In the alleyway where the Rugenga had taken refuge, the three and their Bakugan were talking with Beck and the other Rugenga.

"What do you mean, you can't get us back?" Beck frowned at the question, as he, Azalea and Kiyrah stared back at him. "I have more power than any other time. But my Baku-Bracer won't be able to hold it for long. If we don't get back soon, it'll all be wasted."

"I'm sorry," Beck replied. "I might have been able to create a signal, but tracking it to your exact coordinates is proving tricky. I can't create a stable enough portal to get you back."

"So we're stuck here?" Hayate asked, but Thalia stepped forward with something in hand. The laptop.

"I don't think so. It seems our friends are preparing for a trip?" She showed them the laptop and on the screen, security footage from the Battle Brawler's HQ showed everyone working on packing what they could. "They must have found a way back to Vestroia...or Equestria."

Cursor hummed. "So, there's a chance we could be left behind whilst they go off and cause problems for the others."

"Let them try," Azalea laughed. "We have control of Equestria. They'll be fighting a losing battle." The three turned to them in shock, as Beck and Kiyrah nodded before explaining everything that had happened since they disappeared.

"Is that so?" Cursor chuckled. "That might work in our favour, then. Beck, I need you to do something for me. I require video of everything that's happening in Equestria. Make it as heartbreaking to watch as possible."

"I can do that. But why?"

"I think it's time to add to our ranks," Cursor stated. "And in all the times we've fought the Defenders, I've come to realise one major thing. One of them will do anything to protect her world. If she sees the state her world is in, she'll do anything to save it. Even if it means betraying everything she stood for."

"You can't be serious," Thalia cried. "You want her to join us. She can't be trusted?"

"None of us can be trusted," Hayate stated. "Which means we're the only ones you can trust, since you can trust that we can't be trusted."

"What?" Azalea asked.

"It doesn't matter," Cursor stated. "Unless you can think of another way for us to get back, this is our only hope of getting back. So get to work. I need as much footage as possible. I want to see pain. I want to see drama. And I want to show them what happens when they try to stand against us, now that we are in control." The Rugenga nodded before the call was cut, though the signal there remained.

"Let's say this works," Hayate replied. "And we somehow get back to Equestria with her. What do we do with her then?"

"We keep an eye on her," Cursor replied. "Hope she plays ball. But if she doesn't, there are ways we can make her see things our way." He chuckled, as the others wondered what he had in mind.

At the Battle Brawlers HQ, Mira and Joe were once again talking to the large number of different individuals that were a part of the Bakugan Alliance.

"So you're going to this Equestria?" The Neathian woman asked.

"We are," Mira nodded. "We're hoping that we can find some clues about Dan and the others. Something happened to them and if we want to find out what, we have to get to Vestroia. And since Equestria is the only world that can apparently connect to Vestroia, we need to start there."

"And we need to help the ponies," Joe agreed. "They were willing to protect the Bakugan up to this point and now their world has been conquered by these Rugenga. We need to help free them before we can work on finding out what happened to Dan. And hopefully, it'll lead to us finding out what happened anyway."

"Sounds like a plan," the Gundalian agreed. "But are you sure about leaving Bakugan City unprotected like that? With you gone, there's no telling what could happen."

"That's why we're calling," Mira explained. "We're hoping some of you can come protect the city in our absence. Three of the Rugenga are still here and they're powerful. So we need some of you to make sure they don't try anything until we get back."

"Got it," the well dressed individual replied. "I shouldn't have any trouble running my company from Bakugan City. I'll start making preparations to be there as soon as I can."

"I'm in too," the woman wearing a Chinese dress replied. "It might take me a little while to get there, though."

"Don't worry," Mira told her. "Kato's already getting Marucho's jet ready. He can be there to pick you up in no time."

"Then we'll head there too," the Australian man replied. "Cycloid and I can handle anything those Rugenga guys throw at us."

"Me too," dreadlocks guy stated. "I've been itching to throw down for a while. Battle Brawlers stick together, no matter what."

Mira smiled. "Billy...Jake...Chan. Thank you. And Klaus. You're the best."

"Just doing our duties as Battle Brawlers," Klaus replied. "You wanna thank us, save the Bakugan and figure out what's going on in Vestroia. Because I'm sure there's more to this story than we know." Mira nodded, as Chan focused on Joe.

"And be careful. There's no telling what could be waiting for you there." Joe nodded, as the calls came to an end.

"We should start getting ready," Mira replied. "I'm sure we're gonna need all the equipment we can carry. So let's start gathering everything we need." Joe nodded, the pair heading off in different directions to prepare. This was gonna be a long trip. They couldn't afford to not have what they needed.

Meanwhile, Flash, Twilight, and Leonidas were in one of the bedrooms.

Twilight was packing a bunch of clothes into a bag she had been given, the clothes having been procured for her by Mira and the others of the world they were in. She doubted she would have a chance to go clothes shopping, once they returned to Equestria.

"Hey." She turned to Flash. "Have you been wearing the same clothes since going to Equestria?" She stared at the hoodie and jeans he had been wearing every day since being sent to this world. And since their trip to Vestroia had been completely out of nowhere, she doubted he had had time to pack anything else.

Flash chuckled. "Princess Celestia used a spell to multiply my clothes. Seemed easier than trying to get shoes specially ordered for me." He wiggled his feet and Twilight laughed, as Leonidas turned to them.

"I know we should focus on saving Equestria and Vestroia." They turned to him. "But have either of you thought about what'll happen when we finally manage to do that?"

Twilight sighed. "The first thing we need to do, is find a way to get home." Flash nodded.

"Yeah. I'm betting my parents weren't happy with me just disappearing like that."

"You have no idea," Twilight laughed. "But they understood you had to do it. You wouldn't be you if you didn't." Flash smiled, as he thought about what would be waiting for them later down the road.

"Once we get home, I hope we'll be able to stay connected to Equestria, Vestroia, even this world and the rest of the ones in that Bakugan Alliance."

"Indeed," Leonidas nodded. "We've made many good friends in those worlds. It would be terrible to have to say goodbye to them so soon. Imagine, your world being able to connect to any other world. The travel between them."

Flash smirked. "I heard that each world has its own Bakugan Battle Brawler league. Just think how cool it would be, if our world and Equestria could have their own leagues as well. Although, considering the limited number of ponies that can actually brawl, I guess their league wouldn't have a lot of Equestrian representation."

Twilight nodded. She didn't know what the future held for their worlds, but she hoped it would be one they could all enjoy. But before that, they had to save Vestroia and Equestria.

Mira and Moondancer were currently in the living area, Mira having acquired a bunch of different ration packs that they were trying to store in as many bags as possible.

"Chicken pot pie?" Moondancer read, raising an eyebrow. "Just add water." She raised an eyebrow and turned to Mira. "This tiny pack contains an entire pie?" Said pack was the size of a seasoning packet and just as thin, Mira laughing.

"That's Vestal science. Dehydration so we can eat anything we want whilst still travelling light. Flavour's a little off, but it's still good."

Moondancer nodded, amazed by the words she was talking about. "So your world. Vestal. How did it come in contact with Bakugan?"

Mira sighed. "Our world conquered Vestroia." Moondancer and Sorcerell's eyes widened. "When we discovered Vestroia, our king chose to make it our new home. But to do that, he had to remove the Bakugan. So they used a dimension controller to force all the Bakugan back to ball form, allowing us to capture them."

"Like what the Rugenga are doing?" Sorcerell asked.

"Yes. Except we didn't know the Bakugan were sentient. The Vestals used a special machine to make the Bakugan almost mindless. So when we battled with them, they were unable to tell us they were intelligent beings. Only a select few were able to break free of that conditioning, made easier when the controllers were destroyed. When I discovered the truth about them, I swore to free the Bakugan. And when I met Dan and the other Brawlers, we were able to do just that."

"What happened to the king after the Bakugan were saved?"

"That's...a long story. After that, Vestal entered a new era. The royal family was no more and a new government was established to help run it. It was a little tricky for the first few years, but things eventually calmed down. And now Vestal is enjoying a time of peace. Entering the Bakugan Alliance was a big turning point. Now, Vestal, Earth, Neathia and Gundalia work together to help each other out."

"That sounds amazing," Sorcerell nodded. "And hopefully, when Vestroia is freed, it can rejoin this Bakugan Alliance."

"Vestroia was the corner stone of that alliance," Mira nodded. "Worlds connected to Vestroia, joining together. When it was lost, many feared the alliance would break apart. But we managed to make it work."

Moondancer nodded. She didn't know what the future held for Equestria and Vestroia. But she hoped that when this was all over, her home would get to join the alliance and the Bakugan could stay a part of her life.

In another room, having gathered everything he prayed they would need, Joe stepped inside and found Dragonia on the desk.

Joe smiled, finally having time to sit and talk to his former partner. And even if she was in another form, he knew she was still the Bakugan he loved. "Hey, Wyvern." He sat down, as Dragonia turned to him. "It is okay if I still call you that?"

"If that is what makes you feel comfortable," she nodded. "But it's been a long time since I was known as that Bakugan. Almost centuries."

"It's really been that long?" Joe asked, wondering how that could be possible. "Is there some kind of time dilation?"

"It appears so," Dragonia nodded. "After Vestroia was cut off from those worlds, time seemed to move at a different speed in my world. Centuries past. Long enough for the Bakugan race on Vestroia to naturally return to the numbers it had before all the Bakugan came to this world."

"And you chose to be reborn," Joe asked.

"Yes. I felt I had no choice. Vestroia had entered a time of turmoil, with all the different factions warring with one another. It seemed peace was returning, when a Bakugan known as Lucifer arrived. But he turned out to be the greatest threat of all. I couldn't bear to let him cause so much destruction, so I chose to reincarnate. I knew I risked losing all my memories, but I couldn't just sit back and do nothing."

"But you managed to keep your memories," Joe smiled.

"Yes, though I wasn't reborn with them from the start. For a long time, I was simply Dragonia. But as I grew stronger, memories of my old self resurfaced. In a way, what you see is a fusion of the Bakugan I was and the Bakugan I became. Dragonia, the inheritor of Wyvern's will."

Joe nodded. "Then Dragonia you are. I understand. But it doesn't matter to me what you look like or what name you go by. You'll always be the Bakugan I knew."

"Thank you," Dragonia nodded. "I'm so happy I got to meet you again. After so many centuries, I thought I'd never get to see you, Drago or any of my old friends again. It was part of why I decided to allow myself to reincarnate. I thought you had passed on a long time ago. But when I realised that wasn't the case, I prayed I would get the chance to see you again."

"And now you have," Joe smiled. "And this time, nothing's gonna keep us apart. We'll fight together and save Vestroia."

"I'm glad," Dragonia nodded. "I just hope we can find Drago and the others. When I was fighting Draken, I was sure of one thing. Though his power is similar to Drago's, he's not truly Drago. I don't even think he's a real Bakugan, but some form of facsimile created using Drago's own power. Which is worrisome."

"Why?"

"If you think of Drago like a battery, charging Draken up and keeping him going, what happens when the battery eventually runs out of power?" Joe thought about it and began to get worried.

"It dies." Dragonia nodded.

"If we don't find a way to save them soon, there may not be anything worth saving." Joe frowned, not liking the sound of that.

"Then we'll save them. Before any of that happens, we'll find out what happened to the real them and stop it. No matter what, I won't let Dan or any of my friends be lost." Dragonia nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly.

"Just hold on, Drago. We'll find you. And save you. No matter what."

Within her room, Sunset was laying on the bed continuing to imagine what Equestria would be like once they got back there.

The unicorn could only imagine the horrors that awaited them. Though they hadn't been in that world for long, it was clearly enough time for the Rugenga to take over their world and turn the place into a nightmare. A nightmare they would need to wait it up from.

Sunset sighed, as she thought about what would likely happen once they had returned.

No doubt, Flash would rush in and fight the first Rugenga they found. Now that he and Leonidas were back together, nothing would stop them. The pair would fight with everything they had and trounce whoever got in their way. And with Spectra also going, he and Helios would likely wipe the floor with anyone else that tried to stop them.

Meanwhile, Sunset would be left bringing up the rear. As those more powerful than her saved her world.

"I know it's good that we have such powerful Brawlers on our side, but why can't I ever be the one who's strong enough to be the hero?" She remembered back before Flash had arrived. Whilst her Bakugan hadn't been the strongest, she had considered herself the best Brawler amongst their side. But when Flash arrived, she quickly realised she had been a big fish in a small pond.

She imagined what would have happened, had Twilight and her friends been able to Brawl. If they could, no doubt Celestia would have charged them with saving the Bakugan. And she would have been waiting on the sidelines...again.

"Sunset?" Flarenix turned to her. "Are you okay?"

"I'm...I don't know." Sunset wasn't sure how she felt. She just wanted to do her part for her kingdom. But once again, she would have to step back and let others be the hero.

Suddenly, something happened that took her by surprise.

He room's TV suddenly switched on. The screen was bright blue and Sunset sat up, raising an eyebrow before levitating the remote over to her. She tried to turn it off, but the device refused to listen. "Come on. What's wrong with this thing?" She was about to get up and unplug it, but the TV suddenly began to show an image.

That image was of Canterlot, Sunset's eyes going wide seeing the city in such a state.

She pulled herself off the bed and rushed over to it. "What's happening?" The camera shifted and showed several Bakugan, who were marching around with strange collars around their necks. "This can't be real." Dragonia had said things were bad, but she never thought it would be like this.

Then, the camera changed to show another city. Manehatten. The large metropolis was also full of Bakugan, also wearing the collars. And this time, Sunset saw all the ponies who lived there. They were all forced into hastily built cages, filling the streets and being guarded by the Bakugan keeping the city under their control.

Another city was soon shown. This one being The Crystal Empire. And like Manehatten and Canterlot, it was also under the Bakugan's watchful eyes. And the Crystal Ponies were all chained up, collars around their necks that were bolted to the ground. The sight of it was making Sunset feel sick.

"Horrible, isn't it?" Sunset's eyes widened, as the screen suddenly changed to show Cursor on it. "Apologises for showing you this, but I thought it would be a good way to get your attention."

Sunset glared at him. "You're sick. Forcing Bakugan to do those things. Holding ponies captive. Do you have any shame?"

"A little. But that's not important, right now. The fact is, I know you and your friends are going to be returning to Equestria. So I'm going to give you an ultimatum."

"What kind of ultimatum?"

"I want you to join the Rugenga. To betray those other fools and help us return to your world."

"And why the heck would I do that?" Sunset asked. "You monsters invaded not just my world, but Vestroia's as well. Why would I ever want to be connected to a bunch of creeps like you?" Cursor said nothing for a few moments before the screen changed, Sunset gasping when she saw the image on it. "Celestia!"

The screen showed Celestia, in a metal and glass container filled with a strange liquid. She appeared to be asleep, though Sunset feared she was more than that. And as the camera moved, it showed Luna, Cadance, Twilight and even Spike in these tubes.

"What have you done to them?" She cried, as Cursor reappeared on the screen.

"Don't worry. They're alright. For now." Sunset glared at him. "I might now be able to transport out of this world, but we've been able to get back in contact with Beck and the others. And they have specific instructions. If we do not return to Equestria by tomorrow night, they will make sure those princesses never awaken."

Sunset's stomach turned, as she realised what he meant. "How could you? Causing all this pain. This suffering. Why?"

"We have our reasons," Cursor explained. "And this doesn't have to be a bad thing, you know. It could be a great opportunity for you."

"What are you talking about?"

"The ponies aren't our true targets. They were just in the way. All we want are the Bakugan. Once we have them, we won't need your world. So long as you promise to stay out of our way, we'll happily leave your world alone."

"Celestia would never abandon the Bakugan!"

"Exactly. She...Twilight...all the princesses. None of them have the strength to do what is best for their kingdom. But you're different. You can see the writing on the wall. That as long as the Bakugan were in your world, it would always be in danger. That's why Equestria needs a new leader. One able to make the hard decisions that are necessary for the good of your world. Someone like you."

Sunset just stood there, as the images of Equestria in such a state continued to flow through her head. She thought about all the ponies held captive. The young ponies that were likely going to be traumatised by the fear they were experiencing. And all of it would end, if the Bakugan were gone.

"Now, I'm not completely heartless. We don't need all the Bakugan. I'm willing to let a few that you care about remain with you. Like your own Bakugan. But the rest become ours and once we have everything we need, we leave with them and a few insurances."

"What insurance?" Sunset asked, only for the image to change back to the princesses. "You can't be serious."

"I'm doing you a favour here. With them gone, nobody will be able to dispute your leadership claim. You get to be the new ruler of Equestria and if anyone decides to try anything, we use them to make them stop. Win win for everyone." Sunset glared at him. "Think it over. If you agree, then stop them from leaving for Equestria." With that, the TV died and Sunset was simply staring at a blank screen.

She stood there, her mind racing a mile a minute.

She wanted to refuse his offer, but then she remembered the images she had been shown. And Cursor's threat. If she didn't help, Celestia, Luna and the others would all be in serious trouble.

"Flarenix," she turned to her partner, "what do I do?"

The Pyrus Bakugan looked down, appearing to be unsure himself. "I don't know. It doesn't seem like either choice is one we want to make." He looked back at her, a serious expression on his face. "You wanted to be the one to protect your world. This decision may end up deciding the fate of Equestria. Will you help Cursor and save the princesses, but risk enslaving your world to the Rugenga? Or do you stand against the Rugenga and fight for your world, like how Celestia and others would, but risk leaving it without its leaders?"

Sunset felt close to tears, as she fell onto her bed. "I don't know what to do. No matter what I pick, I'd be letting those I care about down."

"I know it's hard." Flarenix jumped onto her head to try and comfort her. "But just know. No matter what you choose. I will always stand by you. I promise." Sunset felt a little better, but she was still worried about what her future might hold. Would she make the right choice, or the one that would doom everything she loved?

The Next Morning.

As soon as the sun was up the next morning, everyone was up to complete their final preparations. Bags were packed with every supply they might need to help Equestria overthrow the Rugenga, along with data files they hoped would help the ponies improve their technology in order to help in the battle.

Flash and Twilight had just stepped out of their room, Leo on his shoulder as they headed towards the main control room. Twilight looked extremely excited. "I can't wait to meet my Equestrian counterpart." She turned to Flash. "What's she like?"

"Kind of like you," Flash told her. "Only instead of being just a science nerd, she's a science and magic nerd. So she's twice the nerd you are." Twilight pouted at him, as she pushed her glasses up her face. "Oh, and she doesn't need glasses. Guess they have a spell to fix that."

"But Moondancer wears glasses," Twilight pointed out. She was starting to feel a little bit jealous of this other Twilight. She got to study two different types of sciences, she was guessing magic had some form of rules and logic, plus she didn't have to constantly get her eyes checked for worsening vision.

"Well from what I've seen, screens and computers are a rare thing in Equestria. Maybe she didn't spend her whole life looking at a computer screen."

"I do not spend that much looking at screens." Flash and Leonidas gave her a 'seriously' look. "I read real books too...sometimes." They both laughed at this, Twilight pouting, as they reached the main control room. There, Sunset, Moondancer, Spectra, Mira, Joe and Gus were waiting for them.

"Good," Mira nodded, "we're all here."

Flash nodded, as they stepped forward. "Were you able to find someone to look after the city, until you get back?" The three nodded, Joe checking his phone.

"Kato's bringing them. I wish we could be here to welcome them, but we can't wait any longer than we already have. The longer we leave it, the longer Equestria's in the hands of those creeps." Everyone agreed. It was time to return to Equestria and save it from the Rugenga. They didn't know what was waiting for them there, but they would be ready for anything that was thrown at them.

"Dragonia's on the roof," Mira told them. "The portal's apparently gonna be big, so she thought it would be best to open it somewhere open." They all nodded and headed up towards the roof. As they did, Flash noticed Sunset had an odd expression on her face.

"You okay?" She jolted at the question and turned to him. "You look like something's troubling you."

"I'm...um..." Sunset looked down, as Flarenix stared at her on her shoulder.

"I get it," Flash told her. "You're worried about Celestia and the other princesses, aren't you?" Sunset frowned. "Don't worry. We'll save them. With Cursor and the other two stuck here, the rest of the Rugenga are gonna be easy to deal with. Once we find Lyra and the others, it'll be all hands on deck."

"He's right," Twilight nodded. "I don't know much about Equestria. But from the stories you've told me, it's clear your people are strong. If they can survive an immortal evil moon witch, the physical embodiment of chaos, a swarm of shape-shifting bugs and a shadow monster from a thousand years ago, they can handle whatever the Rugenga have planned. They'll stay strong until we get there."

Moondancer nodded, whilst Sunset just remained as stoic as she could possibly be. And as they arrived at the rooftop, they spotted Dragonia floating in the middle of it.

"Ah," she nodded, "you're here. Good. I'm ready to open the portal. Are you all prepared? I can assure you, the Equestria we're heading to won't be the same one you remember. It'll take everything we have in order to save it and everypony there."

"We're ready," Flash assured her. "And I don't care what the Rugenga have in store for us. Nothing's gonna stop me from saving the ponies and the Bakugan." The others nodded.

"Then I shall open the portal." She flew up higher and everyone watched, as she began to glow. And eventually, she fired a beam of light from her horn that flew down and struck the air in front of everyone.

They watched, as the energy began to swirl around and slowly form a whirlpool of light. One that made many of them dizzy just looking at it.

Eventually, the portal was complete and Dragonia finished blasting it with energy. And as she did, she moaned before falling down towards them. Luckily, Joe was able to catch her. "Dragonia? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Dragonia assured him. "Just tired. We should hurry." They nodded, preparing to jump through the portal. However, before they could, Spectra suddenly sensed a presence.

"We've got company!" He spun around and everyone turned to the edge of the roof, where three individuals suddenly shot up and landed. Cursor, Thalia and Hayate, the Rugenga having arrived just in time.

"Hello there," Cursor saw the portal and chuckled. "Planning a little trip, are we? That wouldn't happen to lead back to Equestria, would it?" They all frowned, as the Rugenga laughed. "Good. We needed a way back. Thank you for providing us with one."

"You're not getting anywhere near that portal," Moondancer told him. "You're staying here and when we finish dealing with your friends, we'll be back to deal with you." The others nodded, but Thalia chuckled.

"Please. You really think you can stop us?"

"We don't have time for this," Dragonia cried. "We have to get through the portal, before it closes." Everyone frowned, as they looked over at the portal and saw it was already starting to grow smaller.

"Master Spectra." Gus stepped forward. "Let me deal with them. You and the others get through the portal and I'll hold them off until it closes." Spectra smiled and nodded. However...

Suddenly, a dome of energy appeared around the lot of them. Everyone gasped at this, Flash reaching out and touching it only for the dome to zap him. "Ahh!" He hissed. "What is this?" The others were just as shocked, but Moondancer knew what it was.

"A magical barrier." She could sense the magical power coming off of it. And the red glow that it had, made Moondancer instantly realise who had cast it. "Sunset?" She turned to where the girl had been, only to see the unicorn had moved from her spot. Now, she was standing on the other side of the magical dome. "What are you doing?"

Sunset looked down in shame. "I'm sorry."

"Sunset?" Flash moved over to her, the energy field the only thing separating them. "What's this about?"

"Haven't you figured it out?" Cursor chuckled, as he and the other two moved over to her. "Sunset has accepted my offer to join us. She will now be working with us, the Rugenga."

"What?" Flash couldn't believe this. "That's not true. There's no way Sunset would ever join you."

"Oh, but she would." Thalia placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Because we're offering her the one thing she has always wanted. Power. With Celestia, Luna and the other princesses out of the picture, Equestria needs a new ruler. One that will agree to anything we demand of them."

"Sunset," Moondancer stepped forward. "They're not serious, are they? You're not actually going to work with them, are you?" Sunset's look of shame grew stronger. "Please, don't do this. Think of everything we've done until now. Everything we've fought for. Are you just going to throw that away?"

"I don't have a choice," Sunset told her. "Even if we went back to Equestria, they have the princesses captured. If we tried to save them, there's no telling what they could do to them. If I go with them, Cursor promised the princesses wouldn't be hurt. I have to do this."

"This isn't what Celestia and the others would want," Flash stated. "Come on, Sunset. Use your head. They're tricking you."

"I have used my head," Sunset replied. "I'm sorry, but it has to be this way. Equestria belongs to the Rugenga now. But they don't want it. All they want is the Bakugan. Once they have everything they need, they'll leave and Equestria will be safe."

"So you're just going to abandon the Bakugan?" Dragonia asked. "Let them remain slaves to the Rugenga. How could you think of doing something like that?"

"Now now," Hayate chuckled. "Sunset's being smart. Equestria didn't ask to become a part of this situation. Why should her people suffer, because you and the rest of the Bakugan were too weak to defend yourselves?" They glared at him, as Hayate turned towards the portal. "This thing won't stay open much longer. We need to go, now."

Thalia nodded, turning to Sunset as she did. "Stay until the portal is about to close, then jump through. Your magic is the only thing keeping them there. Can't have them following." With that, she turned to the portal and leapt through it.

Everyone watched, as her form seemed to swirl in on itself and she vanished. Hayate then stepped forward, as the portal drew smaller and smaller. "Well, I guess this is it." He turned to them. "Sorry to leave you like this. But I think we can all agree, it's for the best." With that, he leapt through and disappeared just like Thalia.

Cursor and Sunset stepped up to the portal, as it slowly began to close. All the while, Flash started slamming his shoulder against the shield. No matter how many times it zapped him, he kept pushing against it. "SUNSET!"

"Later," Cursor chuckled before vanishing through the portal. Now, it was just Sunset and the others.

"Sunset!" Twilight called out to her, "please. You don't want to do this. If you do this, there's no going back." Sunset remained still for a moment, looking as if she was actually regretting it. But as the portal began to wobble and shrank more, she sighed.

"I'm sorry. But I have to do this." She glanced back at them. "I hope you manage to get back to Equestria. But the next time we meet, we'll be enemies." With that, she leapt through the portal.

The shield remained up for a few more moments before it suddenly flickered out of existence, Flash being the first to run forward once it was down. The portal kept shrinking and despite fearing being sent back alone, Flash tried to leap at it hoping to get through. But the portal vanished with a pop before he could reach it and he fell to the ground behind where it was instead.

"Ow."

"Flash!" Twilight rushed to his side, as the others also approached. "I can't believe it."

"Sunset betrayed us," Sorcerell cried. "What could she be thinking?" Mira and Spectra shared a look, the two appearing to be having flashbacks of something. But they decided to stay quiet, since they had bigger issues to deal with at the moment.

"We have to get to Equestria," Flash groaned before turning to Dragonia. "You need to open the portal again, quick." Dragonia sighed.

"I'm afraid I can't," she looked down in shame. "Opening that portal took a lot out of me. I won't be able to open any portal until I've regained my strength."

"So you're saying we've gotta wait another twenty four hours?" Leonidas asked, but Dragonia's expression told him something different. "Don't tell me..."

"Yes. It'll take far longer than that for me to recharge. My battle against you and opening that portal, has completely drained me of all the energy I had. The other guardians were the ones who helped me get here, by lending me the power they had all regained since sending the Bakugan to Equestria. But that energy wasn't enough to completely restore my strength. It'll be months before I'm strong enough to open another portal."

Flash's frustrations got the better of him and he threw a kick into a metal wall. "RAAAAAAAAAAH!" He fell to his knees, Twilight placing a hand on his shoulder. "That's it. If we can't get back, the Rugenga will have free reign to do whatever they want in Equestria and Vestroia. By the time we get there, who knows what they'll have done."

Spectra remained silent for a moment, then spoke up. "We're not out of this yet." He turned to walk away, the others following as he headed back into the HQ. Once inside, he led them towards the main control room. There, Spectra started working on a computer.

"Keith," Mira spoke up, "what are you planning? If you have another way to get there, why did Dragonia have to strain herself opening the portal?"

"I do have another way to get to Equestria," Spectra replied back. "The way we were originally going to get back there."

"You mean through your dimensional transporter?" Twilight asked. "Are you saying you managed to locate the dimensional coordinates."

"Yes," Spectra nodded. "I was able to find it when everyone was focusing on getting Leonidas back. But when I tried to open a portal there, I couldn't. We have a lock on Equestria's location, but it's not precise enough to open a stable portal."

"Okay," Flash was confused, "so we don't have a way to get to Equestria."

"We do. Whilst I wasn't able to make the portal stable enough to transport us all through it, I can make one stable enough for a few of us to travel through it. Specifically, those already saturated with the energy of that universe." Everyone's eyes went wide.

"Wait," Moondancer spoke up. "So anyone who's already been in Equestria, can travel back there?"

"They are the only ones who can," Spectra stated. "As soon as we open the portal, the Equestrian energy you, Flash, and your Bakugan are bathed in will be pulled towards the source. Others could try and go through with you, but I've estimated that there would be a seventy percent chance of them getting lost along the way. It's too risky."

"Which is why you decided to have me open a portal instead," Dragonia realised. "If we use this method, only the five of us will be able to travel back to Equestria. And the rest of you will have to remain behind."

"Exactly," Spectra nodded. "And with the Rugenga there controlling the kingdom, it won't be easy for you to liberate Equestria." Flash and Moondancer turned to one another, they and the Bakugan sharing looks as if they were having a mental conversation.

This was the facts as they saw them. Either they wait for Dragonia to regain her power, letting the Rugenga have free reign of Equestria and Vestroia, or they go alone. And whilst it might be harder, they could take the Rugenga by surprise before they realised they were there.

"Spectra," Flash turned to him, "power up the machine." Spectra nodded, as Flash turned towards Twilight. He could tell she wasn't happy about this. Being left behind again. "I'm sorry. I promised we'd save the Bakugan together, but it looks like that's not possible."

Twilight sighed. "I understand. It's not your fault." She turned to Leonidas. "Please. Take care of him. You know how reckless he can be."

Leonidas chuckled and nodded. "Don't worry. I won't let him out of my sight. We'll face whatever's waiting for us on the other side together. Then, we'll find Spike and all the other Bakugan that were taken by the Rugenga."

"Thank you." She turned back to Flash. "Just be careful. Even if Leo's with you, I know you're gonna find some way to get yourself into trouble." Flash chuckled and nodded, as the pair pulled each other into a hug.

At the same time, Moondancer turned to Mira. The woman had all of their bags open and was starting to take things out, rearranging everything the pair might need. "I doubt you're gonna get the chance to eat any real food for a while." She finished zipping up a pair of bags, now filled with all the food and water she could get in there. "Those rations should sustain you and Flash for a few days."

"Thanks." Moondancer took the bags in her magic. "We'll find a way to save Equestria as soon as we can. You guys focus on getting to Equestria yourselves. No matter what, Flash and I won't be able to save the Bakugan by ourselves."

"Don't worry," Spectra assured her. "I won't stop until we find a way to get into Equestria. And once we're there, I'm praying we can also open a portal to Vestroia. It's time that world was brought back into the Bakugan Alliance." They nodded, as Dragonia turned to Joe.

"I'm sorry, Joe. It seems I have to leave you once again."

Joe smiled, patting her on the head. "I know it's not by choice. And it won't be forever. Like Spectra said. We won't rest until we find a way into Equestria. And when we get there, we'll figure out what happened to Dan, Drago and the others. We'll save them, Dragonia." The Haos Bakugan nodded before turning to leap onto Flash's shoulder, standing beside Leonidas as Flash and Moondancer held the bags.

Flash and Twilight smiled at one another before Twilight kissed him, Flash kissing her back before he and Moondancer headed towards the machine.

They stepped inside the chamber, as Spectra finished powering it back up. "It's time," he told her. "Activating interdimensional portal." The machine slowly began to light up, Flash and Moondancer bracing themselves for what came next. "Transport in five...four...three.."

Flash looked back at Twilight. "We'll see you soon. I promise." Twilight nodded.

"One. ACTIVATE!" The light filled the chamber and the two Brawlers and their Bakugan suddenly disappeared. The light within the chamber disappeared, revealing they were completely gone.

"You think they made it?" Mira asked, making Twilight worry.

"I'm sure they did," Spectra replied. "But there's no way to tell for sure. All we can do is trust in them. They've got a difficult mission ahead of them. And we've got a difficult task ahead of us. We have to find our own way there." They nodded, knowing they had to find a way to Equestria. If they couldn't, this battle could end up going badly for their friends.

"We'll get there," Twilight stated. "No matter what."

In Canterlot, Cursor, Hayate, Thalia and Sunset were walking through the half destroyed city.

Sunset felt like throwing up, the sight before her making her pray nopony she knew would see her. Her heart was still breaking from what had happened back on Earth, but she couldn't chicken out now. Not when so much was on the line.

Several Bakugan could be seen, keeping watch over the city. And as they got closer to the city, Sunset spotted several ponies staring out of the windows looking worried. Sunset wasn't sure if they were actually hiding, or had just been left by the Rugenga as they weren't seen as a threat.

When they finally arrived at the castle, Sunset spotted a large antenna sticking out of the roof. She frowned, wondering what the Rugenga had been up to.

When they stepped through the gates, Sunset instantly saw a bunch of ponies wearing manacles and collars. They were the staff that worked in the castle, along with several high ranking society ponies that were likely in the castle when it was conquered.

When they saw Sunset, they looked shocked to see her. Sunset just turned away, unable to look them in the eye. "Not bad," Cursor nodded. "I could get used to living here. At least until we're done with this world." Sunset glared at him, as they stepped into the castle. "Just think. If you play nice, all this will one day belong to you."

"So long as you don't do anything stupid," Thalia mentioned. "Now, lead us to the throne room."

Sunset nodded and they made their way through the castle, which was still half destroyed from some kind of battle. And eventually, they came to a set of double doors that Sunset pushed open. And when she did, her eyes went wide at the sight of what was located within the middle of it.

Five stasis tubes, four of them containing the most important ponies in Equestria. Sunset had prayed that had been some kind of deception, but it was true. Equestria's leaders had been captured and if Sunset wanted them to remain safe, she had to play ball. No matter what the Rugenga had planned.

Author's Note

Oh geez. Sunset was caught in a catch twenty-two. Save the princesses, or help her friends. Neither option was great. Will she come to regret it? Find out next time.