for light made them look over and see a Subterra Mantris a mile or so away. A Haos Fear Ripper also appeared, along with a Pyrus Gargonoid and a Darkus Griffin.

"Great!" Heath cried, "more of them are appearing."

"We can't let them do any damage!" Flash told them. "Everyone, split up and let's take these things down!"

"Right!" They all yelled as they rushed off towards one of the appearing Bakugan, with more of them appearing by the minute. The only one who stayed where she was was Twilight, who turned towards the kids Flash had just saved.

"You should go home and try and stay out of trouble."

"But we wanna help!" The kid with the Abis Omega cried, putting that Bakugan away and taking out a Pyrus one.

"You have another Bakugan?" Twilight asked, the kid nodding. "That's strange. Why didn't it come alive like your other one."

"This one wouldn't attack me!" The kid explained, "he's my best friend." Her eyes went wide, "we've battled loads of times. We're a team!" Twilight, thinking about what he just said, turned to Spike and remembered what the others had said about needing to consciously stop from transforming. Then an idea popped into her head.

"How long have you had your Abis Omega?"

The kid looked confused. "I just got it yesterday. Why?" Twilight continued to think about what she had just heard and then turned to Spike, who looked at her in confusion.

"What's wrong?"

"I think I know how Lucifer's doing this!" With that, she rushed off towards one of the Bakugan and started typing into her BakuColar. "Guys!" She put them on teamspeak, "I've got it!"

"Got what?"

"What's happening. Lucifer is using Bakugan that are still under his control. He probably thinks that's every Bakugan except those belonging to us, but it's not. The kid had another Bakugan that didn't activate and I'm betting there are more Bakugan that are fighting against what he's doing for one reason. Even if they can't talk like ours, the Bakugan have become attached to their human partners. And that attachment is allowing them to throw off Lucifer's dark aura."

Lyra, who was battling the Fear Ripper with Nimue, put the pieces together. "So any Bakugan that still has this dark aura on them will be under Lucifer's control?"

"And won't be able to fight against the command he's giving them," Twilight finished. "But I'm willing to bet if we beat them, that dark aura will be able to be undone. Just like when you guys saved us when Phantom was controlling us."

"Then I guess we've got a lot of battling to do," Flash told her as he and Leonidas met with the Mantris and began their battle. The others agreed as they continued their matches, knowing this was gonna be a long day.

Three days later.

The city was a very different place from what it had been three days ago. Many buildings had been damaged and knocked down, cars and other vehicles littered the streets and there was barely anyone around. But there were plenty of Bakugan who were constantly appearing one after another.

On one of the streets, Trail Blazer and Misty Vail were running through the town looking for their children. "FLASH!" Trail cried, "Flash, where are you?"

"Scootaloo!" Misty cried, "please come out!" The two came to a stop, catching their breath as they continued to panic. Ever since the insanity had started three days ago, they had been out searching for their children. It was times like this they wish they had decided to splurge on giving them phones. "Where are they?"

"We'll find them," Trail assured her. As he said that, a TV on a nearby building switched on. It was a miracle power was still on in the city, but since it was the news was constantly working to keep people up to date.

"It's been chaos here in Canterlot," the reported on the screen stated as she rode in a news chopper. "Everywhere you look, devastation and destruction are in full view." As she said that, a flash of light signalled the arrival of a red humanoid bird monster. It squawked as it flew towards the chopper, everyone terrified they were about to watch them getting eaten.

But in that moment, a white, yellow and purple dragon suddenly appeared between the chopper and the bird. He grabbed the bird and pushed it back, the chopper safe as it threw the giant poultry towards the ground where a blue woman was waiting to slam a golden staff into it.

"As you can see, the terrible battles that started three days ago continue to rage. Whenever two of these creature finish a fight, another two appear some place else in the city." The screen changed to show other sections of the city, where many different monsters could be seen duking it out. "Ever since the mysterious energy dome appeared over the city, people have been attempting to get away without any luck." It then showed a road that was blocked off by the dome's wall, where a car was driving forward and attempting to break through the energy. But all that happened was the front of the car got a lot shorter.

"We really are trapped," Misty whispered as Trail pulled her into a hug.

"We'll get out," he told her. "After we find our children.

"Wait, is there someone riding that dragon?" They looked back towards the screen, the news having returned to the fight, as the camera zoomed in on the dragon they had seen before, allowing them to see someone standing on the shoulder of the beast.

That someone happened to turn towards the camera and showed his face, revealing someone who caused the grown up's hearts to stop "FLASH!" Sure enough, it was Flash that was riding a giant dragon and battling against the large bird person. "What's going on?"

"I don't know," Trail frowned. "But it's clear our son has been keeping something from us." In that moment, a bright flash of light made them look around to see a giant blue elephant appear in the streets ahead of them. The creature saw the two and looked ready to start charging, the adults turning to run. But as they did, they saw a giant green bird, brown suited man and white mermaid monster rushing from the other direction.

Trail pulled Misty close, hoping to try and shield her. But the three new monsters simply rushed past them before the elephant let out a cry of pain.

They spun around and in doing so, they saw the bird strike the elephant with its wing as the man threw a kick into its chest and the mermaid struck it with its tail. The elephant was thrown backwards and exploded into blue light, the pair barely seeing a blue sphere fall to the ground.

"Alright!" They then heard a voice call out from atop the bird. One that they recognised. They looked up and saw a girl riding on the bird's back. A girl they recognised.

"SCOOTALOO!" The girl looked around and went wide-eyed, having just no realised who the people she had saved was.

"Oh...hey mom and dad." Her parents stared at her, then at the monster she was riding. They then noticed Sweetie Belle and Applebloom riding the other two monsters. "So...I'm guessing you've got questions." They nodded, "um...can Flash be the one to answer them. He's the one who got me into this game."

Flash watched as Nimue managed to knock the Falconeer back to ball form, the Bakugan falling to the ground. But no sooner did this happen, that several flashes made him look up and see a bunch of Atchibee appearing.

"Great!" Flash cried as he took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" It glowed along with Leonidas' entire body, "TURBO OVERDRIVE!" Leonidas shot forward at incredible speed, morphing into a stream of golden light that shot from one Atchibee to the next. As it did, the insects exploded and reverted back to ball form.

Leonidas came to a stop behind the last one as it changed back, both he and Flash panting. As they did, Flash's BakuColar beeped. "Flash!" Twilight called out, "You guys have been battling for over six hours now. You need a break."

"We can still keep going," Flash assured her. But in that moment, a Subterra Wormquake shot out of the ground before firing a blast of sand in their direction. The pair didn't have time to dodge or block, both bracing themselves. However, they were suddenly saved by Terraspin and Rainbow.

"Yeah!" Terraspin cried as he unleashed a tornado that pushed the sand away, Rainbow turning to them.

"We got this! You guys go rest." It wasn't just him Rainbow was talking too, for as Nimue dodged a Pyrus Saurus' attack Lepusinge bounced into view and kicked the dinosaur away.

Fluttershy turned to Lyra, "go." Lyra nodded and though it took a bit more convincing, Flash and Leo also agreed to head back to base.

Said base was, in fact, the Bakugan Stadium. There, their Bakugan returned to ball form and they headed inside to find the rest of the BakuFighters and their partners resting. They were all mentally exhausted, having been battling on and off against the controlled Bakugan for three days.

The Rainbooms were all out doing the same, but they wouldn't be able to last much longer. "We can't keep doing this!" Lyra told them as she sat down and took a drink Bonnie offered her. "Even if we're able to stop every Bakugan that appears, eventually the city's gonna run out of food. And even if that wasn't an issue, the more time we spend doing this the more time Lucifer has to gain control of his power."

"And it's only a matter of time before someone gets caught in the crossfire," Heath pointed out.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Soarin asked, "let's get to Dark Industries and end this."

"But is it really a good idea?" Bonnie asked. "He was able to drain Ragnaroid without battling him. What if he does the same to our Bakugan and takes the Attribute Energies."

"Ragnaroid was weak from his battle with Leonidas," Gaia told her. "As long as we stay strong and don't overexert ourselves, he shouldn't be able to take our Attribute Energies."

"She's right," Garuda agreed. "And out of all the Bakugan in the city, the five of us have the best chance at stopping him." The other Bakugan nodded.

"Then what are we waiting for," Leonidas turned towards the doorway. "Let's go pay him a visit." The BakuFighters all nodded and rushed outside, the Bakugan taking their true forms with Flash, Heath and Soarin taking to the air. Nimue and Gaia carried their partners as they rushed through the street, heading in the direction of Dark Industries.

Flash sent a message to Twilight, telling her what they were planning. She told them to be careful and that they had the right idea, promising to keep the street-level Bakugan under control until they dealt with Lucifer.

The five made their way through the city. But then, a flash of light revealed a Haos Hynoid that began running through the streets. Luckily, it was no match of Gaia who managed to kick him into the air and revert him back to ball form. But then another flash occurred, this one revealing a Subterra Anchorsaurus.

Wukong took this one, surfing down towards it and summoned his staff. He knocked it in the head before using the staff to trip it up, whilst Nimue rushed over and used her staff to summon a whirlpool that sucked the reptile up and reverted it back to ball form.

As they got closer and closer to the building, they found themselves running into more and more wild Bakugan. They weren't hard to deal with, but every one cost them precious time. Slowly, they got within range of Dark Industries.

From his office in the now deserted skyscraper, Sombra spotted Leonidas and the other Bakugan approaching the building. Frowning, he turned to Lucifer. "They're coming."

"I know," he explained. "I can sense them. Their Attribute Energies are like beacons to them." He was still pulsing with light, the Darkus Energy still not fully under his control.

"What do we do?" Sombra asked, "if you battle them-"

"Patience," Lucifer assured him. "I am not without a backup plan. Do you have them?" Sombra nodded and took out twelve Bakugan, two of each attribute, and placed them on the desk. "Now," Lucifer got into the middle of the circle, "it's time I created some minions worthy enough to serve me." With that, the light began to flow from him and wrap around the other Bakugan.

Sombra watched as the twelve began to glow like Lucifer, then floated into the air. Deciding to lend a hand, he pressed a few buttons on his keyboard and activated a very special program.

Flash looked at the building he and Leonidas were flying too, Garuda and Wukong flying besides him as Gaia and Nimue ran through the streets below.

"This is it guys. We go in, take Lucifer down and end this once and for all."

"RIGHT!" They agreed, as Leonidas surged ahead and aimed for the top of the building. But as they did, the building started glowing.

"Huh?" They both asked until they noticed the light shooting out and forming an energy dome around the skyscraper. "That can't be good!" And as soon as Leonidas entered the dome, he suddenly glowed before quickly reverting back to ball form.

"WHAT!?" He cried before hearing Flash begin to scream, "FLASH!" He fell too, Flash managing to grab him but this didn't slow them down.

"FLASH!" His friends cried out as Flash got closer and closer to the ground.

"Stay out of the light!" Flash yelled back, the four Bakugan pulling back before entering the dome. Garuda then glided down and landed on the ground before him.

"Hang on!" Soarin cried as the Ventus Bakugan started beating his wings, causing an up-draft that hit Flash and began to slow him down. And when he was a few feet from the ground, Gaia reached into the dome and managed to grab him. She felt herself about to revert back, but quickly pulled her hand out before she did and placed the two on the ground. The others landed, the Bakugan putting their partners on the ground.

"What was that?" Bonnie asked, as Flash dusted himself off.

"I don't know," Flash told him. "Leo?"

"When I flew inside, somehow I ended up reverting back to ball form." He moved his body and hoped up and down, "I think I'll be able to transform back to normal now."

"But you'll revert back once you're in the dome," Gaia told him. "I could feel the same thing happen when I grabbed you. We'll all go to ball form if we step into this dome."

"What does that mean?" Heath asked.

"It means we can't just fly up to the top floor," Lyra explained. They turned towards the entrance of the building, Soarin letting out a sigh as he stepped forwards.

"Looks like we're taking the stairs." The others nodded as as their Bakugan returned to normal, they began to make their way towards the doors.

"Get ready," Flash told them. "We have no idea what Sombra has waiting for us in there." They nodded and stepped inside, bracing themselves for an attack.

Back inside, Sombra stared down at the teens at the foot of his building.

He then turned to his desk where Lucifer was still doing something to the other Bakugan. The light continued to flow around them as they started spinning, going faster and faster before they split off into groups of two. Each pair, no two the same attribute, began spinning around one another as they drew closer and closer and eventually, they touched and were consumed by the light.

In a flash, twelve suddenly became six and they continued glowing and spinning in the air. Sombra looked through the light and saw that each Bakugan was a mixture of the two attribute colours that had been paired off together. The Bakugan floated to the ground, landing on the desk as the light faded.

Lucifer panted, looking exhausted due to the effort he had just expended. "It is done. My new warriors are born."

Sombra nodded before looking at his screen, seeing the five teens appearing in the lobby. "Good. There's not a moment to waste."

Author's Note

Well, you wanted to know the truth about Derpy and you got it. Hope you liked it. Now, we move into the final arc. Where will things go from here? Only time will tell.

Running the Gauntlet

When the BakuFighters stepped into the lobby of Dark Industries, they were expecting an attack at any moment.

But to their surprise, there was no attack. In fact, there was nobody there at all.

"Well this is unexpected," Lyra frowned as they made their way through the lobby. The place looked rather normal considering it was the home base of an evil tyrant, with multiple stone columns lining the room, a single large marble desk at the back and a bunch of doors and elevators leading to different sections of the building.

"Weird that Sombra would just let us enter like this," Soarin stated.

"Maybe he thinks we can't do anything," Heath pointed out. "Since our Bakugan are back in ball form, it's not like we can fight him ourselves."

"I don't think that's the reason," Garuda told him. "Don't forget, he was able to suck the Attribute Energy out of Ragnaroid and apparently, he got those devices installed into the battlefield overnight. I'm willing to bet he has them in here somewhere too."

Flash frowned at this. "Well just because he has them, that doesn't mean he's gonna get to use'em." He marched forward, "come on." He headed for the stairway, not expecting the elevators to work. But before he could open it, he heard a loud clicking noise coming from it. "What?" He tried to push it open, but the door wouldn't budge. "Come on!"

The others tried different doors, some leading to other staircases and another leading to a hallway, but they all had the same result. "They're locked tight!" Bonnie cried. In that moment, a dinging sound filled the air and they looked over to see one of the elevators beginning to open.

"I think Sombra's inviting us up," Wukong guessed.

"I don't like this," Leonidas growled. "We're playing into Sombra's hands."

"He's right," Flash began to head for the door. "Let's get out of here and figure out another way to Sombra." They all nodded but as they got closer to the door, the automatic machinery activated and the doors slammed shut. A moment later, a metal cover on the outside began to descend and locked to the ground as they reached the door. Flash and Heath tried to pry it open, whilst Soarin grabbed a trash can and threw it as hard as he could. But the can simply bounced off the glass.

"Bulletproof," Lyra guessed before they all turned towards the elevator. "Sombra really wants us to go into that elevator."

"We're not that stupid," Heath frowned before looking around. "Your little games aren't gonna work. Let us out of here, right now!" But as he said that, a new sound filled the air. A hissing, which was coming from the walls.

"What's that sound?" Nimue asked, only for Gaia to spot something.

"Look!" They turned to the spot where the walls met the ground and spotted a bunch of white smoke flying out of vents, which slowly began to fill the room and get closer to them. "He's trying to gas us!"

"Ahhh!" Flash covered his mouth, looking between the smoke and the elevator. "Come on!" He ran towards the elevator and the others followed suit, the lot of them managing to get there before the gas could affect them. As soon as the last was in, the elevator closed and began to move upwards. "Where the heck-"

"-did you get poison gas?" Lucifer asked as they watched the teens disappear into the elevator, he and Sombra keeping an eye on them as Lucifer continued to synchronise his body with the Darkus Energy.

Sombra chuckled, "it's not poison. It was the building's fire suppression system. Amazing what people will think when they see an unknown substance." Lucifer laughed at this as they continued to watch the lobby, which the gas now completely filled. "They're on their way." He got up and moved over to a safe he hid behind a portrait of his parents.

Opening it up, he saw a strange looking device. A strange metal glove with a tube connecting it to a strange looking backpack.

"What is that?" Lucifer asked, as Sombra placed the glove on.

"A device my father built a long time ago. It can absorb and store energy." He hoisted the device onto his back. "You're having trouble synchronising with one attribute. So suddenly getting a second before you're ready could be dangerous." He moved over to his desk. "Once those fools are weak enough, we'll take the attribute energy and place it in here. Then when you're ready, I'll unleash the energy into you."

"I like your thinking," Lucifer smirked. "But can that device hold the Attribute Energies?"

"I see no reason it shouldn't," he then reached for a cord connected to his desk and attached it to the device. "As soon as they're weak enough, we'll steal the energy from them." He hit a button on the computer that changed to show the teens in the elevator. "That's right my little friends. Enjoy the ride. It'll take you to your end."

Everyone in the elevator was constantly on edge as they rode it up, expecting it to stop or even drop them at any minute.

But it didn't and eventually, the elevator's light indicated they were at the top floor. But as the doors opened, they saw they weren't in Sombra's office any more. By the look of things, they weren't even in a building anymore.

"What the heck?" Flash asked as they stepped out into a large marshland, their shoes instantly soaking as water flowed into the elevator behind them. "How the heck did we get out here?"

"I don't like this." Lyra frowned, only for Nimue to gasp. "What is it?"

"The field that was suppressing our ability to take our true forms," she explained. "It's gone." That was a surprise, but they quickly caught on and realised what this meant.

"It's a battlefield," Soarin cried as they made their way through the swamp. "Sombra's set up a battlefield."

"How?" Heath asked, "and why?" None of them had the answer to that last question, but they all guessed the elevator only went this high up. From the outside, the skyscraper looked to be about fifty stories. They assumed they had only travelled ten or so.

After a minute or so of marching through the marshland, they suddenly felt it getting very hot. And they realised why when suddenly, they stepped out of the swamp and found themselves in a field full of lava pools. "What the?" Bonnie asked, the lot of them heading down a path between two pools of the molten rock. "What's with the sudden biome change?"

Soarin looked ahead and when he did, he spotted another swampy area a ways ahead. In another direction, the lava continued but in another more marshland could be seen. "Weird," he told them, "it's like someone cut up two completely different battlefields and stuck them both together in a random way."

"What's Sombra thinking?" Flash asked as they continued through the lava field, eventually reaching a rock bridge over a river of the stuff. "Careful guys. This lava shouldn't be dangerous, but who knows what Sombra could have done to the safety features." They all nodded and began to carefully go over it.

However, as they they approached the halfway point, the Bakugan sensed something. "Huh?" Leonidas looked down at the lava, confusing the humans. "What was that?"

"You sensed it too?" Nimue asked, the others all nodding as their partners looked worried. "For a brief moment, I thought I sensed another Bakugan."

"It was weird," Wukong stated. "I thought I sensed some Pyrus Energy, but it was in a flux."

"Same," Gaia nodded, "but I thought I sensed a Subterra Energy." Everyone was confused, but kept moving. But as soon as they reached the top of the bridge, the Bakugan sensed it again. Before any of them could call out, the lava exploded upwards on both sides of the bridge.

They all gasped as the molten rock began to fall towards them. "MOVE!" Soarin yelled, the lot running forward as the lava splashed down behind them. They ran and ran and ran and ran, the liquid flames hot on their heels...literally. Eventually, they all got off the bridge and kept running. But as they did, something began to pull itself from out of the lava.

"What is that?" Wukong asked as he sensed it, the lot of them looking back to see a large humanoid figure beginning to rise from the lava lake. They couldn't make out what it looked like, since the lava was still covering it but was slowly falling away.

"Let's not stick around to find out!" Lyra told him, the BakuFighters continuing to retreat from the creature. They headed for the marshlands area and disappeared into the trees, though the lava creature was slowly marching after them.

"This is nuts!" Heath panted, "what the heck even was that thing?"

"A Bakugan," Gaia told him. "I could sense a Subterra Energy within it."

"How could a Subterra Bakugan survive in lava?" Nimue asked, "Only Pyrus Bakugan have that immunity." Nobody had the answer to that, as they continued through the marshy mud-lands. And as they did so, they eventually came across a giant lake full of swampy water. They all stuck their tongues out, not wanting to even touch that water. But as they began to make their way around the lake, the Bakugan sensed it again.

"Another Bakugan!" Nimue cried, "an Aquos one!"

"No," Gaia shook her head, "it's Subterra. But it's coming..." She pointed towards the lake and once again, everyone was confused about a Subterra Bakugan being underwater. But before anyone could say anything else, the lake exploded as something big emerged.

"RUN!" Garuda yelled, the lot of them attempting to run around the lake. But as they did, the figure that had just appeared fired something at them. It slammed into a tree next to the lake, making them gasp as the wooden structure was obliterated. The projectile had been a giant mudball, and another ones was coming their way.

Seeing no other choice, they rushed back the way they came and the monster pulled itself from the lake and began to follow them. "Nimue," Gaia called out, "do you sense it?"

"Yes," Nimue nodded, "that thing has Aquos energies."

"But it also has Subterra energies," Gaia stated.

"How can a Bakugan have two attributes?" Flash asked, as they reached the border between the swamp and lava-lands. And as they did, they saw the creature from before appearing in front of them.

It was a large humanoid Bakugan, roughly on par with pre-evolved Gaia size-wise.

It was made entirely out of red and orange rock segments, with yellow liquid earth running around between the segments. its head was a giant fireball exploding out of a hole in its rocky torso, with a stone mask-like face sticking out the front of it. Its shoulders were like a pair of mini volcanoes, which were spewing out small streams of fire whilst its arms were entirely tube-like with three long rocky claws sticking out the end of the tube. Finally, its feet were magma-like and had a pair of stone boots keeping it upright.

The BakuFighters gasped at the sight of it, then looked back to see the other Bakugan approach in all its horrible glory.

It was just as big as the other Bakugan, being a series of shapes made of mud that were stuck together with mud and seaweed to make a humanoid form. Its main body was a sphere made entirely out of mud, with a face sticking out the front and two mud spheres sticking out the sides to form shoulders. Many muscle like vines of seaweed flowed from the mud shoulders and ended in large mud spheres that resembled hands, as five muddy fingers stuck out of them. Below its mud body was a mud waist, which has seaweed legs sticking out of it connected to mud squares that resembled booted feet. Seaweed could also be seen draped over the top of the giant's mud body.

The BakuFighters and their Bakugan all stared at the two creatures in shock, as Wukong sensed something. "That Bakugan's got Pyrus Energy," he stated whilst looking at the magma Bakugan.

"Two Bakugan with two Attributes?" Nimue asked, "how is something like this possible?" Her question was met by a large round of laughter, coming from the two Bakugan.

"You can thank our master," the lava Bakugan stated. "He has given us life."

"Hail," the mud Bakugan announced. "Hail, master Lucifer!"

"So that's it," Leonidas growled, "Lucifer created them and somehow bestowed them with two Attributes." As he sad that, the lava Bakugan raised an arm and pointed at them. They had a feeling they knew what was coming and so, they ran away. Seconds later, the Bakugan's claws retracted into its arm as the end of the tube split into five pieces that moved apart.

Then, super heated air exploded out of the tube towards them. Had they not already been running, they likely would have been cooked. At the same time, the mud Bakugan raised its hands as holes appeared in the palms of its hands. From them, dirty water exploded outwards and hit the ground to morph into a large wave.

"Look out!" Nimue cried, the lot of them trying to outrun the wave. In that moment, Gaia closed up and leapt off Bonnie's shoulder.

"GAIA!" Bonnie cried as her Bakugan hit the ground and opened up, exploding into a burst of orange light that split the tsunami in half. From that light, Gaia appeared and shielded the others from whatever the two Bakugan would throw at them next. "Thanks Gaia."

Gaia's focus remained on the two who attacked them. "Stop this. Lucifer might have created you, but you are your own Bakugan. You don't have to follow him."

"We know that," the magma Bakugan stated.

"We choose to follow him," the muddy Bakugan replied. "Because he is our creator and the one who will give us positions of power after he conquers this world."

"What kind of fools believe Lucifer will give them any kind of power?" Nimue asked, this question being heard by the two.

"I am Magma Gigant," the lava Bakugan announced. "Wielding of fire and earth."

"And I am Swamp Muddion," the other Bakugan proclaimed. "Master of earth and water."

"And together-" Gigant continued, "we will protect master Lucifer and destroy anyone who tries to stop his plans." As he said that, he raised his arm cannons as a sphere of flames appeared on the end of it. He fired it, but Gaia quickly summoned her log cannons and fired back, the two attacks colliding and exploding.

Everyone flinched at this, the explosion pushing some of them back. As this happened, Muddion raised his hands as holes appeared in the palms. But instead of water, dust exploded out of them and struck Gaia. "Ahhhh!" She staggered backwards, the BakuFighters needing to rush to the side in order to avoid being stepped on. A they did, Gigant and Muddion prepared their next attack.

"Lyra!" Nimue cried, Lyra nodding and taking her partner in hand.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" She threw Nimue towards the battlefield and as soon as she hit the ground, the Aquos Bakugan exploded into a tornado of water as she took her real form.

"Raaaaaaah!" She cried as she shot out of the water and swung her staff around, slamming it right into Gigant's chest. This knocked Gigant back, forcing Muddion to move to the side to avoid being slammed into.

As Nimue landed, Gaia managed to clean the dust from her eyes. "Go!" Nimue told the others, "we'll handle these two and catch up."

"Are you sure?" Flash asked, turning to Lyra and Bonnie. The two nodded with a smile, telling the boys they would be fine. "Okay, just be careful." The three and their Bakugan ran off, leaving the girls and four Bakugan to stare one another down.

"So," Gigant asked, "you wanna brawl. Fine then." Suddenly, Lyra and Bonnie found a light surrounding them. It started at their feet and moved up their bodies.

"What's happening?" Bonnie asked, as the lights completely enveloped them before shooting off. They flew passed the Bakugan and landed behind the behemoths, hitting the ground and taking shape. In a flash of light, another Lyra and Bonnie were standing there. Only the colours on their cloths were swapped and their eyes were blank. "They copied us?"

"Not again!" Lyra moaned as the Bakugan all reverted back to ball form. "Whatever." She took out a Gate Card. "Let's end this quickly and get back to the others." Her friends all nodded before she threw the card towards the area that split the volcanic and swampy lands. "Gate Card...SET!" As soon as it exploded, the four brawlers threw their partners. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" The four Bakugan hit the ground rolling before popping open, exploding into orange light, lava, and a pair of watery vortexes. "Bakugan...STAND!"

"Aquos Lady Nimue!" The Bakugan exploded from the tornado and swung his staff around.

"Swamp Muddion!" The other Lyra stated as the Bakugan broke free of its tornado.

"Subterra Grand Gaia!" Gaia appeared and was ready for battle.

"Magma Gigant!" The other Bonnie cried as the lava pillar lowered and the walking volcano stood tall. The four Bakugan all prepared themselves for battle, knowing this was gonna be one heck of a fight.

Gaia: 650Gs
Nimue: 650Gs
Gigant: 750Gs
Muddion: 750Gs

"Your ready?" Bonnie asked her best friend, Lyra stepping up so they were shoulder to shoulder.

"Like...totally!"

Sombra smiled as he watched the brawl begin, typing away as he did so.

"Once their Bakugan are weak enough, I'll activate the drainers and take their Attribute Energies from them." He smiled as Lucifer continued to glow, the former White One getting more and more in sync with his powers by the second. It wouldn't be long before he had complete control over it. And then he could focus on absorbing the other fool's energies.

"Ability, Activate!" Clone Bonnie held up a card, as Gigant raised his arms and retracted his claws. "Heat Blaster!"

"Take this!" Gigant roared as he fired a blast of superheated air towards the two opposing Bakugan, Nimue jumping back whilst Gaia reached down to grab the girls and lift them out of harm's way.

Gaia: 650Gs
Nimue: 650Gs
Gigant: 950Gs
Muddion: 750Gs

Gaia placed Bonnie on her shoulder and handed Lyra over to Nimue, who allowed Lyra to jump onto her own shoulder. "You okay?" The Aquos Bakugan asked her.

"I'll live," Lyra assured her. "Let's focus on the fight." They turned back to their opponents, as Muddion moved forward and the other Lyra held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Muddion raised its hands as the holes appeared within them again. "Wild Flooding!" Water exploded out of the holes and hit the ground, transforming into a giant wave that flew towards Nimue and Gaia.

"Look out!" Bonnie cried, as Gaia raised her foot before slamming it down. This caused a shockwave that struck the wave, pushing it away from them.

That wasn't the case for Nimue, who tried to leap up over the wave. But the best she could do was get her upper body above the water, as it slammed into her. "Augh!" She cried as she and Lyra were pushed back.

Gaia: 650Gs
Nimue: 450Gs
Gigant: 950Gs
Muddion: 750Gs

"Hold on!" Lyra cried, quickly holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Nimue swung her staff through the water and took control of it, "Hydro Sphere!" The water formed a bubble around them, protecting Nimue and powering her up.

"Time to go one the offensive!" Nimue cried as she swung her staff again, causing the bubble to explode. The force knocked the water flying back and even slammed into Gigant.

"Augh!" He cried, feeling his power being put out. This also caused the boost he got from his Ability to vanish.

Gaia: 650Gs
Nimue: 750Gs
Gigant: 750Gs
Muddion: 750Gs

"Yes!" Lyra cheered, as she spotted Gaia rushing forward. "Bonnie!"

"Nimue's right," Bonnie cried, "it's time to go on the offensive." She held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Gaia glowed along with the field around them, "Heart of the Earth!" The light on the field exploded off and flew into Gaia, powering her up.

Gaia: 850Gs
Nimue: 750Gs
Gigant: 750Gs
Muddion: 750Gs

As Gaia's power rose, she reached Gigant and threw a fist towards his chest. The magma Bakugan cried out at the impact, feeling himself being knocked backwards. Gaia didn't stop and threw another punch, then another and another. "Augh!" Gigant cried, as the other Bonnie held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Gigant's claws returned and came together to form the shape of a long pile driver spike, the Bakugan thrusting it towards the ground. "Fissure!" As soon as the spike struck the ground, a massive crack appeared and shot towards Gaia.

Before she could try and escape, the crack reached her and flew open. "Augh!" She fell up to her waist, her arms breaking her fall.

"WOW!" Bonnie cried, losing her balance and fall off Gaia's shoulders. She slid down her back for a few feet before managing to grab onto an area, but she soon found herself hanging over the fissure.

"Bonnie!" Lyra cried, Nimue trying to rush to their aid. But before they could, Muddion got in their way.

"Ability, Activate!" The other Lyra cried as she held up a card, Muddion raising his mudball hands. "Dirt Duster!" The holes appeared and unleashed the stream of mini rocks, which slammed into Nimue and forced her on the defensive in order to protect Lyra.

Both Bakugan struggled, their power beginning to drop.

Gaia: 650Gs
Nimue: 550Gs
Gigant: 750Gs
Muddion: 750Gs

Gigant and Muddion both chuckled, as they slowly moved closer ready to deal some serious pain to their opponents.

Flash, Soarin, Heath and their Bakugan continued to hear the sounds of battle as they ran through the swamp field, the lot of them worrying the girls might be in over their heads.

"Maybe we should have fought with the girls," Heath suggested. "There's no way those guys could take on all five of us together." The boys were thinking the same thing, but Garuda shook his head.

"That would take too long." As he said this, they arrived at the border between the swamp and another magma field. "We're on a time limit, remember. Fighting against those two all together would slow us down way too much. And I doubt they'll be the only Bakugan Sombra's placed between him and us."

"So you think there might be more?" Flash asked, Garuda nodding.

"That could be a problem," Leo frowned. But as he said that, he noticed something in the distance. "Over there!" They looked around and spotted large rock across a lava pool. That rock had a pair of metal doors within it, making them realise they had found another elevator.

Luckily, there was a bridge and they were able to cross without any more incident. And as they approached the elevator, it seemed to sense their presence for it began to open up. "Sombra wants us to ride this thing," Flash frowned.

"Well it's not like we have any other way up," Soarin told him. They stepped inside and as the elevator doors closed, they all glanced back in the direction of the girls. Each of them prayed they would be okay.

Gaia was still struggling to stop from falling into the fissure, made even worse with Bonnie holding onto her back threatening to fall off.

"Come on!" Bonnie groaned as she tried to pull herself up, but was having trouble. In this state, she couldn't activate any Abilities and things couldn't seem to get much worse. But she was wrong. "Huh?" Bonnie noticed a light below her and looked down, gasping when she saw something hot and glowing fill the fissure. It was then she realised they were currently in the volcanic section. "We have to get out of here...now!"

At the same time, Gigant and Muddion were walking forwards. Muddion was still firing the Dirt Duster attack at Nimue, who had just fallen to her knees. Lyra was hiding behind her neck, a few specks of dirt hitting her in areas and causing a few cuts to her clothing.

"I gotta do something!" But she wasn't sure Nimue could activate an Ability whilst being struck by a hundred tons of dirt. Then she remembered something. "That's right." She pointed to the ground. "Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground glowed and the light shot towards Gigant and Muddion, both of which suddenly finding themselves getting weaker "Power Dip!"

"What?" Gigant asked, as he felt his power leaving him. Muddion was the same way, as the light sucked out more of their power and forced him to stop his Dirt Duster attack. It then shot towards Nimue, surrounding her and giving her the power taken from her opponents.

Gaia: 650Gs
Nimue: 950Gs
Gigant: 550Gs
Muddion: 550Gs

"Hahaa!" Nimue cried before leaping to her feet. A nearby pond of dirty water was near them and with a swing of her staff, that water shot out and struck Muddion's feet

"Augh!" The hybrid Bakugan fell to the ground, allowing Nimue to focus on her teammate.

The lava was close now. So close Gaia had to lift her feet up. But nothing she did allowed her to get enough traction to push herself up. All the while, Gigant had recovered from the Gate Card's drain and got close enough to attack. Luckily, Nimue was there to save them.

She summoned some more water and threw it at Gigant, the wave striking him with enough force to knock him backwards and even put out his head flames. The water then flowed into the fissure, hitting the lava and rapidly cooling the top layer.

Gaia looked down and quickly saw a new platform. Not wasting the chance, she planted her feet on it and bent forwards. This allowed Bonnie to get onto her feet. "Alright!" She held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Gaia began to glow, "Gaia Spirit!"

Gaia: 900Gs
Nimue: 950Gs
Gigant: 550Gs
Muddion: 550Gs

As the lava began to flow around the platform, Gaia leapt up with amazing strength. This allowed her to just clear the top of the fissure, Bonnie having run back onto her shoulder and hanging on as Gaia hit the ground and caused the whole place to shake.

Gigant saw this and charged, attempting to blast her with more heat. But Gaia swung he fists around and slammed him in the chest. "Augh!" He staggered back, whilst his head flame finally reignited. As he did, the lava veins surrounding his body began to glow.

The other Bonnie held up a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Gigant summoned both his arm cannons, holding them up and pointing them at Gaia. "Flame Sphere, plus Rock Cannon!" In one hand, a large ball of fire appeared and began to grow. In the other, dust particles were sucked it and compressed to form a round boulder.

Gaia: 900Gs
Nimue: 950Gs
Gigant: 850Gs
Muddion: 550Gs

Gigant fired both attacks at the same time, but Gaia didn't look at all worried. "You hybrids might have the power of two Attributes!" She cried before swinging her arms around, dispelling the fireball and shattering the rock. "But it'll take more than that to get an advantage over us!"

"She's right!" Nimue turned to Muddion, who had finally picked himself up. "Maybe now you'll realise working for Lucifer is working for the wrong side.

"I don't think so!" Muddion cried as the other Lyra held up two cards herself.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Muddion's fingers retracted back into both hands, as a stream of spiralling water flew out of one and formed a whip-like structure. Meanwhile, the other hand solidified as a much of spikes stuck out of it. "Hydro Whip, plus Rock Mace!"

Gaia: 900Gs
Nimue: 950Gs
Gigant: 850Gs
Muddion: 850Gs

Muddion charged and began to swing his arms around, the two weapons twirling around him with incredible speed and force. But Nimue didn't appear scared. She swung her own weapon in front of her, forming a shield that deflected the two attacks.

And as they bounced off the staff and flew back, Nimue leapt up. "HIIIIII-YAAAAA!" She swung the staff around and slashed through the seaweed, making Muddion cry out as his hands were sent flying off and landed behind him.

"What have you done!" Muddion cried, with Nimue smiling.

"We haven't even started yet!" Lyra cheered before holding up a card, "try this on. Ability, Activate!" Nimue played a tune on her harp before swinging her staff around, causing more water to explode into the air. "Whirlpool Trap!"

The water shot towards Muddion and swirled around him, forming a vortex he was unable to escape. As the water slashed at him, his body began less and less solid.

Gaia: 900Gs
Nimue: 950Gs
Gigant: 850Gs
Muddion: 750Gs

Muddion groaned, but then began to laugh. "Big mistake." His body rapidly began to melt and he smirked as he disappeared in the water, shocking the girls.

"Where'd he go?" Lyra asked, but then noticed the mud and seaweed flowing through the water towards the base. "There!" But before they could get to it, the mud and seaweed escaped out the bottom and slithered along the ground towards where the hands had landed.

Once it connected, they merged together and formed a giant mudball that started rolling around the swamplands. In doing so, it got bigger and bigger and bigger by the second until it was twice the size as Nimue. Then, the mud split apart with seaweed connecting the pieces. Muddion had reformed.

"No...way," Lyra whispered, as Muddion laughed. But even so, Nimue still had the power edge.

Over with Gaia, Gigant was still firing rocks and fireballs at her. But again and again Gaia was able to deflect them. "Ability, Activate!" Bonnie cried before shifting, as the cannons on Gaia's back moved upwards and pointed at Gigant. "Gaia Cannon!"

Gigant gasped and fired his Heat Blaster attack, but before as he did the Gaia Cannons fired the twin beams of nature energy.

Gaia: 1050Gs
Nimue: 950Gs
Gigant: 750Gs
Muddion: 750Gs

They combined before hitting and cutting through the superheated air, flying faster then Gigant to react before it slammed into his chest. "AUGH!" He screamed, being knocked backwards into a pool of lava.

"USELESS!" Sombra growled at the pair, "how are Bakugan with two elements losing to Bakugan with only one?"

"Relax," Lucifer told him. "Those two are only just getting started. They should start to unveil their true power right about now." Sombra raised an eyebrow at this and turned his attention back to the screen.

Gaia and Bonnie moved towards the lava pool, wondering if Gigant was still up but being ready he he tried anything. And sure enough, he did.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Gigant roared as he exploded out of the pool, causing lava to fly everywhere. Gaia gasped and fired her cannons, destroying any lava that got too close to her and Bonnie. But this meant they were distracted as Gigant charged forward and the other Bonnie held up a card.

"Hybrid Ability, Activate!"

"Hybrid Ability?" Bonnie asked, as the volcanoes on Gigant's shoulders suddenly exploded.

"Magma Flow!" Before Gaia or Bonnie could react, streams of lava exploded out of Gigant's shoulders and flew towards them as a giant wave.

Gaia gasped and fired her Gaia Cannons, hitting the wave and pushing it back. But the heat still struck her. "Augh!" She cried, whilst Bonnie hid behind her neck. If she hadn't, he skin might have been melting at that moment with how hot she already felt.

Gaia: 850Gs
Nimue: 950Gs
Gigant: 950Gs
Muddion: 750Gs

Nimue and Lyra saw this and as they did, the newly reformed Muddion stood tall as the other Lyra held up a card. "Hybrid Ability, Activate!" Muddion brought both hands up above his head, as dirty infused water began to shoot out of them and form a ball between them. "Muddy Vortex!" Before Nimue could react, he threw the mudball.

"Look out!" Lyra cried, as the ball hit the ground at her feet. And as soon as it did, it exploded and formed a mud puddle below her. A mud puddle that quickly began swirling around and flying upwards.

"Augh!" Nimue cried, as the mud flew up to her waist.

Gaia: 850Gs
Nimue: 750Gs
Gigant: 950Gs
Muddion: 950Gs

Nimue tried to escape, but it was like the mud around her legs was actually physically holding her. And with each passing second, the vortex grew larger. Lyra saw it coming and tried to activate an Ability, but it wouldn't work. Nimue couldn't get the focus needed to use one.

Back with Bonnie, Gaia had managed to deflect the lava but the heat had still done a number on the Bakugan. So as she staggered back, Gigant charged forward. "Raaaah!" He slashed at her with her claws, making Gaia his and stagger back some more. Then he prepared to use his Heat Blaster attack, aiming his arm cannon at her.

But Bonnie chose this moment to look behind herself and saw Nimue was in trouble. It was then she had an idea and as Gigant fired his Heat Blaster, she called out to Gaia. "Dodge it! Let it pass you!" Gaia heard this and sidestepped, the stream of superheated air flying passed her. "Lyra, watch out!"

Lyra heard this and told Nimue, "shield your upper half!" Nimue swung her staff around and summoned the last of the water in the pond, which flew between her and the Heat Blaster. This caused the water to be evaporated whilst the rest of the air struck the mud and heated that up.

Nimue felt this and realised the mud was going solid, the Bakugan smirking as she held up her staff and slammed it into the solidified mood. A loud smashing sound filled the air as the mud broke away, Muddion's eyes going wide before turning to Gigant.

"What did you do!?" He cried, stomping over to him. "I had her right where I wanted her."

"It's not my fault!" Gigant told him.

"Oh boys." They turned to the girls and saw Nimue and Gaia now standing side by side, "did you forget about us?" Bonnie shook her head, "that'll cost you."

Lyra held up two cards, "Double Ability, Activate!" Nimue leapt into the air and hew up the bottom of her staff, a sphere of water appearing on it. "Overflow!" She thrust the water ball down and it exploded upon hitting the ground, creating a wave of water that she controlled so as to not hit Gaia.

The wave shot towards the pair and slammed into them, both Bakugan crying out as their powers were cut in half.

Gaia: 850Gs
Nimue: 750Gs
Gigant: 475Gs
Muddion: 475Gs

"Plus, Maiden's Fury!" As Nimue landed, she started playing her harp and glowed as the difference between her power and the Hybrids' doubled.

Gaia: 850Gs
Nimue: 1025Gs
Gigant: 475Gs
Muddion: 475Gs

Nimue charged forward with incredible speed, reaching Gigant first and leaping up to slam her staff into his extinguished head. She then leapt over and thrust her foot into Muddion's face, knocking him backwards.

"AUGH!" They both cried as they were knocked backwards, allowing Nimue to leap away as Gaia moved closer.

"Alright," Bonnie held up a card. "Fusion Ability, Activate!" Gaia brought her shoulder cannons up as nature energy flowed into her, powering them up. "Infinite Gaia!"

Gaia: 1250Gs
Nimue: 1025Gs
Gigant: 475Gs
Muddion: 475Gs

"FIRE!" Gaia cried as the cannons fired the beams towards the Hybrids, but Gigant wasn't going down so easily.

"Fusion Ability, Activate!" The other Bonnie held up a card, as Gigant's flames reignited and his shoulder volcanoes began unleashing a bunch of lava into the air. "Volcanic Devastator!" The lava formed a sphere that Gigant leapt behind before firing a Heat Blaser into, causing the orb to explode into a lava stream that shot towards the Infinite Gaia attack.

The two collided and whilst the Infinite Gaia cut through the lava at first, it slowly weakened as Gaia felt her power drop and Gigant's rise.

Gaia: 850Gs
Nimue: 1025Gs
Gigant: 875Gs
Muddion: 475Gs

Muddion also chose this moment to attack, the other Lyra holding up a card. "Fusion Ability, Activate!" Muddion fired muddy water from his hands once again, which struck the ground and formed a wave even bigger than the last one. "Swamp Tsunami!"

Nimue gasped as she swung her staff downwards, trying to cut the wave in half. But this barely worked and a lot of the water still slammed into her and pushed her backwards. "Ahhh!" She cried, barely managing to stay on her feet whilst Lyra hid behind her neck.

Gaia: 850Gs
Nimue: 625Gs
Gigant: 875Gs
Muddion: 675Gs

Gaia and Gigant were still locked in a near stalemate, with Gigant's slight advantage causing Gaia's attack to slowly lose ground. Bonnie couldn't activate another Ability, for Gaia would need to kill her attack to do so and that would leave them vulnerable. She looked over and saw Nimue and Lyra were having just as much trouble, with Lyra doing the same.

"Nimue," Lyra cried, "we have to do something." She took out a card, "stay strong."

"I'll...try!" Nimue could feel her strength waning with every second.

"Okay. Ability, Activate!" As she said that, the wave completely overtook Nimue and her.

"NO!" Bonnie cried, as the Volcanic Devastator got closer and closer to them. As this happened, Muddion smirked seeing Nimue disappear below the waves.

"Gotcha," he chuckled. But as he did, something appeared at his feet. "Huh?" He looked down and saw the swampy ground begin to rise and bubble. Then, the next thing he knew that bubble exploded and launched a powerful jet of water right at him. "AUGH!" He was knocked backwards, causing his attack to die down.

At the same time, another crack appeared in the volcanic land before it exploded and launched a blast of water at Gigant.

"GYAH!" He cried, being knocked back as his attack fell to the ground. This allowed Gaia to continue firing as she suddenly felt a great surge of power. "What's happening?" He cried as he barely managed to avoid the Infinite Gaia's attack

In that moment, the Swamp Tsunami finally faded and revealed a rather soaked Nimue and Lyra. Nimue pushed herself back to her feet and panted as she pulled the water off of her. "That was my Geyser Burst!"

Bonnie smiled seeing Lyra was okay, then looked down at her BakuColar.

Gaia: 1450Gs
Nimue: 1125Gs
Gigant: 75Gs
Muddion: 275Gs

"Wow," she whispered as Gigant and Muddion both roared.

"This isn't over!" Gigant bellowed as the other Bonnie and Lyra held up cards.

"Ability, Activate!" They both cried, as the two Hybrid Bakugan glowed. "Diagonal Correlation!" The light flew out of them and connected, powering them up.

Gaia: 1450Gs
Nimue: 1125Gs
Gigant: 275Gs
Muddion: 475Gs

They both growled, seeing they still did not have enough power. As they prepared to attack again, Nimue stepped over to Gaia.

"You mind?" Lyra asked Bonnie as she took out a card. "I've been waiting to use this." Bonnie smiled and nodded, Lyra holding the card up. "Fusion Ability, Activate!" Nimue started playing her harp, the music forming energy that flowed out of the instrument and started spiralling around her. "Maiden's Heart!"

Bonnie looked down at her BakuColar and was amazed by what she saw.

Gaia: 1450Gs
Nimue: 2250Gs
Gigant: 275Gs
Muddion: 475Gs

"Incredible," she whispered as Nimue swung the staff towards the two Bakugan.

"it's...OVER!" She screamed, the light exploding off of her and flew towards the hybrid Bakugan. As it got closer, the light began to transform as droplets of water appeared within it and merged to become a large wave.

The two Bakugan could do nothing but brace themselves, as the wave slammed into them and they were both sent flying back and screaming out. The fake versions of Lyra and Bonnie were also swept away by the wave, both silent as they exploded into specks of light.

The wave then exploded into a burst of light, blinding the girls and their Bakugan for a few moments before it faded away.

They slowly opened their eyes and when they did, they saw that Gigant and Muddion were gone. "We did it!" Bonnie cheered, leaping down from Gaia's shoulder.

"Bonnie!" Lyra cried as the girl practically tackled her, the pair hugging as they almost fell off Nimue's shoulder.

"Careful," Nimue told them. She grabbed the girls and placed them down on the ground, Lyra and Bonnie still hugging.

"We won!" Bonnie smiled.

"You bet we did," Lyra nodded as they looked around. "And hopefully the guys were able to find a way up to Sombra." The others nodded, hoping so too. They had a feeling Sombra wasn't going to be too happy.

In a dark area, the ball forms of Gigant and Muddion were floating in a cage of energy.

"Ahh!" Gigant growled as he popped open, "I can't believe we lost by so much!" He turned to Muddion, "how are those foolish little girls be so strong?" Muddion remained silent for a moment, "aren't you angry?"

"Of course," Muddion told him. "But there's nothing we can do about it now. Let's just be thankful that Master Sombra saved us before the full effects of that attack hit. If he hadn't, we would have been in the clutches of those little girls." Gigant growled even more at this. "For now, we have to wait until Master Lucifer has need of us. Until then, let's recover and be ready."

"Fine," Gigant told him. "But the next time I see those fools, I'll melt them to a crisp."

Author's Note

Well, the first obstacle has been overcome. Now, what will our heroes face next?

Phantom Pains

Canterlot City was in turmoil, as Bakugan were appearing in every corner of the city and causing mass fear and confusion.

Not a single part of the city had been left untouched. All except one. A small section of the older city, with many old buildings that should have been knocked down long ago but left to stand until someone could think of something useful to put in their place.

Because this area of the city was abandoned, there were no Bakugan there when Lucifer unleashed the field. As such, it was one of the only places in the city without Bakugan roaming the street. In this entire part of the city, there was only one person and one Bakugan located there.

Inside one of the older apartment building, in a dark and dreary room with a single bed and a broken fire, Derpy was sitting on the bed curled up with her face in her knees.

The girl had been sitting like this for three days, having run here as soon as she escaped the stadium and her friends. It was the one place she could think of that she wouldn't be found in for a while, allowing her to remain undisturbed and alone as she tried to get her thoughts in order.

Even after three whole days, the idea that she was Phantom was still causing her a great amount of pain. So much pain that it was paralyzing the rest of her thoughts. Currently, she was hungry and thirsty and had barely slept a wink the last few days. But despite all that, her body's biological needs were all being suppressed by her own guilt.

Slowly, her eyes began to drift closed. And as she felt herself drifting off, she found herself waking up someplace else. The Doom Dimension.

Currently, she was standing atop a Serpentine head and looking down at someone. Trixie Lulamoon was glaring up at her, as her Haos Hynoid stood in front of her. It was then she realised what was happening, as she spoke in a voice that wasn't here.

"Now," she held up a card as Darkus Fury floated next to him, "this battle ends here. Ability, Activate!" Fury charged as the blade on his arm glowed, "Darkus Wrath!" He slashed at the Hynoid and sent him flying back, howling in pain as it fell towards Trixie. The girl screamed as light filled the field, and Derpy found herself in another part of the Doom Dimension.

NO!" She looked up to see Fury being ripped apart by the Ultimate Sacrifice card, "there must be another way!" She wanted to say something, but her voice refused to work. "I've been nothing but faithful to you!"

"And that loyalty is much appreciated," she finally said. "But for the great plan, we must ask for one final sacrifice from you."

Fury cried out in agony as his entire body was ripped apart. "You...will...PAY!!!!!" Derpy wanted her eyes to close, but they refused and she saw every second of Fury's pain. Another bright light blinded Derpy and when she opened her eyes, she found she was staring down at Pinkie whilst Ragnaroid was in front of her.

"Gummy!" She heard Pinkie cry, Derpy realising she was battling against her and Gumigator.

"Gate Card, OPEN!" She heard Phantom yell, as the field began to glow. "Silent Land! Now you can't activate any new Abilities." Pinkie gasped at this, as Gumigator pushed itself up. At the same time, her arm held up three cards. "Triple Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid's claws opened, revealing the hidden eyes as they and the one on his head glowed a dark light. "Dark Light, plus Dark Gaze, plus Fusion Ability, Eye of Darkness!" The light blinded her again and in a flash, she was in another battle against Fluttershy and Lepusinge.

The flame rabbit fell to the ground after being paralysed, Fluttershy gasping. "Lepusinge!"

"Say goodbye to your little friend," Phantom stated as he held up a card. "Fusion Ability...Activate!"

"No," Fluttershy's eyes filled with tears, as the card began to glow. "Please don't do this!" Her cries made Derpy want to cry, but all she could do was watch as Ragnaroid unleashed his attack and blasted both Lepusinge and Fluttershy away.

Derpy was forced to sit in torment, as her alter-ego went on to hunt down Rarity, Rainbow, Applejack and finally, Twilight. Every time the sight of her friends being hurt made her want to scream, but she couldn't and every vision caused her heart to break more and more.

Then she was forced to watch the worst memory of all.

Leonidas charged forward and started slamming his claws, fists and tail into Ragnaroid. The Darkus Bakugan raised his claws in self defence, hissing with every strike. She saw Flash throw a smirk at her, whilst she just stood there. "What's the matter?" He asked, "realising you can't win. Maybe you should have thought about that before attacking my friends!"

"Prepare yourself!" Ragnaroid pointed one gun at Leonidas and another at the ground, "to fall to my might."

"Yes!" Flash cheered as he braced himself, the smoke surrounding him and covering both Bakugan. But as the smoke began to fade, he was in for a surprise. "What?"

The two beams continued to push against one another, The Bakugan constantly firing. "But how?" Leonidas asked despite still launching a laser from his mouth. "How could he survive?" Derpy wanted to tell Flash she was sorry, for everything she had don't. But nothing she did seemed to let her speak.

"And now," she heard Phantom announce. "Your pet lizard will fall. Fusion Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid raised his claws as the gun barrels extended and began to glow. "Gaze of the Abyss." The guns unleashed a burst of dark light, which struck the light coming off his chest eye.

"LEO!" Flash cried, Derpy's heart shattering at that scream.

"No," he whispered as he fell to his knees, "this can't happen."

"Aaaaaah!" Derpy's head shot up as she fell back on the bed, panting heavily as all the memories she had made during her time as Phantom came back to her. And as they did, she couldn't help but start crying.

"Derpy!" She slowly looked over at a small wood bedside table, where a Darkus Bakugan could be seen. "Are you okay?" Ragnaroid asked, opening up and looking her over. Just the sight of him made Derpy feel like crying some more, the girl rolling so her back was too him. "Derpy. I know what's been happening to you hasn't been easy. But you have to get over this. Lucifer has the Darkus Energy now and he's more powerful than ever. We must find a way to stop him."

"Go away!" Derpy cried, covering her ears. "I don't wanna hear anything you have to say."

"Derpy, you have to listen to me. You're needed."

"NO!" Derpy cried, turning back to him. "Nobody needs me. And why are you even here? You must have recovered from being drained, so go. Go out and do whatever you want."

"I can't," Phantom told her. "I won't leave my partner."

"I'm not your partner!" Derpy told him. "I'm not Phantom. I'll never let myself turn into that monster again." She got up off the bed and moved over to the window, the sounds of many alarms, screams and a few Bakugan roars filling the air as she looked out towards the city.

Ragnaroid watched her from his spot on the table, seeing how unhappy she was. "Derpy," he told her, "you don't have to become Phantom again. But you can't just hide away from this. You might not have been in control of your actions, but Phantom and you are one."

"No," Derpy shook her head, "I don't want to be one with him. I just want to forget everything I did when I was him."

"You can't just forget about all this. Everything Phantom did, that was you. You can't deny that." Derpy looked ready to cry again, "Phantom is a part of you. You're not Phantom, but Phantom is you."

"That doesn't make any sense."

"Of course it does. Lucifer didn't create Phantom from nothing. He didn't install that personality into you. He created it from you, just like he said. Phantom is every dark desire you ever had, without any of the good that constantly keeps those desires at bay."

"So you're saying I'm evil?"

"Everyone has evil within them," Ragnaroid told her. "Your friend Flash would have been even worse than Phantom if all of his best qualities had been removed. The same with any of your friends. Compared to them, the darkness within your heart is a drop in the ocean. That's why Lucifer chose you. He knew that allowing your dark side free reign would create someone willing to do whatever it took to complete Lucifer's mission, but not be so evil that he would fight against Lucifer's control."

"But I did go against him," Derpy whimpered. "I turned against him and I did so many horrible things. I killed Fury. I brainwashed my friends. I stole their Bakugan and tried to take Flash's and the rest of the BakuFighters' Bakugan. And that's just the most horrible stuff. Who knows how many more horrible memories I'm going to start remembering."

"Those memories are yours, even if you weren't conscious when you made them. If you try to fight against it, those memories will always plague you. You can't just pretend nothing you did back when you were Phantom happened."

"Then what am I supposed to do?" Derpy asked as she slowly turned to him, "accept that I was the monster that helped free Lucifer. That I caused so much pain and heartache to those I care about. That all the terrible stuff that's happening right now is my fault?"

"It's not just your fault," Ragnaroid stated. "I was the one that awakened Lucifer. I was the one that freed you from his control and set you on the path that led to all this. I was the one who made us challenge Regulus and take the Darkus Energy. And I'm the one that let Lucifer take it from me. I'm as much to blame as you."

Derpy slid down to the ground and curled herself up again, "then why are you here and not trying to fix it?" Then she realised, "you don't care about fixing this. All you care about is being the strongest."

"I did," Ragnaroid nodded as he leapt down off the table and rolled towards her. "And I still do. Since the day I was first brought into this world, I strove to become the strongest Bakugan. Even after my defeat at the hands of the Guardians, I still longed to be the most powerful of all Bakugan. I've done many things in order to achieve that goal. But now look at me. I am beaten and used up. I lost to Lucifer. I lost to Leonidas and I had the greatest power I could ever hope for stripped from me. And now I understand why."

"Because you only became strong for your own sake," Derpy told him.

"Exactly." Another roar filled the air and Ragnaroid leapt onto the windowsill, seeing a Haos Sylvee flying close by. "Regulus chose you to battle with him because he saw you as a worthy Darkus Soldier."

"That wasn't me," Derpy frowned. "It was just a fake of me. Someone else living my life whilst I was out being evil."

Ragnaroid shook his head. "She might not have been the original, but she was as real as you or me. Regulus said the same thing. She was you. Everything you are in another body. She was the perfect copy of you and even if she's gone, she still lives on in the memories she passed on to you. You are the human Regulus chose as his successor. Now maybe it's time to prove what he saw in you was something special"

"What are you saying?"

"Over the last three days, I've been thinking about everything Regulus and Leonidas told me. The reason I lost to Leonidas was because I didn't have something worth fighting for. But now I do." He turned to her, "I have you."

"Me?"

"Regulus couldn't find a Bakugan worthy of you, to fight by your side as his Darkus Soldier. Maybe I can be that Bakugan."

"Your Phantom's Bakugan," Derpy pushed herself up and moved to the far end of the room. "Not mine. I'm not a Brawler."

"You are a Brawler," Ragnaroid told her. "Phantom's skills didn't come from nowhere. Everything he was able to do, you're able to do. Only now you'll be able to use those skills the right way."

"I'm not Phantom," she repeated. "I know what you're trying to do. You're trying to bring Phantom back out of me. Well it's not going to work." She spotted a shard of wood on the ground and picked it up, spinning around to face Ragnaroid. "Just leave me alone!" She threw the wood towards Ragnaroid and the Bakugan leapt out of the way, the wood hitting the glass in the window and smashing through it.

"Derpy-" Ragnaroid started. But before he could say anything else, a loud roar filled the air and they turned to see the Sylvee flying towards the building. It had probably been attracted by the sound of the glass breaking and now believed there was someone in this building to attack.

Derpy gasped as the robotic creature flew by, its tail smashing through the roof and causing it to start to collapse. She jumped back as the room fell in on itself, the girl beginning to cough from all the dust being thrown down. She knew the Bakugan would be coming back for another attack, so she began to run to the door. But before she could get to far.

"Help!" Ragnaroid's voice made her stop and look back, seeing the Bakugan was nowhere in sight. "I'm stuck!" The voice came from a pile of rubble, Derpy realising Ragnaroid was trapped inside. If she didn't help him, he would probably be crushed.

Derpy's mind was in turmoil. She knew if she tried to save him, she could be killed. But she couldn't just leave him, could she?

Her conscious mind told her he was a monster. He had hurt so many before and if he was allowed to remain, he could hurt even more. She would be doing a lot of people and Bakugan a favour by letting him get crushed. But still...

Suddenly, images appeared in her head. New memories of her time as Phantom.

He was sitting on top of the building after defeating another pathetic opponent, Ragnaroid getting stronger and stronger by the day.

He was currently eating a sandwich as the base form Ragnaroid sat besides him curled up. Ragnaroid then turned to him, as if staring at him, then chuckled and looked away. "What?" Phantom asked, "what's so funny?"

"Nothing," Ragnaroid told him. "Just...it's almost hard to believe."

"What?"

"I spent my entire life alone. Ever since I was created, I've fought alone. Everyone else was nothing more then fodder to fuel my growing power. I had nobody to trust and call my friend, and I didn't want one. But now look at me. I'm just sitting around, enjoying the moment with someone I've been fighting alongside. When I think about it, I never even thought about being partnered with someone."

"Well it's not like you had much of a choice," Phantom stated after taking another bite. "In this world, you need a partner in order to fight and grow stronger."

"Indeed. And though this partnership started out of need, I have to admit it's been rather fun." He opened up and turned to Phantom. "I've always lived for battle, but only now do I realise how little I actually enjoyed it back then. But now things have gotten far more interesting. So yes, this partnership started out as one of necessity. But that doesn't have to be how it continues."

"So you're saying you don't wanna just be partners because you need me?" Phantom asked, Ragnaroid nodding as he leapt up onto his knee.

"I wouldn't call us friends, but I'd like to think we're more than just business partners. I'm not sure what the correct term to use would be."

Phantom smirked, "let's stick with partners and see where that takes us." He reached a finger out and Ragnaroid touched it with one of his claws, the pair doing their best handshake as they smiled at one another.

Derpy violently shook her head as the memory faded, the girl unable to get the happy feelings she felt when she remembered that to go away.

"Augh!" Ragnaroid then cried as another piece of rubble landed on top of the pile, Derpy gasping as she ran forwards before her mind could tell her not to. The room continued to collapse as she reached the pile and pushed the smallest pieces she could off the pile, it taking a great amount of effort to do so. Eventually, she managed to make a big enough hole in the rubble that Ragnaroid could leap out and land on her shoulder. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet!" She cried before they ran out of the room. The rest of the building was starting to collapse, as the Sylvee struck again. Luckily, Derpy was able to escape before the entire place collapsed.

As she ran out the building, the metal insect smashed into the side and pushed it over until it slammed into the building next to it. They continued to run away unnoticed as the two structures collapsed into a giant pile, the Sylvee not noticing them as they rushed into the alleyway across the street.

Once they were safely out of harm's way, Derpy sighed in relief as Ragnaroid turned to her. "You saved me." She looked down at this, "I thought you didn't care about me."

"I...I can't explain it." She clutched her head, "I remembered something from my time as Phantom. A moment that was...happy. I can't stop thinking about it as happy." As she said that, more memories began to flow through her mind. Moments between Phantom and Ragnaroid, where the two were simply together and talking.

Each of those moments should have filled her with hatred and dread, but she couldn't help feeling fond of them. And as she looked at Ragnaroid, the same feelings were surrounding him. She couldn't help it. She cared about him.

"Who...who am I?" She looked ready to start crying again. "Am I Derpy...or Phantom?"

"You're both," Ragnaroid told him. "I believe you humans have a word for what is happening for you. Split personality. Until now, the Derpy you were before and Phantom were mentally separate. But now that the curtain's been lifted, your two personalities are beginning to combine. You need to decide what aspects of the two personalities you want to make a part of the you that is going to be born."

"And what if I don't want any of Phantom's personality?" Derpy asked. "Why can't I just be the me I was before."

"You can try," Ragnaroid told him. "But I doubt it'll be that easy. Phantom will always be a part of you. And until you accept that, you're mind will constantly be at war with itself." Derpy hated this situation, wishing she could just have it all be over with.

But before she could, a shadow loomed over them.

Derpy spun around and when she did, she saw the Sylvee staring down at them after finally finding its targets. The mechanical insect roared as it swung its tail around and caused the tops of the buildings she was between to explode and send rubble down towards her.

"AAAHHH!" She threw herself to the ground and covered her head, expecting this to be the end. The rubbled crashed down upon her and she was buried alive, the Sylvee flying away as it did.

But before it could get to far, the rubble began to move and it turned back to the pile. As it did, the pile exploded and something flew out of it. "RAAAAAAAAAAH!" Ragnaroid roared as he spread his wings and floated in the air, with two of his claws together holding Derpy.

The girl opened her eyes and looked around, seeing Ragnaroid in his true form holding her above the city. "Ragnaroid," she whispered before the Sylvee fired a laser from its mouth. Ragnaroid dodged the attack and stayed at a distance, Derpy doing her best to keep from being thrown off. "What are you doing?" She asked when the Sylvee fired again, "aren't you gonna fight back?"

"I can't activate my Abilities without you," Ragnaroid reminded her. Derpy couldn't believe what she was hearing. "I need your help to stop this thing."

"I...I can't," she closed her eyes. As she did, the Sylvee fired again and Ragnaroid had to use his wing to shield her.

"Raaah!" Ragnaroid cried, but fought through the pain and charged. When he reached the Sylvee, he swing his tail around and slammed the drill into its head. This knock the beast flying and allowed him to fly away.

"You...you're fleeing?"

"Not much point in fighting if I can't activate my abilities," he told her. "Let's find someplace safe for you to hide."

Derpy couldn't believe what she was hearing. Ragnaroid really did care about her, even though she wasn't his true partner. "Wait," she realised something, "You can take your true form?"

"Well yeah," Ragnaroid told him. "Any Bakugan can inside this field."

"So inside the building, you could have saved yourself at any moment?" Ragnaroid sweatdropped as he continued flying, "so you were just pretending to need help?"

"I wouldn't say...pretending. If I had taken my true form...the whole place would have collapsed on top of you." Derpy didn't believe that for a second. But even so, she was glad Ragnaroid had saved them.

She looked around for somewhere safe to hide, but there wasn't one. In every direction she looked, Bakugan were marching through the streets looking for someone to attack. She had been so cooped up, she hadn't realised how bad things had gotten.

"But what could I do about it?" She asked, unsure how to answer that question.

But in that moment, an explosion occurred not to far off. The two turned towards it and as they did, they saw something fly out of the smoke. A Darkus Ziperator.

"That Bakugan," she whispered as she saw someone was riding on its shoulder. Someone she knew. "Rumble." The boy she had helped her friend Pip beat was staring down at the ground, clearly focusing his attention on whatever was down there. She realised what when a burst of fire shot up towards him, Rumble's Bakugan barely managing to avoid it before diving down.

As she watched, another explosion occurred just down the road from the first. And a roar she recognised filled the air.

"That...that sounds like a Scaboid." Her eyes went wide as she thought about who it might be, "Pipsqueak!" Ragnaroid charge forward towards the battle and when they flew over the buildings, they saw what Derpy had feared.

Pipsqueak was on the ground, fighting against a Subterra Centipoid with his Scaboid. There were two more Centipoids, a Haos and Pyrus one, which Rumble was battling.

"Ability, Activate!" Pip cried as he held up a card, Scaboid opening his mouth as it filled with water. "Blast Hydro!" The attack exploded from his mouth and struck the Centipoid, knocking it backwards.

"Ability, Activate!" Rumble cried as his Ziperator glowed, "Dark Surge!" Ziperator charged and punched the Pyrus Centipoid, knocking it backwards. But before it could attack the Haos Centipoid, it fired a laser at Ziperator that knocked it backwards. "Augh!" Rumble cried as Ziperator struck the ground and he fell off, Ziperator returning to ball form, rolling along the ground as the Centipoid prepared for another attack.

"Rumble!" Pip cried, as he and Scaboid rushed over to him. As they did, the Subterra Centipoid summoned a bunch of rocks that it fired at them. "Ability, Activate!" Scaboid's back opened up and it fired a blue laser, which formed into a dome that surrounded it and the two teens. "Aqua Deflector!" The rocks slammed into the energy shield and bounced off it, the shield remaining as the Haos and Pyrus Centipoids launched lasers and a flamethrower at it.

Derpy watched as the three types of attacks constantly bombarded against the energy shield, which seemed to grow weaker and weaker with every hit.

"Stay strong!" Pip told his partner, "we have to keep Rumble safe." But it was clear that Scaboid wouldn't be able to hold on much longer.

"What do I do?" Derpy asked, seeing the shield starting to glitch.

"Do you want to help them?" Ragnaroid asked, "I can't do that if you don't help." Derpy was still unsure, fearing that if she brawled she might end up turning into Phantom again. She felt herself fall into a circle, constantly telling herself that she had to but couldn't. That she couldn't but had to.

"Augh!" Pip's cries then filled the air, making her look down and see the shield finally shatter as a rock broke through it and almost hit him.

"PIP!" Derpy cried, her body moving before her brain could stop it. From out of who knows where, she took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid's chest opened up, "Doom Vision!"

The light flew down and struck the Centipoid, causing them all to freeze in place.

Pip looked up and gasped when he saw Derpy riding on Ragnaroid, the girl's face looking rather serious. "Hurry!" She cried, "take them out."

"Right!" Pip nodded as he held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Scaboid held up one of its claws and pointed them at the Subterra Centipoid, with blue lightning sparking between them. "Freeze Burner!" The lightning exploded off of his claws and struck the insect, making it cry out as it was knocked backwards and reverted back to ball form.

Derpy smiled before turning to the other Centipoid, which were slowly starting to recover. "Ragnaroid!"

"On it!" Ragnaroid flew down and swung his other claw at the Pyrus Bakugan, knocking it back to ball form as well.

"Ability, Activate!" Derpy took out another card as the Haos Centipoid began to move, "Death Spiral!" Ragnaroid thrust his spinning drill into it and knocked it backwards, the Bakugan reverting back to ball form as it cried out.

Threats gone, Pip turned to Derpy and smiled. "You're okay. I was worried when you disappeared." Derpy smiled at this, then frowned and turned to Ragnaroid.

"I...I don't know what came over me," she told him. "My body keeps reacting before I can stop it."

"You wanted to help them," he stated. "And that caused the instincts you inherited from Phantom to kick in. See. You have what it takes to use Phantom's abilities to do good." Derpy wasn't so sure. But at the moment, she needed to focus on getting these two boys to safety.

"Is Rumble okay?" She asked Pip, who was trying to wake his friend up.

"I think that fall knocked him out," Pip cried. "But it doesn't look like he's hurt."

"Alright," Derpy knew of only one place that was likely very safe. "We have to go to the stadium. I'm sure that's where the other Brawlers are waiting." Pip nodded lifted Rumble up as Ragnaroid landed and brought his claws down, Scaboid returning to ball form.

Once they were on the claw with Derpy, Ragnaroid took to the air and they flew in the direction of the stadium.

"What were you doing out here?" Derpy inquired, "the streets are too dangerous. You should have tried to leave the city."

"You didn't hear?" Pip asked, Derpy shaking her head. "Whatever this field is, it can't be passed through. We're trapped in the city." Derpy's eyes went wide hearing this. "Rumble's older brother left to try and fight against a bunch of Bakugan that were getting too close to their house, but he never came back. Rumble went out after him and I couldn't just let him go out alone. So we went with him to look for Thunderlane."

"And you haven't found him?" Pip shook his head, "well hopefully he'll be waiting at the stadium. And hopefully, we can find someone to make sure Rumble isn't hurt." But as they drew closer and closer to the stadium, another explosion caught their attention and made them all look around.

There they saw another battle that was taking place, this one being a small army of Gargonoid of every attribute. Derpy tried to count them, but she lost track after about seven or eight. But then she saw a trio of Bakugan that were fighting against the Gargonoid.

One was a Ventus Struthion, who was running around the place attacking any Gargonoid that got in its way. Another was a Haos Sirenoid, which were playing her harp and using it to put the Gargonoid into a trance. This allowed Subterra Aeronaut to deal a serious blow to them, knocking the gargoyles down.

"I know those Bakugan," Derpy whisper. "They belong to Scootaloo and her friends."

"Who?" Pip asked, only for a loud squawk to fill the air. They looked back at the battlefield and saw Struthion getting knocked down, whilst several Gargonoid leapt onto it to pin it to the ground. Several other Gargonoid were doing the same to Sirenoid and Aeronaut, quickly overwhelming them. "They're getting outnumbered!"

Derpy frowned and looked around, trying to see if she could spot Scootaloo. And she did.

Down on the ground, Scootaloo and her two friends were being cornered by a trio of Gargonoid. And they weren't alone. Scootaloo's mom and dad were with them, along with Sweetie's parents and Applebloom's brother and grandmother. The families had come out searching for the children and when they found them, they were being attacked Bakugan.

"Get behind me!" Trail told his daughter and wife, pushing them behind him as Big Mac and Hondo Flanks did the same to his family. The Gargonoid all growled at them and were slowly reaching out to grab them, as they flinched in fear.

"Ability, Activate!" Suddenly, a large tail shot down and wrapped around the three Garonoid. "Purgatory Crusher!" The trio were lifted into the air, as mechanical sounds whirled and the tail tightened around them. This allowed the humans to see the Bakugan that had saved them.

"Ragnaroid!?" Scootaloo cried, as Ragnaroid grabbed two of the Gargonoid out of his tail with his claws. "But that means..." She spotted Derpy up on Ragnaroid's head, along with two others. "DERPY!" Ragnaroid tossed the three Bakugan towards Struthion, Sirenoid and Aeronaut, knocking the Gargonoid pinning them off them like bowling pins.

"Hurry!" Derpy told them all, "we need to get out of here." Ragnaroid turned to the Gargonoid, who were getting up as the girl's Bakugan rushed towards them. Sirenoid and Aeronaut began to lift the humans onto Struthion's back, the ostrich Bakugan preparing to run away as fast as it could whilst the others protect it.

Ragnaroid then grabbed Pip and Rumble, bringing them down to place on Struthion's back. "What about you?" Pipsqueak asked Derpy, who smiled at him.

"I'll follow. Once I've made sure these things aren't following you. Everyone, get to the stadium. You'll be safe there!" She turned towards the Gargonoid, who began to pick themselves up as the other Bakugan rushed off and left Ragnaroid to fend for himself.

"So," Ragnaroid smirked, "you ready to be the brawler you were always meant to be?" Derpy wasn't sure about that. All she knew was this situation was partly her fault and she had to at least protect her friend's families.

She didn't get to say anything, as a Darkus Gargonoid charged at her. "Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid held up his claws as they opened, "Apocalyptic Fire!" The black and purple flames shot out of the holes and knocked the Gargonoid back, whilst another one flew at him. He quickly seized the fire and brought this claws together before slashing at the Gargonoid, throwing it back whilst more charged.

Ragnaroid continued to fight against the Gargonoid, but many against one weren't great odds. "Raaah!" He slammed his tail into two, then blasted another with his flames. He used his Doom Vision to freeze three of them before grabbing and squeezing the life out of them, then quickly took to the air to avoid another two before throwing the three he was holding at them.

"Are you okay?" Derpy asked as she noticed Ragnaroid panting, whilst a few more Gargonoid flew up towards him.

"I'm fine!" He roared before unleashing another burst of fire, "I'm the scourge of Vestroia. I defeated all six of the Rainbooms, remember."

"Unfortunately," Derpy nodded. "But even so, you don't have limitless power." More Gargonoid charged, "if they keep coming them you'll be in serious trouble." Ragnaroid swung his tail around and knocked the Gargonoid back down, but as they fell the others all let out a roar as they glowed.

"What are they doing?" Ragnaroid asked, as the light flew off of them and into the Gargonoid that he had just beaten.

"I know this," Derpy gasped. "It's an Ability Gargonoid have, called Cleansing Cauldron. It allows them to heal damage done to other Bakugan and undo any power loss caused by an opponent's Ability." The Gargonoid on the floor stood up as the once that just used Cleansing Cauldron charged at them. "Look out!"

Ragnaroid dodged the claws of a Haos Gargonoid and blasted it with his flames, whilst another Gargonoid prepared to ram at him with its horns. But before it could, Ragnaroid thrust his tail forward and slammed the drill into its chest. As it fell, a trio of Ventus Gargonoid formed a triangle around him before unleashing tornados from their mouths.

"AUGH!" Ragnaroid was able to block two of them with his claws, but the third struck his back and knocked him downwards.

Derpy screamed as she was thrown off Ragnaroid's head as they fell, barely managing to grab hold of his horn as he pulled himself up seconds before hitting the ground. But as he skimmed along the ground, several Aquos Gargonoid fired water blasts towards them and Ragnaroid was forced to take evasive manoeuvres to avoid them.

However, this finally shook Derpy loose and she fell towards the ground. Her screams caught Ragnaroid's attention and his eye went wide, the Darkus Bakugan spinning the drill of his tail fast enough to create a small tornado below her. Derpy flew into this tornado and it formed a cushion that slowed her fall, allowing her to land without any injury.

But this act allowed several Gargonoid to get in close and leap upon him. "Augh!" He roared, attempting to shake them off but their had a strong grip upon him and started biting and tearing into his body. "GET OFF ME!"

"Ragnaroid!" Derpy gasped, only for a shadow to appear above her. She spun around and saw a Pyrus Gargonoid staring down at her, its mouth beginning to fill with fire.

"DERPY!" Ragnaroid roared, trying to get to her but being unable to move with all the Gargonoid holding him down.

Derpy's entire body filled with fear as she saw the flames build, then closed her eyes and readied herself. She would not die afraid.

"Fire Burst!" Before the Gargonoid could unleashed its own flames, green ones shot towards it and slammed into the Bakugan's face. It roared as it was knocked back, Derpy spinning around to see Darkus Spikenoid racing towards her. And he wasn't alone.

Terraspin, Fenroar and Cleopal were heading towards her as well, all of their brawlers riding atop them as they approached. "Derpy!" Twilight called out when she saw her, "are you okay?"

Derpy sighed, unable to believe she had actually survived. She nodded, then turned to see Ragnaroid was still getting overwhelmed by the Gargonoid. He tried to use his Doom Vision, but a pair of Gargonoid had their feet on his chest preventing it from opening.

"Come on!" She then heard Rainbow called out, making her look up towards the four Rainbooms. "Let's get out of here before those things turn on us."

"Wait!" Derpy cried, "you have to help Ragnaroid."

"Are you nuts?" Spike growled, "why should we help him after everything he's done to us?" A roar of pain made them turn towards the Darkus Bakugan and see he had finally been pinned to the ground, the Gargonoid continuing to cause him a lot of pain with their bites and claws.

"Please!" Derpy turned to them, "he's...he's my partner." The Brawlers were surprised by this, but seeing the distressed look Derpy was giving them made the four unable to say no.

"Ability, Activate!" Twilight held up a card, as Spike's back spines glowed, "Spiking Strike!" The spikes exploded off and shot towards the Gargonoid, slamming into them and causing serious injury as their power dropped.

"Ability, Activate!" Applejack and Rarity cried, "Howling Force/Blazing Light!" The force of the two attacks dislodged the many injured Gargonoid, pushing them away from Ragnaroid.

"Ability, Activate!" Terraspin started spinning his fins, "Shell Tornado!" The vortex created by this exploded from his shell and blew the Gargonoid back, allowing Ragnaroid to finally pick himself up.

"Um...thanks," he told them. The Bakugan all looked at him suspiciously, as Ragnaroid turned his attention back to the Gargonoid that were beginning to pick themselves up.

"They're gonna use Cleansing Cauldron again!" Derpy cried, with Ragnaroid leaping into the air and getting ready to fight. "No choice." She took out a card, the others looking worried. "Everyone get back!"

"Derpy, what are going to do?" Twilight asked, but Depry simply held the card up.

"Fusion Ability...ACTIVATE!" The Rainbooms gasped as Ragnaroid's claws and chest opened up, their Bakugan quickly beginning to run to a safe distance as the attacks powered up.

"END OF DAYS!" The Darkus Bakugan roared, as lasers exploded from every opening of his body. One by one, they struck the Gargonoid and each one was blasted backwards before reverting back to ball form. First were the Bakugan attempting to use Cleansing Cauldron, then the Bakugan that had taken to most damaged followed by the rest.

The Rainbooms had expected Ragnaroid to take a few buildings out with his attack, but to their amazement he focuses only on the Gargonoid. And when the last one was taken out, Ragnaroid stopped his attack.

Derpy stared at Ragnaroid in amazement, shocked to see he had such control when usually he just let his power run wild. "Derpy!" She spun around and saw Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow and Applejack running towards her. Twilight was at the front of the pack and when she reached her, she looked the girl over with worry. "Are you hurt? Did Ragnaroid harm you?"

"No," Derpy shook her head before turning towards the Darkus Bakugan, "he's been protecting me. He saved me from a bunch of Bakugan."

"But he's Phantom's Bakugan?" Applejack asked, "why would he fight for you?"

Derpy frowned as she looked down at that question, knowing there was only one true answer. "Because I am Phantom." The girls looked at her, shocked that she would say this. Derpy gave them all a serious look. "I am Phantom and I can't deny that. Everything he is, came from within me. And everything he did is my fault."

"Derpy," Twilight placed a hand on Derpy's shoulder. "That's not true. You weren't in control of yourself. You shouldn't blame yourself for what happened."

"When you were under Phantom...under my control, you didn't have any control over yourself either. If one of you had ended up taking Leonidas or one of the other BakuFighter Bakugan, would you have blamed yourselves?" The girls frowned, but knew she was right. "And you're right, I can't hate myself for what happened. All I can do now is try and make amends."

"Sweetie and the others told us what you did," Rarity stated. "I think that's a good way to make amends."

"Maybe to you," Derpy stated. "But I'm not done. Not until Lucifer is finally stopped. I don't care how much I have to fight, I'll stop him and make up for everything I've done." She turned to Ragnaroid, who slowly slithered up to her. "If you're still willing, will you lend my your power."

Ragnaroid smirked at this, "I was waiting for you to ask." He slowly reached out and pointed a metal claw at her. "For as long as you want me, I will stand by your side. I promise." Derpy smiled and was about to take his claw, but then Rainbow grabbed her.

"Are you sure about this? How do you know you can trust this guy?"

"Because," Derpy turned to smile at him, "he's my friend." With that, she reached out and wrapped her hand around the tip of his claw. The two suddenly taken back to that time on the rooftop, when they became true partners. Now that relationship had ended, being replaced by something even stronger.

"Right then," Ragnaroid spoke up as he spread his wings. "I say it's time we get to work. Lucifer isn't going to stop himself."

Derpy nodded as Twilight stepped up next to her. "Flash and the BakuFighters have already gone after him." Derpy was surprised to hear this. "They headed for Dark Industries. We haven't heard from them since they arrived."

Derpy took a deep breath. The thought of seeing her friends again after what she did terrified her, but she knew she had to make it up to them more then anyone. "Ragnaroid, we're heading over there." Ragnaroid nodded before lowering his head, allowing Derpy to climb on.

"Derpy!" She turned to her friends, the lot of them looking worried as Twilight spoke up. "Be careful." Derpy nodded before Ragnaroid took off, leaping into the air and flying straight towards the building Derpy had been too many times before. Most of those times were when she was Phantom, but this time she would be heading there herself. And hopefully, he friends would be okay until she arrived.

"You sure you're up for this?" Ragnaroid asked, "the BakuFighters might not be too happy to see us."

"This might be awkward," she explained. "But they'll let us help. After all..." She turned her focus onto the building, "I'm a BakuFighters as well."

Author's Note

Well, I hope this works as Derpy's redemption chapter. I know Ragnaroid's change of heart might have been a little too fast, but I like how it turned out. Tell me what you think.

Scorching Land and Heavenly Skies

At the top of the Dark Industries building, Sombra frowned as he watched the playback of the last brawl.

The man was barely able to believe a pair of hybrid Bakugan had actually lost to two regular Bakugan. Even if those two had Attribute Energies, they still shouldn't have stood a chance. "Useless," Sombra growled. "If I wasn't concerned about those kids getting their power, I would have let those two fools fall into their hands."

Lucifer remained calm. "They might not have been able to beat them, but they managed to slow them down. Now the ones coming after us are down to three. And that number won't last much longer. Patience. This is a marathon, not a sprint."

"You're right," Sombra nodded before typing in a few buttons and changing the image on the screen to show the boys and their Bakugan riding in the elevator.

Flash, Soarin, Heath and their Bakugan were constantly on edge, as the elevator flew higher and higher.

Eventually, Heath broke the silence. "The shaking and explosions stopped." They had been hearing those since entering the elevator, a byproduct of the girl's brawl, but now they were gone. "You think that means the battle's over?"

"Probably," Flash nodded, "or maybe we're too far away to notice them now."

Soarin agreed. "Either way, we have to keep moving forward. The girls gave us this chance and we can't waste it by going back. Though I'm not even sure we can go back at this point." As he said that, the elevator began to slow down. "I think we're here."

They turned towards the door, as the elevator stopped. "Be ready for anything," Leonidas told them as the doors opened.

When they stepped out of the metal box, they were surprised the find themselves in an area that you wouldn't usually find inside an office building. It was a giant landmass, which appeared to be floating on a large cloud. Buildings were built into this landmass, appearing greek in origin, with rivers running through it that fed large ponds. And as they stepped through it, they heard harp music playing in the distance.

"Another battlefield," Garuda growled. "Probably means those two Bakugan we met before weren't the only ones keeping this place safe."

"So what do we do?" Wukong asked, "they could jump out at us at any moment."

"We keep going," Flash stated before moving forward. "And we stay alert." They ran forward and continued to look around, expecting the Bakugan to appear any second. They made their way through the greek city, realising this was likely a replica of Olympus as they rushed over the bridges and through the streets. After a few minutes of this, they found themselves reaching the edge of the battlefield. And as they did, they saw it was just like the previous floor's battlefield.

The Olympus field had been cut into pieces and frankensteined together with another one, the other being a forest full of tall thin trees they realised where chard black. The forest ground had also been burnt and the air was full of smoke.

"Olympus and a burned forest?" Soarin asked as they looked around. "The last two battlefields were made to act like home fields for those Bakugan. What kind of Bakugan would feel at home here?"

"I'm not sure about the first one," Heath told him. "But I'm betting this area is meant to be for a Pyrus Bakugan. Or one with Pyrus attributes." As he said that, something suddenly shot passed them at incredible speed. The teens spun towards it, but it had already disappeared into the smoke before they could see what it was.

"What was that?" Flash asked, as another strong gust of wind shot passed them and they tried to spin towards it.

"I don't know," Leo told him. "But I doubt it's gonna be friendly." Another rush of motion flew through the smoke with them trying to see what it was. "Can you guys sense anything?"

"I'm getting a hint of Pyrus energy!" Wukong stated after it flew passed again.

"I'm sensing Ventus," Garuda added. "It must be another hybrid!" He tried to track the energy and managed to catch sight of something in the smoke. "We know you're out there and we know you work for Lucifer. Quit hiding and show yourself!" After a few moments, a form appeared within the smoke. It appeared humanoid, with two very long legs, and was getting closer and closer.

And as it did, it spread its arms to show they were a pair of long wings. And seconds later, they heard a sound one would only hear on a farm at sunrise before the shape shot out towards them. "MOVE!" Soarin yelled as they shot to the sides, barely avoiding getting crushed by the assailant.

As they rolled back to their feet, they turned towards the attacker.

It was a giant blazing chicken-like Bakugan. Its head and chest were mostly green but it had a red mask that surrounded its eyes and yellow beak. It had a pair of blazing red wings on its sides, that looked larger than a normal chicken would have, and the tips were bright yellow. Its waist was also yellow whilst its legs were red at the top and green after the knee with large yellow claws sticking out the bottom.

"Wow," Heath whispered in amazement as the Bakugan spread its wings again. This time, those wings burst into flames and when it beat them, a powerful wind blew the fire off and formed a flaming tornado.

"RUN!" Wukong yelled, the five turning to scarper back the way they came. The blazing vortex followed them and caused several of the already burned trees to catch fire. The teens hissed at the heat as embers rained down around them, whilst the Bakugan brought its wings back in and prepared to charge again.

As it did, the three finally reached the border of the battlefield and rushed back over to the greek city. But as they did, something appeared out of the clouds below them. For the briefest of moments, a white lump stuck out of the clouds. Atop that lump was a golden blade, which seemed to resemble a shark's fin.

It cut through the clouds for a moment before diving back down into them, only for another one to appear out of the clouds behind it a moment later.

As they did, Garuda sensed something. "Down there!" He leapt off Soarin's shoulder and landed on a bridge, looking over it into the clouds. "I sensed something. Ventus Energy."

"Another Bakugan?" Leo asked, only to sense something himself. "I sense it too. But it's Haos Energy." As he said this, the giant chicken arrived at the edge of the field. As it did, it let out a loud clucking and the six of them got ready for a fight. But as they did, the energy from below spiked before something exploded out of the clouds.

That something was a tornado of yellow wind, which flew up from the clouds and curved so that it shot down and slammed into the street behind them. It then exploded, revealing the creature within it.

It a large white snake with yellow stripes and patterns covering its body. On the top of its head was a bright green line of hair whilst it also had a pair of large green wings right behind its head, with a bunch of golden blades sticking out along its back that resembled dorsal fins. On the end of its tail was a golden pyramid trident that had a green sphere at the base of it.

The beast let out a melodious cry similar to a whale noise as it stared down at them, then at its fellow Bakugan. "So," it said in a feminine voice, "these are the ones we are charged with stopping?"

"Guess so," the chicken squawked in a male voice. "But they don't look like much."

"True," the snake pointed the tail lance at them. "This shall not take long!" The orb in the lance glowed before it unleashed bright light that morphed into a tornado, the twister shooting towards them as the teens leapt away from the bridge as it quickly shattered.

"Who are you?" Garuda asked, "if you're going to attack us, the least you can do is tell us who you are?"

The chicken squawked as he spread his wings, "I am Scorch Roaster!"

"And I am Heavenly Quetzal," the snake stated. "We are two of master Lucifer's great protectors. And you will not leave this place!" She pointed her tail at them again and fired another tornado, only for Garuda to leap off of Soarin's shoulder.

In an explosion of green electrified wind, he took his true form and drew a sword of lightning that he used to deflected the tornado. "Garuda!" Soarin cried, as Roaster beat his wings and launched fireballs at them. But Wukong leapt off Heath's shoulder and transformed, summoning his staff that he used to knock the flames away.

"Wukong!" Heath cried as the two Bakugan stared their opponents down, Flash and Leo getting ready to battle as well.

"No," Soarin told him. "You have to go!" Flash looked at him in surprise, "you and Leonidas have the best chance of beating Lucifer. You've gotta go." Flash gave the others a look and they all nodded, Flash and Leonidas sighing but nodding back.

"He's not going anywhere!" Roaster cried as his claws caught fire. But before he could do anything with them, Wukong thrust his staff forward as it extended and slammed into the hybrid's stomach. "AUGH!" He was knocked far back and Flash quickly ran forwards, Heath and Wukong covering him whilst Garuda kept Quetzal from advancing.

As Roaster got up, Flash ran off and the Pyrus BakuFighters stared him down. "You're not getting anywhere near them!" Heath cried, "it's time to brawl."

"Unless you're scared you can't beat us!" Soarin smirked.

"You think you can scare us?" Quetzal asked, hissing in anger. "We'll make you sorry you ever said those words!" As she hissed this, lights appeared below the brawlers and started flying up their bodies.

The boys were surprised by this, but then the lights shot off them and hit the ground next to the hybrids. In a flash, a copy of Soarin stood beneath Quetzal and a copy of Heath stood besides Roaster. "That's just weird," Heath told them as he stared at the version of him with inverted cloths colours.

"We will defeat you," Quetzal stated. "Then your friend will be next." She and Roaster both glowed before turning into their ball forms, Garuda and Wukong doing the same and all shot towards their brawlers.

"Sorry," Heath cried as he held up a Gate Card. "But you're not winning this fight. We're taking you down, then dealing with your boss. Gate Card...SET!" He threw the card before he, Soarin and their clones threw in their partners. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" They shot into the air and landed, all for rolling to a stop, "Bakugan," they all popped open, "STAND!"

With that, a quartet of tornados appeared on the battlefield. One of normal fire and electrified green wind, whilst the other two were either a mix of red and green flames or shining golden wind.

"Rise, Ventus Storm Garuda!" The birdman exploded out of the green wind, lightning crackling as he squawked.

"Scorch Roaster, blaze!" The other Heath announced as the green and red fire tornado exploded, the chicken spinning on one foot as wind blew embers around.

"Ascend, Heavenly Quetzal!" The other Soarin called out as the winged serpent spread her wings to knock the golden wind flying.

"Turn up the heat, Pyrus King Wukong!" Heath cheered as the apeman began breakdancing out of the flames. The four Bakugan got into a battle stance, ready for the fight of their lives as their brawlers prepared themselves.

Garuda: 700Gs
Roaster: 750Gs
Quetzal: 750Gs
Wukong: 650Gs

"Let's do this Soarin!" Heath cheered as Wukong charged. "Ability, Activate!" Wukong summoned a line of fire and when he swung it around, his staff flew out of it. "Ruyi Bang!"

Garuda: 700Gs
Roaster: 750Gs
Quetzal: 750Gs
Wukong: 900Gs

The staff slammed into Roaster and knocked him backwards, whilst Garuda shot towards Quetzal. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda's body sparked with energy and he slashed at Quetzal, "Sky Spark Surge!"

Garuda: 950Gs
Roaster: 750Gs
Quetzal: 750Gs
Wukong: 900Gs

The attack struck, the hybrid flinching as she was knocked backwards and smashed into one of the greek buildings. At the same time, Wukong continued swinging his staff at Roaster.

"Ability, Activate!" Other Heath held up a card as Roaster leapt back. "Inferno Dash!" Roaster then started slamming his feet into the ground, smoke explosions occurring that formed a cloud around him. Moments later, he shot out of the cloud covered in flames.

Garuda: 950Gs
Roaster: 950Gs
Quetzal: 750Gs
Wukong: 900Gs

"Look out!" Heath cried, as Wukong swung his staff around to try and knock Roaster away. But being consumed by flames seemed to boost Roaster's speed. He sidestepped the staff attack and swung his wing around, slamming it into Wukong and knocking him back.

At the same time, Quetzal had jumped off the building she had crashed through and dove into the streets below. Garuda tried to keep track of her as she slithered between the buildings, but the serpent was just as fast on the ground as she was in the air.

"Where are you?" He flew above one of the buildings and as he did, Quetzal leapt out as the other Soarin held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Quetzal took a deep breath before firing out a blast of air, "Tornado Impact!" The air spun around and formed a tornado, which struck Garuda before he could react.

Garuda: 750Gs
Roaster: 950Gs
Quetzal: 750Gs
Wukong: 900Gs

"AUGH!" He cried as he was pushed flying backwards, falling towards where Soarin was standing. At the same time, Roaster dashed towards Wukong with everything he had.

"GYAH!" The ape cried as the chicken slammed its head into him, knocking him backwards towards Heath.

Both teens gasped at this and turned to run, managing to get out from where their Bakugan would have fallen. However, the force of them slamming into the ground sent out a wave of air that knocked the pair flying.

They both cried out as they were thrown over the edge of the battlefield, the two soon finding themselves in midair above the clouds. "WOW!" Heath cried, flapping his arms to try and stay aloft. It didn't work however and the two boys began to fall.

"HEATH/SOARIN!" Their Bakugan cried as their opponents laughed, the two leaping up and down towards the boys.

Soarin and Heath saw this and quickly took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" They both cried, with Garuda exploding forward and catching both of them. "Storm Booster!"

"Flaming Nimus!" At the same time, Wukong creating a cloud of black smoke that he stood upon. Garuda threw Heath towards him and once the boys were on their partner's shoulders, they shot up.

Garuda: 900Gs
Roaster: 950Gs
Quetzal: 750Gs
Wukong: 1050Gs

As this was going on, the hybrids had moved towards the edge of the battlefield. Quetzal was about to fly down but before she could, Garuda shot up and swung his claws at her. "AUGH!" She was knocked backwards, whilst Roaster looked over the edge of the battlefield only to be uppercutted by Wukong's staff.

"GYAH!" He squawked, falling backwards as Wukong flew up and hovered above them. The BakuFighters glanced back at one another, smiling as they nodded.

Flash and Leonidas continued to rush through the greek city field, the sounds of explosions filling the air behind them as they arrived at another wooded area.

"You think Soarin and Heath will be alright?" Flash asked.

"They'll be fine. Garuda and Wukong are tough. They won't let anything bad happen to their partners. We need to focus on finding a way to Lucifer."

"Right!" Flash nodded and as he did, he spotted something in the distance. "Over there!" There was yet another rock sticking out of the ground. And in the side of that rock were the doors of an elevator. "We're one floor closer to them." He reached the doors and stepped inside as soon as they opened, the teen looking back in the direction of the field. "Good luck guys." The doors closed.

Garuda and Wukong charged towards their opponents, both of which got up and took evasive maneuvers.

Quetzal shot up into the air as Roaster dashed around the battlefield, leaving a trail of smoke in his wake. He ran in circles around the pair and the smoke flew up, creating a wall of black air around Wukong and Heath. The teen covered his mouth, not wanting to breath it in as Roaster leapt up and tries to slash at them with his claws.

"Nice try!" Wukong blocked with his staff, pushing him back.

At the same time, Quetzal had dived down under the greek city with Garuda and Soarin flying down after her. She quickly disappeared into the clouds and the pair soared above them, watching out to try and find her. As they did, a pair of metal fines appeared out from the clouds behind them.

Up on the battlefield, the clones watched the fight and each held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Roaster spread his wings as wind swirled around them, whilst Quetzal broke out of the clouds and the yellow parts of her body glowed. "Whirlwind Cage/Radiant Aura!"

Roaster beat his wings and the wind shot of towards Wukong.

"Raaaah!" He swung his staff to try and dispel the wind, but it quickly swirled around him to form an upside-down tornado that was big at the bottom and small at the top. The tornado sucked in air from the top and pushed it down, "augh!" Wukong felt himself being pushed down to the ground, Heath also feeling it.

At the same time, the light around Quetzal shot off and flew towards Garuda. "Augh!" The light slammed into him and spread around around his body, freezing him in place.

Garuda: 700Gs
Roaster: 950Gs
Quetzal: 750Gs
Wukong: 850Gs

"Raaaah!" Garuda tried to fight against it, but he couldn't and Quetzal charged forward ready to stab him with her tail lance. But before she could reach him, Soarin held up a card.

"Ability...Activate!" He groaned as Garuda's wings sparked. "Feather...Shock!" Garuda used all his strength to beat his wings, sending feathers flying off his wings and hitting Quetzal.

"Augh!" She cried, as her ability was negated and Garuda powered up.

Garuda: 900Gs
Roaster: 950Gs
Quetzal: 650Gs
Wukong: 850Gs

Now able to move again, Garuda shot forward and swung his feet upwards and slammed it into his opponent. She screamed as she was sent flying backwards, the hybrid flying passed the battlefield where Wukong was still trapped.

"Heath!" He moaned from the force of the wind, "are...you okay?"

"I'll live!" He cried, whilst taking out a card. "But let's get out of here. Ability, Activate!" He leapt off his shoulder as Wukong's hair exploded, the ape swinging it around. "Backfire!" The flames began caught up in the wind and turned the tornado into a fire vortex, Wukong cupping his hands to shield Heath as he leapt through it and felt the flames boost his power.

Garuda: 900Gs
Roaster: 950Gs
Quetzal: 650Gs
Wukong: 1250Gs

"What?" Roaster asked as Wukong leapt out of the fire and swung a foot around, slamming it into his chest. "AUGH!" He was knocked backwards and crashed through several burned trees, moaning as he did so. "Ow."

Wukong smirked as he landed, placing Heath back on his shoulders, but then Roaster stood up as the other Heath held up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Roaster's claws burst into flames and he charged at them. "Pyro Claw, plus Spiral Shredding!"

"Raaah!" Roaster leapt up and spread his wings, allowing him to hover above them before he started spinning.

Garuda: 900Gs
Roaster: 1250Gs
Quetzal: 650Gs
Wukong: 1250Gs

Wind swirled around him as he fell, picking up the flames and morphing him into a flaming drill that fell towards them. Wukong quickly spun him staff around, the fire drill slamming into it and pushing the pair to a standstill.

At the same time, Quetzal and Garuda flew around each other in midair. Garuda tried to slash at Quetzal, but the serpents ribbon-like body made dodging rather easy. She then spread her wings wide as the other Soarin held up a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Quetzal started spinning, causing a powerful gust that blew through her wings. "Feather Storm!"

The wind shot towards Garuda and carried a bunch of feathers, which slashed against him and made him hiss and have to close his eyes.

Garuda: 900Gs
Roaster: 1250Gs
Quetzal: 800Gs
Wukong: 1250Gs

Garuda was so focused on the feathers, he didn't notice Quetzal flying towards him until she was too close. "Plus, Spiral Constrictor!" She swung her tail around and wrapped it around him, Garuda crying out as his arms and wings were bound to his body.

Garuda: 750Gs
Roaster: 1250Gs
Quetzal: 800Gs
Wukong: 1250Gs

Augh!" He cried, trying to fight against her grip. At the same time, Quetzal stared at Soarin and licked her lips before trying to snap at him.

"HEY!" He cried, as she tried again only for him to stop her nose. "Back off!" She hissed in pain and pulled back, whilst he pulled out a card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda's mouth filled with energy, Quetzal's eyes going wide as she quickly uncurled herself from him. "Blitz Bolt!"

Garuda fired but Quetzal was able to avoid the lightning bolts, the serpent diving downwards towards the ground. Garuda dived down after her and as he did, he spotted Wukong and Roaster in a flaming martial arts battle.

Wukong's staff was burning at the tips whilst Roaster's feet were still aflame. Roaster swung his legs around, trying to claw at him whilst Wukong blocked with his staff before thrusting it at Roaster. Heath used this opening to leap off Wukong's shoulder, not wanting to ruin his plan if this didn't affect him too.

"Double Ability, Activate!" He cried as Roaster glowed. "Co-Side, plus Blazing Trickster!" The light flew off Roaster and into Wukong, whose body suddenly exploded into flames that shot off and formed an army of Wukong to surround Roaster.

Garuda: 750Gs
Roaster: 1250Gs
Quetzal: 800Gs
Wukong: 1550Gs

"What?" Roaster cried, looking around and seeing all the Wukong that encircled him. "What kind of trick is this?"

"The best kind!" The Wukong all yelled before charging forward. Roaster quickly found himself deflecting attacks from all sides, blocking the staffs with his wings before slashing at the monkies with his claws.

"Hybrid Ability, Activate!" The other Heath cried as Roaster leapt into the air, his wings bursting into flames. "Wildfire Cyclone!" As he landed outside the circle, he beat his wings and sent the flames flying off of him as the wind swirled them around into a flaming tornado.

It shot forward and zigzagged around, hitting each Wukong and dispelling them until only the real one remained.

"Augh!" He cried as the flaming vortex struck his body and burned away a lot of his power.

Garuda: 750Gs
Roaster: 1450Gs
Quetzal: 800Gs
Wukong: 1350Gs

Meanwhile, Quetzal avoided another Blitz Bolt as the other Soarin held up a card. "Hybrid Ability, Activate!" Quetzal spun in the air and shot straight up towards them, as the orb on her tail lance glowed. "Heavenly Cannon!"

As Garuda fired another Blitz Bolt, she thrust her tail around as the orb fired a beam of light. It struck the Blitz Bolt and completely nuffield it before continuing towards Garuda, hitting him in that chest as his power was greatly reduced and Quetzal's rose.

Garuda: 550Gs
Roaster: 1450Gs
Quetzal: 1000Gs
Wukong: 1350Gs

"AUGH!" Garuda fell towards the ground and tried to open his wings, barely managing to do so feet off the ground and stopping his sudden fall.

"WOW!" Soarin cried as he fell off Garuda's shoulder, the Bakugan seeing this swinging his claws around to make a strong wind that pushed him sideways to land on the roof of a nearby building.

As Soarin recovered from this, Garuda turned to Quetzal as she fired her cannon again. He took to the air and flew away, the lasers getting too close to Soarin for his comfort. As Soarin climbed down the building, the headed towards the other battlefield as Wukong was recovering from the fire tornado that had struck him.

"You okay?" Heath asked, Wukong nodding and pushing himself to his feet.

"He won't be for long!" Roaster squawked, rushing forward with his feet on fire.

"Ability, Activate!" Heath cried as Wukong swung his flaming ponytail around. "Wildfire Burst!" He swung it at Roaster and it slammed into the bird, knocking him back and burning away at his power.

Garuda: 550Gs
Roaster: 1300Gs
Quetzal: 1000Gs
Wukong: 1350Gs

Wukong then leapt at him with his fist pulled back, the ape punching the hybrid as hard as he could. All the while, Heath was staring at the ground. "Come on. Power yourselves up. Get as strong as you can." As he said that, Garuda and Quetzal flew passed with the serpent firing a cannon at him.

Soarin ran into the field and took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda shot into the air and spun, "Aero Bomber!" The spheres of energy formed in his hands and he brought them together, then thrust the sphere down towards Quetzal.

Garuda: 700Gs
Roaster: 1300Gs
Quetzal: 1000Gs
Wukong: 1350Gs

Quetzal fired her hybrid attack at the sphere and it exploded before it could hit her, Soarin frowning since all he had left was his Fusion Ability. He took it out and was about to use it, but then his eyes connected with Heath who gave him a look saying not yet.

"It's time to end this!" Roaster roared as the other Heath held up a card.

"Fusion Ability, Activate!" He cried as Roaster's entire body exploded into flames

"Fusion Ability!" The other Soarin called out as well, "Activate!" Quetzal's entire body began to glow brighter and brighter, the serpent flying towards Garuda whilst Roaster spread his wing.

"HYPER BLAZING HURRICANE!" He beat his wings and the flames shot towards Wukong, slamming into him before he could react and spiralling around him.

"DIVINE LIBERATION!" The light exploded off of Quetzal and struck Garuda, the birdman screaming as he felt his power being sucked away.

Garuda: 100Gs
Roaster: 1700Gs
Quetzal: 1200Gs
Wukong: 950Gs

"GARUDA!" Soarin cried, scared he was going to lose his partner.

"YES!" Sombra cheered, as both Garuda and Wukong began to weaken. "Activating the energy grabbers!" He started typing away as Lucifer watched, not thinking it was going to be so easy. And he was right.

"Just give it up!" Quetzal told thm, as the two of them were getting closer and closer to defeat. "Relinquish your power to our master."

Hearing this, Garuda growled. "I...I knew it." He flinched, but kept up. "You're trying to take our Attribute Energies." This scared the teens, not knowing what might happen if Lucifer got his hands on another. "Well it's not...gonna happen."

"Yeah!" Wukong cried, as he was continuously slammed by strikes of fire. "These Attribute Energies were a gift. We proved ourselves and they were our prizes. The Guardians rusted us with them, and we're not gonna let you guys just take them away!"

"What can you possibly do now?" Roaster asked, "there's no way you can beat us!"

"I wouldn't be so sure about that." The Hybrids looked over at Heath, who smirked before pointing towards the ground. "Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground began to glow, "Crazy Monkey Business!" The energy shot towards the pillars of fire and light, right into the Bakugan within them. And as Wukong and Garuda was just about to fall, they felt their power surge.

"Huh?" Garuda asked, as new strength flowed through him. He then beat his wings and in doing so, the light exploded off of him.

"YEAH!" Wukong cheered as he summoned his staff and swung it around, dispelling the fire tornado as the energy continued to make them glow.

"What?" Quetzal cried.

"How's that possible?" Roaster asked, as the energy their opponents were shrouded with suddenly exploded off of them and struck them both. "AUGH!"

"What's happening?" Quetzal cried, but then felt her power drop harshley. "Gyah!" The fake brawlers looked down at their BakuColars, surprise appearing on their faces.

Garuda: 1200Gs
Roaster: 950Gs
Quetzal: 100Gs
Wukong: 1700Gs

"They traded your G power," other Soarin stated.

"That's right," Heath smirked. "Crazy Monkey Business can trade the G Power of any Bakugan with their opponents, but only if Wukong is on the field and the difference is five hundred or more." The hybrids growled at this, then realised the biggest problem. They were almost out of Ability Cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Their brawlers each held up a pair of cards, as they both glowed. "Co-Side, plus Diagonal Correlation!" Wukong and the Hybrids both glowed, the energy flowing off into the single ball between them before splitting into two and flying into the hybrids. But it wasn't enough.

Garuda: 1200Gs
Roaster: 1250Gs
Quetzal: 400Gs
Wukong: 1700Gs

"Attack Garuda!" Quetzal told Roaster, he tried to charge towards the Ventus Bakugan. But before he could, Wukong got in the way.

"Not today!" He cried, swinging his staff and knocking Roaster back. At the same time, Garuda charged towards Quetzal.

"Stay away!" She cried, firing her Heavenly Cannon at him. But Garuda created a lightning sword that he swung around to deflect it without problem. "NO!"

"Our turn to end this!" Soarin cried, as he and Heath took out a card. "FUSION ABILITY, ACTIVATE!" Garuda shot into the sky, his body exploding with electricity. At the same time, Wukong began to breakdance as his hands, feet and tail-tip ignited. "STORM STRIKER/MONKEY KING INFERNO!"

The hybrids could only watch in horror, as Garuda dived down towards Quetzal and the flames exploded off of Wukong to slam into Roaster multiple times.

Garuda: 1600Gs
Roaster: 1250Gs
Quetzal: 300Gs
Wukong: 2150Gs

Wukong then leapt forward and called upon his staff, whilst Garuda got closer and closer to Quetzal. And there was nothing they could do to stop them. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" They both screamed before the attacks struck and they exploded, the force hitting the clones and blasting them out of existence.

Heath and Soarin were blinded for a moment, but the light soon faded and they looked over to see the Bakugan were both gone. "We did it!" Heath cheered, running over to Soarin and high-fiving.

"Yeah we did!" Soarin smirked, looking around to see any sign of the Bakugan. But there wasn't any. "Where'd they go?" He asked, looking worried those two might try and sneak attack them.

Within the dark area, Gigant and Muddion continued to hover until a flash of light caught their attention.

Looking around, they spotted two more Bakugan appear. "You lost too?" Gigant asked, as Quetzal and Roaster popped open. "Seriously? We thinned them out for you. How hard is it to beat what was left?"

"Oh be quiet," Quetzal told them. "From the looks of things, you didn't do any better than the pair of us."

"You have all failed!" The Bakugan went silent at that voice, as a screen appeared inside the void that showed Lucifer. "All you had to do was beat them once. Just once and the power they held would have been mine." The Bakugan flinched, fearing their master was going to get rid of them. "However, you were able to seperate the most dangerous target from the rest of his party. Now he's all alone going up to the final hurdle." He chuckled saying this, "no matter how strong he is there's no hope for him to overcome those two on his own."

Flash and Leonidas continued to ride the elevator up to the next floor, hating that he had no choice in where he was going. "Hopefully, this leads to Sombra's office."

"I doubt it," Leonidas told him. "There could be a hundred floors between us and them. If Lucifer's trying to buy time to synchronise with the power, he'd want to put as many obstacles between us and him as he could."

"I guess," Flash nodded. "But I think we've already passed floor one hundred. I just wonder why Sombra built a bunch of battlefields into his building to begin with. Dark Industries has existed since before the Bakugan showed up, so this building couldn't have had all these fields before then. How much did it cost to remodel this place?"

"I doubt he physically rebuilt the place. Best guess, Lucifer used his power to make these fields like he did the hybrids." As he said that, the elevator dinged. "We're here." The doors opened and they stepped out to find themselves in yet another battlefield, this one appearing a lot more whole then the last too.

This battlefield was made entirely out of black rock, looking like a rocky wasteland. Some of the rocks were huge, some being the size of houses whilst others were three times that size. And from a spot on each of those rocks, a strange purple liquid flowed out. That liquid oozed down the side of the rocks and either pooled into lakes at the base, or flowed along the ground into rivers.

"I don't like the look of this place," Leonidas growled. "Careful around that water."

"I don't think that's water," Flash stated as he walked towards a river which had a rocky bridge over it. As he stepped across, he got the strangest feeling he was being watched. "We're not alone here."

"No doubt," Leonidas nodded. "This place must have a pair of Hybrid Bakugan in it as well."

At the same time, two large figures were hiding behind some of the large rocks.

The pair were watching the two from a distance, chuckling at the sight of them. "Our prey has arrived," one said gleefully with a snap of his claws.

"Master Lucifer will reward us greatly for defeating him," the other stated. "They will regret coming here and attempting to oppose him. Come, we will use the element of surprise." He turned to walk away, the heavy clunking of metal boots filling the air.

Flash and Leo continued to make their way through the battlefield, hoping to find the elevator before they ran into the hybrids guarding the floor

But as they rushed passed another pool of purple liquid, that pool began to bubble and ripple. "Huh?" Leo turned to it and saw a figure beneath the surface. "LOOK OUT!" Flash heard this and his instincts kicked in, the teen leaping forward as the figure exploded out of the pool.

That figure turned out to by a Darkus Serpenoid, who hissed angrily as it surged forward to try and swallow them whole. Flash's actions had saved them from becoming a single course meal, but as they began to pick themselves up two more Serpenoid appeared.

An Aquos one appeared at the top of a rock and slithered down it, whilst a Haos Serpenoid broke out of the ground and hissed as it slithered out. And as the three charged, Leonidas turned to his partner. "Flash!"

"Bakugan," Flash grabbed and threw him, "BRAWL!" As the Serpenoid charged at the pair, Leonidas landed and popped open. "Bakugan...STAND!" The light tornado exploded out and as it did, the three snakes were knocked back before Leonidas exploded from it.

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared quickly flying down and grabbing Flash before swinging his tail around to knock the Darkus Bakugan away as it tried to bite Flash. "Let's get out of here!" He began to fly off, but the Serpenoid began to fire blasts of water, light and dark mist.

"Look out!" Flash cried, Leonidas barrel-rolling to avoid the attacks. "We gotta take them out or they'll just keep attacking." Leonidas nodded as Flash took out a card. "Ability...Activate."

"Ultra Destroyer!" Leonidas spun around and fired the laser from his mouth, which struck the ground in front of the Serpenoid and made it explode. The three snakes hissed as they were blasted backwards and reverted back to ball form, allowing Leonidas to keep flying. But before he could get to far...

"OCEAN EATER!" From behind one of the rocks, a blast of water exploded towards them in the shape of a dragon head.

"AUGH!" Leonidas cried, the blast knocking him down and causing him to fall towards a lake of purple ooze. He spun out of control, but just managed to spread his wings and fly above the lake before crashing into the ground.

"Gyah!" Flash cried as he was thrown from Leo's claws and rolled along the ground. He let out a moan as he picked himself up, "Leo...you okay?"

Leonidas groaned as he pushed himself to his feet. "What was that?" He turned towards the area that attack had come from and when he did, a figure stepped out of the shadows.

"Welcome trespassers," a high pitched voice exclaimed with a snapping of claws. "To the last battlefield you'll ever see!" The creatures looked like the combination of a skeleton and a scorpion. Its entire body looked to be made out of purple bones with blue blades. It was standing on two large boney feet, which had three long blue claws, that were connected to a long spinal column-like body with large blue spikes sticking out of it that mirrored both ribs and extra legs. It also had a pair of boney arms that ended in a pair of blue scorpion pincers, whilst the end of the spine had a giant monster skull for a head. Finally, it had a long bone-tail that ended in a blue blade almost as long as Flash was tall.

"Who are you?" Leonidas asked, as the creature charged forward.

"I am Poison Skulpion. And I will destroy you!" He slashed at Leonidas, who growled as he dodged the attack. Flash had to leap out of the way to avoid getting stepped on, as Skulpion's claws glowed. "Shadow Slashers!" He swung his claws around and in doing so, sent out black energy blades that struck Leonidas.

"GYAH!" He was thrown backwards and crashed into a large rock, hitting it so hard he left a sizable dent within the rock.

"That was a Darkus Ability," Flash realised as Leonidas pushed himself out of the rock. "And that last one was an Aquos Ability. So that's this guy's Attribute." Flash knew there had to be another Hybrid around and as he thought about it, he realised that Lucifer had only used each attribute twice in his creations. And the last two Attributes to be used were... "Haos and Darkus." He spun around, trying to see a sign of the final Hybrid as Leonidas and Skulpion stared one another down.

"I know you're out there!" He cried, "show yourself. Haos and Darkus Hybrid." Skulpion was surprised to hear this and Leonidas smirked, the lot of them hearing heavy footsteps fill the the battlefield.

"Very good human," the source of the steps appeared from behind another rock. It was a humanoid Bakugan that resembled a medieval crusader. It was wearing black clothing with white armour on top of it that protected it chest, wrists and feet, whilst its head looked similar to a Haos Siege but without the eyes. It was wearing a black cape that flowed down its back and it was carrying a golden sword in one hand and a shield in the other that looked like a skull with a pair of large vampire fang. "You are correct. I am the Hybrid of light and shadow." He raised his sword, "Mayhem Rampager!"

"Wow," Leonidas said sarcastically, "scary." He quickly spread his wings and leapt into the air, "but you don't scare me!"

"Ability, Activate!" Flash cried as Leo's mouth began to glow, "Supreme Cannon!" Leonidas formed the sphere and fired it at Rampager, but the hybrid raised his shield.

"Vampire Shield!" The skull's eyes glowed as the mouth opened, creating a sucking motion that pulled the attack in and swallowed the sphere.

"No way!" Leonidas cried, only for the sucking force to increase in power and begin to pull him. "What?" He cried, doing his best to stay away. But then, energy began to flow out of him. "He nullified my attack and is draining...my power!"

"Leo!" Flash cried, as Rampager drew his golden sabre.

"Sword of Light!" The blade glowed as he swung it around, the light flying off and shooting towards Leonidas.

"Look out!" Flash cried, trying to activate an Ability. But it was too late. The blade slammed into Leonidas and he scream in pain, as the blast knocked him backwards until he crashed into the ground with enough force to blast Flash back. "Augh!" He rolled along the ground several feet until he finally came to a stop, right on the edge of what he now assumed was a toxic lake.

"Pathetic," Rampager chuckled. "To think, these are the fools master Lucifer is so afraid of."

Skulpion laughed as he snapped his claws together. "Let's finish them off and deliver the Attribute Energy to master Lucifer." As he said that, his claws began to produce a dark purple mist that completely surrounded the instruments. At the same time, Rampager's sword began to glow a mixture of purple and golden light.

Flash groaned as he pulled himself to his feet. "Leo," he moaned out. "Leo, you have to get up."

Leonidas began to move, a cry of pain filling his body as he did so. "Flash." He lifted his head and looked over at his partner, then felt the energy forming behind him and look around. "What?"

"Poisonous Tear!" Skulpion roared as he swung his claws around, the mist flying off and forming an X-shaped projectile that flew towards them.

"Shining Shadows!" Rampage swung his sword and the twin lights flew off, forming a crescent blade that they were the target of. The two attacks moved at incredible speed, too fast for Flash and Leonidas to avoid.

"LOOK OUT!" Leo roared as he reached down to shield Flash, right as the attacks landed.

KABOOOOOOOOOOM!

A massive explosion rocked the entire building, worrying those below and exciting those above. Leonidas let out a scream of pain as everything went dark.

Outside the building, two figures flew towards it as fast as they could. Ragnaroid and Derpy were both staring at their intended location, ready to help their friends as best as they could.

Ragnaroid suddenly sensed something. "There's a battle going on inside that building," he told Derpy. The girl was worried about this, fearing the others had already began their fight against Lucifer. But then Ragnaroid opened his chest, allowing his Doom Vision to scan the entire building. "Lucifer's at the top, but the battle's taking place below him. That's strange."

"What is it?"

"I'm only sensing three Bakugan within the battle, but there are five attributes within it."

"How is that possible?"

"A hybrid," Ragnaroid assumed. "I've seen a few Bakugan like that. Evolving to gain a secondary Attribute. Usually the second one is weaker then the first, but these attributes appear to be in perfect equilibrium. Wait..."

"What's wrong?"

"I know that single Haos Attribute. It's Leonidas. He's fighting these Hybrid on his own. And it looks like he's being outclassed." Now Derpy was very worried.

"We have to help them."

"It'll be tough. I can see a field around the outside of the building. If I enter, I'll return to ball form."

"Is there a way around it?" She asked, Ragnaroid nodding.

"But it could be dangerous."

"We have no other choice," Derpy told him. "Flash needs our help." She stared back at the building, thinking about all the pain she had caused him. "I won't leave him to face his battle alone." No matter what the risk, she would help her friend. Even if it meant giving in too her demons.

Author's Note

Four hybrids down, two to go. Now, can Flash pull through this final obstacle. Or will he need a little help.

BakuFighters, Unite

The City of Canterlot was still in chaos, as Bakugan continued to appear and attack anyone who they spotted.

Many of the city's citizens had taken refuge within the Bakugan Battle Stadium, it's large size able to accommodate even the entire city's populace and allow the Brawlers whose Bakugan didn't rebel to protect a single spot easier.

"Fire Burst!" Spikenoid cried as he launched the green fire towards an Aquos Juggernoid, knocking it back and reverting it back to ball form. Twilight stood on his shoulders and tapped him on the neck, Spike smiling but looking exhausted.

"Twilight," Rainbow's voice called out through the BakuColar, "You guys need to take a break. You've been going nonstop for ages."

Twilight sighed, knowing she was right. They needed to rest and recharge to be ready for whatever happened next.

Spike moved back over to the stadium and Twilight jumped down as he reverted back to ball form, the girl heading inside and seeing the many people sitting within it worried and scared. That included her family, as Shining Armor, Cadance and her parents were looking around terrified.

"Twilight!" Cadance cried when she spotted her, Twilight smiling as she moved over to hug them. "We were so worried."

"Sorry," she sighed, "I had to help keep everyone safe." As she said that, an explosion occurred outside and she looked out to see Cleopal facing off against a Hynoid.

"These Bakugan are monsters," Shining growled. "The government should have rounded them all up as soon as they were being sold."

"It's not the Bakugan's fault," Twilight told him. "They're being controlled. Besides, if it wasn't for our Bakugan, we wouldn't be able to protect ourselves right now." In that moment, Cleopal blasted the Hynoid away and it returned to ball form.

"I just wish there was something we could do," Twilight's mother looked worried. "Isn't there any way to stop them."

"My friends are working on it," Twilight assured her. "Flash and the others have gone to take down the one responsible for this." She would come to regret saying that.

"Flash?" She spun around to see Scootaloo and Flash's parents moving towards her. "You know where our son is?" Misty asked, grabbing Twilight by the shoulders. "Where is he? What do you mean he's taking down the one responsible. He shouldn't be doing something so dangerous!"

"Mom!" Scootaloo pulled her back, "you've got to relax."

Twilight sighed, "I'm sorry. I can't tell you where he is right now. Flash...he and the rest of his teammates were chosen to complete this task. They're the ones best suited for stopping the ones behind this." Misty and Trail didn't look happy about this. "You don't have to worry about them. Flash and his friends are a great team. And it's not just them. Their Bakugan partners are going to make sure they're safe." The adults clearly didn't understand any of this, whilst Twilight's vision drifted in the direction of the Dark Industries building. "They'll be fine. I know it."

Flying above the city, Ragnaroid was moments away from the Dark Industries building. "You ready?" He asked his passenger, "if we're gonna do this, it has to be now." Derpy continued to stand on his head and took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for this.

"I'm ready."

"Alright," he opened his claws and pointed them towards the building, "Apocalyptic Fire!" With that, the black and purple flames exploded from his claws and shot towards the building. They flew through the field surrounding it and slammed into the side of the building, causing it to explode and create a massive hole in the sides.

The entire building shook, Sombra and Lucifer almost falling over as it did.

"What was that?" Lucifer asked, as Sombra started typing to bring the outside security systems online. And when they did, he was shocked by who he saw and showed Lucifer. "Ragnaroid," he growled. "Quick, before they get through. Begin the procedure."

Inside the third battlefield, Flash way laying on the ground.

The teen had taken a big hit when the enemy Bakugan attacked them. It would have been a bigger hit, had Leonidas not shielded Flash with his own body. Speaking of which, as Flash began to come around he remembered what had happened. Despite the few injuries he had, Flash pushed himself to his hands and knees and looked over at his partner.

"Leo," he cried seeing the dragon laying on the floor looking to be in great pain. "Leo, please get up." As he said this, he spotted the ones responsible for this slowly making their way towards them. "Leonidas, they're coming!"

Rampager and Skulpion chuckled at the sight of the almighty Leonidas, down for the count. "Pathetic," Rampager stated as Skulpion clicked his claws.

"I was hoping for more a fight." The two prepared to finish him off, but before they did they heard many clicking sounds that weren't caused by Skulpion. "Looks like master Sombra wants to take the Attribute Energy now."

"Strange," Rampager hummed, "I figured he would wait until the process was a guarantee. He's down, but he might still be able to fight it."

Flash had heard the clicking and wondered what was going on, only for lightning to suddenly fly down from the sky and strike Leonidas. "AAAAARRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" He screamed in pain, Flash's eyes going wide as he realised what was happening.

"LEO!" He cried as the dragon withered around in agony, roaring in pain as Flash forced himself to his feet. "Fight it! They're trying to take the Attribute Energy!"

Leo knew this, but the injuries he had sustained before were making holding onto the energy within him difficult. They watched as he dug his claws into the ground, trying to keep the energy within him and summoning the power to attack what was doing this. But he couldn't.

"Can't...hold...on."

"Leo," Flash whispered. "Someone...please help."

Ragnaroid charged at the building a fast as he could, whilst Derpy took something out that she didn't even know she had.

It was the pair of shades that had once been the bane of every brawler on the planet. Now, they were Derpy's only hope. "Phantom," she whispered as she lifted the shades up, "please...lend me your strength to help my friends." She put them on as Ragnaroid entered the field, feeling the power of the shades flowing through her.

Ragnaroid slammed into the building and through the hole he had made, whilst Derpy was enveloped by a bright light.

Leonidas was moments away from losing the energy and it seemed like nobody was going to save him.

Rampager and Skulpion smiled at this, believing they had succeeded. But before they could celebrate, the ground suddenly exploded between them and their targets. "WHAT!?" Rampager roared, as he and Skulpion staggered backwards.

The next thing they knew, a blast of fire shot up and struck the points that the lightning was coming from. An explosion occurred and rocked the entire battlefield, causing the lightning to stop seconds before Leonidas lost the energy.

"Ah," he sighed as the power drain stopped and he was able to catch his breath. He panted several times before turning to where the fire had come from. "What was that?"

Flash stared into the smoke, wondering the same thing. Then, a large figure appeared within it that he recognised as only one Bakugan. "No way." Ragnaroid slowly appeared as the smoke cleared, Flash's fears increasing at this. Then, he spotted someone else stepping into the light. "Phantom."

The brawler known as Phantom smiled as he turned towards Flash, all the memories he had from his time as Derpy flowing through his head and getting him up to speed. "Long time no see," he smirked. "You disappoint me, Flash Sentry." Flash looked confused, "given that you're the one who defeated me."

"You're certainly a sorry sight to see," Ragnaroid told Leonidas as he picked himself up. "Where's your pride as the Bakugan who beat me?"

"Shut up," Leonidas growled. "Why are you here?"

"Yeah," Flash nodded, "what are you doing here?"

"You invited me, remember?" Phantom smirked as they turned to Rampage and Skulpions, "so these are Lucifer's new lapdogs. Clearly he traded down."

"You little punk," Skulpion hissed.

"You think a pair of traitors will scare us?" Rampager asked.

"We're gonna do more than just scare you," Ragnaroid stated.

Flash stepped up besides Phantom, staring at him with a little worry. "Is...is Derpy..."

"She's in here," Phantom assured him. "Things are different this time. She's fully aware of everything I do and can take back control whenever she wants. But she asked me to come help you out. So just this once, you have the honour of battling alongside me."

Flash smiled as Leonidas stared at Ragnaroid. "As much as I wanna tell you you're not needed, that would be a lie. So please, help us defeat these fools."

"With pleasure," Ragnaroid chuckled as Phantom began to glow. Suddenly, a card appeared in his hands that he threw towards Flash.

"Take this. There's no way your Bakugan can fight in the state he's in.

Flash caught the card and looked it over, frowning for a moment but putting his trust in him. "Phantom Ability, Activate!" He threw the card and it hit Leonidas, who glowed before all his wounds started disappearing. "Restoration!" Leonidas sighed as he was completely restored, both he and Ragnaroid staring down their opponents.

Suddenly, the light flowed over the pair and then shot off of them. They flew across the field and crashed into the ground next to the Bakugan, taking form before fading to reveal almost exact copies of them.

"Huh," Phantom frowned, "well that's just weird."

"Tell me about it," Flash glared at his inverted copy. "Let's take these creeps out so they can disappear." Phantom nodded as the four Bakugan returned to their partners. As they did, Phantom took out a Gate Card.

"BRAWL!" They all yelled.

Sombra hit the computer several times to try and get the picture back, since the attack of Ragnaroid had knocked the whole security system offline.

"Come on," he cried as the screen remained static. "COME ON!" Finally, an image reappeared on the screen and revealed what had happened. "NO!" He cried, seeing Leonidas was up and no longer being drained of his Attribute Energy. And then he saw Phantom and Ragnaroid, the two Bakugan and the hybrids returning to the humans and the clones. "Those two fools better win. If not, they'll be in serious trouble."

"Gate Card...SET!" Phantom threw the card towards the ground and as he did, the four of them leapt into the air. "BAKUGAN!" They threw them forward, "BRAWL!" The Bakugan shot through the air and all collided in the middle of the battlefield, the four grinding against one another before bouncing away and landing on the ground. "BAKUGAN!" They popped open, "STAND!" In that moment, four tornados exploded into the air. A tornado of light, a tornado of dark mist, a tornado of purple liquid and a tornado and yellow and purple light.

"Haos Supreme Leonidas!" Flash cried as Leo exploded from his tornado.

"Poison Skulpion!" The Phantom clone yelled as the hybrid appeared and snapped his claws.

"Darkus Doom Ragnaroid!" Phantom cried, as his Bakugan appeared and powered up his mechanical parts.

"Mayhem Rampager!" The other Flash announced as Rampager swung his sword and dispelled the light and dark tornado. The four Bakugan stared one another down, ready for the fight of their lives.

Leonidas: 900Gs
Skulpion: 750Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs
Rampager: 750Gs

"This'll be over before it begins!" Phantom announced before pointing towards the ground. "Gate Card, OPEN!" The ground began to unleashing a dark fog, "Joker's Wild!" The fog surrounded Ragnaroid, the strongest Darkus Bakugan on the field. "End this!"

"Ability," the other Flash held up a card. "Activate!" Rampager rushed forward as his sword began to glow, "Sword of Light!" Ragnaroid thrust the fog towards Rampager, but the hybrid swung his sword and dispelled the fog before stabbing it into the ground.

"What?" Phantom cried, as the Gate Card cracked before shattering. "He destroyed my Gate Card!"

Leonidas: 900Gs
Skulpion: 750Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs
Rampager: 950Gs

"We'll deal with the traitor first!" Rampager leapt towards Ragnaroid and swung his sword around, Ragnaroid using his claws to block the sword as best he could. At the same time, Skulpion scuttled forward as the other Phantom held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Skulpion opened his mouth, "Ocean Eater!" He spat a blast of water from his mouth, which quickly reshaped itself into a skull that shot towards Ragnaroid.

Rampager pushed Ragnaroid back, right into the attack's path. It slammed into him, the water mouth biting down upon him. "Augh!"

Leonidas: 900Gs
Skulpion: 750Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs
Rampager: 950Gs

Ragnaroid fell to the ground, as Rampager stepped up and raised his sword. But as he swung it down, Leonidas suddenly appeared between them and blocked it with his arm guards. "Augh!" He hissed at the impact, but refused to give up. "Quick," he told Ragnaroid, "Get up!" Ragnaroid heard this and pushed himself upwards, spreading his wings an taking to the air.

As he did, Phantom held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid pointed his claws at Skulpion, "Apocalyptic Fire!" The dark flames exploded from his claws and shot towards Skulpion.

Leonidas: 900Gs
Skulpion: 750Gs
Ragnaroid: 1000Gs
Rampager: 950Gs

The flames slammed into Skulpion and knocked him backwards, the skeletal scorpion screaming as he was pushed into a river of toxic water.

At the same time, Flash held up his card. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas' mouth began to fill with energy, "Ultra Destroyer!"

Leonidas: 1200Gs
Skulpion: 750Gs
Ragnaroid: 1000Gs
Rampager: 950Gs

The sudden boost of power gave him the pump up he needed to knock Rampager away from him, the knight staggering back as he roared and unleashed the laser of energy.

"Ability, Activate!" Other Flash held up a card, as Rampager's body glowed. "Miracle Armor!" The light shot off him and formed a forcefield, which blocked Leonidas' attack and cancelled it out whilst boosting him.

Leonidas: 900Gs
Skulpion: 750Gs
Ragnaroid: 1000Gs
Rampager: 1050Gs

"Ahhh," Leonidas groaned as he felt his power drop. Rampager quickly used this chance to charge forward and slash at him with his sword, Leonidas grunting as he was knocked staggering back.

Ragnaroid saw this and pointed his claws at Rampager, preparing to shoot flames at him. But before he could, a nearby poison pond exploded as Skulpion leapt out after swimming through the many tunnels that connected them.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Other Phantom announced as Skulpion's claws glowed. "Shadow Slashers..." He swung his claws around and sent out the two energy blades, which Ragnaroid was forced to defend against using his flames.

Leonidas: 900Gs
Skulpion: 950Gs
Ragnaroid: 1000Gs
Rampager: 1050Gs

"Plus, Hydro Stingers!" Skulpion's stinger was covered in water that shot off, turning into a bunch of needles that shot through the flames and slammed into Ragnaroid.

"Augh!" He cried as his power dropped.

Leonidas: 900Gs
Skulpion: 950Gs
Ragnaroid: 850Gs
Rampager: 1050Gs

With both their Bakugan powered down, Flash and Phantom could only watch as Rampager and Skulpion got up close and began slashing at Leonidas and Ragnaroid.

"Ability, Activate!" They both cried as they held up their cards, Leonidas and Ragnaroid quickly leaping into the air to avoid another slash. As they did, Leo's claws glowed and Ragnaroid's drill tail spun. "Death Spiral/Mega Claw!"

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Skulpion: 950Gs
Ragnaroid: 1050Gs
Rampager: 1050Gs

The two dived down and got it close to their opponents, Leonidas slashing at Rampager whilst Ragnaroid thrust his drill into Skulpion's chest.

Rampager barely managed to hold up his shield, which absorbed much of the damage but still caused him to be pushed skidding backwards several meters. Meanwhile, Skulpion fought through the pain of the drill and grabbed Ragnaroid's tail in his claws, the hybrid pulling the drill away until the tip was an inch from him.

"Ability, Activate!" The clones both cried as they held up a card, Rampager's cape suddenly shoot up and straightening whilst Skulpion opened his mouth. "Cape of Doom/Death Mist!" The cape exploded into a million bats, which fluttered towards Leonidas. Skulpion shot out a stream of dark purple mist, which forced Ragnaroid to stop his drill and pull his tail out of the claws to escape.

Flash and Phantom knew these attacks were dangerous, so quickly held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid's body turned into a mist whilst Leo's glowed. "Shadow Divide/Spectral Barricade!" The light shot off Leonidas and formed a barrier around him, powering him up and preventing the bats from getting close.

Leonidas: 1200Gs
Skulpion: 950Gs
Ragnaroid: 1050Gs
Rampager: 1050Gs

Meanwhile, Ragnaroid's misty body split into four versions of him which circles around Skulpion. "Now we've got you!" Ragnaroid hissed before charging forward, slashing at Skulpion's back and causing him to stagger forward. Skulpion tried to slash back, but Ragnaroid flew straight up as the other three attacked.

One got his shoulder before Skulpion scissored him in half. Another stabbed him in the back before getting a stinger to its chest and the last one drilled into his chest before being cut in half as well. Meanwhile, the real Ragnaroid remained above the scorpion and had charged up a lot of dark fire. He shot them downwards, bathing Skulpion in the flames before it could react.

Meanwhile, Leonidas had flown down with his shield still up. As such, Rampager attempted to slash at him when he got close but couldn't get passed the shield. "Ability," Flash held up a card, "Activate!" The shield vanished as Rampager attempted another slash, only for Leonidas to suddenly vanished. "Turbo Overdrive!"

Leonidas: 1350Gs
Skulpion: 950Gs
Ragnaroid: 1050Gs
Rampager: 1050Gs

Rampage was suddenly slammed by a super fast flash of light, which shot passed him and knocked him staggering. This then happened again and again, until the other Flash held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" As the light shot towards him again, Rampager spun around and raised his shield to block it. "Vampire Shield!"

The mouth of the shield opened up as Leonidas appeared from the light, said light quickly being sucked into the mouth along with a lot of his power. "Augh!" He cried as he felt himself being drained away.

Leonidas: 1000Gs
Skulpion: 950Gs
Ragnaroid: 1050Gs
Rampager: 1050Gs

Leonidas tried to pulled away, but before he could Rampager used his shield to knock him off balance before swinging his sword around and slashing him down the chest. "AUGH!" He was knocked backwards and landed next to a river of poison, Rampager walking towards him with his sword raised.

"LEO!" Flash cried, Phantom seeing this and frowning.

"Ragnaroid!" He ordered, the snake-scorpion diving down into the dark fire. As he did, he grabbed Skulpion's tail and dragged him out of the flames.

"Let me go!" He roared.

"Gladly!" Ragnaroid smirked before throwing the hybrid at the other one.

"LOOK OUT!" Skulpion yelled, as Rampager turned to see him flying at him. He quickly raised his shield and Skulpion slammed into him, knocking him away from Leonidas as Phantom held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid opened up his chest, "Doom Vision!" His eyes was revealed and unleashed a bright light, which struck Skulpion and Rampager as they hybrids suddenly found themselves being frozen.

"Augh!" Rampager cried as he was forced to drop his weapons, whilst Skulpion's legs gave out and he fell to the ground.

Leonidas: 1000Gs
Skulpion: 750Gs
Ragnaroid: 1050Gs
Rampager: 850Gs

"Gotcha!" Ragnaroid smirked as Leonidas got up. "Now to finish them off."

"We need to get out of here," Leonidas told him. Ragnaroid was surprised to hear this, turning to look at him in shock. "Lucifer's the one we're after. If we waste any more time here, he'll get away or sync up with the Darkus Energy. we have to find the way out of here and get to him."

"Ahh," Ragnaroid turned to Phantom. The shaded teen nodded and Ragnaroid sighed. "Fine." He closed his chest as their brawlers leapt onto the Bakugan's back, "let's go!" They took to the air and left the two hybrids, who appeared rather insulted.

"Get up!" Sombra yelled, but neither Bakugan were able to do so.

"Ragnaroid's Doom Vision can paralyse an opponent for a good while," Lucifer told him. "And even if they could move, they wouldn't be able to use their Abilities for a while longer." As he said that, the two hybrids began to push themselves up. "We need to give them more time to completely recover."

"No problem," Sombra smiled as he started typing. "If they want to go against the rules of my game, they give me no choice but to make them regret it."

Flash and Phantom continued flying through the battlefield in search of the elevator.

As they did, Flash turned to Phantom. "So what made you want to come back?" Phantom glanced at him, "you were adamant that helping us take down Lucifer wasn't your destiny. What changed?"

"Nothing," Phantom told him. "Derpy wants to make up for what I've done. But she still lack a great amount of confidence, which is why she begged me to take the reigns and help her out." Flash frowned at this. "Don't expect this to be a recurring thing. When we get out of here, Derpy will be taking over again." He gave Flash a serious look, "and you'll need to help her grow confident enough to fight without me."

Flash wasn't sure what to say to that. But before he could think of anything, Leonidas spoke up. "Over there!" They looked ahead and spotted a large rock that had a set of metal doors in the side of them. "The elevator to Sombra." He flew ahead but before he could get to close, he suddenly slammed into an invisible wall. "AUGH!" He cried as a surge of energy flowed through him, the dragon pulling back as the wall became visible and revealed it was an energy barrier that went all the way to the sky.

"It's a forcefield!" Phantom cried, as they stared at the barrier. "Looks like Sombra doesn't want us getting to him before he's ready."

"Do you think it'll go down if we take out his hybrids?" Ragnaroid asked.

"I don't see why," Leonidas frowned. "He's trying to stop us, so keeping that barrier up as long as he wants would be smart." He flew even further back. "Let's see how much punishment this thing can take. Ultra Destroyer!" He launched the laser and it shot towards the barrier, slamming into it and causing the energy construct to glitch.

Ragnaroid smirked and raised his claws, "Apocalyptic Fire!" The flames shot out and struck the forcefield, making it flicker as well. The pair continued firing at it for a minute or two, the barrier taking the punishment but having trouble staying active.

"That's it!" Flash smirked.

"Keep it up!" Phantom yelled, "give it everything you've got!" They did so and the barrier kept glitching in certain areas, but it refused to give up. "This isn't working."

Flash nodded and tried to think of something, then had an idea. "We need to work together!" Flash cried.

"Isn't that what we're doing?"

"We're doing the same thing, but not working together. We need to unify our attacks." He patted Leonidas' head and dragon fired again, hitting a part of the barrier. "Both of us aim for that one spot. Our attacks on their own might not be able to break through a section, but both hitting the same area just might."

Phantom thought about this for a moment, then nodded. "Let's do it!" Flash nodded back as both their Bakugan powered up their attacks before letting it rip, the laser and flames shooting towards the barrier and hitting the same spot. The barrier seriously started glitching at this, the combined power of the two attacks concentrated on a single spot being too much to handle.

They watched and waited and sure enough, the forcefield's power couldn't keep up with the strain. The barrier began to crack and eventually shattered, releasing the energy and sending it flying overhead to reveal the elevator.

"Alright!" Flash cheered, smiling at Phantom who replied with a simple smirk. "Let's get out of here."

"I think not!" They spun around in time to see Rampager leaping towards them from a mountain-like rock, slamming his shield into Leonidas and knocking him to the ground.

Skulpion did the same and wrapped his bladed legs around Ragnaroid's tail. "Augh!" He was pulled down and once they were low enough, Skulpion let go with everything except his claws. He spun the Bakugan around before slamming him into the ground

Both Flash and Phantom had been thrown from their partners, but managed to land safely away from any of the toxic rivers. They turned towards their partners as Leonidas managed to throw Rampager off of him, whilst Ragnaroid attempted to thrust his spinning drill into Skulpion who was forced to let go to avoid it.

The two hybrids now stood between them and the elevator, Leonidas and Ragnaroid prepared to continue their fight.

"You should have stayed away!" Phantom cried as he held up a pair of cards.

"Now we're gonna go right through you!" Flash agreed as he held up two cards as well. "Double Ability!" They both cried, "Activate!" Rampager and Skulpion suddenly began to glow, the light flying off of them and going into both Leonidas and Rampager.

"Co-Side!"

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Skulpion: 750Gs
Ragnaroid: 1150Gs
Rampager: 850Gs

Leonidas then took that power and channelled it into his mouth. "Plus, Supreme Cannon!" The energy swirled into the sphere and he quickly fired it towards Rampager.

Leonidas: 1300Gs
Skulpion: 750Gs
Ragnaroid: 1150Gs
Rampager: 850Gs

The hybrid raised his shield and the sphere slammed into it, exploding with enough force that he was knocked skidding backwards. "Augh!" He grunted, panting as he did so.

Skulpion saw this and prepared to help his partner, but before he could Ragnaroid appeared above him. "Plus, Purgatory Crusher!" Ragnaroid swung his tail at Skulpion and wrapped it around the hybrid, pinning his claws to his side.

"AUGH!" He hissed, as the mechanisms in the tail began to tighten up. He hissed, trying to fight against the strain of the force surrounding him. But he couldn't and his power quickly began to drop.

As it did, Rampager sighed and looked up from behind his shield, seeing his partner in trouble as the other Phantom checked his BakuColar.

Leonidas: 1300Gs
Skulpion: 500Gs
Ragnaroid: 1150Gs
Rampager: 850Gs

"No more holding back!" Rampager cried as the other Flash held up a card.

"Hybrid Ability, Activate!" This statement confused their opponents, as Rampager's sword began to glow a mixture and bright and dark light. "Shining Shadows!"

"Take...THIS!" He swung the blade around, causing the light to fly off in a crescent blade that shot towards Leonidas. The dragon tried to outfly it, but the attack was too fast.

"AUGH!" The blade struck him and his power dropped, whilst Rampager rushed towards Ragnaroid.

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Skulpion: 500Gs
Ragnaroid: 1150Gs
Rampager: 1050Gs

"RAAAAH!" Rampager slashed at the Darkus Bakugan's tail, the attack not doing much damage but making him flinch enough to loosen his grip on Skulpion.

"I'm free!" He cried as he pulled his claws out, the other Phantom holding up a card.

Hybrid Ability, Activate!" Skulpion's claws glowed, "Poisonous Tear!" He swung them forward and unleashed an X-Shaped energy blade that struck Ragnaroid in the face, causing him to cry out as the energy exploded and spread throughout his entire body.

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Skulpion: 700Gs
Ragnaroid: 1050Gs
Rampager: 1050Gs

Ragnaroid unfurled his tail from around Skulpion and the hybrid leapt out and slashed at him again, making Ragnaroid hiss again as he was knocked back. Skulpion then landed and swung his tail at Ragnaroid, but the Darkus Bakugan caught it.

"Nice try," he smirked as he prepared to launch another Apocalyptic Flame. But before he could, his entire body spark with purple lightning. "AUGH!"

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Skulpion: 700Gs
Ragnaroid: 1000Gs
Rampager: 1050Gs

He let go of the tail as Skulpion leapt forward, slashing him again. Phantom saw this and stared down at his gauntlet, watching the score as the lightning surged around Ragnaroid again.

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Skulpion: 700Gs
Ragnaroid: 950Gs
Rampager: 1050Gs

"Some kind of poison?" He asked, realising that this could get dangerous if he didn't find a way to stop this.

Leonidas had recovered from his attack and charged at Rampager, firing another Supreme Cannon towards him. But Rampager blocked the attack with his shield as he charged forward, then slashed at him with his sword. Leo managed to pull back and land next to Ragnaroid, who was once again struck by the poison.

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Skulpion: 700Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs
Rampager: 1050Gs

"Time to bring this game to an end!" Skulpion roared as the other Phantom held up a card.

"Fusion Ability, Activate!" Skulpion's entire body let out a purple aura, as his claws were surrounded by the toxic energy. "Venomous Skull Storm!" A powerful wind began to swirl around him that sucked the energy off his body, turning it into a purple vortex that completely surrounded Skulpion.

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Skulpion: 1100Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs
Rampager: 1050Gs

The tornado suddenly developed a bunch of skull faces in the wind, as Skulpion leapt out of the top. He flew down and swung his claws in an X formation, hitting the tornado and sending it towards his opponents.

"Move!" Leonidas cried as he leapt into the air, Ragnaroid attempting to do the same. But before he could, he was once again zapped by the poison.

"Gyah!" He cried, flinching in place as his power dropped.

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Skulpion: 1100Gs
Ragnaroid: 850Gs
Rampager: 1050Gs

Before he could recover, the tornado slammed into him and he was bitten by the wind skulls as they injected more poison into him. He hissed, his power dropping again.

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Skulpion: 1100Gs
Ragnaroid: 450Gs
Rampager: 1050Gs

Leonidas watched Ragnaroid be trapped by the Fusion Ability and as he landed, Rampager charged at him as the other Flash held up a card. "Fusion Ability, Activate!" Rampager glowed purple and gold, the two energies flowing through him and into his sword. "Chaotic Rampage!"

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Skulpion: 1100Gs
Ragnaroid: 450Gs
Rampager: 1450Gs

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared as he got closer to Leonidas, then start wildly slashing his sword around.

"AUGH!" Leonidas felt the sword slash at him again and again, whilst Ragnaroid was once again hit by the poison. The two Bakugan could feel themselves getting closer and closer to dropping. If that happened, who knew what would happen.

Leonidas: 700Gs
Skulpion: 1100Gs
Ragnaroid: 400Gs
Rampager: 1450Gs

"LEO!" Flash cried, holding up his Fusion Ability. But Leo was in no fit state to activate it. "This isn't good."

Phantom tried to activate his Fusion Ability, but it also wouldn't work. As he tried, Ragnaroid was once again struck by the poison and cried out in pain.

Leonidas: 700Gs
Skulpion: 1100Gs
Ragnaroid: 350Gs
Rampager: 1450Gs

"We have to do something!" Flash cried as Rampager stopped with the rapid slashes, Leonidas standing there trying to recover. Then, he swung the blade around as hard as he could with a mighty cry. The force of the impact knocked him backwards, making him cry out as he crashed into a large rock behind him. "LEO!"

At the same time, the tornado trapping Ragnaroid also faded and Skulpion charged. He slashed Ragnaroid with his claws, also knocking him into a rock with a cry of pain.

Phantom watched as the Hybrids prepared to thrust their blade and stinger into the two's chest, Ragnaroid losing more power from the poison. He knew there was a way to save the Bakugan, but doing so would mean a sacrifice.

"No choice," he finally said before his body started glowing.

Flash noticed this and the Bakugan quickly saw it too, the lot of them turning to Phantom as the light got brighter and brighter. "What are you doing?" Flash asked, whilst Ragnaroid looked over at him.

"Phantom...wait. If you do that, you won't come back."

"What?" Flash asked, as Phantom smiled.

"The Phantom cards I generate were created using Lucifer's power. Every time I make one, I use up more and more of it. And since I was created using that same power..."

"Using it all will mean you'll disappear," Flash gasped. "Phantom, you can't!"

"Relax," Phantom smirked as the light began to flow off of him and form a card. "It's not like I'll be gone gone. Everything I am comes from Derpy. As long as she lives, so will I."

"Why?" Rampager asked, "why would you give up your existence so gladly? You always wanted to be the best. Why give that up just to win this one Brawl?"

"Because all my existence has ever been is causing misery," Phantom stated. "And I thought that was necessary to be the best. But now, I know what it truly means to be the best. Being strong...for the right reason. That's something my friends taught me. And now, I'll use that strength for good." With that, the card form in his hand and he threw it towards the ground. "Phantom Ability, Activate!" The card struck the ground and spread out, causing it to glow. "Neo Dimension!"

"What is this?" Rampager asked, as Phantom smirked.

"Neo Dimension allows me to play a new Gate Card. And that card can't be destroyed by Abilities." He held up another card and threw it, the Gate Card forming beneath their feet. He looked over at Ragnaroid, who had once again lost more of his power and was moments away from falling. "Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground began to glow, "Reset!"

The light flowed into the Bakugan, causing Leonidas and Ragnaroid to feel new power flowing into them whilst Rampager and Skulpion felt their drop. "What are you doing?" Rampager cried, as he staggered back whilst their opponents sighed and spread their wings.

"Reset returns every Bakugan on the field to their base G Level," Phantom smirked. "Which means once again, our Bakugan are stronger than you."

Leonidas: 900Gs
Skulpion: 750Gs
Ragnaroid: 900Gs
Rampager: 750Gs

"Impossible!" Rampager cried.

"I'm not letting this end now!" Skulpion hissed before launching another Poisonous Tear, Rampager slashing to fire a Shining Shadow at them. But the pair dodged the hybrid attacks, whilst Flash turned to see Phantom staggering.

"Wow!" He grabbed him and kept him standing, "you okay?"

"No, but that doesn't matter." He held up a card, "let's end this." This nodded and once Phantom was standing, he held up his card as they glowed. "FUSION ABILITIES, ACTIVATE!!!!" Leonidas flew up into the air and took a deep breath, as light surrounded by energy formed inside his mouth. At the same time, Ragnaroid's claws and chest opened. "ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION/END OF DAYS!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" They both roared as they unleashed their attacks, both striking the hybrids before either of them could save themselves.

"AUGH!" Rampager cried, as the Ultimate Destruction attack slammed into him. Meanwhile, Skulpion screamed with all of Ragnaroid's lasers burning away at his body.

Leonidas: 1100Gs
Skulpion: 475Gs
Ragnaroid: 1400Gs
Rampager: 475Gs

The two tried to fight against the attacks, but they were too much. Eventually, both of them were knocked back as the attacks created an explosion. Flash and Phantom were both knocked backwards, but their clones completely vanished as everything went white.

The next thing Rampager and Skulpion knew, they were inside the void with the other hybrids.

"You as well?" They heard Gigant's voice and looked over at the other four double attribute Bakugan. "Well, this isn't gonna look good for us." Rampager growled at this, unable to believe he had been so outclassed by a couple of kids and their single Attribute Bakugan.

"Just wait," Rampager told him. "I'll regain my honour. When master Lucifer releases us from here, I'll destroy everything that foolish boy loves."

As the light of the explosion fade, Flash opened his eyes and saw the hybrid were gone.

"We did it," he smiled before turning to Leonidas behind him. "Nice work bud." Leonidas smiled, but the dragon knew he wasn't the only one who had done a good job. Flash turned to Phantom, who had gone over to where Ragnaroid had landed to check on him. "Thanks man." Phantom turned to him, "I couldn't have done this without you."

"Obviously," Phantom smirked at him. "And I have to admit. This was kinda fun."

"Well it doesn't have to be the only time," Flash smiled. "We could...you know, really use someone like you on our side." But as he said that, Phantom's body began to glow. "What's happening?"

"Remember," Phantom looked down at his hand, "I'm made of Lucifer's power. The power I've now spent. So it's time for me to say goodbye." Flash's eyes went wide and Phantom expected him to say something, but another voice beat him too it.

"NO!" Phantom closed his eyes and when he opened them again, he was in the void of his mind with Derpy staring back at him.

"Please," she whispered, "please don't go. I need you."

"No, you just need to believe. Believe in the skills you have, that you gave to me. And now you can use them in ways I'd never be able to."

"But why?" She asked, "why do you have such faith in me?"

"Because...I am you." Derpy gasped at this as Phantom closed his eyes again and when he opened them, he was back in the real world and moving towards Flash. "So this in our final farewell, Flash."

"Phantom," was all he could say as his former enemy held out a hand.

"I'm glad my final battle was with you." Flash took it, the pair shaking as Phantom turned to Ragnaroid. "Take care my friend. Protect Derpy." Ragnaroid nodded as Phantom released Flash's hand, looking towards him as he reached up and removed his shades. In the blink of an eye, he was back in his mind staring back at Derpy. "I wish you good luck," he announced as his body began to disappear.

"Phantom!" Derpy tried to reach out to him, but he was too far away. All she could do was watch as he completely vanished, a content smile on his face. Phantom was gone and Derpy could do nothing but close her eyes to cry.

"Derpy." She heard Flash's voice and opened his eyes to see her friend staring at her in amazement. She looked around, seeing she had taken Phantom's place in the real world. And in her hands were the shades that Phantom wore. "You okay?"

"I...I don't know," Derpy whispered as tears fell down her face. "I...I don't know if I can do this alone."

Flash smiled and moved over to pull her into a hug. "You're not alone. You have me...you have your friends." Derpy smiled at this and pulled away, looking down at the shades still in her hands.

"Thank you Phantom," she whispered as the shades began to crack apart. "I promise, I'll never forget you." With that, the glasses turned to dust of light that was blown away. She took a deep breath, but her tears faded away. A part of her felt different. Like everything that had been taken from her to make Phantom was back. She felt...complete.

Flash wasn't sure what else to say, but luckily someone else spoke for him. "FLASH!" He looked around and spotted the rest of the BakuFighters and their Bakugan heading towards them, having made it up to this level after completing their own battles.

"Wait," Heath then noticed he was with someone, "is that Derpy?"

"What's she doing here?" Bonnie asked, whilst Lyra ran even faster.

"DERPY!" She cried, reaching the girl and pulling her into a hug.

"Lyra?" She asked, feeling strange as the girl hugged her.

"We were so worried about you," Lyra told her. She kept hugging her tighter and Derpy felt bad for making them all worry, the girl looking around at the rest of her friends as they stared at her.

"I'm sorry for making you worry," she finally said as Lyra pulled away. Derpy then bowed to them all, "I'm sorry for everything I did to you all." They smiled at this, all about to say she was fine. "I know you don't blame me, but I want to make up for everything I did during my time as Phantom. So please, let me help you take down Lucifer."

"You don't even need to ask," Heath told her. "We are your friends." They all nodded in agreement, whilst Soarin remained focused on the Darkus Bakugan behind her.

"Does anyone wanna tell me what Doom Ragnaroid is doing here?" The Bakugan glared at him, the others minus Leonidas getting ready to fight if needs be.

"There's no need to be worried," Derpy assured them. "Ragnaroid isn't going to be against you anymore." She turned to smile at him, "because he and I are partners." Everyone except Flash was shocked by this, as Ragnaroid smiled down at her.

"That's right. I will stand by Derpy's side for as long as she wants me. And together, we will defeat Lucifer once and for all." The others didn't know why, but they believed him. Heath then looked around and when he did, he realised something.

"Hey, don't you know what this means?" The others shook their heads as Heath pointed towards Flash. "Haos!" Flash raised an eyebrow as he pointed at Bonnie, "Subterra!" He then pointed a thumb at himself, "Pyrus!" He pointed at Soarin, "Ventus!" Then at Lyra, "Aquos." And finally, he pointed at Derpy. "And now Darkus. Our team now has all six Bakugan Attributes." Everyone's eyes went wide as they realised he was right.

"All six," Derpy whispered in amazement before turning to smile at Ragnaroid. "He's right." Ragnaroid nodded as Flash turned towards the elevator, which had become open to them as soon as the hybrids were defeated.

"Time to finally put an end to this," Flash smirked. "You guys ready to stop Lucifer?"

"YEAH!" They all cheered as their Bakugan returned to ball form and they charged towards the elevator, the lot of them looking up and ready to finally make Lucifer and Sombra pay for everything they had done. This was the day the war ended.

Sombra yanked the chord out of his floor and growled as he reset the the machine on his back.

"This is it," he announced as he turned towards the elevator. "Those kids are coming and we have no more minions to throw at them. Looks like we're in for the fight of our lives."

"Hardly." Sombra turned to Lucifer as the Bakugan's glow slowly began to fade. "Those six fools might not have been able to get us the Attribute Energies, but they did buy me the time I needed." The glow completely vanished and Lucifer sighed, no longer looking like he was about to explode.

Sombra's eyes went wide, "does this mean what I think it means?"

"I've finally synchronized with the Darkus Energy," Lucifer told him. "Now I am a true Bakugan. And with that title, I have the power I need to conquer this world." Sombra smiled, as he turned back to the elevator.

"Sorry kids," he told them. "But you guys were just a smidge to late."

The BakuFighters were now more powerful than ever, but now so were their opponents. The final stage of the conflict had arrived and the outcome of the coming battles would decide the fate of the world. Would good triumph, or would evil reign supreme?

Author's Note

Well, Phantom's final fight was a good one. Hope you enjoyed it. Now, onto the final part of the story.

Bakugan Invasion

The BakuFighters were on edge as they and their Bakugan rode the final elevator up to the very top of the Dark Industries building, the six humans and their partners anticipating their enemies to pull a fast one.

Any moment now, they expect the elevator to simply stop or maybe drop in an attempt to stop them. "I don't like this," Depry gulped. "It's like we're walking right into the lion's den."

"More like rat's den," Lyra frowned. "Sombra wouldn't be letting us up to the top if he didn't have anything planned to try and stop us." The others wanted to think that they were passed the worst of everything that had happened, but they knew Lyra was right. Sombra wasn't going to give up so easily. And Lucifer definitely wouldn't let them win without putting up a fight.

"Just be ready," Soarin told them. "For all we know, those six hybrids weren't the only Bakugan they've got to throw at us." In that moment, the elevator dinged and they were put on edge.

"Let's do this," Flash whispered as the doors opened up. He stepped forward and led them into the dark office, expecting to see Sombra sitting behind the desk on the other side. But he wasn't. In fact, the room was entirely empty. "Where are they?"

"Don't tell me they got away," Bonnie frowned as Heath looked around.

"How? There doesn't seem to be any other way out of this room." They searched for an elevator or staircase, but found nothing.

"Derpy," Soarin turned to their newest actual member, "I know you weren't really you, but Phantom must have been in this room before. Can you remember anything that might help us locate them?" Derpy tried to think, but Ragnaroid beat her to the punch.

"She doesn't need to remember. I was in this room plenty of times. And I might know where he went. Aquos girl!"

"My name's Lyra," said girl told him.

"Yes...that. There's a bookcase on the wall next to you." Lyra turned to said bookcase, "look for a red book on the second highest shelf." She looked through the books and eventually found it, the girl reaching out to pull it towards her. It stopped halfway out and a clicking noise was heard.

Lyra stepped back as the book returned to its original place, right before the entire bookcase descended into the floor. Doing so revealed a hidden room behind the bookcase, which had a metal spiral staircase leading upwards.

"Seriously?" Soarin asked, "it's like this guy was trying to be a supervillain before the Bakugan showed up." Flash headed up the stairs first, looking straight up as he did to see a metal door at the very top. He tried opening it but it was locked, the teen grabbing onto the stair railing and using them to hoist himself up and allow him to slam his feet into the door.

After several attempts, the lock gave way and the door swung open.

He leapt out onto the rooftop and when he did, he spotted something standing on the edge of the building. "SOMBRA!" He cried, his friends stepping out with him and glaring the business man down. They saw he was wearing a strange looking device on his back and as he turned to them, a dark smile appeared on his lips.

"So nice of you to join me here," he told them. "But I'm afraid you've arrived a little too late." He held up his hand and opened it to reveal a familiar dark Bakugan ball.

"Lucifer," Leonidas growled. As he did, Ragnaroid sensed something.

"Oh no. He's synchronised with the energy." This shocked them, as they realised that meant only one thing.

Sure enough, the Bakugan began to glow as the light spread to Sombra. The next moment, he stepped back and off the side of the building. But instead of falling like he should have, he was walking on air away from the building. Lucifer chuckled as he did so. "It's over, you fools. I've finally reached my destiny. I am now a true Bakugan."

"Then end this!" Lyra cried as they reached the edge of the building. "You got what you wanted? So drop the barrier around the city and stop the Bakugan from attacking people."

"Do you expect me to forgive what the Guardians did to me?" Lucifer asked, "betraying me. Trapping me in the Perfect Core. Stripping me of almost all the power I had. No. I will not forgive that humiliation." With that, the light coming off him grew brighter.

Moments later, six Bakugan appeared around them. Bakugan they realised were the hybrids that they had just fought. "Finally," they heard Gigant cry, "I get some payback!"

"Let me at em!" Roaster squawked, "let me at em!"

"Enough!" Lucifer stated, the hybrids shutting up as more flashes of light appeared above them. The BakuFighters watched as more Bakugan appeared. Hundreds of them, of every Attribute, kept appearing more and more by the second. Eventually, a large cloud of Bakugan was floating above Sombra and the seven villainous Bakugan.

"What is this?" Garuda asked.

"These were all the Bakugan still in the ark," Lucifer explained. "All of them under my control. And with them, I will conquer this puny world." The light exploded off of him and shot up into the top of the doom, which started glowing a mixture of different colours.

"What are you doing?" Gaia cried, only for the dome to start expanding outwards in every direction. Within seconds, the only part of the doom they could see was the top and that was only because it didn't get taller.

"He's expanding the dome?" Wukong asked, "why?"

"Why else?" Sombra asked, "the larger the dome the larger the reach our Bakugan army will have." As he said that, the Bakugan clouds above him broke apart and shot off in hundreds of different directions. "It'll keep growing until it covers the whole country. Once we have it under control, we'll move onto the rest of the continent. Then...the world."

"Why do you want to rule the world?" Flash asked, "what possible benefits could you get that you don't already have as a multimillionaire?" The others nodded, but Sombra just smirked as he and the evil Bakugan vanished. "HEY! Get back here!" But as he said that, the entire building shook as a massive explosion occurred below them.

They looked down and saw the side of the building blow up, smoke coming out of the blast point as the area of the building broke apart. Another explosion then occurred, followed by another and another.

"He's bringing the whole building down!" Soarin cried, the lot of them holding onto the sides to try and avoid falling over the edge.

"We have to get out of here!" Lyra told them.

"How?" Nimue asked. "That field is still up, preventing us from taking our true forms!" The building began to collapse, the lot of them unable to do anything but ride the rooftop as it fell. They screamed as the smoke flew up and surrounded them.

Back at the Stadium, Twilight had finally given in and told Flash's parents the truth about the Bakugan and how he was chosen to become the warrior of Haos.

"And that's everything," she explained. "Since he has the Haos Energy and the most powerful Haos Bakugan, he and his friends were the ones best suited for defeating Lucifer." She stared at Flash's parents and saw the look of disbelief on their faces.

"What were they thinking?" Trail growled, "making a kid be the one that has to do this."

"Well it's not like they had a lot of adult options," Scootaloo pointed out. "Most of the people that play this game are kids and teens." Twilight nodded.

"Dragonia didn't just pick Flash because he was the oldest. She chose him because she believed he had the qualities needed to help Leonidas learn to overcome the anger he was born from. And Flash did that. Leonidas could have been just as evil as Lucifer, but Flash helped show him another way." She smiled, "your son is an amazing person." The adults saw the look on her face and couldn't help but wonder if something was going on between them.

But before any of them could say anything, a flash of light caught their attention outside.

Twilight quickly got up and rushed outside, the two families following her not wanting anything bad to happen. As they reached the outside, they saw the dome trapping them within the city was expanding. "What?" Twilight asked, then looked over at Dark Industries.

When she did, she saw a large cloud of some kind, which suddenly exploded outwards in multiple directions. "What's happening?" Shining asked, Twilight realising she was watching Bakugan flying off.

"What is going on?" She asked, Spikenoid jumping onto her shoulder.

"I don't know, but I don't like the looks of this." As he said that, another explosion filled the air. Said explosion was coming from the direction of the skyscraper her friends were in, Twilight gasping as she saw part of Dark Industries blow up. Then there was another explosion, then another and another. Soon, the entire thing was blown to the point of no long being able to hold its own weight.

"FLASH!" She screamed, horrified to see this. Flash's family gasped when she said this, the three realising that must be where Flash was.

"No," Misty looked ready to start crying as she saw the building collapse. Twilight's family looked just as shocked, but nobody said anything.

Spike turned to Twilight, seeing her looking ready to start crying herself. "Twilight!" He told her, "we have to keep fighting. If we don't, everything Flash fought for would mean nothing." Twilight sniffed, wiping her eyes as she did so. "I know it's hard, but we can't give up."

"You're right," Twilight nodded. "I won't let Sombra or Lucifer get away with this." As she said that, someone rushed out of the stadium to talk to everyone who had rushed out to see the strange lights.

"Hey, something coming through the TV. More of those creature are appearing all over the countries." Twilight's eyes went wide as she ran back inside the stadium and focused on one of the TVs.

For those joining us, the monster attack that had, until now, been quarantined to the city of Canterlot, has begun the spread throughout the the rest of the country." Sure enough, Bakugan were beginning to appear all over the USA. First it was in cities surrounding Canterlot, but with every passing moment the spread increased.

Eventually, every important area of the country had Bakugan within it. The screen quickly changed to show the Statue of Liberty, where a giant purple and blue skeleton-scorpion hybrid Bakugan appeared from the water. It changed again to show the Gateway Arch, which had a large winged serpent flying through it. It then showed Mount Rushmore, which had a large knight-like Bakugan with a skull shield standing atop it. Las Vegas was then shown, as a giant chicken Bakugan appeared and started racing down the strip. It then showed the Hollywood Sign, which had a large magma Bakugan stomping in front of it and melting parts of the sign. Finally, the Golden Gate Bridge appeared with a large mud creature walking down it.

The TV then showed other areas of the country, with more common Bakugan appearing and causing mayhem. "It's unclear where these creatures came from or what they're after, but there appears to be no way of stopping them."

Over in New York, Skulpion was launching venomous attacks on the Statue of LIberty to make the monument begin to corrode.

As he did this, he sensed something approaching and turned to see fighter jets flying towards him. As they did, a voice spoke up. "Unidentified creature! Put your claws up where we can see them. Any attempt to resist will be treated as an act of war."

"Pathetic humans," Skulpion snapped his claws. "Thinking they can threaten me. Poisonous Tear!" He swung his claws around and launched the toxic X towards one of the planes.

The jet barrel-rolled out of the way but one of its wings skimmed the outer edges of the attack, causing part of it to corrode and break off. As the pilot ejected, the other fighters launched their missiles at Skulpion. The hybrid didn't even try and escape as they slammed into him, exploding.

"Target hit!" The captain announced, the jets continuing to circle the monument. But before the smoke faded, something shot out of it.

"Death Mist!" A purple cloud flew towards the lead jet and struck the machine, causing it to be eaten away. The pilot ejected before the smoke could reach the cockpit, whilst the cloud faded to reveal Skulpion didn't even have a scratch on it. He then fired a Hydro Stringer that struck another jet's wing before firing an Ocean Eater that destroyed the last two jets.

The pilots managed to escape, whilst Skulpion dove into the water and swam towards the mainland.

In Las Angeles, Gigant was slowly making his way through the streets.

He was then greeted by a bunch of tanks, which didn't even make an attempt to talk him down and fired at him. But before it could get too close to him, he unleashed a blast of heat that made the shell melt before it could even get close. The volcanos on his shoulders then began to heat up.

"Magma Flow!" Lava exploded from the shoulders and filled the streets of Hollywood, the tank attempting to escape but the lava caught up and began to melt it. Luckily, the tank had been remote controlled so the one driving it was far away. "Now," Gigant continued to march through the streets, "who's next."

Twilight could only watch in absolute horror at the sight of the military trying and failing to stop the Bakugan.

"What are those things?" She heard a brawler ask, "I've never seen Bakugan like that before." Twilight realised he was right, as the screen changed to show Quetzal unleash a laser to take down a helicopter before creating a tornado that blew another one away.

"Light and wind?" She asked, "how's that possible?"

"I've heard of Bakugan having more than one Attribute," Spike told her. "But it's supposed to be really rare." But as the TV continued to show more and more of the Bakugan causing mayhem, she realised that each one was a mix of different Attribute.

"Looks like it's not rare enough," she stated as she activated her BakuColar and opened a channel to her friends. "Everyone, you need to get back here. Things are getting more and more complicated by the moment." The girls all agreed and as she cut the call, she kept watching and wondering what exactly Lucifer had planned for this whole insane situation.

She soon got her answer, as in that moment every TV in the stadium began to glitch and spark. The newcaster's voice grew less and less adioble until it finally cut out, making everyone watching shared looks oc concern. Then, a new voice spoke up.

"Many of you are probably wondering who I am." Twilight's eyes went wide, as she realised who she was listening to.

"Lucifer."

"Many of you are likely scared, wondering why this is happening. Allow me to assure you, what's happening is a good thing." Many who heard this believed it was a big lie. "Your world is a mess. It's full of chaos and disorder. You humans constantly bicker with one another, over such trivial matters. It reminds me of my own world, which was exactly the same until I took over. Now I will do the same to this world."

In that moment, the screen changed to show Lucifer's face. Many people gasped at the sight of him, thinking he was a demon sent from hell. They weren't far off. "What's he doing?" Spike asked, Twilight having an idea.

"He's trying to make us give up," she realised. "He probably thinks if he scares us, mankind will surrender."

"Humans of the world," Lucifer continued to speak. "I am a benevolent god. Throw down your weapons. Surrender yourselves and pledge to serve me and I will be just. I am not so petty that I destroy people just because I feel like it. If you surrender now, only those who need to die will do so. But try and oppose me and I promise, your world will live to regret it." With that, he vanished and the TV returned to normal.

"You heard it here ladies and gentlemen. A monster from another world is attempting to conquer our world. And I for one, welcome our new tyrannical dictator. Cause let's face it..." Twilight didn't want to hear any more and turned away, the girl sighing as she tried to think of something.

"Twilight!" She saw the rest of the Rainbooms running towards her, all of them looking worried as Rainbow spoke up. "You see what Lucifer said?" She nodded.

"We have to do something," Rarity cried. "We can't let that brute get away with this."

"But what can we do?" Pinkie asked. "We're here in Canterlot and he's who knows where."

"Let's not forget about those other Bakugan that are all over the country," Applejack reminded them. "Even if we stop Lucifer, those things 'ill probably continue to cause havoc all over the place." Fluttershy nodded as Twilight frowned.

"Then we have to deal with them first."

"How?" Rainbow asked, "like Pinkie said, we're stuck here. We can't get to any of those places." Twilight knew she was right. If only there was a way to transport them across the country. But how could they-

"Wait!" She gasped, "that's it!"

"What's it?" Applejack asked, only for Twilight to run through the stadium pushing through the many people beginning to panic. "Twilight!" They followed her as she reached the area where people bought and traded Bakugan. "What are you planning?"

"Can one of you help me rip the console off this?" She asked, Rainbow rushing forward to help without even needing to be told why. As she did, Twilight's family reached them.

"Twilight!" Shining cried, "what are you doing?"

"Yes dear," Rarity nodded. "Can you please inform us what you wish to do with this device."

"Simple," Twilight smirked, "these device transfer the Bakugan from Dark Industries to the Stadiums. They also allow Bakugan to be traded between players, who are either here or in another stadium."

"So?" Cleopal asked.

"So..." Twilight rolled her eyes, "they're basically teleporters. And if they work on Bakugan, why can't they work on humans." They finally managed to pull the front of the device off, revealing all its wiring and machinery. "If we can hack into them, we can send ourselves through it to the places that the Bakugan are attacking. Those two in one Bakugan must be Lucifer's flunkies. So if we take them down, it'll just be him that's left."

"That could work," Spike nodded.

"Twilight," her mother frowned. "Don't you get what you're saying? You want to teleport yourself through a machine that's probably never been tested on a human."

"True," Twilight nodded, "but I can't just sit around doing nothing." She fiddled with the wires and the device powered up, the girl typing something into the keyboard. "Someone try and find a stadium close to one of the Bakugan." Fluttershy used the touchpad and found a stadium slap bang in the middle of Las Vegas. "Alright, who wants to see if it works?"

Everyone shared a look, clearly not keen on the idea of being the guinea pigs. But Rainbow took a deep breath, "do it!"

"You sure?" She asked, Rainbow nodding before Twilight pointed satellite disk at her. "Okay, here goes nothing." She activated the machine and it unleashed a burst of lightning at her, which struck Rainbow as everyone stepped back.

They watched as the girl disappeared and the lightning was sucked into the machine, everyone gasping as they waited to see if it worked and they hadn't disintegrated their friend. "Rainbow?" Fluttershy asked the screen that showed the one Twilight had connected too. They saw light flow through the other side, making them slowly hope. And sure enough, someone stood into view. "Rainbow!"

"Hey!" She smirked, holding her head as she did. "Wow, headrush!"

"Are you okay?" Twilight asked, "no unintended side effects?"

"Nope," Rainbow shook her head as Terraspin landed on her shoulder. "We feel fine, right?"

"A little dizzy, but I'll live." But then the screen shook as Rainbow almost lost her balance. "Looks like our target just showed up."

"We'll have to talk later," Rainbow told them before running off. With her gone, the others turned to Twilight. She gave them all a look that said 'who's next?'

"Twilight," Shining grabbed her by the shoulders. "This is too dangerous. You're going up against something even the military can't beat. You don't have to fight this fight. It wasn't you those Guardians picked. You said your friend Flash had the strongest Bakugan and he clearly couldn't do it. What hope do you have?"

Twilight was silent at this, letting those words flow through her head. She knew he was right. She wasn't the chosen one. But that didn't mean she didn't have a role to play. "Lucifer thinks he's already won because people are too scared to stand up against him." She pushed Shining hand off her shoulder, "but he's wrong. I'm not afraid of him. If the only way to beat him is to fight against impossible odds, I'd rather try and do that then spend the rest of my life under his tyrannical boot."

Shining frowned, as Twilight turned to the rest of her team. They all smiled at her, nodding at her worlds. They believed it to.

"You're right, I'm not the chosen one." She gave her brother a serious look, "I'm the one that chose herself." She turned back to the machine, "Flash and the others are coming back. I know they are. So I'm gonna keep fighting to buy them as much time as they need." She found several others locations that had Stadiums near the hybrid Bakugan. "So even if I have no chance to win, I'm fighting."

"And I'm with her," Spike cried from her shoulder. "Lucifer destroyed our world. We won't let him destroy yours." The other Bakugan all yelled in agreement, the Rainbooms stepping forward as Twilight pointed the transporter at them.

"Alright Rainbooms," Twilight smirked. "Let's take Lucifer's cronies down." With that, she fired the lightning.

Roaster squawked as he charged down the strip, making the people on the street scream as he shot fire in every direction.

"That's right!" He laughed, "run. Run for your miserable lives." But as he said that, a powerful burst of wind shot towards him. It slammed him off his feet and knocked him to the ground, then swirled around and picked up the flames before funnelling them into the air. "Hey!" He stood up, "what gives?"

"We give!" Roaster spun around and spotted Terraspin, who stood tall and strong against the hybrid with Rainbow standing on his shoulder. Rainbow pointed at the chicken, "get lost you overgrown thanksgiving feast. Our planet's not for you to take!"

"Oh," Roaster smirked, "think you can beat me. I'd like to see you try." He squawked before charging, flames appearing around his feet. "Pyro Claw!" Terraspin leapt into the air and spun his fins, allowing him to take off and avoid the attack. "Get down here!"

"With pleasure!" Rainbow smirked before the turtle dived down, "Ability, Activate!" He slammed his spinning fins into Roaster, "Shell Saw!" The hybrid squawked as he was knocked backwards, slamming into one of the hotels on the circuit as Terraspin flew up. "How'd you like that?"

Gigant continued to march through movie town, launching fire at anything he saw moving.

He spotted a car that hadn't gotten to safety driving down the road and raised his arm to fire at it, but before he could... "Ocean Assault!" Gigant heard someone yell and looked around, just in time to see a large water blast slam into him and knock him back.

"Ahhh!" He growled as the flames on his head went out, the hybrid opening his eyes and see Gumigator heading towards him with Pinkie on his head.

"You meanie!" She glared at him, "we're not gonna let you hurt anyone else." Gumigator raised his claws, ready to slash at the magma monster. Gigant growled as his flames reignited.

Rampager lived up to his namesake, as he ran through Keystone swinging his sword through everything that he could see.

"Give yourselves up!" He roared, "nothing you do will allow you puny creatures to defeat our master." He spotted a tank rolling towards him, firing at him only for the shell to bounce off his shield and explode. "Pathetic." He raised his sword, ready to destroy the tank and those inside. But before he could...

"Blaze Kick!" He looked around and spotted Lepusinge flying at him, the Pyrus Bakugan thrusting a burning foot right into his chest before he could raise his shield.

"Gyah!" He staggered back and almost fell over, as Lepusinge landed and Fluttershy held onto the bases of his ears whilst laying on his head.

"Leave those people alone," she frowned at him as Lepusinge bounced on his feet ready to fight. "We won't let you hurt them."

"Yeah," the rabbit nodded. "Alright tin man, let's dance."

In St Louis, Quetzal soared over the mississippi. Several boats had surfed away from the city, hoping to get to safety.

She smirked as she flew back to the arch, ready to do some damage and destroy the thing to show just how powerful she was. But before she could, something shot up the sides of it until it was at the top. Once there, it leapt down and fell towards her.

"Huh?" She looked up and gasped when she saw a shadow block the sun.

"Stealth Hunter!" She heard before a wave of sand slammed into her face, making her cry out as whatever it was slammed into her. They fell towards the ground and right as Quetzal was about to crash, the thing that hit her leapt off.

"AUGH!" She slammed into the street and skidded along it, moaning as she came to a stop and used her wings to clean her eyes. She then looked up to see Fenroar hanging off the side of a building, smirking down at her before letting go.

"Howling Force!" He yelled as the sonic blast slammed into her, knocking the hybrid backwards as he landed. But she quickly spread her wings and took to the air, whilst Applejack rode upon Fenroar's head.

"Let's do this, partner." He nodded and they charged into battle.

Muddion had reached the far end of the bridge and started throwing mud-balls towards the cars and buildings around it.

The police had come equipped with machine guns and others pieces of armory. They fired, but the bullets simply flew through the mud and were absorbed into it. Muddion saw this and smirked, waiting for them to be completely tapped out of bullets.

Once the last gun finished firing, he raised his arms and spun around. This sent all the bullets within his body flying out in different directions, causing the police to run for their lives. As they did, one officer rushed out with a freaking bazooka over his shoulders. And as Muddion slowed down, he fired the rocket which slammed into the hybrid right below the head.

He looked down at it as the rocket was stuck out of his chest, then exploded.

The police cheered as the mud flew everywhere, believing they had destroyed the invader. But then, the mud began moving back towards the spot he had been standing. They were shocked to see it and the seaweeds form a large mud sphere, which started unrolling itself until Muddion was back like nothing had happened.

He then growled and unleashed a wave of muddy water, the tsunami slamming into the police and washing them away.

"Blazing Light!" A laser slammed into his back and made him cry out, staggering forward until he got his balance and spun around to see Cleopal standing there with her scarfs raised.

Rarity was on her shoulder, glaring at him. "I like a nice mud bath as much as the next person, but you're taking it too far." She turned to the cat Bakugan, "let's show this curr why you don't mess with our world."

"With pleasure!" She charged forward, claws at the ready.

In New York, the city was in turmoil as Skulpion scuttled through the streets.

He fired poison and toxic water in every direction he could find, planning to make the place uninhabitable for any human around. "That's right!" He laughed whilst clicking his claws, "flee for your miserable lives. I love the hunt as much as the catch itself."

"Fire Burst!" Skulpion spun around in time to see a blast of green fire flying towards him, the flames slamming into his face and making him cry out as he staggered back. When the smoke cleared, Spikenoid marched towards him with a growl escaping his lips.

Twilight was sitting atop his head, trying to look as serious as possible. "We won't let you destroy our world. Go tell your boss earth's not his to conquer."

Skulpion growled at his, raising his claws. "I don't think so. The next time I see him, I'll be offering your skin as a trophy for him." He charged forward and Spike did the same, Twilight knowing this would be the most important battle she would ever participate in. And no matter what, she had to win.

Back at the stadium, Twilight and Flash's families continued to watch as the new Bakugan began to battle against the hybrids.

"I don't know if you're seeing this, but new monsters have appeared and are starting to battle against the first lot." The screen continued to change and show the Rainbooms fighting against the Hybrid with everything they had. Then it showed other areas. "All over the country, battles between these monsters are taking place." A serpenoid was battling against a Fear Ripper. A Siege and a Robotallion were slugging it out. Tuskor and Falconeer were attempting to overpower the others. It was insane.

In each of these fights, kids could be seen near the battle directing one of the Bakugan. "This is nuts!" Shining growled, "the fate of our world is being placed on the shoulders of kids." He sighed, looking down. "If only I'd started playing this game myself. I could have been helping."

Cadance placed a hand on his shoulder, "I know this is hard. But we have to trust that Twilight and her friends can do this." Shining nodded as they kept watching.

In an unknown place, Sombra and Lucifer were watching the battles taking place.

Lucifer was back in ball form and watching from Sombra's shoulder, as Spikenoid charged at Skulpion and swung his tail into its face. "Their idiocy knows no bounds," the angel stated. "We gave them the chance to survive this conquest, but they would rather die than submit to their rightful ruler."

"Give them time," Sombra told him. "Once they see how pointless fighting against us is, they'll be groveling at your feet in not time." He switched the screen to show Rainbow's battle.

"Inferno Dash!" Roaster roared as his body exploded into flames and he charged towards Terraspin, leaping into the air with his claws primed.

"Ability, Activate!" Rainbow held up a card as Terraspin spun around, his shell glowing. "Shell Guard!" The claws slammed into the shell and blocked the power of Roaster's attack, Terraspin then increasing the power of the wind his chest unleashed. This thrust him forward, slamming his shell into Roaster and pushing him backwards.

Roaster squawked as he was smashed through a building, Terraspin pulling away from him and flying back into the air as Rainbow held onto his shoulder. He growled as he pulled himself out of the building and glared at them, "you'll pay for that!"

"I don't think we will," Rainbow smirked as she held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Terraspin's shell glowed, "Shell Smash!" The light exploded off of him as he charged forward, moving with incredible speed towards Roaster.

But the hybrid leapt into the air to avoid the attack, as tornados appeared around his wings. "Whirlwind Cage!" With a single beat, the wind exploded off of him and swirled around Terraspin.

"What?" He asked, as an upside-down tornado formed around them. "AUGH!" He cried as the force of the wind pushed him down to the ground, Rainbow being pinned down with him.

"Not...good," she groaned as Roaster's claws ignited. The Bakugan charged forward and into the wind, slamming his claws into Terraspin and knocking him back out of the tornado.

"Augh!" He slammed into the ground, as Rainbow was thrown from her Bakugan and rolled along the ground. As she stopped, Roaster forced his claws into Terraspin's chest.

"Got you now," Roaster smirked as Terraspin tried to get him off. But he couldn't.

Back in Hollywood, Gumigator and Gigant continued to do battle against one another.

"Heat Blaster!" He roared as he fired the super hot air out of his arm cannons, which shot towards Gumigator. But Pinkie was ready and held up two cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Gummy's mouth filled with icicles, "Glacial Fang, plus Ocean Assault!" He fired water from his mouth, which was turned to snow due to the coldness of the icicles in his mouth. The snow struck the heat blast and the two extreme temperatures cancelled one another out.

Gummy then charged at Gigant and leapt on him, biting into the hybrid's shoulder and causing its body to freeze over.

"Augh!" He roared before his shoulder volcanoes started heating up, "you asked for this. Magma Flow!" Gummy saw this and leapt off of him, seconds before the volcanoes unleashed a bunch of lava. It filled the streets and Pinkie hissed a the heat, Gummy quickly unleashing more water and cooling it to obsidian.

"Ability," Pinkie held up a card, "Activate!" Gummy ran over the cooled lava as his claws glowed, "Aqua Claw!" He slashed at Gigant, knocking him backwards.

But as he hit the ground, his claws came together to form a pile driver. "FISSURE!" He thrust them both into the ground, causing a large crack to appear and fly across the ground until it reached Gummy.

"Look out!" Pinkie cried, as the ground opened up and Gummy fell into the crack. He managed to grab the sides of the crack with his claws, but couldn't pull himself up. "Hold on!" Pinkie cried, as Gigant picked himself up. Pinkie realised she was in serious trouble.

"Sword of Light!" Rampager swung his sword around and slashed at Lepusinge, who managed to jump out of the way as Fluttershy held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" His feet burst into flames as he planted them against the side of a building. "Flare Jump!" He shot forward and spun around, thrusting his feet forward.

"Take this!" He cried, smashing his foot into Rampager's chest. He cried as he was knocked staggering backwards, smashing through a building as Lepusinge landed, then rushed forward. "Fluttershy, do it!"

"Ability," Fluttershy held up a card, "Activate!" He started spinning around, as his ear-tips caught fight. "Flaming Slap!" His burning ears slammed into Rampager multiple times, making him cry out as he was struck three, four, five, six, seven times. But as he was hit the seventh time, he jumped back.

"You're not getting away!" Lepusinge charged again and swung both his ears at him. But before they landed, Rampager raised his guard.

"Vampire Shield!" The ears struck the shield as it began the sucking force, which swallowed the flames along with a bunch of Lepusinge's power.

"Augh!" He groaned, feeling his strength being drained away. Before Fluttershy could do anything, Rampager slashed at the rabbit. "GYAH!" He was thrown backwards and Fluttershy was thrown from the Bakugan's head, Lepusinge gasping and thrusting his arm out so Fluttershy landed on it instead of the ground.

Fluttershy hissed as she rolled off the arm whilst Rampager stomped his foot down on Lepusinge's chest, pinning him to the ground. Fluttershy gasped at this, as Rampager chuckled. "Big mistake, coming after me."

Fenroar howled as he zigzagged through the street with his claws primed.

Quetzal took to the air with her wings spread, barely managing to avoid the slash from Fenroar. "Tornado Impact!" She unleashed a blast of air towards the wolf and it slammed into him, making him yelp as he was blown backwards.

"Fenroar!" Applejack cried, as her partner slammed his claws into the side of a building which stopped him from being blown back. When the tornado stopped, she acted quickly and held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Fenroar charged up the side of the building and leapt into the air, "Mega Fang!"

Quetzal tried to pull away, but Fenroar was too fast and reached her. "Gotcha!" He cried, grabbing Quetzal below the wings before he bit down into Quetzal's skin.

She cried out, as Fenroar grabbed her wings. The two fell to the ground and as they got closer, Fenroar let go and jumped up. "Howling Force!" He cried as the sonic blast struck Quetzal and pushed her to the ground faster, the hybrid slamming into the street and kicking up a cloud of dust as she did so.

"Yeah!" Applejack smirked as Fenroar landed in front of the cloud. But then-

"Radiant Aura!" Light exploded out of the cloud and slammed into Fenroar, knocking him backwards as it spread across his body. He groaned as he felt himself freeze up, right as Quetzal shot out of the clouds. "Shining Constriction!" She wrapped her body around Fenroar, locking him in place.

"No!" Applejack cried, as Fenroar fell to his knees and could barely breathe. "Not good."

"Rock Mace!" Muddion swung his arm around as his hand hardened and grew spikes. The rock smashed into Cleopal and knocked her backwards.

Rarity had dropped to the street before this, watching as her partner staggered back. "Double Ability, Activate!" She cried as Cleopal's eyes glowed, "Cats Eyes!" Beams fired from her eyes and struck Muddion, making him his as it blasted away part of his body. "Plus, Mad Scratch!"

Cleopal let out a cat hiss as she charged forward, her claws glowing as she swung them around. But when they struck the mud, they just slashed through them and left cuts that instantly healed up. "Oh," she gulped as Muddion pointed his hands at her.

"Wild Flooding!" Water exploded out and slammed into Cleopal, knocking her backwards towards Rarity.

The girl gasped at the tsunami and tried to run for it, but the water was too fast. Luckily, Cleopal managed to grab her shield her in her claws whilst she was sent rolling through the street.

At the stadium, Shining and the rest of the people were watching and shocked seeing the girls being overpowered.

"This doesn't make any sense," Shining growled. "Why are they losing?" Many of the other non-brawlers were wondering the same thing. The girls appeared to have the upper hand when the battle started, but now they were being overwhelmed.

"Their Bakugan aren't strong enough," Scootaloo spoke up. The adults turned to her as she explained. "Bakugan all have power levels. Some are three hundred, four hundred, five hundred, and even some scores between them. If these Bakugan have a higher power level, the girls are gonna be stuck playing catch up."

"So you're saying they can't win?" Misty asked.

"I don't know," Scootaloo told them. They all turned back to the battles, as the screen switched to show Twilight's battle. They were so focused on this, they didn't notice a group arrive at the stadium.

"Shadow Slashers!" The arachnid monster cried as he slashed his claws through the air, unleashing energy blades that slammed into Spikenoid.

"AUGH!" He cried, staggering backwards and crashing into a building.

Twilight gasped as she jumped away from where she was standing, as pieces of the building fell towards it and would have crushed her. She rolled to safety and held up a card, "time to steal your power. Ability, Activate!" Spike's spikes glowed as he charged forward, "Dark Spike!" Skulpion saw this attack and seemed to know what was going on.

As Spike got in close, he leapt back and balanced on his tail before springing up and into the air. "What?" Spike cried, watching him fly out of range. "Hey!"

"Hydro Stinger!" Skulpion sent the attack fly towards Spike, the many water needles slamming into him.

"Augh!" He cried, as the needles dug into him. Twilight had to take cover to avoid some of these as Spike endured them before taking a deep breath. "Fire Burst!" He launched the green flames towards Skulpion, but Skulpion unleashed a Ocean Eater.

The two attacks collided in midair and caused a steam cloud, which blocked Spike's vision for a moment. This allowed Skulpion to fall towards him and fly out the other side. "Surprise!" He cried before tackling Spike, knocking him off his feet. He cried out as he fell to the ground and Skulpion curled his feet around him, his tail stinger going for his throat. "Surrender."

"Never!" Spike growled, as Twilight rushed out from hiding.

"Ability, Activate!" Spike's body glowed, "Scale-Mail!" Skulpion tried to stab his neck, but Spike's hardened scales protected him. He then bit down on the tail and made Skulpion cried out, losing his grip on Spike who forced his legs open and allowed the wingless dragon to throw him off. "We'll never surrender!" Twilight told her, as Spike stood tall. "You guys and Lucifer might be stronger than us, but we'll keep fighting until the bitter end!"

"Raaaah!" Rainbow grabbed a rock and threw it at Roaster, hitting him in the eye and making him squawk as he removed his foot.

This allowed Terraspin to unleashed a powerful burst of wind that knocked Roaster back.

"Because this is our world. The Bakugan deserving of calling it home are the ones who've already chosen to stand against you and your master!"

"Attribute Change!" Pinkie screamed, as Gumigator changed from blue to green. "Ability Activate!" Gummy unleashed a blast of wind, "Cyclone Fang!"

The wind slammed into Gigant and knocked him backwards, Gummy then pointing it downwards to push himself free of the fissure and allow him to fly above the hybrid.

"Ever since we learned about your master, we've been fighting because we refuse to let someone so pathetic conquer us!"

"Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge thrust his feet into the ground, "Bounce Reflector!" He thrust his lower body upwards, allowing him to knock his feet into Rampager's back and push him off.

Rampager staggered away and wildly swung his sword around, trying to get Lepusinge. But he had already rolled away and picked up Fluttershy to get to a safe distance.

"Earth isn't your playground. You might think you deserve to have it, but you're dead wrong!"

Fenroar continued to be squeezed by Quetzal, who hissed and licked her lips ready to snack down on him. But Fenroar quickly bit down on her, making her cry out and loosen her grip.

"Ability," Applejack held up a card, "Activate!" Fenroar started shaking, causing sand to fly off the Bakugan. "Sand Cloak!" That sand flew into Quetzal's eyes, blinding her and allowing Fenroar to pull his arm free and slash at her.

"So don't expect us to just fall to our knees groveling. You're not the first group of psychopaths who thought they could bully us into surrendering!"

Muddion waded through the flooded street towards Cleopal, who was sitting against a building with her head down.

He chuckled at this, but then noticed Cleopal raise her head and glare at him. She un-cupped her hand to show Rarity, who wasn't at all wet, the woman glaring as Cleopal was suddenly on her feet.

In the next moment, she practically teleported behind Muddion, her claws thrusted forward whilst a rush of wind suddenly cut Muddion's legs in half. He cried as he fell into the water, whilst Cleopal leapt a safe distance away with Rarity on her shoulder.

"You better not count us out. Even if we can't win, we'd rather go down fighting then roll over and let you have your way!"

"That's right!" Spike cried before charging forward, Skulpion growling. "You want this world, you'll have to go through me and my friends."

"Gladly!" Skulpion cried as his claws glowed purple. "Poisonous Tear!" He slashed at Spike and the X-shaped energy blade slammed into the Darkus Bakugan, making him cry out as the energy exploded and surrounded him. Skulpion then swung his tail around and knocked Spike backwards.

"Spike!" Twilight cried as her Bakugan was knocked into a building, the poison surging through his body and paralysing him. Twilight then felt a shadow looming over her and looked up to see Skulpion staring down at her. He smirked and raised his claw, ready to swat her like a bug. She sighed and closed her eyes, expecting this to be the end. But she was wrong.

"ULTRA DESTROYER!" Her eyes shot open as a laser flew down and slammed into Skulpion, knocking the hybrid backwards.

Twilight turned towards the source of the beam and saw Supreme Leonidas, hovering above her with a certain someone on his shoulder. "Flash." She was ready to cry when she saw him, Flash smiling back at her.

Author's Note

Well, this was certainly the Rainboom's time to shine. Just goes to show, there are roles for everyone. Even those who aren't the heroes, can have the most important roles whn the time matters. Hope you enjoyed.

Earth Fights Back

Back at the rubble that had once been the skyscraper headquarters of Dark Industries, smoke and dust mixed together to completely block anyone from seeing what had happened to the building.

Within that clouds, several small fires were burning from the flammable parts of the building that had caught fire in the explosions. Brick, metal and many other materials were piled up, looking nothing like the high-tech building that had been the jewel of Canterlot for so long.

And buried beneath that pile were the BakuFighters, the young brawlers and their Bakugan having been unable to escape the collapse of the building. But they had escaped injury.

Suddenly, part of the pile began to move and shift. The top began to move upwards and in doing so, the bricks, metal and other debris fell away from it to reveal a large white and yellow dragon. "Ahhhh!" Leonidas sighed, spreading his wings to throw off more debris. Once he was properly stretched out, he looked down at his cupped hands and uncovered them. "You guys okay?"

The BakuFighters moaned as they stood up themselves, Lyra coughing from breathing in some dust as Bonnie patted her on the back. "We're fine," Flash assured him. "Thanks for the save, Leo."

"Just be glad the explosions took out whatever was keeping me in ball form when it did," Leonidas stated as he took to the air and flew away from the demolition sight. "Another second and I might not have been able to catch you all."

"Luck was on our side," Nimue stated as Leonidas landed and the Bakugan leapt off their partners to transform back to their true form.

Garuda sighed, "we failed. Lucifer was able to gain control of the Attribute Energy." Wukong growled at this and punched the ground, the frustration getting too him.

"Who knows where he is now," Ragnaroid growled.

"Don't talk like we've lost yet," Bonnie told him. "So what if Lucifer has an Attribute Energy." She pointed at the Bakugan, "so do you guys. Well..." She looked at Ragnaroid, "most of you guys." Ragnaroid frowned at her, as Derpy stepped up.

"She's right," Derpy nodded. "It's still five Attribute Energies to one. We have the advantage." She looked at her friends, "so what if our plan didn't work out. We just have to regroup and come up with a new plan to take him down."

"I'm with Derpy," Heath smirked. "I don't wanna give up yet without trying." Before they could say anything else, a sudden bright light blinded them. "AHHHH!" They all cried, covering their eyes as they staggered backwards. As they did, they felt the ground beneath their feet vanish but they weren't falling.

They opened their eyes and saw they were in a white void, "what is this?"

"This is us." They all looked up and gasped seeing six armoured figures floating above them.

"The Guardians!" Leonidas cried, as Dragonia and the other five floated down towards them. He sighed, "I'm sorry. We weren't able to defeat Lucifer. He got an Attribute Energy and synchronised with it."

"We know," Dragonia nodded. "We've been watching you."

Derpy sighed, "it's my fault. I was the one who took the Attribute Energy and let Lucifer steal it away." She turned to Regulus, "I'm sorry I betrayed you."

"You did not betray me," Regulus announced. "I hoped the real you would break free from the personality of Phantom. And now that you have, you can fulfil your true destiny and become the Darkus soldier you were always meant to be." He then turned to Ragnaroid, "along with the partner you've helped show the light too." Ragnaroid smirked at this, as Dragonia waved her hand.

In doing so, the void suddenly shifted to show Bakugan in multiple different areas of the country. "Lucifer has begun his invasion of your world." A scene showing a Siege charging through a city and destroying several military vehicles was shown. "Your world's weapons simply cannot compete against the power of the Bakugan."

"So what do we do?" Soarin asked, "do you guys know where Lucifer is?"

"No," Zephyria shook her head, "I'm afraid he is masking his power from us. The fact that he can do that shows how well he has synchronised with the Attribute Energy."

"So what do we do?" Leonidas asked, "we can't just sit around and let him do whatever he wants."

"Lucifer will not stay hidden for long," Salamandra told him.

"Yessss," Seadranoid agreed, "he is far too power hungry for that. He will not be sssssatisfied with only one Attribute Energy."

"He's gonna come after us," Gaia realised. The others thought back to the trials they had to face getting to Lucifer. They knew they were twofold, to slow them down and attempt to steal the Energies if the opportunity arose.

"Exactly," Trojan nodded. "He will not trust anyone else with this task. No doubt he will attempt to take the power himself."

Dragonia agreed. "And in doing so, he will place himself in the most vulnerable spot he's been in so far. Defeating you may allow him to take your Attribute Energy, but defeating him will allow you the same opportunity."

"Then that's what we'll do!" Flash smirked. "Take him down and get the Attribute Energy back. Like Derpy said, it's five energies to his one. If we all work together, then there's no way he'd be able to beat us." The others nodded as the Guardians floated away.

"I wish that we could help. But our powers are still lacking. We would only get in your way. I know we're asking a lot, but-"

"Say no more," Leonidas smirked. "We'll do whatever we need to to stop Lucifer." They all nodded again as the Guardians wished them all luck. In the blink of an eye, the lot of them were back where they had been before.

"We should get back to the stadium," Gaia stated. "Twilight and the others should be waiting for us there. We can focus on our plan of attack and look for Lucifer." They all nodded and the BakuFighters climbed onto their partners, the lot of them making their way towards the stadium. As they did, they saw that there weren't many Bakugan in sight.

There were a few in the sky and appeared to be one in the river from what Flash could see on Leo's back, but other then them the city was almost empty. "Looks like Lucifer increasing the field's size made the Bakugan decide to spread out."

"Maybe," Soarin nodded, "or maybe the Rainbooms managed to get rid of most of them." This made them realise they couldn't see the Rainbooms anywhere. And with Bakugan still wandering the streets, even if it was only three or four, them not being there made the BakuFighters worry.

"We need to hurry," Lyra cried as they double-timed it to the stadium.

When they arrived, their Bakugan returning to ball form, they found a large group of people had made the stadium their shelter. They reached the back of the group and slowly made their way through the crowd. It was then that they heard Twilight's voice.

"We'll never surrender!" They followed it and saw Twilight on a TV screen, Flash seeing Spike picking himself up and then gasping when he saw Skulpion was there.

"Twilight!" This caught certain people's attention.

"FLASH!" He looked around and saw his family running towards him, Misty reaching him first and pulling him into a hug. "You had us so worried!" Flash was a little confused by this, as Scootaloo frowned.

"They know," she explained. "They know about the Bakugan and you being at Dark Industries when it...fell." Flash's eyes went wide as he realised what she was getting at, Misty pulling away from him and giving him a glare alongside his father.

"What were you thinking, doing something so reckless? You could have been killed. Those monsters are everywhere."

"They're not monsters," Flash told her as Leonidas jumped onto his shoulder. Misty and Trail gasped seeing the toy Flash had often been seen with moving on its own, "the Bakugan are being used by one evil villain."

"We know," Trail frowned. "He showed up on TV." This surprised all the BakuFighters, "he said he came to bring peace to our world. And that if we tried to fight against him, we'd regret it."

"We'll regret it even more if we let Lucifer have his way," Lyra looked up and saw the TV change to show Pinkie and Gummy fighting against Gigant. "Where are they?"

"Those weird Bakugan showed up all around the country," Rarity's sister explained. "Rarity and the others went to try and stop them."

"Yeah," Applebloom nodded, "they're causing mayhem everywhere!" The BakuFighters realised that all the Hybrids had been spread out. If those Bakugan kept causing problems, it would mean Lucifer would be even harder to take down.

"We've gotta go help them," Soarin explained. "We take those hybrids down, then deal with Lucifer." The others nodded and were about to ask how the girls got to these places, but in that moment Flash felt a hand grab his wrist.

"Flash, no!" Misty cried, "I thought you were dead before. I'm not watching you die again. Let someone else handle this. This isn't your fight."

"It is my fight," Flash told her. "I live on earth. If it's under attack and I can help stop it, I have to fight. If I don't, who else is gonna step up?" Misty and Trail looked down as Flash looked back at his friends. "You said someone else can handle this, but who? Barely anyone knows the truth about the Bakugan. And those that do haven't trained for this like me and my friends." He looked back at his parents, "and what if they're like you? With parents telling them someone else can handle it. If everyone thinks like that, then nobody's gonna stand up to Lucifer."

"Flash," Misty whispered as Flash stepped over to his friends.

"I know you're scared. But I'm not alone in this. I was chosen to fulfil this task and I'm not gonna stop until I finish it." The BakuFighters followed Scootaloo and the girls to the transport machine, explaining how each of the Rainbooms were transported by it. "Alright," Flash held out his arms, "let's do this. Hit me!"

Scootaloo picked the New York stadium and pointed the device at Flash, the teen throwing one final look towards his parents and smiling at them reassuringly. The lightning slammed into him and in the blink of an eye, Flash felt himself being digitised and sent through the internet.

Miraculously, Dark Industries going down hadn't affected the transporter and Flash found himself being spit out of the other side. "WOW!" He cried as he fell to the floor and rolled along it, Leonidas being thrown from his shoulder and rolling along the ground. "Whoa," Flash sat up, "that was weird."

"You're telling me," Leo agreed as he rolled back to him and leapt onto Flash's shoulder. "You okay?"

"I'll live," Flash assured him before getting up and looked around. The stadium looked just like the one in Canterlot, only this one was completely empty.

"Flash!" He heard his mother cry out, Flash moving to see her face on the screen.

"Don't worry," he assured her. "I'm okay." He gave her a serious look, "I'll be fine." With that, he ran off and Leonidas leapt into his hand. "Let's go partner!" He threw him towards the door, "Bakugan...BRAWL!" The orb shot through the air and hit the ground as soon as it left the building. "Bakugan...STAND!"

Opening up, Leonidas took his true form and shot out of the tornado as Flash grabbed his tail and let the dragon flick him up onto his head. As he did, an explosion caught their attention. "That's gotta be where Twilight and Spike are!"

"Then let's end this!" Flash yelled as the dragon shot through the sky. And sure enough, when they reached the area of the explosion, they spotted Skulpion and Spikenoid with the purple lizard smashed into a building covered in purple energy. He then spotted Twilight on the ground, with Skulpion there looking ready to crush her under his claws. "Oh no you don't!" Flash slide down to Leo's shoulder and held up a card. "Ability, Activate!"

"ULTRA DESTROYER!" He fired the laser as fast as he could, the beam flying down and slamming into Skulpion.

The hybrid screamed as he was blasted back, whilst Twilight spun around and gasped seeing them. Flash smiled as she looked ready to start crying, "Flash."

"Hey," he smirked as Leonidas flew down and dropped him on the ground next to her. "Sorry to interrupt. But I thought you could use a-" He stopped as Twilight threw her arms around him, almost knocking him off his feet.

"I thought something bad had happened to you!" She cried, as Leo helped Spike back to his feet. "I saw Dark Industries fall and..."

"Yeah," Flash patted her on the back, "sorry about that. Sombra decided to try and bury us alive. But he couldn't even do that right." Twilight laughed as she pulled away, whilst Skulpion picked himself up.

"HEY!" The four turned to him, "do you know how rude it is to interrupt someone else's battle."

Flash smirked and gave Twilight a look, "wanna finish this guy off?"

"Gladly!" She smiled as they and their Bakugan got into a fighting stance.

"You think you can beat me?" Skulpion asked, laughing. "You barely beat me last time with a way stronger teammate. What chance do you have with this weakling." Both of them shared a smirk, knowing they were gonna show this freak how wrong that statement was.

At the same time, Rainbow and Terraspin continued their fight against Roaster.

The flaming chicken charged forward and tried to slash at Terraspin with his flaming claws, but the turtle Bakugan swung his flippers around to knock him away. "Back off!" Terraspin cried as he morphed into fan mode and unleashed a powerful wind, which blew Roaster back as he let out a squawk.

"That's the way!" Rainbow cried as Roaster spread his wings to balance himself, the wings then becoming surrounded by fire.

"You turkeys need to learn not to pick fights you can't win!" He squawked before beating his wings as hard as he could, "Wildfire Cyclone!" The flames exploded off his wings and shot towards the pair, swirling into a fire tornado that got closer by the second.

Rainbow gasped as Terraspin tried to blow it away, but the tornado was too strong.

But before it could roast the pair, a bolt of lightning shot down from the sky and struck it. "WHAT?" Roaster cried when he saw the lightning dispel the attack, creating a cloud of smoke. And from that cloud, Garuda shot out.

"Play time's over!" Garuda squawked as he formed the sphere of air, "Aero Bomber!" He fired it at Roaster and knocked him back, then flew low to the ground so Soarin could safely jump down and roll to Rainbow's side.

"You're okay!" Rainbow smirked, Soarin standing tall.

"Yeah. Sorry to interrupt your battle. But we've got more important fights to get to so we need to beat this guy as fast as possible." Rainbow liked the sound of that and the pair got read to battle it out. with everything they had.

Over in Hollywood, Gumigator continued to fly around using the wind he unleashed to keep him aloft above Gigant.

"Get down here and face me with honour!" Gigant unleashed another Heat Blaster and Gummy used his Cyclone Fang, the two attacks colliding and cancelling each other out.

"Sorry!" Pinkie smirked as Gummy landed atop a building, "but my friend Rarity always says heat's bad for your hair. I think I'll stick to a distance." Gigant growled at this used another Magma Flow, pouring more lava into the streets and causing the buildings around him to start melting.

This included the one Gummy was on, the now Ventus Bakugan taking to the air but realising he had no way of stopping this unless he turned back to his Aquos Form. And doing so would leave him vulnerable.

Luckily, another Aquos Bakugan had arrived. "Overflow!" A massive wave rolled through the streets and struck the lava, causing it to instantly cool before the water smashed into Gigant.

He screamed as he was knocked backwards, whilst Pinkie turned to see Nimue running on top of the water with Lyra on her shoulder. "YOU'RE OKAY!" Lyra smirked at this as Gummy landed down besides her, the pair turning to Gigant as he picked himself up.

"You again," he growled. "I thought my master buried you."

"The first of his many failures this day," Lyra told him before their Bakugan charged.

Rampager charged at Lepusinge and swung his sword at him, Lepusinge leaping straight up to try and avoid it. But as he did, Rampager's sword glowed two different lights. "Shining Shadows!"

"Look out!" Fluttershy cried as Rampager swung his sword and unleashed the crescent energy blade, which struck the bunny in midair and made him cry out in pain. "Lepusinge!" She ran to his side, as he fell to the ground and slammed into a building along the way. "Quick, get up!"

"Ahhh," Lepusinge tried to push himself up. But as he did, Rampager approached and appeared ready to end the battle. But before he could get to close...

"Ruyi Bang!" From out of nowhere, a long staff shot towards Rampager and he barely managed to raise his shield in time to block. The impact and the constantly extending staff pushed him backwards, making him cry out as he was eventually knocked through a building.

Fluttershy and Lepusinge gasped when they followed the staff as it retracted, returning to its normal size so Wukong could spin it around. "Sup," he gave them a peace sign as Heath leapt down and ran to their side.

"You alright?" He asked, as Lepusinge finally picked himself up.

"Yeah," he nodded, "thanks for giving me the breather." He turned to where Rampager had fallen, the knight beginning to pick himself up. "Now I can fight at full strength again."

"Well don't think I'm gonna let you have all the fun!" Wukong smirked as Heath took out a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Wukong charged forward, as smoke flew off his fire mane and formed a dark cloud that he leapt on. "Flaming Nimbus!" Wukong rode the cloud towards Rampager and as the knight stood tall, the ape swung his staff at him again.

"Not this time!" He raised his shield and blocked the staff, but doing so locked him into place. This allowed Lepusinge to run around him and charge at him from behind, Rampager seeing this and swinging his sword around. But keeping his shield up meant he didn't have full range of movement, so Lepusinge was above to side-step the sword.

"Blaze Kick!" He slammed a burning foot into Rampager, knocking him off balance as Wukong spun his staff off the shield and slammed him in the head.

"AUGH!" He cried, staggering backwards whilst the Pyrus Bakugan flew away from him. Both smirked at one another, their Brawlers doing the same. They were going to enjoy this.

"Heavenly Cannon!" Quetzal cried as the lance on her tail fired a beam, which almost hit Fenroar as he jumped to the side to avoid it.

"Howling Force!" He roared and the sonic blast barely missed the hybrid, who began to spin and unleash a powerful gust of wind that began to form a tornado.

"Feather Storm!" Feathers rode the wind and shot towards Fenroar, slamming into him. Fenroar yelped as the feathers pierced his body and knocked him backwards, causing him to slam into the ground near Applejack.

"Fenroar!" She cried, rushing to his side as Quetzal flew up high. "Come on. You gotta get up!"

"Game over kiddies!" Quetzal laughed as she powered up another Heavenly Cannon. Applejack gasped at this, but refused to save herself and abandon her partner. But just as it was about to fire...

"Gaia Cannon!" A beam of nature energy shot towards Quetzal and engulfed her, making the hybrid scream out as she was blasted backwards. As she crashed into a building, Applejack spun around and spotted Gaia walking towards them.

"Hey," Bonnie smirked as they approached. Applejack smiled as the two reached her, Gaia lowering Bonnie down before taking another step forward.

"You're okay!" The cowgirl cheered, Bonnie giving her a thumbs up as Quetzal dug herself out of the building and saw them approaching.

"Another annoying bug. No matter. Won't help you!"

"Don't be so sure," Gaia told her as Fenroar held up his claws. "Don't think your flight advantage will help you now!" Quetzal growled at this and dived down, ready to take them both out.

Cleopal and Muddion continued their battle, Cleopal using her speed advantage to try and keep dealing damage to Muddion. But the hybrid Bakugan continued to simply regenerate any damage done to it.

"Enough playing around!" Muddion cried as he fired another blast of water, but Cleopal leapt into the air to avoid it before firing a Blazing Light. "Augh!" He staggered backwards, but managed to keep himself upright as Cleopal charged again.

"Mad Scratch!" She cried, but Muddion was prepared.

"Rock Mace!" He swung his arm around as the mud dried to rock, forming spikes as it flew towards Cleopal. The Haos Bakugan gasped, but couldn't stop herself as she smashed into the rock mace and was knocked backwards.

Rarity screamed as he fell off Cleopal again and hit the ground, rolling along it as Cleopal hit the dirt as well.

Muddion laughed at this before bringing his arms together. "Muddy Vortex!" He unleashed a stream of mud infused water that began to spiral together into an orb, which he fired towards the two. Cleopal saw this and gasped, rolling over to grab Rarity. But doing so meant she couldn't escape from the orb.

Luckily, someone was there to help her. "Apocalyptic Fire!" A blast of black fire shot from the sky and slammed into the water ball, causing it to explode and the water to evaporate on the spot.

The Haos team looked up and saw Ragnaroid flying towards them, Derpy on his head. "Hey!" The girl smiled as they approached, "you two look like you need a hand." Ragnaroid ducked down and allowed her to jump down next to Rarity, the pair smiling before the four turned towards Muddion.

"So," the hybrid smirked, "the traitor returns."

"You hybrids like using that word," Ragnaroid told him. "But I'm not a traitor. Being a traitor would indicate I was ever on Lucifer's side." He prepared all his weapon, "but I never was. Derpy!"

"Ability," Derpy held up a card, "Activate!" Ragnaroid's chest opened up, "Doom Vision!" The eye illuminated and shot towards Muddion, hitting him head on and making him cry out as he was frozen in place.

"Now!" He cried to Cleopal, who shot forward as Rarity held up a card.

"Fusion Ability, Activate!" Cleopal ran forwards as her claws extended and began to glow, "Shining Slash!" The Haos Bakugan jumped behind Muddion do as to not be hit by the Doom Vision, then leapt straight up.

"Take this!" She then let out a cat squeal as she slashed Muddion as hard as she could, the attack knocking him forwards and causing a massive gash in his round body.

Ragnaroid cut the Doom Vision and flew forward, as Muddion began healing himself up. He then swung his tail around, as Derpy held up a card. "Ability, Activate!"

"DEATH SPIRAL!" He thrust the drill forward as his began to spin, slamming right into Muddion's chest and ripping his muddy body to shreds. The Hybrid screamed out as mud and seaweed began to fly everywhere.

Rarity cried out as she was almost struck by this mud, jumping behind Derpy for protection. "I think you'll be fine," she told her. as the Bakugan moved over to them. But before they could think of leaving, the mud and weeds began to move on their own.

"Not again!" Rarity cried as the mud came together and absorbed the seaweed, slowly creating an orb of mud that unfurled itself to become Muddion.

"Huh," Derpy gulped, "wasn't expecting that."

"You and me both," Ragnaroid nodded before chuckling. "Just means this fight'll be even more exciting!" With that, he charged forward ready to really get the battle started.

As all these battles were taking place, Sombra and Lucifer watched and smirked.

"So," the former White One announced, "they survived. Good. That means their power is still up for grabs." He turned to Sombra, "find one to take down." Sombra nodded and tried to decide which of the BakuFighters was the best to target first.

"Ability, Activate!" Heath cried as Wukong leapt off his cloud to avoid a slash Rampager swung at him, rolling through the air over the hybrid as his body burst into flames. "Blazing Trickster!"

"What?" Rampager spun around and saw the flames shoot off Wukong, landing besides him and morphing into four exact copies of him.

"Oh yeah!" The five cheered before charging forward, all armed with a staff that they swung in his direction. Rampager managed to deflect and counter each attack, but barely and the five were proving tough to deal with.

"Vampire Shield!" He cried, raising his shield as it unleashed the sucking motion. The Wukong slammed their staffs into the ground, trying to prevent themselves from being sucked in. But the four fakes were reverted back to flames and slurped up into the shield's mouth. "Hahaa!"

"Don't count us out yet!" Suddenly, Lepusinge appeared and slammed a pair of flaming ears into Rampager's back. He cried out as the rabbit spun around, hitting him again and again and again.

Wukong then charged forward and Rampager saw this, attempting to slash at him only for the aim to pole vault over him. "Ability," Heath held up a card, "Activate!" Wukong's flaming ponytail exploded and surrounded his entire body, "Wildfire Burst!" As he landed, Wukong spun his body around and sent the flames flying off of him. Rampager tried to raise his shield, but Lepusinge spun around and kicked it away before leaping out of range of the flames.

"AUGH!" The flames engulfed him, causing him to stagger around. "Get these flames off of me!" But then, his armor began to glow. "Miracle Armor!" The flames exploded off of him as he was slowly healed, whilst his cape suddenly went straight up. "Plus, Cape of Doom!" The cape exploded off of him into a bunch of bats, which flew towards the Pyrus Bakugan and surrounded them.

"Guys!" Heath cried, as Wukong swung his staff around to try and swat them. "Just hang on guys. We'll find a way out of this!"

"Hydro Sphere!" Nimue cried as he summoned the orb of water and fired it towards Gigant.

"Heat Blaster!" Gigant roared, unleashing the super hot air that struck the orb and caused it to explode. The water got so hot, it turned to steam and filled the battlefield. This blocked the two Bakugan from each other's view but before either could attack, Gummy flew in.

"Ability, Activate!" Pinkie cried as Gummy landed before shooting forward. "Rapid Burst!" Moving at incredible speed, the Attribute Changing Bakugan shot passed Gigant and slashed at him. He then slashed the Hybrid again and again and again, shooting passed him every time.

"Raaah!" He roared before swinging his arms around, right as Gummy tried to slash at him again. This caused him to run right into Gigant's arm, knocking him flying into and through a building.

"Gummy!" Pinkie cried from the top of a building, as Gigant pointed his arm cannon at the building and started forming a fire sphere.

"Nimue!" Lyra cried, as the Aquos Bakugan charged forward. "Ability, Activate!" She threw a card towards Nimue and she held her staff up, "Whirlpool Trap!" The card began plucking the strings, causing it play music that summoned water to the other side of it.

Nimue cried out as she swung the staff forward and caused the water to shoot towards Gigant, the Hybrid seeing the attack coming and trying to turn the Flame Sphere towards her. But the water slammed into him before he could, extinguishing his flames as it swirled around him.

As he did so, Gummy pulled himself out of the building. As he did, his body turned back to its Aquos form. "Are you okay?" Pinkie cried, Gummy nodding as he pushed himself back to his feet.

"Can Gummy turn to his Subterra form?" Lyra asked, "we could totally use the Diagonal Correlation right now."

"I don't think he can do that for a while," Pinkie told her. "He needs to build his strength back up."

"Alright then," Lyra nodded as Gigiant used his Heat Blaster to blow his way out of the Whirlpool Trap. "Then we'll do what we can until then!" The two Aquos Bakugan charged at the Hybrid, ready to give it everything they had.

"Ability Activate!" Soarin yelled as Garuda's entire body sparked with energy, "Storm Booster!"

"RAAAAH!" He squawked as he shot forward at incredible speed, whilst Roaster tried to launch fireballs towards him. But Garuda managed to zigzag back and forth, avoiding them as he got in close and slashed at Roaster. The flaming chicken squawked in pain, Garuda quickly kicking back and taking to the air again.

Terraspin was also there. "This guy's really a Ventus Bakugan?" He asked Garuda, "but he can't fly?"

Roaster looked at him with anger, his lack of flight clearly being a sensitive subject for him. "Who needs to fly!?" His wings ignited, "Wildfire Cyclone!" The wind he generated picked up the flames and lifted them into the air, swirling them around into a flaming tornado.

The two flying Bakugan tried to escape, but couldn't and quickly found themselves pulled inside. "Wow!" Garuda moaned at the heat, "talk about hot!"

"I got this!" Terraspin cried as he pointed his chest towards the ground. "Get on!" Garuda landed on his shell as Terraspin used Shell Tornado, the wind shooting towards the ground and bouncing off it. With the fire tornado blocking its escape, the only way it could go was up. This pushed the pair upwards as the wind got above them and pushed the flames away.

Roaster watched as the top of the tornado exploded before his opponents flew out, Terraspin moving around so Garuda could use him as a springboard to launch himself forward. "Ability," Soarin held up a card, "Activate!" Garuda slashed at Roaster, as his beak sparked. "Blitz Bolt!"

"Raaah!" He fired the lightning bolt, which struck Roaster in the chest and made him cry out as his body became paralysed.

"Shell Saw!" Terraspin then shot towards him and began cutting into his body. He squawked and was thrown backwards, Soarin and Rainbow smirking at one another and fist bumping.

"Dirt Duster!" Muddion cried as he launched the dirt from his hands, which shot towards Ragnaroid and Cleopal.

"Apocalyptic Fire!" Ragnaroid roared as he launched the flames from his hands, which struck the high-powered dust spray and pushed against it. "NOW!" As he said that, Cleopal jumped onto his tail and her threw her up into the air.

"Ability," Rarity held up a card, "Activate!" Cleopal landed on Muddion's back as the gems on her scarf glowed and unleashed a beam, which struck Muddion and began draining him of power.

"Get off me!" He roared, spinning around trying to throw her off. But Cleopal dug her claws into the mud and did her best to hold on, whilst Ragnaroid flew towards them with his tail drill spinning.

"Say ah!" He cried before thrusting the drill at his chest, Cleopal leaping off Muddion as the drill slammed into him.

"Ahhh!" He roared, but quickly reached up and grabbed his tail and pulled the drill out of him. He didn't let go, however, and instead used all his strength to start pulling ton Ragnaroid.

"Trying that old technique?" He asked, spreading his wings and fighting against the pull. "Nice try, but it isn't gonna work." The two were in a tug-of-war, trying to overpower the other. As they were, Cleopal charged forward with her claws extended.

She intended to cut the weeds holding Muddion's arms, but the hybrid seemed to see this coming and let go of Ragnaroid with one hand. "Hydro Whip!" He swung his arm around and unleashed a ribbon of water, which flew towards Cleopal. But Cleopal managed to leap out of the way, whilst Ragnaroid pulled harder on his tail. "You're next!" He swung the whip around, ready to lash at Ragnaroid, but Derpy had been expecting this.

"Ability, Activate!" As the water whip struck Ragnaroid, he exploded into shadows that allowed him to escape Muddion. This knocked Muddion off balance and allowed Cleopal to fire a Blazing Light at him, whilst the four Ragnaroid appeared above him.

"Apocalyptic Fire!" They all unleashed the flames of hell, which slammed into Muddion and made him cry out as the water filling his body evaporated.

Derpy and Rarity smiled as they watched Muddion be overcome by these flames, as Cleopal waited to see what happened next. They got there answer when the flames stopped and Muddion was revealed to have been turned to stone.

"Did we do it?" Derpy asked, the Bakugan staring at Muddion unsure if it was taken care of. But then, the statue started moving.

"Cleopal!" Rarity cried, her Bakugan rushing forward and sending all her strength into her claws.

"SHINING SLASH!" She swung the claws around and in the blink of an eye, the statue crumbled to pieces and a light appeared within the rock. That light flew out and condensed itself into a small orb, the girls realising it was a Bakugan Ball.

That ball fell to the floor and rolled to a stop amongst the rocks, Derpy running over to it. But before she could reach the Bakugan, something happened. "What?" The Bakugan was suddenly surrounded by a black mist and phased into a pool of shadows, which appeared below it.

"What happened to it?" Rarity asked, Derpy unsure. But at least, for now, he wasn't going to be a threat.

"Poisonous Tearing!" Skulpion cried as he launched the venomous X towards Leonidas, as Flash held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" An energy sphere appeared around Leonidas, "Spectral Barricade!" The hybrid ability bounced off the shield and as it did, Spikenoid appeared behind Skulpion.

"Fire Burst!" The green fire consumed Skulpion, the Aquos and Darkus Bakugan crying out as the flames surrounded him. "Heck yeah!" Spike smirked as Skulpion drenched himself in his own poison, protected from its affects. Once the flames were out, he growled at them.

"Do you really think you can defeat us? You are ants that think themselves gods. What chance do you have against a true god?"

From where they stood, Flash and Twilight smiled at one another. "We're not gods," Flash told Skulpion. "We're just a couple of humans and Bakugan, working hard to try and stop a nutcase with his own god complex."

"And your master is anything but a god," Twilight smirked. "All he does is destroy and that's the furthest thing from a god that I know of. He thinks the world belongs to him, just because he's strong." Their Bakugan charged at Skulpion, who launched several Hydro Stingers at them. "But real strength doesn't come from pure power. That's something we've learned fighting against him."

Flash nodded, as Leonidas launched an Ultra Destroyer at Skulpion. "True strength is the strength to stand up against someone, even if it looks like they can't win." Spike tried to use Dark Spikes on Skulpion, who dodged and launched some Death Mist at him. "True strength is having the courage to stand against evil. To stand by your friends and fight against the odds, no matter how impossible it seems. To protect everything you love. That's true strength. And all our friends have that strength. Something you don't. No matter what Lucifer throws at us, we'll overcome it! Right guys!"

"RIGHT!" The other three cried as Leo and Spike launched their attacks and blasted Skulpion backwards.

Heath and Fluttershy continued to watch as Rampager battled against Wukong and Lepusinge.

Despite it being two on one and Rampager having been on the defensive, the hybrid Bakugan's stamina appeared to be equal to the other two's combined. The three of them were all panting as they stared one another down, Wukong using his staff as a walking stick to keep from falling over.

"This is taking forever," Heath growled. "We've gotta find a way to end this now."

Fluttershy nodded before her eyes went wide. "I wonder." She took out a card and Heath realised it was a Gate Card, the girl throwing it towards the ground. And to their surprise, the card actually expanded. "It's working!" But then the card stopped expanding, only filling up a tiny part of the street.

"Looks like the entire battlefield can't become a Gate Card like this," Heath realised. "We're gonna have to position Rampager on the card in order for it to work."

"Then let's do just that," Fluttershy smiled before turning to Lepusinge. She and Heath were behind Rampager, so they spotted them motioning to the card that had just played without the hybrid seeing.

"Got it!" He rushed forward, "Power Dash!" He sped up and shot towards Rampager, whilst Wukong summoned another cloud for him to ride. "Can't catch me!" He cried, jumping forward but fainting to the left when Rampager tried to slash at him. "Oh, so close." He dodged again, "nice try slowpoke!"

"Annoying twerp!" Rampager cried as he missed again. "Don't forget, slow and steady wins the race!"

"Yeah!" Wukong shot down on his cloud, "but this isn't a race!" He sped up and Rampager swung his sword at him, hitting the ape and cutting through him. But as he did, Wukong smirked before disappearing. "It's a brawl!" He spun around as four more Wukong flew towards him, each one swinging their staffs at the hybrid.

He cried out as each one slammed into him, knocking him backwards with every hit. And as he was a step away from the Gate Card, Lepusinge shot at him and thrust a Blaze Kick right into his chest. "AUGH!" He was thrown backwards and fell onto the Gate Card, Wukong and Lepusinge jumping onto it as well.

"Gate Card...OPEN!" Fluttershy cried as the Gate Card lit up and unleashed several ropes of fire. "Flame Prison!" The ropes shot towards Rampager and wrapped around his arms, legs, waist, shoulders, knees and neck.

"Ahhh!" He felt it burning him, the hybrid unable to pull them off him. "What is this?"

"Flame Prison!" Fluttershy smiled. "A special Gate Card that weakens any non-Pyrus Bakugan standing on it and prevents them from using Abilities."

"No!" He growled, as the flames around his arms tightened and burned. This made him drop his weapons, as more fire ropes flew up and grabbed his cape. He was completely defenseless. "This...isn't...over."

"Wrong," Heath told him. "This is where it ends!" He and Fluttershy took out a card and held them up. "FUSION ABILITY...ACTIVATE!" Both leapt into action, Lepusinge literally leaping straight up as his feet unleashed blasts of fire that rocketed him into the air. Meanwhile, Wukong began to breakdance, spinning around on his back as his hands, feet and tail-tip ignited. "MONKEY KING INFERNO/BLAZING HI-JUMP KICK!

"YEAH!" Wukong cheered as the flames continuously flew off of him and into the air. As they did, Lepusinge changed direction and shot towards Rampager.

As he did, he flew through the flames Wukong formed and this caused them to be absorbed by his flaming feet. "RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared as he reached Rampager and spun around, slamming his feet into the Hybrid's chest.

"AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHH!" Rampager screamed as the flames engulfed him, the fire ropes shattering as he was knocked backwards. This caused him to revert to ball form as he hit the ground and rolled away, whilst Wukong grabbed his staff and used them to collect the flames that the Pyrus Bakugan had created.

Once the flames were collected, he morphed them into a sphere and threw it into the air. They it exploded and extinguished, safe from catching anything on fire. As he did, Fluttershy and Heath high-fived.

"We did it!" She cheered, Heath nodding with a smirk. He then turned to where Rampager had fallen and began to walk towards it.

"Better make sure you don't come back and cause any more problems." But before he could, the ball was surrounded by a black mist. "Huh?" Then, it disappeared into the shadowy ground. "Where'd it go?"

"Someplace out of the way until I have use of him again." Everyone's eyes went wide and they looked around to see a Bakugan that terrified them all.

"Lucifer," Wukong growled at the sight of the dark angel. Lucifer smiled and waved, only to then flicker away. "Huh?" Wukong looked away, Lepusinge doing the same. But then, the rabbit felt a presence behind him.

"LOOK OUT!" Fluttershy screamed as Lepusinge spun around and saw Lucifer smiling at him, the angelic Bakugan reaching out and grabbing him by the throat. "Lepusinge!"

"Nighty night!" With amazing speed, Lucifer shot forward and thrust Lepusinge into the ground. He pushed him backwards and Lepusinge cried out before Lucifer let him go. He went flying and bounced along the ground several times before returning to ball form.

"LEPUSINGE!" Fluttershy ran after him, as Heath and Wukong turned to glare at Lucifer. The former White One turned to smile at them, then held his hand up and snapped his fingers.

Suddenly, a dark energy dome appeared around them. It started right above Lucifer and flew down to engulf Heath and Wukong. The two looked around and Heath carefully reached for the dome wall, only to hiss at the pain it caused. "Nobody's gonna get in our way now," Lucifer told him, as a chuckle filled the air and made Heath turn to see Sombra stepping out of an alleyway.

"You," Heath glared at him.

"Yes," he smirked, "me. Now," he took out a Gate Card, "shall we begin our battle?" Heath frowned, thinking about what he could possibly do in that moment.

"Should have known he'd come after us when we were split up," Wukong growled. "Too scared to take us out on your own?"

"No," Lucifer smirked, "I'm just smart. Why face all of you and be at a disadvantage, when I can track you down whilst your friends are busy. And since you're clearly still exhausted from your little tussle with my underling, this battle will turn out in my favour."

"Don't be so sure!" Heath cried, "you're not the first strong Bakugan we've fought after beating another. And the result'll be the same as that time. You're going down."

"We'll see," Sombra smirked.

Outside the barrier, Fluttershy picked up Lepusinge as he gave off a lot of smoke. "Are you okay?" Lepusinge coughed as he unfurled himself.

"I'll live. But I think I'll be out of action for a bit." Fluttershy nodded, then turned back to the dome and frowned. "Heath. He and Wukong are in serious trouble."

Fluttershy nodded, "and there's nothing we can do to help him." She moved closer to the dome, able to see inside it though it was still rather dark. She watched as Wukong and Lucifer returned to their Brawlers, as Sombra threw a Gate Card.

"Prepare yourself!" Sombra cried as he held up Lucifer. "For the last Brawl you'll ever play!"

"Heath," Wukong glanced back at his partner, "this is the most dangerous Bakugan that ever existed. You realise we probably have no chance against him."

Heath frowned, but then smirked. "Even if we can't beat him, we can still give it our all and figure out what he can do with his new powers. That should help the others stand a chance against him. And you never know, we might just pull off a miracle and be the ones to save the world from him." Wukong smirked at him.

"That's the spirit!" He curled up and Heath threw leapt into the air.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" Wukong shot through the air as Sombra leapt up and threw Lucifer, the two Bakugan flying towards one another. No matter what happened, Heath would fight with everything he had. And he wouldn't stop until Lucifer was taken down once and for all.

Author's Note

Sombra and Lucifer make their move. How with Heath and Wukong fair? Only time will tell.

The Heat is On

The war between Lucifer's forces and the Bakugan who has sided with humanity was in full swing.

All over the country, Bakugan were battling against one another. The ones under Lucifer's mental control were attacking on instinct, whilst those partnered up with humans were able to win thanks to partial or sometimes complete return of their consciousness mixed with their human partners leading them.

This didn't mean that the battles were always in the human's favour, as in Minnesota where a Serpenoid was thrown against a building by an Atmos. The Serpenoid's human ran over to where the Bakugan had fallen, returning to ball form, whilst a Clawser and Rattleoid protected them.

In Canterlot, the families of those who had gone to fight in this war watched in fear.

Flash's parents were antsy as the scene had changed to show the battle in St Louis, where Gaia was firing her shoulder cannons at the feathered snake. "You think they can win?" Misty asked Trail, who wasn't sure.

"Those girl were able to beat that mud creature," he told her. "So hopefully, the rest of them can beat these things as well." As he said that, Quetzal fired a laser from its tail that struck Gaia in the chest. She staggered backwards and crashed into a building, causing pieces of it to fall towards the girls on the ground.

"Bonnie!" They heard a woman scream, as Fenroar rushed in and slashed the debris away. This revealed the girls were safe, the pair giving the wolf a thumbs up before returning their focus to Quetzal. The woman fell to her knees, looking like she had just had a heart attack as she clutched her chest.

Flash and Twilight's parents moved over to her. "Is that you daughter?" Misty asked, the woman named Candy nodded.

"Why is she doing this? She shouldn't be fighting against those monsters." She looked back up at the screen, which switched right after Bonnie activated an Ability to show Heath and Fluttershy battling. "I never should have let her play this game. I knew it would put her in danger."

"I know it's hard," Velvet told her. "Our children are out fighting as well. But if they don't fight, nobody else will be able to stop what's happening."

Cadance nodded. "Flash said he and his friends were chosen to end this crisis. We have to trust in them to get it done. And hopefully, they can without getting hurt." But as she said that, someone gasped and they looked back to the TV screen.

Moments after Heath and Fluttershy's Bakugan had defeated the one attacking Keystone, a Bakugan they all recognised the face of appeared and took Lepusinge out. "It's Lucifer!" Scootaloo cried, as the demonic angel snapped his fingers and caused a dome to appear around him, Wukong and their brawlers. "Oh no."

"What's he doing?" Shining asked, everyone else wondering the same thing.

At the same time, Leonidas and Spikenoid continued to do battle against Skulpion in New York. "Poisonous Tear!" He swung his claws forward and unleashed the X-shaped poison blast.

"Spectral Barricade!" Leonidas roared as the energy formed around him, shielding him from the Hybrid Ability. As he did, Spike charged forward as his spines began to glow.

"Dark Spike!" As Skulpion was recharging from his last attack, the wingless dragonoid thrust his spiked arm into its skeletal body. He cried at this, feeling half his power being drained away. At the same time, Leonidas prepared to fire another Ultra Destroyer.

As this was happening, Flash and Twilight smiled before a beeping sound caught their attention. The pair looked down at their BakuColars, seeing Fluttershy had sent a group message to them. "Guys!" She cried as they answered, "we've got a big problem."

"What's wrong?" Twilight asked her.

"It's Heath!" Fluttershy cried as she watched the pair begin their battle. "Sombra and Lucifer showed up. They trapped him and Wukong in a weird dome thing. They're brawling."

"That's not good," Lyra whispered as Gummy fired a blast of water towards Gigant.

"What do we do?" Rainbow asked, Terraspin avoiding Roaster's Pyro Claw and blasting him towards Garuda.

"There's nothing we can do," Soarin groaned as Garuda slashed at Roaster with a lightning sword. "Not until we've dealt with this guy." Roaster blocked the lightning sword with and Spiral Shredder and jumped away, launching fireballs towards them.

"Ahhh," Bonnie growled in frustration. She looked up at Quetzal, who dodged another of Gaia's cannon blasts. "This is so annoying."

"Guess we'll have ta trust in Heath to hold out," Applejack told her. Fenroar rushed forward on all fours and leapt up, as Quetzal flew low and he tried to slash at her.

"Leave it to us," Derpy's voice called out through the BakuColar.

"We've managed to beat Muddion." Derpy turned to Ragnaroid, who nodded. He was eager to settle the score with the one who stole his Darkus Energy.

"We should be able to teleport there the same way we got here," Rarity announced as Cleopal returned to ball form. The pair climbed onto Ragnaroid, as he took to the air and flew towards the stadium they had arrived in the city from.

"Please hurry," Fluttershy begged them. "I don't know if Heath will be able to hold on for long."

"Don't count Heath out yet," Flash told her. "Don't forget, he's one of if not the most powerful Pyrus Brawler in the world. It'll take more than an overgrown prettyboy to take him down." Fluttershy wanted to believe that. But given who is opponent was, she was worried Heath might be in over his head.

Inside the dome, Heath glared at Sombra after the man had just thrown a Gate Card down.

Despite being up against one of the most evil Bakugan that ever lived, he believed in Wukong and in himself. And even if he couldn't win, he would learn everything he could about Lucifer and what he could do.

"Bakugan," he leapt up and threw Wukong, "BRAWL!" Sombra did the same, the two Bakugan flying towards one another. They then slammed into one another, spinning against each other before bouncing back and hitting the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" The two Bakugan shot open and both unleashed a tornado of flames and shadow.

"Go, Pyrus King Wukong!" The ape-man exploded out of the tornado, spinning around and breakdancing as the flames flew away from him.

"Rise, Darkus Lucifer!" The shadow tornado stopped spinning before the energy was sucked into the hand of the Bakugan revealed, the now demonic angel staring down at Wukong with a smirk on this face.

Lucifer: 800Gs
Wukong: 650Gs

"Gate Card," Sombra pointed to the ground, "OPEN!" The field began to glow and from that light, chains shot out and started slithering along the ground in every direction. "Enemy Lockout!" The chains finished connecting from one side of the dome to the other, wrapping around building and other things as it did so. The chains then merged with the surfaces, looking like someone had painted them onto the ground and buildings. "This Gate Card prevent us from throwing any new Bakugan into the field. It's just Lucifer and your Bakugan now."

Heath and Wukong growled at this, Heath having hoped to throw in some more Bakugan to help him take Lucifer down. "He's dividing us," he told his Bakugan.

"We might be divided," Wukong smirked. "But we won't be conquered!" He charged towards the Darkus Bakugan, Lucifer having floated down as Heath took out a card. But Sombra was quickly.

"Ability, Activate!" The card glowed and Lucifer suddenly vanished, "Deadly Strike!"

Lucifer: 1000Gs
Wukong: 650Gs

Wukong slid to a stop, "where'd he go?"

"Behind you!" He spun around in time to see Lucifer behind him, the former white one throwing a fist right into his stomach. He cried out as the force slammed into him and knocked the wind right out of him. Lucifer then kept pushing and extended his arm completely, throwing Wukong off of him and into the air.

"GYAH!" He cried as he spiralled through the air, his stomach still killing him as he reached the top of his arch near the very top of the dome. He then started falling, seriously picking up speed as he did so. Luckily, Heath was ready and held up two cards.

"Double Ability Activate!" Wukong fought through the pain in his gut and created a flame that he extended, "Ruyi Bang!" He pulled a staff from the flames and started spinning it around, creating a cloud of smoke. "Plus, Flaming Nimbus!"

Lucifer: 1000Gs
Wukong: 1050Gs

He landed on the cloud and managed to pull up seconds before he hit the ground, flying into the air as Lucifer did the same. "Can't beat me that easily!" He swung his staff at the villain and Lucifer blocked it with his arm, the pair glaring at one another before Wukong started rapidly jabbing at him with the flaming staff tip.

But Lucifer was able to block and avoid each and every one of the attacks. "Pathetic!" He cried, as Sombra held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Lucifer shot backwards and brought his hands together, forming a sphere of dark energy. "Phantom Dread!" He then crushed the sphere and doing so caused the energy to explode outwards, the wave hitting Wukong.

"Ahhhh!" He cried as a horrible shiver went through his entire body, his staff vanishing as he clutched his arms. "What's...happening?"

Lucifer: 1000Gs
Wukong: 850Gs

He opened his eyes and in doing so, saw Lucifer. But for some unknown reason, the demonic Bakugan looked completely terrifying. Even more so than Wukong thought before. Absolute dread and fear filled every portion of Wukong's body, Lucifer smirking as he flew forward and got right into his face. "Boo!"

"AHHHHHHHHHH!" Wukong jumped back and fell off his cloud, causing him to fall a hundred feet or so and crash into the ground.

"WUKONG!" Heath ran to his side as Wukong moaned, Lucifer smirking as he flew back over to Sombra. "Wukong. You okay?" But as Wukong opened his eyes, the fear he felt still overwhelmed him.

"AAARRRHHH!" He pushed himself backwards along the ground, wanting to get as far away from Lucifer as he could. Heath realised they were in serious trouble. If he couldn't figure out a way to overcome this, they were gonna lose.

"Heat Blaster!" Gigant roared as he unleashed the blast of super hot air from his hand, which struck the Whirlpool Trap Nimue had sent his way.

"Ahh!" Nimue cried as the water evaporated and filled the air with steam, the lady of the lake quickly beginning to strum her harp. "Geyser Burst!" The harp glowed and she slammed it into the ground, causing it to start shaking as she did so.

A moment later, the ground beneath Gigant exploded and water slammed into him. "Augh!" He staggered back as as he did, Gummy ran forward.

"Glacial Fang!" Pinkie cried, as Gummy leapt into the air and bit down on Gigant's shoulder. With his fire extinguished, he couldn't stop the ice from spreading to cover his entire body. Within seconds, he was a giant ice sculpture and Gummy leapt away to land next to Nimue.

"Did we do it?" Nimue asked, staring at the statue. They waited to see if Gigant would fall like they heard Muddion and Rampager do. But then, something happened.

Gigant started pulsing with light, making the Aquos Bakugan and their partners worry. Then, the ice around Gigant started steaming up. "He's heating himself up again!" Lyra cried, Nimue charging forward. "Hurry!"

"I'll hit him with Overflow the second he breaks out of there!" But as she prepared to do just that, the ice shattered off of Gigant along with a wave of heat. Nimue gasped before an ice chunk slammed into her, knocking her backwards and causing her to lose her staff. The heat then struck her and she could feel her skin start to blister, Gummy quickly jumping up onto one of the buildings to try and avoid the heat wave.

Gigant stood there with his fire completely restored, the hybrid roaring as he slammed both his fists into the ground. "Double Ability, Activate!" The ground ripped apart, as lava spewed out his shoulders. "Fissure, plus Magma Flow!" The lava seemed into the cracks in the ground and the fissure stopped spreading.

Everyone thought maybe his attack had failed, but then a crack appeared beneath Nimue. "LOOK OUT!" Lyra cried, Nimue looking down and seeing the crack before leaping back. Seconds later, lava exploded out of the crack and into the air, forming a wave that headed towards Nimue.

"Hydro Sphere!" She screamed, the orb or water forming around her seconds before the lava crashed down upon her.

"NIMUE!" Lyra screamed, as the lava instantly cooled down to form an orb of obsidian that trapped the Bakugan inside. "Oh no," she looked ready to start crying as Gummy charged towards Gigant.

"Leaf Cyclone!" The Subterra giantess screamed as she created a tornado that sent the leaves off her head, flying towards Quetzal.

"Feather Storm!" She spun around and created her own tornado, sending feathers flying off of her in order to counter the Leaf Cyclone. The two tornado's slammed into one another and the projectiles they were carrying slammed into one another, the leaves cutting some of the feathers to pieces whilst the feather tips impaled some leaves.

Quetzal was so busy focusing on Gaia's attack, she didn't noticed Fenroar had climbed up the side of a building and leapt off it. "Wolf Claw Strike!" He howled, slashing at the hybrid's back.

The feathered snake hissed as she stopped spinning and fell towards the ground, as Bonnie held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Gaia's wooden fists began to break apart, "Bark Barrage!"

"Raaaaah!" She roared as she thrust her fists forward, right as Fenroar kicked off of Quetzal to avoid what was coming. The wood exploded off her fists and hundreds of wooden shards shot towards Quetzal, slamming into her again and again making her cry out with every scratch and slash.

"Enough!" She eventually cried, raising her rail as the orb unleashed a burst of light. This blinded the Bakugan, making them both stagger back as Quetzal slid away. When the light faded, they opened their eyes and found that she was gone.

"You're not getting away that easy!" Fenroar howled as he stuck his nose to the ground, sniffing until he managed to pick up her scent. "There you are." He rushed down the street and Gaia followed him, their partners bringing up the rear at a safe distance.

They followed the scent around a building onto another street, then turned right around a building. They turned right again and circled another building before heading down the street and turning left to circle another one, Applejack eventually realising something. "We're going in circles."

"More like a figure eight," Bonnie stated. "But where did she-" She stopped and looked up, "There!" They all looked up and saw Quetzal right above them, her wings spread as she glared down at them.

"HEAVENLY CANNON!" She fired the laser and made it as strong as she could, the beam shooting down and slamming into the ground between the Subterra Bakugan.

Both of them and their partners cried out as they were knocked backwards, Gaia landing where the girls had been standing before the blast knocked them flying. They all groaned as they recovered and Quetzal flew over them. "Everyone okay?" Gaia asked, "girls?"

"We're fine," Bonnie assured her. "Though my head's pounding a bit."

"Rotten snake," Applejack growled as Quetzal laughed. "We'll make ya'h pay fur that! Just ya'h watch!" The others nodded, promising the same thing. They were gonna take this hybrid down if it was the last thing they did.

Back in Vegas, Roaster continued to charge down the stip setting everything on fire.

He had found an interesting strategy to taking his opponents down. Set enough of the place on fire and they would focus on keeping it from burning down more than on him. "Wildfire Cyclone!" He squawked as he created another fire tornado, which got close to burning down another hotel.

Garuda quickly flew over to it. "Aero Bomber!" He cried, throwing the sphere of air into the tornado and causing it to explode as the flames were blown out. As he did this, Terraspin charged at Roaster.

"Shell Saw!" He ground his fins into Roaster and made him squawk out as he was pushed backwards. Garuda then charged with his claws sparking.

"Sky Spark Surge!" But as he got in close, but Roaster leapt into the air and spread his wings.

"Spiral Shredding!" He spun, morphing into a tornado that slammed into Garuda and started drilling into him with a bunch of sharp claws. Garuda flinched at this, as Terraspin landed next to him.

"Hold on!" He cried as Rainbow and Soarin ran closer.

"Ability," Rainbow held up a card, "Activate!" Terraspin flew into the air and charged towards Roaster, pulling his head and fins in. "Shell Spin!" The shell began to rotate and smashed into the tornado, knocked it away from Garuda and causing Roaster to break out of it.

He squawked and glided towards the as Garuda recovered, his beak sparking as he prepared to launch another Blitz Bolt. But before he could fire, Roaster's claws ignited as he hit the ground. He ground them against the floor, this coupled with the flames causing smoke to flow into the air.

Garuda and Terraspin found themselves blinded by this smoke, Terraspin unleashing a burst of wind that blew the smoke away. But as he was doing this, Roaster launched himself from the smoke and slashed at him. "Augh!" He cried as he was knocked backwards and crashed into a building, causing debris to fall towards Soarin and Rainbow.

"Watch out!" Soarin cried as he tackled Rainbow out of the way of some, the pair rolling away but not far enough to escape all the debris. But before they could be crushed, Garuda leapt up above them.

"Augh!" He cried as several sharp pieces of rubble bounced off him, whilst Roaster laughed and launched several fireball towards them. "RAAAAAH!" Garuda cried as he launched an Aero Bomber at the fireballs, deflecting them as Soarin and Rainbow got up. Terraspin pulled himself out of the building and they all glared at Roaster, having had enough of this overgrown chicken.

"Ultra Destroyer!" Leonidas roared as he fired another laser, which Skulpion tried to block using an Ocean Eater attack.

The laser slammed into the skull-shaped blast of water, blowing it up and evaporating the water before continuing to charge towards the hybrid. But Skulpion managed to leap away as the laser struck the ground, causing it to explode and send debris everywhere.

But as he landed, he heard Spike cry out. "Spiking Strike!" He spun around to see several energy spikes shooting towards him, the skeletal scorpion launching his Shadows Slashers towards them. They slammed into each other and caused an explosion, which filled the entire street with smoke that blocked their view.

"I can't see!" Twilight cried, covering her eyes as Flash looked up to his partner.

"Leo, try and fan this stuff away!" Leonidas nodded before he started beating his wings, creating a gust that blew the smoke away. As it faded, Skulpion was revealed to have vanished. "Where'd he go?"

"He ran off?" Spike growled, as Leonidas flew higher to try and spot him. But the large buildings were creating a lot of shadows that the part Darkus Bakugan was using to shield himself.

"You can't hide forever," he growled as he flew between two tall buildings.

"I don't need too!" Leo's eyes went wide as he looked around, seeing Skulpion clutching to the side of a building. Before the dragon could react, the hybrid leapt off the building and tackled him.

"Augh!" He cried as he fell to the ground and crashed into the street beflow, whilst Skulpion wrapped his bladed lags around him and stuck the tip of his tail into a gap in Leondas' armor. "RAAAAH!" He roared in pain, whilst Spike and the humans ran around a building to see Leo in trouble.

"Hang on!" Flash cried, pulling out a card. "Ability, Activate!" But with Leo in such a state, he was unable to activate the card. "Come on!"

"Spike!" Twilight cried, as Spikenoid rushed forward and Twilight held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" His claws glowed and he slashed at Skulpion, "Tearing Claw!" The struck Skulpion's back, making the beast roar and loosen his grip on Leonidas.

The dragon reached around and grabbed the tail, pulling the stinger out of him and throwing Skulpion off of him. The hybrid crashed into the side of a building and fell to the floor, as Leonidas picked himself up. "You okay?" Flash asked, the Bakugan shaking his whole body to get rid of the goosebumps.

"I'll live. But that hurt." They turned to glare as Skulpion, who picked himself up and smiled. "You are so gonna pay for that."

"Bring it on," he snapped his claws. "But the longer you and your friends fight us, the more time my master has ripping your monkey friend apart." They knew he was right, they and everyone had to beat these Hybrids now before it was too late.

"Wukong!" Heath cried, "you've gotta snap out of it!" His Bakugan continued shaking in absolute terror, as Lucifer and Sombra simply stood floated there enjoying his fright. "Please, get up."

"I can't," Wukong shivered. "I...I'm too scared."

"I know you're scared," Heath told him. "But you can't let this fear beat you. Lucifer wants you to be scared, because he knows he can't beat you if you're not. He's not gonna wait around forever. If you don't do something, he's gonna start attacking you."

"Too right!" Heath spun around as saw Lucifer approaching, the brawler glaring at him before jumping between him and Wukong.

"Get back!" He cried, "I'm not gonna let you near him!"

"You won't let me?" Lucifer asked before giving him a laugh, "don't be foolish. What could you possibly do to stop me?" Before Heath could answer, Lucifer reached forward and grabbed him. He cried out as the bony fingers squeezed him, everything but his head and right arm being trapped by them. "You humans are pathetic. Needing weapons and technology to mimic even a fraction of the power we Bakugan naturally possess. You are nothing." He squeezed tighter.

Wukong heard Heath's cries and slowly opened his eyes, seeing his partner and best friend in danger. This image sparked something within him. A new fear, which seemed to chase away the old one.

"Augh!" Heath cried as he felt himself moment away from having a bone broken or crushed. But that was the straw that broke the camel's back.

"NOOOOO!" Lucifer looked up to see Wukong flying at him, creating his staff and slamming the tip into Lucifer's hand. This knocked it open and sent Heath flying, Wukong spinning the staff around and thrusting it into his chest. As Lucifer was knocked back, Wukong jumped up and caught his partner. "You okay?"

Heath looked up and smiled. "I am now that you're back to normal." Wukong smirked as he landed, then turned to Lucifer and no longer felt any fear.

"How?" He asked, holding his hand. "How did you overcome my fear?"

"Simple," Wukong smirked, "I realised there was something I feared even more than you." He placed Heath on the ground, "losing my friends." He held his staff forward, "that's why I'll fight and beat you. No matter how terrifying you are, you'll never be more terrifying than living my life without the friends I've made in this world. Heath, Leonidas, Nimue and everyone else. You can try and scare me, but nothing will scare me more than that. That's why I'll fight, so that won't happen."

Lucifer growled, "we'll see. I'll show you just how terrifying I can be." He rushed forward, flying at him with his claws ready to slash at him. But Wukong quickly leapt up using his pole and jumped above him.

"Ability, Activate!" Heath cried as Wukong's body burst into flames, Lucifer looking up as the fire exploded off of him. "Blazing Trickster!" Wukong landed on his fire cloud, as four more or him appeared and did the same.

Lucifer: 1000Gs
Wukong: 1150Gs

The five Wukong flew around him, Lucifer growling as they all charged from different directions. Each one swung their staff at him, but Lucifer used all of his arms and legs, and even a wing, to block the attacks as Sombra held up a pair of cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" The Darkus symbol on his chest began to glow as he pushed the staffs away, then flew straight up. "Vanishing Doom!" The symbol's light exploded off of him and struck the five Wukong, causing the four fakes to vanish.

Lucifer: 1000Gs
Wukong: 850Gs

"He nullified my Ability!" Wukong cried, as the second Ability activated and Lucifer shot down towards him.

"Plus, Unending Punishment!" With that, Lucifer threw a fist into Wukong's chest. He cried out as he felt some of his power vanish.

Lucifer: 1000Gs
Wukong: 800Gs

Lucifer then slammed a foot into his side, taking away more power.

Lucifer: 1000Gs
Wukong: 750Gs

An all out barrage then exploded, Lucifer moving his limbs faster than the eye could see. He was nothing but a blur as he constantly slammed his fists and feet into the ape-man. "Ahhhhh!" Wukong cried with the attacks, eventually pulling his cloud back away from Lucifer as his G power dropped.

Lucifer: 1000Gs
Wukong: 350Gs

"Wukong!" Heath cried, seeing they were in serious trouble. Lucifer then shot forward, clearly intending to continue. But Heath had a plan. "Ability, Activate!" Wukong's staff lit on fire and he swung it around, the flames exploding off in all directions. "Backfire!"

Lucifer slammed into the flames and in doing so, hissed as he felt his Unending Punishment's power vanishing. The flames then flew back into Wukong, the fiery aura surrounding him and reversing the power lose he had suffered.

Lucifer: 1000Gs
Wukong: 1350Gs

"Impossible!" Sombra cired as Wukong flew forward and slammed his blazing staff into Lucifer.

"Augh!" He cried, but grabbed the staff. "You think you are worthy of the power you hold. The Pyrus Attribute Energy is too important to allow a fool like you to use it. That's why I'll take it for myself, the only one who deserves it."

"Ability Activate!" Sombra cried as Lucifer's hands began to glow an ominous glow. "Cursed Light!" The light spread down Wukong's staff and into the ape, making him cry out as he felt his energy being drained away.

"That's right," Lucifer smirked. "Give me your power. And soon, you will give me your Attribute Energy!"

Lucifer: 1200Gs
Wukong: 1150Gs

"Never," Wukong growled, "I won't let you have it. This is all that's left of the world you destroyed. And when we've beaten you, it'll be used to recreate it!"

"Fool!" Lucifer threw the staff upwards before slamming his palm into Wukong's chest, "Vestroia was a useless planet. It has known nothing except war and turmoil. If it were to come back, that same turmoil would also return. So why bother!?" He unleashed a pulse of power from his hand, which pushed Wukong backwards.

The ape was blasted off his cloud and fell backwards until he crashed into a building, "AUGH!"

"Instead, I shall take the Attribute Energies myself and use them to rebuild this world into a true utopia. One where all who live and die will live under my rule. Those who break my rules will not live to regret that mistake, so crime and violence shall be a thing of only memories."

"Doesn't sound like a utopia to me," Heath told him as Wukong picked himself up. "Sounds more like a dictatorship. A world like that isn't one worth living in. All people will do is constantly be terrified of doing something that'll make you angry, they'll never be willing to do anything."

"I know," Lucifer smirked. "Won't it be glorious."

"No," Wukong growled, "it doesn't. It sounds like a nightmare to me. If there's one thing I love more then my friends, it's free will. So what if some people chose to make the wrong choices. It's their choice to make." He summoned his staff again as Lucifer flew down. "Free will is the most important thing that needs to be protected." As he said this, his fiery aura returned. Heath saw this and smirked, realising he was tapping into the Pyrus Energy. "More important than justice, or even life itself. And you trying to take that away is not cool!"

"And that's why we're gonna beat you!" Heath cried as he held up two cards. "let's do this, Wukong. Double Ability...ACTIVATE!" Wukong charged as his flaming hair exploded and wrapped around his entire body. "Wildfire Burst, plus Fusion Ability, Monkey King Inferno!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" Wukong screamed as he started spinning around, the flames exploding off of him and shooting towards Lucifer.

"Gyah!" He cried as his power was burned away, whilst Wukong's rose up and grew more and more powerful.

Lucifer: 1050Gs
Wukong: 1600Gs

"YES!" Heath cheered, believing they had actually won. Sombra didn't use another card, making Heath believe he was out of them. And even if he had another, there was no way he could make up the difference in their points...right?

"Fall!" Wukong cried as he kept spinning, sending more and more super hot flames crashing into Lucifer. The demonic angel was soon completely enveloped by the flames and a giant fireball formed around him, constantly slamming fire into him. Wukong reached the limit of the flames he could produce for the moment and stopped spinning, the ape-man panting from exhaustion. "That had to beat him...right?"

The miniature sun continued to burn away, frying Lucifer within it. And then, the flames began to slowly vanish. But they weren't extinguished naturally.

Instead, they were being sucked towards a single spot within the orb. That spot soon revealed to have Lucifer's hand behind it, Heath, Wukong and everyone watching going wide-eyed in horror at the sight.

When the last of the flames were absorbed into his hand, it formed an orb that Lucifer held. He then smirked before throwing the orb up into the air, eventually hitting the top of the dome and causing a large explosion that caused every glass window within the dome to shatter.

"No way," Wukong whispered as Lucifer smirked and flew up above him.

"Although your pathetic struggles amuse me, you can never defeat me. Shall I show you the reason why?" Wukong glared at him and held his staff up defensively. "Sombra...do it."

"Ability," Sombra held up a card, "Activate!" The card exploded into two beams of light, one white and one black, which flew up towards Lucifer as he held up his arms. The white light formed a sphere in his right hand, whilst the black light formed a sphere is his left.

"Behold. Positive and Negative. The two energies of the universe, constantly at war with one another. Very few have the power to unify them. And I am one of those few." With that, he threw the white orb towards Wukong.

"Get out of there!" Heath cried, knowing this Ability was something big. But as Wukong summoned his cloud, the orb sped up and hit him in the back. But instead of exploding, the light orb expanded and completely enveloped him.

"What?" He asked as his staff and cloud vanished. "What's going on?"

"My Ultimate Ability," Lucifer explained. "One which leaves nothing in its wake." He held the dark up above his head. "Paradise," he then threw it straight at Wukong, "Lost." Wukong tried to escape, but the orb refused to give way.

"WUKONG!" Heath cried as the dark orb slammed into the white one and expanded, the two orbs merging to become a sphere of black and white squared that spun in opposite directions.

"Augh!" Wukong tried to punch his way through it, but couldn't get through it. And as he did, the orbs fired black and white energy into the centre and struck him. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" His entire body shook as he felt pain like never before, flowing through his body and causing his G Power to drop.

Heath couldn't even speak seeing this, whilst Fluttershy covered her mouth in horror. Meanwhile, Lucifer and Sombra smiled as the man prepared the device he was carrying. And eventually, Wukong's power stopped dropping.

Lucifer: 1050Gs
Wukong: 0Gs

The orbs suddenly exploded, leaving Wukong floating in the air. The aura of the Pyrus Energy continued to flow through him and he looked ready to return to ball form any second. But before he could, Sombra's glove fired a beam that struck him.

"What are you doing?" Heath cried, running forward and getting ready to slug him. But before he could, Lucifer thrust his palm forward and sent out a wave that knocked him flying backwards.

"I'm taking what we've won," Sombra smirked as the Attribute Energy was sucked through the beam and into the glove. The Energy was then stored into the backpack, a light in the middle of it activating and glowing red. At the same time, Wukong returned to ball form and fell to the ground.

Lucifer remained in his true form as the dome around them vanished, Fluttershy running inside towards Heath as he picked Wukong up. "Are you guys okay!" She cried, Heath looking down at his partner.

"Wukong. Talk to me!" After a few moments, Wukong let out a groan as he flipped open.

"I'm sorry Heath. He was just too strong." Heath sighed, though glad his friend was unharmed. He then looked up to glare at Lucifer, who had just snapped his fingers to cause a bubble of light to form around Sombra and lift him into the air. As Sombra landed on his shoulder, he spun around and flew straight up.

As he did, flames shot towards where he had been floating and miss.

"Heath!" The teen looked up at the call of his name, seeing Ragnaroid flying towards him with Derpy on his head. Rarity and Cleopal quickly ran down the street, Cleopal firing a Blazing Light towards Lucifer.

"Nice try!" Lucifer swung his arm around and caused a screen of dark energy to appear and block the light, "but you fools are too late. I have what I came for." He flew up, "time for us to go."

"You're not getting away!" Ragnaroid cried, unleashing his Doom Vision towards Lucifer. But the dark screen was still up and blocked the light, allowing Lucifer to fly higher before snapping his fingers. His body unleashed a dark light that completely shrouded him before vanishing, revealing he was gone. "NO!" Ragnaroid growled.

"Where'd he go?" Derpy asked, though she feared she knew the answer. He now had two Attribute Energies and he wouldn't be satisfied until they were all his.

"Ocean Eater!" Skulpion roared as he launched the skull-shaped water blast, which struck Spikenoid and knocked him staggering backwards.

"You okay?" Leonidas asked, only to leap up to avoid a Shadow Slashers attack. "Supreme Cannon!" He fired the energy orb, but the hybrid scuttled around to avoid it. "Quit moving!" He roared before firing an Ultra Destroyer, but Skulpion dodged again and launched several Hydro Stingers. "Raaah!" He hissed when a stinger clipped his wing.

"This is getting seriously annoying," Flash told Twilight. She nodded in agreement, trying to think of a way to stop Skulpion.

"Twilight!" Spike cried, catching her attention. "We need to limit his movement!" Twilight knew that, but wasn't sure how to do it. But then it hit her, the girl smirking at Spike as he charged forward.

"Alright," she took out a card, "let's do it. Fusion Ability, Activate!" Spike's body spines burst into flames, as he slammed his fists into the ground close to Skulpion. "BLAZING SPIKES!" From out of the ground, a line of green spikes shot out of the ground that moved towards Skulpion.

The hybrid was about to blast them with his Ocean Eater, but before he could the spikes stopped moving towards him and started forming a circle around him. "What?" He cried, finding himself trapped as the spikes burst into flames. "Augh!"

"Now we've got you!" Leonidas cried, as Flash held up a card.

"Time to end this. Fusion Ability, ACTIVATE!" Leonidas took a deep breath, light and energy forming a sphere within his mouth. All the while, Skulpion was using his poison to try and put the flames out to escape.

"ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION!" He roared, the sphere flying forward towards Skulpion. The hybrid started firing his many Abilities at the sphere, but none of them even slowed the attack down.

"NO!" Skulpion cried as the orb slammed into him, causing an explosion that obliterated the rocks surrounding him. "AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHH!" He screamed, as he was blasted along with part of the street. The light blinded the humans, but Leonidas was able to look through it enough to see Skulpion return to ball form and be sent flying.

When the light faded, everyone opened their eyes and saw that Skulpion was gone. "We did it!" Flash sighed in relief, Twilight falling to her knees. Leonidas flew down to where the hybrid had fallen.

"He's over here!" The dragon cried out, "hurry!" Flash nodded and was running to retrieve it. But before he could the orb began to glow a dark glow before it melted into th ground. "No!" Leonidas tried to grab it himself, but the ball vanished into the shadows and said shadows disappeared.

"Ahh!" Flash kicked a small piece of debris, "he got away!" He would have been angry at this, but before he could his BakuColar beepered alongside Twilight's. "What's up?" He asked, seeing it was Fluttershy.

"Flash," Heath's voice called out, "I'm sorry." Flash flinched, knowing what that must mean. "Lucifer. He got the Attribute Energy."

"Are you and Wukong okay?" Flash asked.

"Wukong's a little drained, but he'll recover. But listen. Lucifer's strong. His Abilities can't be taken lightly"

Derpy spoke up next. "We arrived too late. He left before we could stop him. He's going after another Attribute."

"But which one?" Twilight asked.

Back in LA, Gummy continued to blast Gigant with water. All the while, Lyra was staring at the orb of cooled lava that was trapping her Bakugan.

"Nimue!" She cried, wondering how long the Aquos Bakugan could last before all the air was used up. "Please, be okay." But as she said this, Gigant roared.

"ROCK CANNON!" He fired a pair of rocks from his arm cannons, which flew towards Gummy and smashed into him. Pinkie flinched at this, as the alligator staggered back. "How'd you like that?" He laughed, Pinkie frowning.

"You big bully!" She cried, "we'll teach you a lesson. Gummy, do it!" Gumigator leapt into the air as he glowed, "Attribute Change!" His skin turned from blue to orange, "Subterra!" She then held up two cards, "Double Ability, Activate!" Gigant glowed and the light shot off him and into Gummy. "Co-Side, plus Tail Swipe!" As Gummy felt his power raise, he charged forward before slamming his tail into Gigant.

The hybrid staggered backwards as Gummy landed, spotting Nimue's staff on the ground.

"Rock Cannon!" Gigant fired at Gummy, who grabbed the staff and leapt away. He kept dodging several times as he moved around the city, eventually reaching a certain spot. There he stopped, panting from exhaustion. "Now i've got you!" Gigant laughed as he brought his hands together and created one extra large rock.

"Move!" Pinkie cried, but Gummy remained still. Lyra thought he was too tired, but then she realised where Gummy was.

"FALL!" He roared before launching the rock towards Gummy. The alligator remained where he was, but then he smirked and leapt straight up. Doing so revealed he was standing in front of the obsidian orb, Gigant's eyes going wide. "NOOOOOOOOOO!" The boulder smashed into it and the two shattered, sending rocks flying everywhere.

Lyra gasped at this, as a certain Bakugan leapt out of the hole made. "Freedom!" Nimue cried, Lyra cheering seeing she was alright. They then noticed Gummy throw something at her and Nimue caught her staff, "thank you!" She turned towards Gigant, "LYRA!"

"Right!" Lyra held up a trio of cards, "Triple Ability...ACTIVATE!" Nimue and Gummy glowed, "Diagonal Correlation, plus Maiden's Fury, plus Fusion Ability, Maiden's Heart!" Nimue began playing her harp, as light and bubbled formed around her.

"Heat Blaster!" Gigant launched the heat at Nimue, but Gummy jumped in front of her and blocked the attack. His rock hard skin was protecting him from the attack, making Gigant growl. "Fine!" Gigant started glowing, "Volcanic Devastator!" His shoulders unleashed a bunch of magma, which began to spiral into the air. But before he could fire, Gummy charged forward.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Pinkie cried as Nimue and Gummy glowed. "Diagonal Correlation, plus Tectonic Fang!" Gumigator's power surged as rock spikes grew from his mouth. And just as Gigant was about to jump up and fire his Fusion Ability, Gummy launched the spikes from his mouth and they smashed into him.

"Augh!" He cried, his lava sphere vanishing, staggering back as Nimue finished casting her spell song.

"This ends...NOW!" She thrust her staff forward and the light and bubbles exploded off of her, shooting towards Gigant as he tried to pick himself up.

The bubbles slammed into him first, exploding against his body like tiny bombs and soaking him. He cried out as his body was extinguished, then was struck by the light. He screamed as the energy overtook him and he was knocked backwards, finally hitting his limit and reverting back to ball form.

"YES!" The girls cheered as the ball fell to the floor, the pair high-fiving as their Bakugan moved over to pick them up off the building. "Nimue," Lyra looked her over, "are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Nimue assured her. "Luckily, Gummy managed to get me out of there just as I was about to run out of air." Lyra sighed in relief, then turned to Pinkie and Gummy.

"Thanks Pinkie."

"No problem," Pinkie smiled. "I should thank you for coming to our rescue." Lyra smiled back and was about to tell Pinkie they should grab Gigant and return to Canterlot. But when they turned to where Gigant had fallen, they couldn't see the hybrid.

"Where'd he go!" Lyra asked, only to suddenly sense something fast moving towards them from behind. She spun around and gasped at what she saw, "MOVE!" But it was too late, as Lucifer suddenly appeared and slammed a foot into Gummy's gut.

The alligator Bakugan let out a cry of pain as the impact knocked him flying backwards, Pinkie screaming as she was forced to hold onto Gummy's shoulder until he crashed into the side of a building.

"PINKIE/GUMMY!" Lyra and Nimue screamed, both turning to glare at Lucifer as he smirked at them. He then snapped his fingers and a dark void appeared around them, the girls frowning before hearing laughter coming from a nearby building. And there they saw Sombra, who smirked up at them as Lucifer flew over to him.

"Hello Ms Heartstrings," Sombra told her as he took out a Gate Card. "I apologise about your friend, but she would have gotten in the way. Now, she we battle?" Lyra frowned, knowing she didn't have much of a choice. She had no way of escape so either she battled and won, or Lucifer would simply attack without mercy.

"Alright," she jumped onto another building, "you're on!"

Author's Note

Well, Heath tried his best. But Lucifer was just too strong. How will things turn out next time? Stay tuned to find out.

No Brawler Stands Alone

Back in Canterlot, the people of the city continued to watch as the many Bakugan battles occurred throughout the city.

The human led Bakugan continued to both outthink and outpower the Bakugan under Lucifer's control, causing the infestation to slowly lessen with every defeat. But the battles that were really captivating them were the ones involving the Rainbooms and BakuFighters, as they battled the hybrids.

They had been worried when they saw Heath and his partner lose to the one responsible for all this. And now, they could only watch as Lyra and her Bakugan were attacked as well.

"This isn't good," Scootaloo gulped. "He's going after their Attribute Energies."

"Those are the things Flash's Bakugan has, right?" Misty asked, her daughter nodding back. "So this Lucifer is going to go after Flash eventually?" Scootaloo nodded again.

"I don't really get the whole picture," she explained. "But the Energy is what remains of the Bakugan's homeworld. The Guardians gave them to Flash and his friends after they proved themselves, but now Lucifer's trying to take them for himself."

"And he's already got two," Sweetie gulped. "If he beats Lyra, he'll have the same amount as the rest of the BakuFighters do." The others still didn't understand what most of that meant, but they knew it wouldn't be a good thing.

And it wasn't just this fight they had to worry about. The others were having just as many problems in their battles.

"Ability, Activate!" Bonnie cried as Gaia began to glow, "Heart of the Earth!" The light flowed into Gaia as she charged forward and threw a punch at Quetzal.

However, her serpent-like voice allowed her to coil around and avoid the punch and she slithered down her arm. "Radiant Aura!" Her body exploded with light, which shined right into Gaia's face. She screamed as the sudden over exposure to her eyes, forcing her to stagger backward and covered them. Quetzal laughed at this and prepared to fire her Heavenly Cannon.

"Howling Force!" But before she could, a blast of sound slammed into her and knocked her backwards into a building. Fenroar then used this to charged forward and leap into the air at her. "Wolf Claw Strike!" He slashed at her, but Quetzal managed to avoid the attack and laughed several feathers at him that made him flinch.

On the ground, Applejack and Bonnie stood there frowning at the situation. "We really need a flying Bakugan," Applejack growled as Quetzal flew higher and higher to get out of range, whilst Gaia's eyes finally recovered from the flash. When she saw Quetzal high up, he activated her Gaia Cannon and fired. But the energy couldn't reach her.

"Yeah," Bonnie nodded, "we do."

Over in Las Vegas, Roaster continued to laugh as he laughed fireball after fireball at the Ventus Bakugan who had been foolish enough to face him.

"Fry you fools!" He cackled as he laughed another fireball at the two humans, who were constantly running to avoid the attacks as their Bakugan charged at Roaster. "Missed me!" He laughed as he leapt back to avoid Garuda's slash, then ducked under Terraspin's fin. "Too slow!"

"Ahhhh!" Soarin growled as Roaster launched the fire tornado at the two Bakugan again. "This guy's really starting to bug me!"

"Tell me about it!" Rainbow nodded as Terraspin unleashed a gale that blew the flames out. "The sooner we beat this guy, the sooner we can go help the others." They could only hope Lucifer hadn't done anything to any of them yet.

In LA, Pinkie and Gumigator had just recovered after getting slammed into a building.

Luckily, Gummy hadn't returned to ball form and managed to pick himself up. He then saw a dome appear around her friends, which trapped them inside along with Sombra and Lucifer. "Oh no!" Pinkie cried as Gummy ran over to the dome and tried to claw his way through it. But the energy zapped him and made the alligator flinch, Pinkie frowning as she had to really look in order to see her friends through the dark energy. "Lyra...Nimue."

She could only hope they were okay in there. If not, things could be really bad.

Inside the dome, Lyra and Sombra stood atop different buildings as they prepared for battle.

Lyra had just agreed to fight, knowing that is she refused Lucifer would just attack anyway. Now the Bakugan returned to their brawlers, Nimue frowning as she did so. "Lyra, you know this battle might not be one we can win on our own."

"We still have to try," Lyra told her. "I don't care how powerful Lucifer is, I won't just stand around and let him bully me." Despite her words, Lyra was still worried. It would help if she knew what her opponent was capable of. But when she checked her BakuColar, she saw it wasn't getting a signal from any of her friends.

"Come on!" Heath cried, "come on!" He was trying to connect to Lyra, who hadn't responded when he tried to call. He had already warned Flash, Bonnie and Soarin about what Lucifer could do, but Lyra wasn't picking up.

"I hope that doesn't mean what I think it does," Fluttershy quivered as they rode atop Ragnaroid.

"I'm through to Pinkie!" Rarity cried as they glanced at her. "Pinkie, what's going on? Why isn't Lyra answering her BakuColar?"

"Guys!" Pinkie cried, "Sombra and Lucifer showed up." They all flinched hearing this. "They trapped her and Nimue in a dome like the one Fluttershy mentioned. Gummy and I have tried getting through to her, but this thing is indestructible!"

"Great," Flash sighed as they flew through New York. The stadium was quickly approaching and they knew they could transfer themselves back to Canterlot or to Lyra's location, but would that help? "Maybe Leonidas will be able to get through it?"

"Maybe," Twilight sighed as a thought occurred to her. "But by the time we get there, the fight might already be over. We need to be smart about this."

"Smart how?" Derpy asked.

"We can't be following Lucifer whenever he shows up. We've gotcha beat him to the punch. Flash and I will head to Lyra's location. Derpy, you and Rarity head go help Soarin and Rainbow against Roaster. And Heath, if Wukong's up for it, go help Bonnie and Applejack against Quetzal. If Lyra can't beat him, Lucifer's gonna go after someone else once he's done. We have to beat him to the punch."

"GOT IT!" Everyone replied before they hung up, the stadium coming into view.

"You think Lyra and Nimue can beat Lucifer without knowing what they're up against?" Flasha sked, Twilight unsure how to answer.

Lyra sighed seeing the signal still wasn't getting through.

"I'm afraid you won't be getting any help from your friends." She glared at Sombra, who was twiddling his Gate Card around his fingers. "This dome doesn't just keep you from getting out. It keeps others from getting in, including their signals." He smirked, "you're all alone."

Lyra felt terror flow through her at that statement. But luckily, Nimue was there. "You're not alone." Lyra looked her in the eye, "we're in this together. No matter what happens, we'll face whatever it is together." Lyra smiled, feeling her fear vanish.

"Thanks Nimue." She shot a Sombra a glare, "you don't scare me. Not you or Lucifer. Don't think just because you beat Heath, I'll be an easier opponent." She pointed at him, "I'm totally taking you down!"

"We'll see about that!" Sombra chuckled before throwing the Gate Card down towards the still cooled lava-filled road. "Gate Card...SET!" Lucifer then leapt into his hand. "Prepare yourself, for the final Brawl you'll ever experience!"

"Doubt it!" Lyra grabbed Nimue, "we're gonna win this and keep brawling for as long as we can. Now, Bakugan Brawl!" She threw Nimue towards the ground.

"Bakugan," Sombra did the same, "BRAWL!" Lucifer shot through the air and glowed a black mist as he did so, both Bakugan hitting the ground at the same time. "Bakugan...STAND!" They popped open and unleashed tornados of water and shadow

"Let's do this, Aquos Lady Nimue!" The water tornado exploded and Nimue danced out of it, swinging her staff around.

"Rise, Darkus Lucifer!" The demonic angel absorbed the shadows into his hand, smiling down at Nimue as he floated into the air.

Nimue: 600Gs
Lucifer: 800Gs

Lyra took out a pair of cards and would have activated them, but Sombra pointed towards the ground before she could. "Gate Card...OPEN!" The field began to glow before chains shot out or the light, the lot slithering along the ground in every direction. "Enemy Lockout!"

"What?" Lyra asked as the chains began to merge with the ground and the buildings, "what's happening?"

"What's happening is you can no longer send in new Bakugan to help you," Sombra chuckled. "Now it's just you and your Bakugan with the Attribute Energy against us."

"And I have to say," Lucifer cracked his knuckles. "I'm liking my odds." He shot down, his claws ready. But Lyra wasn't thrown off by the Gate Card like he thought.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Nimue leapt into the air to avoid Lucifer's slash, "Overflow!" Her staff formed a ball of water, which she shot towards the ground close to Lucifer. The water exploded into a wave, which washed over the entire battlefield and pushed Lucifer back until he managed to fly up and out of the water.

Nimue: 600Gs
Lucifer: 400Gs

"Plus, Maiden's Fury!" Nimue quickly started playing her harp, the music flowing over her and double the new difference in their power levels.

Nimue: 800Gs
Lucifer: 400Gs

Lucifer watched this and chuckled, "not bad. Not bad at all." He shot down, claws hands at the ready. "But it'll take more than that to defeat me!" He slashed at her, but Nimue blocked the attack with her staff.

"Good thing I've got more then!" She pushed Lucifer away and swung her staff towards him, Lucifer dodging the metal as Nimue spun around to try and kick him. But he managed to grab her leg, as Sombra held two cards up.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Lucifer glowed, "Cursed Light!" The light spread to Nimue and she flinched as she felt her power beginning to be drained away.

Nimue: 600Gs
Lucifer: 600Gs

Nimue tried to stab Lucifer with her staff, but Lucifer let her leg go and she staggered back. "Plus, Deadly Strike!" Lucifer charged forward, preparing to punch Nimue.

Nimue: 600Gs
Lucifer: 800Gs

But before he could, Lyra held up another two cards, "Double Ability, Activate!" Nimue regained her balanced and slammed her staff into the ground, causing water to explode out of it and wrap around her. "Hydro Sphere!" Lucifer pushed the water, flinching as his power was negated and Nimue's increased.

Nimue: 700Gs
Lucifer: 600Gs

And as he pulled away, he started glowing. "Plus, Co-Side!" The light flew off of him and into Nimue, powering her up as she swung her staff around and caused the water orb to explode and fly towards Lucifer in a powerful stream.

Nimue: 800Gs
Lucifer: 600Gs

Lucifer growled as he held out his hands, the water slamming into them and beginning to steam up as it was deflected. As the last of the water faded, Sombra took out two more cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Nimue glowed and the light flew off of her before going into Lucifer. "Co-Side, plus Unending Punishment!"

Nimue: 800Gs
Lucifer: 700Gs

Lucifer smirked as shot forward and got to Nimue before she or Lyra could react, the Darkus Bakugan beginning to deal rapid punches and kicks faster then they could see. "Nimue!" Lyra cried, Nimue attempting to escape but Lucifer kept up with her.

Eventually, Lucifer spun backwards and slammed his foot into Nimue's chin. "AUGH!" She was knocked backwards as her power dropped.

Nimue: 350Gs
Lucifer: 700Gs

She fell to the ground, barely managing to hold onto her staff as she did so. Lucifer laughed at this and flew up, preparing to dive bomb the Aquos warrior. But as he did so, Lyra held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Nimue held her staff up before slamming it into the ground, "Geyser Burst!"

The ground around her suddenly exploded, creating a circle of water that shot straight up and slammed into Lucifer. He cried out as he was knocked flying backwards, Whilst Nimue pushed herself back to her feet.

As she did, the water rained down upon her and she could feel her power being restored and increased as she sighed in relief.

Nimue: 1250Gs
Lucifer: 700Gs

"Heavenly Cannon!" Quetzal launched another laser at the two Subterra Bakugan, forcing them to leap back to avoid getting blasted.

As they did, Gaia had an idea. "Fenroar, I've got a plan. But you might not like it!"

"I'll try anything at this point!" The wolf howled before Gaia reached down and grabbed his back, picking him up. "You're right, I don't like this plan!" But Gaia used all her strength and threw him into the air, sending him shooting towards Quetzal as he howled.

"What the?" She gasped as she tried to fly away, but Fenroar managed to grab the end of her tail. "Hey! Get off me!" But Fenroar held on and as she prepared another Heavenly Cannon, he bit down on her tail and made her cry out. The light faded as she started falling towards the ground, all the while Gaia summoned her log blasters.

"Gaia Cannon!" The laser fired, flying towards Quetzal right as Fenroar let her go.

The blast slammed into her, making Quetzal cry out as she was blown backwards and into the water of the nearby river. "Got her!" Applejack cheered as Fenroar landed on a nearby building and began to climb down, the lot of them moving over to the water hoping to see her back in her ball form.

They waited, but nothing happened. "Maybe she sank?" Bonnie suggested, Applejack wondering the same thing.

But then she noticed a shadow in the water, Applejack gasping at the sight. "There!" She cried, but it was too late. Seconds later, the water exploded as a tornado flew out of it and used to water to morph into a squall that slammed into Gaia and knocked her backwards.

"Gaia!" Bonnie cried before a the wind slammed into her and Applejack, pushing them both flying backwards.

Fenroar tried to jump down and help them, but in that moment Quetzal shot out of the water and blasted him with her tail laser. He was blown off the roof, falling several stories until he used his claws to stop his descent. And as he did, Quetzal flew over to Gaia.

"Time to end this!" She cried, her tail lighting up again. But before she could fire-

"Ruyi Bang!" A long staff shot towards her and slammed into her chest, pushing the flying serpent backwards as she cried out. As she was, everyone turned to see Wukong flying towards them on his cloud. "Sorry we're late!" Heath cried as Wukong flew down low and allowed him to leap off without issue.

"Heath!" Bonnie smiled, "good timing."

"But is Wukong okay?" Applejack asked, since it wasn't that long since he had had his Attribute Energy ripped out of him.

"He'll be fine," Heath assured them. "He might be a little drained, but he's not fighting alone." Wukong reached Quetzal and started swinging his burning staff around, the winged serpent crying as she tried to avoid the flames and flew lower.

"Flare Jump!" From behind one of the buildings, Lepusinge leapt out and flew towards Quetzal with his feet aflame. He then spun around and slammed a foot into her chest, "gotcha!" He cried, pushing Quetzal backwards as Wukong flew to where she was flying and held his staff like a baseball bat.

"Fore!" He cried, swinging the staff around and clubbing her into a nearby building. She screamed and the four Bakugan smiled, knowing they would have this fight over with in no time. And hopefully, that would be before Nimue's battle against Lucifer was over.

"Wildfire Cyclone!" Once again, Roaster launched a blast of fire coated wind, which swirled around into another vortex.

"Don't you have any other tricks?" Garuda asked as he fired another Aero Bomber, which struck the fire tornado and dispelled it as Terraspin unleashed a blast of fire that pushed the flames upwards where they couldn't ignite anything.

"Why change up what's working?" He then charged forward, "Pyro Claw!" His talons exploded as he spun around, slashing at Garuda and making him squawk as he was knocked back. Terraspin then tried to slice at him, but Roaster leapt straight up before launching a Whirlwind Cage at him.

Terraspin cried as he was pushed towards the ground by the wind, leaving Roaster free to glide down with his claws ready to slash at Garuda. "Move!" Soarin cried, as Garude picked himself up. But before Roaster could reach him.

"Blazing Light!" A laser slammed into the hybrid and blasted him backwards, straight through the tornado. As Terraspin was freed, the others looked around and spotted Cleopal running towards them with Ragnaroid flying behind her.

"You guys okay?" Derpy cried from Ragnaroid's claws, the dragon putting them down before focusing on their opponent.

"We are now that you're here!" Soarin smirked as the girls ran to them, Ragnaroid flying over to Roaster as Derpy held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The card glowed and Ragnaroid's chest opened, "Doom Vision!" The eye was revealed and began to glow, unleashing a light that flew towards Roaster. Unfortunately, he rolled out of the way before it could hit him and jumped back to his feet.

"Sorry, you're gonna have to do better than that!" He cried before stopping his feet on the ground, creating lots of smoke. "Inferno Dash!" He shot out of the smoke surrounded by flames, leaping towards Ragnaroid and slamming into his chest. Ragnaroid flinched as was knocked back, but Garuda, Cleopal and Terraspin quickly jumped into action.

"Sky Spark Surge!"

"Mad Scratch!"

"Shell Saw!" The three charged forward, Garuda and Cleopal flying passed the landing Roaster and slashing at him as they did so before Terraspin slammed into him and started grinding away at him. Roaster squawked in pain as the flames around him vanished, Terraspin stopping his attack and using a blast of air to send him flying into the sky.

Ragnaroid had recovered at this point and held up his claws, "Apocalyptic Fire!" The flames exploded from his claws and slammed into Roaster knocking him backwards. As he crashed into the ground, the humans cheered seeing the tide had turned. They would soon have this fight over with.

Back in LA, Nimue walked through the domed off area of the city.

After Lucifer was blasted away by her Geyser Burst attack, he had disappeared behind one of the building. Sombra had also vanished from the rooftop and now both Nimue and Lyra were searching for them through the streets.

"You can't hide forever!" Lyra told him. "Just do yourself a favour and surrender. Give by the Attribute Energies and we can end this peacefully." But there was no response.

"He's afraid," Nimue told her. "They know that when this is over, they'll both have to pay for the pain they've caused to both humans and Bakugan." But as she said that, movement to her left made her spin around and launch a blast of water towards a bunch of dumpsters.

From out behind them, Sombra rolled away as the water smashed the metal away containers her was hiding behind away. He rolled to his feet and Nimue prepared herself, only to then feel a presence above her and looked up.

"Surprise," Lucifer smirked down at her, as Sombra held up two cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Lucifer's chest symbol glowed, whilst he brought his hands together and formed a sphere of dark energy. "Vanishing Doom, plus Phantom Dread!"

"Raaah!" Lucifer cried as the light shot off the symbol and struck Nimue, making her cry out as her Geyser Burst was nullified. Luckily, it didn't drop her power down to what it was before she activated that Ability, but she still lost the added power.

Lucifer then crushed the orb and sent out a wave of power, which struck Nimue in the heart. "Augh!"

Nimue: 600Gs
Lucifer: 700Gs

"Now who's the one that's afraid?" Lucifer chuckled, as Nimue staggered back.

A wave of fear washed over her, the Aquos Bakugan looking up at Lucifer and seeing his form distort into a more terrifying appearance. This made her scream out as she moved backwards, eventually hitting her back into a large building.

"Nimue!" Lyra ran to her, "what did they do to you?" Lucifer and Sombra laughed, clearly enjoying the look of fear on Nimue's face. Lyra rushed up to her partner and jumped onto her leg, the girl beginning to climb up. As she did, Lucifer shot forward with his claws ready.

Nimue saw this and screamed again, quickly beginning to jump around and throwing blasts of water in his direction. But Lucifer simply slashed them away, not even slowed down by these as he tried to claw Nimue's eyes out. The Aquos Bakugan used her staff to protect herself, blocking the claws but getting an up-close and personal look at Lucifer's face.

"Scared yet?" He asked, his face distorted into a horrifying expression.

Nimue screamed and leapt back, Lyra almost losing her grip on Nimue's dress. She didn't let this stop her though, Lyra quickly pulling herself up higher and higher.

Outside the dome, Pinkie and Gummy saw the state Nimue was in. "We have to get in there!" Gummy nodded and started firing water at the dome, but the energy just made it evaporate upon contact. "Oh no."

"Pinkie!" She gasped as she looked up to see Leonidas flying towards them, Flash, Twilight and Spike in his hand. "What's going on?"

"I don't know!" Pinkie called back, "Nimue's started freaking out." Flash and Twilight frowned, knowing this was likely the fear causing Ability Heath had told them above.

"Leo!" Flash cried, "see if you can break through!"

"You got it!" Leonidas shot down and started building up power. "Ultra Destroyer!" The laser exploded out of his mouth and slammed into the dome, causing it to shake. But the energy barrier held firm. "I'm not done yet. Supreme Cannon!" The orb of light formed in his mouth and he fired it, the sphere slamming into the dome but having the same effect as his laser. "Damn it!"

"Let's try and combine power!" Twilight cried as she threw Spike into the air, the Darkus Bakugan appearing and falling down to land next to Gummy as Leonidas flew above them. "On three. One...two...THREE!" They unleashed a blast of light, water and green fire, the attacks hitting the same spot and pummelling at it for several seconds. But when they stopped, the dome remained solid.

"Oh come on!" Flash cried, looking through the dark void at the still terrified Nimue. "Hold on Lyra. We're coming."

Lyra groaned as she reached Nimue's back, the Aquos Bakugan screaming again as she swung her staff around wildly.

She was so out of control, her staff swung towards her back and Lyra had to swing around on her dress to avoid getting crushed. "Nimue!" She cried, "stop!" He kept pulling herself upwards as Nimue fired a blast of water that didn't even get close to Lucifer. "Come on! Snap out of it!" She used the last of her strength to pull herself up onto Nimue's shoulder. And as Nimue was about to fire another blast of water, Lyra smacked her on the cheek. "WAKE UP!"

The sudden impact shook something loose in Lyra's brain, the maiden turning to Lyra and seeing a horrible little goblin in her place. But Lyra's voice got through to her.

"You have to snap out of it. Whatever you're seeing, it's not real. You're hallucinating."

"L...Lyra?"

"Yes," the goblin told her as its form slowly distorted. "Remember, you're not in this alone. No matter how terrifying this all seems, it's nothing compared to what'll happen if we let Lucifer get all the Attribute Energies. We have to do whatever it takes to stop that from happening. So WAKE UP!" This last scream seemed to snap Nimue out of her fear induced hallucination. The distortion of the goblin's form vanished and Lyra was shown there instead.

"Lyra," she whispered, "you snapped me out of it. Thank you."

Lyra smiled, "that's what partners do." She then got serious and turned to Lucifer, Nimue doing the same as Sombra climbed up onto a building. "Now let's take these freaks down!"

"With pleasure!" Nimue cried, getting into a battle stance as Lyra leapt off her shoulder onto the roof of another building. She charged forward and started swinging her staff at Lucifer, but the demonic angel was able to easily evade or block the attacks.

"Don't make me laugh!" He cried, slashing at Nimue and knocking her backwards. "Who cares if you've overcome your fear. You still can't hold a candle to me!"

"We'll see about that!" Nimue cried, as Lyra held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Nimue spun her staff around and struck the ground, causing water to explode out of it. "Whirlpool Trap!" She played the harp and the music made the water shoot towards Lucifer, causing it to begin swirling around beneath his feet.

"What?" He asked, as the water shot upwards and created a tornado that he was trapped within. "AUGH!" He cried, quickly feeling his power beginning to drain away. He slashed at the water and kicked it, causing the tornado to explode off of him. But the damage was done.

Nimue: 600Gs
Lucifer: 500Gs

"We won't allow you to keep doing whatever the heck you want," Nimue cried as she began to glow blue. "Your selfish actions have caused nothing but pain and suffering." She swung her staff forward and launched a blast of water that slammed into Lucifer, knocking him backwards into another building as Lyra held up a card. "And it's time you finally paid for all that pain. And we're happy to be the ones to do it! Lyra!"

"Right!" Lyra held up a card. "Fusion Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Nimue began playing her harp. "Maiden's Heart!" The music caused light to begin spiralling around Nimue, mixing with the blue light of her Attribute Energy, causing her power to increase. With every struck of a string, the light grew brighter and brighter as Nimue grew stronger and stronger. Until eventually, her power had doubled.

Nimue: 1200Gs
Lucifer: 500Gs

"Do it!" Lyra cried out, as Lucifer began to pick himself up out of the building. "Make Lucifer pay for all the pain he's caused to us, our friends and all the Bakugan!" Nimue was happy too and swung her staff around, the light flying up and surrounding the harp along with the Attribute Energy.

"Get out of there!" Sombra told Lucifer, as he stood tall and started spreading his wings. But before he could fly, Nimue unleashed a mighty grunt as she swung her staff towards the ground and caused the light to explode off of it and fly along the ground.

When it reached Lucifer, the light exploded upwards and blasted him. Lucifer screamed as he was consumed by the column, making him vanish within the light as it burned him.

Nimue panted at the force of the attack she had used, her Attribute Energy dying down but still remaining as a light glow, whilst Lyra stared at the light column. "Please let this be enough." She didn't think she could do anything else if Lucifer survived this attack. And as the column slowly began to fade, she saw something that made her gasp. "No."

Lucifer stood there, smoking but looking practically unharmed from the attack. "How?" Nimue asked, "how is that possible." Lucifer spread his wings and Nimue tried to blast him with more water, but he flew straight up to avoid it.

"It's over," Lucifer told her. "You fight ends here."

"Ability," Sombra held up a card, "Activate!" The card glowed before exploding into a white and a black light, which shot up towards Lucifer and formed a pair sphere in each hand.

"What is that?" Nimue asked, as the spheres grew brighter and darker respectively. Lucifer then threw the white one towards her, Nimue gasping as she fired water at the orb. But the attack just flew through the sphere as it got closer. She tried to escape, but the orb followed her until it slammed into her back. "Augh!"

"Nimue!" Lyra cried, as the orb expanded and sucked the Aquos Bakugan inside. "Get out of there!" Nimue slammed her into the orb, but it wouldn't give way. Lyra then glared at Sombra, "let her go!"

"We will," Lucifer held the dark orb above his head. "Once I have what is mine. Paradise," he threw it, "Lost!" The orb shot towards Nimue and struck the white orb, causing it to expand and merge with the white orb.

"What is this?" Nimue stared at the checkered orb as the colours spun in two directions. She slammed her staff into it harder, but the energy refused to give way.

"And so..." Lucifer held his hand up, "the battle ends." With that, he snapped his fingers and the orbs unleashed the lightning into the centre. Said lightning struck Nimue and she screamed at the top of her lunges, as pain the likes of which she had never felt before rocket through her.

"NIMUE!" Lyra screamed, her heart stopping at the sight as she looked down to see Nimue's power dropping. "No." The power kept dropping and dropping and Lyra had no way to save Nimue, the scores eventually reading the amount she dreaded to see.

Nimue: 0Gs
Lucifer: 500Gs

As soon as Nimue's power hit zero, the orbs exploded off of her and she floated there as he Attribute Energy began to leak out.

Sombra quickly acted and fired a beam from her head, which struck Nimue and caused her power to be drained out of her. She cried out, but there was nothing she nor Lyra could do to stop him. Eventually, the Attribute Energy was sucked into Sombra's device and the blue mixed with the red which spiralled around one another.

Once the energy was gone, Nimue reverted back to ball form and fell towards the ground. Lyra gasped at this as the ball hit the floor and bounced around, eventually landing close to Lucifer had landed as the dome began to fade away.

The former White One looked down at the Bakugan and smiled, lifting his foot up and hovering over the orb. Lyra gasped, "NIMUE!"

"Now you'll see what happens to those that try to oppose their rightful ruler," he chuckled. But before he could stop down on the Bakugan, he sensed something and leapt backwards. If he hadn't, Leonidas would have slashed him in half with his claws.

"Get away from her!" He growled, his mouth filling with energy. "Ultra Destroyer!" He fired the laser at Lucifer, but the demonic Bakugan flew straight up to avoid it and caused the dragon to hit the Hollywood sign behind him.

"Nice try," Lucifer chuckled. "But it's gonna take more than that to defeat me." He shot over to where Sombra was and quickly scooped him up before flying up, Leonidas and Flash flying after him.

"Don't let him get away!" Flash cried, Leonidas firing laser after laser at him.

"Hey!" Leo cried, "don't you want my Attribute Energy? Get down here and we'll brawl."

Lucifer smirked as he looked down at him. "Oh, I'll be coming after you. But not before I'm ready." He snapped his fingers and his body exploded with light, blinding the pair for a moment before he and the light disappeared.

"Ahh!" Flash growled, Leo flying back down to the ground. There, Lyra had gotten to the ground and picked Nimue up.

"Are you okay?" She asked, tears forming in her eyes. "Like...please answer me!" The ball remained still for a moment, the let out a moan and opened up. Nimue looked up at her.

"That hurt," she sighed. "I'm sorry Lyra. I let him get the Attribute Energy."

"It's okay," Lyra assured her. "We'll get it back. I'm just glad you're not hurt." She hugged Nimue and the others gathered around her, all looking upset about what had happened.

"This is bad," Twilight sighed. "Now both sides have three Attribute Energies."

"Lucifer said he wasn't gonna come after me until he was ready," Leonidas pointed out. "Which means he must be planning to target Garuda or Gaia." Flash nodded and typed away at his BakuColar, getting through to the rest of their friends. "Guys, Lucifer has the Aquos Energy. He's coming for you."

"Just great," Soarin sighed as Ragnaroid held Roaster in his Purgatory Crusher Ability. "Guys, we might be about to have company!"

"I'll set out the sandwiches," Cleopal joked as her scarves floated up. "Just give me a minute." Rarity held out a card as she did so, which glowed along with the orbs. "Gem Leech!" The scarves extended and struck Roaster, draining away more power as Ragnaroid continued to crush him.

"Let...me...GO!" He squawked as his body exploded into flames, burning Ragnaroid and forcing him to let Roaster go. The chicken leapt up and spread his wings, which burst into flames. But before he could attack.

"Blitz Bolt!" A lightning bolt struck his back, making him cry out as the flames faded and his body froze up.

"Shell Spin!" Terraspin them shot towards Roaster and slammed his spinning shell into the rooster's side, knocking him down to the ground.

The hybrid picked himself up and as he did, the four Bakugan sounded him on four sides. Each of them stared him down as they prepared their attacks, Garuda and Cleopal charging forward ready to end this. "Apocalyptic Fire/Shell Tornado!" The other two yelled as they launched their attacks at him, slamming into him from both sides and making him squawk in pain as Garuda and Cleopal got in close.

"Sky Spark Surge/Mad Scratch!" They both shot passed him and in a blink, were on the other side of him with their claws pointed forward. Seconds later, explosions rocketed off Roaster's body as he screamed again. He was no longer able to hold on any more, the hybrid reverting back to ball form and falling to the ground.

They all cheered seeing this, but stopped when they saw Roaster beginning to glow a dark mist. "Grab him!" Soarin yelled, but it was too late.

As Garuda reached down to get him, the orb sank into the ground and vanished. "No," he groaned. "Now he's just going to show up again and cause more problems." Soarin knew he was right, but also knew they had bigger issues.

Looking around, he checked to see if Lucifer was gonna show up. But the dark angel was nowhere in sight.

"Lucifer's not here," he stated. "That can only mean one thing."

"Heavenly Cannon!" Quetzal yelled as she launched her laser at the humans on the ground, Gaia quickly moving in front of them to fire her own cannon.

The two beams collided and exploded, Quetzal so focused on her she didn't notice Wukong flying forward. "Wildfire Burst!" He swung his ponytail around and unleashed a flurry of fire, which slammed into Quetzal and burned her as her Heavenly Cannon faded away. This allowed Gaia's blast to push passed it and slam into the hybrid.

"YEAH!" The humans cheered as Quetzal was knocked flying back, as Fenroar and Lepusinge ran forward to where she was going to land. But Quetzal wasn't going down so easily, as she stared spinning.

"Feather Storm!" Feather flew off her body and shot towards the pair, forcing them to stop and leap away. The others frowned at this and watched as Wukong charged forward. But as he did, Bonnie's BakuColar beeped.

"Bonnie!" It was Soarin, "Lucifer's not showing up. I can only assume that means one thing." As he said that, Bonnie suddenly felt a chill run down her spin as the sun was blocked out.

They all looked up and saw the evil Bakugan flying above them, the other Bakugan gasping at the sight.

Wukong spun his cloud around, ready to attack. But before he could, Lucifer suddenly warped down to the ground and reached for the bunched up humans. "Look out!" Applejack cried as she pushed Bonnie away, Lucifer grabbing her in one hand and the other two in his other.

"GUYS!" Bonnie cried as Lucifer threw them away, sending them all flying off in different directions. "NO!" Their Bakugan partners charged forward, moving as fast as their bodies would allow to catch them. Wukong managed to grab Heath before he crashed into the water of the river, whilst Lepusinge bounced up to catch Fluttershy and Fenroar ran up the side of a building in order to catch Applejack in his tail.

"You okay?" He asked the farm girl, who moaned as she hung onto his tail.

"Ask me again when the world stops spinning." Fenroar turned back to Lucifer as he floated above Gaia, a smile on his face as he snapped his fingers. And in a flash, the dome appeared above him and started spreading.

"Hurry!" Heath cried, Wukong charging forward as the dome got closer and closer to the ground. The other Bakugan tried to get inside as well, whilst Bonnie and Gaia tried to escape. But the dome was too quick and sealed them inside with Lucifer and Sombra.

"Sorry," Sombra jumped onto the roof of a building, "but you're stuck in here with us until we say you can go."

"And now you'll have to deal with me," Lucifer chuckled.

"What if we refuse to battle?" Gaia asked, only for Lucifer to frown before warping over to her. The next thing she knew, she was being struck by an claw surrounded in dark energy. "AAAAARRRRRHHHHH!" She staggered back as Bonnie called out to her.

"Then I'll just attack and force the energy out of you," Lucifer smirked. Gaia panted as she clutched her chest, knowing he wasn't kidding. She and Bonnie stared at one another, nodding before turning back to Lucifer.

"Alright, you're on."

"But don't think you can take us by surprise like you did Heath and Lyra," Bonnie told him. "Heath let us in on all your little tricks. We know what's coming this time."

"Is that so?" Sombra smirked, "that should make things more interesting." As he said that, Lucifer and Gaia returned to their Brawlers as Sombra held up a card. "Then let's get things started. Gate Card...SET!" He threw the card towards the ground and held up Lucifer as he did. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" Lucifer shot through the air and hit the ground, popping open as soon as he landed. "Bakugan...STAND!" He burst into a tornado of shadow. "Rise, Darkus Lucifer!"

The tornado was sucked into Lucifer's hand, the Darkus villain crushing the shadows in his hands as he smiled down at the pair. "Hope you're ready, for the end."

Lucifer: 800Gs

They both shivered at this, but Gaia turned to Bonnie. "We can do this. We just have to stick together." Bonnie nodded before she grabbed her partner and threw her into battle.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" Gaia shot through the air and hit the ground, "Bakugan...STAND!" In a burst of orange light, the giant Bakugan appeared and was eye-level with the flying one.

"You have taken everything I once cared about. The forest I nurtured. The Bakugan I housed within it. The very planet I called home. On this day, I swear to you, I will make you pay."

"I've heard that before," Lucifer smiled. "But let's see you actually put your Attribute Energy where your mouth is."

Gaia: 600Gs
Lucifer: 800Gs

"Bonnie!" Applejack cried as Fenroar clawed at the dome, only to get a shock in doing so.

"It's no use," Fluttershy told her. "That forcefield is impenetrable." She sighed, "Bonnie's on her own." As she said that, a laser flew down and almost hit her and Lepusinge, forcing them to turn their attention on the hybrid they had completely forgotten about.

"That's right," Quetzal laughed. "Your little friend will have to face my master alone. I give it five minutes before that overgrown oaf is down for the count." That statement really got on their nerves, the lot of them deciding to shut her up once and for all.

"Get her!" Heath cried, Wukong charging forward and swinging his staff at her. But the winged serpent managed to avoid the attacks and laughed at them the whole time. As she did, Heath looked back at the dome and frowned. "You can do it Bonnie. Don't let that guy get to you."

Inside the dome, Gaia charged towards Lucifer. As she did, Bonnie held up a card. But Sombra was faster.

"Gate Card...OPEN!" The field began to glow before chains shot out or the light, the lot slithering along the ground in every direction. "Enemy Lockout!" The chains wrapped around every building and slowly began to merge with them and the ground, Sombra chuckling. "Now you're truly alone." But then, he saw Bonnie smile.

"I don't think so." She show him the card she was holding. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Gaia and the ground around her did the same, "Heart of the Earth!" The energy flowed into Gaia's fist before she let out a mighty roar, then thrust her fist downwards and slammed it into the ground.

The field shook as the chains covering the field and buildings cracked before shattering. "What?" Sombra asked.

"Sorry," Bonnie smirked, "but I just nullified your Gate Card. It's a power Gaia has in exchange for only half the regular power up."

Gaia: 700Gs
Lucifer: 800Gs

Gaia charged at Lucifer and threw a punch towards him, but Lucifer simply held up his own hand and caught the fist. "Nice try," he told her before letting go and grabbing her large wrist. Before Gaia could react, Lucifer flew into the air and swung her around.

"GAIA!" Bonnie cried, unable to believe Lucifer was so strong. The demon slammed Gaia into the ground with so much force, Bonnie was knocked off balance. As she fell to her knees, a part of the building she was in front of began to break and fall apart.

Gaia saw this and gasped, "BONNIE!" Rolling onto her front, she jumped forward and managed to place her hand over Bonnie. The debris fell and smashed into her hand, making her flinch but keeping Bonnie safe.

The girl finally recovered and got up, running from the building as Gaia continued to protect her. "You okay?" She asked her Bakugan, Gaia nodding as she stood up. But as she did, Lucifer slashed at her back and she cried out in pain.

"Ability, Activate!" The demon shot forward, "Deadly Strike!"

Gaia: 700Gs
Lucifer: 1000Gs

Before Gaia could brace herself, Lucifer threw a punch right into her chest. The impact was so great, her chest armor cracked as she staggered back. She smashed into a building and fell right through it, the taller construct collapsing upon her.

"GAIA!" Bonnie screamed, but had to run in order to avoid being crushed by more debris. As she did, Gaia was half buried by the rubble whilst Lucifer flew up and laughed. This battle had only just begun and already, Lucifer had victory within his grasp.

Author's Note

Well, Lyra lost as well. Maybe Bonnie can claw out a victory.

A Break in the Battle

In the city of St Louis, the last hybrid standing continued her battle against the three remaining Brawlers that had been left for her to deal with by her master.

"Tornado Impact!" Quetzal screamed as the blast of air shot out of her mouth and flew towards Wukong, who continued to fly around on his cloud. The ape spun his staff around, managing to deflect most of the tornado's force but still getting pushed back.

As he did, Lepusinge bounced between a pair of building to get high. When he reached the very top, he jumped as his ears caught fire. "Flaming Slap!" He spun through the air and struck Quetzal several times with his ears before she flew away, her Tornado Impact attack fading away and allowing Wukong to fly up above them.

As Lepusinge fell back towards the buildings, Wukong ignited the tip of his staff and thrust it forward. The staff extended and slammed into Quetzal's back, making her cry out as she was pushed towards the ground as her back was burned.

When she got close enough to the ground, Fenroar ran forward as his claws glowed. "Wolf Claw Strike!" He leapt up and was ready to slash at her, but Quetzal's body glowed.

"Radiant Aura!" The light blinded Fenroar for a moment, allowing Quetzal to swing her tail around and wrap it around his waist.

She then used him to pull herself out from under the staff seconds before it slammed her into the ground. She then threw Fenroar towards Lepusinge, stopping the rabbit from attacking her as she flew back into the air.

On the ground, the three humans frowned. "She's a slippery little worm," Applejack growled.

"But one we need to beat if we want to end this," Heath told them. "You guys battled her for a good while. She can't have that much left in the tank." Wukong, Fenroar and Lepusinge grouped up and glared up at the winged serpent, who panted as she was close to the end of her rope. "Let's end this!"

"YEAH!" The girls cried as their partners charged forward.

In the city of Los Angeles, Flash and his friends were inside the stadium watching as Twilight worked on the transporter machine.

As she worked, all they could do was watch the TV as it showed the dome appearing around Lucifer, Gaia and their partners. "Damn it!" Flash cried, "he managed to get Gaia and Bonnie alone!" He wanted to tell Twilight she needed to hurry, but also knew she was going as fast as she could. And even if she could get them there in that very moment, it wouldn't matter. That dome was impenetrable.

"Alright," Twilight booted up the machine, "I'm ready." As she said that, the TV showed images of Quetzal attacking the others and forcing them to ignore the dome. "I just hope we can get there in time."

"Those three should be able to handle Quetzal on their own," Lyra assured her. "We need to get there and stop Lucifer before it's too late."

Over in Canterlot, Candy was looking terrified when she saw her daughter be consumed by the barrier. "Bonnie...Sweetie. Please, be safe." She felt a hand on her shoulder and saw Cadance smiling at her.

"Don't worry. Twilight and her friends are going to help her. They'll get her out of whatever this is." Candy hoped she was right, as Shining spoke up.

"I don't think you have to worry about your daughter getting hurt. In the other two battles, it was the Bakugan who seemed to get hurt." Candy didn't seem to happy about this.

"Yeah, but what if this time is different? You saw how much damage there was to the city. She was almost crushed by rubble before. What if that happens again and nobody's there to save her." She looked back at the dome and her heart was aching. "She's all I have. Bonnie, please stay safe."

Inside the dome, Bonnie coughed at all the dust she had been forced to breath in.

She then looked over at the collapsed building that was currently burying her friend in. "Gaia!" She cried, "please get up. You have to get up!" As she said this, Lucifer hovered above the rubble with crossed arms and a smiled. He then saw the rubble beginning to move, showing Gaia pushing herself out of the debris.

"Impressive. Lesser Bakugan would have fallen to that kind of landslide. Your endurance is truly exceptional." Despite this, he could see Gaia wasn't ready to start fighting back. The perfect time to strike.

"Gaia!" Bonnie cried, seeing Lucifer preparing his claws. "Hurry. He's coming!" He dived down and had his claws primed, ready to stab her and take her Attribute Energy.

But before he could reach her, something shot between the pair. Something small, but its sudden movement had caught his eye. Once it was right between them, it shifted shapes and exploded with light. In the blink of an eye, a giant brown worm appeared between them and he quickly flew forward and wrapped around him.

"Augh!" He cried as the creature squeezed him tightly, the demon trying to push it off of him with no success. Sombra looked down at his BakuColar and saw the new score.

Gaia+Wormquake: 1040Gs
Lucifer: 1000Gs

He turned to Bonnie, who was still in her post thrown pose. She panted, glad she had thought to do this in time. She looked back at Gaia as the giant picked herself up. "Are you okay?"

"Yes?" Gaia nodded, smiling at Bonnie. "Thanks for the break." She turned back to Lucifer, as he continued to struggle against Wormquake. "Glad to have the help. Let's finish this."

"Alright!" Bonnie took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" Gaia began to glow as she charged forward, "Gaia Spirit!"

Gaia+Wormquake: 1290Gs
Lucifer: 1000Gs

Lucifer continued to struggle against Wormquake, barely able to keep himself in the air. But then, Wormquake loosened its grasp on him and he was able to throw it off. But as he did, Gaia threw a bunch towards him. "Augh!" He cried, being slammed by a large fist that threw him backwards.

He spun through the air, but managed to catch himself and place his feet against the side of a building. He growled at the two Subterra Bakugan, both ready to deal him a lot of damage.

He then kicked off the building so hard, every plain of glass within it shattered as he shot forward. Wormquake quickly dived under the ground, ready to sneak attack him as he focused on Gaia. Sombra quickly held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Lucifer glowed as Gaia threw another punch at him, but he managed spin out of its direction before flying towards her chest. "Cursed Light!"

Lucifer slammed his hand onto her chest as the light spread to her, making Gaia cry out as her power was drained away.

Gaia+Wormquake: 1090Gs
Lucifer: 1200Gs

Lucifer laughed at the shift in power and pushed away from her before he could attack back, whilst Bonnie held up a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Gaia swung her head around as the wooden gauntlets around her arms broke apart. "Leaf Cyclone, plus Bark Barrage!"

A powerful wind flew passed and sent the the leaves on her head flying towards Lucifer, whilst she thrust her fists forward and sent the wood shards flying off of her.

The two attacks shot towards Lucifer and merged, the wood shards joining the leaves within the cyclone that slammed into him. "Ahhhh" He cried, shielding his head from the onslaught of attacks. After a few seconds, he managed to fly straight up and out of the cyclone before too much of his power could be lost.

Gaia+Wormquake: 1190Gs
Lucifer: 1000Gs

As he floated down towards the ground, Wormquake exploded out of it and attempted to swallow him whole. "Begone!" He roared, throwing a kick right into its head. Wormquake was knocked back as Lucifer charged towards Gaia, Sombra holding up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Lucifer reached Gaia and clenched both fists. "Unending Punishment!" The demonic Bakugan started throwing punch after punch after punch, throwing a few kicks into the mix every now and then. Gaia cried out as she was knocked backwards, losing points with every hit whilst Lucifer kept up with her and smirked.

"This is what you get for going against me! You were a fool to ever think you could fight against me!" He spun around and smashed his foot into her chest, knocking her staggering back.

Gaia+Wormquake: 890Gs
Lucifer: 1000Gs

He prepared to attack again, but before he could Wormquake broke out of the ground again and grabbed his foot. "Hey!" He pulled against the earthworm, "release me at once!" But Wormquake simply held on, trying to give Gaia enough time to recover. Bonnie also hoped she could recover in time, because Lucifer wasn't going to give them any chance to.

"Come on Gaia," she whispered.

"Heavenly Cannon!" Quetzal fired the laser towards Wukong, who dodge it on his cloud and flew straight towards her with his staff aflame. "Feather Storm!" She spun around and launched several feathers towards him, but Wukong spun his staff to deflect them.

"Face it!" Wukong cried, "you're outnumbered and outmatched!" He thrust the burning weapon forward and struck her in the chest, "just give it up!"

"Never!" She roared, pushing away from the flaming staff. "No matter what, I'll prove my worth to my master. Fusion Ability, Activate!" Quetzal's entire body began to glow brighter and brighter, the serpent then diving down towards the Bakugan on the ground. "I'll deal with you fools first!"

Fenroar and Lepusinge saw this coming and prepared themselves, Fluttershy and Applejack also getting ready. They knew this was gonna be big and they needed to brace themselves.

"DIVINE LIBERATION!" The light exploded off of Quetzal and shot towards the two Bakugan, Fenroar launching a Howling Force attack towards it to try and stop the attack. But it didn't even slow it down. A bright flash filled the field and everyone was blinded for a moment, Quetzal smirking since she was sure the two had been taken down.

But then the light began to dim and she saw something that made her gasp. "WHAT?"

Lepusinge and Fenroar were unharmed, the pair being shielded by a force-field produced by a third individual that had just shown up. "Leonidas!" Heath and the girls cried, happy to see him there having saved their Bakugan.

As his Spectral Barricade disappeared, Leonidas floated down to the ground and allowed Flash to jump off onto the ground. "Let's do this, bud." Leonidas let out a roar as he prepared for a fight, Quetzal hissing angrily.

"You think one extra Bakugan can beat me?"

"Yes," Flash smirked, "but who said there was only one extra Bakugan?" As he said that, Spikenoid, Garuda, Nimue, Ragnaroid, Terraspin, Gumigator and Cleopal appeared from behind buildings all around Quetzal. They and their brawlers smirked at her, as Wukong flew down whilst crouching on his cloud with his staff hung on his shoulder.

"Remember what I said about you being outnumbered and outmatched? Well now you're really outnumbered and really outmatched." Quetzal growled at this, as Flash, Twilight, Soarin, Lyra, Derpy and Rainbow held up cards.

"Ability, Activate!" They all yelled as their Bakugan launched lasers, green fire, lightning bolts, water jets, black flames and tornados at her. She tried to avoid them, but they were attacking from too many angles and she was battered again and again.

This caused her to fall to the ground and as she did, Wukong, Lepusinge, Gummy and Cleopal charged at her. Each one flew passed her and attacked with their staff, feet, icicles and claws. She screamed in pain as Fenroar ran forward, his claws ready to finally end this annoying battle.

"Take this!" He roared, slashing at her with everything he had. Quetzal finally reached her breaking point and with one final screaming hiss, she was reverted back to ball form and fell towards the ground.

Flash didn't give it any chance this time, running forward as the ball fell to the ground and managing to catch it before it landed. "Gotcha!" He smirked, holding the orb clutched tightly in his hand and glaring at it. "You're not getting away this time."

With that out of the way, they turned towards the dome. "We have to get in there!" Lyra cried, as Leonidas fired at a single spot on the energy dome.

"Everyone. Aim for the spot I just struck. Give it everything you got!"

"RIGHT!" They all cried before launching their long range attacks at that spot, flames, lasers, wind, ice, water and simple sound clashed against the energy dome in an attempt to break through it. They fired as much as they could, using every ounce of strength they had left.

"Hold on Bonnie," Lyra whispered.

Back in the dome, Lucifer had finally knocked Wormquake off of him and kicked it with enough strength to knock it out of the ground. "Insignificant whelp!" But as he said that, he sensed movement and spun around.

Gaia's fist was flying at him and he caught it with a single hand, stopping it cold as Gaia glared at him. "That Bakugan stands in defense of this world along with all the others who have broken free of your evil. He may not hold an Attribute Energy, but I will not allow you to mock his effort. You will show him some respect!"

"Very well," Lucifer smirked before throwing her staggering backwards. "Then I shall treat him as I treat the rest of the fools that attempt to stand in my way, by holding absolutely nothing back."

"Well so will we!" Bonnie cried as she held up a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Gaia's shoulder cannons folded up as Wormquake started taking a deep breath. "Gaia Cannon, plus Dust Devil!" As the cannons filled with nature energy, Wormquake unleashed a blast of high-pressure sand that slammed into Lucifer.

"Augh!" He cried, the dust getting in his eyes whilst more scrapped against his body. All the while, Gaia's power rose.

Gaia+Wormquake: 1040Gs
Lucifer: 900Gs

"RAAAAAAAAAH!" Gaia screamed as the cannons fired, sending a pair of beams out that merged into one before slamming into their target. Lucifer had just flown out of the sand blast when the laser struck him, the former angel Bakugan wincing at the high-intensity force currently slamming into him.

After almost a minute of this, the energy within the cannons ran out and the laser stopped firing. They all looked towards Lucifer and saw him panting, clearly exhausted. Bonnie was actually surprised that had worked, but then remembered he had already battled two other Bakugan in high-intensity battles right before he.

Even if he had the Darkus Energy, he didn't have unlimited stamina. He must have been running low.

"We just have to keep the pressure up," she realised. "Hit him again!" Gaia nodded and charged up another blast, but Lucifer opened his eyes and looked down at them. Sombra quickly held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Lucifer created an orb of dark energy, "Phantom Dread!" Bonnie's eyes went wide at this, remembering what Heath had told her.

"Gaia, you've gotta fire now!" Gaia launched the laser and it shot towards Lucifer, but he managed to dodge it as the orb grew larger. The laser was barely charged, so she only got one short shot from it.

"My turn!" Lucifer crushed the orb in his hand and created the dark energy wave, which flew towards Gaia ready to turn her into a terrified mess. But before it could hit her, Wormquake shot out of the ground and leapt in front of her.

"Wormquake!" Bonnie cried, as the worm was struck by the wave and pushed backwards. Gaia caught him, the wave completely bypassing her as she held her fellow Subterra Bakugan.

Gaia+Wormquake: 840Gs
Lucifer: 900Gs

"Wormquake!" She cried, as the creature went limp. "Are you okay?" Wormquake began to move and when it did, it suddenly started struggling. "Calm down!" She cried, dropping the creature as it tried to tunnel itself under the ground.

"it's no good!" Bonnie told her, "that attacks got him terrified." Hearing this, Gaia turned to glare at Lucifer.

"You love this don't you. Having the power to make others fear you, just so you can have fun and get what you want."

Lucifer smirked. "Of course. Fear is the ultimate weapon. Those that feel no fear are truly invincible. And those weak enough to allow themselves to be overcome by such a pathetic emotion, deserve anything the strong wish to do to them."

"No," Gaia growled, "those that feel no fear are the weak ones. True strength comes from feeling fear and overcoming it. And that's why you won't win." As she said that, her body started glowing bright orange. "If you felt fear, you would know not to underestimate us! Now it's time to show you what it means to truly feel fear. BONNIE!"

"Right!" Bonnie cried as she held up a card. "Fusion Ability, Activate!" Gaia glowed as she drew about the power of nature, the light flying into her shoulder cannons to power them up once again. "INFINITE GAIA!"

Gaia+Wormquake: 1240Gs
Lucifer: 900Gs

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" The screamed as her cannons fired, a twin lasers combining into a super laser that flew towards Lucifer. As it did, Sombra held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The laser struck Lucifer and he barely managed to keep it back with his hands, the force of the attack pushing him backwards. Bonnie and Gaia hoped this would be enough to knock him down, but to their shock Lucifer managed to hold on.

"No way," Bonnie cried. She was sure that after everything he had faced already, this would be the final straw. But then she noticed the Darkus Symbol on his chest was glowing. "What's that?"

"Vanishing Doom!" Sombra told her with a chuckle, "which negates your last Ability. That includes your Fusion Ability." The light from the symbol exploded off into a beam, which struck the Infinite Gaia beam and easily overpowered it.

Gaia watched as he attack was overpower eventually, the dark laser slammed into her. "Augh!" She cried as he power dropped, making her stagger back.

Gaia+Wormquake: 840Gs
Lucifer: 900Gs

"Gaia!" Bonnie saw Lucifer then shoot down towards her, his claws primed to attack. "He's coming!" Gaia took a deep breath and Lucifer reached her, she threw a punch in his direction. But seconds before the attack collided, Lucifer vanished.

She gasped at this and sensed his presence behind her, Gaia spinning around expecting him to attack from the rear. But he didn't. His target was another Bakugan. "Wormquake, MOVE!" The Subterra Bakugan was still terrified, having tried to tunnel its way underground only to find the darkness even more terrifying.

So it remained above ground, making it the perfect target for Lucifer as he grabbed it by where its neck probably started.

The creature screamed as it was suddenly slammed into the ground and dragged along it, causing it great pain until Lucifer lifted it into the air. Gaia and Bonnie gasped at this, as Lucifer spun around and threw Wormquake towards her.

Gaia caught the Bakugan, staggering back from the weight, only for him to suddenly revert back to ball form. "Wormquake!"

Gaia: 700Gs
Lucifer: 900Gs

"Now, to end this!" Lucifer chuckled as Sombra held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The card exploded into black and white light, which flew into Lucifer's hands to form the energy spheres. "Paradise...LOST!" Lucifer threw the white orb towards Gaia as Bonnie gasped, telling to to get away but the giant Bakugan was too big.

She turned to run, but the orb struck her arm and expanded. "Gaia!" Bonnie gasped seeing a giant orb, which vaporised all the buildings it touched until it completely surrounded Gaia. "NO!" Bonnie cried, running over to try and help her, but Gaia shook her head.

"BONNIE, NO!" She stopped as Lucifer launched the black sphere towards her, "GET AWAY!" Bonnie gasped and ran, as the black orb struck the white one before expanding and merging with it. Gaia could only watch as the energy built, Bonnie trying to think of a way to save her. Then, Lucifer raised his hand and snapped his fingers to unleash the lightning upon her. "AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHH!"

"GAIA!" Bonnie saw her power drop and knew that when it hit zero, it would all be over. Then she realised what she could do and took out another Bakugan. "I need your help!" She prepared to launch it, but Lucifer spotted this.

"I DON'T THINK SO!" He thrust his hand out and launched a wave of force, which struck the ground in front of her and made it explode. Bonnie screamed at this as she was thrown back, the Bakugan remaining clutched in her hand. And as she hit the ground, Gaia's power completely bottomed out."

Gaia: 0Gs
Lucifer: 900Gs

The energy finally exploded off of her as she stood there, he head and shoulders slumped down as she seemed barely conscious. In that moment, Sombra held up his glove and fired a beam of light at her. The beam struck her in the back and began to drain the Subterra Energy, Gaia unable to fight against this and losing consciousness right before the last of the energy was sucked away and mixed with the Pyrus and Aquos Energies.

Bonnie moaned as she began to recover and look up, just in time to see Gaia falling toward the ground. "NO!" She got up and ran to the giant, but her legs gave out and she fell back to the ground as Gaia reverted back to ball form. "Gaia!" The ball fell to the ground and bounced around, rolling to a stop several feet away from her as the dome began to vanish. "Gaia," she tried to pull herself towards her partner but could barely do it.

Sombra smirked at the sight, as Lucifer flew down and grabbed him. "Four down, two to go."

Lucifer nodded, wanting to get the final two as quickly as possible. But he couldn't deny that his energy was running low. And before he could think of trying to get the two Bakugan he needed to target alone, he suddenly found them right next to him with their claws glowing and sparking.

"Raaaaah!" Leonidas roared as he slashed at Lucifer, who ducked under it as Garuda slashed at him as well. He managed to avoid it and shoot into the air, but Wukong, Ragnaroid and Terraspin was waiting for him there. They all launched at attack his way, but Lucifer created a barrier to block them as he panted.

"What's the matter?" Ragnaroid asked his creator, "a little tired? Good!" He launched another Apocalyptic Fire, but the flames simply bounced off his barrier.

"I might be a little winded," Lucifer smirked. "But I'm still winning. Your world is one step closer to defeat. My minions and I will conquer this realm and reshape it in our image." As he said that, Flash suddenly felt a burning coming from his hand.

"Augh!" He dropped the source of the heat, the hybrid they had captured. The Bakugan fell from his grasp and was surrounded by a dark shroud, hitting the ground and melting into it as he did. Flash growled as he looked back at the demon, Lucifer smirking before snapping his fingers.

In a flash of light, he disappeared. "HEY!" Leonidas roared at said light, "come back here, you coward!"

"I will not fight a battle I cannot win," Lucifer's voice echoed in their mind. "So I'll be patient. I've waited this long, why not a little longer. Don't worry, we'll be seeing each other again real soon." His voice faded along with the light, the BakuFighters and Rainbooms knowing he was gone and who knows where.

On the ground, Lyra and the others were helping Bonnie up. "Are you okay?" Lyra asked her best friend, who moaned but nodded.

"Yeah. Just...a little woozy." She looked over at where Gaia had fallen and saw Fluttershy pick her up, the pink haired girl moving over to them and holding the Bakugan out. "Gaia, are you okay?" Gaia let out a moan before opening up.

"Yes, though I could really do with a nap." The others flew down and jumped off their Bakugan, the lot of them frowning at the fact in front of them. They had beaten the hybrids and more of Lucifer's Bakugan were being taken out by other brawlers, but Lucifer now had four of the six Energies.

"We need to get back to Canterlot," Twilight stated. "We've all been through a lot and we need to come up with a new game plan." They all nodded and started making their way back towards the stadium, all wondering when Lucifer was going to strike next and what his plan was.

In a dark building, Sombra sat on a chair looking down at a table.

Lucifer was there, his six hybrid generals circling around them. "Master?" Rampager spoke up, "are you okay? I know we didn't defeat them like you hoped, but-"

"You do not need to worry," Lucifer told him. "I will not be punishing you for your failures. You managed to distract those fools long enough for me to acquire the three Attribute Energies and that was enough. Now I must focus on regaining my strength so that I can deal with the final two who hold my prize."

"We need to find a way to seperate them all," Sombra stated. "The others are gonna do whatever it takes to keep those other two from being alone, so we can't surprise them again like we did the other three."

"We could go attack some other places and make them split up again," Roaster suggested.

"They won't fall for that a second time," Lucifer told him. "No. Instead we must focus on putting pressure to them. Attack something important to them." He chuckled, "and I know exactly what that something is going to be." He began to explain his plan, making Sombra and the others smirk at the evil genius of it.

Back in Canterlot, Candy pushed through the crowd of people when she saw her daughter appear out of the machine.

"Bonnie!" She grabbed her scrapped up child and pulled her into a hug. "I was so worried. Don't you ever scare me like that again." Bonnie's heart squeezed at the thought of making her mother worry, but knew she probably couldn't keep that promise. Not with all the danger they were facing right now.

The others looked worried as they managed to find their family, Soarin, Rainbow and Fluttershy wishing they could be in Cloudsdale to make sure their families were okay.

Flash found his sister and parents along with Twilight's family, the two teens rushing over to them. "Flash!" Misty hugged him, "you had us worried."

"Yeah, but I told you I'd be okay." He pulled away as Leonidas jumped onto his shoulder.

"I guess we have you to thank for keeping him safe," Trail told him as Leonidas looked bashful.

"We kept each other safe. That's what partners do. Though the last thing I'd call us right now is safe." Flash and Twilight nodded before they, the BakuFighters, Rainbooms and their families moved over to sit around a large table.

"So what's the plan now?" Garuda asked. "We were going to all take Lucifer down together, but his little distractions let him split us up before we could."

"I can't believe we didn't see this coming," Nimue sighed. "Lucifer played us all for fools." The others all sat back, sighing as they each tried to think of some way to turn the tide back in their favour. But it was Cadance who spoke up.

"I think you guys shouldn't try to think of anything right now." They were all surprised to hear this, as Scootaloo returned with drinks for the brawlers to enjoy. "You've all been through a lot today. You're all exhausted, both physically and mentally. You won't be able to operate right now until you've given yourselves time to recharge."

"She's right," Misty nodded. "And it's not just today. From what I've seen, you've all been going all out since this whole mess even started. You need to sit back and relax, at least for a little bit." They didn't like this idea, believing that time was of the essence. But they also knew Cadance and Misty had a point. They had been through a lot and beating Lucifer would be impossible if they were completely exhausted.

They looked around and saw the stadium foye wasn't as filled as it had been when they left. Shining explained that many people had headed deeper into the stadium, believing that would be the safest spot to stay in case Bakugan began attacking. Luckily, all the Bakugan in Canterlot had either been defeated or left when the field allowing them movement expanded.

Several people had discussed returning home, but none of them did so at the thought of the Bakugan returning.

Many people had gone out and returned with vans of food to keep the people fed until this insanity ended. Said food was now being given to the courageous heroes as they continued to rest in the foye. Bonnie and her mother had taken a spot in a corner to talk whilst Applejack and her family were huddled together in another one.

Lyra, Heath, Pinkie and Rarity were all with their families, whilst Derpy had found her parents and sister. To say they had been scared when they saw her after three days was an understatement. Then there was Soarin, Rainbow and Fluttershy, who had realised they could travel to Cloudsdale the same way they travelled to all the other cities.

Soarin had chosen to stay behind, knowing that he needed to stay near the others along with Flash so Lucifer couldn't attack him on his own. Twilight had gone in his place to make sure the girls and their parents could return in case something went wrong with the transporters there.

Currently, Flash was sitting at the same table everyone had been around before as the sun began to set. The Bakugan fights were all slowly winding down, though Flash was sure the Bakugan were just going somewhere to rest so they could continue rampaging the next day.

Leonidas was there with him, the pair unsure whether or not they could even win at this point. Lucifer had managed to battle three of their friends one after another with barely any ware by the end of it. He would likely be back to full strength tomorrow and Flash knew he was gonna come after them.

"Flash?" The teen turned his see his parents sit down next to him, holding wrapped up sandwiches and soda. "You okay?" Trail asked, Flash nodding.

"Yeah. Just...wondering when the heck my life got so insane."

"Wasn't it the day Leo was given to you?" Scootaloo asked, as she sat next to him. Flash nodded as he looked down at the dragon.

"True. And if you'd told me on that day I'd be one of the last lines of defence for our world, I would have laughed in your face. I never thought I'd be anything special. I just wanted to brawl."

"That's probably why Dragonia picked you," Leonidas told him.

"What do you mean?" Flash asked.

"I know I'm probably the youngest one around, but I've learned a lot in my time on this planet. One of those things I've learned is that the best person to handle power is someone who doesn't think they deserve it." Flash wondered what he meant by that. "You remember the story they told us about Lucifer. He was the one who ended the war between the factions and given a position of prominence. Well I'm willing to bet if the Bakugan hadn't held him in such high regards, he might have never gone on this rampage for power."

"You think so?"

"I know so," Leonidas nodded. "He knew he was special because he was a White One and managed to stop the war. Then the Bakugan started hailing him like some kind of god. That kind of position would probably get to anyone's head."

"He might have a point," Misty nodded. "Throughout history, it's always been proven that power can corrupt almost anyone. But most of the time, those most corrupted by it are those who sort it out instead of having it thrust upon them."

Trail nodded. "Look at the guy you said was partly responsible for all this. Sombra's spent his entire life trying to get his company to be the richest one in the world. And when he accomplished that, it clearly wasn't enough for him. Now he's moved on to this. But you're not him. You don't want power. The strength you've worked hard to acquire wasn't for you, but to help those. At least, that's what we can tell given what we've heard about this whole thing."

Flash smiled at this, understanding what they meant. "Thanks guys." His parents smiled back.

Meanwhile, Bonnie and her mother sat side by side. Bonnie was currently slurping up a package soup through a straw, only now realising just how hungry she really was. "Are you sure you're okay?" Candy asked her. Bonnie nodded.

"I'm fine. A little tired, but hopefully a good night's sleep'll fix that and I can get back to fighting against Lucifer and his cronies." Candy didn't look happy to hear that.

"Are you sure? This all seems so dangerous. I don't want to lose you." Bonnie smiled at this, snuggling closer to her.

"I know you're worried about me. I know what happened with Dad has made you really protective." Candy was surprised Bonnie was talking so openly about that time of her life. "And I love how protective you are. But I can't walk away from this. I was chosen to fight against Lucifer and I'm glad I was." She looked down at the ground, where Gaia was sitting on her foot. "Because it meant I got to meet Gaia and all my other friends. And I've grown so much since I did. That's why I won't step aside and abandon them. Because I'm not the kind of person who just runs away from my problems any more."

Her mother was still surprised by this, but could see just how much stronger Bonnie seemed.

"Mom," Bonnie looked at her. "If dad every manages to find us...I don't wanna run away." Candy's eyes went wide. "If he comes here, I won't let him push me around. He might think he can bully us, but compared to Lucifer and everything else I've faced he's nothing. I know that together, you, me and even my friends would be able to get him to leave us alone."

"Are you sure?" Bonnie nodded and Candy smiled, hugging her daughter tightly. No matter what, they would stand up to whatever the world threw at them. Whether it be human or Bakugan.

Heath and his parents had been talking about the Bakugan, Heath explaining everything that had happened since meeting Wukong. To say they were amazed was an understatement. But in the middle of their conversation, the laptop his father had brought with him finally managed to connect to the stadium's WiFi.

When it did, they instantly got a call from someone. "It's Blaze," Heath's father announced as he accepted the call.

Blaze's face appeared on the screen, his eyes going wide seeing them. "Are you guys okay? What the heck is going on over there?"

"It's a long story," Heath explained. Blaze looked worried.

"Bro, how the heck did you get to Keystone, then all the way to St Louis and back? What the heck is happening?" Heath laughed and started explaining, Blaze amazed by everything he was hearing. "Wow," he smirked, "a lot's happened since I've been gone." He then noticed Wukong on Heath's shoulder, "Is that this Bakugan you were talking about."

"Sure is," Heath held Wukong up for Blaze to get a better look.

"Thanks for looking after my little brother."

"We look after each other," Wukong assured him. The family smile, happy that everyone was getting along. The world might be ending, but their family was growing stronger.

Back with Soarin, he was drinking a soda when the transporter activated.

In a flash, Twilight returned and she wasn't alone. Rainbow, Fluttershy and their family followed through. Then, another two individuals appeared out of it. One was a light blue skinned woman wearing a business suit with her graying yellow hair up in a bun, whilst the other was a dark skinned man in a similar suit and a head of hair like Soarin.

"Mom!" Soarin rushed over to them, "Dad!" He hugged the woman and she hugged back.

"Soarin," she gasped, "thank goodness you're okay." She pulled away and checked him over, "what were you thinking, doing something so dangerous. We saw you on TV and almost had a heart attack."

"I'm sorry," Soarin sighed. "But I had to." Garuda jumped onto his shoulder. "Mom, dad. There's something I need to tell you."

As the family moved to sit at one of the few tables, Lyra was making her way through the crowd to make sure everything was okay. Her family was all safe, so she didn't need to worry about them. And once they had been brought up to speed, Lyra began looking around.

"Lyra!" She and Nimue turned to the voice and was surprised to see Minuette, Lemon Hearts and Twinkleshine sitting on the ground a ways off.

"Guys," she moved over to them, "are you okay?"

"We're good," Minuette told her. "But these Bakugan and totally wrecking everything. Like...why is this happening?"

"Because someone wasn't happy with their role in life," Nimue explained. The girls noticed her and were surprised to see the toy talking. "Lucifer hated that he didn't have any power, so he decided to take it no matter how much damage that does to the world."

"Wow," Lemon looked at her, "how are you making it talk like that?"

"It has a name," Lyra sighed. "This is Nimue, my Bakugan partner." The three seemed surprised that Nimue was a Bakugan, clearly not getting the whole size changing thing. "Anyway, you three weren't hurt in all this, were you?"

"No," Twinkleshine told her. "We're fine. But we saw what you did on TV. What happened to that super tall lady that was shooting water everywhere?" Lyra couldn't help but laugh at this and pointed towards Nimue, making them realise they were looking at that super tall lady. Lyra had to admit, she had missed this. She was glad she had a chance to reconnect with them again.

Back over with Soarin and his parents, they were shocked by this. His mother, Sylph Sprinter, looked terrified at the thought of the monster causing this coming after her son. Meanwhile, his father Atmos seemed unsure about this. "We have to leave," Sylph then told him. "He must think you're here, so we'll leave and hide until he's gone."

"That won't work," Soarin told her. "Lucifer will find us. He's not gonna stop until he has the Ventus Energy Garuda has."

"Then he can stay here and we'll leave," Sylph stated. This got Soarin very upset.

"I'm not gonna abandon him. Garuda's my best friend and without me with him, he wouldn't stand a chance against Lucifer. And if Lucifer gets all six Attribute Energies, he'll destroy the world." That statement terrified his parents, but they were just as scared of having their son in danger.

Garuda moved over to them. "I know you're both scared. But your son is strong. He's proven himself again and again to be a great warrior. I couldn't ask for anyone better to have by my side. And I promise, no matter what happens I'll keep him safe. Even if it costs me my own life." Soarin's parents seemed to believe this, though both were just as weirded out about the talking piece of plastic. Clearly, things were getting a little too strange for them.

Whilst this was happening, Derpy had made peace with her family and introduced them to Ragnaroid. She knew she had a lot to explain to them, but that would need to wait until another time. Instead, she was looking around for someone else.

"Derpy." She saw Pipsqueak in one of the corridors, sitting next to a head banded Rumble and someone else. Thunderlane. "You're okay," Pip smiled at her. "I was really worried when I heard Dark Industries imploded. But then I saw you on TV."

"Yeah," Derpy smiled, "I'm fine. But things are really getting insane." She noticed Rumble and saw Thunderlane was making sure he was comfortable. "Are you...his brother?"

"That's me," Thunderlane nodded before looking up at her. "Have we met?" Derpy wanted to say yes, but realised she had only met him as Phantom.

"Kinda. It's a long story." She looked Rumble over, "is he gonna be okay?" Thunderland nodded.

"He's fine. Just a little bump on the head. I could have used a bandaid, but he wanted to look cool." Derpy laughed at this, happy Rumble had found his brother and wasn't in any serious danger. At least they would be safe...for now anyway.

Outside the stadium, Flash and Leonidas were looking up at the now darkening skies.

The pair sighed as they looked out at the city. If it wasn't for several buildings being missing and large amounts of smoke still flowing up into the air, one could almost convince themselves everything was perfectly normal. But it wasn't and everything was completely insane.

"You probably shouldn't be out here by yourself." Flash looked around to see Twilight walking towards him. "If Lucifer shows up, he could trap you in a dome all on your own."

"Nah," Flash shook his head, "I doubt that. The only way he could is if he put the edge of the dome right next to the stadium, and I'm pretty sure I could run out from under it before he could do that." Twilight smirked at the confidence and sat down besides him.

"Are you worried?"

"A little," Flash nodded. "Worried we're gonna fail. But I'm also worried about what'll come if we manage to beat Lucifer."

"Everything will go back to normal," Twilight told him.

"Will it?" Flash sighed. "The rest of the world knows the Bakugan are real creatures now. If we manage to defeat Lucifer, things are gonna change. The Bakugan will all be free and hopefully, they'll be able to talk. What if the government starts rounding them up for experiments? And after all this, everyone who isn't a brawler might think the Bakugan are to blame for all this. What then?"

Twilight frowned, unsure how to answer that. All she could do was slowly scoot over until she leaned onto his side, placing her head on his shoulder. "Then we'll deal with it together. Like we have everything else. I don't know what the future may hold, but I know there's nothing we can't overcome when we face it together."

Flash smiled at this and moved his head so it was on top of her's, Spike and Leo heading back into the colosseum to give them some space. At the same time, Cadance, Velvet and Misty were watching from inside and couldn't help but smile. Shining also saw this and wasn't sure how he felt, but could see Flash was a good kid.

What none of them realised, however, was that the stadium was being watched by Sombra and Lucifer.

The pair were standing atop a building, glaring down at the building. "We could take them now," Sombra told him. "Strike fast, attack and destroy the building. If the Bakugan survive, they'll be in no fit shape to protect themselves. The Attribute Energies will be ours."

"No," Lucifer shook his head, "let them have their rest. Doing so will cause them to relax and lower their guard, giving us the perfect time to strike. Come, we have much to prepare for." With that, they left as the sun completely set. It would be a long night.

The next morning

Flash didn't know what time he fell asleep. One moment he had been setting on the ground with his sister besides him, the next he suddenly found himself being shaken awake. "Flash!" Scootaloo cried, "wake up!" He did so and looked around, seeing everyone in the stadium was looking up at the TVs. "Something's happening."

Flash stood up and managed to push his way to the front of the group, where he found images on the screen of multiple places across the country.

"As you can see, the strange creatures that had started attacking our world have mysteriously vanished. All over the nation, not a single one has been spotted. Many are hoping that this means the end of this apparent invasion. But many others are refusing to believe that and are preparing for a second wave."

"Please let this be over," Flash heard someone cry. But when he and his friends locked eyes, they all knew that Lucifer wouldn't be going down so easily. And they were were quickly proven right.

Suddenly, the ground beneath them violently began to shake. Many people were knocked over and several ended up hitting their heads on things, Flash managing to stay upright as a loud roar caught his attention. It was coming from outside, causing him, the BakuFighters and the Rainbooms to rush out of the stadium with their families going with them.

Once they were outside, the Bakugan that could fly flew as high as they could in their ball forms. And in doing so, they saw an entire army of Bakugan. Said army was circling the entire city, made up of every kind of Bakugan Lucifer still had under his control. And leading the charge were the six hybrids.

They quickly flew down to tell their friends what was happening and they all realised what Lucifer was doing. If he couldn't split them apart, he would simply crush them under tremendous pressure. And Canterlot would end up crushed along with them.

Author's Note

Well, that was thankfully different. Sorry if the last few chapters were a little repetitive. Hope you enjoyed this and what will happen next time.

The Invasion of Canterlot

The people of Canterlot were in a mass hysteria, due to the sudden appearance of every single Bakugan Lucifer had under his control.

The army had surrounded the city on all sides and were beginning to move inwards. Every Bakugan from a Haos Serpenoid to a Darkus Laserman was approaching, several launching blasts that caused buildings to be destroyed whilst others simple walked through them. It was clear that by the time they were done, Canterlot was gonna be nothing but a pile of rubble.

This is what had caused the panic, with many people screaming that they had to escape. But with the stadium surrounded on every side, they knew there was no way to escape.

"Hey!" Scootaloo cried, almost being knocked over by someone running past. Sweetie and Applebloom almost got trampled by this, resulting in their dads and brother lifting them up to keep them safe. "What do we do?"

Flash and his friends were still outside, also wondering the same thing. "It's us they're after," Leonidas pointed out. "Maybe if we leave they'll stop attacking." The others were thinking the same thing. But in that moment, that opinion changed.

"Greetings, you pathetic worms." It was Lucifer, the lot of them hearing his voice from within the stadium. They headed in and saw that everyone had stopped their panic, all staring at the TVs as Lucifer's face appeared on them. "You fools were given your chance to surrender to your lawful lord and master, but instead you chose to fight. And now, I have no other choice but to make an example out of you."

"Oh," Flash growled, "we're so scared."

"You should be," Lucifer replied much to everyone's shock. "I can't actually see you, but I am assuming one of you fools made a snarky remark. Anyway, you now have two choices. Give yourself up and allow me to take my Attribute Energies, or try and fight, lose, then have the energies removed anyway. No matter which you chose, I have the Energies in the end. So do yourself a favour and give them to me. At least that way, your precious city might survive."

Everyone growled at this, knowing he was mocking them. "Jerk," Rainbow growled.

"I know a lot of you are likely planning to escape, but you should know that it's pointless. If you teleport yourself to another city, I'll simply destroy this one and follow you there. All you'll do is cause another city's destruction. You have thirty minutes to make your decision before I start blasting away at your city." With that, the TV went blank and the people started panicking again.

Many were screaming that it was the end of the world. They were all terrified and just wanted to be safe, but it seemed that was impossible. The BakuFighters and the Rainbooms were all just as worried, many fearing that the panicked crowd might turn on them to get out of this mess.

Flash frowned and rushed forward, jumping onto one of the nearby tables. "Everyone," barely anyone heard him, "LISTEN!" His voice echoed over the crowd and they all went silent, the lot of them turning to look at him and all realising it was one of the kids they saw on TV the previous day. "I know you're all scared, but we can't panic. That's what Lucifer wants."

"Then what are we supposed to do?" One man asked. The one to answer that wasn't Flash, but Leonidas.

The dragon flew up and spoke so everyone could hear him. "We have to keep our heads. If we don't, we're just gonna do something stupid and play right into Lucifer's hands." The people were surprised to hear this coming from a piece of plastic, but just kept listening. "So here's what's gonna happen. Lucifer is after something I have. So I'm gonna stay so he doesn't follow you as you escape."

"How are we supposed to escape?"

"The same way we travelled to all those places yesterday," Twilight spoke up as she climbed onto the table. "The devices in this stadium can teleport us to any other stadium in the country. We'll use those to transport you all someplace safe. Meanwhile, the rest of us will fight."

"Twilight," Shining cried, "you can't fight that many of those things all on your own. You were barely able to beat one yesterday." Twilight was about to reply to that insult, but someone spoke up before she could.

"She won't be on her own!" They all looked around and saw Thunderlane pushing through the crowd, joining the Rainbooms as he did so. "I'll fight beside you guys. Even if the odds are a million to one, Ingram and I will do whatever it takes to stop that psycho."

They all smiled at that, only for another voice to speak up as well. "Trixie will battle as well." They saw said girl step through the crowd, her Trickstar Bakugan on her shoulder and even moving on its own. And she wasn't the only one who came out.

Royal Pin and Neon Lights stepped out, followed by Cloud Chaser and Flitter. Teddy, Rover, Fido, Rainy Day, Lemon Zest, Photo Finish, Autumn Blaze and even Pipsqueak and Rumble all showed themselves. Every Bakugan Battle Brawler stepped forward, each of them inspired by those that had risked their lives to fight Lucifer and his cronies.

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom rushed out with that Bakugan, their siblings knowing that trying to stop them would be impossible. Flash and Twilight looked back at their friends, the lot of them smiling with a nod before the two turned to nod at each other. No matter what, they were going to keep fighting.

"Alright then," Flash nodded. "Let's get to work." And they did so, Twilight beginning to show everyone how she had recalibrated the transporters to allow for human travel. As they did, Flash's speech echoed through their minds.

"Ever since he got here, Lucifer's been trying to divide us. He tried to by making humans think Bakugan were nothing but mindless tools. By pitting Brawlers against one another to keep us from focusing on the real enemy. By taking our friends away from us to break our spirit. And now by trying to make us scared. Well he's failed again and again. All he's done is make us stronger than ever. He might think he has the advantage, but he's been at a disadvantage this whole time. And now we're gonna make him pay for everything he's done to our world and the world he destroyed."

As soon as Twilight finished explaining how it worked, people took over using the transporter from her and started warping people away to different stadiums. All the while the brawlers were using the time they had been given to prepare themselves.

Flash was in the bathroom, having not had a chance to use one since leaving for Dark Industries the previous day.

As he was busy doing his business, Leonidas remained on the sink thinking about the battle that was coming. He knew Lucifer would be aiming for either him or Garuda, so he had to be ready. But the tension was starting to get to him.

"Are you worried?" A voice spoke within his mind, surprising him as he looked towards the mirror. There he saw the reflection of an armoured individual.

"Dragonia?" He looked around, but the figure wasn't behind him. She was only in the mirror. "I'm sorry. You trusted us with the Attribute Energies and now Lucifer has four of them."

"It's not your faults. Even we never foresaw the kind of power that Lucifer would acquire when he evolved. You must not focus on your failures. All you can do is learn from them and work to get the Attribute Energies back."

"How? With his power, it seems impossible. And if he manages to get all the Attribute Energies from us, he'll become unstoppable. He'll have the power of Vestroia itself."

"It's true that the Attribute Energies were what made up Vestroia's body, but they were not all of Vestroia's power." Leonidas looked confused. "Vestroia has always been more than just the physical world. It also exists within the hearts of all Bakugan that were born there. Each of them is a tiny piece of Vestroia's spirit, given flesh and allowed experience the world. And when they pass, all those experiences return to Vestroia's spirit and make it stronger. As long as the Bakugan live, Vestroia lives."

Leonidas didn't really understand what she meant, but he got the gist of it. "But Lucifer will probably wish to destroy all the Bakugan. If that happens, Vestroia will truly be gone. All to satisfy his selfish lust for power." He looked up at the mirror, "what do I do to make sure that doesn't happen?" Before Dragonia could reply, a flush of a toilet caught their attention.

Moments later, Flash stepped out of the cubical. "Hey bud. Who were you talking to?" Leonidas looked back at mirror, only to see Dragonia was gone.

"Um...nobody. Just talking to myself." Flash shrugged as he washed his hands and they left the bathroom, where they saw many of the people had already managed to escape. The only ones left were the families of those staying to fight.

"Flash," Misty pulled her son into a hug as Trail did the same to to their daughter, "Scootaloo."

"Both of you be careful," Trail told them. "I don't care how hard things get, you stay strong and stick with your friends. When this is over, you both better come back without a scratch on you."

"We'll do our best," Scootaloo nodded back.

"Don't worry," Leonidas assured them. "They won't be alone. Struthion and I will be there to keep them safe. And they have all their friends as well. We'll keep each other safe." The parents nodded and pulled away, Flash looking around and seeing the rest of the brawlers family doing the same with them. They all looked worried, but knew this was something they had to do.

And so, one by one the families used the transporter and disappeared into the machine. Once the last person was through it, Twilight shut the devices down. They all knew their parents might get worried and try coming back, but doing so would just put them all in even more danger. With the devices shut down, nobody could come through. Although, that also meant they might not be able to escape if things went pear-shaped.

Flash looked around and saw everyone was looking worried. Clearly, they were all nervous about taking on an entire army of Bakugan. "Everyone, listen up!" They turned to him, "I know you're all nervous. But we have to do this. It's our only hope of stopping Lucifer. The fact is, he's way too strong to beat on our own. He knows this and that's why he keeps throwing other Bakugan at us. If we want to stop him, we have to take care of his army first."

"We know that," Rainbow gulped. "But that's a lot of Bakugan."

"Well we've got a lot of Bakugan as well," Flash told them. "We're our own army. We might not be as big as the one outside, but we've got something it doesn't. A reason to fight." Everyone smiled at this, each of them having something important that they wanted to protect. "This is just like any other battle. We throw our Bakugan in, use the right Abilities and win. Now's who's ready to go kick some Bakugan butt?"

"ME!" They all screamed, before Flash turned to charge out of the stadium. The rest of the brawlers all did the same, ready to take back their world from Lucifer.

The army of Bakugan hadn't moved in almost thirty minutes, the mindless Bakugan following their master's directions.

At the front of the army on all sides, a hybrid was also there. And unlike the other Bakugan, they were no being so patient. "Ahh," Skulpion snapped his claws, "what's taking them so long? Why'd they have to waste our time when we all know there's only one option for them?" None of the other Bakugan around him answered, as the hybrids were too far away from them to hear him.

He sighed, knowing talking to oneself was the first sign of going nuts. But he was way too bored to do anything else.

However, his boredom soon vanished when a bright flash of light suddenly caught his attention. That light was straight ahead of him and spun around into a vortex, which flew higher and higher before exploding to reveal a dragon he knew all too well.

"You!" He growled at Leonidas, who smirked back as another burst of light occurred a ways off from him. This light was orange and from it, Gaia appeared. Tornados of water, fire, wind and dark mist soon appeared in the distance, each one vanishing to reveal a BakuFighter Bakugan ready for action. And they weren't the only ones. The Rainboom's Bakugan all appeared out of lights, followed by other Bakugan who were beginning to surround the stadium.

Eventually, an entire army was staring back at the one surrounding them. It might not be as big as Lucifer's, but it was still an intimidating sight to be seen.

"Alright everyone!" He heard Flash yell from Leonidas' shoulder, "let's take these creeps down once and for all!" The entire human populace and many of the Bakugan cheered at this before charging forwards, the hybrids all commanding the army to do the same.

"Ability, Activate!" All the Ventus Brawlers yelled as their Bakugan unleashed gusts of wind out in a circle, the gales flying towards the invading Bakugan. For them, it was like they suddenly ran into a brick wall. Each of them, even the Ventus Bakugan staggered backwards as the defending army continued their assault.

"Ability, Activate!" The Aquos Brawlers cried as their Bakugan created a giant wave of water, which flew out and struck the off balance Bakugan. Many of them were all washed away by the wave, allowing their opponents to get in close.

"Get up you fools!" Rampager roared, having been one of the few not knocked down by the wave as he protected himself with the shield. He charged forward and spotted Garuda at the front of the army, Rampager smirking since this was his chance to make up for his previous failures. "Your Attribute Energy is mine!"

"I don't think so!" Garuda roared as Soarin held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Garuda's claws sparked with light, "Sky Spark Surge!" The lightning shot outwards and formed a blade of lightning, which he swung around and attempted to slash Rampager with, only for the hybrid to block it with his shield.

He then tried to slash at Garuda with his sword, but Garuda pulled back and flew up to avoid it. As this was happening, other Bakugan were battling it out all around them.

Rainbow and Terraspin were fighting against a Fly Beetle, whilst Thunderlane and Ingram where flying around one another attempting to claw the other's eyes out. On the ground, a Serpenoid wrapped itself around a Terror Claw, as a Saurus charged into a Siege and pushed it backwards.

In another part of the battlefield, Gaia was fighting against Gigant. The Magma Bakugan launched a wave of heat towards her, but Gaia held up her arms and was able to withstand it as he cannons folded up. Just as her arms were about to ignite, she fired the cannons the struck Gigant in the chest.

"Augh!" He cried as he staggered backwards, whilst Fenroar slashed at a Laserman. The robot was knocked off balance, causing its lasers to fire into the air. There, several flying Bakugan were fighting as the lasers flew up towards them. Luckily, the Bakugan with partners were warned and they were able to evade them. The other Bakugan weren't so fortunate and they were each struck, the blasts knocking them out of control. As they fell to the ground, their opponents launched several more attacks and reverted them to ball form.

"Ability, Activate!" Trixie cried as Trickstar took out a bunch of playing cards, "Trump Strike!" Trickstar threw the cards and they shot through the air, hitting several Bakugan in the chest and causing them to explode. The Bakugan fell to the ground, reverting to ball form as Trixie smiled. "That's right. Beware the Great and Powerful Trixie's strength, for she and Trickstar are an unstoppable duo that no mindless Bakugan can overcome."

But as she said that, several more Bakugan appeared and started launching lasers and fireballs at them.

Trixie cried as she and Trickstar jumped around to avoid these attack. "Help! These mindless Bakugan are overcoming us!" As one was about to fire at her, Lyra's voice called out.

"Overflow!" A giant wave suddenly appeared and knocked those Bakugan back, saving Trixie as Nimue turned back to Roaster.

"Inferno Dash!" His body ignited and he charged forward, but Nimue was able to avoid his attack before swinging her staff around and slamming him in the head. He squawked as he was knocked backwards into several more Bakugan, as the other brawlers and their Bakugan attacked.

"Glacial Fang!" Pinkie screamed, as her Bakugan bit down on a Rattleoid and freezing it solid. Several more Bakugan also attacked, some with electrical attacks using the water of the Overflow to conduct their attacks and zap their opponents into ball form.

"Sirenoid!" Sweetie cried as her Bakugan flew above many of the opposing Bakugan, holding up a card that Activated her Ability. Sirenoid started playing her harp, the Bakugan that heard this quickly going into a trance. This included Roaster, the Bakugan's eyes being replaced with hearts.

"WOW!" He cried, seeing the beautiful Bakugan above him. "What's your name lovely?" But before he could get in close, Struthion charged at him.

"Ability, Activate!" Scootaloo cried as her Bakugan spread his wings, "Kunai Wing!" With a single beat, the Bakugan launched several feathers towards Roaster and the Bakugan around him. The hybrid was suddenly broken out of the spell when the feathers pieced his body.

"Hey!" He cried, only to suddenly find Nimue in front of him.

"Maiden's Fury!" Lyra cried as Nimue swung her staff around, the strings of her harp being plucked by the water in the air. This caused her to start glowing before she slammed her staff onto his head.

"OW!"

Several more Bakugan charged, but Aerogan leapt into the air and started spinning. "Tectonic Hammer!" Applebloom cried as Aerogan started swinging his feet into the Bakugan and knocking them backwards. Several were thrown through the air and landed at the feet of Muddion, who looked around and held up his hands.

"Dirt Duster!" He roared as he launched a stream of dirt towards Aerogan, who had to use his arms to block it from hitting him and his partner. Muddion prepared to launch a Wild Flooding. But before he could, Wukong appeared on his cloud.

"Ruyi Bang!" Heath cried as his partner summoned his staff and swung it around, hitting the hybrid on the head and knocking him staggering back.

"That's right!" Wukong cried, "just lay there!" But as he said that, Muddion swung his arm around as the fist solidified into a hard rock. "AUGH!" He cried as he was knocked off his cloud, he and Heath falling to the ground. But the Pyrus Bakugan managed to use his staff to catch himself, slamming the end of it into the ground and balancing on the other end.

"Blaze Kick!" Fluttershy cried, as Lepusinge bounced forward and thrust a burning foot into a Darkus Warius. As the ogre fell backwards, several more Bakugan appeared and got ready to attack. But then, Sylvee and Falconeer flew down and launched their attacks at them all.

"Heavenly Cannon!" Quetzal cried as she launched the laser towards Ragnaroid, who simply swung his mechanical claws around to deflect the blast.

"Ability, Activate!" Derpy cried as she held up the card and Ragnaroid's chest opened up, "Doom Vision!" The light from his chest eye exploded outwards and struck Quetzal along with several more Bakugan, causing them to all freeze up. As they did, Rarity and several more Brawlers launched their attacks.

"Gem Leech!" Rarity cried as Cleopal thrust her scarves at Quetzal, the gem slamming into the serpent and draining away her power.

"Let's go!" Neon Lights cried his Hammersaur charged forward and slashed at several Bakugan, whilst Royal Pin's Darkus Siege also charged.

"Get'em!" The knight swung its lance around and took down several Bakugan with a single strike, whilst Ragnaroid finished his Doom Vision and Derpy held up another card.

"Ability, Activate." Ragnaroid raised his claws, "Apocalyptic Fire!" The flames exploded out and consumed Quetzal and several more Bakugan, forcing the non-hybrids back into ball form whilst Quetzal was slammed into the side of a building.

"Attack!" Skulpion cried as he and several more Bakugan launched attacks into the air, where Leonidas was flying all over the place.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Flash held up two cards as Leonidas glowed, "Turbo Overdrive, plus Mega Claw!" Leo sped up and began almost warping from one spot in the sky to another, avoiding each and every attack that was fired at him until he reached Skulpion.

"Raaah!" She slashed at the hybrid and knocked him backwards, Skulpion crying out as he was sent flying. But as he did, the other Bakugan prepared to fire at him.

"Fire Burst!" Twilight's voice cried out, as Spike launched a blast of green fire towards them. Other Bakugan, like Rainy's Elico, also did the same, stopping those aiming at Leonidas and allowing the dragon to get in close and slash at them all. And as Skulpion picked himself up, he was shocked to see his Bakugan army growing smaller as they all reverted back to ball form.

"You'll pay for that," he growled whilst snapping his claws.

Leonidas flew up into the air. "The only one who's gonna be paying for anything is you. You betrayed your kind and are forcing them to attack, just so a psychopath can have power." He shot down towards him, "well now you'll have to face the consequences!"

In an unknown building, Lucifer was watching the battles unfold on holographic screens.

He chuckled seeing the humans and their pet's last ditch attempt to defeat him and his army, whilst Sombra was busy making sure his energy syphoning device was still functioning. He was taking great care to check it without doing anything that could cause the machine to lose its hold on the Attribute Energies. But he could see that the device was beginning to strain.

Holding three of these Energy sources was proving harder then he had originally assumed. He began to tweak the device so that the strain would lessen, but he knew one thing for sure. "This device might not be able to hold all the Attributes."

"Come again?" Lucifer turned to him.

"The device is reaching its maximum storage. I'm adjusting it, but it'll only allow us to store maybe one more Attribute Energy."

"Understood," Lucifer nodded. "That should be fine."

"But there are still two more Attribute Energies left."

"Maybe. But as soon as I get the last one, I won't have a need for storage anymore. I will take the final Attribute Energy into myself and at the same time, you will send the ones we've collected into me. And once that happens, I will become the Ultimate Bakugan." Sombra smiled at this and nodded.

"So, which Attribute will we go after next?"

"I know who I want to take down last," Lucifer turned back to the screens. "Which means by default, there's only one target we can focus on." He watched as Garuda and Rampager battled it out.

"Sword of Light!" Rampager swung his blade around as it unleashed a crescent of light, but Garuda managed to dodge it as his Storm Booster had already activated.

"Blitz Bolt!" He launched a lightning bolt towards Rampager, but the crusader Bakugan raised his shield and deflected the bolt, which happened to hit a Centipoid that Autumn and her Manion were fighting, before charging forward and leaping into the air.

He slashed at Garuda, but the Ventus Bakugan created a lightning sword to block it. The force of the impact knocked him to the ground though, Soarin barely managing to hold onto his shoulder. Garuda landed and managed to keep his footing, using the ground to push himself up and throw Rampager back.

As the hybrid staggered, Garuda took to the air and Soarin held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Garuda's wings were suddenly surrounded by lightning, "Feather Shock!" Before Rampager could respond, Garuda beat his wings and launched several electrofied feathers in his direction.

"Augh!" He cried as the feather slammed into his armor, zapping him as he did so. Garuda then charged down attempting to use this distraction to deal an electrofied slash to him. But Ramager wasn't going down so easily. "Miracle Armor!" This armor glowed and the lightning was quickly dissipated, allowing him to freedom to move and slash at his opponent.

Garuda didn't see this coming in time and cried out as the blade slammed into him. "Garuda!" Soarin cried, as they were knocked flying backwards.

As they fell, Terraspin and Rainbow knocked a Ravenoid back into ball form. They looked around and gasped seeing the pair about to crash into a building, Soarin likely getting crushed between it and Garuda. "MOVE!" Rainbow told her partner, who shot forward until he got close enough to Garuda.

"Shell Tornado!" The wind explode out of him and flew between Garuda and the building, the Ventus bakugan falling into the wind and getting blown away from it. As he was, Garuda recovered enough to spread his wings. The wind vanished as he regained control, allowing him to stay in the air.

"Thanks," he told Terraspin as Soarin pulled himself back up onto his shoulder. "You okay?"

"I think my stomach got blown in a different direction," Soarin groaned before taking a deep breath. "I'm fine. Let's do this!" Garuda nodded and charged down, seeing that Rampager had used Garuda's short absence to attack several other Bakugan on the ground.

He was using his Vampiric Shield to drain them of their power, all the while holding up his sword preparing to slash Autumn's Manion. But seconds before the attack could land, Garuda launched his Aero Bomber towards the hybrid.

"Huh?" Rampager looked around as he saw the attack coming, gasping and leaping to the side to avoid it.

"Raaaaah!" Garuda shot forward and slashed at him with his lightning blade, Rampager barely managing to block it with his. "I won't let you and your master hurt any more of our friends!" He cried. "You've done enough damage already."

"And what are you gonna do about it?" Rampager asked. "In this world, the strong survive and the weak fall by the wayside. That's simply as nature intended it to be, so why waste your time and effort protecting those not strong enough to protect themselves?"

"You're sick," Garuda growled. "Even if that is the way nature intended it to be, I refuse to let that be how the world works. Those with strength should use it to help those without it. That's what it truly means to be strong." As he said that, Garuda started glowing green. "And if you think differently, I'll have to show you what that kind of strength really looks like!" With that, he managed to overpower Rampager and push him backwards.

The hybrid staggered back and almost lost his grip on his sword, as Garuda charged again.

"Prepare yourself!" Gigant roared, as his volcano shoulders began to power up. "My Magma Flow Ability will burn you and this city to a crisp!"

"We can't let him do that!" Bonnie told Gaia, seeing all the Bakugan around them that might not survive. Gaia knew she was right, so she charged forward as he partner took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" Gaia glowed as she got in close, "Gaia Spirit!" Gaia threw a punch into Gigant's face, making him cry out as he was knocked backwards.

Gaia didn't let up and kept punching again and again, not giving Gigant the chance to catch his breath. After about the tenth punch, Gigant managed to finally dodge her next one and held up his hand. "Flame Sphere!" The fireball appeared on the end of his arm, but Gaia crossed her arms as the orb launched.

It slammed into her and almost her entire body was set ablaze, Gaia focusing on protecting Bonnie from the flames. She then swung her arms around and extinguished the blaze, as her shoulder cannons folded up. "Fusion Ability, Activate!" The cannons took in the nature energy, as Gigant tried to charge up his Magma Flow attack.

"Infinite...GAIA!" The Subterra Bakugan screamed as the energy exploded out and Gigant was struck in the chest, making him scream as he was knocked backwards and reverted back to ball form.

Rampager cried out as Garuda attacked with amazing speed and power, the lightning blade he wielded slamming against his sword again and again.

'What's he doing?' He thought, as he realised Garuda wasn't attempting to hurt him. 'It's like he's attacking my weapon instead of me. But why?' He jumped back as his cape flew up, "Cape of Doom!" The cape exploded into millions of bats, which shot towards Garuda.

But the birdman Bakugan managed to fly straight through bats, using his sword to deflect any that would have hit him. He got through the other side and slashed at Rampager again, only for the hybrid to raise his shield just in time. The impact made him flinch as he was pushed backwards, a cracking sound filling the air.

Nimue avoided Roaster's blazing claws as she swung her staff around, slamming it into his chest and knocking him backwards.

He let out a squawk and glared at her, then spread his wings as they were set ablaze. "I'll burn you all to cinders. Wildfire Cyclone!" He beat his wings and the flames flew off, morphing into a flaming tornado. But Nimue wasn't scared.

"Is that the best you can do?" She asked, spinning her staff around as Lyra held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Nimue slammed the staff into the ground, "Whirlpool Trap!" Water exploded out of the ground and spun into its own tornado, which shot towards the flaming vortex and slammed into it. Steam filled the air, but the water managed to outlast the fire and completely extinguish it.

It then moved towards Roaster and sucked him up, the chicken screaming as he was sucked into the giant whirlpool and completely soaked. "Hey!" He cried, "let me out of here!" But Nimue didn't, instead bringing her harp towards her as Lyra held up a card.

"Fusion Ability, Activate!" Nimue began to play her harp, the music forming energy that flowed out of the instrument and started spiralling around her. "Maiden's Heart!" Once Nimue finished playing, she swung the harp around and sent the energy exploding off of her.

Roaster finally managed to free himself from the whirlpool, but as he did the energy reach him. "Clu-uh oh," was all he could say before the energy slammed into him, blasting him backwards and reverting him back to ball form.

"Vampire Shield!" Rampager roared as his shield started the sucking force, attempting to steal away Garuda's power.

But the Ventus Bakugan flew down and managed to avoid the attack, instead causing Rampager to hit one of the Bakugan on his side and taking his power. He then flew down and Rampager tried again, but Garuda dodged again and made him hit another Bakugan under his command. A whole line of these Bakugan quickly fell to the Vampire Shield, causing their power to be syphoned away until Rampager finally stopped.

That was when Garuda shot forward, launching a Blitz Bolt that struck the shield as well. Another cracking sound filled the air and Rampager realised Garuda was damaging his shield, which started getting cracks in it. And as Garuda got in close enough, he slashed at the largest crack as hard as he could.

Rampager was shocked to see his shield begin to break apart, eventually shattering and leaving him with just his sword. He slashed at Garuda, but the birdman dodge this and slashed at the sword as well. Another crack filled the air and Rampager realised what Garuda was trying to do.

Wukong dodged Muddion's Hydro Whip, continuing to zoom around on his cloud before flying towards him with his staff.

As Muddion attempt to slam the water chords into him, he flew around as much as he could to avoid them. He then then extended his staff and slammed it into Muddion's chest, retracting it back before it could get stuck in the mudd and repeating the process. With every hit, Muddion was knocked staggering around.

But then he managed to side-step an attack, forcing Wukong to pull back to avoid any counter attack. "Give it up!" Muddion cried, "you can't win. I'm made of earth and water, the two elements fire has no chance of hurting. You have no chance. Wild Flooding!" The water exploded out of his hands and shot towards Wukong and several more Bakugan, but her and Heath knew they weren't gonna let it hurt their friends.

"Ability, Activate!" Heath cried as Wukong leapt to the ground, his hair exploding into a stronger fire stream. "Backfire!" He swung his head around and sent out a wave of fire, which struck the water and completely evaporated it. The flames them flew over Muddion and made him cry out.

The water in his body began to evaporate as Wukong charged forward. He ignited his staff and with all the strength he could muster, slammed it into Muddion and shattered his now brittle body. From out of the dried mud, a Bakugan Ball fell out and hit the ground.

Garuda slashed at Rampager's sword yet again, attempting to damage it until it fell apart like his shield.

But Rampager wasn't gonna let that happen. "This ends now!" He roared, leaping backwards before holding ups his sword. Chaotic Rampager!" Rampager glowed purple and gold, the two energies flowing through him and into his sword. He then let out a roar as he rushed forward and started wildly slashing his sword around, Garuda barely managing to raise his own sword in time to block the attacks.

At the split second between two of the slashes, Garuda took off and shot straight into the air. Looking down, he saw Rampager was completely out of control. "Feather Shock!" He cried, launching several electrofied feathers towards him. But the rapid slashes deflected them all.

"RAAAAAAH!" Rampager roared, not stopping for even a second. But Soarin quickly realised that worked in their favour.

"Keep firing. Don't give him a reason to stop!" Garuda nodded and launched several Blitz Bolts, which all got defected. Seeing one almost hit Thunderlane and Ingram, Garuda quickly switched to Aero Bombers. Again and again, the orbs of wind were knocked away by his sword. But in doing so, it caused more and more damage to the sword.

Derpy and Ragnaroid continued to fight Quetzal in the air, the hybrid spinning in the air and launching feathers towards them. But Ragnaroid just smirked as Derpy took out a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid brought his tail forward and started spinning the drill, "Death Spiral!" The drill created a small tornado that consumed the feathers and blew them away, leaving Ragnaroid completely unharmed. This infuriated Quetzal, who charged towards them as the golden parts of her body began to glow.

"Radiant Aura!" The light exploded forwards and Ragnaroid flinched at the bright light, making Quetzal smirk as she prepared to strike. But before she could, Derpy stood up and ran forward. She then leapt off Ragnaroid as she held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid suddenly exploded into a bunch of shadows, three of them flying towards Quetzal and completely covering her.

"Augh!" She cried, feeling her Radiant Aura being extinguished. As she did, the shadows split apart and morphed into three Ragnaroid. "Damn you!" She growled before spinning around. "HEAVENLY CANNON!" The laser exploded out of her tail and struck each of the Ragnaroid, the lot of them completely vanishing. "Where are you?" She got her answer when she heard a cough coming from beneath, the hybrid looking down to see Derpy had fallen several meters before the real Ragnaroid had caught her.

"Fusion Ability," she held up the card. "Activate!" Ragnaroid pointed all his weapons at Quetzal, "END OF DAY!" With that, a bunch of lasers exploded out of him and flew straight up. Not needing to worry about collateral damage, Ragnaroid was free to go all out.

The lasers shot into the air and slammed into Quetzal, who cried out with every explosion that occurred. The onslaught continued for several moments until Ragnaroid stopped firing, the large cloud filling the air and blocking out the sun. And eventually, Quetzal fell out of the cloud and plummeted towards the ground. Moments before crashing, she reverted back to ball form.

Garuda kept throwing Aero Bombers at Rampager, who continuously used his Fusion Ability to deflect them. But he was in such a frenzy, he didn't realise every deflected attack was damaging his sword.

And, of course, it eventually reached the point the sword could no longer take it. "RAAAAAH!" Garuda launched the strongest Aero Bomber towards Rampager, who slashed it with everything he had. But in doing so, the sword's blade shattered.

"What?" Rampager cried, looking at the hand and crossguard that was all that remained.

"Now this ends," Garuda squawked as Soarin held up a card.

"Fusion Ability, Activate!" Garuda's body exploded with enough electricity to power a city. "Storm Striker!" Garuda dived down with incredible speed, so much so that Rampager had no way of dodging. All he could do was brace himself as the Ventus Bakugan slammed into him, causing an explosion that consumed the two.

Everyone around them stopped and turned to the cloud, Rainbow gasping. "Soarin!" Moments later, Garuda flew back out of the smoke.

He stared down at the smoke before looking over at Soarin, seeing the teen's hair had gone all staticy. "You okay?" Soarin blinked as sparks flew around him, the teen then giving him a thumbs up as the smoke began to clear. Doing so revealed Rampager, his armor badly damaged as he leaned against a building.

He took several deep breaths and tried to stay upright, but eventually his legs gave out. "Master," he fell, "I'm sorry." With that, he slammed into the ground and reverted back to ball form.

Second to last hybrid beaten, Garuda smirked as he looked around and saw many of the opposing forces had fallen. The army wasn't completely beaten, but a good chunk of it had been dealt with. "We can do this." But then, out of nowhere, a white sphere flew towards Garuda.

The Bakugan saw this and gasped, only just having enough time to grab Soarin and throw him. "Terraspin!" Barely a second later, the orb struck him and he was absorbed into it.

"Garuda!" Soarin cried, as he fell towards the ground only for Terraspin to catch him.

"You okay?" Rainbow asked as she grabbed his arm, making sure he didn't fall off. Soarin groaned as he held onto the turtle, then looked over at where the orb had come from. And there he was.

Lucifer was floating above a nearby building, smiling as he saw Garuda trapped within his white orb. "Get him!" Terraspin then roared to the other Bakugan, the lot of them charging forward. But before they could even get close, Lucifer held up his empty hand and thrust it forward.

This sent out a pulse of energy that slammed into Bakugan and sent them all flying backwards. Soarin and Rainbow cried out as Terraspin flew out of control, whilst Lucifer other held up the black orb. Garuda had been watching his friends fall through the air, Terraspin eventually crashing through a building and destroying it. But his fears for his friends was quickly replaced by fear for himself, as the black or was sent flying towards him.

"Paradise...LOST!" Lucifer roared as the orbs merged together, forming the black and white spinning sphere. And when he snapped his fingers, the energy flew into Garuda.

"AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHH!" He screamed, as the energy electrocuted him. HIs scream of agony radiated out through the city, catching the attention of everyone that was still battling.

Leonidas spun around and saw the orb, then noticed Lucifer. "No." He flew forward, "NOOOOO!" Flash held on, as Leonidas shot towards the orb. Hopefully, the attack wasn't unbreakable from the outside.

"Hey!" Skulpion cried, "get back here!" But before he could chase after him, several more Bakugan arrived with Spikenoid glaring at him.

"I don't think so," he roared before launching a Fire Burst towards him. The other Bakugan launched their own attacks, the lot of them slamming into the hybrid.

"NOOOOOOO!" He roared, trying to withstand the attack. But he couldn't and was blasted backwards, screaming as he reverted back to ball form.

Lucifer smirked seeing Garuda being blasted, then noticed Leonidas approaching. "I don't think so!" He got between the dragon and his prey, launching out a blast of power as he did so. Leonidas was struck by this force and almost blown away, but managed to withstand it.

But this slowed him down long enough for the Paradise Lost attack to complete, the orb exploding off Garuda as he floated there. The Ventus Energy continued to glow off him. But before he could succumb to the damage, a beam of light shot up from one of the buildings and struck him.

Soarin and Rainbow groaned as they picked themselves up, then looked up to see the beam hit Garuda. "No!" Soarin cried, pushing himself back to his feet and trying to run to help Garuda. But it was too late.

The Attribute Energy was slowly sucked away. Leonidas managed to push passed the force and stop Sombra, but Lucifer shot forward. "Raaah!" He threw a fist at Leonidas' chest, but the dragon blocked it with his gauntlet armor before trying to slash at him. Lucifer dodged the attack and the two continued to trade blows, allowing Sombra to finish his job.

"GOT IT!" He cried, as the last of the Attribute Energy was taken away. Now, red, blue, green and orange energy swirled around one another within his backpack. But as he did, he got a warning light stating the device was at max capacity. "So that's how much power this thing can handle. That could be a problem."

In that moment, Garuda began to fall to the floor. As he did, he reverted back to ball form and Soarin ran as fast as he could. "GARUDA!" He screamed, getting closer and closer to the spot he was gonna land. And as he was moment away from hitting the floor, Soarin leapt forward and caught him just in time.

He rolled along the ground and let out a moan as he did so, but held up his hand and saw that Garuda wasn't hurt. At least, he hoped so. "Are you okay? Come on, please be alright." In that moment, Garuda popped open and moaned.

"I'm sorry Soarin. Lucifer caught me by surprise."

"It's not your fault," Soarin told him before sighing. "But now, there's only one chance of beating Lucifer." He looked up at Leonidas and Lucifer, the two continue to fight one another.

But Lucifer then noticed Sombra had finished his job and smirked, kicking away from Leonidas. "And then there was one." Leo and Flash both glared at him, as he flew down to where Sombra was. The man leapt onto his shoulder and began saying something into his ear, "is that so. Very well. Then we better not waste any more time."

He shot towards Leonidas and as he did, several other Bakugan picked themselves up.

"Come on!" Thunderlane cried as he and Ingram flew forwards. "We have to help Flash!" Other flying Bakugan followed his lead, hoping to get into the dome before it appeared. But in that moment, Lucifer snapped his fingers and the dark energy appeared above him and Leonidas.

But instead of forming a dome like before, it formed an orb that completely enveloped the four of them. Flash and Leonidas looked surprised by this, whilst the others stopped in their tracks.

"What the?" Rainbow asked, as the orb suddenly began enlarge itself. "WOW!" Terraspin pulled back as the sphere grew larger and larger, some Bakugan not getting away in time and getting zapped along with their partners.

Soarin and Garuda ran as fast as they could, as the orb's bottom got closer and closer to crushing them. Luckily, Terraspin flew down and Rainbow held out a hand. He grabbed hold and Rainbow pulled him up onto Terraspin, the Ventus Bakugan barely managing to pull himself out from under the dark orb before it hit the ground.

Many expected it to do some serious damage to the ground and buildings, but instead, it simply phased through them and morphed into a dome like they had seen before. And inside that dome, Leonidas and Lucifer stared one another down as their partners stood on their shoulders.

"This is it," Lucifer smirked. "The final battle. And with this, winner takes all." He got into a fighting stance. "Are you ready?"

"Are you kidding?" Leo growled as he got into his own fighting stance, then charged forward. "I WAS BORN READY!" Lucifer charged as well and their humans took out cards, ready to finally end it. This was it. The battle that would likely result in the end of this war. And like Lucifer said, this was gonna be winner takes all.

Author's Note

Well, Garuda got to be awesome one more time before he was taken down. Hope you enjoyed. How will the battle between Leonidas and Lucifer turn out? Only time will tell.

Canterlot in Chaos

Over in Cloudsdale, many of the people who had evacuated from Canterlot were now taking refuge inside the Cloudsdale Colosseum.

This included the parents of the BakuFighters and Rainbooms, who were watching the televisions that focused on showing the massive battle currently taking place back in their home. Misty and Trail had both been watching whenever Leonidas or Struthion appeared on screen, feeling great pride whenever they saw their children defeat a Bakugan.

But then Garuda had been defeated by Lucifer and his power had been stolen, which had resulted in Flash and Leonidas flying in to try and stop the ones responsible. Now they had been trapped within a dark sphere, which quickly expanded out to form a dome. "Flash," Misty whispered in terror. Her son was all alone in there, with nothing but his Bakugan partner to keep him safe as they were attacked.

Trail growled at the sight, feeling like a coward for leaving whilst his children fought against this evil. "Come on son," he sighed. "You have to get out of there." The families of Flash's friends all looked towards them in pity, many of them knowing just how terrifying it was to see their children trapped within that dome.

They saw several other Bakugan moving towards the dome and firing at it, hopefully going to blast their way through it. Hopefully.

"Come on Spike!" Twilight cried as her Bakugan launched blasts of green fire towards the dome, whilst the others were also blasting it.

Nimue and Wukong were hitting the same spot with their staffs, Fenroar, Cleopal and Gummy were slashing at it, Lepusinge was kicking it and Gaia was punching it as hard as she could. "Death Spiral!" Ragnaroid roared as he thrust his drill into the dome. But nothing seemed to have any effect on it. "Damn it!"

"We can't stop!" Derpy cried, "Flash is in there and he needs our help." As she said that, Trixie's Trickstar was knocked backwards and crashed into a building behind them. They spun around and saw the army of Bakugan still descending upon them. "Ragnaroid!"

"Doom Vision!" Ragnaroid spun around and unleashed a light upon as many of the invading Bakugan as possible, freezing them so that their allies could take them down without any issue.

"Dark Spike!" Spikenoid cried as he stabbed one of his glowing spines into the dome, hoping maybe this would weaken it enough to allow them to break through. But all this did was cause him to hiss as he was zapped and staggered back. "Sorry Twilight. I just can't get through."

Twilight hated hearing this and looked up at the top of the dome, where Flash and Leonidas had been when the thing formed. "Please," she whispered, "please be okay."

Inside the orb, Leonidas was flying towards Lucifer whilst roaring as he prepared to fire his laser.

But before he could fire, Lucifer vanished is a burst of wind. Leonidas was struck by this wind and thrown backwards, Flash crying out as he barely held on. Lucifer then reappeared behind the building Sombra was on, the Bakugan reverting back to ball form as he did so.

Leonidas barely managed to keep himself from slamming into a building, Flash leaping off the dragon and landing on the roof. A moment later, Leo returned to ball form and flew over to Flash. As he did, Sombra opened a channel between their BakuColars.

"Don't be a fool boy. Just hand over the Attribute Energy and you won't get hurt."

"And let you two enslave the rest of the world?" Flash asked, glaring at the building with Sombra on it. "Not a chance. You might have five Attributes, but you can only use one of them. We're taking you down and taking them back!" Sombra sighed at this.

"I tried to give you a fair chance, but it seems you've left me no other choice. Very well. Don't say I never showed you any mercy." He took out a Gate Card and threw it towards the ground, then grabbed Lucifer. Flash did the same with Leo and they both threw them forward. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" As the Gate Card formed on the ground, the Bakugan sailed through the air. "Bakugan...STAND!" Both popped open and in a burst of golden light and dark shadows, the two Bakugan appeared in the air.

"Let's do this, Haos Supreme Leonidas!" The dragon exploded out of the tornado, letting out a mighty roar as he did so.

"Arise, Darkus Lucifer!" The shadows were sucked into Lucifer's hand and the Bakugan crushed it and absorbed the power, a smirk on his face as the two stared one another down.

Lucifer: 800Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

"Gate Card!" Sombra yelled before Flash could say anything, "OPEN!" The field began to glow before chains shot out or the light, the lot slithering along the ground in every direction. "Enemy Lockout!" Flash frowned as the chains slithered around and started merging with the ground and buildings. "Now you can't send out any other Bakugan," Sombra laughed.

But Flash didn't look worried. "Not that I'll need to send out any more, but you're wrong." He held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Leo's mouth glowed as he breathed in, "Ultra Destroyer!" He fired the laser and struck the ground, causing the chains to break and shatter as his power rose.

Lucifer: 800Gs
Leonidas: 1200Gs

Leo then swung his head around as the laser moved towards Lucifer, who crossed his arms and braced himself as the beam slammed into him. He flinched as he was pushed backwards, the force of the attack burning him but he refused to let it overtake him.

"You think this is enough to take me down. Don't be absurd!" As he said this, Sombra took out two cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Lucifer swung his arms around and manage to push the laser back for a few seconds, allowing him to fly out of its range before shooting forward. "Deadly Strike!"

Lucifer: 1000Gs
Leonidas: 1200Gs

Leo suddenly found Lucifer appear right in front of him, the demonic angel smirking before swinging around and slamming a foot into his chest. He flinched, but was able to withstand the attack before Lucifer disappeared.

"Plus, Unending Punishment!" Leonidas suddenly felt himself getting punched in the back, crying out as he was thrown forwards a few feet before Lucifer appeared in front of him. He threw another punch, then another and another. With every strike, Leo's power dropped. Lucifer threw as many punches and kicks as he could, eventually knocking Leonidas's power down to his base level.

Lucifer: 1000Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

As Lucifer went for another punch, Leo's eyes shot open and he shot straight up. The punch missed him as Flash held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas glowed, "Turbo Overdrive!"

Lucifer: 1000Gs
Leonidas: 1050Gs

Leonidas began moving at super speed, faster than Lucifer could react. In a flash of light, he shot passed Lucifer and slashed at him. "Augh!" Leonidas shot passed and slashed him again, "gyah!" He was thrown towards the ground but before he slammed into it, Leo appeared beneath him and swung around. "GAAAAH!" The star on his tail slammed into him and Lucifer was knocked straight up.

But he managed to regain control and as he did, Sombra held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" As Leonidas shot towards him, the symbol on his chest glowed. "Vanishing Doom!" The light exploded off the symbol and struck Leonidas, who flinched as he felt himself growing heavier.

Lucifer: 1000Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

Despite being slower, Leonidas was still flying up towards Lucifer. This caused the Darkus Bakugan to smirk as he shot down and managed to throw a punch into Leo's face. "Augh!" He was thrown towards the ground, falling straight towards the building Flash was on.

"LEO!" Flash cried, the dragon opening his eyes and seeing where he was about to fall. Using all his strength, he pushed his wings open and stopped himself before he could crash into the building. He floated just above it, Flash rushing up to the edge and leaping off.

Leo flew down and caught him, Flash now riding on the back of his neck. "You holding on?"

"Yeah!" Flash nodded, "let's end this!" Leonidas shot towards Lucifer as Flash held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Leonidas' claws glowed, "Mega Claw!"

Lucifer: 1000Gs
Leonidas: 1100Gs

As soon as he reached Lucifer, Leo stared slashing at him in rapid succession. Again and again he sliced into him and did damage to the armor the demonic Bakugan was wearing. With every hit, Lucifer hissed in pain. But eventually, as Leo slashed at him again, Lucifer grabbed him by the wrist.

"I don't think so," he smirked as Leonidas growled. The dragon slashed at him again and Lucifer caught his other wrist, now holding him in place as Sombra held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Lucifer's hands glowed and the light spread to Leonidas, "Cursed Light!" Leo groaned as he felt his energy being drained away.

Lucifer: 1200Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

Leo kept trying to pull himself free, but Lucifer kept him held tight. But then, he released Leonidas' wrists before throwing a punch right into his chest. Leo roared in pain and he was knocked backwards, Flash holding on tightly as Leo crashed into a building. Luckily, his head and neck were above said building so his partner didn't get hurt.

"LEO!" Flash cried, as the dragon flinched and dug his claws into the building's side.

Lucifer chuckled at this and cracked his knuckles. He would end this right now.

Back outside, more and more of the invading Bakugan were being blasted down and returned to ball forms.

However, things weren't going so easily for those defending themselves. Despite the invading Bakugan being weaker due to not being in their right minds, the sheer number of them was proving to be an issue. Whenever a Bakugan was taken down, one that had been waiting behind it stepped up to continue the battle.

Many of the Bakugan protecting the city were starting to feel tired. "Hold on Scarboid," Pipsqueak told his Aquos Bakugan. "I know you're tired, but we can't stop now."

Several of the BakuFighter and Rainboom Bakugans had stopped their assault on the dome and was once again focusing on trying to take down the army of invaders. "Ahhh!" Wukong cried as he whacked away a Bee Striker, then used his staff to keep himself upright. "We can't keep this up forever."

"We don't have too," Heath told him. "Just long enough for Flash to beat Lucifer. If he can." He said that last part quiet enough so that nobody could hear him, not wanting anyone to feel any more worried than they already were. Luckily, they no longer had to worry about the hybrids.

The six double attribute Bakugan were all laid out on the floor, having fallen to the BakuFighters and no longer able to move. Hopefully, they would remain like that until Lucifer was defeated.

Alas, the universe seemed to want to make them earn their victory. For in that moment, each of the hybrids started moving. One by one, they started rolling along the ground until they reached another defeated Bakugan. Once the two ball forms were touching, each of the hybrids began sucking the energy out of them. Once the Bakugan was out of energy, they rolled over to another and then another.

The heroes didn't know that they were supplying their enemies with a bunch of batteries to recharge themselves with. And eventually, each one managed to get enough power. "Don't worry, master." Rampager rolled towards the battle, "we won't let you face the enemy alone." As soon as he was close enough, he popped open and transformed.

To say the heroes were shocked when Rampager suddenly appeared was an understatement. "What?" Rainbow cried, seeing the Bakugan Soarin worked so hard to defeat appear again.

"No way," Soarin gasped as Rampager grabbed one of the opposing Bakugan near him and started punching it. Several more flashes made them look around and see the other hybrids appear. "No."

"You gotta be kidding me," Heath groaned when Gigant appeared besides him. "What do we have to do in order to get rid of you guys?" He didn't get an answer, Gigant instead launching a blast of fire in his direction.

"WOW!" Wukong barely managed to avoid the fireball, which struck a building behind him instead and caused it to explode. "That was way too close." Gigant charged at him, but Wukong threw his staff towards his feet. The stick grew as it flew between two buildings and was stuck in place, making the perfect tripwire for the hybrid as he fell over.

All the other BakuFighters and Rainbooms started battling against the hybrids as well. All except Garuda, leaving Terraspin to launch a tornado at Rampager. "I have to get in there!" The birdman cried as the hybrid jumped behind a building to protect himself.

"No," Soarin told him. "You're in no fit shape to fight against him." But Rampager leapt out from behind the building and used his cape attack to send a cauldron of bats flying towards them. "WOW!" He and Rainbow barely managed to hold onto the shell as the bats flew around them, Garuda leaping out of Soarin's grasp. "GARUDA!"

The ball closed before opening again, a burst of wind exploding out of him as he took his true form. When the wind faded, the still tired Garuda reached Rampager and slashed at him. This knocked Rampager back, forcing the bats to move back towards him.

"You again!" He roared, as Garuda landed and panted. "You won't be beating me so easily this time. Now that my master's de-powered you."

"I don't need the Attribute Energy to beat you!" Garuda roared as he charged forward, whilst the others dealt with the rest of the hybrids. All the while, Twilight was staring at the dome.

"Hurry Flash. We can't hold on much longer."

Back in the dome, Lucifer shot down towards the weakened dragon. "Leo!" Flash yelled, "hurry, he's coming!" Leonidas took a deep breath and as Lucifer got in close, his eyes shot open.

The next thing Lucifer knew, he was throwing a punch forward only to find himself slamming it into the damaged building. "What?" He asked, trying to spot Leonidas. But then he sensed a presence around him and looked up, where he saw Leonidas glaring down at him from above.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Flash held up two cards as Lucifer began to glow, the light flying off of him and into Leo. "Co-Side, plus Supreme Cannon!" Leonidas opened his mouth, as the energy formed a sphere within it that grew larger and larger.

Lucifer: 1200Gs
Leonidas: 1200Gs

"RAAAAAH!" He roared as the sphere shot straight down towards Lucifer, her raised his hands to grabbed the attack. The force of the impact pushed him downwards and as he reached the ground, the orb exploded.

"AAAAARRRRRHHHHH!" He cried, as the smoke consumed him.

Flash and Leo smirked, hoping that had been enough to take him out. Though they knew that since their powers were even, it wasn't likely. And sure enough, the smoke faded away and Lucifer was still floating above the ground. He looked a little battered a bruised, the explosion having caused parts of his already damaged armor to break apart. But he looked up and glared at them.

"Is that really the best you can do?" He asked, shooting straight up into the air.

Leo barely managed to pull back in time to avoid getting hit, Lucifer shooting passed him before glaring down at them both. "Get ready, Leo. He's about to throw something big at us." And sure enough, Sombra took out a card and held it up.

"Ability, Activate!" Lucifer began to form a sphere of dark energy, "Phantom Dread!" Their eyes went wide at this and Flash took out his Spectral Barricade card, but then stopped as Lucifer crushed the orb and unleashed the wave of energy.

"Leo!" He told his partner, "listen to me. You gotta remember not to believe what you see." The wave got closer, "what you see won't be real. You're stronger than it!" With that, the wave slammed into him and Leonidas roared as the energy flowed into him.

Lucifer: 1200Gs
Leonidas: 1000Gs

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He clutched his head, as he felt fear flowing into his mind and infect every corner of it. All the while, Flash held onto him and kept calling his name. Leo could barely hear him as he was trying to drown out the fear he felt, all the while Lucifer smirked.

He then shot down and threw a fist into Leo's face, making him roar and knocking him flying. Flash cried out as they fell towards the ground, holding onto Leo by his fingertips until they crashed into the ground. That was when Flash was thrown off, the teen crashing onto the pavement and rolling along it for several seconds before finally coming to a stop.

"Ow," he groaned as Leonidas continued to feel absolute terror. "Leo."

The dragon shook his head, still trying to rid himself of the fear. "I'm...not afraid." He clutched his head, "I won't let you beat me." He dug deep and as he did, his body began to glow yellow. Flash was picking himself up when he saw this, gasping as he saw the light of what he knew had to be the Attribute Energy. Leonidas continued to focus and as the light grew brighter, he could feel the fear he felt beginning to fade. "I won't lose. I can't."

"That's it Leo," Flash stood up and clutched his arm. "Show him you're not gonna let him scare you."

Leonidas could feel more of his fear fading, the dragon looking up. "You've caused so much pain and destruction. It's time somebody made you pay." He light grew brighter. "I will defeat you. I will reclaim the Attribute Energies and when I do, I'll find a way to rebuild Vestroia."

"Why?" Lucifer asked. "It was a failure of a planet. Constantly in a state of strife and chaos. If you rebuild it again, all you'll do is cause more pain. Only I can remake it into a perfect world."

"What makes you so special that you think you can do no wrong?" Leo growled. "I might not have ever seen Vestroia, but I know it was definitely better than anything you could possible create. And I'm gonna remake it so my friends can return to their home." The Attribute Energy was glowing brighter than ever now. "YOUR MADNESS ENDS NOW!"

"Fusion Ability, ACTIVATE!" Flash held up a card and threw it towards Leonidas. When it struck his back, the Attribute Energy's light flew into his mouth. Leonidas then took to the air, as more and more light filled his mouth and built up the energy.

Lucifer: 1200Gs
Leonidas: 1200Gs

Lucifer growled at this sight before closing his eyes. "You dare claim you could do a better job rebuilding that ruin of a world than me." As he said that, a purple aura began to form around his body. Those that saw it realised it was the Darkus Energy, which he was now beginning to tap into. "I am a god, you pitterful mortal. And I will not allow you to get in the way of my destiny."

"Your destiny is to lose!" Leonidas growled. "Right here, right now. You're going down." The energy reached its peak, "ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION!" The laser exploded out of him and it was so bright, even those outside the dome could see it. The laser shot towards Lucifer and before it could make contact, Lucifer thrust his hands out and unleashed his Attribute Energy.

The beams made contact and whilst the Fusion Ability was stopped for a moment, it managed to push the Darkus Energy backwards. It was a slow process, but with every second it drew closer and closer to Lucifer.

The demonic angel Bakugan groaned as he felt it approaching, all the while the Darkus and Haos Attribute fueling these beams began to mingle together. And when it finally reached Lucifer, the beam completely consumed him. "AAAAARRRRRHHHHH!" He roared as the energy surrounded him, forming a cocoon of some kind.

Lucifer: 600Gs
Leonidas: 1200Gs

Flash and Leo smirked, hoping this was the end of the battle. But too their shock, something happened to the cocoon that they didn't expect.

Purple lightning, likely from the Darkus Energy, began sparking around the cocoon. It started mixing with the laser feeding it and Leonidas could feel his energy becoming destabilized, the dragon cutting power to his attack as more and more of the purple energy built up around the orb.

Then, before anyone could think to do anything else, the cocoon exploded and launched out a wave of the two mixed energies. It blasted Sombra backwards and Leonidas quickly flew down to shield his partner, his Attribute Energy glowing brighter as he did. When the wave struck them, the Darkus and Haos Energies mixed once again and the pair felt everything around them change.

Eventually, the energy felt like it was dying down. Leo unfurled himself and they looked around, only to realise they were no longer in the city they had been fighting in. "Wow," Flash looked around, "what's going on?" They were in a place Flash had only been in a few times. The portable Bakugan battlefield.

It looked just like the place and as they looked around, they spotted something off in the distance. Bakugan.

Moving over to them, they saw that the Bakugan were all standing on large cards. There was a Darkus Laserman on one card, a Ventus Monarus on another and two Bakugan on the last. One of these Bakugan looked like the Mock Dragonoid from Flash's battle against Dragonia, only it was definitely a Pyrus variant and had a large horn on its head.

But the other was one he had never seen before. It was a Darkus Bakugan, which looked like a large skeleton with metal wings carrying a large scythe. "Who are these guys?" Flash asked, but Leonidas had no idea.

Then, a sudden purple light caught their attention as a new Bakugan appeared on the card with the two they didn't recognise. It looked like a Darkus version of a Fangoid, though it was much more draconic in appearance.

The Pyrus Dragon launched a fireball at the newcomer, but the flames slammed into the Bakugan and did nothing to it. "Wow," Flash whispered, "that thing's tough." The Darkus dragon charged to attack, but before it could the Monarus moved.

She unleashed a powerful whirlwind, which caused the dragon to fly into the air and land on the card she was on. She then flew forward and tried to kick it, but the dragon easily deflected the attack and used its tail to knock Monarus away. The butterfly woman fell to the ground and reverted to ball form, whilst the dragon also return to ball form and disappeared somewhere.

"What just happened?" Leonidas asked, only to see the other dragon Bakugan moving towards the skeleton. "Look out!" But it was too late. The Darkus Bakugan stabbed its tail into the other's gut, making it cry out as a part of the field began to open up.

They watched as the skeleton begged someone not to do this, but whoever he was talking too clearly wasn't listening. The next moment, he vanished into the crack. As he did, everything turned dark and the pair cried out. It was only dark for a moment, though, as the world soon illuminated itself again. And when it did, they wished it hadn't.

"This is..." Flash couldn't finish his statement, as he looked around the dead landscape.

"The Doom Dimension," Leo growled at the sight of his birthplace. They looked around and as they did, they spotted a crack appear in the sky. "What's that?" They saw something fall out of the sky. The same skeleton Bakugan, crying as he fell through the air and eventually crashed into the ground.

"Hey!" Flash rushed over to him, "are you okay?" But the Bakugan didn't answer, instead picking himself up. "Hey, can you hear me?" He reached out to touch him, but his hand simply phased through him. "Wow!" He pulled back, "freaky."

"I don't think he can hear you," Leonidas told him. "I don't think any of this is real." As he said that, the Bakugan looked around. Seeing the many terrible things around him, he began to shake.

"No," he whispered before falling to his knees, "no...NOOOOOO!"

Flash felt sorry for this Bakugan, but wondered why they were seeing this. He could only watch as time seemed to suddenly start going at ten times speed, he and Leo watching as the Bakugan turned to leave and started wandering the place aimlessly. As he did, his body started changing. Parts of his body started breaking away and he started growing thinner as his wings grew more tattered. They couldn't tell if this occurred because of something that happened that they didn't get to see, or just because of the nature of the Doom Dimension.

Eventually, another portal opened up in the sky and something fell out of it. The Bakugan flew over to it and they followed, arriving as the one that fell out of the portal seemed to come around.

It was another Pyrus Dragonoid, but this one looked different from before and a lot stronger.

"How could this have happened to me?" The dragon asked, only for the skeleton to start laughing and make him look up and see him.

"Welcome to my world, Drago."

"Reaper!"

"My goodness," Reaper chuckled. "I never expected to see you here, friend." He jumped up and flew away. "But now that you've arrived, don't expect any special treatment." With that, he vanished for a moment whilst Flash and Leo were suddenly pulled through the air until they were a good mile or so away from where they had been.

"Now what?" Leo asked, as they saw Reaper reappear behind a large rock. Once he did, he fell to his knees and panted. They wondered what was wrong with him, but then they saw his feet beginning to turn to stone.

"So, this is how it ends." He chuckled, "at least I got the satisfaction of knowing Drago will soon follow." He laid back and looked like he was willing to accept what was coming. But before he could, something happened.

A light suddenly appeared in the sky. This light was small, but it was bright enough for them all to notice. Reaper looked confused as he stared at it, the light slowly falling towards him. "What's this?"

"Reaper," a voice spoke up, "are you content to let this happen?"

"What?" He asked, "of course not. But it's not like I can do anything about it. The Doom Dimension is the end of everything."

"Maybe not. If you allow me to have your soul, I can give you new life. Your body will die, but you can be reborn."

"And why would you do this for me?" He asked, Flash and Leonidas wondering the same thing.

"I may have need of you someday. Though it will take many centuries for you to regain a physical form, I would assume anyone would chose that other simply fading away. So what do you say?"

Reaper stared at him for a moment, then looked down to see half his body had turned to stone. If he didn't choose soon, his life would fade before he could. "Very well." He put his scythe down and reached out with his hand, "I accept your offer. Give me new life."

"Excellent. And a new life needs a new name." The light moved and touched his hand. "Welcome to my service...Lucifer" Their eyes went wide as they heard this, the pair quickly realising who they had been watching the misfortune of.

But before they could do anything, the light began sucking a dark energy out of Reaper's body. As it did, he turned entirely to stone before shattering apart. The light then flew up towards the sky and as it did, it glowed brighter.

It was so bright that it blinded the pair, making them cry out as they shielded their eyes. When it died down, the pair opened their eyes and saw they were back when they were before the vision. They were a little perplexed, wondering what the heck they had just seen.

But before they could ask any question, movement above them made the pair look up and see Lucifer still floating there. "No way," Flash whispered as the Bakugan looked like a mess. But he was still up and as he slowly raised his head, they saw that he was still willing to fight.

Sombra had also stood himself back up and looked down on the street, seeing Leonidas looking exhausted and taking out a card. "Let's finally end this!" He told Lucifer, the card beginning to glow. "Ability, Activate!" The card exploded and the two lights it formed flew into his hands. "Paradise Lost!"

"Oh no," Leonidas growled as the orbs formed and Lucifer prepared to throw them. But Flash had been expecting this.

"Ability, Activate!" He held up his card, as Lucifer threw the white orb. "Spectral Barricade!" As the white orb shot towards Leonidas, the dragon's body glowed and it shot out to form the force-field at the very last minute.

Lucifer: 600Gs
Leonidas: 1300Gs

The white orb struck the golden one and quickly engulfed it, Leonidas being trapped within a pair of orbs. Lucifer then threw the black one and his twin spheres merged, Leonidas going this would be enough to survive. And sure enough, the mixed orbs unleashed the energy that struck his Spectral Barricade but didn't hit him.

He smirked, but saw the barrier slowly begin to crack as the lightning struck it. It wouldn't last, but maybe it would hold up long enough.

Lucifer saw this and growled, "impossible." The energy continued to rain down on the shield, Leonidas holding his arms out hoping to reinforce it long enough to survive. He then closed his eyes and dug deep, calling upon his Attribute Energy and attempting the channel that into his shield.

Much to Lucifer's horror, the energy appeared and began to do just that. The energy reaffirming the shield and sealing the cracks as the lightning continued to pound away at it, but it did more than just that.

Once all the cracks were sealed, the shield began to expand. It grew larger and larger until, finally, it began to push against Lucifer's orb. The lightning vanished as the two orbs began to violently push against one another, Leo's attempting to break Lucifer's apart whilst Lucifer's did its best to stay strong. But eventually, one had to give out and that one...was the Paradise Lost.

"NO!" Lucifer cried as the black and white orb shattered, Leonidas letting out a mighty roar as his shield exploded into a wave of energy. The wave struck Lucifer and pushed him backwards a few feet, but he managed to get control of himself just in time to brace himself as Leonidas shot forward.

"Raaaah!" He slashed at Lucifer and the angel was knocked backwards, Lucifer spinning through the air until he gained control of himself. Leonidas then fired an Ultra Destroyer at Lucifer, who barely managed to fire his own energy beam out to block it. The explosion that occurred still pushed him back.

"Lucifer!" Sombra cried, realising he was out of Ability Cards and they were at a serious disadvantage. He watched as Lucifer ended up on the receiving end of multiple lasers, slashes and energy balls. He had to think of some way to help him, "but how?" It was then he remembered the device on his back, an idea forming. "That could work." He went to his gauntlet and opened a port, revealing several buttons. "Just hold on."

Lucifer flew at Leonidas and tried to punch him, but Leo used his arm guards to block and knock his fist away before thrusting his foot claws at him. Lucifer gasped and barely managed to avoid it, only for Leonidas to then launch a laser towards him. "Augh!" The beam slammed into him and he was pushed backwards, eventually slamming into a building and getting pinned to it. "No," he groaned, "I won't...let it end like this. He promised me...I'd be invincible."

"Come on Leo!" Flash cried, "end this. Before he can pull something and turn it around." Leonidas nodded and he continued to feed power into his laser.

Lucifer continued to groan as he fought to stay in his true form, but any moment he would revert back to ball form. He would lose.

"LUCIFER!" Everyone turned to see Sombra atop the building, the man holding up his gauntlet. "Catch!" With that, the metal glove fired a beam that was a mixture of blue, red, green and orange. Everyone who saw this instantly realised what it was.

"The Attribute Energies!" Flash cried, as Lucifer held out his hand. The beam struck it and Lucifer laughed as he felt new power flowing through him.

"Yes!" He cried, as his G power rose. With every second, he could feel his strength increasing. As it did, he was able to use his other hand and pushed the laser back.

"No way!" Flash gasped as the other four Attribute Energies merged with the Darkus Energy within Lucifer.

Lucifer: 1800Gs
Leonidas: 1300Gs

As he started glowing five colours, the energy finally depleted out of the gauntlet and was completely absorbed by Lucifer. He then thrust both his hands forward and the energy exploded outwards, pushing Leonidas' attack back towards him. "LEO!" Flash cried before the beam struck the dragon and exploded, causing a giant smoke cloud along with a shockwave that almost knocked Flash off his feet.

When the smoke faded, Leo was floating in midair and looked pretty bad. Lucifer continued glowing and before Leonidas could recover, the demon flew up to him. Flash called out, but it was too late.

"AUGH!" Leonidas cried as Lucifer wrapped his hands around his neck, causing him to start choking as Lucifer smiled into his eyes.

"You were a fool for facing me. Now, accept your punishment." With that, he started breathing in. As he did, the Haos Energy was pulled off of Leo and sucked into Lucifer's mouth.

"NOOOOO!" Flash screamed, as Leo tried to fight against him. But he just didn't have the strength. With every passing second, he lost more and more power. "LEO!"

Leonidas' body finally gave out and he stopped struggling, his arms and wings going limp. "I'm sorry everyone." The last of the Attribute Energy was finally ripped out of him and once it was, Lucifer let him go. Leo fell towards the ground and right before hitting it, he reverted back to ball form.

"LEONIDAS!" Flash rushed towards the ball and leapt forward, managing to grab him before he could hit the ground and hurt himself. "Leo!" He knelt up and looked down at the Bakugan, who appeared unconscious. "No."

Outside the dome, the battles continued.

The hybrids were all struggling against the number of opponents, but they refused to give up until they had proven their worth to their master. But the battles suddenly came to a stop when the dome they were battling around suddenly began to dissolve. Every Bakugan stopped fighting and watched as the black energy disappeared.

Everyone hoped Leonidas would be the first one they saw, but they were sadly mistaken. "Master!" Rampager cheered, seeing Lucifer floating above them all. And when they saw him glowing all six Attribute colours, everyone realised what must have happened.

"No," Twilight whispered before looking down at the ground. But she couldn't see Flash wherever he was.

All over the country, everyone watching this event were beginning to worry. The sight of the demonic creature glowing did not sit well with any of them. It sat even worse with those that actually knew what Lucifer was after, Misty and Trail both looking at one another in absolute fear.

Lucifer smiled as he stared down at the many fools that now had no choice by to obey him. "You were all given the chance to accept me as your rightful ruler. Now you must all suffer for your ignorance." He watched as the hybrids broke away from their battles and moved towards him. "Ah, my faithful servants. Despite your many failures, you continued loyalty to me will not go unrewarded."

The hybrids smiled at this as Sombra moved to the very edge of the building, expecting Lucifer to promise him the same reward.

But Lucifer either forgot about him or simply had more important things to focus on, for he turned his attention to the many Bakugan that had stood against him. "Now, it is time for you all to suffer for your crimes." He pointed at them. "Go my generals. Make them-" He stopped his order as he suddenly felt something occur within him. "Huh?"

The hybrids turned back to him. "Master?" Quetzal asked.

Lucifer felt strange. He clutched his chest as he felt a pulsing within it, each pulse causing him pain. It started weakly at first, but with every beat the pain increased. "Augh!" He curled up in the air, the hybrids looking worried whilst everyone else looked confused.

"What's happening to him?" Lyra asked.

"I don't like this," Bonnie gulped as she turned to Gaia. "What's going on?"

"I'm...I'm not sure," the subterra Bakugan replied. Nimue also looked confused, but she had a theory.

"The Attribute Energies," she realised. "He's absorbed them all and he's not able to handle all that power. It's just like when he absorbed the Darkus Energy. His body needs time to synchronise with them. But this time, he has five Attribute Energies he's out of tune with."

"So what's gonna happen?" Soarin asked, Garuda not liking what he was thinking.

"I don't know. Best guess, he'll explode. And if all that energy is suddenly released...it could be the end of this world." Everyone's eyes went wide, as Lucifer screamed out in pain. Looking back up at him, they saw his body starting to inflate. His hands and legs blew up like a balloon, the same with his face. All the while, the six energies grew brighter and brighter.

"Master!" Rampager screamed as the hybrids rushed in closer.

"No!" Wukong cried, "stay away!" But it was too late. Lucifer's entire body exploded and unleashed a burst of rainbow light, which struck the hybrids as they ran into it. The six of them all screamed as the light enveloped them, each of them being reduced to atoms.

Everyone else feared that same thing would happen to them, but the light didn't reach them. Instead of flying outwards, the light stopped where it was before being sucked into the spot in exploded out of. This confused them, as the light condensed in on itself and formed a multiple coloured orb.

The lights mixed together and slowly, turned completely black. The sphere was about the size of a standard Bakugan, which started pulsing like a heart.

Everyone could only watch, wondering what the heck was going on. But they got their answer when two streams of mist began to escape from out of the orb, flowing upwards for several meters before beginning to curve towards one another and merging into one. The combined streams then spread upwards and grew larger and larger, slowly beginning to take a strange yet terrifying shape. Everyone could only watch in horror as the streams coming out of the orb shifted to look like a pair of clawed hands, which began clutching the orb.

When the shape, which had grown so large Gaia could fit inside it twice over, finished forming, the mist began to vanish. And when it did, the horror that awaited inside was revealed.

It was a giant dragon, made up of all six Bakugan elements. Its main body was made up of a purple metal, which looked almost like armor covered in six rings that each had an Attribute Symbol within. Its back legs were also made of rock, with moss and other plants growing out of them. On its back were three pairs of wings, one pair was made up of white feathers, another were a pair of bat wings and the third were made of green feathers. It had a pair of front claws that were made entirely out of fire, which was holding the orb, and a long tail that was made out of swirling water. Its purple neck was almost as long as a house and its head was a hideous dragonic shape that was purple on the lower jaw. The rest of its head was covered in a black mask, with a hole for each of its six eyes. Each eye glowed one of the six Bakugan colours, red at the top with green and orange on either side, with a blue and yellow one beneath them and purple at the bottom to complete the circle.

Everyone was in absolute horror at the sight of this monstrosity, which opened its mouth and unleashed a roar so loud that it caused every building around it to shake themselves to rubble.

"What is that thing?" Thunderlane cried, the others unable to really answer.

"I...I think that's Lucifer," Nimue whispered.

"How the heck did an angel turn into a freaking dragon?" Heath cried, as the beast spread its giant wings and beat them once. But that was all it took to unleash a gale so massive, it sent every Bakugan flying. They all screamed out as they flew backwards, many of the mindless Bakugan that had been under Lucifer's control reverting back to ball form.

The other Bakugan all managed to keep themselves up, but the giant Bakugan let out another roar that shook the city apart. "What do we do?" Pinkie cried, everyone looking for the person that had led them into this fight. But Flash and Leonidas were nowhere to be seen. And if they didn't think of something quick, their entire world would fall to this monster.

Author's Note

Well that certainly didn't go as planned. Can Flash and his friends find a way to save the world now that Lucifer has become truly monstrous. Bet the backstory for Lucifer surprised you as well, huh?

The Final Battle Begins

All over the country, people watched as the giant ball of energy amazed in Canterlot.

This included the people in Cloudsdale, where Flash's parents were watching in absolute horror as their son was nowhere in sight. "Flash," Misty whispered, "what happened to you?" Trail stepped up to her and placed an arm around her, looking just as worried.

I don't know if you can see this," The reporter stated as the orb of energy began to unleash a strange mist, "but something is coming out of that strange mass of power. I'm not sure what it is, but based on everything else that has happened I'm guessing it can't be good."

She was right. For the mist slowly started to form a massive shape, larger than any Bakugan that had appeared so far. And when that shape was complete, the mist faded to reveal something that was truly unexpected and absolutely terrifying.

"It's a dragon!" The reporter announced as the multi-elemental dragon appeared from out of the mist. "I can't believe my eyes. That demon creature has somehow transformed into a massive dragon. I don't know how that's possible, but honestly I've been lost about this whole situation since it started."

Those watching could only stare in horror, as the giant orb carrying dragon flew higher and higher into the air.

"What is happening now?" Shining Armor asked, completely lost about what the heck was even happening.

"I don't know," Trail frowned. "I just hope Flash and the others are okay." The camera switched to the ground, where multiple Bakugan were picking themselves up after being blasted backwards by the wind produced just from that creature beating its wings.

Twilight continued to ride Spike as they looked up at the giant dragon, though Twilight's true focus was on Flash and Leonidas.

"Come on guys!" Soarin yelled as Garuda leapt into the air, "we've gotta take this thing down before it does any more damage!" Garuda shot up, Terraspin, Ingram, Wukong, Ragnaroid and several more flying Bakugan more up with him. They all stared the giant dragon down, a little intimidated by the massive size of it. "Let's do this!"

"Sky Spark Surge!" Garuda squawked as he summoned a lightning blade and swung it at Lucifer, the lightning exploding off of it and flying towards it.

"Ruyi Bang!" Wukong threw his staff like a javelin, which exploded into fire and shot towards Lucifer.

"Apocalyptic Fire!" Ragnaroid launches the black flames from his claws.

"Shell Tornado!" Terraspin fired the wind vortex, whilst multiple other Bakugan began firing their own attacks. One by one, they slammed into the dragon as it didn't even bother to try and protect itself. This amazed everyone, who had expected some form of defense from him.

But then the smoke cleared and they saw the beast's disfigured form. Its head had been completely blown off and several parts of his body and wings were missing. "Is that it?" Heath asked from Wukong's shoulder, "that seemed way too easy." But then, the damaged parts of Lucifer's body began to be shrouded in a dark mist.

"You had to ask," Soarin groaned. To everyone's shock, the mist began to merge with Lucifer's body and started repairing it. The mist began growing out of his neck and reformed his head, everyone being shocked by this.

Meanwhile, Sombra just laughed. "Now do you see? Lucifer has become the Ultimate Bakugan. Now nothing can harm him." The others all wondered in her was right.

Down on the ground, Flash was watching from his hiding spot.

When Lucifer had beaten Leonidas and taken his Attribute Energy, Flash had grabbed him and run for it in case Lucifer tried to finish the job. And when the Bakugan had exploded, Flash barely managed to outrun the light wave and saved them by running into an alleyway and jumping behind a dumpster.

Now that he had come out of hiding, he stared up at the giant dragon that had appeared from the black sphere. "This isn't good," he sighed. "Lucifer's power's gotta be off the charts now."

"Ah," Leonidas moaned and Flash looked down at him.

"Leo, you're okay!"

"I wouldn't go that far," Leonidas groaned. "My whole body hurts. What happened?" He popped open and looked around, then up to see the dragon floating above them. "And what the heck is that?" Flash gulped, knowing he had a lot of explaining to do.

"That's Lucifer."

The giant dragon continued to simply float there, as the Bakugan continued to surround it.

"Fire Burst!" Spike cried as he launched a blast of fire from the ground. At the same time, the rest of the grounded Rainbooms and BakuFighters launched their long range attacks towards Lucifer. But like what happened with the others, the attacked impacted and exploded enough to damage the dragon. But every time they did the mist reappeared and simply healed any injury that occurred. "What does it take the hurt this thing?"

"Can it even be hurt?" Nimue asked, looking worried that Lucifer might have just become unstoppable.

In that moment, the dragon finally began to move. It opened its mouth and roared, a blast of fire shooting out towards the Bakugan on the ground. "Nimue!" Lyra screamed as Nimue and all the other Aquos Bakugan launched their water attacks towards the flames, managing to match its power and extinguish it. But Lucifer wasn't down.

It raised its tail and unleashed a blast of water towards the Bakugan on the ground, whilst lightning exploded from out of its white wings towards those in the sky. They all cried out as they were forced to avoid the lightning, whilst the water hit the ground and turned into a massive tidalwave.

The Subterra Bakugan quickly acted and merged their powers, allowing them to create a huge rock wall that filled the gaps between the buildings and blocked the wave. But before they could think to respond to the attack, Lucifer unleashed a powerful wing from his green wings as began to fall towards the ground.

The wind struck the flying Bakugan and knocked them all back, whilst Lucifer slammed his rock feet into the ground. This caused an earthquake that create a fissure, which shot through the rock wall and reached the ground Bakugan before exploding.

They all cried out as they were knocked flying by this explosion, the lot barely managing to protect their partners from being hurt. The same was true for those in the air, many of which had been thrown into the sides of buildings.

Up on the building, Sombra continued to laugh. "Get it through your thick skulls. Nothing you do will be able to defeat Lucifer. He's the most perfect Bakugan now. And as his partner, you must all kneel before me." He looked up at Lucifer, "bring me up my friend. Let us rule this world from the highest spires of existence." The dragon seemed to hear this and turned towards him.

Sombra smiled as the dragon acknowledged him. But then, it raised it water tail before moving it over to him.

Sombra smiled, expecting him to solidify the tail or something so he could walk on it. But instead, the tail floated over him. "Wait," he stepped backwards, "what are you doing?" He gasped as the tail came flying down towards him, the man screaming as the water smashed into the roof and caused the whole thing to break apart.

Everyone gasped at this, as the tail was raised off the building. Doing so revealed a barely conscious Sombra floating inside it, the man looking terrified as the tail suddenly flicked up and he was thrown out of it.

"What are you doing!?" He screamed as he flew up a good several meters above the dragon, then began to fall when he was right above its head. "No." He dragon looked up at him and opened his mouth, Sombra gasping. "NOOOOO!" That was the last thing Sombra ever said, as he fell into the dragon's mouth and vanished forever.

Everyone watched in horror, unable to believe that even Lucifer would do that to his partner.

"He's a monster," Leonidas growled. "I...I have to get up there." He tried to jump out of Flash's hand, but his body suddenly felt too weak and he wasn't able to beat his wings fast enough. "No!" Flash caught him and held him tight.

"Don't push yourself," his partner frowned. "You've been through a lot. You need to rest and regain your strength." Leonidas hated this, as he watched the other Bakugan charge in once again.

"Try this!" Garuda squawked as his beak sparked, "Blitz Bolt!" He launched the lightning bolt and it shot towards Lucifer, slamming into him and exploding as the electricity flowed through the dragon. But Lucifer didn't even seem to notice the attack, still able to move despite it supposed to be paralysed. "What?"

"Doom Vision!" Ragnaroid cried as he opened up his chest and unleashed the light, hitting Lucifer's face but doing nothing against him. "Are you serious." He closed his chest and shot down, his tail drill spinning as he did. "Fine, then have a go with this. Death Spiral!" He swung the drill around and thrust it forward, the attack digging a trench into the beast's back. He went all the way from the back of his neck to just before his tail before flying back into the air.

"That had to have done something!" Derpy cried, only for the trench to slowly stitch itself back together using the black mist. "No way."

"Spiking Strike!" Spikenoid roared as he launched a bunch of energy spikes flying into the air, whilst Gaia launched her shoulder cannons, Nimue used Overflow and Wukong his Wildfire Burst. The attacks all shot forward and the spikes stabbed into the dragon's fiery hands, but were simply absorbed by them whilst the rest of the attacks did what all the others attacks had done.

"Ahhhh!" Bonnie was starting to look frustrated and everyone else was thinking the same thing. They had tried everything they could think of to hurt him and all that happened was their Bakugan grew tired. "Isn't there anything that'll hurt this guy!?"

In that moment, something happened with Lucifer. Instead of another attack from him, his body started unleashing a strange black light. This light put everyone on guard, fearing he was gonna end up doing something that might destroy them all.

"Everybody take cover!" Garuda cried, flying away from Lucifer and hiding behind a building. "This is probably gonna be big!" The other Bakugan all did the same, some even activating shield abilities to be extra sure they didn't end up getting blasted as Lucifer began to suck the energy into his giant mouth.

They braced themselves, but Lucifer didn't fire it at any of them. Instead, he pointed his head skywards and fired the light towards the heavens. This surprised and shocked those beneath him, as the light flew higher and higher. Eventually, it appeared to hit something and a shattering sound filled the air.

The thing that shattered was the sky itself, as a massive swirling crack blew open in the sky.

"What is that?" Lyra asked, nobody having an answer as something suddenly appeared out of the crack. A black breeze that seemed to darkened the sky itself, as the air slowly turned stale.

"What's happening?" Garuda asked, only to then feel very weak. "Hard...to breath." He fell to his knees as he clutched his throat, Soarin looking worried.

"Garuda." In that moment, Garuda's body glowed and he had just enough time to put Soarin on the ground before he reverted back to ball form. "What's happening?" He barely caught Garuda and as he looked around, he saw more and more Bakugan beginning to revert back to ball form as well.

"Spike!" Twilight cried, as she and her team all held their partners. "What's going on?"

"I don't know," Spike sighed. "Suddenly I feel...really weak. Like all my strength has been sapped away."

"I know what this is," Ragnaroid moaned. "I've sensed this power before, but not at this level. It's the Doom Dimension." Derpy gasped as she looked around and sure enough, the air didn't feel just like the last time she had been in the Doom Dimension.

"He's right." Derpy looked up at the crack in the sky. "Whatever that crack is, it must lead to the Doom Dimension."

"But this is way stronger then when we went there," Ragnaroid coughed. "Whatever Lucifer's doing, it amplifying the negative effects of the Doom Dimension." More and more Bakugan were succumbing to the force of the air, making them feel weaker and weaker by the moment.

"This is bad," Heath gulped as he looked down at his partner. "Wukong, can't you guys do anything?"

"It's...it's no good," Wukong told him. "Too weak."

Nimue moaned. "The Doom Dimension is a world of finality for us Bakugan. My energy is diminishing. I...I can't access my power."

"This is awful," Bonnie cried. "What'll happen if this keeps up?"

"I don't know," Gaia grunted. "I...I don't think we'll last too long though." Everyone else began to worry for their partner, many thinking they needed to run and get out of the area infected by the Doom Dimension energy. But they quickly realised that would only be a temporary solution. By the looks of things, the energy was spreading and would likely cover the whole world eventually.

From where they were hiding, Flash and Leonidas saw this and Leonidas could feel the energy. But unlike the others, he wasn't feeling weakened by it. In fact, he felt the exact opposite.

"My power," he stated. "I can feel my strength returning to me."

"What?" Flash looked at him, "how?"

"The Doom Dimension," he stated before nodding. "That has to be it." He turned to Flash, "we have to fight. We can't let Lucifer get away with this." Flash looked worried, "you don't have to come with me."

"Are you kidding?" Flash asked, "we're partners. Partners stick together, no matter what happens." As he said that, Lucifer let out a mighty roar and began charging up power again. And this time, he appeared to be aiming towards their friends. The friends who were now completely defenceless. "GUYS!"

The BakuFighters, Rainbooms and all their friends began to run for it and screaming as they did. All the while, Lucifer's power grew more and more. Then, he fired the multi-coloured blast towards them.

Twilight ended up tripping and falling to the ground, Spike falling from her grasp and rolling away. "Twilight!" Spike cried, as Twilight picked herself up. She spun around and gasped when she saw the beam flying towards her, to fast for her to get up and out run. "NOOOOOOOOOO!" Twilight could only flinch and close her eyes, Spike's scream the last thing she was gonna hear. But it wasn't.

A grunt filled the air, as the light from the blast was blocked out by something. She opened her eyes and looked up, gasping when she saw what was in front of her. "Leonidas!"

The Haos Dragon floated in front of her and had his claws out, blocking the beam with all his strength. He flinched from the pain, but refused to give in. And luckily, the laser stopped firing and he was able to regain his composure. Lucifer was glaring at him, as he flew straight up until he was eye-level with it.

"The forces of the Doom Dimension have no effect on me, Lucifer. You forget, I was born there." The dragon said nothing and simply opened its mouth. Fire filled it and launched a blast of flame towards him.

"Ability, Activate!" Flash's voice called out as the teen appeared on the street, "Spectral Barricade!" Leonidas was surrounded by light as the fire struck it, knocking him backwards but allowing him to overcome the flames. "Twilight," Flash rushed to her side and helped her up, "are you okay?"

"Yeah?" Twilight nodded, "but Leonidas can't beat that thing on his own." As she said that, the fire attack stopped and Leo's shield vanished.

"I can still try," Flash told her before holding up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Leonidas' mouth opened, "Ultra Destroyer, plus Supreme Cannon!" The light and energy formed a large sphere, Leonidas letting out a roar as he launched it towards Lucifer.

The dragon did nothing as the combined attacks slammed into his head and caused a large explosion. And just like before, when the smoke cleared, his damaged head became covered in the dark mist and repaired itself.

"I don't get it," Flash growled. "How is he able to keep healing himself like that?"

"Maybe he can't be beaten?" Twilight whispered. "Maybe he really is an unstoppable Ultimate Bakugan." Flash and Leonidas heard this and knew their friends were all thinking the same thing. But Leonidas refused to let that be true.

"I don't care how powerful he is!" He charged forward, claws at the ready. "No Bakugan is unbeatable. I'll find a way to stop him, even if it kills me!"

"I'm with you, bud!" Flash turned to Twilight, "you gotta get out of here!"

"I'm not leaving you!" Twilight yelled, looking ready to start crying.

"Think about Spike!" Flash told her. "He won't last in this Doom Dimension field. You've gotta get away from it." Twilight looked down at her partner and saw he was getting weaker, the bespectacled brawler knowing Flash was right.

"Okay," she whispered, "but please be careful." Flash nodded as Twilight began to run, the teen turning back towards the battle as Leonidas slashed at the dragon's neck and slit its throat. But the injury healed almost instantly, as the water tail pointed itself at Leo.

It suddenly exploded and sent out a blast of water, which struck Leonidas and made him cry out as he was slammed into the ground.

"LEO!" Flash cried, running forward as his partner let out a moan. Lucifer then fell towards the ground and slammed its rocky feet into it, causing a crack to appear and move towards them.

"Flash!" Leonidas cried as he turned to grab the teen and leap into the air, seconds before the crack reached them and exploded. The force unleashed form this almost knocked Leonidas out of control, but he managed to stabilize himself as he flew up higher. They managed to get up above Lucifer, only for the green wings to unleash a powerful burst of wind.

"Wow!" Flash cried as they were buffed by the wind, which threw them around. One hit was so strong, it knocked Flash out of Leo's grasp.

"FLASH!" Leonidas roared as he tried to fly down and save his partner, but another blast of wind knocked him back. Flash screamed as he fell towards the dragon and as it shifted in the air, Flash found himself falling towards the sphere it was holding.

He braced himself as he covered his face, expecting to be crushed, burned or disintegrated when he fell into it. But as he fell, he didn't feel anything. Everything around him was dark and he could feel resistance, almost like he was swimming through murky water, but he was absolutely fine.

"Wow," he looked around, "what is this place?" As he floated there, he suddenly realised he had no idea why Lucifer was even carrying this thing. But he got an answer when he heard a void call out.

"Furious Thunder." He looked around when he heard that and moments later, the white wings of the dragon unleashed a blast of lightning towards Leonidas. "Raging Fire!" The voice hissed again, as the dragon launched the flamethrower that Leo barely blocked with his Ultra Destroyer. "Drowning Abyss, plus Dark Fissure!" The water blast exploded out of the tail and Leonidas flew down to avoid it, only for Lucifer to slam his feet into the ground and cause the crack.

"AUGH!" Leonidas roared as the crack exploded and blasted him into the air.

"Hurricane Dance!" The wind exploded out of its wings again and struck Leonidas, throwing him backwards through three buildings.

Flash wanted to scream for his partner, but then noticed movement below him. He looked down and glared through the darkness, allowing him to see something within the orb with him. He carefully swam down into it and as he did, he saw that there was a creature in there with him. It was a white caterpillar-like creature with a white stomach and yellow wings.

"What is that thing?" Flash asked, as Lucifer moved over to Leo. When he did, the voice spoke up again. A voice that was coming from the larva.

"Shroud of Despair!" The dragon opened its mouth and unleashed a black smoke, which flew down towards Leonidas and began to overtake him.

"AUGH!" Leonidas cried, trying to fight against it but feeling his power dropping. He attempted to activate his Spectral Barricade, but it didn't work. None of his abilities were working.

"Now die," the worm cried. "Be consumed by your own insecurities and vanish into nothingness."

Sure enough, that's exactly what was happening. Leonidas closed his eyes and as he did, he heard voice. The voices of his friends. "We trusted you!" Garuda's voice cried.

"We thought you were gonna save us!" Nimue stated.

"So much for being a hero!" Wukong cried.

"I guess he really is nothing more then the Doom Dimension's spawn!" Gaia quipped.

"No!" Leonidas cried, "it's...not true!" More voices called out to him. Spike, Cleopal, Ragnaroid and so many more. And it wasn't just Bakugan. Humans were also speaking, telling him that he was a failure and how they couldn't believe the Guardians had given him the task of saving them. "STOP IT!"

Flash had had enough and swam down to the worm creature, which was only a little bit bigger than him. "HEY!" He cried, catching its attention as he tackled it. "Stop hurting my friend!"

"Get off me. How dare you touch me, you worm!"

"Have you looked in a mirror!?" Flash cried. "I don't know what you are, but you're gonna stop whatever you're making Lucifer do!" The creature hissed and flapped its wings, spinning around and pulling Flash along with him. Flash tried to hold on, but it was no use. Eventually, he was thrown off the worm. "WOW!" He cried as he flew through the sphere and out the bottom of it.

"AHHHHHH!" Flash cried, falling faster and faster towards the ground. No doubt, when he hit it he would die.

But he didn't hit the ground. Instead, something else happened. A flash of light that shot down from the sky, which came from six differently coloured sparks of light.

Those sparks shot towards Flash and started spinning around him, as Flash felt his descent begin to slow. "What?" He asked, as he stopped only a foot or so off the ground. Then, the lights pulled him back into the air and sent him flying over to his partner. "Leo!"

The lights dropped him right next to him and as soon as it did, they started swirling around him.

Leonidas was still trapped in his own mind, unable to block out the voices that were telling him everything he had ever feared. "I'm sorry."

"Leonidas." A voice spoke over the others, "Leonidas!" Leo's eyes shot open at this, looking over towards the voice and seeing the light. He then saw the other lights, which continued to glow around him. "Don't give up yet."

"That voice," Leonidas whispered. "Dragonia?" He looked around and realised the other lights must be the rest of the Guardians.

"Those words you're hearing aren't real," the light told him. "Lucifer's just playing on your fears and making you hear something that's meant to break your spirit. You can't listen to them. Everyone's counting on you."

"But how can I know that? Everyone's so scared, they're starting to give up."

"No, they're not. Because they all believe in you. Let us show you." The lights then exploded before completely surrounding him, blocking out the fake voices entirely. Images then started appearing in the light. Images of his friends.

"Go Leonidas!" Spikenoid cried from where he and the rest of the Rainbooms were standing.

"I know you can do it!" Garuda squawked.

"Don't stop fighting!" Nimue screamed.

"Do it!" Gaia and Wukong yelled.

"You're the Bakugan that beat me!" Ragnaroid hissed, "don't go making me look bad by losing here." The humans were also calling out to him.

"We believe in you!" Twilight cried.

"Come on!" Soarin yelled, "don't let it end here!"

"Keep going, darling!" Rarity begged.

"Do it!" Heath cried.

"Please don't give up!" Fluttershy and Derpy prayed

"You got this!" Pinkie jumped up.

"FIGHT!" Applejack and Rainbow yelled.

It wasn't just his friends, either. Humans and their Bakugan all over the city were calling out to him. Trixie and Trickstar. Thunderlane, Rumble, Pipsqueak and their Bakugan. Many more as well. The vision then spread to show the Brawlers and their Bakugan all over the country. The ones who had fought when Lucifer's invasion had first begun and now, were watching and hoping they could finish it.

"Leo."

"Flash," Leonidas' eyes went wide as he turned to see Flash in the light.

"Please, we can't lose yet. Not when we've been through so much. Lucifer wants to destroy our world, but we both know we can't let that happen. So please...GET UP!" That was it.

"I'm...not giving up!" Leonidas roared as the Shroud of Despair was pushed away by his determination. "I'm not gonna let Lucifer have his way. If he wants our world, he'll have to get through me to do it. Who cares if he has all the Attribute Energies!?" As he roared that, he remembered something Dragonia had told him. "That's it. Dragonia, I need your help."

Flash gasped as the dark mist around Leonidas exploded off of him, the dragon standing tall and roaring as he did so whilst the light around him shot upwards. "LEO!"

"Bakugan of Vestroia, hear me!" Every Bakugan eye went wide at this, the lot of them wondering how Leonidas' voice was reaching them. And it wasn't just the Bakugan in Canterlot, but all of them. "I can still fight, but I can't defeat Lucifer without your help. Please, lend me your power. Just a small spark from each of you. Help me save this world from suffering the same fate as Vestroia."

The other Bakugan all heard this and knew he was right. Only he stood a chance of defeating this evil. Only he could possible save the world.

"Very well," Ragnaroid stated as he started glowing. The others did the same, each glowing their respective Attribute colours. "Take our power Leonidas."

"Use it to defeat Lucifer!" Nimue called out.

"Beat that freak!" Wukong yelled.

"We're counting on you," Garuda told him.

"Save our world," Gaia begged. With that, they each unleashed a small part of their power. And they weren't the only ones.

"Let's do this," Spikenoid yelled as he and the other Rainboom Bakugan unleashed their power. The same was done by Scootaloo, Sweetie and Applebloom's. Trixie, Pipsqueak, Thunderlane and Rumble. Every Bakugan Brawler watched as their Bakugan glowed their attribute colours. All over the country, Bakugan were doing the same thing. And all at once, they launched the power into the air.

The energy shot through the sky, beams of red, blue, green, yellow orange and purple all filled the air. It was a sight many had not seen since the event that first brought the Bakugan to earth. And they all shot in the same direction, towards Canterlot.

Above the city, the energy began to pool and swirl around to form a rainbow cloud. Those who saw it couldn't help but marvel at its beauty, but Leonidas only had one thought when he saw it. "Now Flash!" He quickly reverted back to ball form and shot towards his partner, Flash being pulled away from the sight and understanding perfectly.

"Alright," he grabbed the Bakugan. "Let's do this, Leonidas!" He then drew his arm back, "Bakugan...BRAWL!" And threw the orb upwards towards the sky. Leonidas flew into the cloud and as he did, the energy began to pour into him. He had never felt so much power and it almost felt overwhelming, but he knew he could handle it. He had to. And soon enough, the energy was fully absorbed and Leonidas' body exploded with rainbow light.

Everyone was amazed at what they saw, as Leonidas began to take his true appearance. The energy that pulsed out of him, even caught Lucifer's attention. And as the light faded, his new form was revealed.

His body-style was pretty much the same, only now he was a lot more colourful. His white armour now had red, blue, orange, green and purple trim alongside the yellow ones, whilst his wings were larger and each had three Attribute Symbols within. His right wing had the Pyrus, Haos and Aquos Symbols whilst his left wing had the Ventus, Subterra and Darkus Symbols. Leonidas' horns had also changed, the one on the middle of his head having grown longer and straightened out. Meanwhile, a doubled horn could be seen running along the edge of his head, with the joining tip being on the end of his snout and running up his head before sticking out the backs of it (Like Fusion Dragonoid). Meanwhile, the tip of his tail was a yellow circle with a star inside of it that had a red, blue, green, orange and purple spike sticking out of it. Finally, on the front of his chest armour, were six gems of the six Attribute colours that were all positioned in the Attribute Circle.

Leonidas opened his eyes and felt the might now flowing through him, the Bakugan spreading his wings as the last of the light faded. "With everyone's power, Lucifer, I will stop your evil plan now and forever!"

Everyone on the ground watched in amazement, as Leonidas let the energy he now wielded flow. Doing so seemed to negate the effects of the Doom Dimension energy, allowing the bakugan to relax a bit after giving their power to Leonidas.

"Look at him," Lyra stated in amazement. "All that power as helped Leonidas evolve."

"Yes," Rarity nodded, "he looks simply Divine."

"Divine," Flash whispered after hearing Rarity's words over the BakuColar. "Divine Leonidas. Awesome." Leonidas stared at Lucifer as the two glared each other down.

Lucifer roared as he unleashed a burst of energy, which flew up before splitting off in every direction and curving down towards the ground. Soon, an energy dome trapped them inside and dug into the ground. Said ground was then lifted into the air, an entire section of the ground beginning to hover.

"FLASH!" Twilight screamed, realising he was still inside that dome. All they could do was watch, as the city section flew up higher and higher until it was right underneath the crack to the Doom Dimension. "Oh no."

In Cloudsdale, everyone was shocked by what they had seen.

First Leonidas' suddenly transformation, followed by the doom appearing and lifting the earth into the sky. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish I could tell you what the heck is going on but I'm still completely at a loss. The two fighting dragons have somehow taken their battlefield into the sky. One of our drones is now attempting to get a better look."

The camera moved closer, but suddenly found itself going haywire. The footage changed to that of another drone, watching the one that had just touched the dome exploding.

"Well, we probably should have expected that." Instead, the camera zoomed in on the battlefield through the white energy and there it saw the two dragons as well as someone else.

"FLASH!" Misty screamed, seeing her son pick himself up.

Leonidas moaned as he picked himself up, having been slammed by the ground when it started flying upwards. "Leo!" He looked around and saw Flash running towards him, "you okay?"

"Stay back!" Leonidas told him, as Lucifer let out a roar and they both realised the battle was about to begin. Sure enough, Flash looked down at his BakuColar and saw words appear.

New battle, recognised.

Lucifer: 1000Gs
Leonidas: 1000Gs

Seconds later, Lucifer opened his mouth and launched his Raging Fire attack.

Lucifer: 1500Gs
Leonidas: 1000Gs

The fire shot towards Leonidas, but the dragon managed to avoid the attack as his wings turned green. "Impaling Winds!" He beat his wings and the light flew off with the wind, turning into multiple boomerangs that flew towards Lucifer and impaled themselves into him.

Lucifer: 1000Gs
Leonidas: 1000Gs

Down on the ground, everyone was shocked by what they just saw. "Was it just me, or did Leonidas use a Ventus Ability?" Rainbow asked, the others nodding.

"He did," Soarin told her. "But how is that possible?" The others wondered the same thing, only for Nimue to gasp.

"Of course! Leonidas was given power from every Ventus Bakugan that's alive. Even if it was only a spark from each of them, that energy must have added up to be equal to the Ventus Energy. Which means he can now use it to wield Ventus Abilities just like how Lucifer did." This shocked them all, as they realised the same must be true for all the other Attributes that granted him power.

"But wait," Pinkie looked confused. "I thought Bakugan were only capable of using one type because having too many could overload them."

"True," Garuda nodded, "but there is one type of Bakugan that can do it. The type that has evolved to the point their bodies are capable of handling all that power."

"An Ultimate Bakugan," Wukong cried.

"An Ultimate Bakugan?" Flash asked, as Leonidas chuckled.

"That's right," he nodded. "When I first met you, I was just a simple Bakugan. Born of the Doom Dimension and filled with anger, but still just your run of the mill Bakugan. But now, thanks to my friends, I've grown and evolved into a Bakugan that can handle anything Lucifer throws at me!" He shot forward and as he did, his entire body burst into flames. "Pyro Berserker!"

Lucifer: 1000Gs
Leonidas: 1500Gs

"Aw yeah!" Heath cheered, "now he's using a Pyrus Ability."

"You can do it!" Fluttershy cheered with applause, as they watched the flames rocket him forward to smash into Lucifer. The dragon roared as Leonidas flew passed him and his wing sliced through his body like a hot knife through butter, then quickly flew back and slashed at him again.

But with every slash, Lucifer simply repaired the damage as lightning began to spark between his white wings.

"Look out!" Twilight cried, as the lightning flew toward Leonidas. But he didn't look worried.

"Terra Guardian!" He roared as his body glowed, the light flying off of him and forming multiple shapes before fading to reveal a bunch of rocks. Two rings of them were circling around him in an X formation, the lightning slamming into them and bouncing off without even leaving a scratch on him.

"Wow!" Bonnie smirked at this, "now it was a Subterra Ability."

"Yeehaw!" Applejack tipped her hat, "keep it up, partner!" In that moment, Lucifer opened his mouth and unleashed the black mist. Everyone feared Leonidas would fall into despair again, but Flash was ready to get into the game.

"Gate Card!" He threw it towards them and it hit the ground, "OPEN!" The card expanded and instantly activated, creating a barrier that shielded Leonidas. "Haos Saver!" The mist struck the barrier and instantly disappeared, leaving Leonidas completely unharmed.

"Thanks partner!" Leo smirked before flying up and above Lucifer, as giant water bubble appeared on the tips of his claws. "Hydro Bomber!" The water exploded out of the bubbles and down towards Lucifer in a flurry of high impact rain,

They slammed into Lucifer and exploded with tremendous force, doing serious damage to all of its body.

Lucifer: 500Gs
Leonidas: 1500Gs

"Hahaaa!" Lyra cheered, "and Aquos Ability. This is...like totally awesome!" Pinkie could agree more and had taken out some pompoms to dance around.

But Lucifer once again repaired his body and as he did, he raised his tail before launching the water blast in Leo's direction. Leonidas tried to avoid it, but the water slammed into him and knocked him towards the ground. "Augh!" He cried, as his power began to drop.

Lucifer: 500Gs
Leonidas: 1000Gs

And before Leo could recover, Lucifer started beating his green wings and unleashed a powerful blast of wind towards him and Flash.

Lucifer: 1000Gs
Leonidas: 1000Gs

"Flash!" Leonidas leapt over and grabbed Flash, then shot into the air to avoid the powerful wind. "You okay?"

"I'm fine!" Flash assured him, only for Lucifer the launch the wind towards them again. "WOW!" Leonidas managed to hold onto him this time and as he did, his body was surrounded by dark energy.

"Shadow Burst!" He beat his wings and the energy exploded off of him into a wave, which struck Lucifer and knocked him backwards as both their powers changed.

Lucifer: 750Gs
Leonidas: 1250Gs

"Now he used a Darkus Ability," Derpy smirked.

"Marvelous!" Rarity cheered as Twilight watched whilst biting her lips.

"Flash," she whispered, "please end this quickly." As she said that, Leonidas flew in and slashed his tail into Lucifer's shoulder. But the attack did nothing and Lucifer whipped his tail around. It slammed into Leonidas and knocked him backwards.

"Hold on!" He told Flash as they got close to the ground. And as they did, Lucifer stopped flying and began to fall. He hit the ground and created the crack, which went flying towards Leonidas and exploded beneath him. "AUGH!"

Lucifer: 750Gs
Leonidas: 750Gs

Flash flinched as he held onto Leo's claws, then looked over at Lucifer as he watched his shoulder begin to heal. It was then that he glanced at the orb and remembered the strange creature he saw inside it, which caused something to click in his brain. "That's it!" Flash cried, looking up at Leonidas. "Don't aim for his body!"

"Huh?" He looked down at him.

"It's not his real body!" Flash told him. "I can't believe I didn't see it before." He looked back at the orb, "his real body's in there. He just created a fake body to make himself look more terrifying and to draw the fire away from him." Leonidas realised what he was saying.

"So that's it. Alright, then I'll shatter that orb and blast him to pieces. Cleansing Light!" His mouth filled with light as his power increased.

Lucifer: 750Gs
Leonidas: 1250Gs

He then fired it towards the orb and when it struck, the dragon roared as it seemed actually terrified of this event. This caught everyone else's attention, as Leonidas fired another laser towards the orb. But this time, Lucifer used his body to protect it. That confirmed what Flash had suggested.

"He really is in there," Leonidas smirked as he prepared to attack again. However, before he could something happened.

"You dare attack me," Lucifer's worm form growled. "You will suffer for this. Come to me, my Royal Knights."

The orb began to glow a multitude of colours, catching his opponent's attention. Then, from out of each colour, a light shot out and morphed into a bunch of Bakugan Balls. Each ball was of a different colour and fell towards the ground, rolling together in a line before stopping in place and popping open.

In a burst of water, fire, wind and light of orange, yellow and purple, six figures appeared between Leonidas and Lucifer. "What's this?" Leo asked, starting at a group of armoured individuals. They were knights, whose armor were either red, blue, green, orange, white and purple, with a yellow shield on their right arms and a bunch of yellow metal ribbons flowing from the armor.

Flash looked down at his BakuColar and his eyes went wide.

Lucifer: 750Gs
Leonidas: 1250Gs
Royal Knights X6: 1800Gs

"Not good!" Flash cried as the knight suddenly shot forward. The ribbons on their backs spread out and acted like wings, allowing them to take flight and charge towards Leonidas.

The dragon started blasting at them, but they all raised their shields and the laser simply bounced off the metal. One of the knights then shot passed Leonidas has it used one of its ribbons like a sword, slashing at him and making him cry out in pain

Lucifer: 750Gs
Leonidas: 1150Gs
Royal Knights X6: 1800Gs

This allowed the other five to do the same, each one flying passed him before he could react and slashing at him. And with every hit, his power went down.

Lucifer: 750Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs
Royal Knights X6: 1800Gs

"LEO!" Flash cried, as Leonidas flinched in pain. As as he did, Lucifer's puppet form opened its mouth and blasted out a stream of dark fire. "LOOK OUT!" Leonidas was barely able to spin around in time, the flames slamming into his back as he protected Flash.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared as he went limp, falling towards the ground. Flash cried as they fell and hit the ground, the teen being thrown from Leo's hand and hitting the ground hard. As he rolled along the ground, his friends all gasped at the sudden turn of events.

"FLASH!" Twilight, Scootaloo, his parents and all his friends screamed in horror, all terrified as Flash simply laid there.

After a few moment, the teen slowly began to pick himself up. He looked over at his friend and looked scared, seeing Leonidas was down for the count whilst Lucifer continued to float there with the six knights standing guard over him.

"Leo," Flash staggered over to him, "you've gotta get up." But Leonidas wouldn't respond. "Leo...Leo!" He looked terrified, "LEONIDAS!" It appeared that this was it. Even after Leonidas managed to overcome everything and evolve into the Ultimate Bakugan, he wasn't able to defeat Lucifer. If something didn't change soon, the world as they knew it would end.

The final battle had begun and everything rested on the hero's victory. But could they win?

Author's Note

YEAH! The final battle has arrived. Tell me what you think of Leonidas' ultimate form and how he achieved it. Hope you liked it. Next time, this story comes to a close.

Bakugan...BRAWL

Author's Note

Hello my beautiful readers and welcome to my newest series here on Fimfiction. Some of you might already be familiar with this chapter after reading it on my one shot story and if so, feel free to skip this chapter and go to the next one. If you haven't read this yet, then I welcome you to my Bakugan MLP story. Let us begin.

Bakugan...BRAWL

Hey there, nice to meet you. Let me tell you a story that changed not just my life, but the lives of everyone on the planet.

It all started when a massive flash of light filled the sky, over the entire world. An aurora that covered the entire planet, causing every piece of electronics to go nuts.

Scientists were completely lost about what it was, but we would soon learn it was the beacon of great change. For a few months later, a new game was released in america. Bakugan.

A company known as Dark Industries created stadiums all over the country, in every single city. In those stadiums, toy balls called Bakugan were sold and traded. But they were more then just balls. In an arena, these balls came to life. Transforming into huge creatures with incredible power.

That was the game. Collect Bakugan and use them in combat, facing off against other players that are dubbed Brawlers.

With hundreds of Bakugan, along with special cards to control them with, you can change the outcome of any battle. But play the wrong card and you can lose not only the fight, but also the Bakugan you fight with. And with so much action, it's no wonder the game became a smash hit.

But we would soon learn that this was more then just a game. It was a battle with the fate of not just our world, but another world as well. But the true story begins six months after the Bakugan game began, in the city of Canterlot.

It was just an ordinary day In Canterlot.

Well, ordinary for those living there. If anyone from another country were to come to Canterlot, they'd be very intrigued by the large stadium that existed in the middle of the city. It was a large domed building, surrounded by a bunch of other domed buildings it was connected to by a series of pipe like hallways. Each dome had a glass roof, allowing light to filter in.

Inside the central dome, we find it to be similar to a mall.

It had multiple different food courts selling a variety of things, along with small stores you could buy items focusing or based on the game the building was designed to market. And in the center of the building was a ring shaped desk covered in computers, where a bunch of people were sat helping anyone who came there.

The building also had a bunch of pillars and connected to each pillar was a TV, showing images of what was happening in the other buildings.

And it was on of these TVs that was the focus of a young lad's attention.

He was a teenager of about sixteen years of age, with blue hair and orange skin, wearing a black leather jacket over a white shirt and blue pants. On his shirt was the image of a shield with a lightning bolt running through it.

The TV he was paying attention to was showing images of a large colosseum like building, which had tons of people sitting in the seats. And down in the arena section was what looked like a forest, having large trees filling it.

A clearing was in the center of the forest and it was there you could see two young girls.

One was a mint skinned girl with blue and white hair, wearing a pink dress, blue shorts and boots. She wore a necklace with a harp on it. Meanwhile, the other girl was cream coloured with pink and blue hair wearing a white dress with blue and yellow trim. Both girls had a strange watch device on their wrists, the mint girl's blue while the cream girl's was orange.

The boy watched as the announcer overseeing the match spoke up. "The brawl between Lyra Heartstrings and Bonnie Sugarcane is reaching its conclusion. What Bakugan will these girls pick to try and claim victory?"

The two girls held up the plastic balls known as Bakugan, Lyra's being blue while Bonnie's was brown.

"Bakugan," they both threw them at one another, "brawl!" They hit the ground and rolled for a second before stopping and opening up. "Bakugan, STAND!" A mixture of water and brown light filled the battlefield. And from those two elements, large creatures appeared.

"Rise, Aquos Juggernoid!" A giant blue turtle emerged from the water.

"Let's go! Subterra Saurus!" The light faded to reveal a yellow humanoid triceratops wearing brown armour.

The teen sighed as he watched the two beasts battle.

"Flash," he turned towards the ring shaped counter and spotted a friend of his. She was a grey skinned girl with blonde hair, wearing a blue shirt, yellow tie and green skirt. "Don't you think you have better things to do then just watching battle after battle?"

"Like what?" The boy named Flash asked as he moved over to the counter.

"Like maybe actually competing in one," she said back before seeing Flash huff and plop his head on the counter.

"Come on Derpy, you know I can't." Flash looked over at a section of the building that had several strange machines. They almost looked like touch screen soda machines, but where there should be the dispenser there was instead a contraption that looked like a four clawed claw machine over a bowl. "Why do Bakugan have to be so expensive." He then spotted a kid half his age rushing up to the machine.

The kid put a credit card into the device's slot before the touchscreen turned on and showed six symbols, one red, one blue, one green, one brown, one yellow and one purple. The kid pressed the green symbol and seconds later, the claws sparked with lightning before firing it into the bowl. After a few seconds, the lightning stopped and the kid reached in to pull a green ball out of the bowl before taking his card and running off.

This made Flash groan, "it's not fair."

"Haven't you been saving up?" Derpy asked, "how close are you to having enough?"

"I was close," Flash went on. "But then I accidently kicked a ball through my neighbour's window. Now I'm back to square one." It seemed that the universe was against Flash where Bakugan was concerned.

He came from a very low income household, so his parents couldn't afford the luxury of buying him whatever he wanted. So Flash had been saving up his money to buy a Bakugan on his own. But whenever he was close, something happened to derail his plans.

Aside from the window, he also had to repair the bike he used to get to his job, get his phone screen fixed after dropping it and helping his parents with fixing the leaking roof. Now he was once again months away from becoming a Bakugan Battle Brawler, something he desperately wanted to be.

Derpy frowned at Flash's depressed look, putting a hand on his shoulder and patting it lightly. "Don't worry Flash. It'll happen one day. And when it does, everything'll be different. Some of the best Brawlers I know started off with only one Bakugan and they managed to win the rest in battle. Once you have a Bakugan, the rest will be easy pickings."

"If you say so," Flash sighed. "Or I might finally get a Bakugan and then lose it right away."

"Come on, that won't happen."

"What won't happen?" The two turned to see Lyra and Bonnie moving over to them, Flash realising their battle must have ended.

"Flash is scared he's gonna get a Bakugan and then losing in his first match," Derpy explained. This made both girls frown.

"That won't happen," Bonnie assured him. "You watch so many battles you're practically an expert already. When your time comes, you're gonna clean up."

Lyra nodded and was about to go on, but then someone interrupted her. "Yeah right!" They turned to see a teen with red skin, orange hair and wore a dark red hoodie. One his wrist was a red watch like Lyra and Bonnie's. "A loser like him, who doesn't even have a Bakugan yet, doesn't belong on the field. Heck, he shouldn't even be here to begin with. Quit wasting space and make more room for us real Brawlers."

Lyra couldn't help but burst out laughing. "Shouldn't you get lost too then. Last I checked Garble, you've lost your last three brawls." Garble frowned while Derpy went on.

"That's right. He didn't even deplete his opponent's life gauge in those matches."

"Shut it!" Garble yelled before pointing at Flash, "I'm still a better brawler then him!"

"Sure you are," Lyra told him. Garble growled for a few seconds before turning to march out of the building, the girls turning back to Flash. "Don't let that jerk get to you. He's probably scared that if you become a Brawler, his rank will drop even worse."

"Maybe," Flash nodded. It was then he realised something and turned to a nearby clock, "gyah!" The girls were surprised by this as Flash rushed towards the door, "I've gotta get to work!" With that, he was gone while the girls just stared at where he'd been before chuckling.

That night.

Despite the lateness of the night, the city was still bustling and noisy with hundreds of people wide awake. This included a figure standing on the roof of a tall skyscraper.

He was a tall teenager wearing mostly black clothing. He had a black leather overcoat on over a purple shirt and black pants, with metal bands wrapped around his coat's wrist. He had bushy purple hair that was spiked and his eyes were hidden behind a set of golden shades with tinted black lens.

The teen sighed as he looked out at the city. "No one yet," he stated. "Not a single brawler who's strong enough to give me what I need. Nor a single Bakugan with the power required." It was then the screen that was one his left wrist band beeped, causing him to look down at the screen. "What's this?" He tapped the screen several times, "dimensional energy readings." A smile appeared on his lips before looking up at the sky, "is history about to repeat itself. If it is, I might finally find what I need."

The next day.

School had just gotten out and Flash was biking through the park, it being one of the many days off he had from his part-time job. Though Flash would have preferred to be working, his place of work couldn't afford to pay him for more shifts then he already had and no other place was able to fill the time he had.

So instead, Flash chose to head towards the Battle Arena. Biking through the park on his way there, he slowly came to a stop when he remembered what Garble had told him yesterday.

He sighed before looking around, realising he was parked at the top of some stairs leading down to an area around a fountain. And after several moments, he finally got off his bike and slowly climbed down the steps. He sighed as he reached the bottom of the steps and made his way over to the fountain, remembering what Derpy had said. "I'll be a Battle Brawler...someday." But as he said that, something strange happened.

Up above him, a bright light suddenly exploded in the sky. Flash's head shot up at it, "huh?" The light slowly got brighter and brighter, "what's going? WOW!" He cried as the light got too bright for him to see, forcing him to look away and close his eyes.

What he didn't know was that this flash of light was sweeping over the whole world, starting from where he was and flying around the planet so fast most people didn't even notice it as it flew passed them.

And as the light slowly began to weaken, completing its world tour, something shot out of it. A Bakugan.

It was a mixture of white, yellow and purple and hit the ground before bouncing off and flying towards Flash's feet. It hit the ground again and rolled until it pumped into his toe, causing the teen to look down and see it.

"What?" He looked down at the ball before reaching down to pick it up, "a Bakugan?" He grabbed the ball and stood back up, looking the ball over. "I've never seen one like this before?" He tapped it, causing the ball to open and reveal what it looked like.

Though a lot of Bakugan ball forms looked very different from their true forms, one could still get a good idea of what it was from them. And as Flash looked the Bakugan over, he could only guess that it was some kind of dragonoid Bakugan. It was mostly white, with yellow trim and purple lines on the front and sides.

"Definitely a Haos type. But what's your name?" Flash then looked around, "and where did you come from?" There was no way someone would just drop a Bakugan like this. It had to belong to someone, right? "Maybe someone'll know more about it at the stadium." With that, folded the Bakugan back into the ball and rushed towards his bike before racing off.

He was so focused on the Bakugan, he didn't notice someone staring at him from behind some trees. The shades wearing teen, who smiled seeing him go. "So, that's what for dimensional energy reading were from. Interesting." With that, he stepped backwards and seemed to disappear into the darkness.

Flash raced through the city until he finally arrived at the the stadium, reaching the bike spots while spotting Derpy walking towards the entrance.

"Derpy!" The girl looked around and saw him rushing towards her frantically, so frantically that he started having trouble stopping. "WOW!" He cried as he almost ran into Derpy, who barely managed to jump to the side before he ran into her. "GYAH!" He tripped and landed face first into the ground.

"You okay?" Derpy asked, only for Flash to jump up looking like he didn't even notice he'd fallen over.

"Derpy! You would not believe what just happened!" He reached into his pocket and pulled out the Bakugan, Derpy gasping as she took it.

"Where'd you get this from?" She opened it up and looked confused, "never seen this one before."

"Me neither. You think you can find out who owns it?"

"What makes you think someone owns it?" Derpy asked as they headed inside.

"Well how else would a Bakugan just be laying on the ground in the middle of the park. They must have dropped it or something. Talk about careless. I mean, who'd drop a Bakugan that's as unique as this one?" Unbeknownst to them, a certain someone had heard this.

Derpy stepped behind the counter and sat down, placing the Bakugan on a small device behind it that had a round slot in it. "It could be a fake. A lot of people have been caught making bootleg Bakugan and selling them to unsuspecting kids." The device lit up and began to scan the Bakugan. "If it is a fake, I'll have to report it to head-" She stopped as the computer finished scanning it, bringing up the stats. "Huh?"

"What's up? Is it a fake?"

"I'm not sure," Derpy explained. "The scanner says it's real, but there's no record of it in the database."

"So what does that mean?"

Derpy hummed. "It could be that it's a newly made Bakugan that hasn't been entered into the system yet. But I'm not really sure. What I do know is that if this Bakugan was used in a battle, it should work the same as the others." The computer then beeped. "Huh, the stats have finally been found. Let's see." She read through the screen. "It says its name is Haos Leonidas."

"Leonidas." Flash looked down at the ball as the machine switched off.

"Yup. Wow, it has a base power of four hundred." Flash's eyes went wide hearing that. "And it's got some pretty impressive abilities." She took the ball and smiled before holding it out to Flash, "take it."

"What?" Flash asked.

"It's not registered to anyone, so you could use it for yourself."

"But it's not mine."

"If it belonged to someone else, they shouldn't have lost it. I know you wouldn't do something like that, so I think you having it's a good idea."

"But what if someone shows up and takes it. You said it's a new Bakugan, so wouldn't your bosses want to have it turned in?"

"Maybe, but this is your chance." Flash raised an eyebrow. "Remember what I said. All you need is to use it once and you could win some more Bakugan. That way, even if someone from higher up confiscates it, you'll still have more Bakugan to use." Flash couldn't help but admit her logic was flawless.

He took the Bakugan and held it in his hand, a smile slowly creeping onto his lips. "Alright," he turned to her, "let's do this."

Derpy smiled at this before nodding and beginning to type. "Then let's get you registered." She reached into a draw and pulled out a white version of the watch Lyra and the others had, which she connected to the computer through a cable she plugged into the side. "Bakugan, please." Flash gave it back to her and she placed it back on the device, scanning it and loading the data into the watch. "And with that, you're officially registered as a Bakugan Battle Brawler."

Flash couldn't believe his ears. Him, a Battle Brawler.

Derpy then held out the watch to him. "Here's your BakuColar. It'll act as your identification, store your Ability and Gate cards and allow you to check the stats of you and your opponent."

"Got it," Flash placed the watch on his wrist and smiled before Derpy held something else out. It looked like a credit card, a silver one with several numbers on it.

"And this is your BakuCard. Like a bank account, you have a points account that stores points that you win in battle. You can trade those points in for new cards or even for new Bakugan."

"Wow," Flash took the card. "It's finally happening." He then looked down at his new partner. "Alright, Leonidas, I'll be counting on you." This whole thing was starting to feel like a dream. But alas, even the best dreams can turn into nightmares.

"Well, well, well." Flash froze at that voice, "what do we have here." He turned to see Garble standing off to the side, "you finally managed to get yourself a Bakugan, huh?"

Flash frowned at him, "so what if I have?"

Garble smirked before reaching into his pocket and taking out his own red plastic ball, "then let's see if you're as good as those girls said you were. Let's brawl." Flash tensed up while Derpy looked worried, standing up and turning to Flash.

"You can't!" She almost cried out, Flash looking at her curiously. "I know we said you could beat him, but that was when you knew how your Bakugan would fight." She pointed at the ball in Flash's hand. "You don't know anything about this Bakugan yet."

Flash understood what she was getting at. It was true he already had many ideas for strategies, but those were for Bakugan like Lyra's Juggernoid and Bonnie's Saurus. Common Bakugan almost every Brawler had. But Leonidas was an unknown.

If he wanted to guarantee a victory, then he needed time to study it and its ability cards. To see how well they'd do and which gate card would be the best to use when. That kind of prep-work took time.

"What?" Garble chuckled, "you scared. Worried you're gonna lose your Bakugan. I knew it. I knew you weren't a real Brawler. Real Brawlers accept any challenge, no matter who they're up against. You're just a poser. A poser and a coward." This got Flash going, making him growl while pointing at Garble.

"I'm no coward! And I am a real Brawler. You're on!" Garble smiled while Derpy put her head in her hands.

"Alright then," Garble pointed back at Flash. "Stadium C, one hour. Hope you enjoy your short career as a Brawler, cause I'm taking that Bakugan when I beat you." With that, he turned and walked off.

Once he was gone, Derpy turned to Flash and frowned. "What were you thinking?"

Flash, now calmed down, finally understood the mistake he'd made. "Sorry. But that guy really gets under my skin. I wasn't just gonna let him get away with badmouthing me."

Derpy sighed. "Well I hope you know what you're doing, because you've only got an hour before you face off with him. And hour to figure out the best strategy to beat him." Flash nodded back, looking down at the Bakugan he'd found.

"I can do this."

An hour later, Lyra and Bonnie stepped into the building while chatting.

"You wanna team up in a tag-team brawl?" Lyra asked her best friend, who smiled and nodded back.

"Sure," she then said back. "Aquos and Subterra are the best combo imaginable." The two laughed before hearing an announcement.

"Attention all Baku-fan. A new brawl is about to commence if stadium C. Competitors, Garble Scales and Flash Sentry." This statement caught both the girl's attention, making them turn to look at one another in shock.

"Flash?"

"But he doesn't have a Bakugan," Bonnie pointed out. The two just stared at one another for a second before nodding and rushing towards the stadium Flash was in, wanting to make sure their friend had the support he needed. And hopefully, he wasn't too nervous.

Flash felt major butterflies in his stomach as he and Garble stepped out onto the battlefield, the crowd that'd gathered cheering for them as they reached the center of the room. And as they did, the announcer spoke out

"Welcome Baku-fans, to what is sure to be an amazing battle. On one side we have a well known if less then popular brawler who goes by the name Garble." Very few of the people in the crowd cheered at this. "And in the other corner, making his brawling debut, it's Flash Sentry." Much more of the crowd cheered this time, likely wanting to help the newbie feel less nervous. But it didn't really help Flash feel any better.

Up in the stands, Derpy stared down at Flash looking worried. "You can do this. Just...be careful."

It was at that moment that a glass dome closed around the battlefield. And once it was completely covering the field, a flash of light filled the room. When the light faded, Flash opened his eyes and found he was in a rocky terrain filled with large rocks. Continuing to look around, Flash spotted Garble had somehow gotten on top of one of these large rocks.

"Looks like today's terrain will be a rocky terrain. How will this effect the outcome of the battle? Are both brawlers ready?"

"Heck yeah!" Garble cheered as he flicked his Bakugan into the air.

Meanwhile, Flash just took a deep breath before looking down at his Bakugan. After a few seconds, he nodded. "Alright. I'm ready!"

"Then without further ado. Bakugan...BRAWL!" With that, Flash and Garble's BakuColars beeped to signal the battle's start with both showing their current life gauges.

Flash: 100%
Garble: 100%

"Alright!" Garble pointed at Flash. "Since you're new at this, I'll let you set the first Gate Card." Flash gulped before pulling out a card and holding it up.

"Here goes. Gate Card, SET!" He tossed the card towards the ground. When it landed, the card flashed yellow before disappearing in a light that spread out throughout the entire battlefield.

"Now," Garble held up his Bakugan, "prepare to get wrecked. Bakugan," the threw the ball towards the ground, "brawl!" The ball landed and bounced along the ground for several seconds before stopping and popping open, then exploded with fire that spread across the battlefield.

"Wow!" Flash cried as he raised his arms to defend against the heat. He had no idea Bakugan battles were this intense. He looked through the flames and watched as they began to extinguish, revealing a giant red and yellow snake with horns and a spiked tail.

"Well, well, well," the announcer stated as the snake hissed. "Looks like Garble's starting off with an old classic. The Pyrus Serpenoid." Flash looked down at his BakuColar and saw the beast's power level.

Serpenoid: 320Gs

"How will Flash counter this?"

Flash looked down at his only Bakugan, "not like I've got a choice of what to pick."

"Well," he turned to Garble, "what are you waiting for? Let's see this oh so special Bakugan. The sooner we do, the sooner I can win it."

Flash frowned at him before holding the ball tightly. "Not gonna happen!" He pulled the ball back. "Bakugan," the threw it, "BRAWL!" The Bakugan hit the ground and bounced along it for several seconds before finally stopping and opening, unleashing a burst of yellow light. "Bakugan, STAND!" The light filled the rocky area and almost blinded everyone, but they refused to close their eyes upon hearing a mighty roar fill the air.

From out of the light flew a giant humanoid dragon that was mostly white. The front of its neck, chest, stomach, waist and the underside of its tail was purple while its wings were yellow with a white membrane. The tips of its hand and feet claws were yellow while the tip of its tail had a yellow spike. Finally, it had three yellow horns on its head. One long one on the top of its head points forward and two shorter ones pocking out from behind its eyes. The beast spread its wings and flew around the field before stopping midair and unleashing a roar so load it caused the entire stadium to shake. "Let's do this, Haos Leonidas!"

Leonidas: 400Gs
Serpenoid: 320Gs

The entire stadium had gone quiet at the sight and sound of this new Bakugan, nobody having ever seen anything like it. Then, finally, the announcer spoke up. "Incredible! This rookie brawler's starting his career in a memorable way, busting out a never before seen Bakugan. What powers does this mysterious beast hold?"

It was at this moment that Lyra and Bonnie arrived in the stadium, both freezing upon seeing Flash's Bakugan. "Wow," was all Bonnie could say.

"Where'd he get that?" Lyra asked before noticing Derpy a ways over, "Derpy!" She turned to them as they approached. "What's going on. Since when has Flash had a Bakugan?"

"It's a long story," Derpy explained.

Up above, another girl was watching the battle intensely. She was a purple skinned girl with darker purple hair that had a pink streak running through it. She wore a blue shirt under a pink vest with a pink bow and a dark purple skirt with a star on it, along with a pair of black glasses. "Interesting," she said while staring at Leonidas, "you are not in my data."

"Alright," Garble smiled, "not half bad. Now I'm definitely gonna take it. Serpenoid!" With that, the giant snake slithered across the battlefield as Leonidas flew down and primed his claws.

He landed on the ground and swung his tail around, smashing Serpenoid in the face and making it cry out in pain before Leonidas spun back around and tried to claw at it. But Serpenoid dodged the attack and used the opening to flick its tail up and wrap it around the arm. Leonidas was surprised by this and it gave the snake the chance to fling the rest of its body around him and coil its upper body around his other arm.

Leonidas roared as the snake restricted his movement, but his greater power would soon allow it to pull the snake off. However-

"Ability, activate!" Garble cried as he held up a card that glowed red. "Blistering Heat!" Serpenoid hissed its its body began to give off an intense heat, causing Leonidas to roar as he was burnt. "Try that," Garble smirked. "My Ability Card now lowers your Bakugan's power level by a hundred points.

Leonidas: 300Gs
Serpenoid: 320Gs

Flash growled at this, watching his Bakugan struggle against the coiling snake and now unable to free himself. "If you can activate an Ability," he went into Leonidas's Ability page and picked one that looked strong. "Then so can I." The card appeared in his hand before he held it up. "Ability, activate!" The card glowed yellow. "Alpha Blaster!"

Leonidas's eyes shot open in shock as his power rose.

Leonidas: 500Gs
Serpenoid: 320Gs

The dragon then flexed its muscles and pulled the snake off it before throwing it to the ground and leaping into the air. Once high enough, it opened its mouth as blue lightning began to spark inside it.

"Ability, activate!" Garble held up another card as it glowed. "Flame Guard!" Fire exploded around Serpenoid as Leonidas fired its attack out of its mouth, forming a blue beam of energy. However, the flames wrapped around Serpenoid and formed a tornado.

Leonidas: 500Gs
Serpenoid: 400Gs

Leonidas's attack struck the tornado and passed through it, but was weakened by it so when it hit Serpenoid it barely did any damage as the attack faded.

"Now," Garble held up another card. "Ability, Activate." Serpenoid tail was thrust into the ground before it began to shake, knocking Flash off balance. "Erupting Land!" As he said this, the ground exploded as a burst of lava flew up and began to rain down on Leonidas and Serpenoid. And while Leonidas roared in pain, Serpenoid seemed to enjoy the heat it gave off.

Leonidas: 400Gs
Serpenoid: 500Gs

Flash tried to activate another ability, but the shaking made it impossible for him to access the Ability page. "What do I do? How am I suppose to fight if the ground...wait!" He looked down, "the ground! Gate Card, OPEN!" As he yelled that, the ground beneath their feet began to glow and golden light. "Haos Reactor!"

The light flew up and was absorbed by Leonidas, who roared as his power went up.

Leonidas: 600Gs
Serpenoid: 500Gs

Then, before Garble could activate another Ability, the dragon shot downwards while pulling its clawed hand back. In the blink of an eye, Leonidas was behind Serpenoid with his clawed hand held out forward. The giant snake then let out a cry of pain as it began to fall backwards, its body then glowing red before it shrank back into its ball form.

Flash gasped as Serpenoid hit the ground and rolled back to Garble's feet, the teen picking the orb up while his opponent cheered. "Yes, I did it!" As he said this, Leonidas glowed yellow and shrank back to his ball form before flying over to Flash. He grabbed the Bakugan before looking down at the BakuColar, showing their current points.

Flash: 100%
Garble: 80%

Meanwhile, the crowd was also cheering for the surprisingly skilled newcomer. "Wow," the announcer cried, "what an amazing brawl so far. But this was only the first battle. Anything can happen."

"He's right," Lyra nodded as Bonnie and Derpy cheered. "Flash shouldn't get cocky, especially since he's still at a huge disadvantage."

"Disadvantage?" Bonnie asked as the next round started.

"Gate Card, SET!" Garble tossed a card to the ground, the card exploding with red light that flew across the field as both Brawlers prepared their chosen fighters. "Bakugan," they both cried as they threw the orbs, "BRAWL!" Both Bakugan hit the ground and rolled to a stop before opening, fire and light exploding out of them. "BAKUGAN, STAND!"

"Haos Leonidas!" Flash yelled as his dragon appeared. Meanwhile, Garble's Bakugan was different.

"Rise, Pyrus Saurus!" Standing infront of Garble was an orange version of the triceratops-man wearing red armour.

Leonidas: 400Gs
Saurus: 270Gs

Flash didn't give Garble time to throw him off again, holding up the card he'd chosen. "Ability, activate!" The card glowed, "Shining Tornado!" Leonidas flew upwards before spinning around, light appearing around him as he transformed into a shining drill that curved downwards and headed towards Saurus.

Leonidas: 550Gs
Saurus: 270Gs

"Ability, activate!" Garble's card glowed as Saurus braced itself and raised its arms as a red aura appeared around him, "Stalemate!" The Shining Tornado hit Saurus and while it was pushed back several feet, Saurus didn't look at all hurt. Flash checked his BakuColar and was surprised to see the result.

Leonidas: 550Gs
Saurus: 550Gs

"How?" Flash asked as the drill disappeared and Leonidas landed in front of Saurus.

"Stalemate," Garble explained. "This card lets my Bakugan raise its power level to match yours. But the downside is that while its activated, he can't move."

Flash was seriously confused, as Leonidas started punching at Saurus' arms . "But how are you suppose to win if your Bakugan can't fight back?"

"He can't fight," Garble held up another Bakugan. "But his friend can. Bakugan, brawl!" He threw the ball and it exploded into flames, a familiar Bakugan appearing from them. "Bakugan, stand! Pyrus Serpenoid!" The snake hissed before slithering along the ground, Leonidas turning to it and trying to stamp it but the snake was to fast. And with a whip of its tail, struck Leonidas and forced him to stagger backwards.

"NO!" Flash yelled, looking down at his BakuColar.

Leonidas: 550Gs
Saurus+Serpenoid: 870Gs

"I was afraid of this," Lyra gulped as Leonidas started fighting against Serpenoid but the snake was just to fast and dodged every attack.

"There's no rule against Brawlers using more then one Bakugan at a time," Derpy explained. "And with their power levels combined, Flash's in trouble."

"He needs to even the odds," Bonnie told them before calling out to Flash. "Throw another Bakugan in! It's your only hope!"

"Flash didn't even have one Bakugan yesterday," Lyra told her. "You really think he has another?"

"She's right," Derpy nodded. "Leonidas is all Flash has. And it might not be enough."

It was at this moment that the effect of Stalemate wore off, allowing Saurus to move and the humanoid dinosaur charged forward and slammed its shoulder into Leonidas's stomach. The beast roared as it staggered back, Flash having enough of him getting pounded.

"Ability, activate!" He held up a card as it glowed. "Dragon Flash!" In that moment, Leonidas glowed a yellow light. And as Saurus tried to punch him, he suddenly morphed into a golden light that flew around the dinosaur at an intense speed.

Leonidas: 650Gs
Saurus+Serpenoid: 870Gs

"Ahh," Flash growled, "that's still not enough. I need another Ability."

"I don't think so," Garble told him. "Gate Card, open!" The ground exploded with white light, filling the area. "Power Lock!"

"Power Lock?" Flash asked going to try and activate his ability.

"Don't bother," Garble told him. "As long as Power Lock's in play, neither of us will be able to change the power level of any Bakugan on the field.

"No way," Flash realised what that meant. Meanwhile, Leonidas tried to punch Saurus from behind. But before the attack could land, Saurus spun around and caught its first. Leonidas tried to punch with the other fist, but the same thing happened.

The dragon was stuck as Serpenoid took the chance to slither up his body and lock itself around Leonidas the same way as before. Only this time, Leonidas wasn't getting out of it. "Finish him!" Garble cried as Saurus let Leonidas go before jumping back, then charged forward and slammed the dragon right in the gut.

Leonidas screamed in pain as he was knocked into a large rock, crashing through it and falling to the ground. His body then glowed yellow and shrank down into his ball form, which rolled along the ground until it reached Flash's feet. The teen sighed as he picked his Bakugan up, then looked down at his Life Gauge.

Flash: 56%
Garble: 80%

Garble laughed as his Bakugan returned to him. "I told you kid, you don't stand a chance. Why not just give up now and hand your Bakugan over. It'll be easier that way. Less humiliating at least."

Flash almost felt like agreeing. If Garble ganged up again, what hope did he have to beat him. Maybe it would be-

"Don't." Flash looked up then glanced around, swearing he'd just heard a voice. But there was nobody around him. "Don't...quit." Despite the voice being so weak, Flash could tell it was close.

Then, his attention was drawn down the the ball in his hand. "Did you-"

"HEY!" He looked back at Garble, "you quitting or what?"

Flash frowned at this, looking back down at Leonidas. At that moment, the Bakugan seemed to give of a slight twinge of light. Seeing that made up Flash's mind. "No way," he told Garble. "I'm in this to win it." He took out a card. "Gate Card, SET!" He tossed the card without really knowing which one he'd picked. Once it was set he pulled back his arm. "Bakugan," he threw the ball, "BRAWL!" The Bakugan bounced along the ground before opening. "Bakugan, STAND!" The light exploded out before the dragon flew into the air. "Rise, Haos Leonidas!" The beast roared.

"Suit yourself," Garble held up another Bakugan before throwing it. "Bakugan, BRAWL!" Like before, it bounced along the ground before opening. "Bakugan, STAND!" The flames exploded out of it and took shape before fading to reveal the beast he's chosen. "Let's roast him, Pyrus Warius!" This Bakugan was an orange ogre like creature wearing red spiked armour and carrying a double ended spike club.

Leonidas: 400Gs
Warius: 350Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Flash held up his card, "Brawling Dragon!" Leonidas roared as he charged forward, beginning to unleash a rapid barrage of punches, kicks and tail swipes while Warius tried to use its club to block.

Leonidas: 500Gs
Warius: 350Gs

"My turn," Garble smirked as he held up two cards. "But instead of just one card, I think I'll double things up. Double Ability, activate!" The cards glowed as the spikes on Warius's club extended and his body glowed red. "Power Spike plus Raging Spirit!"

Leonidas: 500Gs
Warius: 550Gs

Warius began to swing its club around, Leonidas barely managing to avoid them as Flash held up a card. "Ability, activate!" The card glowed, "Hyper Shield!" Light exploded off the dragon's body and formed an orb of light around him, the club bouncing off it and doing nothing. "Hyper Shield nullifies the effect of the last ability card you used, so your Raging Spirit card's no more." The red glow around Warius vanished.

Leonidas: 500Gs
Warius: 450Gs

"Fine then!" Garble held up his other two Bakugan before throwing them. "Bakugan, BRAWL!" The balls him the ground and rolled before opening. "Bakugan, STAND!" In a burst of fire, both Saurus and Serpenoid appeared behind Warius and charged forward.

"Oh no," Flash looked down at his BakuColar.

Leonidas: 500Gs
Warius+Saurus+Serpenoid: 1040Gs

"Over one thousand!" Flash cried as Leonidas was surrounded on all sides, trying his best to keep from being over run. "Ability, activate!" He cried as his card glowed, "Dragon Flash!" Leonidas glowed and began dodging the attacks with incredible speed before jumping up into the air, using its flight ability to keep away from the others.

Leonidas: 600Gs
Warius+Saurus+Serpenoid: 1040Gs

"That won't save you," Garble told him as he held up another two cards. "Double Ability, activate!" They both glowed. "Flaming Venom plus Saurus Charge!" Serpenoid opening its mouth and unleashed a fireball that flew up and struck Leonidas's wing, causing it to roar in pain and fall to the ground. As it did, Saurus glowed and began to charge forward.

Leonidas: 550Gs
Warius+Saurus+Serpenoid: 1140Gs

"No," Flash cried as he saw the difference. "I'm gonna lose Leonidas." He looked up and watched as Saurus tackled the dragon as he tried to pick himself up, pushing him backwards through another rock. He tried to think of his options but even if he used his remaining three ability cards, the power level would only be a hundred more then Garble's. The arrogant teen would probably then use another ability to put himself on top. There was no way to win against this kind of power.

Garble laughed seeing the hopelessness in Flash's eyes, "I told you a dweep like you couldn't be a Brawler. Hope you said your goodbyes!"

The entire crowd could only watch as the newbie got ganged up on, Flash's friends all wishing they could help. "This isn't right," Bonnie cried. "He shouldn't be allowed to use more then one Bakugan if his opponent only has one."

"Flash," Lyra wanted to look away but couldn't. However, Derpy didn't have that issue.

"I can't watch this," Derpy told them. She looked away and then ran out the stadium, Lyra and Bonnie calling out to her but it was useless. The two then looked back at the battle, waiting for the inevitable.

Flash just stood there and watched as Serpenoid wrapped itself around Leonidas's waist, Saurus had him in a full nelson and Warius began slamming the butt of his club into his chest. "I'm sorry Leonidas," he looked down in shame. "I guess I wasn't meant to be a Brawler after all." All he could do was wait for Leonidas to fall and be taken, leaving him once again Bakugan-less. But then.

"Don't you...dare give up," Flash looked up in shock, having heard that strange voice again. His gaze moved over to Leonidas and he saw the dragon's eyes staring down at him. "Have you no shame?"

"You can...talk?" Flash asked, unable to believe what he was hearing.

"It's one thing to lose," the dragon told him with a gruff voice. "But it's another to just give up and accept defeat. Even if it's impossible, never give up until the very end." With that, Leonidas roared as he tried to free himself from Saurus's hold.

As he did, Flash let what he'd said sink in. "Why am I giving up?" He asked himself. "I wanted to be a Brawler. So I shouldn't be wanting to throw in the towel when things get tough." He looked over at Garble and glared at him. "There's no way I'm letting that guy beat me!" He looked down at his BakuColar, "there has to be someway out of this." It was then he remembered he had a Gate Card down, one he hadn't actually checked before throwing. And when he did, he gasped seeing what it was.

"Finish this!" Garble yelled as Warius prepared to slam the spiked part of its club into Leonidas.

"I don't think so," Flash told him. "Gate Card, OPEN!" The ground beneath their feet began to glow. "Heavy Element. PYRUS!" With that, the three Pyrus Bakugan suddenly felt themselves growing much weaker. Leonidas smirked at this and managed to flip Saurus forward over his head so he came crashing down atop Warius, then pulled Serpenoid off of him.

"What's happening?" Garble asked before looking down at his BakuColar.

Leonidas: 550Gs
Warius+Saurus+Serpenoid: 240Gs

"How?"

"Heavy Element!" Flash told him. "This Gate Card lets me pick an Attribute and every Bakugan of that Attribute loses a hundred Gs for every Bakugan of that Attribute on the field." Flash smirked. "I picked Pyrus and with three Pyrus Bakugan on the field, that's three hundred points lost."

"No way," Garble said as the crowd cheered.

"That's the way," Lyra told Flash.

"Finish him off!" Bonnie cried out.

"Now," Flash held up three cards. "Since you liked using Double Abilities so much, I think I'll kick it up a notch with a Triple Ability!"

"You can't!" Garble cried in horror.

"But I can," Flash held the cards up. "Triple Ability, ACTIVATE!" All three cards glowed. "Alpha Blaster, plus Shining Tornado, plus Fusion Ability, Alpha Hurricane!" Leonidas roared as his mouth opened and filled with blue lightning while he began to spin around, causing the lightning to fly out of his mouth and spiral around him as the light did the same. He soon morphed into a golden light drill surrounded by blue lightning. "DO IT!" He screamed as the drill flew through the air before pointing down towards Garble's Bakugan, who were just picking themselves up when Leonidas flew down.

Leonidas: 1250Gs
Warius+Saurus+Serpenoid: 240Gs

The three saw it coming but couldn't escape in time before the electrified light drill slammed into all three of them and sent them flying backwards, crashing through several rocks. When they smashed through the fifth and final rock, Leonidas exploded out of the drill while the Pyrus Bakugan roared in pain.

The three then glowed red before shrinking back into ball form. But instead of falling to the earth, they shot over to Flash and the kid caught them as the life gauges changed.

Flash: 56% (Winner)
Garble: 0

The crowd exploded into applause as Leonidas shrank back to ball form and flew back to Flash, the announcer beginning to call out. "INCREDIBLE! Not only did this new comer claim victory, but he also did it while making a great come back and won himself three new Bakugan.

Flash could only stare at the three Pyrus Bakugan he'd won in disbelieve, Garble's outcry then catching his attention. "I'll get you back for this!" With that, Garble rushed out the stadium and left Flash to revel in his victory.

"I can't believe he did it!" Bonnie cried as she and Lyra hugged while jumping up and down.

"I know. It's unbelievable!"

Meanwhile, the glasses wearing girl smirked down at him before walking off. "I'm gonna have to get an up close and personal look at this new Bakugan." She then took out a Darkus Bakugan that was mainly purple with bits of green. "Hope you're ready, Spikenoid."

Back down below, Flash continued to stand there. Now, instead of looking at his newest Bakugan, his attention was on the one who'd helped him win. Leonidas sat in his palm, locked up in ball form as Flash thought back to what'd happened. "Did you really talk?" He'd never heard of a talking Bakugan before. Was that real, or just a dream?

Up on the roof of the building, the shades wearing teen stood on the edge of the glass roof.

The teen simply stared into the window, looking down at Flash as he continued to soak up the praise. But his real focus was on the ball he was holding. Something of great interest to him. "This Bakugan...I must have it."

Raging Fire

It had just gone nighttime in Canterlot and on a random street, a bright light filled the darkness.

"AUGH!" Two teen boys screamed as they fell out of the light, hitting the ground and grunting in pain at the impact. One was a dark blue skinned boy with white hair, wearing a red jacket and black pants. The other was a light blue skinned boy with black hair, wearing a black shirt and white tie with grey pants and black shades over his eyes.

Meanwhile, the Brawler known as Phantom was standing atop a street lamp. The cube in his hand was glowing, the Haos, Darkus and Aquos symbols fading with the Darkus symbol now completely gone. "That was barely a challenge," he stated. "But at least the Darkus seal is finally gone." He then held up his other hand and looked into it, "and I got some new Bakugan out of it." He heard a groan and watched the boys sit up. "Royal Pin and Neon Lights. You two weren't what I was expecting."

The boys looked up and glared at him. The one known as Neon Lights spoke up, "why don't we go again. We'll show you why you shouldn't take us so lightly."

Royal Pin nodded, "we were just taken by surprised by your little field trick before."

"I'm far too busy," Phantom replied before turning away. "But I'll tell you what. In Canterlot, there's a brawler by the name of Flash Sentry. Beat him and take his Bakugan, Leonidas, and you'll be handsomely rewarded." Before either of them could say anything, Phantom leapt off the street lamp and disappeared into the darkness of the night.

"Flash Sentry?" Neon asked.

"He must be a good Brawler if Phantom wants us both to take him down," Royal stated before smirking. "This could be fun."

The next day.

Flash and Leonidas arrived at the Bakugan Stadium after another hard day of school, the two now ready to take one whatever challenge presented them. But despite this, Derpy noticed a tired look on Flash's face as the two got closer. "You okay?" She asked, Flash reaching the front desk and putting his head down on the counter.

"I'm fine."

"You sure? You look like you were up late last night."

"Not really. I've just...had a lot on my mind. With Phantom, the talking Bakugan and now the tournament. My brain's been running on high and I guess I hit burnout. What happened yesterday didn't help either." Derpy nodded, remembering what happened.

Flash had been facing a Subterra Brawler and managed to win the first round with ease. But then the opponent pulled a Garble and used all three of his Bakugan at once. It had happened so fast that Flash could barely counter it, the three and the opponent's Gate Card creating a huge power difference. Flash managed to get an Ability in before the three hit Leonidas, but he was left with only ten percent in his Life Gauge.

The opponent repeated this on the next turn, but Flash had been ready with his Heavy Element Gate Card and managed to win the match. "But if I had been a second slower with my ability, I would have lost both the match and Leo."

"Ha," Leonidas called back, "I wasn't worried." The humans each gave him a questioning look. "Alright, maybe I was a little worried."

"Just a little?" Derpy asked.

"Let's face it Leo," Flash told him. "We got lucky yesterday. But our luck won't hold up forever. One day, we're gonna find ourselves in a fight we can't hope to win...no matter how strong we are or how hard we fight."

Derpy nodded. "Image if you come up against an opponent with three Bakugan that are all as powerful as...Fury, for example." Leonidas growled, still remembering the horrible defeat he had at the hands of that Bakugan. "That's why you need teammates to help you out."

"Teammates?" Leonidas asked, with Flash giving Derpy a questioning look.

"You have other Bakugan." Flash nodded and took out the ones he won from Garble. "Just use those the next time you find yourself outmatched."

"I don't know," Flash frowned. "Pyrus is cool an all, but I've really gotten use to wielding a Haos Bakugan."

Derpy smirked. "If that's the problem, then why not just do a Bakugan trade?"

"Bakugan trade?" Leonidas asked as Flash thought about this. "What are you talking about?"

"The machine you buy Bakugan from can also be used to trade Bakugan with someone else. It changes who the Bakugan are registered too. If Flash put out a request to transfer his Pyrus Bakugan, someone with Haos Bakugan they don't want might be willing to trade them for his."

"Huh," Leonidas shook his body from side to side, "you humans treat us Bakugan like toys."

"Don't take it that way," Derpy told him. "It's better they be given to someone who actually wants to use them instead of being stuffed in a draw somewhere."

"Even so..." Flash frowned. "I'd hate to just trade my Bakugan to a complete stranger."

"Well maybe someone you know will be willing to trade," Derpy suggested before going on the computer. "Let's see if anyone's already put in a trade request with Haos as an option." She typed it in and quickly found herself looking surprised. "Well what do you know, there's someone who's willing to trade his Haos Bakugan and put Pyrus Bakugan as his preferred trade."

"Really?" Flash was amazed, "what's he willing to trade?" Derpy took a closer look and her smile increased.

"He's got three Bakugan, two of which are a Serpenoid and Saurus." This did surprise Flash, "whilst the last one's a Haos Terrorclaw."

"Awesome," Flash smirked, "who is it?"

"Umm..." Derpy took a closer look, "Heath Burns." She looked confused, "that name sounds familiar."

Flash thought for a moment before realising what he had heard it before. "Heath Burns. He goes to our school, doesn't he?" Derpy realised he was right. "And doesn't he have a brother who's famous or something?"

"Yeah," Derpy remembered, "Blaze. He's a world famous skating pro whose won tons of competitions."

"That's it," Flash nodded. "Didn't know he was into Bakugan." Derpy just shrugged. He reached for his BakuColar, "can you send me his contact info so I can ask him to come over and talk about the trade?" Derpy nodded and did just that.

Several streets away, Heath Burns was on his way towards the stadium.

He was rolling down the street on his skateboard, pulling a Bart Simpson as he swerved between the people around him and used a lamppost to turn a corner. As he did, he suddenly heard a beeping on his red BakuColar. "Huh?" He pulled his board to a stop, "what's this?" He looked at the screen and saw it was a message, opening it and getting a big surprise. "No way." As he said that, a Pyrus Bakugan leapt onto his shoulder.

"What's up little bud?"

"It's a message, from Flash Sentry."

"Ain't that the guy you told me about. The one with the Talking Bakugan?"

"That's right," Heath nodded. "He saw my trade request and wants to meet about it." Heath smirked, "perfect. Now I don't have to come up with a reason to talk to him." He turned to the Bakugan. "Let's go, Wukong."

"Oh yeah!" The Bakugan leapt off his shoulder and he caught it, then leapt onto his board once again. The two raced towards the stadium, now more determined to get there as quickly as possible. And they did, arriving at the large building and getting off his board as he reached the entrance.

Looks around, Heath quickly spotted the guy he was looking for. "Hey!" He called out, the teen in question turning to him. "Flash Sentry...right?"

"That's me," Flash nodded. "And you're Heath Burns?"

"The one and only. So, you interested in trading?"

"Yeah, but I wanna make sure the guy I trade with is gonna treat the Bakugan right."

Heath raised an eyebrow, "you're worried about the Bakugan. Why?"

Flash frowned, "because they're not just toys. They're living beings. Even if most of them can't talk, they all deserve the same respect as any human does."

Heath smiled at this. "I knew I was gonna like you." He pointed at himself, "I feel the same way."

"You do?" Flash asked, looking suspicious.

"Of course he does." Flash, Leonidas and Derpy were all confused hearing this, since it wasn't them that said it. Then, to their surprise, the Pyrus Bakugan leapt onto Heath's shoulder and opened up. "I've only known the guy a short time and I trust him with my life." The three of them dropped their jaws at the sight of him, making both the Bakugan and Heath laugh.

"Let me introduce you," he picked the Bakugan up and held him out to them. "This is Pyrus Wukong."

"Nice to meet you," the Bakugan tried to wave.

"An...another talking Bakugan?" Derpy asked, completely gobsmacked. "How...when..."

"He showed up the other day," Heath explained. "There was a flash of light and suddenly, he appeared."

"That's the same as when I met Leonidas," Flash stated.

"And when Lyra found Nimue," Derpy pointed out.

"So," Heath smirked, "still wanna trade?" Flash had almost forgotten about that, but nodded. He wasn't sure why, but something about this guy made Flash think he could trust him.

The three of them headed over to the machines that people used to buy Bakugan, Flash moving to one and Heath to another. They then connected the machines to their BakuColars and selected the trade option. Once a link was established, they each placed their Serpenoid down in the dish. The machine unleashed the energy that hit the Bakugan and made it disappear, the Bakugan appearing on screen along with the one being offered. The screen then asked if they were okay with this trade and when they both pressed yes, the machines unleashed the energy again and their new Bakugan appeared in place of the one they traded away.

Derpy smirked. "And with that, your trade is complete." The two smirked at one another and quickly traded their other two Bakugan, first the Saurus and then the Warius and Terrorclaw.

Once that was done, Flash and Heath sat at one of the tables whilst Derpy had to get back to work. "So what do you think of earth?" Flash asked Wukong after sipping on his soda.

"It's awesome!" Wukong jumped up and down. "I mean, I miss having my normal body. But this place is great. Movies, video games, music. And skateboarding the best. I just love the feel of the wind in my face when Heath and I are shooting down the street."

"Ha," Heath laughed, "it's like we were meant to meet each other."

"Like Lyra and Nimue," Flash realised.

"And you guys," Heath gestured to him and Leo. "I've seen your matches. You two are awesome together." Flash laughed at this, remembering how he and Leonidas first met.

"Well...we had our issues."

"But we've worked through them," Leonidas nodded. He then noticed Wukong moving over to him, staring at the Haos Bakugan intensely. "What?"

"I liked to try and know every Bakugan back in Vestroia," Wukong explained. "But I've never seen any Bakugan like you before. Where'd you hang out back home?"

"Err..." Leonidas looked away, "that's none of your business." Flash and Heath frowned, both knowing Leonidas was hiding something. But before they could try and ask-

"Hey!" They turned towards the entrance and spotted a pair of teens stepping into the stadium. "Where's the guy named Flash Sentry!?" The one named Royal Pin asked as he and Neon Lights walked towards Derpy. "We know he hangs out here, so where is he?" Derpy looked like she was about to panic, clearly not liking the way she was being talked too.

"I'm right here!" The three of them looked around and spotted Flash moving towards them, a frown on his face. "If you wanted to talk, you didn't need to be so mean about it. What do you want?"

"Phantom sent us," Neon adjusted his glasses. This made Flash's eyes go wide, "he said we'd be handsomely rewarded if we beat you and take your Bakugan Leonidas."

"Not gonna happen," Flash told him.

"We'll take you on no problem," Leonidas stated.

"Then let's make this fun," Royal stated. "You take us both on." Flash frowned, not liking those odds.

"I got a better idea," they all turned to Heath as he stood up. "Tag-Brawl. You two verses me and Flash." Wukong leapt onto his shoulder.

"You won't stand a chance against us," Wukong stated before turning to Leonidas. "What do you say, buddy? Wanna team up?"

Leonidas sighed, "fine. I get the feeling you won't take no for an answer anyway."

"Flash?" Heath asked, the teen turning to him.

"I'm in," Flash nodded. "But be warned, I don't have much Tag-Brawling experience."

"I've not been in to many of them myself," Heath nodded. "But it's gotta be better then trying to take them both down alone." Flash nodded in agreement as they turned back to the pair, "so what do you say?"

"Sure," Neon smirked. "Phantom might give us an even better reward if we bring in two talking Bakugan."

"Or I might just keep that red one all to myself," Royal smirked as he held up his own Pyrus Bakugan. "Let's Brawl."

The crowd exploded as they took their seats, excited to see yet another Brawl.

"Welcome Baku-fans!" The announcer yelled out as the brawlers took to the stage. "We have another exciting match for you tonight. A Tag-Brawl featuring Flash Sentry and his new partner, Heath Burns. They'll be going up against some newcomers here at the Canterlot Battlefield, Neon Lights and Royal Pin!" The crowd cheered again as the four boys stared each other down.

"Last chance to back out," Neon told them.

"Just hand over the Bakugan and we'll save you the humiliation," Royal stated.

"Not gonna happen," Heath told them.

"We're not handing our Bakugan over," Flash announced. "Or letting you guys take them." Their opponents rolled their eyes, but still looked happy. They were probably hoping for this.

"Let's see where our Brawlers will be facing off against one another today!" The announcer cried. It was then that the floor below them began to glow before constructing a canyon area made of black rocks, with multiple Bakugan sized mountains all around them that had lava spilling out the top that formed rivers of molten rock. "It's the Molten Valley!"

"Wow," Flash waved his hands in front of his face, "hot enough for you?"

"I like it," Heath smirked.

"Same here," Wukong smirked. "Nice and toasty." They turned to Neon and Royal, who took out their Bakugan whilst the two did the same.

"Looks like the competitors are ready to throw down. So let's not keep them waiting. Say it with me, folks. Bakugan...BRAWL!" With that, their BakuColars beeped to signal the battle's start with all showing their current life gauges.

Flash: 100%
Neon: 100%
Royal: 100%
Heath: 100%

"Gate Card," Neon took out a card and threw it to the ground, "SET!" It hit the ground and exploded into purple light, which flew across the battlefield whilst the four brawlers began to rush off in search of a place to launch their Bakugan.

Neon and Royal spotted an area with some power-ups and rushed up the side of a large rock before jumping off. "BAKUGAN!" They both cried before throwing their Bakugan, "BRAWL!" Neon's was a Darkus Bakugan and Royal's was a Pyrus Bakugan. They flew through the air, hitting some power-ups as they did so, then landed and opened up. "BAKUGAN...STAND!" And explosion of fire and purple light revealed their Bakugan.

One was a red knight-like Bakugan carrying a red staff with an orange U on the end of it. "Pyrus Siege!"

The other was a purple lizard-like Bakugan with large round gauntlets for hands. "Darkus Hammersaur!"

Siege: 360Gs
Hammersaur: 400Gs

Both Bakugan began to glow as their power rose.

Siege: 560Gs
Hammersaur: 550Gs

"Those look tough," Flash stated. Leonidas agreed, but didn't think it was anything they couldn't handle. But before they could get started, Heath was already up on one of the rocks.

"Ready Wukong?" He asked his new Bakugan partner.

"Ready and willing," the Pyrus Bakugan stated before leaping off his shoulder. Heath caught him as he ran to the top of the rock and leapt off. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw the ball towards the ground, hitting some power-ups along the way, then landed and rolled. "Bakugan...STAND!" The ball popped open before being consumed by a tornado of flames, which grew larger and larger until the flames exploded outwards.

Doing so revealed Wukong in his true form. He was a giant red ape, who was lent forward with his weight on its large yellow hands. His chest, stomach and feet were also yellow, along with two yellow dots on his shoulders. His head was mainly red but he had a yellow V on his forehead that looked like a brow and the area around his mouth and nose was orange. Finally, he had a giant bushy head of flaming hair that stopped just before his lower back. The ape stood on his hind legs and started beating his chest. "I...am...HERE!" He cried before slamming his fists back down on the ground.

Siege: 560Gs
Wukong: 400Gs
Hammersaur: 550Gs

Wukong glowed as the power-ups took affect.

Siege: 560Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Hammersaur: 550Gs

"Wow!" Flash yelled, thinking Wukong looked so cool. At the same time, Royal held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Siege's staff suddenly shrank in length, whilst a flames exploded out of the U blade. "Fire Sword!" The flame morphed into the blade of a sword, which Siege swung around.

Siege: 660Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Hammersaur: 550Gs

Siege swung the blade at Wukong, who managed to leap back and avoid it as Heath held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed, "Fire Smasher!" Wukong clutched his fists as they suddenly ignited.

Siege: 660Gs
Wukong: 800Gs
Hammersaur: 550Gs

"Take this!" He swung his fist around and slammed it into Siege, who tried to defend using its Fire Sword but still staggered backwards

Wukong prepared to attack again, but Hammersaur rushed in. "Ability, Activate!" Neo held up a card that glowed, as Hammersaur brought its hands together and started spinning. "Crush Hurricane!" The back of his gauntlet hit Wukong and knocked him staggering backwards.

Siege: 660Gs
Wukong: 700Gs
Hammersaur: 650Gs

"Ability," Royal held up a card, "Activate!" Siege's staff returned to normal as the blade ignited. "Burst Flame!" Siege swung the staff around and the fire shot off the blade and morphed into a fireball that struck Wukong.

"Augh!" He cried as he staggered backwards.

Siege: 660Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Hammersaur: 650Gs

"Take him down!" Royal yelled as both Siege and Hammersaur charged, but Wukong wasn't going down that easily.

"Ability, Activate!" He held up a card that glowed, whilst Wukong stood up straight. "Blazing Rhythm!" The flame ape began to beat his chest, roaring as he did so. With every beat of his chest, a shockwave flew out that suddenly ignited and hit the two opposing Bakugan.

Both of them staggered back as their powers was burned away.

Siege: 560Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Hammersaur: 550Gs

With their G Power lowered, Wukong charged forward. But before he could strike, Neon pointed to the ground. "Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground lit up, glowing purple. "Darkus Reactor!" Hammersaur glowed as it raised its gauntlets to block Wukong's incoming punch.

Siege: 560Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Hammersaur: 750Gs

Heath growled at this, but before anyone could do anything Flash leapt into the air. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw his Bakugan and hit four power-ups before landing on the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" In a flash of light, the toy morphed into his true form. "Haos Leonidas!"

Siege: 560Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Leonidas: 600Gs
Hammersaur: 750Gs

Flash then held up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" The cards glowed, "Alpha Blaster, plus Co-Side!" Hammersaur glowed as Leonidas opened his mouth and powered up a laser-beam whilst Hammersaur's light flew off of it and into the dragon.

Siege: 560Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs
Hammersaur: 750Gs

Leonidas then fired the laser and hit Hammersaur before it could react, blasting it into the air and knocking it back into ball form.

Flash: 100%
Neon: 70%
Royal: 100%
Heath: 100%

"No!" Neon cried as Wukong turned to Siege.

"Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Wukong's blazing mane suddenly grew larger, "Blast Infernal!" Before Siege could react, Wukong swung his mane around and smashed it into the knight.

Siege: 560Gs
Wukong: 750Gs
Leonidas: 900Gs

Siege was thrown backwards and reverted to ball form, landing next to Hammersaur as Royal's life gauge went down.

Flash: 100%
Neon: 70%
Royal: 62%
Heath: 100%

"Wow!" The announcer cried as the Bakugan returned to their owners, "Heath and Flash certainly pulled the old one two of those guys. Will they be able to keep it up or will the challengers pulling a surprise from out of their sleeves?"

"Nice one," Flash told Heath as he smiled back. The two bumped fists whilst Wukong leapt onto his shoulder.

"Hey, I'm the one who did most of the fighting."

"We know," Heath assured him. "You were awesome. But that battle wouldn't have been so easy without Flash and Leonidas."

"Remember that," Leonidas told the monkey.

"Yeah yeah," Wukong replied as Neon and Royal picked up their Bakugan.

"They got us," Neon cried whilst Royal turned to him.

"Relax. This was only the first round." He turned to their opponents, "now we know what we're up against." Neon nodded, knowing the first round was just to feel the opponent out. Now the real brawl began.

In the foyer, Lyra and Bonnie had just arrived. When they did, they looked up at the screens and spotted Flash on one of them.

"Hey," Bonnie then spotted Heath, "whose that guy?"

"I think I've seen him around," Lyra told her. "I think his name's...Kieth." It was then they noticed the two were actually brawling together, intriguing the two of them. "Let's got check this out."

"Right behind ya'h!" Bonnie nodded as they rushed towards the stadium. They quickly arrived and as they did, Heath took out a Gate Card.

"My turn!" He yelled before throwing it. "Gate Card, SET!" The card hit the ground and exploded into red energy, the four rushing of the started the next round.

They all spotted a cluster of power-ups and ran towards them, each reaching a rock and leaping off the top of it as they threw their Bakugan. "BAKUGAN BRAWL!" The four balls soared through the air at incredible speed and reach the cluster, hitting the coins at different times. Siege hit two whilst Leonidas and Hammersaur hit one, Siege and Hammersaur taking the ones in Wukong's way so he didn't get any before hitting the ground. "BAKUGAN...STAND!"

In a flash of purple light, yellow light and fire, the four Bakugan appeared and were ready to battle as their powers rose.

Siege: 460Gs
Wukong: 400Gs
Leonidas: 450Gs
Hammersaur: 450Gs

"Alright!" Wukong cheered, "let's see what else ya'h can do!" Lyra and Bonnie were shocked to hear another talking Bakugan, Nimue leaping onto the wall and look down at the stadium.

"Wukong?" She whispered.

"You know him?" Lyra asked, Nimue nodding.

"I met him a few times in Vestroia. Despite being a Pyrus Bakugan, he enjoyed turning one of my favourite pools into a hot spring he could relax in. Very annoying."

"But how did this Heath guy get him?" Bonnie asked as the battle started.

"You got the drop on us last time," Royal told them as he held up his card.

"But now it's our turn," Neon held up his before they both called out. "Ability, Activate!" They glowed as their Bakugan's effects kicked in. "Dark Entrapment!"

"Fire Sword!" Siege's staff morphed into the sword form, whilst Hammersaur's claws suddenly started glowing purple. It then thrust its claws into the ground and caused it to shake. The next thing Leonidas and Wukong knew, six bolts of purple lightning shot out of the ground and connected above them to form a cage. When Leonidas tried to reach out between the bars, the lightning flew off and zapped him

Siege: 560Gs
Wukong: 350Gs
Leonidas: 400Gs
Hammersaur: 450Gs

"Ha!" Neon laughed, "Dark Entrapment locks your Bakugan in place and also negates any Abilities that increase their G Power."

Leonidas growled as he punched the cage, only to get zapped again. "And now you're stuck!" Royal cried as Siege charged forward and thrust its sword through the gaps of the bars. Leonidas barely avoid the flaming sword, whilst Wukong stepped forward.

"I got this," he told the dragon. "Heath!"

"Right," Heath held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Wukong slammed his fists into the ground, "Firewall!" Before the others knew it, the ground exploded as a circle of fire shot out around him and Leonidas. It flew up and hit the energy cage, dispelling it, then exploded outwards and hit Siege. The knight staggered back as his sword returned to normal. "Firewall. A standard Pyrus attack that nullifies the last Ability Card used."

Siege: 460Gs
Wukong: 400Gs
Leonidas: 450Gs
Hammersaur: 450Gs

"Now it's my turn!" Flash held up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Leonidas and the cards began to glow. "Dragon Flash, plus Brawling Dragon!"

Siege: 460Gs
Wukong: 400Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs
Hammersaur: 450Gs

Leonidas flew forward at blinding speeds, practically teleporting in front of Pyrus Siege. He then threw several punches and kicks and smashed into the knight before warping over to Hammersaur and doing the same to it, but Bakugan staggering backwards as Hammersaur roared in pain.

"Ahh," Neon cried before turning to Royal, "they're making mince meat out of us."

"Relax," Royal told him, "we still have one advantage over them." Neon smirked, knowing what he meant. They then turned back to the fight and each held up a card. "ABILITY, ACTIVATE!" They yelled in unison as their Bakugan glowed, "DIAGONAL RELATION!"

Flash flinched hearing this, whilst Leonidas growled, "that ability again!" He leapt back and took to the air as the Brawlers checked the points total.

Siege: 660Gs
Wukong: 400Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs
Hammersaur: 650Gs

"Not good," Heath cried as Hammersaur charged towards Wukong. "Look out! He's coming!"

"Thanks," Wukong began to avoid its claws as best he could, "like I didn't notice!"

"Alright," he pointed at the ground, "Gate Card, OPEN!" The ground began to glow before it exploded into flames. From out of those flames, large trees began to sprout. "Flaming Jungle!" The trees were soon fully grown. But instead of leaves, they had flames for foliage. "This is a special Gate Card that only works if Wukong's out. With it, he gets three hundred Gs."

"Oh yeah!" Wukong leapt up and grabbed onto the branches, swinging from one to another as his power rose.

Siege: 660Gs
Wukong: 700Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs
Hammersaur: 650Gs

"Ahh!" Royal cried before holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" It glowed as Siege swung its staff around and unleashed a fireball, "Burst Flame!" The projectile hit Wukong and knocked him off the branch.

Siege: 660Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs
Hammersaur: 650Gs

"Augh!" He cried as he crashed into the ground. At the same time, Leonidas and Hammersaur kept slashing at one another.

"Ability," Neon held up a card, "Activate!" The card glowed as Hammersaur's claws glowed. "Spiral Shredder!" It then stood in a T-pose and began spinning like a top, morphing into a glowing tornado that moved towards Leonidas.

Siege: 660Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Leonidas: 650Gs
Hammersaur: 800Gs

"Flash!" Leonidas cried as the tornado got closer, Flash nodding as he held up three cards.

"Triple Ability, Activate!" A force-field appeared around Leonidas, "Hyper Shield!" The tornado struck the barrier and bounced off, falling back. "Plus, Co-Side!" Hammersaur glowed before the energy flew off it into Leonidas. "Plus, Alpha Blaster!" Leonidas began to charge up power in his mouth, ready to shoot.

Siege: 660Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Leonidas: 950Gs
Hammersaur: 650Gs

As Leonidas prepared to fire, Neon decided he was done messing around and took out another Bakugan. "Time to put the odds in my favour!" He said before pulling his arms back, "Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw it towards the ground and it opened up, "Bakugan...STAND!" In a burst of dark light, a Bakugan that looked similar to Hammersaur appeared. "Darkus Anchorsaur!"

Siege: 660Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Leonidas: 950Gs
Hammersaur+Anchorsaur: 1050Gs

"What?" Flash asked as Leonidas fired his attack, but the blast was deflected when Anchorsaur used its shoulder guard to block it.

Siege: 660Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Leonidas: 950Gs
Hammersaur+Anchorsaur: 1050Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Neon held up another card that glowed, "Razor Phantom!" The shoulder guards suddenly flew off Anchorsaur and shot towards Leonidas, spinning at high speed and hitting him.

"Augh!" He grind and they sawed into his chest.

Siege: 660Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Leonidas: 850Gs
Hammersaur+Anchorsaur: 1050Gs

Leonidas was thrown towards the ground and as he fell, Hammersaur changed forward. It roared before body-checking the dragon, knocking him backwards and making him revert back to ball form with a cry of pain. "LEO!" Flash yelled as his life gauge dropped.

Flash: 60%
Neon: 70%
Royal: 62%
Heath: 100%

"YOW!" The announcer cried, "talk about a sneak attack! Now it's two against one. Or should I say three against one."

"Oh no!" Heath cried as he watched Flash pick Leonidas up.

"Worry about yourself!" He heard Royal state and turned to see him hold up another Bakugan, an Aquos Bakugan, the teen pulling it back. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" The ball flew through the air before opening up, "Bakugan...STAND!" In a burst of water, another knight appeared. This one with a lance on the end of its staff. "Aquos Siege, RISE!"

Siege+Siege: 1020Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Hammersaur+Anchorsaur: 1050Gs

"Not good," Heath gulped as the two knights charged.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Royal held up two cards, "Aquos Javelin plus Heat Razor!" Water swirled around the lance whilst the U-shape blade ignited into flames.

Siege+Siege: 1220Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Hammersaur+Anchorsaur: 1050Gs

They charged, ready to end the battle and take Wukong. But Heath wouldn't let that happen. "Double Ability, Activate!" Wukong held up his hand as a ball of magma appeared above it. "Eruption Force!" He then thrust his hand into it, turning the ball into a giant magma fist. "Plus, Fire Smasher!"

Siege+Siege: 1220Gs
Wukong: 950Gs
Hammersaur+Anchorsaur: 1050Gs

"RAAAAH!" He swung the magma fist towards the knights, who swung their staffs around. The attack clashed and pushed again one another, but eventually the knights overpowered Wukong and he was knocked backwards. "AUGH!" He cried as he was thrown back, returning to ball form!"

Flash: 60%
Neon: 70%
Royal: 62%
Heath: 46%

Heath picked Wukong up as the flaming trees vanished. "That sucked."

"Tell me about it," Flash agreed as he and Leonidas moved over to him. "They totally blindsided me."

"I'm more worried about Royal's Bakugan," Heath told him. "He's using two completely different attributes. If that's the case, then his third Bakugan might be a different attribute as well." He looked up at the Siege as they returned to Royal, "Pyrus and Aquos. If he has Haos..." He turned to Flash, "we might be in trouble."

"Let's go!" Royal cried as he held up a Gate Card and threw it towards the ground, "Gate Card...SET!" It hit the ground and exploded into red light, as Royal and Neon held up three Bakugan. "We're going all out." Neon nodded as they pulled their arms back. "BAKUGAN...BRAWL!" They threw the six Bakugan towards the ground and they all rolled along it. "BAKUGAN...STAND!" In a burst of dark and yellow light, fire and water, the six Bakugan appeared. "Darkus Hammersaur, Anchorsaur and Atchibee!"

"Pyrus, Aquos and Haos Siege!" The six raged across the field, the two new Bakugan being a white and yellow knight carrying a staff with a star-filled ring on the end and a snake-like big with metal mantis arms and purple butterfly wings.

Siege+Siege+Siege: 1080Gs
Hammersaur+Anchorsaur+Atchibee: 1200Gs

"I knew it," Heath gulped seeing the Haos Siege. He turned to Flash, "this isn't gonna be easy."

"No kidding," Flash nodded. "It's two against six. Not exactly the best odds."

"Then let's even those odds," Leonidas told him. Flash looked down at the dragon. "You said it yourself, there may come a time when fighting alone isn't enough..,no matter how strong you are or how hard you try. That's why we have teammates to help us fight." Flash realised what he was getting at and took out two of the Bakugan Heath had traded him.

"Leo...you sure?"

"I am," Leonidas nodded. "Better to win as a team then lose on my own." Flash nodded as Wukong leapt onto Heath's shoulder.

"You heard the lizard. Let's invite some more friends to the party." Heath smirked and nodded before taking out his Bakugan. The two then began to run off until they spotted two loads of power-ups, both jumping onto some rock and leaping over rivers of lava.

"BAKUGAN!" They both threw all three, "BRAWL!" The Bakugan flew through the air, with Heath's hitting two power-ups whilst Flash's hit four. "BAKUGAN!" They hit the ground and rolled before opening up, "STAND!" In an explosion of light and fire, the six new Bakugan appeared.

"Haos Leonidas, Serpenoid and Saurus, STAND!"

"Pyrus Wukong, Serpenoid and Warius, STAND!"

Siege+Siege+Siege: 1080Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1070Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 990Gs
Hammersaur+Anchorsaur+Atchibee: 1200Gs

The Bakugan roared as they began to glow, their power rising.

Siege+Siege+Siege: 1080Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1170Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 1190Gs
Hammersaur+Anchorsaur+Atchibee: 1200Gs

"Let's do this thing!" Wukong yelled as he and the other grounded Bakugan charged forward, Leonidas taking to the air.

"You took the words right out of my mouth!" He roared as he shot towards Atchibee, whilst Flash held up a pair of cards.

"Double Ability, ACTIVATE!" Leonidas and Serpenoid opened their mouths. "Alpha Blaster, Plus Shining Venom!" The two fired beams of light out of their mouths, the Alpha Blaster hitting Atchibee whilst the Shining Venom hit Hammersaur.

Siege+Siege+Siege: 1080Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1170Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 1390Gs
Hammersaur+Anchorsaur+Atchibee: 1100Gs

The two Bakugan staggered backwards, whilst Anchorsaur charged at Saurus. The two reptiles began to clash, Anchorsaur slashing at Saurus who threw punch after punch at it.

Meanwhile, Wukong and his Pyrus Bakugan reached the three knights and the lot of them focused on Wukong. "Wow!" He cried as he jumped back to avoid the Pyrus Siege's staff, then side-stepped so the Aquos's didn't stab him with its lance. The Haos then swung its staff down, but Wukong reached up and grabbed it under the figurehead. "I don't think so. Heath!"

"Ability, Activate!" He held up the card, which glowed as Wukong held up his other hand. "Eruption Force!" The ball of magma appeared in his hand, growing large and large by the second.

Siege+Siege+Siege: 1080Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1320Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 1390Gs
Hammersaur+Anchorsaur+Atchibee: 1100Gs

"RAAAH!" He cried as he thrust the ball into the Haos Siege, the magma exploding and making it stagger backwards. And before the other two could help it, Serpenoid and Warius charged forward. Warius used its club to block the Pyrus' staff whilst Serpenoid wrapped its body around the Aquos. The knights tried to break free, but Heath's Bakugan were too strong.

"You think you have us beat?" Royal asked, "think again!" He held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" It glowed, whilst the knights began to glow their respective colours. "Triple Node!"

Siege+Siege+Siege: 1980Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1320Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 1390Gs
Hammersaur+Anchorsaur+Atchibee: 1100Gs

"WOW!" The announcer cried, "almost two thousand Gs. That's the highest Power Level I've ever seen!" Flash's friends began to panic, thinking there was no way they could overcome that. "

The knights all began to overpower Heath's Bakugan, Wukong and Warius suddenly finding the weapons getting closer to them whilst Serpenoid felt its hold on Siege loosen. The Aquos Bakugan finally grabbed its tail and pulled the snake off it, throwing it over as Wukong and Warius finally leapt back and barely avoided getting hit.

"Get'em!" Royal cried as the three charged, but Heath was ready.

"I don't think so!" He held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Wukong slammed his fists into the ground, "Firewall!" The ground exploded, as a circle of fire shot out around him, Serpenoid and Warius. It then exploded outwards and hit the three Siege, knocking them backwards and cancelling out the Triple Node.

Siege+Siege+Siege: 1080Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1320Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 1390Gs
Hammersaur+Anchorsaur+Atchibee: 1100Gs

"Ahh!" Royal cried, only for Hammersaur to suddenly crash down besides the Siege. He looked over at Neon's battle and saw that Leonidas was still fighting with Atchibee.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Neon cried as he held up his cards, "Co-Side plus Vermilion Jet Black!" The Darkus Bakugan absorbed the power from its Pyrus teammate before purple lightning shot out of Atchibee's eyes.

"AUGH!" Leonidas cried as he was struck in the chest, feeling his power getting drained.

Siege+Siege+Siege: 1080Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1320Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 1240Gs
Hammersaur+Anchorsaur+Atchibee: 1450Gs

"Ability, Activate!" As Atchibee charged to slash at Leonidas, Saurus ran over to one of the larger rocks and ran up it. "Saurus Charge!" Saurus jumped into the air and smashed into Atchibee, knocking it backwards but Atchibee managed to push it away as Leonidas recovered from the zap.

Siege+Siege+Siege: 1080Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1320Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 1340Gs
Hammersaur+Anchorsaur+Atchibee: 1450Gs

"Double Ability, Active!" Neon held up two cards as they glowed, Hammersaur and Anchorsaur preparing their attacks. "Spiral Shredder, plus Razor Phantom!" Anchorsaur launched its shoulder guards at Saurus, grinding into it, whilst Hammersaur morphed into the tornado.

Siege+Siege+Siege: 1080Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1320Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 1240Gs
Hammersaur+Anchorsaur+Atchibee: 1600Gs

"Look out Flash!" Lyra cried as Hammersaur's tornado flew towards him.

"I got this!" Flash yelled as he held up two cards. "Triple Ability, Activate!" They glowed as Leonidas began to spin, whilst Serpenoid slithered forwards and Saurus charged. "Shining Tornado, plus Stinger Strike, plus Mad Rush!" Serpenoid swung its tail around and stabbed its blade into the tornado, knocking Hammersaur out of the spin and making it fall to the ground as its power was lowered. At the same time, Leonidas morphed into a drill of light whilst Saurus charged with all its might.

Siege+Siege+Siege: 1080Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1320Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 1490Gs
Hammersaur+Anchorsaur+Atchibee: 1450Gs

Both Leonidas and Saurus slammed into Hammersaur, making it cry out as it was thrown backwards and reverted to ball form.

Flash: 60%
Neon: 62%
Royal: 62%
Heath: 46%

With Hammersaur gone, Neon's Bakugan lost power.

Siege+Siege+Siege: 1080Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1320Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 1490Gs
Anchorsaur+Atchibee: 950Gs

"No," Neon whispered as Flash's Bakugan rushed forward. "Oh no you don't!" Neon held up his cards. "Double Ability, ACTIVATE!" A look of rage appeared on Anchorsaur's face, whilst Atchibee beat its wings and started scattering purple dust into the air. "Berserker Vengeance, plus Doom Pollen!" The dust flew over to Flash's Bakugan and landed on them.

"What?" Leonidas asked before suddenly feeling his strength begin to drain. "What's happening?"

"Doom Pollen!" Neon cried as Flash's Bakugan fell to the ground. "It saps away a hundred Gs from ever Bakugan hit and makes them unable to move or use any Ability. And Berserker Vengeance's power doubles if one of my Bakugan have already fallen."

Siege+Siege+Siege: 1080Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1320Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 1190Gs
Anchorsaur+Atchibee: 1250Gs

Anchorsaur charged forward, ready to take Leonidas down. But before it could, Warius leapt appeared in front of it. "What the?" Neon asked, looking over to see the three Siege had been knocked back, allowing the Bakugan to rush over to Flash's aid. The only one next to the knights was Serpenoid, making him look to see Wukong charging at Atchibee.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Wukong's fist ignited whilst Warius glowed red. "Fire Smasher, plus Raging Spirit!"

Siege+Siege+Siege: 1080Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1620Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 1190Gs
Anchorsaur+Atchibee: 1250Gs

Wukong leapt into the air and smashed his fist into the insect, whilst Warius swung its club around and clobbered Anchorsaur on the head. The Darkus Bakugan cried out as they were knocked flying, then reverted back to ball form. "NOOOOO!" Neon cried as his life gauge dropped.

Flash: 60%
Neon: 0%
Royal: 62%
Heath: 46%

"NEON IS DOWN!" The announcer cried as Leonidas suddenly felt himself able to move.

"You okay?" Wukong asked as they turned to Royal's Bakugan.

"Yeah," he nodded. "Thanks." He and the other Haos Bakugan picked themselves up, "now let's take these guys down." Wukong nodded and charged as Pyrus Serpenoid tried to bite at a Siege.

"I don't think so!" Royal cried. "Since Neon's out, I don't have to worry about using this." He pointed to the ground, "Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground began to glow, "Siege's Triumph!" The Bakugan all groaned as they felt themselves weaken. "Now, every Bakugan other then Siege will lose a hundred Gs!"

Siege+Siege+Siege: 1080Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1320Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 890Gs

"And then!" Royal held up three cards. "Triple Ability, ACTIVATE!" The knights charged forwards as Pyrus' weapon morphed into a sword, Aquos' was surrounded by water and Haos' figurehead glowed brightly. "Fire Sword, plus Aquos Javelin, plus Star Staff!"

Siege+Siege+Siege: 1380Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1320Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 890Gs

Leonidas leapt into the air whilst Wukong and the other Bakugan did their best to avoid the attacks. "You guys are going down!" Royal cried, as the Aquos cornered Warius against a large rock. "GET HIM!" The knight rushed forward, ready to stab the warrior. But before it could.

"Ability, Activate!" Flash cried as Saurus turned to the Siege, its horns sparking with lightning. "Tri-Thunder!" The lightning exploded off the horns and combined before hitting the knight, making it cry out as it was zapped.

Siege+Siege+Siege: 1330Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1320Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 890Gs

This made Siege stagger back and give Heath the opening he needed. "Ability, Activate!" The spikes on Warius's club extended. "Power Spike!"

Siege+Siege+Siege: 1330Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1420Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 890Gs

Warius swung the club around and smashed it into Siege, knocking it backwards and reverting it back to ball form.

Flash: 60%
Neon: 0%
Royal: 44%
Heath: 46%

With one Siege down, Royal's Bakugan lost a lot of power. "Oh no!" He said, seeing the new score.

Siege+Siege: 920Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1420Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 890Gs

"Ability, Activate!" Flash yelled as Saurus glowed, "Haos Bulk-Up!" Leonidas and Serpenoid glowed. "Now, every Haos Bakugan gets an extra hundred Gs."

Siege+Siege: 920Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1420Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 1190Gs

"But now Saurus can't move," Nimue stated.

"Not that it matters," Bonnie said. "With the other Bakugan there to help."

"I gotta stop this," Royal panicked, He pulled out his cards, but couldn't decide which card to use. This allowed Flash and Heath to glance at one another and nod, then turned back to the battle.

"Double Ability!" They both cried as they held up the cards, "ACTIVATE!" The Serpenoid slithered forward and leapt at the knights before they could escape. "Viper Coil!" The two slammed into both Siege and wrapped around them, making them unable to move. Royal knew that Ability prevented him from using his Abilities. He then watched as Leonidas began to spin, whilst Wukong charged forward. "Plus, Fusion Ability!"

Leonidas morphed into the light drill, which had blue lightning sparking around it. "Alpha Hurricane!"

Meanwhile, Wukong created the ball of magma and thrust his fist into it, the ball reshaping into a magma knuckle. "Volcanic Impact!"

Siege+Siege: 920Gs
Wukong+Serpenoid+Warius: 1770Gs
Leonidas+Serpenoid+Saurus: 1540Gs

The two charged at the knights, Wukong pulling his fist back whilst Leonidas span faster and faster. And then, almost at the exact same time, they slammed their attacks into the Siege. Leonidas struck the Haos and Wukong struck Pyrus, the Serpenoid leaping to safety as their opponents were thrown backwards into the air.

"NOOOOO!" Royal yelled as his Siege returned to ball form, only to then hover in the air for a moment before shooting towards his opponents. Flash caught the Haos Siege and Heath caught the Pyrus one, whilst Royal Pin's points dropped.

Flash: 60% (Winners)
Neon: 0%
Royal: 0%
Heath: 46% (Winners)

"It's OVER!" The announcer cried as the other Bakugan returned to their owners whilst the field began to disappear. "Flash and Heath have claimed victory over their opponents. It was surely a nail-biting match!"

"Ahhh!" Neon cried, "not again!"

"Come on!" Royal turned to run off, "let's get out of here!" And they did, both rushing out of the battlefield before Flash or Heath could say anything. Both brawlers sighed in relief at the brawl's outcome, but also smiled as they looked down at their prizes. Now they each had their own Siege Bakugan of their favourite Attribute.

"Can't wait to use this bad boy," Flash smirked as the two of them headed out of the battlefield.

When they arrived back in the main foyer, Flash spotted Lyra and Bonnie rushing over to him. "Flash!" Lyra called out before turning to Heath, "where did you meet this guy? And how did he get a talking Bakugan?" As she asked this, Nimue leapt up onto her shoulder.

"Hello Wukong," she told the Pyrus Bakugan on Heath's shoulder.

"Nim-Nim!" Wukong cried, "long time no see."

Nimue sighed, "I do wish you'd stop calling me that. Anyway, what are you doing here? And how did you meet this boy?"

"Same way you did," Wukong replied. "One minute I'm in Vestroia, the next I'm waking up in Heath's hands." The girls had been expecting this, but hearing it didn't make it any more shocking.

The seven of them moved over to a nearby table and continued to talk about this. "This can't just be a coincidence," Lyra said. "Someone's totally gotta be sending these Bakugan for us for a reason."

"Maybe," Flash nodded, "but why? What makes us so special they would entrust us with Bakugan that can talk."

"Who knows," Heath told him. "But I bet it has something to do with that Phantom guy you were talking about earlier. Who is he?" The three humans explained him to Heath, who was surprised to heart this. "He's gotta talking Bakugan too?"

"And he seems to be after something," Flash told him before remembering that strange cube Phantom had. "But what and what do our Bakugan have to do with it?"

Leonidas turned to him. "Whatever it is, I doubt it's anything good. We need to find a way to stop him. And to do that, we'll need to get stronger." They all nodded in agreement, "and to get stronger we need to face off against more powerful opponents."

"Which is why we're planning to enter the tournament," Lyra mention.

"Yeah," Flash nodded. As he did so, he realised something and turned to Heath. "Hey, Heath, do you wanna join our team?" Heath hadn't been expecting this. "We've been looking for a Pyrus, Darkus and Ventus Brawler to join us and you're really good."

The girls nodded as Bonnie spoke up, "I think he'd be a good addition."

"I'm on board," Lyra agreed.

"Are you sure?" Heath asked, the three nodding again. Heath smirked. "Alright, I'm in." They smiled at this, happy they had another teammate to join them. Now they were just one or two Brawlers short.

"I can't wait to tell Derpy," Flash turned to the front desk and saw she wasn't there. "Hey...where is she?"

Up on the roof of the stadium, Phantom stood there after watching the battle.

"You're growing stronger," he told Flash. "But not strong enough. The next time we meet, I will take your Bakugan." And then took out the cube, "and maybe you can help me with that."

Author's Note

Heath joins the main cast and both he and Flash get a strong new Bakugan. Hope you enjoyed it and like the Bakugan I gave Heath.

For Wukong's ball form, look up Gorthion

Rainbooms Rock

The Bakugan Battle Tournament was now reaching its final phase, for now only six teams remained. The BakuFighters, who had been remaining at the top of the bracket since the earliest parts of the tournament, continued to stand above the rest with four members remaining to every other team's one or two.

One of those BakuFighters, Heath, was running as fast as he could through the City Battlefield. He and his partner, Wukong, were tracking the location of their teammate. "Hang on Bonnie," he told her as he continued to make his way through it.

"I hope she and Gaia can hang on long enough," Wukong gulped as they spotted the edge of the battlefield and saw the Canyon Field was on the other side of the divide.

Over in the BakuFighter's bunker, the rest of the BakuFighters and all the defeated Rainbooms watched as the TV showed Heath and Wukong enter the Canyon Field.

"It won't be long now," Flash sighed as Derpy changed the channel to show Bonnie standing atop a large rock in the field.

"I wish we could see where Twilight and Rainbow are," Pinkie frowned. Unfortunately, the screens only zeroed in on members of the team when it wasn't picking up a brawl. "I hate not knowing what they're doing."

"With so many teams eliminated," Lyra began to state. "There'll be a lot more open space. That means there's less chance of Brawlers running into one another and starting a battle. But it also means there's nothing getting in Twilight and Rainbow's way."

"How's Soarin doing?" Flash asked as Derpy turned the channel to him. He was still in the Ocean Zone, but he appeared to be making his way over to the Canyon Field as well. "Let's hope he can get there soon. That way all three of them can work together in the Brawl."

Over in the Canyon Field, Bonnie jumped down from the rock and began making he way towards the City Field. "I don't like this," she quivered at the open emptiness of the area. "I feel like they're gonna jump out at me or something."

"Just relax," Gaia told her. "Heath will be here shortly and when he is, we'll be a lot safer."

"Oh, you're far from safe!" A voice called out, making Bonnie jump and turn to see someone standing atop a nearby rock pile. That someone was Rainbow Dash, the leather wearing girls smirking at her with an evil glint. "Not while I'm around anyway."

Bonnie panicked and that fear doubled when another voice called out to her. "This is the day you lose Gaia and every reason to keep brawling." Twilight stepped out from behind another rock, pushing up her glasses and staring at the girl.

A beeping sound made Bonnie look down and see her worst fear was a reality.

Bonnie: 100%
Twilight: 100%
Rainbow: 100%

"We have to fight them both together?" She asked, looking horrified as Rainbow leapt down and landed besides Twilight.

"What's wrong?" She asked with a smirk, "scared?"

"Terrified," Bonnie gulped before taking a deep breath. "But I'm not backing down," she told them. "Not if it means bringing you guys back to your senses." She turned to Gaia, "ready?"

"Always," the Subterra Bakugan nodded.

"And once again, the BakuFighters and the Rainboom square off. Only this time, it'll be two against one in the Rainboom's favour."

"What?" Soarin asked as he activated his BakuColar and saw who was battling. "Oh no." He and Garuda picked up the pace, but soon found themselves stopping when a beeping caused him to look down and see he had just run into a Brawl.

"Over here!" He spun around and spotted a cream skinned girl with red hair, wearing a green dress and brown boots. "Woo!" She cried, flicking a Pyrus Bakugan into the air, "this is gonna be fun!"

Soarin sighed and took out a Gate Card. "Hold on Bonnie. I'll try and make this quick."

Inside their bunker, Bonnie friends were all having a panic attack. "She's battling them both!?" Applejack cried, "nah how's that fair!"

"It's not," Rarity frowned. "Which is exactly how they want it." As she said that, someone appeared at the door of the bunker and knocked. They all turned and gasped seeing Fluttershy, Lyra rushing over to let her in. "Darling!" Rarity rushed over and hugged her, "are you okay?"

"I think so," Fluttershy nodded. "Though...I'll be a lot better when I can change into some different clothes." The other Rainbooms nodded, understanding wholeheartedly. Fluttershy then noticed the battle about to take place. "Oh, Heath didn't make it in time."

"Yeah," Leonidas nodded as Fluttershy sat down and Lepusinge jumped onto the bench. "But Gaia's tough. It won't be easy for them to take her down, even if it's two on one."

"I hope you're right," Lepusinge told him. "Because I get the feeling those two together are gonna hit hard and fast." Still feeling strange about Lepusinge talking, they turned back to the screen as the battle began.

"Gate card!" Rainbow threw the card, "Set!" The field glowed green as the Gate Card filled the area, whilst the three girls rushed off through the field. Bonnie spotted a cluster of power-ups nearby and leapt up onto a large rock, but Twilight and Rainbow also saw it and did the same.

"BAKUGAN!" They all cried as they threw their Bakugan towards the cluster, "BRAWL!" The three Bakugan shot through the air and all reached the cluster together, hitting several before all slamming into one another and bouncing away. They hit the ground and rolled away from one another. "BAKUGAN!" They shot open, "STAND!" A burst of orange and purple light filled the air along with a tornado, the three Bakugan appearing with Gaia towering over her opponents.

Gaia: 550Gs
Terraspin: 530Gs
Spikenoid: 600Gs

"Twilight's Spikenoid has the power advantage, but will that be enough to overpower the giantess known as Subterra Gaia!"

"Ability!" Bonnie instantly held up her card, "Activate!" Gaia raised her colossal foot, "Earth Power!" She slammed it into the ground and caused a shockwave that knocked the other two Bakugan off balance.

Gaia: 550Gs
Terraspin: 330Gs
Spikenoid: 400Gs

As the two tried to regain their balance, Gaia rushed forward to try and kick the two before they could recover. But before she could. "Ability!" Twilight held up a card, "Activate!" It glowed as Spike's mouth filled with green flames, "Fire Burst!"

Gaia: 550Gs
Terraspin: 330Gs
Spikenoid: 600Gs

He shot the flames and they struck Gaia in the chest, making her hiss as she was knocked staggering back. As she did, Terraspin managed to leap into the air and start flying above her. "Nice trick!" He stated as Rainbow held up a pair of cards, "let me show you one of mine!"

"Double Ability!" They glowed, "Activate!" Terraspin unleashed a tornado, which struck Gaia and blew her backward a few inches. "Shell Tornado, plus Shell Saw!" Terraspin flew down and struck the giant, his spinning fins grinding into her.

Gaia: 450Gs
Terraspin: 530Gs
Spikenoid: 600Gs

Gaia cried out as she was sliced by the tortoise, but she managed to jump to the side and cause him to fly passed her. But not a second later, Spike rushed towards her with his claws glowing. "Raaah!" He slashed at her, Gaia barely able to block it with her shield. "Give up!"

"Never!" She cried as Bonnie held up a pair of cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" They glowed as Gaia felt her strength returning, "Oak Defender, plus Wood Slammer!" Shell Saw's effects cancelled out, allowing her to throw Spike away.

Gaia: 650Gs
Terraspin: 530Gs
Spikenoid: 600Gs

She then pulled her leg back before throwing it forward and slammed into Spikenoid, sending him flying backwards as he cried out in pain. Gaia smiled at this and turned back to Terraspin, who was flying towards her at mach speed. As she did, Rainbow cried out. "Gate Card, OPEN!" The field glowed before a powerful gust of wind filled it, "Ventus Reactor!"

Gaia: 650Gs
Terraspin: 730Gs
Spikenoid: 600Gs

Terraspin flew down and slammed into Gaia, knocking her back as Bonnie held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" It glowed along with Gaia. "Ultra Growth!"

Gaia: 850Gs
Terraspin: 730Gs
Spikenoid: 600Gs

Gaia regained her footing and then charged, throwing a fist that smashed into Terraspin before he could get away. He cried out as he was knocked into a rock-pile, crashing through it before sliding to the ground. Gaia smirked, but then heard Twilight call out. "Ability, Activate!" A green light made her look around to see Spike's spikes glowing, "Spiking Strike!" The lights shot off him and into the sky, flying down towards her.

Being so big, she wasn't able to dodge in time and three of them slammed into her. "Augh!"

Gaia: 700Gs
Terraspin: 730Gs
Spikenoid: 600Gs

She fought through the pain and charged at Spike, still strong enough to take him down. But then, Terraspin suddenly slammed into her and she was knocked staggering. "Gyah!" She cried, as Rainbow held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" It glowed as Terraspin leapt at her, retracting his appendages as he spun through the air. "Shell Spin!"

Gaia: 700Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs
Spikenoid: 600Gs

Gaia held up her shield, trying to defend herself with little success. The shell smashed into her and she was knocked off her feet, hitting the ground and causing it to shake. "Gaia!" Bonnie cried through the earthquake.

Her friends all flinched at this, whilst the Bakugan all frowned with Nimue saying what they were all thinking. "Whenever she focuses on one Bakugan, the other uses it to attack her blind spot."

"Yes," Cleopal agreed. "If it were normal Bakugan she were fighting, she would probably stand a chance. But against those two powerhouses, I'm afraid Gaia isn't going to be able to find an opening to attack." But as she said that, Flash noticed something on the screen that made him smile.

"Don't worry guys." They turned to him, "The scores are about to be evened."

"Alright!" Spike smirked as he cracked his knuckles, he and Terraspin moving over to finish Gaia off. But before he could.

"Bakugan!" A voice called out as a Pyrus Sphere flew onto the battlefield and hit several power-ups along the way, "BRAWL!" The Bakugan hit the ground and rolled close to Gaia, "Bakugan...STAND!" It burst into flames as a blazing ape appeared from them and threw a fist into Spike's face.

"RAAAH!" Wukong yelled as he clobbered Spike, making him cry out in pain as he staggered backwards.

Gaia: 700Gs
Wukong: 650Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs
Spikenoid: 600Gs

Bonnie and Gaia gasped seeing Wukong appear and get between the downed Bakugan and her opponents, Bonnie looking down at her BakuColar.

Heath: 100%
Bonnie: 100%
Twilight: 100%
Rainbow: 100%

"Bonnie!" She looked around and spotted Heath standing atop one of the rocks, panting after running and jumping a lot to get here. "Looks like I made it just in time."

"Intrusion Penalty!"

Heath suddenly found himself getting zapped, crying out as his life points were cut in half. He fell to the ground, smoking a little as his points changed.

Heath: 50%
Bonnie: 100%
Twilight: 100%
Rainbow: 100%

"Heath Burns, coming to his teammate's defence but earning himself a severe penalty in doing so."

"Ha!" Rainbow cried, "idiot. Wasting your own points to save your teammates."

"A very unwise strategy," Twilight pushed her glasses up. "You would have done better to wait until our points were slightly lower, since now you have become the team's weak link."

"Don't be so sure," Heath told her as he and Gaia stood up. "My points may be down, but now Wukong and I are here to even up the playing field."

"Thanks Heath," Bonnie smiled at her whilst Heath gave her a thumbs up.

"No problem. Now let's finish this and save our friends." She nodded and Heath took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed as Wukong started beating his chest, "Blazing Rhythm!" The flaming soundwaves struck the two and made them both flinch, their powers dropping.

Gaia: 700Gs
Wukong: 650Gs
Terraspin: 730Gs
Spikenoid: 500Gs

"Ability!" Bonnie cried as she held up a card, "Activate!" It glowed as Gaia's skirt grew, the vines shooting into the ground and popping up a few seconds later around their opponents. "Vine Trap!"

Gaia: 700Gs
Wukong: 650Gs
Terraspin: 630Gs
Spikenoid: 400Gs

The vines lifted both Bakugan into the air, as Wukong rushed forward ready to pound them both. But Twilight was ready. "Double Ability, Activate!" She held up a pair of cards that glowed, as Spike's scales began to sheen. "Scale-Mail, plus Tearing Claw!" The scales were able to rub the vines raw until they teared, allowing him to flash whilst slashing at Terraspin's vines and freeing him.

Gaia: 700Gs
Wukong: 650Gs
Terraspin: 730Gs
Spikenoid: 600Gs

But as they fell, Wukong leapt up and Heath held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" His clenched his fist as it ignited, "Fire Smasher!"

Gaia: 700Gs
Wukong: 850Gs
Terraspin: 730Gs
Spikenoid: 600Gs

Before Spike could react, Wukong slammed his fist up into his stomach. "AUGH!" He cried as he was thrown backwards, then reverted back to ball form as Twilight's life points dropped.

Heath: 50%
Bonnie: 100%
Twilight: 50%
Rainbow: 100%

"Twilight Sparkle is the first to lose a Bakugan. Now she'll have to wait until the end of the round to get back into the battle." Twilight frowned as she rushed over to grab Spike, whilst Wukong turn to Terraspin.

"Double Ability!" Rainbow held up her cards, "Activate!" As Wukong tried to throw a punch at him, Terraspin spun around. "Shell Guard!" His fist smashed into the shell, but the flames around it extinguished as the shell glowed.

Gaia: 700Gs
Wukong: 650Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs

"Plus, Shell Smash!" The light suddenly exploded off of Terraspin, creating a shockwave that knocked Wukong away.

Gaia: 700Gs
Wukong: 650Gs
Terraspin: 1130Gs

Terraspin then spun around and charged, ready to take Wukong down and knock Heath out of the contest. But before he could reach him, Gaia appeared between them. "Fusion Ability!" Bonnie held up a card, "Activate!" The card glowed along with the ground, which began to form trees made of green energy. "Spirit of the Forest!"

"It's not enough!" She cried as she held up her shield and blocked the attack, the energy flew into and powering her up. But not to the amount Terraspin had.

Gaia: 1050Gs
Wukong: 650Gs
Terraspin: 1130Gs

Before Bonnie could try and activate another ability, Terraspin pushed passed her defences. "Augh!" She cried as she was knocked off her feet, falling towards Wukong. But she reverted back to ball form before she could crush the ape, Bonnie calling out her name as her life points reverted.

Heath: 50%
Bonnie: 84%
Twilight: 50%
Rainbow: 100%

As Gaia's ball form fell to the ground, Wukong pushed himself up to his feet and charged. "Heath!" The teen nodded and held up three cards.

"Triple Ability, Activate!" The cards glowed as Wukong's exploded into fire, which spread around his fist as a ball of lava formed on it. "Blast Infernal, plus Eruption Force, plus Fusion Ability, Volcanic Impact!"

Wukong: 1250Gs
Terraspin: 1130Gs

"RAAAH!" Wukong cried as he leapt into the air and raised the lava ball high, then swung it downwards.

"WOW!" Terraspin cried as the ball slammed into him, Rainbow not reacting fast enough to try and save him. "GYAH!" He cried as he was thrust into the ground by the lava ball, which exploded and sent him flying as he reverted back to ball form.

Heath: 50%
Bonnie: 84%
Twilight: 50%
Rainbow: 76%

"With that, the BakuFighters take the first round of battle. Heath and Twilight share bottom rung with fifty percent of their remaining life gauge, whilst Bonnie is at the top with eighty four percent." Wukong returned to Heath as Rainbow picked up Terraspin. "But this match is far from over folks"

"He's right," Rarity nodded. "Those two won't make the same mistakes twice. And this time, Heath won't have the element of surprise on his side."

"Thing's might just get worst," Lyra agreed. "Especially if they have one of those Phantom Abilities that Fluttershy used." They all thought back to Heath's last battle, Fluttershy looking confused at the mention of her name along with the strange word Lyra mentioned.

"Phantom Ability?"

"It's a weird card you used on Heath," Pinkie told her. "It was really bad and a total cheating card." This made Fluttershy feel even worse, since she absolutely hated cheating. "Do you still have it?"

Fluttershy began looking through all her cards, but couldn't find this Phantom Ability anywhere. "It's gone."

"Strange," Rarity raised an eyebrow, "I wonder what could have happened." As they kept looking, Flash turned to Derpy.

"How's Soarin doing?" Derpy changed the channel for a moment to check, seeing Soarin was still in the Ocean Field Brawling with Garuda against the girl.

"Ability!" Soarin held up the card, "Activate!" It glowed as Garuda dived towards the Pyrus Manion, "Sky Burst!"

Garuda: 750Gs
Manion: 700Gs

But as Garuda got in close, the girl pointed to the ground. "Gate Card, Open!" The ground glowed and suddenly, there were several Manion surrounding the original. "Afterimage!"

"What?" Garuda asked as the many Manion began running around, making it impossible to find the real one. "No way!"

Garuda: 750Gs
Manion: 800Gs

The Manion flew up towards him and all attacked from different angles, Garuda trying to knock them all away with his wings. Then, all but one of them vanished as the girl held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The snake on Manion's head opened it mouth, "Amun-Re!" A burst of fire shot out of the snake and struck Garuda, making him cry out as he fell towards the ground.

Garuda: 750Gs
Manion: 900Gs

Garuda tried to correct himself, but he hit the water before he could and let out another cry of pain before reverting back to ball form and landed on a nearby island.

Soarin: 65%
Autumn: 78%

"Ahh!" Garuda moaned as he rushed over to get him. He hadn't thought much of this girl when the battle started, but now he knew underestimating her was a mistake. If he didn't end this Brawl quickly, his friends would be in trouble.

"Thanks for the save back then," Heath told Bonnie as she took out her Gate Card.

"Just returning to favour," she smiled before getting serious. "But we have to be careful. One wrong move and they'll pounce on us before we realise we made a wrong move."

"Yes," Gaia nodded, "just look at them." They did, seeing both Twilight and Rainbow glaring at the pair. As they did, a dark aura began to form around them. "The darkness that holds them won't let go so easily."

"Tell me about it," Wukong stated. "We barely managed to beat Fluttershy before. And I don't think these two are happy we freed their friends."

"All we can do is keep pushing," Bonnie stated as she threw the Gate Card. It hit the ground and exploded into an orange light, the four teens running off to find some power-ups. They spotted some, but they were located over a crack in the ground.

"Bakugan!" Twilight and Rainbow cried as they threw theirs, "BRAWL!" Spikenoid and Terraspin flew through the air and bounced off the ground right in front of the crack, shooting into the air and hitting the cluster as they opened. "Bakugan...STAND!" Opening up in midair, Spikenoid and Terraspin appeared with the tortoise taking to the air and Spikenoid landing on the other side of the gap.

Terraspin: 700Gs
Spikenoid: 630Gs

The two spotted several other power-ups a ways off and ran for them. "Bakugan!" They threw them, "BRAWL!" Wukong and Gaia shot through the air and struck the power-ups, both landing on the other side of the canyon. "Bakugan!" They popped open, "STAND!" In a flash of orange light and flames, the two took to the field and stared their opponents down.

Gaia: 600Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Terraspin: 630Gs
Spikenoid: 700Gs

The four all took out a card and held them up, "ABILITY...ACTIVATE!" Spikenoid and Terraspin prepared their attacks, turning to Gaia as Wukong charged forward. "Fire Burst/Shell Tornado!" But then, Gaia raised her large foot.

"Earth Power!" She smashed it into the ground, causing it to shake so much that Spike was knocked over and his flames shot into the air and struck Terraspin.

"Augh!" He cried as he was knocked to the ground, which as still shaking. This cancelled out their attacks, whilst Wukong leapt over the canyon as his fists ignited.

"Fire Smasher!"

Gaia: 600Gs
Wukong: 800Gs
Terraspin: 630Gs
Spikenoid: 700Gs

With a single swing, he smashed both fists into the Bakugan and made them both cry out as they were knocked back. He rushed forward, ready to punch Spike in the face. But this time, Twilight held up a card before he could. "Ability, Activate!" Spike's scales glowed as he crossed his arms, blocking the fists as they made contact and the flames vanished. "Scale-Mail!"

Gaia: 600Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Terraspin: 630Gs
Spikenoid: 800Gs

Spike then reached out and grabbed him by the arm, then spun around and swung Wukong around. "WOW!" He cried before he smashed into the grounds, causing it to shake. "Augh!" As he did, Terraspin took to the air and shot towards Gaia.

"Ability!" Bonnie held up a card, "Activate!" It glowed and Gaia swung her wooden shield around, "Wood Slammer!" But before it could hit Terraspin, Rainbow held up her own card.

"Ability, Activate!" It glowed as Terraspin spun around, "Shell Guard!" Gaia's shield slammed into his shell as it glowed, protecting him from the impact and cancelling Gaia's ability. At the same time, Heath held up his card.

"Ability, Activate!" Wukong, still on the ground, started banging his chest and unleashing flaming soundwaves. "Blazing Rhythm!" The soundwaves struck Terraspin and Spikenoid, making them flinch as their power was lowered.

Gaia: 600Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Terraspin: 530Gs
Spikenoid: 700Gs

Wukong took this moment to get back up, only for Spike to turn and charge. "You're not beating us that easily!" He cried as he slammed into Wukong, tackling him backwards until they slammed into a large rock.

"Wukong!" Heath cried, rushing towards him. As he did, Rainbow held up another Ability Card whilst Terraspin flew around Gaia.

"Ability, Activate!" The light around his shell glowed before shattering, "Shell Smash!"

Gaia: 600Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs
Spikenoid: 700Gs

The saw-like Bakugan flew around and smashed into Gaia several times, making her cry out as she was knocked staggering around. At the same time, Spike started slashing at Wukong as the monkey tried to pick himself up out of the rocks. "Gotta do something," Bonnie whispered before gasping. "That's it!" She pointed at the ground, "Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground began to glow as a crack appeared beneath Spike and he fell into it. "Land Pressure!" Another crack appeared near Gaia and she managed to use her shield to knock Terraspin into it.

Gaia: 600Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Terraspin: 630Gs
Spikenoid: 500Gs

As Spike tried to pull himself free, Wukong picked himself up and stood shakily. "Wow," he moaned, "head rush!" He looked down at Spike, who was still struggling. "Better make this quick!" Gaia was thinking the same thing, as Bonnie held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Gaia glowed as her power increased, "Ultra Growth!"

Gaia: 800Gs
Wukong: 600Gs
Terraspin: 630Gs
Spikenoid: 500Gs

She raised her foot to stomp on Terraspin, whilst Wukong prepared to punch him. But then, Twilight and Rainbow held up a card each. "Ability, Activate!" Both cards glowed along with their Bakugan. "Shell Saw/Spiking Strike!" Spike launched his glowing spikes and four of them struck Wukong in the chest, making him cry out as he was knocked staggering back. At the same time, Terraspin spun around to form a saw-like appearance that struck the bottom of Gaia's foot. It wasn't stopping her, but it was slowing her down a bit.

Gaia: 800Gs
Wukong: 400Gs
Terraspin: 730Gs
Spikenoid: 500Gs

Spike finally managed to pull himself out of the crack, whilst Rainbow took out another card. "Ability, Activate!" Wukong, still reeling from the Spiking Strike hitting him, suddenly found himself glowing and the light flying into Terraspin. "Co-Side!"

Gaia: 800Gs
Wukong: 400Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs
Spikenoid: 500Gs

The increase in power was just what Terraspin needed to knock Gaia off of him, the Ventus Bakugan leaping into the air and flying towards Gaia. But then Bonnie held up another card. "Ability, Activate!" Gaia held up her shield, "Oak Defender!" The shield absorbed the impact, Gaia sliding back a few inches as Co-Side was negated.

Gaia: 800Gs
Wukong: 400Gs
Terraspin: 730Gs
Spikenoid: 500Gs

Gaia was trapped, unable to stop Terraspin as he continued to grind against her shield. At the same time, Spike stood tall and growled at Wukong as his spike faded form the monkey. "Ability," Heath held up a card, "Activate!" Wukong formed the lava sphere in his hands and thrust it in Spike's direction, "Eruption Force!"

Gaia: 800Gs
Wukong: 550Gs
Terraspin: 730Gs
Spikenoid: 500Gs

But before it could reach him, Spike leapt out of the way. As he did, both Twilight and Bonnie held up a card. "Fusion Ability, Activate!" Bonnie cried, as the ground around Gaia formed large energy trees that quickly flew into her. "Spirit of the Forest!"

Gaia: 1150Gs
Wukong: 550Gs
Terraspin: 730Gs
Spikenoid: 500Gs

This allowed her to throw Terraspin away, the Ventus Bakugan crying out as he went flying. But as he did, Twilight got an idea. "Spike, go for Gaia!" Spike nodded and rushed away from Wukong, running towards the Subterra Bakugan as Twilight held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with Spike's spikes, turning purple. And before Gaia could realise what was happening, he was leaping at her. "Dark Spikes!" Gaia spun in his direction, only to cry out when the spikes were impaled into her.

"Give me your power," Spike smirked as her energy was drained into him.

Gaia: 575Gs
Wukong: 550Gs
Terraspin: 730Gs
Spikenoid: 1075Gs

"Gyah!" Gaia did her best and managed to push Spike off of her, staggering back but feeling woozy. And just as she was trying to correct herself, Bonnie called out to her.

"Gaia, behind you!" She quickly looked around and spotted Terraspin flying towards her, the reptilian Bakugan smashing into her before she could escape.

"AUGH!" She cried as she was knocked off her feet and reverted back to ball form, Bonnie rushing over to catch her as her life points went down.

Heath: 50%
Bonnie: 51%
Twilight: 50%
Rainbow: 76%

"That's not good," Wukong gulped as Spike and Terraspin turned to him. "Heath!" He put up his dukes as Spike charged, Heath holding up a pair of cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" A circle of fire appeared around him, which Spike had to skid to a halt to avoid running into. "Firewall!"

Wukong: 550Gs
Terraspin: 730Gs
Spikenoid: 500Gs

"Plus, Fusion Ability, Volcanic Impact!" He then created a sphere of lava and thrust his fist into it

Wukong: 850Gs
Terraspin: 730Gs
Spikenoid: 500Gs

He leapt out of the fire circle and prepared to smash the sphere into Spike, but as he did Terraspin flew in and smashed into him. "Gyah!" He was taken by surprise, but managed to regain his footing and push back against Terraspin as he prepared to smash into him.

But as he was about too, Twilight spotted something that had fallen out of the rubble Wukong had been knocked into before. A surprise card.

As Wukong pushed Terraspin away from him, Twilight ran over and managed to grab it. As she did, it exploded and shot over to Wukong. "What?" He asked when the energy surrounded him, then flew off him and into Spike. "Augh!" He cried, feeling his power drain away as his Eruption Force vanished.

Wukong: 650Gs
Terraspin: 730Gs
Spikenoid: 700Gs

"Wow. Wukong had the advantage but the Surprise Card, Vampiric, stole it away."

As Wukong felt dizzy after the energy drain, Terraspin shot towards him and smashed into him before he or Heath could stop him. "Raaah!" He cried as he was knocked off his feet and sent flying, returning to ball form as Heath's points dropped.

Heath: 34%
Bonnie: 51%
Twilight: 50%
Rainbow: 76%

"With that, the Rainbooms take the lead in this brawl. Now Rainbow is the highest scorer and if they get another round like that, she'll stay it until the end."

The Rainboom's Bakugan returned to their partners. "Oh yeah!" Rainbow smirked, but noticed Twilight frowning. "What?"

"You should have let me beat Bonnie," Twilight stated harshly. "I was five hundred points ahead. I would have beaten her and taken her Bakugan."

"Whatever," Rainbow rolled her eyes, "just be five hundred points ahead next time." Twilight was glaring at her, which didn't go unnoticed.

"Oh," Fluttershy shivered, "I don't like this. Rainbow and Twilight were never hostile towards one another like this."

"Guess we're not the only ones their new personalities made them against," Flash frowned as the brawl continued. Twilight took out her Gate Card and glanced over at Rainbow.

"This time, follow my lead!" She threw it, the energy field forming as the four brawlers rushed off to find some power ups. And they did so, all notice a large number of them a ways off and running as hard as they could to get to them.

The four were all even, though Rainbow quickly began to get ahead. As so, she was the first one to reach a large rock that was in good range of the cluster. The prism haired girl quickly leapt up onto the rock and jumped off it, "Bakugan!" She threw it, "BRAWL!" Terraspin shot through the air and managed to hit the cluster, getting a good number of the power-ups before hitting the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" The ball shot open and exploded into a tornado, which Terraspin shot out of and flew into the sky.

"Alright!" He cheered as the power-ups kicked in.

Terraspin: 780Gs

As Rainbow landed, the other three reached the rock and leapt into the air. "BAKUGAN!" They all threw their partners, "BRAWL!" And they shot through the air, hitting the Power-ups before landing on the ground and rolling. "BAKUGAN!" They popped open and glowed, "STAND!" In a burst of purple and orange light, along with flames, the three remaining Bakugan stood tall for what could be the final battle.

Gaia: 650Gs
Wukong: 650Gs
Terraspin: 780Gs
Spikenoid: 650Gs

Rainbow was the first to make a move and took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" Terraspin shot towards Wukong, "Shell Saw!" The attack struck Wukong and he cried out as the blade-like spinning appendages ground into him.

Gaia: 650Gs
Wukong: 550Gs
Terraspin: 780Gs
Spikenoid: 650Gs

"Ahhh," Heath cried as he took out a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" The fire circle appeared around Wukong, which made Terraspin begin to sweat and allow Wukong to push him away. "Fire Wall!" Wukong's fist then exploded into flames, "Plus Fire Smasher!"

Gaia: 650Gs
Wukong: 850Gs
Terraspin: 780Gs
Spikenoid: 650Gs

Wukong leapt out of the fire circle and threw his fist towards Terraspin, only for the turtle to spin around before he could. "Ability," Rainbow held up a card, "Activate!" Terraspin's shell glowed, "Shell Guard!"

Gaia: 650Gs
Wukong: 650Gs
Terraspin: 780Gs
Spikenoid: 650Gs

Wukong punched the shell, but the flames around his fists extinguished and he hissed in pain. As he did, Spike rushed forward as Twilight held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" His claws glowed as he got closer to the ape, "Tearing Claw!"

Gaia: 650Gs
Wukong: 650Gs
Terraspin: 780Gs
Spikenoid: 750Gs

He leapt at Wukong, but before he could the ground exploded beneath him and Terraspin before a bunch of vines shot out and grabbed them. "Augh!" They both cried, struggling against their bonds. They then turned to Gaia, whose skirt was extended and digging into the ground.

"Ability, Activate!" Bonnie smirked, "Vine Trap!"

Gaia: 650Gs
Wukong: 650Gs
Terraspin: 680Gs
Spikenoid: 650Gs

"Now Heath!" Bonnie cried, her partner nodding and taking out a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Wukong started beating his chest, "Blazing Rhythm!" The flaming shockwaves flew out and struck the pair, making them flinch as their power dropped even more.

Gaia: 650Gs
Wukong: 650Gs
Terraspin: 580Gs
Spikenoid: 550Gs

Rainbow and Twilight shielded their ears from the sound, both growling at the pair. "Enough of this!" Twilight held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Spike's mouth filled with green flames, "Fire Burst!" He unleashed the flamethrower, which burnt away the vines around him. As he fell, he launched another fire stream and struck Gaia.

Gaia: 650Gs
Wukong: 650Gs
Terraspin: 580Gs
Spikenoid: 750Gs

"Augh!" Gaia cried as she tried to protect herself from the flames, with Bonnie taking out a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Gaia raised her shield and began to block the fire, "Oak Defender!" The flames began to sputter out, Spike's ability being cancelled.

Gaia: 650Gs
Wukong: 650Gs
Terraspin: 580Gs
Spikenoid: 550Gs

But as she did, Rainbow held up her card. "Ability, Activate!" Terraspin flew towards Wukong, pulling his limbs in as he did. "Shell Spin!"

Gaia: 650Gs
Wukong: 650Gs
Terraspin: 680Gs
Spikenoid: 550Gs

The spinning shell smashed into Wukong, but he managed to grab it in his hands despite flinching. "Ability!" Heath held up a card, "Activate!" Wukong's hair exploded, "Blast Infernal!" The flames wrapped themselves around Terraspin, burning him heavily.

Gaia: 650Gs
Wukong: 800Gs
Terraspin: 680Gs
Spikenoid: 550Gs

With that, Wukong swung Terraspin around and eventually let the tortoise go. He was sent flying out of control, straight towards Spikenoid. "Look out!" Rainbow told Twilight, but it was too late. Terraspin crashed into Spike and knocked him over, the pair crying out as the flames that still wrapped around Terraspin spread.

"Get off!" Spike cried, as Twilight shot Rainbow a glare.

Rainbow frowned back as Wukong and Gaia rushed over to one another. "We've got'em on the ropes," the ape cried. "Let's finish them off!"

"I'm right with yeah!" Heath cried as he held up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Wukong charged as he formed the sphere of lava, which he thrust his fist into as he rushed forward. "Eruption Force, plus Fusion Ability, Volcanic Impact!"

Gaia: 650Gs
Wukong: 1250Gs
Terraspin: 680Gs
Spikenoid: 550Gs

As he got in close, Spike and Terraspin finally got up as the flames faded. They saw the attack coming and their partners were about to activate their abilities, but Bonnie was faster. "Ability, Activate!" It glowed and Gaia stopped on the ground, "Earth Power!" The shaking ground knocked them both off balance, whilst Wukong didn't even seem to notice.

Gaia: 650Gs
Wukong: 1250Gs
Terraspin: 480Gs
Spikenoid: 350Gs

Wukong rushed up to Spikenoid, ready to end this and free the Bakugan. But as he got in close, Spike leapt to the side and barely avoided the lava punch. "Ability," Twilight held up her card, "Activate!" Spikenoid's spikes glowed purple and he quickly thrust them into Wukong's chest, the ape's eyes going wide in pain.

"AUGH!" He cried as his power was drained away.

Gaia: 650Gs
Wukong: 625Gs
Terraspin: 480Gs
Spikenoid: 975Gs

As Wukong was knocked backwards, Terraspin took to the air as Rainbow held up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" He leapt into the sky, as the glow surrounding his body exploded off of him and he began spinning his limbs around. "Shell Smash, plus Shell Tornado!"

Gaia: 650Gs
Wukong: 625Gs
Terraspin: 980Gs
Spikenoid: 975Gs

Terraspin unleashed a tornado, which struck Wukong and blasted him backwards. "WOW!" He cried as he flew through the air, then fell towards one of the canyons where he would likely get stuck.

"Hold on!" Gaia cried, running forward as fast as he colossal body and reaching the edge of the canyon just as Wukong was about to fall in. "Got you!" She cried, grabbing him by the foot.

"Wow," Wukong sighed, "thanks!" She pulled him up, "that was close." Gaia nodded and they turned back to their opponents, who smirked as Twilight and Rainbow leapt up onto a pair of nearby rocks.

"Let's end this!" Twilight announced, as a dark aura began to glow around her. "It's time to show just how strong we really are." She pointed at the ground. "Phantom Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground glowed, that light flowing towards the Bakugan and enshrouding them. "Power Lock!"

"Phantom Gate Card?" Bonnie asked, Heath gasping.

"It must be like that Phantom Ability Fluttershy used," he determined. He looked over at Spike and Terraspin, both beginning to flinch and moan in pain. "It's hurting them." They then turned to their Bakugan, but found they were perfectly fine. "Huh?" Bonnie looked at her BakuColar, seeing their Bakugan's scores.

Gaia: 650Gs
Wukong: 625Gs
Terraspin: 1080Gs
Spikenoid: 1075Gs

"Terraspin and Wukong are almost five hundred point apart!" She cried, as she took out a card. "I have to stop this. Ability, Activate!" The card glowed, "Wood Slammer!" Gaia could feel the power of the Ability flowing through her, but for some reason she didn't feel any stronger.

"Something's wrong," she announced. "Bonnie, what's my power level?" Bonnie checked and let out a gasp.

Gaia: 650Gs
Wukong: 625Gs
Terraspin: 1080Gs
Spikenoid: 1075Gs

"It didn't change?" She asked in horror, "what's going on?"

"Oh yeah!" Spike chuckled and shined an evil grin, then charged forward. "This is gonna be fun!" He leapt over the canyon and slashed at Wukong, the Pyrus Bakugan crying out as he was knocked backwards.

"Wukong!" Heath cried as Terraspin took to the air and shot towards Gaia, the teen taking out a card. "Ability, Activate!" The card glowed along with Terraspin and Wukong, "Co-Side!" But nothing happened. Heath looked down at his BakuColar and found, just like with Gaia, Wukong's power remained as it was. "What's happening." It was then he realised what was causing this, "The Phantom Gate Card."

"That's right," Twilight smiled. "Power Lock. With it, the G Power of every Bakugan on the field is locked and can't change, no matter how many Abilities you activate."

"For how long?" Bonnie asked, whilst Spike swung around and smashed his tail into Gaia.

"For the rest of the round," Twilight explained as Gaia fell to the ground. "This Gate Card will remain until only one team remains in the match. Only then, will it fade." Bonnie and Heath's eyes went wide, as they realised there was no way to help their Bakugan.

"Gyah!" Wukong cried as he was knocked to the ground by another tornado, with Terraspin flying towards him. "Heath!" He pushed himself up and crossed his arms, Terraspin slamming into him. "You gotta find a way to stop this!"

"I know!" Heath told him as Wukong was overpowered and knocked over, "but how am I supposed to change your G Power with this...WAIT!" Heath pulled out another Bakugan. "I can't increase your power, but I can add another Bakugan's power to it. Bakugan!" He threw it, "BRAWL!" The Bakugan hit the ground and rolled...then stopped. "What?"

"Bakugan!" Bonnie threw hers, "BRAWL!" Like Heath's, the Bakugan hit the ground and rolled for a while, then came to a stop. "What's happening?"

"Power Lock!" Twilight smiled. "It also prevents other Bakugan from being thrown into the battle." As Gaia picked herself up, Spike slammed into her again and knocked her back to the ground before jumping on her chest. "Face it!" She told them, "you can't win!" Spike slashed at Gaia and every time she tried to defend herself, she would just be knocked down once again.

"Stop it!" Bonnie cried, Wukong pushing himself to his feet and trying to charge to Gaia's aid. But before he could, Terraspin smashed into him once again. "STOP IT!" Bonnie screamed, as Heath looked around. And as he did, he spotted something. A glow.

"A Surprise Card!" he rushed towards it, "it's might be our only hope." The light was coming from a nearby canyon, whilst Twilight frowned.

"I don't know if the Surprise Card can override the Phantom Gate Card's effects."

"Leave it to me!" Rainbow cried as she leapt off the rock and started running towards the canyon. She and Heath reached it at about the same time, both leaping into it as Wukong leapt away from Terraspin and Gaia grabbed Spike by the tail and threw him off.

The two fell into the canyon and grabbed onto a bunch of vines that were growing out of the side. They spotted the Surprise Card a few feet down on a ledge and abseiled as fast as they could, though Rainbow was a lot faster. Seeing no other option, Heath released the vine and fell passed Rainbow.

"HEY!" She cried, as Heath fell further and further. Eventually, his top half slammed into the ledge.

"Augh!" He cried at the impact and almost fell off. But he managed to claw into the edge and keep himself up. He reached for the Surprise Card and groaned, trying to grab hold of it whilst Rainbow got closer. As she got in reach of the card, he threw himself forward and his fingers grasped it. "YES!" He cheered, only for his smile to fade when the card turned red. "No." He suddenly felt a blinding pain fly through him, making him cry out as his life gauge dropped.

Heath: 24%
Bonnie: 51%
Twilight: 50%
Rainbow: 76%

"OW! Heath tried to turn the tides with a Surprise Card, but it ended up taking away ten percent of his life points." Bonnie, hearing this, felt her heart break. As she did, Spike unleashed a burst of fire that overwhelmed Gaia as she tried to protect herself.

"AHHH!" She cried, whilst Terraspin shot forward. Wukong tried to punch him, but the tortoise spun out of the way before smashing into his chest.

"GYAH!" He and Gaia both fell back, the two beginning to glow. "Sorry Heath," he moaned as they both reverted back to ball form and fell to the ground. Bonnie's head slumped downwards, as both her and Heath's life gauges dropped.

Heath: 0%
Bonnie: 0%
Twilight: 50% (Winner)
Rainbow: 76% (Winner)

Those watching were completely silent, unable to believe what they had just seen. "It's over folks," the announcer exclaimed as Bonnie fell to her knees. "The Rainbooms, Twilight and Rainbow, are victorious in this here battle. They will be continuing as Heath and Bonnie are forced to return to their bunker."

"I can't believe it," Lyra whispered.

"That Gate Card is absolutely too powerful," Rarity stated. "How on earth is it legal." Nobody knew how to answer that, as they continued to watch the TV and see Heath and Rainbow pick themselves up whilst the Rainboom's Bakugan returned to them.

Flash frowned and got up, "Leo."

"Yeah." Leonidas leapt onto his shoulder and they turned to the exit, both ready to battle once again. They headed for the door and as they did, Derpy stood up.

"Be careful," she told him. Flash stopped and turned to her. "You saw what just happened. Twilight and Rainbow aren't going to play this for fun. They want to take you down and take Leonidas away. And you saw the power they were given to do that."

Flash nodded, "I know. But I can't run scared," he told her. "Twilight and Rainbow aren't themselves now and the only way to save them, is too beat them. If I have to fight them to get the real them back, then I'm willing to risk everything."

"So am I," Leonidas nodded. "I'm not going to run and hide whilst my friends are in danger. That would go against everything I've learned since coming here." He turned to Flash, "let's go." Flash nodded and he gave Derpy a smiled, holding up his fist. Derpy smiled and pounded it, the two smiling as Flash glanced at the others. they all smiled and nodded, knowing he would do whatever it took to bring them back.

With that, the pair headed out the bunker and into the battlefield. "Hold on girls," he told them as he marched through the forest. "I'm coming to save you."

Twilight watched as Bonnie picked Wukong up, right as Heath pulled himself up out of the canyon. Rainbow had already pulled herself out and the two joined up.

"Now there's only two," the rainbow haired girl smirked. But then she noticed Twilight's frown, "what?"

"We miscalculated," Twilight explained. "If we had been just a hundred or more points ahead of them, we would have taken their Bakugan from them."

"Well there's nothing we can do now," Rainbow told her. "You need to lighten up a bit." Twilight glared at her, "I'm out of here." She headed off towards the Ocean Field. "Later." Twilight watched her leave and turned back to her defeated opponents, then walked off.

"She's right. What matters now is focusing on the next battle. We still have the two strongest Bakugan to defeat and win." She glanced over at the retreating Rainbow and saw she was likely heading towards one of those Bakugan, whilst she would focus on the other one.

Soarin and Garuda both panted as their opponents stared them down, the girl smiling as her Manion flew forward. As she did, she held up three cards.

"Triple Ability, Activate!" The beast roared as the snake unleashed a burst of fire, "Amun-Re, plus Fire Pounce, plus Inferno Viper!" The snake's fire increased its power as it struck Garuda, making him cry out whilst Manion held up its paws as they burst into flames.

Garuda: 850Gs
Manion: 1050Gs

Manion slammed both paws into Garuda and pushed him towards the ground, the two slamming into an island as the bird cried out in pain. "Soarin!" He yelled, "do something!" Soarin nodded, knowing that if Garuda fell they would be out of the contest.

"Okay!" He pointed to the ground, "Gate Card, Open!" The ground glowed and unleashed a powerful wind, that knocked Manion off of Garuda and caused the flames to go out. "Ventus Saver!" Garuda's injuries vanished, as Manion's power dropped.

Garuda: 850Gs
Manion: 700Gs

"DO IT!" Soarin cried, Garuda letting out a loud bird squawk as he shot forward and slashed away at Manion with his claws. The sphinx roared as it reverted back to ball form, falling into the water as its partner's power dropped.

Soarin: 15% (Winner)
Autumn: 0%

Soarin sighed as Garuda flew towards him, the teen feeling exhausted from that battle. "That was way too close."

"Yes," Garuda nodded. "But we won."

"Not fast enough to save our friends though," Soarin looked at his BakuColar and saw only he and Flash were left. "No more time to waste!" He rushed towards the Canyon Field, hoping that at least one of the Rainbooms was there. The Bakugan Battle Tournament was almost in it final stage. Soon the winner would be revealed.

Would it be the Rainbooms...or the BakuFighters? Only time will tell.

Author's Note

Now it's all evened up. How will the remaining battles of the tournament turn out? Only time will tell.

Hunted

The Bakugan Battle Stadium had just gotten three new members. Flash, Rainbow, Rarity and Applejack smiled as they watched Sweetie and Applebloom buying their first Bakugan. Hopefully, it'd be the first of many.

Meanwhile, Scootaloo was sitting at a table looking over the Bakugan she had just gotten from her brother. "Ventus Struthion." She smiled as she looked it over. For some reason, despite it being a flightless Ventus Bakugan, she felt like it was gonna fit her perfectly.

"Looks like you're already enjoying yourself," Flash told her as he and the girls stepped over to the table.

"Heck yeah I am," she nodded before turning to the others. "What Bakugan did you guys get?" The girls showed her them, with Sweetie holding out a Haos Bakugan and Applebloom a Subterra.

"Mine's called Sirenoid," Sweetie smirked.

"And this one's Aerogan." Sweetie took a closer look at them, seeing that Sweetie's appeared to look like a humanoid with a tail and Applebloom's appeared to be some kind of sentai character. They each sat down as they took out the cards they had gotten when they all registered, each one trying to figure out what did what.

As they did, Derpy arrived. When Flash saw her, he noticed a conflicted look on her face. "Hey," he waved her over, "you okay? You look like someone just asked you to win a soccer game for them or something."

"I'm fine," she told him. "Just...had a long morning." She turned to Scootaloo and smiled before noticing her Bakugan, "are you going to be starting your own Bakugan career?"

Scootaloo nodded, "yup. And one day, I'm gonna be good enough to beat my brother."

Flash laughed at this, "dream on kid. You might get good, but Leo and I are the ultimate team." Scootaloo pouted at him whilst Derpy patted Scootaloo on the shoulder.

"I don't know," she told him. "You didn't start that long ago. Maybe your sister has the same talent you do." Scootaloo smiled at this, "but the only way to know for sure is to have a battle."

"We wanna battle too," Applebloom cried with Sweetie nodding. "But who do we brawl?"

"Why not each other," Fenroar suggested. "Have a threeway brawl. At least then you'll know your facing an opponent that's equal." The girls all liked the sound of that and nodded, only for Rarity's phone to then go off.

"Huh," she took it out and suddenly looked concerned. "Oh dear." They turned to her, Rarity looking back. "A fabric order I've been waiting for just arrived. But if I don't get going now, it'll be closed and I'll have to wait to collect it." She turned to Sweetie. "Sorry darling. I guess we'll have to wait another day for your first brawl." Sweetie looked upset, clearly unhappy she had to leave.

But before Sweetie could argue, Applejack placed a hand on her shoulder. "Hang on, Rare. Sweetie can stay. Applebloom and I'll take her home for ya'h. Ya'h don't live to far from us."

"Are you sure?" Rarity asked, with Applejack nodding. "Okay then." She turned to Sweetie, "I'll wanna hear all about your first Brawl later." Sweetie nodded before Rarity ran off, out of the stadium towards the store she was aiming for. Sweetie then turned to the other two.

"Ready to brawl?" She asked, the girls nodding.

Meanwhile, in an Animal Shelter located in Cloudsdale, Fluttershy and Lepusinge were happily helping the animals that lived there feel loved.

"There you go," she told the dog she had just bathed. "All nice and clean." She took the dog out and placed him back on the ground, the poach shaking the water off of him. "Now you go off and play nice with the others." The dog barked and ran off, whilst another dog ran into the room in order to get washed. "You next. Okay." She lifted the pup into the tub as Lepusinge jumped up whilst standing on a soap dispenser, pushing the plunger down to squeeze the liquid onto Fluttershy's hand. "Thanks."

"No problem," he told her. He might not have had much enjoyment doing this, but he knew helping animals feel loved made Fluttershy feel happy. And as long as she was happy, then so was he.

They washed the pup up and dried him off, finishing by putting a bow on its head. "There you are. Don't you look precious." The dog barked and she put it down, the poach running out to play with the others. "Who's next?" But no animals appeared, making Fluttershy wonder what was going on. Then she heard growling and knew something was up, the girl rushing out with Lepusinge following. And when she stepped into the main room, she spotted someone who made her heart stop with fear. "Phantom."

"Hello Fluttershy," the shades wearing teen smirked as he looked her over. "Shame you chose to go back to your old style. I much preferred the clothes you wore in my employ." Fluttershy's arms shifted to try and cover herself, the girl still feeling uncomfortable remembering what she wore when he controlled her.

"What are you doing here?" Lepusinge asked as he leapt onto her shoulder.

"We're here for you," Ragnaroid did the same. "We've come to defeat you."

"That...what won't happen," Fluttershy told him. "I won't battle you."

"I figured you would be too scared," Phantom smirked before taking out another Bakugan. "Good thing I have this." Fluttershy looked at the Aquos Bakugan and realised who it was.

"Gummy." She grew serious, "what did you do to Pinkie?"

"Defeated her. And if you ever want to see her happily holding this little guy again, you'll battle me." It wasn't easy to get Fluttershy angry, but this had done it.

"Lepusinge."

"Let's do this," the Pyrus Bakugan cried as she and Phantom held up their BakuColars.

"Bakugan!" They yelled as the screens lit up, "Field...OPEN!" In a flash of light, the pair of them were inside the portable battlefield. Only this wasn't like the others, instead looking like the Doom Dimension. Fluttershy felt a dark feeling run down her spin, as Phantom held up a card. "Gate Card!" Phantom threw the card down, "SET!" When it exploded, both he and Fluttershy began to run. Fluttershy was the first to find a batch of power-ups and leapt into the air.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" The Pyrus Brawler tossed her partner through them before he hit the ground rolling, "Bakugan...STAND!" He popped opened before bursting into flames, "Pyrus Lepusinge!"

"RAH!" Lepusinge cried as he exploded from the flames, kicking the air as the power-ups kicked in.

Lepusinge. 640Gs

Phantom chuckled and leapt up. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" Ragnaroid shot through the air and hit several power-ups as well before landing, "Bakugan...STAND!" He opened up and the dark light exploded out of him, taking shape before fading to reveal the evil Bakugan.

"Yum," he licked his lips as his body unfurled, "I love rabbit." Lepusinge glared at him as the power-ups kicked in.

Lepusinge: 640Gs
Ragnaroid: 750Gs

"Ability!" Fluttershy held up a card, "Activate!" Lepusinge began to run forward, his feet bursting into flames, "Blazing Kick!" As Lepusinge got close, he leapt forward and swung his flaming foot around.

Lepusinge: 840Gs
Ragnaroid: 750Gs

The rabbit's foot smashed into Ragnaroid, who used his claws to shield himself before swinging his tail around and wrapped it around Lepusinge's waist. At the same time, Phantom held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid squeezed him tighter, "Viper Coil!"

Lepusinge: 740Gs
Ragnaroid: 850Gs

"Ahhh!" Lepusinge hissed as he felt his body getting crushed within Ragnaroid's grip. "Flutter...shy."

"I'm on it!" Fluttershy took out a card. "Ability, Activate!" Lepusinge's ears began to smoke, "Flaming Slap!" He started smacking his ears onto Ragnaroid's tail, causing tiny explosions with every hit. Ragnaroid flinched at this and his grip slackened as his G Power dropped.

Lepusinge: 740Gs
Ragnaroid: 600Gs

"How'd you like that!" Lepusinge pulled himself out of Ragnaroid's grip and leapt into the air. But as he did, Phantom pointed to the ground.

"Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground glowed before unleashing a dark light, "Darkus Reactor!"

Lepusinge: 740Gs
Ragnaroid: 800Gs

"And now!" Phantom took out a card, "Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid's eye began to glow, "Dark Light!" The eye unleashed a laser that struck Lepusinge in the chest, making him cry out as he was knocked backwards.

Lepusinge: 740Gs
Ragnaroid: 1000Gs

"Lepusinge!" Fluttershy cried before holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" As Ragnaroid slithered over to attack him with his scorpion tail, Lepusinge rolled back to his feet. "Flare Jump!"

Lepusinge leapt upwards, Ragnaroid's stinger hitting the ground instead.

Lepusinge: 890Gs
Ragnaroid: 1000Gs

"YEAH!" He cheered, only for Phantom to hold up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" He opened his claws to reveal the eyes, which began to glow purple. "Dark Gaze!" The eyes unleashed the light and pointed them upwards, hitting Lepusinge head on. "Augh!" he cried, freezing up as he fell to the ground and crashed.

"No," he moaned as Fluttershy gasped.

Lepusinge: 790Gs
Ragnaroid: 1000Gs

"Lepusinge!" Fluttershy cried, trying to think of a way to save him. She reached for another Bakugan, but Phantom took out another card before she could.

"Say goodbye to your little friend," he told her as held it up. "Fusion Ability...Activate!"

"No," Fluttershy's eyes filled with tears, as the card began to glow. "Please don't do this!"

"Eye of Darkness!" Ragnaroid brought both of his claws together, as the purple light it was producing turned pitch black.

"LEPUSINGE!" The wave of darkness exploded off of Ragnaroid and shot throughout the battlefield, slamming into the rabbit Bakugan and knocking him backwards.

Lepusinge: 490Gs
Ragnaroid: 1000Gs

"AUGH!" He cried, smashing into the ground and causing Fluttershy to be sent flying backwards as her life gauge dropped to zero.

The light from the battlefield faded and time resumed, only now Fluttershy was laid out on the ground with her clothes torn and her body battered and bruised.

The animals rushed around her, trying to get her to walk up. But she remained unconscious as they turned to Phantom, the teen chuckling as he looked his new Pyrus Bakugan over. Before the animals could growl or attack, he stepped out of the shelter ready to find his next target.

Flash, Applejack, Derpy and Rainbow were staring down at the battlefield as the girls stepped up onto it. The announcer had debuted them and the girls all smiled but also looked nervous.

The battlefield activated and suddenly, the girls were in an open field with clouds that they could run around on. "Go for it Scoot!"

"Ya'h got this Applebloom!" Applejack cried.

"You can do it Sweetie!" Derpy cried, wanting to help support the girl since her sister wasn't there. The girls all smiled as Scootaloo took out a card and threw it towards the ground.

"Bakugan!" They all threw them together, "BRAWL!" The Bakugan hit the ground and rolled for several seconds before opening up. "Bakugan...STAND!" Strangely, Applebloom's Bakugan shot into the air when it opened before they were all consumed by wind or orange and yellow light.

Struthion appeared from the wind, spreading its wings and squawking whilst the other Bakugan appeared. Sweetie's was a white mermaid that had a mask covering its nose and mouth, along with a golden crown and gold hair. It was carrying a large golden staff with a harp on the end, whilst her tail had gold in the fins. Applebloom's Bakugan flew down from the sky, it being a humanoid wearing a blue suit under orange armor with brown trim. Its head was covered in a helmet with a blue visor, whilst its chest had a blue energy core within it.

Sirenoid: 370Gs
Aerogan: 360Gs
Struthion: 350Gs

The three Bakugan stared each other down, ready to give this battle everything they had.

Over at the city's best fabric store, Rarity and Cleopal stepped out with the fabrics they had bought neatly stored inside a shopping bag. "I'm so glad they managed to get this particular colour," she smiled as she looked inside the bag.

"Yes," Cleopal nodded. "That'll go well with the dress you're making. I'm sure you'll ace the assignment." Rarity smiled at her, happy she had someone to talk to with such a similar interest in fashion that she had. Ever since Cleopal had started talking, they had spent hours just talking and going over ideas for different outfits Rarity could make.

The pair continued down the street and as they did, Rarity suddenly got a feeling like she was being watched. She looked around, but saw nobody.

"Are you okay?" Cleopal asked.

"Just...got a strange feeling darling." But then, she caught sight of someone who was standing across the street. She double took and sure enough, there he was. "Phantom!" The teen was standing between a pair of buildings, a smile on his lips as held up a Pyrus and Aquos Bakugan. Rarity didn't know why, but seeing them made her worry.

Phantom stepped backwards into the alleyway and Rarity, despite her better judgement, ran across the street and after him. "Be cautious," Cleopal told her as they entered the alleyway. "Phantom being here can't be good."

"I know," she agreed whilst looking around and seeing no sign of him. "Where are you?" She asked, "show yourself!"

"I'm right here." She spun around and saw Phantom was now blocking her exit, "thank you for coming."

"What do you want?" Rarity asked.

"To battle you, of course." He held up the Bakugan she saw before, Rarity able to take a closer look and realising which Bakugan they were. She gasped, her eyes going wide.

"Pinkie...Fluttershy." Her shock turned to rage, "what did you do to them?"

"We simply had a friendly little battle. Not my fault they weren't strong enough to hold onto their Bakugan." He put them away and glanced back towards her. "So, I'm guessing this means you'll agree to my challenge?"

Rarity turned to Cleopal, the Haos Bakugan on her shoulder looking back and nodding. "Very well," she agreed. "But when we win, you will hand those Bakugan over to us." Phantom smirked at this and shrugged, but then nodded.

The pair held up their BakuColars, the screens lighting up. "Bakugan, field...OPEN!" In a flash, the pair were in the Doom Dimension and Rarity was the one to take out the Gate Card this time. "Gate Card!" She threw it towards the ground, "SET!" As it formed, she leapt up onto the head of a Hynoid before spotting several coins. "Bakugan-"

"BRAWL!" Phantom yelled as he threw Ragnaroid towards the same power-ups, Rarity gasping and doing the same. Both Bakugan flew towards the coins, with Ragnaroid hitting them before Cleopal. He left only two behind, which the Haos Bakugan hit before they both landed. "Bakugan...STAND!" They popped open and in a flash of yellow and purple light, Ragnaroid and Cleopal appeared on the battlefield with their G Powers rising.

Cleopal: 510Gs
Ragnaroid: 800Gs

Cleopal glared Ragnaroid down, whilst Rarity held up a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Cleopal charged forward, as Ragnaroid glowed. "Mad Scratch, plus Co-Side!" The light flew off of Ragnaroid and into Cleopal, as her claws glowed and extended.

Cleopal: 810Gs
Ragnaroid: 800Gs

"RAH!" Cleopal yelled as she slashed at Ragnaroid, who used his claws to protect himself as Phantom held up his own card.

"Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid fired the shadow laser from his eye, "Dark Light!"

Cleopal: 810Gs
Ragnaroid: 1000Gs

The laser shot towards Cleopal, who raised her gauntlets and tried to deflect them. But the impact was so great, she was pushed backwards. "Augh!"

"Cleopal!" Rarity cried, frowning before she pointed to the ground. "Gate Card...OPEN!" The field exploded with golden light, "Haos Reactor!"

Cleopal: 1010Gs
Ragnaroid: 1000Gs

Cleopal finally managed to pushed the beam away, allowing her to leap into the air. And as she fell towards Ragnaroid, her claws primed, Phantom held up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" As Cleopal tried to slash at him, Ragnaroid exploded into a cloud that split into four. "Shadow Divide, plus Co-Side!" Cleopal suddenly felt the effects of their Co-Side begin negated, as she herself glowed and unleashed a light that flew into the clouds.

Cleopal: 910Gs
Ragnaroid: 1100Gs

The four clouds formed a quartet of Ragnaroid, which glared at her as she looked around. Rarity acted fast and held up her own two card. "Double Ability, Activate!" Cleopal's eyes began to glow, "Cat's Eyes!" She unleashed a pair of beams at one of the Ragnaroids and the beast vanished when struck, with the cat woman spinning until her beam landed on the real one.

"Augh!" Ragnaroid groaned as his fakes faded, whilst his power dropped.

Cleopal: 910Gs
Ragnaroid: 950Gs

"Plus, Blazing Light!" Cleopal's scarfs slithered into the air as the gemstones they held glowed, the light hitting Ragnaroid and burning him for several seconds until he slithered out of the way.

Cleopal: 910Gs
Ragnaroid: 850Gs

Before Rarity to pull out another card, Phantom held up one of his. "Ability, Activate!" He opened his claws as the eyes within unleashed the purple light, hitting Cleopal and making her freeze. "Dark Gaze!"

"Ahhh!" She cried, feeling her body become like stone.

Cleopal: 810Gs
Ragnaroid: 850Gs

"Cleopal!" Rarity cried as Ragnaroid got in close, Phantom taking out two cards

"Double Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid swung his tail around and grabbed her, "Viper Coil!" He lifted Cleopal up as she cried out, feeling the tight squeeze.

Cleopal: 710Gs
Ragnaroid: 950Gs

"Plus Fusion Ability!" Ragnaroid threw Cleopal into the air as he opened his claws again, Rarity's eyes going wide. "Eye of Darkness!"

"NOOOOOOOOOO!" Rarity screamed as she ran forward, her brain completely stopping as she tried to think of a way to save her friend. But she couldn't. "CLEOPAL!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" Ragnaroid roared as he fired the dark energy wave, which struck Cleopal and sent her flying.

Cleopal: 410Gs
Ragnaroid: 950Gs

Rarity gasped as she saw this, the shockwave striking her and sending the girl flying back. The last thing she saw before she blacked out was Cleopal returning to ball form and flying over to Phantom. "Pathetic," she heard as everything went black.

The light faded and they were back in the alleyway, only now Rarity was laid out on the ground with her clothes torn, her hair a mess and her skin badly injured. The fabric she had bought was slew across the dirty ground and Phantom stood above her, smirking as the Haos Bakugan he had won remained in his fingers. "Three down."

"Ability!" Applebloom held up a card, "Activate!" Aerogan leapt into the air and started spinning, "Tectonic Hammer!" Suddenly, Aerogan shot downwards towards Struthion and smashed into the ostrich with its foot.

The bird squawked as its power was lowered.

Sirenoid: 470Gs
Aerogan: 510Gs
Struthion: 450Gs

"Hey!" Scootaloo cried, but smiled at how fun the battle was. "I'm not done yet." She took out a card, but before she could use it Sweetie called out.

"Ability, Activate!" Sirenoid started playing its harp, "Siren Song." Music filled the air and suddenly, the other two Bakugan started swaying around listlessly. Both slowly started walking towards where Sirenoid was floating, the mermaid swimming around as if the air was water.

"Don't listen to it!" Applebloom cried, but it was too late

Sirenoid: 470Gs
Aerogan: 360Gs
Struthion: 300Gs

Before either of them could stop her, Sirenoid swam forward and swung her tail around to smash them away. Both fell backwards and returned to ball form, as Applebloom and Scootaloo's life gauges dropped to zero. "That's it," the announcer cried. "Sweetie Belle is the winner!"

"YAY!" Sweetie cheered, as Sirenoid returned to her. The crowd cheered as the other two girls picked up their Bakugan, smiling despite their loss. They all headed out into the hallway where Flash and the others smiled.

"That was great Scoot," Flash told his sister. "Just wait, a little more practise and you'll be winning every match you compete in."

Scootaloo smiled at this whilst Applejack ruffled Applebloom's hair, telling her the same thing before turning to Sweetie. "Great work back there. You and Sirenoid work really well together."

"Thanks," she smiled, "I just wish Rarity were here to see it."

"Well I took the liberty of recording it," Rainbow told her showing her phone. "I'll send the video to her so she can watch." Sweetie smiled at this as Applejack spoke up.

"We'd better get going. Need ta drop you off and get back before sundown." The girls nodded and followed her out of the stadium, Rainbow going with that, Flash turning to Scootaloo.

"Come on. Mom and dad will wanna hear about your first day brawling." Scootaloo smiled and nodded, she, Flash and Derpy heading out of the stadium as well.

"This was so much fun," Scootaloo cried. "I don't even care that I lost. Can we come again tomorrow?"

"Sure," Flash nodded, "Just make sure you don't let this interfere with your school work. My grades dipped a bit when I first started and mom and dad both gave me a serious talking too" Scootaloo nodded and wondered who her next opponent would be. She also wondered if her Struthion was capable of evolving like Flash stated Leonidas was.

As the sun drew closer and closer to the horizon, Applejack, Rainbow, Sweetie and Applebloom were drawing closer to Sweetie's house. Rainbow had already called her folks and told them she would be sleeping over at Applejack's, so the four were making their way over to Sweetie's house to drop her off.

Along the way, Sweetie and Applebloom excitedly talked about their next brawls. But that came to an end when Sweetie's phone rang. "Hey mom," she smiled as she answered. But then she looked confused, "what do you mean when are Rarity and I getting home. Shouldn't she already be there?" Hearing this worried Rainbow and Applejack, since Rarity was so eager to start working on her new design. Before they could say anything, Sweetie pulled her phone away from her ears. "What?" She started at her phone as his started flickering, "what's wrong with my phone?"

They gathered around her and saw what she was talking about.

"That's weird," Rainbow stated. They took out their phones and all saw the same thing was happening. But then, they heard the sound of footsteps and looked ahead. As they did, they spotted someone walking towards them. Their features were shrouded by the light of the setting sun to their back. But as they got closer, Rainbow and Applejack recognised who it was and quickly pushed the girls behind them.

"What do you want?" Applejack asked as Phantom got within earshot.

"What else. I'm here to battle you." Phantom took out three Bakugan, showing them. "I don't think I need to persuade you, but just for the heck of it." He held the Bakugan up and their eyes went wide.

"Rarity," Applejack whispered as Sweetie gasped.

"Pinkie...Fluttershy." Rainbow became enraged, "oh, it's on!" She held up her BakuColar, Applejack doing the same as their Bakugan jumped onto their shoulders.

"We're with you girls," Fenroar told him.

"Let's show him why you don't mess with our friends," Terraspin cried. The girls nodded as Applejack turned to the younger girls.

"Sugarcube, stay out of this. A'h don't want you watching this." The girls frowned at this, but nodded as Applejack looked back towards Phantom. "You've been acting like you're king of the world for way to long. Time ya'h ego was put down a few notches.

"Couldn't have said it better myself!" Rainbow agreed.

"Then let's do this," Phantom smiled as he held up his gauntlet and the screens all glowed.

"Bakugan, field...OPEN!" In a flash of light, time stopped and the three were transported into the Doom Dimension battlefield. Rainbow and Applejack stared warily around at it, as Phantom leapt into action. "Gate Card!" Phantom threw the card towards the ground, "SET!" Rainbow and Applejack were off before the card was completely set. Both spotted some power-ups and nodded at one another, Applejack running ahead and giving Rainbow a boost up onto a large rock. She then reached down, grabbed Applejack and pulled her up.

As they did, Phantom leapt onto the head of a Warius. "Bakugan!" He heard the girls yell before they threw their Bakugan, "BRAWL!" Fenroar and Terraspin shot through the air and hit the power-ups before landing. "BAKUGAN!" They both popped open and were surrounded by wind and orange light, "STAND! Ventus Terraspin/Subterra Fenroar!"

Fenroar: 430Gs
Terraspin: 430Gs

"Yeah!" Terraspin cried as he took to the sky from the tornado, "spin and win time!"

Fenroar leapt out of the light and howled, "time to get you back for all the pain you've ever caused." He primed his claws as he and Terraspin began to glow.

Fenroar: 580Gs
Terraspin: 630Gs

Phantom smirked as he stared the two down, "think you've got the advantage cause it's two on one?" He held Ragnaroid up, "don't make me laugh."

"I look forward to tearing you both apart," the Darkus Bakugan hissed as Phantom leapt straight up.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw Ragnaroid towards a Serpenoid statue and he bounced off it, hitting a pair of power-ups as he did, then bounced off a Freezer statue and hit three more before landing on the ground. "Bakugan," he popped open, "Stand!" In a burst of dark light, Ragnaroid appeared.

"Prepare to feel a wrath that is unmatched!" He cried as his G Power raised.

Fenroar: 580Gs
Terraspin: 630Gs
Ragnaroid: 750Gs

"He's strong!" Terraspin cried.

"But we can make him weaker!" Fenroar told him as the girls held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" They both cried as Terraspin dived towards Ragnaroid and Fenroar took a deep breath. "Shell Saw/Howling Force!" Fenroar unleashed his sonic blast as Terraspin morphed into a buzzsaw, both flying towards Ragnaroid. But Phantom was ready.

"Ability, Activate!" He held up a card, "Shadow Divide!" Before the attacks could land, Ragnaroid exploded into smoke that split into four. The four surrounded Fenroar and took shape, the quartet of Ragnaroids staring him down before charging.

"Ah!" Fenroar cried as one slashed at him, he then tried to slash back before the real one had mixed with the others as they circled around him. "Gyah!" He yelped as he was stung by Ragnaroid's tail, again trying to spin around and slash at him only for the real one to disappear.

"Hold on!" Terraspin yelled as he flew down.

"Ability," Rainbow held up a card, "Activate!" Terraspin unleashed the vortex from his chest, "Shell Tornado!"

Fenroar: 580Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs
Ragnaroid: 750Gs

Fenroar managed to leap away as the tornado struck the four Ragnaroids, causing the fakes to be blown into mist and leaving just the real one. As this happened, Applejack held up a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Fenroar charged as his speed increased, whilst his claws began to glow. "Wolf Claw Strike, plus Stealth Hunter!"

Fenroar: 830Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs
Ragnaroid: 750Gs

Fenroar began moving so quickly, Ragnaroid couldn't keep up with him as he shot passed him multiple times and slashed at him with each pass. "Ahh!" He cried upon the seventh slash, as Phantom held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid's eye glowed, "Dark Light!" The laser fired out of struck Fenroar as he was about to charge again, knocking him backwards and making him cry out as he was before Ragnaroid looked up at Terraspin. The laser travelled with his sight and struck the tortoise Bakugan before he could escape.

Fenroar: 830Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs
Ragnaroid: 950Gs

Both Bakugan hit the ground as Ragnaroid began to charge forward, his claws snapping as he prepared to finish them off. "Ah don't think so!" Applejack cried as she held up a card, "Ability Activate!" The card glowed as Fenroar got up and started shaking, "Sand Cloak!" He then shot forward and flew passed Ragnaroid, the sand getting in his eye.

"Augh!"

Fenroar: 830Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs
Ragnaroid: 850Gs

"Ability!" Rainbow held up a card, "Activate!" Terraspin pulled his limbs into his shell and started spinning around like a top, "Shell Spin!"

Fenroar: 830Gs
Terraspin: 930Gs
Ragnaroid: 850Gs

The shell slammed into Ragnaroid and knocked him backwards through a Terrorclaw statue, but he nor Phantom seemed worried. "Go ahead," he told the girls. "Make yourself as powerful as you want. You're only fuelling your own destruction."

"What?" Applejack asked.

"Just ignore him!" Rainbow told her, "he's trying to throw you off cause he knows he's gonna lose."

"Oh, am I?" Phantom asked before pointing at the ground, "Gate Card...open." The ground lit up and before either girl could think, their Bakugan's shadow's suddenly began to morph and rise up. "Doppel-Gang-Up!" The shadows turned into dark copies of Terraspin and Fenroar, both grabbing them and holding them in place.

"Hey!" Rainbow cried, she and Applejack growing worried. Twilight had used this Gate Card several times in practise and they knew exactly what it did.

Fenroar: 830Gs
Terraspin: 930Gs
Ragnaroid+Doppelganger+Doppelganger: 1730Gs

"It's almost a thousand more then us!" Rainbow realised.

"We gotta do something!" Applejack cried. But before either of them could activate an Ability Card, Phantom held his up.

"Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid's claws opened to reveal the eyes, "Dark Gaze!" The eyes unleashed the purple light, which struck the two and froze them in place. They both cried out as they tried to move, but were completely trapped within their own bodies.

Fenroar: 730Gs
Terraspin: 830Gs
Ragnaroid+Doppelganger+Doppelganger: 1730Gs

"Fenroar!"

Terraspin, no!" The girls could do nothing but watch as Ragnaroid slithered forward, their Bakugan glancing back at them. They knew what was gonna happen.

"Thanks Rainbow," Terraspin told her. "Sorry I wasn't stronger."

"Terraspin."

"Applejack...stay strong," Fenroar groaned. "You're to tough to let this break you."

"Fenroar," Applejack looked ready to start crying. And as Ragnaroid reached them and raised his tail, she and Rainbow ran forward. "NOOOOO!" Ragnaroid stung them both, knocking the pair back and causing them to hit the floor with enough force to send the girls flying back before reverting to ball form. The girls cried out as they fell unconscious, the world around them fading away.

Flash and Scootaloo had just arrived home, Scootaloo giddy to tell their parents about her first day brawling.

But as they stepped into the room, Scootaloo's BakuColar began to beep. "What's that?" She showed him the watch and Flash took a close look before giving her a smile.

"Someone's calling you." He hit the accept call button before Applebloom's face appeared.

"Scootaloo!" Applebloom cried, "is you brother there?" Flash pushed his head into focus, "that Phantom guy showed up." His eyes went wide and he told her to tell him everything. "Applejack and Rainbow battled him but..."

Applebloom looked over at the ambulance that the girls were being loaded into. Rainbow and Applejack were both unconscious, cuts and bruises covering their skin whilst their clothes were shredded.

Sweetie then grabbed Applebloom's wrist to talk. "He got Rarity too!" She cried, "and two others. Somebody called Pinkie and Fluttershy! He had their Bakugan."

Flash's eyes widened as he realised what was going on, "he's going after the Rainbooms."

"Is there anyone else on that team that they didn't mention?" Scootaloo asked, but Flash was already typing away at his BakuColar. All the while hoping he wasn't too late.

The sun had completely set and at the home of Twilight Sparkle, we find her busy reading at her desk. She had spent the day with her big brother and his fiance, the three having gone out to see a film before getting something to eat.

It had been a tricky day, since she had needed to keep Spike hidden away whilst also allowing him to see the movie. He had quite enjoyed it and looked forward to the next time they went, but hoped he wouldn't have to hide whilst watching. Twilight felt bad for him, but was worried about telling her family he was alive. If Shining knew what was really going on with Bakugan, he might stop her from Brawling or even take Spike away from her. He could be so overprotective sometimes.

Suddenly, her BakuColar went off and she tried to answer it. "Hello?"

"Tw...ight" She saw Flash's face, but for some reason her BakuColar's screen was glitching. She got up and walked around the room, trying to get a better signal.

"Flash," she held her arm up, "I can't hear you."

"It's Phan...he's...tack...the other...booms!" Twilight still couldn't figure out what the heck was going on and suddenly, her communicator completely died.

"Oh great." She sighed, trying to figure out what was wrong. But then she looked out the window and happened to see someone, standing in her backyard looking up at her window. Phantom. "Spike," her Bakugan leapt onto her shoulder and saw him.

"What's he doing here."

"Only one way to find out." Twilight headed out of her room and made her way downstairs, making sure her family didn't notice her. When she arrived outside, she stepped over to Phantom and noticed he was twirling five differently attributed Bakugan between his fingers. "What are you doing here?"

"I need a little help," Phantom told her. "And you're going to give it to me."

"Why would I help you?"

"Because it's the only way your friends will ever get their Bakugan back." Twilight raised an eyebrow until she looked down at the Bakugan again, this time recognising them. It was then she realised what Flash had been trying to say.

"If you hurt them-"

"They'll live," Phantom told her. "Which is more than I can say for these Bakugan if you refuse my challenge." He turned to Ragnaroid. "I know it's been a while and we're in a completely different world, but do you think you could send these five to the Doom Dimension."

"I don't know," Ragnaroid chuckled. "For all I know, that dimension was destroyed along with Vestroia. If they were sent to it, they could end up lost between worlds, forever falling without end." Twilight glared at the pair as they laughed, then turned to Spike.

"I'm ready," he told her.

"Alright," Twilight turned back to Phantom. "You won't get away with this." She held up her BakuColar, "mark my words."

"Oh," Phantom did the same, "I'm so scared."

Inside Twilight's house, her brother and his fiance Cadance entered the kitchen to get another drink. But then Cadance looked outside, "what's Twilight doing out there?" Shining turned to the window and saw his sister, then saw the person she was with.

"And who's that?" He was about to open the window and ask, but before he could the pair called out in unison.

"Bakugan, field...OPEN!" The light exploded out and blinded Shining and Cadance, time stopping as the pair were transported to the Doom Dimension battlefield. "Gate Card!" Twilight threw the card towards the ground, "SET!" The card exploded as she grabbed Spike, "let's do this partner!"

"I'm with you Twilight!" He cried before she rushed onto the head of a Warius and leapt into the air, throwing Spike with all her might.

"BAKUGAN BRAWL!" Spike shot through three power-ups before hitting the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" He popped open and unleashed a burst of dark light, which took shape and began to fade. "Darkus Spikenoid!" The beast roared as he stood against Phantom, ready to avenge his fallen comrades.

Spikenoid: 600Gs

Phantom chuckled before holding up his partner. "Let's hope you put up more of a challenge then the rest of your little friends." He leapt into the air and pulled his arm back. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" Ragnaroid flew through the air and struck a handful of power-ups before landing on the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" He popped open, "Darkus Ragnaroid!"

The dark light exploded and from it, the evil Bakugan appeared and glared Spikenoid down as the power-ups kicked in.

Spikenoid: 600Gs
Ragnaroid: 750Gs

Both Bakugan growled at one another. "I look forward to feasting on the power I'll obtain from defeating you," Ragnaroid snapped his claws together and swished his tail back and forth. "Your friends were rather delicious." Spike growled louder.

"I'm gonna make you pay for all you've done," he told him. "To get revenge for the friends you stole, and for the destruction of Vestroia that you caused. I'm gonna stop you from hurting anyone else, ever again." Ragnaroid chuckled, clearly not threatened.

"Now why don't I feel scared? Oh that's right, because I'm so much stronger than you." Spike's anger rose.

"You're strong, I'll give you that. But I've got something you'll never had, that makes me stronger than you'll ever hope to be."

"Oh, what's that?" Spike began to charged.

"SOMETHING WORTH FIGHTING FOR!" He swung a claw at Ragnaroid but the Bakugan shifted out of the way and slithered behind Spike. As he did, both Twilight and Phantom held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The cards glowed as Spike's mouth filled with flames and Ragnaroid's eye glowed. "Fire Burst/Dark Light!" They both fired the attacks at one another, as their G Power changed.

Spikenoid: 800Gs
Ragnaroid: 950Gs

The two attacks collided, but the laser shot through the flames and struck Spike in the chest. "Augh!" he staggered back, as Ragnaroid slithered forward and started slashing at him with his claws.

"Ability," Twilight held up a card, "Activate!" Spike's spikes glowed as he leapt back, "Spiking Strike!" He fired the light and with Ragnaroid so close, five were able to slam into him before he could escape.

"Rah!" He moaned, but shrugged the lights off despite losing power.

Spikenoid: 800Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

Phantom then held up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid slithered forward faster than Spikenoid could react, "Viper Coil!" The swung his tail around and wrapped it around Spike, tying him up rightly.

"Augh!" Spike groaned, as their points changed.

Spikenoid: 700Gs
Ragnaroid: 800Gs

"Ability!" Twilight held up a card, "Activate!" The card glowed and so did Spike, "Scale-Mail!" Spike pushed against the bindings and Ragnaroid's grip slackened, allowing Spike to leap out and spun around to smash Ragnaroid in the face.

Spikenoid: 800Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

"Hmm," Phantom smirked, "not bad."

"I'm just getting started!" Twilight told him before pointing to the ground, "Gate Card, OPEN!" The ground began to glow and the light flew into Spike. "Spirit Vail!" The light wrapped around Spike and he glowed a rainbow of colours.

Spikenoid: 950Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

"Interesting," Phantom smirked. "Not much of a power boost, so I'm assuming that does something else."

Twilight smiled, "Spirit Vail also protects Spikenoid from having his Abilities sealed. Your Dark Gaze won't work anymore." Phantom smiled at this, actually impressed.

"You must have gotten that Gate Card precisely to use against me." Twilight said nothing, "very well." He held up two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid opened his claws as the eyes inside glowed, "Dark Gaze, plus Razor Tear!" The eyes unleashed the light that struck Spike, making him cry out as his power was dropped whilst Ragnaroid's increased.

Spikenoid: 850Gs
Ragnaroid: 800Gs

Ragnaroid shot forward and slashed at Spike, but the wingless dragon caught his claws before he could. "Nice try, but you're still not strong enough." He unleashed a burst of green fire at Ragnaroid, making the Bakugan hiss in pain as Spike pushed him away and swung his tail around to knock him down.

"Augh!" He cried as he fell to the ground, whilst Twilight held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Spike's arm spikes glowed purple as he charged again, "Dark Spike!" But as he got close to Ragnaroid, Phantom held up his own card.

"Ability, Activate!" The card glowed, "Shadow Divide!" As Spike tried to stab him, Ragnaroid's body exploded into smoke. The smoke flew passed Spikenoid and divided, taking shape and creating four Ragnaroid duplicates. "Nice try, but you're not stealing our power so easily."

"Don't be so sure," Twilight held up a card. "Fusion Ability, Activate!" Spikenoid's entire body spike collection exploded into green flames, "Blazing Spikes!"

Spikenoid: 1150Gs
Ragnaroid: 800Gs

He punched the ground and unleashed a bunch of spikes that shot towards each of the Ragnaroid copies, all but one of them being impaled and destroyed as the original dodged it. But as he did, Spike charged.

"Take this!" He swung around and smashed his tail into Ragnaroid, knocking him backwards and crashing through a statue of a Tuskor. "Fall!"

"Raaah!" Ragnaroid hit the ground, but stayed up. "I...will not fall!" He rolled himself around and as he did, something happened. "I will not lose to a weakling like you." A black and purple mist began come off his body. "I am Ragnaroid, the bane of all Bakugan. And I will not fall to a weakling like you!" He pushed himself up and as he did, the mist exploded off of him and wrapped around him to form a shadowy cocoon.

"What the?" Twilight asked, as she looked down at her BakuColar and saw Ragnaroid's G Power slowly rise.

"Power surge detected."

"Power surge?" Twilight might not remember her time under Lucifer's control, but the others had told her about something like this happened. It was when Leonidas... "oh no."

"He's evolving!" Spikenoid gasped as Phantom chuckled.

"About time." He watched as the cocoon began to fade, revealing Ragnaroid's new form.

This new form looked a lot more...metallic. His body armor was now made of a black metal along with his claws, which opened with a mechanical whirl to reveal that instead of eyes they had a single gun barrel inside. His tail was also slightly mechanical, as a series of purple metal scales ran from just below the chest armor all the way down to the tip of its tail. Said tail no longer had a stinger on it, instead being replaced by a giant crescent moon-shaped blade. His head covering had now become the same metal as his chest and claws, with his single eye in the center of it whilst the horns on his head were purple and had grown longer. Finally, the front of his chest armor had what appeared to be a pair of metal doors on the front that appeared to swing open.

Ragnaroid opened his eye and looked himself over, chuckling at what he saw. "Yes," he snapped his claws together, "YES!"

"This isn't good," Twilight gulped.

"Oh, it's very good!" Phantom laughed as he stepped forward, "I should thank you. It seems you have a knack for helping Bakugan evolve." He gestured to the new Bakugan, as Ragnaroid let out a mighty roar. "Behold you end. Darkus...Dusk...RAGNAROID!" Twilight shivered at that outcry, "and now we truly have become invincible." Twilight looked down at her BakuColar and saw Ragnaroid's new power level.

Spikenoid: 1150Gs
Ragnaroid: 1000Gs

"We're still ahead!" Twilight told him, only for Phantom to hold up a card. Now Twilight remembered something else that Flash told her about Leonidas' evolution. New Ability cards. "Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid opened his claws and the blasters folded out, "Shadow Blast!" The guns unleashed a dark energy beam that struck the battlefield, which caused the Gate Card Twilight activated to shatter.

"My Spirit Vail!" Twilight gasped, as the rainbow energy around Spikenoid faded.

Spikenoid: 1150Gs
Ragnaroid: 1250Gs

Spike let out a roar as he charged forward, Twilight holding up her last card. "Ability, Activate!" Spike slashed at Ragnaroid, "Tearing Claw!"

Spikenoid: 1250Gs
Ragnaroid: 1250Gs

Ragnaroid held up his metal claws, blocking Spike's attack and taking no damage. Phantom chuckled at this as he held up his own card. "Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid pushed Spike away and as he did, the doors on his chest opened. "Evil Eye!" She enough, the opening doors revealed a large reptilian eyeball within it. That eye glowed before unleashing a dark crimson light, almost like a spotlight, which flew across the battlefield.

Spike was struck by it and when he was, he found his entire body freezing. "No!" He cried, falling to his knees. "This...can't happen!"

Spikenoid: 1100Gs
Ragnaroid: 1250Gs

"Spike!" Twilight cried, taking out a card but realised it was useless. She couldn't activate it, meaning Spike had no way to save himself.

"It's over," Phantom smirked as he held up another card. Twilight's eyes went wide and she reached for her other Bakugan, hoping to throw on in to increase Spike's power. But before she could, he held the card up. "Fusion Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid raised his claws as the gun barrels extended and began to glow. "Gaze of the Abyss." The guns unleashed a burst of dark light, which struck the light coming off his chest eye.

"No," Twilight whispered as the red light turned black and flew towards Spike. "NOOOOOOOOOO!"

The light struck Spike head on and with such a force that he was pushed backwards. "AUGH!" He cried, feeling a dark pain wash over him. It was like every nerve in his body was being burned.

Spikenoid: 700Gs
Ragnaroid: 1250Gs

Twilight's eyes went wide as Spike slowly focused on her. "I'm sorry Twilight."

"PLEASE NO!" Twilight screamed as she ran towards him.

"Goodbye." Those were Spike's last words before the energy slamming into him exploded into a wave, which struck Twilight and knocked her flying backwards as she screamed.

Twilight: 0%
Phantom: 100%

Flash and Leonidas rode his bike as fast as he could, praying they could get to Twilight's house before it was too later.

But as they turned into Twilight's street, their hearts almost stopped when they saw an ambulance outside Twilight's house. He rode faster and when he got there, he leapt off his bike towards the vehicle. And when he saw who was being loaded onto it, he cried out. "Twilight!" This caught everyone's attention and he ran up to the girl, "what happened?"

Twilight was badly beaten up, bruises covering her face and arms. She wasn't wearing her glasses, Flash noticing a pink skinned woman holding a pair of broken ones. She let out a moan and opened her eyes, turning her attention to Flash. "It...was Phantom." Flash knew it was coming but still hated hearing it.

"He...took Spike?" Twilight nodded, looking ready to start crying. "I'll get him back. I promise."

"Flash," she whispered, "be careful. Ragnaroid...he's evolved." Flash and Leo's eyes went wide hearing this, as Twilight was pushed into the ambulance before it drove off. Flash's body shook with rage, as he looked up into the air.

"Phantom! I know you can hear me! You're gonna pay for this!"

Up atop a large building, Phantom was staring down at the six Bakugan he had added to his collection. He then looked at his newly evolves partner, knowing his strength was now greater than ever. "One more win and I'll be ready."

Author's Note

Well, that was probably hard to read. What do you guys think of the new Ragnaroid?

The End of the Trials, the Starts of New Ones

In the dimensional space that the Guardians had used to run their tests, the world showed nothing but rocks and dark skies.

But those skies were quickly lit up, as five beams of light shot across the sky. Within those lights, the BakuFighters and their partners were all flying within them. Flash was at the lead, with Soarin, Lyra, Bonnie and Heath around him. He looked around and sure enough, each of their Bakugan looked a bit different from what he knew. That could only mean one thing.

"You have passed the tests!" Salamandra's voice announced to everyone's surprise.

"You have proven yourselves to be worthy sssssoldier," Seadranoid exclaimed.

"The fate of Vestroia is in your hands!" Trojan told them.

"We are counting on you," Zephyria stated. "Don't let us down."

"Each of you now possess what remains of Vestroia's power," Dragonia continued. "This power will hopefully help you defeat Lucifer. And when you have, I hope you will return them so that we can try and rebuild the world we have lost. It's up to you now."

"We'll do our best," Flash told them with a nod from the others. As he said that, the light curved upwards and began to shoot towards the sky.

Down on the ground, the sixth member of the Guardians watched as the lights seemed to unite in th sky and vanish in a flash. "They are indeed a powerful team, but the one who leads them I am not so sure about. I guess only time will tell whether or not they can pass their final trial." He turned to walk away, holding up his hand as the Darkus Attribute Energy appeared. "Meanwhile, I'll need to prepare. When he learns about this, no doubt he will come to try and claim it. I must be ready for when he does." Within the orb, a face appeared. "And I hope you will help me when the time comes." That face was of a young blind girl with a worried look upon her face. Derpy.

Back on earth, Twilight and the rest of the Rainbooms continued to wait on the banks of the river.

Despite having their Bakugan Partners back in full, they were still uneasy about their friends all vanishing in a bright light. And eventually, Rainbow had had enough. "Ahhh!" They turned to her, "I'm sick of waiting around. Soarin and the others better show their faces soon or they're gonna be in trouble."

The others wanted to tell her to calm down and to be patient, but honestly they were all feeling the same way. Some were worried they might never see their friends again, fearing they might have been swept away by some unknown force that was intending to hurt them all badly. All the while the twelve of them were forced to just sit there with no clue about what was going on with them.

"Flash," Twilight whispered as she looked up at the sky, "where are you?"

"Guys!" Their heads shot up and turned to the voice, seeing someone they didn't expect running towards them.

"Derpy?" Rainbow asked as the girl ran along the top of the river bank, only to then trip and cry out as she fell down the hill. "WOW!" Rainbow moved with incredible speed, reaching the bottom and catching the girl before she could roll onto the rocky area and hurt herself. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Derpy nodded, "I'm fine." Rainbow helped her to her feet, "just a little off balance." She panted, looking like she had run a marathon. "I ran here as fast as I could when you guys called." She gave them a pleading look, "any sign of them?" The Rainbooms all frowned and looked away, none of them wanting to tell her they hadn't seen anything since the BakuFighters vanished.

"Sorry," Spike told her, "but no." Derpy sighed, then seemed to realise something.

"Wait, you're talking again. How?" This made the Rainbooms smile, the lot explaining what had happened not long after the others vanished. "That had to have been Flash and the others. But how did they do this?"

"Your guess is as good as ours," Twilight stated. "I just wish we knew where they were right now." As she said that, she looked up at the sky. And as she did, she saw something that made her take a second glance. "What's that?" The others looked up and saw what she had seen.

It appeared to be some kind of star that was glowing in the middle of the day, looking like it was directly above them. "Can't be a star," Applejack stated. "Too bright out for that."

"Maybe it's a firework," Fluttershy guessed.

"I don't think so," Pinkie tilted her head in confusion. In that moment, the light started getting bigger and the lot quickly realised it was actually getting closer.

"Incoming!" Fenroar howled as the light barrelled down like a meteorite.

"Everyone run!" Rarity screamed before they rushed off in different directions. The only one who stayed, apparently frozen in fear, was Derpy. "Darling, move!" But Derpy didn't, instead simply staring at the light as it changed.

Instead of being white, it became a mixture of yellow, red, blue green and orange. The lights continued to fly downwards, then split apart right above Derpy and flew off in multiple different directions.

One by one, they crashed into the ground and exploded with light. The others were blinded by this, but eventually the lights began to fade away. And when they did, they saw somebody was inside each of them. And not just any somebody, but their friends. "Guys!" Derpy cried when she saw Lyra and Bonnie laying on the ground side by side, whilst Soarin and Heath were a little distance away on the top of the bank.

And a good distance from the rest of them was Flash, who had landed just below the bridge.

He and Leonidas moaned as they began to come around, the picking themselves up. "What happened?" Flash asked, only to then notice where they were. "We're back."

"We're home," Leonidas jumped onto his shoulder. "But we still have one more test the pass." Flash frowned as he looked over and saw the rest of his friends, who were also coming around.

"You're okay!" Fluttershy looked ready to cry as she and Rainbow kneeled next to Heath and Soarin.

"What the heck!" Rainbow punched him in the shoulder, "you scared the heck out of us." Flash then turned to see Lyra and Bonnie besides Pinkie, Rarity and Applejack, the teen then remembering what had happened at the end of his test.

"This is your final test," Dragonia announced. "In order to access the Haos Energy and allow Leonidas to evolve into his Supreme form, you must fight and defeat your friends."

Flash frowned, but knew he couldn't let what his feeling stop him. If he wanted to help Leonidas get stronger, he had to battle and beat them. "It's the only way."

"Flash!" They looked over and saw Twilight and Derpy running towards him, "you're back." Twilight frowned as they reached him, "what in the world happened to you guys?" Flash and Leo shared a look, knowing this was gonna take a while.

"It's...a long story."

As this was going on, another big event was happening all the way across town.

In his office at Dark Industries, Sombra was working on some important business files. Lucifer was besides him and as he took a moment rest his fingers, he felt a presence in the office.

"So," Sombra turned towards a dark corner, "you're here." From out of the shadows, Phantom appeared with Ragnaroid on his shoulder. "I wondered when you'd come."

Lucifer opened up, "I sense a great amount of power now residing within you. It will help me grow much more powerful."

"I'm afraid that won't be happening," Ragnaroid told him. "You may have created me, but you never had my loyalty. And now that I've freed Phantom from your control, we will take you both down and prove ourselves superior."

"Is that so," Lucifer chuckled. "I wondered when you were going to drop the act."

"What?" Ragnaroid asked.

"I created Phantom and controlled his mind," Lucifer explained. "Do you really think I didn't sense when you removed that control. Ever since then, we've been expecting you to do something foolish like this."

"Though we had hoped you would come to your senses and realise that opposing us would be a colossal mistake." Phantom glared at him. "This will be your only chance. Give us all the power you and Ragnaroid have collected and we'll let you both go. If not, we'll take the power and trust me in saying you won't enjoy that in the least."

"You think you can scare us?" Phantom asked, "what makes you think you two can take our power from us."

"You're an attributeless white one," Ragnaroid laughed. "Meanwhile I've managed to evolve and have defeated countless powerful Bakugan. What hope do you think you'll have against me."

Sombra sighed, "I tried to give you a chance." He stood up and Lucifer leapt onto his shoulder, the man pulling back the sleeve of his suit to reveal a BakuColar. Phantom raised his gauntlet and the pair unleashed a bright light, transporting them both to the Doom Dimension battlefield.

They glared one another down, looking forward to wiping the floor with their opponent and taking all the power they had for themselves. This would be the ultimate battle, with the winner becoming the true ultimate Bakugan.

Sombra: 100%
Phantom: 100%

"I hope you realise this was the biggest mistake of your life," Sombra smirked whilst Phantom glared at him.

"Don't take me for a fool," he took out a card. "I never would have challenged you if I thought for even a moment I couldn't win. It's time you two were shown the facts of the world. Phantom is the ultimate Brawler. Gate Card...SET!" He threw it towards the ground and as it exploded, Phantom grabbed Ragnaroid and threw him. "Bakugan, BRAWL!" Rangaroid shot through the air and hit the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" Ragnaroid burst open and exploded into a black mist, which quickly took shape before fading to reveal the mechanical snake-scorpion hybrid. "Darkus Dusk Ragnaroid!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared, swinging his tail around and smashing it through a Mantris statue as he did so. "Come Lucifer. It's time for the creation to defeat the creator."

Ragnaroid: 700Gs

"I really should have made you with less of an ego," Lucifer sighed before turning to Sombra. "Do it." Sombra nodded and grabbed him before leaping into the air.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw the Bakugan towards the ground and it instantly landed and opened. "Bakugan, STAND!" Lucifer unleashed the brightest light Phantom and Ragnaroid had ever seen, both crying out as they were blinded. As they were, Lucifer took his true form.

The light faded and the two opened their eyes, looking up to see the strangest Bakugan they had ever seen.

Compared to other Bakugan, he was tiny. His appearance was that of a human child of around ten or eleven, and he appeared twice as tall as most humans. His skin was snow white and he was wearing white robes that covered everything except his head, neck, arms, legs and the left side of his chest. Sticking out his back were four pairs of feathery white wings that were three times his height in length. He had short blonde, almost white, hair that had two tiny versions of his wings sticking out the top. His wrists and ankles also had gold metal wrongs around them and parts of his skin were covered in strange purple markings.

The angelic Bakugan spread his wings and took to the air, floating high above his opponents and smiling down at them.

Lucifer: 500Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

"So that's what Lucifer looks like," Phantom frowned as Lucifer smirked.

"Scared yet?"

"Hardly," Phantom pointed at him. "You're a white one with no power of your own. Plus you're even weaker than Leonidas and we were able to beat him.

"That's right," Ragnaroid nodded. "My power far exceeds yours."

"You wanna bet," Lucifer started as he flew as high as he could.

"Ability, Activate!" Phantom held up the card, as Ragnaroid's claw guns folded out of them. "Shadow Blast!" He pointed them into the air and launched a laser at him, the beam flying forwards at incredible speed.

Lucifer: 500Gs
Ragnaroid: 950Gs

But seconds before Lucifer was struck, he literally sidestepped the attack and it shot by him. "What?" Phantom asked, as Lucifer continued walking in the air. "Fire again!"

"Don't have to tell me twice!" He fired again and Lucifer once again dodged the attack, then the next one that came after it. Ragnaroid then fired multiple weaker but faster bullets, hoping to hit Lucifer at least once. But Lucifer spread his wings and actually began to fly around, avoiding all the attacks without even getting a scratch.

"Pathetic!" He told him as he flew in closer, whilst Phantom pointed towards the ground

"Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground exploded into a purple light, "Darkus Reactor!" That light flew into Ragnaroid, powering him up as he let out a mighty roar.

Lucifer: 500Gs
Ragnaroid: 1150Gs

He fired several more Shadow Blasts, but each one Lucifer managed to avoid or fly out of the range of. He chuckled, "you might be stronger but you're all the way down there. Too bad evolving didn't earn you a set of wings."

"Who needs wings!" Ragnaroid roared as he opened his mechanical claws, "I've beaten so many flying Bakugan I've lost count. All I need is my purest power. Phantom!"

"Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid's tail blade glowed as he swung it around, "Deadly Slash!"

Lucifer: 500Gs
Ragnaroid: 1300Gs

But once again, Lucifer was able to duck under the attack and completely avoid it. "Is that really all you've got?" He asked. At the same time, Sombra took out a card. He stared at is, seeing an empty wheel printed on it that was slowly filling with light.

"Not yet," he stated as Phantom held up another card.

"Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid swung his tail around and actually managed to coil it around Lucifer, wrapping him up tightly. "Terror Constrictor!" The mechanical parts of his tail clinked as the allowed Ragnaroid to put the squeeze on Lucifer, stealing his power.

Lucifer: 350Gs
Ragnaroid: 1450Gs

Lucifer, however, didn't appear at all pained by the pressure currently surrounding. "Nice try." He spread his wings that weren't being squeezed and beat them, sending out a waft of wind that flew up and hit Ragnaroid in the eye.

"Augh!" He cried, actually feeling pain from this and closing it. He also loosened his grip by mistake, allowing Lucifer to jump out and fly back into the air.

"What?" Phantom asked, "how? Ragnaroid's over a thousand points stronger!" Lucifer just smirked and Phantom glared at him, "enough of this!" He took out a card, "Ability, Activate!" It glowed as Ragnaroid's chest opened up to reveal its hidden optical, "Evil Eye!" The light exploded from the eye and struck Lucifer, who apparently froze in mid-air.

Lucifer: 200Gs
Ragnaroid: 1450Gs

"Now i've got you!" Ragnaroid roared as he held up his blaster, ready to hit Lucifer. "It's time you were finally taken out of the picture."

Lucifer smirked as he suddenly moved, shocking them as he flew out of the light's way. "Poor fool. Do you really think I would give you an Ability I wouldn't be able to counter?" Ragnaroid and Phantom were both shocked by this, as Sombra saw the light wheel fill out in the Ability card. "This isn't the time for me to be taken out of the picture." Sombra held up the card and it glowed, "this is a very different time." With that, he raised his hand and brought his fingers together. "This," he snapped his fingers, "is Heaven's Time!"

In that moment, the world seemed the changed. Instantly, it turned black and white and everything froze. The only thing moving and in colour was Lucifer, who chuckled as he calmly air-walked towards Ragnaroid with his hands behind his back.

"Now you see why so many Bakugan feared me. I have the power to reset time, returning all Bakugan to their Base Level."

Lucifer: 500Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

He flew behind Ragnaroid, who then started glowing with the light flying off him and into Lucifer. "Then, I can increase my power for every Ability you've used." The light completely enveloped Lucifer and he sighed, like a thirsty person getting a drink after ten years.

Lucifer: 900Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

It was in that moment that the world returned to normal and Ragnaroid seemed to be confused. "Where'd he go?"

"Behind you!" Phantom cried, apparently not having heard anything Lucifer had said. He watched as Ragnaroid spun around, seeing Lucifer behind him. But before he could activate an Ability, the angelic Bakugan thrust his open hand forward and unleashed a burst of power.

"AUGH!" He cried as the invisible force slammed into him, knowing him flying backwards until he crashed into the ground and reverted back to ball form. He flew towards Phantom, who managed to catch him as his life gauge dropped.

Sombra: 100%
Phantom: 60%

"What just happened?" Phantom asked as Lucifer returned to Sombra, "what was that Ability?"

"The one that will defeat you," Sombra explained before throwing his own Gate Card towards the ground and leaping into the air. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw Lucifer and he struck the ground before opening up. "Bakugan," he glowed once again, "STAND!" Phantom and Ragnaroid were both blinded. "Lucifer, RISE!"

As Lucifer appeared, Phantom rushed over to a Centipoid statue and leapt into the air, seeing some power ups and smirking. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" He threw Ragnaroid towards them and hit a trio of them, then landed on the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" The black mist exploded off the Bakugan, forming the Darkus beast that roared as he looked up at Lucifer taking to the air.

Lucifer: 500Gs
Ragnaroid: 850Gs

"I don't know how you did that," Ragnaroid told him. "But it won't happen again!"

"Oh?" Lucifer flew down, "is that so?" Ragnaroid roared as he swung his tail around, attempting to cut Lucifer's head off. But the angel dived under it and then soared upwards, swinging into a backflip and slamming his foot into Ragnaroid's chin.

"Augh!" He cried as he slithered backwards, Phantom holding up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid slashed at Lucifer with his now glowing tail blade, "Deadly Slash!"

Lucifer: 500Gs
Ragnaroid: 1000Gs

Lucifer avoid the first slash and when the blade came down, he raised his hand and caught it without injury. "What?" He asked, unable to believe a Bakugan half as strong as him was able to do such a think. "Impossible."

As this was going on, Sombra continued to watch the Heaven's Time card. But the wheel was filling half as slowly as before. "Lucifer's strong but he can't maintain his true form for long." He looked up as Lucifer swung Ragnaroid around by the tail. "If this battle goes on for too long, he'll run out of energy."

Lucifer released Ragnaroid and the hybrid Bakugan went flying through several statues, then slammed into the ground with a might cry out pain. "Ragnaroid!" Phantom cried, unable to believe how strong he was despite having less power.

"Ahhh," Ragnaroid moaned as he picked himself up, "this shouldn't be possible." But as he said that, he looked up at Lucifer and saw the Bakugan panting. He was tired. "I knew it," he stood tall. "You can't stay in that form for long. All I have to do is keep piling on the pressure and eventually, you'll be too weak to defend yourself!" He threw himself forward, his claws snapping as he moved closer. "Take this!" He swung his claws around and Lucifer began to evade, only for Phantom to hold up two cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid suddenly swung his tail around, "Terror Constrictor!" The tail wrapped around Lucifer, Ragnaroid making sure to get his wings this time, then squeezed him with everything he had.

Lucifer: 350Gs
Ragnaroid: 1150Gs

"Plus, Evil Eye!!" Ragnaroid's chest opened to reveal the eye and it launched a powerful light, which struck Lucifer and made him flinch as his power was drained away.

Lucifer: 200Gs
Ragnaroid: 1150Gs

"That's it!" Ragnaroid smirked as he squeezed his creator as tightly as possible, "fall. Give me what little power you have!" Sombra heard this and knew Lucifer couldn't last much longer, but saw that Heaven's Time was only half charged.

"Fine then!" He pointed to the ground, "Gate Card...OPEN!" The ground exploded into light and that light quickly enveloped the two Bakugan, "Heaven's Judgement!"

"Ahhhh!" Ragnaroid cried as he felt his power dropping, "what's happening?"

"The same thing that happened before," Lucifer smirked as Phantom checked his BakuColar.

Lucifer: 500Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

"No," he cried before holding up a card. "Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid opened his claws, "Shadow Blast!" He pointed them at the floor and fired the laser at the Gate Card, Phantom smirking as he watched this. But to his shock, the Gate Card didn't shatter. "What?"

"Sorry," Sombra smirked, "but Heaven's Judgement can't be negated. And whilst it's activate, your Bakugan's power will remain at its Base Level. But thank you for the extra hundred Gs." Ragnaroid began to glow and the light flew out of him and into Lucifer, making the angel sigh as he felt more power flow into him.

Lucifer: 900Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

"Get out of there!" Phantom yelled as Ragnaroid tried to release Lucifer and escape, but it was too late.

Lucifer pulled a hand free and thrust it forward, unleashing the shockwave that slammed into Ragnaroid's head. "AUGH!" He tried to fight it, but the power was too much and he was reverted back to ball form. Lucifer sighed as the squeezing stopped, allowing him to take to the air whilst Ragnaroid fell to the ground and Phantom's life points dropped.

Sombra: 100%
Phantom: 20%

Lucifer reverted back to ball form and flew over to Sombra, whilst Phantom ran over to where Ragnaroid had fallen. "You okay?" He picked Ragnaroid up and the Bakugan popped open.

"This is humiliating," Ragnaroid growled. "How can a White One be so strong?" Phantom frowned and turned to Sombra, who caught Lucifer and looked him over with worry.

"But you were right with what you said before. Lucifer can't hold his true form much longer. If we can just keep attacking, he'll eventually lose all his power. We just have to finish him off before he does whatever he did in round one." He took out a Gate Card and threw it to the ground. He then leapt up onto the top of a Siege statue's spear before leaping into the air, "Bakugan...BRAWL!" Ragnaroid shot towards the ground, hitting a whole cluster of power-ups before landing on the ground. "Bakugan...STAND!" In a burst of purple mist, Ragnaroid appeared and the power-ups kicked in.

Ragnaroid: 1000Gs

Sombra stared at the Heaven's Time card, which had stopped charging since the battle had ended. He turned to Lucifer, who was still panting. "You can't hold on much longer. You might not last until the card is fully charged."

"I can make it," Lucifer told him. "Just throw me in." Sombra nodded as he curled up.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" Lucifer shot through the air and hit the ground, "Bakugan...STAND!" He popped open and the blinding light appeared, Lucifer taking his true form and flying towards Ragnaroid.

The Darkus Bakugan tried to slash at him, but the light made it too hard to see and he missed as Lucifer thrust his foot into Ragnaroid's chest. "Augh!" He cried as he fell back, whilst Lucifer flew into the air.

Lucifer: 500Gs
Ragnaroid: 1000Gs

"Hahahaa," Lucifer chuckled as he crossed his arms. "Don't you see? There's nothing you can do to stop me."

"I wouldn't be so sure!" Phantom cried, "you should have tried to get some of those power-ups. Cause now the difference between you is enough for me to win!" He pointed to the ground, "GATE CARD OPEN!" The ground unleashed a dark fog that shot over to Ragnaroid, "JOKER'S WILD!" The fog surrounded Ragnaroid as he picked himself up, Lucifer raising an eyebrow at this. Then, Ragnaroid swung his tail around and sent the mist flying towards him.

"Is that supposed to scare me?" He asked as the mist got closer.

"This Gate Card means the strongest Darkus Bakugan wins without even needing to fight!" Phantom cried, "with it you're time is up!" But instead of being scared, Lucifer raised his hand and the mist touched it. Then, to Phantom's horror, the mist he touched began to spiral into a ball that sucked the rest of the mist inside. "What?"

"You thought such a weak card could hurt me?" He asked as the last of the mist was sucked into the now soccer-ball-sized orb. "DON'T INSULT ME!" He thrust the orb towards the ground and when it struck, it exploded and shattered the gate card.

"NO WAY!" Phantom cried as Lucifer shot back down, quickly swinging his leg around and slamming it into Ragnaroid's head.

"Augh!" He cried, crashing through a Warius statue before regaining his balance. "He is powerful. However," he stared at Lucifer and it was clear that stopping the Gate Card and using that kick had forced him to use a lot of power. "He can't keep this up for long!"

"Yes!" Phantom agreed as he held up a card, "Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid pointed his claws at Lucifer and they opened, "Shadow Blast!" The fired the laser and unlike before, Lucifer didn't dodge it.

Lucifer: 500Gs
Ragnaroid: 1250Gs

Instead, he held out his hands and the laser struck them. He was pushed backwards, but managed to keep himself from being completely blown away. "It'll take more than that to beat me!" He swung his arm around and the attack was dispelled, Lucifer diving at him.

"Then how about this!" He fired weaker bullets from both barrels, but Lucifer avoided or deflected whatever came his way. "You can't do this forever!" Lucifer got closer enough and Phantom held up a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid swung his tail around, "Deadly Slash!"

Lucifer: 500Gs
Ragnaroid: 1400Gs

The blade flew straight at Lucifer, but the angel smirked and began to roll in the air. He placed both hands on the flat of the blade and used it to pull him around, the White One shooting forward and spinning like a ball towards Ragnaroid's head.

"Augh!" Ragnaroid screamed when Lucifer extended his foot out and smashed him in the head, knocking him backwards. But he didn't let this stop him and quickly pushed himself back up as Phantom held out a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Ragnaroid's chest opened up, the eye appearing and lighting up before Lucifer could escape. "Evil Eye!"

"Ahhhh!" Lucifer cried as the light struck him, the angelic Bakugan feeling his power drain away.

Lucifer: 350Gs
Ragnaroid: 1400Gs

Phantom had expected Lucifer to fly out of it again, but to his surprise he didn't...or couldn't. "He's used up too much power. He doesn't have enough to escape." Lucifer began to fall towards the ground, Ragnaroid keeping the light upon him as he did so. "Finish him Ragnaroid!"

"With pleasure!" Ragnaroid chuckled as he slithered forward, his claws raised preparing to strike the final blow. As this was happening, Sombra watched the light ring fill more and more. And as Ragnaroid got within striking ranger, the light wheel completely filled.

"Finally!" He cried as Lucifer forced one of his hands out of the light. "Ability, Activate!" As Ragnaroid swung his claws down, Lucifer snapped his fingers. "Heaven's Time!" As soon as he snapped, the world turned black and white. Lucifer sighed as the light from the Evil Eye faded, allowing him to move.

"That was too close." He walked around Ragnaroid, as their powers began to revert back to normal.

Lucifer: 500Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

"I'll admit you've grown powerful," Lucifer nodded. "But all the power in the world can't compare to what I can do." As he said this, the light coming off Ragnaroid flowed into Lucifer.

Lucifer: 800Gs
Ragnaroid: 700Gs

Finally, the world returned to normal and Ragnaroid slammed his claws into nothing. "NO!" He spun around and attempted to stop Lucifer, but the White One thrust his hands forward and unleash the force that slammed into him. "GYAH!" He felt himself being pushed back, as Lucifer flew forward and thrust his hands into Ragnaroid's chest.

"GIVE ME YOUR POWER!" The angel screamed as he started digging into Ragnaroid's body, attempting to grab and drain him off all his power.

"NO!" Phantom yelled as he tried to activate an Ability, but it didn't work. "What?" He then realised Ragnaroid must not have the power to use an Ability. "If Lucifer was holding him, he'd probably return to ball form." He had lost and now, Ragnaroid's power was going to be stolen. "No," he whispered, "I can't let this happen." He then had an idea and reached down, starting to fiddle with his gauntlet. Moments later, the battlefield around them began to glitch.

"What?" Sombra looked around and saw rocks and statues staticing several times, "what's going on?" He looked down at his BakuColar and saw a warning flag up.

"Connection Failure."

"Connection failure?" He looked up at Phantom and saw he had done something with his gauntlet, "what have you done?" Phantom smiled as the rest of the field began to glitch, whilst Lucifer and Ragnaroid began to feel the Vestroia atmosphere around them beginning to fade away.

"No!" Lucifer yelled as he was no longer able to hold onto Ragnaroid, losing his grip seconds before he could start draining his power. "NOOOOO!" With that, the pair reverted back to ball form as the entire field disintegrated with a powerful Flash of light.

"Augh!" Sombra cried as he was blinded and staggered backwards, the man quickly finding himself walking backwards into something.

That something was his office chair, the man opening his eyes to see he was back in his office. Lucifer landed on his desk and when he looked ahead, he saw Phantom had been thrown backwards into the wall and had slid down to the floor with Ragnaroid rolling back towards him.

"You idiot!" He growled as he picked himself up and glared the teen down, "you could destroyed us all or got us stuck between dimensions."

Phantom groaned as he picked his head up and smirk, "true. But it saved Ragnaroid from being absorbed." Ragnaroid opened up and let out a moan, clearly feeling exhausted after being defeated so easily and almost having his power stolen from him.

"Thanks," he told his partner. At the same time, Lucifer opened himself up.

"You think just because we're not in our true forms, I can't drain you of all the power you've collected?" He turned to Sombra, "get them. It's time I put this foolish human back under my control." Sombra nodded and got up, moving around his desk and heading toward the pair.

Phantom began to worry, not wanting to be turned into Lucifer's puppet again. Instead, he pushed himself up and grabbed Ragnaroid before rolling away from Sombra. "Not gonna happen!" He cried.

"There's nowhere to run!" Sombra told him, only for Phantom to rush forward. Sombra tried to grab him, but the shades wearing teen managed to side-step and dash passed him. By the time Sombra spun around, a loud smashing sound filled the air as Phantom crashed through the windows and fell out of sight.

Sombra rushed to the broken window and when he looked down, the Darkus Brawler and his Bakugan were gone.

"They got away!" Sombra growled, slamming his fist into the metal or the window and causing more piece of glass to break off. "What do we do now?"

"We be patient," Lucifer told him. "They might have lost this time, but their pride will not allow them to leave things as they are. They will attempt to defeat us again and this time, we'll make sure to end the battle right from the start."

"And what if they manage to get stronger?" Sombra asked, "you were able to beat them but you used you a lot of the power you built up. If they managed to get more powerful, you might not be able to last long enough to defeat them." Lucifer hummed at this, appearing to realise he was right.

"We'll need to come up with a backup plan, just for that eventuality." Sombra nodded and looked out the window, down on the city below.

"Enjoy this time whilst you can Phantom. The next time we meet, all the power you've acquired will be ours."

Meanwhile, Flash and his friends had found a cafe near the river and were all sitting on the couches and on chairs surrounding a large table.

Each of them had a drink in hand, the BakuFighters all needing something to recharge themselves after the insanity they had faced during their trials. As they drank, the five explained everything they had learned from the Guardians.

"So that's how Sombra got the other Bakugan," Rarity frowned. "To think he would let himself be fooled by Lucifer so easily."

"No way is Lucifer going to keep whatever bargain they struck," Cleopal agreed. "No doubt once Lucifer has the power he needs, he'll turn on Sombra."

"That's why we've gotta stop them before Lucifer can get that power," Heath stated as he looked down at his newly evolved Bakugan Partner. "And now that Wukong's powered up, we don't have to worry."

"Heck yeah!" Wukong cheered, jumping up and down as he did so. "You can count on me. Pyrus King Wukong is in the house."

"Don't get cocky," Nimue told him. "The powers we have are thanks to the Attribute Energy we all obtained. The Guardians trusted them to us, meaning we need to treat them with respect and keep them all safe."

"She's right," Garuda nodded. "These energies are all that remain of Vestroia. Once we've defeated Lucifer, we'll have to give them up in order for the Guardians to rebuild our homeworld. So until then, he need to be careful with them. Who knows what Lucifer would do if he learned about them." They all agreed and the girls asked about each of the Bakugan's new forms, Heath being the first and explaining how awesome Wukong's new form was.

As they spoke, Leonidas stared at the Bakugan who had accepted him as their friend and allie despite knowing where he came from. Now knowing that he was given new life thanks to Dragonia helped Leonidas a lot, but he was still thankful to them for accepting him. But now he would need to defeat them all in order to get stronger. That didn't feel right.

"Is something wrong Leonidas?" He turned to Gaia, the large Bakugan staring down at him in concern. "You seem troubled by something."

"I'm fine," Leonidas replied. "Just...tired."

"I get that," Wukong agreed. "Your evolution must have been insane, since you've already evolved once before."

"True," Nimue nodded. "You were already pretty powerful before, but now you must be immensely strong in your new form. What this form called?"

"Oh," Leonidas didn't know what to say given that he wasn't actually evolved. But he could see them looking expectantly at im. "Um...I'm now Haos...Supreme Leonidas." He wasn't sure if that was what his next evolution would be, but he remembered Dragonia saying something about that before vanishing.

"Supreme Leonidas?" Lepusinge laughed, "sounds tough. Maybe we can battle so you can test out your new power." The others seemed to like this idea, but Flash and Leonidas began to panic. They both knew they should have simply told the truth, but couldn't being themselves too.

"Maybe another day," Flash got up and picked Leo up. "I'm kinda tired. I think I'm gonna head home and rest up." He made for the door, "I'll see you guys tomorrow." With that, he was gone and the others looked surprised.

"Well that was weird," Rainbow frowned whilst they all nodded. Twilight frowned and could tell something was up, so got up.

"I think I'm gonna head home too. Today's been a pretty exhausting day with everything that's happened." The others nodded in agreement and all got up to leave, the lot heading off to get home. Twilight, instead of heading for her house, headed towards Flash's instead. She didn't expect to catch up with him, but she hoped you could talk to him there.

However, she soon spotted the person she was looking for on a bench a mile or so from his house.

Flash was simply sitting there, his legs up with his arms on his knees. "Flash?" He looked shocked by this and turned to her, Twilight seeing the worry on his face. "Okay mister. What's going on? And before you say nothing's wrong, don't even bother. I know you're upset about something."

Flash let out a sigh and turned to Leo, who nodded back to him. Since she wasn't one of the ones they had to beat, it wouldn't matter if they told her. "Alright, here's the deal."

Phantom panted as he lay within the alleyway he had taken refuge in.

He thought about the battle he had just had and everything that had gone down, each of Ragnaroid's losses filling him with hatred. "No," he slammed a fist into the wall behind him, "no, no, no, NO!" Ragnaroid leapt onto the ground in front of him, looking up at his partner as he remembered his near death.

"We were defeated," he finally told him. "There's no other way to state it. Lucifer is more powerful than we originally thought." He let out a sigh, "we have to get stronger."

"How?" Phantom asked, "it took defeating some of the strongest Brawlers in the country in order to get you as strong as you already are. How do you expect to get stronger than we already are?" Ragnaroid didn't reply, not knowing how to answer that question. The problem was time.

If they didn't find a way to quickly gain an enormous amount of power, Sombra and Lucifer would find them and take them down. But where could he find such a power source?

Derpy was walking home, exhausted after what had happened that day.

She was glad that her friends were alright and able to evolve their Bakugan, but that also meant they were in a lot of danger. Too much danger for Derpy's liking, the young girl hating that she was still stuck on the sidelines whilst their friends were gonna fight to try and save not one world, but two.

It was in that moment that Derpy heard something coming out of the alleyway she was passing. "How do you expect to get stronger then we already are?" She stopped and looked inside the alley, seeing a dumpster up against one of the walls that appeared to have someone sitting behind it.

"Hello?" She said, stepping into the alleyway. "Sorry to interrupt. I thought I heard someone in distress?" The figure got up from behind the dumpster, "are you okay?" But before she could look around and see who it was, there was a bright light and Derpy cried out as she staggered backwards.

After a few moments, her head and eyes cleared and she opened them up. The alleyway was completely empty now, Derpy looking around but not seeing any sign of whoever had spoken up before.

"Where'd they go?" She asked, wondering if maybe she had imagined the whole event. "Weird." She turned to leave and as she did, she gave the area one final look back

Flash and Twilight sat together, Twilight taking in everything Flash had just told her.

"Wow," she whispered.

"Yup," Flash nodded.

"I mean...wow. You two have to go up against your best friends." The pair nodded, "I know that must be hard." Flash sighed as he stood up, "you don't have to do this."

"Yes I do," Flash turned to her. "It's the only way Leonidas is gonna evolve and if he doesn't evolve, we won't stand a chance against Lucifer. We couldn't beat Ragnaroid as we are and if he's only supposed to be the general, Lucifer's gonna be a heck of a lot harder."

"So why didn't you tell the others?"

Flash sat back down, "just because I understand what I've gotta do doesn't mean I have to like it." Twilight nodded in understanding, "but I gotta do this. I just...need to think of a way to explain it to them."

"Well I'll be there to help you," Twilight assured him. "You're not alone in this. We'll figure out how to tell the others together." Flash smiled at her, happy he had friends like her to have his back when he needed them. He just hoped his other friends would be as understanding.

Heath arrived home and when he did, he heard his parents in the next room.

"Heath, is that you?"

"Yeah mom."

"There's someone who wants to talk to you." Heath wondered who it was and headed into the living room, where he found both his parents sitting in front of the laptop. When he saw who was on screen, his heart leapt.

"Blaze!" He smiled seeing his brother staring back at him.

"Hey little bro," Blaze waved. "You doing okay back home without me?" Heath laughed and nodded, glad he got to see his big brother after everything that happened with his trial.

"Hey, Blaze." He looked at his parents, then back to the screen. "I...I'm sorry." Everyone was surprised to hear this, as he sat in front of the computer. "I've been resenting you for a while because everyone was always comparing me to you. But that wasn't your fault."

"Where's all this coming from?" Blaze asked, with Heath turning to look at Wukong as he popped his head out of his jacket pocket.

"A friend of mine...helped me realise I shouldn't be mad at you." Blaze smiled at this and happily accepted the apology, the family planning to talk a lot more and work to bury the hatchet.

Lyra arrived at her home but both her parents were gone.

When she arrived at her room, she headed over to a draw and opened it up. Inside was a framed picture of herself and her middle school friends, the lots of them looking really happy as they posed.

Lyra stared at the version of her in that photo, having hidden it away due to the shame she felt about her old self. However, she could never bring herself to outright throw it away. And now she no longer felt that shame, so happily placed it on her dresser.

"No more hiding parts of myself away," she stated. "I'm gonna show every part of me and if people don't like it, they can, like, totally get lost for all I care." Nimue jumped onto her bedside table and smiled at her, happy she was being true to herself. Every part of herself.

When Bonnie arrived home, she could hear the sound of cooking in the kitchen.

She headed into the kitchen and found her mother at the stove, the woman turning at the sound of her entrance. The two stared at each other, looking upon one another like never before. Candy was about to say something, but Bonnie rushed forward and the two hugged.

"It's okay," her mother told her. "It's okay. I'm...I'm sorry for smothering you." She pulled away from her, "I know I've been a little overbearing. it's just."

"I know mom," Bonnie nodded. "I understand. And I'm sorry I never appreciated everything you've done for me." The pair hugged, knowing they had a lot of making up to do. But they had time to do it, Gaia happily watching the exchange from her spot on the counter.

Having arrived back in Cloudsdale, Soarin split up from Rainbow and Fluttershy to head home.

Along the way, he passed his school and heard noise coming from the soccer field. Looking down, he saw his old team there practising. Spitfire was also there and by the sounds of things, she was pushing the players just as hard as ever. And when she noticed Soarin standing at the side, she and the players all frowned at him clearly trying to make him feel guilty.

But Soarin was done blaming himself. He simply smiled and kept his head held high, walking off and leaving them to be miserable. He intended to talk to Spitfire, but he would wait until he didn't have more important things to worry about.

Flash arrived home and when he stepped into his house, finding the rest of his family were all about to sit down to dinner.

"Flash," Misty smiled, "we were worried you'd miss dinner. Where have you been all day?" Flash wasn't really sure how to explain it and told them he and his friends had simply been training. They seemed to accept this and Flash sat down to eat with them, all the while thinking about what he and Twilight had prepared to say to the others when he was ready.

Tomorrow, he would tell his friends the truth and challenge them. If he didn't win, he would never grow strong enough. He needed to go all out, no matter what.

When the sun set and the moon rose, Phantom was standing atop a building.

He had recovered from his battle with Sombra and was now ready to begin his quest, having discovered a way to power Ragnaroid up. "Legendary Guardians of Vestroia," he looked up at the moon. "I hope you've taken good care of that final Attribute Energy for me."

Author's Note

Whelp, Phantom faced down Lucifer and got his butt handed to him. I bet a lot of you are feeling pretty satisfied by that. So, how will things turn out from here? Only time will tell.

Parting of the Ways

All over the world, people were watching the battle that would decide the fate of their universe.

At first, it seemed like the one causing all this pain and fear was unstoppable. As whenever they were hit with an attack by th opposing Bakugan, the creature would simply regenerate themselves. All hope seemed lost, until one of the Bakugan did something they didn't quite understand and summoned a rainbow of light that caused it to transform.

And whilst this transformation seemed to put it on even ground with the other dragon powerwise, there still didn't seem to be a way to actually harm the creature. At least until the dragon started attacking the sphere the larger one was carrying.

That seemed to terrify the dragon, leading it to creating a bunch of knight-like Bakugan that had turned the tables on the dragon that was their only hope of stopping this catastrophe. "FLASH!" Misty cried, seeing Leonidas fall whilst her son was knocked to the ground.

She watched in horror as things turned sour, the six knights floating over the downed dragon. She wanted to cry, but knew she couldn't. She was done sitting back as her children were put in danger, Trail thinking the same thing.

"Where are you going?" Shining asked, as he and the rest of the teen's families saw the pair rushing towards the machines that brought them to Cloudsdale.

"We might not be able to fight," Trail announced. "But we can still be there to support our kids." Misty nodded and the pair began to work on the machine, tapping into it and setting the transport function to Canterlot. The other members of the BakuFighters and Rainboom's families all looked towards one another and nodded before rushing in to help. They weren't just going to sit around as their children fought to save the world.

In Canterlot, everyone had their attention divided between the floating piece of land and their screens as they watched the battle taking place.

Flash and Leonidas were down, Flash still conscious and trying to get his partner to wake up. "Oh," Fluttershy quivered, "this is awful. I wish there was something we could do."

"Well there isn't," Soarin told her. "You saw what happened to that drone when it got too close. Lucifer doesn't want any of us interfering with this fight."

"I bet we could get through that field," Garuda squawked. "If only there wasn't a bunch of Doom Dimension Energy surrounding them." Everyone frowned at this, as they looked up towards the crack in the sky. It continued to pump out the energy and whilst Leo's earlier blast of positive energy had dispelled it all, more was streaming in and making the place completely unsurvivable for all the ordinary Bakugan.

"Flash," Twilight whispered in worry.

Up on the plot of land, Flash crawled towards Leonidas. The dragon looked unconscious, but Flash knew they had to keep fighting. They were the only chance their planet had.

"Leo!" He cried, reaching his head and tapping his fist against him. "Come on, bud! This is no time to take a nap! LEO!" Flash hit his head as hard as he could, this jolt seeming to wake Leonidas up.

"What?" He tried to pick himself up, but flinched at the pair in his body. "Augh! What happened?" But then he remembered where they were and got serious. "Oh, that's right." He pushed through the pair and stood himself up before turning to Lucifer, as his Royal Knights were staring back at him.

"Leo!" Flash cried, "You okay?"

"I'll live," Leonidas assured him. 'But I'm not sure for how much longer if I take another beating like that.' He spread his wings and leapt into the air, Flash gasping as he watched his partner fly up and let out a roar. He launched a laser at one of the knights, but the red armored figured held up their shield and blocked the attack.

As it blocked the attack, the Ventus, Aquos and Subterra knights charged and straightened out their metal ribbons into swords. As they got closer to Leo, they swung the blades around. Leo barely managed to avoid this attack and fired his Hydro Bomber at the trio, but their blades returned to ribbons that they swung around them to deflect the raindrops.

The Haos and Darkus Knight then appeared behind them and crossed their blades over their shields, pulling them back as energy formed around them that took the shape of crossbows. When the three got rid of the last raindrop, they jumped out of the way as the pair fired the energy arrows towards him.

Leo gasped and used his Terra Guardian Ability, barely managing to block the attacks. As he did, the Pyrus Knight flew up in front of Lucifer.

The reason it did was because the elemental dragon was charging up a fire blast, which it shot from its mouth as the knight charged. The flames slammed into the knight's back and propelled it forward, increasing its speed as it flew towards Leonidas and morphed into a fiery meteor.

"What?" Leo gasped as his Terra Guardian vanished, allowing the knight to slam into him before he could get out of the way. "AAAAARRRRRHHHHH!" He was pushed flying backwards and slammed into one of the few remaining building on the plot of land, making Flash and all his friends gasp.

"LEO!" Flash rushed towards him, but before he could get close Lucifer turned his attention on him. The Ultimate Bakugan unleashed a blast of lightning towards Flash, terrifying all those that saw it. Flash saw it just in time and leapt back as the lightning slammed into the ground and exploded. "AUGH!"

"FLASH!" His friends screamed, fearing the worst as the teen hit the ground. As he did, Leonidas also fell out of the remains of the building whilst the knights all floated above them.

"Leo," he groaned, "there's too many of them."

"I know," Leonidas nodded as he tried to push himself to his feet with little success. "I can't do this on my own."

Down below, everyone watched as Leonidas continued to get his tail handed to him. Many of them had had enough.

"That's it!" Spike cried as he leapt off Twilight's shoulder, "I'm gonna go help him!" But as he flew through the air, he suddenly found his energy being drained. "Augh!" He fell to the ground and Twilight gasped, rushing over to pick him up and running back out of the field of Doom Dimension Energy.

"It's no use," Twilight told him. The lot of them were forced to step back to keep out of the expanding field. "You can't help him whilst that tear is giving off the energy."

"Dang it!" Soarin cried, "Lucifer knew what he was doing when he opened that thing. If only there was a way to close it." But none of them were sure there was. Lucifer had opened it with the Attribute Energy's power and even if Leonidas' power equalled that, he probably still couldn't do the same thing.

Leonidas growled as he looked up at the crack, spelling out more and more Doom Dimension Energy. If only that tear wasn't there, then he could get some help.

"Wait," his eyes went wide as an idea formed in his head, "that's it!" Using all his strength, he pushed himself back to his feet and roared as he summoned as much energy as he could. Flash and the others were surprised by this sudden turn of events, as the symbols on Leo's wings glowed.

"Leo!" Flash cried, "what are you doing?" Leonidas didn't respond, as the light shot off the symbols and into his mouth.

"If Lucifer could open a portal, then so can I!" He cried as the energy formed a sphere of rainbow colours. "RAAAAAAH!" The sphere exploded into a beam of light, which shot into the sky and hit the crack above them. This surprised everyone, who hoped he was attempting to close it. But it didn't. Instead, it changed colour. Instead of being a blackish grey, it changed to a rainbow of different colours.

"Leo," Flash cried, "what did you just do?"

"I couldn't fix the tear," Leonidas smirked. "But I was able to change its location. Now, instead of connecting our world to the Doom Dimension, that crack is leading straight to the dimensional space Vestroia once occupied. And that means, the Doom Dimension Energy will be gone."

Everyone's eyes went wide at this, as Leonidas summoned more energy and beat his wings. This sent out a wave that flowed out in every direction, removing the Doom Dimension Energy completely and allowing his friends to enter the battle. But as he did, the knights charged forward again.

Before Leo could respond, they swung their whip-like ribbons at him and lashed at his body. He cried out in pain as the knights then used their ribbons to tie him up, wrapping them around his arms, legs, wings, tail and neck. Leonidas tried to blast them, but one of the ribbons wrapped around his mouth.

They did this to allow Lucifer to launch a blast of lightning towards him, the lightning slamming into him and causing him to cry out through his shut mouth before he went limp. "Bring him to me," the worm inside the orb stated before the knights started pulling him towards Lucifer.

"LEO!" Flash cried, his friends all seeing this and knowing they had to help him.

Lyra looked down at Nimue, "you ready to get back in the game?"

"You have to ask?" Nimue asked, "it's time for this to finally end." With that, she slammed shut.

"You ready partner?" Heath smirked, "this is gonna get wild."

"Wukong, reporting for duty." Wukong shut himself and glowed warmer.

"Gaia," Bonnie smiled, "let's do this for everyone Lucifer's ever hurt."

"I couldn't agree more," Gaia nodded as she closed up.

"Ready Garuda?" Soarin asked, "this goal decides the whole game."

"Then we'd better not miss," Garuda closed up as well.

"Ragnaroid," Derpy whispered.

"Say no more," Ragnaroid nodded. "Together, we can do this." Derpy nodded before she turned towards Twilight and the others. They all wanted to help too, but knew that battlefield wasn't big enough to support all their Bakugan.

"We'll be cheering you on," Twilight assured them. "Go show Lucifer why you don't mess with earth." The BakuFighters nodded and turned towards the battlefield, all of them holding up their partners.

"BAKUGAN...BRAWL!" They all threw them and the five balls shot into the air, flying towards the battlefield and managing to fly through the barrier protecting it.

In said battlefield, Flash could only watch as Leonidas was dragged to his doom. "LEO!" Flash cried, fearing this might be the end. But as the knights got closer to Lucifer, they sensed something behind them and looked around just in time to see a blast of black fire shooting towards them.

They leapt away as the flames consumed their ribbon weapons, burning them away and freeing Leo. They and Lucifer then turned to where the blast came from and saw a Bakugan they all recognised. "Prepare yourselves," the former villainous Bakugan smirked as he pointed his claws at them. "For you now face the mighty Darkus Doom Ragnaroid!"

"Alright!" Flash cheered, as four more bursts of light signalled the arrival of the other BakuFighter Bakugan.

"What's up, Lucifer!" Wukong began to breakdance around as he got into a fighting stance, "Wukong's here to clean your clock!"

"Your evil ways end now!" Gaia cried as she got into a battle stance.

Nimue swung her staff around. "Prepare to face the wrath of Lady Numie!"

"And the electric strikes of Storm Garuda!" The birdman squawked as he flew through the air.

Flash laughed at this. "Nice timing, guys!" As he said that, his BakuColar beeped and he answered it to see all his friends on the line. "I knew I could count on you."

"Of course," Lyra told him. "What kind of team would we be if we didn't help you when you really need it? Now go show that loser who the best is." The others all cheered for him as well.

"You got this Flash!" Twilight cried, "we believe in you."

"Make Lucifer pay for all the pain he's caused," Rainbow cheered.

"Get justice for the Bakugan who lost their lives in his insane quest for power!" Rarity screamed.

"FLASH!" Applejack, Pinkie and Fluttershy cried.

"FLASH!" The rest of the BakuFighters and other brawlers cheered out, making Flash smile as he looked over to see Nimue and Wukong helping Leonidas to his feet.

"Sorry for being later," Nimue told him.

"Better late than never," Leonidas assured him before they focused on the knights and Lucifer. "Now, let's end this once and for all." As he said that, Flash took out a Gate Card and threw it.

"Gate Card, OPEN!" The card glowed and all the BakuFighter Bakugan began to glow, "Super Unification!" The energy flowed through them all, combining their powers together.

Lucifer: 750Gs
BakuFighters: 4100Gs
Royal Knights X6: 1800Gs

Leonidas could feel his strength returning, as the Royal Knights charged towards them. Nimue stepped up first. "Don't make us laugh." She summoned a ball of water and blasted it towards the knights, "Overflow!" The water exploded into a wave, which shot towards the knights and slammed into them before they could escape.

Lucifer: 750Gs
BakuFighters: 4100Gs
Royal Knights X6: 900Gs

The knights all hit the ground and before any of them could recover, the BakuFighters charged. As they did, their partners cheered for them. "You go get em!" Lyra cheered as Nimue attacked the Aquos knight and slammed her staff into it, knocking it backwards with enough force that it exploded into water and disappeared.

Lucifer: 750Gs
BakuFighters: 4100Gs
Royal Knights X5: 750Gs

"Ruyi Bang!" Wukong cried as he summoned his staff and used it to knock the Pyrus knight's shield away.

"Awesome!" Heath cried, "you show them what you're made of Wukong!" The fire ape then used his staff to propel himself forward and slam his foot into the knight, knocking it backwards until exploded into flames and vanished.

Lucifer: 750Gs
BakuFighters: 4100Gs
Royal Knights X4: 600Gs

"Gaia Spirit!" The giant woman cried as she summoned all the power of the earth into herself.

"That's my Gaia!" Bonnie looked like she was about to cry with joy, as the Subterra Bakugan swung her first towards the knight that shared her Attribute. The knight tried to escape, but Gaia managed to punch it out of the sky so hard it exploded into a bunch of dirt and fell to the ground.

Lucifer: 750Gs
BakuFighters: 4100Gs
Royal Knights X3: 450Gs

"Sky Spark Surge!" Garude cried as his body was surrounded by a veil of lightning.

Soarin smirked. "You the man, Garuda!" The birdman shot forward as he formed a pair of lightning blades in his hands, whilst the Ventus knight tried to slash at him with his ribbon blades. But Garuda swung his blades at it and melted through the metal weapons before slashing an X through its chest. The knight was knocked back and exploded into a gust of wind.

Lucifer: 750Gs
BakuFighters: 4100Gs
Royal Knights X2: 300Gs

Finally, Ragnaroid opened his chest and unleashed the light from his eye. "Doom Vision!" This light hit not only the Darkus knight, but the Haos one as well and froze them in place.

Derpy smiled, "go Ragnaroid!" The light allowed the Bakugan to swing his long tail around and grab them both, squeezing them so tightly they both exploded into yellow and purple mist. The knights were all gone, leaving only Lucifer to stand against them.

Lucifer: 750Gs
BakuFighters: 4100Gs

"And then there was one!" Leonidas roared as the six of them charged forward. But as they did, Lucifer seemed to be getting desperate. He suddenly launched all his Abilities at them, firing blast of fire, waves of water, bolts of lightning and gusts of wind as he fell to the ground and created an explosive fissure that flew towards them.

Wukong and Nimue quickly launched a wall of water and fire from their staffs, blocking the attacks and protecting the others. This allowed Garuda, Ragnaroid and Gaia to launch an Aero Bomber, Apocalyptic Fire and Gaia Cannon that slammed into the main body and blasted parts of it into nothingness.

They knew this wouldn't actually hurt Lucifer, but it was distract him long enough for Leonidas to do what was needed. "It's time, Flash." His partner nodded as he took out a card and held it up.

"Super Fusion Ability...ACTIVATE!" The card glowed as Leonidas' six attribute symbols began to glow. "Divine Judgement!" The light shot off the symbols and swirled together into a rainbow sphere in front of Leonidas, growing larger and larger as the power built.

Lucifer's body began to reform, but the others launched their long range attacks again and again to blast it away so Lucifer couldn't unleash a counter attack. And eventually, Leo's attack was fully charged and so large, it seemed to warp space around it.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Leonidas roared as he beat his wings, sending the sphere flying forwards. It moved too fast for Lucifer to escape, as the main body barely finished reforming before it connected with the dark orb contain the worm within it.

"NO!" The beast within the sphere screamed as the rainbow orb expanded and completely encased the sphere and his puppet, who unleashed multiple attacks but couldn't escape from within it. The sphere then began to shrink and crushed the creature within, destroying the puppet before crushing the orb containing him. Then, it exploded as Lucifer screamed out. "NOOOOOOOOOO!"

The explosion blinded them all for a moment, along with all those watching from the ground and across the world. But then, the light began to die down and Flash opened his eyes. "Did we win?" They weren't sure, the Bakugan all looking up at the giant smoke cloud.

And as the cloud slowly began to fade, it revealed something hidden within it. "No way!" Wukong cried, when they saw Lucifer floating there. It was only his worm form, but he was still alive if a little battered and burned.

"I..." Lucifer forced out, "I won't let it end like this." He started glowing, summoning the Attribute Energy within him. "I'll destroy everything if I have to. This world and the space that once held Vestroia. They will both be destroyed and you will all suffer for fighting against me." Everyone who saw this realised what he was doing.

"He's gonna blow!" Flash cried, fearing the worm might destroy their world in spite.

"I don't think so!" Leonidas roared as he and the other Bakugan shot into the air. As they did, they all started glowing their respective colours. "We won't let you destroy anything, ever again!" They gathered round Lucifer, forming the Attribute circle as they did. "Flash!"

In that moment, a light appeared in front of Flash and he grabbed it. Doing so caused the light to form a card, Flash looking it over in amazement. "Wow." He smirked before holding the card up, "Final Ability...ACTIVATE!" The card unleashed a bright light that split into six and each hit one of the BakuFighter Bakugan.

The rainbow energy swirled around them all before flying to their right and connecting to the Bakugan next to them, forming a hexagon of light that grew brighter and brighter by the moment. All the while, Lucifer was powering himself up. "I refused to be defeated!" He hissed, "I was destined for greatness and I won't let you take it away from me. I...am the most powerful Bakugan."

"No," Leo stated, "you're nothing but a sickness. And it's time to administer the cure." With that, the light surrounding them exploded inwards as they all yelled in unison. "HARMONIC FORCE!" The light surrounded Lucifer as he attempted to expel the Attribute Energy and destroy everything, but the Harmonic Force formed a perfect sphere around him before he could.

The energy blasted outwards, but the sphere held and the explosion was completely trapped. "No!" Lucifer roared as the energy exploded out of him and did nothing. "This can't be happening. I cannot be defeated by weaklings like you." But that was exactly what was happening. And as the explosion completely consumed him, he screamed out in pain and terror.

The light from the Harmonic Force and the explosion blinded everyone for a moment, but it slowly began to fade as the explosion died out within the sphere. When it did, something was revealed inside the sphere. Six differently coloured lights, all swirling around one another in a single cloud.

"The Attribute Energies," Gaia gasped. "They survived."

"Of course," Nimue nodded. "It'll take more than Lucifer attempting to destroy the world to get rid of them. But what do we do with them now?"

Leonidas had an idea. But before he could do it, a voice spoke up in his ear. "Leonidas. You know what'll have to happen if you chose to do this." It was Dragonia, warning him of his fate should he decide to walk this path. But he had to do it.

"Leonidas?" Garuda cried out as the dragon flew forward and into the sphere, "where are you doing?" As soon as he was inside, the six Attribute Energies began to fly into him.

He groaned at the sudden influx of energy, but managed to contain it. "Leo!" Flash cried, "what are you doing?"

"Something has to contain them," Leonidas announced. "If I don't do this, they might disappear forever. I'm the best one to do this." He could feel his body feeling like it was being ripped apart, but he managed to keep it together as the last of the energy was absorbed. As he did, he shot a beam into the air that caused the field Lucifer had created to start vanishing.

Down below, everyone on the ground watched as the sky returned to normal. The Bakugan could no longer feel themselves able to return to their true forms and as the light faded, the floating island began to slowly fall towards the ground. It fell perfectly into place where it had been pulled out of, creating a massive dust cloud that flew out in every direction.

They all coughed and shielded their eyes from this, wondering what the heck was going on. The cloud slowly faded, but they were still completely in the dark about the situation. However, from out of the dust, something started running towards them. Flash.

"Hey!" He cheered, looking like every holiday had come around at once. "Did you see that. We did it!" As he ran, the Bakugan that had just saved the world appeared form out of the dust and flew towards their partners.

"Nimue!" Lyra cried, "I can't believe you won."

"We won," Nimue told her. "This battle never would have been won without you and your friends helping us along the way."

"You the man, Wukong!" Heath held up a fist and Wukong pumped it.

"No, you the man."

"Gaia," Bonnie smiled, "I'm so glad your safe."

"And I'm glad you're safe too," Gaia nodded.

"Ragnaroid," Derpy hugged her Bakugan, "I'm so proud of you."

"So this is what it feels like to fight on the side of good," Ragnaroid chuckled. "Gotta admit, it's not so bad."

"Guess this means everything's back to normal, right?" Soarin asked, but Garuda didn't look so sure.

"I don't know. I've never experienced anything like this before. I've no idea what we're supposed to do now." He might not know, but Leonidas did.

"We need to put things back as they were." Everyone turned to him, curious by what he meant. "Look at the sky." They did so and even though the field Lucifer had created was now gone, something remained and it looked like it was getting bigger.

"The dimensional crack that Lucifer opened!" Twilight cried, "it's still there."

"But why?" Pinkie asked.

"We beat Lucifer," Rainbow pointed out. "So shouldn't all the damage he did be undone?"

"Lucifer may have damaged the dimensional wall of this world," Leonidas explained. "But I was the one who took control of it. Now I must be the one to repair it. But I can only do that from the other side." This statement shocked them, Flash looking down at his partner.

"Other side? But why. If you close the Dimensional Wall...then you'll be trapped over there." Leonidas nodded, "Leo!"

"It's okay," Leonidas told him. "I won't be trapped. Because there is another mission I must complete alongside repairing the wall. The restoration of Vestroia and the return of the Bakugan too it." Everyone gasped at this.

"What do you mean?" Nimue asked, "you're going to restore Vestroia. How?"

"The Six Attribute Energies that now reside within me are what remain of our world. Those along with the sparks of power given to me by all the Bakugan in existence has made my body the perfect representation of Vestroia, both in body and spirit. For that reason, I will rebuild Vestroia using my own body as the materials."

"WHAT!?" They all screamed, Flash grabbing his partner. "Are you insane? You can't do that. Then...then you'll..."

"I...will become the new Vestroia." This statement made Flash begin to tear up, all the joy he had before now gone as he let the overwhelming feeling of sorrow wash over him.

"No...you can't."

"I must," Leonidas nodded.

"Why not just leave the crack open?" Heath asked. "It's not hurting anyone."

"He can't," Wukong sighed.

Ragnaroid nodded. "The crack is stable now, but that won't last forever. Eventually, the stability of the dimension wall will break down even further. And when that happens, both universes will collide with one another and shatter."

"But it's not fair!" Flash cried. "We finally beat Lucifer and now you're telling me it means saying goodbye to you all."

Leonidas looked down, clearly unhappy that he had to hurt his friend this way. "I'm sorry, Flash. But this is what must happen."

"WELL IT BITES!" Flash screamed.

"He's right," Lyra cried. "Flash needs Leonidas." She looked towards her partner, "just like I need...my Nimue!" Tears broke out of her eyes.

"Lyra," Nimue sighed.

"Lyra's right," Bonnie held her partner. "I need Gaia. She's the best friend I've ever had." She hugged her tightly and Gaia seemed just as upset that she was leaving.

"Bonnie, you don't need me anymore. You have grown so much since we met and I'm proud of the young woman you've become." Bonnie continued to hug her and cry, whilst Heath and Soarin stared at their partners.

"Please," Heath sniffed, "don't go. There's still so many awesome things we never got to do together."

"I wish I could," Wukong sound like he was about to cry. "But...that's life sometimes. You don't always get the things you wanted." He was really starting to sob now.

"Don't be sad," Garuda told Soarin. "I know it's hard, but this is the way things have to be."

Soarin's whole body was shaking, "I don't want it to end yet. Haven't we had so much fun?"

"We have," Garuda nodded. "And I'll treasure those memories for the rest of my life. But Vestroia is where I belong. Even if Leonidas can rebuild it exactly the same, the world will still be in chaos. We have to make sure things get settled so everything we fought for wasn't for nothing."

The Rainbooms and all the other Brawlers were also crying about the loss of their partners, but none more so then Flash. "Please, Leo. Don't do this. If you turn your body into Vestroia, what'll happen to you?"

"I don't know," Leonidas sighed. "It's not like I have a frame of reference for this kind of thing. I like to think I'll still be alive, but watching over the world I've created."

"But you don't know that," Flash told him. "You could die."

"I know," Leonidas nodded. "But I have to do this. Vestroia must be restored in order for the Bakugan race to survive and thrive. I think...this was the reason I was born and found by Dragonia. Why I was brought to earth and met you. So I could become the Bakugan that could revive Vestroia."

"Leo," was all Flash could say in return.

"Flash." The teen looked up and spun around, spotting his parents a ways off. They were with the rest of his friend's families, all looking relieved they were all okay but all seeing how upset they were. Misty stepped forward, "it's gonna be okay."

"No!" Flash cried, "it's not. I'm losing the best friend I've ever had. How can...how can that be okay?" Misty and Trail moved over to him and pulled their son into a hug, Scootaloo rushing over to hug them as well.

"I know it's hard," Misty assured him. "But this is what your friend wants to do. You shouldn't try and stop him. You should support him, because he's doing this for the right reasons." Flash continued to cry as the rest of the families comforted the heroes of the day.

Twilight was hugging her brother and turned to Spike, "I'm gonna miss you."

"And I'll miss you," Spike told her. "But who knows, maybe we'll meet again somehow. I never thought I'd meet a human before, so who's to say it'll never happen again." Twilight smiled at this, hoping the same thing.

"Hey," Cadance then took out her phone, "why don't I take a picture of you two so you'll always have something to remember him by." Twilight nodded, liking that idea. Everyone else heard this and also liked that idea, all of them taking photos of them and their Bakugan. Strangely enough, this made many of the Brawlers feel better about never getting to see their partners again. At least this way, they would never forget what they look like.

Once all the pictures were taken and goodbyes were made, Flash and the BakuFighters all headed up to one of the last remaining building in the area.

Standing atop it, the six teens stared at the crack in the sky as Leonidas floated up to it. "This is it. The time for Vestroia to be reborn." He turned back to Flash, seeing he was still upset but keeping strong. "I know you're sad, but you should be proud. You've helped me save not just one world, but two."

"I know," Flash sighed. "But I'm still gonna miss you."

"And I you," Leo nodded. "I'm glad Dragonia chose to entrust you with me. I can't think of anyone who would have done a better job." Flash smiled at this and tapped Leonidas on the head, the others saying goodbye to their friends.

"Please stay safe out there," Lyra begged Nimue. "If something, anything happens and you need our help, don't hesitate and try to find a way back here."

"I'll...try," Nimue was chuckling. "But I think Vestroia's earned a bit of peace." Lyra smiled.

"You were the best friend a guy could ask for," Heath told Wukong.

"You too," Wukong nodded. "Don't go having too much fun without me." Heath nodded.

"Oh Gaia," Bonnie pulled her into a hug. "Please don't forget about me."

"How could I ever forget about you?" Gaia asked. "I promise I won't so long as you don't forget about me."

"Deal."

Soarin and Garuda smiled at one another. "It's been a heck of a time."

"Yes," Garuda nodded, "these last few months have certainly been interesting. I think we've both grown a great deal thanks to each other." Soarin nodded, whilst Derpy held Ragnaroid.

"I wish we could have had more time together," Derpy told him. "Even though we've been through so much together, it feels like we've only really just met each other."

Ragnaroid nodded. "Thank you, Derpy. Thanks to you, I feel like I've grown into an entirely new Bakugan." Derpy smiled again, the felt a breeze and spun around. When she did, she gasped seeing the ghostly form of Phantom standing on the other side of the building.

The figure turned to her and smiled, showing how proud he was of her before vanishing. Derpy sighed as this, the BakuFighters all looking towards one another.

"Alright guys," Flash stepped forward and looking towards the portal to Vestroia. "Let's send our friends off with a bang." The others all cheered as they held their arms back. "Bakugan..."

"BRAWL!" They all screamed as they threw the Bakugan towards the portal. The six Bakugan transformed into streams of their respective colours, as the shot across the sky and into the crack. They all watched and felt a final wave of sadness wash over them at the final sight of their friends.

"Bye guys," Flash whispered. "Leonidas...good luck."

When they reached the other side of the dimensional tear, the Bakugan all transformed into their original forms. "Is this it?" Leonidas asked, hoping he didn't make a mistake.

"Indeed," Nimue nodded. "This is the space Vestroia once existed in. I can feel it." The others nodded as Leo flew forwards and turned to them. "Thank you, Leonidas. I know this is a big sacrifice you're making for us."

"The Bakugan race owes you a great debt," Gaia told him. "One that, I fear will never be repaid."

"Live your lives," Leonidas stated. "Do that and you will be repaying me."

The others nodded and Wukong looked upset. "I guess this is it. The last big hurrah." Garuda placed a hand on his shoulder, assuring him that everything would be alright.

"This is the end of our adventure. But the start of a new one. Who knows what the future holds for any of us. All I can say is, I'm glad I got to experience this one with all of you."

Leonidas turned to Ragnaroid, the pair who had started as hated enemies now turned partners and, though neither would admit it, friends. "Keep an eye on things for me. Don't go letting Vestroia get messed up after I just managed to fix it."

Ragnaroid chuckled, "don't worry. I'll keep things in check. No Bakugan is gonna cause any issues whilst I'm around." Leonidas nodded back before turning away.

"This is it. Farewell, my friends." With that, he started flying towards the area of space where Vestroia had once been. As he did, he dug deep and called upon the Attribute Energies that now flowed throughout his body. "I might not have ever seen Vestroia, but through my friends and the Bakugan who lived there, I will remake it exactly how it once was. And Flash...I hope you continue to have a good life. You certainly deserve it."

In that moment, six lights appeared around him. Leonidas saw this and was surprised, as the ghostly armored forms of the Guardian appeared. Dragonia floated in front of him and though she didn't have a mouth, Flash knew she was smiling at him. "Well done, my son." Leonidas smiled. "Your story may end here, but the legend you have inspired will live on forever. The legend of the Bakugan, born from hatred but taught the power of love and friendship. Who used what he learned to save our world. You will never be forgotten."

Leonidas nodded as he reached his intended destination, the dragon taking a deep breath as the energies flowed around him and made him glow. "I'm ready." With that, the light exploded out of him and unleashed a brilliant rainbow burst. The light was so bright, it blinded the Bakugan who saw it for a moment as they were forced to look away. But then, the light began to dim and they looked back towards it and gasped at the sight before them.

Though none of them had ever seen Vestroia from this point, they knew Leonidas had created a perfect copy of it. Many parts of the landscape they recognised from their old home, but now something seemed different. Despite it looking like a perfect copy, the planet they were staring at looked...better. Like every tiny imperfection in the old Vestroia was gone.

Maybe it was just because their friend had made it, but they couldn't see a single thing wrong with it. "Gorgeous," Nimue whispered.

"Truly extraordinary," Gaia nodded.

"Yeah," Wukong gave it a cheeky grin, "looks awesome. Can't wait to go try it out."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Ragnaroid asked, "let's go home."

Garuda nodded. "We have a lot of work to do to make it the perfect world Leonidas wanted it to be. Let's get to it." They agreed and in a flash of light, they morphed into fives streams of energy. These streams shot through the space towards the planet, whilst the light from the planet's creation flowed into the crack that Lucifer had made.

Back with the BakuFighters, they continued to watch as the light flooded out of the crack and spread as far as they could see.

In doing so, every bit of damage caused during Lucifer's invasion began to be repaired. Every destroyed building, every damaged landmark, every cut and bruise earned in the battles began to be undone. At the same time, the Bakugan scattered around the planet began to glow their respective colours.

That included those previously under Lucifer's command and the ones connected to the Brawlers.

Twilight frowned as Spike and the rest of her Bakugan started glowing before they hovered into the air, the others seeing theirs all doing the same. "Goodbye," she told him one final time before the ball shot into the air. Every Bakugan headed towards the crack, creating an aurora of light that was one of the most beautiful things any of them had ever seen. It truly was a sight to behold.

Slowly, the Bakugan flew through the tear as their humans yelled goodbye and wished them luck on their new world.

When the last of the Bakugan disappeared through the tear, the light coming out of it retracted and pulled the tear closed behind it. Everyone stared up at the sky, unable to believe their friends were all gone. Their worlds might have collided by accident, but not a single Brawler was upset that it happened. Because it allowed some of the best friendships they could ever ask for to appear. And now, a new future was going to come to pass.

Back in Vestroia, the planet had finished forming and was ready to receive its inhabitants. And receive them it did.

The Bakugan began raining down from the sky, carefully landing on the ground or in the water as they did so. Once they landed, the balls began to pop open and started taking their true forms. The Bakugans that had been under Lucifer's control cheered with joy, having been freed from the dark spell hanging over them. Those that had partners sighed, happy to be home but disappointed that they had to say goodbye.

Then there were the other Bakugans.

In a flash, an arc appeared in the sky and began to expel more Bakugan onto the planet. Spike was one of the Bakugan near it when this happened and was amazed, happy to see the rest of his kind returning him.

In a flash of light, a large Pyrus bird, an orange humanoid snake and a woman in strange robes appeared and all looked confused. "What just happened?" The bird squawked as he looked around, "I feel like we missed something."

"Oh, you missed something alright." They turned to Spike as he walked towards them, a smirk on his face. "Let me tell you a tale. A tale of a Bakugan named Leonidas. And how he saved our world from destruction."

Three months later.

The City of Canterlot was still recovering from the insanity that had occurred there all those many weeks ago. Though everything had been repaired with Leonidas' power, the effects of the situation could still be seen all throughout the city.

For one thing, Dark Industries had all but collapsed. The many people that worked there quickly found themselves unemployed, since the company had almost gone bust whilst the few higher up members of staff tried to find a way to get the company back on its feet. With the loss of their president and loss of their biggest money making property, they would need to find another way to earn a living.

But aside from that, everything else was going fine. The kids who had taken part in the battles were practically world famous now, since everyone had seen them fighting against the evil that had attempted to destroy their world.

One of those teens had just arrived home. "Hey!" Flash called out to his family, who were all in the living room watching TV. He rushed upstairs and quickly pulled his best shirt out of his closet, changing into it along with some dress pants. He finished his look off with a blazer before he rushed downstairs. "I'll be home late tonight!" He told his family before rushing out the door and grabbing his bike.

He quickly cycled down the road and laughed as he flew through the town towards his intended destination, all the while hoping he wasn't late.

He eventually made it to his destination, the park, and rode his bike all the way to the meeting spot. Once there, he chained up his bike and headed over to the spot. He arrived at the park's fountain and when he got their, looking around the place on his own suddenly reminded him of a day long ago.

Stepping down the stairs, he sighed as he remembered that day. He stepped closer to the fountain and let all the memories of his time with his partner flow through his mind. Despite how much Flash missed him, he refused to let those memories make him sad.

"Flash?" He was pulled out of his thoughts and looked around to see someone walking towards. It was Twilight, the bespectacled girl wearing a fancy knee-length white dress with purple trim and a beret on her head. Flash couldn't stop staring at her, Twilight blushing as she moved some hair out of her face. She reached the bottom of the stairs and smiled, "how do I look?"

Flash smirked, "you look incredible." Twilight's blush deepened, the girl moving towards him and noticing a distant look in her eyes.

"Is something wrong?"

"No," he shook his head and looked down at the water. "It's just...this is where I met Leonidas." Twilight instantly understood what the problem was and she could understand. She missed Spike and all her other Bakugan friends just as much. But she knew she couldn't let that overwhelm her.

"Hey," she moved over and placed her hand in his, "Leonidas wouldn't want you to spend the rest of your life upset."

"I'm not," Flash assured her. "Just...remembering all the good times. That's all." Twilight nodded as they looked at one another and smiled, as Twilight turned away and blushed again.

"We should get going. The movie's...gonna be starting soon."

"Got it," Flash nodded and the pair walked away from the fountain. And as they did, a gentle gust of wind flew passed them. That wind swirled passed Flash's ear and laced within it was a voice he recognised.

"Thank you, Flash." This made Flash stop in his place, as he looked around to see if the one who spoke was actually there. He looked up and when he did, he noticed a white cloud above them that looked just like the upper body of his best friend. The cloud was looking down at him, the sun shining through holes where the eyes were and giving them a soft glow.

He stared at the light for a moment and smiled, as Twilight asked what was wrong. "Nothing," he ran forward and pulled Twilight along as they both laughed, "everything's perfect."

The world had been through a lot since the arrival of the Bakugan. In that time, friendships had been made, tested, broken, remade and forged anew and stronger than ever. The BakuFighters and Rainbooms had all been put through daunting trials since that time and come out stronger because of it.

There was no telling if Earth and Vestroia would ever once again connect, but many on both planet were hoping they would. And when that time came, those on the planets looked forward to meeting with their partners once again. Each Brawler couldn't wait for the day they could say two particular words with excitement again.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!"

<<>>

Author's Note

Well, this story has finally come to an end. It was fun, though I feel it might not have been as well received as my other stories given the amount of comments I got. I hope those reading who haven't commented will let me know what you thought of the series.

What was your favourite part, which of the original Bakugan was your favourite and what did you enjoy seeing the most. Let me know. And until the next time, so long my beautiful readers.