At Canterlot Train Station, the ponies were disembarking from the train that had passed through Appaloosa on its way there.

As the engine gave off a whoosh of steam, the ponies and a few Bakugan all made their way through the station. And nobody noticed two figures that had hitched a ride, the pair leaping off the train's roof and onto that of the station.

Hayate and Kiyrah looked around, both chuckling as they saw the giant city they had been sent to cause mayhem within. "Let's find somewhere more secluded," Hayate stated. "Then we can complete the task we were given."

"Why did Beck want us to come here again?" Kiyrah asked curiously. "Couldn't we have done this in the desert or anything?"

"No. Beck needs it to be here. The dimensional barrier in Equestria is weakest here. After all, this is where the Bakugan first arrived in Equestria."

"Fair enough. So what's the plan?"

"Find somewhere secluded to do this. We can't risk any of these ponies finding us." He looked over the station roof and saw the ponies walking around. Luckily, none of the pegasi had bothered to fly so they weren't being spotted. But the two would need to be quick and stealthy.

Within Canterlot Castle, Flash and the others were staring at a holographic map of Vestroia.

"We need to be more proactive if we want to stop Rugenga once and for all." Flash turned to the others, everyone except Soarin and Braeburn being there. "We need to go on the offensive and find their base."

"We know that," Celestia stated. "But Vestroia is a big place, with many locations where they can hide."

"Isn't there a spell you can use?" Lyra asked the unicorns. "Some kind of detection magic that could locate them. Or at least narrow down where we need to go?"

"There is," Sunset nodded. "And I've used it several times. But the spell's range of effect isn't that far. I'd have to cast it a thousand times to cover all of Vestroia's surface. And that's just the areas above water. If they're hidden underwater, it'll be impossible to find them."

"Then we've got no choice." Flash pointed at the holographic screen. "We'll just have to search the planet one section at a time. If we're lucky, they'll come to us and we can use that to help us locate their base."

"And where do you intend to start searching?" Dragonia asked, with Flash smirking as he grabbed Leonidas.

"You ready?"

"Do it." He curled up and Flash threw him at the map, not really aiming as the ball flew through a section of the hologram. Once Leo was through, Rosemary circled the spot that he hit.

"That's where we'll start."

"Really?" Twilight asked. "That's how you're gonna locate them?"

"You have a better idea?" Flash asked, with Twilight about to give some long winded explanation that would likely involve several pie charts. "That's what I thought." Twilight closed her mouth, huffing as Flash rushed over to the transporter. "Let's go! You guys with me?" Leonidas landed on his shoulder.

"I'm with you."

The other Defenders sighed, the girls and their Bakugan stepping up onto the transporter with them. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" Celestia asked. "What if another breach occurs?"

"Then call us on our Baku-Bracers," Lyra stated in a matter of fact kind of tone. "You can teleport us to different parts of Vestroia, so warp us there as soon as one shows up." Celestia nodded, as Rosemary activated the transporter and sent them through to Vestroia.

As soon as they arrived, the four and their Bakugan found themselves in an open field covered in grass. There were no trees, but several rock pillars surrounded them. "So what now?" Moondancer asked.

"Now, we search the area for any sign of the Rugenga."

"I'm not seeing anything that could be a base," Amazon stated as he looked around.

"Don't be so sure," Lyra told him. "We don't know what kind of tech they might have. The base could be right in front of us, but hidden by a cloak or buried underground. We won't know for sure until we actually search the area." The others agreed and started looking around, unaware they their presence had been known the moment they arrived.

Back in Appaloosa, Soarin and Braeburn had just completed their repairs to the building alongside the other residents of the town.

Once the last plank was in place, Silverstar turned to Braeburn and nodded. "Nice work. Thanks for all the help."

"No problem," Braeburn tipped his hat. "Partly a'h fault the place got busted up." He turned to Soarin, ready to ask him if he was ready to head back to the castle. But as he did, he noticed Soarin was a good distance away and appeared to be looking at something on the ground.

Heading over to him, he couldn't see anything on the ground that would make Soarin look confused.

"What's up?" He asked, as Soarin pointed at the ground. He followed his finger and took a closer look, seeing what appeared to be a boot print. "So what? You must have walked through here."

"That's a boot print." Soarin pointed at his foot, "I don't wear boots." Braeburn stared at the trainers and realised the imprint on the bottom was different from the boot print. "And then there's the prints next to it." Braeburn followed his finger and saw another print. This one appeared to be from a high heeled boot. "Other humans have been here. And that can only mean one thing."

Braeburn's eyes widened. "The Rugenga got through the breach."

"Must have been when we were distracted from the battle." Soarin stood up and used his Baku-Bracer to connect to the castle. "Anyone there?"

"What's up?" Twilight asked.

"We've got a problem. The Rugenga got through the portal without us noticing. We need to find them and fast."

"Not good. Any idea which way they were heading?" Braeburn used his tracking skills to discern which direction the prints were heading, the cowboy following them to some nearby train tracks.

"Best guess. They probably jumped on the train that passed through here earlier. The one headin' northwest."

"Northwest?" Twilight checked a map on their screen. "That train's...heading straight for Canterlot." That made everyone worry, as Twilight turned to Rosemary. "Warp them back here."

Rosemary nodded, as Twilight rushed out of the room. If the Rugenga were heading for Canterlot, the city would be in grave danger. She had to warn everyone.

Out on the street, Hayate and Kiyrah snuck through the city whilst hiding in the shadows.

The pair looked around and saw many Bakugan in the area, all enjoying themselves there. "It's a smorgasbord," Hayate chuckled. "Alright. Let's get the device set up." They took a pair of cases from within their coats and opened them up to reveal a bunch of machine parts, which they started putting together whilst in the alleyway.

Soon enough, they had a small device that was a satellite on a tripod and a box on the side.

Kiyrah placed it down and started hitting the buttons on the device, causing it to power up before unleashing a beam of light. The beam stopped in midair and seemed to be opening something up.

"That's it," Hayate chuckled. "With this, we'll be able to open a portal straight to Vestroia."

Kiyrah nodded. "Better yet. It'll give us the data we need to open our own portals back here whenever we want. Those Defenders won't be able to block our entry here anymore." But as she said that, a loud voice filled the air.

"CITIZENS OF CANTERLOT!" It was Celestia. "TWO RUGENGA HAVE MANAGED TO SNEAK INTO THE CITY! THEY COULD BE ANYWHERE, SO STAY ALERT AND EVACUATE TO A SECURE LOCATION OUTSIDE OF THE CITY OR AT THE CASTLE! THERE MAY END UP BEING A BAKUGAN BATTLE WITHIN THE CITY."

"Well there goes the element of surprise," Hayate groaned as the ponies began to run away.

At the same time, a flash of light caught their attention and made them turn to see Soarin and Braeburn standing in front of them. "What the?" Kiyrah cried, as she watched the ponies and Bakugan around the city run away. "How'd you get here?"

"Teleport," Soarin pointed at the device. "I don't know what that thing is, but the energy it's giving off was detected in a second." The Rugenga glared at them, as they raised their Baku-Bracers.

"Well I hope you understand we don't want you anywhere near it." Hayate rushed forward and grabbed Soarin, spinning around and throwing him out of the alleyway.

"Augh!" He cried, as he hit the ground. Braeburn ran over to him, as the Rugenga left the alleyway . The four glared at one another, as Soarin and Braeburn activated their own Baku-Bracers.

"This is going to be fun," Kiyrah laughed as her Bakugan landed on her shoulder. "Ready, Hydread?"

"I am," it snarled. Soarin and Braeburn frowned, their Bakugan feeling a dark energy coming off that creature. "I look forward to tearing this city apart brick by brick."

"That's not going to happen!" Valkyria yelled, as Skyreign flew up.

"We'll see about that," she stated. "Enough talk. Let this battle commence." The others nodded, as their Baku-Bracers connected and created the energy field around them. Soarin and Braeburn prayed the other ponies had gotten out of range, as their Life Gauges filled.

"LET'S BRAWL!"

Kiyrah: 100%
Soarin: 100%
Hayate: 100%
Braeburn: 100%

Kiyrah took out the first card and threw it to the ground. "Gate Card, Set!" It hit the ground and exploded in a burst of purple light, which spread across the battlefield as she held up a Bakugan. "And now. Prepare to feel the full force of the greatest Darkus Bakugan ever born. Bakugan...BRAWL!" She threw the Bakugan and it hit several power-ups before landing. "Bakugan...STAND!" It popped open and exploded in a burst of purple fog. "Darkus Hydread!"

Soarin and Braeburn watched, as the purple fog spread out and formed a shape. And when that shape was complete, the fog faded to reveal a sinister looking Bakugan.

It was a large reptilian Bakugan, whose body was a mix of pitch black, grey and red. It had a long neck and tail, with four legs. Its head was pitch black, with the same black armor running down the back of its neck, body and tail. The front of its neck, its under-body and under-tail were gray in colour, whilst having armor on the shoulders of its legs.

Covering its body were a bunch of red spikes, which stuck out of its black armor with lines of then running down the back and sides. On the end of its tail was a club-like appendage covered in the same red spikes. And the tip of its nose had a large red horn.

The Bakugan stood tall on the street and let out a roar, so high pitched that several windows in the surrounding buildings shattered.

Hydread: 600Gs

"What is that thing?" Soarin asked, as the Bakugan's power-ups kicked in.

Hydread: 700Gs

Valkyria flew up next to him. "Whatever it is, it's powerful. We'll need to be careful." Soarin nodded, as he and Braeburn grabbed their Bakugan and leapt into the air.

Hayate did the same, the three throwing their Bakugan at the same time. "Bakugan...BRAWL!" Their partners flew through the air, hitting power-ups as they did before landing. "Bakugan...STAND!" The three opened, Valkyria and Gunstinger both spinning as they created a tornado.

Skyreign also created a wind tornado and soon, the street had four powerful Bakugan filling it. They all got into a battle stance, ready to fight as their powers rose.

Valkyria: 650Gs
Skyreign: 750Gs
Hydread: 700Gs
Gunstinger: 680Gs

"Gate Card...OPEN!" Kiyrah yelled, as the ground started glowing before unleashing a purple mist. "Darkus Reactor!" As Hydread breathed the mist in, its power rose and he began to chuckle.

Valkyria: 650Gs
Skyreign: 750Gs
Hydread: 900Gs
Gunstinger: 680Gs

"Prepare yourself," he told them. "For you now face the ultimate Darkus beast."

"I'm so scared," Valkyria stated as both Soarin and Braeburn took out a card to swipe.

"Ability, Activate!" They both cried, as Valkyria formed an air sphere and Gunstinger raised his sand blaster tail. "Aero Shot!/Quickdraw Sand Shot!"

Valkyria: 950Gs
Skyreign: 750Gs
Hydread: 900Gs
Gunstinger: 980Gs

The two quickly launched their attacks, Gunstinger pointing his blaster in the air and aiming at Skyreign. The sand blasts flew up and slammed into her, making her hiss as she was knocked back. Meanwhile, Valkyria launched the sphere forwards and it morphed into a tornado that slammed into Hydread.

But the Darkus Bakugan was so large, the wind barely did anything to him. "Is that really the best you've got?" He asked, as he spun around and swung his tail at her. Valkyria flew up, barely missing the club. And at the same time, Skyreign flew out of the sand blast's range before diving down towards Gunstinger.

"Ability, Activate!" Hayate swiped his card, as both Skyreign's wings glowed. "Serrated Feather Bombardment!" Skyreign stopped in midair and beat her wings, sending the light flying off them and flying towards Gunstinger.

But before they could connect, Braeburn swiped another card. "Ability, Activate!" Gunstinger hissed, as sand suddenly exploded upwards around him and swirled into a tornado. "Sand Barrier!"

The energy darts bounced off the tornado and left Gunstinger safe. And as the sand began to weaken, the Subterra Bakugan unleashed a barrage of sand bullets that slammed into Skyreign again.

"My turn," Kiyrah took out a card and swiped it. "Ability, Activate!" Hydread's mouth suddenly filled with flames that were a mix of black, purple and dark blue. "Chaos Flame!"

Valkyria: 950Gs
Skyreign: 750Gs
Hydread: 1200Gs
Gunstinger: 980Gs

"RAAAAAH!" Hydread roared and unleashed the flames into a powerful burst, which flew up towards Valkyria. She gasped and barely managed to avoid it, though he wings did get singed.

"Gyah!" She flew away, but the flamethrower didn't stop. And as Hydread moved his head around, the flames began to get dangerously close to the buildings around them.

"Oh no you don't!" Soarin took out two cards and quickly swiped them, as Valkyria dove down. "Double Ability, Activate!" The Ventus Bakugan got between the houses and the flamethrower, as wind began to swirl around him. "Whirlwind Defence, plus Blade Wing Dance!"

The flamethrower struck the tornado and couldn't break past it. At the same time, Valkyria spun around and beat her wings. Doing so made the tornado explode, dispelling the flames, whilst unleashing a bunch of wind blades that shot towards Hydread.

Valkyria: 1150Gs
Skyreign: 750Gs
Hydread: 900Gs
Gunstinger: 980Gs

"Gyah!" the Darkus Bakugan cried, as the wind blades slashed at him and made the beast stagger back. But as he did, Skyreign dove towards Valkyria.

"Ability, Activate!" Skyreign's entire body burst into flames. "Deadly Whirlwind Firestorm!"

Valkyria gasped and barely managed to avoid the oncoming attack, as Gunstinger prepared to fire his sand blaster at her. But at the last moment, Skyreign spun around and beat her wings. This sent the flames flying off of her and made them smash into Gunstinger.

Valkyria: 1150Gs
Skyreign: 750Gs
Hydread: 900Gs
Gunstinger: 680Gs

"GYAH!" The flames knocked the Subterra Bakugan backwards until he crashed into a building, doing serious damage to it as he fell to the ground.

"Gunstinger!" Braeburn cried, as Skyreign and Hydread both attacked him. Luckily, Valkyria was able to stop Hydread before he could get too close. And as Skyreign got in close, Gunstinger pushed himself up whilst Braeburn swiped a card. "Ability, Activate!" As Skyreign prepared to claw at him, Gunstinger swung his rattle arm around. "Rattle Break!"

Valkyria: 1150Gs
Skyreign: 750Gs
Hydread: 900Gs
Gunstinger: 880Gs

His rattle slammed into Skyreign and knocked her down, sending her skidding across the ground with a squawk.

At the same time, Valkyria continued to shoot Aero Blasts and air blades towards Hydread. The Darkus Bakugan flinched with every hit, but Kiyrah didn't look worried.

"You think that'll save you. I think not." She held up a card and swiped it. "Go, Ability Activate!" Suddenly, Hydread unleashed a purple fog from its mouth and that fog completely surrounded Valkyria. "Merge Barrier!"

Hydread then breathed in, causing the fog to be sucked off of Valkyria and into its mouth. And in doing so, Hydread's body began to glow. "What have you done?" Valkyria asked, as Soarin checked his Baku-Bracer.

Valkyria: 1150Gs
Skyreign: 750Gs
Hydread: 1400Gs
Gunstinger: 880Gs

"No way!" Soarin looked horrified. "How did you pump your Bakugan up by so much?"

Kiyrah chuckled. "Merge Barrier. It allows Hydread to absorb all the power you've given your Bakugan. Though it doesn't steal it, it's still a major boost. The more power you give your Bakugan, the stronger you make mine."

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" Hydread suddenly unleashed another blast of dark fire, which flew towards Valkyria and smashed into her.

"AAAAARRRRRHHHHH!" The Ventus Bakugan screamed, as she was blown backwards and reverted back to ball form.

"Valkyria!" Soarin cried, as she fell at his feet and his Life Gauge dropped.

Kiyrah: 100%
Soarin: 50%
Hayate: 100%
Braeburn: 100%

"No!" Gunstinger cried, as Skyreign used this distraction to lift itself up and take to the air. And as she did, Hayate swiped his own card.

"Ability, Activate!" A mixture of green wind and green fire surrounded Skyreign. "Aero Style Destruction Dance!"

Skyreign: 950Gs
Hydread: 1400Gs
Gunstinger: 880Gs

The Bakugan dived down and before Gunstinger could react, she slammed into him with the two elements blasting him backwards. "Augh!" He fell back and reverted back to ball form, Braeburn gasping as his Life Gauge went down.

Kiyrah: 100%
Soarin: 50%
Hayate: 100%
Braeburn: 86%

Hayate and Kiyrah smirked, as their Bakugan returned to them.

Soarin and Braeburn picked their partners up and checked them over. "You okay?" Braeburn asked, as Gunstinger spun open.

"Yeah. What about Valkyria?" The Ventus Bakugan spun open as well.

"I'll live. But that Hydread is seriously strong." Soarin nodded, as he turned back to the Rugenga. The pair were strong and since they didn't care about collateral damage, that put them at a serious disadvantage.

"We gotta be careful," Soarin stated. "These guys don't care what happens to the city, so long as they win. We've gotta do everything we can to beat them and keep Canterlot in one piece." The others nodded in agreement, but knew it wouldn't be easy.

Back in Vestroia, the remaining Defenders were still investigating the meadow area when they got a call on their Baku-Bracers.

"GUYS!!" Twilight cried, "you need to get back here. Two of the Rugenga are in Canterlot." That got everyone's attention. "Soarin and Braeburn are battling them right now, but you need to get back here."

"Alright," Flash nodded, "bring us-" He didn't get to finish, as the connection was suddenly cut. "Huh?" The others tried, but they couldn't get through either. "What's going on?"

Suddenly, Lyra heard a whirring sound and looked up. And up above them were a pair of Bakugan Drones, which had appeared out of nowhere. "There! They must be jamming the signal." The others glared at them, as the machines suddenly unleashed a dimensional area. One of them then launched a Gate Card towards the ground.

"Bakugan...BRAWL!" They both launched a pair of red Bakugan, which hit the ground and rolled before opening up. "Bakugan...STAND!" They burst into flames and took their true forms.

"Pyrus Ursaron!" One was a large red bear Bakugan, standing on four legs with yellow armor around its paws, head and chest. A mohawk of flames was sticking out of the top.

Pyrus Megaram!" The second was a yellow humanoid ram, with red fur around its chest, waist and wrists. The horns on its head swirled around several times, giving its head the appearance of a hammer, whilst the tip had holes in them that shot fire.

The Pyrus Bakugan charged at the Defenders, the four leaping away as Flash and Lyra quickly activated their Bracers. "BAKUGAN...BRAWL!" They threw the balls through the air and their partners opened up.

"Oh yeah!" Amazon cheered, as he got into a battle stance whilst Leonidas took to the air. "Let's do this thing!"

"Ability, Activate!" Lyra swiped her card, "Aquos Bomber!" Amazon unleashed a blast of water, that struck Ursaron.

"Ability, Activate!" Flash swiped his card, "Neo Phaser!" Leonidas fired the laser and it struck Megaram, knocking it back as well. But before either could attack again, the drone called out.

"Gate Card, Open!" The ground burst into flames. "Pyrus Reactor!" The flames flew into the Pyrus Bakugan and charged them back up, the pair raising as they charged.

"Oh no you don't!" Amazon began to pose. "Am...A...ZON!" He glowed, "Attribute change! Pyrus!" Entering his Pyrus form, Amazon felt his power raise and he managed to rush forward and punch Ursaron in the chest. "Go, Lyra!"

"Ability, Activate!" She swiped the card and Amazon's arm fins ignited. "Razor Blaze!" He swung the blazing fin around and slashed at Ursaron, knocking it backwards into Ball form.

"Ability," Flash then swiped his card, "Activate!" Leonidas formed a sphere of energy. "Photon Force!" He threw the sphere forward with all his might, hitting Megaram and blasting it back into Ball Form. But this didn't stop the drones, who flew down and picked the Bakugan up.

As Leo and Amazon returned to them, the pair knew they still had a while before they could end the battle.

"Gate Card, SET!" Braeburn threw his card, everyone then grabbing their Bakugan before leaping into the air. "Bakugan...BRAWL!"

The Bakugan all flew through the air and hit the power-ups before hitting the ground and opening, the Ventus Bakugan taking to the air whilst Gunstinger and Hydread stared one another down and prepared for a fight. As they did, the power-ups kicked in.

Valkyria: 700Gs
Skyreign: 750Gs
Hydread: 750Gs
Gunstinger: 730Gs

Soarin made the first move. "Ability, Activate!" He swiped his card, as Valkyria's wings began to glow. "Feather Darts!" She beat her wings and sent the light flying off, Skyreign managing to avoid them whilst Hydread was showered by the darts.

Valkyria: 700Gs
Skyreign: 750Gs
Hydread: 550Gs
Gunstinger: 730Gs

As this was happening, Gunstinger slithered up the side of a building before leaping off it. The next thing Skyreign knew, she was being tackled by the lamia whilst Braeburn swiped a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Gunstinger bit the fangs on his snake arm into Skyreign's back. "Mercury Fang!" Skyreign squawked in pain, as she tried to shake Gunstinger off.

Valkyria: 700Gs
Skyreign: 650Gs
Hydread: 550Gs
Gunstinger: 730Gs

As they flew down to the ground, Skyreign spun around and Gunstinger was thrown off. He hit the ground and rolled around, as Hydread glared down at him.

"Ability, Activate!" Kiyrah swiped her card, "Chaos Flame!"

Valkyria: 700Gs
Skyreign: 610Gs
Hydread: 850Gs
Gunstinger: 730Gs

Hydread unleashed the multi-coloured flames, Gunstinger barely being able to avoid them. He dodged them and tried to bite onto Hydread, but the Darkus Bakugan jumped back and unleashed another flamethrower. But before it could hit him, Valkyria flew down and picked Gunstinger up.

"Ability, Activate!" Hayate swiped his card and Skyreign burst into flames. "Deadly Whirlwind Firestorm!" She flew forward and before either Bakugan could react, she slammed into them with Gunstinger taking the brunt of the flames.

"Augh!" He cried, feeling his power being burned away.

Valkyria: 700Gs
Skyreign: 560Gs
Hydread: 850Gs
Gunstinger: 430Gs

Valkyria accidentally dropped Gunstinger, who barely caught a building to hold onto. As he did, Hydread launched another Chaos Flame and Valkyria narrowly avoided it.

"Ability, Activate!" Soarin swiped his card and Valkyria aimed her gauntlets at him. "Wind Shooter!" The air bullets flew out of the gauntlets and slammed into Hydread, hitting him between bouts of fire breathing.

Valkyria: 700Gs
Skyreign: 520Gs
Hydread: 700Gs
Gunstinger: 430Gs

Now even, the two launched flames and winds that cancelled one another out. Meanwhile, Skyreign dove towards Gunstinger whilst still on fire.

"Ability, Activate!" Braeburn swiped his card. "Quickdraw Sand Shot!" Gunstinger launched a barrage of sand and when they slammed into Skyreign, she flinched as the flames around her were extinguished.

Valkyria: 700Gs
Skyreign: 490Gs
Hydread: 700Gs
Gunstinger: 730Gs

Skyreign flew out of the sand's line of fire, doing several barrel rolls as she did. Meanwhile, Hydread had had enough for launching pointless fire blasts and charged towards Valkyria. Every step shook the ground and threatened to collapse buildings, as Kiyrah swiped a card.

"Ability, Activate!" The red spikes on Hydread began to glow. "Death Stinger!" Hydread roared and the lights shot off, flying into the air towards Valkyria. And though she managed to evade most of them, three ended up stabbing into her.

"Augh!"

Valkyria: 550Gs
Skyreign: 450Gs
Hydread: 700Gs
Gunstinger: 730Gs

Skyreign kept dodging sand blasts and as she did, Hayate swiped a card and she dove down. "Ability, Activate!" The swirl of wind began to surround her and every time the sand struck it, it disappeared. "Crashing Cyclone Fortress!"

She eventually reached Gunstinger and slammed into him, the wind cutting into him and making him cry out as he was thrown backwards.

Valkyria: 550Gs
Skyreign: 520Gs
Hydread: 700Gs
Gunstinger: 430Gs

Skyreign flew up and came back around, whilst Valkyria avoided Hydread's mace tail. And as she dove down for another shot, Braeburn was ready.

"Gate Card...OPEN!" Suddenly, the ground began to glow and a bunch of stone spikes appeared out of it. "Subterra Reactor!"

Valkyria: 550Gs
Skyreign: 500Gs
Hydread: 700Gs
Gunstinger: 630Gs

Hydread growled, as a stone pillar shot up and got between him and Valkyria. The same was true for Skyreign, as Gunstinger was lifted up by a pillar that she ended up slamming into.

She squawked in pain, as Gunstinger leapt off the pillar and dove down to tackle her towards the ground. As he did, Braeburn swiped a card.

"Ability, Activate!" Gunstinger wrapped his body around Skyreign before she could shake him off, then pointed the end of it at her back. "Coil Shot!" He fired and the sand slammed into her, making Skyreign scream in pain.

Valkyria: 550Gs
Skyreign: 350Gs
Hydread: 700Gs
Gunstinger: 630Gs

She tried to fight the snake off, but she didn't have the strength. And as she fell towards the ground, she was forced back into ball form whilst Gunstinger leapt away.

Kiyrah: 100%
Soarin: 50%
Hayate: 44%
Braeburn: 86%

As Gunstinger landed, Hayate couldn't believe he had been beaten by so much. "No."

Kiyrah took out a card and swiped it up. "Ability, Activate!" Hydread opened his mouth and breathed out a familiar purple fog. "Merge Barrier!" The fog moved towards Gunstinger, ready to take the power he had built up. "Prepare to have your power taken."

"I don't think so!" Soarin took out three cards and swiped them. "Triple Ability, ACTIVATE!" Valkyria dove down in front of Gunstinger, as a tornado of wind surrounded her. "Whirlwind Defence, plus Aero Shot, plus Blade Wing Dance!"

The fog struck the barrier and was blown away, leaving the Bakugan untouched. At the same time, Valkyria brought her hands together as she spun within the tornado.

Valkyria: 1050Gs
Hydread: 700Gs
Gunstinger: 630Gs

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" With all her strength, she launched the wind blast and blades towards Hydread. The attacks exploded forward and slammed into him, the force of the wind enough to make the beast be blown off its feet and into the air.

Kiyrah gasped, as her Bakugan fell towards. But at the last moment, he reverted back to ball form before hitting the ground and her Life Gauge dropped. "Impossible."

Kiyrah: 30%
Soarin: 50%
Hayate: 44%
Braeburn: 86%

The pair smirked, as their Bakugan returned to them. But they knew the battle was far from over. With Hayate getting to launch the next Gate Card, they would be at a disadvantage. "Gotta play smarter, not harder." Braeburn reached into his pocket and took something out, knowing it was his best move stopping whatever Hayate had planned.

Back in Vestroia, Lyra and Flash's Brawl against the drones continued.

Currently, Amazon and Leo were fighting Ursaron and Megaram. Amazon was still an Aquos Bakugan, currently fighting against Megaram as it tried to smash him with its horns. "Missed me!" He laughed, ducking under the attack before leaping into the air.

"Ability, Activate!" Lyra swiped her card and Amazon unleashed another Aquos Bomber, hitting Megaram and pushing it back.

And as Leonidas grabbed Ursaron's paw and threw him over his shoulder, Megaram got up as the drone used its card. "Ability, Activate. Smoke-Stream!" The ram opened its mouth and unleashed a burst of black smoke, which hit Amazon and made him flinch.

"Ahhh!" He cried, as he felt his power drop. Megaram then ran into the smoke and smashed its head into him, the Bakugan roaring in pain as he was thrown backwards. "Gyah!"

"Amazon!" Lyra cried, as Leonidas used his Power Brawl to pummel Ursaron and knock it backwards. And as Amazon pushed himself up, Lyra swiped a card. "Ability, Activate!" Amazon's body was suddenly surrounded in a veil of water, which cured the burns from the smoke and restored his power. "Re-Hydrate!"

"Oh yeah!" He cheered, pushing himself up and running forward. "Attribute Change!" Megaram tried to punch him, but he leapt straight up as his body transformed. "Subterra!" The now earth attribute Bakugan landed behind Megaram, as Lyra swiped three cards.

"Triple Ability, Activate!" Amazon suddenly vanished. "Desert Rocket, plus Sand Striker!" Megaram looked around, only for Amazon to appear behind it.

"Gotcha!" He swung his fins around, as they began coated in sand. And when they slammed into the beast, it roared as it was hit with the fast moving micro-rocks.

"And finally...MUD BOMBER!"

"OH YEAH!" Amazon leapt into the air and unleashed a burst of muddy water, which flew down and slammed into Megaram. At the same time, Leonidas used a combo of Neo Phaser and Photon Force to blast Ursaron.

The two Bakugan roared, as they were knocked flying and crashed into their drones. This caused the machines to explode, as the Bakugan reverted back to Ball Form and flew over to Flash and Lyra.

They caught them and smiled, as the drone crashed to the ground. Sunset then checked and was happy to see the signal to Equestria was no longer blocked. "Twilight. Can you hear me?"

"We hear you," Twilight replied.

"What happened?"

"Explain later," Sunset stated. "Warp us back. Hurry!" Everyone grouped up, as the energy surrounded them and they were warped back to their base universe. All they could do was hope Soarin and Braeburn were alright.

"Gate Card...SET!" Hayate threw his card towards the ground, as he and the other three grabbed their Bakugan and leapt into the air.

"BAKUGAN...BRAWL!" The four Bakugan flew through the air, hitting several power-ups along the way, then landed. "BAKUGAN...STAND!" Once again, the four Bakugan opened and transformed into their true forms. Valkyria and Skyreign took to the air, whilst Gunstinger and Hydread shook the ground as they landed.

Valkyria: 750Gs
Skyreign: 700Gs
Hydread: 800Gs
Gunstinger: 780Gs

This time, it was Kiyrah who was the first to swipe a card. "Ability, Activate!" Hydread's mouth filled with fire, "Chaos Flame!"

Valkyria: 750Gs
Skyreign: 700Gs
Hydread: 1100Gs
Gunstinger: 780Gs

This fire shot out of his mouth and flew all over the place, Valkyria and Gunstinger barely managing to avoid getting burned whilst the buildings around them were set ablaze. And as Valkyria and Gunstinger blew wind and fired sand to put them out, Hayate swiped his own card.

"Ability, Activate!" Skyreign's body burst into flames, "Deadly Whirlwind Firestorm!"

The bird squawked, as she dove down and barreled towards her target. "Gunstinger," Braeburn yelled, "look out!" His Bakugan saw her coming and tried to dodge, but she was too fast and slammed right into him.

"Augh!"

Valkyria: 750Gs
Skyreign: 700Gs
Hydread: 1100Gs
Gunstinger: 480Gs

Gunstinger hit the ground and rolled around, Soarin and Braeburn needing to dodge in order to avoid getting rolled over by him. And as he did, Valkyria flew down whilst both Soarin and Braeburn swiped their cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Valkyria formed an air sphere. "Aero Shot, plus Wind Shooter!" She thrust the sphere at Hydread, the orb exploding into a tornado. At the same time, air bullets exploded out of her gauntlets.

As they slammed into Hydread, Braeburn swiped his own card. "Ability, Activate!" Gunstinger raised his tail and aimed it at Skyreign. "Quickdraw Sand Shot!"

Valkyria: 1050Gs
Skyreign: 700Gs
Hydread: 950Gs
Gunstinger: 780Gs

The tail launched a bunch of sand bullets, that exploded against Skyreign and extinguished the flames still covering her body. As this was happening, Valkyria flew towards Hydread as he was still off balance.

She quickly dealt several kicks to his chest and side, making him roar as she fired more air bullets from her gauntlet.

But Hydread fought through the pain, as Kiyrah swiped a pair of cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" His front feet were suddenly surrounded by a black energy. "Phantom Claw!" Before Valkyria could fly away, the Darkus Bakugan leapt onto his back feet and swung his claws around.

"GYAH!" Valkyria cried, as she was slashed down the front. She also felt her energy being drained out of her, as she fell to the ground.

Valkyria: 950Gs
Skyreign: 700Gs
Hydread: 1050Gs
Gunstinger: 780Gs

At the same time, Hydread's body began to glow with a purple light. "Plus Darkus Rage!" His eyes suddenly turned wild, as he let out an ear piercing roar.

Valkyria: 950Gs
Skyreign: 700Gs
Hydread: 1250Gs
Gunstinger: 780Gs

Before Valkyria could recover from before, the Darkus Bakugan spun around. And the next thing she knew, she was getting smashed into by the club tail. "AAAAARRRRRHHHHH!"

"Valkyria!" Soarin cried, seeing her being thrown backwards before crashing right through a building and getting covered in rubble. "Are you okay?" He ran over to her, as Gunstinger started shooting his sand blasts at Hydread.

But they did nothing and soon, Skyreign flew down as Hayate swiped a card.

Ability, Activate!" Wind swirled around her, as she shielded Hydread. "Crashing Cyclone Fortress!" The sand blasts were deflected and Skyreign rushed forward, slamming into Gunstinger before he could react.

"Augh!" He cried, feeling the power of his Quickdraw ability being negated.

Valkyria: 950Gs
Skyreign: 800Gs
Hydread: 1250Gs
Gunstinger: 480Gs

Gunstinger fell to the ground, as Valkyria pushed herself free of the rubble. But as she did, Hayate pointed to the ground.

"Gate Card, OPEN!" The ground began to glow, "Attribute Terror! DARKUS" That light flowed up and into Skyreign, causing her body to change. In seconds, her green feathers turned black with her jacket turning purple.

"What the?" Soarin asked, as Hayate smirked. They then heard Valkyria and Gunstinger beginning to groan, as the pair felt their energy weakening.

"Attribute Terror," Hayate explained. "This Gate Card transforms any of my Bakugan into the Attribute I choose, then cuts the G power of any Bakugan not the chosen Attribute in half."

Valkyria: 475Gs
Skyreign: 800Gs
Hydread: 1250Gs
Gunstinger: 240Gs

"What's more..." They both held up a hand, as a card materialised within them. "It also lets all Bakugan of that Attribute regain an Ability they already used."

"No way," Braeburn gasped. As he said that, Hydread unleashed another Chaos flame. One which struck both their bakugan and burned them up. They cried out, as the pair struggled to not be defeated. If they were, they would be taken.

"We gotta do something!" Soarin cried, as Braeburn took something out.

"A'h got this! Come, Bakugan Trap!" He threw it into the air and everyone saw it was a brown hexagon barrel, "Subterra Buffaload!" The Bakugan unfolded, the barrel splitting down the middle and a section extending between them. Four shot legs came out the bottom and a head folded out, a pair of horns also poking out of it.

The Bakugan began to glow before transforming into a stream of light, which flew down and crashed into the ground. The light explosion that followed, caused Hydread's Chaos Flame to be extinguished.

When the light faded, it revealed a giant armored bull-like Bakugan. It was light brown in colour, whilst the armor on its back and around its legs was dark brown with yellow streaks. The horns on its head were grey and instead of having points, the ends were blunt with holes within them.

"Now," Braeburn swiped a card, "Ability Activate!" Buffaload raised its front hooves before slamming them into the ground. "Quaking Charge!" The stomp caused the Gate Card to break apart before shattering, causing Skyreign to revert back to her Ventus form and the other two's power to be restored.

Valkyria: 950Gs
Skyreign: 800Gs
Hydread: 1250Gs
Gunstinger+Buffaload: 900Gs

Buffaload then charged forward, shaking the ground as he did. And before Skyreign could fly up and escape, it rammed its head into her and knocked her backwards.

This gave Valkyria and Gunstinger the time to pick themselves up, Soarin taking this chance to swipe a pair of cards.

"Double Ability, Activate!" Valkyria flew up, her wings glowing as she began to spin around. "Feather Dart, plus Blade Wing Dance!"

"RAAAAAH!" She beat her wings and sent the energy flying off of them, a bunch of energy darts flying down and raining upon Hydread.

"Aaaah!" He cried, feeling his power drop whilst Valkyria's rose.

Valkyria: 1150Gs
Skyreign: 800Gs
Hydread: 1000Gs
Gunstinger+Buffaload: 900Gs

Valkyria then flew down, as her wings became as hard as steel. She got in close and started slashing at Hydread, hitting him again and again whilst the Darkus Bakugan staggered back.

Kiyrah glared at this and swiped two of her own cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Hydread quickly breathed out a bunch of mist, that surrounded Valkyria before she could retreat. "Merge Barrier..." He breathed the fog back in, allowing it to power him up once again.

Valkyria: 1150Gs
Skyreign: 800Gs
Hydread: 1500Gs
Gunstinger+Buffaload: 900Gs

"Plus Death Stinger!" The spikes on his body then glowed, as Valkyria tried to escape. But the light exploded off of them and slammed into her.

Valkyria: 1000Gs
Skyreign: 800Gs
Hydread: 1500Gs
Gunstinger+Buffaload: 900Gs

Valkyria flew back and hit a building, as Hydread prepared to unleash another Chaos Flame. But Soarin was ready.

"Come, Bakugan Trap!" Soarin threw the rectangular cube into the air, "Ventus Skyblink!" The cube opened up and morphed into a light, which flew over to Valkyria and shielded her. The bird appeared and blocked the incoming flames, flinching but able to withstand it.

Valkyria+Skyblink: 1350Gs
Skyreign: 800Gs
Hydread: 1500Gs
Gunstinger+Buffaload: 900Gs

"Now," Soarin swiped a card, "Ability, Activate!" Skyblink flew forward, its body becoming surrounded by wind. "Aerial Assault!"

Valkyria+Skyblink: 1550Gs
Skyreign: 800Gs
Hydread: 1500Gs
Gunstinger+Buffaload: 900Gs

It slammed into Hydread, knocking him back and stopping him from unleashing another Chaos Flame. This also allowed Valkyria to get up and take to the skies again, the warrior diving down to deal more attacks.

At the same time, Gunstinger slithered towards Skyreign and prepared to do some damage with Buffaload.

But Skyreign was ready as she picked herself up and Hayate swiped a card. "Ability, Activate!" Her wings glowed as she crossed them, "Serrated Feather Bombardment!" With a powerful swing, the light flew off her wings and slammed into the two Subterra Bakugan, making them both cry out as they were knocked back.

Valkyria+Skyblink: 1550Gs
Skyreign: 800Gs
Hydread: 1500Gs
Gunstinger+Buffaload: 300Gs

Skyreign then took to the air and dived at the two, but Braeburn was ready for this. "Double Ability, Activate!" He swiped the cards, as Buffaload's horns unleashed a bunch of sand from the holes. "Sand-Screen, plus Rattle Break!"

The sand created a wall that Skyreign slammed into, knocking her back and letting the two recover from her last attack. Gunstinger then sprung forward on his tail, his rattle arm shaking.

Valkyria+Skyblink: 1550Gs
Skyreign: 800Gs
Hydread: 1500Gs
Gunstinger+Buffaload: 1100Gs

He flew through the sand wall and swung his rattle at Skyreign, slamming into her and making her scream in pain as she was knocked to the ground.

But before Gunstinger could attack again, Hydread charged at him ready to defend his partner. And Kiyrah wasn't holding back. "Double Ability, Activate!" She swiped both cards and Hydread's mouth filled with flames. "Chaos Flame, plus Fusion Ability, Raging Shadow, CHAOS INFERNO!"

Valkyria+Skyblink: 1550Gs
Skyreign: 800Gs
Hydread: 2300Gs
Gunstinger+Buffaload: 1100Gs

A super intense wildfire exploded from his mouth and filled the streets, igniting all the houses around it. The flames slammed into Valkyria and Skyblink, forcing them both back, then headed towards the Subterra Bakugan.

But before it could strike, Braeburn was able to swipe two cards. "Double Ability, Activate!" Gunstinger acted fast and slammed his tail onto the ground. "Sand Barrier!" Sand exploded out of the ground and formed a shield around him and Buffaload.

The flames slammed into it and whilst the barrier couldn't stop the attack, it did slow it down enough for the two to leap out of the way before it exploded.

Valkyria+Skyblink: 1550Gs
Skyreign: 800Gs
Hydread: 2000Gs
Gunstinger+Buffaload: 1100Gs

The sand flew around and landed on the buildings around them, extinguishing it all whilst Buffaload pointed its horns at Hydread. "Plus Horn Bullet!" Suddenly, a bunch of small rocks exploded out of the horns and slammed into the Darkus bakugan. Hydread roared, as his power was lowered with each hit.

Valkyria+Skyblink: 1550Gs
Skyreign: 800Gs
Hydread: 1700Gs
Gunstinger+Buffaload: 1100Gs

"Now!" Braeburn told Soarin, "finish it off!"

"With pleasure!" Soarin took out two cards and swiped them as well. "Double Ability, Activate!" Skyblink flew up and took a deep breath. "Sonic Squawk..." It let out a high pitched cry, which hit Hydread and made him flinch. "Plus Fusion Ability! Wild Wind, SPIRAL STRIKE!"

Valkyria spun through the air, as her hands were surrounded by spheres of wind. She then brought them together and when they merged, the sphere surrounded her as she dived down. "Time to end this!"

Valkyria+Skyblink: 2050Gs
Skyreign: 800Gs
Hydread: 1700Gs
Gunstinger+Buffaload: 1100Gs

Hydread tried to fight back, but the high pitched scream was making it impossible to focus. And before he could, Valkyria slammed into him and the wind around her exploded forward and tore away at his body.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" He roared, as he was once again blown off his feet. Kiyrah gasped, as her Bakugan suddenly reverted back to ball form and fell at her feet.

"NOOO!"

Kiyrah: 0%
Soarin: 50%
Hayate: 44%
Braeburn: 86%

"YEAH!" Soarin and Braeburn cheered, only for Skyreign to fly overhead.

"This isn't over!" Hayate took out two cards and swiped them. "Double Ability, Activate!" Skyreign's body burst into flames. "Deadly Whirlwind Firestorm, Plus Raging Tyrannical Tailwind!"

Valkyria+Skyblink: 2050Gs
Skyreign: 950Gs
Gunstinger+Buffaload: 800Gs

Skyreign flew over the city and unleashed a bunch of flames, which ignited the building below her. She then beat her wings and sent the flames shooting down, a powerful gale increasing their power. Before Braeburn could do anything, slammed into Buffaload and making it moo as it was forced back into ball form.

"Buffaload!" Braeburn cried, as the Trap Bakugan fell at his feet.

Kiyrah: 0%
Soarin: 50%
Hayate: 44%
Braeburn: 56%

Soarin saw the flames beginning to spread and realised he had no choice. "Guys! Stop the fire from spreading!" Valkyria and Skyblink flew over and started cushioning the flames with their wings. But this meant Gunstinger had to face Valkyria alone

"Ability, Activate!" He swiped a card as Gunstinger leapt into the air grabbing onto Skyreign. "Mercury Fang!" He sunk his fangs into Skyreign, making her cry out as she was injected with the metallic venom.

Valkyria+Skyblink: 2050Gs
Skyreign: 850Gs
Gunstinger: 480Gs

"Get off me!" She cried, trying to throw him off with little success. And even after Gunstinger retracted his fangs, she couldn't do so and felt more of her power being drained.

"Let's end this!" Braeburn took out two cards and quickly swiped them. "Double Ability, Activate!" Gunstinger coiled his tail around her, then pointed his gun tail towards her back. "Coil Shot, Plus Fusion Ability! RATTLING SAND SHOOTOUT!"

A super powerful blast of sand slammed into Skyreign, making her scream in pain as she was blown towards the ground.

Valkyria+Skyblink: 2050Gs
Skyreign: 670Gs
Gunstinger: 980Gs

As she fell towards it, Gunstinger uncoiled himself and leapt off of her. She tried to regain control, but crashed into the ground. And as Valkyria and Skyblink put out the last fire, Gunstinger raised his rattle as he fell towards the ground. "It'sssss OVER!" He swung his rattle down and smashed it into Skyreign, the bird squawking as she was smashed into the ground. And that was all she could handle before reverting back to ball form.

"NOOO!" Hayate cried, as Skyreign landed by his feet.

Kiyrah: 0%
Soarin: 50% (Winner)
Hayate: 0%
Braeburn: 56% (Winner)

Battle over, Valkyria and Gunstinger returned to their partners and the pair moved towards the Rugenga. Hayate and Kiyrah glared at them, as they picked their Bakugan up. "It's over," Soarin announced as he sent a signal to the castle. "Come quietly and nobody gets hurt."

The pair glared at them, as a flash of light occurred behind the Defenders.

From it, Twilight, Luna, Celestia and a bunch of guards were standing there. The other Defenders were also there, ready to brawl if needs be. The guards raised their spears and prepared for an attack, as the two decided it was time to leave. "STOP!" The lead guard yelled, as the pair ran back towards the alleyway they had been in before.

As they did, the device they had set up was humming. "Looks like it's ready." Hayate hit a button on his Bracer and the device's beam powered up, causing a portal to open.

The two leapt through it, Hayate grabbing the device along the way. And as they did, the others arrived and saw the portal. But as Soarin and Braeburn tried to get through it, it closed and the Rugenga were gone. "No!" Flash cried, as the others frowned.

They looked around and saw the damage done to the city. It was gonna take a lot of magic to undo everything. But at least nobody got hurt. As far as they knew.

Back in the Rugenga base, Hayate and Kiyrah returned.

They placed the decide down and Beck plugged it into a device. "Please tell me we got the data we needed," Kiyrah frowned. Beck went over everything and nodded.

"Yes. Although we won't be able to aim where the breaches send us in Equestria, I should be able to open them. But they won't remain open for long."

"They don't need to," Cursor stated. "Just long enough for us to get through and do some damage."

The others nodded, as a beeping sound caught their attention. They looked over at the microwave device and inside, two Bakugan were being hit with the energy from the drones. And soon enough, one of the Bakugan glowed before transforming.

"Finally." Beck stepped forward and took a now blue Bakugan out. "Predator. Awaken." The Bakugan opened and laughed.

"Alright. Finally. I thought I'd never get to stretch my legs. So, we ready to do some damage?"

"Not yet," Beck stated. "I have some work to do. But once it's complete, the Defenders won't stand a chance against us." The others nodded, ready to cause some real mayhem and take as many Bakugan as possible for themselves.

Back at the castle, everyone was outside staring down at the damaged city.

"I'm sorry, guys." Flash turned to them. "If I hadn't insisted on heading to Vestroia, we would have been here to stop those two. Now the city's been wrecked because of me." The others shook their head.

"No," Sunset told him. "It's not just your fault. We all decided to go. So we're all the blame. Besides, it's not like anyone got hurt. The buildings might have been damaged, but those can be repaired. What matters is protecting the ponies and Bakugan. And that's what we were able to do."

"I just wonder what the Rugenga were after," Moondancer stated. "Were they trying to open a permanent breach or something? That would seriously eat up our focus if they did."

"Who knows," Soarin replied. "All we need to focus on right now, is making sure we're ready for whatever the Rugenga throw at us." They all agreed, knowing that something big was about to happen. And they weren't wrong.

It wouldn't be long before an event happened that would change the state of the battle they were in. One that would effect them all in a different way and change Equestria forever.

Author's Note

Another impressive tag team between Soarin and Braeburn, along with seeing some new Bakugan. What do you think of all the OC Bakugan I've made so far? Which one's your favourite?