> Bakugan Legends of Equestria > by KnightGomora1994 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Bakugan The Battle Begins/A New Beginning > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I know this is going to sound weird... but one day, my whole world changed. You see, cards started dropping from the sky, coming down like rain. At first we didn't know where they were all coming from, or who sent them. We only knew they were more than just ordinary playing cards. And it was happening all over the world. In the North... in the South... they landed everywhere. Together with my new online friends from around the world, we invented a wicked new game we called... Bakugan. That's when the power of the cards was revealed, each one held its own battling beast, which came to life when you threw it down. The Battles were intense, and if you chose the wrong card, you would lose it and the beast inside. But that's only half the story, another even bigger battle was taking place in a parallel universe called... Vestroia. My name is Dan, and together with my friends Runo, Marucho, Julie, Mr. Hotshot himself Shun, and Alice. We are... the Bakugan Battle Brawlers! You know our story... but do you want to know what really happened?" .......................... Bakugan Legends of Equestria There are many worlds within the cosmos. Each one unique with their own environments and inhabitants. Some with strange, abnormal creatures, others have humans with abilities that would be considered impossible, or even alien in nature. However, while these realms may differ, at the core, there is something that binds them together. What is that core? Destiny? Similarities beneath the surface? Perhaps only those who know first hand can better answer that. This particular story begins in the realm of Equestria. A bright, colorful, nearly utopian realm where the inhabitants were creatures you would find in the pages of fairytales, or mythologies of old. Gryphons, Dragons, Phoenixes, and Minotaurs all roamed the land. Some were animalistic in nature, while others lived in a similar manner to humans, with families and friends. However, probably the most well known creatures, and the literal symbol of this realm, were these creatures known as Ponies. They came in three varieties; earth ponies who cared for the lands and animals who lived there. Pegasus ponies who cared for the weather. And Unicorns, who casted spells. They were ruled by the beautiful alicorn princess, Celestia. She embodied all three of the pony races and ruled the land with benevolence and harmony. Her role was to raise the sun each and every day, while her younger sister Princess Luna rose the moon every night. The ponies adored their princesses with all of their hearts and they did all in their power to protect them from all who would harm them. Beings such as Tirek, Sombra, Chrysalis and alike. However, as strong as Celestia's power was, even that wasn't always enough to protect her subjects from any new threats. As it was, in an Alicorn's blood, she could never kill anyone. She could harm or injure, but neither she nor her sister were capable of committing actual death. It was not in the way they were created to be. Of course, pure magic could never take away one's life. Still, there were a set of elements that did in fact serve a great deal in maintaining balance and protection for Equestria. These were known as the Elements of Harmony. Six beautifully constructed gemstones embedded onto a mystical crystal tree known as The Tree of Harmony. Each of the stones represented a vital aspect of the power of friendship. Honesty Kindness Laughter Generosity Loyalty and Magic As it was taught, Friendship was the most powerful magic in Equestria. Even stronger than the power of the Alicorns themselves. Princess Celestia used these elements to vanquish the forces of darkness that threatened her people. But... one day, fate became cruel and order unkind. So great was her reign, so brilliant her glory that long was the shadow she cast... which fell dark upon the young sister she loved. And grew only darker as days and nights passed. Soon did she notice that others did not give her sister her due, and neither had she loved her as she deserved. She only watched as her sisters unhappiness grew. But such is the way of the limelight, it sweetly takes hold of the mind of its host. And Celestia did nothing to stop, the destruction of the one who had needed her most. A great battle took place between Celestia, and her sister who had become Nightmare moon. Nightmare was close to victory, Celestia was weakened and could barely stand. She had to do the one thing she never thought she'd do before... she used the Elements of Harmony, to banish her sister to the moon. Heart broken of what she did, she and her sister lost connection to the Elements of Harmony. She wished for her sister back, but she cannot undo what she had done. All she could do, was mourn her loss... but then, something... or someone appeared before her. A Sphere of Red Energy appeared, and the silhouette of a powerful being stood before her. "Princess Celestia..." said the being as he spoke in a fatherly tone. Celestia, sad and afraid, cautiously stood back from the being. "W-Who are you...?" she asked. The being looked at her noticing her sadness. "Do not mourn for what you had to do... it is what will happen you should focus on." said the being as he walked up. He reached for her face and gently cleaned her tears. "Your sister will return, but only when the Elements of Harmony are needed again." This surprised Celestia as she felt her sadness disappear. "A-Are you certain of this?" she asked him. He nodded reassuring the young Alicorn. "In a thousand years time, you will search for a student. Who's destiny will help your world." he said filling Celestia's heart with Hope. "I must go now... I cannot remain in your realm." he turned about to walk away. "Wait!" she called out to him. "Please, tell me who you are!" she requested. The being remained silent but turned to her. "We will meet again one day Princess..." he said as he looked carefully at her. "Tell your mother I said hello..." he said as the Sphere of Red Energy circled around him causing him to vanish. "Wait!" she went to stop him from leaving, but was too late. She looked around but there was no sign of him, she was mostly surprised as to how the being knew her mother. But she smiled and looked to the moon. "I promise Luna... I will find a way to save you." For the time being, she will wait, for the day her sister will return. But, for now, she knew she would never be able to harness the power of the Elements without her sister. The grief would be too strong for her. The Elements needed new souls to wield them. Long after Luna's return, deep within a cavern in the Everfree Forest, the Tree of Harmony was already loosing its glow. Brambles of pitch black with pale blue thorns wrapped around the tree in an unmerciful grip. Its once heavenly glow had faded and its crystal structure began to resemble cold hard stone. Six ponies and a small dragon stood before the tree. One was a bright orange earth pony with green eyes, white freckles on her cheeks and was wearing a cowgirl hat and three apples were emblazoned on her flank. Her name was Applejack. Another earth pony was bright pink with puffy curly hot pink mane and tail, bright innocent blue eyes and three balloons on her flank, two blue and one yellow. Her name was Pinkie Pie. Two more were pegasus ponies. One a sky blue color with matching wings and a rainbow colored mane and tail and bright rose colored eyed. On her flank was a symbol of a cloud with a rainbow shaped like a lighting bolt. Her name was Rainbow Dash. Beside her was a timid looking pale yellow pegasus with cerulean green eyes and long, flowing pink mane and tail that went all the way to the floor. Three pink butterflies were evidently visible on her flank. Her name was Fluttershy. A unicorn with a stunning white coat, deep blue eyes and an impeccably styled dark purple mane and tail with a trio of blue diamonds on her flank was named Rarity. The last pony had both wings and a unicorn horn. Like Celestia and Luna, she was an Alicorn, but much smaller in appearance with a lavender-purple coat, deep purple eyes and  a neatly brushed dark purple mane and tail with streaks of amethysts and magenta running through both with a mark of a six-pointed magenta star with a white star behind it and five smaller white stars surrounding it. On her head rested a golden crown with a star shaped gemstone embedded in it. Her name was Twilight Sparkle. The small dragon beside her was purple in color with a green underbelly, ears, spikes and eyes. His name, appropriately, was Spike. Each pony wore around their necks golden necklaces, each with a gemstone shaped like their respected cutie marks which came in rainbow colors. Amethyst for Twilight, purple for Rarity, red for Rainbow Dash, pink for Fluttershy, blue for Pinkie Pie and orange for Applejack. Twilight was the only one without a necklace, for hers was her crown. These were the Elements of Harmony, bestowed upon them by destiny since the day they met. Twilight flew up towards the tree only to get caught by one of its black vines. She zapped at it with her horn and flew out of the way. "Even without these elements, the Tree of Harmony will possess a powerful magic. As long as that magic remains, it will continue to control and contain all that grows here." The voice of her mentor rang in her mind, and Twilight told her friends the hard reality they needed to face. "I know how we can save the tree." Her face fell into sadness. "We have to give it the Elements of Harmony." "Whoa, whoa, whoa. How are we suppose to protect Equestria?"  Rainbow asked. "How are we meant to rain Discord in if we can't use the Elements to turn him back to stone?" Rarity asked. Applejack placed a hoof on her own element. "Twilight…The Elements of Harmony…they're what keep us connected no matter what." "You're right about one thing, Applejack, the Elements of Harmony did bring us together. But it isn't the Elements that will keep us connected….it's our friendship. And that's more important and more powerful than any magic. My new role in Equestria may mean that I have to take on new responsibilities, and our friendships may be tested. But it will never, ever, be broken." Everypony smiled in agreement. Twilight was right, their friendship was indeed stronger than any spell or enchantment, or even any magical gemstones. With or without them, their friendship would only grow stronger than before. With heavy hearts, Twilight removed each of the Elements from their respected necklaces, surrounding them in her magenta colored magical aura. The stones circled around her rapidly. As if sending a possible threat, the vines shot out and wrapped around Twilight. Her friends gasped as their friend struggled to break free from the vines, which then reached to grab each of the elements. Thinking fast, Twilight levitated them out of the vines' grip and shot them straight towards the Tree. Each elements landed on their respected branches, causing each one to glow once more. One by one, they restored the Tree to its original, crystal-like appearance, its glow radiating inside the cavern. Once all Elements were in place, a light bursted, causing the vines to crumble into dust, freeing Twilight Sparkle in the process. A rainbow-colored shock wave expanded from the cave all the way across Ponyville, destroying the rest of the vines which had its town ponies trapped either within their own homes or within their grasp. Two wrapped up vines on opposite sides of the tree were disintegrated, freeing the Alicorn Royal Sisters, who had been trapped inside. Celestia's coat was as white as snow, with lavender-purple eyes that sparkled with the centuries of acquired wisdom. Her mane and tail moved in an eternal dance, filled with pale rainbow colors and light sparkles twinkled like stars. A symbol of a blazing sun was on her flank. Her sister, Luna, shared her same supernatural beauty, only she was shorter, had a dark blue coat with teal-blue eyes and a sapphire-blue mane outlines with purple that sparkled like stardust, resembling a night sky. Like Celestia's, it too moved gracefully in an invisible breeze. On her flank was a dark blotch with a sparkly crescent moon. Both princesses wore crowns, jewel encrusted collars and horse shoes. Celestia's were made of gold while Luna's were made of silver. Twilight rushed on over to embrace the two. "I know it was hard to give up the Elements of Harmony." said Celestia. "It took great courage to relinquish them." The embrace soon came to an end when the Tree of Harmony's branches started to glow once more. A trail of colors came from the elements, which merged together as they went downwards onto the roots of the tree and a flower then emerged. Twilight slowly approached the flower, rising her hoof to touch it. The flower, as if reacting to her curiosity, opened up to reveal a shimmering crystal chest with six keyholes on each side. "What's inside it?" Twilight asked as the two royal sisters stared in wonder at the treasure. "How am I supposed to open it?" "Six locks, six keys." Princess Luna observed, taking notice of some unusual symbols above each key hole. "And these symbols, I've never seen anything like them before." Both Luna and Twilight turned to Celestia for her input. It was then Spike noticed something tucked onto the side of the chest. He boldly approached it and pulled it out. He cocked his head in confusion. It appeared to be some kind of card, also with the strange symbols. "What do you think it's for?" the little dragon asked. "I'm not sure. But something tells me, you can figure it out, Twilight." Celestia levitated the card to Twilight who took it with her own aura. "I do not know what this means, nor where the keys are, but I do know that it is a mystery you will not be solving alone." Meanwhile in another dimension, Dan Kuso, a Pyrus Brawler was rushing back home to pick up some stuff. He wears a short red overcoat with black pockets over a bright yellow sleeveless. He has brown hair in which he wears hexagonal shaped goggles, and he has red eyes. He wears long red trousers with black stripes just below his knees, the ends of which are neatly tucked into his blue-tongued black sneakers. He keeps his Bakugan Gear on his belt. Lastly, he wore blue fingerless gloves. The left glove was longer and he wore an orange BakuPod on his left wrist. "Hey mom! I'm home!" he yelled as he closed the door. Miyoko was practicing her yoga poses as Dan ran upstairs. "Daniel! I put your lunch in the fridge and please don't forget to wash up!" she said before wincing in pain from the position she was in. "Thanks mom! I'll be down in a minute!" He set his backpack down on his bed. "Okay, time to check out my stash." Dan opened a drawer and pulled out a box. When he opened it, it held all his Bakugan inside it. "Hmm, lets see... I'll take this..." he started picking which Bakugan to battle with. "Oh my Saurus... oh yeah, this one for sure! All set!" he had all the Bakugan he needed. Miyoko was in a different yoga pose. "Daniel! Your lunch is ready! And its getting cold!" "Then why'd you put it in the fridge?" he asked with a smug grin. "Don't you get smart with me young man!" she yelled. "Sorry!" he said as he ran back out the door. She noticed it as she went into a different yoga pose. "And just where do you think you're going?" she asked curiously. Dan got onto his bike and rode off. "Catch ya later!" he chuckled as he rode towards the park. At the Park, two kids were waiting for Dan to show up. And just in time, he finally showed up. "Sorry I'm late!" "And here I thought you might have chickened out." said the little kid with a smug grin. This was Akira, a smug kid with large front teeth and red hair, wearing a baseball cap in reverse, a green t-shirt with an yellow lightbulb over a long sleeve black shirt, and blue shorts. "Doubt that Akira, and who did you bring with you? Hope its backup, cuz you're gonna need it." said Dan with a confident smile. "Your battle isn't with me Danny boy." said Akira with a sly smirk over his face as his friend who actually turns out to be his brother stood up. "Whoa. Yeah I don't think this is very fair." said Dan when he saw how big he was. Not in size, but in weight. "My little bro here says you think you're pretty good. Well I guess its time to find out how good you really are." said the brawler as he cracked his knuckles. Dan just smirked knowing how confident he is. "Yeah I'm pretty good, what about you? What's your deal?" he asked the brawler. "Names Shuji, and I'm the Master of... Subterra Space." he said with a smug grin on his face. "You've gotta be joking! Ive never heard of Subterra before!" he said feeling shocked. "Oh great, how am I supposed to battle against a beast that doesn't even exist?" he asked while crossing his arms. "QUIT YOUR STALLING!" yelled Shuji. Dan turned to him bringing back his confident smile. "Okay, lets do this. But I gotta warn ya, I never lost a battle before." said Dan while pumping up his fist. Meanwhile at Dan's house, Dan's father had just returned from work. "Honey, I'm home!" Shinjiro Kuso, a business man that has black short hair and brown eyes and a tall figure. Much like his wife, Miyoko, his appearance seems younger than his real age. He is often seen wearing a white shirt with a blue tie, black trousers, sometimes he wears a black vest as well. Miyoko was in a new yoga position as she lifted her head to look to him. "Huh? I wasn't expecting you so early." she said with a surprised expression. "Yeah well, I just came home for a bite to eat." He walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge and found what he was looking for. "Ah, pudding!" he said as he pulled it out. Back at the park, Dan and Shuji were in the middle of a stand off. "Are you ready or what?" asked Shuji feeling determined to beat Dan. "Lets go!" Akira yelled out cheering on his brother. Dan simply smirked knowing he can beat him. A moment of silence filled the area, but then the fountain turned on as pigeons flew away. Dan and Shuji quickly drew out their cards. "BAKUGAN... FIELD OPEN!" The six attributes soon appear beneath them circling them as they began to enter what the brawlers call, a "Pocket Dimension". Time around them was starting to slow down. Meanwhile at Dans house, Shinjiro walked to the living room with his pudding. But before he could eat it, he tripped over and started to scream as his pudding started to fall. "NOOOOO!!!!!" Miyoko noticed it as well but time was slowing down before they could react. Back at the park, Dan and Shuji entered the pocket Dimension. And all the attribute worlds circled around them. They both pulled out their gate cards. "GATE CARD SET!" they both yelled as they threw them onto the battlefield. Both cards glowed brightly, one being red, the other orange. They grew bigger to fill the battlefield. Dan and Shuji landed on opposite sides of each other. Shuji held up a Bakugan that was brown with orange textures. "Ready or not, here I come!" he yelled as he threw the Bakugan onto the field. "Bakugan Stand!" he called as the ball formed into what looked like a Mantis. The Bakugan glowed brightly as it appeared in its real form. Subterra Mantris, a Bakugan that resembles Earth's ordinary praying mantis. It hissed ferociously as it rose up surprising Dan. "Whoa. Freaky!" Dan said with a surprised expression, Mantris looked to him and hissed nearly crushing Dan with its clawed feet. But Dan managed to leap back avoiding it, he opened his Bakupod to look at Mantris's information. "Welcome Dan. Opponent Subterra Mantris. Power Level 270 G's. No other data available." said the Bakupod. "Oh great. Okay, Terra means Earth, and his power levels at 270. So at least I know what kind of beast I'm dealing with here. Question is, what should I counter with?" He reached to his side pulling out a Bakugan as he formed a confident smirk over his face. "Your little bug is going down!" sad Dan as he flipped the Bakugan like a coin and caught. He threw it onto the Battlefield. "Bakugan Stand!" he yelled as the Bakugan formed into a snake like creature. It glowed as it turned into its true form. Pyrus Serpenoid, a slithering monster that can wrap itself around a foe squeezing the life out of its opponents. It turned to Mantris and hissed ferociously. "Power Level 320 G's." said Dan's Bakupod revealing both Serpenoid's and Mantris's power levels. "Bakugan BRAWL!" yelled both Dan and Shuji as both their Bakugan started to battle. Mantris was the first to attack, swinging its giant blade at Serponoid. But Serpenoid managed to dodge it and coil around Mantris. "All right!" Dan cheered. But he soon heard Shuji letting out a chuckle. "Huh?" Shuji pointed to his Gate Card. "Gate Card, open up now!" he yelled as the card began to glow. The land around them soon turned into a dry desert, and Dan couldn't help but notice the Egyptian Pyramids appearing in the background. He then looked to Mantris and Serpenoid as Mantis dove into the ground escaping Serpenoid's grasp. Serpenoid searched the battlefield for him. Dan looked to his Bakupod. "Power level increase, to 420 G's." Dan began to panic. "Not good!" Right on cue, Mantris leaped out of the sand surprising Serpenoid as it slashed at it. Forcing Serpenoid to revert to ball form landing right next to Dan. Shuji pumped up his first with a smirk. "You're toast!" he yelled as Mantris reverted back to ball form and returned to him. "Battle 1 terminated, Subterra Mantris victorious." said Dan's Bakupod as Shuji laughed at him. "Oh man, that was so easy. You fell faster than a deck of cards in a tornado!" said Shuji being all smug. He soon pulled out another Bakugan. "Time to finish what I started." he said as he threw out the Bakugan onto Dan's Gate Card. It opened up in the form of a crab. "Bakugan Stand!" The Bakugan glowed and turned into its true form. Subterra Terrorclaw, it has two large, strong and sharp pincers used to squeeze its enemies. With six legs, it is one of the fastest monsters. "You think you're pretty good huh? Well you better buckle up Shuji because... you're going down! Bakugan Brawl!" Dan yelled as he threw out his next Bakugan. It landed on the same Gate Card as Terrorclaw and opened up revealing the form of a humanoid bird. "Bakugan Stand!" The Bakugan glowed and turned into its true form. Pyrus Falconeer, it can fly amazingly fast with great maneuverability, targeting its prey from high above. It is a Bakugan with extreme vision, seeing things at a great distance. Most importantly, this special Bakugan can resurrect itself and right any wrong it may have experienced. Defeating it once is simply not enough. "Gate Card Open!" his Gate Card shined brightly as flames shot out from it. Shuji shielded himself as well as Terrorclaw. But was caught off guard as Falconeer charged at it and struck it down. Terrorclaw was defeated as he reverted to ball form landing next to Shuji, he couldn't believe what he saw. Falconeer also reverted to ball form and returned to Dan who smirked confidently. "Its all tied up!" said Dan. Shuji glared at him. "Not for long! Gate Card Set!" he yelled tossing out his Gate Card. "Round 3 begins." said the Bakupod as two Bakugan appeared on the Battlefield. they were both Saurus Bakugan, but were of different attributes. Saurus is a tough Bakugan that attacks his enemy's head and has a straightforward fighting style. Saurus has a quick temper and can break the ground in two with mighty punches, also, if his horns break off, they will instantly grow back. It is almost impossible to knock Saurus down as he is extremely heavy. The two Saurus Bakugan were wrestling one another, trying to knock one off their feet. "Ability Activate! Saurus Glow!" yelled Dan throwing down an Ability Card as flames shot out to Pyrus Saurus. Shuji began to panic as the Pyrus Saurus charged at his Subterra opposite and tackled him down. Shuji saw his Subterra Saurus falling towards him and panicked. He shielded himself but was unaware that Subterra Saurus reverted to ball form and landed next to him. "Huh?" he looked and saw his Saurus next to his feet. "No... no this can't be happening!" he said feeling quite shocked. Dan smirked as he held his hands to his hips. "Hate to break it to you bud, but it looks like you're down to your Subterra Mantris. And if I figured right, one more itsy bitsy battle should put you away for good." said Dan knowing he was right. Shuji shot another glare at him. "We'll just see about that punk! Gate Card Set!" he yelled tossing out his third Gate Card. "Bakugan Brawl!" he yelled tossing out his Subterra Mantris as it appeared on the Battle field hissing at Dan. He then threw out his Pyrus Falconeer onto the Battlefield. "Bakugan Brawl!" yelled Dan as Falconeer emerged through flames. "Gate Card Open!" Shuji yelled as the Gate Card formed into a dry desert to boost up Mantris's power level. "Now to play my ability card. Slice Cutter!" He said while throwing the Ability Card to Mantris. It absorbed the Ability Card as its claws began to glow shooting an energy blast in the form of an 'X' at Falconeer. Dan smirked as he pulled out an Ability Card. "Wow, I'm impressed, but if you think you're the only one holding an ace. You're wrong." Shuji glared at him. "Smart Mouth!" "Counter Ability Activate! Frame Fire!" said Dan as he shot out the Ability Card as it burst into flames shielding Falconeer from Mantris's Slice Cutter. "What the?!" Shuji panicked. The flames around Falconeer disappeared as it shot a fire ball at Mantris landing a direct hit. Mantris returned to ball form landing right next to Shuji. Falconeer returned to ball form and went back to Dan. "Mmm-hmm." "Game, set, and match. Dan." said Dan's Bakupod. "It looks like I win." said Dan as the Pocket Dimension disappeared resuming where time stopped. Back at Dan's house, a splat was heard as we find out that Shinjiro's pudding finally hit the floor. "MY PUDDING!!! I WAITED ALL DAY FOR THAT!!!" he said whining. Akira watched Dan and Shuji stood but noticed Shuji's Bakugan lying on the ground. "Huh?! I don't believe it! You promised me you would clean his clock! What happened?!" asked Akira filled with shock and anger. Shuji fell to his knee's in defeat. "I'm sorry..." Dan smirked as he winked. "That was easy." Night fell over Dan's home town, and he recently arrived home to chat with his friends online. "Then I let him have it with my secret weapon, Frame Fire. Man you should have seen me, I was like totally wicked! But then again... what would you expect from the best Bakugan Brawler!?" he boasted to his friends. Then a blue haired girl on his computer screen had to acknowledge the elephant in the room. "Whatever... I just checked the world rankings, and you're sitting at 121." This was Runo Misaki, a Haos Brawler. She wore a yellow midriff shirt and a white skirt with a pink belt. She has maroon wrist gloves that are fingerless. She also has orange and white stripped knee socks and brown shoes. Her hair is tied in two growing ponytails and her eyes were green. Dan looked to her surprised. "That's impossible Runo... Ive got to check this out for myself. Scrolling up..." He scrolled through the rankings to find his rank. "Ah 117!" said Dan as he corrected Runo. "Oh please, give me a break! You should save your breath until you break into the top ten." said Runo being completely smug. "Yeah right, like you're one to talk, you're not even ranked!" exclaimed Dan as he stuck out his tongue at her. "Oh like that's real mature!" said Runo getting steamed up. A girl in another screen soon appeared with a bright smile. "Danny that is so dreamy! 117? That's four whole spots in one day! Definitely worthy of a big smooch from Julie!" This was Julie Makimoto, a Subterra Brawler. She is a pretty girl with very tanned skin, long, pinkish-white hair that is always in a side ponytail, and has blue eyes. She has long tanned legs. Julie enjoys dressing immodestly (particularly to attract boys), always wearing clothes fit for summer months. She is particularly fond of leaving her midriff (belly) and long legs completely exposed. She leaned to the camera as she puckered up her lips and kissed it. Dan freaked out. "GROSS!!!" he yelled as he fell to the floor. "Oh man that hurts!" he shot back up to his computer. "Quit slobbering up the screen! I'm a Battle Brawler, I'm not your boyfriend!" he said with a faint red blush on his face. (Not that Julie even cares given the fact she has a crush on him.) Runo was watching all of it. "Whoa. This is so kindergarten!" she said crossing her arms as Julie was cheering for Dan. Then a young boy spoke out. "Dan, might I suggest you set your sights on Shun?" The little boy who suggested it was Marucho Marukura, an Aquos Brawler. He is a wealthy, generous boy who specializes in Aquos. He is the Brain of the Brawlers, a real walking encyclopedia. (Remind you of anypony?) He loves to play Bakugan and to work on strategies. "He's ranked Number 1, and in a few years you could surpass him." This caught Dan off guard as he looked down. This didn't go unnoticed from a girl in another screen. "In a few years?" This was Alice Gehabich, she's also a Battle Brawler, but she's never been in a battle. Her outfit is a yellow dress with white shorts, a green blouse and small boots colored white and green. Her hair is orange and she has brown eyes. "There has to be a way for you to challenge him or something. Isn't there?" she asked curiously. "Huh... I bet I can take that jerk." he said while leaning back in his chair. "I don't mean to brag you know but... no ones come even close to challenging me." he said as he stared at the sealing of his bedroom. "Better look out Shun... because I'm gonna take you down." Meanwhile at a Japanese looking training dojo, a brawler sat outside looking at the moon. This was Shun Kazami, a Ventus Brawler. His outfit was a black shirt, covered with a thin purple triangular-backed ending. He had black pants with a brown zipper like designs on around them. His black hair consists of two layers. The first layer of hair is the front all one his forehead, and his second layer is the straight hair tied up with a ponytail. His light brown eyes are in an upset mood. "Ha... defending my ranking has been a joke when battling these amateurs. What I need is a serious challenger, one that understands the power that lies in the Vestroia dimension." Meanwhile in Equestria, at the Golden Oak Library. It was late at night, but Twilight was studying the card and the markings that were on it. She looked to one that was in a brown circle. "The rough shape and texture of this symbol, and the color around it must mean Earth." She then looked to the symbol that was in a yellow circle. "This symbol looks like a five pointed star, and given the color of choice, it must mean Light." She wrote them down in her notes to remember what she found. She then looked to the next symbol that was in a purple circle. "This one I know for certain must mean Darkness, the demonic skull looking symbol, and purple interior? No question about it." She looked to the next symbol within a blue circle. "Wavy looking pattern, I can only assume it means Water." She wrote them down in her note as she looked to the symbol in the green circle. "Hmmm... this symbol is pretty tough to crack. It has sort of a Neighponese dialect, but what could it-" Then it hit her before she could finish her train of thought. She walked to the shelves and pulled out a book. It was Neighponese Dictionary she kept with her, she looked inside it to find a similar symbol that looked like the one on the card. When she found it, she compared it to the one on the card. "Wind...? Well I guess I can't argue with that." She put the book down and wrote it in her notes, she then looked to the final symbol. "This one seems easy to figure out... the three points shooting upward... it must mean... Fire..." she wrote it down in her notes, and looked to the Card mostly looking curiously about why the symbols mean six forces of nature. She was about to touch it, till all of a sudden... "Twilight?" Twilight shrieked and turned only to see Spike. "What are you doing up? Its late and you've been up for three hours." Twilight sighed and calmed down. "I'm sorry Spike, but I was so focused on finding out what these symbols mean, I lost track of time." she said to the baby dragon. "Well come on Twilight, you can finish your research tomorrow." said Spike as she touched her shoulder. Twilight wanted to stay up and continue her research, but she knew she needed plenty of sleep. Otherwise she'll be sleeping through breakfast. "Okay Spike." she said with a smile as she and the baby dragon went up stairs to get some sleep. But she was unaware that the card began to glow in a red aura for a brief moment, till the glow faded away. "If only the human they called Dan could understand that Bakugan is not just a game. An even larger battle was taking place in my universe, Vestroia! A universe fueled by six worlds, each with its own Element. The Earth Element called, Subterra!" A Subterra Juggernoid emerged from the ground as a giant stone golem rose up from the mountains. "The Element of Light, Haos!" A Haos Siege twirled his staff as a tiger looking creature roared out. "The Dark Element, Darkus!" Darkness surrounded the area, then a hydra type beast flew by. "Aquos, or what humans would call... the Water Element." An Aquos Robotallion emerged out of the water, as a humanoid reptile sat on an iceberg. "The Wind Element, Ventus!" A Ventus Falconeer flew towards the tornado's as a phoenix like creature fly passed it. "And the Fire Element, Pyrus!" Out of the flames, a white looking Bakugan flew out trying to reach is destination. But its path was blocked, by another Bakugan. "Naga! Wait!" the Pyrus Bakugan yelled as he got in Naga's way. "Out of my way Drago!" yelled Naga, for he looked like a skeletal, split-nosed (with a seeming cleft lip and plate), wyvern and dragon-like Bakugan who was an outcast. The other Dragon, was Pyrus Dragonoid. He has clawed wings and feet, a long neck, slender body and a long, sharp, horn on the end of the snout. He has small spikes along his back. "Why are you so obsessed with gaining all this power Naga? You know that it will only lead to your ultimate destruction!" he advised Naga. "SILENCE!!!" yelled Naga. "You have no idea of what we feel inside! You know nothing of our world!" he said angrily. "I suspect that you were one behind the human that they call Michael. What I'd like to know is, where did you find him?" ask Drago as he glared at Naga. Naga chuckled at him as he held up a card. "Do you know what this is?" he asked. Drago saw it as he squinted his eyes with a growl. Naga threw the card out as it opened a portal. "A portal!?" asked Drago. "Yes!" yelled Naga as he flew into the portal. "It leads to the source of the power!" Drago was about to go after him but he saw the portal close. "But to where...?" he asked. "THE DIMENSION OF VESTROIA!" yelled Naga for he was no where to be seen. Drago knew something was wrong, he had to find a way to stop Naga before it is too late. Meanwhile in Equestria, Twilight's friends were on their way to the Golden Oak Library to check on her. "I hope Twilight's alright, I mean sure Princess Celestia gave her the task of figuring out that card. But those Symbols on it were beyond strange." said Rainbow Dash as she walked beside Applejack. "I'm sure she's just fine, I mean she's the smartest pony we know. She can figure them out so fast she'll be able to outru-WHOA!" she yelled as she tripped over something. She groaned in frustration. "Now who in Sam hill leaves a rock in the middle of the ro-WHAT IN TARNATION?!" she yelled figuring out it was actually Spike sleeping on the ground. "Spike? What in the world are you doing sleeping outside in the dirt?" asked Rarity as she cleaned the dust and dirt off of him. Spike groaned as he woke up. "Why do you think? After I got Twilight go to sleep, she woke back up and went back to studying that Card." he said frustratingly. "Don't you think she's kind of overdoing it?" asked Rainbow Dash. "She was given the task of figuring it out, so she must have believed it was importa-" Fluttershy jumped as he heard a crash inside. "What in the world?!" asked Rainbow Dash in surprise. "She having a party in there?! If so, why didn't she invite me?!" asked Pinkie Pie feeling jealous. When they opened the door, the Library was a complete mess. Twilight was buried under the books but emerged from the pile with a messed up mane, and her friends were starting to grow a little concerned. "Uhhh I don't think its a party Pinkie Pie." asked Applejack. "Twilight, is everything all right?" asked Rarity feeling concerned. "No Rarity, everything is not all right..." she said while getting herself out of pile of books. "I had to spend all night studying that card, and so far..." she looked to the mess in her Library. "Well did you find out anything about it?" asked Fluttershy. Twilight's head shot up and looked to her. "Actually I did..." she said as she walked to the card. "I managed to figure out what these strange symbols mean." "Well don't leave us guessing, tell us what they mean." Rainbow said anxiously. "These symbols represent six forces of nature, Elements to be exact." said Twilight. "The one with a rocky looking texture means Earth." "Somehow that makes sense when you think about it long enough." said Applejack. "The five pointed star from what we all could tell, means Light." Twilight explained. "My goodness. I never knew Light could be an element." Fluttershy said feeling surprised. "The demonic skull bellow represent Darkness." Twilight pointed to it. "Who ever designed it sure picked a perfect color for it." said Rarity. "The symbol with the wavy looking pattern means Water." This caught Pinkie's attention really quick. "Water?! Water can be such a fun Element! You can swim in it, you can splash it around, and yo-" she was cut off when Applejack covered her mouth. "Continue Twilight." she said. "The symbol here is similar to Neighponese dialect, it basically means Wind." she explained as Rainbow Dash smirked. "Wind? Ha! I bet all you can do with it is blow hot air." she said unaware she was down right wrong. "Actually Rainbow, with the Wind Element, you can move at very fast speeds, in fact even faster." she said catching Rainbow off guard. Rainbow accidentally stuffed her hoof in her mouth but pulled it back out. "Okay, I take it back, winds cool." "But, what does the final element mean?" asked Rarity. "The final Element, is Fire, the most powerful of all the Elements." she said as she explained to them. She levitated the card and looked at them. "Why they represent the six forces of nature, I'm still trying to figure out." "And that loud crash?" asked Rainbow. Twilight groaned a little. "I fell asleep and fell over." she said as she rubbed her eyes. "Well at least you're alright Twilight." said Rarity as she took a brush and fixed her mane. "Most of all you figured out the symbols and what they mean. But why it was with the chest, we still have to figure that out." "You're right Rarity... but for all we know, it could take me years to figure it ou-" suddenly she noticed a strange inscription form over the card. "What the...?" she levitated the card and read the inscription. "Bakugan... Field... Open...?" then the card glowed brightly, surprising the young Alicorn. "Whoa Nelly!" cried Applejack as the Attribute circle formed beneath them. The Mane Six saw it surprised as they became worried of what was going on. "What's happening?!" asked Rainbow Dash. "The card must be opening a gate way to another dimension!" cried Twilight with a worried tone. "We should see where it goes!" said Pinkie feeling excited. "Pinkie no!" Twilight yelled but was too late as they all disappeared through the Attribute Circle. Leaving the library a mess, and leaving the card behind. During their travel to another dimension, Twilight's eyes began to glow, seeing a vision of a boy and a powerful Dragon beside him. She didn't know who he was, or why... but she had a feeling something big was in store for her and her friends. In the human world, Dan was on his way back home from school. But before he could get home, he heard a meow close by. "Huh?" he looked and saw a cat lying on the ground grooming itself. He looked around to see if anyone was watching, luckily he was alone. He walked over to the cat while reaching into his bag pulling out a small snack. "Here you go little guy." he gave it a small piece off tuna he had in his sandwich, and the cat simply took the small piece and ate it. Dan smiled and scratched behind the cats ear. The cat simply purred from the gentle scratch. Dan smiled at it. "You're welcome..." Suddenly he began to hear something, he looked around for where the sound was coming from. Till suddenly from what sounded like screaming, he looked up and saw the Mane Six falling down towards him. He panicked as the cat got out of the way seeing the ponies land on top of him. He groaned in pain from the unexpected rain of ponies. "Oh man... that came out of no where..." Twilight groaned from a massive headache he got from being transported by that card. "Next time I read an incantation... I need to make sure to bring a big pillow." she said as she got up holding her head. She looked to her friends to see if they were alright. "Girls? Are you okay?" she asked but soon noticed their forms were different. "Uh, girls? You look... different...." she mentioned. "Like you're one to talk, look at your wings!" Rainbow Dash pointed out. "Forget hers and your wings, look at our bodies!" cried Applejack. "How different are we?! Please don't leave out any details!" panicked Rarity. "Well... you look... well like you..." said Spike. "Only... your head is a teeny, tiny bit smaller compared to your body." said Pinkie. "WHAT?!!" Rarity freaked out as she searched for something to see her reflection. Twilight sighed and summoned a mirror for her. She looked at her reflection and sighed in relief. "That's a relief, I still look fabulous..." Spike couldn't agree more. Suddenly she heard a groan and looked to the source. It was Dan lying on the ground. "Oh my goodness! We're so sorry!" she said as she and the others got off him. "Are you alright?" Dan sat up holding his head. "Its okay, its not the most normal thing that has ever-" by the time he opened his eyes he saw Twilight and the girls. "Whoa... where did you guys come from...?" he asked "You probably wouldn't believe us if we told you..." she said to him. Then Rainbow Dash spoke out. "Besides, we wouldn't trust a human, even if we just met." she said crossing her hooves. "Yeah, you're probably ri- WAIT A MINUTE! DID YOU JUST TALK?!!" he asked with shock and surprise. "Well yeah..." said Twilight as she looked to Dan and recognized him. "It's you..." she said to Dan. "You're the boy we saw in my vision!" "What vision?" Dan asked in confusion, but before Twilight could answer. Shuji and Akira showed up. "If you're done playing with your little ponies, I want a rematch." said Shuji as he had a smug grin on his face. "Who's this guy?" asked Rainbow. "And what does he want with you?" asked Spike. "That's Shuji, don't worry I'll handle this..." Dan stood up to face him. "Give me a break, you like losing?" Dan asked. "JUST ZIP IT! Either we brawl, or I let my fists do the talking!" Shuji threatened Dan. Rainbow knew a threat when she heard one. She flared her nostrils and flew up to him. "Maybe you should put your bits where your mouth is chump!" she yelled at him freaking out the Brawler. "Did... she just talk...?!" asked Shuji. "I think she did..." said Akira. Dan panicked and pulled Rainbow Dash away from him. "No she didn't! It was uh... ventriloquism! Yeah, that's what it was!" he chuckled nervously as he started whispering to Rainbow and the rest of the Mane Six. "Listen, not everyone is fond of seeing a talking pony with wings. So try to keep the chatter to a minimum, please?" Dan begged Rainbow and others. "Okay fine, just kick his butt and start explaining what's going on." whispered Rainbow Dash for she was in a rush. "Rainbow Dash, watch your langua-" Dan quickly covered Rarity's mouth for she forgot to keep the chatter down. "Oh, sorry..." she whispered. Dan turned to Shuji and pulled out a Bakugan Card. Twilight saw it surprised. "BAKUGAN! FIELD OPEN!" yelled Dan and Shuji as they entered the Pocket Dimension. "Not again..." Fluttershy said worriedly. They soon found themselves in the Pocket Dimension Battlefield. Twilight looked to each of the Six Attribute Worlds. "What are those...?" she asked, Dan noticed they also came along for the Battle. "What are you guys doing here...?!" he asked them in a worried manner. "Look, we don't know how we got here, all we know is that a card brought us here. And it looked like the same one you're holding." she explained to Dan, who looked at the Bakugan card surprised. "If that's true, then why-" before he could ask her... "HEY! WE HAVE A BATTLE TO FOCUS ON!!!" yelled Shuji from across the field. Rarity scoffed at him for his impatience. "This boy really needs to be taught some manners." said Rarity. "Not to mention lose some weight." said Rainbow as she laughed at him. Dan snickered at what she said. "Don't let him catch you saying that." said Dan as he turned to Shuji. "Alright Shuji, bring it!" "GATE CARD SET!" yelled Dan and Shuji as they threw down their gate cards. The two cards landed on the ground growing in size. The Mane Six was amazed at what they saw. "Ooooh! How did you do that?" asked Pinkie Pie as she touched the giant card. "When ever we throw out our Gate Cards, they grow in size for our Bakugan to stand on the field." Dan explained. "What's a Bakugan?" asked Fluttershy curiously. Meanwhile Shuji held up his Bakugan. "Lets do this! Bakugan Brawl!" he yelled as he threw out his Bakugan landing it on his card. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as the Bakugan he threw opened up into the form of a turtle. It glowed and turned into its true form. A Darkus Juggernoid, a massive turtle-like Bakugan that bears a hard shell. It can enter into its shell to execute an attack. It came out of its shell and snarled at Dan. "WHAT IN TARNATION IS THAT?!!" asked Applejack filled with shock. "That's a Darkus Juggernoid, but how did he ever get a hold of a Darkus Beast?" he asked worriedly. "Here's a thought kid, why don't you call me... Master of Darkus." Shuji boasted. Dan gave him a deadpanned look. "Give me a break, if I'm gonna call you anything, its loser." said Dan as Shuji got frustrated. "IVE HAD IT WITH YOU YA LITTLE CREEP! ARE WE GONNA DO THIS OR WHAT?!" he asked angrily. Twilight and the looked at him with the same deadpan stare. "Not the brightest human..." asked Twilight. "Not at all darling..." said Rarity as she agreed with Twilight. Twilight looked towards Dan. "So what's your next move? I doubt you can handle that thing." she said as she pointed at the Juggernoid. "I got something, but what to counter with... something big or small?" he asked himself. "Please let it be small. Please let it be small." said Fluttershy for she was scared by the Juggernoid. "I got it!" Fluttershy prepared for what he was about to throw out. "Bakugan Brawl!" he yelled as he threw out his Saurus. But before it could stand, it bounced over Juggernoid and landed on the other card. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Saurus turned into his true form, growling at Shuji. Twilight's amazement had only peeked. "Amazing, so these things come in a variety of different colors?" she asked Dan. "Something like that." Dan replied. "Ah come on, you gotta be kidding! That's it? That's all you got?!" Shuji asked him. "Hey! Didn't anyone ever tell you size doesn't always matter?!" he replied. "That's what I tell these guys, but they still treat me like a baby." said Spike as he crossed his arms. Meanwhile Shuji held up another Bakugan. "Its your funeral, now to blow this little twerp an his little ponies away for good. Bakugan Brawl!" he yelled throwing out a brand new Bakugan. It landed and opened up into a scorpion looking creature. It glowed as it began to revert to its true form. "Darkus Stinglash Stand!" yelled Shuji as Stinglash emerged, a scorpion with two massive pincers that can cut through almost anything. A titanium exoskeleton gives Stinglash extremely good protection. Its tail is slow moving, but contains poisonous venom for which there is no cure. Fluttershy yelped hiding behind Dan. "And that one?" she asked while shaking behind Dan. Dan noticed how afraid she was but he kneeled down and gently touched her head. "Don't worry, Stinglash won't attack the players, if there's anything I know about the Bakugan, is that they will only fight each other." he said reassuring the timid Pegasus. "You sure?" she asked him. "Yep..." he looked to his Bakupod. "Now, to check this guys power level..." by the time he checked it, he gasped in shock. "Darkus Stinglash power level 330 G's. Saurus power level 280 G's." said the Bakupod. Stinglash struck at Saurus with its stinger, but Saurus managed to dodge the slow moving stinger. Stinglash went to strike again but Saurus caught his stinger. "Looks like I need a little power boost. Bakugan Gate Card Open!" Dan yelled as flames emerged from his Gate Card. The Mane Six shielded themselves from the flames. "Saurus power boost the 310 G's." "Man this is not looking good, if I don't find a way to boost Saurus's power by at least 20 or more, my beast is fried!" Stinglash shielded itself from the flames but looked to Saurus knowing its still stronger than it. It shrieked at Saurus as it grabbed hold of its leg, Saurus struggled to get free. But it was too late, Stinglash punched Saurus away with its free pincer, forcing him to revert to ball form. Dan saw it land right next to him. Stinglash reverted back to ball form and returned to Shuji as he began to laugh. "So how does it feel to get your butt kicked good and proper?" Rainbow Dash flared her nostrils again. "That's it! I'm gonna teach this guy a lesson!" about to go but feels Applejack grab her tail with her mouth. "Hold it there Dash!" she said with her mouth full as she forced Rainbow to sit back down. "We can't do anything, unless you want to deal with that thing!" pointed to the Juggernoid as it growled at them. Rainbow Dash looked to it. "Uhhh.... good point..." she said in defeat. "Hey, this battle is far from over." Dan said with a confident smirk. Meanwhile in Vestroia, Naga had just exited the power he went through to escape the Pyrus Space. He approached two glowing orbs that shined brightly. "Yes... I have reached the center of the universe... amazing...!" he said as he stood before the two cores of Vestroia. "There they are, the two inflicting forces. Infinity, and Silence. They keep the Dimension in balance." he said as he flew towards the Silent Core. "If I can absorb these two energies... HAHAHAHA!!! I can unite with Hal-G! And together, we can conquer Earth, and Vestroia!" he yelled out as he began to absorb the negative energies of the Silent Core. "The Power! Feel the glorious power!" he consumed more energy from the core. "Excellent... the power, the infinite power building inside of me.. I-" before he could finish, something went terribly wrong. He was being pulled towards the Silent Core. "No... what's, happened...?! An overload of negative energy?! I can't control the Balance! Too much! Too much!" he struggled to pull away from the Silent Core. "No! Not enough, positive energy! Its out of control! NOOOOO!!!!!!" he was completely pulled into the Silent Core, as its energy pushed the Infinity Core away, sending it away to where he did not know. A wave of Negative Energy shot all over Vestroia, all the Bakugan felt its affects. In the Darkus Space, a warrior looking Bakugan appeared. Fear Ripper, it uses its sharp and big claws, which are triple the size of its head for cutting and slashing enemies. It felt the Negative Energy and was completely consumed by it. Meanwhile in Pyrus Space, Drago felt the Negative Energy as well, but was unaffected by it. "What's... happening...?!" he asked as he looked around but realizes what happened. "Naga... this must be Naga's doing!" The Pyrus Space was beginning to collapse upon itself, Drago soon noticed something approaching, it was Darkus Fear Ripper. It charged at Drago and went to strike him with its large claws, but Drago dodged the attack. "What's a Darkus Bakugan doing in Pyrus Space?!" he asked as he dodged Fear Rippers charge again but gets grabbed. Dan and the ponies watched the battle but soon felt the wave of Negative Energy. Dan looked around as he somehow entered a strange vision. "Huh?" he looked around finding himself in Pyrus Space. "Man this is getting weird." suddenly Drago and Fear Ripper appeared before him. Dan was surprised as Drago looked him right in the eye, Dan watched as Drago and Fear Ripper fought each other. "Its like a new dimension is filling our Bakugan with more power. Right in the middle of the battlefield" he watched as Drago rammed his horn against Fear Ripper. "Why does my Bakugan have bigger flames? Ive never seen anything like this before." Drago snarled and smacked Fear Ripper with his tail. "My Bakugan is getting so much stronger." before he could watch the rest of the battle, a bright light shined in front of him, as he shielded his eyes unaware a voice was calling out to him. "Hey buddy! Snap out of it!" yelled Rainbow Dash. "Huh?" Dan opened his eyes seeing his Pyrus Serpenoid and Shuji's Darkus Stinglash. "You okay partner?" asked Applejack. "That was just... totally weird..." said Dan as he felt confused from what he saw. "I'm not fooling around! Its time to end this battle!" yelled Shuji. "Darkus Stinglash attack!" he ordered his beast to attack. Stinglash went to sting Serpenoid, but it coiled around Stinglash holding him tightly within his coils. Shuji began to panic. "Hey Shuji! What happened to all your trash talk?! Scared your scrawny Stinglash can't handle the pressure?!" asked Dan. "Command Card! Quartet Battle Activate! Now!" yelled dan as the card glowed brightly. "Get Read Shuji! Cuz a few more Bakugan have been invited to the party!" he informed Shuji. "A few more Bakugan?" asked Twilight. "A party?! Why didn't you tell me this battle had a party?! No pony ever told me that this battle also had a party!" yelled Pinkie. "Its just an expression Pinkie..." said Applejack. Suddenly Dan's card started to glow. "My... Ability Card is transforming..." he said with a surprised expression, then a glowing orb came out of it, along with Shuji's card, both the orbs turned into the ball forms of two different Bakugan, Dan's card soon turned into a Dragonoid's Card. He was surprised by it. "Whoa... isn't this a Dragonoid's Card?" he asked curiously. It immediately caught Twilight's attention. "Dragonoid...?" she asked. The two Bakugan that appeared landed on the Battlefield and reverted to their true forms. They both flew into the air revealing they were the same Bakugan Dan saw. Even Twilight was surprised for she recognized the Dragon from the book. "Whoa! Those are the same beasts I saw in my vision!" he said in surprise. "I saw that Dragon too, it was in my vision when I first saw you." said Twilight as she watched in awe. Even Spike was amazed by the Dragonoid. Suddenly... "You must come to your senses!" yelled a voice that caught them off guard. "Huh?" he looked to the Mane Six. "Which of you said that?" he asked them "Not me." said Twilight. "My lips were sealed." said Rainbow. "My voice isn't that strong." said Fluttershy as she was still hiding because of the Dragon. "I would never sound like that." said Rarity. "I didn't say anything." said Pinkie. "We're all pretty innocent here partner." said Applejack, she then looked to the Dragon. "Maybe you should ask him...!" she pointed to the Dragonoid. He looked to the Dragonoid. "Huh? Was it you...?" he asked the Dragonoid. Fear Ripper still had him in his clutches. "Fear Ripper! Snap out of it! The Negative Energies of the Silent Core have taken over your power of reason!" yelled Drago trying to convince Fear Ripper to snap out of it. "My ears aren't... playing tricks on me are they...?" asked Dan "Well if you're hearing it, so are we." said Rainbow. "She's right, we all can hear it." said Twilight. "I wish we couldn't hear it." said Fluttershy as she remained hiding. Fear Ripper's power started to build up as he tightened his grip over Drago. He was surprised by this development. "His power is building...!" said Drago as he kicked Fear Ripper to break free. "BOOSTED DRAGON!!!" Drago snarled as he shot a giant fireball at Fear Ripper, ending the battle. Dan and Shuji exited the Pocket Dimension, letting time resume. Akira walked up to Shuji. "Are you okay man?" he asked him as Shuji sat on the ground. "I lost again!" he yelled out as he began to cry in defeat. Dan was once again victorious, but for some reason, he was still surprised of what happened. "I don't get it, I thought Bakugan was just a game." he looked to the Bakugan he held in his hand, and saw it was the Dragonoid. "There's got to be more to it, and I've got to find out what." he soon heard some groaning and looked to see the Mane Six was still with him. "Hey..." he walked to the girls and kneeled down. "You girls okay?" he asked them. "Yeah, just got a weird headache..." said Twilight as she rubbed her head. "What was that...?" asked Spike. "That was a Bakugan Battlefield, something we kids call a Pocket Dimension. When ever we open the field, time slows down around us, and we enter a different dimension. Just like what you saw there." he explained to them. "Pocket Dimension? Bakugan? Can somepony please explain what's going on?!" asked Rainbow Dash as she was completely confused. "Don't worry, I'll explain everything, but in the meantime, you guys need a place to stay." said Dan as he had only one option. Plus... he knew his mother was going to kill him if she found out. At nightfall, Dan got home and tried to sneak to his bedroom, but this did not go unnoticed. "Where have you been young man?!" asked his mother with an upset expression. Dan freaked out and tried to put on an innocent face. "Uh mom! Hey, I was just... uhh... hanging out with some friends at school! Yeah that's right, I know I should have called, but I was too distracted, sorry for the hold up, GOTTA GO!" he yelled as he ran upstairs. His mother only blinked from how her son reacted. Meanwhile upstairs, Dan set his backpack down on the bed and opened the window. "Okay guys, the coast is clear." he whispered to the ponies that hid behind his house. Twilght nodded and used her magic to teleport her and her friends inside, causing Dan to jump from it. "Jeez, how do you do that?!" "Shhh! You want your mother to find us?" asked Twilight trying to prove a point. Dan realized she was right. "Oh, good point..." he pulled out Drago. "Okay, if you're in there, talk to me. Cuz I want to get to the bottom of this." see's he's not talking. "Aw man, this is totally pointless... its just a game piece." said Dan as he observed the Bakugan. "But I heard it, I thought I heard it talking. Didn't I?" asked Dan. "We all heard it, unlike the creatures you summoned, this one was the only one talking." said Twilight. "Maybe its just doing the silent treatment." said Rainbow Dash. "Oh boy, I'm losing my mind... but I'm sure... we heard it." he said as he looked at Drago. "Eh, no biggie... but seeing he's a Dragonoid, I'm gonna call him Drago. Sweet, that's your new name buddy, hope you like it. Man, for a minute there I actually thought it talked. I gotta lay off the soda's." said Dan as he set Drago next to his window and his figurines. He then looked to the Mane Six and Spike. "So what's your story? Where did you guys come from?" "Well, its kind of hard to explain..." said Twilight feeling unsure that he wouldn't believe her. "Come on, if I can handle Bakugan, I can take talking ponies. Oh, that reminds me, I never properly introduced myself, my name is Dan Kuso." said Dan. "Dan? That's a strong name." Twilight complimented his name. "Now let us introduce ourselves." Applejack said as she took Dan's hand and shook it. "Names Applejack, but you can call me AJ if you'd like." she tipped her hat to him with a smile. "Nice to meet ya." He noticed his hand was still shaking up and down. "Wow, you must have had a strong arm." "I've been working on a farm all my life. So yeah, I guess it comes with the job." said Applejack as she crossed her front hoof in front of the other. "I'm Rainbow Dash, emphasis on Dash. I'm known to be fastest Pony in Equestria." she boasted proudly. "Awesome! You could probably give Falconeer a run for his money!" said Dan as he and Rainbow Dash fist/hoof bumped. "I... I'm Fluttershy..." said Fluttershy very quietly, to which Dan couldn't hear her. "I'm sorry, I Didn't quite catch that..." said Dan as Fluttershy felt more nervous around him. "It's Fluttershy!" she whispered quickly as Twilight walked up. "You'll have to forgive her, but this is Fluttershy, she's usually like this when she meets new ponies... well, in your case, people..." Twilight explained to him. "Fluttershy huh?" he smiled at the timid pony and placed a gentle hand on her head. "That's a sweet name." he complimented. Fluttershy began to blush from it and hid it in her mane. "I.. I'm nothing special..." she admitted. "You kidding? I know something special when I see it, take my Bakugan for example. They may be scary, but they're all special in their own way. Just like you." he said with a warm smile. Fluttershy was still blushing but she smiled at him. "Thank you." she said kindly. "I'm Pinkie Pie, the best party planner in all of Ponyville, and speaking of parties. I need to plan a par-" before she could finish, Dan covered her mouth. "Sssshhhhh! I can't let my parents hear you, if mom found out I have talking ponies hiding in my room, she'll kill me!" whispered Dan feeling scared not just for himself, but for them. "Oh, right, sorry about that. But I'm still gonna plan a big party for ya. When's your Birthday?" asked Pinkie Pie. Rarity rolled her eyes but looked to Dan. "You'll have to excuse her, but she's like this when she meets a new face. Anyways, my name is Rarity, it is a pleasure to meet you. And might I say, you look rather handsome for a boy your age. And your outfit, so bizarre, its perfect!" she said admiring his clothes. Dan blushed from it. "Um, thanks I guess..." he then looked to Twilight. "My name is Princess Twilight Sparkle, and this is my number one assistant, Spike. We all came from a realm called Equestria." the title of Princess caught Dan's attention in a heartbeat. "You're a Princess?!" he accidentally yelled out causing his mother to hear him. "Daniel? Are you okay in there?" she asked from downstairs. Dan started hearing her walk up the stairs. "Uhhh, yeah I was just, talking to my online friends, nothing to worry about!" he used his entire body to barricade the door keeping his mother out. "Daniel, open this door right now." she ordered her son. "I can't! because I'm uh... I'm getting undressed and getting ready for a bath." he fibbed as he began to sweat. "Okay, just don't take too long." she went back down stairs to clean the kitchen. Dan sighed in relief. "That was close..." he sat down on the floor. "You must be really scared of your mother to act like that." said Rainbow Dash as she flew up to him. "You have no idea, if she found out about you or the Bakugan, I'm fried." said Dan, then he looked to Spike. "So what are you supposed to be? a pony or a lizard?" he asked. "Dude, I'm a Dragon." he said to him crossing his arms. Dan started to chuckle. "Kinda small for a Dragon don't you think?" he asked him. "I'm travel size." "Spike has been with me ever since I hatched him." Twilight explained to Dan. "Wait, you hatched him?" he asked her. "It was when I had to take a magic spell test, I almost failed if Rainbow Dash hadn't won a race using her Sonic Rainboom." she said to him. "What's a Sonic Rainboom...?" Dan asked in confusion. "Let me explain, its where I break into a super fast speed, and break the sound barrier. And a huge sonic boom with a rainbow hue happen at once." Rainbow Dash explained to Dan as he imagined it in his head. "Wow, I definitely need to see it sometime." he said feeling excited. Then he realized something. "Oh no, I was supposed to meet with my online friends." "Online friends?" asked Rarity. Dan looked at her and her friends as they all but Twilight had confused expressions on their faces. "You guys don't have technology where you're from, do you?" he asked them. "Well I did visit a human world once, but it was hard for me to understand how their technology worked." said Twilight. "Well, maybe I should show you, so try not to freak out." he said as he walked over to his computer and turned it on. When he logged on, his friends were all waiting for him. "Dan, you're there!" said Marucho. "Hey guys, sorry I took so long, I was just-" before he could finish. "Dan, are those ponies in your room?" asked Runo. "So what if we are?" asked Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow Dash, don't be rude!" Rarity yelled at Rainbow's attitude. "NO WAY! Talking ponies?!! Danny, that is so amazing! I want one!" cried Julie. "Guys, they're not pets, they're... not exactly from this world." Dan explained. "I must admit, they do seem different from the ponies we know in this world." said Alice. "They came from a world they call Equestria, but that's not the weird part here. You see, I was brawling with this dude named Shuji, and these girls were all here to see it. Then all of a sudden I thought I heard my Bakugan talk." Dan explained to his friends. "No way! You too?!" said Runo with a surprised expression. Dan was surprised at how she reacted. "What do you mean Runo? You saying someone else heard them too" he asked her. "You should log onto the Bakugan Site, its what everyone's talking about Dan." Julie informed him as Dan logged onto the Bakugan Site, only to find kids were saying that their Bakugan began talking. The Mane Six and Spike were surprised as Dan gasped in surprise, he looked over to Drago. "It did talk! Maybe the Bakugan World has a lot more than we thought!" Dan thought in his head. He then looked to Twilight and the others. "Well guys, looks like we weren't crazy after all." "It would seem so... but, how did it talk? And why isn't it talking now?" asked Twilight. "I don't know... I thought Bakugan was just a game. But there must be more to it... right?" he asked them, till suddenly... "Uh Dan, aren't you gonna introduce them to us, or not?" asked Runo. "Oh, right, guys, these ponies are, in order... Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Spike, and Princess Twilight Sparkle." he introduced them to his friends. "Hi there!" the Mane Six and Spike greeted them. "Wait, Princess? Twilight is an actual Princess?" asked Alice. "Amazing, I wish I could be a princess!" said Julie, mostly because she wants Dan to be her Prince. "I know you guys want to get to know each other, but its getting late, and we need to get some sleep." Dan informed. "Alright, we'll talk more tomorrow." said Runo as she and the others disappeared from Dan's screen. "I must admit, I kind of like that Runo. Though her hair would look much more beautiful when its down." said Rarity. "Well, I think she mostly likes it in her two ponytails..." said Dan as he scratched the back of his head hiding a faint blush. This did not go unnoticed from Rarity as she began to smirk. "Dan Kuso, do you have a crush on Runo...?" she asked teasingly. Dan shot up from his chair. "I DO NOT!!!" he said with a bright red face. Rainbow Dash smirked knowing he was lying to himself. "Your face says otherwise." said Rainbow Dash with a smirk. Dan groaned in frustration. "Just go to bed!" he yelled. Meanwhile in Equestria, the Golden Oak Library was still a mess. And the card Twilight and the Mane Six left behind, was still on the floor. But then... a being covered in a black cloak picked it up. She looked at the card seeing it still glowing in the center, there was a Dark Purple glow and it was glowing brightly. She knew it meant one thing... "So... it has happened... the Silent Core has been stollen and the Infinity Core has gone to the realm Twilight and her friends are currently in..." said the being as she looked out. "Apollonir... please watch over the ponies, for they are very important." she begged as she walked out of the Library. > The Masquerade Ball > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was a brand new day in Wardington, bright blue skies, peace and quiet- "UGH! How annoying!" or so we thought... Runo was on her daily stroll through the park, and she had her Bakugan with her. "How come Dan's stupid Bakugan Ball talks and you don't?" she asked her Bakugan. She's been trying to get it to talk ever since she found out Dan told them about Drago. "Well? How come?" she asked as she stopped running through the park. "Oh come on, if you're inside there, at least say something. Pretty please with sugar?" and once again, the Bakugan was silent. (At least it wasn't followed by mean comments, followed by more silences.) "SAY SOMETHING!" she yelled at the Bakugan Ball. Suddenly, the wind around her started to pick up, she was startled at first. "What's... going on...?" she asked as she looked around. Then out of no where, a strange Brawler arrived. Runo looked to him surprised how he just randomly appeared. "Where did you come from...?" she asked as she noticed his attire. He wears a purple and blue visor mask made out of either plastic or glass (it seems to function like a Bakupod). He also wears a white cape-like coat. It is buttoned by straps on its chest however towards the waist it is unbuttoned. At the waist if you look carefully you can see part of a blue shirt and two cross something that seem to go together. Underneath the jacket, there is what appears to be armor on his upper chest. The belt has a circular belt buckle. He had blonde hair that is styled upwards. He was also wearing boots with small heels at the bottom. These boots have straps and buckles on them as well. "A Battle Brawler..." she noticed him hold up a Bakugan Card, and she knew what this meant. But she wanted to make sure she wasn't mistaken. "Are you challenging me to a battle? Because if you are, lets get this party started." she challenged him as she pulled out her Bakugan Card. "Didn't catch your name." "I never said it... call me Masquerade." the brawler introduced himself. Both Runo and Masquerade flipped their Bakugan Cards as they began to glow, opening a Pocket Dimension Battlefield. Later during their battle, Runo screamed as a Darkus Bakugan, with a skull looking face attacked her. And just like that... the battle was over. At Dan's house, Twilight and the girls were settling in, without Miyoko's say so of course (Dan is in so much trouble.) But they can learn to manage. "So, what do ya'll think of Dan? I mean sure he's a good kid and all, but do you think hiding us in his room without his parents knowing is a good thing?" asked Applejack. "I know its wrong to lie Applejack, but he has very good reason to." said Twilight. "If Dan's parents found out we're not ordinary ponies, I don't think you want to imagine what would happen." "You make a good point darling, but we all know we can't stay in his room forever." said Rarity as she was doing a few touch ups to her make up. "Most of all, this room of his could use a little more color." Fluttershy was looking at some of Dan's Bakugan, but she soon turned to her. "Dan seems to know what's best, I mean so far he's been kind enough to let us stay here. And I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be too happy if you did something to his room." she said knowing Dan might get really upset. "Fine, fine... but I still think it could use more color." Rarity exclaimed. Spike was reading one of Dan's comics. "Wow, Dan sure has some pretty interesting comics, I mean they're way different from the ones in Equestria." he said fascinated by the comic. He then looked to the others curiously. "So why do you think that card brought us here?" he asked them. "I don't know Spike, but I have a theory that Dan might be the answer. It brought us here for a reason, and we need to wait until Dan gets home so we can find out what it is." said Twilight. "Well lets just hope Dan gets back home soon. Cuz I don't want to wait around until his mo-" Applejack soon noticed something. "Wait a minute..." she looked among her friends. "Purple, Yellow, White, Pink, Orange... no Blue? Where's Rainbow Dash?" she asked them. "I think she sneaked out the window while we weren't looking." said Fluttershy as Twilight's eyes widen. "You've got to be kidding me!" yelled Twilight unaware the door had opened. "Of all the times, she had to pick now to sneak out?!" she questioned her friends angrily, she soon noticed their eyes wide as dishes. Twilight looked at them confused. "What? What is it...?" she asked them. "Uhhh Twi... I don't think hiding is an option anymore..." said Spike worriedly. Twilight raised a brow and turned around, only to find Miyoko standing behind her. Miyoko's arms were crossed as her brows were narrow at the five ponies and the baby dragon. "Seems Dan was hiding something after all..." she said. The Mane Six (and a half) were shocked the see she found out. "We're doomed..." said Pinkie, and to be more precise, Dan is gonna be the one that's doomed. Meanwhile at Dan's school, Rainbow Dash was sneaking around, trying to find Dans Classroom. She snuck up to Dan's Classroom and see's him showing off Drago. "Hey let me see that!" said a student. "That is so cool, is that the Bakugan Ive been reading about on the web?" asked another student. "Ta-da!" yelled Dan as he held up Drago. "Feast your eyes on the one and only Drago guys!" he boasted proudly. Rainbow Dash was watching him as a sweat drop was running down her cheek. "Sheesh, and my friends say I have an ego?" she asked herself. The students asked him to make it talk, but one student walked up to Dan with a smug look. "Or maybe you just made the whole thing up Danny!" said the student. "I'll prove it to you alright?" he said as the students egged him on. Rainbow Dash knew this was gonna go sideways real fast. "Don't do it Dan, come on, he's just gonna give you and everyone the silent treatment." she said mentally as she watched Dan. Dan held out Drago to prove everyone wrong. "Okay, okay I'll show ya already. You ready Drago? Its show time, Bakugan... stand!" he yelled holding him out, and like Rainbow Dash predicted, nothing happened. The students saw it as the moment entered an awkward moment. "Maybe its busted." said one of the students. "Huh?!" he felt shocked as he looked at Drago. "Come on Drago, say something! Bakugan Stand!" he tried again, and nothing happened. "Bakugan Stand! Stand! Stand! Stand! Stand!" he tried multiple times, unaware the students backed away. Rainbow Dash was started to feel sorry for him. "Jeez Dan, you're hopeless..." "You're embarrassing me Drago." he whispered to his non-responsive partner. "Hey Dan, forget Drago..." said the student as Dan looked to him. "I was just wondering if you remembered to do your homework?" asked the student. "Yeah, because if you didn't, Ms. Purdy will be all over you." said another student. This definitely got Dan in panic mode. Even Rainbow Dash noticed it. "Oh no!" the scenario began running through his head. "Uh-oh... I forgot! I'm so done for!" he panicked as he set Drago onto his desk as he ran to the other students. "Maybe there's still time! You've gotta help me or its detention for life!" he started begging the students for their notes, unaware Drago was watching. "Ha! What a pathetic human, if he thinks I'm here for his personal amusement, he's sadly mistaken. I have a more important mission, to stop Vestroia's destruction." said Drago as he tried to move in his new form. "Too... much... resistance..!" he struggled to move, but then... "Yes... yes!" he started to move. "Must... gather... strength...!" he rolled for a bit but didn't get very far. Then suddenly... "Students!" the classroom for opened, revealing Ms. Purdy. A very strict, and very mean teacher in Dan's school, she is wearing a light pinkish dress, from Jacket to skirt. And is wearing a white button-up shirt, she also wears glasses, though her eyes aren't seen. She wears her hair in a bun style down to her shoulders. "Did you not hear the bell?!" she asked the students with a stern expression on her face. All the students freaked out from the sight of her. "IT'S MS. PURDY!" they quickly ran to their desks, one of the students tripped over and knocked Drago off of Dan's desk. Drago bounced on the ground and started to panic seeing the students feet coming towards him. "Must resist being crushed!" he tried dodging the students feet but was being kicked around. He bounced away catching Dan's attention. "Drago!" he went to catch him, but Drago was flying around uncontrollably. Dan tried to catch him as quick as he could. "Stop! Wait please! Drago!" he chased him around. "I'm trying! I'm trying! Hurry! Catch me, I'm going to be sick!" said Drago feeling nauseous. But before Dan could catch him, Drago landed right next to the one person Dan didn't want to be near. Drago landed right next to Ms. Purdy. Dan screamed to the top of his lungs as Ms. Purdy picked up Drago. "Who's responsible for bringing marbles into my class room? Hmmm?" she asked as she looked around but her sights looked directly at Dan. "Daniel!" she yelled. "YES?!" he stood firm as Ms. Purdy gave him a look. "I'll see you after class. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!" she asked as Dan was getting scared out of his wits. "YES MA'AM!!!" he screamed knowing he was doomed. Drago and Rainbow Dash were watching as Dan freaked out. Drago groaned in annoyance. "How did I get myself into the predicament...?" he thought to himself knowing he was gonna be stuck with him. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was trying so hard not to laugh. But given the situation, she went to the roof and burst out laughing. "I wish I had a camera!" she laughed so hard she couldn't breathe. Half an hour rolled by, and Drago was stuck in Dan's desk while Ms. Purdy was teaching class. "Somehow I must learn a way to move freely in this realm, but I have to hurry. Because Vestroia is in danger, Naga is behind its destruction and I must stop him. But first... I must find him." he mentally said in his head, but before he could make a plan. Dan grabbed him and started brushing him with a toothbrush. "Man.. all that rolling around on the floor sure messed you up little guy." he continued scrubbing unaware Drago was talking. "There, now you're starting to look like new again. All shiny and junk." he said while continuing to scrub Drago. "I'll bet you're wishing I'd do this all day, and if you'd just talk to me, well maybe I might-" before he could finish, Drago opened up shooting a scowl at him. "Cease your scrubbing human! I am not your toy!" he yelled at Dan. Dan jumped from it. "Whoa! You scared the crud out of me!" he nearly jumped out of his seat but calmed down in a minute. "But I knew it, you could talk." he turned to the other students to get their attention. "Listen up guys! He can talk, my Drago just talked to me! Did you here?!" Rainbow Dash watched as she noticed Ms. Purdy getting angry. "He just told me he isn't just some toy-" before he could finish. "Daniel, that is quite enough..." Dan froze a bit and turned to her. "Can you hear my voice...? Well young man...?" she asked him. Dan began to panic. "Y-Yes Ms. Purdy..." he gulped hoping its not what he believed it to be. "I want you to listen very carefully..." a moment of silence filled the room... till all of a sudden... "DETENTION FOR THE REST OF THE SEMESTER!!!" she yelled at Dan. "NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!" Dan screamed. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was beginning to tear up. "I think I'm gonna bust a gut..." she flew back up to the roof and bursted out laughing. "Oh man, I'm really starting to feel sorry for Dan right now." she said while laughing. After school, and an hour of detention, Dan was walking home with Rainbow Dash. "You watched all of that?! Why didn't you stay at my house?!!" he asked her feeling frustrated. "I'm a Pegasus Pony, I need to be in the air, not cooped up in your room." she explained. "Besides, watching you embarrass yourself was worth it." "Oh haha, very funny. I just hope the girls are having better luck hiding than you are." he said as he approached the door and opened it. "Hey mom, I'm ho-" when he walked in, he saw Pinkie Pie performing a clown act for his mom and dad. His jaw literally dropped to the floor. Meanwhile his mom and dad were getting a good laugh out of it. "I must say Pinkie, you really are a funny pony. A little rambunctious, but really funny." said Miyoko trying to catch her breath. "Yeah, if only we met before." said Shinjiro while laughing, trying not to bust a gut. Rainbow Dash watched the scene knowing there was no point in hiding anymore. "Well... looks like the secrets out." she said as Dan was still shocked. Miyoko soon looked to him. "Oh Dan, welcome home." she welcomed him with a smile. "WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!!" Dan asked them. Twilight stepped up to tell him. "Its my fault, when we found out Rainbow Dash sneaked out, Miyoko walked into your room and found us." she admitted with a guilty expression. Miyoko walked up to him and touched his shoulders. "Daniel, you didn't have to hide this from us. We would have understood the situation if you just told us." she said with a warm smile to her son. "Besides, who are we to judge you?" asked Shinjiro, Dan thought for certain they were gonna be mad at him, but given the fact Pinkie Pie was able to bring a smile to their faces. He had nothing more to worry about. "Well, glad you guys got to know one another. But I better get up to my room, Ive got some stuff to do." he said as he made his way up stairs. "We'll come too." said Twilight as she followed him, but before she and her friends went any further upstairs. She turned around to face Dan's parents. "It was nice meeting you both." she said as she resumed her advance upstairs. Miyoko smiled knowing Dan found some really special friends. Meanwhile in Dan's room, he set his bag down on his bed in frustration from Detention. "So you got detention for yelling out in class?" asked Applejack as she sat down on the floor leaning against Dan's bed. "Yeah, and it was all because of him." said Dan as he pointed at Drago. "So thanks for wrecking my life Drago! All you had to do was talk!" he yelled at Drago for getting him in trouble. "Aw man, I wonder if all the other Brawlers out there have such a stubborn Bakugan." "I doubt it, from what I heard from the students in your class, they don't have a talking Bakugan." Rainbow Dash explained to her friends. Twilight rubbed her chin as she was lost in thought. "Its possible that Drago is more unique than the others." she said to them. Dan looked to her curiously. "Unique? Are you sure?" he asked her. "Well the vision I had also showed Drago right beside you, and its possible you two were meant to meet each other." she explained to him, unaware Drago was listening. "That makes sense when you think about it... by the way, have you guys figured out why you were sent here?" he asked her. "We have a theory, we believe that you're the reason we're here." Twilight explained to Dan. "Me...?" he asked her. "Well like I said, its only a theory... but the vision I saw is somehow related to you, and Drago. If destiny brought you together, we believe you're our only chance to get home to Equestria." she said trying to explain it to him. "Well I'm not sure about that. But even if its true, I don't know what kind of help I'll be to you guys." he said as he felt unsure. "I know... but if that's the reason, then we have to understand as to why." said Twilight as the rest of the Mane Six nodded their heads. "Well I'll take your word for it..." he turned to the computer and logged on as screens pop up. "Okay, we're logged on... now to check on my friends... hey guys how's it go-" before he could finish his question, Runo popped up with an angry face. "FINALLY!!!" she yelled as Dan screamed and fell to the floor. The Mane Six was surprised by it, and helped Dan up. "Runo darling, what on Earth was that for?" asked Rarity with a worried tone. "Well Rarity, I hope Dan realizes that its all his fault I lost a Bakugan Battle today!" she explained to the unicorn with a harsh tone. Dan got back up still feeling pain. "Come on Runo give me a break would ya? What are you talking about?" he asked her feeling confused. "This creep Masquerade came along and totally clobbered me!" she told him still holding a strong glare towards him. Marucho soon appeared on screen to explain everything. "He's been winning battles all over the world." he explained to everyone and everypony. "Not to mention, every chat room Ive checked is full of kids talking about Masquerade." Alice explained as she and Julie appeared on screen. Rainbow Dash flew in front of the camera. "So what's his deal?" she asked Dan's friends about Masquerade. "He's won every single battle he's been in, and kids everywhere are losing their Bakugan like crazy. This is serious." said Julie feeling worried. Applejack looked to Runo knowing she might already have the answers. "So Runo, did he get yours?" she asked the blue haired brawler. Runo sighed as she looked down. "Uh-huh... my precious Terrorclaw is gone for good." she said feeling sad. "We have to do something Dan." said Marucho knowing that Masquerade had to be stopped. "Don't worry guys, you can count on me. If that dork comes anywhere near me looking for a battle, I'll win everyones Bakugan back. Including your Terrorclaw Runo." he said as Runo was surprised by what he said. "That masked morons going down!" Runo could only smile at her friends bravery. "Awesome..." she said softly. "Oh Dan, I wish I could just hug you!" said Julie. "Me too..." Alice agreed. Dan stood up as he was feeling pumped up. "I don't care how good this Masquerade dude is! I'm gonna put my own Bakugan on the line and show him!" he said only to shock his friends, and the Mane Six. "Hold it! Hold it!" cried Spike as he jumped up. "Do you even hear yourself?!" he asked him feeling shocked. "Spike's right! What if you lose too?!" asked Julie feeling the same way as Spike. "She has a point Dan, if you lose, you'll lose your Bakugan as well." said Twilight. "But, I won't..." he said unaware of what rank Masquerade was at... that is until... "Do you know what he's ranked at?" asked Runo. "The latest update on the web puts him bang on at Number 01!" said Marcuho, only to get a shocked expression from Dan and the Mane Six. "Yoooouuuu have got to be kidding!" said both Dan and Rainbow Dash filled with shock and surprise. Dan couldn't believe it, Masquerade being Number 01? That was just plain crazy. "That's impossible... the best Bakugan Battle Brawler should be Shun..." he said knowing it was true. "Who's Shun...?" asked Pinkie Pie feeling curious. Dan didn't want to talk about it, for he was more concerned about Masquerade. "Something is weird here... I have got to fix it." he shut his eyes and held his head in the air. "No matter the danger, no matter the risk, no matter the enemy, I will march into battle with my head held high, and return victorious! This is my quest to follow that-" before he could finish his speech... "Um, Dan...?" Alice interrupted him... "Now what?!" he asked her "One question... how are you going to challenge Masquerade if you don't even know where he is?" she asked him only to catch him off guard. Rainbow Dash leaned closer to him with a smirk. "Didn't think that one through, did you?" she asked him with a smug grin. Dan was about to answer, but he couldn't think of anything at all. "Right... Yeah well, that is a good question..." he said only to hear the Mane Six groan and hoofpalm themselves. Twenty minutes rolled by, and Dan finally figured out a way to contact Masquerade. If he made a recorded message on his computer, and sent it to him, he'll be able to battle him. But it turns out... getting the right message was a lot harder than he thought. "Hey Masquerade, Dan here! How's about a little battle?" he said but realized that was terrible. "Aw man that bites..." "Yeah it does, have you ever sent a message before?" asked Spike as he crossed his arms. "Like you're one to talk, you guys don't have technology." said Dan as he looked back to the camera. "How about this...? Hey Masquerade! I'm sick and tired of you bullying brawlers, so you're going down! That is if you're man enough to challenge me! Well are you?!" he asked as he got closer to the camera. "Are you going to keep hiding behind that little mask of yours like the total poser you really are?! Your Bakugan are mine, you understand me?!" he said as he pulled away from the camera. "The names Dan, and I'm challenging you to a battle! I'm the new number one in town!" he boasted unaware Drago opened up. "Ha, you're kidding..." he said feeling unamused of Dan's confidence. "Quiet, can't you see I'm just bluffing the creep Drago? You gotta trick him to come out and play." he explained to him. "Whoa! He's talking!" said Spike as he backed up. "Finally! We get to hear him rather than get the silent treatment!" said Pinkie as she bounced around. "Listen to me everyone..." he curled back into ball form and rolled to the computer. "I am not a toy..." he said with a stern tone as he looked to the computer screen. "In your realm you see me only as a token trinket to battle for your pleasure... I ask you, is this all just a game to you...?" he asked Dan, only to get a response he wasn't expecting. "Hello! This is the greatest game ever! I love everything about the Bakugan, it makes me feel alive, in control. And the best part is... I love winning." he said to Drago. "What wrong Drago, are you saying you don't like to battle? I thought that's what you were programed for. I'm not getting this..." he said to him, only to see Drago curl up into ball form. "Bakugan... is more than a game..." said Drago as he fell asleep. Twilight looked at him and turned her attention to Dan. "I think Drago's right Dan, what if there really is more to the Bakugan?" she asked Dan. "What more could there be? I mean all I know about the Bakugan is that they're the most amazing thing that has ever happened to all the kids in this world." said Dan. "I know you think they're just toys, but what if the Bakugan are really alive?" she asked him with concern. "What if they're just like you humans, that have lives of their own?" she asked as she looked towards Drago. Dan looked to him as he thought about it for a moment. "I... I never really thought about that..." he looked down feeling something in his heart, he wasn't sure as to what it was. He knew deep down in his heart... Twilight was right. Applejack walked up and touched his forearm. "I know you're feeling confused partner, but believe me... its not easy trying to accept the truth." she said to him trying to lift his spirits. "Sure this world is different from Equestria, but if there is a reason we're here. We'll find out together, and maybe facing this Masquerade might help give us the answers we're looking for." she said confidently. Twilight smiled at her. "She's right, maybe this battle will help us understand the reason we're here." she said as she looked outside. (Parody of Big Brother Best Friend Forever) Twilight; This world is so different, so strange and so confusing Can't even pronounce the words that they're using Dan looked to the young Alicorn. To his surprise, she was singing out loud, he was amazed and somewhat confused. "Um, Twilight...?" Twilight; I've seen all there can be But it appears that now I see There is yet, so much I have to learn "Is she singing...?" Dan asked the girls. "Eeyup!" replied Applejack. Dan was surprised by her response, he listened to famous Pop Stars a lot. But never before had he heard a voice like Twilights. Twilight; But despite all of my confusion This is the start of a revolution Soon, the rest of the girls joined in surprising the young brawler. Ponies; A new world, a new best friend Different as night and day, I know on you I can depend Twilight; Your Bakugan ways are so strange Ponies; A new world Twilight; Nothing wrong with a little change Ponies; Only you I can depend Twilight; We all have hopes, we all have dreams We're more alike than I realized, it seems Ponies; A new world, a new best friend Different as night and day, I know on you I can depend Twilight; Whatever dangers we will face them all Cause together we'll never fall We've found a new best friend... Forever Ponies; And we will face anything... Together Dan was amazed by their rhythm, so was Drago even though he didn't want to show it. The Mane Six smiled for they knew that helping Dan was the right thing to do, and Twilight had a brilliant way to help Dan with his message to Masquerade. She pulled out a piece of paper and took a pencil and started writing a hand written message to help him. She finished it and levitated it to him. "Here, this could help." At a hidden lair, Masquerade was sitting at his computer, and he found a message from Dan Kuso. He played the message to see what it is. "Hey Masquerade I know you're out there. So if you're listening, what do you say you show yourself and we have a battle? Winner takes all, and the loser walks away with nothing." Dan declared, this definitely caught Masquerades attention. "But I warn ya I'm good, my Dragonoid and me are gonna blow your doors off. No body bullies the brawlers and gets away with it! So here's the deal pal. Tomorrow after school, underneath the railroad bridge at Pondale Avenue, that's where its going down. And you better show up you freak, do I make myself clear Masquerade?" Dan asked as Masquerade only smirked at the video. Back at Dan's house, Dan was looking outside his window starring at the stars while the ponies slept. Twilight however woke up to find him awake. "Dan? What are you doing up?" she asked him curiously. Dan looked to her wondering the same thing. "I can be asking you the same thing." he saw her giving him a look, he sighed and looked out. "Ive been trying to think over what you said about the Bakugan being living creatures. Its just hard to wrap my head around it." he said feeling unsure about it. Twilight sensed it and leaped onto his bed and sat next to him. "I know its hard, but believe me. If anyone can find the answers, its you." she said to him with a warm smile. Dan was surprised by her words. "You sure...?" he asked her only to receive a warm smile. "Of course I am, I mean sure you're bit of a hot head when it comes to brawling." she admitted to Dan only to receive a scowl. "But deep down, you're a really kind and generous person." she smiled at him and got a smile in return. "Thanks Twilight..." "Don't sweat it, now get to bed you. We have to get to the Railroad Bridge tomorrow after school." she said to him, and Dan knew she was right. "Sure thing, as long as you stay clear of the battle." he said wanting to make sure she and the others stayed safe. "Trust me, we will." she said to him reassuringly. Dan smiled at her and started to yawn. "Well, good night Twilight..." he said as he fell asleep. "Good night Dan, good night girls..." she said to them as she fell asleep in Dan's bed. Meanwhile Pinkie Pie woke up to say goodnight. "Good night Twilight. Good night Dan. Good night Drago. Good night Applejack. Good night Fluttershy. Good night Rarity. Good night Spike. Good night Rai-" before she could finish... "GO TO SLEEP ALREADY!!!" yelled Rainbow Dash as she plugged her ears with cotton. Pinkie winced from it and fell asleep. Twilight watched them and smiled, she went back to sleep to prepare for tomorrow. Meanwhile in Canterlot, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance walked into the throne room to see Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. The Princesses of the Sun and Moon looked to the young married couple, and knew that there was bad news. "Have you found them yet...?" asked Princess Celestia feeling concerned, and her fears were met with a small head shake from Shining Armor and Cadance. "We're sorry Princess Celestia, but me and Cadance have looked all over Equestria, we checked every place we could think of in Ponyville." said Shining Armor with a sad expression. "We even looked in the Crystal Empire, they're no where to be found." said Cadance with a worried tone. Luna looked to Celestia with a very worried expression. "Do you think Chrysalis has something to do with this...?" she asked her sister. But Celestia shook her head in response. "It couldn't be Chrysalis, because if it was, we would have discovered her Changeling Spies." she said to reassure her sister, but then... the doors opened revealing a hooded figure. Celestia looked to the stranger but had a good feeling as to who it was. The stranger walked to the two Princesses, but Shining Armor got in her way. "Don't take another step!" he warned her as his horn began to glow. "Shining Armor, no..." Celestia called out to him. "Its alright, she's not a danger to any of us." she said as she walked down from her throne and walked to the unknown mare. "I can assume you know where my student and her friends are...?" she asked her. "I do..." she said as she levitated the card. "Destiny has chosen them to embark on a brand new journey... so you don't have to worry my dear. They are in good hands as we speak." Celestia nodded to her, but she couldn't help but wonder... "But of all the times... why now...?" she asked her stilled worried about her student. The strange mare looked down with a sad expression in the darkness of her hood. "The prophecy has begun to unfold." she said as Shining Armor spoke up. "What Prophecy...?" he asked her curiously. "I cannot explain... only that Twilight and her friends must unite the Six Warriors that were foretold to rise up." she explained to him. She then looked to Celestia and Luna. "I have faith in your student and her friends... just as I have faith in you two." she smiled under her hood as she turned away and walked out. Celestia smiled watching her leave, then she remembered something from a thousand years ago. "By the way... a friend of yours says hello..." she informed her as she stopped. She smiled happily that he hadn't forgotten her. "Thank you for informing me..." she said and proceeded to walk out the door. Luna looked to Celestia curiously. "Who is this friend you were speaking of sister...?" she asked her eldest sister. "I don't know... but I'm certain she's knows... don't you...?" she asked the strange mare as she walked. A warm smiled formed across the strange mare's face without them knowing as she walked out. The next day after school, Dan was running down the road trying to get to the Railroad Bridge. "Come on, come on! Get out of the way!" he ran passed a few people trying to reach his destination. "Move it! Heads up, coming through!" he said as he ran passed a few people. "This is gonna be sweet, I'm so pumped. He won't stand a chance." he thought to himself as he quickly made his way to the Railroad Bridge. Twilight and the girls were waiting for him while trying to stay out of sight, but they didn't have to hide for long. Dan showed up just in time. "Where have you been?!" asked Rainbow Dash for she was feeling impatient. "Come on, keep your feathers together. I almost took a wrong turn, that's all." he said defensively as Rainbow was close to clobbering him. Twilight was able to stop her from doing so. "You're lucky you made it in time... because we've been keeping an eye open for Masquerade." Twilight informed him of the situation. "I think you mean both eyes!" said Pinkie with her eyes wide as saucers. Dan arced his eyebrow at her and looked to Applejack. "Is she usually like this...?" he asked. "You have no idea..." she replied to him with her eyes half open. Dan looked around for Masquerade. "So, is he here? He better show up..." he said as he walked with the Mane Six, but he soon saw someone. "Huh? You're here...?" he asked curiously to who it is... then out of no where... "We've been waiting for ya." said Akira as he came through the doorway. Shuji turned to face him. "Its too bad your buddy Masquerade didn't show up." said Shuji with a grin. Dan freaked out and fell to the floor. "NOT YOU TWO AGAIN! I don't have time for you! Now why don't you two beat it...?" he tried to ask them as nicely as he possibly could. "You owe me, I demand a rematch. So pull out your cards, and lets get this battle underway punk." he said as he pulled out his card. "Ready or not...?" Dan only gave him a deadpanned look, knowing history is gonna repeat itself. "Give me a break... this is a complete waste of our time. Well... might as well get this over with." he said as he pulled out his card. "You want a piece of me?! Well come and get it!" "Yeah, okay!" said Shuji. "BAKUGAN... FIELD OPEN!" said both brawlers as the Mane Six also entered the Battlefield. "It's on!" they yelled out, Twilight even had a piece of paper and a pencil ready, which wasn't surprising to Rainbow Dash. "Really? You have to make this a learning moment?" she asked her with her eyebrows arced. "If we're going to be in this world, we need to learn how the battles work here. I for one would like to learn more about the Bakugan. They're just so fascinating, they resemble much of the creatures in Equestria." she explained. "Now that you mention it, it does seem that way, doesn't it?" asked Spike as he watched the battle. Two battles were won by Dan, Shuji's Ventus Robotallion and Gargonoid were both defeated. The Mane Six cheered for Dan's two victories. "Nice work Dan! I have to admit, these battles are crazy. But they're still awesome!" said Rainbow Dash. "Thanks, but I still have one battle left." said Dan as he looked to Shuji. "I can't believe you beat my Robotallion and Gargonoid!" he said as he began to fume. "Hate to break it to you Shuji, but beating you isn't rocket science." he said as a smirk formed over his face. Rainbow Dash crossed her hooves together with a similar smirk. "So you ready to lose your next Ventus Bakugan? Because they're gonna be his!" she boasted out. Shuji only got more angry at what she said. "We'll just see about that you flying rat, BRING IT!" yelled as he grabbed his next Bakugan. Dan was confident about his next move, so he pulled out Drago to fight in the next battle. "Okay Drago, finish this for me. Bakugan Brawl!" he yelled out as he threw Drago onto the battle field. "Bakugan Stand!" Drago opened up as flames circled around him. The Mane Six watched in awe as a pillar of flames rose from the Battlefield, and from the heart of the flames. Drago emerged from the fires he came out of, roaring out as he surprised Shuji. "A... A Dragonoid...?" he asked in disbelief. Drago looked at himself surprised but finally realized. "Ah, when he releases me, I can move around freely in this world." he said as he looked to the Battlefield. Dan held up an Ability Card. "Here it comes Drago, Ability Card Activate!" he yelled out as he tossed the card. It burst into flames forming a Fire Wall around Drago. Drago's eyes widen seeing it as he glanced to Dan. "But my Fire Wall won't be affective against a beast with Wind Attributes." he said as he folded his wings and descended to the ground. This surprised Dan and the Mane Six. "Drago, what are you doing? We're right in the middle of a battle!" he said to him, only to get a snarl from Drago. "I don't take orders human!" he said as he growled. Rainbow Dash was surprised but shot a glare at him. "What?! Get in there big guy!" she yelled at him, unaware Shuji formed a sly grin on his face. "This is the opening Ive been waiting for. Bakugan Brawl!" he yelled out as he threw out his next Bakugan, which was a Ventus Falconeer. "Bakugan Stand!" Falconeer landed on the Gate Card and reverted to his true form. "Falconeer Power Level 320 G's" said Dan's Bakupod. Twilight looked at Serpenoids power level seeing it was higher than Falconeers. "His power level is lower than Serpenoids, you can beat him Dan." she said confidently. "Hey, I might be low on power, but his Dragonoid is useless against my Falconeers Wind Attribute!" he said as he pulled out two ability cards. "And just to be safe, I'm gonna amp it up a notch! Ability Activate! Jump Over! And Correlation between Ventus and Pyrus!" he yelled out as a tornado swirled around Falconeer. "What?!" Rainbow Dash panicked as Falconeer made it over Drago's Fire Wall. "He jumped over the Fire Wall?" asked Fluttershy with a surprised expression. "Get back!" yelled Dan as Drago and Falconeer began to fight each other. "The only way to fight Fire, is to use a little Wind. You thought your Dragonoid had a lot more power than my Falconeer? Wrong! Fire is trumped by Wind!" Shuji explained with a smug grin on his face. "Falconeer Power Level Increase to 400 G's." said the Bakupod. "Not good, Drago what do we do?!" asked Applejack as she started to panic. Drago roared out as Falconeer swooped down and tackled Drago. "Faloneer! Our fight isn't with each other!" said Drago as he struggled with Falconeer. "I fight using my instincts Dragonoid!" said Falconeer as he went to strike him. Drago snarled at him and dodged his attack and threw him off. He growled fiercely at Falconeer as he stood ready. "Come to your senses! It is Negative Energy that drives you!" he said to him, but his words fell on def ears. Falconeer screeched and bite down on Drago's neck causing him to writhe in pain. "Drago!" Dan yelled out to him worriedly as Fluttershy looked away from it. Drago knew there was no chance of reasoning with Falconeer. So he had to do something about it. "You leave me no choice!" said Drago as he roared out causing the Fire Wall to close in on both him and Falconeer. The Fire Wall forced Falconeer back into Ball Form, as he landed next to Shuji. "The Fire Wall's smothered to the wind." said Dan as the flames around Drago went down, Drago looked to Shuji with an intense glare. He then reverted back to Ball Form as the Pocket Dimension Battlefield disappeared returning them to the real world. Dan smirked at Shuji. "You lose..." "Again." said Rainbow Dash with a smirk. "WHY DO YOU KEEP DOING THIS TO ME?!!" Shuji asked as he whined, even Akira knew for a fact he lost. "Aw man, look what happened to ya. Didn't I tell ya, but no~! Mr. Big Shot wouldn't listen! And now look what happened to ya!" said Akira only to get a scowl from his older brother. "Can it Akira! I'm going home to mommy!" he ran off crying. "Hey!" he yelled but turned to Dan and the Mane Six. "Catch you guys later slick!" he ran off to follow him. "If you wanna lose, why don't you guys give me a call?" said Dan as he watched them leave. "I'll have to admit, I'm almost feeling sorry for Shuji." said Twilight as she put her notes away. "Yeah, almost... but I'm not, because of the fact he called me a flying rat. I should have clocked him when I had the chance." said Rainbow Dash still annoyed at what Shuji called her. "Well its nothing to get all worked up about Dash." said Applejack as she tried to calm her down. "Hey Drago, way to pull off the win. To be honest, I was getting a little nervous back there." Dan said to him, only to find out he's giving him the silent treatment... again. "Oh the silent treatment again? Well this time I'm not falling for it." "I for one was really worried about you Drago... that is... if you're okay with it." Fluttershy asked nervously to the Bakugan. Drago stayed silent for a moment. "I appreciate your concern little pony, but you don't have to worry. I'm perfectly alright." said Drago with a soft tone to reassure the timid Pegasus. Only to receive a blush and a soft smile from Fluttershy. "O-Oh... thank goodness..." she tried to hide it behind her mane. "Aw come on, you give her a response, but not me-" before he could finish his question, he sensed something from the dark hallway. He looked to it hearing foot steps starting to feel really tense. "I'm looking for Dan Kuso..." said a voice that came out of the hall. Dan looked at the hall as a figure walked out of it. "That you Masquerade...?" he asked hoping it was him. And from the darkness of the hall, Masquerade has arrived. "Whoa, that's Masquerade...?" asked Spike "He doesn't look that bad." said Rainbow Dash as she arced her eyebrows at him, but Twilight was getting a different vibe from him. "Don't underestimate him Rainbow... there's something about him I don't like..." said Twilight feeling worried. She looked to Dan hoping he will be alright. "So, you decided to show up and I decide to put a face to the name. Well Masquerade... I hear you've been stealing my buddies Bakugan. How come?!" he asked Masquerade with anger in his voice. But instead of answering Dan, Masquerade instantly pulled out his Field Card. Dan knew by the smug grin on his face, he was serious. "We put a lot into organizing this game... and there's no way I'm gonna let you, or anyone mess it up. It stops here Masquerade!" said Dan with a determined look. Masquerade smirked as he held his card. "Its time to battle Dan... ready...?" asked Masquerade. Twilight was starting to get the feeling that this battle might be different from before. "FIELD OPEN!" Dan and Masquerade yelled out as they and the Mane Six enter the Pocket Dimension Battlefield. Dan and Masquerade prepared themselves for battle. "Gate Card set!" they yelled as they threw out their gate cards. letting them grow onto the battlefield. "Okay Dan remember to concentrate. Don't let your anger get the best of you." Twilight advised him. "Right, concentrate." but Dan soon noticed Masquerade pull out a card he never saw before. It had the skull of a dragon on the front of it. Masquerade held it out and dropped it onto the battlefield. "Your move..." as the card landed on the Battlefield, it disappeared sending a strange wave of energy. The Mane Six felt it as a cold chill went up all their spines. "Whoa... what was that...?" asked Rainbow Dash feeling scared out of her wits. "I don't know sugarcube... but that was the creepiest feeling I've ever felt." said Applejack as she shuddered from what she felt. Dan looked to them curiously. "What are you girls talking about?" he asked them "We just felt a strange flow of energy when Masquerade threw down that card." Twilight explained to him "What you felt was negative energy, its formed from the Silent Core." Drago explained to her "The Silent Core?" Fluttershy asked him curiously "It is the source of all Negative Energy, and Naga did something to disrupt the balance in Vestroia." said Drago as he glared knowing Naga might have made that card Masquerade threw down. But what its for... he did not know. "What ever he threw down has the girls spooked... I have to be careful." Dan thought to himself. He reached and pulled out his Serpenoid and threw it out. "Come on Serpenoid do some damage! Bakugan Stand!" Serpenoid landed on the card and transformed into its true form. It looked to Masquerade and hissed at him. Masquerade slowly rose his hand into the air with his shooter around his wrist. "Bakugan Brawl!" he yelled out as he shot his Bakugan to the same card Serpenoid was on. It opened up revealing a skeletal looking Bakugan, it then transformed into its true form. Its name was... "Reaper stand!" yelled Masquerade as Darkus Reaper revealed himself. Reaper's form resembles a humanoid skeleton having deadly wings for agility in battle, and sharp, devil-like horns on its head. His form frightened the Mane Six, mostly Fluttershy. "Reaper power level 370 G's, Serpenoid power level 320 G's." said Dan's Bakupod. Dan was determined to defeat him. "Gate Card Open now!" he called out as his Gate Card glowed boosting up Serpenoids power level. "Serpenoid power level increase to 620 G's." said Dan's Bakupod. "Aw yeah! How do you like that Mr. Bone Jangles?!" asked Pinkie Pie with a smirk on her face. "Alright Masquerade, time to put up or shut up! Let's see you trump that bad boy!" said Dan as he provoked Masquerade and Reaper. Big mistake though... "Ability Card Activate... Dimension 4..." said Masquerade as his card glowed. The flames around Serpenoid were put out instantly. Dan shielded himself from the flames feeling surprised. "What was that?!" asked Rainbow Dash with shock. "Just one of my many pets, its an ability card called Dimension 4." Masquerade explained to her as Dan looked to his Bakupod. "Serpenoid power level dropped to 320 G's." said Dan's Bakupod. Dan and the Mane Six panicked as Reaper leaped into the air and charged at Serpenoid. "Serpenoid!" cried out Dan as Reaper swung his scythe at him, striking him down. Then out of no where, a portal opened in the middle of the battle. And Serpenoid was sent into another dimension. Fluttershy covered her ears from the painful screams Serpenoid made as tears formed in her eyes. "Oh no... he took my beast right out of the battle." said Dan as Reaper reverted to ball form and returned to Masquerade. "What incredible power..." said Drago, but when he looked to Fluttershy. He knew that hearing Serpenoids screams were more painful than anything. "I can't believe he could do that..." said Twilight. "Bakugan Brawl!" yelled Dan as he threw out Saurus. "Bakugan Stand!" he said as Saurus turned into his true form. Saurus growled at Masquerade as he prepared for battle. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot out Reaper to battle again. "Bakugan Stand!" he said as Reaper emerged through the dark void. "He's using the same Bakugan? Why?" asked Applejack. "I don't know, maybe its because Reaper must be his most powerful Bakugan." said Twilight as she wrote down notes. "Ability Activate! Saurus Glow!" yelled Dan as he tossed the Ability Card boosting Saurus' power level. "You beat my Gate Card, but you won't be able to override the power of my ability card." said Dan feeling confident, but Masquerade let out a sly grin. "Double Dimension... Activate!" he unleashed a new Ability Card to lower Saurus' power level. This shocked Dan and the Mane Six. "Aw man, he shut down the power of my Ability Card!" said Dan as Reaper went in for another kill. He struck Saurus down with his Scythe sending him through the same portal he sent Serpenoid through. "No! Saurus!" he watched as Saurus disappeared through the dark portal. Fluttershy held her ears down as tears ran down her cheek. "Make it stop... please! Make it stop!" she cried out "No fair! I want my Bakugan back!" yelled Dan "Yeah! Give them back you freak, or I'm gonna make you pay!" Rainbow Dash threatened him "Here, here!" said Rarity as she joined in "Sorry, but no can do... once the Doom Card is played, the Battle is over." said Masquerade as he grinned at them. "The Doom Card?" asked Twilight curiously but at the same time afraid. "NOT THE DOOM CARD! I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT THAT IS!!!" yelled Pinkie Pie as she panicked for no reason. "Yes miss, the Doom Card. Once you throw it down, it over powers all cards. Sending the defeated Bakugan into another dimension for eternity." Masquerade explained to him, Dan couldn't believe it. "You're kidding!" "The Doom Dimension...!" said Drago as he figured it out immediately. "The what now?" Rainbow asked him "He's right everyone... a Bakugan can never return from the Doom Dimension." he explained to them as his rage began to build. "There we meet our eternal demise... nothing is feared more." "I don't believe it... this guy is crazy!" yelled Rainbow Dash. "Now I know how your stealing everyones Bakugan! But the question is... why are you wrecking our game Masquerade?!" Dan asked him filled with anger. But he soon heard Masquerade chuckling. "Dan, Dan, Dan... who ever said that this was just a game? Every single battle is real." said Masquerade with an ice cold tone. It frightened the Mane Six, but it frightened Fluttershy the most. Dan looked to her about to help her calm down, but he soon saw Drago glowing. "Drago?" he watched as Drago growled angrily at Masquerade, but knew what to do. "Gate Card set!" he threw out his Gate Card and grabbed Drago. "Come on Drago, this is our one shot at it!" he yelled as he threw out Drago. At the same time Masquerade threw out Reaper, and both Bakugan collided with each other as they both reverted to their true forms. Drago roared at Reaper in anger, and charged at him about to bite down on him. But Reaper blocked it with his scythe. "Why are you doing this?! Do you realize what's happened in Vestroia?!" Drago asked Reaper filled with rage. "That does not concern me!" said Reaper as he released Drago's jaws from his scythe. He went to strike him down, but Drago managed to dodge it. "Of course it does!" Drago exclaimed as he went to scratch Reaper with the talons on his feet, but Reaper blocked his attacks. "I am a soldier! And in this dimension, I am free to team up with a human!" said Reaper as he swung his scythe at Drago. "Then I can inherit infinite power!" "You fool!" yelled Drago as he swung his tail at him, but Reaper leaped over it with the help of his demonic wings. "I've had enough of you! Its time to send you to the Doom Dimension, Dragonoid!" yelled Reaper as he leaped into the air. Dan, Drago and the Mane Six panicked for what was about to happen. "Drago look out!" yelled Rarity as Reaper went in for the kill. "Have a pleasant journey!" said Reaper as he struck Drago, resulting in something he did not expect. Drago's entire body began to glow as he started to growl at him. Masquerade saw it surprised sensing Drago's power. "What...?" "Drago! Gate Card open! Activate Firestorm!" yelled Dan as Drago's power shot up. "We're down to our last card... this is it..." he was about to activate it, but Drago roared out as his power surrounded him in a red aura. "What's wrong...?" "What's he doing?" asked Spike as he shielded himself from the heat of the flames. "If I have to guess... finishing this battle." said Twilight. "ULTIMATE BOOST!!!" yelled Drago as he unleashed all his power upon Reaper. The entire battlefield began to overload, the Mane Six panicked from it but Dan managed to shield them. Reaper was defeated, and in a blinding flash of light. The entire battlefield disappeared, and they returned to the the Railroad Bridge. Dan looked to the Mane Six seeing they're okay, but he had to make sure they were. "You girls okay?" he asked them worriedly. "We're okay..." she said trying to reassure him, but she soon looked to Fluttershy seeing how terrified she was of what happened. "But I don't think Fluttershy is..." Dan looked at her feeling very worried, but soon his realized something. "Drago? Drago where are you?!" he looked for him and soon found him on the ground. He picked him up and cleaned the dirt off him. "Drago..." "I spared him for you..." said Masquerade as Dan looked to him. "Why...?" he asked him curiously. "You realize I could have captured your Bakugan... but I decided to gangst. Its been a slice Dan, later..." he said as he was about to walk away. "Wait! I can beat you! I know I can!" said Dan feeling determined to defeat him. "Yeah! So give him a rematch!" yelled Spike "Bakugan is not a mere game kiddo... there are other dimensions and powers involved. Its a battle that can lead to the destruction of the entire world." said Masquerade "For real...?" asked Dan as Rainbow Dash walked up. "You can't be serious..." she said in disbelief "And the only way to stop it... is for you to defeat me." he turned to them with a smug grin. "This is crazy..." said Dan still feeling shocked of what he said, Masquerade chuckled and walked away into the darkened hallway. He soon pulled out Reaper. "So human, that was a Dragonoid. I wonder if he fought at full power...?" he wondered "No clue... and unfortunately he didn't possess what I'm searching for. But I will remember young Dan Kuso and his Bakugan Drago." said Masquerade with an ice cold tone. "And those ponies? What should be done about them?" Reaper asked him "I think I'll make other plans for them." said Masquerade as he let out a dark chuckle. Meanwhile with Dan, he was still on his knee's after facing a draw. "Man, oh man, oh man... this bites...!" he said in frustration. "Its okay Dan, the battle was only a draw. And the good news is, you got to keep Drago." said Applejack as she tried to lift his spirits. "Girls, I have a feeling we just found out the reason we're here." said Twilight as she still felt the dark aura from Masquerade. "Indeed, they way he treated those poor Bakugan..." Rarity looked down and looked to Fluttershy who was still crying of what happened to Saurus and Serpenoid. "And our dear sweet Fluttershy..." she wrapped her hooves around her to comfort her. Dan and Drago looked to her with deep concern, and knew one thing. Masquerade made a big mistake. "He took my Bakugan... and made Fluttershy cry..." he soon punched the ground in anger. The Mane Six were surprised by his action. "I will beat you Masquerade...!" he said as he grit his teeth. At night fall, Dan and the Mane Six had returned home to tell everyone what happened. Runo couldn't believe what she was hearing. "You're kidding... he took two of your Bakugan, but spared Drago?" Runo asked in disbelief. Dan nodded at her knowing it was hard for her to believe. "Not only that... he and Reaper scared Fluttershy for life..." he said still feeling pain in his heart. Runo felt it just by looking at him. "So... is she going to being alright...?" she asked feeling concerned. Dan didn't know how to respond, but Twilight walked up to the screen. "I'm afraid she hasn't spoken since the battle... she won't eat, and she won't come inside." said Twilight as she and the Mane Six looked down feeling sorry for the poor filly. "Dan, have you tried talking to her?" Alice asked him concerned. "I... I know I should but... she's hurting really bad, and I'm afraid I'll say the wrong words." said Dan as he was worried him might screw up. Alice soon got an idea. "Tell me, when you were a kid, what would your mother do if you're feeling sad or alone...?" she asked him hoping to get a good response. "Well... she would hold me in her arms... and..." something came to his mind as he jumped out of his seat. "That's it! I know how I can help her!" he yelled as he ran out. The Mane Six were surprised how well he thought it through. Meanwhile outside, Fluttershy was sitting outside looking down at the grass. She hadn't budged ever since the battle, she probably wouldn't be the same mare after what she heard and saw. Dan walked up to her and sat next to her. "Fluttershy... you okay...?" he asked her, but Fluttershy didn't respond. He became more worried about her but he was determined to help her. "Fluttershy, talk to me... tell me what's going on..." he pleaded to her. But rather than stay silent, Fluttershy lunged at him and hugged him at his waist letting her tears fall. "Don't battle him again... please... I can't bear to see another innocent Bakugan sent to the Doom Dimension!" she said as she cried out to him. "I can still hear Saurus and Serpenoids cries... its unbearable..." she cried out as she held Dan. Dan knew battling Masquerade would be too dangerous, but he couldn't stand to see Fluttershy like this. He soon wrapped his arm around her surprising the young mare with something she didn't expect. (You'll be in my Heart from Phil Collins) Dan; Come stop your crying It will be alright Fluttershy looked to him surprised, Dan soon took her hoof and held it tight. Dan; Just take my hand And hold it tight I will protect you From all around you I will be here Don't you cry He smiled at her to help lift her spirits, Fluttershy blushed a bit from it. But her hoof softly gripped Dan's hand. Dan; For one so small, You seem so strong He wrapped his arms around her, just like how a brother would to a younger sibling. Dan; My arms will hold you, Keep you safe and warm This bond between us Can't be broken I will be here Don't you cry A small yet warm smile was beginning to form on Fluttershy's face as she listened to his song. Dan; 'Cause you'll be in my heart Yes, you'll be in my heart Dan gently petted the shy filly's head as a soft smile formed across his face. Dan; From this day on Now and forever more You'll be in my heart No matter what they say You'll be here in my heart Always Fluttershy smiled at him and gently nuzzled against his chest, Dan smiled at it knowing he did something right for a change. Meanwhile the Mane Six were watching with bright smiles on their faces, although one of them was bursting into tears, and it was Rarity. "That was so beautiful..." she said as she let her tears fall ruining her mascara. Applejack gently placed her hoof on her shoulder. "Easy there Rare, you're gonna ruin your make up if you cry." she said to the fashion designer. "Oh you're right, but I'll take my chances this time." said Rarity reassuring the country pony. Meanwhile, Twilight was smiling at how Dan showed how much he cared about his friends. Whether it was human or pony. Back in Equestria, the mare who appeared before Princess Celestia was standing in front of the Tree of Harmony. Suddenly a familiar orb of red energy appeared behind her. "I was wondering when you would appear." she turned to face an old friend of hers. "Apollonir..." "Sorry I took so long milady." he apologized to her. "But I had urgent business to handle." he informed her. "So its true... the Silent Core was stolen?" she asked him curiously. "Yes, and the Infinity Core has gone missing." he informed her of what happened, she became worried about it. "This is worse than I thought... without both Cores, Vestroia, and the Human World will be in great danger." she then looked to him with an important question. "What's become of Dan Kuso and the girls?" she asked him "They had a close call, but Dan Kuso was lucky he didn't lose Drago. But tell me... are you certain it was wise to involve Celestia's prize pupil and her friends?" he asked her "They may not seem like it... but they're strong." she informed him as she looked to the Tree of Harmony. "I know they can help save both Vestroia, and the Human World." Apollonir looked at her but nodded at her choice. "I pray that you're right... Solaria..." said Apollonir as he disappeared. As he left, she smiled under his hood, and looked to the stars. "I know I am... I have complete faith in them. And so should you... old friend." she smiled as she gazed at the stars, and turned back to the Tree of Harmony. She looked at each of the Elements of Harmony, sensing something within them. Something that will aid Twilight and her friends in the future. > A Feud between Friends > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was very early morning in Wardington, and Dan was still in bed. He was sleeping very peacefully, but a certain Alicorn had other plans. Twilight walked up to him with an alarm clock and set it off, Dan jolted up screaming from it. "All right! Rise and shine, Dan! Come on. Hup, hup, hup!" she yelled to wake him up. But Dan groaned and covered himself up with his blanket. "Twilight, its too early in the morning...!" he said under his blanket, but Twilight wasn't taking no for an answer, so she pulled the blanket off of him. "Get your clothes on. Get ready. Got breakfast for ya." Dan groaned in annoyance knowing he was about ready to hurt somepony. But what surprised him was that Spike held out a bowl filled with rice, two eggs, and a slice of bacon in the form of a smiley face. "Look you get porridge! And its happy to see you!" said Twilight as she formed a bright smile on her face. Dan rubbed his head a bit to try and calm down. "Twilight, I get you're often an early bird, but you know I like to sle-" before he could finish, Spike was stuffing Dan's breakfast in his mouth. "No time to talk. Now remember, its your morning exercise, also our day of training. So you have to teach us what you know about Bakugan, that way we'll play nice with the other kids. Unless, of course, one of the other kids wanna challenge you to a Bakugan Battle, then you have to kick the other kid's butt." said Spike as he smiled. "But the only person I wanna fight is Masquerade..." said Dan as his voice was muffled by the food in his mouth. Spike gave him a disapproving look. "Don't talk with your mouth full. Now let's see your war face." said Spike as he only saw his face full of porridge. His eyelids lowered halfway seeing it. "Ooh, I think my bunny slippers just ran for cover. Come on, scare me, man!" he yelled while shaking Dan. "RRRGH!" Dan let out his real war face at Spike making him jump down to the floor "There! That's what I'm talking about! That's my tough-looking battle brawler! Now lets go out there and practice!" said Spike feeling excited. Twilight couldn't help but smile and playfully roll her eyes at it. Dan looked to her curiously. "So, how's Fluttershy?" he asked Twilight, only to get a giggle from her. "What...?" "Maybe you should ask her yourself..." said Twilight as she pointed to where Fluttershy was. She was sleeping comfortably in Dan's bed, looking as if everything that happened the other day never happened. Dan looked at her and smiled at the sight. He gently rubbed her head to wake her up. "Fluttershy, time to wake up." he said trying to wake her up, and it actually worked. She woke up and stretched her wings with a soft yawn. She looked to Dan and smiled warmly at him. "Good morning Daniel." she said to him. He smiled warmly at her. "Did you sleep well?" Dan asked her hoping she was alright. "I slept fine, that song you sang sure helped out. I didn't know you could sing like that." she said in realizing it. Dan blushed as he scratched the back of his head. "Well... only on certain occasions..." he chuckled nervously, meanwhile Drago woke up. "Is it me, or are you blushing human?" he said feeling smug. If he could show it, he would also have a smug grin on his face. "I AM NOT!" Dan yelled at him trying to hide it. "Sure you're not." said Drago embarrassing Dan in front of the Mane Six. The Mane Six laughed at Dan as his face turned bright red. "THAT'S NOT FUNNY!!!" yelled Dan feeling really embarrassed. Hours later during a Bakugan Battle, a Pyrus Stinglash roared out fighting against a Aquos Juggernoid. The Juggernoid roared at the Stinglash, its master was a boy named Rikimaru. He has red spiky hair, brown eyes. Has a blue vest over a light teal blue long sleeve shirt. Wears a dark grey pants and a pair of turquoise color gloves. He also wears a chain around his neck. He pulled out his ability card preparing to end the battle. "Hey Juggernoid! Depth Tornado!" he yelled as he threw his card to Juggernoid. A flash of blue light formed around Juggernoid, water appeared around him as he tucked into his shell. He began to spin around as the waters began to spread forming a whirlpool. Stinglash was caught in the currents and was being dragged to the center of the whirlpool, it struggled to get out, but Stinglash never was a very great swimmer. Before it could react, Juggernoid slammed its entire body on top of Stinglash, finishing the battle. They both returned to the real world as time began to resume where they left off. Rikimaru caught his Juggernoid as he returned to him. "Ha! Better luck next time kid." he said with a grin on his face. "Next time?! I don't think so, you got my Bakugan man!" said Dan's classmate as he scowled at Rikimaru. "Yeah, tough break... you win some you lose some right?" he asked him as he looked to his Bakupod. "As for me, I always win." he boasted as he looked to the points he earned. "Your Halo Sector power level increase to 150 G's" said Rikimaru's Bakupod only for him to feel disappointed. "What?! Only 150?! No way! That's such a ripoff!" he yelled in disbelief. The students were watching him being dramatic about it. "Man, what a sore winner." said the student Riki defeated. "And such a drama queen." another student Riki also defeated. "What more do you want Riki, you beat all three of us." said the third and final student. Rikimaru only scoffed and walked away from them. Unaware he was being watched. "This town is a waste of my time, there's nobody around here that can beat me." he thought to himself as he walked through the park. "You think if you were gonna play against someone as good as me, then at least bring a decent Bakugan to the battle." he said as he stopped in the middle of a clearing in the park. "It's so lame. What does a guy have to do to find some real competition?" he asked as he looked out. "Hey! Anybody out there wanna do battle with me?!" and just like that... his question was answered. The wind slightly blew around him. "You looking for a real challenge?" asked a familiar voice. Rikimaru's eyes widen. "Huh...? What...?" he heard something flying towards him. He quickly turned to it and caught it. He looked at it and saw it was a Bakugan. "Ive seen this one on the web." he looked to who threw it and saw it was Masquerade. "You want it? Its got all the power you ever need." said Masquerade as he stood in a tree. Rikimaru looked to the Bakugan he received. "Hmmm... really...?" he looked at it curiously. "I wouldn't lie to you, try it out and see for yourself. I know you're going to like it..." said Masquerade as wind began to blow. Rikimaru looked to where he was only to find he disappeared. "Hey! Where'd you go?! Come back! Who are you?!" he asked but got no answer. He looked to the Bakugan he was given, wondering if it was even right to accept it. But it didn't matter to him either way. Elsewhere in the park, Dan and the Mane Six were running through the park, going through Dan's daily exercise. "Everybody, listen to me holler! I'm the best Battle Brawler! Battle on! Oh yeah!" Dan yelled as he was doing his running exercise. "If you want to win at Bakugan, you've got to keep yourself in shape!" The Mane Six were keeping up to him, but Rarity was beginning to slow down from exhaustion. Dan noticed and stopped and turned to her. "Hey Rarity you okay?" he asked her. "Oh... don't worry about me darling, I'm just not used to these kind of exercises." she said to him reassuringly. "Rarity, we know you. Even if we do go through a two mile run, you'll complain about your aching hooves." said Rainbow Dash as she arced her eyebrows. Rarity then scowled as she glanced towards Rainbow. "Rarity, you know you don't have to participate if you don't want to." said Dan as he tried to convince her. "No Daniel, if we are to face Masquerade again, I need to strengthen myself if I am to ever join a Bakugan Battle." said Rarity with determination in her eyes. Dan looked at her but smiled. "Alright, lets go!" he said as he resumed his run with the Mane Six. After a few training exercises such as Pull-ups, Push-ups, and an odd way of showing how to move during a Bakugan Battle. Dan decided to give everyone a break. "Phew... that's some work out you've come up with." said Spike as he whipped the sweat from his brow. Meanwhile Rarity was lying in the grass panting like crazy. "Perhaps I should find an exercise that's more my level next time..." she said as she breathed heavily. "But you have to admit, these workout routines will definitely help out should we run into Masquerade again." said Applejack, and since she mentioned him, she thought about the Doom Card he had. "Now that I think about it, how do ya'll think he even get a hold of that Doom Card thing...?" she asked curiously. Twilight sat down at a bench and looked to her. "I don't know Applejack, but how he got it doesn't matter. What does matter is stopping him from taking everyones Bakugan." said Twilight as she looked to Dan. "Do you really think you'll be able to defeat him even by going through these kind of workouts?" she asked him. He crossed his arms together and looked to the sky. "Well it will help with my physical strength, but as for power, I got Drago with me." he said with a confident smile. Spike was impressed how possitive he's being. "Wow Dan, if you're so confident, I can honestly say you're the man!" said Spike as he stood up from the ground. "Sure am!" said Dan before Drago chimed in. "Ha! You're a boy." said Drago as Dan nearly fell to the ground. Rainbow and Applejack were laughing at it. "Way to ruin the mood Drago!" said Rainbow as she laughed out loud. Dan shot a glare at him. "Hey! Its great that you can talk but, be nice! I gotta be ready to beat Masquerade, that means I have to concentrate! So cool it on the wise cracks Drago!" said Dan only to hear a mix of anger and distress in Drago's voice. "Are all humans as impulsive as you? If so I think it would be better if you left this battle to me. I know you want to defeat your opponent, but there's more at stake than you realize." said Drago as he tried to explain to Dan. Dan pulled back with one eye open. "What's more important than winning?" Dan asked him "Tch... humans..." said Drago "When it comes to Bakugan, I got mad skills, and I know I can easily become number one. I'll prove it the next time I cross paths with that clown Masquerade! He thinks he's a champ, but I'll make him a chump!" said Dan as he swung his hand out nearly missing Rainbow Dash. She managed to dodge it just in time. "Whoa! Watch it!" she yelled at him. "You're blinded by your anger!" Drago yelled "Am not!" Dan protested against Drago. "Listen to yourself!" Drago yelled at him again. Only to anger Dan even further. "Okay, that does it!" he walked over to him and picked him up. Drago grunted a bit and struggled. "Put me down!" Drago growled at him. Dan kept a tight grip on him. "Not until you promise to stop dissing me! And from now on, do as I say!" Dan yelled at him only to get a snicker from Rainbow Dash. "Yeah, like that's gonna happen." she muttered to herself. Twilight approached him and touched his arm. "Dan, we all understand you want to beat Masquerade. But have you forgotten what happened last time?" she asked him as old memories ran through Dan's mind of what happened to Serpenoid and Saurus. Even hearing Fluttershy cry was enough to make him come to his senses (a little bit.) "Believe me partner, Masquerade is probably one of the main reasons we're here. And the way he used that Doom Card... it still scares me." said Applejack as she shuddered from remembering the feeling. "Not to mention, we don't even know who he really is. He keeps his face hidden behind that mask of his, not to mention his outfit is just down right dreadful!" said Rarity Applejack gave her a look. "Rarity, this is not the time to complain about fashion." she said to her. Rarity gasped at what she said. "Applejack, how could you say that?! What I say is true!" she said to her. Dan got between them to stop their arguing. "Guys, take it easy. I get you hate Masquerade as much as I do, but taking that anger out towards each other won't make it better." he said to them trying to calm them down. Twilight stepped up to them. "Dan's right, Masquerade has hurt too many brawlers out there. And we need to stop him, that's why we need Dan's help so we can learn how to brawl ourselves." she explained to them. Dan looked to her surprised realizing something. "By the way, how will you guys be able to brawl? You don't exactly-" before he could finish, Pinkie grabbed his neck pulling him down. "Dan, I don't think you quite realize what you got here! So, why don't you just ruminate, While I illuminate the possibilities!" she said to him. (Parody of Friend like Me by Aladdin. R.I.P. Robin Williams.) Pinkie Pie; Well, Chrysalis had an army of Changelings, Princess Celestia had a thousand tales. But Dan you're in luck, 'cause up your sleeves You've got brand new friends that never fail Pinkie pulled the very fabric of reality putting him in a boxing ring. Dan was surprised how she did that. Pinkie Pie; You've got some power in your corner now! Some heavy ammunition in your camp! You got some punch, pizzaz, yahoo and how. See, all you gotta do is show us how to brawl, and we'll say: She soon pulled out her party cannon firing confetti to everyone along with some of Dan's Bakugan which surprised him the most. "Hey, how'd she get my...?" Rainbow touched his shoulder to stop him. "Trust me, its best not to question it." she advised him not to question her motives. Pinkie Pie; "Master Daniel, will you teach us about the Bakugan? We'll take your orders, jolt it down?" You ain't never had friends like us Dan watched her and smiled, even Drago was impressed. "Despite how annoying she is, songs quite catchy." he said as Dan nodded in agreement. Pinkie Pie; Life is your battlefield and we're your trainees Come on whisper what what we want to hear; You ain't never had friends like us! Dan was starting to follow along with the beat as she continued. Pinkie Pie; Yes sir, we pride ourselves on service You're the leader The king, the shah Say what you want We'll follow, as a team How about a real test for us? Twilight smirked watching her, despite how random she is, she'll always be a special friend to her. Pinkie Pie; Show some of column A To all of column B We're in the mood to help you dude You ain't never had friends like us She slipped on a tuxedo and danced before them, which was even stranger to Dan. He didn't even see a tux laying around, but he chose not to question it. Pinkie Pie; Can your friends do this? She asked as she juggled some of Dan's Bakugan and tossed them to him. Pinkie Pie; Do your friends do that? He caught them and quickly juggled them and tossed them into the air letting Twilight catch them. Pinkie Pie; Do your friends pull this out their little hat? She asked as she randomly pulled Rainbow Dash out of a hat. "PINKIE!!!" she yelled at her. But Pinkie ignored her and pulled up Spike. Pinkie Pie; Can your friends go poof? She asked as she forced Spike to breathe fire, Dan ducked under the flames to avoid getting burned. Pinkie Pie; Well, looky here Can your friends go, Abracadabra, let 'er rip And then make the Bakugan disappear? She asked as she appeared behind Dan, continuing to surprise him. Pinkie Pie; So dontcha sit there slack-jawed, buggy-eyed We're here to answer all your midday prayers You got us bona fide, certified You got a group of ponies to help you in your battles We got a powerful urge to help you out So what-cha need? We really want to know You got a list that's three miles long, no doubt Well, all you gotta do is teach us - and oh The Mane Six snuck up behind Dan and Drago and joined in. Mane Six; Master Daniel, show us a battle or two We'll be on the job, you big nabob Pinkie Pie; You ain't never had friends, never had friends You ain't never had friends, never had friends Mane Six; You ain't never... had... friends like us The Mane Six danced in formation impressing Dan to no end. Pinkie Pie; You ain't never had friends like us She finished the song as she held up a sign that says "Applause". Dan only laughed as he sat down clapping his hands, but was very impressed. "Wow... now that was amazing. Its no wonder you're the Element of Laughter." he said to her. Pinkie Pie smiled feeling satisfied. "Just happy to help." she said as she hopped away. Dan smiled and looked to the others. "All right, hopefully you guys are quick learners. Because starting today, you're going to become the first Battle Brawling Ponies!" he yelled out to them. At nightfall, Dan and the Mane Six returned to his house after an intense day of training. Dan turned on his computer to meet up with his friends. "So, you started training again, oh that's great Dan." said Runo very sarcastically. Dan looked to her while scrubbing Drago's back. "Yeah sure, but Drago kept messing with my head. So it was hard to focus on what I was doing." he said to her. Julie's cheeks puffed a bit from hearing it. "You two shouldn't fight. You should work together." she said waving her finger at him. "See, real friends are there to help each other out when they need it." she explained to him. Applejack smiled in agreement. "She's right about that partner." she said to Dan. Dan smiled and continued scrubbing Drago. "Yeah I know, that's why I'm scrubbing down. He was looking kind of grungy." he said while scrubbing Drago's foot. Meanwhile Drago was enjoying the moment. "Yeah, right there..." he said as Dan scrubbed him down. Runo smiled a bit, but hid it from him. "You're so lucky Dan, Ive searched the web and you're the only one Ive heard of with a talking Bakugan." she said to him. Dan smiled and looked to Drago. "Eh, it wasn't luck, it was meant to be." he said catching Twilight's attention. "It was destiny that brought the two of us together." he said as he held Drago. Twilight smiled approvingly, as did her friends. Runo also smiled a but showing the softness in her eyes. That is until... "If I can make just one wish, it would be that I'd find a Bakugan Ball like Drago. Then I'd face off against Maquerade and find out who the creep is hiding behind that mask!" she yelled out given the fact she's still angry at the fact Masquerade took her Bakugan. Rarity saw it as she jumped a bit. "Runo darling, mind your temper. I know you have a vendetta towards Masquerade, but you mustn't let your anger get the better of you." she said to her trying to calm her down. Runo sighed knowing she's right (not that she will listen.) "You're right Rarity." she admitted to her but secretly she's planning things through in her head. Dan soon chimed in. "Have you guys heard any news about him?" he asked them. "No nothing, after he battled you, no one has seen or heard a thing about him." Julie explained to him. Dan smirked as he turned around in his computer chair. "That figures... my crazy skills with the Bakugan Cards must have spooked him. So he went into hiding." he said as he and Rainbow fist/hoof bumped. Twilight meanwhile, was puzzled at this new information. "Something's not right, its a little sudden for Masquerade to go into hiding." said Twilight as she thought it over. Runo gave Dan a look. "I wouldn't be so sure about that, after all he did beat you, so why would he have to hide?" she asked him with her eyes half open. Rainbow Dash shot towards the screen. "Runo, he did not beat Dan! The battlefield disappeared and the battle was over!" she exclaimed to her. Dan pulled her away from the screen. "Don't you remember? That means its a draw, and nobody won." he explained to her with his arms crossed. Marucho soon appeared on screen. "Yes, it was a draw!" he said to them agreeing with Dan. "Right, thanks Marucho." said Dan "You certain of that kiddo?" asked Applejack. Marucho adjusted his glasses a bit. "From what I observed, the cards you used during the battle had no affect on the final total of the Halo Sector points of either player. If I may speculate, perhaps Drago was going to use an attack that was more powerful than the cards you had. Then the overwhelming power emanating from Drago made the battlefield unstable, and caused it to vanish. So with the Battlefield gone, the battle could most definitely be called a draw." Marucho explained to Dan and everyone else. Meanwhile Rainbow Dash was snoring from hearing all that information, Twilight noticed and quickly elbowed her. "Huh? What? I'm sorry what was that...?" she asked as she missed out on everything he said. Alice then gasped a little from all the information. "It self-destructed?" she asked him. Julie meanwhile, was totally confused. "Uhhh... did I miss something here?" she asked with a confused expression. "But it's impossible to use an attack that's stronger than your ability card!" Runo protested. Dan looked towards Drago. "Hold on, you mean...?" Twilight looked to Drago as well. "Drago has power over the ability cards Dan has...?" she finished his question. Runo looked at him but looked away with a smirk. "Maybe we should leave you two alone for a while, it looks like you have a lot to talk about." she said as she looked back to him. "But don't worry, while you're busy gabbing with each other, I'll go settle the score with Masquerade." she said to him. Dan immediately shot a glare towards her. "Hey! You best step off Runo! I'm the one fighting Maquerade next!" he yelled at her. "You're not the boss of me! I can battle who ever and where ever I want to!" she yelled back at him. "Chill out! Your battle is with Maquerade, not each other!" said Julie trying to break up the fight. "Tell that to Mr. My way or the High way!" yelled Runo. Twilight and Rarity were beginning to see bit of a connection between Dan and Runo. "These two definitely act like they're a couple." said Twilight. Rarity flipped her mane. "I couldn't agree more darling." she said with a sly grin. Dan and Runo both shot a glare to them. "WE'RE NOT A COUPLE!!!" they yelled at them. Later that night, Dan and the Mane Six we sleeping peacefully. Mostly Fluttershy, for she was snuggling up against Dan knowing she felt more comfortable around him. Suddenly Dan began to have a hard time sleeping due to a bad dream. "Y-You won't beat me marmalade... no...! You won't take my Bakugan Ball...! I won't let you...!" he said while in his sleep. Twilight woke up seeing it feeling worried. "Get him Drago.... Bakugan Brawl...!" he yelled out. Twilight felt worried as the others woke up who also felt worried. "Boy, that battle must have really done a number on him." said Spike as he looked to the others. "I hear ya partner... after losing Serpenoid and Saurus, it must have been hard on him." said Applejack as her ears lowered. Twilight looked at him but soon noticed Drago wake up. "Drago...? What are you doing up...?" she asked him. Drago remained silent for a moment. "Perhaps this... human would be of some use to me after all..." he said to her. Rainbow Dash looked to him surprised. "Why do you say that? You've been trying to bring him down ever since you two first met." she said to him with a skeptical look. Drago stayed silent but looked out to the stars. "Its because of my home Vestroia..." he said to her. Twilight's ears perked up from hearing the name. "Vestroia...?" she asked him. "Yes... it is my home world. And time... is running out." he said to her. Twilight looked at him, and leaped onto the bed and sat next to him. "Drago... we want to help you, we really do. But you need to tell us what you know, if you don't tell us, more innocent Bakugan are going to get hurt." she explained to him hoping he would tell her and the rest of the Mane Six. Drago looked to them, seeing determination in their eyes. He sighed knowing they had every right to know. "Very well... Vestroia is a universe fueled by Six Attributed Worlds. Earth, Light, Darkness, Water, Wind, and Fire." he explained to them. Twilight was beginning to see the pattern. "That explains the symbols on the Bakugan Cards." "Yes Ms. Sparkle... each of them have a name representing their natural element. Subterra, the Attribute of Earth. Bakugan who fall under this attribute can control the Earth around them." Applejack found it similar to Earth Ponies who tend to it. "Haos, the Attribute of Light. Bakugan under this attribute are very peaceful, and only fight when it is truly necessary." Fluttershy was amazed for she might have bit of a connection to it. "Darkus, the Attribute of Darkness. Bakugan who are in this attribute may seem deceitful... but under every dark heart, there is a bright and powerful gem underneath." Rarity was amazed how he put it into words. "Aquos, the Attribute of Water. Bakugan who live in that world are considered very tricky, and often battle for the fun of it." he explained to them. Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie formed a bright smile. "Fun?! Oh I knew water was-" before she could finish. The Mane Six covered her mouth to keep her from waking up Dan. "Sorry..." she said as her voice was muffled. Twilight looked to Drago. "Sorry about that Drago, please continue." "Ventus, the Attribute of Wind. Any Bakugan within this attribute can move swiftly with the strength of the wind currents." Rainbow Dash smiled at the thought of it, after all she is the fastest flyer in Equestria. "And finally... Pyrus, the Attribute of Fire. That is the world I came from, those Bakugan who wield fire are considered to be the most powerful of all Attributes." Twilight was amazed at how he knew so much, even though he wasn't any of the other elements. "But there is one Bakugan that didn't fall under any of the Attributes." The Mane Six looked to him surprised. "Who would that be...?" Fluttershy asked him. "His name was Naga... a Rogue Bakugan who was obsessed with power. He is the reason my world is in danger, why all the Bakugan are being affected by Negative Energy. And I have to stop him... before its too late..." he explained to them. Twilight and the others looked to one another, but looked to him. "Drago, we will do everything we can to help." she said to him. "But you haven't even brawled before, and still you wish to help...? What about your home, Equestria...?" he asked her. "Equestria can survive without us, we can't just leave this world when it is in more danger." she explained to him. "Besides, we still have much to see in this world. I most of all would like to see the latest fashion." said Rarity If he could, Drago would arc his eyebrows. But given the fact he's in Ball Form, that wasn't gonna happen. So he looked to Twilight instead, "Is she usually like this...?" he asked her curiously. "More than you can imagine." she said to him with a small giggle. Drago didn't know if he could depend on the Mane Six, but seeing how determined they are. He had reason to believe they can be trusted. "Well everypony, you should probably get some rest. We have a long day tomorrow." he said as he curled up in Ball Form. Twilight nodded at him and looked to the others. "He's right, we need enough rest if we're going to learn how to brawl." she said to them. The Mane Six went back to sleep to get enough rest for tomorrow. Morning broke over Wardington, Dan and the Mane Six got their breakfast. Dan was the first to finish. "Thanks mom!" he yelled out as he ran upstairs to get his stuff. Rarity saw it as a dine and dash routine. "He may be kind enough to let us stay, but his manners could use a little work." she said with her eyebrows arced. Applejack belched and looked to her. "Rarity, you've been around me long enough to know that it can't be helped. Most of all, Dan's in a hurry to get to school." she explained to him. "And we need to be ready for anything should Masquerade finally decide to show himself." said Twilight as she finished her breakfast. Meanwhile upstairs, Dan was putting his books in his backpack. "Aw man... I better not miss my first class again... uh lets see..." he searched through his stuff to see if anythings missing, till suddenly. "Hey..." Drago called out to him. Dan turned and looked to him surprised. "Is something troubling you...? You had a restless sleep last night..." he said to him. But rather than respond, Dan turned around heading to the door. "You're not taking me with you today...?" he asked him "Uh, I don't want to be late for school." he said to him. "Dan..." "Hey, I heard you the first time. Listen I have to get going..." he then realized something and turned to him. "Huh...? Hey you called me by my name..." said Dan feeling surprised. "You don't mind do you? I could call you something else if you'd like." said Drago Dan looked at him but shook his head. "No, Dan's good... they call me worse things at school." he said to Drago. Drago opened up from his Ball Form. "I think it would be better for the both of us if we work together... as a team." said Drago knowing he needed Dan's help. Dan was surprised by what he said but smiled. "Drago... yeah, come here partner!" he picked up Drago and held him up. "You and I are gonna make the best team ever. Yeah, we're going all the way Drago, all the way to the top!" he yelled out unaware his parents heard him from downstairs. Twilight heard it and smiled. "Looks like Dan and Drago are finally agreeing on something this time." she said as she turned to the others. "Sounds like it... lets just hope they don't burn the house down." said Spike as he looked to the ceiling. After winning a battle against Shuji who was in possession of Haos Bakugan. Dan and Drago have been spending a lot of time together, whether it were with the Mane Six, in the bathtub, or at the dinner Table. The Mane Six believed that their friendship has grown stronger than ever. Later at nightfall, Dan and the Mane Six were chatting with their friends online. Julie soon appeared on screen. "Oh, so you're friends again, that's really great." she complimented Dan as she had dreamy eyes. "Yeah, everything has been aces since Drago started seeing things my way." said as he crossed his arms. "Although... I don't know what made him change. Something I said maybe?" he wondered as he scratched his head. Julie blushed and looked away with her eyes closed. "Well... you do have a way with words you know." she said dreamily. Alice smiled proudly for him. "Good for you Dan." "If I may speculate-" before he could speculate... Runo bumped his screen in a hurry. "Hey! Listen everybody! I got big news! Big news!" she yelled anxiously. Marucho whined a bit. "What's so important Runo?" he asked her "Tell us! What is it?! Is it a surprise?! Is it?! Is it?!" Pinkie asked while she jumped around. Runo held out something that surprised everyone, it was a new Haos Bakugan she found. "TA-DA!!! Look! I caught myself a talking Bakugan! My wish came true!" she smiled happily about it. Dan's friends and the Mane Six gasped in awe of it. "Ah yes, that appears to be a-" before her could finish again... "Tigrerra!" Runo cheered out "A what now?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Its attribute is light, its a Haos Tigrerra." she explained to the rainbow maned pony. "Oh I'm so excited! This is the best thing that's ever happened to me!" stated Runo feeling very excited. Twilight flew up to the screen observing the Bakugan. "It looks very identical to a White Tiger." she said as she looked at her. "Chill for a sec, lets hear what it sounds like." he leaned close to the camera a bit. "Hey, I'm Dan..." he introduced himself as the Mane Six went to introduce themselves. "I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle." "Name's Applejack..." "I'm Rainbow Dash..." "I'm Pinkie Pie, nice to meet you!" "I'm Fluttershy..." "Rarity at your service..." "And I'm Spike! Hi!" They all introduced themselves to the Bakugan. Tigrerra looked at them for a moment but decided to reply. "Greetings everyone. It is a pleasure to meet you all." she greeted them. Rarity smiled at her and looked to Dan. "I like her already, she sounds well mannered. Other than you Dan." stated Rarity making Dan sweat. Runo nuzzled Tigrerra against her cheek with a warm smile on her face. "She's all mine!" she cheered out to everyone. Dan couldn't help but smile proudly for her. "Now you know how I feel, looks like our little team of Bakugan Battle Brawlers is getting stronger every day." he said as he smiled at his friends. "You know it!" Runo yelled happily. Twilight flew up to the screen to be seen. "I must admit, you guys are becoming a force to be reckoned with." she pointed out. "I agree with you Princess." Marucho said to her "Please, just Twilight, Marucho." she smiled kindly at him. Marucho chuckled a bit as he scratched the back of his head. "Sorry, guess I get a little too formal sometimes." he mentioned to them. "Yeah, and we all know what the first order of business is gonna be, don't we? Its time someone took Masquerade and his tacky costume to the cleaners! And that someone is me!" Dan as he got pumped up. "Or me, depending on who gets to him first." said Runo as she held Tigrerra. Rainbow Dash got in front of Dan's camera with a confident grin. "Is that a challenge Runo? Because Dan will be the one to beat you to it." she said to her. "Come on ya'll, lets not turn this into a competition. We all wanna beat Masquerade, and the only way to do that is together." Applejack stated to them. Drago watched them sensing a lot of confidence within them. "These humans and ponies do not seem to lack confidence, I only hope they can be trusted when the time comes. The fate of Vestroia, could be in their hands and hooves." he thought to himself. The next morning, Dan and Applejack were on an early run through the city letting the others rest. "Battle Brawlers are number one! Masquerade had better run! yeah!" he yelled with a chuckle. Drago noticed his good mood. "You're in good spirits Dan." he said to him while moving his nasal horn back and forth. "Why shouldn't I be Drago? Its a beautiful day for a Bakugan Battle, and I got you as my partner." he said to him. Applejack ran beside him. "And to make things even better, that creepy Masquerade is finally gonna get what's coming to him." Applejack said to them as she kept up with Dan. Suddenly the wind started blowing rather oddly, this got Drago worried. "Something's not right..." Drago stated as Dan and Applejack stopped looking to him. "What do you mean by that Partner?" asked Applejack, but she soon looked and saw it was Rikimaru. Applejack immediately sensed something about him that just said bad news. "You there... are you Dan Kuso?" he asked him with dark tone in his voice. Dan looked at him trying to stay cautious. "That's me... who are you...?" he asked him "My name is Rikimaru! And I've come to do battle with you Dan!" he said as he declared to battle him. Dan knew he only set his sights on Masquerade, but he couldn't just walk away. "No problem, well... I'm ready, you say the word and we'll start. But pay attention, cause you might learn something." he stated to him. Drago and Applejack observed the boy feeling something strange about him. "Please Dan, be careful... there's something I don't like about this." he advised him. Applejack shot a glare at Rikimaru knowing he's right. "He's right Dan, something's up..." Rikimaru chuckled a bit. "You won't talk so tough once you see the cards I have." he held out his cards but also revealed something they did not expect. "The Doom Card!" Drago exclaimed in shock and surprise. Dan felt the same way. "Oh no..." he soon shot a glare at him. "Hey! Where does a poser like you get a Doom Card from?!" he demanded to know. Rikimaru only smirked with a dark chuckle. "I have my connections..." he then put on a shooter that was similar to Masquerades. Applejack saw it surprised. "Aw ya gotta be kiddin' me! You're working for that Masquerade creep?!" he asked him "That's none of your business cowgirl... believe me, you and Dan got bigger things to worry about." he stated as he held out his Bakugan Card. "Get ready, I'm opening the field!" he declared as his card began to glow. Dan glared at him and held out his card as it started to glow. The attribute circled beneath them as they entered a new pocket dimension. Dan and Rikimaru were placed in their spots on the battlefield, Applejack besides Dan was preparing for anything. Rikimaru held out the Doom Card. "Doom Card set!" he yelled out as he threw it to the battlefield like it disappear into the ground. A wave of Negative Energy shot out from it, and Applejack shuddered from the feeling. "I'm never gonna get used to that..." she said as she turned towards Dan. "Why do you think Masquerade sent this guy?" she asked him curiously. "Don't know... but I know for certain he's tough..." he said as he observed Rikimaru. Rikimaru held out a Gate Card. "Gate Card, open now!" he yelled out as he threw it to the Battlefield. Letting it expand across the field. Dan held out a Gate Card of his own. "Lets do this Pyrus... this Character Card will double your power level!" he tossed it out to the battlefield letting it expand to the same size as Rikimaru's card. "Character Card?" Applejack asked him. "A Character Card is designed for one specific species of Bakugan, which can be a Gate Card or Ability Card." Dan explained to her. He looked to Rikimaru determined. "What are you waiting for?!" "Hey, I like your style!" he said as he threw out another Gate Card. This surprised Applejack. "Now why in the hay would he toss out another Gate Card?" she asked curiously. "Bakugan BRAWL!!!" Rikimaru threw out an Aquos Bakugan. It landed on the card and opened up into a robotic warrior type Bakugan. "Bakugan Stand!" the Bakugan glowed brightly and took the form of Robotallion. It has metal shielding, claws and blades in its body. It is capable of slicing cleanly through any substance. It serves and protects its allies in battle. "Robotallion BATTLE!!!" Robotallion knocked its fists together standing ready for battle. Drago new its attribute all too well. "Dan, his attribute is Water!" he informed him. "It doesn't matter what his attribute is, I have you Drago, and I can beat him!" he yelled out. "Stay calm Dan, lets see what his first move is." she advised him. Dan pulled out a Gate Card. "There's no time for that." he said as he threw out the Gate Card as it expanded across the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he yelled out as he tossed out his Pyrus Falconeer onto the field. As Falconeer landed, it emerged into its true form. "Okay, now we're in the game." said Dan feeling confident. Meanwhile, Rikumaru let out a small chuckle as he tossed out another Gate Card onto the field. This got Applejack really worried. "Bakugan Brawl!" he yelled as he tossed out his Aquos Juggernoid, as it landed, it emerged in its true form. This got Dan confused as to why he set two of his Bakugan on different cards. "Hey, what's he up to? Has he lost it? Why did he put his Bakugan on the field so early in the battle?" he asked curiously. "What ever it is Dan, I doubt its anything good." said Applejack as she felt more worried about this strategy. "He has two Aquos Bakugan lined up, now choose your next card carefully." Drago advised him to be careful with his next choice. Dan pulled out his last and final Gate Card. "Here, try this on for size!" he tossed the Gate Card to the field and grabbed his next Bakugan. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed it out unaware he made a bad choice. "No! Not that one!" yelled Drago, but was too late as the Bakugan stood on the field. Its ball form took the shape of a winged lion. As it emerged in its true form, it revealed itself as Pyrus Griffon. Griffon possesses a deafening roar to stun its opponents. Its hands have sharp claws that never dull. It has powerful wings that give it the ability to fly high in the air. It has a serpent tail that possesses a venomous bite. It roared out challenging its enemies. Applejack turned to Drago curiously. "What's going on Drago? Why shouldn't Dan throw him out?" she asked him. "Because from what I see right now, its a trap!" he warned them, but was too late. Rikumaru smirked as he held up the Bakugan that Masquerade gave him. "Now you're mine!" he loaded the Bakugan into the shooter. "Go! Aquos Siege!" he yelled out as he shot out his Bakugan, it landed on the battlefield revealing itself to be a knight type Bakugan. As a light of blue light shined from it, a pillar of water rose up from it, and Aquos Siege emerged from it and landed on the ground. It is a knight in shining armor. His silk cape is used both for flying and protection. He is equipped with a lance with different blade tips depending on its attribute. Dan looked to his Bakupod to check its information. "Aquos Siege identified, power level 350 G's, a powerful opponent." siad Dan's Bakupod. Applejack panicked from hearing it. "That can't be good." she said worriedly as Rikimaru held out an ability card. "Here's the Ability Card! Activate!" he yelled out as Siege's eyes glowed. It twirled its lance and controlled a Tsunami Wave. Dan's Bakugan saw it along with Rikimaru's two other Bakugan. They were soon hit by the Tsunami and were swept away into the Doom Dimension. Dan and Applejack was shocked by what he did. "No way... they're... all washed away..." said Dan feeling the impact of what happened. "They were sent to the Doom Dimension.... it was a Chain Reaction attack...!" said Drago who took it worse than he did. "But why would he do that?! He sacrificed his own Bakugan!" said Applejack feeling furious. "Smooth move Rikimaru, you think that by pulling the plug on your Bakugan you can win this?!" he asked him angrily about his strategy. Rikimaru only chuckled. "The only thing that counts is the win! It doesn't matter how you win!" he informed them. "What?! No way! Alright, if that's the way you want to play the game, then so be it!" said Dan as he shot a glare at him. "I told you to wait Dan...!" said Drago as Dan looked to him. "You were too hasty! You should have known he was up to something when he called for the two Aquos Bakugan! If you had kept your calm and defeated the first Bakugan at the beginning of the battle, you wouldn't be in the mess you're in now!" he said to Dan with much anger in his heart. "Wait a minute, wasn't it you who told me to wait and see what his first move would be?" he asked him while shooting a scowl. "Your impatience has sent two of my kind to the Doom Dimension!" he yelled at him. "Aw chill out would ya? This battle isn't over yet." said Dan as he kept his cool. "What do you mean...?" asked Drago feeling unsure of what he's thinking. Dan smiled and looked to him. "Its time, now, its your turn on deck. I think you know what I'm talking about, I want you to do that special thing you do." he suggested to him. "Its too dangerous!" Drago protested. "Eh, just do it! Win! That's all that matters." Dan grabbed Drago as he turned to the battlefield. Applejack turned to him. "Dan, wait!" she tried to stop him but was too late. Dan threw Drago out onto the battlefield to face Aquos Siege. "Go Drago, do it!" he yelled out as Drago landed on the battlefield. Drago opened up as his eyes glowed. "This is not a game anymore!" a burning tornado shot up, and Drago emerged in his true form and roared out. Applejack watched and looked to Dan hoping he knew what he was doing. "Ability Card Activate! Boosted Dragon!" he tossed out the Ability Card to Drago as flames surrounded him. Rikimaru grinned knowing he has an ace up his sleeve regarding his Gate Card. Dan looked to his Bakupod to check the stats. "Drago's Power Level, 440 G's." said the Bakupod. "Great, with a power level that high, we're definitely good to go." said Dan feeling confident. "This is ours, Drago should have no problem putting the smack down on that Aquos Seige." Meanwhile Drago, was less than confident. "What does Dan want from me? A forced attack is not a strategy." he thought to himself as he looked to Aquos Siege. "My opponent has probably already predicted what my next move will be." then an idea came to his mind that might work. "Very well, I'll give it a shot." Drago focused his energy as the flames around him became hard rock, and he broke out of the power of Dan's ability card. Dan and Applejack were surprised. "Whoa, he really can break free from the force of the Ability Card." said Dan feeling stunned. "Guess Drago is more unique than we thought." said Applejack. "No way!" said Rikimaru feeling shocked. Applejack looked to Dan's Bakupod and see's it drop back to its original power level. "Drago's power level dropped back to 340 G's! What's he trying to do get himself sent to the Doom Dimension?!" she asked worriedly as Drago went to attack Siege. Drago rammed against Siege knocking him down to the ground. Siege got back up, but to their surprise, his body liquified and became water causing him to vanish. Drago looked around but heard Siege appear behind him. He went to swing his tail at him, but Sieges body became water again and he disappeared. Drago looked around for him, but he soon turned and saw him thrusting his lance toward his chest. But Drago managed to catch it, only to see Siege turn back into water and appear behind him. Siege took his lance and struck Drago in the back, causing him to writhe in pain. Dan was beginning to panic. "Drago! What are you waiting for?! Without the ability card, you'll be history! Your power level is lower than his!" he yelled out to him. Meanwhile, Rikimaru was also panicking knowing his plan was about to backfire, he was anxious to end the battle. "Yes... finish it.... DO IT NOW!!!" he yelled out to Siege, ordering him to finish him off. Siege twirled his lance and struck at Drago knocking him to the ground. Siege soon pinned him down getting ready to finish him off, meanwhile Rikimaru was in panic mode. "Come on end it! There's not much time left! The Gate Card will open soon!" he cried out. This caught Applejack's attention really quickly, she wondered why he was in such a panic, but then it hit her. The Gate Card began to open, and both Drago's and Sieges power levels were forced to switch. "Adjusting Power Levels." said Dan's Bakupod, surprising Dan and Applejack. "It can't be!" Dan cried out. "But it happened Dan, Rikimaru planned this from the start. When Drago broke free from Boosted Dragon, Rikimaru wanted to end the battle before the Gate Card opened, and it switched both Siege's and Drago's power level." Applejack explained to him. Dan found it hard to believe, but was still amazed. Meanwhile Siege went to finish Drago, but Drago managed to bite down on his lance, and break it. Siege and Rikimaru were shocked at what happened. Drago growled at Siege as flames filled his mouth, he shot fire at Siege, causing him to vanish. Dan was surprised at what happened. "Drago!" Drago roared out as his body began to glow, and the battlefield disappeared, returning them to the real world. Rikimaru was on his knee's feeling nothing but defeat. Applejack shot a glare at him. "That Aquos Siege of yours got owned pal! Drago won the battle!" Rikimaru looked to them. "It was the Pyrus... I tried to set a trap with my second card, but his Bakugan new the Pyrus Card would cause their power levels to switch. And that's how he managed to gain control, and win the battle at the last moment." he explained to them. Dan was stunned by this information. "Yeah... but how did he do it?" he asked himself. "The Ability Card you throw down gives your Bakugan more power, had my plan worked, the power would have been transferred to Aquos Siege. Your Bakugan released itself from the Ability Card, and his power level decreased." Rikimaru explained further to them. Applejack rubbed her chin a bit. "So that means... even though Drago was low on power, he knew that once his power level switched with the Aquos Siege, it would give him enough strength to win the battle. Drago waited until the very last minute to use the Pyrus Maneuver just as the Gate Card was about to open. Which would have been risky if the battle ended in a draw... or a loss." she theorized. She then looked to Riki with a scowl. "But how could you join up with Masquerade huh?!" she asked furiously. Rikimaru winced from hearing her tone. "I... I just wanted to be the best Bakugan Player... that masked guy said all I had to do was beat you, and I could keep Aquos Siege. But.... its all over now... gone..." he said as he looked down in shame of what he did. Applejack looked at him starting to feel pity for him. She walked to him and gently touched his shoulder. "You can still be a great Bakugan Player..." she said to him only to get a surprised expression from him. "Really...? But... after everything I did-" before he could finish... "Partner, you may be hard headed, probably even more so than Dan here..." she pointed to him only to get a scowl from Dan. "But despite all you've done, you can redeem yourself in becoming a great Bakugan Player, and a good friend. That's my honest truth, and from now on... leave the Doom Card stuff out of it." she said with a smile. Rikimaru looked at her but smiled. "Thanks... didn't catch your name..." he mentioned to her. "Names Applejack, but you can call me AJ if ya like." she introduced herself to him. Rikimaru smiled and stood up. "Thanks a lot AJ... I better get going, I have a lot of stuff to do." he said as he walked away. Applejack smiled at the results she found. Dan meanwhile, was furious about what Masquerade did. "So Masquerade did it again, he took advantage of him, and made Riki fight his battle for him. I don't know what he's trying to prove..." "But we're going to find out Dan, you can count on that. Together you and Drago can take him down, he thinks he's all that, but he's not." said Applejack. Dan nodded in response, he then realized Drago wasn't in his hand and he looked around. "Huh? Hey!" he looked and found Drago lying on the ground. He rushed to him and picked him up. "Drago, the battle was pretty close. But you won! And you worked some pretty choice moves too." he complimented him, only to receive nothing but silence. "Drago...?" Drago stayed silent for a moment. "You think the battle was close...?! Do you have any idea how dangerous the Pyrus Maneuver is?!!" he asked in both sadness and anger. Applejack heard it in surprise, but Dan was too distracted to notice. "What's with you? We won... and its all because of you buddy. Okay sure, I was a little gun-ho at the start, but I learned my lesson. This is no time to argue, lets celebrate okay?" he suggested only to get a different response. "You want to celebrate after everything that's happened?!! WHAT ABOUT THE FRIENDS I LOST TODAY?!!!" he asked furiously at him. Applejack was beginning to worry. "Hey, hold on Drago, if Dan could bring them back, he would." he said to him trying to calm him down. "You don't understand Applejack, they can't come back! All Bakugan are alive, but the ones that fall into the Doom Dimension are gone... they will NEVER return! That may not mean much to Dan, but for me its hard to take! Perhaps he's so intent on defeating this Masquerade... that he doesn't realize how reckless his actions are!" he yelled out in both anger and sadness because of the loss of his friends. Applejack began to sense it quickly before Dan could. "Its obvious to me that Bakugan is just a game to him, nothing more." said as he looked to Dan. "I had hoped you were different, but I can't trust you...!" he declared to him. Dan was shocked at what he said. "N-No... that's not true... I can be trusted. We're a team right...? We work together, remember the day we made that deal...?" he asked him, but Drago didn't respond. "I don't know what you're wound up about... Ive been straight with you all along. Sure there's still things I don't understand about the Bakugan, but that's no reason to give up on me. I get totally pumped every time we take on a new player, and you should too. Don't bail on me now..." he exclaimed to him still getting nothing but silence. "We can do this... if you want more say and what goes on, you got it... but you better make sure you're right. Like if your little trick on the battlefield hadn't worked today, then where would you be? You'd be toast! Done for!" he yelled out. Applejack was beginning to worry. "Dan, calm down..." she tried to calm him. "This is twisted... I thought you and I made a wicked combo... but now it sounds like you want to go solo." he suggested starting to feel angry. "Well I won't stand in your way Drago...! If that's what you want, then our deal is done...!" he pulled his arm back in a throwing position. Applejack's eye's began to widen. "Dan no!" she went to stop him. "Its over!" He threw Drago towards the river seeing him land in it. Applejack saw it in shock and looked to him. Dan's face clearly showed signs of anger, but also regret... whether it were regret for meeting Drago, or throwing him away. "Dan... you shouldn't have done that..." she said to him. Dan stayed silent for a moment as his eyes were hidden behind his hair. "... So long buddy... we're finished... it was nice knowing you..." he said in frustration. "But this is goodbye... goodbye forever...!" Applejack was shocked and couldn't believe what he said, she knew he didn't mean it. But she looked to the river knowing she had to find Drago, but she also needed to help Dan along with the others. Dan soon turned and went straight home, Applejack followed after him, she needed to tell the girls about what happened. Meanwhile in Equestria, in the Cavern of the Tree of Harmony. Solaria was watching the tree, noticing that the Element of Honesty was beginning to glow brighter than the others. She knew it was a sign, a bad one. "Dan Kuso... what a foolish thing you've done. But despite what you're going through right now, you will be tested... to prove that you can be trusted." she said as she stared at the Element of Honesty. She then sensed somepony approaching, she turned only to see it was Luna. "Is everything alright Luna...?" she asked her. Luna stayed silent as she stood before her. "What has happened...?" she asked her. "The boy is hurting, it will take him time to realize what he did was wrong. As for the ponies, they are working hard to try and help him." she said as she looked to the Elements. Meanwhile Luna, looked down knowing that Dan was going through the same thing she went through. "I'm hoping they will help the boy... he is letting his anger control his actions, just like I did all those years ago." she lowered her head regretting what she had become and what she tried to do. Solaria gently placed her wing around Luna to comfort her. "It was hard for you and your sister as it was for me. I lost my husband and left you both, Celestia was lost and alone for banishing you to the moon. We all have made mistakes in the past we wish to correct, and sometimes it is hard to accept. Even for the noble knight of the Crystal Empire." she mentioned to her. Luna looked to her remembering it. "I know... losing Amore was harder on him than it was on us." she said to her. Solaria nodded to her. "Yes, and this boy, will realize his mistake and try to correct it, I know he will." she said as she looked to the Tree of Harmony. "I will inform you and Celestia of any news of the boy." Luna nodded to her and turned around, and was about to leave, but she stopped and glanced to Solaria. "Thank you... mother..." she said as she teleported to Canterlot. Solaria stood still for a moment, but soon tears began running down her cheeks. It had been a long time since she was called mother, but she smiled knowing that she still loved her daughters, more than anything. > Dan and Drago > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night had fallen over Wardington, and Dan returned home after everything that has happened. The Mane Six noticed how upset he was and were puzzled as to why Drago wasn't with him. Applejack explained everything to them, only to receive the type of reaction she was expecting. "HE DID WHAT?!!" they asked her in surprise and shock. Applejack winced from it a bit. "Its true, after Drago got done saying he couldn't trust Dan because of what happened during the battle with this kid named Rikimaru, Dan lost his temper believing Drago was backing out on him, and he threw him into the river." she explained to them. Even Fluttershy was shocked by what Applejack explained to them. She looked to her with tears in her eyes. "But why? I thought they were friends...!" she exclaimed trying not to break. Applejack looked down but looked to her. "There is something I did notice though... Dan can try to hide it, but I know for certain he didn't mean it. Deep down, I know he's hurting... that he regrets what he did, and he just won't admit it." she said to them. Rainbow looked to Twilight wondering what's going through her mind. "What should we do Twilight? I know you must be thinking of something." she said to her. "One things for certain Rainbow Dash, we need to find Drago, but we also need to help Dan realize his mistake." she said to her as she looked to the others. "More importantly, we might need to talk with his friends in learning what Attributed Bakugan we would be able to use." she mentioned. "Oh definitely! I had this dream that I was in the Aquos Space in Vestroia, and-" see's them looking at her surprised. "What...?" "Oooookay... that aside, we should probably head upstairs... hopefully Dan hasn't already locked himself inside all that anger of his." said Rarity feeling worried. Till all of a sudden... "YOU'RE KIDDING! YOU THREW DRAGO INTO THE RIVER?!" yelled Marucho from Dan's computer, causing the Mane Six jump out of fright. "Boy, for a little fella, he sure has some big lungs." said Applejack as she noticed Fluttershy was laying on the ground like a fainting goat. Twilight looked upstairs knowing Dan is talking to his friends. "We better go check on him." she and the others began their march upstairs and entered Dan's room only to see how grumpy he looks. Julie also noticed it. "Well that would explain why you're in such a grouchy mood today." she said with a smirk. "What are you talking about?! I'm not grouchy! And I'm glad I got rid of that no-at-all!" he said as he crossed his arms. "But seriously Dan, don't you think you should go back and try to find Drago...?" asked Alice, for she felt just as worried as the Mane Six. "He's probably feeling lost and afraid down there at the bottom of the river." she said to him trying to convince him. Dan looked to her surprised. "Feeling lost and afraid...?" he looked down a bit. The Mane Six noticed a small sign of regret in his eyes. "I guess you don't realize what you have till its gone." said Runo as she appeared on screen. "Personally speaking though, my Bakugan, Tigrerra and me are as close, as close can possibly be you know." she said to him not trying to provoke him (but in her mind she really is) but to help him realize his mistake. Dan thought about it as he thought back to what Drago said about the Pyrus Maneuver, he shook his head to forget about it as he stood up from his chair. "Who cares about him anyway!?" he walked away from the computer and slumped down onto his bed. "I know I don't..." "Don't say that!" Julie exclaimed to him "Dan come back!" cried out Marucho. Twilight looked at Dan knowing how upset he is, but she knew that in his heart he didn't mean it. She walked over to him and gently put her hoof to his shoulder. "Dan, we know you're feeling upset... but please, try to reconsider about what you did." she said to him and walked to his computer leaping into his seat. "Alice, since Dan is... kind of upset at the moment, we thought maybe you could help us with finding out what type of Bakugan we'd be able to use." she said to her. "Well if you girls were all in the shot, I could definitely decide which attribute suits you the best. Think you can adjust the camera?" she asked her. Twilight was hesitant, because she might just as easily break Dan's computer rather than adjust it. "Don't worry, just tilt the computer down so we could see you all." she instructed her, Twilight nodded and gently tilted the computer to show the rest of the Mane Six. She leaped down from the chair and joined them on the floor. "All right Alice, what do you think...?" Twilight asked her as Alice began to observe them. "Hmmm... for Applejack, she looks strong and sturdy, so I can definitely say she could be a Subterra Brawler." she decided on her attribute of choice. "Well Earth Ponies in Equestria are hard workers, and me? I'm the hardest worker in the Apple Family." she boasted proudly. "Like that time during Apple Bucking Season, where you worked too hard to the point you refused our help and passed out from working alone...?" asked Rainbow Dash only to receive a scowl from her to not mention it ever again. Alice noticed it knowing there may have been some incidents between them, Runo cleared her throat to get their attention. "Might I suggest Haos for Fluttershy? She seems to be the kind of pony with a kind heart, and sweet personality." Runo suggested to them. Fluttershy's ears perked up from hearing it, she soon hid her face trying to hide a faint blush. "Well I can be very fierce at times, only when I need to be though." she mentioned to her. "There is nothing wrong with that Ms. Fluttershy..." said Tigrerra "After all, we Haos Bakugan a often peaceful, and we give aid to others." she explained to her. Fluttershy smiled at the thought of it and nodded, Alice then looked to Rarity to decide what to give her. "For Rarity, I think Darkus might work." she suggested to her only to get a scoff. "Why would I ever work with such an evil element?! It's so vile, it would give me a bad reputation." she protested to her of her decision. "At least hear me out Rarity, Darkus Bakugan aren't all bad, though the Attribute World they came from may seem like an awful place. But there are those with light within the darkness, a bright and flawless gem as you would say." she said to her trying to reassure her. Rarirty pondered over it a bit. "Oh alright if you insist, but I hope I don't wear anything that's as horrible as Masquerades outfit. I mean seriously, what kind of person would wear something as awful as tha-" before she could finish, Twilight put her wing in front of her to stop her. "You were saying...?" she asked Alice. "If I may... I have the perfect suggestion for Pinkie Pie given her fun loving nature." Marucho said to them. "Aww... that's very sweet of you Marucho." she said to him causing him to blush. He chuckled a bit but got his head back on. "Given she is a pony who loves entertaining everyone, I would like to suggest Aquos to be her Attribute of choice." he suggested to them. Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie was beginning to shake as a big grin on her face was starting to form. She soon shot up like a rocket yelling out happily. "YEEEEEESSSS!!!!! Pinkie Pie, Master of Aquos is ready and waiting sir!" she yelled out proudly only to receive of couple giggles from both Alice, and Julie. "I definitely wish you were here at my place Pinkie, you and I would get along just fine." Julie said as she smiled at her. "Hey, what about Rainbow Dash and Twilight?" asked Spike as he showed up. Alice looked to Rainbow Dash thinking very carefully. "For Rainbow Dash, its hard to decide, Pyrus would be a good option..." she suggested to them. "But she has a passion for going very fast, so I think Ventus will work a lot better for her." she said believing it was a better option. "Aw yeah! Just you wait, when I get my own Ventus Bakugan. We're gonna be all over the place!" she said as she zipped around Dan's bedroom. Twilight looked to the screen. "Guess that leaves me with Pyrus, right Alice...? she asked her. "Definitely, after all, I did happen to see bit of a fiery spirit inside you when you first came here Twilight." she pointed out to her. "I do not!" she yelled out only to realize she was right. "Oh... yeah you're right." she admitted it even to herself. "Hey, what about me?" asked Spike as he showed up. "Don't I get a Bakugan too?" he asked Alice. Alice looked at him carefully to figure it out. "You could be a Pyrus, but you still need to work on growing if you want to become a brawler." she said to him. "Aww... there goes my chance." he said to himself. Runo smiled at the baby dragon knowing he could use some cheering up. "Hey don't worry Spike, I'm sure in time, you will be a great Battle Brawler yourself." she said to him encouragingly. Spike's hopes shot up like a firework. "You really mean it Runo?!" he asked her anxiously. "May my name be changed to Mud if I'm wrong." she said to him as she giggled along with the others. Twilight smiled but it faded as she looked outside. "Oh Drago, you didn't have to be so hard on Dan. He just didn't understand how you felt. I promised you we will help you save Vestroia, and I meant it. We will find you Drago, if its the last thing we do." she thought to herself. Meanwhile at the river, Drago was laying on the bottom of the river. A fish came by and gently nudged him, then Drago opened up from his ball form. "Excuse me... could you please take me to the shore...?" he asked nicely to the fish. But the fish simply looked at him and swam away. "What? No! Please wait!" he said as he chased after it. "Please, don't go! I was merely..." he struggled to swim after the fish. But suddenly a school of fish swam by forcing him to get swept away further down the river. The next morning, Dan had just arrived in class, and surprisingly on time. "Morning guys..." he said feeling depressed. Rainbow and Fluttershy were watching from outside. The noticed how depressed he appeared, and they knew it was about Drago. "Man, I'd really hate to be in his shoes right now." said Rainbow Dash as he felt sorry for Dan. "Twilight and the others are working on a plan to find Drago, so we'll need to keep an eye on Dan until the plan is settled in." she said to her. Soon, she heard one of the students explaining about battle strategies and looked to him. The boy who was talking about it was Ryo, he is a Darkus brawler who prefers creating battle strategies to other brawlers than actual brawling. Dan soon heard it and looked to him surprised. "Ryo? I didn't know you were into Bakugan." he said to him in surprise. Ryo turned around to face him. "Oh uh, yeah... But Ive never been in a full on battle before. I'm not really ready." he admitted to him, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were surprised. "Not ready? Ha, what are you chicken?" he asked him with a smirk. "Bad idea Dan, don't tease the kid." whispered Rainbow Dash. "Well, I like to collect data, and use it to come up with various possible battle strategies... look..." he held out his computer to show him. "First Scenario." said Ryo's computer. "Battle Strategies?!" he scoffed "Oh boy, here we go..." said Rainbow knowing what's about to happen. "He's listening to his ego again..." said Fluttershy. "I figured the best strategy is to increase the power level of your team, don't you think?" he asked Ryo as he clenched his fist. "There's more to it than that, if your counter ability is set, then its possible to defeat even the strongest enemy with less power than his." he explained to Dan. Dan was caught completely off guard. "What? are you serious?!" he asked him surprised. "Bakugan isn't just about strength, its also an elaborate tactical game. One must engage in battle while trying to outsmart the opponent by anticipating his actions." Ryo explained to Dan feeling confident about his information. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were impressed about how this kid knew so much. "How can this guy know so much, and he's never even brawled?" asked Rainbow Dash feeling surprised. "He must really love Bakugan the same way Dan does." said Fluttershy "I gotta say, Ryo's idea's are pretty amazing. I bet even you would have a hard time battling him." said one of the students. "What did you say?!" Dan yelled out in anger. "Uh-oh, big mistake buddy." said Rainbow dash starting to panic. "Alright smart guy, I'll battle you any time any place, you got that?" he challenged Ryo to a battle. This only shocked Ryo, because of the fact he's never been in a battle before. "What? But I didn't say-" before he could finish what he was about to say. "Maybe all your big fancy strategies aren't worth spit!" Dan said as he walked toward him. "So why don't you put your money where you mouth is, or keep it shut!" he yelled at him causing Ryo to fall over and drop his computer. Ryo panicked as he got back up. "Oh no, my computer!" he ran to it and picked it up. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy watched and looked towards Dan seeing his face soften after realizing what he did. "I... I didn't mean to..." he tried to reassure them. One of the students looked to him with a disapproving look. "Now why'd you have to go and do that for?! You probably broke his computer!" he exclaimed to him. Another student looked to him with the same look. "Yeah, way to go...!" he said to him. "What are you talking about? I didn't even touch it." he tried to defend himself as Ryo looked to him. Dan saw the look on his face realizing what he did. "It... it wasn't my fault!" he exclaimed as he ran off. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy saw it and followed after him. One of the students watched him go. "Yeah, what ever..." he said as he walked back to his desk. Meanwhile, Ryo watched as Dan left and looked down in sadness. But what he failed to realize, was that someone was watching him. Meanwhile, Dan just got back home, and he went straight to his bed as he groaned in frustration. "Oh man, I can't seem to do anything right! And its all because of Drago!" he had a moment of silence to himself as he somehow thought back to him. "Poor Drago..." he soon rolled onto his side to try and brush the thought away. "What am I saying...? I'm glad he's gone..." he said out loud. Meanwhile, Rainbow and Fluttershy were watching from outside his bedroom door, Fluttershy couldn't bear to see him like this and knew what she had to do. She walked in to talk to him. "Dan... we need to talk." she said to him very firmly. "Fluttershy, we've been through this, I'm not going to go back to find Drago." he said to her. "That's not what I mean... now look me in the eyes when I'm talking to you!" she yelled at him. Dan was surprised at how she's acting but sat up to face her. "Look me straight in the eyes, and don't even think... about turning away." her eyes began to do the one thing she never thought she'd use on a human. Especially Dan, but this was the only way to knock some sense into him. Dan began to sweat by the way she was starring at him. "F-Fluttershy, you're kind of scarring me right now." he said to her as his voice was kind of shaky. "Good, now you listen to me Daniel!" she grabbed him by his shirt very firmly. "Tomorrow, I want you to go back to school, and tell Ryo that you're sorry!" she said to him. "Whoa, whoa, hold on... I didn't mean to hurt his computer, but he-" before he could finish. "No but's mister! Now are you going to go apologize to him or not?!" she asked him as she stared deeply into his eyes. Dan felt like his soul was being sucked out of his body just by looking into her eyes, but he nodded to her. "Okay yes, I'll apologize... can you please let me go now?" he asked her nicely. Fluttershy's face softened and smiled in victory. "All right..." she let him go and walked back to Rainbow, who's jaw was dropped straight down to the floor. "You used The Stare on him, didn't you...?" she asked Fluttershy "Maybe..." said Fluttershy as she walked by. Rainbow Dash watched her and looked to Dan. "Sorry about that, but when Fluttershy wants to make a point, she'll show bit of a different side of herself." she explained to him and followed Fluttershy down stairs. Dan watched as he was still sweating like crazy, he looked down knowing he had to apologize to Ryo for what happened. Meanwhile at Ryo's house, he logged into his Bakugan Account and found all his Data was still there. "Oh good, I didn't lose any of the data." he sighed in relief. "I don't get Dan... I mean, is it so wrong to be into Bakugan...? Even if I don't actually battle...?" he asked himself and looked down. "I'm just happy simulating the battles and planning my strategies like in a chess game." he said to himself, then suddenly... "You sure about that...?" a voice called out from his computer. Ryo panicked and backed away from his computer. "Are you sure you don't want to put all those brilliant ideas of yours into action? Seems like just a waste." said the voice. "Who are you?!" Ryo demanded to know who he's talking to. His computer began to glow and pulled him into a dark realm. Then a strange masquerade mask appeared before him. "My name is Masquerade... fight with me, and I will help you show the world just how gifted a battler you can be. And I will help you prove it to those who don't appreciate it yet." Masquerade smirked as he had Ryo hooked like a fish. The next morning, Dan was on his way to school, the other students saw him while giving him disapproving looks after what happened the other day. Dan walked to the school but looked and saw Ryo across the street. "Oh... uh... Ryo, were you able to fix your computer? Look, about yesterday, I just-" Dan was about to apologize to him, but suddenly... "Lets battle, right now!" Ryo declared to him. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were watching the scene while the rest of the Mane Six were searching for Drago. They couldn't believe what they heard, but they sensed something different about Ryo. "What...?!" Dan asked feeling shocked. "After all, I'm a nobody unless I battle, isn't that right?!" Ryo asked him with a dark tone in his voice. Rainbow Dash heard it and started to feel what Applejack felt when Dan was challenged by Rikimaru. "Fluttershy, are you sensing this...?" she asked her. "I'm wishing I wasn't, but this is just how Applejack felt when Dan battled Rikimaru..." she said as she looked at Ryo. Suddenly she saw Ryo put on a shooter that was given to him by Masquerade. Dan was shocked at what he's seeing. "You know what this is I see... I made a deal with your old buddy Masquerade, and I'm about to keep my side of the bargain!" he said to Dan "Don't you see?! Masquerade is the enemy!" Dan exclaimed to him trying to make him reconsider. However, Ryo pulled up a familiar Bakugan. "Oh really...?" asked Reaper. "He's not the enemy... you're the enemy!" said Ryo as he held Reaper. Dan glared at him knowing there was no way of convincing him. "Then lets battle!" Dan declared to battle him "Sounds good to me!" yelled Ryo as he pulled out his Bakugan Card. "Rainbow, we have to do something!" yelled Fluttershy worriedly. "On it!" said Rainbow as she tried to rush to the battle. "BAKUGAN FIELD OPEN!" yelled both Dan and Ryo as time around t hem began to slow down, and Rainbow Dash was too late to reach them. Dan and Ryo entered the battlefield, meanwhile Dan had a confident smirk across his face. "This geek is going down." he thought to himself. Ryo then held out the Doom Card to make sure he had the advantage. "Doom Card Set!" he yelled out as he threw it to the battlefield. "I thought he might pull that stunt! But I'm sure not backing down now!" said Dan as he grabbed a Gate Card. "GATE CARD SET NOW!" yelled Dan and Ryo as they tossed their Gate Cards onto the field. Ryo loaded one of his Darkus Bakugan into his shooter. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot out a Darkus Fear Ripper onto the field. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Fear Ripper emerged in its true form, its claws went to strike Dan, but he managed to dodge them. Dan looked onto his Bakupod to see his data. "Fear Ripper, Power 320 G's, no other data available." said the Bakupod. Dan only smirked as he pulled out another Gate Card. "Gate Card Set!" he yelled out as the Gate Card landed on the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he threw out his first Bakugan onto the field. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Pyrus Terrorclaw stood on the field. Ryo only smirked at his attempt. "Come on, give me a break! Do you really think its wise to try and outwit me?!" he yelled out as he tossed out another Gate Card. "Gate Card Set! Bakugan Brawl!" he yelled shooting out his next Bakugan. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as a Darkus Mantris stood on the field. It his as it stood beside Fear Ripper. "Ability Card Activate! Marionette!" he called out the name of the ability, and Mantis used its power to snare Terrorclaw. "Oh no, Terrorclaw!" Dan panicked as Mantris pulled Terrorclaw onto the Gate Card it stood on. Mantris raised its blade and struck down Terrorclaw like a remorseless assassin. A portal opened behind Terrorclaw and it was now sent to the Doom Dimension. "TERRORCLAW!!!" Dan cried out. Mantris reverted back to Ball Form and returned to Ryo. Dan pulled out another one of his Bakugan as he shot a glare towards Ryo. "Juggernoid! Battle!" he yelled as he threw him to the field. "Juggernoid Stand!" he called as Juggernoid emerged in its true form. "Mantris Battle!" said Ryo as he tossed him onto the field. "Mantris Stand!" he called out as Mantris stood back onto the field. Juggernoid only snarled at its opponent as it charged and tackled Mantris down to the ground. Dan smirked knowing Juggernoid was going to crush Mantris. But Ryo held out a new Ability Card. "Ability Card Activate! Doom Companion!" he yelled as the card shattered. A portal opened above Mantris and Juggernoid, and they were lifted up into the Doom Dimension. Dan was shocked at what Ryo did. "Juggernoid.... JUGGERNOID!!!" he cried out to him, he soon shot a glare to Ryo for what happened. "I can't believe you let that happen!" he yelled at him out of anger and sadness. "Couldn't be helped." said Reaper as he sat on Ryo's shoulder. "His sacrifice was all part of my strategy, he was just a tool to me anyway." said Ryo, that's the last straw. "What?! How can you say that?!" he asked furiously as he pulled out his last Bakugan. "You're all Ive got Robotallion..." he said as he threw him onto the field. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Robotallion emerged onto the field. "Ability Activate! Robotallion Reinforcement!" he called out as a stream of flames flowed to Robotallion empowering him with more strength. He then burned Fear Ripper causing him to revert to Ball Form. "Betting everything on Pyrus Robotallion? Where's your little pet Drago?" Ryo asked him trying to provoke him. "I don't need him! At least not to defeat a smart mouth jerk like you! You got that Ryo?!" he yelled at him with much anger in his being. Ryo only smirked as he grabbed Reaper. "Well then... lets get on with it!" he placed Reaper into the shooter. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot him to the field letting him land. "Bakugan Stand!" Ryo called out as Reaper emerged in his true form, twirling his scythe with a dark chuckle. Dan was shocked when he saw him. "Its Reaper!" he exclaimed. "We meet again... I'm going to give your Robotallion a one-way ticket to the Doom Dimension!" Reaper threatened Dan with a menacing glare. "The Robotallion Enforcement Ability Card is still doing its thing, and the area Reaper is standing in will give Pyrus Robotallion an extra 150 G's." he thought out loud in the form of a whisper. "So that means... I can beat him!" he exclaimed unaware Ryo he something up his sleeve. Dan grabbed Robotallion and prepared for the next round. "Bakugan Brawl!" he threw Robotallion to the field. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Robotallion emerged onto the field. "Gate Card Open!" he yelled out as a ring of flames formed from the Gate Card. Ryo smirked as he pulled out another Ability Card. "Nice try Danny! Dimension 4!" he called out nullifying Dan's Gate Card. Dan shielded himself from the flames and looked to the field in shock. "What?!" he soon saw Reaper getting ready to attack. "Oh no!" "Oh dear, looks like you're back at 360 G's again." said Ryo with a grin on his face Reaper raised his scythe into the air and struck down Robotallion right in front of Dan. "ROBOTALLION!!!" Dan cried out. The portal to the Doom Dimension opened up pulling Robotallion into it. Robotallion reached out to Dan begging him to help... but it was too late, the portal to the Doom Dimension closed, with Robotallion on the other side. Tears began to form in Dan's eyes, feeling both sadness and defeat. "Robotallion... ROBOTALLION!!!!" he then heard a dark chuckle from Ryo and looked to him. Reaper returned to Ryo in Ball Form. "I win!" said Ryo as he and Dan returned to the real world. Rainbow Dash stopped herself seeing Dan just stand there. "Oh no... don't tell me..." she feared for the worst. Meanwhile Dan fell to his knee's as tears filled his eyes. "I think... I understand..." he hung his head in defeat. "That was counter ability...! Which makes the Gate Card attribute energy useless... Ryo set a trap for me knowing what I would do...!" he said as he hit the ground in anger. "No... no, no! No! NO!!!" he cried out. "So I take it Dan didn't win...?" asked one of the students. "Nice job buddy." congratulated another student as Ryo walked by. "It was no big deal..." he said with a heartless tone. Rainbow Dash simply shot a glare at him about to attack him, but Fluttershy stopped her before she could. "Rainbow no! we can't be seen, lets just wait until the students leave and we can help Dan." she suggested to her. She then looked to Dan, who mourned the loss of his Bakugan. The students left giving Rainbow and Fluttershy a chance to approach him. "Dan, you alright...?" asked Fluttershy. Dan remaiend silent as the loss of his Bakugan took a heavy toll on him. "I... I couldn't do anything... I was... totally helpless to save them! I lost Terrorclaw... I lost Juggernoid... and Robotallion...!" his anger began to build and he soon punched the ground. "NO! NO! NOOO!!!!" he yelled out. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy felt sorry for him knowing what happened will leave a scar on him... for life. As it began to rain, Dan walked home with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. "I'm such a jerk... I haven't learned anything." said Dan as he hung his head in shame. "Don't say that Dan, you were angry... we both know what that's like." Fluttershy said to him. "Yeah, so don't beat yourself up over it." Rainbow Dash tried to encourage him to stay strong. "But in the Battle with Rikimaru, I thought I could attack with just brute force." he tried to explain to them as the scenario ran through his head. "Boosted Dragon!" Drago roared out as he shot a fire ball towards Aquos Siege. Rikimaru grinned knowing this was the moment he was waiting for. "Now I've got you! Pyrus Actviate!" he yelled out as the Gate Card opened up. "What's that?!" Dan asked in shock as Aquos Siege spun his lance and redirected the fire ball towards Drago, landing a direct hit. "DRAGO!!!" Dan cried out. Dan fell to his knee's. "I was wrong! I shouldn't have put Drago on the line like that!" tears began to roll down his face mixed with the rain, hearing Drago's words about the Bakugan being alive. "I was just brawling like it was some sort of game, I didn't really care about my Bakugan!" he cried out. "I just cared about myself..." he admitted to both Rainbow and Fluttershy. His thoughts then returned to when he threw Drago into the river, and he soon realized his mistake. "Drago... DRAGO!!!" he got up and ran off. "There he goes!" yelled Rainbow as she and Fluttershy followed after him. Meanwhile at the river, Twilight and the others were searching for Drago, and had no luck in finding him. "Any luck with you girls?" she asked them curiously. "Nothing, its like trying to find a needle in a haystack." said Applejack as she looked around for Drago. "Well lets try to hurry, I mean this river is not doing my hooves any favors." Rarity complained as she looked to her hooves. "DRAGO!!!" Dan called out, Twilight and the others looked to him surprised. He ran down to the river to help find him. "Did you girls find him?! Where is he?!" he asked them anxiously. "We're working on it, but this River is so dark, we can't see a thing, even with this rain." Twilight explained to him. "We have to look faster...!" he started searching for him. Meanwhile at the bottom of the river, Drago was curled up in his Ball Form lost in thought. "How did it come to this...? I chose to battle in this world in order to save Vestroia... but now..." he thought back to what Dan said about them being a team, he felt regret fill his heart knowing what he said hurt Dan more than he could imagine. "I was unfair to him... I'm sorry..." he admitted to himself. Meanwhile, Dan searched anxiously for him. "Drago!" he called out to him as a car drove by, something caught his eye when the cars headlights shined on something bright. "Hey wait..." Twilight soon looked to it and soon realized what it was. "Dan, its Drago! Hurry!" she said anxiously. Dan ran to find him. "Drago! Is that you?!" he called out to him, but before he could reach him. He a rock made him lose balance and he fell into the water. Drago saw it and realized who it was. "Daniel!" he exclaimed. Dan resurfaced to try and catch him. "Drago!" he called to him, but the current started sweeping Drago away. "Hey! Wait, come back! Drago!" he leaped down and caught him just in time. He pulled him out of the water, and saw that he was all right, bringing a sigh of relief. "Hey..." Drago opened up from his Ball Form and looked to him. "Daniel! Is that really you?!" he asked him. Dan only smiled feeling relieved. "Yeah, buddy." he said as he held Drago in his hands. The rain clouds were starting to clear, and Dan sat down on the ground to dry off. "Aw man... this is gonna drive my mom nuts..." he said as he looked at his drenched clothes. "Don't worry Dan, I got this." Rainbow dash flew into the air, and dashed right passed him causing the water to pull away from him. Also messing up his hair. "Whoa! Easy with the breeze!" he said as he fixed his hair up. He soon looked to Drago who sat next to him. "Drago... I don't know what to say... I... was a real jerk. I considered you my friend, but I wasn't really looking out for you at all. So I just..." he stayed silent a bit but faced him directly. "I'm sorry! I really am... I... I just wanted to tell you that..." he apologized to him. Twilight smiled in victory knowing that Dan finally learned the truth. Drago turned to face him. "Daniel-" before he could begin what he was about to say... "I'm really glad that you're okay and stuff, so I thought that maybe we could-" and before Dan could finish his sentence. "Be a team again?" Drago asked him, surprising Dan and the Mane Six. "You're not completely useless to me, so why should I not take advantage of you as much as I can?" he asked him. Pinkie's smile began to widen. "Do you really mean it Draggy?!" she asked him with her eyes widen. "Me and Daniel are after the same thing, so it would only work best if we battle together." he said to her feeling he can finally trust Dan. Dan jumped up feeling cheerful. "ALL RIGHT!!! THAT'S AWESOME, THANK YOU SO MUCH!" he cheered out but soon fell back into the river. Drago laughed at the sight with the others. "Thank you! From now on, we shall be a proper team." he said as he leaped into Dan's hands. Dan caught him and smiled. "You bet..." he soon looked to the Mane Six and realized he also needed to apologize to them for the way he was acting. "Look girls I... I know I made a mistake, but I hope you can forgive me for being such a..." he stopped for a moment. "A total grump?" asked Pinkie Pie "A scoundrel?" asked Rarity "A varmint?" asked Applejack "A big meanie...?" asked Fluttershy "A pain in the flank?" asked Rainbow Dash "A complete and total jerk?" asked Spike Dan frowned knowing all those options worked, no matter how he tried to deny it. "Yeah... I guess those options actually fit my description." he said to them admitting it. Twilight smiled at him and walked up to him touching his shoulder. "Dan, where we come from, we believe that Friendship is Magic, a place for second chances. And that is exactly what you and Drago needed, a fresh start." she explained to them with a smile over her face. Dan nodded at her. "You're right Twilight, and I guess it really was destiny that brought us together." he said as he looked to Drago. "If so, we will work together... and stop what ever Masquerade is plotting." he said to him and the Mane Six. Dan smiled and nodded as he looked out to where the sun is about to set. (This song is Parody of Set it all Free by Scarlett Johansson) Dan; I followed my heart into the fire Got burned, got broken down by desire I tried, I tried but the smoke in my eyes Left me blurry, blurry and blind He turned to the Mane Six with a determined smile. Dan; I picked myself up off the ground I've burned all my fingers but that's gone now Got the power in my hands and stickin' to the plan Stickin' to the plan that says "I can" Mane Six; Do anything at all You can do anything at all Dan; This is my awakening They would stand alone and watch me fall But nothing's keeping me down Gonna let it all up Come on and say right now, right now, right now Dan & Mane Six; This is my big hello Cause I'm here and never letting go I can finally see, it's not just a dream When I set it all free, all free, all free Mane Six; You set it all free Twilight; We're a group of friends caught in the battle But our star's gonna shine brighter than your sun Rarity; And we will reach so high, shoot so far Pinkie Pie; Gonna hit, gonna hit, hit every target Mane Six; It counts this time We will make it count this time Dan; This is my awakening They would stand alone and watch me fall But nothing's keeping me down Gonna let it all up Come on and say right now, right now, right now Dan & Mane Six; This is our big hello Cause we're here and never letting go We can finally see, it's not just a dream When we set it all free, all free, all free Mane Six; We set it all free Dan looked to the setting sun knowing he had to face Ryo again, but he knew he couldn't do it without the girls. Dan; This is my awakening They would stand alone and watch me fall But nothing's keeping me down Gonna let it all up Come on and say right now, right now, right now Dan & Mane Six; This is our big hello Cause we're here and never letting go We can finally see, it's not just a dream When we set it all free, all free, all free Mane Six; We set it all free... Dan smiled and turned to them. "All right girls, its time we faced Ryo... and get his mind straight." "But how? Reaper has him believing he's the best." Rainbow pointed out to him "I'll handle that, trust me, I think I know how to out smart him this time. But I need your help to defeat him, I need Twilight's smarts, and Rainbow's confidence." he pointed to them. Twilight thought it over but looked to him. "All right, we're with you Dan. And I promise, we're going to knock some sense into Ryo." she said to him with a smile. In town, Ryo and his friends were walking down the street while Ryo was explaining his battle strategies. Soon, Dan and the Mane Six showed up to confront him. "Ryo! Listen to me!" he yelled out to him to get his attention. One of the students with Ryo looked to him surprised. "Oh, hey Dan, what's shaken...?" he asked him. "The way you're battling is dangerous, you shouldn't listen to Masquerade!" he tried to convince him. "He doesn't really care what happens to you!" he said to him with a serious expression. "Look Dan, I-" one of the students interrupted Ryo. "What is with you Dan?! You can't tell Ryo how to battle! Especially how he kicked your butt!" he yelled out only to see Rainbow Dash get in his face. "That's not what he means pal!" she blurted out to him surprising him. "Whoa... y-you're talking...?" he asked her Dan knew he couldn't keep it a secret now, but this wasn't a time for secrets. "I was only trying to tell him-" he was soon interrupted by Reaper. "Ryo, you are the strongest..." he said to him with venom in his words. Ryo smirked as he glared at Dan. "You're right... I am the strongest..." he said to him. "Crush anyone who gets in your way." Reaper ordered him "Yes, I will crush anyone who suggests my strategies are anything less than perfect..." he said as he walked towards Dan. "And it sounds like to me that's what you're trying to tell me Danny boy." he suggested Drago scowled knowing there was no reasoning with him. "I'm afraid there is no way we can avoid battling him." he said to Dan as he looked to him. "Yeah... I need your help Drago, we gotta try bringing Ryo back to his senses." said Dan as he looked to Ryo as he walked up. Ryo smirked as he pulled out a Bakugan Card. "Play Time!" he blurted out as he and Dan held out their cards. "Bakugan Field Open!" their cards glowed and they along with the Mane Six entered the Pocket Dimension Battlefield. Twilight watched as both Dan and Ryo set up their Gate Cards, as well as sensing the Doom Card being set. She observed Ryo's Gate Card knowing he was gonna pull some kind of trick. "Bakugan Brawl!" he yelled out as he shot Fear Ripper to the field. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Reaper emerged in his true form. "Darkus Fear Ripper, I recognize that Bakugan anywhere." said Applejack as she scowled at Ryo. "Bakugan Brawl!" yelled Dan as he tossed out a new Bakugan. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as the Bakugan emerged in its true form. It was a Pyrus Gargonoid, a Gargoyle type Bakugan. "Use caution Dan, we don't know what he's gonna do yet." Twilight advised him "I hear ya, he's obviously setting up some kind of a trap. But Ive got a little trick up my sleeve as well. I just hope it works." he hoped for the best. "Waiting to see what happens...? Good! Oh and while you're at it, here! Gate Card Set!" he yelled out as he set out another Gate Card. "That can't be good, what's he planning...?" Rainbow asked curiously. "I don't know, but I know for certain its something bad." Fluttershy blurted out. "Bakugan Brawl!" Ryo tossed out a reacquired Darkus Mantris. "Bakugan Stand!" he called as Mantris emerged on the battlefield. "Ability Card Activate! Marionette!" he called out as Mantris used Marionette on Gargonoid feeling him struggle. "Okay Mantris, hand him over to Fear Ripper!" he ordered him as Mantris sent him to Fear Ripper. "Now, Gate Card Open!" "What?!" Dan blurted out as the Gate Card glowed brightly, forming a pool of darkness around Fear Ripper and Gargonoid. "Fear Rippers Power level increase to 400 G's." said Dan's Bakupod. But he knew he needed to think smart on this, he pulled out an Ability Card to counter it. "Oh no you don't. Ability Card Activate, Fire Wall!" he tossed the card to Gargonoid as a wall of fire shielded Gargonoid. "Fear Rippers Power Level decrease by 350 G's." said his Bakupod. "Oh, good one, but not good enough!" said Ryo as Fear Ripper broke through the Fire Wall and struck down Gargonoid, sending him into the Doom Dimension. Dan was shocked from what happened, so were the Mane Six. "Dan, speak to me!" Drago called out to him. "You all right?" asked Fluttershy as she placed a gentle hoof on his shoulder. "Don't worry, I'm alright, just trust me on this guys, okay?" "We trust you Dan." said Twilight as she walked up. "You were caught off guard, but it won't happen again. "No it won't." said Dan as he grabbed Drago. "Bakugan Brawl!" he yelled out as he tossed him to the field. "Bakugan Stand!" Drago emerged through flames and growled at Ryo. "Mantris power level 320 G's, Drago power level 340 G's." said Dan's Bakupod. "Finally, we get to meet your little pet Drago... I'd like to introduce you to Fear Ripper!" he said as he shot Fear Reaper back onto the field. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Fear Ripper emerged onto the field. "Slash Zero! Activate!" Ryo activated Fear Rippers ability. "Fear Rippers power level increase to 400 G's." said the Bakupod. Drago was shocked at the result. "Don't worry Drago!" Dan called out to him to stay calm. "Gate Card Open! Intercept!" he called out as the Gate Card opened up. "Hang on... what is he doing?!" Ryo asked as he saw a barrier block Fear Ripper from Drago. "Intercept?" asked Rainbow Dash. "Intercept is a Gate Card that will protect Drago from Fear Ripper, I had a sneaky feeling he was gonna use Fear Ripper against him, so I came up with a back-up plan. That outta keep them from brawling." Dan explained to her. "Daniel, what's your strategy?" asked Drago "Just watch!" he said as he pulled out a Pyrus Mantris. "Bakugan Brawl!" he threw him to the field. "Bakugan Stand! Ryo, now its your turn to be the puppet!" he said as Mantris stood on the field. "Ability Card Activate! Marionette!" he called out as Mantris snared Fear Ripper. "Fear Ripper! Go to the same card as your teammate Mantris!" he commanded him as Mantris held him over the same card Mantris was on. Ryo panicked from what he was planning. "Wait! That card is a Mind Ghost! STOP!!!" he yelled out to stop him. "Too late pal, now you're gonna get it!" said Rainbow Dash with a smirk across her face. Mantris dropped Fear Ripper onto the card as it glowed causing it to explode taking both Darkus Fear Ripper and Mantris out of the battle. Drago took to the air and saw it surprised. "What happened?" he asked as he reverted to Ball Form and returned to Dan. "I anticipated what Ryo was gonna do. Instead of the Doom Companion Card he used last time, he snuck in a Mind Ghost Card ahead of time. Which takes out either an enemy, or a friend." he explained to them. "I see... so he was going to sacrifice Mantris, who he was finished with in order to take one of his enemies with him." said Drago feeling surprised. "And you used the card in reverse, good thinking." said Twilight as she looked to Ryo. "Well you see, Bakugan is really a strategic game, you have to read your opponents mind and anticipate what his moves." he said to them as he looked to Ryo. "I don't believe it! He actually managed to double cross me!" said Ryo as he glared at him, he soon loaded Reaper into the shooter. "Bakugan Brawl!" he yelled out shooting Reaper to the field Mantris was on. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Reaper emerged in his true form. Fluttershy yelped seeing him. "Its Reaper!" she cried out. "Now go! Use your strength and destroy Mantris!" Ryo ordered him, and Reaper willingly obeyed and struck Mantris with his Scythe. sending him to the Doom Dimension. Dan was shocked as well as the Mane Six of what happened. Reaper returned to Ball Form and returned to Ryo. "Well now, that leaves us with one Bakugan each Dan! Lets battle!" he demanded as he prepared for battle. "You big meanie! That's not fair!" Pinkie blurted out as she shot a glare at Ryo for what happened. "Pinkie Pie, calm yourself... this is not the time to get angry, even if I'm ALREADY FEELING ANGRY!!!" she bursted out into anger after seeing what happened. "What now Dan?" Spike asked him. "Lets see... his next move would probably be... yes! Dimension 4!" he suggested as he looked to Ryo. "I know for certain that's what he's gonna use." he said as he grabbed his next gate Card. "Gate Card set!" he yelled as he threw the card to the battle field and grabbed Drago. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed him to the field seeing him emerge in his true form. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Drago emerged from the flames, roaring out ready for battle. "Bakugan Brawl!" Ryo shot Reaper back onto the field to face Drago. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Reaper emerged in his true form. Reaper glared at Drago as he gripped his scythe. "This time I'm taking you down!" he threatened him with a menacing glare. "You think so?" Dan asked with a confident smirk. "Gate Card open now!" he called out as the Gate Card was surrounded by flames, giving Drago more strength. Ryo was unimpressed given he knew Dan was all about power. "Ha! Battling with Power, is that all you know?!" he asked as he pulled out the Dimension 4 Ability Card. "Oh well, I figured as much. Ability Card Activate! Dimension 4!" he called out as the card activated countering the Gate Card. Dan only smirked knowing Ryo made a big mistake. "Looks like you were wrong about me buddy boy! Figure this! Even if you counter the Gate Card, Dimension 4 can't stop my Character Card!" he explained to him. Ryo was shocked from what he heard. "Character Card?!" he asked in shock and surprise. Twilight smirked for she also learned much about the Bakugan Cards. "Let me explain Ryo, Dimension 4 can counteract the Attribute Power... but it can't stop the Character Card, which raises your Bakugan's power level." she explained to him as Drago roared at him. "Nice one Twilight, you learned that all on your own?" Dan asked her. "I learned a lot from Alice." she said to him with a smile. Flames began to surround Drago again as he roared fiercely at Reaper for what he did to his friends. "Reaper look out!" Ryo called out to him. "Drago's power level doubled to 680 G's." said Dan's Bakupod. Reaper was shocked as he backed up holding his scythe. "This can't be!" he cried out in shock. Drago shot a fierce glare at Reaper, showing how much anger that was building within him. "I can NEVER forgive you for what you've done!" he yelled at him. "Now Dan!" yelled Twilight "Ability Card Activate! Boosted Dragon!" he called out as Drago's mouth was filled with flames. Reaper panicked knowing he didn't stand a chance. Drago shot a massive fire ball at Reaper, landing a direct hit against him. Forcing him to return to Ball Form. "AAWW YEAH!!!" Rainbow Dash cheered out with the others. "Now that's what I call style!" said Rarity as she complimented Dan and Drago. Drago roared out in victory as he reverted to Ball Form letting Dan catch him. They soon returned to the real world, and Ryo snapped out of his lust for power. In a result of falling to his knee's and bursting into tears. Dan smiled as he brushed off his nose. "Guess I win." he boasted proudly. Ryo's friends watched in disbelief of what happened, even Ryo couldn't believe it. "I lost... and what makes it worse... is I lost because my strategies were outwitted..." he said as he looked down. Dan looked at him but smiled and walked up to him. "Hey... don't take it too hard." he said to him as Ryo looked up to him surprised. "I had heck of a time figuring you out you know. So if its okay, I'd like to battle you again sometime." he said to him with a kind smile. Ryo was surprised but he smiled. "Really...?" he asked him "Its an honor to go up against a battler as clever as you." Dan complimented him. Pinkie got in between them, surprising them yet again. "But next time, lets have a fun battle without all the Doom Cards, okay?" she asked him Ryo looked at her surprised but smiled. "Okay! Sure, it will be a total pleasure! Just for fun!" he said to them. "Great!" said Dan as he chuckled but realized. "Oh and... I'm sorry for what happened to your computer, I wasn't myself that day." he explained to him as he hung his head. "I'm really sorry about that Ryo." he apologized to him. "Hey, its okay Dan, nothing was broken. But next time, try to control that temper before you let it get to you." he suggested to him. Dan chuckled a bit. "Sure thing... oh, think you and your friends can keep a secret regarding..." he gestured to the Mane Six. Ryo looked to them but looked to him and smiled. "Sure, we won't tell anyone about them, promise!" he said to him. "Pinkie Promise?" Pinkie asked him, confusing him to an extent. She sighed from seeing it. "Repeat after me. Cross my Heart, Hope to Fly, Stick a Cupcake in my Eye." she explained to him. "Oh, okay... Cross my Heart, Hope to Fly, Stick a Cupcake in my Eye." he said to her as he did the hand gestures as well, while accidentally poking himself in the eye. "OW!" "Oooh... you okay?" she asked him. "Yeah, don't worry, its still new for me." he said with a smile as he rubbed his eye a bit. Pinkie smiled knowing she was satisfied with the results. "Oki Doki!" she giggled as well as the rest of the Mane Six. Meanwhile, Drago was proud of the kind of person Dan had become. True he still has a few issues to work out, but with his help along with the Mane Six, he's sure to turn Dan into the greatest Bakugan Battle Brawler, and a good friend. Meanwhile, they were unaware, that Masquerade was near by watching them. He watched Dan and Drago. "We'll see about that..." he chuckled but his attention turned to the Mane Six. "I wonder... they seem to be helpless little creatures... but there is more to them than just looks. I'll need to watch them carefully... especially the purple one." he thought to himself as he looked to Twilight. "There's something special about her, something I can't figure out quite yet... but I'll be watching you... Twilight Sparkle." he soon vanished into thin air, leaving Dan to his little victory. Night fell, Dan and the Mane Six returned to his home to chat with his friends online. "Man I'm telling you! Drago is the best!" he boasted proudly as he held him in his hand. Meanwhile, his friends were unimpressed give the result. "Yeah, yeah, we get it already!" they said simultaneously. "Hey, I'm serious! I mean I'm ranked 160 now thanks to him. He's the best Bakugan a guy can have." said Dan as he started kissing Drago, embarrassing the poor Dragonoid. He opened flapping his little wings groaning in frustration from it. "STOP IT!!!" he shouted at him Dan soon started to nuzzle him, embarrassing him further. "You should have seen him, it was awesome!" he said to them. Meanwhile, Twilight and the Mane Six only giggled in amusement of the situation, meanwhile Marucho and the others still had their neutral expressions on their faces. "Look, we're all very happy that you and Drago are a team again, but..." "DAAAAANNNN!!!!! WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO STOP TELLING US ABOUT IT?!!" the asked simultaneously. Twilight only giggled at their reactions. "You guys should be more proud of him, okay sure he's kind of going overboard with the cuteness and all..." or so she thought. "Who's my best buddy? AW YEAH!!!" he shouted out as he nuzzled Drago. A sweat drop soon formed over Twilight's face watching it. "Okay, he's really going overboard with it." she admitted it. "Daniel, please stop this Daniel!" Drago begged him to stop. "This is not funny any longer! I do have a reputation to uphold! And all your human friends and everypony are observing this!" he pointed out to him. "I... I'm developing a rash!" he said out loud, but his words were falling on deaf ears. "DANIEL!!!!" he shouted out. The Mane Six only laughed in amusement of Drago's embarrassment. "Now I'm feeling sorry for you Drago, looks like you're stuck with him for life." said Rainbow Dash as she laughed so hard. Drago groaned a bit wishing he was back in the river, but still... he needed Dan's help, even if it meant going through these kind of situations. Dan realized something as he looked to the girls. "Hey, I just thought of something... if Ryo was so easily corrupted... do you think Masquerade will easily manipulate other Battlers...?" he asked them. "Your guess is as good as ours Danny... but if he used Ryo just like Rikimaru...? That's enough to put Masquerade on my list of bad people." said Applejack as she looked to the others. "But do you think there's more to this Masquerade than we know already...?" asked Spike as she stepped up. Alice rubbed her chin in thought. "Now that you mention it... his disappearance was also mysterious." she mentioned "Not to mention, the doom cards he's given to most of the Battlers in this world are just as suspicious." said Rarity as she brushed her mane. "Has there been any sightings of him?" she asked. "Unfortunately no, its almost as if he doesn't want anyone to find him." said Runo as she crossed her arms. "So he's clearly planning something..." said Twilight as she thought about it. "But could it be he's working for someone...?" she asked them "Not sure Twilight, but its a possibility that he might be working with the same person who gave him the Doom Cards. But the question is... who gave them to him, and why...?" asked Marucho as he rubbed his chin. Dan thought about it for a moment, but he soon looked to the screen. "Who ever it is... we'll find out for sure." he said to them with a confident smile. "And we will try our hardest to make sure he doesn't hurt anymore Bakugan." Julie cooed at him with a bright blush on her face. "Oh Dan, I wish I could just kiss you right now." she said out loud. Runo's anger was starting to build just from hearing it. (Who wouldn't in this situation?) She soon grabbed her computer shaking it around. "GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF THE CLOUDS JULIE! THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO BE THINKING ABOUT A BOYFRIEND YOU ROMANCE-ADDICT!!!" she shouted at her with much anger. Rarity noticed a hint of jealousy in her voice, she read many romance novels herself. But she knew a jealous soul when she saw one, and Runo was green with envy. "I can definitely tell there is something about Runo that she has something to hide." she whispered to the others. "You aren't suggesting..." whispered Applejack as she realized what she's planning and gave her a look of disapproval. "Rarity... don't even think about it." she warned her. "Oh come now darling, I would never." said Rarity, but in all reality she was lying with a sneaky grin. Applejack scowled knowing she was going to plan something behind their backs. "And here we thought Julie was a Romance-Addict." she muttered to herself. "Good grief Runo, you need to learn how to take a joke." said Julie as she crossed her arms. "Yeah well that didn't sound like a joke to me!" Runo yelled at her. Pinkie showed up on screen. "I know right? I mean I know a lot of jokes myself, and everypony I know gets them." she pointed out to them. The Mane Six nodded in agreement, even though most of them don't exactly agree with her. "Well hey you guys, you should get some rest, its been a long day for you." she smiled at them as she disappeared from the screen. Dan noticed the smile and felt curious about it. "Wonder what that was all about...?" he wondered. "Good question... I never saw her flare up like that before, and calm down in a manner of seconds." said Alice as she too was surprised. "But I'm sure its just Runo being Runo." she suggested. "Yeah, you're probably right. Good night guys." said Dan as he logged out of the Bakugan Site. Meanwhile at Runo's house, Runo had just let her hair down as she got into her PJ's. She looked down after hearing what Julie said, she placed her hand across her chest knowing something inside her was telling her she's feeling jealous. She soon groaned in annoyance. "This is crazy! There's no way its possible! No way! No how!" she slumped down into her bed face planting into her pillow. "I don't know why I'm acting this way... why do I feel like this when ever Julie talks that way towards Dan...?" she asked herself... but soon she grabbed her blanket and pulled it over her. "Snap out of it Runo! You and Dan are friends! Nothing more!" she cried out. However, she knew in her heart, that she was lying to herself. She wanted to deny it... but the redness on her face said otherwise. > Runo Rules > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next day at Dan's house, the Rarity and Fluttershy were helping Miyoko clean the living room. Fluttershy was humming her the song Dan sang for her when she was hurting, this immediately caught Miyoko's attention. "That's a beautiful song Fluttershy." she said to her with a smile. "Oh, thank you... It was a song Dan sang to me one night." she said to her only to surprised Miyoko. "I... I didn't know he could sing..." she said to her as she looked to the stairs. "What else could he be hiding...?" she wondered. "Oh don't worry Miyoko darling, I'm sure Dan likes to keep most things to himself. Even if he has to hide it from his friends or family." said Rarity as she cleaned the table for her. Miyoko only smiled knowing she was right, suddenly she remembered something. "Oh my goodness, I almost forgot! Daniel!" she called out to him only to get no response. "Daniel!" she called for him again and crossed her arms. "He can't still be sleeping, its way passed lunch." she said out loud. "I'm sure he's wide awake, knowing Twilight, she'll wake him up with an alarm clock." said Rarity as she dusted off some of the vases. Meanwhile upstairs, Dan was actually talking to his friends online. "Awww... That's so nice to hear that you and Drago are back together again!" said Julie as she smiled at him. "Yeah, and it was all thanks to Twilight and the others." said Dan as he looked to both Drago and Twilight. "Well I thought... After you threw Drago into the river, we'd never hear from him ever again." Alice mentioned as she looked to Drago. "Actually Dan, I'm surprised that your Bakugan decided to come back to you." Runo blurted out with a smug grin as she forgot about what she went through last night. "I know how you can be sometimes." she said to him Dan only scowled at her, which also got Rainbow's attention. "Ha! Like you're one to talk Runo! You don't know anything about how to treat a Bakugan." she said to her with her hooves at her hips. "Oh yeah? Well we get along just fine Rainbow." she said to her as she held up Tigrerra. Tigrerra turned to face Rainbow Dash. "I must admit, she treats me rather well." she said to her. Rainbow scowled at the little tiger, meanwhile Runo started to nuzzle her. "Aww, isn't my little Tigrerra a little cutie?!" she said as she squeaked a bit. "Sorry to interrupt." Marucho chimed in. "But we should focus on Masquerade, he threatens us with his scheme to steal all our Bakugan." he mentioned to them, only to get a lot of anger from Runo. "HEY IT'S NOT MY FAULT THAT JERK BEAT ME!" she yelled at him. Footsteps are soon heard on the other side of Dan's bedroom door. "Daniel! Are you in there?!" Miyoko asked as she opened the door to his room. "Get out of be-" she soon noticed that Dan was already out of bed. "Daniel... why didn't you answer me?" she asked him "Gee mom, guess I didn't hear you calling me." he said to her surprised. "Well you had me very worried about you. Now then..." she held a bag to him. "I have a little job for you today." Dan saw it surprised and willing protested. "What? Can't you see I'm busy with my boys right now mom?" he asked her. "Never mind your boys, I want you to scoot on over to the super market." she said to him, only to get further protests. "Huh?! But mom, you're killing my chilling time!" he whined about it. However, Miyoko had a little trick up her sleeve. She pulled out a flier which had his favorite food. "Grocery Town is having a sale on Loin Tips, your favorite." she teased him with it. Dan's eyes widen seeing it. "Aw sweet, we haven't had them in months." he said and began to drool. The Mane Six giggled at the scene noticing how much of an oddball he is. Dan left for the supermarket, meanwhile he was also chanting Loin Tips out loud given the fact how much he loves them. Drago at the moment was sitting in his jacket pocket listening to it. "Ugh... I will never understand humans..." he said out loud. "You and me both darling." said Rarity as she walked beside them. Drago looked to her. "May I ask why you chose to come along Ms. Rarity?" he asked her. "Please Drago, just Rarity... Miyoko insisted I'd come along so I could take a look at the latest Fashion in this world. On our way to Grocery Town that is." she explained to him. "Most of all, if we are to become Battle Brawlers ourselves, we could at least battle in style." she said as she walked down the road. Drago knew there was no way to question her motives, so he just let it go for the time being. Meanwhile at the park, a group of kids were showing off their Bakugan. Then out of no where, a kid came out and knocked the bucket that held all his Bakugan out of his hands. "What the...?! Hey! What'd you do that for?!" he asked furiously The kid who knocked the Bakugan out of his hand, was Tatsuya, he's a Pyrus Brawler and is a bully to the local kids, but most of the time, instead of brawling them, he just harasses them. Also he talks a lot more than he fights. "Well maybe I felt like it ya little freaks! Besides, you're too young to be messing with Bakugan." he said to them with a smug grin on his face. The three kids glared at him for being such a jerk to them. "Who do you think you are?!" asked one of them in a serious tone. "Yeah, why don't you just beat it?!" yelled another only to get a different response from Tatsuya. He shot an intense glare towards them, sending chills down their spines. "No, you twerps should beat it!" he yelled at them seeing them run away. "Ha... yeah that's right, run to mommy." "Hey kid..." called out a familiar voice. "Huh? Wha...?" he looked to a tree and saw Masquerade sitting on a branch. "What's up with the costume you freak?" he asked him with much arrogance. "My name is... Masquerade." he introduced himself only to get a different response. "That's nice, who cares...?" asked Tatsuya holding his neutral expression. Masquerade smirked at him sensing how arrogant he is. "It appears you think you're quite the Bakugan Brawler... so are you willing the test your metal Tatsuya...?" he asked him as he held a confident smirk across his face. Tatsuya also formed a smirk believing he can beat him. "Oh yeah, bring it!" he accepted his challenge. Masquerade leaped out of the tree and landed on the ground. Both players pulled out their Bakugan Cards. "Bakugan Field Open!" they called out as the Attribute Circle appeared beneath them, bringing them into a Pocket Dimension Battlefield. Masquerade smirked as he pulled out the Doom Card. "I'll start... Doom Card set." he dropped the card to the field, letting it absorb the card sending a wave of Negative energy through the battlefield. They soon pulled out a Gate Card. "Gate Card set!" the yelled out as they tossed them to the field, letting them grow on the field. Tatsuya pulled out a Bakugan getting ready for battle. "Guess its my turn! Bakugan Brawl!" he threw the Bakugan onto the field, it opened up revealing itself as a Pyrus Mantris. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Mantris appeared in its true form, hissing at Masquerade. "You don't stand a chance against my Mantris!" he boasted about it (smug little punk.) Masquerade smirked as his mask scanned Mantris's data. "Nicely played... his Mantris has Fire Attributes, but he's not nearly strong enough." he thought to himself. He then loaded a Bakugan into his shooter. "I think its time to Exterminate your Mantris. Bakugan Brawl!" he shot his Bakugan to the field, revealing it was a Darkus Siege. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Darkus Siege emerged in his true form, unlike the Aquos Siege, its Lance was different, more demonic in a way. Tatsuya only smirked at it knowing he was hardly intimidated. "Ohhh so scared! Like your overgrown tin can has a chance! How shall I counter?" he wondered, but it didn't take him long to decide. He grabbed a new Gate Card and threw it onto the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed a new Bakugan onto the field, revealing it as a Pyrus Stinglash. "Bakugan Stand!" Stinglash emerged in its true form, hissing at Masquerades Bakugan. "Okay... my Gate Card gives me another 200 G's, so that brings my Stinglash up to 560 G's. That should do it." he thought to himself. "Your move!" he said to Masquerade. Masquerade held onto a confident smirk, knowing Tatsuya's strategy is going to fail. "Gate Card set!" he tossed a new Gate Card onto to field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot a brand new Bakugan onto the field. "Bakugan Stand!" it opened up revealing a Centipede type Bakugan, its name was Darkus Centipoid. It is based on the insect the Centipede.  It has two pincers that are larger than its head, which can penetrate hard armor. It has two tails that are razor sharp and antennas that sense predators miles away. It travels underground for sneak attacks and has an unbreakable, exoskeleton shell. It has fifteen pairs of legs. It emerged in its true form, hissing at its opponents with malice intent. Tatsuya was not impressed. "Ha! That's what you call a counter move?! You're going down in the first round you creep!" he yelled at Masquerade, who is still smirking at him for his arrogance. "Not after I throw down this card." said Masquerade as he held it up. "Ability Card Activate!" he tossed the card into the sky, allowing it to form storm clouds. Tatsuya saw it surprised. "I'm in trouble!" he panicked a bit. "You talk big... but can you... back it up punk?" asked Masquerade. Lightning soon struck Centipoid and streams of electricity flowed from its body. Snaring both Mantris, and Stinglash, it began pulling them onto the same Gate Card it was standing on. Tatsuya noticed it and his confidence began to rise again. "Ha! My Mantris and Stinglash are gonna eat your Bakugan for Breakfast!" he said to him with a smirk, unaware it was really a trap. "You don't know who you're dealing with, do you? Gate Card Open!" he called out as the Gate Card began to glow. Darkness was beginning to fill the Battlefield, Tatsuya began to panic seeing it. In the dark void of despair, Centipoids eyes glowed brightly, and it charged at Mantris. Biting down on it, throwing it towards a portal to the Doom Dimension. It soon went after Stinglash, who went on the defensive, but that wasn't going to stop Centipoid. Energy shot out from between its two large pincers, shooting the ground allowing it to burrow beneath the surface. Stinglash soon found itself trapped in the sand, trying desperately to escape. But Centipoid emerged beneath it, grabbing Stinglash with its pincers and throwing it through the portal to the Doom Dimension. Tatsuya was shocked beyond belief. "Whoa... he took both of mine out..." he said with a shocked expression. Masquerade watched as the portal closed, he then looked towards Tatsuya. "Unfortunate for your Mantris and Stinglash, but there is no escape from the darkest power of this card. And now they're heading for the Doom Dimension." he explained to Tatsuya, seeing him fall to his knee's. "I'm... so wasted..." he admitted defeat. Masquerade smirked and started walking towards him. "Hate to break it to you, but your Bakugan are never ever coming back." he said to him as he stepped up to him. "You're kidding right...?" Tatsuya asked him. "When it comes to Bakugan, I'm deadly serious!" he said to him as the Battle quickly ended in a two win battle. Meanwhile at Runo's house (well its also a restaurant, but still...) Runo was having the worst time of her life. "AWW YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!" she yelled out in her parents restaurant. "Why do I have to work in here Daddy? Why?! WHY?!! I hate being a waitress!" she complained to her father. "Its like the most boring job in the whole world." she said to him. "Aw come on Runo, your mom and I love having you around." said her father Tatsuo. He has a tendency to smother Runo and the cafe is flooded with pictures of her and his actions as an over-protective parent get on Runo and his wife's nerves. However, he is very devoted to his family and loves them very much. "Whatever... but a girl can't get rich when the place is deserted." she looked around the restaurant seeing no one around. Tatsuo also looked to it. "I call it a midday slump." he said to her. "You should be very proud of your family business Runo." said Runo's mother Saki, although she tends to criticize her husband, they both love Runo very much and they support her no matter what. "While your father is constantly bragging about you, have a look around dear." she gestured to the pictures of Runo when she was growing up, which to Runo... was pretty embarrassing. "Your father has turned this place into a shrine for his little princess, you would think there would be more than one picture of me, but no. Now you know why I'm in therapy." she chuckled a bit. "Yeah well, can't a father be proud of his only daughter?" Tatsuo asked them. "Weeeeellll... I have got the freakiest parents on the planet." Runo pointed out. Saki soon realized something and turned to her daughter. "Say Runo, seeing as we're a little slow around here, would you mind running a little errand for me this afternoon...?" she asked her. Runo thought about it, but since she has nothing else to do. "Yeah, I guess." "I read in the paper that Grocery Town is having a giant meat sale, and if you go, maybe I'll just make you some Liver Kebobs." she offered to her daughter, and got the right reaction out of her. Runo gasped in delight at the thought of it. "I just adore Liver Kebobs!" she blurted out. But soon she just realized that Dan might be at Grocery Town, causing her to groan in frustration. "Oh well great! I bet I'll see Dan there!" On her way to Grocery Town, Runo was singing to herself about her favorite food. Tigrerra soon popped out of her bag to speak to her. "Runo... forgive me for interrupting, but are you alright? You didn't sleep very well last night." she mentioned to her. "Huh...? Oh... its nothing Tigrerra, honest." Runo tried to reassure her. "Runo, is it about this Dan boy?" Tigrerra asked her, knowing Runo had something to hide. Runo looked down trying not to think about last night. "Its... complicated Tigrerra, but don't worry... there is nothing going on between me and Dan, I swe-" before she could finish her sentence, she bumped into Dan on the way, and fell to the ground. "Ow...! That hurt..." he said as he rubbed his head. "Daniel darling, you okay?" Rarity asked worriedly. Dan rubbed his head a bit. "Yeah, I'm okay..." he soon looked to who he bumped into. "Runo?" Runo soon looked to him as she got back up. "Dan? Do you live around here?" she asked him "Y-Yeah... how about you?" he asked her. "I totally do, just around the corner." she mentioned to him. Dan soon smiled a bit. "Well, so we finally meet." he said to her while scratching his head. "Yeah, I guess we do... I mean after talking online for such a long time." she pointed out as she looked to Rarity. "And you must be Rarity, wow, you're even prettier in person." she complimented her. "Well, thank you darling, I can honestly say the same about you. Though your hair would look much prettier if it were down." she pointed out to her mixed with a compliment. Runo blushed at the compliment and looked away with a smile. "Thanks... I guess..." she said to her with a little bit of gratitude. "Well, looks like we could be neighbors or something." said Dan as he smiled. Runo soon thought of something as she smiled. "I got an idea." Dan looked to her surprised as Runo stood on her feet. "Lets have... a Battle!" she said as she held out Tigrerra. Rarity was surprised by her offer. "You mean like right here?" she asked her. "No silly, how about we meet later in the park?" she asked them. Dan thought it over for a bit as he stood back up on his feet. "Nah... I wouldn't want to take your Bakugan. I'm a pretty good Brawler." he mentioned to her. Rarity walked up to him. "Daniel, why don't you get going, I'd like to spend some time with Runo, get a chance to know her more." she said to him as she looked to Runo. "Okay, well... catch ya later, and don't cause a scene." he said as he ran off. "What...?!" Runo watched as he left and turns to Rarity. "So... from what Dan told me, you're a fashion designer?" she asked her. "Very much so, in fact the best in Equestria. On our way here, we stopped by a few fabric stores and purchased some very unique pieces." said Rarity as she showed her the fabrics she chose. Runo looked through them and was amazed by the quality. "Wow... you really do have a good sense of fashion." she complimented her. "Aww... you should see the dresses I made for the girls back in Equestria." said Rarity, suddenly something caught her eye. "Huh...?" she used her magic to pick up what appeared to be Dan's Bakupod. "Dan dropped his Bakupod." she said as the Bakupod activated. "Welcome Dan." the Bakupod said as it revealed he got a message. Runo noticed it and took the Bakupod. "He's... got a message." she said as she checked what the message was, and shocker... it was Masquerade. "Hello Dan... Masquerade here with a little invitation for you." he said in the message. Rarity scoffed at seeing him. "Well if it isn't the fashion nightmare himself!" she blurted out, only to get shushed by Runo. "Meet me at the river this afternoon, around 3:00pm, and come alone if you know what's good for you." Masquerade said in a threatening tone. Runo ended the message as her blood began to boil. "I just hate that creep!" she yelled out. "You and me both darling, we need to find Dan and tell him." said Rarity as she was about to go after Dan. "No..." Runo said as she clenched the Bakupod. "Someones gotta stop him before he ruins everything... and that someone... is going to be me." she said as held the Bakupod tightly in her hand. Rarity noticed it and was willing to protest. "But Runo, what if he takes away your Bakugan again?" she asked her worriedly. "You might even lose Tigerra." she pointed out. "Ms. Rarity, I know you're worried about Runo, but this is something Runo wants. Try to understand, she has come too far to back down now." Tigrerra said to her. Runo turned towards Rarity to face her. "Besides, even if Masquerade knocks me down, I'll just step back up." she said to her with a confident smile. (Parody of Steppin' Up from Elena of Avalor.) Runo; The climb to the top is oh so steep Got a lot to learn to make that leap But we're gonna stay strong And keep hanging on Each step that we take it's hard to see The finishing line where we need to be Rarity watched her amazed, not just by how beautiful her voice was as she sang. But how confident she felt in wanting to face Masquerade. Runo looked to Tigrerra and held her in her hands. Runo; But we're gonna stand tall Even when we fall Cause we're steppin up We are here to stay No matter what they say We're gonna win the day We're steppin up Giving all we got There's no way we'll stop Until we reach the top Rarity smiled at her and walked up to her. Rarity; Practice will make it perfectly right You gotta keep going to keep up the fight Runo; Yeah I'm gonna push through It's what I've got to do Cause I'm steppin up I am here to stay No matter what they say We're gonna win the day Runo & Rarity; We're steppin up Give it all we've got There's not way we'll stop Until we reach the top We're steppin up We're steppin up We are steppin up Runo smiled and looked to Rarity. "Lets get to the river." she said to her as Rarity nodded to her. They both ran out of Grocery Town to meet with Masquerade. Meanwhile, Dan was still running his head off to get the Loin Tips he was supposed to purchase. "Oh man, I really gotta step on it. I'm late, Mom's gonna be steamed." he went to look at his Bakupod to check the time, but when he looked at his wrist and found it wasn't there. "Hey... my Bakupod!" he then realized what happened to it. "Oh man... I gotta go back and get it." he ran back to where he last saw Runo and Rarity hoping to find his Bakupod, but it was no where to be found. "Aww.... you gotta be kidding, where did it go?" he searched for it everywhere he looked. "Its gotta be here..." then a thought just popped into his head. "Unless maybe Runo and Rarity saw it first and snagged it up." he ran off to find them. Meanwhile at the river, Runo and Rarity arrived at the river hoping to encounter Maquerade, but instead of Masquerade himself... they found Tatsuya. "So... who are you supposed to be...?" he asked her. "Name's Runo, and it looks like Masquerade sent me here to battle against you." she theorized, and she couldn't be more right. "Ha! My Battle is supposed to be against a guy named Dan, not some lame girl and her little pet pony." he teased her with his usual snarky attitude. Rarity scoffed at him. "A PET?!! How DARE you! Runo, teach this boy a lesson!" she demanded. Tatsuya was surprised. "What the..?! What kind of freak show did I get myself into?!" he asked himself. Runo scowled at him and looked away shutting her eyes. "Dan's the one who's lame." she said to him. Rarity heard it surprised, but somehow she knew she didn't mean it. Tatsuya thought of something the might have happened. "You mean you... you beat Dan?" he asked in disbelief. "Who cares about Dan?! Did you come here to battle or what Mr. Not-so-Big-Shot?! I'm challenging you!" she pointed to him, Rarity looked at her figuring that she was only stalling Tatsuya. She knew she needed to win a battle, and this could be her only opportunity. Tatsuya smirked as he reached and pulled out a Bakugan Card. "Okay... but you'll be sorry, because I'm gonna whip you good." he said to her. Runo smirked as she pulled out her card. "You ready Rarity...?" she asked her. "More than Ive ever been, and I cannot wait to wipe that little punks smirk off his face!" she blurted out shooting a glare at Tatsuya. Runo and Tatsuya held up their cards as they both glowed with their respected Attribute colors. "Field Open!" the called out as they were starting to enter the Pocket Dimension Battlefield. Then all of a sudden... "HEEEYYY!!!! HANG ON!" Dan called out as he activated his card, quickly entering the Battlefield. He ran up to Runo and Rarity. "Runo, Rarity, what do you think you're doing?" he asked them. They turned to him surprised. "Here's a better question, what do you think you're doing following me...?" Runo asked him curiously. "Well... I thought you might have found my Bakupod." he said to her as he scratched his head. Runo smiled and took the Bakupod from Rarity and handed it to him. "Is this it...?" she asked him. "You dropped it back at the mall, so we picked it up for you." she informed him only to see him snatch it out of her hands. "Hey! Is that the thanks I get for finding it?!" she yelled at him. Dan looked and saw he had a message. "Man... got a message." he then looked to Tatsuya and realized what was going on. "Hold on, you're not Masquerade." he pointed out. "Took you long enough to figure it out." said Rarity. Tatsuya then crossed his arms. "Hello! Waiting to battle over here!" he exclaimed to them. Runo rushed up to Dan with pleading eyes. "Please Dan, I know what you're thinking, but let me battle him! Masquerade set up this battle, and he's the one who stole my Bakugan from me! I want to have my revenge Dan, I want it!" she pleaded to him. "I know its no big deal to you, but its the whole entire world to me." she said to him. Dan looked to her seeing her eyes, noticing that she truly needs to win this. "I don't know..." he said as he thought about it. Tatsuya started walking toward them. "Come on! Come on, lets get this show on the road already!" he exclaimed to him wanting to start the battle. Dan soon had a confident smirk across his face. "Keep your shirt on, you in a hurry to lose?" he asked him surprising the young brawler. "Cause Runo is gonna whip you big time!" he said to him. Rarity was surprised from what he said, she knew that Dan was gonna want to battle Tatsuya. But for him to let Runo battle in his place, it shows signs that has a good heart underneath his rough exterior. Runo looked at him with a faint blush over her face. "Really...?" she asked him, only to receive a nod from him, she smiled cheerfully and turned to Tatsuya with a determined expression. "Alright ya little punk! Lets get this battle started!" she declared. Tatsuya glared at her and pulled out a Gate Card as well as she did. "Gate Card Set!" they threw their cards onto the field. Tatsuya soon pulled out the Doom Card forming a confident smirk. "Doom Card Set now!" he threw it onto the field as the battlefield absorbed it. Rarity saw it feeling the force of Negative Energy, she shivered from it. "That Masquerade has no shame what so ever...!" she blurted out as she shot a glare at him. "Okay Runo, this is your one chance, its all or nothing!" she thought to herself as she pulled out a Bakugan. "Everything rides on you Juggernoid... Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed it to the field. "Bakugan Stand!" she called out as Haos Juggernoid emerged in its true form, roaring out at Tatsuya. "So what did you think of my opening move?" she asked both Dan and Rarity. "Not bad..." Dan complimented her. "I think it was smashing.... and I must say, Haos Bakugan certainly have a lot more to them than I ever realized." Rarity said as her mind went into her own little Fashion World. "Now to put the plan into action!" Runo declared as she stood ready. Tatsuya meanwhile... was not amused. "Ha... tell me you're joking! Your Bakugan's a turtle? The only thing he can do is crawl!" he blurted out as he started laughing trying to get on their nerves, and surprisingly, it was working. Rarity shot a fierce glare at him. "That's it! I've had it with you, ya little brat! Runo, choose your next move carefully." she advised her. Runo smirked confidently. "I'm just a girl... what do I know about battling anyway?!" she asked only trying to mock him. Tatsuya loaded a Bakugan into his shooter with a smirk. "Now its my turn to play! Bakugan Brawl!" he shot it out to the field. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as his Pyrus Gargonoid emerged in its true form, shrieking with much malevolence. "Gate Card Open!" he called out as the Gate Card began to glow. "Lets do some damage!" he said to Gargonoid as flames surrounded its body. Dan checked his Bakupod to see its power level. "Gargonoid Power Level 430 G's." said the Bakupod. Gargonoid shrieked and shot a stream of fire at Juggernoid. Runo prepared herself for this. "Okay, my turn! Ability Card, Lightning Shield Activate!" she threw the card over Juggernoid, as a shield of light formed above it. "Gargonoid Power Level decrease by 100 G's." said her Bakupod. Rarity panicked from hearing it. "Juggernoid doesn't have enough power!" she cried out seeing Gargonoid charge at Juggernoid, tackling it into a portal to the Doom Dimension. Runo was shocked from what happened. "How did he do that?!" she asked them. "No clue... his Bakugan was only 10 G's stronger than yours." Dan explained to her. Runo glared at Tatsuya for what happened. "This is not looking good for me... Ive got to stop this losing streak before I lose all my Bakugan." she thought to herself. Dan noticed her expression and started to worry. "Hey Runo, are you... okay...?" he asked her Runo looked to him with a smile. "Yep." she pulled out her next Bakugan. "Bakugan Brawl!" she threw it to the field, as it stood on the field, it revealed itself as a Haos Saurus. "Bakugan Stand!" she called out as Saurus emerged in its true form, snarling at Tatsuya. "Only two left... gotta make this work." she thought to herself. Meanwhile Tatsuya, was only laughing at her with a smug look on his face. "You kill me! You really think you stand a chance?! Or do you wanna pack it in?!" he asked her getting on her nerves even further. Runo was trying to keep herself under pressure, then Tigrerra floated up to her. "Let me finish this." she said to Runo. "Runo, listen to Tigrerra, she could be your only chance to defeat this rotten little child." said Rarity wanting the need to teach Tatsuya a lesson for the that one insult. Runo however shook her head in response. "No... this is my battle you two, I have a great strategy worked out. Just wait." she said to her with much determination in her heart. "As you wish." Tigrerra willingly backed down. "Are you sure about this Runo?" Rarity asked feeling worried about the battle. "Mmhmm... trust me Rarity, I got this totally under control." she assured her. "But-" before Rarity could intervene. "Its true I haven't been the best brawler in the past, but I know I can read this guy. Dan gave me this chance, now let me prove myself." she begged of her to give her this chance. Dan noticed how determined she was to defeat Tatsuya, he knew she was stubborn, but he knew this was her one chance to end her losing streak. Meanwhile, Tatsuya let out a dark chuckle as he loaded Gargonoid into his shooter. "Your little love fest is making me sick! Bakugan Brawl!" he shot it to the field letting it stand on the field. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Gargonoid emerged on the battlefield. "Ability Card Activate! Fire Judge!" he called out as he tossed the card to Gargonoid. Flames swirled around it as its power began to increase. "Gargonoid Power Level increase to 430 G's, Saurus remains stable." said his Bakupod. Runo pulled out a counter ability. "I'm down to my last chance to win. Ability Counter Activate!" she called out as sparkling lights shined around Gargonoid, extinguishing the flames around it. "Counter Attack neutralizes Gargonoid power increase." said her Bakupod. Tatsuya only let out a dark chuckle from seeing it. "Nice try!" he continued to tease her. "He's right Runo, that wasn't much of a move. His Gargonoids got power, and loads of it." he said to her as he looked at his Bakupod. Tigrerra knew she might lose Saurus, so she turned toward her. "Utilize me!" she pleaded to her. "Yes Runo, send in Tigrerra before its too late." Rarity begged her to send her in. "No! I can do this!" she said to them with a confident smile, Dan noticed it and started to figure out what she has planned. "Okay, lets get this over with! Gargonoid attack!" he called at as Gargonoid charged at Saurus preparing to send him into the Doom Dimension. Runo smirked at him knowing he fell right into her trap. "Just like I thought... Saurus! Gate Card open!" she called out as the card began to glow beneath Saurus. "Okay, watch and learn guys! With this card, Saurus' power level will increase to the same level as my strongest, Tigrerra!" she explained to Dan and Rarity, surprising them. "No way!" Tatsuya cried out. "Saurus Power Level Increase to 340 G's." said her Bakupod. "Yeah! Come and get it!" Runo called out as Gargonoid charged right at Saurus. However Saurus, pulled its large fist back, and quickly punched Gargonoid with much force sending it flying back. Gargonoid writhed in agony as it reverted to Ball Form, returning to Tatsuya. Runo watched him groan in frustration as she caught Saurus. "I win!" she called out with a smirk. "Settle down..." Dan advised her. "You just won one round, you didn't win the whole battle." he explained to her as he watched Tatsuya carefully. "He's right darling, you may have won this round, but you still have two more. And given that Tatsuya lost this round, I have a feeling he's done playing around." said Rarity as she advised her. Runo pulled out a new Gate Card. "I'm just getting started!" she tossed it to the field letting it expand onto the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" she threw Saurus back onto the field. "You only get one chance at being lucky girl! Bakugan Brawl!" he yelled out as he shot out a Pyrus Griffon onto the field. Both Bakugan stood on the field, and emerged in their true forms, preparing for battle. "Ability Card Activate! Fire Wall!" he called out as a pillar of flames circled around Griffon. "Too bad you don't know how to fight Fire with Fire! Because my Fire Wall is gonna drop your power level over by 50 G's!" he warned her as Griffon snarled at Saurus with much ferocity. "Man he's good, for real!" Dan panicked as Griffon charged at Saurus. "Pyrus Activate!" Runo called out as the Gate Card opened. Griffons power level was switched with Saurus. "Sensing Power Level change." said her Bakupod. Saurus charged at Griffon and clobbered it forcing it back into Ball Form. "My goodness, you really planned that through Runo, I'm impressed at how brilliant you are." Rarity complimented her. Tatsuya was shocked at how he was outsmarted. "NO!" he cried out. "How does it feel to lose to a girl?" Runo asked with a smirk across her face. "Huh Tough-Guy? I just pulled the old power switcheroo on you and it worked to perfection." she explained to him. "That was awesome, how did you figure out that counter move?" Dan asked her curiously. Runo shut her eyes and smiled a bit. "It was easy..." she turned toward him to explain. "He battles like you, so you're kind of predictable." she said to him. Rarity snickered at hearing it. "You know, she is right about that darling, even when you're hot headed." she said to him. "AM NOT!!!" Dan yelled out defensively. Rarity smirked seeing it. "That proves my point." she said as she flipped her mane. "Gate Card Set!" Runo tossed out another card, and grabbed Saurus. "Okay Saurus, its up to you! Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed him to the field for a third battle. "Bakugan Stand!" she called out as Saurus emerged in its true form. "That's it! You're going down!" Tatsuya yelled furiously. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot out a Pyrus Fear Ripper onto the field. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Pyrus Fear Ripper emerged in its true form. "Do your worst Fear Ripper! Show no mercy and rip her Saurus apart!" he ordered Fear Ripper, who willingly obeyed and charged at Saurus. "Gate Card Open! Activate Now!" Runo called out as the Gate Card began to glow brightly, forming a barrier between Fear Ripper and Saurus. Fear Ripper tried to slash its way through the barrier with its gigantic claws, but fails to do so. "What are you doing?! You're not Battling!" yelled Tatsuya. Runo scowled at him. "That's right, I don't have to..." she said as her thoughts when to seeing her Bakugan who were sent to the Doom Dimension. "I'm tired of losing my Bakugan, this is supposed to be a game!" she turned to Tigrerra and held her in her hands. "Right Tigrerra...?" she asked her. "You humans are full of surprises." she said to her. Runo smiled at her. "Ive been saving the best for last... I figured with your power, we could finish off his Fear Ripper, and walk away with a win." she explained the rest of her plan. "Your wish is my command." Tigrerra said to her. "And Tigrerra, if you do go out there, be sure the battle with style." said Rarity. "Of course, I will personally give this boy a reason to regret his actions." Tigrerra said as she looked to Runo. "We can't afford to lose this one, its all or nothing. Saurus is waiting for you..." Runo pointed out as Tigrerra looked to Saurus. Saurus turned to her giving her a nod. Tigrerra saw it surprised and she turned to Runo seeing how well she planned her strategy. "I'm impressed by your patience human, by my calculations... your strategy may yet be successful." she complimented Runo. "Hey, I appreciate the Vote of Confidence." Runo said to her with a warm smile. "You can rely on my to defeat Fear Ripper." Tigrerra said proudly as she prepared for battle. "Lets get this over with shall we?!" she asked as she curled up into Ball Form. Runo nodded at her and looked to the Battlefield. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed Tigrerra onto the field. "Bakugan Stand!" she called out as Tigrerra stood on the field. Light shined around her, and she emerged in her true form. She took on the form of a White Tiger, with blades running down her back, and armor around her body. She rose her head and roared out with much ferocity. Rarity was amazed at how she looks. "My goodness... so this is what you really look like, so majestic..." she complimented Tigrerra. "As much as I love the compliment, but we are still in the battle Ms. Rarity." Tigrerra said to her as she focused on the battle with Fear Ripper. "Lets Brawl!" Runo and Tatsuya called out as the Barrier between the three Bakugan disappeared. Fear Ripper charged at them tackling Saurus to the ground, but was unaware Tigrerra was behind him. "YOU'RE MINE!" she snarled and went to strike at Fear Ripper, but it deflected her attack and struck at her. Tigrerra dodged it and slid on the ground landing next to Saurus. "Are you ready Saurus?!" she asked him. "Never more!" he replied to her and got back up. Fear Ripper when to knock him back down, but Saurus blocked his attacks, and grabbed him by his arms. Fear Ripper was surprised by this action as Saurus turned to Tigrerra. "Spring Board! NOW!" he called out to her. Tigrerra took her chance to strike, she charged towards Saurus and leaped onto his back, and leaped above him and Fear Ripper. Fear Ripper struggled to get away, but Tigrerra roared at him with much ferocity. "Ability Card Activate! Crystal Fang!" Runo called out as Tigrerra's claws extended. She snarled at Fear Ripper and struck him down, forcing him to revert to Ball Form. Tatsuya was shocked by this development. "How did she...?!" he asked as Fear Ripper landed next to his foot. "Fear Ripper Eliminated." said his Bakupod. Dan was amazed at what happened, even Drago was impressed by what happened. "That was sweet! Ive never seen teamwork like that before." he admitted as Tigrerra and Saurus roared out in victory. They soon returned to the real world, and Tatsuya... was less than happy with what happened. "No way! There's no way I could have lost to a girl! There is just no way, I want a rematch!" he cried out. "This kid doesn't know when to let it go." said Runo as she cracked her knuckles. "Oh well, might as well teach him the hard way..." Rarity soon stopped her from doing so. "Let me handle this darling..." she walked toward him. Runo was surprised by what she's doing. "Uhhh... what's she doing...?" she asked Dan and Drago. "I don't know, but I can't wait to see the result." said Drago as he watched what was going to happen. Tatsuya watched as Rarity walked up. "Oh what? You want a piece of me?! Because I have no problem with hurting a little-" before he could finish, Rarity's horn glowed as her magic wrapped around him. "Whoa, hey!" he struggled but felt his body float into the air, he began to panic as Rarity made him hang upside down over the river. Runo watched it surprised at what she's doing. "She wouldn't..." "She would..." said both Dan and Drago. "I'm going to give you this one chance to apologize, right now for everything you did." she said to him as she held him over the river. "And if I don't?!" Tatsuya asked her. Rarity only formed a devious smirk across her face. "I can think of a few things that would amuse me..." she dunked him into the river. Tatsuya cried out as he got dunked several times in the water. He tried to catch his breath, till finally he couldn't take it anymore. "Okay! Okay I'm sorry! I'm sorry for what I did! Please stop!" he pleaded to her. "That's better..." she pulled him to shore and set him on the ground. "Now I'm warning you young man, if you so much as bully another innocent soul... then you will answer to me... are we clear...?!" she asked him with much anger inside her eyes. Tatsuya looked like he was about ready to pee his pants just by seeing it. "Y-Yes ma'am... crystal clear ma'am." he replied to her with much shakiness in his voice. Satisfied with the results, Rarity let him go. "That's all I needed to hear... but remember young man... Ive got my eye on you." she gestured to him as she walked away. Meanwhile, Dan, Runo, Drago and Tigrerra were shocked to see that side of her. "And here I thought Fluttershy was scary..." said Dan. "That sweet little pony? Scary...? She probably has nothing on Rarity..." said Runo as she watched Rarity walk to them. "Stranger things have happened though..." said Drago Dan and Runo soon smiled and decided to lie down on the grass, to get a chance to relax after everything that happened. Dan smiled as his eyes were closed as he thought about the battle. "Not bad Runo... you sure showed him..." he complimented her. "I appreciate it Dan... I tried my best." Runo replied to him with a warm smile. "Uh, excuse me human, but I too must say how impressed I was, congratulations." Tigrerra said to her. Runo sat up and held Tigrerra in her hands. "You're sweet Tigrerra." she complimented her. "Your patience and skills surpassed anything Ive ever witnessed before." Tigrerra said to her. "Wow... coming from you, I am totally honored." Runo replied with a warm smile. "But you do realize it was both you and Saurus who did the dirty work." she informed her and realized something. "Oh, and I hope you don't mind me saying... you were kind of cute back there." she said to her only to make Tigrerra blush from the compliment. "No.." she replied with a light chuckle and a faint blush on her face. "I don't mind..." Dan noticed it clear as day. "Hey look, she's blushing..." he pointed out as both he and Runo started laughing together. "I'm so funny, you know..." Runo said as she laughed with him. Even Rarity joined in the laughter for a bit and smiled at Dan. "Daniel, what you did for Runo was very sweet of you." she said to him. Dan blushed a bit and scratched his head a little. "W-Well... I knew she needed that battle more than me, I mean... I could have taken over the battle myself given the fact I'm always looking for a challenge." he looked to Runo. "But I knew that it was more important to her than anything else." he said out loud. Runo blushed from hearing his words. "Y-You really mean it...?" she asked him curiously. Dan tried to hide the blush that was forming across his face, but it did not go unnoticed from Rarity. "Yeah... well... most of all, I'm just glad that your Tigrerra and Saurus are safe and sound." he said to her Runo couldn't believe the words that were coming out of Dan's mouth, sure he may be a hot-headed idiot sometimes. But deep down, he's a kind and generous person. "T-Thank you Dan..." she expressed her gratitude. Tigrerra floated up next to Drago. "Drago, are you seeing, what I'm seeing...?" she asked him. "Though human communication is still new to me, I can easily tell there's something between these two. Like if they are somehow connected." he said as he observed them. Rarity was also watching it, and new crystal clear, that they were two flawless diamonds that were made for one another. "I'm sure things will be just fine you two, its nothing you need to worry about." she said as she secretly planned something. This did not go unnoticed from Drago, for he learned a little bit about her, and what ever is running through her head. He knew for a fact she was going to do something crazy. Later that evening, Dan and Runo's parents got together to have a little Beach Barbecue. The rest of the Mane Six also joined them, but they brought salad with them to avoid eating Dan and Runo's favorite meats. "It looks like Dan and Runo are getting along, and I'm glad you both could join us out here for our little Beach Barbecue." Miyoko expressed her gratitude to Runo's parents. "Say honey? Think there's any of your world famous Loin Tips left?" Shinjiro asked her. Tatsuo looked to the Mane Six curiously. "Sure you girls wouldn't like to try out our famous Liver Kebobs?" he asked them "Thank you Mister Misaki, but I think we'll stick to our vegetarian diet." Twilight responded kindly to him. "But I'll take you up on that offer!" Spike called out as Saki gave him some Liver Kebobs. "Its perfectly alright dearie, after all, I'm saving most of them for our dear little Runo." Saki informed them. "I think you might be spoiling her." said Rainbow Dash as she ate her salad. Applejack quickly elbowed her. "Come on Dash, I'm sure she's just looking out for her daughter. You would do the same thing when you have kids." she pointed out. "Yeah, that'll be the day..." Rainbow said sarcastically. Meanwhile, Dan and Runo who were supposed to be getting along, were actually fighting over the food. "Hey, quit hogging!" he yelled at her. "Me hogging?! You practically ate everything!" Runo yelled back at him. Dan pointed his chopsticks at her. "Nobody comes between me and my Loin Tips, you got it?!" he said to her. "I didn't even touch your stupid Loin Tips, Beef Breath!" she yelled at him. Drago and Tigrerra were observing the scene between the two bickering kids. "Just when you think you had them all figured out..." she said as she watched them argue. "Tigrerra my friend... I don't think we'll ever understand these humans." Drago pointed out as he watched them. Rarity looked over to them watching them argue, she only smiled knowing that they will have their good days and bad days. Fluttershy noticed it wondering what she could be thinking. "Rarity, what are you thinking about...?" she asked her curiously. "Ohhh.... nothing much..." she said to her reassuringly, but secretly... she was lying. "Come on Rare, what's going on...?" Applejack asked her. "Well... somehow I see sort of a connection between Dan and Runo." she pointed out as she looked to them. "It is like destiny brought them together... its like the Red Thread of Fate playing its roll." she explained to them. "Yeah, I do see what they have in common, they both like Bakugan, they're both skilled Brawlers, and the-" Rainbow Dash soon stopped herself as she soon realized something. "Waaaiiit a minute... you're not seriously thinking..." she suggested as she gave Rarity a suspicious look. "Either that... or I could let things run its course." Rarity said as she looked to them. Twilight looked to Dan and Runo seeing what Rarity see's, true they have much in common. But could they really afford to meddle with their relationship? Who knows what might happen? "Well girls, if there really is something connecting Dan and Runo, we should leave it alone for now. And no secret romance plans Rarity." she pointed out to her. Rarity frowned hearing it. "Awww..." Rarity complained. Back in Equestria, Princess Celestia and Luna looked at the Tree of Harmony, sensing what had happened in the human world. Celestia let out a soft chuckle seeing the two young brawlers together. "These young brawlers really are special." she said as she looked to her sister. "They are... in their own way of course." Luna replied as she looked to the Tree. "But why choose them...? They're only children..." she pointed out. "They were chosen because they have something special within their hearts." said Solaria as she approached using her magic to form astral projections of Dan and Runo. "Though they are young, they are the only ones who can restore the balance." she explained to them. Luna looked at the projections of the young brawlers. "But if that's true... what balance has been disrupted, and where...?" she asked her. Solaria looked to the chest seeing the Attribute Symbols. "Vestroia..." she replied as she approached it. "A world full of wonder... it was where all Bakugan came from. But there was one... who was foretold to steal one of the very cores of that world. The Silent Core..." she explained as she looked at the center circle on the chest. "The Source of all Negative Energy... I will never forget the dark power it possessed." she said as her eyes squinted. "Or the dark being... that took your father from us..." she mentioned as tears formed in her eyes. Celestia and Luna noticed it and looked to each other concerned. They walked to her placing a wing around her. "We miss him too mother... but the only way we can honor him is remembering all the good times we spent with him." Celestia said to her trying to comfort her. Solaria felt her tears roll down her cheek but she smiled as she spread out both her wings wrapping them around Celestia and Luna. "You're right... he would want that more than anything." she looked to the Tree of Harmony watching the young brawlers and ponies. "For now... we will watch over the young ones, and see how far they may progress." she said to them as they both nodded in agreement. Solaria smiled and turned her attention to Dan. "Dan Kuso... you remind me so much of my husband, and I pray that you will prove yourself worthy... of being the hero I know you are." she thought to herself. The three mares sat next to one another, watching carefully as the events in Dan's world unfolded. Little did they know of the Dark Power that was growing in Vestroia. > A Combination Battle > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In a Pocket Dimension Battlefield, Twilight was in her first Bakugan Battle. Though it is only practice, but she managed to win two battles, and tied it up with Dan. "Alright... I just need one more win..." she thought to herself. She pulled out her Pyrus Griffon to handle the final round. "Its up to you Griffon... Bakugan Brawl!" she used her magic to toss it to the field. "Bakugan Stand!" she called out as Pyrus Griffon stood on the field, emerging in its true form. Griffon rose its head and roared out. "GO TWILIGHT! YOU GOT THIS!" Pinkie pie cried out from a distance. "Chill out Pinkie, this is only practice." Rainbow mentioned to her trying to calm her down. "I know that! But its just so exciting that she's got the first chance to Brawl! I'm just so excited?! Who's excited?! Ive never been so excited!" she said out loud "Ya'll have to admit, Twilight made it quite far with her time practicing. Guess all those notes she took actually paid off." said Applejack as she looked to the battle. Dan grabbed Drago to see how far she'll get. "Alright Twilight, this is the final round, so don't hesitate alright? Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed Drago to the field. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Drago emerged in his true form. "Don't think I will go easy on you Princess." Drago gave her a heads up. Twilight only smiled as she pulled out a card. "I didn't think you would..." she said to him "Ability Card Activate! Boosted Dragon!" Dan called out. "Drago Power Level increase to 430 G's, Griffon remains stable." said his Bakupod. Drago's mouth was filled with fire as he shot out a fire ball. "Ability Card Activate! Wing Burst!" Twilight called out "Griffon Power Level increase to 440 g's" said the Bakupod. Griffon leaped over the Fire Ball. Its wings burst into flames as it snarled and charged at Drago. "Nice counter move, but lets see if you can handle this. Gate Card Open! Pyrus Activate!" he called out as the Gate card glowed, causing Drago's and Griffon's power levels to switch. Drago roared out and charged at Griffon going in for a direct attack. Twilight smirked seeing it. "Well played Dan, but Ive got a plan you didn't even know about. Ability Card Activate! Fire Tornado!" she called out. "Griffon Power Level increase 540 G's." said the Bakupod. "WHAT?!" Dan cried out. Griffons body was surrounded by a Fire Tornado, it looked to Drago and roared at him. It charged at him and slammed against him, knocking him down to the ground. Drago shrieked in pain and reverted to Ball Form, Dan was amazed at how Twilight managed to out smart him. "No way..." he said as Griffon reverted to Ball Form and returned to Twilight. She caught Griffon and smiled proudly. "What'd you think?" she asked him. "Twilight... that was AWESOME!" he yelled out as they returned to the real world. Pinkie ran up to Twilight and pulled her into a tight hug. "I knew you would win Twilight!" she said to her as she squeezed her. Twilight tried to catch her breath, but couldn't from the lack of air. "Pinkie... can't... breathe..." she said to her as she felt her let go. Her body slammed on the ground. "Gee Twi, I never thought you'd be able to pull off a counter attack like that." Dan said to her as he sat down. "Did you come up with that on your own?" he asked. "Well I planned to use the Wing Burst Ability Card to counter Drago's Boosted Dragon, but I had reason to believe that you had a Pyrus Card set up. So I prepared the Fire Tornado Ability Card in case you did." she explained to him and smiled proudly of how she figured it all out. Dan was surprised at how well she learned so much, of course this is Twilight we're talking about. She'll pretty much outsmart him every chance she gets. "Wow, if I had pony ears, they'd be shooting up." he said as he let out a chuckle. "That would be surprising darling, but we will admit, you and Drago did your best out there." Rarity said to him. "Yeah, and I was really hoping Drago would win that on." said Spike as he sat next to Dan. Drago let out a light chuckle hearing it. "It was only practice young Dragon. Besides, I'm sure in a real battle, I would win." he said to him. Rarity smiled and finished one last stitch. "There we are... and while you all have been practicing. I have been working on my latest fashion for me and the girls." she used her magic to hold up the outfits she made for the rest of the Mane Six. They were all amazed at how well they were made, and were eager to try them on. "Well lets not stand around here, lets suit up!" she said to them. Half an hour went by, and Dan was waiting with Spike outside as the girls were getting into their Battle Brawler uniforms. "How long does it take a group of ponies to to get dressed...?" Dan asked out loud as he sat on the ground. "Believe me, you don't want to know." Spike said to him. Runo soon arrived, but rather than having a face that was supposed to speak cheerfulness, it was a face of anger. "Dan!" she yelled at him causing him to jump like a scared rabbit. "Do you have any idea how long Ive been waiting?!" she asked him furiously. "Sorry Runo, me and Spike were waiting for the girls since they planned on going with us to the Carnival." he explained to her. "And they've been in there for half an hour." Drago said to her. "That long?" Runo asked. "Yep... and knowing Rarity, its gonna take a while." Spike added to the info. "Hope we didn't keep you waiting, what do you think?" asked Rarity as she and the girls walked out of Dan's house. Dan and Runo looked to them and were amazed by their outfits. Twilight's was a Light Magenta short sleeve jacket, with a Purple shirt with a White Collar under it. Rainbow Dash's was a Bluish Green overcoat, Grayish Green turtleneck sweater, and sort of a darker shade of Bluish Green arm bands around her arms. Pinkie Pie's outfit was a Powder Blue Hat with a Violet Button on it, the large Collar was also Powder Blue, her shirt was a mix of two Light Blues, and her Sash was a Red Violet color. Rarity wore a Choker Necklace which had a Sapphire Diamond, her jacket was Dark Purple with light Light Purple hood and Sash around her waist, and under the jacket was a Grayish Purple shirt. Fluttershy wore a Jacket that was a mix of Violets, from a Dark Grayish Violet around the neck, to a regular violet, a very bright hue. It even acted as on overcoat as it flowed down to her flank. Applejack wore an Orange Bandana over a brown leather vest with Light Brown feathered Trim. Under the vest, was a White Shirt, and she wore a brown belt. Dan, Runo and their Bakugan partners were amazed at how Rarity designed their outfits. "I must say Lady Rarity, you really have a talent for fashion." Tigrerra complimented her. "Oh, thank you Tigrerra." Rarity expressed her gratitude towards her. "Anyways Dan, we need to get to the faire while we still can." Runo reminded him. "Oh yeah, thanks for reminding me Runo, listen, the girls and I were talking about the whole faire thing. And they were wondering if they could come along...?" Dan asked her. Runo was surprised that they wanted to go. "Well..." She looked to them in thought. "Aw come on, how can you say no to these faces...?" Dan asked as he held the Mane Six close as they had cute eyes and pouty lips. As hard as Runo wanted to resist it, she couldn't say no to those faces. "UGH!!! Alright they can come! But they're gonna need-" "No... leashes...!" The Mane Six said to her with disapproving looks. And all Runo could do... was sigh in defeat. They eventually arrived at the Faire, the Mane Six were astonished by the contraptions that stood before them. Pinkie was feeling twice as excited as before. "OOOOOH!!!!!! I'm so excited! I want to try the Roller Coaster! No, the Ferris Wheel! Actually no, the Bumper Ca-' Pinkie was soon cut off when Twilight place her hoof across her mouth. "Pinkie, remember what Dan said about talking? Not everyone knows that we're special." Twilight mentioned to her. "She has a point there Pinkie, we need to keep a low profile, which is something you're not good at doin'." Applejack said to her. "Alright guys, since we're here, what do you say we split up?" Dan suggested. "Good idea, Dan and I will take three of each Pony." Runo added to the idea. "I'll take Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Applejack." Dan said but felt a tug at his pants. He looked and saw Spike giving him a look. "Okay, and Spike, that counts as Three and a Half." He said. "Guess that leaves me with Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy." Runo said as she looked to them. "I hope you girls don't mind." "Not at all, as long as we don't go on rides that are scary." Fluttershy said as she pulled her main in front of her face. "I'm not to crazy about heights..." She added. Rainbow Dash flew up to Runo. "Its true, in fact she's even scared of her own shadow." She whispered to her. "I'll keep that in mind." Runo said with a smile. "But don't worry, the rides we'll go one will be very safe, and I might go on the Ferris Wheel." She pointed out but soon saw Fluttershy shudder at the idea, she knew it wasn't a good idea, but she had a way that could help her stay calm. She kneeled down to her and touched her shoulder. "Don't worry Fluttershy, I know the Ferris Wheel will be scary... but I'll be right there beside you, I promise." She said to her with a warm smile. "Pinkie Promise?" Fluttershy asked. Runo knew exactly what it was, because she learned it from Pinkie Pie a while back. "Yeah, Cross my Heart, Hope to Fly, Stick a Cupcake in my Eye." she said to her while avoiding to poke herself in the eye. Fluttershy smiled knowing she can trust her. "Alright guys, lets get started!" Dan called out as they began their adventure in the Faire. An hour went by, Dan and Runo took each of the Mane Six on rides that they would like, but when they decided to meet up. A good day soon turned into something different. "Aw don't be a wimp Runo, lets do Extreme Mountain next!" Dan yelled at her. "I want to ride the Ferris Wheel!" Runo yelled back at him. "Extreme Mountain, because Rainbow Dash will find it awesome!" Dan said to her. "The Ferris Wheel because it will be more calming for Fluttershy!" Runo said to him "Oh whoopee, a big wheel that goes round and round, what a blast!" Dan mocked her. "Just cause it doesn't go up and down at a hundred miles an hour doesn't mean it won't be fun!" Runo pointed out. "Yeah, it'll be boring." Dan said only to get Runo more worked up. "Well Ive got six tickets in my pocket, how many do you have?!" She asked him catching him off guard. Dan began to panic. "No you wouldn't...!" Runo smirked and crossed her arms. "Ha, ha! I guess you shouldn't have wasted your money on all those gnarly corndogs! I'll share my tickets if you go on the Ferris Wheel first." Runo bribed him. Dan groaned in frustration. "You are so brutal! I knew this would turn into a snooze fest!" He said to her. "You spent your whole allowance, you've been stuffing your face with junk food all day, you got no money left. No money, you want to go to Extreme Mountain, you be nice to me." Runo said to him. "A corn dog, I bought you a corn dog, that's gotta be worth something." Dan pointed out hoping to get a good reaction. "A CORN DOG?!!" Runo yelled out. (Dan, you failed miserably.) "Listen up buddy! We're gonna go on the Ferris Wheel next! If you want my tickets, DO AS I SAY!" She yelled at him The Mane Six watched as the two immature kids argued amongst each other, even Drago and Tigrerra were in the middle of it. "There they go again..." Drago said as he peeked out of Dan's coat pocket. "These humans are indeed a curious species." Tigrerra pointed out. "No kidding, in fact I turned into one." Twilight said to them. Drago looked to her surprised. "You turned into a human?" He asked her. "Yeah, and I turned into a dog... it was nice and all, but the flee's were murder." Spike said only to get a light chuckle from Drago. "That's a tail I'd like to hear some time." Drago said as he chuckled at the thought of seeing Spike as a dog. Spike only scowled at him knowing what he's thinking. Suddenly something caught his attention as he looked to a stage performance. "Hey, what's happening over there?" He asked. Dan and Runo looked to it curiously. "I don't know, lets check it out." Dan suggested as they walked over to see what's going on. When they arrived in front of the stage, they saw two boys. Twins to be exact, their names were Kenta and Kenji, they're both magicians who look alike. Only Kenji's hair was Purple, and Kenta's hair was red. Each of them had a flower pot in their hands, and by the time they waved their hands over them, flower bloomed instantly. Dan and Runo were amazed by it knowing its their own form of magic. "Awesome!" They said out loud. Rainbow Dash meanwhile, was not impressed. "Big deal, so they waved their hands over a flower pot, Twilight's the only magic expert around here." She boasted to her. "Rainbow, we're not going through this again." Twilight said to her with an intense expression on her face. "Why, what happened last time?" Drago asked her. "One time, a unicorn mare named Trixie came to Ponyville, boasting how she defeated an Ursa Major." She explained to him. "Then two little fillies named Snips and Snails brought an Ursa Minor into town, causing a huge ruckus, and eventually proving that Trixie was a fraud." Drago was surprised from what she said. "And what happened to this Trixie?" He asked her. "She ran away, but eventually came back with an item called the Alicorn Amulet, we had a Duel, I lost, but won the second Duel by outsmarting her. But she eventually realized what she did was cruel, and she wished for me to forgive her." Twilight said to him. "And did you...?" Tigrerra asked "I couldn't stay mad at her forever, she did make up for it with an amazing fireworks show." Twilight said to her with a smile. "Ladies and Gents, can we have two volunteers for our next illusion?" Kenta asked as he addressed the audience. "Anybody out there interested?" Kenji asked them as he looked through the audience. Dan and Runo were frantically waving their hands hoping to get picked. "You two! Come on up here!" Kenta called out to them. "And feel free to bring your pets up here with you." Kenji said unaware he offended them. "Alright, let me at that-" Rainbow's sentence was cut off when Twilight used her magic to keep her quiet. "Just go with it Rainbow." She said to her. As much as Rainbow Dash hated being called a pet, she knew if anyone found out about them, its all down hill for them. They eventually made their way to the stage, to meet with their hosts. Kenta pulled out a stack of cards for them. "We'll start with a card trick." He said as he spread the cards out. "Go ahead and pick a card, any card." he offered to them. Dan rubbed his chin trying to figure out which one to pick. "Right... which one should I choose...?" He asked himself. Meanwhile Runo only got frustrated because of the fact he was taking so long. "Uh Dan, pick a card! Come on buddy, I don't have all day!" "Chill, I'm thinking!" He said to her with his hands placed on his hips. He looked back to the cards as Runo crossed her arms, he looked carefully at them and finally decided. "I pick.... this one... here!" he pointed to the card he chose. Twilight eventually noticed a sinister grin on the twins faces, she knew just by looking at them it meant trouble. "Dan, wait!" she tried to stop him, but it was too late. Dan pulled up the card, and found out it was a Doom Card, Runo was shocked at this discovery. "A Doom Card!" She cried out. "That's twisted!" Dan said as he looked to the twins. "Yeah, you know why? Masquerade is behind this!" Twilight pointed as she glared at the twins. Kenta smirked and walked up to his twin brother. "You're right my little pony... let me introduce myself, and my brother. I'm Kenta." He introduced himself. "And I'm Kenji." "Runo right? And you must be Dan Kuso... Masquerade says that you're the one to beat. You up for a battle...?" Kenta offered to him. "Always...!" Dan said as he was determined. Runo meanwhile, was on edge... she had a funny feeling about this. "Hey Dan, I can handle these two..." She said to him. "What...?" He looked to her surprised. "This is all a set up by Masquerade. He's watching you, and if you take part in this battle, you'll be playing right into his hands." Runo explained to him. Applejack walked up to them. "Yeah maybe, but so what...?" She asked in a form of a whisper. "Dan can't back out of this." She told her. "He has to!" Runo yelled as she shot a scowl towards Dan. "They challenged me, not you!" Dan argued with her. The Mane Six only watched as they argued. "Here they go again, and right now the crowd is starting to look a little impatient." Spike pointed out as he looked to the crowd. "Are you two up for a Combination Battle?" Kenta suggested. "A what now...?" Rainbow asked curiously. "A Combination Battle...?" Twilight asked. "The two of you against the two of us, that way the odds are even. That sounds fair doesn't it...?" Kenji asked them. Twilight knew there were going to be tricks up their sleeves, so she tapped Dan on his shoulder. "Dan, I think I have an idea..." she soon started whispering in his ear about her plan. Dan listened to her plan and was surprised. "You sure about this Twilight?" He asked her. "Trust me, they won't know what hit them." She said to him with a reassuring smile. "Sounds crowded..." Dan soon looked to the twins. "But sure! Lets do it! Ready when you are!" He accepted their challenge as he, Runo and Twilight pulled out their cards. The twins also pulled out their cards preparing for battle. "Bakugan Field Open!" they called out as they all entered the Pocket Dimension Battlefield. "Hey Kenji, I noticed that the pony also held up a Bakugan Card... this was supposed to be two on two..." Kenta pointed out. "You're right brother. Hey! What are you doing?!" Kenji asked them. "Oh nothing, just observing the obvious." Twilight said as she smirked at them. Kenta was feeling nervous about this, but that wasn't going to stop him or his brother. "Doom Card Set!" they called out throwing two Doom Cards to the field, sending a wave of Negative Energy through out the Battlefield. "THROW THE GATE CARD! SET!" each of them called out as they tossed their cards onto the battlefield. Dan looked to Twilight. "I hope this plan works Twilight." He said to her. "Don't worry it will, I just need to observe their movements and strategy, and figure out their scheme." She said as she looked to the twins. "They may be magicians, but I can tell one of them is only a beginner..." She pointed out. Runo was surprised from her explanation. "You can tell...?" She asked her. "Yeah, just keep them busy until I work up on a strategy." Twilight said to them. "Bakugan Brawl!" Kenta shouted out as he shot a Pyrus Robotallion to the field. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Robotallion emerged in its true form. He pulled out a card to strengthen Robotallion's power. "Ability Card Activate! Robotallion Enforcement!" he called out as Robotallion was surrounded by an aura of red energy. "Power Level increase to 380 G's." The Bakupod said to them. "Ha! What a bone head maneuver! He's using a Fire Attribute just like me and Twilight." Dan said as he was about to grab one of his Bakugan. "Wait Dan! What if its a trap?!" Runo said to him. "A trap?!" Fluttershy cried out. "What do you mean?!" Dan asked her. "Get with the program, haven't you learned anything from Drago?" Runo asked him. "Y-Yeah, sure I have. Look, I know if I send my Griffon in, he's got the skills to go one on one with his Robotallion." Dan pulled out his Griffon. (Not Twilight's, she still has hers ready and waiting, so don't panic.) "Bakugan Brawl!" He tossed his Griffon to the battlefield behind Robotallion. "Bakugan Stand!" He called out as Griffon emerged in its true form. Kenta grinned knowing he made a big mistake. "You're up Kenji, now go!" he called out. "What in tarnation?!" Applejack panicked. "Bakugan Brawl!" Kenji shot out a Darkus Mantris onto the field. "Bakugan Stand!" He called out as Mantris emerged in its true form. "Not that thing again!" Rainbow yelled out knowing what its capable of. "Ability Card Activate! Marionette!" Kenji called out as Mantris used its power to snare Dan's Griffon. "Check it out brother, the Marionette is an ability card that allows you to move any standing Bakugan to any part of the Battlefield you want." Kenji explained as Mantris moved Griffon to the same card Robotallion was on. Dan panicked as Robotallion shot a power punch at Griffon, clobbering it into the Doom Dimension. "No! Not yet!" But it was too late, Griffon went straight into the Doom Dimension. "No Griffon!" He cried out as Robotallion returned to Kenta in Ball Form. "You should put your Bakugan in show business, they do a great vanishing act." Kenta said only to mock him. "Your move!" Kenji called out with a smirk across his face. Applejack glared at them. "These two are starting to remind me of the Flim Flam Brothers!" She said as she stomped her hoof. Dan turned to them with a glare. "That was some mean hocus pocus! What's next?! You gonna pull a Rabbit out of a hat?!" He asked them. "That was just one of their cards! And it cost you a Bakugan! Who knows what else they might have up their sleeves!?" Runo said to him as Dan only became more frustrated. "Thanks! You're a big help!" Dan yelled at her. "Remain calm, utilize the Bakugan you still have. You can do this!" Drago tried to assure them. "Make your move milady." Tigrerra said to her. Runo checked her Bakupod to see Mantris' power level. "His Mantris is tough, but he's gotta have a weak spot somewhere. His power level is at 350, and I'm pretty sure that gate card can boost the power of Darkus, and that's just the kind of juice I need." she said as she pulled out a Bakugan. "There's only one way to find out..." Twilight flew up to Dan and touched his shoulder. "Don't worry Dan, Ive still got my Griffon in case anything goes wrong." She said to him. "Bakugan Brawl!" She tossed her Haos Serpenoid to the field seeing it emerge in its true form. "Ability Card Activate! Combination of Haos and Darkus!" She called out. "Ive never seen that Ability Card before..." Twilight said as she looked at it. "Well let me explain Twilight, a Light Attributed Bakugan can spike its power level by a hundred G's against a Darkness Attributed Bakugan." Runo explained to her as she looked to her Bakupod. "Calculating Serpenoid Power Level, 400 G's." Her Bakupod said. Her Serpenoid hissed at Mantris preparing to attack. "That won't help you!" Kenji said to her. "And I'll show you why, Gate Card Open! Level Down!" He called out as the Gate Card lowered Serpenoid's power level. "Adjusting Power Levels, 300 G's." The Bakupod said to her. Twilight was shocked by this development. "No way!" she cried out. "That's not fair! How'd he do that?!" Rainbow cried out. "A Level Down Command Card forcibly decreases the power by 100 G's once your Bakugan's level goes over 400!" Kenji explained to her. "She just wasted the combination of Darkus and Haos, and now she's going to pay!" He yelled out. "Mantris! Send him off the field!" He commanded his Bakugan to attack. Mantris willingly obeyed and struck Serpenoid down, sending him into the Doom Dimension. Runo saw it in shock seeing Serpenoid go into the Doom Dimension. "No Snakey! Come back!" She cried out, but it was too late. Dan groaned in frustration. "Smooth move Runo! You really know how to dish it out!" he yelled at her. "That's what you call a trap?!" "Well you should know-" Before Runo could continue the argument however. "Stop it you two!" Twilight pleaded. "Your fight belongs on the battlefield! Not here!" she said to them only to see them turn away from each other. "Stop this!" Tigrerra pleaded out to them. Kenji saw their little team is starting to crumble, he smirked and turned to his brother. "Kenta!" "Yes brother! Gate Card Set!" he called out as he tossed a Gate Card to the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" He shot his Pyrus Robotallion back onto the field. "Bakugan Stand!" He called out as Robotallion emerged on the field. "Oh no you don't!" Dan said as he tossed a Gate Card to the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" He threw his Pyrus Saurus onto the field. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out seeing Saurus emerge in its true form. "Saurus Power Level, 290 G's" His Bakupod informed him. Kenta smirked at it seeing his opportunity. "You're taking a chance, are you sure you want to risk it?" He asked Dan with an evil smirk across his face. "Yeah, you know it. Go!" He tossed an ability card to Saurus as it burst into flames. Saurus consumed the flames as it powered him up. "You're gonna get played now Magic Man! That was the Power Charge Ability Card! And it just zapped Saurus' power level by a hundred G's! In the next battle, he can attack anywhere on the field!" He explained to them. "Wow, slimming move, and you thought of that all by yourself?" Runo asked him with a smirk. "Hey watch it!" Rainbow warned her. Kenji loaded a new Bakugan into his shooter. "Bakugan Brawl!" He shot out his Darkus Centipoid onto the field. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Centipoid emerged in its true form, clamping its large pincers hissing at Saurus. "Ability Card Activate! Pyrus vs Darkus!" he called out. Runo was surprised. "Oh, Ive never heard of that one before." She admitted to herself. "Seriously?!" Pinkie grabbed her. "You know everything about Bakugan, yet you never heard of that card?!" She asked as she shook Runo around. "Easy Pinkie, she didn't know." Twilight tried to calm her down. "Its another Combo Ability Card. But don't sweat it, it won't do much good against Saurus' Juggle Breath." Dan said to her. Saurus snarled and shot a stream of fire from his mouth, Centipoid tried to avoid the shots. "Adjusting Power Levels, Saurus at 390 G's." His Bakupod informed him. "Turn up the heat Saurus! Gate Card Open!" Dan called out as a ring of fire formed around Saurus as he roared out. "That will pump us up another 50 G's." He said as Saurus snarled at Centipoid. "Adjust Saurus Power Level, 440 G's." His Bakupod calculated. "Now squash that bug!" He called out as Saurus went in charging at Centipoid, but it had other plans. Centipoid charged at Saurus, coiling around it, Dan was shocked at what he was seeing. "Hey, what gives?! Saurus has a lot more juice than that creepy crawler!" Twilight looked to her Runo's Bakupod and saw a shocking sight. "Oh no, look at this! Centipoids power level is spiking!" she cried out. "Adjusting Centipoid's Power Level, stabilizing at 460 G's." The Bakupod informed them. Saurus cried out as Centipoid started to squeeze the life out of him. "Pyrus and Darkus are opposites, when I use them together on a Fire Attributed Bakugan like yours, it pushes my power level up a hundred G's! Combined they can be a powerful force! Its all in the cards!" Kenji explained to them as he let out a dark chuckle. "This is what I call a Combination Battle." "Yeah, you said it brother." Kenta complimented his brother. "Your Bakugan's time is up Dan, Centipoid, finish him!" Kenji called out as Centipoid crushed the life out of Saurus. "No! Saurus!" Dan cried out seeing his body get lifted away into the Doom Dimension. "SAURUS COME BACK!" he called out to him, but was too late, the portal to the Doom Dimension closed as Saurus was forever trapped. Kenta chuckled at the sight. "Yeah, Dan... you cannot win! You've got one Bakugan left!" Kenta said to him. Dan glared at the twins for what they did. "Darn... I can't take another knock out. We need to scheme something real fast. "Don't worry partner, I'm sure you'll come up with something, in fact I know Twilight here has figured something out right from the get go." Applejack pointed out. "You're right, Ive been carefully observing their strategy, and so far its mostly been about combinations attacks." she explained to them. "So we need to think of a combination attack of our own." And just when Runo thought she was messing around, an idea finally popped into her head. "Hey... I know!" she pulled out a card and looked at it. "This should do the trick, and this is where you come in Twilight. Gate Card Set!" she tossed the card onto the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed her Haos Saurus onto the field. "Bakugan Stand!" She called out as Saurus emerged in his true form. "Haos Saurus recognized, calculating power level 290 G's." The Bakupod said. Twilight looked to her. "I hope you know what you're doing Runo, because this strategy is the best you got." She pointed out to her. "Don't worry, I got this under control." Runo reassured her. "Bakugan Brawl!" Kenta shot out a Pyrus Siege onto the field. "Bakugan Stand!" He called out as Siege emerged in its true form. Kenji meanwhile, started to panic. "Wait Kenta!" He tried to stop him. "Don't worry brother! Ability Card Activate! Fire Sword! Siege, take it! Arm yourself!" Kenta called out as Siege took his Fire Sword and activated it. "Go Siege! BATTLE! FINISH THEM!" He commanded as Siege charged at Saurus. Runo only smirked as she predicted as much. "Knew you were gonna do that!" She called out. "HUH?!" the Twins were in shock. "What?" Dan looked to her surprised. "Alright, Gate Card Open! Triple Battle Activate!" Runo called out as a Barrier formed blocking Sieges attack. "Now to get this fight really kicking! We need a third Bakugan on the field! Twilight, if you're good to go, we need you!" She said to her. "Alright! Now I see where you're coming from, with two Bakugan, we can pull off some really sweet moves." Twilight said to her with a confident smile. "Yeah!" "Aw wicked! Twilight, slam them!" Dan said to her. "Gladly! Alright Griffon, Bakugan Brawl!" she used her magic to throw Griffon to the field. "Bakugan Stand!" she called out as Griffon emerged on the field. "Battle!" she called out to them as the Barrier disappeared. Saurus charged and tackled Siege down. Kenta panicked from seeing it but saw Griffon flying into the sky. "Siege! Above you!" He warned him, but was too late. "Griffon! Ability Card Activate! Fire Tornado!" Twilight called out as Griffon was surrounded by a Burning Tornado. "Griffon Power Level Increase to 490 G's" Dan's Bakupod gave the results as Griffon charged at Siege and struck it down, forcing it back into Ball Form. Both Saurus and Griffon returned to their masters, and Runo was amazed at how well she and Twilight planned it out. "We did it Twilight!" she cheered to her. "Yeah, sure did!" Twilight agreed with her. "Congratulations, that was an excellent strategy milady." Tigrerra complimented them. "Well done, you've caught your opponents off guard." Drago congratulated them. Kenta was shocked from what happened. "My Siege..." Pinkie meanwhile, was doing her usual thing. "Rick 'em, rack 'em, rock 'em, rake! Throw that Griffon into the fight!" she cheered out to them. "YOU STAY OUT OF THIS YOU PINK FLUFF BALL!" Kenji yelled at her. Pinkie started waving a tiny flag with their names on it. "Kenta, Kenji, they're our boys. If they can't do it, GREAT!" she yelled at them.  "You little sneaks! Its no wonder that pony was also holding a Bakugan Card! This was supposed to be two on two!" Kenji complained to them. "Yeah well, I knew you two were gonna try and break Dan and Runo, so I decided to join for extra precautions. And now with your Siege defeated, the tables have turned." Twilight explained to them. "And just to be safe... Gate Card Set!" she tossed out a Gate Card to the field. "Kenta, you should have listened to me... you had your chance brother, now its my turn! With this card, I'll take control of the battle! Gate Card Set!" Kenji tossed the Gate Card to the field. Kenta began to fear for what might happen. "Whoa Kenji wait!" He tried to stop him, but was too late. "Bakugan Brawl!" Kenji shot out his next Bakugan to Twilight's Gate Card, and guess who it is, it was none other than Reaper! "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Reaper stood on the field. "The Reaper!" Dan yelled out. Runo glared at Reaper knowing what he did to her Bakugan, but she decided to give Dan this chance. "Dan, you and Twilight take Ugly, I will deal with the other one!" "Lets do this!" Twilight said as she prepared for battle. "Bakugan Brawl!" Runo her Saurus onto the field, seeing him emerge in his true form. "Shade Ability Activate!" Runo tossed the Ability Card above Robotallion seeing a blinding light shine before them. Robotallion shielded its eyes from the light unaware that its power decreased. "Adjusting Robotallion Power Level to 330 G's." Her Bakupod showed Robotallions Power Level. "Shade Ability's one of the choicest cards, it can squash all the other Ability Card Effects that happened on the battlefield." Runo explained to the Mane Six. "My goodness, that is a very unique Ability Card." Fluttershy said as she looked to the twins. "And I have a pretty good feeling they're not too happy about it." She pointed out. "No they are not." Spike spoke up with a smirk across his face. Kenta was fuming with anger. "They got us again!" He cried out in anger. Kenji put his hand in front of his brother to stop him. "Wait Kenta..." "No Kenji, I'm the one who taught you how to play Bakugan! I know the game better than you do!" Kenta pointed out to him. "Kenta-" Before Kenji could speak to him, Kenta loaded another Bakugan into his shooter. "Bakugan Brawl!" He shot a Pyrus Gargonoid onto the field. "Bakugan Stand!" He called out as Gargonoid emerged in its true form. "Gate Card Open!" Runo called out to it as it began to glow. Kenta meanwhile, pulled out an Ability Card. "This is it! Ability Card Activate! Backfire!" He called out as he tossed the card towards the Gate Card deactivating it. "That makes the Gate Card you threw useless!" He said to her with a smug grin. "Power Level Drop detected, adjusting levels, Haos Saurus now a 290 G's." The Bakupod informed them. "Gargonoid! ATTACK!" Kenta ordered him as Gargonoid charged at Saurus. "Runo! NOW!" Twilight called out to her. Runo smirked as she held up a card. "Come and get it! Ability Card Activate! Cut in Saber!" She called out as Tigrerra went onto the battlefield, emerging in her true form. She roared out fiercely at Gargonoid seeing him stop. "What is she doing?! How did she put Tigrerra in the battle?!" Kenta asked in shock and surprise. "You can thank the Cut in Saber Ability Card for that." Runo explained to him with a smirk. "Now... time to clean house! GO!" She called out to Tigrerra and Saurus. "OH NO!" Kenta cried out. Tigrerra and Saurus charged at Gargonoid, Saurus rammed it forcing it into the air, and Tigrerra leaped up and struck it down with her claws. Gargonoid was forced back into Ball Form. Tigrerra and Saurus roared out as they reverted to Ball Form returning to Runo. "Awesome! Nice move Runo!" Rainbow Dash cheered out to her. Runo giggled and looked to Tigrerra. "Thanks Tigrerra, you sent that big bad Gargonoid packing." She said to her partner. "Ha, that's nothing! Hey Drago, you fighting machine, turn it on!" Dan called out to him. "I'm ready!" Drago said as he prepared for battle. "Bakugan Brawl!" Dan tossed him to the same card Reaper was on. "Yeah! Right onto Reapers own card!" Drago stood on the field and began to glow. "Bakugan Stand!" He called out as Drago emerged in his true form snarling at Reaper. Kenji only scoffed at him. "He's no match for the Reaper! Gate Card Open!" He called out as a pool of dark energy formed around Reaper. Reaper growled at Drago for all the past battles. "So we meet again Drago!" He said to him in a dark tone. "Traitor! I'll make you pay for your betrayal!" Drago said to him filled with anger. "LETS BRAWL!" Dan and Kenji called out to them as Drago and Reaper charged at each other. Reaper went to grab him but Drago quickly grabbed him before he could. "Masquerade has you fooled Reaper! You're only being used!" Drago said to him as he held him down. "What do you know?! Masquerade gives me everything I want, if I have to destroy my own kind then so be it! And you're next on my list Drago!" Reaper said to him as power began to surge through his body, he soon started to overpower him. "Oh yes, I can taste the power!" He said as he started to push Drago back. "Power Level Increase to 420 G's." Dan's Bakupod informed them, Drago snarled at Reaper for his arrogance. "I will stop you!" He roared out as he powered up. "Dan, my Gate Card, you know what to do!" Twilight called out to him. Dan nodded at her and looked to it. "Gate Card Open! Triple Battle!" He called out as Twilight's Griffon entered the battle, emerging in his true form. "Take them down!" Kenji ordered him. "Too late for that buster! Ability Card Activate! Wing Burst!" Twilight called out as Griffon's wings burst into flames. "Griffon Power Level increase to 440 G's." Dan's Bakupod informed them of Griffon's power level, Griffon charged at Reaper using his burning wings to trip him over. Reaper started to fall over, but what really caught him off guard, was Drago's mouth was filling up with flames. "BOOSTED DRAGON!!!" Drago called out as he shot a fireball at him, landing a direct hit. Reaper screamed and reverted back to Ball Form. Drago and Griffon returned to Dan and Twilight in Ball form after gaining another victory. "Yeah! That's it!" he cheered out in victory. "You took that demon to school Drago!" Runo cheered for him. "Its not over guys, Kenji is still in the game." Twilight advised them seeing an angry expression on Kenji's face. "Gate Card Set!" Kenji tossed in another Gate Card. "Bakugan Brawl!" He shot out his Darkus Mantris back onto the field. "Bakugan Stand!" He called out as Mantris emerged in his true form, hissing at Dan and Runo. Runo looked at her Bakupod to see its power level. "Its Power Level is 350 G's, my next Bakugan will have to be choice. I better use one with a pumped up Power Level." She thought out loud, however, Applejack stopped her from doing so. "Runo, hold on!" "Why? What gives?" She asked the cowgirl curiously. Applejack looked to the Battlefield and carefully observed it. "Its weird... Kenji's Centipoid has a power level of 360, and the power of his Mantris is at 350." she explained to her and Dan. Suddenly it hit Runo like a brick wall as she quickly realized something about the Gate Card Mantris was standing on. "They must be trying to fake us out with a Gate Card." She said as she looked to the Gate Card Mantris was on. "Yeah! That's why Kenji put Mantris in!" Twilight finished the theory. "Alright, we'll need an Ability Card. Runo, you're up." Dan said as he looked to her. "Put Saurus in the game, you first, then me." "I got ya!" Runo pulled out a Gate Card. "Gate Card Set!" She tossed it to the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed her Saurus onto the field, seeing him emerge in his true form. "Come on!" Runo called out. Dan pulled out his Gate Card and tossed it to the field. "Gate Card Set! Bakugan Brawl!" He tossed Drago onto the field where Pyrus Robotallion stood. "Bakugan Stand!" Drago roared out as he stood in front of Robotallion. Kenta saw it surprised and began to panic knowing he was set up. "Boosted Dragon!" Drago unleashed another fireball onto Robotallion, forcing him to revert to Ball Form. "Robotallion Eliminated." Dan's Bakupod informed them as Kenta was out of the game. Kenta couldn't believe what happened. "Its... its over..." he admitted defeat. Dan caught Drago as he returned to Ball Form. "Done like dinner!" he shouted out with a smile. Meanwhile, Kenji was trying to process what happened, but he could only glare at the Battle Brawlers for defeating his brother. "No, we are still in this! I have a Command Card, all I need to do now is get rid of Saurus with my next shot." He thought to himself. "Bakugan Brawl!" He shot his Centipoid back onto the field where Saurus stood on the field. "Bakugan Stand!" He called out as Centipoid emerged in its true form. Twilight smirked know he made a big mistake. "Busted..." she blurted out surprising Kenji. "Of all the cards left to play, and you roll up onto that one." She said as she crossed her hooves. "You're a scammer, but tricks don't work on us anymore." She advised him. "Okay, let me guess what that card is, the Quartet Battle maybe?" Runo guessed out loud, and BINGO! She was right on the money, because Kenta's expression was clear as day. He was shocked that she found out. "Oh no...!" He started to panic. "The Quartet Battle Card starts a four-way battle, each team has to throw in one more Bakugan once the battle starts." Dan explained to them. Twilight smirked as she used her magic to show an astral projection of what they had planned. "You were going to use your Ability Cards to increase Mantris' power and have Centipoid there for back up, weren't you smiley? Drago and Tigrerra would have been toast if it worked." She explained to them. "Wow, that's a lot of info to process." Rainbow admitted as she rubbed her head. "I think it was very informative." Fluttershy said to her. "You were gonna give them a one way ticket to the Doom Dimension! Just admit it!" Dan yelled at them, catching them off guard. "How did you know?!" Kenji demanded to know why. Runo smirked at him. "Because you were so stoked for a Combination Battle with us, we knew you had a Quartet Battle Card! And that's why we had Twilight here join the battle, because you're not a clever as she is." She explained to him. "Thank you Runo." Twilight expressed her gratitude of the compliment. "Yeah, but you still won't win this battle!" Kenji yelled out and was about to activate his Quartet Battle card, but was too late. "Gate Card Open! Quartet Battle!" She called out as the Gate Card glowed brightly, bringing Drago into the battle. He emerged in his true form, and snarled at Centipoid. Kenji began to panic seeing it, as Drago unleashed one more fireball against Centipoid, forcing it back into Ball Form. Dan and Runo caught Drago and Saurus as they returned to Ball Form. "We got him!" Dan cheered out. "All we have to do now is deal with Mantris, that's one down, one to go." Runo said, but suddenly she heard Kenji chuckling out loud. "Hey pal, what's so funny...?" She asked him cautiously. "Its a little too early for a Victory Party, I actually do have a card up my sleeve, and guess what! Its an Ability Card!" Kenji said to them. Dan grew curious about it, but not as curious as Pinkie who immediately jumped onto his back. "Which one is it?!" "Ability Card Activate! Twin Machete!" Kenji called out as Mantris' claws grew bigger gaining more power from it. "Mantris Power Level increase to 450 G's." Runo was shocked by the results. "Dan, the Boosted Dragon only gives us 440 G's, we can't beat him!" she exclaimed to him. "No!" Twilight objected. "It might look messed up, but its really not. If the Quartet Battle Command Card activates, everything will be fine. You two will be back on top after that." "Yeah, but what if it doesn't activate?!" Runo asked her feeling worried, thinking about what might happen. Dan had the same thought running through his head as he saw what would happen to Drago if the Quartet Battle Command Card didn't activate. "Drago... goes to the Doom Dimension..." he said worriedly. "Don't worry about me...!" Drago called out to them as they all looked to him surprised. "Your concern is appreciated, but this battle is too important to lose!" "What do you mean by that darling?" Rarity asked him. "I can't explain right now, but if Dan has to let me go, then he mustn't hesitate. When the time comes, he'll know what to do. He must trust in himself, and trust me." Drago advised him as he also explained to the Mane Six. Dan looked at him feeling concerned for his partner. "Drago... I trust you... you know that." he had his eyes closed for a moment, but he snapped them back open as he looked to Drago. "Now lets do what we have to do!" "Bakugan Brawl!" Runo tossed out her Saurus onto the field. "Bakugan Stand!" She called out as Saurus emerged in his true form. Saurus snarled as he stood on an opposite card from Mantris. "Here we go Drago! Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed Drago onto the same card Mantris was on. "Bakugan Stand!" He called out as Drago emerged in his true form. Drago roared out as he was ready to face Mantris. "BATTLE!" Dan and Kenji called out to both their Bakugan. Mantris was the first to strike as it took its claws and struck Drago across the chest several times, causing him to writhe in pain. "Drago! Hang in there!" Fluttershy cried out worriedly. Kenji only chuckled with a smirk. "Your Bakugan puts up a good fight, but it won't do any good. Mantris still has a higher power level, see for yourself!" Twilight looked to Dan's Bakupod and saw that he was right. "He's right, this is gonna get ugly really quick." Mantris hissed and struck Drago, knocking him down to the ground. Though Drago was low on power, he was unwilling to surrender, but Mantris wasn't going to let him back up so easily. Flashes of what Drago said started to echo in Dan's mind. "Drago... hang on..." he tried to stay strong. "Its time..." Kenji called out gaining Dan's attention. "Mantris! Send him to the Doom Dimension!" he ordered it as Mantris began to hiss at Drago. "No! Dan, do something!" Rainbow Dash pleaded to him. "I'm trying!" "You ready Dan?" Drago asked him as Dan turned towards him. "You know what to do, the time has come." Drago turned towards Mantris with a fierce glare. "This battle is OURS!" he roared out as he stood back up. Mantris went to strike him down, but it was too late. "Quartet Battle Activate!" Dan, Runo, Twilight and Drago called out as the gate Card began to glow brightly. Kenji was shocked from what happened. "I don't believe it! You tricked me!" He complained to them and saw Tigrerra appear on the field. "Not two against one!" "Serves you right for pulling all those tricks, because if you mess with us, you're gonna get hurt." Twilight said to him, Drago and Tigrerra roared out as they charged at Mantris. Tigrerra smacked it with her claws knocking it towards Drago, and he stomped Mantris into the ground forcing him back into Ball Form, finishing the battle. They soon returned to the real world as time resumed, the audience standing in front of the stage looked at them curiously wondering what happened. Meanwhile, Kenta and Kenji were on their knee's, wallowing in shame and defeat. "t's over now, we've lost." They said in unison as Kenji pulled the table cloth over them causing themselves to vanish into thin air, amazing the audience of what happened. "They're GONE!" Pinkie cried out, but soon she noticed they were merely running down the road, "Oh wait, they're over there." She pointed out to them. "Ha, guess they're just a bunch of frauds after all." Dan said as he had his hands placed at his hips, but he soon held up Drago as Runo held up Tigrerra. "We did it Drago." Runo formed a warm smile at Tigrerra. "Yep, we won." "To a well timed attack." Tigrerra cheered out. "And a strong team... but we couldn't have done it without Princess Twilight." Drago added as he looked to her. "You did well out there Princess." Twilight blushed from the compliment. "Aww... it was nothing really." Rainbow Dash grabbed her by her jacket. "Are you kidding me?! That was the coolest... thing... EVER!" She yelled out forgetting there was an audience. Dan panicked as he remembered it. "Uh... Rainbow... you might want to keep it down..." He pointed out to the crowd. Rainbow looked to the crowd as they all stared at her, she began to sweat realizing she might have made the front page of the newspaper. Runo took a microphone and looked to the crowd. "Uhh... you guys are good at keeping secrets right...?" And just like that, the crowd simply zipped their lips meaning they won't tell a soul of what they saw. The two Battle Brawlers, the two partner Bakugan and the Mane Six sighed in relief and started heading to where the Ferris Wheel was. "Man, that Battle was intense, what do you say we chill out for a while on one of these rides Runo? Your pick." Dan said to her. "Okay." Runo replied. "Let me guess, the Ferris Wheel...?" Dan bluntly pointed out. "Are you still stoked about Extreme Mountain?" Runo asked him curiously. The Mane Six looked to him thinking that's what he'll pick, but to their surprise. "Oh, I can go on that next time, right now I feel like kicking back on that big ol spinning wheel." He admitted to her and the ponies. "I for one would like to go on it." Fluttershy said as she raised her hoof. Just when the Ponies were about to earn an agreement from Runo, they received a different response. "Not me, I'm in the mood for Extreme Mountain." She said as she placed her hands to her hips. Dan slowly started to fume with anger. "No way, I said we'll try that out next time. Come on, its the Ferris Wheel." "I say Extreme Mountain!" Runo objected onto to start another argument. "Ferris Wheel!" "Extreme Mountain!" Drago groaned as he heard them argue. "I suppose this was bound to happen." He said to Tigrerra. "I'll never understand these humans." Tigrerra admitted. Twilight was listening to the two the two Brawlers argue, but finally... she had enough. "STOOOOOOP!!!!!!" She cried out seeing them stop. "Runo... give me your tickets." she demanded them. "But Twili-" Before Runo could protest however, Twilight gave her a look that immediately sent chills down her spine. "Tickets... now..." She demanded as Runo quickly pulled out her tickets and gave them to her. "From now on, I'm in charge of the tickets, and there is one place we're going to go, and that's the Ferris Wheel, understand?" The two brawlers looked to each other but looked to her sighing in defeat. (Well, mostly Runo...) "Yes Twilight." they said in unison. When they got on the Ferris Wheel, Dan and Runo were sitting next to each other as they looked towards the sunset. "Well I have to admit, its pretty nice up her." Dan admitted as he watched the sunset. Runo looked at it as well, true she wanted to try out Extreme Mountain, but this moment made things more worth while. "Sure is, I mean look at the sunset. It definitely takes your breath away." She pointed out as she looked at it. Dan smiled and looked to her. "I guess this day didn't really turn out to be a snooze fest after all. Runo, I'm sorry I was acting like a total jerk." Runo looked to him surprised and began to form a faint blush. "W-Well... I'm sorry too, I was being a total pain the neck." She admitted "Well I guess you kind of were, but it doesn't mean that this didn't turn out to be the best day ever, right?" He asked her. Runo looked to him and smiled warmly with a small blush across her face. "I guess it didn't." She then looked out to watch the sunset with him, knowing it was a sight that they couldn't turn away from. Meanwhile, the Mane Six were watching them from another passenger car, and they were smiling at the scene. Sure Dan and Run have their moments, but this moment made everything worth while. Rarity meanwhile couldn't help but sigh dreamily seeing a hint of romance in the scene. "One of these days, I'm going to make the perfect wedding dress for her." She said out loud. "Rarity, remember what we said about meddling with their relationship." Applejack pointed out to her. "Of course Applejack, I remember clearly. But you must admit, this moment between them is perfect." She said to her. "I will admit, if those two didn't always knock heads with each other so much, they would be perfect for each other." Rainbow Dash added as she placed her hooves to the back of her head leaning back in the passenger car. "Well, least we don't have to worry about those twins anymore." Spike pointed out. "Yeah, its bringing back a lot of bad memories of when the Flim Flam Brothers came to Sweet Apple Acres." Applejack said as she remembered what they did with her families precious apples. "But something seems strange... why would Masquerade force Brawlers to attack us...?" Twilight wondered as she looked to the others. "First it was Rikimaru, the Aquos Brawler Dan and Applejack faced. Then it was Ryo, the Darkus Brawler who was also a fellow classmate of Dan's. Then came Tatsuya, a smug little Pyrus Brawler." "Do you have to remind me darling? I'll never forget that little brat for all the remarks he made to me and Runo." Rarity added to the theory. "Then there are the twins Kenta and Kenji, what do all these Brawlers have in common?" Twilight asked them. The Mane Six thought about it for a moment, but the answer was clear as water. "They all love Bakugan, but Masquerade is taking advantage of that to make them use the Doom Card." Rainbow Dash theorized, earning a nod from Twilight. "Exactly, who ever Masquerade is, we need to do everything we can to make sure Dan and Runo make it through the next battle. All of us need to work on our brawling skills, and help them in future battles, especially against Brawlers who will do anything to hurt them." Twilight said as she looked out. "Not just for their sake, but for the sake of the Bakugan that are being hurt out there." Applejack placed a hoof on her shoulder. "We will sugarcube, besides... as long as we stick together, neither Masquerade or anyone he sends will stop us." Twilight smiled as the others nodded in agreement, she looked out to the sunset and it reminded her of Princess Celestia. She started to think how worried Celestia might be about her and her friends, she would give anything to see her mentor again. But somehow she felt that Celestia was watching over her in spirit, so she had nothing to worry about, so all she could do for now... was enjoy the moment as she and her friends rode on the Ferris wheel. > Bakugan Idol/Girls Just Wanna Have Fun > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the evening of the next day, Wardington was enjoying the glorious sunset. Meanwhile, at the top of Wardington Tower, there was a small blue ball sitting on top of it. But it was no ordinary ball, it was a Bakugan. It opened up revealing itself as a Chameleon type Bakugan, named Preyas. He looked around Wardington curiously. "WHAAAAT?! Wow..." he exclaimed in amazement of the town. "A penthouse with a high view, too bad the commute's a real killer. I hope the writer knows that's he's doing." he broke the forth wall. (LEAVE ME OUT OF THIS PREYAS!!!) "Okay, sheesh, no need to be so grouchy." he eventually saw a pigeon flying by. "HELLO! TAXI!" he called out as he leaped onto the Pigeon, riding on its back. "Quick! To the flower bed bellow! And step on it!" he ordered the Pigeon, unaware that it was gonna take him somewhere else. Meanwhile at Dan's house, He and Runo, along with the Mane Six were discussing about the new building that's being constructed. "Yeah, they certainly are taking their time, but after six months of construction and two months of coffee breaks, we still don't know what it is." Runo explained to Alice and Julie. "What in the world could take so long to build?" Rainbow Dash asked curiously. "A government office?" Runo asked bluntly. "If you ask me, I would say a dance studio." Alice added to the idea of what the building could be. "Or a very large fashion mall, if so I would definitely like to visit it when its finished." Rarity said as she ironed her outfit. "How about a fitness center? And a spa!" Julie threw that idea out thinking its a possible option. Dan meanwhile was busy reading one of his books. "I think you're all building something out of nothing." he said as he sat up on his bed. Runo turned to him along with the Mane Six. "Its not nothing, a mall or an overpriced coffee shop could have disastrous effects on my parents restaurant." she explained to him. "And I'm starting to like their food, mostly the sweets." Pinkie said to them. Runo held up her Bakupod and activated it. "And according to my Market Research Calculation..." she started dialing in numbers to check the results. "Market Research? Don't make me laugh! You barely have customers, never mind a market." Dan blurted out, and just when things were cool... Runo's expression instantly turned into a glare forcing out a squeak. Alice and Julie gasped knowing what will happen, so did the Mane Six. "Dan... you shouldn't have said that..." Twilight said to him as she and the rest of the Mane Six slowly backed up. "Oh you... AAAAHHHH DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Runo screamed at the top of her lungs. Drago opened up from his Ball Form along with Tigrerra. "Dan, just let this one go..." he advised him. "This is one battle you won't win." Tigrerra said to him as a sweat drop formed over her head. Rainbow Dash flew up to him, grabbing him by the shoulder. "Yeah, unless you want to wear black and blue for the rest of the day, I think you might want to apologize." she said to him. Meanwhile, Runo quickly turned to him with a glare. "Why you freeloading, ungrateful brat!" she yelled at him getting ready to clobber him. "But it was just a joke, don't freeze me out of the free snackage, me and the ponies are your best customers." Dan said as he panicked, until to their surprise... "Hey guys! I just solved the skyscraper mystery!" Marucho appeared on screen looking excited. Dan, Runo and the Mane Six immediately turned to him surprised from hearing it. "Well don't leave us hangin' by our hooves sugarcube, what'd you find out?" Applejack asked him curiously. Marucho cleared his throat a bit and smiled at them. "Turns out its my brand new house!" he announced to them surprising them to no end, and just like that... Dan, Runo, Alice and Julie fell down to the ground passed out. Twilight and the others saw it and giggled at their reaction. "This is quite the surprise Marucho, you must be really happy." Twilight said to him. "Yeah, I know, I was fooled when my parents first told me where we were going to be moving to. I kept it a secret so I can tell you in person and see the looks on your faces!" he said as he chuckled. "So we're throwing a party, and you're all invited!" he welcomed them. The two brawlers were excited, as were the Mane Six, but the only pony who was most excited... was none other than Pinkie Pie. "YES! We're finally going to a party! And I didn't even plan it!" she said as she looked to Dan and Runo. "Is this exciting or what?!" "I have to admit, its pretty nice that Marucho is going to be in Dan's neighborhood, but to live in a house like that? You could probably fit most of Ponyville in there." Twilight pointed out. "But since we're invited, we should probably dress up for the occasion." Rarity said as she pulled up their Battle Brawler outfits. "Since Marucho is a member of the Battle Brawlers, it would only seem fitting we greet him in the same attire." "You were really gonna slip a dress on us, weren't you...?" Applejack asked bluntly. "No...!" Rarity tried to form an innocent face, but failed in the attempt. "Okay, yes..." "I'm sure where we're going, we won't need to be formal." Drago said as Dan picked him up. "You're right about that... and don't worry, what could possibly go wrong?" he asked as got ready. Meanwhile in the forest, in the middle of a birds nest, Preyas was taking a nap next to five eggs. He eventually woke up yawning stretching his arms out, but his arm touched one of the eggs and it began to crack. He panic from seeing it happen. "Oh no! Oh no, no, no!" he saw each of the eggs cracking and began to worry as the eggs hatched, the chicks were tweeting loudly. He had no idea what to do, but try to keep them quite. "Silence, Silence! Evil five headed monster, back off! I have weapons!" he warned them but found himself being lifted by the chicks. "Wha?! What are you doing?! Put down that stick! Stop pushing me!" he ordered them, but rather than listen to him, the chicks pushed him out of the nest. He panicked as he fell down. "Tuck and roll! Tuck an roll!" he curled up into ball form and started bouncing on the ground. "Ouch! Ugh! OW! That was a rock! Must resist! Must stop! Oh no a truck!" he landed in a truck filled with flowers. "I can't see! I CAN'T SE-" before he knew it, he realized it was a leaf. "Oh its a leaf..." Meanwhile at Marucho's house, Dan, Runo and the Mane Six approached his house and saw how big it was. And it wasn't just big... it was huge! "Wow... that's his house?" Dan asked as he starred in awe. "Wicked... when he said he was full of it, I didn't realize he meant cash..." Runo said as she starred at it. "It must be so awesome to have so much money with the parties, the cars, the computers, and the clothes..." she made a list of things you could buy. "Yeah, and line-ups to get into those parties, come on, this is nuts. What kind of house warming has a guest list and a bunch of posers waiting two hours to get in?" Dan asked. Twilight soon noticed a familiar face, and big surprise! Its Miyoko waiting in line while chatting with other guests. "Hey Dan, is that your mom over there?" "What?! Hey what's my mom doing here?! This is so not good!" he panicked. "Relax Dan, I'm sure she won't even see you." Applejack said reassuringly. "By the way, wasn't Marucho supposed to meet us here?" Fluttershy asked them as she looked around for him, and right on cue... "Hey guys!" Marucho called out to them as he walked up. Dan and the others looked to him relieved. "Oh hey Marucho!" "What's popping?" Runo asked him. "Hey, its great to finally meet you. You like my new clothes?" Marucho asked them. Runo chuckled a bit. "Yeah, they kind of look like the ones you always wear." she said to him. "But you do look very nice darling." Rarity complimented him on his outfit. "Thanks, you girls look nice in your outfits too." he smiled giving them a compliment of his own. "Say, you're a lot smaller than we thought you'd be, either that or I'm getting bigger. Look at me from the side, do I look different to you?" Pinkie asked while joking around. Dan laughed in amusement along with the others, suddenly Marucho's parents arrived. "Hey Marucho, so these are your cyber friends and their little ponies, I'm relieved... I mean, I'm very pleased to meet you." This was Shuuko Marukura, Marucho's father. He's a developer and makes millions by bulldozing homes to create vacant space, especially schools. He is a millionaire, and his wife, Kia Marukura, collects things such as art and endangered species.  "We are his parents." Kia greeted them kindly. "Oh, hi! Sorry I took so much time with your dialup." Dan bow respectfully with Runo. "Welcome to the hood, I'm Dan." "And I'm Runo, and these are-" "We know exactly who they are, Princess Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity." Kia soon walked up and picked up Spike. "And this little cutie must be Spike." "Awww... you couldn't be more right..." Spike said with a blush across his face as Twilight and the others giggled in amusement of his embarrassment. Kia then looked to Dan and Runo. "And there's no need to worry, we now have the latest in fiber optics. Also, your secret is safe with us." she said with a kind and warming smile. "Yes, and we upgraded everything thanks to a sweet land deal. In fact, Dan's neighborhood is so cheap, I nearly bought out the entire block." Shuuko said as he started to laugh, Pinkie joined in as well because of how funny it was. Dan only chuckled a little bit. "Yeah... cheap..." "Hey Dad, can I give a tour of our mansion? I'll do a preliminary security check." Marucho asked his father hoping he would let him. Shuuko smiled at his young son. "Sure, knock yourselves out." he said to them. "Great! Follow me... we'll start with the retinal scans" Marucho lead his friends inside. Upon walking up to the doors, they automatically opened revealing the interior of Marucho's house. "Now this is the entrance to where the closet is." he explained to them. "Wow, you certainly have a lot of people hiding in your closet sugarcube." Applejack pointed out as she looked around seeing the room. "This is so huge, we're talking major bling!' Pinkie exclaimed as they walked passed the flowers, which you'll be sure to recognize from the truck from earlier. "I know, and yet my parents insist on basic cable, what's up with that?" Marucho asked them as they unknowingly passed by a certain Aquos Bakugan. Preyas opened up from his ball form as he looked around. "Ha! Now for Operation Magnum Stealth!" but before he could start his little so called operation, he slipped off the flower and fell down. He tucked into ball form but felt one of the human guests kick him. He cried out in pain as he felt more of the guests unknowingly kick him around. "Stop it! Stop it! Ouch my shins!" he cried out in agony. Elsewhere, Dan and the others were walking through the halls as they followed Marucho, suddenly a thought just popped into Dan's head. "So how is it again that your father just happened to pick my so called cheap neighborhood?" he asked him curiously. "Yeah, I mean we know you guys are rich, but there has to be a reason for it." Rainbow Dash pointed out. "Well no offense, but I wanted to make sure you were legit. You see my dad, he's a developer, tracked you down, it was all a cheap plan. Evicted a school, tore a few homes down, and that's how he makes his millions." Marucho explained to them. "My school?" Dan asked him. "No way, unbelievable." Runo exclaimed a bit. "Your dad is kind of reminding me of Filthy Rich back in Equestria." Applejack mentioned to him. Marucho chuckles a bit. "He evicts so many schools, you could almost say it was his primary business." "Aw man, I wish I had the money to bulldoze my school." Dan complained about it given his history with Ms. Purdy. "Yeah..." Runo chimed in. Rarity noticed a door and sighed in relief. "Thank goodness a room, haven't seen one since we started this tour..." she rushed to it and opened it. "So this room is your favorite? Look at this..." she looked around seeing it almost looked like a ballroom. "Its like Canterlot, only more high tech..." she said as she was stuck in a daydream. "Yeah Rarity, the space may be bigger than Dan's house, but my bedrooms down the hall, that's the bathroom." Marucho said to her. "HUH?!" she eventually looked and saw a toilet sitting in the middle of the room. She felt so embarrassed of it as she stared at the toilet. "Even the toilet is tricked out..." her head slumped down as she followed the others down the hall. Fluttershy put a comforting wing around her. "Its okay Rarity, at least it was a good moment while it lasted." Rarity sighed depressingly from hearing it. "Thank you Fluttershy..." They walked through the halls, soon they noticed that they were walking in front of an aquarium. But what surprised them the most, was that there were whales inside of it. They were so shocked, they couldn't believe their eyes. "Are those whales?! And dolphins?!!" Fluttershy asked in excitement. "Yes, my mom likes to collect things like figurines and endangered species." Marucho explained to her. In the next room they entered, they looked around seeing a small jungle, but what amazed them the most, were two giraffes nuzzling each other. "Oh look! The giraffes are in love!" Runo called out as she pointed to them. "And look at that Panda." Marucho pointed out to it. Fluttershy was beaming with joy seeing all the magnificent wild life that lived in this entire mansion. "I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!" she screamed to the top of her lungs. They soon entered the art room, and Twilight was fascinated by the paintings and sculptures, there was even one of The Thinker. And in the center of the room was a water fountain. "If this place also had a library, I would never leave...!" she cried out trying to contain her excitement. And finally, they reached Marucho's room, which had a very wide space, and all that was in there was a desk with a few keyboards sitting in front of a giant Jumbotron. "Whoa, talk about a big bedroom, Princess Celestia's room is probably smaller in comparison." Rainbow Dash blurted out only to get an elbow from Twilight. "Yes its big, but in the middle of the night, its bit of a trek just to get water." Marucho said to her as he walked in. "Wow, this is way cool my friend." Dan said in excitement. Runo soon looked to the Jumbotron TV. "Your plasma screen TV looks like a Jumbotron from here." "That's because it is." Marucho pointed out as he walked up to the desk and got into the chair. "Watch this." he pushed in a few keys. Meanwhile Pinkie was starring at a red button. "Ohhh, what does this button do?" she went to touch it. "Don't touch it please." Marucho asked her nicely. He typed in a few more keys and saw Julie pop up on the screen. "Hey you guys, that's a pretty cool trick you're doing, fitting onto one little screen like that. And not the multiscreens, technology is so awesome." she said to them. "Yeah, but I bet it can't be as awesome as me." Rainbow Dash boasted only to feel her coat get pulled over her head by Twilight. "Uh maybe Julie, and maybe its because we're all at Marucho's house?" Dan pointed out to her. Julie was starting to fume with jealousy. "And how come?! Or did someone conveniently forget to invite me?!" she asked as she looked to Runo. "Wasn't picking up the phone and calling me your job Runo?!" she asked with much jealously in her voice. Runo placed her hands to her cheeks putting on an innocent face. "Oh geez, I'm sorry... I just like totally forgot about it." (Sure you did Runo...) "Yeah, she's having trouble connecting the dots these days." Dan added to the conversation, but all that did was get on Runo's bad side. And just for that, he earned a slap in the face from saying it. "OW! What was that for?! Calling you a scatter brain?!" he asked her furiously. Runo crossed her arms and looked away. "Nope, I don't remember." she said to him. "For the record Daniel, you kind of deserved that. You should never call a woman a scatter brain, because that is one way to get hurt." Rarity explained to him. Dan groaned as he rubbed his cheek. "Bet you've done that to someone back in Equestria." "Oh I almost did, and it was aiming towards a spoiled prince that never treated me like a lady." Rarity said as she crossed her hooves. "He was never the stallion I thought he would be." "Wow, bet he was a total bozo." Julie chimed into the conversation. "Oh you have no idea Julie, and my best night at the Grand Galloping Gala... turned out to be my worst." Rarity said sadly. "None of us had the best time at the Grand Galloping Gala, but even though it was the worst, turned out to be the best night ever in the end." Twilight said to them with a smile across her face. Dan smiled at hearing it. "Well who knows...? Maybe our time here might turn out perfect." "Or it could end in disaster." Runo pointed out. "Exactly!" Twilight shouted out. Meanwhile at the dining room, Preyas was still rolling around like a pinball, and was kicked into the air one last time causing him to scream. "MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOOOOOOOP!!!!" he begged for it to stop, and finally he landed in Miyoko's pouch who was currently in the middle of grabbing some food. "Deviled Eggs, Deviled Eggs! Ah, Deviled Eggs!" she held up her plate looking at the delicious food. "And freshly shaved Pork Rinds." she giggled at her food. "Oh my, international cuisines is just so exotic. Pinkie Pie would get a kick out of this." she said as she walked away. After having more than sixteen plates, she finally felt the need to find the restroom. She groaned as she held her stomach and looked around. "I should have stopped at 12 or 16... oh great, where's the bathroom...?" she looked around and found a room. She walked up to it and knocked on it to see if there was anyone in there. "Hello? Anyone there? I'm looking for the ladies washroom." she called out to find out if there was anyone in there, but there was no response. She opened the door and looked inside, seeing mannequins with wigs and necklaces, and more jewels in jewelry boxes. "What the... are these real?" she looked at them. Preyas soon popped out of her pouch to see. "What the what?!" he asked curiously. Miyoko looked at each of the necklaces and grabbed one with blue and red jewels, with a gold chain. She tried it one and looked in the mirror. "Ah gorgeous! Rarity has to try one of these." she said out loud unaware someone stood behind her. "That looks delicious on you." Miyoko flinched and turned only to see Marucho's mother Kia. "Its our chewy jewelry line." she informed her. "Oh uh... um... your chewy jewelry line?" Miyoko panicked as she looked to it. "Oh, I'm sorry! I shouldn't be helping myself after I just ate lunch!" she tried to take the necklace off. "Wait..." Kia stopped her as she walked up. "Go ahead and keep it, its all low fat. In fact help yourself to more." she offered to her. "Low fat...? No way... can I get a security box to go?" Miyoko asked her only to receive a smile and a nod. "Be sure to give some to Spike if you see him." Kia advised her. Miyoko was surprised at what she said. "Wait, you know Spike?" "Yes, little purple dragon, sweet as an angel?" Kia giggled at the thought of it. Miyoko giggled as well. "Yeah, he is a sweet little dragon." Meanwhile, Preyas was sneaking off with some of Kia's diamond rings. "Uh, me and my Bakugan friends were just leaving, come on guys." he said as he sneaked off. Lights flashed on the Jumbotron, and a TV Announcer appeared on screen. "Hi! And welcome back, we bring you tonight the ultra hip Jenny and Jewls Super Sing Sound extravaganza!" she announced as Jenny and Jewls made their entrance. Jenny has red hair and blue eyes. She wears overalls that show her shoulder blades and part of her stomach and back. She wears a yellow skirt that shows her legs and her short blue shorts underneath. She wears a yellow and blue necklace, blue boots, blue arm coverings, blue socks and blue jewel earrings. Meanwhile Jewels has green hair and brown eyes. She wears a black necklace and yellow earrings. She wears a white and pink robe with a blue belt and pink boots. Dan and the others were watching it. "Whoa, its Jenny and Jewls." "Who are they?" Pinkie asked them. "Jenny and Jewls are famous pop stars in Wardington, they made so many albums, I collected most of them." Marucho explained. "Just like Sapphire Shores back in Equestria, I must say I just adore their outfits, I have to meet their fashion designer." Rarity said as she observed the outfits. "Hey ya'll! We're here to hop, with our super pop, cause we don't stop!" Jenny said to the audience. "Or miss a beat, cause we are hot!" Jewls included. The two singers twirl around as their logo appeared behind them. "We're Jenny and Jewls! Super Sing Sound!" they said to the audience in unison. Rainbow chuckled at them. "They do seem interesting, but I'll pick Sapphire Shores any day." "Yeah... but that Jenny is so cute, she even makes listening to them bearable." Dan said out loud. "Ah Jewls... no voice is quite as beautiful as yours..." Marucho said as he and Dan were stuck in dream land. The Mane Six watched them and giggled at them as they looked to each other. "HUH?!!" the looked at each other shocked. "Are you completely whacked out?! The group is totally trash without Jenny!" Dan shouted at him. "You're crazy! She doesn't even do her own singing, she lip-syncs to a soundtrack that plays along!" Marucho yelled back at him. Dan and Marucho shot intense glares at each other, the Mane Six watched as they totally just knock heads with one another. "They're gonna be at this for a while, aren't they?" Spike asked Runo. "Oh yeah, this is gonna take a while." she said as she placed her hands to the back of her head. "Okay now, tell us what really inspires you the most?" the reporter asked the JJ Dolls as she held the microphone to them, and their answer couldn't be more simple. "Bakugan!" "Bakugan?" the reporter asked curiously, this immediately caught the attention of the Mane Six and looked to the screen. "No way! These Pop Stars?!" Rainbow asked in shock and disbelief. "Straight up, its the game that anyone who's anybody is playing." Jewls announced to the audience. "Yeah, Bakugan is the coolest! Why its all over the news." Jenny added to the conversation. The reporter meanwhile... was totally clueless. (Who wouldn't in this situation?) "Y-Yeah... I... I knew that..." (Sure you did. ) "What...? They're Brawlers too? They must be the total best." Dan said as he watched the screen. "Yeah, the best of the girl players." Marucho added, unaware he just hit a nerve. Twilight slowly glanced to Runo who was clenching her fists at the time. "Girls... we might want to back up." she said as she and the others immediately backed up from Runo. Runo was starting to fume in anger. "What...?" Dan and Marucho turned to her only to see she was acting like a Dragon Ball Z character. "YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW THEM, BUT YOU'RE CALLING THEM THE BEST?!!! GREEEEAAAAT!!!!!!!!" she yelled out as Dan and Marucho looked to each other in a slight panic. Meanwhile, the door to Marucho's room opened, and a well dressed gentlemen stood before them. This was Kato, he is Marucho's butler, he is wearing a suit and round glasses. He has gray hair and a large mustache. "Pardon me... refreshments for your overheated friend sir?" he asked them as he referred to Runo who was wanting to toss them around like a rag doll. After she got done cooling down, Marucho was leading them to another room to show them something else. "Just follow me, there's a full spread if you feel up to it...?" he said as he lead them. "My stomach is ready to rumble, lets go!" Dan yelled out as Rainbow Dash flew up to him. "Bet you can't eat as much as me Danny." she challenged him. "Don't count your chickens Rainbow, bring it!" he accepted the challenge. Suddenly, something caught Twilight's eye, she looked and saw Preyas dragging the jewels he took. "Hey, is that a...?" Marucho looked to him surprised. "Must keep moving, must stay focused, can't stop moving." Preyas said to himself as the Brawlers and Ponies looked to him surprised. "Must move, must move, must..." he exhaled a bit. "Must rest before exhaustion..." Suddenly he felt like he was being watched. (Well DUH!) "I have a strange sensation that I'm being followed..." he slowly turned only to see the Brawlers and the Ponies. "AAAHHH!!!! Abort mission!" he cried out as he tucked into Ball Form. "Maybe they don't see you, yeah that's it! Just don't look, remain in the stealth position." he said to himself but was starting to panic. "Maybe I should take a peek, o-o-o-okay, act casually and no one will notice." he said as he turned to them whistling. "Was that Bakugan just whistling?" Fluttershy asked. "Eeyup." Applejack said to her. Preyas began to sweat bullets. "Oh no! Ive been spotted!" "And what's he doing wearing all the jewelry?" Rainbow asked them. "I don't know, but I think that's last years line." Marucho pointed out. Preyas panicked but finally decided to open out of his ball form. "Fine... take me to your Leader." he demanded acting like an alien. "Our Leader?" they all asked in unison. "Yes, your leader... and I'm willing to negotiate! For I am Aquos Preyas!" he introduced himself. "What?!" they asked in surprise. Rarity used her magic to take the jewels he had. "No offense darling, but these gems don't really suite you, I think what you need is a pure baby blue sapphire. It will go perfectly with your beautiful blue coat." she said as she complimented the little Bakugan. Preyas began to blush from it. "Oh, well... I guess I didn't consider that, but thank you so much milady." he started acting like a gentlemen. Rarity giggled at him. "It is my pleasure good sir." Spike scowled at Preyas getting the feeling he was hitting on her. "Oh you better watch it small fry..." Preyas leaped onto his nose and stared him straight in the eye. "Who you calling small fry, small fry?!" he sent the remark back to him. "Easy there Preyas..." Twilight used her magic and placed him on the ground. "I'm sure you have much to explain." "Oh you have no idea." Preyas replied to her. Elsewhere, Jenny and Jewls were sitting in the back of their limousine, looking at their home town with bored expressions on their faces. "Aww... I'm tired, I want to play Bakugan, I'm bored at work." Jenny said as she closed her eyes. "Yeah, lets ditch this, and go play Bakugan." Jewls agreed with her. However their manager gave them disapproving looks. "Look, I don't want to hear anymore about Bakugan, so until you two clowns are paid for it, zip it!" she said to them. Jenny and Jewls scowled at her and looked away. "Fine..." they said in unison. Jenny looked outside the window as they drove passed a few cars. "Jewls... do you sometimes wish that there was more in our life?" she asked her. "Well, the fame is one thing, but all this attention...? Its a bit much." "Exactly, you and I both love the fame, but we also love Bakugan. So we just need a way out of this." Jenny said as she glanced to their manager. ""You're right, but for now, lets just get this over with." Jewls gestured to the crowd outside. They were rallying as guards were trying to push them back. Their manager opened the door to the limousine, letting them out. "Hi!" she waved at her fans with jenny. "Clear the way!" the Manager tried helping the guards push the crowd back. "Keep them all back, shove a little! Use some force pipsqueak! Don't just stand there!" "Jenny and Jewls..." a familiar dark voice called out to them as they looked around. "I am Masquerade..." they looked for him in the crowd. "Over here, to the right... yes, ye- no! That's your left, the other right, the-" he groaned as the JJ Dolls franticly looked for him. "Your right or mine?" Jenny asked as she looked to her right. "I think yours?" Jewls looked as well. "Oh, right..." they finally spotted him in the crowd with his usual devious smile. "Would you ladies care for a little Bakugan Action?" he asked them. Jenny and Jewls were surprised. "A Bakugan Battle...? But our manager won't let us..." she mentioned sadly. Jewls got a great idea and walked up to her. "Oh she'll let us do it, as long as we get paid." Jenny looked to her and smiled at the idea. "Oh Jewls, you are so smart. She'll totally say yes, she never turns down money." she pointed out as Masquerade smirked at them. Meanwhile the manager was continuing to push the crowd. "Stand back! Don't even let them touch the girls!" she looked to where they were, only to find that they disappeared. "WHAT?!!! WHERE ARE THEY?!!" she cried out. Meanwhile back at Marucho's penthouse, the Brawlers and the ponies were enjoying the food that Kato brought for them. Dan and Runo even let Drago and Tigrerra out to meet Preyas. "Weeeellllll, look what the cat dragged in, Dragging-on and Tiger-puss." Preyas got their names wrong. "Dragging-on?!" Drago exclaimed. "Don't ever call me Tiger-puss!" Tigrerra yelled at him. Meanwhile, Dan was busy stuffing his face with all the good food that stood before him. Rainbow and Twilight were eating beside him as they ignored his bad manners. "Hey man, this is wicked." Dan complimented as his mouth was full. Runo was eating along side Fluttershy and Rarity. "Yeah, really great grub!" Runo added to the compliment. "Now for the all important question, what's a Bakugan doing crashing your party?" Applejack asked curiously as she looked to Preyas. Preyas tried not to panic. "W-Well, um... I was just, uh... surveying stuff, well whatever, and I uh... thought I'd drop in. You don't mind, do you Muchacho?" he looked to Marucho getting his name wrong. "That's Marucho..." he corrected him. Twilight observed Preyas curiously." You don't seem to talk like the other Bakugan, you seem to be an awful lot like Pinkie." she pointed out to her. "Hey! I'm right here you know!" Pinkie exclaimed to her. "Well, I'm no stranger to town, Ive been here about six months now... so Ive been around the block, quite a few times." he explained to her. "Eh, but I won't bore you with the details, well actually there was this one time... really funny story about these creatures, with these claws and they had me up in a tree, and they-" before he could continue his story. "Sorry sir for interrupting your fascinating story..." Kato apologized for interrupting him in the middle of his story. "But you have further guests to attend to..." Marucho looked to him curiously. "What...? For me...?" he asked only to see a surprise. His eyes popped seeing it was Jenny and jewls. "Hey boys, we're here to say we just want to battle with you today." Jenny said to them. "So get ready, we're here to play." Jewls added. They twirled around together and looks to them with bright smiles. "We're Jenny and Jewls! Super Sing Sound!" they introduced themselves. The Brawlers and ponies were shocked seeing they were standing before them. "Jenny... and Jewls...?! No way!" Dan cried out. "Wow, real live girls around my party?!!" Marucho exclaimed. "Honestly Marucho, they're not the only girls here you know." Applejack pointed out to him. Jenny and Jewls were surprised at seeing her talk. "Did... she just talk...?" Jenny asked them. Applejack realized that they didn't know about her or the others either. "Uhh... normally I wouldn't want to lie... but that's already out the window..." Applejack admitted to them. "Wow, that is so amazing!" Jewls said as she walked up to them. "Where did you girls come from?" she asked them. "Well its a rather long, and complicated story darling. But I must say, I simply adore your outfits, they're so unique." Rarity complimented them on their outfits. The JJ Dolls were surprised at what she said. "O-Oh... thank you miss..." Jenny looked at her curiously. "Rarity, I'm a fashionista where I come from." she said as she gave them a warm smile. "Yeah, we can tell... these outfits your friends are wearing, did you make them?" Jewls asked her. "Certainly, each one I made to represent each of my friends." she gestured to them. Jenny and Jewls looked at each of them, seeing how unique they are. True they weren't pop stars, but they all had something special in their hearts. "So you came here to battle?" Rainbow asked them. The JJ Dolls each held up their Bakugan, Jenny being Aquos, and Jewls being Subterra. "Yeah, lets throw a Bakugan Block Party." Jenny suggested. "So do you guys feel like brawling? You can even invite one of the Ponies to battle too." Jewls added to it. The Mane Six began to sense a familiar presence, it was faint, but they felt it from before with past brawlers. They new that somehow, some way, Masquerade got to them, but that hid it from Dan and the others. "Well, in that case... Rarity, you're in." "What?! Why me?! I'm not as good as you are!" she exclaimed to her. "Because you can sense exactly what we're all sensing... if you can try to knock some sense into these girls, they're bound to see things differently." Twilight whispered to her. Rarity thought about it for a moment, and believes it is worth a shot. "Alright, I'm in..." "Sweet! Any place, any time, I'm ready to roll!" Dan yelled out as he held up two Bakugan. "I'll warn you now, I am one of the best. My name is Dan, and I take no prisoners." a faint blush formed on his face. "Well not yet..." Twilight immediately clocked him in the head. "Nice try Dan, but that's not gonna fly with me!" she yelled at him. Runo meanwhile was very upset. "AAAHH!!!! This stinks! I only have one Bakugan!" she complained. "Tis unfortunate madam..." Tigrerra said to her. "Well now, this is it..." Dan looked to Marucho and Rarity. "Ready to rock and roll guys?" "Yep!" Marucho nodded to him. "Ready!" Rarity said to him as she held out a Darkus Bakugan. They arrived at the roof top, but were short one brawler. Marucho was late, because he had to grab something. Rainbow Dash looked towards the way the came, seeing he hasn't arrived yet. "What in the name of Celestia is taking Marucho?!" "He's a little guy, and this is a big house, cut him some slack." Applejack said to her. "I'm coming! I'm coming!" Marucho came running to them with something in his arms. "Sorry I took so long, I got these from my dad's factory." he showed Dan and Rarity their new Bakushooters. "Whoa... are these shooters? Lets try this puppy out!" Dan asked as he took one and tried it on. "Aw yeah, this is gonna be a blast! Runo check this out!" he activated his Bakushooter as it went into shooting formation. Rarity tried hers on and looked at it. "Amazing, it fits perfectly, and I even like the color." she said as she observed it. "Okay... enough... stop goofing off!" Runo said as she scolded him. Marucho put on his shooter and looked to her. "Don't worry, we've got another shooter lined up for you." "Heh, yeah... well you and I might not need our shooters either, considering the advantage. It wouldn't be fair..." Dan said to him, that is until... "Yoohoo!" Jenny gained their attention as she waved her finger at them. "Not so fast boys, hey Jewls!" she called out to her. "Oh well look,we brought ours too." She pulled her shooter out along with Jenny's. Dan saw it surprised as Rainbow Dash flew up. "Well, well, what a surprise!" Jenny pulled out the Doom Card. "So guys, care for a friendly game of cards?" "That's the Doom Card!" Dan called out. "So, that means... Masquerade is behind this?" Marucho asked them. "Let me think... hmm, yep come to think of it, he did give me his card." Jenny admitted to them. "I should have guessed you were up to something phony! It matches perfectly with your sellout image! Runo yelled at them. "But how?! Just how could you be so incredibly stupid?! Don't you realize that you're just puppets to Masquerade?!" Rarity asked them trying to reach out to them. "Huh?" "Puppets? I don't think so Rarity, this is just a mutual business transaction." Jewls explained to her. "Yeah, we're being paid to bust your moves." Jenny said to the others. "Girls, I too want to be famous in the world I come from, but believe me, this isn't the way to get it." Rarity said to them. Jenny and Jewls looked at her and looked each other wondering if what they're doing is right. But they also knew they needed the money and knew they had no choice. "Sorry Rare... but we have to do this." Jenny said to her as she held out a card. "Yeah, sorry... but we do appreciate you're trying to look out for us." Jewls said to her. Rarity looked at them knowing there was no other way to convince them. "Very well... in that case you both leave me no choice. Get ready to dance girls, cause I'm ready to battle!" she held out a card with her magic. "Yeah!" Dan and Marucho called out as they pulled out their cards. "Bakugan Field Open!" the all called out as their cards began to glow, and the Attribute Circle appeared beneath them. Time slowed down outside as Runo was left out of the battle. In the Pocket Dimension Battle Field, Dan, Marucho, Rarity and the rest of the Mane Six prepared for battle. Meanwhile, the JJ Dolls held out their Doom Cards. "Doom Card Set!" they tossed the cards out to the field sending a wave of Negative Energy. "Gate Card Set!" they all tossed their cards onto the field. One Pyrus, one Darkus, one Subterra, and two Aquos. "Now, lets start brawling! Bakugan Stand!" Jewls shot out her first Bakugan onto the field. She winked at where she shot her Bakugan, but it was mostly aiming towards Marucho. "Perfect bullseye." she said as Marucho began to blush. Meanwhile, the Bakugan she set on the field was a Subterra Stinglash. It emerged in its true form, hissing at its opponents. Marucho looked to his Bakupod. "What's up with Stinglash?" he asked it checking its power level. "Current Power Level 290 G's, no other Data available." it replied to him. "Okay, a power level that's close to 300 G's, lets give Preyas a spin." he said as he held up Preyas. He opened up from his ball form and looked to him. "Ugh, is my nap over already?" he asked jokingly. "Nows not a time for jokes Preyas!" Rarity yelled at him. "Well the opponents Attribute is Subterra, so I'll pick-" before Marucho could finish however... "Whoa Muchacho! We don't need an ability card, I got tricks of my own to play." Preyas said to him with much eager confidence. "So you have a plan?" Marucho asked him. "Of course I do! I plan on winging it." he said bluntly. "WINGING IT?!! YOU THINK THAT'LL WORK?!!" Rarity bursted into anger. "Like a charm snowflake, just stand back and watch the magic!" Preyas said to her as he curled up into ball form. Marucho felt a tiny bit uncertain, but it was his best chance. "Alrighty then, prepare yourselves for battle!" he loaded him into his Bakushooter. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot him onto the field. "Preyas Stand!" he called out as water shot out into the sky. Preyas leaped into the air and landed on the ground revealing his true form. "Aquos Preyas... has ARRIVED!" he called out with his arms crossed with a smirk on his face. Dan and Rarity see's his true form in amazement. "Whoa, this is straight up cool!" he said out loud. "Very much so Daniel." Rarity agreed with him. "Wow Preyas! You sure look awesome!" Marucho complimented him. Preyas chuckled from it. "Get ready kiddies! Cause its showtime!" he said as he started acting like his usual goofy self. Dan, Rarity, and Marucho all had sweat drops going down their faces. "Uh.... maybe I spoke too soon..." Marucho said as he watched him. "Yeah, you kind of did there sugarcube..." Applejack agreed with him. "I think he's funny!" Pinkie admitted to them. "Okay, pick a card! Any card! Don't show me, I love a surprise! Just as much as the last guy who tried to to fool me, but he failed!" Preyas started running his mouth as usual. Jewls only chuckled at him. "Nice clown act, but will he drop the ball on my Gate Card? Attribute coming right up." Preyas heard it and held up a peace sign with his fingers. "Great! We have a volunteer!" he said as he turned to Stinglash. "Now if you'll excuse me... I'll just CHAAAAAANNNNGE!!!!" his body began to glow as his Attribute changed into Subterra, he landed on the ground revealing himself as Subterra Preyas. "Into something more comfortable! Offer void where prohibited! Some conditions apply!" Marucho was shocked from what happened. "WHAT?!! He changed his attribute to Subterra?!" "Impossible!" Dan cried out. "It can't be!" Twilight added to it. "It's not unheard of... but Ive never seen it before. The Preyas species is known for changing its attribute." Drago explained to them. "Oh that feels better, much better." Preyas said with a grin across his face. Jenny and Jewls were shocked by this development. "What happened?! How can he go from an Aquos to a Subterra Attribute?! This clown is some sort of tricked out chameleon." Jewls said in shock, meanwhile the Gate Card activated and formed a barren desert around both Preyas and Stinglash. "Power increase by 150 G's on both teams." Jewls Bakupod informed them. "No! How can his power level be increasing?!" Jenny asked in shock. Preyas began charging at Stinglash. "HIIIIIIIYYYYYAAAHHH!!!!!" he immediately leaped into the air, doing a few front flips, until finally he slammed his knee's into Stinglash's face, forcing him back into Ball Form. Jewls couldn't believe what happened, and started to fume in anger. "Thanks ladies... I couldn't have picked a better card myself. Now if you'll excuse me... ta ta!" he said as he reverted back to ball form, returning to Marucho. "Thanks Preyas, you were great!" Marucho complimented his new partner. "Great? Pfft! I was awesome!" Preyas boasted out proudly. "Yeah well, you're probably only 10% awesome... me...? I'm 100% Awesome!" Rainbow beat him by a mile. "Yeah well, you're just a pony, you can't even change Attributes, now can you?" Preyas asked smugly, catching her off guard. Rainbow shot a scowl at him. "Lucky..." "Alright, the show is over, time to get back to business. Hey Dan! How about you and me spend a little quality time together?" Jenny declared as she challenged Dan. "Well... so bring it on then!" Dan accepted the challenge. "Dan, I know what's going through your mind, so don't think of this as a date." Twilight said to him to get his head out of the clouds. "Hey come on, its not like I have a full on crush on her." Dan said to her. "That's not what you told us when you said she was cute.~" Fluttershy said in a singing tone. Jenny giggled hearing it. "You're sweet Dan, but I think those ponies got you pegged. Alright, time to get busy! Bakugan Brawl!" she shot out one of her Bakugan to the field. "Ready to battle Danny?" she asked with a wink, only to get a shy wink from him in return. "Aquos Fear Ripper, Stand!" she called out, as her Aquos Fear Ripper emerged in its true form. Dan looked to his Bakupod seeing that its power level was at 300. "Okay, her Fear Ripper is sitting at 300 G's, but I have a sneaky feeling she's hiding a card and is gonna crank it up." he thought out loud. Meanwhile Jenny was getting impatient. "Are you gonna battle or what?!" she asked in frustration. "Yeah, yeah, just chill! Bakugan Brawl!" he used his Bakushooter to shoot his Pyrus Falconeer onto the field. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Falconeer appeared behind Fear Ripper. Jenny laughed at it. "Don't tell me that's your best move!" she said to him. Dan chuckled a bit. "You haven't seen nothing yet." "Hey, its your funeral boy." Jenny said to him. "I think he's playing you Jen..." Jewls said to her with a smirk across her face. "Oh please! Like you can do better?!" Jenny shot a glare at her. "Hey girlfriend, you ready to party?" Jewls asked with an innocent smile. (Like that was gonna help.) "Girls, can we please concentrate, your battle is with us, not each other." Rarity mentioned to them. The two pop stars snapped out of it and turned to her. "Right, thanks Rare..." Jewls said to her as she loaded another Bakugan. "Bakugan Brawl!" she shot a Subterra Saurus onto the field and winked to Marucho to distract him. "Get out of the way boy! Saurus Stand!" she called out as Saurus emerged on the field roaring out. Dan looked to his Bakupod and a smile formed across his face. "Battle Status, Saurus a 320 G's, Falconeer at 300 G's." the Bakupod explained to him. "Watch this Marucho! Gate Card Open!" he called out as a ring of fire circled around Falconeer and Saurus. "Falconeer power increase." said the Bakupod. "Now you're mine!" Dan called out unaware he made a fatal error. "Ability Card Activate! Time to combined Subterra and Aquos!" Jewls called out as Aquos Fear Rippers Power was transferred to Subterra Saurus. Saurus roared out as his power increased with the help of Fear Ripper. "Saurus Power level increase to 420 G's." Dan panicked from hearing it. "Aw snap! I'm gonna get creamed!" he looked and saw Saurus charging right at Falconeer, before he could react... Saurus rammed Falconeer straight into the Doom Dimension. Dan was devastated... "Its gone!" he cried out. "Aww, too bad. It must be harder to take when you're beaten by a girl." Jewls antagonized him receiving an intense glare from him. "We win! You lose! We win! You lose!" the JJ Dolls cheered out laughing. "Sorry you lost Danny!" Jenny said to him with a wink. Dan was upset it happened. "I can't believe they sent my Bakugan to the Doom Dimension!" "That is true, but you let your guard down." Drago said to him. "He's right Dan, you let your confidence get to you, and they used it against you." Twilight explained to him. Marucho meanwhile, was figuring out how they pulled it off, he soon figured it out. "Now I get it..." "Get what Marucho?" Applejack looked to him curiously. "Yes, please explain quickly before we all lose our Bakugan." Rarity said to him anxiously. "By diagonally combining the Attributes of their Aquos and Subterra Ability Cards, they simply overpowered Dan." he explained to them as Dan realized something. "Then that means they blocked me from combining the powers of my Bakugan, leaving me a sitting duck." he said as he figured out the situation. He sharply turned to Marucho in surprise and shock. "You knew?! So why didn't you tell me Marucho?!" he demanded to know. "Hey! Simmer down mister!" Preyas said as he repeatedly bounced off Dan's head hurting him. "Or I'm gonna have to show you who's boss around here!" "There is a solution." Drago mentioned to them. "Preyas has the ability to change attributes on his own." "Drago's right Dan, if Preyas changes into Subterra mode, then he'll be in a diagonal relationship with Aquos. Which is me!" Marucho explained. "And if he changes to Darkus mode, then he aligns with Pyrus. Which is me and Daniel." Rarity added to it. "Now you got it." Preyas said to them. "This isn't over, we can still do this." Marucho said confidently as he loaded an Aquos Juggernoid into his Bakushooter. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot him to the field onto a different card away from Fear Ripper. "Juggernoid Stand!" he called out as Juggernoid emerged on the field. "Ability Card Activate! Water Refrain!" he called out as it activated. "According to my calculations, no one else will be able to use an ability card, thusly blocking them from activating their Attributes diagonally." Marucho theorized as he looked to the others. "That explains the wave of energy flowing from Juggernoid." Twilight looked to it. "Oh yeah?! Watch! Gate Card Set!" she tossed in a new Gate Card. "Bakugan Brawl!" she shot an Aquos Gargonoid onto the field. "Gargonoid Stand!" she called out as Aquos Gargonoid appeared on the field. "WE ROCK!" the two pop stars cheered out. Drago observed the field and he began to realize something. "Daniel! There are two Aquos Bakugan on the field put against each other." he explained to them. "Then that means..." his eyes widen as he realized what it meant. "A tsunami!" "Their combined powers could create a Tsunami Wave." Twilight said as she looked to the battlefield. "And it could be much worse if they unleash an Aquos Siege, which I'm pretty sure they have." Rarity added. Dan looked at the battlefield. "Here's the deal guys, our only hope is to defeat them, and the quicker the better." "No Dan..." Marucho objected. "We must secure our position and make a stand against them." "Are you nuts?" Dan asked him. "Trust me, I believe my calculations are correct." Marucho said to him with a reassuring smile. Dan looked at him feeling uncertain, but he had to trust in his friends instincts. "Yeah, okay... I think I know what you're getting at. So we better get started before we lose another Bakugan." he pulled out another Gate Card. "Gate Card Set!" he tossed it to the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot Serpenoid onto the field. "Serpenoid Stand!" he called out as Serpenoid emerged on the field, hissing at its opponents. "Gate Card Set!" Jewls tossed it onto the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" she shot Saurus back onto the field. "Saurus Stand!" she called out as Saurus emerged onto the field. "So... seeing that its your plan, its your move." Dan said to Marucho. "I believe its very simple. As you can see, we have your Pyrus, my Aquos, and if we add the light Attribute Haos onto the battlefield, it will complete our line of defense." Marucho explained to him and Rarity. Twilight rubbed her chin trying to think it through. "Fire, Water, Light..." then it finally hit her. "The Triangle of Hexagonel Magic Circle, Marucho you're a genius!" she complimented him. Dan was surprised that she figured it out. "Wow, I am totally clueless! But I'm guessing what ever this triangle thingy is, it'll boost our power." "Something like that, we just need Preyas, he's our Haos source." Marucho pointed out, only to get a different reaction from Preyas. "ME?! You're kidding! Are you saying you want me to go in there and risk being sent into the Doom Dimension?! No not me! No way!" he declined to go into that battle. "YES!" Dan, Marucho and Rarity objected against his answer. Preyas meanwhile... was slack jawed and was mentally screaming. "So, you ready to go?" Marucho asked him. Preyas frantically panicked, and simply answered... "No!" "But we're counting on you!" Marucho said to him. "If you go in there Preyas, I'll give you a nice warm kiss on the cheek." Rarity used her charm on him. As much as Preyas wanted to refuse, but who would pass up that opportunity? "Oh alright, fine." Marucho loaded him into the Bakushooter. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot him to the field, but in the process, Preyas was spinning out of control. But he managed to land on the field safely. "Preyas Stand!" he called out as Preyas emerged on the field. But in the way he appeared, Japanese dojo doors slid open, and he was holding an umbrella. He turned to them with his signature grin. "Mind if I play?" he made his voice sound like a girl, getting a few laughs from Pinkie Pie, but irritating Marucho. "Be serious!" he yelled at him. "Do you mind?! This is my party!" he focused his power readying to change his attribute. He leaped into the air as his body started to glow. "Change of Attribute!" his skin changed to match the Darkus Attribute. "What do you think? Too much?" Marucho snapped. "CUT IT OUT!" he yelled seeing him land. "You idiot! You morphed into Darkus, we needed Haos!" Preyas panicked knowing he made a mistake. "I can't do anything right can I?" he admitted to them in the form of a question. Jenny and Jewls watched as he panicked. "Not the brightest Bakugan..." Jewls said out loud. Preyas turned sharply towards her with an intense glare. "Hey! I heard that!" "Gate Card Open now!" Jewls called out as the Gate Card glowed, empowering Saurus as it roared out. Preyas saw it look to him with a fierce glare and he started sweating bullets. "Saurus Power level increase." said the Bakupod. Preyas screamed as loud as he could and ran away from Saurus. "I'm in a little trouble here! Someone or somepony call 9-1-1 if its not too much trouble! HUUURRRRYYYYY!!!!!!!" he cried out for help. Marucho looked at his Bakupod. "Oh no..." he saw that Water Refrain has been negated. "That's bad isn't it?" Pinkie Pie asked them. "Do something Marucho!" Dan said to him. "Ability Card Activate! Time to combined Darkus and Pyrus, and to bend the rules a bit, lets welcome one more Darkus Bakugan to the field!" Marucho called out and looked to Rarity. "Rarity now!" "Right then! Bakugan Brawl!" she shot out her Bakugan onto the field. "Siege Stand!" she called out as Darkus Siege emerged on the field twirling its spear. "Hope you girls don't mind me crashing the party." Preyas and Siege were being powered up by Pyrus Serpenoid. "Whoa I'm freaking out man!" Preyas exclaimed feeling his power grow. "Preyas Power Level 400 G's, Siege power level 460 G's." the Bakupod informed them. Preyas' muscles flex and he formed a grin across his face. "Alright buddy... time for you to get hurt!" he launched a barrage of punches against Saurus and gave it a right uppercut launching it into the air. "He's all yours Siege!" he called out as Siege leaped into the air twirling his spear, Saurus panicked as Siege swung his spear smack Saurus back down to the ground forcing it back into Ball Form. The JJ Dolls were shocked at what happened. "No way! They took him down!" Jenny exclaimed. Preyas laughed at them as he and Siege reverted to Ball Form returning to their partners. "Boy, that was too close for comfort! I almost lost my Preyas! Luckily I remembered to link up the Pyrus and Darkus forces at the last minute to pull it off." Marucho said as he held Preyas. "Oh please... I was in control the whole time." Preyas boasted to them. Meanwhile, the Brawlers and the Ponies all shot a glare at him. "WHY YOU UNGRATEFUL LITTLE BAKUGAN!" they all yelled at him in unison. "A careless display Preyas!" Drago yelled at him. "Hey lighten up would ya? After all I did win!" Preyas exclaimed to him. "Well in this case you can forget about that kiss." Rarity said to him. "AW COME ON!!!" Preyas complained to her, meanwhile Spike smirked as he pulled out a score board of him verses Preyas. He placed one mark on his side of the score board. "Hey Rarity! Holler out girl, because those were sweet moves back there. It was nice seeing you play against the sisters who back up what they're saying!" Jewls called out to the Rarity. "Yeah, you the bomb girl!" Jenny said to her. "And this battle is about to end!" Jewls added to it. Rarity tensed up knowing what was coming. "I have a feeling you've got something up your sleeves." she suggested. Jenny pulled out a Gate Card and tossed it to the field. "You're right about that, Gate Card set! Bakugan Brawl! Aquos Siege!" she called out as she shot it to the field. "Aquos Siege?!" Marucho panicked. "I had a funny feeling they weren't finished with us yet." Dan said as he watched Siege emerge on the field. "That is so no good, with three Aquos Bakugan on the field, we both know what that means." Pinkie said as she watched the battle. Jenny giggled a bit. "I love this game!" "Hey girl, time to get your surf on!" Jewls said to her. "Ability Card Activate! Tsunami Wave!" Jenny called out as Siege focused his power, summoning a giant Tsunami. "Heads up!" Dan exclaimed as the wave charged at all the Bakugan on the field, sweeping them away from the field and taking them into the Doom Dimension. The Brawlers and the Mane Six were shocked of what happened. "There was nothing in the Bakugan Handbook about giant waves!" Preyas panicked from what he saw. "Hey you two, that's cheating!" Dan yelled at them only to get a couple of giggles from them. "Oh, sorry about that boys..." Jenny gave a fake apology. "Yeah, our bad!" Jewls teased only to finally get on some ponies bad side. "That's does it..." the JJ Dolls looked to Rarity who was starting to grow angry. "I thought I could reason with you two... but its clear to me that all you two care about is this battle that you cannot see that you're hurting innocent Bakugan...!" Rarity said as tears brimmed in her eyes, Jenny and Jewls saw it clear as day as they slowly began to realize they went too far. Rarity shot a glare at them. "Time to get this battle started!" "Present standings, battle tied at one game each." the Bakupod informed them. "So what do you say we play by their rules?" Dan asked them as Rarity and Marucho nodded to them. "Gate Card set!" Dan tossed his gate Card to the field. "Its up to you Drago... Bakugan Brawl! he shot Drago to the field. "Drago Stand!" he called out as Drago emerged in his true form, roaring out in anger. "Bakugan Brawl!" Jewls shot her Subterra Centipoid to the field. "Centipoid Stand!" she called out as Centipoid emerged on the field. "Okay, Gate Card open!" Dan called out. "Ring of Flame!" Drago roared out as a ring of fire circled around them. "Drago power increase to 420 G's." "Do it Drago! I boosted your power level to 420 G's! And your Fire Attribute should squash that bug big time!" Dan called out as Drago roared out. Meanwhile, Jewls pulled out an Ability Card. "Ability Card Activate! Hooking up Subterra to Aquos!" she called out. Dan panicked seeing it happen. "Oh no!" he looked to his Bakupod seeing Centipoids power level. "Centipoid Power Level 440 G's." "Ability Card Activate! Attractor!" Jewls called out as a gap opened in the ring of flames. "Check it you guys, we just linked out Bakugan to battle together!" she said to them as Siege joined Centipoid to battle Drago. Dan's eyes widen from seeing it. "Impossible... that makes it two against one!" he exclaimed as he saw them join forces. "There's no way we stand a chance..." Challenger increase to 530 G's." the Bakugpod informed them. "Sorry, but you lose again." Jewls said to him. "Not yet!" Marucho called out to them gaining Dan's and Rarity's attention. "Watch and learn! Counter Ability Activate! I'm betting if I reverse the diagonal relationship, and hook up Pyrus with Darkus, it neutralizes a counter attack." he explained as both Preyas and Darkus Siege enter the battlefield. Preyas and Darkus Siege entered the battle, and of course Preyas made his entrance through the dojo again. "Ready or not..." he turned to them with a smirk holding his umbrella "Yoohoo! Mr. Dragon! I've heard a rumor you're looking for two dance partners." "You're wearing on me Preyas." Drago said to him bluntly. "Hey no fair! Since when is it okay for Preyas and Darkus Siege to crash the party?! Don't you know its against the rules?! I want to launch an official protest!" Jenny cried out. "Ah put a sock in it red! Or I'm gonna fly over there and slap you si-" Rainbow's mouth was forcefully closed by Twilight. Jewls looked at her Bakupod. "According to the rules, you can use a diagonal move to counter attack." she explained to Jenny, causing her to gasp in shock. Preyas smirked as he prepared for a little costume change. "Change of Attribute! Darkus!" he called out as he switched from Aquos to Darkus. Marucho looked to his Counter Ability Card seeing it glow. "Its working!" he called out. Drago roared out feeling his power combined with Preyas and Darkus Siege. "Sensing power surge." the Bakupod informed Jenny and Jewls as they screamed at the top of their lungs. "Drago, Ability Card Activate!" "Boosted Dragon!" Drago called out as his body was surrounded by flames. The JJ Dolls screamed in terror seeing it. "THIS IS WORSE THAN A BAD HAIR DAY!" Jewls cried out. "Combined Powers to 1020 G's." the Bakupod informed them. Drago roared out and blasted both Aquos Siege and Centipoid, forcing them into Ball Form and claiming victory. He, Preyas and Darkus Siege reverted back to Ball Form and returned to their partners. "Yeah! We did it! Didn't we?!" Marucho cheered out. Rarity watched as Marucho hugged Dan like an older brother, she smiled at it but soon looked to Jenny and Jewls seeing them sigh in defeat. "At least we're popular..." they said in unison and returned to the real world. Runo looked at them curiously but noticed Dan was smiling. "Too easy..." he said as Runo rushed to them. "Come on, so tell me guys, did you win?" she asked them only to receive a nod from Dan. Rarity looked to the JJ Dolls and walked to them. "Girls... I know you love this game, but if you ask me, battling for that creep Masquerade is not the smartest thing in the world to do." she explained to them. Marucho walked up. "But if you ask me, if you two ever want to ho-" his mouth was soon covered by Rarity's hoof. "You're much too young for that Marucho." she said to him. Jewls smiled and walked up to Rarity and kneeled down petting her on the head. "Who cares about that guy when there's these two hunky homeboys like Dan and Marucho to battle? And one special pony who helped them out." she said to her with a warm smile but it faded a bit. "Also, we're sorry for making you lose your cool..." "Yeah, what we did was wrong, after all the kind words you've given us... we only repaid it with a battle with Doom Cards and sending your Bakugan to the Doom Dimension." Jenny said as she and Jewls looked down with regret. Rarity looked at them and knew that they meant it. She smiled and use her magic to fix up their dresses noticing they were covered with dust. "Its alright darlings, but the next time you want to battle, please leave the Doom Cards out of it." "You got it Rare." Jewls said with a smile. Jenny touched her shoulder. "Yo, yo girlfriend, we gotta roll." she said to her. Jewls quickly realized they're almost late. "That's right! I can't believe we forgot all about it!" "What's wrong girls?" Rarity asked them. "We've got a show tonight!" the JJ Dolls exclaimed as they took off their Bakushooters and ran off. "Super Sing Sound Extravaganza Rocks! See ya guys!" Drago watched them leave and had a moment of silence. "I fully realized my understanding of your language is limited... however! I believe the word for those two would be... flakes?" "They were mildly amusing creatures to say the least Drago." Tigrerra said to him. "They were merely being mislead, we can't blame them for that." Rarity said as she walked up to them. "What concerns me is the one you call Masquerade." Drago mentioned him. "Well if you ask me, I say we challenge that varmint to a showdown." Preyas said in a southern accent. Dan looked to Drago. "Well Drago, what do you think?" Twilight and the others looked to him knowing they needed to know everything. "Drago, its time you told them what you told us." When they got back into Marucho's room, they had both Alice and Julie on the screen. "Come on you guys, spill! What is it you want to tell us?" Julie asked anxiously. "What you're about to hear is something Drago told us the night Dan was preparing to face Masquerade for a second time." Twilight said to them. "And I believe now is the right time to explain about the universe I come from." Drago said to them. "You mean Vestroia right?" Dan asked him. "The place where all Bakugan live?" Runo added to the question. "That... is correct... Vestroia is a vast dimension comprised of six Attribute worlds. You humans would know them better as Fire, Earth, Light, the Dark Side, Water, and Wind. In the very center of our universe there are two opposing cores, Infinity the source of all Positive Energy, and the Silent Core, the source of all Negative Energy." he explained to them. "Drago told us that these two opposing forces maintain to equilibrium of their dimension." Twilight added to what Drago was explaining. "Yes, but there was one Rogue Bakugan who in his lust for control, schemed to seize all the power for himself. This had never happened in our universe before, his name was Naga, and his mission was to penetrate the core and seize the power. But this had never been done before." Drago continued his explaination. "Somehow however, he didn't succeed and he released all the Negative Energy. It affected the Bakugan, and now it has spilled into the human world." Applejack said as she joined in. "Aaaand everybody didn't live happily ever after. And that's it, bye-bye." Preyas said to them. Dan and the brawlers soon gasped in realization. "Aw man, this is all starting to make sense now, all those cards must have fallen through some kind of wormhole or something into our world." Dan suggested. "And the crazy thing is... everyone who found them just thought they were some kind of game... boy were we ever wrong." "No kidding, you think I came here for my health?" Preyas broke into the conversation as they entered bit of a flashback. "Before Naga screwed everything up, I was just a cute peace loving Bakugan." Preyas was battling a Pyrus Gargonoid in the flash back. The Gargonoid went to strike him, but Preyas dodged it and flipped backwards landing on his feet. He then charged at the Gargonoid and punched its face rapidly and clobbered it with a strong punch. "KNUCKLE SANDWICH!" he said as Gargonoid was knocked down. He chuckled unaware a Ventus Juggernoid was falling down and it landed right on his head. He groaned and fell down to the ground. "Can't we all just get along...?" He sat back up rubbing his head. "Did anyone... get the number of that bus...?" he asked breaking the fourth wall again. "Then the next thing I know, I wake up in your world, and thank goodness it wasn't Equestria. I was freaked! My past was a foggy memory... I only knew I had to find myself." he said as the flashback ended. "Find the cute and cuddly Preyas I remember deep down inside of me. A Bakugan... who loved long walks on the beach, a warm fire and a good book-" before Preyas could finish. "Gee Preyas, that's almost interesting, but would you mind not interrupting again?" Applejack asked him. "Sorry Drago, now go ahead and finish your story." Twilight said to him. "After Naga had disrupted our world, and before the Bakugan began entering yours... there was one human who crossed over, into Vestroia." Drago mentioned to them, but forgot to mention to the Mane Six. "A human crossed over?! You're serious?!" Dan asked him surprised. "And you failed to mention that to us?!" Rainbow asked in frustration. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but yes... and he was the one who showed Naga how to enter the center of the world. He opened the portal... that was the last I saw of Naga. Vestroia fell into a world of sheer madness, the Negative power overwhelming the minds and wills of the Bakugan who lived there. The violence escalated, and seemed to be no end to it. That is when I decided to enter your realm and put a stop to this insanity, when I crossed over you were in the middle of one of your games, that was the first you ever saw of me Daniel." Drago explained as they took a trip back down memory lane. "Yeah I remember... the vision I had a while ago..." Dan mentioned it. "I had the very same vision, but you two were already bonded partners when we crossed over into your world." Twilight mentioned to them. "And it seemed real..." Dan said as he looked to Runo. "Wow, so how long have you been here Tigrerra?" she asked her partner of how long she was on Earth. "Just after Drago left Vestroia, I followed... I realized my world was about to collapse on itself. And our only hope to save it was to come to your world. Just before I left, I saw the Infinity Core leaving Vestroia to enter your realm forever." she explained to them receiving surprised looks from everyone. "Naga must have summoned it here, now our mission is to return to two cores, otherwise Vestroia is doomed." Drago exclaimed as he looked down. "For real...?" Runo asked worriedly. "We must find the human that corrupted Naga's mind." Drago said to them. "But who is he?" Rainbow asked him curiously. "If I remember correctly... its Michael..." Drago mentioned to them. "Michael who?!" Dan asked anxiously, only to hear a gasp from Julie. "Whoa! Hang on a sec you guys!" she left the screen and started going through her old books. "Where did I put it?! I just saw it here!" she said in frustration. Spike watched along with the Mane Six and looked to them. "She's gonna have some major cleaning up to do." "Very..." Rarity agreed with him. Julie reappeared on the screen. "Okay, you guys are not gonna believe this. Check this out!" she held up an old 7th grade science book. "Yeah, uh... I hate to break it to you, but that's just your 7th grade science book." Runo said bluntly. "For your information Runo, I'm not as dumb as you look!" Julie said to her in the form of an insult seeing her crash on the ground. Twilight saw it and placed her hoof against her face and sighed. "Here we go..." Runo got back up screaming with her eyes turned red and she held up a large hammer. "I'M NOT STUPID!" she yelled as she was about ready to smash the screen. Applejack immediately snared her with her lasso tying her up. "Easy there Runo!" "Yeah, besides I think I know who Michael is!" Julie opened up the book and showed a picture. "Is this the dude?" she asked Drago. Drago immediately recognized him. "Yes! That's him! That's him!" he said as he hopped into the air. Meanwhile, Alice gasped in shock and disbelief, this did not go unnoticed from Fluttershy, not one bit. "Who is he?" Pinkie asked curiously. "That's Dr. Michael Gehabich, the multi gazillionaire scientist, last I heard he went missing a couple years ago." Marucho explained. Rainbow snickered at seeing his picture. "The guys a total geek!" she said as she started laughing only to get a magic zap from Twilight. "So, what do you know about this guy?" Spike asked as he leaped onto Marucho's desk. "He needs a total makeover and fast before I-" before Preyas could finish, Marucho grabbed him just to shut him up. "Would you zip it?! You're not helping the situation with your lame jokes Preyas, okay?!" he looked to Dan and Runo. "I know this is gonna sound kind of weird, but do you guys think its possible that when this Dr. Michael went missing, he really crossed over to Vestroia?" he asked them curiously. Twilight thought about it for a moment, meanwhile Dan found it hard to believe. "Seems to far fetched to me." "But it might be possible Dan, I mean he is a scientist in your world." Twilight mentioned to him. "Wait a sec you guys, you think there's a connection between Masquerade and this Doctor guy?" Runo asked them curiously. "Well if there is, we're gonna have to beat the information out of him if we ever see him again." Rainbow said to them. "Rainbow!" Fluttershy yelled at her disapprovingly, but soon noticed that Alice's expression fell into a form of sadness. She wondered what could be bothering her, but she chose to hide it from the others knowing it might be a personal matter. Elsewhere, in Masquerade's hideout, he was looking at the scores, but was soon contacted by someone. "This is Hal-G..." a face formed from the wall Masquerade sat in front of. "Hows my little plan coming along... Masquerade?" he asked him. "Well... lets just say that you have nothing to worry about, Hal-G." Masquerade said with a dark chuckle as he looked back at the screen. "The more we battle, the more our Bakugan evolve, and soon the Infinity core will be ours." he continued to chuckle darkly. "And what of those ponies that are with the brawlers? They seem to be learning about Bakugan quicker than expected." Hal-G said to him. "They won't be much of a problem... I have special plans for them. Especially the on called Twilight Sparkle." Masquerade said with a devious smirk. At Alice's house, she gasped in shock as she woke up from her nap. She didn't know what to think of the situation as she looked to the picture of her and Michael Gehabich. "After all these years... no grandfather Michael, you in Vestroia? It... it can't be!" she cried out lowering her head. "Yes, yes, the Infinity Core will be ours." Masquerades voice called out from where he was hiding. Meanwhile, back at Marucho's place, Dan and the others were enjoying their time with each other, but Fluttershy was all by her lonesome. Twilight noticed it and walked over to her. "Fluttershy? What's wrong?" she asked her. Fluttershy had a moment of silence for was lost in thought. "There's something going on with Alice... she... she looked as if she was shocked or surprised. I can't explain it, but I think it has something to do with Dr. Michael." she said as she looked to her. "It was as if she knew him." "But how does she know him? Old science teacher perhaps?" Twilight suggested as she thought it through. "I don't know... but what ever it is, we need to hear it from Alice... when she gets a chance to tell us what's bothering her." Fluttershy said as she looked out. Dan rushed up to them and found them. "Guys! You gotta see this!" he said as he grabbed them pulling them back inside. "Whoa! Dan, what's the big rush?!" Twilight asked him. "Just watch." Marucho turned on the screen showing Jenny and Jewls. "Hey ya'll, we're sorry for disappearing on you earlier, but there was a reason for it." Jenny explained to them. "We needed some time to come up with something new, a song that is for a really close friend of ours. And Rarity... if you're watching... we want to thank you again, for everything you did." Jewls said to the camera. Rarity gasped in surprise hearing her name. She watched as the lights dimmed on the stage, and music began to play in the background. (Thank You for Being a Friend from My Little Pony the Movie) Jenny; If you threw a party And invited everyone you knew Jewls; You would see the biggest gift would be from us And the card attached would say Jenny & jewls; Thank you for bein' a friend Jenny; We count on you and you count on us It's as easy as one-two-three Jewls; And we're connected eternally Let's dance around by the firelight And catch the stars falling from the sky Tell your secrets, and we'll tell you ours Jenny & Jewls; Out of seven billion people in the world Can't believe that we found you (Hey! Hey!) We know you've got my back and we've got yours Call on us and we'll remind you (Yeah, you da best! Yeah, if you threw a party And invited everyone you knew You would see the biggest gift would be from me And the card attached would say Thank you for bein' a friend The Brawlers and the Mane Six watched in amazement of what they're seeing, Rarity was more astounded that this song was mostly meant for her. She gave a proud smile to the two pop stars. Backup Singers; A friend, a friend Thank you for bein' a friend A friend, a friend Thank you for bein' a friend Jenny; You understand without sayin' a word Your heart is gold, but you put us first And helped us reach for what we deserve Jenny & Jewls; Out of seven billion people in the world Can't believe that we found you (Hey! Hey!) And just in case you're feeling insecure Call on us and we'll remind you (we will remind you!) And if you threw a party And invited everyone you knew You would see the biggest gift would be from us And the card attached would say Thank you for bein' a friend Backup Singers; A friend, a friend Thank you for bein' a friend A friend, a friend Thank you for bein' a friend Jenny & Jewls and their Backup Singers; So c'mon, call anyone over They'll tell you the same thing we told ya We'll always be shoulder to shoulder I gotcha, I gotcha So c'mon, call anyone over They'll tell you the same thing we told ya We'll always be shoulder to shoulder I gotcha, I gotcha Jenny & Jewls; And if you threw a party And invited everyone you knew You would see the biggest gift would be from us And the card attached would say Thank you for bein' a friend Backup Dancers; A friend, a friend Thank you for bein' a friend A friend, a friend Jenny & Jewls; Thank you for bein' a friend The crowd cheered for them, as did the Brawlers and the Mane Six, for they were literally blown away from what happened. "Wow, that was beyond awesome!" Dan exclaimed. "Yeah, and I take back what I said about picking Sapphire Shores, these girls ROCK!" Rainbow cried out. Meanwhile, Rarity continued to smile proudly as tears formed in her eyes.. "Oh, thank you girls..." "Hope ya'll enjoyed it!" Jenny said to both the crowd and the camera. "And have a great night." Jewls added to it. "Cause this is Jenny and Jewls, Super Sing Sound Extravaganza signing off!" they said in unison as the crowd cheered for them. "Wow, those girls really know how to make it big in the spotlight." Marucho said with a bright blush on his face. "Yeah, definitely two angels from heaven." Dan said as he watched them. Meanwhile Runo was still angry that they're being all gaga over them, she glanced to Twilight with eyes that were easy to read. "Normally I would knock some sense in to them... but, go nuts." Twilight said to her. Runo smirked as she grabbed both Dan and Marucho by the head. "GET YOUR HEADS OUT OF THE CLOUDS YOU NUMBSKULLS!" she yelled as she started clobbering them, hearing them scream in pain. The Mane Six couldn't help but laugh at the scene as Runo went crazy. > Fight or Flight > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- At the airport, the Brawlers and the ponies were waiting for Alice's plane to arrive. But elsewhere on the airport grounds, two boys... brothers to be exact, were waiting along side their friend for another arrival. "You know what's really cool? When you use the ability cards, you can use them to block a move." This boy was Takashi, he has dark hair, and brown eyes, he wears a brown vest with fur collar and a light orange tank-top under it. He also wears light colored pants, and black boots. Also, he is a Pyrus Brawler just like Dan and Twilight. "Sure, but I'm really stoked about is using the ability cards in a combination attack." This was Kosuke, he was Takashi's brother, he has darkish brown hair, light brown eyes, he wears goggles all the time. He wears a blue tank-top, a green jacket around his waist, and yellow pants. Opposite to his brother, he is a Darkus Brawler like Rarity. "Good idea!" Takashi looked to a girl named Mui, she has mid-length blonde hair, a small segment of which was braided, and blue eyes. She also wore a pink shirt. "Mui, come here, we'll show you a couple of new Bakugan Battle tricks." "Yeah, check it out, they're really cool!" Kosuke agreed. Mui turned to them after being distracted by the airplanes. "Sorry... I wasn't listening guys, it wasn't important was it...?" she asked them. The two boys knew exactly what has been on her mind, she's been trying to look for her brother who went to live with her father. Takashi and Kosuke want to do everything they can to make her happy, but it might prove difficult given the long distance she and her brother are. The brothers looked to each other with concern, but understood completely how she was feeling. "Its okay, we know that you're thinking about your little brother again." Takashi said to her and looked to Kosuke. "Say something..." "Uh yeah! You're out here every day waiting for him to show up." he said to her trying to cheer her up. Mui smiled at them knowing they cared about her and her little brother very much. "I know..." she looked out to the sky watching airplanes fly in, she soon entered a flashback of when her brother left. She could never forget seeing her brother Makoto cry, as he left with his father. Their parents were separated, it was hard on her brother, but it was harder on her. Makoto's last words to his big sis was "See you later..." She was saddened from seeing her brother leave the country, she wished only to see him come home. "Hurry... I'll be waiting for you... here..." she said as she stared at both the ocean and the sky. Takashi and Kosuke knew that she was hurting, they couldn't bear to see her like this. They were about to cheer her up, but suddenly... "Waiting won't bring you anything..." the boys turned around only to see Masquerade standing before them. "You have to make these happen." he said to them. Mui looked to him feeling something very dark about him, and knowing Masquerade... he's got something up his sleeve. "I can grant you any wish, with these..." he held up two Doom Cards. "All you have to do is use them. Takashi & Kosuke looked to each other but looked to Mui, they wanted to help her see Makoto more than anything. And if this is the only way to get her brother to come home, what choice did they have? Meanwhile in the airport, Runo, Marucho, and the Mane Six were running through the airport trying to find Alice. She just recently arrived, and given how big the airport is... it was gonna be a hassle. "Boy... if there were airports in Equestria, imagine just how crazy it would be to get on a plane." Applejack said. "I know right? Personally I prefer my own way of flying." Rainbow said as she ran beside her. Fluttershy ran and soon noticed a familiar orange hair color and began to smile. "There she is! Hey Alice!" she called out to her. Alice turned around and saw her and the others and smiled warmly at them. "Fluttershy, everyone." she walked to them and kneeled down. "You're all here." "Wouldn't miss it for the world." Runo said as she sat down with her. "So Alice, you must be beat after that long flight." "Not really, I slept all the way from Moscow, so it didn't feel like it took that long." Alice said to her. "Had you made prior arrangements with me, I could have gotten you a seat on our private plane." Marucho said to her. After all he is a rich kid, so who wouldn't have their own private plane? "I believe your journey would have taken half as long." Pretty soon, Preyas jumped up and popped open. "So you're Alice huh...? Woooowww... you sure are pretty." he said to her with a large red blush across his face. "I must agree with Preyas, you look stunning my dear, and your dress is simply gorgeous!" Rarity complimented her. "Why thanks, so is yours Rarity." Alice returned the compliment. Tigrerra rolled up behind Preyas and opened up. "Milady, you truly are a sight to behold." Twilight laughed a bit. "Come on, give the poor girl a break you guys." Alice giggled at them but soon remembered something. "Oh that's right, I brought both of you something from back home." she started going through her bag. "For us? You shouldn't have." Tigrerra said to her. "Oh yes she should have! I love presents!" Preyas quickly objected but noticed the gift she brought. "What's that?" "Here's some fresh battle simulations... they're set up to match your attributes. You like them? You can use them next time you do battle." Alice said to them with a warm smile. "Yeah, great..." Preyas said bluntly. "It does look interesting, but how did you make something so small in such a short amount of time?" Rainbow asked her curiously as Marucho approached. "You see Rainbow, Alice is the brains of the Bakugan Battle Brawlers. She knows more about the game than any of us." he explained to her. "She doesn't battle, but if you ever want to know anything about the game, she's the one to go to for the info." Runo said to them. "You don't say." Preyas and Tigrerra said in unison. Alice soon noticed something and looked around. "Uh, hey... is Dan around here?" she asked curiously. Meanwhile, Dan and Drago were trying to find the others in the Airport. "Aw man, this bites... where did they go? How could they get lost in an airport?" he asked Drago. "You should know all about that Dan, haven't you noticed we've been walking in circles?" Drago mentioned to him. "Hey, I just went to the restroom and forgot which direction we were walking in." Dan said to him. "That sounds like lost to me." Drago said bluntly as Dan began to sweat. "Technically yes, but- oh forget it!" he cried out and kept walking through the hall. "We all came here together, but I guess Dan must have wondered off somewhere." Runo said as she looked around. "I'm pretty sure he just went to the restroom and got lost. Like you humans say, if you gotta go, you gotta go." Twilight said to her earning a giggle from Alice. "Dan will never change, will he?" she asked them. "Hey Alice, if ya don't mind me asking, what made ya decide to pay us a visit so suddenly? Are you here on important business?" Applejack asked her as she sat next to her. "No Applejack, I just felt like seeing you all in person." Alice said to her with a kind smile and looked to Runo. "Runo, thank you for letting me stay with you." "No problemo, you know you're welcome at my place any time Alice." Runo reassured her. "Yeah, her parents were totally stoked to hear you were coming for a visit, her mom even made a Tuna special surprise, just for you." Pinkie said as she jumped up. "Yeah, you're lucky Alice, that's the one thing Runo's mom knows how to make. You'll be eating tuna for breakfast, lunch and dinner, desert too if you're really lucky." Marucho said. "I don't eat it myself, so I'm sure there are lots of left ever for you to take home with you." Runo said as she held her cheeks as they turned a bit red. "Guess I'll have to eat pizza again, total bummer..." she said with much sarcasm earning a look from Marucho. "Don't feel sorry for yourself, you're lucky." he said to her. "I know, hey you want a couple of slices?" Runo asked as she held her hand to Marucho's mouth. Alice watched them and smiled but her thoughts went back to what Drago said. "For the sake of your world and mine, we must find the human who corrupted Naga's mind. I remember his name, his name... is Michael..." it echoed in her mind as she was lost in her train of thought. "These visions I keep having, what do they mean...? And what does Grandfather Michael have to do with it all?" she slightly glanced away from the others. "Is he somehow connected to Masquerade and the potential destruction of Vestroia, the home world of the Bakugan?" she looked to Runo, Marucho and the ponies with concern. "It doesn't make any sense, I could tell my friends about this, but what would they think of me?" Fluttershy noticed how concerned she was, she knew something was definitely wrong. She went to talk to her, but suddenly... "Hey you..." a voice called out. The Brawlers and the Ponies looked to who called them, it was Takashi, Kosuke and Mui. "You're Dan Kuso's buddies right?" Kosuke asked them. Alice looked at them but knew there might have been a reason behind it. "That's right, who are you...?" Both Takashi and Kosuke held up the Doom Cards Masquerade gave them. The Brawlers and Ponies gasped in shock seeing them. "They were sent by Masquerade?!" Runo and Rainbow Dash asked in unison. Dan and Drago managed to find his way to the hallway where they would be able to find their friends. Dan sighed in relief. "This is the place..." "But where are your friends?" Drago asked him. "What?" Dan looked around for them and saw they were no where in sight. "I... guess I am lost..." he admitted. Meanwhile outside, Runo and the others were with Takashi and Kosuke, getting ready to start the battle. But Fluttershy was a bit concerned about this situation. "Runo, do you really think you can beat these two? Maybe we should go find Dan before we start the battle." "Fluttershy's right, we're gonna need him for this if we have any chance of winning this." Marucho said to her. "No way! We don't need Dan here! Look I know we can take these two, besides we have Alice and Fluttershy here to help us." Runo pointed to them. Alice was surprised from what she said. "But I-" Alice was cut off when Runo interrupts her. "There's three of us against two of them. So we're good to go." Runo said as she placed her Bakushooter on her wrist. "But why me?!" Fluttershy asked with a panicked expression. "Becuase Fluttershy, I can almost guaranty that your kind nature can reach out to them, I know you can do this." Fluttershy didn't know what to think, but if Runo believed she could reach out to any of the three challengers, it could be Mui. She saw something in her heart, something that told her that she didn't have anything to do with this battle. She soon felt Twilight touch her shoulder. "Fluttershy, I know what you might be thinking, trust me when I say, it won't be easy." Fluttershy looked to her for a moment before looking down, true she is a gentle spirit, but she knew she had to do something. "You're right..." "Alright, lets get it on!" Runo shouted out. Kosuke smirked and looked to his brother. "Hey Takashi, did you hear that?" "Yeah, this outta be fun. Finally we found some decent competition." Mui looked to them worriedly. "Hey guys... are you sure about this...?" Fluttershy heard it clear as day, she knew a worried tone when she heard it. Takashi looked to her with a surprised expression. "You don't want us to battle...?" "Mui, if we beat them you'll get to see your brother." Kosuke reminded her. Fluttershy's eyes widen given her good sense of hearing. "So that's the reason Masquerade chose them... he's using that girls brother as leverage." she thought to herself. "That girl must be planning their strategy for them." Marucho suggested. Runo didn't care one bit, because she was more focused on the battle. She quickly pulled out a card and held it up. "Hey! Quit yapping and lets brawl!" she yelled at them. "Runo! Remember what I said about your temper!" Rarity scolded her. "Nows not the time Rarity, these guys challenged us, now they're gonna get it." she shot a glare at the brothers. Spike looked to Alice. "You think she'll be able to calm herself?" "I don't know Spike... but what I do know is that she's the most stubborn but most determined brawler I've ever met." she said with a smile. A plane eventually started to take off, the Brawlers, the two brothers, including Fluttershy held up their cards as they began to glow. "Bakugan Field Open!" they called out as they entered the Pocket Dimension Battlefield without Dan who was still lost in the airport. (One good reason I'm not going to an airport any time soon.) Takashi and Kosuke held out their Doom Cards starting the battle off. "Doom Card Set!" they tossed it to the field." "Gate Card Set!" they tossed their Gate Cards onto the field, seeing them set up on the field. Alice looked at the field in thought. "I wonder what attack we should use first...?" Marucho jumped up. "Lets try this one! Bakugan Brawl!" he shot his Aquos Robotallion onto the field. "Robotallion Stand!" He called out as Robotallion emerged on the field readying itself for battle. "Yeah! Go get'em!" "An Aquos Robotallion? Okay, I'll try this! Bakugan Brawl!" Kosuke shot out a Robotallion of his own onto the field. "Darkus Robotallion Stand!" he called out as his Darkus Robotallion stood on the field. "A Robotallion?!" Fluttershy panicked seeing it. "Uh-oh! You know what that means!" Preyas said as Marucho looked to his Bakupod. "Calculating both Robotallion Power levels to 620 G's." the Bakupod informed them. "And now... the Ability Card!" Kosuke activated his Ability Card to combined the powers of Darkus and Aquos. "This will give my Robotallion the abilities of both Darkus and Aquos!" he formed a smirk across his face. "Bonus Power Level of 200 G's added." said the Bakupod. Runo was shocked from what happened. "Darkus Robotallion's power level just spiked majorly!" "The combination of Darkus and Aquos is a powerful force indeed." Tigrerra said. Darkus Robotallion charged at its Aquos opposite and punched it straight in the face, sending it into the Doom Dimension as it let out a painful cry, Marucho could only watch as one of his Bakugan was sent into the Doom Dimension forever. "Oh no, my Robotallion!" he cried out. Fluttershy looked away covering her ears from the cries. "No... not another one...!" she tried her best to stay strong, but she soon looked and saw that Mui had the same expression, it was a clear sign that she too was devastated. Mui began to tremble from what she just saw. "That... poor Bakugan..." Fluttershy watched her knowing that she was never one to hurt anyone or anything. But the question was, would she be more reasonable than the brothers? Meanwhile, Runo shot an intense glare at them. "You'll pay for this! Bakugan Brawl!" she shot her Saurus onto the field. "Saurus Stand!" she called out as Saurus emerged on the field growling at its opponents. Takashi was up next, so he pulled out a Gate Card. "This'll shut them down!" he said looking to Kosuke, receiving an approving nod. "Gate Card Set!" he tossed it to the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot out a Pyrus Serpenoid onto the field. "Serpenoid Stand!" he called out seeing his Serpenoid emerge on the field. "Calculating Power Levels" the Bakupod showed them Serpenoids power level. "He's going with a Pyrus Serpenoid, and its power level is at 320. But why?" Fluttershy asked. "I don't know, but we're gonna stop him." Runo said to them. "Yeah, and I know what to do." Marucho was about to go into battle. "Wait!' Alice stopped him before he could. "Don't be so eager to rush into battle, look at what you're up against." "What do you mean?" they looked back to the field. "What Alice is trying to say, is that they have a diagonal relationship between Pyrus and Darkus." Twilight explained to them. "More importantly, you mustn't focus on their Ability Cards, but to be more careful with the Gate Cards they use as well." Applejack added as she reminded them of the Gate Card Takashi threw out earlier. "Do you understand?" Alice asked them noticing Preyas and Tigrerra flying up to her. "Huh, Brains as well as beauty, now that's some good advice Alice." Preyas said to her. "Indeed, impressive." Tigrerra added to the compliment. "More importantly, we need to be working together as a team." Fluttershy reminded them of why they entered the battle in the first place. "Believe us, you'll get ahead much faster if you do. It'll work, trust me." she advised them. Runo and Marucho looked to Fluttershy, and smiled knowing she and Alice were right. Meanwhile, Takashi and Kosuke were watching them curiously. "So do you think they're taking a time out?" Takashi wondered as he looked at them. "Maybe..." Kosuke said. "Gate Card Set!" Marucho threw out a Gate Card onto the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot his Aquos Terrorclaw onto the field. "Terrorclaw Stand!" he called out seeing Terrorclaw appear on the field. "Terroclaw?" Kosuke smirked seeing it and glanced to Saurus. "This outta take care of him, Bakugan Brawl!" he shot out Darkus Fear Ripper to the field. "Fear Ripper Stand!" he called out as Fear Ripper emerged on the field. It charged at Saurus getting ready to rip him apart. "Yeah! Gate Card Open!" Runo called out as the Gate Card began to glow. "Calculating Power Levels, 410 G's." the Bakupod informed them. Kosuke smirked at it. "Ability Card Activate! Diagonal Relationship between Darkus and Pyrus!" he called out as Serpenoid's Power merged with Fear Rippers. "Fear Ripper Power Level, 450 G's." "Oh no! Saurus!" Fluttershy cried out. Fear Ripper raise its claws and struck Saurus down with no mercy. Runo watched as her Bakugan went straight into the Doom Dimension. "Saurus!" she cried out. "Yeah!" Takashi and Kosuke cheered out, but Mui was less than cheerful because of what they're doing. Tears began to form in Runo's eyes because of the loss of her friend Saurus, but it was clear to Fluttershy... they pushed her over the limit. "Hey!" she called out to them with much fury in her tone. The boys heard it beginning to panic. "I knew Masquerade was cruel... but now he's gone too far! Gate Card Set!" she tossed out her Gate Card to the field. Runo saw it surprised. "Fluttershy, you sure about this?" she asked er curiously. "Don't worry... I'll be alright..." she gave Runo a reassuring smile but scowled at the brothers. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed out a new Bakugan onto the field. "Monarus Stand!" she called out as a Haos Monarus emerged on the field. Monarus, like other most winged Bakugan, is one of the fastest Bakugan thanks to its large wings and ultra light weight. It has the ability to fly beyond Gate Cards. Its enormous butterfly wings can create a mighty hurricane wind to defeat its opponents. Runo saw it amazed but smiled confidently looking to the brothers. "Come on! Lets see what you got!" she egged them on. "She still wants to play? Newsflash! Just because you're on top of your own card, doesn't give you the advantage. Watch this!" Takashi immediately shot out a Pyrus Gargonoid onto the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he called out as Gargonoid emerged on the field, hissing at Terrorclaw. "Gargonoid Power Level Stable. At 320 G's." said the Bakupod. "Ability Card Activate! Rapid Fire!" he tossed it to the field as flames emerged in front of Terrorclaw, and as a surprise, a Darkus Juggernoid arrived on the field. Marucho screamed at the top of his lungs. "WHAT KIND OF MOVE IS THAT?!" Preyas exclaimed. "He just cut in on his partners battle!" Rainbow exclaimed as well. "G level increase, Gargonoid to 610 G's." said the Bakupod. Takashi chucked at them. "That Ability Card lets your teammate join the fight, now we're twice as strong." he boasted. "A Combination Play!" Kosuke called it. "That's impossible!" Marucho cried out. "Now, get his Terrorclaw you two!" Takashi called out to them. Gargonoid and Juggernoid charged at Terrorclaw getting ready to give him a beat down. "Not so fast! Ability Card Activate! Air Battle!" Fluttershy called out as Monarus flew over to the same card Terrorclaw was on. Kicking Gargonoid down while Juggernoid continued its charge. "Air Battle is an Ability Card that allows Monarus to fly beyond the Gate Card it landed on, and Nullifies the one it will land on. But Since it is Marucho's Card, I won't let her land." "Thank you Fluttershy, now its time for desperate measures! Gate Card Open! Trade Off!" he called out as the Gate Card glowed brightly, forcing both Gargonoid and Juggernoid to return to Ball Form. "Oh no!' Takashi cried out. "They beat both our Bakugan!" Kosuke exclaimed. Monarus returned to Fluttershy as Terrorclaw returned to Marucho. "How'd you like that? Trade Off is a Command Card which can overthrow any Bakugan with a power level over a hundred G's." Marucho explained to them. "Well done Marucho." Tigrerra said to him. "That's using your brain!" Preyas exclaimed to him in a positive way. Runo smirked as she held a hand to her hip. "So, you boys paying attention?" she asked them as Alice giggled. The brothers glared at them for the defeat they've taken. Meanwhile, Marucho pulled out a Gate Card. "Incoming! Ha!" he tossed the card onto the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot his Terrorclaw back onto the field. "Terrorclaw Stand!" he called out as Terroclaw emerged on the field. "Terrorclaw again?" Kosuke smirked and pulled out an ability card. "Then I'll use this..." but before he could activate it, Marucho tossed an ability card to the field. "No way!" "Ability Card Activate! Water Refrain!" Marucho called out as Kosuke's ability card was negated. "What?! What's happening?!" he asked with a form of shock in his voice. "You're out of luck buddy! You can't activate your ability card right now, because Marucho just sealed it!" Pinkie Pie explained to him. Kosuke glared at them. "Nice move, but there's no way you can win this battle!" he warned them. "That's right, we're gonna win this battle so that Mui can see her brother!" Takashi added to it. Fluttershy's ears perked up from hearing it. "Wait, he brother...?" she looked to Mui sensing the loneliness she's felt. She knew the brothers meant well... but working for Masquerade to get her brother back? How could he simply let them go through with this? Mui looked at the brothers with small smile. "Kosuke... Takashi..." The brothers nodded to her as Kosuke readied his next Bakugan. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot his Darkus Robotallion onto the field Serpenoid was on. "Robotallion Stand!" he called out as it stood next to Serpenoid. Runo let out a light chuckle seeing it. "Using that one again?" she asked him with a confident grin. Twilight looked at Darkus Robotallion curiously, noticing that it landed on the same card as Serpenoid. "Hold on Runo, something's not right." she said to her. "What do you mean Twilight?" "Just look, he threw Robotallion onto the same card as Serpenoid, you have to ask yourself. What is it they're planning?" she asked her as she observed the field. "Twi's got a point, they could be doing a combination attack." Applejack said. And before they could react, Robotallion grabbed hold of Serpenoid in the form of a head lock. Runo and Marucho were surprised from what's happening. "Hey, what's going on? I thought they were on the same team." Alice watched the scene and quickly realized what was going to happen as she let out a gasp. "It can't be!" she yelled out while Mui dreaded in horror of what was going to happen. "This is totally whacked! Who's fighting who here?!" Rainbow asked as she watched Robotallion and Serpenoid struggle. "Gate Card Open now!" Takashi called out as it powered his Serpenoid up. Robotallion felt the power of the Gate card too, but felt Serpenoid break free of his grasp and coil around it. "Why are they battling each other?!" Pinkie asked anxiously. "I don't like this..." Rarity watched as Serpenoid held Robotallion in his coils. "They're trying a Battle Sham." Alice said as everyone looked to her. "What's that?" Runo asked, only to find out her question was answered when Robotallion was defeated by Serpenoid's squeeze attack, and an aura of light shot out towards Terroclaw landing a direct hit. Sending it straight to the Doom Dimension. Everyone was shocked from what happened, Mui on the other hand... was covering her ears trying to block out the painful screams that Terrorclaw made. "No! My Terrorclaw!" Marucho cried out while Robotallion and Serpenoid returned to their masters. "Kosuke, now that's what I call a comeback! A choice Stray Shot like that lets the winner send the Bakugan straight to the Doom Dimension." Takashi said to him while explaining to Runo and Marucho. "It's the ultimate fake out, my Bakugan gets to stay in the battle." Kosuke smirked at them while giving his brother a high-five. "So that's why its called a Battle Sham!" Rarity called out holding a firm glare towards them. "I see..." Twilight said as she held her hoof to her chin. "Its bit of a reckless strategy if you ask me." "So what? We're gonna do what ever it takes to win." Takashi said to them. "We're doing this for Mui and Makoto." Kosuke added to the sentence. Runo meanwhile was looking at them confused. "Mui and who...?" she asked curiously. "Makoto...?" Fluttershy asked them. Mui looked down as she thought about her brother. "Makoto is Mui's brother, their parents have separated, and we don't know where he lives now. But we found a way to bring them together." Kosuke explained to them. "Makoto loves Bakugan, and when we win this battle, it will raise our ranking, and where ever he is, he's sure to notice us. And to make Mui happy again, we made a deal with Masquerade." Takashi said to them. Fluttershy looked at Mui sensing the deep pain and sadness in her heart of seeing her brother leave, true what the brothers are doing is noble, but at the same time its just plain wrong. Meanwhile, Alice was looking at them knowing what its like to lose a family member. "That's so sad... poor girl..." she said as she looked down in deep thought. "Maybe my grandfather Michael could help her..." "So we'll do anything to win!" Takashi yelled out. "Yeah! Anything for our friend Mui!" Kosuke added. "Oh boohoo! You're breaking my heart, lets battle!" Runo declared to them. "But what they're doing is wrong Runo!" Fluttershy cried out as tears began to fall. Runo looked to her seeing the shy Pegasus burst into tears, the brothers saw it too. "I know what they're trying to do is a noble cause... but they don't understand that they're hurting the Bakugan." she looked to the passed the brothers looking to Mui with her tear filled eyes. "And I know that Mui can sense this as well." Mui looked at her seeing just how sad she was, she began to feel just how much pain she endured. Runo was beginning to feel it as well, she kneeled down to her and gently touched her head. "Fluttershy, I know you want to reach out to them... but there's just no reasoning with those two. So we've got to finish this together, not just as a team, but as friends." she said to her while gently stroking her hand across her head. Fluttershy looked at her but nodded at her showing her determination. Tigrerra flew up to Runo. "Send me in milady, I'm ready." Runo nodded and pulled out a Gate Card and tossed it out to the field. "Okay Tigrerra, do your stuff! Bakugan Brawl!" she shot Tigrerra out onto the field. "Tigrerra Stand!" she called out as Tigrerra emerged on the field, roaring at the brothers and shooting an intense glare. "If you want a battle, you shall get one!" she declared. "Great! I'm gonna step it up a notch! Because I was born to play this game! Battle!" Takashi shot out a Pyrus Falconeer onto the field to face against Runo's Griffon. "Griffon Power Level 290 G's. Falconeer 340 G's." the Bakupod informed them. "You don't have a chance!" he boasted to them. Runo only smirked at him. "Oh yeah? We'll see about that. Gate Card open!" she called out as it began to glow. Marucho's Preyas and Kosuke's Fear Ripper were brought out onto the battlefield. "It's a Quartet Battle!" Kosuke cried out. "Oh goodie!" Preyas chuckled. "I finally get my turn!" he said with a grin on his face. "Calculating Power Levels." the Bakupod informed them as it showed their power levels. Preyas was 300 and Griffon was 290 G's. Where as Falconeer stood a 340, and Fear Ripper was at 350 G's. "The Power Levels haven't changed, and we're still ahead." Takashi said as he looked at his Bakupod. "Yeah, not for long! Ability Activate! Cut in Saber!" Runo called out as she tossed the Ability Card to Tigrerra. Tigerra felt its power and disappeared, only to reappear next to Preyas and Griffon. "Been waiting for ya Tig!" Preyas said to her. "The wait is over!" Tigrerra snarled with Griffon. They charged at Falconeer and Fear Ripper, Preyas clobbered both of them into the air, while Tigrerra and Griffon leaped into the air and struck them down to the ground. "We gotcha!" Runo called out as Fear Ripper and Falconeer went back into ball form, landing right next to Takashi and Kosuke. They were surprised by that attack. "I don't believe it..." Takashi said in disbelief. "No way, lets go-" before Kosuke could finish however... "No! Please stop!" Mui cried out while both the ponies, the Brawlers, and the two brothers looked to her in surprise, only to see tears in her eyes. Takashi looked at her surprised. "What's the matter Mui...?" he asked her. "Please... stop this..." she covered her face starting to cry. "Please stop... Makoto means a lot to me, but not like this... not at the price of all these Bakugan." she pleaded to them showing her tears running down her face. "But Mui..." Kosuke looked at her with a worried expression. Mui immediately shook her head and looked away. "Makoto loves Bakugan, and he thinks the world of you two because you have so much respect for the game. I don't know what happened... but that pony is right, today you're playing seems cruel and mean!" she cried out. The brothers felt her words hit them like a knife in the heart, as they thought about the time they showed Makoto how to play Bakugan. They looked down in regret after seeing the way they made her cry, meanwhile the ponies were observing what was going on. "Do you think they've come to their senses...?" Rainbow asked Twilight. "Lets hope so..." she hoped for the best. Mui's tears continued to run as she looked to the brothers. "Something's wrong... this game used to be so much fun..." she said to the brothers. "Yes, she's right..." Fluttershy said to them as she flew over. "Even if you boys believe what you're doing is very noble, but you have to understand that doing this to make her happy won't bring Makoto back to her. Masquerade only used you to get us out of the way, so now you both need to ask yourselves... what is more important? Mui's happiness? Or hurting innocent Bakugan?" Takashi and Kosuke looked to each other but looked down in thought, they knew they wanted to make Mui happy, but is hurting Bakugan really the right way to go? Takashi knew that what they were doing was wrong, so he made his decision. "Darn..." he rose his hand in the air. "Doom Card return!" he called out as his Doom Card pulled itself out of the field and returned to him. Kosuke saw it but smiled knowing he was doing what was best for Mui. "Calling it quits huh...?" he rose his hand in the air. "Doom Card return." he called out as his Doom Card returned to him as well. Marucho watched in surprise. "It appears they're giving up." he suggested. Mui looked at the two brothers surprised, but she smiled warmly at them. "Takashi... Kosuke..." "We got a little carried away, we tried to make you smile... but instead we made you cry." Kosuke said to her. Takashi smiled and looked to her. "We'll get you and Makoto together somehow." "Yeah." Kosuke agreed with him. Fluttershy smiled at them seeing they're doing the right thing. "IS THIS SOAP OPERA OVER YET?!!" Runo called out gaining the brothers attention. "We still have a battle to win over here! We can't let you quit on us now!" she reminded them. "Yeah, that would be way too easy! Lets go you two!" Applejack encouraged them to continue the battle. "Yes, if you're up for it, we'll start again and have a real Bakugan Battle!" Marucho offered it to them. "Yeah." Alice agreed. The brothers looked at them surprised, but since they offered it, how could the pass that opertunity? They smiled and pulled out their Bakugan. Fluttershy smiled watching it and looked to Mui, who had a smile across her face and started to giggle. Fluttershy couldn't be any happier for her, she then flew back to the others. She was then approached by Twilight and the others. "Fluttershy, you did a good job in reaching out to them." she commended her. "It wasn't just me, it was Mui as well." she said as she looked to her with a kind smile. "Well... even if this battle started out bad, lets continue the battle." Rainbow Dash called out. "Yeah!" both the brothers yelled out. "Bakugan BRAWL!" They all called out in unison. After the battle, Takashi and Kosuke were the ones who lost the battle. "Even after all that, we lost anyway." Takashi said as he looked to his brother. "Oh well..." Kosuke looked to the ponies and the brawlers. "Hey, we're sorry we caused you any trouble, but I guess we really wanted to win and we thought Masquerade could help us." he said to them. "Eh, don't sweat it. Things get said in the heat of battle." Runo accepted their apology. "And may I say, your Bakugan skills are quite good. And they're almost as good as mine." Marucho complimented them. Mui smiled as they got off the escalater, she looked to Fluttershy and kneeled down. "I never got a chance to thank you for everything you did. I don't know what I would do if you hadn't." she expressed her gratitude. "It was nothing really, I'm just a gentle soul, and I know when someone is feeling sad and alone." Fluttershy said to her with a smile. "And I promise, you will see your brother again, I'm sure he would want to see you too." Mui smiled at her and looked to Takashi and Kosuke who walked up to them. "Mui, I'm sorry for upsetting you earlier, and I hope you meet up with Makoto soon." Takashi said to her. "Me too... I'm sorry..." Kosuke bowed to her with his brother. Mui smiled at them. "Aw thanks... I know you two meant well, I really appreciate it." she walked to them with a warm smile. "Takashi, Kosuke... you're the best." she walked up to Kosuke and kissed him on the cheek causing him to blush. Tigrerra witnessed this feeling surprised. "My goodness!" she exclaimed. "Oh my!" Rarity exclaimed as well. Mui soon leaned to Takashi and kissed him on his cheek as well, getting the same reaction. Preyas meanwhile, was getting jealous. "Hey! Don't forget about me!" he cried out while the others laughed. "What, is it my breath?! Come on! Give me a kiss, just on the cheek!" he begged for one. "Like that's ever going to happen." Spike said with his arms crossed. "Hey! No one asked you tiny!" Preyas yelled at him. Meanwhile, Mui was looking at the sky with a warm smile. "Makoto... take care, I'll see you soon little brother." she thought to herself. As the brawlers and ponies all laughed together, Alice looked at Mui who thought about her brother. She began to think about her grandfather. "Well you guys, as far as I'm concerned... Masquerade can't stop us now." Pinkie said to them. Takashi's ears twitched from hearing it. "Hey... that sounds quite catchy... don't suppose you have a saxophone on you...?" he asked the pink pony. "Who wouldn't?!" Pinkie immediately pulled one out of her mane and tossed it to Kosuke. "I'm sensing a song coming!" "You couldn't be more right! Hit it Kosuke!" he called out to him. Kosuke immediately started playing the saxophone for them, earning Mui's attention. (Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now from Cat's Don't Dance) Takashi; Excuse me ladies and gentlemen If you would be so kind He gained the attention of everyone in the airport. Takashi; Got someone very special here She's 'bout to speak her mind... He directed their attention to Mui, who smiled as she prepared to sing. Meanwhile Pinkie pulled out as many jazz instruments out of her mane and started playing them. Mui; I gotta song to sing If you don't like my song I'm gonna sing it anyhow! Takashi; Oh yeah! Mui; I gotta dream in my heart! Takashi & Mui; Yeah! Nothing's gonna stop us now! The crowd was growing intruiged by the young teens as they started to gather around them. Takashi & Mui; Take 4 and 20 that way And bake it in a pie Before you put it in the oven, babe, you know they're gonna fly Takashi; Say curiosity killed the cat? I'm livin' proof that that's a lie! Pinkie dashed and turned down all the lights and slid in a billboard of lights as they lit up behind Takashi and Mui. Takashi & Mui; Now I'm gonna tell you why! Yeah! Nothing's gonna stop us Twilight & Rarity; Nothing's gonna stop us Applejack & Pinkie; Nothing's gonna stop us now! Rainbow Dash & Fluttershy; Nothing's gonna stop us Runo & Marucho; Nothing's' gonna stop us Alice & Spike; Nothing's gonna stop us now! Takashi held out his hand to Mui for a dance, but she twirled away from him with a smile. Mui; And if I wanna dance I'll dance! Kosuke; She'll dance! Mui; That's my song and I will allow! Takashi run up and tap danced beside her. Takashi & Mui; Dance and sing all night long! Nothing's gonna stop us now! The crowd was amazed at what they're seeing as most started dancing to the beat. Brawlers & Ponies; Yeah! Nothing's gonna stop us Nothing's gonna stop us Nothing's gonna stop us Nothing's gonna stop us Runo; Yeah! Spike leaped up and twirled a hat placing it on his head. Spike; You smell that? Well, that's the smell of danger! The smell of danger is my middle name I've been very quiet But I've got a lot to say, believe me! Runo and Marucho got in his spot light. Runo & Marucho; You ain't goin' with us then stay out of our way! Applejack soon appeared before the crowd tipping her hat to them. Applejack; Oh! Lock down, rock down, shock down, flock down, held down, fell down every time! Push back, push back, Hey all! C'mon back! When you got yours you musta got mine! Takashi & Kosuke; Nothing's gonna stop us Nothing's gonna stop us Nothing's gonna stop us now! Mui took Takashi's hand and twirled beside him. Mui; I gotta feeling inside! The moon! And its love! Without a doubt! Takashi; Oh I got someone I'm crazy about!! Brawlers & Ponies; Nothing's gonna stop us now! Pinkie's smile couldn't be anymore brighter than it was already, then an idea came to her head as she dashed off somewhere no one and no pony knew about. Brawlers & Ponies; Nothing's gonna stop us Nothing's gonna stop us Nothing's gonna stop us now! Nothing's gonna stop us Nothing's gonna stop us Mui; Nothing's gonna stop us... NOW! Mui sang as loud as she could, unaware that Pinkie brought six party cannons and fired them from behind towards the crowd. At the end of it all, Mui finished the song with her solo and looked to the crowd who looked at them with much amazement. They cheered out and clapped their hands for them. Mui smiled at them and looked to Takashi and Kosuke, pulling them into a hug that made them smile. Fluttershy smiled at them but a thought soon came to her as she finally realized something. "Oh goodness! We need to find Daniel!" she panicked. "Hey you're right, we better find him quickly." Runo said and ran off with the others while waving at Mui and the brothers. "See you guys later!" she called out to them. "Take care everyone! You too Fluttershy!" Mui called out to her. Fluttershy smiled and waved goodbye to her. Meanwhile at the spot where they battled, Masquerade walked up to the Doom Cards that Takashi and Kosuke left behind. He looked at them realizing he made bit of a mistake in choosing them, but he didn't care as he formed a devious smirk on his face. Knowing that look, he'll eventually find stronger brawlers that will take care of the Battle Brawlers and the ponies. Back inside the airport... Dan was sitting around feeling exhausted from running. "You know, I once heard about a guy that got lost in an airport for a whole year. Hope that doesn't happen to us." he hoped only to get a different response from Drago. "Well if it does, it'll be your fault!" Drago said to him. Dan gave him a look. "Hey! Don't blame me!" he yelled at him. "Wow!" a voice called out. Dan looked to who it was, and surprisingly... it was Makoto. "That is so cool! I heard your Bakugan talking to you! You're lucky!" he complimented him. Dan smiled and chuckled a bit as he got up from his seat and walked to him. "Do you like playing Bakugan?" Dan asked. "Mm-hmm! My sisters friends Takashi and Kosuke taught me how to play the game." said Makoto. Then a thought came to him. "Hey, you should see them play! I bet they're two of the best Bakugan players in the whole world!" he said to him. Dan smiled at him seeing how much he admires them. "Yeah? Well if they're that good, I wouldn't mind battling them sometime." he said to him. Makoto smiled but he soon realized something. "Oh, I forgot. I have to meet up with my sister right now!" "Your sister?" Drago asked. "My sisters name is Mui, she lives here in the city. I asked my dad if I could visit, that's why I'm here." Makoto explained to them. "Gotcha, well say hi to your sister for me, and tell Takashi and Kosuke to keep on battling." Dan said as he held his hand out to him. Makoto saw it and took his hand with a kind smile. "Sure!" he shook his hand and let go. "Goodbye!" he said as he ran off. Dan smiled and waved goodbye to him. "Ah-ha! There you are!" a familiar yet angry voice called out to Dan. He immediately turned around seeing Runo and the others. "Oh, hi..." Dan said as a sweatdrop formed on his head. "Dan, we've been looking all over for you." Twilight said. "Sorry guys, I kinda got lost and didn't know where to find you guys. So what did I miss?" Dan asked them. After they explained everything, Dan was filled with shock and disappointment. "You mean you were battling the whole time?! What?!! You couldn't wait for me?! Thanks for nothing guys!" he said to them. "Don't blame us, it's you're fault for getting lost." Runo exclaimed. "Come on, don't fight you two." Twilight said. "So... sounds like you did alright without me." Dan said with a smile. "Or did you have some help? Was it Alice?" he asked as he looked to her. Alice smiled a bit. "Oh no, it wasn't just me... it was also Fluttershy." she said as looked to her. "Oh... all I did was use Monarus to protect her friends." Fluttershy explained to them as she hid her face in her mane, hiding a faint blush over her face. Alice smiled at it but looked down in thought. "Maybe now I should tell everyone about my Grandfather Michael and the strange dreams I've been having." she thought to herself and looked to the others. "Guys... there's something I want to talk to you about-" before she could explain however. "So Runo, what was that you were saying about Masquerade?" Dan asked her. "He was messing with Mui's emotions so he could take all our Bakugan!" Runo explained to him as Marucho nodded his head in agreement. "That dude has no class, and he'll do anything to get his own way." Dan exclaimed. Alice looked to her but looked to Dan. "Um, wait Dan..." before Alice could interrupt. "He's joined forces with that guy Michael, they're planning to wipe out Drago's homeworld Vestroia, but we won't let that happen!" Dan yelled out. Realizing that its pointless to explain to him, Alice lowered her head in sigh. This immmediately caught Applejack's attention. "What's wrong sugarcube?" she asked. Alice looked to her but shook off her depression and smiled. "Its nothing Applejack." she reassured her. "I'm famished, lets go to Runo's house and get some Tuna Surprise! Who's in?" Marucho said. "ME!!!" Pinkie called out as she and the others laughed out loud. Fluttershy meanwhile did not join in the laughter as she was more worried about Alice. She's been noticing how sad she's been, and she had to find out why. At nightfall, Alice was getting ready for bed as Runo was sound asleep in her own bedroom. Before she could go to bed, she heard a knock at her window. She looked to it and saw Fluttershy flying in front of it. "Fluttershy...?" she walked over to the window and opened it. "What are you doing here?" she asked her. Fluttershy flew inside and landed on her bed. "I came here to ask you something." she said to her. Alice sat down next to her. "Okay, what is it you want to ask me?" Fluttershy felt nervous about asking her, but she worked up her courage to ask. "What is it you wanted to tell Dan and the others?" she asked her. Alice looked at her surprised but looked down knowing the truth had to come out. She looked to her with a worried expression hoping she wouldn't get mad. "It's about Dr. Michael..." she said. "What about him...? I mean who is he to you...?" Fluttershy asked her. Alice looked down. "Well... you see he..." she hesitated a bit, but she had to tell her. "He's my grandfather." Fluttershy gasped in surprise and shock. "He's yo-" Alice quickly covered her mouth to keep her quiet. "Please Fluttershy, no one and no pony else must know about it. I fear if they found out, they would hate me for it." Alice said. She looked down as she removed her hands from Fluttershy's muzzle. "I knew about my grandfathers disappearance, but I didn't know that he went to Vestroia..." she explained to her. Fluttershy looked at her but placed a gentle hoof on her hand. "Alice, you're secret is safe with me... that is... if you're okay with it...?" she asked her. Alice was surprised by her action. "Fluttershy, I can't risk you keeping my secret from Dan and Runo, more importantly your friends." she said to her. "I'm willing to, but the truth has to come from you when you're ready to tell them. I promise, I'll be right there by your side when you tell them." Fluttershy said to her with a kind and gentle smile. Alice was amazed at this shy ponies words, not only was she kind, but she was also sweet and generous. In a way, Fluttershy almost reminded Alice of herself. She smiled back at her for all the Kindness she's giving her. "Thank you Fluttershy... and if you'd like, you're more than welcome to stay the night here." she offered her. Fluttershy smiled seeing her get comfortable in the bed, she walked over and laid beside her. "Good night Alice." she said to her as she fell asleep. Alice smiled at her and turned of the light. "Goodnight Fluttershy..." she said as she shut her eyes. "Sweet dreams..." Back in Equestria, Luna was watching the scene and smiled at her. But it immediately faded when she thought about her grandfather Michael. "Dr. Michael Gehabich... how could you leave your only grandchild for Vestroia...?" she asked outloud unaware someone was behind her. "Sometimes there are things that are beyond our control Princess..." a voice called out. Luna turned sharply blasting magic at the pony who approached. But the pony, who was a Pegasus wearing armor, blocked the magic with his hoof. Luna was surprised from what happened, but she immediately recognized the armor and the pony who wore it. "So... you've come back..." she said to him. "I had to..." the stallion said as he stood in the moonlight. He approached the Tree of Harmony and looked at Alice. "When I learned that the Bakugan had appeared on Earth, I had to return to Equestria to meet with you and Celestia. But she told me that you were here watching the ponies." Luna looked to the Tree watching the ponies as they slept. "They've managed to get far on their journey. But I fear there are darker forces that they may not be able to defeat. Especially the being known as Naga." she said to him. The stallion smiled knowing she is underestimating them. "Like I say... never doubt one by appearance, but trust that they may succeed in the field of battle." Luna smiled hearing it but looked to his chest noticing something was missing. "The Great Crystal... what have you-" before she could ask, the stallion held up his hoof to her. "It is safe... I have it safely hidden in the human world." the stallion said and looked to her. "What matters now is that I must go back into hiding. I can't let anypony else know that I am here." he went to walk away. But Luna looked down as tears formed in her eyes. "So you're just going to leave this world again... even after what happened to Amore...?" she asked him as she let her tears fall. The armored stallion stopped from hearing her name. He lowered his head as he thought about that night. "Not a day goes by that I do not think about her... it was my fault she fell at Sombra's hooves." he said as he removed his helmet and revealed his face. He looked to her with a scar over his left eye. Luna looked to him seeing it. She walked over to him and gently touched it. "What happened to Amore wasn't you're fault... her love for you was pure as the moon's light. But to know that you're letting your guilt drive you away from your home... it hurts me more than anything in the world... which is why I..." she looked down with much sadness. "I don't want you to go!" she pulled him into a hug surprising him. The stallion was surprised of what she was doing. "But, Luna I have no place in Equestria anymore." "I know you don't but... you've always had a place in my heart! I couldn't tell you before because... you were in a really dark place, in your own form of solitude. But the days I spent with you... they were the only good days, that I was able to finally see you smile. I cherished them... all this time, I lived in hope in wanting to make you happy. But... you pushed me away that I let my own darkness take hold. And that night when I was banished... I've wished only to tell you how sorry I was, for becoming the monster everyone called Nightmare Moon, there is so much in my life that I regret... that I longed to see your smile again." Luna said to him. The stallion felt her words hit him like a roller coaster, her words were filled with pain and sorrow, but also love. "Besides... ever since that night, I wanted to be there for you... to be your guardian angel when ever you slept. Because..." she paused and looked to him. The stallion looked at her and saw her lean towards him, feeling her lips touch his. He felt her warmth as well as the sadness she felt. He didn't want to admit it, but he also cared about her even after the loss he felt, his eyes closed as he embraced the kiss. Luna released the kiss and looked to him with tears. "She would want you to move on..." she said as she touched his face. "So that your guilt could never come between us." "Luna..." the stallion looked at her. Luna looked at her and finally worked up the courage to speak his name. "Incursio, I'm so sorry... for all the sadness you had to endure... I'm so sorry." she said to him lowering her gaze. The Stallion, whom she called Incursio... looked at her but touched her chin raising her gaze so that she could look at him. "I'm sorry too... I know your life was hard ever since your banishment. But you didn't deserve that sadness... I just wish I could have done something to help you." he said to her as tears formed in his eyes. Luna looked at him and began to smile as he touched her cheek. She pulled him into another hug letting her tears fall. "Promise that you will come back soon..." The embrace was soon broken as Incursio looked to her with a smile. "I promise I will return... when the time comes." he said to her as light shined around him causing him to vanish. Luna smiled hearing his promise. "And I'll be waiting... Dragon Knight..." While she wasn't aware... Solaria was hiding outside the cave as she heard everything. She smiled seeing how happy Luna was, she looked to the sky looking at the moon. "Wish you could be here Nova... you would have been so proud of our daughter." she said as tears began to form in her eyes. > A Perfect Match > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Miles away in Julie's hometown, she went to a place in the Frontier called Bakugan Valley to meet up with someone. When she arrived, she found that her friend (or so we believe...) had arrived in the valley before she did. "Hey Julie, I'm gonna clean the floor with you today, and you wanna know why? Because me and my Bakugan are a precision team, and we're in the top twenty of the Bakugan Players! YEAH!" the boy yelled out. His name is Billy Gilbert, a Subterra Brawler like Julie. He wears a reddish sand and white baseball cap with a lightning bolt on it. His jacket is a combination of orange, black and white, and he wears a normal white shirt under it. His pants are a grayish green, and he has blonde hair and blue eyes. Julie was amazed that he managed to make it into the top Twenty Bakugan Players. "Wow, cool! Is that really true Billy?" she asked him. "You bet your Bakupod! Am I right Cycloid or what?" he asked his Bakugan Partner as he held him up. Cycloid opened up revealing himself as a cyclops-like Bakugan equipped with a large hammer made of stone. "Oh yeah you said it! Together, you and me are unstoppable!" he said to him as he turned towards Julie. "So you might as well go run home to your mama!" "What?!" Julie scoffed. "How dare you! I'm not going anywhere! I can't believe you got a talking Bakugan Billy, where'd you find him?!" she asked him. Rather than answer her question, Billy looked to his partner. "Yep, we're a perfect match. I hate to say it Julie, you're toast." he said to her with a smug grin. Julie meanwhile, was not amused as her anger overboiled. "THAT'S IT!!! Let's brawl!" she declared as she and Billy pulled out their Bakugan Cards. "Bakugan Field Open!" they called out in unison as they entered the Pocket Dimension Battlefield. They took out their Gate Cards preparing for battle. "Gate Card Set!" they called out as they tossed their cards onto the field. "Okay Baku-babe... why don't you show me what you got?" Billy said to her with a wink only to taunt her. And boy did he hit a nerve. "WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME?!!" she asked with much fury. She pulled out her first Bakugan preparing for battle. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed it to the field letting it stand on the field. "Rattleoid Stand!" she called out as Subterra Rattleoid stood on the field. It is a slithering rattlesnake with a three-pronged metallic tail. Two large fangs release a lethal poison. Indestructible golden horns on its head with bright red eyes are used to hypnotize its opponents. It uses the strategy of camouflaging itself during combat. It looked to Billy and started hissing. "Try tht on for size!" Julie called out to him. Billy only smirked as he lowered his hat confidently. "Pretty impressive... Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed his Bakugan onto the field. "Hynoid Stand!" he called out as Hynoid emerged on the field snarling at Rattleoid. It is a hyena-like Bakugan with a humanoid body resembling a werewolf. As being one of the fastest Bakugan, Hynoid ruthlessly tracks down its enemies. Hynoid creates a stunning thunder and lighting attack to destroy its opponents. "Do it Hynoid!" he called out as Hynoid charged at Rattleoid. Julie immediately pulled out an Ability Card. "Ability Card Activate! Poison Fang!" she called out as Serpenoid charged straight at Hynoid, bite down on the humanoid hyena. "Hey wait!" Billy immediately looked to his Bakupod and saw a major difference in power level. "50 G's transfered from Hynoid to Ratteloid." said the Bakupod. Hynoid was now standing at 260, where as Rattleoid was standing at 350. Julie smirked at him. "Sorry, I know we've been friends for a long time Billy. But I need to teach you a lesson." Rattleoid threw Hynoid down to the ground and hissed at it. Billy meanwhile let out a fake laugh. "That was just a warm up, Gate Card open now!" he called out as the Gate Card revealed Hynoid's Character Card. Hynoid snarled viciously at Rattleoid. "Friend or no friend, you're going down!" he exclaimed. "Hynoid's Power Level doubled to 520 G's." the Bakupod informed him. A panicked expression formed on Julie's face from when she saw it. "This doesn't look too good!" she exclaimed. "Go Hynoid! Take him out!" Billy called out as Hynoid resumed its charge towards Rattleoid, it leaped toward the giant snake and bit it right in the throat. Forcing it back into Ball Form. Julie was shocked from what happened, meanwhile Billy was laughing as he caught Hynoid. "You sure showed me. Nice one." he said only meant to taunt her. Julie scoffed at him. "That was just my warm up smart guy! Bakugan Brawl!" she threw out a new Bakugan onto the field. "Tuskor Stand!" she called out as Tuskor emerges onto the field roaring out as it slammed its large feet on the ground. Tuskor is an armored elephant like creature. It uses its immense trunk to crush its opponents. The tip of the massive trunk has multiple spikes. Four strong horned tusks can penetrate any armor. The end of the tail has a sharp needle to attack opponents. "Tuskor's Power Level 350 G's." said the Bakupod. Billy only smirked as he grabbed Hynoid. "Ha, Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed it back onto the field. "Hynoid Stand!" he called out as Julie's Gate Card opened forming an African Environment. "And now... Ability Card Activate! Whirlwind!" he called out as Hynoid mysteriously vanished, but in reality he was moving in super fast speeds. Given Tuskor's size, it made it impossible to keep up with Hynoid. "Ha! Check that out, your Tuskor doesn't know which way to turn!" he said to her. Tuskor roared out and tried to stop Hynoid but was missing him by a hair. Meanwhile... a smirk began to form over Julie's face. "Hynoid Power Level decreasing." the Bakupod informed him. Billy looked at it shocked and saw that Hynoid was starting to slow down. "Hynoid, what's the matter? What's going on?" he asked worriedly, as Hynoid was getting tired. "Hynoid's power being decreased due to Poison Fang. Character Card still in affect." said the Bakupod. "No way!" Billy cried out as Hynoid stopped in its tracks. "It will continue to decrease as long as he keeps battling!" Julie informed him. "Hynoid Power Level still decreasing." said the Bakupod. "Now! Tuskor!" she called out as Tuskor roared out and rear up on its hind legs. Hynoid's eyes widen as Tuskor's large foot slammed against it forcing Hynoid back into Ball Form. Billy couldn't believe what had happened as Hynoid rolled next to him. "Aw man!" he cried out. Julie smiled as she caught Tuskor. "Now, Gate Card Set!" she tossed in a new Gate Card. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed Tuskor back onto the field. Billy saw it but formed a determined expression. "This is it, I'm depending on you Cycloid." he said as he looked to his partner. "No problemo coach, just put me in!" said Cycloid. Billy stood like a baseball player and readied the pitch. "Bakugan Brawl!" he threw Cycloid onto the field landing perfectly on the Gate Card. "Bakugan Stand!" he called out as Cycloid emerged in his true form. "Cycloid power 370 G's" said the Bakupod. "Gate Card Open now! Tripple Battle!" Julie called out as the Gate Card activated. "Tripple Battle allows the battle to start when the third Bakugan is on the field card!" she explained to Billy. He growled knowing he couldn't let that happen. "No more mister nice guy! Ability Card Activate! Smack Down!" he called out as Cycloid's left hand grew bigger than his body. He rose it up with ease and roared out slamming it on the Gate Card forcing it to break. Julie was shocked from what she saw. "OH NO! MY GATE CARD!!!" she cried out. "Give him a love tap Cycloid!" Billy called out to him. "BOOYAH!!!!" Cycloid roared out and smacked Tuskor down with his still really large hand. Tuskor was then forced back into Ball Form landing next to Julie. Billy chuckled as Cycloid returned to him. "That's how you brawl Baku-babe." "You better go home, I think I hear your mama calling!" Cycloid teased her. Julie glared at them and threw out another Gate Card. "I'm not going anywhere!" she exclaimed as she pulled out her next Bakugan. "I'll show you, Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed it to the field. "Manion Stand!" she called out as the Bakugan known as Manion emerged on the field in its true form. Manion is a mysterious sphinx with golden armor protecting head, back, and forearms. It is a four-footed creature with sharp terrorizing claws. Soaring with its huge wingspan, it preys on its opponents from above. "Ability Card Activate! Earth Power!" she called out as Manions power rose up by 50 G's. "Manion Power Level 350 G's." said the Bakupod. Billy prepared Cycloid for another round. "Oooh, scary... Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed him to the field. "Cycloid Stand!" he called out as Cycloid emerged on the field. "I'm back! And I'm feeling nasty!" he said as he held his hammer. "Gate Card Open now! Character!" Julie called out revealing Manions Character Card. Cycloid looked to his partner. "So what do you got for me?" "This, Ability Card Activate! Smack Down!" Billy called out. Julie saw Cycloid's left hand grow again and panicked "Oh no! Not this again!" she exclaimed. "Okay Cycloid, do your thing!" Billy called out to him. "Anybody need a hand?!" Cycloid asked as he slammed his hand on the card destroying it, he then charged at Manion and slammed his hand on on it forcing it back into Ball Form. "Manion defeated." said the Bakupod. Filled with shock and defeat, Julie's face fell into sadness. "I don't believe it..." she said as she lowered her head in defeat. "He beat me... I lost..." she admitted as she and Billy returned to the real world. "Alright, we did it Cycloid! I'm telling you, you're the man!" Billy complimented his partner. "No, you the man!" Cycloid returned the compliment. Billy smiled and looked to Julie. "Did you see how the two of us work together? The very moment I found him deep in the heart of Bakugan Valley, I knew we were meant to be together." he explained to her. Julie's head shot up from hearing it as she quickly looked to him. "Bakugan Valley...?" she asked. "You betcha... in a remote corner, in the deepest cavern, there he was just waiting for his destiny. And then we took you down." Billy boasted as he held out Cycloid. Julie scowled at him. "You were lucky! I don't need a perfect match anyway! And next time, I'll take the two of you down!" Julie declared with a harsh glare. Billy laughed a bit. "Any time Baku-babe, any time." he said to her and started walking away. He felt Julie's glaring eyes burning in the back of his head knowing he really hit a nerve. Cycloid opened up and looked to his partner. "You know boss, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you actually like her." he said to him. Billy smiled a bit and let him rest on his shoulder. "I guess in a way Cycloid... I kind of do." he admited. Night fell over Julie's home town, and she was still frustrated with what happened during her battle. "UGH!!! I can't stand him!" she cried out from her room. "I lost a Bakugan Battle today to my childhood friend named Billy." she said to her friends. "Oh no, that's the real loud mouth guy isn't it?" Alice asked her as Fluttershy was in the same screen with her. "Yeah..." Julie nodded. "Aw that bites..." Dan said. "It must have really hurt your pride." Rainbow Dash said as she appeared on screen. Julie shot her head up in anger. "Of course it did! Billy can be a real jerk sometimes and it makes me want to scream! To top it off, his Bakugan is just as bad!" she explained. "Oh really?" Preyas asked her. "Well what's his Bakugan Partners name?" "Umm... I think it was Cycloid." Julie said. "Interesting... Tigrerra, do you know this Cycloid?" Preyas asked her. "No, I don't know him." Tigrerra replied only to disappoint him. Applejack turned to Drago and stood up on her hind legs holding onto the desk. "How bout you Drago? Do you know this Cycloid?" "Yes, a rather big fellow as I recall." Drago said to her. Dan meanwhile was feeling excited. "I'd sure like to throw down and see who's tougher, huh Drago?" Dan asked him. "Yeah, you can show him what a real team brawls like!" Pinkie included. "Yes, sounds great." Drago said sarcastically. Dan looked to Julie. "I gotta say Julie, you don't know what you're missing not having a Bakugan you can talk to." he said to her receiving a surprised expression from her. "I'm sure you'll meet one at any time now, and you two will get along famously." Marucho said to her. Julie scoffed at them. "I'm perfectly fine, I'm happy just the way I am thank you." she said to them aware that she was really lying to herself. Applejack saw it clear as day in a winter breeze. "I don't need a talking Bakugan to feel good about myself, well... goodnight everybody, talk to you later." she immediately logged out. Meanwhile at Dan's house, Applejack saw the way Julie was acting and knew that she was hiding something. "Ya'll... I'm startin to get the feelin that Julie isn't bein honest with herself." "I sensed that too, she might say that she doesn't need a Bakugan Partner that can talk. But in reality she really needs one." Fluttershy said as she looked to Alice. Dan looked to Twilight. "Do you think she's gonna hide it from us forever?" he asked her curiously. "Its possible, but we have no way of finding the truth from her." Twilight said. Applejack thought about it but her eyes snapped open getting an idea. "Twilight, do ya think you can use your magic to teleport me from here to Julie's house through Dan's computer?" she asked her. "WHAT?!!" Dan exclaimed. "Well its a possibility, but what are you thinking Applejack?" Twilight asked her. "You know very well that I'm the Element of Honesty, and I think I can help Julie. But I need to get to her house as fast as possible to find out how she really feels." Applejack explained to her. "That's all well and good, but do you have to go through my computer to get there?" Dan asked. "You have any better options?" Applejack asked him seeing that he couldn't think of anything. "I thought so..." she looked over to Twilight. "Think its worth a shot?" she asked her. Twilight thought it over, but looked to her. "Its worth a try... I'm still new to technology, but if I can calibrate the coordinants to Julie's house. It should get you there no problem." she explained as she walked to Dan's computer. "Okay Twilight, you're the Princess... just try not to blow up my computer." Dan said. Twilight nodded and focused her magic on his computer. She linked it to Julie's home address and got a lock on it as a portal opened up. "Alright Applejack, its now or never... lets just hope nothing bad happens on the way over." she said to her. Applejack nodded and looked to the portal and appraoched it. She hesitated at first, but she reached to it and touched it feeling it pull her in. Dan and the Mane Six were surprised from what happened. "Well that worked." Pinkie blurted out. "Do you think she'll be okay?" Rarity asked. "Come on! Its Applejack we're talking about here. I'm sure she'll be just fine... right guys?" Spike asked them as he noticed some concerned faces. "Ooookay... maybe a little." Meanwhile at Julie's house, Julie just recently got into her pajama's and was about ready to get in bed. But suddenly a portal opened from her computer and Applejack came flying out screaming. She crashed on the ground, surprising Julie as her eyes spun around in her head. "Eeyup... should have taken a pillow with me." she said to herself. "Applejack?!" Julie asked in surprise. "What are you doing here? As a matter of fact, how did you get here?" she asked curiously. "Twilight, long story, you don't wanna to know." Applejack said to her. "Okay, then go ahead and answer my first question." Julie said to her. Applejack leaped onto her bed and looked to her. "I came here because there's somethin wrong with you." she said to her. Julie was surprised from what she said. "You're not bein honest with your friends, and you're not bein honest with yourself. Julie... tell me what's goin on...? You can tell me sugarcube." she said to her. Julie looked at her and looked down with a sad expression. "The truth is..." she started as she looked to the moon. "I'm not perfectly fine at all..." she admited as she slumped down onto her bed letting out a sigh. Applejack looked at her but noticed a toy cowboy riding a horse. "Hey, what's that...?" she asked her. Julie looked at it and frowned. "That was a gift from Billy..." she said to her gaining a surprised look from her. A flashback appeared in her mind from when she and Billy were kids. Billy handed her his favorite toy. "This is for you." he felt Julie take it from him. "Wow! Thank you so much Billy!" she thanked him for such a wonderful gift and looked to him. "You and me are gonna be best friends forever, I can just feel it!" she said cheerfuly. Billy nodded in agreement. "Yeah!" he said with a smile. "Since that day, we've been friends no matter what..." Julie let out a sigh. "But I'm not too happy that I lost to Billy this afternoon." she explained to Applejack. The Earth Pony looked at her feeling sorry for her, but she knew that she had to help her out. "Oh well, it was only one loss... its not like it's gonna happen again next time." she said to her. "Huh...?" Julie looked to her surprised. "What do you mean?" "Like you, I too have friends that look up to me. Your friends are the same way, they want to help you in anyway they can. Which is exactly why I'm here Julie." Applejack said to her. "And there is no reason why you should give up now." Julie was surprised from what she said, then her eyes widen as she remembered something Billy told her. "Bakugan Valley..." "Huh...? Bakugan Valley...? What's that...?" Applejack asked her. "Its where Billy found Cycloid. I do have a day off from school tomorrow, I suppose I could go to Bakugan Valley. Like I said, I don't need a talking Bakugan to feel good about myself." Julie said to her. "But everyone seems to have one, and I think you're still not bein honest with yourself." Applejack said to her. Julie was surprised but sighed lowering her head. "You're right... to be honest... I'm a little bit-" "Jealous...?" Applejack asked. Julie didn't want to admit it... but she did feel jealous of Dan and the others for having Bakugan Partners they can talk to. Except Alice of course, she doesn't exactly have a Bakugan Partner. "Yeah, jealous seems to be the right word." she admitted. Applejack looked at the poor Subterra Brawler, but smiled and touched her shoulder. "Julie, sugar... if it makes ya feel any better... I did have my own flaws when I was a filly." she admitted to her. "You did...?" Julie asked surprised. "Eeyup... in fact... I used to be a liar back then, not somethin I'm proud of. But I was just a filly back then, I didn't know any better. But the truth finally came out of me when my brother Big Macintosh nearly got hurt on an operating table." Applejack explained it. "Wow... was he sick? Or was he pretending to be?" Julie asked her with a smirk. Applejack blushed in embaressment. "I... kinda had a little somethin to with that..." she hid her face in her hat. Julie giggled at it. "Its okay AJ, at least your brother made it out safely... didn't he...?" "Eeyup, not a single scratch on him. Although I was gettin ready to clobber him myself if he didn't keep his mouth shut about it. And I might do the same to you if you tell anyone." Applejack said to her in a firm tone. Julie motioned herself zipping her lip to keep her mouth shut. "Not a word." Applejack smiled feeling satisfied. "Good, and just so you know, I'm bit of an early bird. So I might wake you up so that we can go to Bakugan Valley together." she said to her. Julie was surprised. "Wait, you're going with me?" she asked her. "Of course, I'm gonna help ya find a Bakugan Partner. And I'm gonna help ya defeat Billy." Applejack said proudly. The Subterra Brawler didn't know what to think, but the only thing she could do was smile and nod at her. "Alright, and try not to wake my parents up, they might get mad." she advised her. "No promises." Applejack said to her. The next morning, Julie and Applejack looked at Bakugan Valley admiring the view. "Wow... so this is Bakugan Valley. A little barren from what I imagined, but it does remind me of Appleloosa in a way." Applejack admitted just from looking at it. "Appleloosa? Is that like your worlds version of the town we call Appaloosa?" Julie asked her curiously. "When you put it that way, it does seem that way. Appleloosa is the biggest Apple Farm you would ever lay eyes upon, but of course there was one incident with the Buffalo Tribe and Chief Thunderhooves because we planted our tree's on their stampeding grounds. But we managed to work things out with Chief Thunderhooves, when ever he and his herd stampede through the orchard, we give them some of our delicious apple pies." Applejack explained to her. "Wow, if I ever go to Equestria, I'm definitely gonna have to check it out myself." Julie said. Applejack chuckled a bit. "Well good luck in getting there, but just so you know, ponies ain't never seen humans before. So they might find you a bit... well..." she gestured to her outfit. Julie was surprised and scoffed a bit. "Is it a crime to look so good?" she asked her defensively. Applejack rose her hooves up in the same defense. "I'm just sayin Julie." she said and started heading into the Valley with her. They looked around for any signs of the Bakugan that lived there. Applejack leaped up to a ledge climbing up the hill as Julie followed. She looked down to her. "Come on Julie, there might be a Bakugan up here." she said to her. "Easy for you to say! You're a pony, I can't climb as fast as you can!" Julie exclaimed as she tried to climb up. "I think.... maybe if-" before she could climb up, the ledge from which Applejack was standing one fell out from under her. Applejack screamed and started falling down. "HEADS UP JULIE!!!" she cried out. Julie looked up and screamed as Applejack accidentally tackled her and they both screamed falling down into a cavern. When they reached the bottom, Applejack was still on top of Julie as they both groaned in pain. "When I say heads up, I didn't mean literally." she said to her. "Well its not my fault you landed on top of me." Julie exclaimed as Applejack got off of her. Then out of no where, bats came flying out and they started screaming from them. Julie's hand reached down only to see a group of scorpions, they started screaming from the lot of them and started running. "Somebody get us out of here! I hate it here, I hate it! I hate it!" she cried out while running. "I don't need a talking Bakugan, not if it means putting up with icky caves, icky bats, icky bugs, and icky other stuff!" she complained. "You said it! Lets get the hay out of here!" Applejack cried out and ran out of the caves with her. The two got back to Julie's house, and Julie herself was exhausted from everything that happened. She sighed and slumped down onto the bed. "We wasted my entire day off running around Bakugan Valley. And I have nothing to show for it." she said feeling depressed. "Come on now Julie, you can't give up now. Maybe tomorrow we can try again, and we'll have better luck." Applejack suggested. Julie sighed and sat up from her bed. "That's all well and good Applejack, but I don't think that's gonna happen. Oh well, I'm happy just the way I am. I'm fine battling without a companion, I don't need any talking Bakugan." she said trying to fight back her tears. Applejack looked at her concerned knowing she's still denying what she really wants. "I'm fine... just cause everyone else has one." Applejack frowned but looked to her. "Julie... I know that isn't really true. You want a partner that can talk to you more than anything, I can see it in your eyes." she pointed out to her. "You can tell me I'm wrong, but I know for certain... that's what you need right now." Julie... feeling her words hit her like a bullet train, knew that there was no way of hiding how she was feeling that the moment. She didn't want to admit it, but Applejack's words reached her like a horse at the finish line. "You're right... the truth is, I want a Bakugan to talk to more than anything." Tears began to form in her eyes as she lowered her eyes starting to cry. "More than anything in the world...!" she said as she started to cry. Applejack watched the poor girl as she cried her eyes out, and leaped onto the bed and held her close to comfort her. "There, there... its gonna be alright. I know for certain that there is a Bakugan out there just waiting for you." she said to her trying to comfort her. "She's right Julie..." a strong deep voice called out to her. Both Julie and Applejack gasped in surprise and looked up. "In fact... I'm here... I'm here for you." said the voice. Julie looked to where the voice was coming from, and found that there was a Bakugan sitting next to her toy cowboy. "For me...?" she asked him. "Like you, I have longed for a companion with whom I can share my joys and sorrows. I began to despair that it would never come to be... but finally, a pure and sincere voice reached me... your voice." said the Bakugan. Julie stood up from her bed and looked at him. "I... think I get it. Until now, I was not being honest with myself." she admited. "That's because your voice wasn't being pure and honest enough to be heard. But while you didn't notice... he was there the whole time." Applejack said to her. "And now that barrier that separated us, is gone... I feel as if I've known you for ages. Though we've only just met." the Bakugan said to her. Julie began to escape her sorrow and move towards her joyfulness. "Yes, it like we're best friends already!" she said and began to smile. "My name is Julie... and this is Applejack." she introduced herself and Applejack. "May we ask what your name is partner?" AJ asked him. "I am Subterra Gorem." the Bakugan introduced himself but hasn't opened up from his ball form yet. Julie was surprised by the name. "Subterra Gorem..." "You can just call me Gorem." he said to her wishing he could smile. Julie began to smile as tears of joy formed into her eyes. "Ooohh... Gorem...!" she reached up and grabbed him. She held him to her cheek nuzzling him. "Lets be friends forever... and ever, and ever... sound good?" she asked as a blush formed on her face. Gorem was also starting to turn red feeling the softness of her cheek. "Sounds good..." he replied to her. Applejack watched and smiled for the two of them, she walked over to them and tapped Julie's leg. "I know I'd hate to say I told ya so... but I told ya so." she said to her. "And now that you have a partner... we can finally face Billy and his partner Cycloid." "But you don't have a Bakugan Partner yourself AJ..." Julie said to her knowing she and her friends were still new to Bakugan. "I may be without a partner at the moment. But I know it will come eventually, but for now... you mind if I use some of your Bakugan?" AJ asked her. Julie smiled and nodded at her. "Sure, I hope your skills are good, because you'll need them." she said to her. "You can count on me Julie!" Applejack replied to her with much enthusiasm. The two brawlers got ready for bed, and Gorem... finally being able to find his destined partner, slept beside Julie on her pilow. Back at Bakugan Valley, Julie and Applejack were waiting for Billy and Cycloid to show up. They didn't have to wait for long, because they had just arrived. Billy walked up with a confident smirk knowing he's gonna win, but he will be in for a big shock later on. Julie glared at him and pointed a finger at him. "You're going down Billy!" she declared. "You gonna teach me another lesson today? You're the one who never learns." Billy said to her as he held up Cycloid. But he soon noticed Applejack and raised a curious eyebrow. "What's with the pony? Thought this was a battle, not a pet show..." Applejack stepped up with a firm glare. "The only thing I'm gonna show is me kicking you in the rear." she said to him. "WHOA!!! Did that pony just talk?!" Cycloid exclaimed. "And besides... you might find things are a little different Billy-boy." Applejack said to them. "She's right, because I finally found my Baku-partner!" Julie held out Gorem. Billy was surprised seeing him, but a smirk reformed across his face. "Oh good... you finally managed to find yourself a talking Bakugan. Well in that case... its time to Battle!" he declared. "I couldn't have said it better myself!" Applejack exclaimed. "Alright, its show time!" Julie cried out. "Bakugan Field Open!" they called out as they entered a Pocket Dimension Battlefield. They each pulled out a Gate Card to start the battle. "Gate Card Set!" they tossed them onto the field seeing them expand. "Okay Julie, hope you and your little pony over there are ready... because its time for the second inning... Bakugan Brawl!" Billy tossed out his Hynoid onto the field making his first move. "Hynoid Stand!" he called out as Hynoid emerged on the field snarling viciously. "I got this guy Julie, you just ready your next card. Bakugan Brawl!" Applejack tossed her Bakugan into the air and bucked it towards Billy's Hynoid hitting it in the forehead. "Hynoid Stand!" she called out as her Hynoid emerged on the field. It snarled viciously at its opponent. "Hey! What kind of throw is that?!" Billy exclaimed. "You ain't the only one with skills partner!" Applejack called out as her Hynoid and Billy's fought like rabid wolves. "My turn!" Julie called out as she tossed in a new Gate Card. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed in her Tuskor. "Tuskor Stand!" she called out as Tuskor emerged in its true form. "Tuskor Power Level 350 G's." said the Bakupod. "Alright Julie, now that you're Tuskor is in, Hynoid fall back!" Applejack ordered her Hynoid as it leaped away from Billy's Hynoid. "Ability Card Activate! Nose Slap!" Julie called out as Tuskor's trunk lengthened and went to smack Billy's Hynoid to the ground. But it dodged its trunk trying to avoid getting hit. "With this, he can reach out and attack a Bakugan standing on the next card." Julie explained. Applejack watched as Billy's Hynoid wouldn't stand still, and decided to take action. "Hynoid! Get that fella to hold still!" she called out. Her Hynoid smirked and charged towards Billy's Hynoid and tripped it for Tuskor to catch it off balance. "Alright Tuskor, take him out!" Julie called to it as Tuskor slammed its trunk against Billy's Hynoid, forcing it to go back into Ball Form. Billy was shocked from what happened but glared. "Pretty good Julie... especially your little fiend. But its not good enough! Gate Card set!" he tossed a new Gate Card onto the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in a brand new Bakugan onto the field. "Wormquake Stand!" he called out as a giant worm like Bakugan with really sharp teeth emerged before them. "WHOA NELLY!!!" Applejack exclaimed. Wormquake is a terrifying gigantic earth worm. Its gaping mouth is filled with razor-sharp teeth to bite through anything in its way. It squeezes its enemies using deadly body spikes to subdue and overcome. It maneuvers underground to gain advantage over unsuspected opponents. Wormquake also has the ability to nullify the Gate Card when he is on it. "Wormquake's Power Level 340 G's." "Hope you two are in for a surprise!" Billy called out as his Wormquake burrowed underground heading towards Tuskor. "Ability Card Activate! Sand Trap!" he called out. Tuskor eventually found himself being pulled down into a sand dune. "Come on, Tuskor's Power Level is 350 G's, you won't be able to beat him with a lame attack like that." Julie said to him with a smug grin. "Don't get cocky Julie, this guys just getting started." Applejack warned her. "She's right, in fact here's a little tid bit for ya. You see, the cool thing about Sand Trap is that it knocks down the opponents power level, check it!" Billy pointed out. Julie looked to her Bakupod only to find a shocking discovery. "Tuskor Power Level decreased by 50 G's." it informed her. Julie found herself in a panic as she looked to where Tuskor was. "Wormquake is stronger now?!" she asked as Wormquake burrowed underground moving toward Tuskor. Tuskor tried to get out, but it was too late... Wormquake resurfaced swallowing Tuskor whole. it burrowed under the ground only to rise up and spit Tuskor out as it was back in Ball Form. Applejack saw it feeling surprised from what Wormquake did, she then looked to Julie who was also surprised. "Bet ya didn't see that comin." she said to her. Julie knew that she couldn't lose this battle, so she reached and grabbed Gorem preparing for battle. "Please... help me Gorem, I think I'm in real trouble here." she pleaded to him. "I need you... help me..." "Don't worry... I will do my very best to help you." Gorem said to her. Billy chuckled as Wormquake was digging through the ground. "So then, where's this new Bakugan you were so proud of?" he asked her as Wormquake shrieked at them. "Careful Julie, don't let him psych you out. Just stay focused... focus on the battle." Applejack advised her. "Right..." Julie held out Gorem preparing for battle. "Okay Gorem, show me your stuff!" she tossed him out to the field. "Gorem Stand!" she called out... but to her surprise, he didn't rise in his true form. "Gorem?" she watched as Gorem floated back to her. "Oh no, Gorem what's the matter?" "Yeah partner, did Julie do something wrong?" Applejack asked him in a worried tone. "The time isn't right..." Gorem said to them. "Not right? What are you talking about?" Julie asked him. "Trust me..." Gorem advised her. Julie panicked knowing things are getting bad. "Oh no... then what on earth am I gonna do?" she asked only to hear Billy chuckling from his side of the Battlefield. "Looks like its my turn. Gate Card Set!" Billy tossed in a new Gate Card. "Okay, batter up..." he held up Cycloid. "Bakugan Brawl!" he threw him onto the field. Cycloid emerged on the field roaring out. "Ability Card Activate! Stare Down!" he called out as Cycloid's eye glowed red and shot a beam around the Battlefield. "You're in for it now, with this ability... my Bakugan can increase the power level of every Bakugan on every card within the red border by 50 G's." he explained to them. "That ain't much... but I think its wize not to underestimate that ability." Applejack said as she looked to Julie. "So what's the plan? I hope you got one." "Its a long shot, but I have to try... I'm just gonna throw a card outside it." Julie pulled out another Gate Card and tossed it to the field. "How do you like that? Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed in her Manion onto the field. "Manion Stand!' she called out as Manion emerged in its true form. "Watch this Applejack, Ability Actvate! Copycat!" she called out as Wormquake was forced to emerge from the ground. "Copycat?! Then that means you can...?" Billy began to theorize what it meant. "That's right, I can copy Wormquakes ability Sand Trap and use it against him!" Julie finished the explaination as Wormquake was forced back into Ball Form and Manion emerged on the card it disappeared from. Billy was surprised from what happened, but it didn't matter because he still had Cycloid on the field. "Pretty good..." he looked to them with a grin. "Now try this on for size! Ability Card Activate! Grand Slide!" he called out as the ground began to shake. Applejack and Julie tried to balance each other from the shaking. "What in the hay is going on?!" Applejack asked. But she then noticed that the card Manion stood on slid towards the card Cycloid was on. "Manion moved within Stare Down perimeter. Manion Power Level decrease by 50 G's." said the Bakupod. "OH NO!!!!" Julie cried out. Cycloid rose his stone hammer in the air. "Get ready, cause this just might hurt!" he roared out as he swung his hammer striking it against Manion. "No, Manion!" Julie cried out as Manion was forced back into Ball Form. "Okay, I've waited long enough Julie! Time to meet this new Bakugan of yours!" Billy called out. Cycloid grinned as he held his stone hammer. "I want a new playmate." he said to her. Julie was in a panic, she felt Cycloid's gaze burning her. "What should I do? Gorem said to trust him and wait..." she thought to herself. Meanwhile, Gorem finally had enough of Billy's way of treating Julie. "Julie, I cannot bear to see you tormented like this." he called out to her gaining her attention. "I told you... I wanted to share your joys and sorrows." "Gorem..." Julie looked at him feeling almost speechless. "Julie, throw me in..." Gorem told her knowing it was time to face his foe. "What...? But I can't risk losing my perfect match." Julie said to him feeling worried. Applejack touched her leg and gave her a strong but serious expression. "Trust him Julie, the time is now... I know you're scared about losing this battle, I am too. But that's what makes life interesting... even if you fall down from a loss, you can always get back on your feet. And tell yourself that you will never give up." she said to her. Julie's eyes begin to widen in amazement. "No matter how tough things get... you can still show everyone that you're strong, just like Gorem who believes in you... just like I do." she said with a smile. At that moment, Julie's heart leaped with joy from hearing Applejack's words. Never before had anyone believed in her before... but at the same time. She felt unsure... "But I..." "Don't worry... now that I've found you I won't abandon you." Gorem assured her. Julie looked at him but smiled as she held Gorem to her cheek. "Thank you so much Gorem... thank you for finding me. I promise I won't let you down either." she said to him. If Gorem could smile, he would show how happy he was. "Thank you Julie." Billy only smirked as he prepared for the last battle. "Come on!" he called out to them. Julie looked to Applejack with a smile. "Okay, what's the plan?" she asked her. Applejack smirked hearing her determination. "Just watch... Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed her Hynoid onto the field with Cycloid. "Hynoid Stand!" she called out as Hynoid snarled at Cycloid viciously. Cycloid only laughed in amusement from seeing it. "Is that it? Is that the best you can do little pony? This will be easier than I thought!" he said as he held up his stone hammer. He roared out and went to crush it, but Hynoid managed to dodge his attacks. "Hey! hold still!" he tried to crush him with his hammer, but Hynoid was playing a game of Whack-a-mole with him. "That's it Hynoid, line him up." Applejack said as Julie prepared her next throw. Julie readied her shot as she found her mark. "Okay, here it goes..." she held Gorem into the air like a professional baseball player in the womens league. "Bakugan Brawl!" she threw him to the field but rather than aim him at the field, she aimed straight at Cycloid. "Heads up!" she yelled as Gorem hit Cycloid in the head causing him to fall down. "Gorem Stand!" she called out as Gorem's true form was finally revealed. He rose up on the field, revealing himself as a giant colossal golem of stone with a large shield. Billy panicked from seeing him. "W-What is that?!" he asked. Meanwhile Julie and Applejack watched in awe from seeing Gorem in his true form. "So that... is Gorem...?" Julie asked as she looked at him. Cycloid looked at him with much fear in his eye from seeing the colossus standing before him. "He's huge!" he exclaimed. Gorem turned around and faced Julie and Applejack, he leaned down and reached his hands to them. "Oh Gorem, you are incredible!" Julie called out as she and Applejack leaped into his gigantic stone hands. "I gotta hand it to ya big fella, you're as big as Canterlot Mountain." Applejack said to him giving him a compliment. "Yeah, and you're the best Bakugan a girl can hope for." Julie said to him with a warm smile. She and Applejack leaped onto Gorem's shoulder to get a high view of the battle. Cycloid got back up forming a glare. "I don't know, he doesn't look so tough. I'll have him sayin' uncle in no time!" he said to them with a confident smirk. "Well then Cycloid, why don't ya come on over here and see if you're right. That is if you're not chicken enough to face him." Applejack teased him only to a menacing glare from him in return. "NO BODY CALLS ME CHICKEN AND GETS AWAY WITH IT!!! NOT EVEN A LITTLE PONY!" Cycloid roared out in anger. "Ability Card Activate! Mega Impact!" Julie called out as Gorem roared out feelign his power rise. "What's happening?!" Billy asked as he looked to his Bakupod. "Gorem Power Leve Increase to 430 G's." it informed him. "430 G's?! No messing around Cycloid... you gotta take this guy out fast." he said to him. "I hear ya big time on that." Cycloid agreed with his human partner holding up his hammer. "Gate Card Open!" Billy called out as the Level Down Command Card activated. "The Level Down Command Card decrease the Power Level by a hundred G's." he informed them as Gorem roared out feeling his power being drained. "Gorem Power Level decreased to 330 G's." the Bakupod informed them. "Okay Cycloid, here's your chance!" he called out to him to attack. Cycloid charged at Gorem with his hammer. "The bigger they are, the harder they fall!" he went to strike him down with his hammer. "Gorem!" Julie cried out seeing Cycloid charging. "I'll be fine Julie, just watch." Gorem said to her in a calm demeaner. "Alright, its hammer time!" Cycloid went to strike him, but Gorem held up his shield blocking his attacks. "Hey! You're not getting off that easy!" he continued to strike Gorem's shield, hoping that the stone golem would give in. But none of his blows seem to be doing any affect. "This is bad... that shield is too strong, and Cycloid's Power Level goes down with every blow...!" Billy said as he began to panic. Meanwhile, Cycloid was beginning to look tired from all the swinging with his hammer. "Cycloid power reduced to 270 G's." the Bakupod informed them. Cycloid roared out and went to strike them again, but as he struck Gorem's shield, his hammer smashed into pieces and he began to panic from it, as did Billy. "WHAT?!" he exclaimed. "Hynoid! Give this big fella a good trip!" Applejack called out to his temporary partner. Hynoid gladly obliged and charged right behind Cycloid and tripped him over causing him to lose balance. "This is it Gorem! Get him now!" Julie called out. Gorem pulled his fist back and swung it towards Cycloid, landing a powerful punch against Cycloid forcing him back into Ball Form. Julie and Applejack were beginning to cheer from it. "Gorem, you big beautiful Bakugan, you did it! You did it! You did it!" she screamed to the top of her lungs. "He sure did, in fact if I ever do find my partner... I hope they'll be just as strong as him." Applejack said to her. "I'm sure you'll find your destined partner soon Applejack. You can count on it." Gorem assured her as he reverted to Ball Form. They soon returned to the real world, and Julie looked to Billy who stood like a statue in defeat. "Billy...?" Billy soon broke from his frozen state and walked over to Cycloid picking him up. A smile soon formed across his face as he turned around to face Julie and Applejack. "Good job Julie... you two battle well together." he said to her only to get throat clearing from Applejack. He looked to her seeing her give him a look as she tapped her hoof. "Oh, right... you did a good job too there... miss...?" he looked at her not knowing her name. The mare smiled at him and playfully punched his leg. "Name's Applejack... but you can call me AJ." she said to him. "Sure, by the way where did you learn to brawl like that?" Billy asked her out of curiosity. "I learned a little bit from Dan Kuso, but I added bit of my own style to get a good feel for it." Applejack explained to him. "And after going through this battle, I say I got the hang of it." A soft chuckle came out of Billy as he formed a kind smile. "You sure did..." he then looked to Julie. "But you Julie, you and Gorem did well as a team." "Thank you, I think Gorem and I are a perfect match for each other." Julie said to him with a kind smile. Cycloid chuckled a bit and looked to Gorem. "Good job out there Gorem." he said to him. "You too Cycloid." Gorem replied to him as Julie giggled happily at them. Billy held Cycloid up smiling brightly. "Okay Cycloid, come on! We need to start training, I think we're getting soft." he said to him. "And we can't have that now can we? Gotta keep in tip top brawling shape!" Cycloid asked him. "Yeah!" Billy agreed and turned away starting to run. "See ya Julie! AJ!" he called out to them as he ran off. "See ya Billy! I can't wait till we battle each other again!" Julie called to him with a warm smile. "Same here partner!" Applejack called out and smiled proudly. She eventually looked to Julie who soon had a bright blush on her face. Applejack didn't know what it was... but she immediately connected the dots and figured that there was more than just friendship between Julie and Billy. "Julie... is that a blush I see on your face...?" she asked her with a smirk. Julie immediately noticed as she arced her eyebrows at her. "What are you talking about...?" she asked her. "You sure you and Billy were just friends? Or is there something you ain't tellin' me?" Applejack asked her. Julie's face became redder as she quickly looked away trying to hide it. "I don't know what you're talking about Applejack! Billy's just a friend, and I have my eyes set on Dan, that's it!" she said to her with a really red face. Applejack smirked knowing that she still isn't being honest, but she decided to let it slide knowing that deep in Julie's heart she might have feelings for Billy. Even if she doesn't want to show it of course. "What ever you say Julie... your face says otherwise. Anywho, lets head on over to your place and tell everyone the big news." she said as she walked away. "Hey, wait up!" Julie called out and followed after her. "You better not get any idea's Applejack, because there is nothing going on between me and Billy." she said to her as she walked beside her. "Sure there ain't..." Applejack said bluntly. Night fell over Julie's home town, she and Applejack went up to her room to connect with her friends online to tell them what happened. "Hey everybody! Sorry for the wait, but we kind of got held up at dinner. Anyways, I'd like to introduce you to my new special friend, his name is Gorem!" Julie introduced him to her fellow brawlers. Dan was amazed at seeing him. "Wow Julie, you finally found a talking Bakugan." he said to her. "You bet I did, and I have him and Applejack to thank." Julie said as she looked to her. Applejack blushed embarrassed and looked away. "Aww... it was nothing really." she said to her. "That's great! I'm so happy for you." Marucho said to her while Preyas got into the camera. "Hi there Mr. Gorem! I'm so pleased to meet you, I'm Preyas! And this is Drago!" Preyas introduced himself and Drago, only to get a confusing look from Gorem. "Dra- what...?" Gorem asked him. "Drago!" Dan's partner yelled out. Runo and Tigrerra appeared on screen in front of Dand and Drago. "My Bakugan is called Tig, say hello Tig!" she said as she looked to Tigrerra. (Why she called her Tig, I will never understand.) "Tig...?" Gorem asked curiously. "Call me Tigrerra.." she said to reassure him. (THANK YOU!!!) Julie smiled warmly as she held Gorem to her cheek. "Gorem, you have lots of friends now. Isn't that great?" she asked him. Alice's screen soon enlarged on Julie's screen. "Well it looks like you two are best friends." she said to her with a smile. "You bet Alice, in fact she and Gorem are the bestest friends in the whole world." Applejack said to her as she looked to them. "They even impressed Billy back there." "Sure did, you know something Gorem, you're the best!" Julie said as she gae Gorem a kiss causing the now tiny Bakugan to blush intensly. He quickly curled up into ball form hiding himself. "Not in front of people!" he exclaimed trying not to show his shyness. The brawlers and the ponies laughed a bit as Julie held Gorem to her cheek. Tigrerra let out a small giggle and looked to them. "Welcome aboard Gorem." she welcomed him to the team. "Well Applejack, now that you've gotten Julie to tell the truth, guess its time for you to come on back." Twilight said to her. "Actually Twilight, I was thinking I should stick around with Julie. There's still so much I don't know about Subterra, I thought it would be better if I stayed and learned as much as I can from Julie and Gorem." Applejack said as she looked to them with a smile. "That isn't much of a problem is it Julie?" she asked her. "Not one bit, and besides... you can really learn a lot from me when it comes to being a Subterra Brawler." Julie said to her with a bright smile. "And I can teach you everything about my world Subterra." Gorem added. "You sure AJ?" Twilight asked curiously. "I think it's a great idea." Fluttershy stated. "With me staying here at Runo's, I'm learning everything about Haos from her and Tigrerra." "And me learning Pyrus from Dan and Drago." Twilight stated. "But that just leaves the rest of us without teachers. Surely there is someone out there to teach Rarity the ropes of being a Darkus Brawler... other than Masquerade." Rainbow Dash pointed out. A scoff came from Rarity as she looked to Rainbow. "I would never want to learn from a fiend such as him. Ryo I could consider, but he's mostly about battle strategies." "I think I can help you with that Rarity." Alice spoke up as everyone looked to her. "I know everything about the Bakugan, including the worlds they came from. True I never battled before, but you'll learn a lot from me." she said to her. "You sure darling?" Rarity asked her as Alice gave her a smile. "It's no trouble really, I just want to help in any way I can." she reassured the white unicorn. A smile formed across Rarity's face at Alice's offer. "Very well, it certainly helps when it comes to a dear friend like you." Alice couldn't help but blush a little bit with a warm smile. At that moment, Twilight knew that they still had a lot to learn about the Bakugan, Vestroia, and the Cores of Vestroia. But for now, they took the time to relax, and enjoy the time they have. "Alright everyone, we best better rest up. We have a lot of training to do if we're ever going to stop Masquerade." she said to them. "You got it Twi." Applejack agreed with her. "We'll be ready when you are." Rainbow said to her. "I'll do my best." Fluttershy said to her. "You'll have my support." Rarity assured her. "Lets have some fun!" Pinkie yelled out. "I'll always stand by you Twilight." Spike said to her with a big smile. Twilight couldn't help but hug her number one assistant. "I know you will Spike." she said to him. Dan and the rest of the Brawlers smiled letting out a chuckle along with the ponies. They knew for certain that they will be in for an adventure of a lifetime, but they will never know what surprises will be waiting for them. Meanwhile, at a familiar Japanese compound. A dark haired brawler was sitting on the roof of the compound. Who could it be? It's Shun, playing a tune from a Leaf Whistle. Soon, a Ventus Bakugan landed on his shoulder. "Shun... I trust that you've seen the newest Brawlers that appeared...?" she asked him curiously. Shun stopped playing the Leaf Whistle and looked to the moon. "I did... its rather strange how a group of Ponies have learned how to Brawl in so little time." he admitted to the Bakugan. "They seem rather interesting if you ask me." she said to him. "That may be... but we need to be sure they can be trusted first." Shun said to her. > Grandpa's Got a Brand New Bakugan > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- At the docks of Wardington, Dan, Runo, Marucho and the Ponies were challenged by another Brawler that was sent by Masquerade. He was a Ventus Brawler by the Baku-Shooter on his wrist, we did not know who that brawler was. But if he was sent by Masquerade, he means business. He held out his Baku-Shooter preparing for the battle. "So, you chicken?" he asked Dan with a devious smirk. Dan sighed knowing how this might end. "Another lacky of Masquerade's...?" he asked his friends. "Yeah, this is starting to get old." Rainbow said as she glared at the Ventus Brawler. Runo meanwhile formed a confident smile. "But just for fun, let me show you who's boss." she readied her Baku-Shooter. "No way! I called dibs on this creep!" Dan stepped in before Runo could get ready. "Hey! No fair!" Runo cried out as she narrowed her eyes at him. "Dan wait!" Twilight tried to stop him, but before she could... "Bakugan! Field Open!" the two brawlers called out as they entered the Pocket Dimension Battlefield. During the battle, Dan managed to win two rounds. All he and Drago had left was to deal with the Ventus Brawlers Gargonoid. It roared out as wind was blowing around the arena, Drago spread his wings out and roared at his opponent. Dan meanwhile was holding his ground preparing for what's next. "Come on Drago, defense...!" he said. But soon he saw a giant twister being formed around Garganoid. Drago was trying his hardest to pull away from the twister. "Must resist...!" he struggled to pull away, but it pulled him into the twister. "Drago! Hold on!" Dan called out as the twister blew him away. But in doing so, he managed to pull a card out. "Ability Activate! Boosted Dragon!" he called out to his partner as he activated it. Drago roared out as he got into the twister, he looked to where Garganoid was and blasted it landing a direct hit. In a flash, they returned to the normal world, and time resumed to where it was stopped. Runo meanwhile was really furious as she walked to him. "No fair! You're butting in Dan?! Huh?" she noticed the Ventus Brawler jumping into a boat. He turned to them with a scowl knowing he had been defeated. "You just got lucky, that's all! I'll be back you freaks!" he yelled as he sailed off. Runo watched as he left and looked to Dan. "So... I'm guessing you beat him?" she asked him. "Looks like it, for a minute there I thought he was gonna lose. But I guess he made it out alright." Twilight said as she looked at Dan noticing something. "Way to go Dan! I had total confidence that you could do it." Marucho said to him with a bright smile. Dan stood still for a moment but forced a smile. "Eh, it was nothing... heh... I had him on the ropes..." he said as he turned to them only to feel weak in the legs. Twilight and the others panicked seeing what was gonna happen. "Uh-oh, somepony catch him, he's gonna-" Twilight called out as Rainbow rushed to him catching him from fainting. She set him down gently, and saw how exhausted he was. "Dan, you okay? Come on, talk to us!" Rainbow pleaded to him as the others gathered around him. It was late in the evening, Runo, Twilight and the others helped Dan get back home having him rest in his bed. Dan was so exhausted, Runo and Marucho couldn't help but worry about him. "Man, that was way up there on the freaky scale..." he said exhaustingly. "I remember I beat that dude... but after that it was a total blank..." he said as he rubbed his head. Marucho chuckled a bit. "Oh that was so hilarious Dan, the way that wannabe Brawler had his tail between his legs." he said to him. "Marucho, this is no time for jokes." Rarity said to him. Runo looked to him worried, but chose to hide it with a smirk. "Well it is kind of your own fault Mr. Butinsky..." she said to him. Dan shot up and glared at her. "I knew this would turn into a snooze fest! I'm just lucky that Drago was tough enough to take that chump out when he did!" he exclaimed. Twilight grabbed his shoulder. "Dan, take it easy, you need to rest and regain your strength." she said to him. "She's right Dan, don't strain yourself." Fluttershy begged of him with a worried expression. Meanwhile Marucho shut his eyes in thought. "According to my data, you'll face much stronger opponents. I might suggest our strategy should reflect this in any future battles." he explained to them, only to get a confused look from both Runo and Rainbow Dash. "In English please...?" Rainbow asked him. "What he means is that a Bakugan is at its peak when all of its Six Attributes are in perfect allignment. Dan's Bakugan is Drago, and he's a Pyrus, a Fire Attribute. Runo's Bakugan is a Haos, a Light Attribute. And Marucho's Preyas is classified as an Aquos, that's Water." Twilight explained to Rainbow so that she could understand the situation. "But the problem is combined, we don't have enough Attributes to fight at full power." Marucho added to the explaination. "Add on Julie's, which is a Subterra the Earth Attribute." Rarity added. "Which means we're two short. Darkus with its Darkness Attribute, and the Wind, Ventus." Runo said to them. Just from hearing the wind attributes name, it hit Marucho as he realized something. "Hey! Guess who has Ventus." Dan connected the dots and immediately realized who he meant. "Shun?!" he exclaimed and looked away crossing his arms. This didn't go unnoticed from the ponies. "Correct Dan, right now Masquerade is stronger than us. I suggest we allign ourselves with Shun and increase our power to defeat Masquerade." Marucho said to him. "Brilliant! With Shun on our team, we'll be a force to be reckoned with. No one will come even close to beating us, not to mention Shun's a real hunk. Right Dan?" Runo asked him as she turned away from him. "This is the most impecibal proposal I believe we've ever engineered. What do you think Dan?" Marucho asked him. "No!" Dan shouted out. Marucho was surprised from this action, as were the ponies. They knew something was up, and they needed to know what it was. "But Dan, we need all the help we can get." Runo said to him only to get silence from him. She looked to Marucho but got an idea that might be able to get to Dan quicker than a cold in Winter. "Or maybe you're... jealous!" she said to him. Dan immediately shot up glaring at her. "I am not! Besides I don't need any help! From him or anybody else, even you Runo! You got that?!" he yelled at her while getting underneath his blanket to hide himself. Runo only giggled seeing it. "Yep, you're jealous." she said to him. At that moment, Dan was trying to hide under his blanket, but couldn't hide how he's feeling. "Girls.... who need's them...?" he thought to himself. Meanwhile, Pinkie raised her hoof to get their attention. "Excuse me! Not to interrupt but... who's Shun?" she asked them. "We heard Dan mention him before, but he neglected to tell us." Twilight said to them. "We're still trying to figure that out..." Runo explained to them. "They had a falling out...?" Rainbow asked them curiously. "We're not sure... but we should probably give Dan some personal space." Marucho said as he noticed how grouchy he's been acting. They walked out of the room to give Dan all the rest he can get. Twilight meanwhile was looking back at the door, knowing something was wrong. Sure she and her friends have had their share of Friendship Problems back in Equestria, but she never imagined there would be one here in Dan's world. That's something she couldn't look passed. Meanwhile Rainbow rushed up to Marucho with much curiosity. "Hey Marucho... is it possible that we can get to Shun's house from here?" Marucho only smiled confidently knowing he can. "Rainbow Dash my friend... you're talking to the right person for the job." he said to her. Night fell, Runo, Marucho and the ponies were at Marucho's house preparing to depart in Marucho's private plane. "Boy... if Dan finds out what we're doing, he's gonna be so mad." he said worriedly. "I'm with Marucho on this, he'll be very upset when he finds out." Twilight said to Runo with a worried expression. "Relax Twilight, we have to ask Shun to help us. And trust me, Dan will thank us." Runo said with a confident smile. Meanwhile Marucho wasn't feeling convinced of her enthusiasm. "I hope so..." As they left the city, Twilight was still troubled about why Dan refused to ask Shun for help. "I wonder why Dan is so dead set against Shun...?" Runo sighed knowing she had to know the reason. "I remembered they used to be the best of buds. They were even the ones who came up with the Bakugan Rules." she said to her. "They did?" the ponies asked her surprised. "Wow... that's almost interesting." Preyas said to them. "Call me crazy, but I thought for sure Dan would want to hook up with Shun again." Runo said as she looked down worriedly. Rarity noticed it and walked to her gently placing her hoof on her leg. "Runo... are we really doing this to get Shun to join us...? Or are we doing this because you're worried about Danile...?" she asked her. Runo's face immediately turned red as she turned to Rarity. "IT'S NOTHING LIKE THAT!" she screamed out. But Rarity saw that she was totally hiding how she feels. Runo saw she formed a small smirk across her face and quickly figured it out. "Rarity, this has nothing to do with Dan, we're trying to get Shun to join us. Nothing else, got it?" she asked her. Rarity only giggled. "What ever you say darling." At that time, Marucho looked out and saw an amazing sight. "Look Runo, I think that's Shun's house down there." he pointed out as Runo looked to it surprised. Even the ponies were amazed of how it looked. "According to my research, Shun's family owns the largest estate West of Bay City." After landing, they approached the front gate seeing how tall it was compared to them. "Big bucks, and good looks? Hellooo Shun!" Runo said with a playful tone. Rainbow quickly elbowed her to make her stop. "Runo, we're here on business. Besides, what if this Shun decides he's not interested in joining us? Have you ever thought of that? Our whole mission would be a failure, and worse we could lose our Bakugan." she said to her to get through her thick skull. "Quit being such a worry wort! Now, lets get this over with." Runo looked to the door with a serious expression. "Hey Shun!" she called him out only to see the door open by itself. Rainbow Dash was surprised from seeing it. "Uhh... that was fast. Twilight, was that you...?" "Don't look at me, I had nothing to do with it." Twilight reassured her. "Lets get going." Runo said as she walked to the house. She and the others approached the door and opened it looking inside. When they looked inside, they saw a dark hallway that seemed to look spooky just by looking at it. But they weren't gonna let that stop them as the began to proceed down the hallway. "I wouldn't want to be the one who has to vacuum this place." she said as she looked around. Fluttershy stayed behind Rainbow as she looked around. "You think anyone's at home?" she asked as she trembled a bit. "Not a clue... but lets keep looking..." Rainbow said to her. "This place almost reminds me of your house Marucho. One big oversized mansion with never enough bathrooms." she pointed out as she accidently stepped on a tripwire sounding an alarm. "Oh no, what did I do?!" Out of no where, hidden traps revealed themselves shooting out rods with soft points on them. They dodged them trying to avoid getting it. "Lets get out of here!" Runo cried out as they ran from the traps. As they ran, they saw that the floor ahead of them opened a pit for them to fall into but they managed to leap over it making it to safety. But when they weren't aware... a net fell down and caught them. The ponies struggled to get out of it. "This house is one big booby trap!" Rarity cried out. "You can say that again!" Runo struggled to get out of the net. Suddenly she started hearing the sound of chuckling and looked to the source. It was an elderly man, tanned-skinned, brown-eyed, grayish white-haired and bearded old man. He wears a traditional Japanese dark green kimono and white hakama. His hair is tied in a high pigtail. Additionally, he wears a pince-nez. He is seen with a Bokken, which is his weapon of choice. He chuckled revealing himself as Shun's grandfather. "Well, what have we here? A couple of snoopy little kids, and their ponies who have the gaul to break into my house." he said to them with his eyes narrowed at them. "If you two little whippersnappers and your pets think you're smarter than me, then you got another thing coming." Runo at the time was blankely looking at him curious and confused. "Yeah, you got any clue who the old dude in the sweat pants is...?" she asked. "Yeah, and can any human in this world stop calling us pets?" Rainbow asked. "That's Shun's grandfather, he used to be a famous ninja warrior back where there used to be ninja warriors." Marucho explained to them. Rainbow was surprised from hearing it as she looked to the old man. True she wanted to be a Wonderbolt, but a Ninja...? That's just as awesome, but she can almost find it hard to believe to know this old man used to be one. "You're kidding... this old dude...?" "State your business here... or prepare to face my..." he pulled out a wooden sword and pointed it at them. "Wooden stick...!" he said to them firmly. Marucho panicked and held his hands up. "Please... put down the stick, we come in peace!" he stated. "Yeah, we're friends of your grandson Shun!" Runo pointed out. "We just want to see him..." "If that isn't too much to ask..." Fluttershy said to him. But the old man was surprised from hearing it. "My grandson? You say you're friends...?" he asked them. "My name is Runo... and this is Marucho." she pointed out to him. "And these are our friends, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie... their friend Applejack is currently at our friend Julie's house at the moment. But its-" before he could finish, Runo started digging through his pockets. "HEY WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! TRYING TO GIVE ME A WEDGIE OR SOMETHING?!!" he exclaimed. The old ninja warrior looked at them feeling unconvinced of their story. Meanwhile, Runo pulled out one of Marucho's Bakugan and showed it to him. "See? Show this to Shun and he'll explain everything to you." she tossed it to him showing that it was Preyas. "NO PLEASE!!! WHAT DID I EVER DO TO YOU?!!" he flew towards the old man hitting him in the head. He rolled down on the ground and opened up shaking his head from the hit. He eventually saw the old man reaching for him and he immediately tucked into Ball Form as the old man grabbed him. He looked at Preyas curiously but looked to the kids and the ponies. "Oh yes... you're what they call Bakugan Brawlers. I know all about you... and you're here to get Shun to play this silly game again." he connected the dots. Twilight was surprised how quickly he figured it out, she began to chuckle nervously. "Well yeah, that's kind of what we were thinking..." she said to him with a nervous smile. "That's what I thought. He's not interested." he pointed out. "Now leave the premises at once intruders." he ordered them to leave the household at once. Pinkie jumped out to confront him. "Please! Please! Please! Could we just see him for five minutes, pleeeaaaasssse?" she pleaded to him. Grandpa Kazami's eyebrow was beginning to twtich from hearing her. "You're starting to get on my nerves little pony, now beat it!" he said to her holding his firm expression. A sigh came from Runo as she came to realize there's no reasoning with with him. "This isn't working... but I got an idea." she threw the net off and scowled at the old man. "Okay grandpa... if you refuse to bring Shun to us, we'll just go find him ourselves then!" she said to him. "Yeah, and just one thing... you mind giving back my Bakugan?" Marucho asked him politely. Grandpa Kazami only huffed knowing he had no used for it. "Why do I care..?" he tossed him back while secretly tossing something else in the process. "Not again!" Preyas cried out as Marucho caught him. Twilight noticed something on the ground, and saw that it was a smoke bomb. Her eyes widen knowing what will happen. "Everyone he tossed a smoke bomb!" she cried out only to see it explode creating a massive smoke cloud. She quickly used her magic to shield them from the smoke. "Now, did you hear me?!" the old timer leaped into the air with his wooden sword in hand. "LEAVE!!!" he shouted out as he went to strike at them. Runo and the others panicked but she and Marucho quickly pulled out their Gate Cards opening the Bakugan Pocket Dimension Battlefield by accident. When they entered the realm, they looked around in surprise of what happened. "W-Where are we...?" Preyas asked them. "A Battefield..." Tigrerra pointed out. "Runo and Marucho must have accidentally opened the Battlefield, and we all ended up here." Twilight said to them. "So... do you wanna battle...?" Runo asked out of curiousity. "ARE YOU NUTS?!" Preyas asked her out of frustration. Meanwhile Pinkie was giggling. "Least we managed to get away from Mr. Grumpy Pants." she pointed out. Marucho then realized and rubbed his chin in thought. "Wait a minute... I've got an idea..." he looked to them. "We stopped time when Shun's Grandpa was about to attack." he pointed out. Twilight was starting to understand where he was going with this. "I get it, all we have to do is find the exact spot where we were standing." she said to them. Runo was thinking it through and started to understand where they were going with their theory. "Oh, I think I catch your drift." "Lets do it!" Rainbow yelled out. They got into position to where they were standing. "Okay, I believe we were standing right over here." Rarity said as she stood where she was with the others. "Okay we'll just move over here." Runo said as she and the others moved around where Grandpa Kazami was as she and Marucho pulled out their cards. "Okay, are you ready?" Marucho asked. "Ready!" the ponies called out. "Ready, just say the word." Runo said to him. "You got it!" Maruho called out as he and Runo flipped their cards. "Field Close!" Runo called out as their cards glowed brightly. As they returned from the Pocket Dimension Battlefield, Grandpa Kazami continued his descend only to see they weren't there. He panicked knowing what might happen. "This is going to leave a mark!" he landed on the ground only to roll straight into the hole where the floor opened up. "NAILED IT!!!" Pinkie cried out as she and the others looked into the pit. The old timer looked unconscious, or so they were to believe he was. He groaned a little bit and uttered out a few words. "Oh honeybun... did you put the cat out...?" he asked in his dream. "Is he sleeping...?" Fluttershy asked in surprise. "Well what ever he's dreaming about, I don't think we should be around to find out." Rarity said to her. Meanwhile Runo and Marucho gave each other a highfive. Then out of no where, a strange whistling sound called out. "What's that?" she asked. "It sounds like a Leaf Whistle, its like playing the flute, only it takes years of practice." Twilight explained to her. "Well who ever's playing it, needs more practice." Rainbow pointed out to her as she had her ears covered. They rushed outside to see who it was, and to their surprise... it was Shun. Runo smiled at the fact they finally found him after having to deal with his grandfather. "Shun! Hey Shun!" she called out to him as Shun stopped playing his leaf whistle and looked to them. "We found you! I was beginning to get a little worried back there." she said to him. "Its so nice to see you again!" Marucho said to him. Meanwhile Rarity was starring at the young Ventus Brawler with a bright blush on her face. "When you said he was good looking... I didn't think you meant drop dead dashing..." she said to her. Rainbow grabbed her and snapped her out of her day dream. "Focus Rarity, we're not here to fool around. We're here to get Shun to join us." she reminded her. Shun heard them clear as day, but he didn't care about that for the moment. "Why did you come here...?" he asked in a serious tone. "We know its short notice Shun, but we kind of need your help!" Marucho said to him. "We don't know if you know this, but there's this really freaky dude who calls himself Masquerade. And he's been sending kids Bakugan to the Doom Dimension forever!" Pinkie said to him. "Yeah, we have to stop him! He's challenged us to a battle, and before we agree... we need you and your Bakugan to boost our power." Rainbow explained to him as clearly as she could. Twilight stepped forward and looked to him. "Without you, we all could lose our Bakugan." she said in a worried tone. Meanwhile Shun looked away looking to the night sky and the moon. ""So what do you say Shun? You in or out? Well...?" Runo asked him with a bright smile on her face hoping he will accept their offer. But he spent a moment of silence without a response to their offer. "W-Well...?" "Sorry... but I don't play on a team..." he said to them as they looked to him in disbelief. He turned to them with a serious expression on hi face. "Now leave...!" Just when things were calm... Rainbow Dash immediately flared her nostrils and dashed up to him. "Now hold on! We came all this way to find you, and you're just gonna tell us to leave?!" she exclaimed as she narrowed her eyes at him. Shun didn't feel threatened even in the slightest. "I have my own reasons for not joining... and if you don't like that, then why don't you go back to where you came from...?!" he said to her with an intense glare. Rainbow tried to stay calm, but one look in his eyes... she felt as if she couldn't stand up to someone like him. She eventually backed down knowing she couldn't win. "Lets go guys... he's not worth our time." she walked passed them feeling defeat. Runo watched the rainbow maned pony leave feeling sorry for her. But she and the others followed after her. Shun meanwhile was watching Rainbow Dash as he noticed something in her eyes. She did have a will of fire... but is it strong enough to stand up to his? As the two Battle Brawlers and ponies left the estate, the gates closed behind them. But Runo and Marucho stopped and turned back to the gate trying to force it open. "Shun open up! We're not done!" she cried out only to get no response from him. Rarity looked to Twilight noticing how much in thought she was. "Now what do we do...?" she asked her. "I don't know Rarity... I'm more worried about Rainbow Dash..." she looked to where Rainbow was as she sat alone at the edge of the forest. "She backed down the instant Shun looked her dead in the eyes. Something about him scared her..." she said to them. She soon heard a deep chuckle and looked to the source seeing its Grandpa Kazami. "Didn't I tell you kids? My grandson doesn't want anything to do with you all. Now skedaddle before I get all ninja on you!" he said as he started laughing. But that didn't scare them as Runo scowled at him. "Man, this old creep is giving me the creeps." she looked to the door and started pounding on it crying out for Shun. "Please Shun, open up! If you don't, then all the Bakugan rules that you and Dan created will be destroyed forever! You gotta let us in!" Marucho pleaded to him. Runo's face scrunched up as her anger was slowly building. "At least let us take you on in a battle...! SHUUUNNNNN!!!!!" she cried out for him. Meanwhile, in an old shack, Shun was sitting in the upstairs basement. Near by a small Bakugan was watching him. "Are you you want them to leave Shun...? If they do... I don't think they'll ever come back again." she said to him. "They came a long way just to talk to you..." Shun listened to her words and looked out towards the moon. "Yeah... and that pony who got in my face certainly has a flame that could rival mine." "Oh Shun..." the Bakugan looked at him worriedly. "Its okay Skyress..." he mentioned her name for the first time. "If you're worried about me... don't... everything will be fine." Skyress said to him in a calm demeaner as Shun looked to her. "You must stop running away... from what's in your heart. After all... there will come a day where you will have to face up to it." she said to him like how a master would teach their pupil. She then opened herself from her ball form revealing what she looked like, which was a bird type Bakugan. "And this... just may be that time." she said to him. Shun looked at her knowing what he had to do. Even if it meant going against his grandfathers wishes. He stood up and walked to a cabinet and opened a drawer finding his Bakugan gear inside. He looked at it and looked out to the forest where Runo and the others went. In the forest, the team walked straight to Marucho's ship. "Boy... I can't believe what happened back there!" Runo cried out with much anger in her system. "I know... first Dan blows us off, and then Shun doesn't want anything to do with us." Marucho said in a sad tone. Rarity looked to them with a serious expression. "If there's one thing I'll never figure out, its human males." she said to them but looked to Marucho. "No offense towards you Marucho darling, but mostly to Dan and Shun." "None taken." he replied to her as he looked to Runo. "Hey Runo, think we should go back and try again?" "Why should we? If Shun doesn't want to help, its his loss." Rainbow said to him only to see Shun land in front of them. "S-Shun...?" Pinkie leaped in front of her with a bright smile. "Did you change your mind and decide to join up with us?! Did you?! Did you?!" she asked feeling excited. Meanwhile, lights shined around Shun as stood up and put his gloves on. He looked to them with the same harsh glare in his eyes. "But only if you defeat me... especially you... Rainbow Dash..." he pointed out to her catching her off guard. "What?! Me?!! Why Me?!!!" she asked him in shock and surprise. "Because I want to test your skill as a Ventus Brawler. I can tell that you have it in you, but you must prove you're worthy of the title of Ventus." he explained to her. Rainbow at the time didn't know what to think, true Alice suggested she'd be a Ventus Brawler. But for Shun to welcome a challenge? How can she possibly walk away from that? Rainbow formed a grin of confidence across her face. "Alright, sounds like a blast. I'm up for it, just so I can teach you a lesson." she warned him. At that moment, Shun formed a smirk across his face. "We'll see about that." he said to him. "Rainbow Dash, you sure about this? You were scared out of your wits a while ago!" Pinkie cried out to her reminding her of what happened last time she stood up to him. "Pinkie, just because he scared me that moment, doesn't mean he scares me now." Rainbow looked to Shun determined. "Besides, I owe this jerk some paybac." "Wait Rainbow, let me take him." Runo tried to get in her way. "No, let me Rainbow, I have a better chance putting my Aquos against his Ventus. You gotta trust me on this one." Marucho said to her. "I'm ready when you're ready." Shun said to them gaining their attention in surprise. "I'll take all three of you on." he said to them. They were all surprised from what he said to them. "You can't be serious." Rarity said to him. Shun held up a card showing just how dead serious he was. "Yes..." Twilight looked to Rainbow. "Rainbow, I hope you're up for this. Because from what I can tell, he's very skilled, so you can't let your guard down for a second." she advised her. "Relax Twilight, we got this." Rainbow said to her as she walked with Runo and Marucho towards Shun. "Hope you're ready ponytail, cause you're going down!" "Bring it!" Shun accepted her challenge. "Bakugan! Field Open!" they called out as their cards glowed, Twilight and the others ponies decided to wait outside as the Brawlers and Rainbow Dash entered the Pocket Dimension Battlefield. Rainbow looked at Shun wondering why he decided to take them all on, he may be a skilled brawler, but she mostly wondered what he meant by having the same skill. Meanwhile Runo had a fierce scowl across her face. "He doesn't know what he's doing, he's crazy. Three against one? He doesn't stand a chance." she said out loud. Shun pulled out a Gate Card preparing the first battle. "Gate Card Set!" he tossed it out to the battlefield along with Runo, Marucho and Rainbow. Their cards expanded lining up with each other. "Okay, I'll go first." Marucho pulled out his first Bakugan. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in his Aquos Terrorclaw to the field. "Terrorclaw Stand!" he called out as Terrorclaw emerged on the field in its true form, screeching at Shun. Rainbow saw that he wasn't scared of it. He held his stoic calm demeaner, holding up a Bakugan she never seen before. "Ravenoid Stand!" he yelled out as he tossed it to the field. It's ball form glowed brightly, and it emerged in its true form. Ravenoid is a Bakugan that looks like a humanoid raven. Its swoops down from the sky to attack its prey, grabbing it in its strong claws. Few Bakugan can escape Ravenoid's vice-like grip. Plated battle armor protects it from attacks. It screeched and stood ready for battle. "Whoa... never saw a Bakugan like that before." Rainbow said as he looked at it. "Okay, Bakugan Gate Card open!" Marucho called out as a Tsunami appeared. It rushed toward Ravenoid about to wash it away. But Shun had other plans as he quickly pulled out his Ability Card. "Alright, Ability Card Activate! Tornado Pandemonium!" he called out as a twister formed and charged towards the Tsunami knocking it down with the force of ten thousand tornado's. Once the tsunami was out of the way, Ravenoid charged in and kicked Terrorclaw down forcing it back into Ball Form. Marucho was shocked from what happened as Terrorclaw rolled up to his feet. "I-Impossible!" he cried out. Ravenoid reverted to Ball Form and returned to Shun. Runo meanwhile, shot a glare towards Shun and pulled out another Gate Card. "This isn't over yet!" she called out as she tossed the card to the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed in her Saurus to the field. "Saurus Stand!" she called out as Saurus emerged on the field roaring out. "Saurus power leve at 290 G's." said the Bakupod. Rainbow quickly turned to her after seeing it. "But that's not enough G's Runo!" she cried out trying to warn her. (Like Runo will ever listen...?) "And that's exactly what he's thinking Rainbow. All I have you do is throw down my Saurus Character Card, and double my power." Runo said to her with a confident smile. Meanwhile Shun tossed in a new Gate Card and tossed his Falconeer into the field. "Falconeer Stand!" he called out as Falconeer emerged on the field. "Falconeer power level 320 G's." said the Bakupod. The Brawlers and Rainbow Dash were surprised at the fact that Shun didn't throw his Falconeer onto the same card Saurus was on. "He didn't attack us...?" Rainbow asked in curiosity. Runo figured this had to be a trick. "We've gotta be careful and come up with a plan you guys." she suggested as she looked at the playing field trying to come up with something. Then it hit her like a brick wall. "I got it!" she quickly grabbed them as the huddled together. She whispered her plan to them, hoping that they would agree on it. "Hmmm, you know as crazy as it sounds... it just might work." Marucho said to her as he pulled out his newest Bakugan. "Okay Limulas, game on! Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed it to the field seeing it land. "Limulus Stand!" he called out as the Aquos Bakugan known as Limulus emerged before them. Limulus looks like a trilobite, an extinct sea creature with a round shell covering its body. But Limulus is a Bakugan, so it's built to attack its foes. The sharp spikes on its back keeps enemies at bay. Limulus can use the two tentacles that extend from its mouth to capture its opponents. Then it steals the strength from its enemies to make itself more powerful. "Limulus has entered the battle, no other data available." said the Bakupod. Rainbow looked at the strange little Bakugan with her eyebrows arced. She didn't know whether to trust Runo's plan, or come up with a plan of her own. "No offense Runo but... you sure about this plan...?" she asked her with curiosity and concern. "We're looking good Rainbow, so don't worry about it. Now its time for phase two." Runo said as she looked to the battle field. "You got it! Ability Card Activate! Holograph Divide!" he called out as he tossed it to Limulus causing it to glow brightly. "With this defense shield, Limulus' power will increase as the battle intesifies." he explained. Rainbow started to understand where Runo's plan was going. "So that's why you sent him out there." Rainbow said as she looked to Marucho. "That's because he'll absorb the power used against him." "That's right!" Marucho nodded to her in agreement. "And that makes our plan virtually unbeatable. This is so cool!" Runo squeeked a bit. Shun pulled out his Ravenoid. "Oh yeah...?" he tossed it out to the battlefield. "Ravenoid has now entered the battle." said the Bakupod as Ravenoid emerged on the field. Marucho was shocked from seeing it. "Didn't see that coming." Runo was just as shocked as she lowered her pumped up fists. "Back to the drawing board..." she said as she looked down. "Well... looks like its my turn." Tigrerra spoke up. Runo held her up and looked to her curiously. "What? What are you saying Tigrerra?" she asked her. Tigrerra opened up from her Ball Form looking to her human Partner. "Shun's Bakugan are on the verge of attacking, I know their moves. Trust me!" she pleaded to her. Preyas flew up next to Runo. "Thatta boy Tigrerra! You get in there and show'em who's boss!" he cheered her on. "This just might work, give it a try Runo." Rainbow said to her. "Right, lets do it." Runo said as she held up Tigrerra. "Okay Tigrerra, we're all counting on you." she pulled out a Gate Card preparing for their new plan. "Gate Card set!" she tossed it to the field. "Introducing new player." said her Bakupod. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed Tigrerra onto the field seeing her land. "Tigrerra Stand!" she called out as Tigrerra emerged in her true form roaring out ferociously. Shun saw it and looked to Skyress. "If I need you, are you there Skyress...?" he asked her. "Yes..." she replied to him with a serious tone. Shun looked to his oppenents preparing his partner for battle. "This is it! Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed her to the field. "Skyress Stand!" he called out as green flames shot up into the sky hiding in the clouds. Rainbow saw it and was surprised of it. "What was that?!" she asked him. "You will soon find out." Shun said to her as lights shined through the clouds. Descending from the clouds, was a Bakugan that left Rainbow Dash speechless. The Bakugan opened up her massive wings, revealing herself as Skyress. Skyress possesses the ultimate ability to resurrect. Her impressive vision scours the horizon. She has gigantic wing span and numerous long tails with sharp feathers at its tip. She is noble with a chivalrous spirit and fair in battle, and her form represents that of a phoenix. She flapped her wings and screeched. Rainbow could almost feel amazed... but that the same time, she was terrified as she felt the power Skyress had. Runo meanwhile was looking at Skyress feeling surprised through every fiber of her being. "What is that...?" she asked her fellow brawler. "That's Ventus Skyress..." Marucho said to her. "Ability Card Activate! Winds of Fury!" Shun called out as he activated the Ability Card. Skyress flapped her wings sending strong wind currents toward Tigrerra. The Haos Bakugan tried desperately to hold her ground from the strong winds, but Skyress shrieked calling both Ravenoid and Falconeer to attack. They charged at her and attacked her from every direction. "Tigrerra Power Level decrease by 100 G's." said the Bakupod. Meanwhile, Falconeer took out Limulus, and Ravenoid took out Saurus sending them back into Ball Form to their masters. Tigrerra saw it shocked and looked to where Skyress was only to see her charging at her. Skyress charged at her and struck her down causing her to writhe in pain. "Oh no!" Marucho cried out. "Come on Tigrerra! You can't quit now, you gotta get back in there! We can't lose!" Runo called out to her. Tigrerra at that time was too weak to continue the fight as she looked to Runo. "My battle... has ended..." she said to her as she roared out in pain reverting to Ball Form. Runo saw it happen as she fell to her knee's lowering her head. "Is it over?" Preyas asked curiously. Marucho was feeling devastated from what happened. "... Completely... and that includes Limulus and Saurus..." he said to him. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was clenching her teeth together in anger and she looked to Shun with a harsh glare. "Not by a long shot! Shun's Winds of Fury attack may have knocked them out with one blow, which is completely unreal, but we can still win this!" she exclaimed in anger. "But he launched his Skyress last, so his Falconeer and Ravenoid could run interference." Marucho explained to her. "Yeah well, I think I just saw through his plan. Runo, I just figured out how to beat his attack." Rainbow said to her. "Yeah, hang in there Runo, it isn't over till the pleasantly plum lady sings!" Preyas said to her. "Yeah!" Marucho agreed with him. Runo looked to them with a worried expression. "You mean... we still have a chance...?" she asked them. "Now that we know his moves, we can counter him and beat him." Rainbow said as she grabbed a Falconeer of her own. "Yeah, what she said." Preyas said in agreement. "We need to use a surprise attack. So we need you Preyas." Marucho said as he held his partner. "You're out last hope." before Preyas could panic, Marucho held a tight grip around him. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed him to the field seeing him land on it. "Preyas Stand!" he called out as Preyas emerged through what we all know, as the dojo studio he pulled out. Preyas smirked as he held an umbrella over him. "I hear there was a little swaray happening... and I thought I would just drop in and play!" he said as he turned around to face them. "Shall we begin?!" he then tossed his umbrella away and turned to Marucho with a panicked expression. "Well what do I do?!!" he asked him. "Preyas a 300 G's. Falconeer remains stable at 320 G's." said the Bakupod. "This doesn't look good." Marucho said as she looked at their power levels. "Don't worry Marucho, Ive got it figured out." Rainbow said as she helped Runo up. Marucho looked to her with concern. "You sure you know what you're doing?" he asked her. "I have to prove that I can beat this guy before he takes us all out. And Runo needs to get Tigrerra back into the battle to help Preyas." Rainbow said to him showing a determined face. "But Rainbow, once a Bakugan loses in battle, the rules clearly state you can't use it again." Marucho reminded her of the rules. Runo was silent for a moment, but she managed to pull herself together and looked to the battle. "Yeah, but I think I found a loophole. Just leave it to me, okay?" she looked to Rainbow feeling determined. "Rainbow, you're up! Here's what you can do. You keep Shun's Skyress busy with Preyas and your Falconeer." she planned it out. Rainbow meanwhile panicked from hearing it. "Are you CRAZY?!! She'll totally thrash me!" she cried out. "I know its crazy, but you need to try." Runo said to her with pleading eyes. "Please Rainbow... you want to prove you can be just as awesome as Dan. Don't you...?" she asked her. Rainbow at that moment knew where she was coming from, but despite how crazy the plan was... she wasn't going to let Skyress push her into a corner making her feel trapped. She nodded to Runo and pulled out her Falconeer. "Yeah, sure." she said with a smile. Shun watched them but mostly Rainbow sensing her fear starting to disappear. "Are you ready Rainbow Dash?" he asked her. She looked to him surprised as he activated he Gate Card. "Gate Card open! Possitive Delta!" he called out. Rainbow panicked from what was going to happen. "You gotta be kidding me!" she cried out. "Oh crud!" Preyas panicked but thought quickly and leaped into the air. "Change of Attribute! Darkus!" he changed his Attribute to the Darkus Attribute. "TADA!!!" he cried out. "What?!" Shun saw it surprised. "Attribute Change? No way!" he cried out. "Typhoon Power reduction to 120 G's." said the Bakupod. "But how?!" Runo asked in surprise. "This is so cool... Shun's Possitive Delta steals power away from Water, Light and Fire Attributes. But when its attacked by Wind, Earth or Darkness, it works in reverse. In other words, my Preyas is sapping Shun's Typhoon drying!" Marucho explained to them. "Oh yeah, that's because Preyas changed his attribute." Rainbow said with a smile. "Way to go Preyas! That was sweet!" he complimented his partner. Preyas smiled in return. "Yep, its a dirty job, but somebody's gotta do it. How bout some back up Rainbow? I can use an extra dance partner." he said to her. "Hope you don't mind me bending the rules." Rainbow said to them with a smirk as she held up her Falconeer. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed it onto the field seeing it land next to Preyas. "Falconeer Stand!" she called out as Falconeer emerged on the field facing its opponent. "Get'em!" she called out to her Bakugan and Preyas. "Alright! Falconeer, you take the first hit!" Preyas said as Falconeer charged at Shun's Falconeer and knee'd it in the stomach causing it to shriek. It then struck Shun's Falconeer down towards Preyas for him to finish it. "Alright! Incoming!" he leaped charging at it punching through it, forcing Shun's Falconeer to revert to Ball Form. Shun saw it surprised as his Falconeer landed right next to him. He looked to Preyas as he returned to Marucho. "So... there is a Bakugan that can change his own Attribute." he then looked to Rainbow as her Falconeer returned to her. "And she joined in the battle at the last minute... she was terrified when she first saw Skyress, but something changed in her. Guess she's not just talk after all." he thought to himself as he pulled out another Gate Card and tossed it to the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed Skyress into the field. "Skyress Stand!" he called out as Skyress emerged on the field. "Skyress has entered the battle." said the Bakupod. Skyress opened up her wings and looked to Rainbow Dash. "That was a bold move you pulled there young one. I can honestly say I'm impressed." she said to her in the form of a compliment. Rainbow let out a small chuckle as she crossed her arms. "What can I say? I'm awesome." she said to her with a confident smile. "Let's hope you can hold onto the cofidence. Because you still have a lot to learn about being a true Ventus Brawler." Skyress advised her holding her firm expression. "Okay Griffon, Bakugan Brawl!" Runo tossed Griffon into the fray seeing him emerge on the battlefield. "Ability Card Activate! Venomous Beast Torrent Attack!" she called out as Griffon roared out and switched places with Tigrerra. "Whoa! What was that ability?" Rainbow asked her. "The Venomous Beast Torrent Attack allows Tigrerra to switch places with the Bakugan that was sent in. That Bakugan being Griffon." Runo explained to her. "Okay, that... is awesome... I take back everything I said about you being a total air head." Rainbow said to her. Just from hearing it, Runo immediately snapped. "YOU CALLED ME A WHAT?!!" she exclaimed. Meanwhile Tigrerra charged toward Ravenoid and struck it down forcing it back into Ball Form. She roared out and reverted to Ball Form returning to Runo. "Nice Job!" she said to her forgetting about the comment Rainbow Dash said. "Thank you for giving me a second chance. And don't worry about what Rainbow Dash said." Tigrerra said to her. "I didn't realize you can morph your Bakugan. That's how you got Tigrerra back into the battle again." Marucho said to her. Rainbow meanwhile, looked to Skyress knowing its not over. "Uh, lets talk about that later Marucho, we still have one more Battle to win." she said to him as she turned to Shun. "Hey Shun! What do you say you and I settle this with a three on one?" Shun smirked and prepared his ability cards. "You're welcome to try." he said to her. "Bakugan Brawl!" Marucho tossed in Preyas into the field. "Preyas Stand!" he called out as Preyas emerged on the field and pulled out an Ability Card. "Ability Card Activate! Wind and Water Combined!" "Ability Card Activate! Savage Edge!" Runo called out as lightning came down bringing Tigrerra back into the battle as she roared out facing Skyress. "Bakugan Brawl!" Rainbow tossed in Falconeer seeing it land on the field. "Falconeer Stand!" she called out as Falconeer emerged on the field next to Tigrerra and Preyas. "Alright Shun, lets see you counter this!" she said to him with a smirk. Shun at the time, was prepared for anything. "Gate Card Open!" he called out as the card began to glow empowering Skyress. "Alright Skyress, lets lock and load." he said to her. "Accessing Strength, Skyress power surge to 720 G's. Preyas increased 400 G's. Tigrerra to 340 G's. Falconeer at 440 G's." said the Bakupod. "And once you add that up, 1180 G's!" Runo said to them. "We're in the home stretch!" Rainbow started to cheer. Tigrerra, Falconeer, and Preyas began charging at Skyress. "We are the champions!" Preyas called out. "Lets finish this!" Tigrerra leaped at Skyress and rammed her down with Falconeer. She writhed in pain and looked to her partner. "Shun!" she cried out to him for help. "Don't worry Skyress, I still haven't played my ace yet. Ability Card Activate! Fire Storm!" he called out as Skyress's power started to increase. Flames started swirling around her. "Skyress Power Increase detected, combined reading at 920 G's." said the Bakupod. "Ha! We're still ahead of you, you can't beat us with that attack." Rainbow said to him with a confident smile. Shun only smirked at her. "Wanna Bet? Take out her Falconeer!" he called out to his partner seeing her strike Falconeer first given it was weaker than the others. Rainbow watched as her partner was forced into Ball Form. "WHAT?!!" she exclaimed as her partner reverted to normal. "That's not fair!" she cried out. "Falconeer eliminated, Preyas and Tigrerra now standing a 740 G's." said the Bakupod. Preyas began to panic from hearing it. "We're in trouble!" he cried out as Skyress struck them down forcing them back into their ball forms. Runo gasped in horror from seeing it as their partners rolled down to them. Rainbow was stunned from what happened, she looked to Shun who stood as green flames flowed around him. "Game over..." he said to them as he caught Skyress who returned to him. "You lose our bet." Marucho tried so hard not to believe what had happened. "Aw but..." he tried to speak but was completely devastated. "Oh no..." Runo said as she felt crushed from what happened. Meanwhile, Rainbow... was trying to hard not to give up, but one look at Shun, she couldn't go on. She fell to her knee's in defeat. "You're right... we can't win against you..." she admitted to him as they returned to the real world. She felt her tears running down her cheek as she felt defeat for the first time in her life. But suddenly... she felt a hand touch her shoulder, and she looked only to find it was Shun. Shun looked at her as he held his hand to her shoulder. "Do not take this loss to heart... learn from this experience, and make yourself stronger. You have a lot of potential in you Rainbow Dash, you just need to take time to practice... and when you're ready... come find me." he said to her and stood up. He turned and walked away from her leaving her to her thoughts. Twilight and the others rushed over to them to check on them. "Rainbow Dash, you okay?" she asked her worriedly. "I take it you guys didn't win...?" Pinkie asked them with her ears lowered. Runo and Marucho lowered their heads knowing she was right. But Rainbow Dash stood up cleaning her tears away. She formed a strong and determined smile. "We may have lost... but I'm not giving up. Not now... not ever..." she said as she watched Shun leave. When they got back, they were walking down the street to Dan's house knowing he had to know what happened. Twilight meanwhile, was noticing that Rainbow was still smiling from what had happened. "Rainbow, you sure you're okay? You've been smiling like that ever since we got back." she remindedd her. "I know right? I mean you three were defeated by Shun!" Pinkie cried out. "The nerve of that boy, he should have known better than to do that to you three." Rarity said to her. Runo sighed from hearing it. "Yeah, we don't need a reminder Rarity." she said to her then looked to Rainbow. "But even though we lost, why are you smiling Rainbow?" she asked her out of curiosity. "Maybe the battle made her lose it." Marucho suggested. "Guys, I'm fine... in fact... this battle taught me a valuable lesson." she said as she looked to them. "I wasn't ready... Shun taught me that much. Which is why I've got to get stronger. No matter what..." she said as she looked out smiling. Pinkie began to smile seeing it. "So this is basically you trying to get yourself back in gear, because this is on the job training!" she said to her sensing a theme. (This song is parody of Streets of Gold from Oliver and Company.) Rainbow Dash; Now listen up We've got a lot to learn And if you don't learn, you don't win Rainbow rushed over to a car and leaped on top of the roof of it. She then turned around to face her friends. But if you're tough And always use your head You'll feel right at home with the Battle Brawlers Twilight and the others were beginning to groove to the beat, as were Runo and Marucho was they followed along with her. Rainbow Dash; When you've got skills ev'rything is free Watch how we do things, ooh, I guarantee Mane Six; You're gonna see how the best survive We make a style out of staying alive If you just follow our lead These are the rules of Bakugan They danced in sync along with Runo and Marucho. Preyas joined the fun, but Tigrerra thought it best to stay out of it given the fact she's never danced before. Ev'ry battle is a challenge to face You'll face the enemy and you'll face them with style If you play it brave and bold These are the rules of Bakugan They walled down the street following the groove. Runo then stepped up next to Rainbow to join the fun. Runo; To live from week to week You need technique So you practice ev'ry day Marucho approached them taking the spot light. Marucho; The only rule is: Thou shalt not get surrender Get what you can and then win the fight Rarity; Remember all the battles you have faced Remember we are always on your side Mane Six & Brawlers; You're gonna see how the best survive We make an art out of staying alive If you just follow our lead These are the rules of Bakugan They followed Rainbow as she thought back to the battle they just had. Rainbow; Ev'ry battle is a challenge to face You'll face the enemy and you'll face them with style Mane Six & Brawlers; If you play it brave and bold These are rules of Bakugan Twilight danced and looked to Rainbow and smiled just how well she took the battle after everything that happened. She may have lost it, but that wasn't going to stop her closest and most awesome friend from giving up. Twilight; When you've got skills ev'rything is free Watch how you do things, ooh, I guarantee Mane Six & Brawlers; You're gonna see how the best survive We make an art out of staying alive If you just follow our lead These are the rules of Bakugan Ev'ry battle is a challenge to face You'll face the enemy and you'll take it with style If you play it brave and bold These are the rules of Bakugan They sang their hearts out to their hearts content, they didn't even care. Not even Rainbow, because she let go of what happened during their battle with Shun. But she knew in her heart, she needed to get even with him. So she and the others went to Dan's home to tell him everything that happened. > Bakugan Stall > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was a beautiful day in Dan's home town, in fact so beautiful, Alice started working at Runo's place. Things have been busy ever since she started working there, and the townsfolk were mostly admiring Alice for how beautiful she is. (I mean who wouldn't?! She's drop dead gorgeous!) She served another table and hear the doorbell ring. She turned to the new customer with a warm smile. "I'll be right with you." she said to them as the blushed from seeing her. She turned to the other tables serving their drinks. "Okay, one non-fat expresso..." she gave the customer his drink and walked to another table with some dessert. "Sorry for the wait guys, but here you go." she served them their food. The four teens couldn't help but stare believing they were looking at a goddess. One of them decided to stand up. "Excuse me, but do you hear the fire alarm...?" he asked her. "Um, no why?" she asked him.... and here it comes...! On of the other teens stood up blushing. "Because you're smoking..." he said to her as the others decide to join in. "SMOKING HOT!" The cried out in unison. Though it was embarassing, she couldn't help but giggle at the situation. "Easy boys..." she said to them as she got caught up in her train of thought. "I wonder if I told Runo that my grandfather is Hal-G... will she ever speak to me again...? I wonder if I should tell anyone else, I mean Fluttershy knows, but how will her friends will react?" she thought to herself. Over by the stares, Fluttershy was watching her knowing what she's thinking. Meanwhile, Tatsuo was filled a customers coffee mug. "Oh wow, that waitress is sure good for business. Your place is packed." the customer said to him. "Its just too bad I can't say the same about your food." he said meaning it to be a joke as he laughed. Tatsuo chuckled a bit. "You're a regular comedian aren't ya?" he ask him but soon leaned in. "But listen up... not so loud, my daughter Runo might hear ya." he advised him, knowing how mad Runo might hear ya." he warned the customer. Fluttershy sneaked to the kitchen and see's her cleaning the dishes, but notices just how sad she is because of what happened. Tigrerra peeked out of her pocket noticing it as well. "Runo, you seem so distant... what has you troubled" she asked to her only to get no response from her. Runo was too lost in thought as she remembered what Shun said to her after their humiliating defeat. Fluttershy noticed her gripping the cup tightly out of anger. "Oh... my..." she started to worry as Alice walked in. "Oh Runo-" before Alice could ask her anything, the cup which Runo was holding slipped out of her grasp and smashed on the ground as she snapped out of it. She turned to her surprised forgetting what happened. "Do you have second to talk...?" she finally got the chance to ask her. Runo at the moment... refocused on the shattered pieces of the cup. "What about...?" she asked her as Fluttershy helped sweep up the pieces. "Oh, uh..." Alice hesitated a bit as thoughts began running through her mind of what could happen. Fluttershy saw it knowing she was still scared about how Runo will react. But she decided to step in and help her out. "Alice, why don't you grab the dust pan, we can't leave these pieces on the ground right?" she asked her forcing an innocent smile. Alice snapped out of her fear and forced a smile. "Right, sorry..." she said as she walked away to get the dust pan. "Oh what am I thinking? The timing isn't right... maybe I'll tell her later." she thought to herself as she grabbed the dust pan and headed back to the kitchen. At nightfall, at Shun's estate. Shun was practicing with his leaf whistle beneath the star light, and Skyress was watching him as he practiced. "Shun... are you alright...?" she asked him with concern. He stopped practicing and opened his eyes looking out. "I don't know..." he said to her. He took a moment of silence as he remembered why he quit playing Bakugan in the first place. Skyress knew exactly what he was thinking about... she didn't want to pressure him about what happened. For it would only hurt him more than anything. At Dan's house that night... Dan was looking through the rankings to find where he was ranked at. "Dan ranked 97 of 100." said the computer. "Wow! 97, you've really moved up since last time." Spike said to him. "Hold on..." Dan looked and saw Runo was in as well. "What?! What's Runo doing in there...? How did she move up so fast...?" he asked curiously. Twilight and the others started to panic knowing that he needed to find out. Meanwhile, Spike looked at who's number one. "And at Number 01, for the most consecutive weeks is a jerk, Masquerade!" he yelled at the screen. Dan soon noticed something he didn't expect. "Shun...?" he looked at his rank seeing he really wasn't Number 01 anymore. "You're really letting yourself go, slipping into sixth place..." he said as he looked at the screen. Drago looked at him noticing how worried he was. "Dan... is it true that he was Number 01 before Masquerade came along and beat everyone...?" he asked his human partner about Shun. "That's what we would like to know... Shun must have been an incredible battler." Twilight said as she walked up to them. Dan leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed. "Yeah, he ruled the game... until he dropped the ball and never bothered to pick it up again..." he said to them. Spike grabbed him by his collar pulling him down clashing his head with his. "He no longer battles Bakugan?!!" he asked him out of shock. Dan groaned a bit but pulled away rubbing his head. "Yeah..." he said as he looked out taking a trip down memory lane. Seven years ago, before the Bakugan entered the human world. Young Dan and Shun were outside playing outside playing with a toy robot. "Shun and I were the best of friends... we did absolutely everything together." he said as he remembered how he and Shun fought a lot and their mothers had to break them apart. "You couldn't tear us apart... and when Bakugan started up, we're the ones who laid down the law, and wrote the rules together. Shun was lead in breaking down all the moves." "Okay, how about for the wind Attribute, we invent a backdraft ability to force out any opponent that's standing on the battle field." Shun suggested as he explained to his friends how it would work. "Totally blowing away the competition." Dan looked at the idea nad smield giving him a thumbs up. "He was on a roll..." Dan said to the ponies. Dan also thought about the good old days, and the bad... "And then he started pulling this disappearing act, sometimes leaving right in the middle of a chat session... "He did...?" Rainbow asked interrupting him in the middle of the middle of his story. "Yeah... none of us knew why... but I was slowly figuring it out." Dan said to them to her. "Well Shun? What do you think...?" he asked him. "Sorry... I have to go now..." Shun said as he immediately left the screen. Dan was surprised from the way he acted. "Huh...? But, Shun..." he looked down wishing he knew what was up. In the present time, Dan opened his eyes looking to the ponies. "You know... it was weird, like something changed him when his mom went into the hospital..." he mentioned only to receive a gasp from the ponies, Rarity at that point fainted from hearing it. "His mom was hospitalized?!" Pinkie asked in shock and disbelief. "How horrible..." Twilight said feeling sympathy for Shun despite the way he treated them. Dan didn't want to admit it, but knowing it happened, was also hard for him. "Yeah... and I believe it was harder on him more than anything." he said to them. At the estate, Shun stared at the moon in silence thinking about his mother. Meanwhile Skyress was growing more concerned about her human partner. "Shun, I wish you wouldn't beat yourself up over this..." she said to him. But he did not respond as he only stared at the moon thinking about that day at the hospital. A year ago, at the hospital, Shun was watching over his mother. "Mom... are you okay...?" he asked her trying not to show his fear. His mother, Shiori Kazami, was an extremely beautiful woman, who had long black hair and green eyes. She wore a pink long-sleeved hemp and a long white skirt. But is currently wearing a white hospital robe lying in bed. She looked to her son and smiled a bit. "Oh, Shun... you're here..." she said to him with a weak smile. "Y-Yes..." Shun felt hesitant about seeing his mother like this. "Shun...? Could you go get my purse...?" she asked him. "I have something... that I've been saving, I think you'll like it." she said to him. Shun smiled at her knowing he shouldn't. "But... I don't-" before he could continue. "Just give me my purse silly." she asked him to get it for her. "But... I don't want anything..." he assured her of it. But that didn't stop her. "Yes, I know... but sometimes a mother wants to give her son a gift just because she loves him. Now go home and get my purse before I get emotional." she said to him as her smile grew wider. "You're such a good boy." Shun looked at her worriedly but smiled and nodded to her. "Okay..." he said to her and headed out. As he walked down the hall, his smile faded as he looked down. "Boy, I wish my mom would quit worrying about me so much and look after herself... she practically does everything for me. And now when she needs me the most, she's still trying to make sure I'm happy. Man... I feel so useless... when she gets out of here, I've got to step up to the plate." he thought to himself as he still felt worried about his mother. When he arrived at home, he was getting an instant video message, and guess who it is... its his grandfather! Showing off his angry expression as usual. "Shun! Still there?! Stop goofing off and get back here now! Things are gonna change under my house rules." he said to her only to hear Shun drop the remote and run out. He quickly ran out the door. "No! He's not the boss of me!" he yelled out as he got into the elevator. His anger was beginning to rise as the elevator went down. "He makes me so mad...!" he slammed his hands against the wall as he heard his grandfathers words echo in his mind. He heard the doors open and ran outside to try and get to the hospital. "If I had my way, he would spend less time playing with his friends and more time studying to be a real warrior!" his grandfathers words echoed in his head even more causing his blood to boil. "Change of plans old man...!" he thought to himself as he ran as fast as he could. Back at the hospital... Shiori was soon wearing an oxygen mask, her condition was getting worse. The doctors were doing everything the could. But there was little improvement, the nurse looked to the doctor worriedly. "It looks like... she's stabilized..." she said to him. Shiori's eyes were closed as she tried to rest. "S-Shun..." she tried calling out to him, but was too weak. Out on the streets, Shun stood on the sidewalk lost in thought as people walked passed him. But as one walked by him, he vanished. Knowing him, it was obviously a ninja technique. But there was a reason for it, Shun then showed up at a parking lot, finding himself facing Dan of all people. Dan looked at him with a serious expression knowing he meant business. "So you finally came back... didn't think you had the guts to show up." he said to Shun with a smirk. Shun only returned it with a fierce glare. "Since you're so out of practice... still ready to play?" he asked as he held up a card. Shun held out his card. "Oh I'm game..." he said to him. "Question is, are you...?" he asked him. They both flipped their cards around. "Bakugan Field Open!" they called out as their cards glowed brightly, taking them into the Pocket Dimension battlefield. "So... you guys actually started battling, even when Shun's mom was sick?" Rainbow Dash asked him. "I knew at the time... but I was so focused on the battle, I didn't realize how serious it was... but yeah, we battled each other that day. Unaware of what was happening to his mom." Dan said to her. As Shun and Dan entered the battle field, they each pulled out a Gate Card of their choosing. "Gate Card set!" they tossed them to the field preparing for battle. Dan landed on the ground holding onto his confident smirk. "Look what I have here, its your name, and its spelled out loser!" he tossed the card to the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in his Saurus to take the first round. "Saurus Stand!" he called out as Saurus emerged in its true form as it roared out and growled at Shun. "Bring it on Shun!" Dan called out to him. Shun gladly accepted his invitation. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in his Ravenoid to join the battle. "Ravenoid Stand!" he called out as Ravenoid emerged on the field in its true form screeching. But to Dan's disbelief, Shun threw Ravenoid to a different card opposite of Saurus. "What?! All talk and no show again? Fine then, I'll start! But first... I'll need some reinforcements!" he pulled out his next Bakugan. "Been a while since we had face time..." he tossed in his Bakugan which was a new Bakugan called Warius. "Warius Stand!" he called out as Warius emerged in its true form. Warius is an ogre-like Bakugan that loves to brawl. It swings a mace studded with lethal spikes to attack its foes. Spiky horns cover its head and shoulders protecting Warius from damage and impaling opponents. Its dense armor covers its body and legs. "Ravenoid 310, Warius 290 G's." said the Bakupod as Dan pulled out an ability card. "Ability Card Activate! Ring of Fire!" he called out as he tossed the card to Warius as flames surrounded it. Ravenoid immediately felt the heat of the flames as it backed away. "Ravenoid Power Level 260 G's." the Bakupod calculated the power levels. "Dude, you are so going down! And let this be a lesson in the mastery of Ultimate Kung Fu moves!" Dan said to Shun. Shun only scowled knowing that Dan made a huge mistake. "Not so fast grass-hopper... Gate Card Open!" he called out as wind emerged from the Gate Card. The winds then swirled around Ravenoid increasing its power level. "Ravenoid up 100 G's to 360 G's." said the Bakupod as it recalculated. "What?!" Dan cried out as Ravenoid used its power to blow out the flames around Warius. It stumbled a bit feelings its fire go out, and when Warius wasn't looking... Ravenoid charged straight at it and kicked it down forcing it back into Ball Form landing next to Dan as Ravenoid returned to Shun. Dan reformed a confident ssmile not willing to give up. "Keep rolling hot shot!" he encouraged Shun to keep playing. Meanwhile, Shun held onto his firm expression while thinking about his mother. But in the meantime, he needed to finish this battle, quickly. He pulled out his next card. "Gate Card Set!" he tossed it to the field landing in front of the card Saurus stood on. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in his next Bakugan to the field. "Ventus Falconeer stand!" he called out as Falconeer emerged on the field in its true form. Dan saw that he wasn't going straight for the kill. "Again? No first strike? What is this, chess?!" he asked as he pulled out his next Bakugan. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in his next Bakugan to the field. "Pyrus Griffon stand!" he called out as Griffon emerged on the field, roaring out. It then leaped into the air taking flight and charged at Falconeer. "Battle Begin!" both Dan adn Shun called out, as Griffon charged at Falconeer going in for a tackle. But Falconeer dodged its attack and charged at it, tackling it head-on. "Gate Card Open!" Shun called out as wind began to surround Falconeer. It was then surrounded by a tornado, and its eyes glowed brightly as it charged at Griffon. "G Level up 100 G's to 390 G's." said the Bakupod. Dan was started to get angry at the situation. "Amateur!" he tossed in an Ability Card. "Ability Card Activate!" Griffons wings were soon engulfed in flames of the Wing Burst Ability Card. It started charging at Falconeer with the intent of finishing the battle. It rammed Falconeer down and flapped its wings sending barrages of flames at Falconeer, forcing it to catch fire, and return to ball form. Dan smirked as Griffon returned to him. "There, ball's in your court!" he called out to Shun. "Gate Card Set!" Shun tossed in a new Gate Card. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed his Ravenoid back onto the field. "Ravenoid Stand!" he called out as Ravenoid emerged on the field preparing for another round. Just like before, Shun tossed his Bakugan to an opposite card, and this was driving Dan nuts. "EERRR!!! Don't just stand there move!" he shot an angry glare at Shun. "Hey! Quit stalling and show me you got game!" he yelled at him out of anger and frustration, but Shun didn't even flinch from hearing him. It was almost as if he was only focusing on the battle, meanwhile Dan pulled his Griffon back out. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed it to the field seeing it land. "Griffon Stand!" he called out as Griffon emerged on the field facing Ravenoid. "Bakugan Brawl!" both brawlers called out. Griffon went in for an attack, but Ravenoid was avoiding its strikes, and blocked his tackle. It soon pushed Griffon away as they faced each other with menacing glares. They charged at each other head on, but Dan looked to Shun angry and confused. "What is up with him...? He should be wiping the floor with me by now. Then ringing me out and wiping again..." he thought to himself as Griffon tackled Ravenoid. "We're just butting heads, something's going down..." Griffon's wing lit up in flames and it continued its charge at Ravenoid. Till suddenly... "Gate Card Open!" Shun called out as the card glowed brightly, surrounding Ravenoid in an aura of energy. "G's approaching to 520 G's." said the Bakupod as Griffon tried to halt its charge, but it was too late. Ravenoid dodged its charge and grabbed hold of Griffon and started diving towards the field, and just when they were close to hitting the ground... Ravenoid quickly let go as Griffon slammed into the ground going back into Ball Form. Dan saw Griffon land next to him and looked to Shun. "Still slacking off? This is one messed up game plan." he thought to himself as he saw Ravenoid return to Shun. "Come on Shun! Lets brawl!" he caleld out to him. Shun held out his next Bakugan. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in his Ventus Monarus to the field. "Monarus Stand!" he called out as Monarus emerged on the field spreading her wings facing Saurus. Dan was surprised as well as disappointed. "What? You gotta be kidding me!" he shook off his disappointment and focused on the battle. "Oh well, bring it on!" Shun held out his Ability Card. "Ability Card Activate!" he threw it straight for Saurus seeing it land a direct hit. Saurus felt the cards affect and was forced into Ball Form. Dan was surprised as he caught Saurus. His memories went back to when Shun mentioned the Backdraft Ability Card, he new it was effective, but this was a different ability card compared to the Backdraft Ability. That was where he put down the line. "What is up?! Is blowing me off part of your strategy?!" he demanded to know only to get a smirk from Shun. "I have my reasons. Why, are you getting tired...?" Shun asked him trying to get under his skin. Dan knew he wasn't going to let that slide. "Yeah, tired of you goofing around!" he said as he tossed his Saurus back onto the field. "Saurus Stand!" he called out as Saurus emerged on the field growling at Monarus. Shun anticipated he would do that as he pulled out the card he needed. "Ability Card Activate! Backdraft!" he called out as he tossed the card to Monarus making her return to Ball Form returning to him. Dan was about ready to flip his lid. "What the heck?! Are you trying to trick me?!" he asked him. "Just keep playing..." Shun said to him as he pulled out another card. "Cause I don't ever want to stop..." he said to him. This immediately caught Dan's attention. "But... why...? What's going on...?" he asked starting to feel concerned. Shun looked down trying to forget about his mothers condition... but it was hard, even for him. "Let it go... you wouldn't understand..." he said to him. Dan was growing more and more concerned for his best friend. Never before did he ever think to see Shun like this, but he needed to know the truth. "Aw come on... look it can't be that bad... we can talk after we finish the game." Dan said to him as he tried to help him. But Shun started to show how panicked he is. "No don't! If my mom stays in the hospital, its game over for me!" he said to him as he looked away. "That is if my grandfather has any say... so stop stalling and keep playing!" he tossed in his Ravenoid. "Ravenoid Stand!" he called out as Ravenoid emerged on the field. "He wanted to continue battling? Even when his mother was still in the hospital...?" Twilight asked Dan in the present time. "Yeah... I wanted to know why, but I needed to do something to help him. But it was a lot harder than it seemed." Dan said to her in the present time as he continued his trip down memory lane. "Gate Card Open!" Dan called out as the Gate Card Saurus stood on began to glow, and a field of fire emerged on the field causing Ravenoid to shield itself and avoid the flames. Meanwhile Saurus started charging at Ravenoid snarling at it. It landed and solid blow against Ravenoid forcing it to go back into Ball Form returning to Shun. Saurus went back into Ball Form and returned to Dan. "But why...? All we're doing is shadow boxing... this isn't even a real game." he said to Shun as he gripped Saurus in the palm of his hand. "You're just using me to avoid your stupid grandpa, and what's worse is that your mom is paying for it!" he cried out causing Shun to realize his actions. His thoughts immediately ran to seeing his mother in the hospital bed, hearing the slow sound of her heart monitor. Meanwhile, Dan pulled out another Gate Card. "There!" he tossed it to the field as well as Saurus to emerge on the field. Shun at that time, was having conflict within himself. "No, he's wrong! I have to continue the game! But he has the Pyrus Saurus." he thought to himself as he looked around the field. "Concentrate... I'll use the Air battle ability. What ever it takes." "Hey! Your little plan isn't working, so just throw in the towel and go, okay?!" Dan tried to reach out to him, but he had a feeling his words were falling on deaf ears. Shun held up his next Bakugan readying for the next battle. "Bakugan..." he was about to finish his sentence, but his tears were starting to form, blurrying his vision. It was hard for him to focus, but that wasn't going to stop him. "Brawl!" he tossed in his Monarus, only to find that he tossed her to Saurus' card. "I overshot?" he asked himself. Monarus emerged on the field, and Saurus prepared for battle. "Gate Card Open!" Dan called out as Saurus felt its power increasing from the power of the Gate Card. Monarus could only prepare for what will happen next, but she charged at Saurus hoping to knock it off its feet. But her attack failed as Saurus grabbed her by her leg and threw her down to the ground. As she fell, she returned to her ball form landing next to Shun. At that point, the battle was finished. Saurus returned to Dan, and Dan looked to Shun with a sad expression. "I think its game over... for the both of us..." he said to him. Shun at the time, fell to his knee's in defeat. Knowing all his efforts to save his mom... were in vein. "So you actually beat him?!" Pinkie asked Dan in the present day. "Yeah... but I knew he needed to get to the hospital as quickly as possible, and luckily... my dad was there." Dan said to her and the others. As Dan and Shun returned to the real world, Dan's father Shinjiro was on his way to getting a parking spot after having to wait for a while. "Oh jeez, finally after two hours a perfect spot." he went to get his car in a parking spot, but he stopped seeing Dan in his way. "What the... Dan?" "Dad, quick! To the hospital!" he cried out to him as he and Shun got into the car. Shinjiro knew it must have been an emergency, so he quickly stepped on it and headed straight for the hospital. As they arrived at the hospital, Shun quickly got out and ran inside. Dan got out and looked to his father. "Thanks Dad!" he said to him and ran after Shun. Inside Shiori's hospital room, Shiori's condition was getting worse... but she could feel that her son was close. "S-Shun...?" she tried calling out to him, but was too weak. Shiori's father was watching over her. "He'll be here shortly... at least I brought you your purse..." he said to her. The door eventually opened, and Shun came rushing in. "MOM!!!" he cried out as everyone turned to him. He ran to her as everyone watched. "Mom..." he approached her in both worry and sadness. Dan watched as his best friend... sat next to his mother, knowing what may happen. "Mom...?" Shun called out to her hoping she would respond. At that time, Shiori began to slowly open her eyes, and she looked to her beloved son and began to smile. "S-Shun..." she reached over and touched his hand. "What took you so long...? I was just about to fade... thank goodness you made it." she said to him as she grasped his hand. Tears began to form in Shun's eyes as he feared the worst. "So... tired..." Shiori started to lose strength. Tears started rushing down Shun's face seeing his mother starting to let go of her spirit. "Don't worry son... she'll be fine, she still has time..." the doctor said to him as he looked down with a sad expression. Dan watched on feeling the sadness within his friends heart. "... Shun..." he spoke his name. "The doctors right Shun... even though I'm fine right now, I won't have much time... but you must go home and Grandpa will look after you..." Shiori said to him with a weak smile. "But here... I got something for you..." she gathered her strength to pull something out of her purse. "Its... what I wanted to give you... I know its what you really love Shun. Now... go have some fun..." she said as she placed it in his hand. Shun felt it and looked to what it was. It was Skyress. "R-Really...? You wanted to give me a Bakugan...?" he asked her. "Well duh! But you are not going to get a chance to play with it. Because you will be practicing ninja moves with me. And under my house rules, you'll be coming home from school and staying home." Grandpa Kazami said to him. "None of this disappearing act, and none of that Bakugan business either. Do you hear me?" he asked him. Shun only looked at Skyress for a moment. "Now it makes sense... why it was so important..." he said as he looked at Skyress as tears ran down his cheek. He soon looked to his mother feeling the sadness in his heart getting deeper. "But mom..." he was about to say a few words, but he felt his mothers hand touch his face. Shiori smiled at her son knowing what is best. "Shun... I know it is hard... but you mustn't hold onto the past, especially this second of time. I want you to do what you think is right... promise me... you will continue playing... promise me Shun..." she begged her son to make that promise. Shun hesitated, knowing it would only break both his and his mothers heart if he didn't. "I... I promise mom..." he said as tears fell. He soon rested his head over his mother knowing what is going to happen. Shiori only smiled at her son and stroked her hand over his head. "Thank you Shun..." she thanked him as tears formed in her eyes. "And I promise... I will always... be with... you..." Shiori's life started to slowly fade as her tears fell. Her eyes closed and her heart monitor flat-lined. Shun's eyes widened from hearing it and he looked to his mother with tears of sadness. "Mom... no..." his tears ran down his cheeks. He quickly shot his head towards the sky. "MOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!!!!!" he cried out in sadness as he held his mother in his arms letting his emotions go out of control. The nurse placed a hand over his shoulder to help comfort him, and Dan only watched as Shun mourned for the loss of his mother, and felt that he was to blame. In the present time, Shun looked at the moon remembering that day. "She knew all along that Bakugan was what I really wanted to do. Man... how could I have been so blind...?" he asked himself. "I guess sometimes you just have to listen to your gut." he said to Skyress. "What is your plan now Shun?" Skyress asked him. Shun remained silent for a bit. "My Grandpa wants me to be a ninja super star like him." he said to her knowing it wasn't what he wanted. "But why did you shut out your friends? You love to battle, and one day soon, you will..." Skyress said to him only to see he wasn't listening. "Shun...? Shun are you even listening to me?" she asked him and realized he wasn't going to respond. "Well... the day will come and you must make up your mind." she informed him like a noble grand master would instruct her pupil. "I'm sure you'll make the right decision... and so does that pony with the rainbow colored mane." Shun looked to her surprised. "You mean Rainbow Dash...? But... why would she-" before he could continue. "You saw much potential in her, as well as I did. She could help you, as well as her friends. But only if you learn to accept. It won't be easy, but just give it time..." she said to him as she looked out to the night sky. Shun looked at her and looked to it as well. He knew that he couldn't stand by while his friends are facing the enemy alone... but will he help them? Or forever remain in his Grandfathers shadow? Meanwhile at Dan's house, Dan had finished his story, the ponies, even Drago felt sorry for Shun. Meanwhile Pinkie had tears filling up her eyes. "That was the saddest story I've ever heard..." she cried out as her tears flowed out like a fountain. "It is an unfortunate story." Drago agreed with her. "... Yeah, sure is... I still haven't seen him, or heard from him for that matter. Folks say he moved in with his grandpa and disappeared. Never to touch a single Bakugan ever again." Dan said to them. "As far as I know... I think..." he thought about it but let go of his thought. "Anyway, the game won't miss a no-show hasbeen... and neither will I..." he said to them. But that didn't slide with Rainbow as she heard it. She flew up to him and slapped him across the face. "OW!!! What was that for?!" he asked her. "You don't get it! Shun did battle, and it was with me, Runo and Marucho!" Rainbow yelled at him. "What?!" Dan looked to the others. "You guys knew about it and didn't tell me?!" "We're sorry Dan, but it was Runo's idea to talk to him, and we couldn't tell you... at least not yet because of what was going on between you and Shun." Twilight said to him. "And now that we know what happened between you two... its clear that you two need to relight the friendship that was between you two." Dan sighed wishing he could. "I wish I could Twilight... but this isn't Equestria... you should know that by now." he said to her. "And we do.... but you must understand Daniel, that this isn't about you, this is about Vestroia, and your world." Rarity said to him. "Without Shun... you won't be able to stop Masquerade, and who knows what that awful brawler is doing...?" she said out loud. Rainbow reached and grabbed his shoulder. "You might blame yourself for what happened to Shun's mom... but if she were here right now. She would ask you to help Shun in any way you can, even if you have to battle him to get him to join. I know, because I faced him... and believe me, he's not as much a hasbeen than you think he is." she said to him with a smile. Drago looked to his partner knowing what he was going through. "Dan, as much as you wouldn't want to hear it from me, but you need Shun on this team. We need the help of all six attributes." he said to him. Dan felt a tug on his pants leg and looked to Spike. "Come on Dan, this is Shun here... you know he needs your help. Are you going to just stand here and do nothing...?" he asked him with pleading eyes. Dan didn't know what to do... but one thing was for certain. He needed to help Shun in any way he can, but... will Shun join his team if he asks...? We may never know. Elsewhere, at Masquerades hideout. Masquerade was looking at all the top rank Battle Brawlers, seeing their scores and letting out a small chuckle. "Perfect... more battlers are joining daily. But which Bakugan holds the highest power level? Filter on..." he clicked the mouse to check the highest ranking Bakugan. As all the scores disappeared, only one was left standing as it revealed the picture of a Hydra type Bakugan. Masquerade smirked knowing that it was his Bakugan on the screen. "Excellent... my Hydranoid is still in the lead." Then out of no where, from behind Masquerade, the wall began to move revealing the face of Hal-G. "Of course you're in first place, all these so called battlers you send out keep getting beaten! Explain yourself... for Dan and his crew are gaining considerably in power!" he said to him. "I have my reasons... those kids were just disposable pawns in our overall strategy. They gave themselves willingly out of their own greed, and their sacrifice will help help us create the ultimate of opponents. We need the highest evolved Bakugan to get to the Infinity Core, and as you know, the more you achieve... the more evolved you become." Masquerade explained to Hal-G as he looked to the screen. "We need to pull our resources into one central entity, and so what if it is Dan's? He's so cocky and sure of himself, he'd be willing to blow it all in one shot! He wouldn't see it coming till with was too late." "But making one player so powerful could prove fatal, and Naga is anxious for one loss in particular." Hal-G explained to him as a vision of Naga appeared. He growled for he was still trapped within the Silent Core. "The Fate of Doom must be sealed for that little snake in the grass!" he said to them. "Snake in the grass?" Masquerade asked his master. "He speaks of Pyrus Dragonoid. The one they call Drago." Hal-G mentioned to him as Masquerade looked up his information. "For some reason he has a grudge against this particular Bakugan." he said to him. Masquerade looked at him and smirked. "So this calls for a different kind of player, a battler they'll never expect." he searched through the battle brawler listing, and found exactly what was searching for. A sly smirk formed across his face as he looked at the picture. "And I know the perfect one... the perfect one...!" he said as he looked at Shun's profile letting out a dark and evil laugh. "There is still the issue with these... ponies... where did they come from...?" Naga asked them. "And why do they interfere with our business...?" Hal-G asked Masquerade. Masquerade only smirked knowing what to do. "Doesn't matter, because if they plan to interfere any further... me and Hydranoid will destroy them. For good!" he said darkly as Naga couldn't help but chuckle at the young brawlers confidence. Because nothing will stand in his way in retreaving the Infinity Core. Not Dan and his group, not Drago, not even these six ponies that stand against him. > Just for the Shun of It > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next morning in at Runo's place, customers were pooring in, mostly because of Alice. (Who wouldn't in this situation? I mean seriously, give the girl some space!) "Hurry up Runo, I'm starving!" one of the customers called out to her. "Yeah, a little service will be nice!" another customer called out for her. "Step on it Runo!" the third customer called out. And just in a split second, Runo came rushing out trying to hide her anger. "Hold your horses!" she yelled but hid her anger by giggling a bit. "Wow, I've never been this poppular in all my life." she thought to herself but formed her joyful face into a scowl. "Or am I?!" he yelled at the three boys that are adoring Alice. "Oh who am I kidding...? Its Alice who they're gaga over, not me! Boys, who needs'em!?" she thought to herself to keep her anger hidden. At one of the tables, Dan and Marucho were watching the scene. Even the ponies saw how angry she was because of the fact Alice was getting all the attention. "Business definitely seems to be getting big, but gee wiz Dan. I never imagined I'd see Runo jealous of anyone." Pinkie said out loud, but Dan took the chance to shush her. "Hey, keep it down Pinkie, never get involved in a cat fight." Dan advised her. "I must say I have to agree with Dan, girls can get very upset when it comes to being less popular than other girls. It will be like a fierce Tiger facing off with an angry Lion." Rarity said to them. Fluttershy was cleaning up some of the crumbs that fell down to the floor as she looked to them. "She's not that jealous of Alice, I mean true, she doesn't have-" before she could finish. Runo immediately shot a menacing glare toward her, causing Fluttershy to yelp and quickly change the subject. "What matters right now, is that she's still just as pretty. Right girls?" she asked them as they nodded in agreement. "Sheesh... Runo shouldn't take it personally." Spike said as he sat next to Dan. Rainbow leaned back in her chair holding her hooves behind her head. "I know! I mean looks aren't everything." she said out loud. Rarity gasped from hearing it and snared her with her magic pulling her down. "Now you listen here Rainbow! Looks are just as important as style, me being a fashion designer would know that more than anyone!" she said to her with a glare. Rainbow panicked from seeing her glare. "Okay, point made little miss overreact." she pushed away from Rarity getting out of her snare. Alice turned to where Runo was standing. "Runo? A little help please?" she asked her for help. "Huh? Can't believe this..." Runo turned to Marucho with hiding her serious expression from Alice. "Marucho, go get some coffee, Alice is totally useless...!" she whispered as he walked away. Marucho at the moment, didn't know what to do. So he had to do what he had to, otherwise Runo would yell at him. "Yeah, okay..." he said feeling depressed. "I'll show you where the coffee is Marucho." Fluttershy said to him as she walked with him. "Hurry up Runo!" one of the customers called out. "I'm starving!" another called out. Meanwhile at Dan's table, Preyas rolled up to him. "Yo! What up homeboy?" he asked him noticing he had something on his mind. Dan looked to him knowing he had to know the full story of what happened. "Yeah Preyas... I need to know what all happened the night you went to see Shun." he said to him Meanwhile in the storage room, Marucho and Fluttershy searched through the coffee grinds. "So where does Runo and her family keep the coffee?" he asked her. "Over here." she lead him over to the pile. Marucho's eyes widen seeing the pile. "WHOA! THE MOTHER LOAD!" he went and grabbed one in the middle trying to pull it out. "Come on...!" "Oh! Marucho, I wouldn't do that if I were yo-" before she could stop him, he pulled the bag out and hit the ground. When he looked up he started screaming as the entire stack of coffee bags fell down right on top of him and Fluttershy. Back in the restaurant, Dan was surprised of what happened. "What? You serious?!" he asked Preyas. "Shh! Zip it would ya? Marucho would put me in new shoes if he found out I squealed. Lets just say they dropped by his house." Preyas explained to him. "Exactly what we told him, but he wanted to hear it from you." Rainbow said to him and looked to Dan noticing his surprised expression. "I gotta tell ya Danny Ol'boy, it was the weirdest place I ever seen. This house had ninja booby traps hidden all over the house." Preyas explained even further about what happened. "Spears came out of the walls with everything." Rarity mentioned to him. "Not to mention the throwing stars." Rainbow Dash added "I'm lucky I came out of there alive, I swear." Preyas said complimenting himself. "EXCUSE ME?!!" the ponies and Spike glared at him getting ready to give him a pounding. But Dan slammed his hands on the table causing Runo and Alice to scream dropping a coffee mug on the ground. "Alice, what is it?!" the three boys asked in unison and turned to Dan with a scowl. "Hey pal! You mind? You're scaring Alice!" they yelled at him only to see Dan turn to them with a fierce glare. The boys panicked from seeing it and quickly turned away. "Uh-oh... he knows about Shun. Guess the ponies must have told him what happened." Runo thought to herself knowing just how upset he is. After explaining everything to Dan, Runo and Marucho will filled with regret for not telling him sooner. "WE'RE NOT WORTHY!!!" they cried in unison as they bowed their heads. Twilight touched Dan's shoulder to try and calm him down. "I know this doesn't look good Dan, but they were going to tell you before us... honest." she said to him. "Its just that we need Shun on our side to beat that creep Masquerade." Marucho added to the explaination and lowered his head. "And after all that, Shun told us to get lost." "Might I interject...?" Preyas asked only to get a glare from Tigrerra. "Keep out of this!" Tigrerra said to him holding onto her glare. Preyas immediately backed up from seeing it. "You don't have to tell me twice!" he said in a panic. "Remind me not to get on Tigrerra's badside..." Spike said worriedly to Twilight. "We're so sorry Dan..." Marucho tried to apologize to him. Drago looked to him seeing how upset he is. "Well Daniel...?" he asked him only to get nothing but silence from him. Runo scowled at him knowing what he's thinking. "Ha! He's just stubborn. If he doesn't want to talk, that's his problem." she said as she looked at him. "But Runo-" before Marucho could say anything however... "But nothing! He's being a big baby!" Runo said as she looked to Dan. The ponies gasped from hearing her and saw Dan turn sharply to her. "You're the baby!" he yelled at her. "Would you grow up?! Just how many Bakugan does Masquerade have to steal before you realize we need Shun?!" Runo asked him only to finally get a small gasp from Dan. "I wish for once you'd swallow your pride and listen for a change! But if you're willing to go it alone, and lose Drago to the Doom Dimension, be my guest! Marucho and me want no part of it! SO BE A JERK, WHO EVEN CARES?!" she yelled at him. Dan immediately stood up from his chair. "That's enough!" he yelled back at her. Marucho quickly got between them and stopped them. "Come on guys, calm down! WHY CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?!!" he cried out. "What ever!" Runo turned away from Dan crossing her arms. Twilight flew up to Dan and touched his shoulder. "Dan, as much as I know you wouldn't want to hear it... but Runo's right, you have to park that stubborn pride of yours." she said to him while hearing her friends gasp hearing it. "I know its harsh, but its true." she looked to Dan knowing it will be hard for him to admit it. "I know you miss him... he was your best friend, how can you just sit by and let him spend his life in solitude...?" she asked him as Dan looked down in thought. It is almost impossible for him to let go... but will he be able to let go...? Or let his guilt get in the way...? After a while of thinking it over, Dan finally decided to join the others in talking to Shun. Runo meanwhile... was less pleased with the situation. "Thanks for coming Dan..." she said to him while sticking her tongue out at him. "Hey, I couldn't just let you two go alone." Dan said to her as he crossed his arms. "You need me to beat that creep." Marucho couldn't help but force a smile. "That's the spirit, we'll have Shun in our hands in no time." he said to him still feeling a little worried. Meanwhile, Preyas only scoffed at the thought of it. "Like that'll ever happen." he said out loud. At that moment, Tigrerra and Rarity shot another glare at him. "ENOUGH!!!" they yelled at him. "I know, put a lid on it... sheesh, talk about grumpy." Preyas said to them with his back turned to them. "What we really are Preyas is annoyed!" Rarity yelled at him with much anger in her eyes. "WELL EXCUSE ME!!!" Preyas said as he hid behind Marucho. Fluttershy at the time, looked to Dan feeling worried. She calmly approached him and touched his leg. "Dan...? You going to be alright...?" she asked him. Dan was still silent, but he took the chance to get out of his moment of silence. "I'm just worried about this mission... about seeing Shun after so long." he admitted to her unaware he got a surprised glance from Runo. "Ever since his mom passed away... I felt that it was all my fault it happened. If I hadn't ended the battle, his mom would still be alive." The ponies looked to each other, feeling exactly what was in his heart. Meanwhile Pinkie got an idea, and dashed away, leaving Dan in a state of confusion. She immediately rushed back with a cream pie, and a banana peal. She tossed the banana peal to the ground and walks toward it with the pie, only to slip on it on purpose as she slid across Marucho's private plane screaming. When she slid back towards them, she flipped backwards as the pie flew into the air. When she hit the ground, the cream pie fell down landing right on her face. "TA-DA!!!" she cried out as she bowed to them licking the pie off her face. Dan's and Runo's cheeks puffed up and they laughed so hard they couldn't breathe. Runo took the chance to calm down and looked to Dan seeing him actually laugh and smile after so long. "You know... even though he can be a stubborn idiot. The ponies somehow manage to bring out another side of him." she thought to herself as she looked at him with small smile on her face. Meanwhile at Shun's house, Shun and Skyress were having a discussion about Shun's decision. "I see... you haven't decided have you...?" Skyress asked him knowing what the answer is. "All I know is that I will battle Dan... once I've defeated him, I'll make my decision whether or not to keep playing Bakugan." Shun said to her with his back turned towards her. "And what about your promise to your mother...? Does that not mean anything to you anymore...?" Skyress reminded him of his promise to his mother. Shun looked down from hearing it knowing she was right. Then all of a sudden, the door behind him started opening and he turned around to see who it was. Outside the estate, Runo, Marucho and the ponies were sneaking around trying to find a way in. But Runo started getting a funny feeling all of sudden. "This place is quiet..." she mentioned. "Yeah, a little too quiet." Spike said as he looked around. Marucho walked up to them. "We better keep our eyes pealed... remember all those booby traps?" he reminded them. "Don't remind us..." Rarity said to them and saw Dan walking to the wall. "Daniel, what are you doing?" she asked only to see him climbing over the wall. "Daniel no!" she cried out to him. "Don't leave us!" Preyas cried out. But it was too little too late. Dan made it on the other side of the wall and headed straight in. Runo and Marucho were trying to call out to him, worried that the traps might go off. But all they heard, was complete and absolute silence. "Hey... nothing happened." Marucho said as he looked to the wall. "Maybe that old man took out his traps." Pinkie said as she and the others started climbing over. "Lets check this out." she said as she helped Marucho climb up only to fall down with him, Runo, and the rest of the ponies onto the ground. Only to fall through a hole in the ground. They grabbed onto a cliff and held on, meanwhile Twilight was giving Pinkie a look that did not mean happy. "Took out his traps did he...?" she asked her causing her to chuckle nervously. "OH COME ON! WHY DOES EVERYTHING ALWAYS HAPPEN TO US?!!" Runo complained as she held onto the ledge. With Marucho holding onto her waist. Twilight then looked to Rainbow Dash knowing she's the only one fast enough to catch up to Dan. "Rainbow, go help Dan, I'll try to get everyone out of here!" she said to her. "You got it Twilight!" Rainbow said to her and flew out to find Dan. Spike at that time was looking down at the dark abyss and gulped. "Well... at least it can't get any-" before he could finish his sentence however. "DON'T YOU DARE SAY IT!!!" Runo yelled at him. Meanwhile by the house, Dan and Drago were looking around for Shun. "Be careful Dan, trouble may be afoot." Drago advised him. "Dan!" Rainbow called out to him as he turned to her. "Glad I caught up to ya... the others are trapped in a hole." she said to him. "And you just left them behind?" Dan asked her. "Twilight told me to catch up to you so that we could talk to Shun! I would give up a wing to help him." Rainbow said to him as she remembered his story from the other night. Suddenly her ear twitched as she heard something. "Quick, get down!" she went to hide with Dan and looked to where the sound came from. Dan looked to it, and saw that it was Shun walking out of the bamboo forest. "Shun...!" he called out as he and Rainbow stepped out of hiding. Shun looked to them as they came out of hiding. "I've been expecting you... Dan, Rainbow..." he said to them holding his firm expression. "But I didn't think this day would come so soon." Dan hestiated as he looked at his old childhood friend. Rainbow saw it and nudged him to say something, at first he didn't know what to say... but he worked up the courage to speak. "I-Its good to see you Shun..." he said to him. Rainbow smiled a bit but noticed a familiar masked face and gasped. "Masquerade!" she cried out. "What is he doing here?!" Drago asked in disbelief. Dan didn't want to believe it, but it could have happened. "Better question is... why is Shun hooked up with him...?" he asked as he looked to Shun only to see a shocking sight. "The Doom Card?!" Rainbow saw it shocked and glared at Shun. "Shun! What are you doing hanging out with scum like him?!" she asked him furiously only to get a chuckle from Masquerade. "Rainbow, Rainbow, Rainbow... when will you and Dan learn?" Masquerade asked as he walked behind Shun. "Well Shun, I think its time we eliminate them." he said to him. But Shun took to Doom Card and threw it towards Dan, causing him to dodge it as it smashed a stone lantern. Masquerade was shocked from what happened and looked to Shun. "Didn't you you hear me...?!" he asked him as anger started to build. Rainbow looked to Shun starting to see what he was trying to do. "I play this game solo... so don't think you're the boss of me, because you're not." Shun said to Masquerade. "Not your smartest decision Shun... but I respect it. That leaves me with only one choice... and that's to bring Dan down personally." said Masquerade as he held out a card. "Hey! You want to battle?!" Dan asked him. "Bring it on you masked freak!" Rainbow welcomed the challenge as she and Dan held out their cards. "Your time has come Masquerade!" Drago said to him as he prepared for battle with Dan. Masquerade prepared only to see Shun block him. Shun glared at him as he held his Bakugan Card. "Out of my way... my house, my battle!" he said to Masquerade. Dan watched them but something came into his mind. "I have an idea... me and Rainbow will take both of you losers on at once. You know, take out two birds with one stone?" he said to them. Rainbow gave him a look. "You do realize that only means one Brawler against two right...?" she asked him. "Okay so I'm not good at math, sue me!" Dan said to her as he looked to Shun and Masquerade. "Unless of course those two birds are big ol yellow belly chickens!" "You talk big, but can you back it up?" Shun asked him as he put his gloves on. "This is our chance Shun..." Masquerade said to him as he pulled out a Bakugan Card. "Bakugan Field Open!" they called out in unison as they entered a pocket Dimension Battlefield, leaving Runo and Marucho in midflight as time slowed down. Masquerade smirked as he pulled out the Doom Card to start off the battle. "Doom Card set..." he dropped it onto the ground, letting the battlefield absorb it. Rainbow glared at him but looked to Shun knowing that he is filled with conflict. Dan at that point touched her shoulder. "Rainbow, stay focused, we can't let personal feelings get in the way of this." he said to her. "I know that... but what he's doing is wrong..." Rainbow said to him as she pulled out a Gate Card along with Dan. "Gate Card Set!" they threw out their gate cards to the field. As the cards expanded on the field, Masquerade was the first to start the battle. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot in a new Bakugan, one that they've never seen before. "Laserman Stand!" he called out as Laserman emerged on the battlefield, revealing itself as a giant robot. Laserman is one of Masquerade’s favorite Bakugan to use to send opponents to the Doom Dimension. He is a giant of a monster with four laser cannons at the top of his shoulders, strongly resembling a machine from Classic Battletech. Each cannon has its own unique laser that can extinguish fire, freeze water, and explode rock. "Whoa, never saw that Bakugan before!" Rainbow said in surprise as she looked to her Bakupod. "Battle begins. Laserman opens at 370 G's. Awaiting Opponent." said the Bakupod as Rainbow looked to it. "My Falconeer stands at 340 G's, I doubt it will be enough to take on this clown." she said as she looked at Laserman. "Just play it cool, we'll have to be smart about this... I'm going in." Dan said as he pulled out his Stinglash and tossed it to the field. "Bakugan Brawl! Stinglash Stand!" he called out as Stinglash landed on the field, and emerged in its true form, hissing at Masquerade. But Masquerade only laughed as he pulled out an Ability Card. "Nice try! Leap Sting Ability Activate!" he called out as Laserman's ability activated. Laserman turned the top portion of his body, facing Stinglash. Dan's eyes widen seeing it. "Oh no!" he cried out as Laserman fired at Stinglash from behind. "Whoa... talk about fully loaded..." "He attacked Pyrus Stinglash with a completely different Ability Card!" Drago said as he watched it happen. "How is that possible?!!" Rainbow asked with concern. "My Leap Sting is a unique ability which has the Darkus Attribute that allows me to attack pretty well anywhere! And lets just say that its pretty versatile!" Masquerade informed them. Dan panicked and looked to his Bakugan. "Stinglash!" he cried out as Stinglash shrieked in pain as it was sent to the Doom Dimension. "I can't believe it... you sent Stinglash to the Doom Dimension!" he yelled at Masquerade as Laserman returned to him. Shun saw the Doom Dimension feeling its Negative Energy, and hearing the cries of all the Bakugan that were in there. "So that's... the Doom Dimension...?" he asked Skyress. "Yes... once a Bakugan has been sent to there, they can never return. Its the place we fear the most Shun." Skyress informed him as Shun was in thought, she turned to him. "Knowing this... do you still wish to continue...? Well...?" she asked him if he was still willing to continue the battle. Shun's answer was clear, as he held out his Bakugan. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in his Monarus to the field. "Monarus Stand!" he called out as Monarus emerged on the field. Rainbow didn't exactly know what to think of Shun at the moment, she didn't know whether or not he was on their side, or Masquerades. Speaking of, Masquerade smirked and looked to the field loading his next Bakugan, and guess who it is... "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot in a familiar skulled face Bakugan. "Reaper Stand!" he called out as Reaper emerged on the field. Causing Drago to growl in anger. "Reaper Power Level 370 G's." said the Bakupod. "Heads up kid..." Reaper warned Dan as he held his scythe. "Aw man, is that the best you can do? Gate Card Set!" Dan tossed his card behind Monarus's card. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed his Gargonoid to the field. "Gargonoid Stand!" he called out as Gargonoid emerged on the field. "Still processing data." said the Bakupod. Shun pulled out his next Gate Card. "Okay Dan, lets get this started! Ability Card Activate! Air Battle!" he called out as Monarus flew out of her battle zone. "Looks like Monarus is flying out of her Battle Zone." Rainbow said as she watched Monarus flew around the battlefield. "In Air Battle Mode, Shun's Monarus possesses that unique ability. It's Also a wind attribute that allows it the freedom of movement beyond the cards bellow." Drago explained to her. "Yeah, I remember, Fluttershy has a Monarus of her own." said Rainbow as she remembered the battle with Takeshi and Kosuke. "That's not all you two. When I'm in Air battle mode, neither of your Gate Cards will open." said Shun receiving a shocked expression from Dan. "Monarus, attack!" he commanded as Monarus charged at Gargonoid, causing a whirl wind to force it to crash. She hovered above him as sparkling lights glimmered from her wings attacking Gargonoid while it was down. Gargonoid roared out in pain and was forced back into Ball Form. Dan was releived that Gargonoid wasn't sent to the Doom Dimension, but was shocked that he was defeated. "Snap, this is nuts! I lost again!" he cried out as he turned to Shun who was smirking as Monarus returned to him. "Good job Shun..." Skyress said to him. "Gargonoid defeated, second battle loss, Dan." said the Bakupod as Masquerade smirked. "Looks like you're just down to just Drago." he said to him as he held out a card. "But not for long!" he tossed in his next Gate Card behind Reaper. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot his Laserman back onto the field. "Laserman stand!" he called out as Laserman emerged on the field. "Commencing third battle." said the Bakupod. "This is intense... Dan, you got a plan?" Rainbow asked him. "Its a long shot, but think you can handle Shun?" Dan asked her. "If it means winning this, I'll try my best..." Rainbow said as she looked at her Falconeer. "I lost last time... but he won't get the better of me this time." "Good... okay, this is our last chance Drago. And heads up, they can attack from anywhere." said Dan as he held Drago. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed Drago onto the field. "Drago Stand!" he called out as Drago emerged in his true form, roaring at Reaper. "Battle Begins." said the Bakupod. Drago growled at Reaper preparing for battle. "En garde Reaper!" he challenged him. "I'm ready when you are Drago." Reaper gladly accepted his challenge. "Gate Card Open! Third Judgement Activate!" Masquerade called out as the Third Judgement Gate Card started to activate. "Come on Drago, go get him!" Dan said to him, but Drago was paralyzed by the Gate Cards effect. "What's happening?!" Rainbow asked feeling panicked. Reaper grinned and readied his scythe. "Prepare for the Doom Dimension my friend, the Third Judgement Card will make sure you have a pleasant journey there!" he said to him. "This is it..." said Masquerade as he looked to Shun. "Can you feel it...? Our moment of victory is here Shun." he said to him with a dark smirk. Rainbow at that moment, looked to Shun worriedly, and finally decided to tell him something important. "Shun, please don't let him do this! Don't let your mother see you for who you are!" she cried out to him as Shun's eyes widen from hearing it. "Yeah... I know about your mom... and I'm sorry for your loss. But she wouldn't want you to do this! Please Shun, you have to listen! Don't forget the promise you made to her!" she pleaded to him. Shun looked at her as his memories rush to back to his mother, seeing her in the hospital bed, the promise he made, all of it. If Shiori was with him now, she would show just how disappointed she would be with him. Meanwhile, Masquerade had just about enough of her. "Don't listen to her Shun, she knows nothing! Now lets finish him!" he said to him clenching his fist. For a brief moment, Shun lowered his head in silence still hearing Rainbow's words about his mom. But finally... he raised his head and glared at Masquerade. "Sorry... but I play solo. Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed his Monarus back onto the field. "Monarus Stand!" he called out as monarus emerged on the field. "Sensing new Brawler." said the Bakupod. Masquerade glared but readied his next Bakugan. "You asked for this... Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in his true Bakugan Partner. "Hydranoid Stand!" he called out a large Hydra type Bakugan emerged on the field. Hydranoid... has finally revealed himself. Hydranoid is a hulking hydralike beast with sharp spikes all over its body. It is even more ferocious than it looks. This vicious Bakugan is known for being cruel and merciless in battle. It takes pleasure in pounding opponents with its tail. He let out a monstrous roar that could shake the very battlefield. Drago saw it as he was still paralyzed by the Third Judgement Gate Card. "Three agaisnt one?!" he asked but finally felt the Third Judgement affect deactivate. "What is that thing...?!" Rainbow asked feeling all the negative energy it was giving off. She looked to her Bakupod and her eyes widen in shock. "Whoa! Insane...!" she cried out. "Hydranoid at 450 G's" said the Bakupod. "I've never seen a Bakugan that strong!" "Me neither!" Dan cried out as he starred at Hydranoid. "Very observant you two... for I am the most powerful Bakugan ever!" Hydranoid snarled at them. "And I have no limit, I feed off the Bakugan I send to the Doom Dimension. Just as I'll feed upon his precious Drago!" he said to them. "That ends here and now Hydranoid!" Drago roared at him in anger. Dan pulled out his Ability Card. "Ability Card Activate! Boosted Dragon!" he called out as Drago unleashed a fireball against Hydranoid landing a direct hit. "This is revenge for all the Bakugan you cast into the Doom Dimension!" Drago said to Hydranoid as the flames slowly consumed him. "Thataboy!" Dan said only to hear a dark chuckle. "What the...?!" "Is that the best you can do...?" Hydranoid asked as he laughed in amusement. He then roared out extinguishing the flames. "No!" Drago cried out as Dan and Rainbow panicked. At that point, Hydranoid swung his tail at Drago. "Bonvoyage Drago!" he went to finish Drago off for good. "DRAGO!!!" Dan cried out, but then... something unexpected happened. "Ability Card Activate! Crimson Twister!" Shun called out as his Monarus flapped her wings causing Drago to vanish and appear on her card. "Attack now!" he called out to Monarus as she attacked Drago antagonizing him. But Drago retaliated and struck Monarus down with his tail forcing her back into Ball Form. Drago returned to Dan and he looked to Shun. "But Shun... your Monarus..." he said to him. "You sacrificed her... to save Drago...?" Rainbow as him. "Don't get too excited, trust me, our battle is far from over. Just you, Dan, and me Rainbow." Shun said to them. Reaper turned to Dan with a glare. "That's only one down human! Your pathetic pet lizard doesn't stand a chance against me! Now... to end this!" before Reaper could finish however... he turned around felt a sharp pain in his torso causing him to scream out in pain. Rainbow's eyes widen seeing that it was Hydranoid who struck him down with his spiked tail. Dan and Shun were shocked as well from seeing it, Reaper tried reaching out to Masquerade. "N-No... I beg of you... don't do this master...!" he pleaded to him. Masquerade only smirked seeing what his partner did to Reaper. "Sorry... but only one Bakugan can survive Third Judgement." he said to him. Rainbow gritted her teeth in anger from seeing it. "Oh man this is insane! You're going to send your own Bakugan to the Doom Dimension?!!" she asked Masquerade with a glare. "Yes, his services are no longer needed." Masquerade said to her with a big grin on his face. Reaper glared at him as he was slowly pulled into the Doom Dimension. "You will pay for this...!" he warned him as he was trapped in the Doom Dimension. Dan looked away from seeing it. "How could you do something like that Masquerade?! There are rules, and you just crossed the line!" he yelled at him. "Sorry Dan, but I play by my own rules." Masquerade said to him as he grinned. "Lets get back to our little battle, shall we gentlemen... and mare...?" he asked as he tried getting under Rainbow Dash's skin, and it was working. Rainbow's glare intensified as she gripped her Falconeer. "You insufferable, back stabbing low life!" her anger started to awaken something within her as her body glowed with Ventus Aura. Drago see's it sensing it but looked to Dan. "So now what?" he asked him. Dan held out a card as he looked to his partner. "We finish it." he said to him boldly. "You can't be serious." Drago said to him as he looked at the Gate Card. "You decide... play it if you must..." he said as he let him. Shun looked to Rainbow seeing her intense Aura. He began to wonder if something was triggered. Meanwhile, Dan held up his Gate Card readying for the next battle. "Gate Card Set!" he tossed it to the field and grabbed Drago. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed him to the field. "Drago Stand!" he called out as Drago emerged on the field. Shun at the moment only looked at Rainbow coming up with a plan. "Gate Card Set!" he tossed it to the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in his own Falconeer. "Falconeer stand!" he called out as his Falconeer emerged on the field. "Fourth battle commencing. Collecting Data.." said the Bakupod. "Rainbow, time to prove your metal!" he called out to her. Rainbow gladly pulled up her Falconeer. "If that's what you want... Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed it to the field. "Falconeer stand!" she called out as her Falconeer emerged to face its double. "Hope you brought some good cards, because you'll need them!" she warned him. "Trust me... I got plenty to spare." Shun said to her feeling confident. Masquerade looked at him wondering what he could be planning. "You confuse me Shun..." he said but focused his sights on Drago. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot Hydranoid back onto the field. "Hydranoid Stand!" he called out as his partner emerged on the field snarling at Drago. "Displaying current Power Levels." Dan looked at them but looked to the battlefield hoping the card he sent out will work. "Gate Card Open! Tripple Battle!" he called out as the card began to glow. "Watch and learn boys! A Tripple Battle Command Card engages when three Bakugan go head to head!" he said to them. "Nice move!" said Masquerade as he turned to Shun. "Danny boy thinks he can team up with you to beat me..." Rainbow heard it and looked to Shun, she knew Dan had a plan. But will it work? Skyress looked to Shun with the same curious expression. "Well...?" she asked him. Rainbow watched in worry. "Come on Shun, you gotta help us." she thought to herself. Masquerade continued to smirk. "Lets see... if these two jokers try to blind-side me, I think I'll counter with my Darkus Gravity. And then bring Laserman in to do the dirty work." he thought to himself as he held out a card. "Between my Hydranoid and Laserman, they'll both be in the Doom Dimension in no time." Shun opened his eyes looking to the battlefield. "Skyress... listen up... time to join the battle." he said to her. "Done." said Skyress knowing what he was thinking. Masquerade felt wind blowing around him, and looked to Shun seeing the same Aura that was around Rainbow Dash. "Masquerade... I've had enough of your games! You just use people, and you destroyed their Bakugan! he yelled at him. Dan and Rainbow smiled seeing it. "Alright!" they said in unison. "You're finished! Bakugan Brawl!" Shun tossed in Skyress to join the Tripple Battle. "Skyress Stand!" he called out as Skyress emerged in her true form, descending from the sky. She glared at both Hydranoid and Masquerade and let out an echoing screech. "Nice to have you back Shun... now... lets get busy!" she said to him. "Bakugan Battle Begins." said the Bakupod. "Way to go Shun! I knew you wouldn't let us down!" Rainbow said to him. "Are you and Dan ready?!" Shun asked her. "Yeah!" Dan and Rainbow said in unison. Hydranoid looked to Skyress and growled in anger. "Welcome to the party Skyress, too bad you won't be around to enjoy it." he said to her. Masquerade pulled out his Ability Card. "Ability Card Activate!" he tossed it into the sky and started to grin. "Chaos... of the... Darkness!" he called out as lightning began to strike. It then struck Hydranoid empowering him. He absorbed it an launched an energy ball at both Drago and Skyress landing a hit against Drago. Dan quickly pulled out a defensive card. "Ability Card Activate! Fire Wall!" he called out as he tossed it to Drago protecting him. from another shot. Hydranoid fired more shots but Drago's Fire Wall was too strong. Skyress managed to avoid the shots, causing Hydranoid to lose his temper. "Its not WORKING!!!" he cried out as his power started overloading. It even reached Masquerades card causing it to disappear. Dan and Rainbow were surprised to see it happen. "His card... disappeared!" he said as he watched Hydranoid blast everything, Shun's Falconeer was eventually hit and sent straight to the Doom Dimension. Shun saw it in shock and unleashed a glare towards Masquerade. But he smirked in return. "Hydranoid is evolving... thanks to you boys and this mare." he said to them. "He's what?!!" Rainbow cried out as Hydranoid began to unleash his power against all who stood in his way. The blasts soon reached Laserman forcing it to go into the Doom Dimension. "This is insane! Hydranoid's destroying everything!" "We gotta stop him somehow, but what are we supposed to do Shun?!" Dan asked him. "Aim at his mouth!" Shun said to him. "Right! Rainbow, I'm gonna need your help with this!" Dan said to her. "You got it! Ability Card Activate! Jump Over!" Rainbow called out as her Falconeer leaped over to the Gate Card Drago, Skyress and Hydranoid were standing on. "Alright Falconeer, get that overgrown garden hose to take its aim off of Drago!" she called out as Falconeer charged at Hydranoid and scratched at its head. Hydranoid shrieked from it. "Stay out of this you weakling!" he started blasting at it, but Falconeer managed to dodge the blasts keeping him distracted. "Alright, come on Drago! You gotta penatrate Hydranoid with one clean shot!" Dan called out to him. "I will help divert his attention!" Skyress said as she charged at Hydranoid to help Falconeer. Hydranoid felt her talons scratch against his armor. He snarled viciously at her about to destroy her. "Drago! Boosted Dragon!" Dan called out to him as Drago unleashed a fireball at Hydranoid. Skyress managed to dodge the blast as it landed right in Hydranoid's mouth. "No! Hydranoid!" Masquerade cried out as Hydranoid exploded from the inside and was forced back into Ball Form. Drago and Skyress along with Falconeer returned to their partners, they looked to Masquerade knowing it was far from over. "You got lucky this time... but remember, soon you'll all be heading to the Doom Dimension!" he yelled at them as he took his coat throwing it around him as he quickly disappeared. "We won!" Dan cried out as he looked to Shun. Shun looked to him and Rainbow. "Yeah... and now our Battle is about to begin." he said with a smile. Dan felt shocked at first, but he smiled knowing that Shun was back in the game. He and Shun tossed in Drago and Skyress onto another Battlefield. Rainbow wasn't going to miss out on this, so she tossed in her Falconeer to join the fun. "Bakugan Brawl!" they called out in unison. "Ability Card Activate! Fire Tornado!" Dan called out as Drago unleashed a stream of fire towards Skyress, but she dodged it as she charged at him. She tackled Drago knocking him down to the ground. Drago quickly got back up and looked to her. "Nice moves Skyress!" he complimented her. "Well thanks for noticing Drago." Skyress thanked him for the compliment as Shun pulled out an Ability Card. "Time to turn up the heat a few degree's... Ability Card Activate! Green Nobility - Violent Winds!" he called out as green flames surrounded Skyress. "Skyress Power Level 720 G's." said the Bakupod. Skyress charged right at Drago about to finish the battle. "Falconeer!" Rainbow called out as Falconeer got in the way and took the hit. It soon returned to Ball Form and returned to her. "Well... it was worth it..." she admitted. Just when it was safe... Skyress wasn't finished. She charged at Drago and went straight through him, causing him to return to Ball Form. Skyress let out a screech knowing she was victorious. "Well Shun, looks like you won..." she said to him. Shun only smiled as Skyress returned to him. "You're not gonna continue the next two rounds?" he asked her. "I'm dying to see how far you've gotten in your training." "I'm not as good as you are... besides, I'm far from ready to beat you." said Rainbow as she stood down. "Least I know an awesome Ventus Brawler who could teach me to be a great Ventus Brawler." Shun looked at her and smiled as they all returned to the real world. Meanwhile in the hole, Twilight accidentally lost focus in using her magic dropping both Runo and Marucho. Seeing Runo land right on top of Marucho causing him to scream out in pain. Meanwhile, Dan looked at Shun knowing he really was back in the game. "You won Shun... that Green Nobility move you used back there was pretty slick. I gotta tell ya, I'm impressed." he said to him. Meanwhile Shun looked to him as his smile faded. "No, I helped you to get Masquerade out of the way. It wasn't a win!" he yelled at him. "We defeated him together Shun!" Dan yelled back at him. "No Dan! That battle was for me..." Shun said to him as he remembered their last battle. "For my own selfish reasons... I gave up this game, and I thought it was for good. Now I'm not so sure..." he turned away from him as he admitted everything to him. "I'm sorry Dan... I tried..." he started walking away. "Man you're stubborn!" Dan said as he turned away. "You wouldn't know a compliment if it hit you in the face, would ya?!" "Dan, hold on..." Rainbow Dash said to him as she looked to Shun. "Hey Shun, Dan's sorry for walking out on you..." Dan frowned knowing she was right. "She's right Shun... I am sorry... I'm sorry for pushing you so hard, I'm sorry for what happened to your mom.... I guess I just... wanted to win." he said as he looked down. "But I should thank you for what you just did back there... you saved Drago... and Rainbow's Falconeer." he thanked Shun and earning a proud smile from Rainbow Dash. Shun stood in silence for a moment, but he lifted his head and smiled a bit. "No... I should be thanking you." he said to him as Dan turned to him surprised. "You made me see things in a different light..." "What do you mean...?" Dan asked him. "Its like this Dan... a few months back, I guess I gave up on playing Bakugan. I was kind of confused... oh sure, I was number 01, but I was bored." Shun explained to him and Rainbow. "You can't be serious Shun!" Dan exclaimed. "Why would you get board with being number 01?! I mean, I have dreams of becoming a Wonderbolt, but I never found a reason to just throw in the towel like that... though there was that one time with Lightning Dust. But that's-" before Rainbow Dash could explain... "You're missing the point Rainbow..." Shun said as he turned to them. "Battling with Dan showed me something... its not how high you're ranked, its all about real friendship." he said catching both Dan and Rainbow off guard. Never before did the believe he would say that. "And we've got a mission... to defeat Masquerade once and for all." he said as he held up Skyress. "This is our game... and we have to save it." Rainbow watched in surprise but smiled at him. "Wow Shun, that's some speech..." she said to him. "But of course she's just goofing... glad to see you're back to your old self bud." Dan said to him only to get an elbow to the gut by Rainbow Dash. Rainbow scowled at him but looked to Shun. "But in any case, you're right... we gotta beat Masquerade once and for all, and you never know... you might even beat Dan one day... and someday... I may even beat you." she said to him with a confident smile. Shun smiled and started walking to them. "You and Dan are true friends Rainbow Dash... more importantly... I should thank you... for reminding me of the promise I made to my mom." he said to her as he held out his hand. "If you need a teacher to show you everything you need to know about Ventus... then I'm just the brawler for the job. I might even teach you some ninja moves while I'm at it." Rainbow's eyes widen in shock and amazement from hearing it. "Y-You serious?!! OHMYGOSH!OHMYGOSH!OHMYGOSH!OHMYGOSH!OHMYGOSH!OHMYGOSH!!! YES!" she cried out in excitement as he shook his hand. Shun smiled as he shook her hoof. Dan watched them with a smile, meanwhile Runo and Marucho were crying just by watching the scene. "How touching! Does anybody have a tissue? I'm leaking like crazy!" said Preyas as he was crying. Tigrerra only let a smell tear form in her eye. "Humans are so strange..." she said as she sniffed. "I know darling... but the moment is so beautiful I..." tears brimmed in Rarity's eyes just from watching. "I... I can't help myself...!" she and the other ponies started crying tears of joy for their human friends. "Seriously! Leaking! Big time! A little help over here someone, somepony?" Preyas asked for a tissue. But no one and no pony was listening to him. Meanwhile in Equestria, Solaria watched as the Element of Loyalty was glowing intensely from within the Tree of Harmony. "How interesting..." she said to herself as Princess Celestia and Luna walked up. "What is it mother...?" Celestia asked her. "Has something happened in a previous battle...?" Luna asked as she was feeling worried. "Actually, its nothing bad..." Solaria said as she turned to her daughters. "In fact... a rather very interesting incident occurred... take a look at the Element of Loyalty..." she turned to the Element as she pointed out to it. "It was dormant at first... but now it glows brightly." she explained to them. Celestia carefully observed the Element, true she and Luna had a connection to them a thousand years ago, but this was beyond anything she ever saw before. "What does this mean mother...?" she asked her. "Did Ms. Rainbow Dash do something in her current battle...?" Luna asked in curiosity. "As a matter of fact, she did..." Solaria said as she turned to her. "She somehow managed to tap into the Power of Ventus... though she unleashed it out of anger. It managed to awaken something within the Element of Loyalty." Celestia and Luna looked to each other surprised, never before have they heard of something like this happening. They looked to her wishing to know more. "Mother... the Elements... where exactly did they come from...? We know you know..." Celestia said to her knowing she had the answers. Solaria could only let out a sigh as she turned to her and Luna. "I know where they originally came from... but... that is a story for both you, and the Ponies. So you will have to wait until they have completed their journey." she said to them only to see them look down. "But I can tell you this... the Elements are not only connected to Equestria... but to Vestroia as well. Come... I will explain as little as I can in Canterlot." she said as she walked passed them. Celestia followed her with Luna by her side. She eventually smirked and looked to her younger sister. "Sooo... I hear you finally told Incursio out you felt. Must have been nice to see him after so long, wasn't it...?" she asked to her only to get a blush from her. Luna's face turned cherry red as she turned to her. "HOW DID YOU KNOW?!!!" she cried out demanding to know how. But it soon hit her like a ton of bricks as she turned to Solaria. "Mooootheeerrrrrr...!" she scowled as she looked to her as Solaria began to sweat. "Oh, look at the time! Gotta head to the mares room!" Solaria said as she ran away from her cherry faced daughter. "Come back here! I demand to know why you told Celestia! Don't you know the meaning of privacy?!!" Luna exclaimed as she chased her mother leaving Celestia alone. Celestia giggled watching it, but eventually turned back to the tree looking at the Element of Loyalty. "So... there is more to Equestria and Vestroia than I understand... and the being who appeared before me all those years ago..." her memories rushed back to when the strange being appeared before her after banishing her sister. "Could he have come from Vestroia...? If so... who was he...? And how did he know our mother...?" she thought to herself but she decided to let it go. She turned away and followed after her mother and sister, leaving the Elements be for now. > The Story of Vestroia > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was a peaceful night in Wardington... or so we believe. At the Misaki Restraurant... Runo, Alice and Fluttershy were still awake given the fact Runo was still talking about Alice. "Yeah, my dad is totally stoked that you decided to stay with us. He said we're gonna get a lot more customers with you working for us." said Runo as she did an impression of her father. Alice giggled from hearing it. "Really...?" she asked her. "Yes, in fact Runo won't be the star attraction anymore. You'll get all the attention." said Fluttershy as she was resting near Alice's legs. Runo meanwhile was trying as hard as she could not to let it get to her. But the look on her face said otherwise. Alice smiled from hearing it, but her smile soon faded as she thought about what Dan said back at ther airport... the day she wanted to tell Runo about Michael Gehabich. "I haven't told anyone about my Grandfather Michael yet... maybe its time..." she thought to herself and looked to Runo. "Hey Runo, you awake...?" she asked her only to see she fell asleep and dreaming about Liver Kebobs. Fluttershy looked to her seeing how worried she is, she got up and touched her shoulder. "Don't worry Alice... you'll get your chance to tell everyone." she assured her with a kind smile. Alice smiled at her knowing she was right. "I know Fluttershy..." she said as she rested her head on the pillow. "I just hope they don't get the wrong idea about me... especially Dan and Rainbow Dash..." she mentioned to her. "Oh don't worry... Rainbow Dash would never jump to the wrong conclusion... well maybe. I don't know..." Fluttershy said to her feeling nervous. Alice only giggled a bit knowing what she meant. "Its okay... but for now... lets get some sleep." she said to her as she closed her eyes and fell asleep. Fluttershy did the same as she snuggled up next to Alice. Elsewhere when it was day time in the woods far from Wardington, a limousine was driving through the forest carrying someone we were all familiar with. It drove to a mansion and parked right in front of the door, letting its passenger out. More like, passengers... it was Billy and Cycloid. Why they were being transported in a limousine is a freaky mystery, but we'll eventually find out why. "I must be doing something right... I never thought I'd get invited to a place like this." said Billy as he looked to the mansion. "Its because you got talent boss! You climbed to 10th place in the rankings in just a few days!" Cycloid said to him as he instantly boosted Billy's confidence. Billy nodded at his partner and looked to the mansion. "Yeah, you're right... I deserve this..." he said to him as he walked to the doors. Once he got inside, he saw several other Brawlers in the room before him. One was a muscle bound Brawler, the other was a girl from China, the next was a big shot kid who acts tough. Billy looked at them but smiled and took this chance to say something. "Hey..." he said to them only to hear someone walk up behind him. "I'm looking for the party for the top ten international Bakugan Players." said the young man who was well dressed in what appeared to be a British outfit. "Is this the place...?" he asked them. Billy looked to him surprised, knowing he wasn't the only one who arrived late. "Y-Yeah..." he said to him. "That's good... my ranking is Number 02, I'm Klaus von Hertzon." he introduced himself. Klaus von Hertzon, an Aquos Brawler. Ranked Number 02 in the Top Ten Bakugan Players. He wears a light blue overcoat with a deep navy blue collar. White pants and a pair of dark grey boots. The girl in the red dress looked to them with a gentle smile. "I'm Chan Lee... my ranking is 3rd place." she said to them. Chan Lee, a Pyrus Brawler. Ranked Number 03 in the Top Ten Bakugan Players. She wears a red traditional chinese martial arts outfit with gold trim. The muscle bound Brawler looked to them with a big grin. "My names Julio Santana... I'm in 4th place." he said to them. Julio Santana, a Haos Brawler. Ranked Number 04 in the Top Ten Bakugan Players. He wears a white vest with gold trim, a dark grey tank top shirt, dark greyish green pants, brown belt and brown boots that have fur inside. "And I'm..." the kid leaped off the railing from where he sat and landed safely on the ground. "Komba O'Charlie! My Ranking is fifth place!" he said to them. Komba O'Charlie, a Ventus Brawler. Ranked Number 05 in the Top Ten Bakugan Players. He wears a dark green hat, a yellow jacket with green trim and a few patches stitched to it. White jacket with a pair of light green overall's. Billy smiled as he walked up to them. "Nice to meet ya... I'm Billy Gilbert. I've got 10th place spot now." he said to them. Komba meanwhile let out a small laugh. "Double diggets." he blurted out. Billy was surprised as Klaus walked to the stairs. "Which means the 1st, 6th to 9th place battlers aren't hear yet." said Klaus as he looked to the others. "I guess they're running late." "So what's up...? When does this so called party get start anyway?" asked Julio as he looked around the mansion. "Yeah, I don't see any decorations." Chan Lee pointed out. Meanwhile, Komba looked at the invitation he received from an unknown source. "You're right... according to the map on this card, we're in the right place." he said to them. Just when things were quiet, Klaus smiled and looked to them. "Listen... its not every day that the worlds top ranked Bakugan Players are in the same room together." he said to them as he thought of an idea. "Would any of you be interested in a little game?" he asked them. Chan Lee stood up from leaning against the railing on the stairs. "Okay sure, I'm up for that." she said to him. "Count me in, I know you all would think I didn't have the skills if I tried to back out on you." Julio said to them as he stepped up. Komba also stepped up with a confident smile. "Yeah, I'm for battle... it sounds like fun to me." he said to them. Klaus turned to Billy knowing what his answer may be. "And you...?" he asked him. "I'm in! Lets do it!" Billy said confidentelly as he and the other top rank Bakugan players pulled out their cards. "BAKUGAN FIELD OPEN!" they called out in unison as they entered the Pocket Dimension Battlefield. The five brawlers stood in a circle as they all looked at one another. "If all five of us are in agreement... for the record, this... will be an exhibition battle." Klaus said to them before getting a new idea. ""No wait, speedplay..." he suggested. "What is a speedplay?" Julio asked curiously. "Lets make it a Bakugan Royale Battle... since all of us are together." Billy said as he stepped up. Chan Lee smiled at hearing the idea. "Sure, I'll go along with that." she said to him agreeing with his suggestion. "I'm into it, lets get started." said Komba as he held his Bakugan Card. "Okay, where we go! Gate Card set!" Klaus tossed in his Gate Card as it expanded over the entire field for all their Bakugan to fit on. "Alright, the game is on! Go Cycloid!" Billy said to his Subterra partner as he held him up. "Let me at'em boss!" Cycloid said to him as he prepared for battle. Billy got into his signature baseball playing stance preparing to throw. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed his partner to the field as his hat went flying off. "Cycloid Stand!" he called out as his partner emerged on the field in his true form. Cycloid roared out holding his hammer as Billy held out his Ability Card. "Ability Card Activate! Right Giganti!" he called out as Cycloid's right arm grew in size. "Just try coming at me! I'll make you a member of my special club!" Cycloid challenged them as he slammed his hammer on the ground. Komba chuckled at him. "What a loud mouth..." he leaped into the air and tossed his partner into the field. "Bakugan brawl! Harpus Stand!" he called out as his partner Ventus Harpus emerged on the field. Harpus is a large feathered Harpy-type Bakugan. Her battle strategy is to provoke and make fun of opponents to make them lose focus in battle. She has an arrogant and argumentative personality. She shares a strong bond with Komba and is his guardian. "Ventus Harpus! Ability Card Activate! Feather Blast!" he called out as Harpus unleashed a hurricane against Cycloid. But he managed to block it with his hammer, causing him to slide back as Komba chuckled. "Ability Activate!" Chan Lee called out earning Komba's attention. "Face of Rage!" she called out as her partner, Pyrus Fourtress was on the field. Fourtress has four faces, of which three of them change with different abilities, which are face of rage/phase glare (attack), face of sadness/phase breaker (defense), face of joy/phase driver (power up) and enlightenment (enlightenment is never shown as an ability, but is the back face in ball form and is the starting face for when Fourtress appears). He has four swords on his back that he calls his Mighty Blades of Fire, which can shoot flame streams. Fourtress forced his Face of Enlightenment to a Face of Rage as he growled at his opponent. "You won't be able to defeat my Fourtress's combined talents, beauty and strength." she said to them only to get hit with a blinding light. They all looked to a new Bakugan that was out on the field. It was Julio's partner, Haos Tentaclear. Tentaclear is an enormous chilling single eye emitting a shining beam to blind its enemy. Six lethal stinging tentacles surround the eye as it hovers in battle. "YEAH!!! Haos Tentaclear's eye has got you! You can't move!" said Julio as he had them trapped in Tentaclear's gaze. Meanwhile, he heard a laugh from Klaus and turned to him surprised. "Perfect... I didn't expect a battle with the top ranked players to be this much fun." Klaus said to them with a bright smile on his face. Chan Lee looked to him with a similar smile. "You sound confident Klaus..." he said to him. "Where's your Bakugan?" Julio asked him. "Shoot it and get it in the game!" Klaus only smirked as he pointed to the field. "Well... its already in the battle." he said to them earning surprised looks from them. "Ability Card Activate! Okay now, use your singing voice on them!" he said to his unknown partner, but she wasn't unknown for long. A beautiful voice began to sing from within what appeared to be water over the Gate Card. The four Bakugan began to slide towards it against their will. Then from the heart of the ripples, Klaus's partner... appeared before them. "Allow me to introduce my beloved partner... Aquos Sirenoid." he said to them as Sirenoid revealed her beautiful form to them. (Which definitely caught my eye and I ended up getting a slap in the face for it.) Sirenoid is a mermaid-like Bakugan wielding a magical lyre to soothe souls. Sirenoid creates a forceful wave to boost its power and destroy its opponents. It uses its dolphin-like tail for speed and mobility. They were all amazed by her, but suddenly a dark laughter came out of no where as the arena turned dark around them. They looked up to the source and saw who it was coming from. "Who's there?!" Klaus demanded to know. The being who was laughing... was none other... than the big jerk himself, Masquerade. "My name is Masquerade!" he introduced himself. "You're the Number 01 ranked player!" Chan Lee called out in surprise. Masquerade smirked as he looked at her. "So you've heard of me before." he said to her. "What do you want?!" Klaus demanded an answer from their host. "Have you come to join the battle?" he asked him only to get a deep chuckle. "No, but look down at your feet." Masquerade pointed out as Klaus and the others looked down to their feet. Their eyes widen as they saw Naga floating beneath them within the Silent Core. Klaus was surprised just from seeing it. "What is this...?" he asked as he looked at him. "The floor has disappeared?!" Billy asked as he floated along with the others. "Is this some kind of trick?!" asked Chan Lee. "Where are we?!" Komba asked to know where they were. Julio quickly turned to Masquerade with a glare. "Hey! Take us back to our world right now!" he demanded that he return them home. Masquerade only chuckled as he looked to Naga. "I'll take you back soon enough." he said to them. Naga growled as he looked to the brawlers. "Humans... kneel before me, your new master!" he said to them as his eyes glowed with much evil energy. "Why should we? You're not the boss of us!" Billy said to him only to feel his power wrap around him. Naga chuckled at him. "I admire your spirit boy... an admirable quality. But whether you like it or not... you're mine!" he said to him as he looked to the others. "That goes for the rest of you!" he said to them. "You fight for us now." said Masquerade as they returned to the real world. "I brought you all here today for an important reason. I want you to get rid of Dan Kuso, and the Bakugan Battle Brawlers. Especially the ponies that are accompanying them... they may seem cute, but there is a lot more to them than you think. That is your mission!" he said to them. Billy was surprised from hearing it, because we all know he met Applejack a few days back. "You mean... like Applejack...?" he asked him. "Yes Billy... she and her friends have meddled with our mission for far too long." Masquerade said to him. "You went through a loss against her and your dear friend Julie... wouldn't you want some payback for it...?" he asked him as Billy lowered his head. "Hold on, you're asking him to hurt his friend, are you insane?!" Chan Lee asked him furiously. In all matters, Masquerade is more than insane. "When it comes to times like this... I am deadly serious." he said to her as chanting voices started to fade in. The Top Ten Brawlers looked around surprised but look to Masquerade trying to figure out what is happening. Masquerade smirked as he stood above everyone else on the staircase. (This song is Parody of Playing with the Big Boys from Prince of Egypt.) Masquerade; So Dan thinks he and his allies got friends from high places With the power to put me on the run Hydranoid soon appeared on his shoulder. Hydranoid; Well, forgive us these smiles on our faces You'll know what power is when we are done Masquerade & Hydranoid; Friends... He looked to them with a sinister grin, which had Klaus and the others worried. You're fighting for the big boys now He started walking down the steps walking toward them, making them cautious of him. Hydranoid; Fighting for the big boys now Masquerade chuckled from hearing his partner. "That sounds pretty." "Doesn't mean we have to like it." Chan Lee said to him with a menacing glare. Masquerade; Ev'ry card and beast Tells you who's the best, you're Fighting for the big boys now The Top Ten brawlers watched him as they backed away from him. You're fighting for the big boys now The two evil beings grinned as they looked to their new allies. Masquerade & Hydranoid; You're fighting for the big boys now Masquerade; Accept this righteous mission Watch a true master of darkness Give an exhibition how Pick up your Bakugan, friends You're fighting for the big boys now! Hydranoid; By the power of Naga Fourtress, Cycloid, Harpus, Tentaclear Sirenoid, you will recieve the will and power You so rightfully deserve. The Bakugan looked to each other concerned, but they looked to Hydranoid and Masquerade. Masquerade & Hydranoid; You're fighting for the big boys now They grinned as they looked to each other, and to the Brawlers standing before them. You're fighting for the big boys now Masquerade; By the might of Naga They will kneel before us Hydranoid; Kneel to us; Naga's servants... They put up a front Masquerade; They put up a fight Hydranoid; And just to show we feel no spite Masquerade; You will be our acolytes Masquerade & Hydranoid; But first, my friends, it's time to bow Or it's your own grave you'll dig, friends You're fighting for the big boys now Fighting for the big boys Now! The Brawlers looked at them knowing that there might be something strange about this mission. Billy sensed it too, but he thought it would be wise to roll with it. "Now... do you accept my offer...?" Masquerade asked them for what their answer will be. Klaus stepped up and looked to him and smiled. "It will be easy." he said to him. "It will be an honor to take them down." Chan Lee said as she placed her hand to her hip. "Oh yeah, you want them out...? No problem." Komba said with his arms crossed. "Come on, when do we start?" Julio asked as he walked up. Billy stayed quiet for a bit but looked to Masquerade. "They're history! They don't have a chance!" he said to them. "You said it boss!" Cycloid said to him. Masquerade looked at them and grinned evilly knowing they are just puppets to him and his master. At Runo's restaurant, it was morning. Alice soon woke up and looked at the time and panicked. "Oh no! Look at the time, I over slept!" she cried out as she got out of bed. She ran to find Mr. and Mrs. Misaki, and found them in their break room. "Oh, good morning Alice!" Tatsuo said to her. "I'm so sorry! I just couldn't get to sleep last night, and that's the reason I slept in." Alice explained to them as she was feeling worried. "Its alright dear, we're just happy to have you staying here with us. Besides, Fluttershy was able to help with most of the chores, so you should take it easy on your day off." Saki said to her with a kind smile. Alice then realized something. "Hey, where's Runo...?" she asked them. "At the store, she'll be back... I just sent her and Fluttershy to get a couple things." Saki said to her as she sipped her tea. "At the store...?" Alice asked as she lowered her head. "Oh... I see..." she closed the door and leaned against it leaving Mr. and Mrs. Misaki alone. "I finally get the courage to tell Runo about my grandfather... and she's not even here." she thought to herself, but then an idea popped into her head. "I know, I'll go tell Dan!" she said out loud but slowly started to realize. "Oh but..." Her imagination began to run wild as she saw Dan looking angry. "What do you mean...?!" he turned to her with scary looking face painting across his face. "That old man Michael is your grandfather?!!" She panicked and shook her head rapidly to brush off those thoughts. "Uhh... maybe I won't tell him just yet..." she said to herself. At Marucho's house, Alice had recently arrived to meet with him. "If you called ahead Alice, I would havegladly sent a car to pick you up you know." Marucho said to her. "What an honor, this is quite extraordinary. Coming to visit me all by yourself. I hope that your visit has been satisfactory so far, and that everything is alright." he said to her as they walked into his room. "Well I... Marucho... I have something really important to tell you." Alice said to him. Marucho turned to her surprised wondering what it could be. "What is it...?" Alice stayed silent for a moment, but worked up the courage to tell him. "A confession... something I need you to hear me say." she said to him. Just from hearing it, Marucho began to blush. "Huh? What? You want to confess something to me?" he asked her as his imagination began to run wild. "Marucho... its you, I always thought that you were..." before Marucho's imagination of Alice could finish... "My grandfather Michael..." the real Alice said to him. "What? You always thought I was your grandfather Michael...?" Marucho asked her only to finally realize as he snapped out of it. He shook his head and looked to her surprised. "Alice... what'd you say...?" he asked her. "You know that missing scientist Michael Gehabich...? Well... he's my grandfather..." Alice confessed to him about her grandfather. (Three, two, one...) "WWWWHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT???!?!?!?!?!?!" Marucho cried out in shock and surprise. After calling the Brawlers and Ponies to his house, Alice explained everything to them getting surprised and shocked faces. "W-What...?" Runo said as she looked at her. "Dr. Michael is your Grandfather?" Dan asked her. "And you failed to bring it up sooner?!" Rainbow asked her as she was with Shun at his house. "Simmer down there Dash, I'm sure she had her reasons." Applejack said to her. "Whoa... no way..." Julie said as she felt surprised. Alice looked down in shame knowing they might be mad at her. Twilight walked up to her and touched her hand. "So... you knew all this time...?" she asked her wanting to know the answer. Alice lowered her gaze knowing she should be ashamed for keeping it from them. "Yes... that day... that day when all the Bakugan and cards appeared, that was when my grandfather disappeared." she explained to them. "Then one day, about six months later..." During that time, Alice stared at the Bakugan Card that she held in her hand. But suddenly she heard the door open, and looked to who it was. It was her grandfather Michael! "Grandfather...?" she ran to him and held him. "Grandfather!" she cried out as she held him after missing him for six months. Her granfather held her for only a minute, but her card caught his attention. "What...? What's this...?" he wondered as he took it from her observing it. "My grandfather saw my Bakugan Card... and seemed very surprised. But the strange thing is... that day when Dan met Drago, my grandfather disappeared again. I haven't seen or heard a thing from him since." Alice said to them as she lowered her head. The Brawlers and the ponies the looked at her surprised as Dan walked up a few feet to her. "You kept it a secret from us...?" he asked her. "Well not all of us... she told me when I went to see her one night. Because I was worried about her ever since we left the airport." Fluttershy said to them. "YOU KNEW TOO FLUTTERSHY?!!!" Rainbow Dash cried out as she grabbed Shun's computer showing how angry she was. Shun immediately grabbed her and pulled her away. "Dan... what do you think of her explaination...?" he asked him. Dan looked at her for a moment. True he should be mad that she didn't tell them, but she had good intentions, so how can he be mad at that? A smile formed across his face. "Thanks for telling us Alice... man, it must have been hard." he said to her. Alice was surprised by his reaction and shook her head. "I'm sorry! I thought you'd overreact like Rainbow Dash! I had you all wrong!" she exclaimed. Dan was surprised as both he and alice began to blush in embarrasment. Runo at that point looked to him surprised. "You...? Overract...?" she asked. "No way! Runo and Alice, I think you're trying to get Dan's attention!" Julie cried out in jealousy. "N-No Julie, that's not true!" Alice defensivly exclaimed as she blushed. "Why would we want to do that? That's so lame!" Runo said to her and crossed her arms. "Though I am one for romance, but this is all a simple misunderstanding Julie, I assure you darling." Rarity said to her. "And besides, the only one with hopeless crushes around here is Spike." Twilight pointed out. "Yeah!" Spike agreed only to realize what he just walked into. "Wait, HEY!" he cried out. "Alice... have you heard anything about the collapse of Vestroia...?" Drago asked her out of curiosity. Alice looked to him. "Nothing Drago..." she said to him as she looked away. "But if all the stories we've been hearing are true... and my grandfather really did go to Vestroia." she said as she looked to her friends. "We may find something if we go to his laboratory. But unfortunately, its in Moscow." "Then I guess we'll have to go to his Laboratory then." Dan suggested. "Sure, lets go!" Runo said sarcastically. "But didn't you listen to Alice's story? Her grandfather's lab is in Moscow!" she reminded him. "And since I studied much about Moscow, I took the liberty of making these coats for us given how cold it will be up there." Rarity said as she pulled up some coats for her and her friends. "Its important we go there." Shun said to them. "Shun's right, the more information we get, the more we'll learn about Dr. Michael." said Rainbow Dash. Runo looked to them knowing she's facing a losing battle. "Yeah sure... that's great but, just how are we gonna do that?" she asked them. And just at the right moment. "Leave it to me! I know a way!" Marucho said as a bright smile formed over his face. Once everyone was done packing, Dan ran out the door with his back pack. "Bye! We're off the Moscow!" he said to his parents as he rushed to Kato who stood by his limousine. "Ma'am, please don't worry, I assure you I will take good care of your son." Kato assured them. "Thanks for the delicious fruit basket, you really didn't have to do that. And I know Dan is very excited about this trip..." Miyoko said to him. Shinjiro at the moment looked to her surprised about her previous mention. "Fruit Basket...?" Miyoko looked to her husband surprised but chuckled a bit forgetting to mention it to him. "Yes... and please take care of our boy and the ponies. They can be bit of a handful." she advised Kato. The ponies only giggled knowing its true. "Don't worry Miyoko, we'll be just fine. Just as long as Dan doesn't disappear on us like he did at the airport." Twilight reminded him of what happened. "Hey! I had to use the restroom and forgot which way to go!" Dan exclaimed to her of what happened. "Could someone or somepony give me a hand..." Rarity called out as everyone looked to her. Dan's eyes widen from seeing so many luggages with her. "Whoa... talk about crazy! You really need so much baggage?" he asked her. "When it comes to trips like these... I need to be completely prepared." Rarity said to him as she flipped her mane. Earning some looks from her friends, except Spike of course. "Alright, lets get your stuff in the trunk... assuming there's enough room for it." Dan said with a sigh. After getting her luggage inside the limousine, they all got into the vehicle as Kato started the engine. Dan took a chance to poke his head out the window to say goodbye to his parents. "See ya mom! See ya dad!" he called out to them as Kato drove off to Marucho's house. By the time they arrived, everyone was ready for their trip to Moscow! They were sitting comfortably inside Marucho's new mode of flight transportation as its systems were slowly booting up. Pinkie meanwhile, was all excited. I mean who wouldn't be? They're going to Moscow, one of the greatest places you'd ever want to travel to. "I'm so excited! I'm really excited! Are you guys excited?! I mean we're going all the way to Moscow! How cool is that?!!" she asked them with much excitement building. "We get you're excited Pinkie, but we're not going on a tour in one of the greatest cities in Russia. We're only going to Dr. Michaels laboratory." Runo reminded her. "I know, but its still gonna be so much fun!" Pinkie said to her. Suddenly, the lake above them began to open. Letting the plane rise out. "Oh whoa! Awesome!" Dan cried out. Meanwhile Runo, started feeling sick. "Ooohhh... my stomach... I think I'm gonna lose my lunch!" she cried out as teh plan took off at fast speeds. Fluttershy held up a barf bag in case if she does. "Here you go Runo." "Thanks Fluttershy..." Runo said to her as she held the bag. They made their way to Shun's house, where he and Rainbow Dash would be waiting for them on the roof. "Sir, I'm going to do a fly over Master Shun's dojo now." Kato said to them. Rainbow Dash looked to the plane and smirked. "See you inside Shun!" she said to him as she flew towards the Cargo doors. Shun at the time threw a line to the wing of the plan snaring it. Dan saw it as the plane lifted him off the ground. He scowled from seeing it. "He's such a show off!" he exclaimed. Rarity looked to Marucho as they got comfortable. "So Marucho darling, what do you have in mind for entertainment purposes?" she asked him. "Well not exactly... sorry there isn't even an in flight movie you guys. But would anyone like some peanuts or a moist towel perhaps...?" Marucho asked them as Shun walked in and sat next to Alice. Alice noticed it and looked away feeling nervous around him. Suddenly, the plane started to feel bit of a turbulence as it began to shake. She felt it and started to freak out, but Shun reached to her and held her close as the turbulence started to go away. "Sorry about that everyone, but we had bit of turbulence there for a moment. But its nothing to worry about now." Kato informed them. Shun sighed in relief and looked to Alice. "You okay Alice...?" he asked her. Alice looked to him surprised as she found herself being held in his arms. Her cheeks began to burn as they turned red as she looked at his eyes. "U-Um... yes, I'm alright Shun... but um..." she looked away from him for a bit. "Think you can let me go now...?" she asked him politely. Shun soon realized he was still holding her, and quickly let go. "S-Sorry... guess I kind of forgot there." he said to her. "No, its okay... you did nothing wrong." Alice assured him with a kind smile. "In fact, this is actually to first time I saw you look concerned." she said to him. "Uh... well I, I was just trying to make sure you were safe..." Shun said to her as he looked away with a small blush. "That's all..." he said to her. Alice smiled knowing what he really meant, the ponies noticed it as they looked to each other. Meanwhile Spike smirked at seeing it. "Smoochy, smoochy... someone's in lo-" before he could finish, Rainbow Dash slapped a piece of duck tape over his mouth. "Back to business... shouldn't we all get Applejack and Julie?" asked Rainbow Dash as she looked to the others. "That would take too much time, Julie lives in America, and its the opposite direction from Moscow, which is in Russia." Marucho explained to her. "Well, lets hope we'll find plenty of answers in Dr. Michael's lab." said Twilight as she looked outside with the others. Upon arriving over Moscow's airspace, the ponies marveled at the sight of the mountains and the forest beneath them. "Sir, we are entering Moscow's airspace..." Kato informed him. Alice looked around and found what they were searching for. "Look! There's my grandfathers laboratory! Down there!" she pointed out to it. The brawlers and ponies looked to it surprised. "Kato, can you put the plane down in that area?" Marucho asked him. "Why of course sir, no problem." Kato said to him as he went in for a landing. Inside the laboratory, the brawlers and the ponies opened the doors entering the interior of Dr. Michaels laboratory. Upon looking inside, it was empty. "Hello? Is anybody home?" Runo asked as she looked around. "Paging Dr. Michael!" Pinkie Pie called out as she looked around. Dan looked around seeing no one around. "There's no one here." "It kind of looks lived in..." Twilight said as she looked around. "I must admit Alice, I didn't expect it to be so clean." Rarity said as she looked around. "I was expecting it to be much dustier, filled with cobwebs all over the place." Fluttershy said as she flew around the room searching around. "That's because I come by every once in a while to clean." Alice said to them. Rainbow Dash and the other ponies walked into the lab to look around. "Man, and I thought tiddying Dan's room was tough." she said out loud. "HEY!!!" Dan exclaimed "Well, if there are any clues as to where my grandfather is, they would be here." said Alice as she looked around. "Okay guys, lets split up and see what we can find." Twilight said as she looked around with the other ponies. "Right, lets do this." Dan agreed with her and started looking around with his friends. Meanwhile, Drago and the others were starting to sense something in the room. "Tigrerra... do you feel it...?" he asked his Haos companion. "Yes Drago, I do." Tigrerra said to him. "Yeah, since we got here I've been feeling really jumpy!" said Preyas as he started hopping into the air. "I can't seem to shake it! I just want to jump up and down!" Drago immediately gave him an annoyed look. "You're always jumpy Preyas..." he said to him bluntly. "Whoa! Lighten up Draggy! You're the one who brought up the weird feeling in this place!" Preyas said to him only to jump up again only towards the controls. "WHOOOOAAAA!!!!!!" he cried out and landed safely on the controls. He sighed in relief only to step on a button causing a computer to turn on. Rarity jumped from hearing it as she looked to it. "Preyas what did you do?!" she asked him. "Oopsie!" Preyas looked to the screen seeing Dr. Michael. "Yikes! What a face!" he cried out. Alice looked to it and see's him. "My grandfather..." she walked over to the screen. "Michael...?" Dan asked as he walked to it as well along with the others. "What's he doing in the screen? He a screen saver?" Pinkie asked being silly as usual. "No... this must be one of his recordings before he disappeared." Twilight said as she looked to the screen. "Lets hear what it says." Alice played the video for them to hear it. "This is Michael G, recording from my research lab. Extraordinary things have been happening..." he started explaining. Meanwhile Julie and Applejack were one Marucho's Bakupod screen. "Hey! Let us see what's going on!" she said to them. "Oh, hold on." Marucho turned the screen for them to see the video. "Wow..." Applejack said as she looked at the screen. "Talk about front row seats..." "For the last few years, I have been developing a dimension transporter system. This system is designed to transport something from one place to another place instantaneously." Dr. Michael explained on the film. In Dr. Michael's lab before it was destroyed, he is working on the Dimensional Transporter hoping to get it working. "But one day while working in my laboratory, something very unusual happened." he explain as the Dimensional Transporter started to malfunction. He watched as thh transporter shined brightly, only to see it shatter as he shielded himself from the shards that were flying passed him. He looked to the transporter seeing a portal open before him as it pulled him in. "A major accident occured as I was conducting a routine experiment, although I didn't know it at the time. I later learned that inadvertadly opened a gate, to a different world." Michael opened his eyes finding himself in Vestroia, Pryus space to be exact. "It was to a place called Vestroia..." "So he did go to Vestroia! You smart cookie!" Pinkie called out. "Pinkie, shush!" Rarity said to her as she focused on the video. "And as unbelievable as it sounds, there were monster like creatures living there." Michael looked around but saw a familiar being appear before him. And surprise, surprise... "My name is Naga, tell me... how does a human like you end up in my world?!" Naga demanded to know. "And there I was... face to face with the Dragonoid called Naga..." Michael mentioned his name. Dan nodded knowing that everything Drago said was true. "It happened just like you said Drago." he said to him. "But what happened after that?" Twilight asked as she looked to the screen. Naga chuckled as he held up a card. "I could use this..." he said as he grinned at t. "What...? What is that card? What are you going to use it for?!" Michael asked him only to feel a gust of wind from Naga blow him away, causing him to black out. The moment he opened his eyes, he found himself in the middle of a forest in Moscow. "When I came to... I was back in the human world. But to my surprise, in our world six months have passed by." "I realized there... that time moves in different speeds in our world, and in the world of Vestroia. It is completely different as well. But even more surprising, the accident with the Dimension Transporter caused the protons in the field energy to collapse." Michael explained as a video of Alice's card was being examined. "And as a result, these protons subdivided, and fell to earth as card shaped energy bodies. During the six months I was gone, children had taken the cards that had been discovered all over the earth, and created the Bakugan game." Twilight was facinated by this information as she wrote down every word of it. "This is so amazing... to know that time works different ways in Vestroia? It could also apply to that of Equestria." she suggested as she looked to the others. "You sure Twilight?" Spike asked curiously. "Well its only a theory, but its possible that the Card we found with the chest somehow came through a wormhole, and crossed over into our world." Twilight theorized only to get surprised looks from the others. "What...?" "You do realize we don't speak Egghead right...?" asked Rainbow Dash with a blank expression. "Think of it as a way you go in and out of doors or gateway's." Twilight said to her as she looked to the video. "I was alarmed when I realized that these Bakugan, were the living creatures i saw in Vestroia. These card shape energy bodies were absorbing the living creatures in Vestroia, and then transporting them to our world. And it seems these creatures can only stay in the human world, in the form of a ball." Michael continued his explaination from the video. "A truly engenius transport system... it is only on the battlefield, which has the same dimensional structure as Vestroia that they could go back to their original forms. They have crossed over..." he said to them and walked off screen. "Hey! Don't go! Come back Dr. Michael! COME BACK!!!" Pinkie frantically tried to call him back while trying to press a few buttons. But Rainbow Dash kept her away from the buttons to make sure she didn't break anything. "Darn... come on, finish the story!" Applejack called out from Marucho's Bakupod. "Chill AJ, at least now we know Alice's grandfather did go to Vestroia. So, its all true." Runo said to her. Alice lowered her head knowing she should have told them sooner. "I'm sorry..." she apologized. Fluttershy flew up and touched her shoulder. "Alice, its not your fault... you don't need to apologize..." she said to her. "Yeah, besides I'm sure the old timer is just fine." Rainbow assured her. Soon a beeping sound was heard from the computer that caused her ears to twitch. She turned around only to see a person with green skin and purple hair appear on screen. "AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!" she screamed as she fell on the ground. "What is that a goblin?!!" she cried out in a panic. "Stay calm Rainbow Dash..." Shun said to her as he looked to the footage. "ALL HOPE IS LOST!!!" the being cried out. Alice looked at him as her eyes widened. "Grandfather?!" she asked in shock. "I am called Hal-G! Bow down before me!" he introduced himself acting like a warlord on a warpath. Dan looks to him in surprise. "Hal-G...?" he wondered. "Vestroia and the Human World will be destroyed by the power of the great Naga!" Hal-G roared out as he started cackling as the footage disappeared. "That guys got a few screws loose in his head." Spike said out loud. "What happened to him...?" Alice asked in worry. "Its the effects of Minus Power..." Drago informed them. "Minus Power...?" Twilight asked him. Tigrerra leaped onto Runo's shoulder and looked to them. "When we arrived here, Drago, Preyas and I all felt the Minus Power in this place." she said to them. "Yeah! It makes me jumpy!" Preyas said as his body was glowing blue. "Look how jumpy I am!" he cried out. "Whoa... that Minus Power really has an affect on you guys." Runo said as she looked at him. Shun looked to Skyress who rested on his shoulder. "Do you feel it Skyress...?" he asked her curiously. "Yes... all Bakugan exposed to Minus Power find their inner darkness grows, and they become ferocious. I assume its the same with humans as well. "Skyress said to them. "Over here!" Marucho cried out. "Everyone, look at this!" Applejack and Julie looked to him surprised. "What'cha got sugarcube?" Applejack asked him. "Me and Pinkie saw something on the video screen." Marucho said to her as he slowly rewinded the video. The Brawlers and the ponies looked at it but saw it was hard to see. "Its too dark, there's no way of identifying who it is." Twilight said to him. "Twilight... never underestimate this smart little boy, and never underestimate technology. Quickly Marucho, zoom in." Pinkie said to him as Marucho slowly zoomed in for a closer look. And shocker, guess who it is! "No way! Its Masquerade!" Dan cried out. "Hal-G and Masquerade...?" Shun asked in surprise. "So they've been working together!" Rainbow Dash said as she flared her nostrils. Marucho glared at the footage. "That figures...!" "Those creeps!" Runo and Rarity exclaimed in unison. Alice quickly covered her eyes and looked away. "My grandfather...! How can it be...?!" she asked in shock and sadness. "Hal-G said he works under Naga... so Naga must control Masquerade as well." Drago suggested as he looked to them. "That means we must find the Infinity Core before they do! Or else there will be dire consiquences for both our worlds." he said to them as it was also a warning. "But how? Where is it?" Dan asked him. "Dan's right Drago, we don't even know where to start looking for it." Twilight said to him. Suddenly from Dan's Bakupod... "There may be a clue to its whereabouts in Bakugan Valley." Gorem said to him as he appeared on the screen. Dan looked to them surprised. "Bakugan Valley...?" "We know that place... its near the caves by Julie's house, you can catch a lot of Bakugan there. Just stay away from any other critters that might be down there." Applejack said to them. "Lots of Bakugan...?" Fluttershy asked in surprise. "No humans have ever gone deep into those caves before..." Gorem said to them. Shun walked up and looked to Dan. "We still have to check it out." "Right, lets do it!" Dan said as he looked to the others. "Now, are you all with me?" he asked them earning an approvign nod from all of them. They headed back to the plane as Kato waited to start the engine. "Luckily it won't take us long to get to Bakugan Valley in this." Marucho said to them. Shun followed them only to stop and turn around sensing something. Dan and Rainbow Dash noticed and turned to him. "Hey Shun..." Dan called out... "What are you doing...? Lets go..." Rainbow finished for him as she walked with him back onto the plane. Shun stood in silence getting the feeling that they are being followed. So he kept it to himself for now until he knew for certain. He walked onto the plane to join the others, as the plane started its ascend. As it took off, Klaus and his team came out of hiding watching them wearing dark cloaks. "That's them... that's who we're going after..." said Klaus. Chan Lee grinned as he watched them. "Great... it'll be easy." Billy also formed a large grin on his face and nodded watching the plane take off. "See you soon... Bakugan Battle Brawlers..." said Klaus as he let out a dark chuckle. As the brawlers and ponies traveled to America, and were asleep at the time. All except Alice, she couldn't sleep after seeing what had become of her grandfather. Her heart felt torn to pieces from seeing what he become, she closed her eyes as tears formed in her eyes. "Why Grandfather Michael...? How could you become Hal-G and serve Naga...?" she asked in the form of a whisper. She suddenly felt a gentle touch on her shoulder and looked to the source, seeing it was Fluttershy. "Fluttershy...?" "I know seeing that must have hurt you, believe me... I would feel the same way if anything happened to my grandfather." Fluttershy said to her. "But we will fix this Alice, I promise, we will undo what Naga did to your grandfather." she said to her. "But... what if you can't...?" Alice asked her as tears fell. "What if he remains as Hal-G forever...? What if-" before she could finish her sentence, Fluttershy pulled her into a comforting hug to help her calm down. Tears formed in Fluttershy's eyes knowing what she's going through. "I'm not going to give up on my friends... so neither should you." she said to her as she held her. Alice knew she was kind, but she had no idea she was faithful in herself and her friends. She smiled and watched as Fluttershy rested next to her on the sofa. She smiled seeing her sleep as she fixed her hair a bit. (Flying Dreams belongs to The Secret of NIMH.) Alice; Dream by night, wish by day Love begins this way. Night's a friend with love to send Each new day She sang softly to Fluttershy as she slept, gaining Shun's attention as he watched the scene. Bless you heart Bless you soul Let your dreams come true Future songs and flying dreams, Wait for you Love it seems made flying dreams, so hearts could soar. Shun watched her in amazement, never before had he heard a voice so beautiful. Heaven sent these wings were meant to prove once more, that love is the key. As you wish as you will A kind smile formed across Alice's face as she watched Fluttershy sleep next to her, she felt so comfortable when she was with her. Like all her worries are put to rest. Dream a flying start Love and care The power's there Trust your heart Trust your heart Watching the scene, Shun saw a powerful connection between her and Fluttershy. Like a sisterly bond between them, that could never be broken. Suddenly a light chuckle could be heard, and he looked only to see Rainbow Dash grinning at him. "What...?" he asked. "You... like her..." Rainbow Dash pointed out. "I have no idea what you're talking about." Shun denied it. "Oh come on, I saw the way you looked at her." Rainbow said to him as a sly smirk formed across her face. "I may not be a romance nut like Rarity, but I know it when I see it. You might be tough as iron on the outside... but you're soft on the inside." Shun was totally in denial of the situation as he turned away. "Lets just focus on finding the Infinity Core, then find me a girlfriend..." "I'm multitasking." Rainbow said to him and went to sleep. Shun looked to Alice who was sound asleep at the time, he was relieved that she didn't hear the conversation between him and Rainbow Dash. He looked out the window wondering who could be following them, he had only one guess, and it could be Masquerade's servants. But instead of worrying about it, he decided to leave it alone for now until they arrived in Bakugan Valley. Meanwhile in Equestria, Solaria lead her daughters, along with Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor through a different part of the Everfree Forest. Shining Armor looked around not recognizing anything around him. "I've never seen tree's like these..." he mentioned to her. "Mainly because they are not of Equestria..." Solaria pointed out as she leads them through the forest. Cadance approached her with much curiosity. "Forgive me if I must ask but... where are you leading us...?" she wondered as she looked to her adoptive grandmother. Till suddenly she walked through a bush coming face to face with what appeared to be a statue of a Griffon Bakugan. She screamed from seeing it and backed away letting Shining Armor hold her. "What's that...?!" Shining Armor looked at it in surprise. Solaria giggled a bit. "That is the statue of a Bakugan called Griffon... sure it looks like a Chimera... but the creatures in Vestroia are different compared to the ones in Equestria..." she explained to them as she looked to a large structure. The Alicorn sisters looked to it as well and were surprised of what they saw. "Is that...?" Celestia began to ask but looked to her mother. "This was the first Bakugan Temple ever created in Equestria..." Solaria explained to them as she walked to it. "It was built years before you and Luna were born Celestia." she said as she looked to the wall drawings. Shining Armor and Cadance looked around as they entered the temple. They looked to some of the drawings seeing the Bakugan and surprisingly... Equestrian's living together. "Are those... ponies...?" he asked and looked to Solaria. "How is this possible...?" he asked her. "Eons ago... Ponies and Bakugan once lived side by side. We built everything... the union between the three Pony Tribes. The building of your castle when you were just little fillies. Even the Crystal Empire and Canterlot." she turned to them. "Everything in Equestria... was built with the help of the Bakugan... but there was one Bakugan." she mentioned as she looked to the wall seeing the carving of a dark overlord. "Who wanted to rule over both Ponies... and Bakugan... Vladitor." From hearing the very name... Celestia started to tremble as her memories of that day began to reemerge."Vladitor...?" she asked her. Giving a nod to her daughter, Solaria looked to the carving of him. "Nova and I tried to stop him... but he was too powerful. Even with the combined might of Tirek. Apollonir and Lars Lion were too weak to continue fighting against him... but Nova did the one thing... I never wanted him to do." she said as tears formed in her eyes. The sisters began to recall everything that happened that day. Vladitor's ambition... Tirek's madness... Nova's sacrifice. Celestia walked to her placing a wing around her mother. "We know it is hard... but we miss him more than you think mother." she said to comfort her. Cadance looked through the temple walls, looking at all the Bakugan that fought beside ponies. Suddenly she saw something that caught her eye. She approached a drawing of what appeared to be human... but it had wings, and the Six Attributes were swirling around him. "What's this...?" she asked while glancing to Solaria. "Another Bakugan...?" Solaria looked to it knowing what it is. "A prophecy... that has yet to pass." she said as she walked away. "But I know there will be one... who will take up the mantle." Shining Armor looked at the drawing, wondering what it could mean. But he walked away to keep up with the royals. "So, what happened to Vladitor...?" he asked in curiosity. "The Six Ancient Warriors of Vestroia destroyed him... and his partner Tirek was locked up in Tartarus Prison. Never to feed on pony magic ever again." Solaria explained and looked to Celestia. "You met one of the Ancient Warriors... the day you banished Luna." Celestia nodded as she rememebred that night. "I have been wondering who he was ever since he appeared. He did not give me his name until you mentioned it... Apollonir correct...?" she asked her. "Yes... he was Nova's partner back when we fought side by side. But after Vladitor's defeat... Equestria, and Vestroia... never saw each other again. The history to all ponies and Bakugan... faded for 1,100 years. All that is left, are these ruins we stand in as we speak." Solaria said to them as she looked to a wall that had the Six Attribute Worlds carved into it. "Equestria and Vestroia... had such amazing history." said Luna as she observed them. "But why tell us this now mother...? she asked her. "Because the destinies between humans, Bakugan, and ponies... have no become intertwined. And we must do everything we can to prevent Naga from obtaining the Infinity Core. Otherwise... all three of our worlds... will be destroyed by Naga's ambition." Solaria explained to them. Celestia, Luna, and Cadance looked to each other knowing that not only did the Ponies in the human world have a mission, but so did they. > Duel in the Desert > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A few days later in Julie's home town, in Bakugan Valley. She, Gorem and Applejack were waiting patiently for Dan and the others to arrive. But they have yet to arrive, and Julie was starting to get impatient. "Where are they, where are they...?!" she asked as she growled in frustration. "What is keeping them?! YOU'RE LATE!!! Oh you're like in so much trouble!" she cried out. "Simmer down there Julie, I'm sure they just got lost." Applejack said to her. Gorem turned around and looked to the sky. "They're here!" he called out. Julie and Applejack turned around seeing their plane flying down. "About time!" Julie cried out only to feel the plane fly over them as Julie was swept from her feet, but Applejack held the ground firmly as Julie rolled on the ground. Applejack ran to her to check on her and Gorem. "You two okay?" she asked. "No I'm not okay! They could have killed me!" Julie complained. The doors to the plane opened up, Dan, Twilight and the others looked out seeing Julie's home town. "Wow, we finally made it." said Dan with a bright smile on his face. "So we have Daniel..." Drago said to him. "Hey you guys!" Julie called out to them. "And there's Julie and Applejack!" Spike pointed out to them. "You don't know how glad I am to see you! Welcome to the Bakugan Valley!" Julie weclomed them as she ran to Dan and pulled him into a hug. "Its where I call home..." Dan blushed from her action. "Uhh... gee, thanks..." he thanked her. Runo squealed from seeing it. "That's enough Julie!" she yelled at her. "Nice to see you too Julie..." Marucho and Rarity said in unison. "I smell a cat fight...!" Preyas whispered to Spike. "Gee, how can you tell?" the little dragon asked him sarcastically... Meanwhile, Julie looked to the others. "I'm so glad you all could make it to my humble corner of the world. Especially you Dan... its so nice to meet you in the flesh!" she said as she giggled trying to squeeze him. Dan chuckled a bit but looked to Runo who was literally on fire, shooting an intense glare as Spike and Preyas start to panic. "Oh boy! She's gonna blow!" Spike cried out. "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!" Preyas cried out as he hid behind Marucho. Dan panicked from seeing how angry was, but Rarity took the chance to pull Julie away from Dan before things got ugly. "Julie, that will be enough of that. We didn't come here so you could flirt with Daniel." she said to her. "She's right, so listen up. Our mission is to find where the Infinity Core is." Twilight said as she looked out. "I'm ready when you guys are!" Spike said as he leaped onto Dan's shoulder. Dan smiled seeing it. "You said it little buddy! So guys, you ready?!" he asked them. "YEAH!!!" the Brawlers and Ponies cheered out. "Lets do it!" said Dan as he and the others began their mission. Upon looking at Bakugan Valley, they couldn't believe their eyes. "Whoa... this place is ginormous!" Spike cried out. "And kind of creepy... its like its almost live." Dan pointed out as the looked at the Valley. "This is where the Infinity Core lies... what we seek Daniel." Drago said to him as he rested on his shoulder. Dan looked at the valley feeling lost in thought. "Its down there somewhere... right Julie...?" he asked as he turned to her. "Yes! And then... maybe we can get some alone time... I've been waiting for this forever Dan, isn't that right Gorem...?" Julie asked her partner. Only to see Dan crash on the ground. "Ow... something just rolled under my foot!" Dan cried out. "Oh, that was just my Bakugan Gorem." Julie introduced him in person. "Hi!" they greeted him in unison. "He's quite a strong fella, I'll tell you that much." Applejack said to them. Julie giggled as she held Gorem getting lost in her train of thought. "Oh Gorem... stop being such a little stinker... isn't he the cutest little Bakugan ever...? And... he's mine..." she said as she was stuck in dream land. Gorem began to blush. "I'm not overly comfortable with this situation Julie..." he said to her and looked to the others. "My name is Gorem." "Hi Gorem..." the brawlers and ponies said in unison. "Also, Julie... would it hurt you to stop flirting with Dan? Because I'm pretty sure he's not into you." Spike said to her only to feel her grab his cheeks. "Coming from the dragon who has a crush on Rarity, you have no room to talk!" Julie yelled at him. "Alright, simmer down there Julie... lets focus on finding the Infinity Core." Applejack said to her and walked with the others into the Valley. Spike leaped onto Twilight's back and looked around. "Whoa... look at this place... its almost like Ghastly Gorge. Only without the Quarry Eels, the Thorny Vines, and the falling rocks. In fact, this place is a lot more beautiful. I could actually consider living here." he said as he looked around. "Well, welcome to Bakugan Valley Spike... but I guess you and everyone already knew that...?" Julie thought to herself but focused on the task at hand. "Anyway, the Infinity Core is here somewhere..." "But we have no clue where it is." Applejack finished her explaination as they enter one of the caves. "It will be like looking for a needle in the worlds biggest hay stack." said Rainbow Dash as she looked around. "Lets just hope we're going the right way..." Dan said as he followed Julie and Applejack. "Last thing I want is to get lost down here." Rarity looked around seeing very little light, and began to panic knowing what could be around them. "D-Daniel, please let me hold your leg..." she quickly grabbed it as she was unaware of who she grabbed. "This place is starting to scare me..." "Rarity... I'm not Dan..." said a familiar voice. Rarity looked up and saw it was Shun who she grabbed. "Oh!" she quickly let go of him. "I'm terribly sorry Shun, I didn't mean to-" "Its alright, just stay close to us, and nothing will happen." Shun said to her with a kind smile. Rarity saw it and smiled at him. "My... how courteous of you..." she said as she followed them. Julie looked around trying to recognize anything she and Applejack might have forgotten. "Hey... wait just one minute... I think we should try this way gang." she pointed down a tunnel. Runo meanwhile rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Oh great... I'm starting to think she knows..." she said only to mock her. "Hang on a second, are you jealous Runo...?" Dan asked smugly. Runo blushed and turned sharply towards him. "DON'T YOU DARE FLATTER YOURSELF!!!" she yelled at him. "Yeah... that is totally jealousy..." said Rainbow Dash as she arced her eyebrows. "Very much so." Fluttershy agreed. "Totally." Pinkie was second to agree. "Green with Envy." Rarity being the third to respond. "Definitely... you're like an open book..." said Twilight. "Not trying to split hairs here Runo, just stating the obvious." said Applejack as he assured her of the situation. "What she said..." Spike agreed with her. Julie quickly rushed up to her. "Hey! You better back off sister, if you know what's good for you! He's mine, got that?!" That did it... "DON'T TELL ME WHAT ISN'T MINE YOU BIG FLIRT!!!" Runo yelled at her with much fury in her voice. "Oh, I'm a flirt?! I am so not a flirt!" Julie completely denied it. "Oh, and by the way, nice hair." she said it to tease Runo... and it worked. "WHAT EVER! LETS FACE IT, WE'RE LOST!" Runo cried out as she tried looking around all in a panic. "WE NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE!" she screamed only for a group of bats to swoop down behind them. The brawlers and the ponies screamed from seeing them and quickly ducked down from being attacked by them. "This is insane!" Twilight exclaimed only to see a group of scorpions behind them. "Just when things couldn't get any worse!" she and the others screamed to the top of their lungs and ran away from them as fast as they could. As they ran, they crashed into a wall that caused it to collapse. They started to groan in agony from the fall. "Next time we go into a cave, make sure to check for and bats or scorpions..." said Rainbow Dash as she rubbed her muzzle. "Hey guys... you really need to see this!" Pinkie called out as she pointed to large crystals on the sealing. Julie looked to it in awe, as he jaw simply hit the ground. "Wow... this is amazing...! The lighting is perfect for make-up..." she said as she observed the chamber. "I can't help but agree, these crystals are simply dazzling..." Rarity agreed with her. At that time, Drago immediately floated in the air. "This... is the place..." he said as he and his fellow Bakugan floated in the air. "Drago...?" Dan watched as he and the others floated in the air. The Bakugan shot towards the crystals as light began to shine through out the room. The brawlers and the ponies shielded their eyes from the light, only to open them and see Vestroia itself. "W-What's happening...?" Applejack asked. "No clue AJ..." Rainbow responded to her. "This is too freaky!" Julie cried out. "Calm down, there's got to be a simple explaination for this." said Marucho as he looked around. "Marucho's right, from what we can tell, this is all a vision." Twilight explained to them as she looked to the Six Attribue Worlds. Shun looked at them as he hovered over Ventus Space. "Is this...?" he began to ask... "Yes..." Drago responded as the Brawlers and the Mane Six looked to him and the others. "Our dimension..." Dan was surprised from hearing it. "You sure...?" he asked him only to feel a strange red aura form around him. "What the...?!" Twilight felt it as well as she saw the same aura of red around her. "What's going on...?" Shun looked to himself seeing a green aura form around him. "Its just like before during our battle with Masquerade..." he said as he looked to Rainbow Dash. "Do you feel it Rainbow?" he asked her. "Sure do..." Rainbow replied to her as she looked to the aura around her. Pinkie looked at the blue aura around her and giggled. "Oh I really love blue! Marucho, what do you think?!" she asked her with a bright smile. "Yeah, really brings out your yes..." Marucho replied to her with a blush and was surrounded by the same aura. Julie looked at the orange aura around her and looked to Applejack who had the same color. "This is freaky..." "Sure is... I feel like all my muscles have been turned to rock." Applejack said to her. Rarity looked at the purple aura around her amazed. "Well, I've always loved purple, but for it to wrap around my body is kind of bizarre." Runo noticed a yellow aura wrap around Fluttershy and saw it was also around her. "What's going to happen?" "I don't know, and I don't think I want to find out." Fluttershy said as she tried to hide herself. The six brawlers and ponies felt their bodies get pulled into the worlds their partners came from. Within the realm of Haos, Runo, Fluttershy, Rarity and Tigrerra found themselves in what's left of Tigrerra's home. "Now what...?" Runo asked feeling worried. "This is Haos... where I was born..." said Tigrerra as she observed her world. "But its... changed..." "And there also seem's to be Darkus here as well...." Rarity pointed out. Fluttershy heard the sadness in Tigrerra's voice and raised her hoof beneath Tigerra to have her perched. "Tigrerra, I'm so sorry for your home..." she showed her sympathy to the tiger. "If this happened to Equestria, I would do anything to change it back." said Rarity as she looked down "And I pray that this never happens to your world you two... from everything you and your friends told me. Your world is just as wonderful as Vestroia..." Tigrerra said to them as she wished she could smile at the moment. Suddenly, from both Darkus and Haos... two small sphere's appeared and floated to both Rarity and Fluttershy. "Oh my... what's this...?" Rarity asked. "I'm not sure..." Fluttershy responded just as confused. "They... they look like..." before Runo could finish... both sphere's shined brightly in front of them. Meanwhile in what was Aquos Space, Marucho and Pinkie Pie observed what was around them. "Where are we?!" Marucho asked as he looked around. "It looks like we're in Aquos Space..." Pinkie said as she looked around. "Welcome to Aqua Town! But who rearranged the furnature?!" he exclaimed. "How could any of this happen...? This is just... sad..." Pinkie admitted seeing the state its in. Marucho immediately touched her shoulder. "We'll fix this somehow... never forget that Pinkie." he said to her with a bright smile. Pinkie smiled only to see a blue sphere appear before her. "Oooohhh... shiney..." she went to touch it, but it shined brightly in from of them causing them to scream. In Subterra Space, or at least what's left of it... Julie, Applejack and Gorem watched in horror of what was going on. "Gorem...?" Julie began... "What the hay is going on here?!" Applejack finished the question. "Our world is morphing into evil!" Gorem exclaimed as he observed the change in his world. "I've seen some really messed up things done to places and ponies I've known... but this has gone too far!" Applejack cried out only to see an orange sphere appear before her. "What in tarnation...?" she reached to it sensing its power. And like the previous sphere's that appeared before it, its light shined brightly as everything became white. In Ventus Space, Shun and Rainbow Dash looked around Skyress's home in shock. "This is Ventus Space...?" she asked only to see a Ventus Falconeer fly passed them. "Whoa!" "Bizarre..." said Shun as he watched the Falconeer disappear. "Don't worry you two, you're safe... we do not exist in this dimension." Skyress explained to them as she looked to a swirling tornado. "We are merely observers here." Rainbow looked on at the chaos that was going around Vestroia. "I can't believe Naga did all this... its... its just insane!" she cried out in anger. "I know how you feel Rainbow Dash... but we mustn't let this chaos go any further." Shun said to her to lift her spirits. Rainbow stayed silent for a moment, but a green sphere appeared before her perking up her curiosity. She knew it must have been something, so she reached to it and grabbed it causing it to shine brightly fading everything to white. Meanwhile in Pyrus Space, Dan, Twilight, and Drago watched as both Fire and Wind flowed around them. "Okay Drago, fill us in on what's happening." "Our two worlds are colliding with each other... causing Vestroia to collapse." Drago explained to them. "For real...?" Dan asked him. "Its all because of that monster Naga, isn't it...?" Twilight asked him as she looked around. "If this keeps going, Vestroia will disappear forever..." she said as she started clenching her teeth. "Now its clear... now I truly understand why me and my friends were sent here. We need to help save Vestroia and the human world...! But we need to find the Infinity Core to do it." "You couldn't be more right Princess Twilight..." a mysterious voice called out as a red sphere appeared before he shining brightly. Dan and Twilight flinched from seeing it as they returned to their world. Dan screamed and fell to the ground with Twilight. Alice and Spike saw it filled with concern. "Could someone explain what happened...?" Spike asked them. "What did you see...?" Alice asked them. "Chaos..." Twilight said to them. "No kidding..." Dan agreed with her. "Yeah..." Runo nodded. "I must admit, that totally surprised me..." Marucho said to them. "Vestroia..." Julie said only to feel the ground shaking. They began to panic from what was happening, the sealing was starting to collapse. "Run! This place is caving in!" Dan cried out as he grabbed Alice and ran off with the others. "Come on, hurry ya'll!" Applejack cried out as she ran trying to avoid any falling rocks. "Get me out of here!" Runo cried out. "Hang on!" Twilight thought quickly as her horn began to glow, using her teleportation spell to get them all out to safety as the cave collapsed. They sighed in relief and looked to the cave seeing it was closed off be large rocks. "Wow... that was too close for comfort..." "You got that right Twilight... and I never thought I'd say this, but I love magic!" Dan cried out. Shun at the time was lost in thought. "There has got to be some kind of link to this valley and Vestroia, and we got to find out what that link is." he said to them. "Shun's right, it could be a portal to the Bakugan World." Rainbow Dash agreed with him. "But how did it show us Vestroia...? And why didn't Alice and Spike see it...?" Fluttershy asked them. Dan looked to Spike and Alice in curiosity. "I guess Alice and Spike didn't see it because they don't have Bakugan." "What surprised me... is the rate of which Vestroia is being destroyed." Drago said to them. "More than you know Drago..." a familiar voice called out to them, causing the brawlers and the ponies to look around. "That voice... I heard it before..." Twilight looked around, and found six Bakugan sitting on a rock. "There!" she pointed to them. Dan and the others walked to them curiously but cautiously. "Whoa... who are these guys...?" he wondered. "I don't know, I've never scene them before..." Drago said to them only to see them open up. "We are the Bakugan of the Equestrian Battle Brawlers." said the Pyrus Bakugan who stood before them. The Mane Six gasped in surprise. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! You mean, you're our Bakugan Partners?!" Rainbow Dash asked in surprise. "Yes we are Rainbow Dash..." the Ventus Bakugan leaped to her landing in her hoof. "My name is Ventus Avion, an Eagle Warrior with the strength and speed to aid my allies in battle. Starting today, I will be your partner Rainbow Dash." he Introduced himself to her. At that moment, Rainbow Dash couldn't believe it. A Bakugan found her and chose her to be her partner, a bright smile formed across her face. "YYYYYYES!!!! I got myself a partner! Aw yeah!" she cheered out. The Aquos Bakugan leaped over to Pinkie Pie landing in her hoof, opening up revealing herself. "My name is Aquos Scylla! You might mistake me for a sweet little Bakugan, but my enemies will find I have a lot more bite than bark." she introduced herself to her partner. "Ooooh! I think you and I are gonna have a lot of fun together, don't you think Scylla...?" Pinkie asked her with a bright smile. "Oh you have no idea Pinkie Pie." said Scylla as she giggled. The Haos Bakugan levitated and floated in front of Fluttershy, opening up revealing her form. "My name is Haos Elvia... like Monarus, I am a fairy type Bakugan. My powerful yet gentle wings will help protect you Ms. Fluttershy..." she said to her as she bowed to her like a ballerina. Only she was in ball form. "Oh my, it is very nice to meet you Elvia." Fluttershy said to her with a smile. Rarity found the Darkus Bakugan roll up to her, opening himself up to reveal his true self. "I am Darkus Lancelot... a Knight type Bakugan. As your sword, I will defend the helpless." he said to his partner. "My goodness, it is an honor to meet you Lancelot." Rarity greeted him with a kind smile. "The honor is all mine Lady Rarity, for you are more beautiful than any diamond in the world." Lancelot complimented her, only to cause her face to turn red as a cherry. She giggled from hearing it, knowing it was a well placed compliment. Spike meanwhile, was fuming with jealousy. "Hey! Back off pal, I saw her first!" he exclaimed to him. "How dare you speak to me that way you knave! Especially in front of Lady Rarity!" Lancelot argued with him getting into a jealousy spat. Runo's eyes were half open as she formed a smirk across her face. "Is it like this everyday when guys see you...? If so, I'm so glad my life isn't like yours..." she said to her. Meanwhile, the Subterra Bakugan rolled to Applejack opening up from her ball form looking to her partner. "My name is Subterra Centorea... a noble Centaur Bakugan, beginning as of today, you Applejack are my master. I will be thy shield for whom ever decides to harm us." she said to her. Applejack knew she might have a strong Bakugan, but her speech was just strange to her. "Even though I understand bit of your fancy talk... I'll gladly take you as my partner." she said to her. Twilight picked up the Pyrus Bakugan with her magic looks at him. "And you are...?" "I am Pyrus Bahamut, a Dragonoid type Bakugan like Drago. And like him, I am the leader of this group you see before you. Just as Dan is leader of his team, you Princess Twilight, are just as strong a leader as he is. We were sent from Vestroia to aid you in this time of crisis... and speaking of crisis..." Bahamut quickly turned around and saw two figures standing on the hill. They were cloaked, but Bahamut knew exactly who they were underneath. Meanwhile in Equestria, Solaria winced in pain sensing something from the two Brawlers. Celestia noticed it and rushed to her mothers side. "Mother...? What's wrong...?" she asked her in concern. "This feeling...." Solaria rubbed her head. "Naga's influence has gotten stronger..." she looked to the Tree of Harmony seeing the two Brawlers. "I fear the ponies and the battle brawlers are about to face their toughest challenge yet..." Celestia looked to them knowing that her mothers words are true... but will Dan, Twilight and their friends defeat these brawlers before things escallate. The fate of both their worlds depends on their strength and courage to defeat the challengers that face them now. "Hey! What do you think you're doing down there?!" a familiar voice called out to them getting their attention. Dan looked to them surprised. "Who are those dudes...?" he asked in curiosity. Applejack immediately recognized his voice as the two brawlers leaped down to them."What's the deal...?" "I think its obvious to who it is... right Billy...?" Applejack asked him. With a sly smirk, Billy stood up removing his hood along with Komba. Julie was surprised when he saw him. "Billy...? What in the world are you doing here?" she asked as she started to giggle. "I wasn't aware that this remote environment was inhabited..." said Marucho as he looked at them. "Yeah, these are my neighbors, Billy's the blondey, and that's Komba." Julie introduced them. "And I doubt that they're here for a social visit." Applejack pointed out as she stood her ground defensively. "You are correct Applejack, these fiends aren't the friends Julie used to know." said Centorea as she stood by her partner. "Hey Brawlers, what are you doing all the way out here snooping around...?" Billy asked them as the Brawlers began to sense the negative energy around him. A small chuckle came out of Komba as he stepped up. "Wait a sec, you losers up for a little game...?" he asked them as he and Billy removed their cloaks. "Well, are ya Chumps...?" he asked as he and Billy revealed their Doom Cards and Baku Shooters. "Its the Doom Card!" Runo exclaimed. Dan and Twilight glared at them knowing where they got them. "You must be Masquerade's lackies!" Twilight exclaimed to them as her horn glowed. Julie stood up immediately and glared at her friend. "Why would you join up with that creep Billy?!" she demanded to know the truth from him. "Because your friends here... are whimps!" Billy said to her. "We're gonna give them a lesson in Bakugan, so which one wants to lose first?" Komba asked with a smug grin. Dan's anger immediately shot up from hearing their harsh words. "Why you little...!" Before he could take on their challenge, Shun and Rainbow Dash stepped up before he could. "This one's ours..." he said to them. "Shun, Rainbow Dash...?" Dan looked to them surprised. Meanwhile, Billy and Komba were laughing at them. However... Julie saw just how much her best friend had changed. "Billy..." she lowered her gaze looking away from him. "I used to like you once upon a time..." she thought to herself. But she brushed those thoughts away and stood up with Applejack. "No...! Lets Tag Team!" she cried out. "Billy, you're about to face your worst nightmare, I promise you that you arrogant little punk!" Applejack exclaimed as she pulled out a card along with Julie. "Bakugan, Field Open!" the cried out as they entered the Pocket Dimension Battlefield. As the six Attribute Worlds circled around them, they pulled out their Gate Cards preparing for battle. "Gate Card Set!" they tossed their cards to the field seeing them expand. At that time, Billy and Komba pulled out their Doom Cards. "Doom Card Set!" they called out as they tossed their cards to the field letting them affect the playing field. Billy smirked as he lowered his hat. "You ready to play...? Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in his Hynoid onto the field. "Subterra Hynoid Stand!" he called out as Hynoid emerged on the field, snarling at its opponents. "Kay, you're turn... that's if you got the guts." "Yeah chumps, lets see what you can do when you take on the best." Komba egged them on with a smug look on this face. "Okay, now its my turn!" Julie cried out only to see Shun walk up. "No... let Rainbow take care of him." Shun said to her as Rainbow walked up. "What...?" Julie felt surprised from what he said. "He's right Julie... this could be a perfect oppurtunity to try out Avion in the first round." Rainbow said to her and looked to her partner. "You ready for this Avion...?" she asked her. "I'm ready when ever you are Rainbow Dash." Avion said to her as he curled up into Ball Form. Rainbow nodded and loaded him into her Baku Shooter and stood ready. "Bakugan Brawl!" she shot him to the field. "Ventus Avion Stand!" she called out as Avion stood on the field. A tornado shot up into the air surprising both Hynoid, and Billy. "What's that?!" Billy asked as he watched the tornado disappear. Revealing Ventus Avion. His wings were wrapped around him, but he opened them to show his true form. His head was that of an Eagle with three crests on the side of his head with gold strands on the tips, he had the body of a man, but the wings and feet of the bird he represented. He even had gold shoulder guards, his chest armor was dark green along with his hands and feet. He stood before them as he crossed his arms glaring at his opponents. "I am Ventus Avion, Winged Lord of the Sky! And I won't let your master obtain the Infinity Core!" he warned the with a powerful glare. "WOW!!! Avion, you look so awesome!" Rainbow cried out to him. Meanwhile, Billy was not as impressed. "Oh please, like he stands a chance! Bakugan Gate Card Open!" he called out as a the Sahara desert appeared around them. "Time to pluck that overgrown chicken! Ability Card Activate! Desert Thunder!" he called out as Hynoid mysteriously disappeared. "Hynoid Power Level 460 G's." said the Bakupod. "Ha! I'm running circles around you!" Rainbow only smirked at the situation. "You think you know speed...? Why I can practically see him clear as day, Ability Card Activate!" she threw it at Hynoid's shadow forcing him to hold still. "Shadow Scratch pal!" she called out to him. "Hynoid Gate Card has been nulified. Calculating counter ability. Reducing Hynoid Power Level by 150 G's." said the Bakupod. "Rainbow's Ability Card virtually wiped out Billy's power advantage." sais Marucho as he observed the battle. "Thatta girl Rainbow!" Preyas cheered for her. Hynoid began to tremble in fear as he looked at Avion. "You will know the true meaning a fear!" he said to his opponent. "Ability Card Activate! Hurricane Fury!" Rainbow called out as a tornado formed around Avion. Lightning began striking from it as Avion charged straight towards Hynoid, tackling it and forcing it to return to Ball Form landing next to Billy. "No Way!" Billy cried out in shock. Avion reverted back to Ball Form and returned to Rainbow Dash. "Avion, you were amazing! No, better than amazing, you were SO AWESOME!!!" she cried out. "Thank you Rainbow Dash, but this battle is not yet over." Avion advised her. "He's got that right you rainbow haired freak!" Billy called out to her. That immediately made her snap from it. "Oh you just made a huge mistake buddy...!" Rainbow said to him as her teeth were grinding against each other. Kombat chuckled knowing Rainbow was right about that. "Nice one, that's why you're ranked sixth. But not for long!" he leaped into the air readying his Bakugan. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot in a completely new Bakugan to the field. "El Condor Stand!" he called out as El Condor emerged in its true form. El Condor is a shaman-like Bakugan in a mysterious totem shape. He has amazing ability to fly, soaring like a giant condor over its opponents in battle. El Condor can neutralize its enemies with a dazzling laser beam and then attacks his opponents. "Whoa, talk about freaky!" Applejack exclaimed as she looked at it. "Now its my turn! Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed in her Tuskor to the field. "Tuskor Stand!" she called out as Tuskor emerged on the field roaring out. "Brawlers lead by ten G's." said the Bakupod. "Ability Card Activate! Nose Slap!" Julie called out as Tuskor's trunk lengthened and struck at El Condor. "So here's the good news you little squirt! My Tuskor's Nose Slap ability can battle against you, even if you don't open your gate card!" she said to him. But Komba only smirked as he pulled out a new Ability Card. "Ability Card Activate! Blow away!" he called out as a tornado swirled around Tuskor forcing him to get lifted into the air. Julie gasped from seeing it. "Tuskor!" she cried out. "Too bad... your pet pachyderm is no match for my Blow Away Ability. Cause in neutralizes your lame ability!" Komba explained to her. Everyone started to panic as tuskor started falling towards them and landed on the same card as El Condor. "Aw snap! That kids Bakugan landed your Tuskor on his Gate Card!" Dan exclaimed. "Gate Card Open!" Komba called out as the Gate Card opened up a world of whirl winds and tornado's, empowering El Condor to finish off Tuskor. "Opponent power gain 100 G's." said the Bakupod. El Condor's eyes began to glow, shooting a blast of energy at Tuskor, blasting it to the Doom Dimension. "TUSKOR!!!" Julie cried out as she watched her Bakugan go straight to the Doom Dimension. Fluttershy flew up to her and gently touched her shoulder. "I'm so sorry Julie..." she said to her. "You did the best you could in the situation..." Elvia said to her. El Condor returned to Komba as he let out a smirk. "Tough luck... but that's what you get for playing against the best. That's me..." he boasted only to get on Billy's nerves. "Zip it!" Billy yelled at him and pulled out a new Gate Card. "Gate Card Set!" he tossed it to the field preparing for the next match. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in his Wormquake to join the battle. "Wormquake Stand!" he called out as the monstrous worm emerged on the field, digging through the ground and snarling viciously. "Come on Julie, your turn..." Julie grew angry but Shun stepped up. "Let me... Bakugan Brawl!" he shot his Ravenoid to the field. "Ravenoid Stand!" he called out as it emerged on the field. "Battle continues." said the Bakupod. Komba glared at him. "Time to blow you away! Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed his El Condor back onto the field. "El Conder Stand!" he called out as it emerged on the field to face Ravenoid. "Brawler is behind by 10 G's." the Bakupod informed them. "Gate Card Open! Character!" Shun called out as the Ravenoid Character Card activated. "Assessing brawler power, power doubled to 660 G's." the Bakupod calculated. Komba smirked as he pulled out his next Ability Card. "Pretty smooth move Shun, but your useless little move won't last long! Ability Card Activate! Solar Plexus!" he called out as sparkling lights glimmered down over Ravenoid. "What's happening?!" Rainbow asked feeling worried. "Sorry pal, but my ability trumps yours big time." Komba said to Shun as Ravenoid's power decreased. "Brawler power reduction, to 280 G's." the Bakupod recalculated as El Condor powered up and blasted it to the Doom Dimension. Dan and the others watched as Ravenoid went to the Doom Dimension. "They even beat Shun's Ravenoid... what do we do now Tigrerra...?" Runo asked her partner. As regretable as it seems... Tigrerra didn't know what to do. "Even I do not have the answer..." she replied to her. Komba smirked as he caught El Condor. "Hope you don't mind if I give you rookies a little hint, in the Bakugan big leagues... you go up against big abilities!" he said to them with a chuckle. Shun glared at them. "Now let me give you a little hint... this game is about strategy, and that you don't get." he informed them. Komba chuckled at him to show he didn't care. Billy even smirked from hearing it. "Its time to put these clowns away Komba." he said to him. "Enough tough talk Billy! Lets battle!" Julie cried out as she pulled out her next Bakugan. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed in her Rattleoid to the field. "Rattleoid Stand!" she called out as her rattle snake type Bakugan emerged on the field, hissing at its opponents. At that time, Billy only smirked as he prepared for his next throw. "Hope you're ready... Bakugan BRAWL!!!" he threw in his partner to the field. "Cycloid Stand!" he called out as Cycloid emerged on the field with a new hammer. "Battle continues." said the Bakupod. "So that's Cycloid, I've never seen a Bakugan so big." Twilight said as she observed him. "He ain't nothing... he's just an enormous blowhard!" Spike pointed out. Cycloid at the time let out a chuckle. "Oh, Cycloid see yummy Bakugan and ponies for lunch!" he said as he grinned at them. "Why that no good brute!" Rarity exclaimed to him. "Calmy yourself Lady Rarity, our friends will handle him." Lancelot said to her as she started to calm down. "Enough! Don't think I'm afraid of a one eyed, overgrown, freak of nature! Gate Card Open! Character!" Julie called out as her Rattleoid Character Gate Card began to activate. "Brawlers power doubled to 600 G's." said the Bakupod. Julie was close to winning, but Billy had other idea's. "Ability Card Activate! Left Giganti!" he called out as Cycloid's hand grew in size. "WHOA!!!! I did not see that coming!" Pinkie cried out in a panic. "I did!" Applejack said as she watched Cycloid raise his hand up high, roaring out as he slammed his hand on the Gate Card causing it to shatter. Julie screamed from seeing it. "Oh no, I forgot about that move!" she cried out. "Left Giganti negates Character." said the Bakupod as Rattleoid's power decreased. "I'm the Subterra Master! And girl, you're going down! Its Hammer Time Cycloid!" Billy called out to him as Cycloid raised his hammer and slammed it against Rattleoid, sending it straight to the Doom Dimension. "Rattleoid!" Julie cried out as she fell to her knee's starting to cry. "Julie...!" Applejack touched her shoulder trying to comfort her. "Man, that was a total snooze fest. Rumor had it that you were good..." Komba antagonized them, only to feel a card scratch his face as it flew passed him. He looked to who threw it, and saw that it was Shun. He shot a menacing glare at him that could cut steel in half. "Sometimes rumors are true..." Shun said to them as his card landed on the field. "And twice now... you just made the biggest mistake of your life." Rainbow Dash said to them sharing a similar glare. Komba only chuckled humorously. "Oh really...? Well if you're so tough pony girl, lets see you back it." he egged her on. Billy at the time looked to him annoyed. "SHUT YOUR YAP!!!" he yelled at him. Shun loaded his next Bakugan. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in his Monarus to the field. "Monarus Stand!" he called out as Monarus emerged on the field spreading her wings. Komba alsso tossed in a Gate Card. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed it to the field seeing it land. "El Condor Stand!" he called out as El Condor showed up for another round. Meanwhile, Gorem looked at Julie feeling worried. "Julie..." he called to her as he watched her cry "Dry your tears..." "He's right Julie... nows not a time to be crying." Applejack said to her as she looked to Billy's Wormquake. "Because we're here to end your sadness... right Centorea?" she looked to her partner. "Verily... let us show this brat how a true Subterra Brawler fights." Centorea said to her as she curled up into ball form. Applejack immediately loaded her into her Baku Shooter and looked to Julie. "Don't worry Julie... we'll get back at them for what happened to Rattleoid and Tuskor... along with Ravenoid, and Cycloid will be all yours." she said to her as she turned to Wormquake. Julie looked at her surprised but began to smile as she grabebd Gorem and dried her tears. "Thanks Applejack... thanks a lot, you're a sweetie... just as well as Gorem." she said to her. Applejack smiled and nodded to her and looked to the battlefield. "Bakugan BRAWL!!!" she threw Centorea onto the field. "Subterra Centorea Stand!" she called out as her partner began to emerge on the field. "Whoa, what the...?!" Komba looked to the Bakugan seeign her for what she is. Subterra Centorea has knight like armor surrounding her body, long blonde hair, green eyes, and a crown with a center jewel inside it. Do not get caught in her crosshairs, because she will trample you. She stood firm as she crossed her arms in front of her. "I am Subterra Centorea! Servant of Applejack, and noble warrior of Subterra Space! Challenge me and I will repay thee in spades!" she warned them as she prepared for battle. "Hoowee! Now that's what I call a Bakugan! Lets see what you're made of!" Applejack called out to her. "Gate Card Open!" Billy called out as the Gate Card opened. "New field..." said the Bakupod. "BATTLE!!!" Applejack and Billy called out in unison. Wormquake charged at Centorea to take a bite out of her. But she managed to dodge its attacks, despite having four legs. She saw it come at her again but she managed to grab hold of it. "Thou shall not feast on me tonight, unruly BEAST!!!" she yelled and pushed it away turning her rear towards Wormquake, launching her hind legs kicking it square in the torso. "Ability Card Activate! Power Charge!" Applejack called out as the card glowed brightly. Centorea's body began to glow brightly as she summoned a shield and lance. "Let us see you withstand this!" she charged at it and rammed the lance against Wormquake causing it to shriek and return to Ball Form, landing next to Billy. "YEEHAW!!! Now that's how its done!" Applejack cheered. "Nice work AJ!" Julie cheered with her. "Sweet!" Dan cheered as well. "Hold on... the Gate Card...!" Alice panicked as everyone turned to her. "Centorea, she's not safe! Get out of there!" she cried out to her. But before she could, Centorea felt her legs sinking down. "What trickery is this?! What's happening?!!" she stuck her lance in solid ground to keep herself from sinking further. "Centorea!" Applejack cried out. "Ah yeah! I love this game!" Billy yelled out with a smirk. "That's frozen quicksand... when a Bakugan lands on the specific Gate Card, it gets swallowed up by quicksand." Alice explained the rules of the card to them. Billy chuckled. "Looks like your useless Bakugan is up to her waist in trouble..." Billy said to them. Centorea struggled to stay above ground. "You lowly swine! You will pay for this, that I promise you!" she warned him. "Its like I told you, I'm the Subterra Master! And I dominate Earth! Bakugan Brawl!" Billy tossed Cycloid into the field. "Cycloid Stand!" he called out as Cycloid emerged on the field. "We gotta do something!" Rainbow cried out. Cycloid chuckled as he looked at Centorea. "As pretty as you are... I'm afraid its time to say adios!" he said to her as he raised his hammer about ready to send her to the Doom Dimension. "Ability Activate! Scarlet Twister!" Shun called out as Monarus used her power to make Centorea disappear. Making Cycloid miss his mark. Billy panicked when he saw it. "No! This can't be happening!" he cried out. Centorea appeared on the field Monarus was on. "Centorea has returned to her card safely." said the Bakupod. "I am in your debt Monarus..." she thanked her for saving her life as Monarus returned to Ball Form. Centorea took the chance to also return to Ball Form and return to Applejack. She looked to Shun in worry. "Shun, you sacrificed Monarus!" Shun looked away knowing what he was doing. "Well, that was stupid... Gate Card Set!" Komba tossed in his next Gate Card. "What a total waste of a Bakugan! Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in a new Bakugan. "Bee Striker Stand!" he called out as a bee type Bakugan appeared on the field. Bee Striker is a massive Bakugan with gigantic wings and a huge stinger. It is a sleekly, dangerous fighter with a lethal stinger used to greatly effect its opponents. Bee Striker uses its large wings to create a massive tornado to blow away and defeat its enemies."Ventus Bee Striker! Now... for my Tripple Chain Wind move..." "Bakugan Brawl!" Julie called out as she tossed in Gorem to face off against El Condor. "No way am I falling for that again! Go Gorem!" she called out to him. "I wouldn't bet on it! Gate Card Open!" Komba called out as teh Gate Card started to glow. Julie immediately pulled out an ability card. "I'll take that bet Komba, and raise you! Ability Card Activate! Magma Prominence" she tossed it to the field as it went from Green to Orange. "My ability lets me change the cards attribute to Earth!" she informed Komba catching him off guard. "Brawler's power increase to 480 G's." the Bakupod informed them. "You're kidding!" Komba cried out only to see Gorem raise his hands up and slaps them together crushing El Condor forcing it back into Ball Form. Komba panicked and looked to Gorem who was clearly glaring at them. "You don't control the earth element... you feed off of it!" he said to them. Julie smiled with much happiness. "YAY!!!" she cried out. "Oh Yeah...?!" Billy glared at them. "Alright Skyress... lets lock and load." Shun said as he prepared for the next battle. "Bakugan Brawl!" he launched her to the battlefield where Bee Striker was. "Skyress Stand!" he called out as fire shoots up to the sky. Skyress descended from the clouds and spread her wings, letting out a screech. "Battle continues." said the Bakupod. "Sneak attack huh?! Gate Card Open! Quartet Battle Activate!" Komba called out as the Gate Card Activated. "Go Harpus!" he said to her as Harpus flew into the Battlefield along with Applejack's Centorea. Harpus emerged onto the field in her true form giggling. "I'm Harpus!" she cried out as she started laughing maniacally. "So, it looks like its me against you sister! Or should I call you grandma?" she laughed humorously only to get on Skyress's nerves. "Why you insolent litte hatchling!" Skyress immediately lost her temper. "Calm thy self Skyress... we will teach this little feather duster some respect." Centorea said to her. That remark immediately hit Harpus like a ton of bricks. "WHO YOU CALLING FEATHER DUSTER HORSE BUTT!" she returned the insult. For the moment, Centorea tried to stay calm. But... how can she not react to that...? "On second thought, let thy rage out." she said to her. Komba pulled out his next ability. "Ability Card Activate! Feather Swarm!" he called out as his card began to glow. "This is going to blow you away honey!" Haprus blasted her with large gust of wind filled with sharp feathers at Skyress. "Ability Activate! Shield Wall!" Applejack called out as Centorea leaped in front of Skyress summoning a large shield blocking Harpus's attack. "Show some respect Haprus!" Centorea warned her as she unleashed a menacing glare. "Uh-oh...!" Harpus began to panic. "Ability Card Activate! Green Nobility - Violent Winds!" Shun called out as Skyress was engulfed with green flames. Her eyes glowed through the flames glaring at Harpus. She tried not to tremble in fear, but Harpus's face showed just how afraid she was. "I think I'm in trouble...!" she cried out as Skyress charged at her. She screamed as she was hit by the full force of Skyress's Violent Wind attack, and returned to Ball Form, landing next to Komba. Komba screamed from seeing it and looked to Centorea. "Get that overgrown insect Centorea!" Applejack called out to her. "With pleasure!" Centorea charged at Bee Striker summoning her lance. She twirled it around and swung it toward the giant bee, swatting it away forcing it back into Ball Form as Komba screamed for a second time seeing it. "ALRIGHT!!!" Dan and the others cheered out. "Now that's how you brawl!" Spike cheered out. "Yes, and now there's only Cycloid to defeat." Drago pointed out as he looked to him. "You got this Julie, show him who's a real Subterra Brawler." Twilight said to her. "You got it... I'll take care of him. Bakugan Brawl!" Julie tossed Gorem to the field. "Say goodbye to your Cycloid Billy!" she warned him as Gorem transformed in mid flight. Tackling Cycloid trying to knock him down, but Cycloid held his ground against the colossus. "This isn't over yet! Ability Activate! Right Giganti!" Billy called out as Cycloid's took his hammer and tried to strike at Gorem. But Gorem blocked his attacks with his shield. "Cycloid's power is draining!" Komba cried out seeing it. "Cycloid power level irratic." said the Bakupod. Cycloid went in for another swing, only to see his hammer get busted again. "Aw yeah! Say goodbye Cycloid!" Rainbow Dash called out to him. "Let him have your Mega Impact move Gorem!" Julie called out as Gorem raised his fist and swung it towards Cycloid, landing a powerful punch against his face forcing him back into Ball Form. "Yes! Yes! YES!!! You did it Gorem!" she cried out as Gorem returned to Ball Form landing in her hand. As they returned to the real world, the brawlers and the ponies looked to teh two lackies seeing how humiliated they were. "Well... I guess that takes care of that." Rarity said as she looked at them. "I wouldn't be so confident Lady Rarity... I doubt they're finished..." Lancelot said to her. "Wow, that was fun..." Julie said as she walked to Billy. "Thanks for coming around to your old self-" she held out her hand only to see Billy smack it away causing the ponies to gasp. "Get off your high horse! You just got lucky, that's all." Billy said to her with a cold icy tone. "But Billy..." Julie looked at him with tears. "You just wait! Your Bakugan are mine, and don't you forget it!" Billy said to her. Rainbow glared at him knowing that his words are hurting her. "Why you...!" she started clenching her teeth. "Yeah, and don't think we can't back it up either. See ya in the Doom Dimension." Komba said to them as he an Billy walked away. Julie watched them go feeling an enormous amount of pain in her heart. "Billy wait...! No, Billy...!" Julie went to stop him only to feel Rainbow Dash grab her shoulder. "Let him go Julie... it's not worth it..." Rainbow said to her as she shot a glare at her former friend. "That isn't the Billy you used to know... he's a slave to Masquerade now..." Julie watched as her childhood friend walked away as tears form. "Billy... it can't end this way...!" she said as she fell to her knee's sobbing. The ponies lowered their head along with the brawlers feeling sorry for her. Never in their life did they think that they'd see friends turned against one another. But for now, all they could do... was comfort Julie to help her get back on her feet. And hope in time... that she will find a way to snap Billy out of it. > No Guts No Glory > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night had fallen over Bakugan Valley, and all the Brawlers had returned to Marucho's plane to rest up. But before they could... "Enjoy your dinner, I'm sure you're all hungry after exploring all day." Kato said as he sliced some meat for the brawlers, but also prepared some salad's for the Mane Six. Dan at the very moment was stuffing his face with meat. "Wow, this is so good! Kato, can I have seconds?" he asked him as he ate the last piece of meat. But suddenly he noticed that no one else was eating, except for Shun who was taking a sip from his drink. "Hey guys... you're uhhh... not eating..." he noted. "We're not hungry..." Alice said to him as she lowered her head remembering what happened during the last battle. Runo also felt sad of what happened... but mostly, about someone... "Someone's missing... Julie..." she pointed out. Knowing exactly how they're feeling... Dan lowered his head knowing they were right. "Julie must feel terrible..." Tigrerra said to them. "Yes, of course she does..." Drago agreed with her. Centorea looked to her partner. "Applejack... have thou been able to see her...?" she asked her feeling concerned. Applejack let out a sigh as she lowered her head. "I tried to talk to her... but she's hurting really bad." she said to her. "I can't believe that creep Masquerade...! He got one of Julie's childhood friends to be one of his battlers!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she kicked her salad over. "Whoa!" Avion dodged some of the leafy greens. "Easy Rainbow Dash, we all hate it the thought of it." "I know Avion... but now he's asking for it!" Rainbow exclaimed. "We understand Rainbow Dash, but this isn't about Billy, this is about Julie. She's hurting right now, and we need to be there for her when she needs us." Twilight said to her. Fluttershy soon noticed that Spike wasn't around. "Hey... where's Spike...?" she asked them. The ponies and the brawlers looked around only to see he was no where in the plane. "He was just here... where could he have gone?" Runo asked them. "I'm sure he's just fine, the kids a fire breathing dragon. So don't worry too much about him Runo, if you do you might get wrinkles." Dan said to her hoping he only meant it as a joke. And boy did he fail miserably... Runo immediately turned toward him with a menacing glare. "WHAT'D YOU SAY?!!! Alright buster, you wanna be funny huh?! Lets settle this in a battle shall we?!" she said to him as she grabbed Tigrerra. "Whoa hey, hold on Runo! It was just a joke! Wait Runo!" before Dan could stop her, she grabbed him by his collar causing him to struggle trying to get away. The ponies watched knowing this is gonna be a long night for them. Meanwhile at Julie's house, Julie was in her room holding the toy cowboy that Billy gave to her. Her tears haven't stopped falling ever since the battle. Her thoughts continued to replay the scene of what Billy said to her. "Why Billy...? Why did you join up with Masquerade...?" she asked as she closed her eyes holding the toy. "Why...?!" suddenly she heard something rustling in her bag causing her to gasp. She looked at it and cautiously approached it. She slowly but quickly opened it only to find Spike hiding in it. "Spike...?" Spike let out a nervous chuckle. "Hey Julie..." "What are you doing here...? Shouldn't you be with the others...?" she asked him as she pulled him out of her bag setting him down on the bed. "Well... I know you wanted to be alone... but..." Spike looked to her and held out his arms. "I knew you needed someone to help you get back on your feet." he said to her. Julie looked at him as tears fell, she reached over and hugged him sobbing. Spike held her close to comfort her. "Hey, its okay Julie... I promise, everything will be alright..." he assured her. Julie sniffed as she held the little dragon. "How can you be so sure Spike...? You saw the way he treated me..." she reminded him of what happened after the battle. "But that wasn't him, and you know it... Billy would never really do that to you. Masquerade got to him, and now he's being used. But you can't give up on him, not after knowing the real Billy..." Spike pointed to her toy cowboy. "He was your friend, but if you give up on him, you give up on your friends... nothing hurts more than letting your friends down." Hearing those words... Julie could feel the sympathy in the young dragons words. A warm smile began to form across her face as she pulled Spike into another hug. "Oh Spikey... thank you... you really are a good friend when you want to be." she said to him. "Aww... its nothing really..." Spike said to her only to feel her arms starting to squeeze tightly around him. "Um, Julie... mind letting me go...? I kind of need those ribs..." he said as his voice started to sound squeaky. "Julie...! Juuuulllliiiiieeeeee.....!!!!!!" despite his efforts, he could only feel his entire body getting crushed by the hug of this girl he's trying to help. The next morning back at Bakugan Valley. Dan and the others were looking at it and found no sign of the Infinity Core. "Looks like we ran out of places to search for the Infinity Core..." said Dan as he starred at the valley. "So far we managed to check every inch of the valley, but we still haven't found it." said Twilight as she looked at the valley. "I guess... we're out of luck..." Runo said as she looked down. Marucho searched the area with his binoculars. "The caves we went to yesterday collapsed..." he pointed out as he observed the ruined caves. Fluttershy looked to Dan curiously. "So what should we do now Dan...?" she asked him. Dan looked to her but looked down in thought. "Let me think about this..." he soon came up with something that might work. "I know, why don't we check in on Julie?" "Are you sure about that...?" Rainbow Dash asked him. "Because she might want some alone time right now." "Rainbows right Dan... and we still don't know where Spike is." Alice said to him. "Hey, what gives...? How come last night you were all so worried about her?" Dan asked them. At that moment Runo sighed as she forgot. "Oh man..." she started to complain. "Its no use Runo... Dan just doesn't understand the way a young lady thinks." Preyas said to her. That didn't slide well with Dan as he snapped. "That's because I'm a boy Preyas!" he yelled at him only to hear his Bakupod sound off. He looked to it and saw Shun on the screen. "Dan we need to talk now..." Shun said to him. At the plane, Dan appeared on screen and looked to him. "Shun, so did you find something?" Dan asked him. "Yes I did, there's a canyon about ten kilometers West from where you are. Its very similar to the one that's in Bakugan Valley." Shun said to him and the others. Twilight was intruiged by this. "Really...? Great, okay then lets go check it out. See you at the plane Shun." she said to him. Skyress at the time looked to her partner. "Did he say it was similar to Bakugan Valley...?" Skyress thought to herself as she looked to the screen. "Well that's strange... it doesn't look that similar to me." she looked to her partner curiously. "I wonder what Shun is up too...?" Back at the valley, Dan and the others were on their way to the plane. "Wouldn't it be great if we found the Infinity Core in that Canyon?" Pinkie asked as she hopped her way to the plane. "I have a good feeling we might find it Pinkie Pie." Scylla said to her. "As do I, maybe we're going to get luck and find it." Dan said to them. As they went to the door, Applejack lowered her head as she thought about Julie. Centorea noticed it and floated in front of her. "Something is on thy mind Applejack... what vexes thee...?" she asked her. Letting out a sigh, Applejack looked to her partner with a concerned face. "I'm still worried about Julie... she hasn't talked ever since last night. I'm trying everything I can to help her... but... maybe Rainbow and Alice are right... maybe giving her some space is the right thing to do." she said to her as she lowered her gaze. Understanding how she's feeling, Centorea sat in her hooves. "Applejack... thou have always beared the burdens of all your friends, which is an admirable quality when thou are a noble protector. Therefore, thou must realize that while at times, thou will make mistakes, it does not mean that thou cannot correct them. Thou are strong... passionate... and loyal to thine fault. These are the merits of a good friend... and I believe there is hope to help Lady Julie." she said to her. Applejack was amazed by her words of wisdom. True her fancy talk was strange, but she spoke from her heart causing Applejack to smile. "Thanks Centorea... I needed this talk." she said to her and walked into the plane with the others. Dan rushed in hoping to see Shun. "Hey Shun-" before he could go see him... "OOHH YEAH!!!" Julie jumped out of no where and tackled him with a hug. "Its so good to see you Dan!" she cried out. "Julie?" the Mane Six asked in surprise. "What's with her?" Runo asked. "What are you doing here?" Dan asked her. "Oh please, I'm part of this gang, come on! At least pretend to be happy to see me, after all I did come all the way to see you. Oh... and Spike managed to help me." Julie pointed to him. The Mane Six looked only to see how disfigured he was due to Julie crushing him. "Whoa... what in the name of Celestia happened to you...?" Rainbow Dash asked him as she poked at him causing him to yelp in pain. He gave her a looked from what she did. "Don't... ask..." he said to her as he started straightening out his back. "Ms. Julie arrived with Spike just a little while ago." Kato informed them. "But then... you're not upset anymore...? I mean... about Billy...?" Alice asked her as she lowered her gaze. Julie smiled and looked to her. "Of course not! You didn't think I was gonna go around moping forever did you...? I have to get up and go, go!" she said to her as she giggled. A smile formed across Applejack's face seeing how happy she is. "Well... that's Julie for ya. She always did know how to bounce back even after everything that happened." "Alas, tis agreeable." said Centorea. "Now that's the Julie we used to know." said Twilight as she spread her wings. "Yes! From now on, I'm looking on the bright side of life." Julie said to them as she walked over to Kato and grabbed her bags. "Okay, so... now that I'm here, which room will I be staying in?" "Uhhh... Julie, all the rooms are occupied." Marucho informed her. But did that stop Julie...? Not in the slightest as she grabbed Dan's arm. "Oh well, no problem... I guess I'll just have to share a room with Dan here." she said to Dan in a flirty tone causing him to blush. The ponies shot up in anger. "NOT ON YOUR LIFE!!!" they exlcaimed in unison. "Besides... I'm in Dan's room..." Shun said to her as he popped out of no where. "Yes, Dan and Shun had to share a room. So did Alice and Runo." Fluttershy informed her. "So, all the rooms are taken." said Rainbow Dash as she crossed her arms. "But we'll find a place for you somewhere." Applejack said to her. Suddenly, Marucho got an idea that might work. (Yeah right, not in this life time.) "Hey, if its alright with Julie... you can stay in my room if you want to." he said to her only to get smacked in the back of the head by Runo. "That's not gonna happen." Runo warned him knowing what he was really thinking. After taking off, Runo and Fluttershy showed Julie to their room. "Okay, you can have this room Julie... you can take any bed you like." she said to her trying to keep a kind smile. "Thanks Runo..." Julie said to her as she set her bag down. "I'm glad I traveled light this time." she started unpacking. Runo and Fluttershy soon noticed the toy Cowboy that was in her bag as Julie pulled it out. "Don't worry Billy... somehow I'll get you back on the right path. You'll see..." she thought to herself. Runo and Fluttershy noticed how she looked at it, how it really meant to her when Billy gave it to her. Fluttershy walked up to her leaping onto her bed. "Who was Billy to you Julie...?" she asked her. Julie looked to her surprised. "What do you mean...?" "She means... was he more, than a friend...?" Runo asked her with a smirk. Immediately blushing, Julie panicked and hid her face from them. "Its not like that okay?! My heart is aiming for Dan, and that's final!" she exclaimed trying to deny it. But Runo and Fluttershy smirked knowing she's lying. "Ooookaaaay... what ever you say Julie..." Runo said to her as she walked away. "We'll see you later... come on Elvia." Fluttershy called to her partner as she walked out. "Coming Fluttershy!" Elvia said to her as she flew after her. As they walked out, Julie had her arms crossed feeling her heart racing just from hearing what Runo said. She wanted to deny it, but something in her heart was telling her otherwise. Meanwhile down the hall, Runo and Fluttershy walked together with smiles on their faces. Runo looked to Fluttershy knowing why. "Fluttershy, you thinking what I'm thinking...?" "Of course... its clear as day..." Fluttershy said to her with a smile. Runo nodded in agreement. "Yeah, but I guess I'll just leave it alone... for now..." she said with a smirk as she walked with Fluttershy to meet with the others. Upon arriving close to the canyon, Dan and the others looked at the map to to see the location. But when they did, Preyas got in the way. "Hey! Look everybody! We're almost there!" he cried out. From hearing it, Dan got excited from hearing it. "I can't wait! Oh man this is exciting!" he cried out. "I know right?! I'm so excited! I've never felt so excited in my whole life!" Pinkie cried out in joy. Alice looked to them and looked out to the canyon. "What ever we find... I hope we don't run into any trouble." she said to them as she felt worried. "Yeah, me too..." Runo agreed with her. "Same here... who knows who's working for Masquerade." Applejack said to them as Dan turned around to them. "We don't want any surprises. Dan rubbed his chin in thought. "That's right... I don't understand why Masquerade's gang keeps showing up where ever we go... how do they do that...?" he wondered. Shun stayed silent for a moment. "Yes, about that... don't you think its rather strange...?" he asked them. The Brawlers and the Mane Six looked to him surprised. "What do you mean...?" Twilight asked him. "Maybe its just a coinsidence, that's all..." Rainbow Dash said to him. "We mustn't second guess things Rainbow Dash... they seem to know our every move. Someone must be spying for them." Avion said as he looked to the others. "Doth thou mean one of Dan's friends...?" Centorea asked him. As much as they didn't want to believe it, there's just no way its true. The ponies would never believe that their friends were spies working for Masquerade. "One of us...?" Runo asked in surprise. "No way..." Alice looked to Runo as they looked at each other but quickly looked away in worry. "I don't believe it! You can't be serious!" Dan exclaimed to him. Bahamut leaped to Twilight's wing as she extended it. "Are you saying there is a traitor amongst us...?" he asked Shun. Shun closed his eyes lowering his gaze. "No, not here... there's one more person who knows of our whereabouts..." he in formed them. "Yeah but... who's that...?" the Brawlers and the Mane Six asked in unison. But Dan was starting to picture it and found the answer. Shun opened his eyes and looked to them. "I'm talking about Web Master Joe..." The Brawlers gasped surprised knowing who he was, even Dan knew about it. "Yeah, of course..." he said as he sat down. "Dan... who is Web Master Joe...?" Drago asked him. "That's what I want to know..." Twilight said as she sat next to him. "Who is he...?" "He manages our website... he's the one who keeps track of everything we do." Dan informed them of who Joe was. "We only know him by the handle he goes by, and everything else about him is a mystery. We've never seen him, and we don't even know where he lives. But he knows everything about the Bakugan Battle Brawlers. And if my hunch is correct, he probably knows about you girls ever since you first started playing." Runo said to them as she looked to them. Rainbow crossed her arms in disapproval. "Sounds kind of creepy if you ask me... I'd rather not have some creep watching my every move thank you." he said to them as she looked away. "At least he doesn't have camera's watching our every move." Rarity said as she fixed her mane a bit. "Oh I agree with you on that sister... though I wouldn't mind the view..." Preyas said with a smirk only to get a deadly glare from Rarity and Spike. "Buddy... if you even think about it, I'll pummel you where you stand...!" Spike warned him if he got any crazy idea's. "Well, Joe does a really good job managing the website. But you never hear from him online, or in the chat room at all." Marucho informed them of him. "And as a web master, he can monitor all online activity any time he wants." Shun added to the information. Rubbing her chin, Applejack was curious as to why Joe would keep himself distant from the other brawlers. But she also thought about the current situation they're in. "Then that would mean that its easy for him to know every move we make." she suggested as she looked to the others. "I see... so that's why you lied about that canyon in the west." Skyress blurted out catching their attention. "Huh?! He lied?!" Dan asked her. Twilight gave Shun a look of disapproval knowing what he did was wrong. "Therefore bringing us here has all been a set up!" she said to him. Looking to her surprised, Dan was a bit confused. "A set up...?" "Do you understand what it means if the content of our most recent website chat has been leaked to Masquerade...?" Twilight asked them as she gained shocking looks from everyone. "Oh! His gang will show up at the canyon that Shun found!" Runo exclaimed in shock. "And we'll all be sitting ducks when we arrive there." Scylla thought out loud as she sat on the table with the others. "Hey hold on... Shun was lying when he said we might find the Infinity Core all by the canyon?" Dan asked receiving a nod from Twilight and Marucho. He soon shot a angry look towards Shun because of it. "Man that's low! I can't believe you'd do that to us!" "Yeah, I mean seriously! We're all a team here aren't we?" Spike interjected into the conversation. "Hold on guys, he has a reason for it... right Shun?" Rainbow Dash asked him as she turned to face him. With a nod, Shun looked to his pupil. "It was the only thing I could think of to find out the truth." he said to her. At that moment, Kato appeared on the screen. "Our destination is in view. Take your seats, we are going to land." he advised them as he disappeared from the screen showing the canyon. Twilight looked to Shun with a look of disapproval. "Even though what you did was wrong... I only hope that you don't have any more secrets." she said to him knowing he might have a few more. As they arrived in the canyon, one look at it and... "Skyress was right, this is nothing like Bakugan Valley!" Runo exclaimed as she looked around with the others. "As much as I agree... it could use a splash of color like Bakugan Valley." Rarity agreed with her. Her partner Lancelot at the time also looked around as he began to sense something. "We're being watched..." he muttered only to here some laughter from above. They all looked to the source and saw who it was. "So you brawlers finally showed up..." she said to them. Shun's eyes squinted just from seeing her. "See...?" "You were right..." Dan said to him The Brawler working for Masquerade looked at them but mostly looked to Twilight as she noticed her partner Bahamut. Curiousity began to build within her as she reached and grabbed her cloak. "Do you know me...?" she asked her. "Not exactly... but I have a pretty good feeling you're going to tell me anyway." Twilight said to her. The girl smiled as she removed her cloaked and leaped down. "My name is Chan Lee!" she cried out as she landed gracefully on the ground. Pinkie and Scylla held up ten point signs. "Perfect ten!" they cried out. "Pinkie Pie, now is not the time to be playing Olympics." Rarity exclaimed but looked to Chan Lee. "And might I say darling, you look quite lovely, your make-up goes perfectly with your outfit." she complimented her knowing she still their enemy. Chan Lee smiled from the compliment. "Thanks... its a shame we had to be enemies. We could have been friends..." she said to them as she went into a battle stance. "Now... let me show you... the power, of the third best Bakugan Player!" she challenged them. Dan and Marucho were surpried but knew her pretty well. "That's pretty close to the top, she must be really good." Marucho calculated. "Yeah, and Billy was ranked ten." Runo connected the dots. "And Komba was fifth..." Alice added to it. "Yeah, but its still not Number 01." Rainbow Dash said as she looked to Chan Lee. "I mean so what if she's Number 03? She's probably all talk, no brawl." Chan Lee chuckled knowing she was wrong about that. "You're not afraid to battle me are you...?" she asked the rainbow maned pony, only to see her eye twitch. As much as Rainbow liked to keep her cool... but that's where she had to draw the line. "Alright lady, I'll have you know I'm a second degree black belt! I'm not afraid to get my hooves dirty right here and now!" she exclaimed and was about ready to charge at her. Shun managed to grab her and keep her from doing something stupid. "Take it easy Rainbow, remember what I told you about calming yourself." he advised her. "What Rainbow Dash meant to say was, no way, not a chance." Dan said to Chan Lee knowing that Rainbow shot a menacing glare at him. In fact he could feel her eyes burning the back of his head. "Wait, hold on girl, chill out. What do you want from us?" Julie asked her. Applejack nudged her leg a bit. "Can't you tell by the Baku Shooter...? Its quite obvious to who she's working for." she said to her as she looked at Chan Lee. "Even though Applejack is right, but what is up with you? You like playing Bakugan don't you? You must have worked hard to get to the ranking you're at." Twilight said to her. "But what I don't understand is... why would you side with someone like Masquerade...?" she asked her. And as simple an answer... Chan Lee pulled out the Doom Card. "This is why... I have the Doom Card." she informed them as she glared at them. Dan knew that she was making a mistake, but that didn't stop him from pulling out his Bakugan Card. "Wait Dan, not on your own. Don't..." Julie pleaded to him. "We'll have a better chance at beating her if we battle together." Marucho agreed with Julie as he pulled out his Bakugan Card with him. Runo also pulled out her card preparing for battle along with Shun. But Dan had other plans... "Sorry... I have to do this alone guys..." he said to them. "But Dan... you sure...?" Runo asked him feeling worried. "This battle is between me and her... and I accept the challenge." Dan said to her only to see Twilight walk up. "Twilight, what are you doing...?" "You're not doing this alone... I want to face her as well. This could be my only chance to see Bahamut enter battle." Twilight informed him as she looked to her partner. "Anyway... we both need to test our strengths right now... as long as we have both Drago and Bahamut, we can't lose." she said to him as she looked to him with a confident smile. Dan looked at her knowing she might be right... but still, it would be cool to see Bahamut in action. "Alright..." he looked to Chan Lee. "Bring it on, we'll take on the third best Bakugan Player. Or anyone else who wants to brawl with us." "Drago, are you ready?" Tigrerra asked him as she was on Runo's shoulder. Drago wished he could smirk, but not at this moment he can't. "Of course I am!" he said confidentely as he looked to Bahamut. "Are you ready Bahamut?" he asked him. "I am ready if you are my friend." Bahamut replied to him feeling confident. Dan looked to Chan Lee and held out his card. "Then lets do this! We'll show Masquerade he can't push us around!" he said proudly. "We're ready when you are Chan Lee!" Twilight challenged her. Chan Lee held out her Bakugan Card. "Good... then lets start the battle!" she declared. "Alright, Bakugan Field Open!" Dan and Twilight cried out in unison as their cards including Chan Lee's glowed brightly. As they entered the battlefield, Twilight held up her Gate Card. "You ready Chan Lee...?" she asked her showing much determination in her eyes. Forming a bright smile on her face, Chan Lee held out her Gate Card. "Oh I am Princess... Doom Card set!" she tossed the card to the field as it is absorbed into the field. "Tell you what Princess Twilight... I'll let you take the first shot. I'd like to see your Bahamut in action as well." she granted her the chance. Twilight smiled hearing it. "You're quite honorable... but I won't go easy on you. Bakugan Brawl!" Twilight tossed in her Mantris into the field first before sending in Bahamut. "Mantris Stand!" she called out as Mantris emerged onto the field. Chan Lee only smirked at seeing it. "Oh please... don't tell me all your moves are gonna be that predictable." she said to her as she stanced in her signature fighting style. "She's right Twilight, I thought you wanted to send in Bahamut..." Dan said to her. "Don't worry Dan, I have a plan... just play along." Twilight said to him as she looked to Chan Lee. "Besides, I can tell she's got skill. While I'm bellow her level, I won't stand a chance if I just send Bahamut in right off the bat." she explained to him as she observed Chan Lee. "Dan, trust her..." Drago advised him. Dan didn't quite know what Twilight was thinking... but he knew that she was following her gut on this. Meanwhile, Chan Lee readied her Bakugan for battle. "Bakugan Brawl!" she shot in her Pyrus Manion to the field. "Manion Stand!" she called out as Manion appeared on the field. Twilight smirked knowing she fell for it. "Gate Card Open! Tripple Battle!" she called out as a barrier came between her Mantris and Chan Lee's Manion. At that moment, Chan Lee was impressed by the alicorn's strategy. "You set a trap... its a Tripple Battle then huh...? You better choose your next Bakugan carefully princess." she advised her. "Okay Twilight I'm ready, send me in..." Bahamut said to her as he prepared. "No, not yet... I want to try something first." Twilight said as she pulled out her next gate card. "This strategy should do it!" she tossed it onto the field and grabbed her next Bakugan. "Bakugan Brawl!" she shot in her Pyrus Griffon to the field. "Pyrus Griffon stand!" she called out as her Griffon emerged on the field, roaring at its opponent. This completely caught Chan Lee off guard as her eyes widen in surprise. "What is she thinking...? If I shoot another Bakugan into this Tripple Battle... then your Mantris will go straight to the Doom Dimension." she said to Twilight only to see the determination in her eyes. Never before did she imagine she would see this pony princess put her Bakugan on the line. But... that didn't stop her from pulling out her next Bakugan. "Okay... if that's what you want... Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed in her Pyrus Warius to the field. "Warius Stand!" she called out as Warius emerged on the field in its true form. Chan Lee began to smirk knowing that Twilight made a mistake in sending her Griffon to the other side of the field... or did she...? "Ability Card Activate! Sling Blazer!" she called out as Mantris took flight and snatched Manion from the field. Letting out a gasp, Chan Lee watched as her Manion was lifted into the air by Mantris. "I don't believe it!" she exclaimed as she tried to process what happened. "Sling Blazer is an ability that only Mantris has, it means it can throw its opponent to the battle area next to it." Twilight explained to her as Mantris threw Manion to the battle area Griffon stood on. Flames began to surround Manion as the Gate Card unleashed its power upon it. Warius soon saw Mantris charging straight at him, feeling its entire strength and power ramming him down. Both Manion and Warius were forced into Ball Form, leaving Chan Lee speechless for a moment. "She beat... them both..." she muttered to herself in disbelief. "That's what you call a surprise attack strategy... but I made a few improvements to it." Twilight said to her with a smile. Chan Lee didn't want to admit it... but there was more to this Alicorn than she gave her credit for. "Wow Twilight, I have to admit I'm impressed... just wish I could have seen Bahamut in action." she admited to her. "Don't worry, you'll get your chance." Twilight smiled and looked to Dan. "Alright Dan, you're up." Dan nodded to her and readied his Bakugan. "Come on, lets keep going! Bakugan Brawl!" he shot in his Mantris to the field. "Now we'll try this, Mantris Stand!" he called out as his Mantris emerged on the field. "Not this again..." Chan Lee complained but readied her next Bakugan. "Your luck's run out! Bakugan Brawl!" she shot her partner onto the field. "Fourtress Stand!" she called out as Fourtress emerged on the field. Standing before them in all his glory. "Fourtress regesters at 370 G's." said the Bakupod. Twilight was amazed just from seeing him. "Amazing... an Asura type Bakugan. I read about them during my time here." Twilight admitted as she observed the four armed Bakugan. "This could be difficult Dan... Fourtress is a tough opponent, be careful." Drago advised him. "I won't lose if I use a Bakugan with the same attribute of fire. I'll toast him with this ability card." Dan said to him as he held out his ability card. But Chan Lee had something else in mind. "Not quite..." she said as she held up her ability card. "Ability Card Activate... Face of Grief!" she called out as the card glowed brightly. At that moment, Fourtress's face changed to Grief, catching Dan by surprise. "Whoa, his face changed!" he exclaimed. "OHHHH!!! Good grief! I Fourtress will take away any chance of you winning this battle!" Fourtress exclaimed knowing it was his Grief Personality talking. "There is no hope! You might as well give up now!" he exclaimed. "Grief Stricken Foutress makes his opponents abilities useless..." Chan Lee said to them as Fourtress deactivated the gate card, and kept Dan from unleashing his ability card. Dan's eyes widen in surprise. "No fair! You can't do that!" he exclaimed to her. "You're not so sad that you can't do anything! There's only one way to ease your pain, so there's only one place left for you to go!" Fourtress said to them as he spun on his hand and swung his legs kicking Mantris into the Doom Dimension. "No! Mantris!" Dan cried out as he looked to Fourtress. "Fourtress is annoying, and he's powerful." Drago mentioned to him. "He has three different strengths... Sorrow, Gentleness, and Anger. All in one body." he explained to him and Twilight. "Talk about split personalities..." Twilight admitted. "You haven't seen anything yet... come back home boys, you're still in the battle." Chan Lee said as Fourtress returned to her. Then out of no where, Manion and Warius appeared before them. Twilight was shocked when she saw them. "But... we defeated them already...!" she exclaimed. "Yeah, what gives?" Dan demanded to know, only to see Manion and Warius revert to ball form returning to Chan Lee. Chan formed a smile across her face as she caught her Bakugan. "That's because the first card I threw in was the Revive card. It comes in handy because the card can restore any Bakugan that's defeated in battle." she explained to them. "So we're back to square one...? No that's not right!" Dan cried out. "I lost Mantris, so I'm at a disadvantage!" he said as he held out his gate card. "This battles gone on long enough, it ends now! Gate Card set!" he tossed it in his Gate Card. "Help me out Drago, Bakugan Brawl!" he shot him onto the field. "Drago stand!" he called out as Drago emerged onto the field. He roared out and glared at his opponent's letting out a growl. "So, you decided the bring out your Pride and Joy Dragonoid. Good!" Chan Lee said as she tossed in a new Gate Card. "Here! I'll set the field! Bakugan Brawl!" she shot Fourtress back onto the field. "Fourtress Stand!" she called out as her partner emerged on the field. "I'll tell you why I'm ranked third in the world. Its your strongest Bakugan against mine. Now we'll see if you have the courage to put it all on the line." she said to him. "No Problem!" Dan yelled out as he Shot his Pyrus Siege to the field. "Pyrus Siege Stand!" "Dan Wait!" Twilight tried to stop him, but was too late. "Fourtress has the stronger Power Level, no other Data available." said the Bakupod. Siege prepared for the worst as the Gate Card started to open by Chan Lee's command. Fourtress pulled back his arms and punched Siege as a portal to the Doom Dimension opened up behind him. Dan watched as his Bakugan went straight for the Doom Dimension. "Pyrus Siege! No!" he cried out only to see their original Gate Cards return to the field. "This time our Gate Cards have been restored...?" he asked. Chan Lee smirked knowing that everything has gone exactly as she planned. "Now everything is in its right place. You two should be thanking me, I set this field up originally for Dan. But since Twilight joined the battle, I had to adjust it. Its where your Bakugan will have their last battle." she informed them. Drago growled as Twilight gasped. "Oh no... she was planning on getting Drago all along!" she figured it out. "Very observent Princess... sorry I couldn't face your Bahamut... Bakugan Brawl!" Chan Lee shot her Warius onto the field. "Warius Stand!" she called out seeing Warius emerge on the field facing Drago. Dan glared at the situation. "Drago... there's no way I'm going to lose you this way!" he cried out. "And you won't Dan... I'll see to that..." Twilight said to him as she pulled out a Gate Card that was meant for her partner. "You wanted to face my partner Chan Lee...? Well you got it!" she tossed in the Gate Card and looked to her partner. "This is your chance Bahamut... you ready?" she asked him. "Say the word, and get me in. I'm ready!" Bahamut said to her as he curled up. Twilight smiled and looked to the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" she shot him to the field. "Bahamut Stand!" she called out as Bahamut's form glowed brightly, letting out a pillar of lava. Chan Lee looked up seeing it. "Is that...?!" she watched as a pair of orange feathered wings emerged from the lava. As the lava began to disappear, Bahamut's eyes opened glowing brightly. Breaking out of the lava, Bahamut has finally revealed himself in his true form. His form was purely a Dragonoid, but unlike Drago, his body was more humoind. He had orange feathered wings, large curved horns on top of his head. He had four layers of shoulder guards, and strong armor around his body. He looked to Chan Lee with his arms crossed. "I am Pyrus Bahamut... mighty warrior of Pyrus Space! With Princess Twilight as my partner, I will stop anyone who seeks to harm my allies!" "Amazing...! It almost as if I'm looking at a god..." Drago said as he observed his form. Twilight was also amazed, but she focused on the battle. "Ability Card Activate! Flame Attractor!" she called out Bahamut surrounded himself a burning tornado. "Pay close attention Chan Lee, Flame Attractor is an ability only Bahamut can use, and once activated, it pulls in any enemy Bakugan to his side of the battlefield if they're all Pyrus Attributed Bakugan." she explained to her. Letting out a gasp, Chan Lee looked over to Warius seeing him getting pulled over. "Warius!" she cried out as Warius fell onto the same Gate Card as Bahamut. "Gate Card Open! Character!" Twilight called out as a ring of flames surrounded Bahamut. He let out a powerful roar that could shake the entire battlefield. "Alright Bahamut, time to turn up the heat! Ability Card Activate! Crimson Fury!" she called out as her ability card activated. "For all those who have been sent to the Doom Dimension, this is for you!" Bahamut roared out unleashing a stream of a fire from his maw, striking down Warius. Forcing him back into ball form seeing him land next to Chan Lee. At that moment... Chan Lee was filled with shock and amazement from what happened. Never before did she think she'd see a creature as powerful as this, but one look at Bahamut... and she knew he was even more powerful than Fourtress. Twilight watched as Bahamut returned to her. "Nice one Bahamut! You were fantastic out there!" she complimented her partner. "If we keep doing what we're doing, and this ones ours." Dan said to them. Chan Lee watched them as she was observing the situation. "Drago's Boosted Dragon ability makes him more powerful than I imagined, and Bahamut would be too powerful for Fourtress to take on. But no worries... I know they've only got several ability cards left." she thought to herself as she readied Manion for battle. "Bakugan Brawl!" she shot him to the field seeing him land. "Manion Stand!" she caleld out as Manion appear on the fied. "Power Level Increase for both Bakugan." said the Bakupod. "Hang in there Drago..." Dan said as he stayed strong. "Wait, watch this..." Chan Lee held out an ability card. "Ability Card Activate! Amun-Re!" she called out as Manion flew into the air and started to glow. "Now Manion's G's are up by 100!" she informed them. "Advantage Manion, by one-hundred!" the Bakupod informed them. "How'd that happen?!" Dan exclaimed only to see Drago roar out and leap over Manion and kicked it down. "Drago?!" "I don't believe it!" Chan Lee exclaimed in shock and bewilderment. "Drago wins the battle by an increason of 10 G's." said the Bakupod as Drago returned to Dan. "That's not possible, Manion was defeated...? How did he do that...? His Bakugan's G's were down and he didn't even throw down an ability card." she said to herself. As Drago returned to Dan, he caught him noticing that his ball form was glowing. "Drago, I thought you were a goner for sure... what happened? I didn't do anything from here..." he said to him. "I-I don't know Dan, but my bodies burning up! I feel like I'm really hot!" Drago cried out as his body felt like it was on fire. "Really hot? Do you think you're gonna make it...?" Dan asked him feeling worried. "Yeah, I'll be fine... I'm starting to cool down." Drago said as his body slowly cooled down. Dan smiled at his partner for a bit. "Nice one, I guess you're just burning for victory, that's all..." he said to him. "Dan, maybe you and Drago should let me and Bahamut take this last fight. True, Drago is cooling down like he said, but what if he overheats and something terrible happens?" Twilight asked him as Dan looked to her surprised. "I know you want to end this battle, so do I... but think of the risks that may come with it." Dan thought of it for a moment, if he were to put Drago against Fourtress and has a lower power level than him. He would surely be sent to the Doom Dimension. But if Twilight put Bahamut against Fourtress, he could have a better chance against him. He nodded to her knowing it was the right idea. "Okay Twilight, I'm gonna trust you with this." he said to her. Twilight nodded and looked to the field as she loaded Bahamut into her Baku Shooter. "Okay Chan Lee, time for the next round! Bakugan Brawl!" she shot him to the field. "You're mine now!" Chan Lee shot Fourtress to the field. As both Bakugan emerged on the field, Chan Lee pulled out an ability card. "I'm gonna make things very hot for you princess. Ability Card Activate! Face of Rage!" she called out as Fourtress changed his face. Letting out a snarl as a red aura formed around him, Fourtress prepared to unleash his next attack. "I am Fourtress, my roaring flames of Rage burn down anything that stand in my way!" he roared out as he pulled out his swords. "And I got my sights on you Bahamut!" he said to him as his power increased. "Increase detected in Fourtress's power level, Bahamut's power level has decreased." said the Bakupod. "Drago was right about one thing... you really are annoying." Bahamut antagonized him. Chan Lee smirked as she looked to Twilight. "You're going to need a miracle to beat me this time Twilight, and I hope you have one." she said to her as Fourtress's swords were engulfed in flames. "See if you can handle my anger Bahamut!" Fourtress started shooting at Bahamut. As he tried to dodge Fourtress's attacks, Bahamut couldn't avoid them all as one shot managed to hit him. Causing him to fall down to the ground letting out a shriek. Twilight panicked from seeing it. "Bahamut!" she cried out. At that moment, Fourtress readied his last attack. "Now to finish you off Bahamut... Flames of Rage!" he unleashed a fireball towards Bahamut expecting it to hit him. "Bahamut no!" Twilight cried out as she ran into the flames. Dan's eyes widen in shocked from what she did. "Twilight!" he tried to call out to her only to see an explosion. Chan Lee smiled from seeing it knowing Bahamut is out of the way. "That's it... its over..." "Don't count on it Chan Lee!" a familiar voice called out catching her attention. Rising out of the flames, reveals Bahamut who was still standing. Twilight was holding onto his shoulder as he emerged. "We're not done yet!" she exclaimed to her. "What?! Fourtress hit him with all his rage! How could he survive?! Is this some kind of trick?!" Chan asked in shock as Bahamut floated in the air. "Oh its no trick sister, we're still in this game, and Bahamut is really hot under the collar!" Twilight said to her. "Most of all Chan Lee... while you are an honorable battler... you chose the wrong side." "Twilight, say the word and I'll light up the battlefield." Bahamut said to her as he prepared for the next attack. Feeling scared of what may happen, Chan Lee slowly backed away in fear. "No, stay back! You can't beat me!" she exclaimed. Twilight held up an ability card with her magic. "Okay, now its our turn to play. I'll throw this ability onto Crimson Fury." Twilight looked at the card then looked to Bahamut. Bahamut looked back to her as well. "Interesting strategy, now that means our power level will be doubled." he calculated as he smiled. "No, it will grow ten times more. Why should we hold back when we could show them a power level no one has ever seen before?" Twilight asked him with a big smile. "Okay, lets do this Twilight!" Bahamut awaited her command as he unleashed a stream of fire upon Fourtress. Twilight tossed the Ability Card to the stream of flames. "Ability Card Activate! Spiral Flame!" she called out as the flames started to spiral as it charged at Fourtress. Chan Lee gasped in surprise seeing it. "She's fusing the abilities..." she said as she observed what happened. Fourtress fired back at the blast trying to fight against it. Chan Lee looked to her Bakupod seeing Bahamut's power rising. "How high will it go?" she asked as Bahamut's power reached 530 G's. "His G's have gone through the roof!" she exclaimed. "That's amazing!" Dan admitted as he watched the battle. "I agree, Bahamut's power is incredible!" Drago agreed with him. "Alright Bahamut, its time to turn it on!" Twilight said to her partner. "CRIMSON FURY!!!" Bahamut roared out strengthening his flame. "SPIRAL FLAME!!!" he added to the power as he pushed Fourtress's power back. Chan Lee panicked from seeing it but looked to Twilight who glared at her. "Word of advice Chan Lee... look in the mirror... and ask yourself the big question. "Who are you...? And am I making the right choice?" she asked her as Bahamut's flames surrounded Fourtress. "NOOO!!!!" Chan Lee cried out as the fames forced Fourtress into ball form. "Yes! You did it Twilight! How sweet, Chan Lee had the third place ranking, and you beat her!" Dan said to her. Twilight exhaled as she looked to Bahamut. "What a rush... this was an amazing experience." she said as Bahamut reverted to ball form. Knowing she was about to fall, she immediately spread her wings and glided down to Dan as they returned to the real world. Immediately finding she was standing behind Runo and Julie. "Whoa, how did I get here...?" Runo and Julie looked to her surprised. "Hey Twilight...." "Hi there..." Julie said to her. Dan rushed to them. "Hey guys..." he said to them with a smile and looked to Twilight. "You and Bahamut were amazing back there Twilight. You should be proud of yourself." A blush formed across Twilight's face as she looked away. "Awww... you did good too Dan..." she said to him as she kept her cherry red face hidden. Alice soon noticed something and looked around. "Hey... where did Chan Lee go...?" Letting out a chuckle, Dan rubbed his head a bit. Runo immediately put the pieces together. "You didn't..." "Don't tell me you beat her... the Third Best Bakugan player in the world." Marucho said to him as his eyes were wide as dinner plates. "Actually it wasn't me..." Dan said to him as he looked to Twilight. "It was all Twilight, she and Bahamut were the victors here." he said to them. "WOW!!! I can't beleive it! You beat Chan Lee?!" Pinkie asked in surprise. "This is the greatest thing ever! We need to celebrate you guys! I'll get teh cake ready!" she immediately dashed off with Scylla. "Hey! Wait for me!" Preyas went after them. "Wow Twilight, I never imagined you'd be able to pull it off no sweat." Rainbow Dash said to her. Dan chuckled and rubbed Twilight's head. "As far as I can tell, no one can beat her. Not even me." he said to them. "I must agree." Drago said to him. "As do I my friend... but it was strange how you were starting to-" before Bahamut could finish however... Julie immediately leaped to Dan knocking him down. " Oh you're the greatest!" she said to him as she giggled. Shun and Alice smiled a bit from the scene, but hte Mane Six including Spike gave her a disapproving look. At that moment, Runo and Marucho dogpiled on him. Twilight could tell Julie and the others to get off of him... but she only smiled at the scene knowing how happy they are. Elsewhere, Chan Lee was watching them from above. "Well done you two... especially you Princess Twilight, it never occured to me that your last ability card would be a Fusion Ability." she thought to herself as she watched Dan get his cheek pulled by Runo. "You and Dan won this battle, but you won't win the next. Fourtress still has a secret weapon, I'm sure it will surprise you both. Something to look forward to when we meet again." she turned to walk away but suddenly her thoughts returned to when Twilight asked her that question. She looked down wonder why it troubled her so... but that didn't stop her from walking away. Meanwhile, Runo giggled as she looked to Dan. "I can't believe you actually won." she said to him. "I never doubted you at all..." Julie said to him with her usual flirty tone as she went to kiss him. And just immediately, Applejack quickly lassoed her and pulled her away. "Nice try Julie, but that ain't gonna happen." "Here, here..." Rarity and Lancelot said in unison. Shun turned to Rainbow Dash finally knowing the answer to his theory. "That's it... I guess we know who's responsible." he said to her. "So its Web Master Joe then..." Rainbow replied to him. Marucho walked up passed Dan. "Yes it has to be him, he's the only one who has access to our website and all our communications." he explained to them. "Joe huh... do you guys think its time we had a word with him...?" Fluttershy asked them. "Well I'm game!" Rainbow called out as she crossed her hooves with a smile. "Most certainly." Rarity agreed with her. "I'll go where ever you guys go." Applejack said to them. "We definitely need to meet this Web Master Joe in person, he could know more than we believe." Twilight said to them. "And I'm pretty sure we're gonna run into trouble along the way." Spike muttered to himself. Meanwhile, Alice was lost in deep thought as she looked out to the wilderness thinking about Joe. "I wonder where he is right now...?" she thought to herself as she walked with the others back to the plane. Meanwhile at a hospital far away, a group of pigeons flew passed an open window, revealing a young patient sitting in his bed. He watched as the birds flew out into the open sky and smiled as his thoughts returned to another matter. "Time to see what the Bakugan Battle Brawlers are up to..." he said as he let out a light chuckle. Who could this young boy be...? He is none other... than Web Master Joe himself. > B.F.F. Best Friends Forever > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After hearing about Chan Lee's recent defeat, Klaus von Hertzan took the oppertunity to study on of the brawlers Bakugan. That Bakugan being Preyas. "What a facinating Bakugan... I don't believe I possess anything like you..." he said as he observed Preyas's information. "I would dearly love to add you to the collection... of Klaus von Hertzan." he said as he let out a deep chuckle. Suddenly he got a call from someone, and saw that it was Chan Lee. "Chan... you seem to be taking the loss well." he said to her. "It's the first time I've ever been beaten... especially by a pony." Chan said to him. Klaus formed a smile across his face from hearing it. "She certainly gave you a run for your money, didn't she...? I will most certainly have to be careful when I face one of them." he said to her but noticed her expression had changed from a smile, to a sad expression. "Is... something the matter...?" he asked her. She didn't speak for a few seonds as she was lost in thought. But Chan Lee looked to him with a worried look. "Klaus... do you think we're doing the right thing...?" she asked him as she received a surprised look from him. "I know its strange to ask but... it just feels..." she began to hesitate to utter the words. Klaus was starting to picture what was wrong with her. "Chan... just take a chance to rest, you're going to need it for the future battle with Dan and his friends." he advised her as she nodded to him and disappeared from the screen. Sirenoid looked to him noticing a similar expression. "You seem to be troubled as well Klaus... I know you're feeling exactly how she feels right now. Do you truly believe this is the right course...?" she asked him. But rather than getting an answer, he removed silent as he looked outside. She knew that there was no chance of understanding how he's feeling at the moment. "What ever your decision Klaus... I will follow you into battle no matter what." she said to him Giving her a smile, Klaus looked to her and held her in her hands. "Thank you Sirenoid... I'm happy to hear you say that. Therefore I'm glad I chose you as my partner." he said to her causing her to blush. She immediately looked away hiding her red face. "As am I..." she replied to him. Just at that moment, it felt like an odd romance between the two of them. But the moment almost felt just like a part from The Little Mermaid, only it is between a human, and a Bakugan. Back at the canyon, Dan and the others returned to rest after searching through the canyon. "Oh yeah..." he slumped down onto the couch taking a chance to cool off. Runo sighed knowing how he's feeling. "Am I ever beat...?" she asked herself. "I know... I feel like I got blisters... and I don't even have skin on my hooves." Fluttershy said as she looked to them. "We looked everywhere, and came up with squat..." said Rainbow Dash as she sat down on the couch. Alice turned to face Runo. "I beginning wonder if there are any clues to the Infinity Core here at all." "There might be, but there might be a chance someone already got to it and hid it away somewhere else." Twilight said to her as she stretched her legs from all the walking. Meanwhile Dan, was having a temper tantrum. "OH FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!!" he cried out as he was about ready to rip his hair out. "Come on now, don't get so upset Dan." Applejack said to him. "Yeah, its not good for you." Julie agreed with the cowpony. At that moment, Gorem opened up and looked to them. "Julie, we are all upset." he said to her. "Yeah, but we are not as immature as Dan. Everytime something goes wrong, he freaks out." Runo explained to them. Spike leaped onto Dan's shoulder. "As much as I hate to agree... but you're not gonna get very far if you get upset all the time." he said to him. "What do you mean?! We have to hurry up and find it before its too late!" Dan exclaimed as Drago poked his head out of his pocket. "Calm yourself Dan..." Drago tried to advise him. "Yeah dude, its not worth getting upset about." Spike said to him. Runo nodded in agreement. "He's right, we just have to look harder." she said to him. "Easier said than done darling, but finding the Infinity Core will be much harder than it seems." Rarity said to her. "Normally back in Equestria when I try to find gems, I use my magic to locate them." she said to them. "Then you ended up getting kidnapped by a bunch of Diamond Dogs and we all came to rescue you." Rainbow Dash reminded her. Immediately giving her a disaproving look, Rarity looked away closing her eyes. "I thought we agreed not to discuss that..." she said to her as Rainbow Dash smirked at her crossing her hooves together. "Anyway, we'll need a lot of luck if we're gonna find the Infinity Core, don't you agree Tigrerra...?" Runo asked her. Opening herself up from ball form, Tigrerra looked to her partner and nodded. "Indeed, I do..." she agreed with her. Meanwhile, Dan let out a sigh knowing its not gonna get them anywhere. "But its all just making me crazy...!" he said to them showing that he was just about ready to rip his own hair out. "Oh you are far too impatient..." Skyress muttered to herself as she rested on Shun's shoulder. "Everyone seems to be down in the dumps don't they...?" Marucho asked them. "Well Marucho, sometimes we all have our good days... and our bad days." Applejack said to him as she laid down on the couch. "When you're right, you're right... and that's the honest truth there." Preyas said as he sat on Marucho's shoulder. Suddenly it occured to Marucho as he remembered something Pinkie was gonna do. "Hey wait!" "What? Did you leave the stove on?" asked Preyas trying to use his sense of humor again. Marucho looked to him with a bright smile. "No, but a delicious might be just the thing to make everyone feel better. And I know just the Bakugan and Pony for the job." he mentioned as Pinkie popped out of no where. "For those about to cook, we solute you!" Pinkie said as she soluted them. Preyas leaped to her head landing next to Scylla. "I am not without a certain culinary expertise, my humble skills are at your disposal. So what do you say Scylla? Care for a cooking... double date...?" he asked her flirtingly. But all he got was a cold shoulder from her. "Preyas... I wouldn't go out with you if you were the last Bakugan in Vestroia." she said to him. "Ouch, talk about a heart frozen in ice!" Preyas said as he looked to Marucho. "But don't worry kiddo, you got our backs." he assured him. "Yep! And I'll work on a desert!" Pinkie said as she licked her hooves imagining the cake in her head. Bringing a smile to his face, Marucho nodded to both of them knowing he could rely on them. "I knew I could count on you guys... the kitchen shall be our Battlefield. Bakugan Field Open!" he called out as his card glowed, taking them into a Pocket Dimension Battlefield. Pinkie smiled as she grabbed Scylla. "Alright, lets cook! Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed her out as she landed on the field. "Aquos Scylla, Stand!" she called out as Scylla emerged on the field in her true form. Which appeared to look a bit like a beautiful princess, wearing a light yellow crown with a purple jewel in the center, fins for ears, long flowing brownish red hair. Her armor was slightly similar to Sirenoids, but different, she even had a frill around her neck going over her shoulders. Forming a smile, Scylla looked to her partner with her hand to her waist. "Surprised from what you see...?" she asked her for her opinion. Before Pinkie could respond however, Preyas leaped out and emerged in his true form. "Wow... you're just as beautiful in Bakugan Form than you are in ball form!" he complimented her only to get a death glare from her. "Uhh... was it something I said...?" he asked her. "Plenty of words that are enough to make me tick!" Scylla yelled out as four serpents with wolf-like heads reveal themselves snarling at Preyas protecting their mistress. Preyas immediately let out a scream in terror as he hid from her. "Please don't eat me! I'm too young to become sea food!" he cried out as he tried to defend himself. Meanwhile, Pinkie let out a laugh as she looked to her partner. "Good one Scylla! I had no idea this is what you really looked like. For a moment there I thought you were some sort of princess." she said to her as she walked to her. Scylla smiled as she looked to her partner letting one of her pets lower its head to her. "What can I say? I'm full of surprises." she said to her as the wolf serpent licked Pinkie's face. Giggling from it, Pinkie laughed so hard she couldn't breathe. "Stop that, that tickles!" she said as she continued to laugh from the licking. "As nice as it is to see Scylla in her true form, but come on guys! We have some food to make for everyone!" Marucho said to them as he put on a chef's hat. "You said it buddy!" Preyas said to him as they got ready to cook. "First, we dice up some lovely green onions. Then we briskley beat two eggs, organic or best. No dish is complete without a little Octopus aaaaannnnd..." as he finished cooking... "VOILA!!!" they all cheered out as they exited the battlefield. Runo was in a state of confusion of what happened, but when she looked down to the table in front of her. She let out a gasp seeing the delicious food sitting in front of her and the others. "What the...?!" she cried out. "Where did all this food come from?!" Applejack asked in surprise. "I don't know, but it looks yummy!" Rainbow said as she started to drool. Pinkie giggled seeing it. "Don't be shy! Come on, they're best when they're all hot!" she said as she grabbed some food and thank goodness not all of it, and started eating. "Wow, this looks good!' Dan said as he stared at the delicious meal. "I love takoyaki! But Pinkie, how did you know the recipe?" Julie asked her wondering how. "Oooohhh... lets just say I had some help." Pinkie darted her eyes to Marucho and Preyas as they giggled in responce. Meanwhile, Gorem rolled up to the takoyaki dishes looking at them. "Takoyaki...?" he asked in curiousity. "They're kind of like Japanese Hamburgers." Julie explained to him. "They're very delicious, trust her." Twilight said to him. Meanwhile, Runo felt a drop of sweat on her head from hearing her. "I prefer hamburger with a little less octopus... heh... call me crazy!" she said to them. "Hey, don't sweat it... in Equestria, we have something called hayburgers, and they're just as good. But I doubt it will be good for humans." Rainbow Dash mentioned to her. Fluttershy soon looked to Marucho curiously. "Where did you guys learn how to cook like this?" she asked him. "Well, we watch a lot of cooking shows on TV, they're very inspiring." Marucho informed her. "Do you think me and Alice can get the recipe?" Fluttershy asked him with a bright smile across her face. Preyas let out a small chuckle. "Sorry~.... that's our little secret." he said to her only to realize something. "Well... us and about thirty-thousand other viewers." he added to that. At that time, Dan and Spike took two pieces of Takoyaki. "Well, down the hatch!" the said in unison and ate their pieces of Takoyaki savoring the flavor. Runo tried one and was amazed by its flavor. "You know, these are good." she complimented it as she looked to Alice. "No kidding..." she agreed with Runo. Even though the ponies were reluctant to try the dish, curiosity got the better of them as each of them tried a piece of Takoyaki. And just from tasting it, their tastebuds just literally exploded. "Oh my, even though we're strickly on a vegetarian diet, these are actually very nice." Rarity said as she was amazed by the flavor. "I know right? I'm surprised we never had any of this in Equestria." said Rainbow Dash as she tried another. "Maybe because its more commonly in Neighpon, where Kirin's are most famous for their famous foods." Twilight said to her only to get surprised looks from her friends. "You never read anything at the Golden Oak Library do you...?" she asked them only to see them shake their heads. "Sorry Twi... but not all of us are bookworms like you." Applejack apologized to her as she hid her face behind her hat. "But I would be more than willing to learn about the Kirin's you mentioned." Fluttershy said to her. "I mean, they cannot be that different from Zecora... right?" she asked her. Alice ate another piece of Takoyaki and looked to her. "Kirin's in mythology are considered to be sort of a chimera type creature. But they are mostly half horse, half dragon. But in your case, in Equestria, they'd be half pony." she said to them. Five of the Mane Six nodded in understanding. Meanwhile Rainbow Dash was too busy stuffing her face. "Oh these are so good..." she savored the flavor. Shun smiled as he had some Takoyaki. "Its the soft texture of the outer coating, and the chewy texture of the octopus inside. The two together create a perfect harmony." he said to both himself and to Rainbow Dash. She looked at him surprised of what he said and could hardly believe a word. "Wow... you think of that all by yourself, or are you an actual food critique...?" she asked him as she got a few laughs from the others. Marucho smiled seeing how happy they all were. "I think we succeeded you guys." he said as he looked to Preyas and Pinkie Pie. "None of this would have happened if you guys hadn't helped out. Because now, everyone looks a whole lot happier now." "Oh please, the credit is all yours Marucho, without you're inspired dance as we cooked... none of this would have been possible." Pinkie Pie said to him. "And knowing me... I love cooking... just keep me clear from gas oven's..." she advised him as she remembered what happened last time she used a gas powered oven. Marucho couldn't help but chuckle from hearing it. At that time, Dan let out a sigh as he had a fully belly. "Well, that hit the spot. Thanks a bunch you guys." he expressed his gratitude as he started to feel better, and not acting like a crazy chicken with its head cut off. "Yeah, thank you, it was delicious." Julie complimented it. "Me and Fluttershy would still like to get that recipe." Alice mentioned to them, knowing she'll get it eventually. Runo giggled from hearing it and looked to her friends. "Well I feel way better." she said to them as she laid back and relaxed. Even Shun began to smile, which is often a rare occassion. He even gave Marucho a silent nod showing a sign of approval. Marucho and Pinkie Pie smiled gleefully and started to giggle. "You totally rock!" Rainbow Dash complimented him as she flew around him. "Awww, go on..." Marucho began to blushed knowing he was being smothered with praise. In the kitchen, Runo, Alice, Julie, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy were cleaning the dishes. At that moment, Marucho brought in the last remaining dishes for them. "Here, these are the last ones." he set them down on the counter for them. "Thank you darling, very much appreciated." Rarity thanked him for the last delivery, causing him to blush. He smiled and looked to Preyas pulling him off his shoulder. "And thanks Preyas... I know my dance was a pretty big help. But it was your cooking that put smiles on everyones faces." he said to him. "Don't mention it! You know I'd do anything for you and your friends." Preyas responded wishing he could smile at his partner. A bright smile came across Marucho's face knowing that he chose the right Bakugan, even though he's bit of a goofball. "I'm glad you're my partner... I just wanted you to know how I feel Preyas." he said to him. "Oh go on! You're gonna get me blubbered if you keep this up. Anyway... I'm the one who should be thanking you for taking in a drifter like me." Preyas said to him. Marucho at the moment soon thought about something. "By the way, can you show me how you made those Takoyaki of yours? I think I may have dozed off during that particular broadcast." he said to him as he let a drop of sweat fall knowing how embarrassing it was to mention it. "Don't worry... I think I recorded it." Preyas reassured him. "Perfect!" Pinkie jumped out of no where and held them close. "We can watch it right now!" she dragged them. "Maybe after that, we can watch the chess tournament?" Marucho asked them if they were interested. "You kidding?! SIGN ME UP!!!" Preyas cried out. "I'LL MAKE POPCORN!!!" Pinkie exclaimed as she went with them. Rarity and the others heard them from the kitchen and smiled seeing it. "Those two..." "I know, they're such a great match, don't you agree?" Runo asked her and the others. "Yeah, its true..." Fluttershy agreed with her and Rarity. "They're a great team." Julie added to it. Applejack chuckled hearing it. "Those two are closer together than me and my family. And trust me... its quite a big family." she said as she dried a few dishes. Rarity nodded in agreement but her thoughts soon returned to when Chan Lee challenged them. "You must wonder ladies..." she turned to face them. "Why would Masquerade recruit the greatest Bakugan players in the world...? It can't be their love for Bakugan..." "Lady Rarity is right... there has to be more to it." Lancelot mentioned to them as he landed next to the sink. Tigrerra also landed next to him and looked to her partner. "I'm with Lancelot... there's no telling what Masquerade will do with them eventually." she mentioned to her. "You mean... Masquerade might no longer have any use for them once we're out of the way...?" Alice asked them as she saw Elvia fly to the counter. "As painful as it sounds Ms. Alice, I fear that may be the case. Once we've been disposed of, there's a chance Masquerade may betray them." Elvia said to them. Gritting her teeth, Applejack closed her eyes from hearing it. "That's just down right insane...!" she exclaimed from imagining what would happen to Chan Lee and the other top rank Battle Brawlers. Fluttershy began to tremble in fear of the possibility. After experiencing what happened seeing innocent Bakugan sent to the Doom Dimension, she couldn't bear to see it happen to the top ten. "Whether or not they're our enemies, we have to do what we can to change their point of view." she said to them. "We're with you there sugarcube... but Masquerade has them snatched like a fish caught in a net." Applejack said to her as she dried her hooves off from the water and soap. "She makes a valid point... Billy has already shown signs of not seeking thy redemption." Centorea said to her as she was on the counter. "Thusly, if it were possible... we would need a miracle." Julie lowered her head knowing she was right... but she shook her head knowing that wasn't going to stop her. "No matter... we'll get him back somehow. No matter what it takes." she raised her her head feeling determined. A smile formed across Runo's face knowing that everyone and everypony around her were determined to do what they can. But she knew Julie all too well... knowing her, she will still go after Dan. She didn't want to admit it... but her heart was starting to tell her the honest truth, she is jealous. In the lounge, Dan had taken a moment think of a way to find the Infinity Core. But suddenly it hit him. "Hey everyone! Got a sec?" he asked them as he saw them arrive. "Sure, what's up Dan?" Rainbow Dash asked him. "I've been thinking about it a lot... we should ask for information about the Infinity Core on our website." Dan said to her and the others only to get shocked expressions from everyone. "Are ya thick in the head?!" Applejack asked him in disbelief. Marucho took a step forward to face him. "I thought we talked about this already, if we do that, then there's a chance that the enemy will find out what we're up to." he said to him. "Marucho's right Dan, this isn't the most well thought out plan you've come up with." Rainbow Dash said to him knowing its a really bad idea. "It sounds risky..." Fluttershy said in agreement. "I agree with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash..." Alice said to him. Unaware that the Bakugan were thinking differently about Dan's plan to find the Infinity Core. Shun at that moment stepped up. "I'm all for the idea." he admitted. "You are?!" everyone asked in unison. "As we're all well aware... even if we attempt to keep our activities unwraps, information can still be leaked." Shun explained to them as he looked to them with a smile. "So I agree that we should go on the offensive." Everyone was surprised by what he said and could barely believe a word he's saying. Meanwhile Drago nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, it could be our only chance..." he said to them. "We tried everything else haven't we? So lets stick our necks out and see what happens." Shun said to them knowing its the only option. "Okay, so who's with us?" Dan asked them hoping to see some volunteers even though they would be reluctant. Everyone mostly looked at each other with blank and surprised expressions but looked to Dan knowing there was no backing out. "We are..." they said in unison, but with very little enthusiasm. Twilight soon approached Dan and looked up to him. "As crazy as this plan is, I hope it will provide answers for us. Besides, we need to find the Infinity Core before the enemy does." she said to him. Dan nodded to her knowing his plan may work. After recording his message, Marucho worked on posting his message. "Okay, that's it... got it! Ready to post Dan's message, any second thoughts?" he asked as he looked to him. "No way." Dan responded feeling eager. Alice looked to him. "Even if we do get a response... it could be a trap of some kind couldn't it?" she asked him. "Hey, Danger's my middle name." Dan responded to her with a smile. "Right... nothing ventured, nothing gained I always say." Shun said to them with bit of a sarcastic tone. Marucho looked to the screen and start to mentally pray. "Here it goes, uploading now..." he uploaded the video to the Bakugan Site hoping something won't go wrong, and hoping that someone will have enough answers. Meanwhile, at Klaus's estate, he found the video first before anyone else could. He clicked and watched the video. "Hey guys, Dan here. Listen, I need everyones help with something. I'm looking for information about the Infinity Core, if you guys know anything at all, please contact me. Smell ya later." Dan said in his video. Klaus looked at the video as his eyes squint. "The Infinity Core huh...?" he wondered. Just from hearing the name, his interest just peeked. He needed to get Dan and his friends to meet with him, and he knew just how to do it. The next morning, Marucho walked to the main computer and opened up the Bakugan Site to check if there are any replies. And to his surprise, there was one. "HEY!!! COME HERE EVERYBODY!!!" he hollered out. The brawlers and the ponies rushed to the main lounge to check it out. "We got a reply to Dan's message...?" Twilight asked. "That was fast." said Rainbow Dash. "But where from?" Applejack wondered as she looked to the screen. "Pull it up on screen Marucho." she said to him to find out who it was. Marucho worked his magic to pinpoint the location of who replied, and the location was in... "Germany...?" Runo asked in surprise. "That's right... it says if you want information about the Infinity Core, come to Germany. Its best we meet face to face." he read the message from the anonamis messenger. Fluttershy began to worry. "I don't like this... remember what Alice said this whole thing could just be a trap." she said to them. "Fluttershy's right, we don't even know who sent this message, or why." Rainbow Dash agreed with her. Dan looked to her and the others with a confident smile. "We can't ignore a lead like this, so don't sweat it. We just have to watch each others backs." he said to them as Shun nodded his head in agreement. "Absolutely!" Marucho agreed with his friends. "Here, here! I spit in the face of danger! LET ME AT'EM!" Preyas boasted only to get a glare from Scylla. She glared so fiercely at him knowing just how irretating he can be. "What does it take to shut you up?" she wondered as she looked away. Dan looked to everyone on the plane. "Lets get this party started! October Fest style that is." he joked about it given that they're heading to Germany. "Just one question... what's the weather like there this time of year?" Runo asked the most obvious question she could ever ask. Thinking about it... Dan didn't get very far. "I don't know, just dress in layers. Okay lets do it!" he called out as everyone hollered out. As the plane took off, another question popped up in Alice's mind. "Do they have toilet paper in Germany...?" she asked out of curiosty. Upon arriving in Germany, all the brawlers and the ponies looked out the window to see a stunning view. A beautiful castle at the edge of a lake. Rarity could only stare in awe from it. "This is... that place is so... there are no words!" she exclaimed knowing she was speechless. "Seriously...? That's where we're going?" Rainbow Dash asked as she stared at the castle. "Call me crazy, but that place is almost as big as Canterlot." "I'll say..." Applejack said as she looked at the castle. "Somebody pinch me, cause I think I'm dreaming..." Dan said to them. Careful what you wish for, Pinkie rushed up to him and pinched him causing him to yelp in pain. "Nope! You're not dreaming Danny boy." she giggled at him. "Unbelievable... its a real castle..." Runo said to herself. "If Celestia were here, she would enjoy the view." said Spike. "And here we thought Marucho's house was pretty impressive, but this place takes the cake." Applejack compred Marucho's house to the castle. "Hmph! I bet this dump is drafty in the winter!" said Preyas as he looked at the castle. "It must cost a fortune to heat up." "Its okay Preyas, Marucho has a swimming pool." Pinkie said to him. Just at that moment while the plane went in for a landing, Rarity shot an intense glare at Preyas for calling the castle a dump. "Listen here Preyas! A castle means royals live there, and where there's royals, there's a prince or a princess! And I for one would like to meet them first hand before you go and critisize it, got it?!" "Y-Yes ma'am!" Preyas panicked from seeing how angry she is. Upon landing, they made their way to the castle hoping things will work out well. Once they arrived at the doorway, they noticed that it was a lot more fancy than Marucho's. Even Dan was impressed. "Check out this crazy doorway." he pointed out as he observed it. "So anybody found the doorbell yet?" he asked only to hear a few clicks. Twilight watched as the door opened all by themselves. "Well... that works." "What?! They open automatically?!" Dan asked. Shun stepped up as he looked at the doorway. "Well yeah... just like the mall." he made a joke out of it. Everyone followed Dan inside and looked around seeing many different suits of armor. "Man... I've never seen a real suit of armor before, there's so many." Julie pointed out as she looked around. "I would bet even the royal guards in Canterlot would have trouble moving around in these suits." said Rainbow Dash as she observed the suits. "I would guess the owner of this castle is a pretty serious collector." Marucho pointed out. "Your stamp collection is way cooler than all this junk." Preyas said to him. Marucho only chuckled knowing he was half right, suddenly out of no where... "Welcome everyone. Thank you for traveling so far. Please... make yourselves at home." said a familiar gentlemenly voice. Everyone looked to who it was, and found that it was Klaus. Dan looked at him and stayed cautious. "Are you the one... who contacted us...?" he asked him. Klaus halted his approach and smiled. "That is correct, please, forgive the mysterious nature of my message. My name is Klaus von Hertzon, pleasure to meet you." he introduced himself to them. Marucho recognized the name and was surprised by it. "Klaus? As in Number 02 World Ranked Bakugan Player Klaus?!" he asked him. "I am flattered that you know of me... and, I know that you're Marucho. Your Bakugan is Preyas, who possess the Aquos Attribute." Klaus said to him as he looked to Preyas. Surprised of how he knew so much, Marucho couldn't help but wonder... "How on earth do you know all that?" he asked him. Shun looked at him knowing he didn't just learn about it out of the blue. "Interesting... you've done your research, but it makes me wonder why." he said to him feeling skeptical of the situation. "Well, to be honest with you, I've been wanting to go up against the Brawlers and the first ever Equestrian Battle Brawlers for quite some time now." he admitted to them earning surprised looks from everyone, even the Mane Six. "You know of us too?!" asked Rainbow Dash as she went on the defensive. "Of course... I know that you're Rainbow Dash, the fastest flyer alive. You are a Ventus Brawler, and your partner is Ventus Avion." Klaus explained to her as he looked to Applejack. "Applejack, or AJ if she doesn't mind... is a Subterra Brawler with Subterra Centorea as a partner. Strong willed, and brave to face anyone who threatens her friends." "That's true..." Applejack admitted to him. "Then there's the calm yet timid Fluttershy, a gentle soul with the light of Haos on her side. Her partner is Haos Elvia." Klaus said as he looked to her seeing her hide behind Alice. He then looked to Pinkie Pie who had Scylla. "Then there is the hyperactive pony known as Pinkie Pie, an Aquos Brawler, with Aquos Scylla fighting by her side." "And don't you forget it!" Pinkie said to him as she crossed her hooves together. Klaus then looked to Rarity and walked over to her. "And here we have the lovely Rarity... a Darkus Brawler who is as beautiful as an Iris gemstone." he complimented her as he took her hoof and kissed it. Rarity's face began to blush from seeing it. "Oh my..." she chuckled nervously of how he described her. While Klaus immediately got death glares from Spike and Lancelot. "You better keep your hands off her buster!" Spike exclaimed. "Or you will face our wrath!" Lancelot agreed with the young dragon. Klaus chuckled noticing how jealous they are. "Forgive me, but I haven't finished explaining... you of course must be Darkus Lancelot. Named after a noble knight of Camelot, who is said to have been undefeated until the great King Arthur bested him first hand." he said to him as he looked to Princess Twilight. "And last but not least... Princess Twilight Sparkle, a Pyrus Brawler with the great Pyrus Bahamut as her greatest ally. And Spike is your number one assistant..." he pointed to the baby dragon. Sending a glare to him, Twilight's wings spread defensivly. "So you know all about us... you dragged us half way around the world just so we could battle?" she asked him. "I did..." Klaus admitted to her. Dan sent a similar glare at him. "So you were lying when you said you had information about the Infinity Core?!" he asked him feeling furious. "How dare you! A real gentlemen would never have done that!" Alice exlcaimed to him knowing what he did was wrong. "You're mistaking... I am a gentlemen, and I will indeed fulfill my promise." Klaus said to them knowing where the situation was going to go. "Provided that you win against me..." he added to it as he smirked. Rainbow Dash stepped up prepared. "Don't worry, I'll win against you, ya fancy little-" before she could finish her little insult, Marucho stopped her in her mid sentence. "Hang on Rainbow, today its my turn!" Marucho said to her and the others. Everyone was surprised of his outburst as they turned to him. "But Marucho..." Dan was about to stop him from doing something crazy. But that wasn't going to stop him, no matter what he or the others say. Marucho stepped passed him knowing he can take him. "I know about this guy... his favorite Bakugan is Sirenoid, who possess the Aquos Attribute just like Preyas does. I'm curious to see what happens when Preyas and I take him on. Also..." he turned to Pinkie Pie and Scylla. "I'll need Pinkie by my side, its time she put her Bakugan skills to use." Pinkie felt excited from hearing it. "YES!!! My first battle!" she cheered out. "Are ya'll sure about this?" Applejack asked them feeling worried about the situation. Marucho stopped in his tracks and looked to them with a confident smile. "Completely sure, we're gonna eat these two for breakfast!" he said to them. "That's right! With a little fruit garnish and everything!" Preyas added to it. Scylla prepared herself knowing this will be the battle of a life time. "And I hope you enjoy your moments in this battle von Hertzan..." she said to him as Pinkie nodded her head in agreement. A smirk crawled across Klaus's face hearing it, he even pulled something out from behind him. "Check this out..." he raised it showing its one of Masquerades Bakushooters. Everyone gasped seeing it knowing what it was. "That shooter!" Runo exclaimed. "I thought so ya jerk!" Spike yelled at him. "Oh no, he's working for that no good creep Masquerade!" Julie glared at the Aquos Brawler. Holding a glare of his own, Marucho knew where this was going. "That means the losers Bakugan is banished to the Doom Dimension..." he said knowing the risk of facing one of the best Brawlers of all time. Klaus smirked knowing he had the upper hand in this battle. "I assume you still accept the challenge to battle me? Even along side your pink friend here...?" he asked him. "I wouldn't miss it for the world! Ready Pinkie?!" Marucho glanced to her as he held up a Bakugan Card. Pinkie held one up as well. "I was born ready!" she said to him. All three players held out their Bakugan Cards as they began to glow. "Bakugan Field Open!" they called out in unison as they entered the battlefield, and Klaus had already set the Doom Card. They each pulled out a Gate Card for their Bakugan. "Gate Card Set!" they tossed their cards to the field seeing them expand. "Bakugan Brawl!" Marucho was first to toss in his Bakugan Limulus to the field. "Make this one count old buddy! Limulus stand!" he called out as Limulus emerged on the field, hissing at its opponent. Klaus let out a chuckle seeing it. "Rather a cautious start... testing the waters are we?" he asked him as he readied his first Bakugan. "I guess that means its my turn. Bakugan Brawl!" he shot in his Aquos Stinglash to the field. "Stinglash Stand!" he called out seeing it emerge on the field. "Stinglash 350 G advantage." said the Bakupod. Preyas quickly floated up to Marucho with a pleading look. "Oh please put me out there! I wanna show this arrogant snob who's boss! Oh please! Please! Please! Please! Please!" he pleaded to him to get out there on the field. "Hold it Marucho... you should let me and Scylla take this match." Pinkie said to him as she looked to the field. "Because I have a sneaky feeling he's gonna pull a fast one on us, and its gonna cost us big." she said to him knowing her gut feeling is never wrong. "Alright, I'll leave it to you Pinkie." Marucho said to him. "WHAT?!!!" Preyas exclaimed. "Bakugan Brawl!" Pinkie tossed Scylla to the field. "Aquos Scylla Stand!" she called out as Scylla emerged on the field. Letting out a chuckle, Scylla looked to Klaus with a sinister look. "Even though you wanted to meet Preyas, I hope you're impressed with what you got, because it won't last for long my dear." she said as she gave him a wink. Sirenoid immediately took offense to what she did as a blush formed across her face. "Now you listen! You stay away from my master, or you'll have to deal with me!" she warned her only to get a playful laugh from her. "Oh don't worry your pretty little mermaid head, I'm just teasing.... or am I...?" Scylla grinned as her wolves chuckled humerously at her situation. A scoff came from Sirenoid from seeing it. "Klaus, please send me out, I must teach that beast some manners!" she pleaded to him. "Calm yourself Sirenoid, its only the first round... let us see what she can do." Klaus said to her as he looked to the battle. "Alright Scylla, Ability Card Activate! Deep Six!" Pinkie Called out as the Gate Card turned to water, allowing Scylla to dive under hiding herself. "Deep Six is an Ability only Scylla can use, it allows her to swim under any Gate Card on the field. And since Stinglash is on the field..." she watched as Scylla's wolves emerged around Stinglash and coiled around it. Scylla lightly chucked as she held Stinglash down. "Hope you know how to swim insect!" she said to Stinglash. "So this is the power of Aquos Scylla... I'm impressed..." Klaus complimented Pinkie's partner. "Watch this buster! Ability Card Activate! Aquos and Subterra Diagnal! With his Ability, I can call for a Subterra Bakugan from one of my teammates. And luckily, with Preyas's Attribute Changing abilities, I can get a power boost!" Pinkie explained as Preyas launched out to the field against his will. Appearing on the field, Preyas chuckled as he started to realize Pinkie's plan. "Nice move there Pinkie! You sent Scylla in knowing she would be stronger than Stinglash. But you needed me for a power boost. Clever, why didn't I think of that...?" he wondered to himself but looked toward Klaus. "So, I heard you wanted to meet me... well get a load of this!" he leaped into the air and started to change his attribute. "Change of Attribute! Subterra!" he formed into Subterra Preyas and landed on the ground. "Please pardon the delay and intrusion... but did someone order a butt kicking?!!" he asked with a large grin. "Preyas undergoing Attribute Change." said the Bakupod. Scylla scoffed seeing him. "Took your time..." she said to him with a scolding expression. "That must the the Attribute Change..." Klaus observed the situation. Both Scylla's and Preyas's powers began to merge. "Oh mama! That's what I'm talking about! I got energy to burn and share!" he roared out. "Preyas's and Scylla Power level Increase. Scylla at 550 G's, Preyas standing at 400 G's." said the Bakupod. "Time to send this bug flying!" Scylla raised Stinglash into the air only to hear a chuckle from Klaus. "Something funny pretty boy?" she asked him. "That wouldn't do now would it? Then I would have to tell you about the Infinity Core... Gate Card open! Scapegoat!" he called out as the Gate Card began to glow. Preyas see's it surprised. "Uhhh... Marucho...?" he started to panic. "What's Scapegoat?" Pinkie asked not knowing what it was. "Ha! Simple really... with this card, the first battler who first shot their Bakugan can decide whether the battle continues... or not." Klaus explained to her. "OH FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!" Preyas complained. "So which is it...? Keep going or stop?" Scylla asked him. Klaus smiled knowing he was no match for her. "Well... to be honest, this battle has been a triffle tidius... so I think I choose to stop it." he said to her as he looked to Stinglash. "Now then, time to come back Stinglash." he called out as Stinglash returned to him. Preyas and Scylla also returned to their partners as Scylla opened up. "You coward!" she cried out in anger. "Battle Terminated." said the Bakupod. "Look at him run! He's a whole lot of feathers and not a lot of chicken! No wait, he is chicken, I jus-" before Preyas could finish, Scylla quickly clocked him to shut him up. Klaus chuckled hearing it. "What's that...? You think I'm running away from you? I just can't be bothered to battle with some kid and his pony with their two-bit comedian side-kicks." he insulted them. "TWO BIT COMEDIAN?!! Well you're a two-bit aristocrat!" Preyas returned the insult. "Well thought out Preyas, you read my mind." Scylla said to him and looked to Klaus with a glare. "I trust you can see yourselves out." Klaus kept his calm compossure. Preyas meanwhile was getting angrier and angrier from what's happening. "Why you...!" "We're not going anywhere until this battle is done!" Pinkie declared. Klaus knew they were getting into a whole lot of trouble. But he couldn't afford to lose to them, so he pulled out his next Gate Card. "Gate Card Set!" he tossed it out to the field. He then had Sirenoid in his shooter to prepare for battle. "Bakugan Brawl!" he launched her to the field. "Sirenoid Stand!" he called out as Sirenoid emerged on the field in her true and most beautiful form. Feeling paralyzed, Marucho couldn't help but stare at the beautiful Bakugan. "Pleasure to meet you child... and Pony..." she said to them as she slightly bowed her head. "Wow... she's gorgeous... she's even prettier than Scylla..." Preyas complimented her only to get a glare from Scylla. She rushed over to him and quickly clobbered him. "You just shut your mouth!" Scylla cried out knowing he meant it as an insult. "Ha! I'm so glad you approve of her..." Klaus said as he pulled out an ability card. "But she's more than a pretty face... Ability Card Activate! Dive Mirage!" he called out as Sirenoid dived into the water. "WHAT THE HECK IS THIS?!!" Marucho, Pinkie, Preyas and Scyllla all cried out watching as Sirenoid swam towards Limulus. Upon surfacing, Marucho panicked from seeing Sirenoid ambushing his Limulus. "Watch out Limulus! Gate Card open!" he called out only to see that nothing is happening. "Oh no...!" "What is it?!" Preyas panicked. "Something's not right, my Gate Card won't open!" Marucho said to him as he looked toward Klaus. "Of course not my poor confused Marucho... Sirenoid can appear anywhere on the card." Klaus explained with a smug grin. "On top of that... she can change the card to water and render it useless." he added to his explaination catching them off guard. "WHAT?!!" Marucho and Pinkie cried out. "OH NO! LIMULUS!!!" Preyas cried out only to see a whirlpool formed beneath Limulus, created by Sirenoid. She jumped out of the water hovering above the whirlpool. "Come my little friend!" she dived into the whirlpool, pulling Limulus into it. Limulus tried to pull itself out of it, but the currents were too strong, and Sirenoid sent him down into the Doom Dimension. "Oh no!" Marucho exclaimed in shock from what he saw. "She may be beautiful... but she's deadly...!" Scylla glared at the mermaid who soon returned to her partner. Klaus caught and looked to his opponents. "I believe the saying goes, every rose has its thorn." he said to them. Gritting his teeth, Marucho glared at Klaus for what he did to his friend Limulus and pulled out another gate card. "I won't let you get away with that!" he tossed it to the field letting it expand. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot his Juggernoid to the field. "Juggernoid Stand!" he called out as his Juggernoid emerged on the field coming out of his shell snarling at Klaus. "Bakugan Brawl!" Klaus shot his Terrorclaw onto the field. "Terrorclaw Stand!" he called out as it emerged before them snapping its pincers. Preyas watched it and looked to Marucho. "Leave it to me pilgram, I'll get revenge! This is for Limulus!" he said to Marucho with a John Wayne impression as Marucho grabbed him and loaded him up. "Bakugan Brawl!" Marucho shot him onto the field. "Preyas Stand!" he called out as Preyas began to change his attribute in the process. "Change of Attribute! Darkus!" Preyas called out emerging as Darkus Preyas. "Booyah!" he chuckled at Klaus. "So its Darkus this time, you never cease to amaze me." Klaus said to them. "Oh we're not done yet, Ability Card Activate! Darkus & Aquos Correlation!" Marucho called out as the powers of Aquos and Darkus began to combined. "Preyas Power Level Increase by 100 G's to 400 G's." the Bakupod calculated. "Preyas felt the power flowing through him as he flexed his muscles. "I'm so hungry I can eat a horse! But I think I'll have a crab instead!" he roared as he prepared to attack. But suddenly... "Gate Card Open... Biohazard Activate!" Klaus called out as the gate card began to glow. Preyas saw it as his skin was changing back to Aquos. "Wait a sec...! I think I'm losing my mojo here!" he exclaimed as he looked to Klaus. "Actually, your transformation has been reversed." Klaus explained to him. "Darkus and Aquos Correlation canceled. Power Level is 300 G's for both Bakugan." the Bakupod recalculated. Preyas growled from hearing it and charged at Terrorclaw ramming it against its claw, only to get pushed back sliding on the ground. He glared at both Terrorclaw and Klaus for such a dirty tactic. "I hate a fair fight!" he glared as both he and Terrorclaw returned to ball form returning to their masters. Pinkie looked to Klaus trying to figure him out. "He knows all of our tricks and uses them against us... that Klaus is a strong opponent." she said only to recieve a chuckle from him "You should have done your homework... Bakugan Brawl!" Klaus sent his Stinglash back onto the field. "Stinglash Stand!" he called out as Stinglash appeared on the same card as Juggernoid. Marucho was prepared for this. "Gate Card Open!" he called out as water formed around Juggernoid. "Ability Card Activate! Depth Tornado!" he tossed the card to Juggernoid seeing it spin and charge at Stinglash. "Juggernoid Power Level Increase to 530 G's." said the Bakupod. "Now its my turn! Ability Card Activate! Abyss Ruler!" Klaus tossed his ability card to Stinglash as it glowed. "Stinglash Power Increase to 550 G's." the Bakupod showed them. Marucho gasped as a water cyclone swirled around Stinglash and smacked Juggernoid straight to the Doom Dimension. "Juggernoid... NO!!!" he cried out seeing his partner get sent away. Pinkie's heart began to ache from what she saw... she was beginning to feel something she hadn't felt in a long time. "Stay possitive... stay... positive...!" she muttered to herself trying to stay calm.... but the way she was hyperventilating and the way her hair was starting to show signs of something else entirely. Scylla saw it and started to worry for her partner. "Pinkie Pie, what's wrong?!" she asked her in concern, but she didn't get a response from her. Just wide eyes, and heavy breathing. "Put me in quick!" Preyas roared out in anger. "Right!" Marucho grabbed him and pulled out a gate Card. "Gate Card Set!" he tossed the card out to the field seeing it expand across it. Pinkie's eyes widen in shock. "Marucho wait!" she went to stop him... but it was too late. "Bakugan Brawl!" Marucho shot Preyas onto the field. "Preyas Stand!" he watched as his partner stood on the field. Upon emerging on the field, Preyas chuckled as he stood ready. "Okay, time to kick some-" he soon looked to his human partner noticing how sad he looked. "Marucho...?" He remained silent for a moment... but Marucho lowered his head knowing what might happen. "If I let you fight Preyas... there's a good chance that you..." he closed his eyes trying not to think about it. Preyas knew exactly what he was thinking, and was aware of the risk. "Please don't think about that..." he pleaded to him not to. "But..." Marucho looked to him. "Now listen to me Marucho... I admire you because you're such a strong battler. But I also admire you because you're caring..." Preyas said to him. Marucho was surprised by what he said. "I'm strong... and caring...?" he asked him. "That's right..." Preyas nodded to him. "To be caring you have to be strong, and right now you have to be strong for the sake of those who have fallen. Just like how Pinkie does everything in her power to make everyone smile." he gestured to Pinkie who looked to him surprised. Even Scylla was amazed at how he gave words of wisdom. "Never thought I'd say this... but that is some good advice Preyas." she said to him. Marucho frowned for a moment, but hardened himself. "You're right Preyas... if I back down now, their sacrifices would have been pointless. I don't know what I would do without you Preyas... now lets do this thing!" he smiled at his partner. "That's what I wanted to hear you say!" Preyas cheered out and turned to Klaus. "Right... you're about to become the Marquis De Sad!" he said to him with a big grin. Klaus was only slightly amused of his threat. "Your touching display has warmed my heart, but the dinner hour approaches." he said to him as Sirenoid leaped into his hand. "Its time to end this Sirenoid." "I agree..." Sirenoid said to him as he loaded her into the Bakushooter. "Bakugan Brawl!" Klaus shot her to the field passed Preyas. He noticed it and looked to Klaus with a smirk. "Missed me~!" Preyas said to him. "Sirenoid Stand!" Klaus called out as Sirenoid emerged on the card behind Preyas. At that moment, Klaus pulled out an Ability Card. "Now, why not regail us with a song..." he requested her as his card began to glow. "I have just the one for you..." Sirenoid said as Preyas looked to her surprised. She began to play the harp she has in her scepter, and began to vocalize. "This is the Ability Card Devora Anthemusa, once your opponent hears her beautiful but deadly song... its over." Klaus explained to them causing Pinkie Pie's eyes to widen. "That Bakugan will be pulled into the Doom Dimension." "The Doom Dimension?!!" Marucho exclaimed. "No! Preyas, cover your ears!" Pinkie cried out to him. But it was too late, Preyas felt his body moving on its own. "Hey... hang on! WHAT'S HAPPENING TO ME?!!" he struggled to try and fight it. But Klaus chuckled knowing what awaits him. "You're a prisoner of Sirenoid's song..." he said to him. Preyas tried so hard to pull away. "That voice... I... I can't help but go towards it..." he said as he moved ever so closer towards the water unwillingly. "Preyas! Don't give in! If you do you're finished!" Scylla cried out to him. "Sorry Scylla... but your friend is already finished." Klaus said to her. Sirenoid watched as Preyas got closer to the water. "Come Preyas... come closer. Do not be afraid of the water." she said to him. Preyas struggled to no avail. "But... it hasn't been an hour since lunch!" he cried out as his foot touched the water. "Oh no!" Pinkie cried out as her hair was starting to change. "Once he's set foot in the water, there is no turning back." Klaus explained as Preyas got further into the water. "His fate... is now sealed..." "NO!" Marucho cried out and ran to the card. "Preyas wait!" he pleaded to him to stop. "I... I can't, I can't stop myself!" Preyas panicked as he reached the center of the water. Pinkie couldn't watch as he struggled to get out. "You gotta fight Preyas... please!" she pleaded. As hard as he struggled... there was no escape. "I can't!" he cried out as he tried to reach them. "Preyas no!" Marucho rushed to him to try and pull him out... but it was too late. Preyas was pulled deep into the water, never to be seen again. At that moment, Pinkie's heart sank from seeing it as her hair went flat. Sirenoid returned to Klaus as he let out a chuckle. "Well, that's that then." he said to them... but suddenly he noticed something different about Pinkie, rather than seeing her puffy hair style... it was flat. "You seem differe-" before he could finish... Pinkie shot a menacing glare at him for what he did, and it immediately shot chills down his spine. "You.... just made a big mistake bub..." she said to him revealing herself, not as Pinkie Pie. But as Pinkamena Diane Pie, her mean personality. She loaded Scylla into her Bakushooter. "Bakugan Brawl!" she shot her to the field. "Scylla stand!" she called out as Scylla appeared on the field but dove into the water. Klaus saw it knowing she was ready. "Alright... you wanna play? Bring it! Bakugan Brawl!" he shot Sirenoid onto the field. "Sirenoid Stand!" he called out as Sirenoid emerged on the field and dove into the water to find Scylla. She searched through the waters seeing nothing but darkness. "Where is she...?" she searched around but felt something swim behind her. "Huh...?" she quickly turned only to see nothing. She felt it again and turned sharply to find it, but there was nothing. "Where are you Scylla?!" she cried out. And out of no where, Scylla appeared behind her with a fierce glare similar to Pinkie's. "Right here..." she said as her wolves struck her from behind causing her to yelp. "Sirenoid! What's happening?!" Klaus asked her only to look to Pinkamena and saw she was holding an ability card. "Aqua Nightmare... its an Ability Card only Scylla can use. They don't call her the terror of the seas for nothing. Once she and her opponents are under water... she has the advantage." Pinkamena explained to him as Scylla charged at Sirenoid from beneath and tackled her. "No, Sirenoid!" Klaus cried out. Scylla hid herself in the darkness of the waters as she glared at Sirenoid. "How does it feel... knowing that you are being stalked by the most fearsome creature ever imaginable...?" she asked the mermaid as she looked around for her. "You took Limulus... Juggernoid... and now Preyas!" she exclaimed as she came out of hiding. Her wolves charged at Sirenoid biting her arms and tail fin. She cried out feeling it and looked to her with fear in her eyes. "Scylla please, I was only follow my masters commands..." Sirenoid pleaded to her. But one look in Scylla's eyes, she knew she made a terrible mistake. "You should have thought about that before you and Klaus joined Masquerade!" Scylla roared at her. "Ability Card Activate! Aqua Barrage!" Pinkamena called out as the fourth wolf head of Scylla rose up in front of Sirenoid. "Scylla Power Level Increase to 560 G's." said the Bakupod as Scylla's wolf blasted her repeatedly, forcing her into ball form returning to Klaus. Klaus rushed to her and picked her up. "You alright Sirenoid?" he asked her worriedly. "I... I'm alright... but not mentally or physically... I fear we are out matched now." Sirenoid said to him as she saw Scylla return to Pinkie. "She has changed... and it terrifies me..." "You're right... I saw it the moment I looked into her eyes..." Klaus said as she looked to Pinkamena. "We got what we need... Field Down!" Klaus called out as they left the Battlefield. "Apparently... I am both the victor, and the defeated." he watched as Marucho fell to his knee's. "Sorry..." "Marucho!" Runo and Fluttershy ran to him seeing him cry. Marucho's tears fell to his hands after seeing what happened to Preyas. "Oh Preyas... how could this have happened..." he asked himself as he thought about what Preyas said to him. "Preyas... is gone... he's really gone..." he started to cry. "You were careless..." Pinkamena said to him as her fellow ponies looked to her in shock. "Pinkie...?" Applejack looked at her worried. Pinkimena turned to them with a glare. "He never should have challenged Klaus... and its his fault he lost Preyas." she said harshly. Runo was shocked from what she said. "Pinkie, what happened to-" she saw her shoot the glare towards her causing her to freeze up from it. "What's happened to you...?" she asked as Pinkamena looked away. "Unforunately... I don't think you and Preyas will ever see each other again." Klaus said to Marucho as he looked up to him with tears running down his face. "Give him back to me..." Marucho pleaded to him. "Please, I beg of you... I'll do anything, but you have to give Preyas back to me!" he begged to him. "There's no one in the universe who could ever replace him!" the Brawlers and the ponies looked down knowing how he's feeling. "We understand each other... we care about each other! So please!" "I'm sorry... but I cannot do as you ask. Your Bakugan has been sent to the Doom Dimension." Klaus said to him. "If you wish to place blame, then blame your own weakness. Good day to you..." he said to him as he turned and walked away towards a portal that opened up. Marucho glared at him and started charging. "GIVE HIM BACK!" he roared out charging at him. "Marucho! No wait!" Runo and Fluttershy chased after him into the portal. "No, stop!" Dan went to follow them but the door closed before he could get through. "The doors gone..." Alice said as she looked around. "And so are they..." Julie said as she looked at where the door disappeared from. Dan had a moment of silence as he looked around. "But... where too...?" he asked. "Doesn't matter... its his own fault for getting caught up in the battle." Pinkamena said as she leaned against a column. Shun immediately turned to her with a glare. "How can you say that?! What's wrong with yo-" Rainbow Dash quickly covered his mouth pulling him away. "Rainbow, what's gotten into you?!" he muffled under her hooves "Trust me Shun, its best you don't want to yell at her right now." Rainbow advised him not to. "Why is Pinkie Pie acting like this...? I've never seen her like this before..." Julie said in worry. Letting out a sigh, Applejack looked to her knowing they had a right to know. "There's something... you should know about." she said to them as she looked to Pinkamena. "That there isn't Pinkie Pie right now..." she explained. "What do you mean? I mean its still Pinkie... only... her hair's down..." said Dan as he looked at her. "That's where you're wrong Dan..." Spike said to him. "We thought so too... but when we planned a surprise party for her. She thought we were avoiding her, and this side of her came out. Pinkamena Diane Pie..." Twilight introduced the other half of Pinkie. "She and her family worked on a rock far, where there were no flowers, no living tree's, nothing. Pinkie never learned to smile till Rainbow Dash performed her Sonic Rainboom." "Then Pinkamena was pushed away, never to be seen again. But now after what happened during the battle, I fear Klaus may have unleashed Pinkamena by accident." Rarity explained as she lowered her gaze. Alice looked at Pinkamena feeling worried. "Will we ever see Pinkie Pie ever again...?" she asked them. "Only time will tell, we may never see our fun loving Pinkie ever again." said Applejack as she looked away. Everyone was feeling worried knowing that Runo and Marucho are missing, and that Pinkamena is back in the drivers seat. They needed to find a way to fix this... and fast. Meanwhile in what is believed to be the Doom Dimension, Preyas floated aimlessly through the dark void feeling scared and alone. "W-What is this place...?" he asked and felt that he couldn't move any of his limbs. "Oh no... I can't move...!" Suddenly he felt a strong current pulling him through the void, causing him to scream in terror. > Evolution Revolution > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Back at Klaus's castle, everyone and everypony looked around trying to figure out how a portal opened for Klaus. "That's impossible..." Julie said as she looked around. "How could Runo, Fluttershy and Marucho just disappear?" "My guess is Klaus got something from Masquerade, and he wanted to keep us from following." Twilight suggested as she looked around. Dan panickedly searched around for a way to find them. "Runo! Marucho! Fluttershy! Where are you guys?! Come on quit fooling around!" he tried calling out to them, but no response. Alice looked to Shun with a worried look on her face. "Too weird... where could they have gone...?" she asked him. "I don't know..." Shun replied to her. "Where ever they went, we can still find them... right?" asked Rainbow Dash as she looked to them. "Easier said than done darling, but that portal could have taken them anywhere. Whether it was to Equestria, or to another part of the world." Rarity said to her. "Rarity's right ya'll... we need a mircale right now." Applejack lowered her head as she prayed for Runo and Marucho. "By the way... what about Pinkie Pie...?" Alice looked to her seeing her sitting in a corner sulking. The ponies wished they could help, but when Pinkie's the way she is... there's very little they can do. "Lets just give her some time to calm down and collect herself. It will take some time, but I hope she'll be alright when we get back." Twilight said to them knowing it will be tough. "This isn't funny!" Dan tried to contact them on his Bakupod. "Oh man, I got a sick feeling in my gut that something's happened to them." he began to worry about them. "Marucho! Runo! Fluttershy! Come on, answer me!" "Easy Daniel..." Drago tried to calm him down. "I'm having bit of a crisis here!" Dan exclaimed only to feel a hoof on his shoulder. He looked and saw that it was Twilight holding onto his shoulder. "Dan, there may be a way to find them. We just need to find a portal that can lead us to them." Twilight said to him Dan's eyes widen realizing she was right. "That's it! Twilight you mad genius! Lets go find them!" he ran off to find Runo and Marucho leaving the others. "But Dan where are you going?!" Shun asked him as he took off. "I said we're gonna go find them!" Dan called out from down the hall. Eager to keep up with him, Julie stepped up. "Wait up Dan! We'll come with you!" she called out as she and the others followed after him. Letting out a sigh, Twilight shook her head knowing she gave him too much hope. "It was only a thought... but that won't stop you will it Dan...?" she wondered but followed after him. "Now that I think about it, I've never seen him this worried about them before. Could it be...?" she immediately shook her head, "No, just stay focused Twilight, this isn't the time to play match maker!" she thought to herself as she followed Dan. They all searched around the castle to find a way to get to Runo, Fluttershy and Marucho, Applejack looked around with Julie only to see a large scale portrait of a strange old man that caused Julie to yelp seeing it. "Ew! Major league creepy!" Julie said in disguest and walked away from it. "You said it, but you had to admit, that could be one of Klaus's relatives." Applejack said to her. "Well, just glad Klaus doesn't look anything like him..." said Rarity as she fixed her makeup, only to get stern looks from everyone in the room. "Uhhh, I mean... it would be funny to see if he did look like that..." she chuckled nervously and rushed ahead of them. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes seeing it. "Its official... she's fallen for the enemy..." she said out loud as she looked around with Shun. Meanwhile, Dan walked down the hall to find where Runo and Marucho could be, but so far no luck. "Come on you guys, just give me some kind of clue or something..." he thought to himself. Elsewhere, in a familiar mansion far from Klaus's castle, Runo, Marucho and Fluttershy were sleeping on a bed inside. But someone was trying to wiggle out of Runo's pouch and managed to get free. Tigrerra leaped out and hit the ground, she bounced a couple times struggling to get control, but leaped onto the bed opening up next to Runo. "Runo! Runo wake up!" she cried out to her seeing her eyes open. Finally awake, Runo looked around feeling confused of what happened and turned her head towards Tigrerra. "Tigrerra...?" she started to get up from the bed. "You're alright..." Tigrerra said with a sigh of relief. Meanwhile, Elvia managed to get out of Fluttershy's coat pocket and landed next to her. "Fluttershy, please wake up!" she cried out worriedly. Fluttershy's eyes squinted a bit but opened to see her partner. "Evlia...? What happened...?" she asked her. "I don't know... but are you alright...?" Elvia asked her. "Yeah, I'm fine..." Fluttershy replied to her and looked over to where Marucho is. "Marucho!" she rushed to him and nudged him a bit. "Wake up Marucho, its time to get up." she said to him seeing his eyes open. Marucho was a bit dazed, but he sat up from the pillow and looked around. "Where am I...?" he asked as he looked to the windows. "So strange... how did we get here...?" "All we remember is us chasing Klaus down the hallway." Runo reminded herself of what happened. "And so do I..." Marucho said to them as he placed his hand under his chin in thought. "Interesting... but how...? Were we transported here...?" suddenly his thoughts returned to the battle and what happened to his partner. "My poor Preyas!" he looked down remembering he was sent to the Doom Dimension. "And Pinkie... she... she changed for some reason..." Runo looked down remembering the way Pinkie looked at her. She held up her Bakupod activating its communicator. "Well we should try to get a hold of Dan..." she pressed a button in hopes she'll have contact. "Runo calling Dan... come in..." They had a moment of silence... mostly... "WHERE THE HECK ARE YOU?!!" Dan yelled out like a howler monkey. "We've been worried sick about you!" "Runo, where's Marucho and Fluttershy, are you three still together?" Twilight asked her. "Hey, you still there Runo? Hey Runo, come in over!" Dan tried to call her. But with much irritation, Runo finally responded. "WOULD YOU PUT A LID ON IT?!!" she screamed at him. "How in the world am I supposed to answer with you doing all the talking?!!" she asked him. "Well sorry for being worried!" Dan said to her catching her by surprise. "We've been looking for you guys all morning." Runo only scowled knowing exactly what he meant. "You sure know how to make a girl feel good!" she replied to him sarcastically earning a look from Fluttershy. "What...?" Dan felt confused only for Drago to leap on his shoulder. "Might as well stop now, its a battle you can't win." Drago chuckled a bit. Dan sighed knowing he's right. "Alright..." he said to him. Twilight grabbed his wrist pulling to her. "Are Marucho and Fluttershy there with you Runo...?" she asked her to make sure they're alright. "Yes... but Marucho's still..." Runo stopped knowing what's going through Marucho's mind. "That's good Runo, but do you know if you're still in the castle somewhere...?" Twilight asked her to get a pin point to her, Marucho's and Fluttershy's location. "Yes, I think so..." Runo looked around the room. Meanwhile, Marucho looked around outside to find out where they are. But the exterior is different, not to mention the plane was no where in sight. "Hang on a minute Runo... I have a sneaking suspician that this isn't the same castle." he said to her. "What...? What does that mean?" Dan asked from Runo's Bakupod as she ran to the window. She looked around seeing a different area. "You're right... everything looks a little different." Runo admitted as she looekd at the forest outside. "This is getting creepy..." "I couldn't agree more, this is getting out of hand." Fluttershy agreed with her. "I say we leave at once..." said Marucho as Runo looked to him. "Then we can search the castle and maybe find out how Klaus vanished into thin air." he suggested. Runo felt worried about going through with this plan and wanted to object. "But-" before she could however... "No but's about it Runo!" Marucho interrupted her as his thoughts returned to when Preyas was being swallowed by the void. "I'm determined to save Preyas!" Fluttershy watched him for how determined he was, but nodded with Runo. "Okay Marucho, we're with you." she said to him as they started leaving the room. Meanwhile inside Masquerade's control room, him and his team were watching from behind the scenes. "Nice one... you knew they were following you Klaus..." Julio said to him as Klaus nodded to him. "Don't sweat it Julio... you still have your role to play..." Masquerade said to him as he looked to the screen. "Most of all, there's still that pony we need to handle." he said as he looked at Fluttershy. "I'm against animal cruelty..." Julio said to him as he crossed his arms. Masquerade turned to him sharply with a fierce glare. "You will follow your orders! Unless you want your precious Tentaclear to go on a one way trip to the Doom Dimension...!" he threatened him earning surprised looks from the rest of the team. Julio was close to slugging him in the face, but Chan Lee stopped him before he could. "Just do it Julio... she'll be fine..." she said to him. Julio didn't like the thought of hurting animals, especially if it was a talking pony. But he had to do what he had to if he wanted to get the brawlers out of the way. Meanwhile, Runo and the others were looking around the house searching every room. "I wonder what's in here..." she walked up to a large door and opened it looking inside. Fluttershy looked around inside seeing nothing. "Its empty..." she looked through the room. But followed after Runo and Marucho. But when they reached upstairs... the found what appeared to be a mirror. "It looks like a dead end..." she said as Elvia leaped to her head. "It appears to be deserted..." Elvia said to the others. Meanwhile, Marucho came across something on the floor that got him curious. He kneeled down touching it. "Wait a minute..." he checked the floor and looked to the mirror and realized. "How incredibly deceptive!" he rushed to the mirror touching it. "This is it you guys..." "This is what...?" Runo asked him. "Yes, do tell..." said Tigrerra as she was curious about what it may be. "A secret passa-" as he pushed it, Marucho ran a little too fast causing the doorway to spin out of control. He rushed out of the door and rushed to a stair case about to fall. But Fluttershy managed to get through and grab hold of him pulling him back. "That was a close one! Thank you Fluttershy!" he said to her as she pulled him back to safety. Runo rushed to them and looked to the stair case. "Oh, this must lead to the basement..." she suggested. "I believe the word is dungeon Runo..." Marucho said to her as he walked down the steps. Just from hearing it, Fluttershy immediately hid herself. "D-D-D-D-Dungeon...? Can't we go someplace a little less creepy...?" she asked them knowing she's gonna get the obvious answer. "Come on Fluttershy, we'll keep you safe." Runo said to her. Fluttershy was hesitant, but she walk to her to stay close. Knowing she really wasn't going to like what was down there. "Be careful..." Dan said to them from Runo's Bakupod. "You don't have to tell me twice..." Runo said to him as they went down the steps. "Man I sure hope you guys know what you're doing..." Dan said to them feeling worried for them. As they made it to the bottom level, Marucho looked ahead and saw a doorway ahead of them. "Runo, Fluttershy look!" he pointed towards it. "Uh yeah, I think that's called a door...?" Runo said sarcastically. Fluttershy rolled her eyes knowing why she said it. She approached the door and slowly opened it, she and Runo looked inside finding Masquerade's room, only to find that it was empty. Marucho looked through the room looking passed the masks and found a single computer at a desk. "Hey a computer..." he approached it. "Yeah, but what's it doing in a dungeon...?" Runo asked out of curiosity as she approached with Fluttershy. "It's still on..." Fluttershy pointed out as she looked to Runo. "Someone was here recently..." Marucho took a seat and looked to the screen. "I'm curious to know what its linked up to..." he accessed the computer. Runo watched only to see a system activate. "Whoa, what was that...?" she asked him. Panicking, Marucho quickly turned to her and Fluttershy. "Quick, you got to back away!" he screamed only to see the walls opening. Fluttershy was quick to grab Runo and pull her away from the edge of the floor. Looking around, they saw a large screen that shows all the continents of the world. "Look at all this..." Runo looked at each continent seeing all the scores of every Bakugan Player. "This is amazing... its a giant digital score board that somehow ranks all Bakugan Players from around the world! And look at all those power levels! In all my research, I've never seen anything like it before! I'm in heaven!" Marucho cried out knowing he was lost in his own little world right now. (Who wouldn't...?) Fluttershy looked at one power level as well as the rank. "How could anyone be up at 410 G's...? Is that even possible in the Bakugan game...?" she asked them. Runo looked at another score. "If you think that's high, check this out!" she pointed to a score of 420. "Hey show us!" Rainbow called out from the Bakupod. Runo opened up her Bakupod so that they could see. "There you go, can you guys see it...?" "Clear as crystal Runo..." Twilight said to her as she observed to scores. "Unbelievable... it can't be, how could they get their power levels so high...?" she asked. "They must have evolved..." Drago mentioned to them as everyone looked to him. Even Dan looked to him surprised. "Evolved...? What do you mean...?" he asked him. "Allow us to explain... by battling in your world, each confrontation makes them stronger." Bahamut started explaining. "Yeah, I remember Hydranoid talking about that one time..." Dan said as he remembered what Hydranoid said about feeding off the Bakugan he sends to the Doom Dimension. "Aw man that's crazy..." said Rainbow Dash as she looked down remembering it as well. But she soon looked to her partner Avion. "Does that mean you evolve too Avion?" she asked him. "With each encounter our life force multiplies." Avion explained to her and the others. Meanwhile, Runo looked to Tigrerra with the same curious expression. "You too Tigrerra...?" she asked her. "Yes, I too evolve... it was the same back in our home of Vestroia. Each battle was a source of strength." Tigrerra explained to her partner. "Not only would our power increase... but the experience would make us wiser in battle, both on defense and offense." Drago added to her explaination. "But there is one drawback..." Elvia mentioned. "Some Bakugan can absorb too much power for their body to handle... there is no way of knowing when too much is too much." "Then what happens?" Fluttershy asked. "Sadly it leads to ones own destruction." Tigrerra said to her as they imagined what would happen to a certain Bakugan should their power be too much for them to handle. "Whoa... that's just insane..." Rainbow said to them. "But the strong survive by drawing the power of other Bakugan." Bahamut finished the explaination. Soon after, Dan thought of something. "Wait a sec... Masquerade was talking about it as well." he said as he thought back to when Masquerade said that Hydranoid was evolving. "If no one is able to put a stop to this, the Evolution Revolution... the Ultimate Bakugan will exist." Drago mentioned to them earning surprised looks. "The Ultimate Bakugan...?" Twilight wondered and looked to Dan's Bakupod. "Marucho, look on Masquerades comeputer really quick." she said to him. "On it..." Marucho start approaching the computer as instructed. "Marucho...? Twilight what's up...?" Runo asked her. "If my hunch is correct, Masquerade must have in his database some kind of information about the Ultimate Bakugan. Find anything Marucho...?" Twilight asked him. "This database indicates that the Ultimate Bakugan doesn't exist yet." Marucho said to her. "What?! Well then who in tarnation is ranked the highest then?!" Applejack asked from the Bakupod. "Lets take a look..." Marucho checked to who the highest ranked was, and big shock as to who it was. "Bingo! Its Hydranoid." he showed them. Shocked to hear it, the Ponies eyes widen to the point they were wide as plates. "Hydranoid?!!" they asked them. "Yes... my precious Hydranoid..." a familiar voice called out. Runo and Fluttershy quickly turned around and found Masquerade floating in mid air, causing Runo to shoot a glare towards him. "Masquerade!" Dan's eyes widen on the others side of the Bakupod. "Huh?! Is this some kind of joke?!" he asked. "I don't think its a joke Dan..." Twilight pointed out as she looked at the Bakupod. Masquerade let out a chuckle that got on Marucho's nerves. "Y-You! You're the one... you sent my Preyas to the Doom Dimension!" Marucho exclaimed as he clenched his fists. "I want revenge... and I demand it!" he said as he pulled out a Bakugan card. "A battle, here and now!" "You'll battle me kid!" another familiar voice called out as Fluttershy and Marucho looked up. "Julio Santana challenges you!" Julio called out as he landed on the ground causing Fluttershy to yelp. "Since one of you doesn't know me, allow me to introduce myself. I'm the worlds most gifted Haos handler, Julio Santana." he introduced himself to Fluttershy. Hesitant, Fluttershy poked her head out a little to face him. "I... I'm Fluttershy." she said to him. Knowing how terrified she is of him, Runo stepped up to protect her. "Hold your horses there cueball! You better stay away from her!" she warned him. "As for you Marucho, let me take care of him." she said earning a surprised look from Marucho. "No Runo!" Marucho tried to stop her. "I don't like this creep, I say he's the worlds gifted jerk! And I'm gonna prove it." Runo said as she shot a glare at Julio. "Me and Fluttershy will get your revenge Marucho..." she said as she held up a card. "N-Not that I want to... but we have to get out of here." Fluttershy said as she pulled out her card. Hearing it from Dan's bakupod, Twilight knew this wouldn't end well. "Runo, Fluttershy wait! You can't fight him alone! Dan, hurry your card!" she cried out as Dan quickly pulled out his Bakugan Card along with her. Runo and Julio held out their cards along with Fluttershy. "Bakugan Field Open!" the cried out along with Dan and Twilight who wanted to help them in the battle. This caught Runo and Fluttershy by surprise. "Dan? Twilight?" Runo looked at them. They turned to them with smiles across their faces. "Hey, you didn't expect us to just sit around and watch did you...?" Dan asked them. At that moment, Runo could only smile at him despite his pigheaded attitude. She nodded to him and Twilight as they prepared for battle. Meanwhile Julio pulled out his partner Tentaclear. "You hear that Tentaclear...? Looks like we can take out four bozo's with one Bakugan." he said to him as he pulled out the Doom Card. "I'm going to enjoy this... Doom Card Set!" he tossed it out to the field. "Gate Card Set!" Twilight, Runo, and Julio set up their Gate Cards preparing for the first round. "Okay Twilight, I'll take the lead, Fluttershy we'll still need your help in case things go haywire. Bakugan Brawl!" Runo shot her Haos Siege to the field. "Haos Siege Stand!" she called out as it appeared on the field going into a battle stance holding its lance which had a four pointed star. "Bakugan Brawl!" Julio shot in his Fear Ripper to the field. "Haos Fear Ripper Stand!" he called out as it emerged on the field holding out its large claws. "Okay Bahamut, lets see what this guy can do... Bakugan Brawl!" Twilight shot in her partner to the field. "Pyrus Bahamut Stand!" she called out as Bahamut emerged from magma roaring out. Julio observed the field to check their power. "Well, looks like everyone is present and accounted for." he pointed out. "Almost everyone..." Dan looked seeing Fluttershy hiding. "Fluttershy, everyone is counting on you to battle." "I can't... not after hearing what happened to Preyas... I can't risk losing Elvia..." Fluttershy said to him. Sensing how she's feeling, Elvia knew the risk of facing a powerful opponent. "Fluttershy... there is no other way... if you don't join the battle soon, you let your friends down. Is that what you want?" she asked her. Julio smirked knowing there wasn't a chance she'll battle. "Lets get this little freakshow started! Bakugan Brawl!" he shot in his partner. "Haos Tentaclear Stand!" he called out as Tentaclear emerged on the field with his eye closed facing Bahamut. "Battle, ready to commence." said the Bakupod. "Ability Card Activate! Flare Blinder!" Julio called out as Tentaclear's eye started to open. Bahamut panicked knowing what will happen. "Everyone shield your eyes!" he advised them as Tentaclear shot a ray of light blinding them. Dan shielded his eyes from it. "Aw snap that's bright!" he cried out. "I can't see a thing!" said Drago. "My eyes are burning! Fluttershy please, we need you!" Runo pleaded to her. Twilight heard it but wanted to try something. "Gate Card Open!" she called out to Bahamut's card only to hear nothing from it. "W-What's happening?!" "Is this cool or what?! My little Flare Blinder move renders your Bakugan useless!" Julio said to her. Twilight struggled to see to no avail. "I... can't take it... Bahamut do something!" she pleaded. "I... can't!" Bahamut was about to meet is end by Tentaclear's gaze. "FLUTTERSHY!!!" Elvia roared out. Quickly acting on instinct, Fluttershy bent the rules to her advantage. "Bakugan Brawl!" she shot her to the field. "Haos Elvia Stand!" she called out as Elvia emerged on the field. "Ability Card Activate, Heaven's Protection!" she called out as sparkling lights fell from Elvia's wings onto both Bahamut and Tentaclear. Forcing them both to go into Ball Form. "What the...?!" Julio caught Tentaclear in surprise. "What happened?!" he looked up to Elvia as his eyes widen in surprise. Her form was indeed similar to that of Monarus, but her wings were in a different pattern and form. She wore a crown across her head, had long flowing light violet hair. Her armor was similar to that of Monarus, but in a different pattern all together. Julio never thought that Tentaclear's ability would be trumped by the likes of her. "I am Haos Elvia, loyal partner of Fluttershy... who ever comes between her and her friends will be shown no mercy from me." she warned the brutish Haos Brawler as she reverted to Ball Form returning to Fluttershy. "Thank you Elvia, I was almost a goner." Bahamut expressed his gratitude to his fellow Bakugan. "But, I don't get it... as long as my Flare Blinder was on, your little toys couldn't even touch me." Julio said in shock. "Its simple... Heaven's Protection is an ability that only Elvia can use. It can rescue any Bakugan that is in danger of defeat from another with a higher power level." Fluttershy explained to him. Julio was quite impressed by her strategy, but he was not going to let that get in his way of the battle. "You just got lucky, but that won't happen again! Bakugan Brawl!" he shot Tentaclear back onto the field landing on Siege's card. "Tentaclear Stand!" he called out as Tentaclear reemerged. "Ability Activate! Mega Flair Blinder!" he called out as Tentaclear blinded Siege with its light. The brawlers shielded their eyes from it. "Not again!" Twilight exclaimed hearing Siege get banished to the Doom Dimension. "He almost had Bahamut, but he managed to take Siege..." "I hope he enjoys an eternity in the Doom Dimention." said Julio with a big grin. "Poor little Bakugan..." he boasted out laughing finally pushing a certain pony over the limit. "Dan..." Runo looked to him worried. "Let the big goon gloat, but just wait. Baldy's got only one ability card left, and then he's all mine." Dan said to her. Julio pulled out new gate card. "Lets get this over with." he said as he tossed the card to the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot in his Centipoid to the field. "Haos Centipoid Stand!" he called out as it emerged on the field. "Guess we might as well go down fight..." said Runo as she tossed in her next Gate Card. "Bakugan Brawl!" she shot in her Haos Griffon to the field. "Griffon Stand!" she called out as Griffon emerged roaring out. "Is that all you got?!! Bakugan Brawl!" Julio shot in Tentaclear to the field seeing him emerge. "Time for Haos Tripple Chain reaction!" he held up his card. "Aw snap!" Dan panicked. "Not good!" Twilight exclaimed seeing three Haos Bakugan on the field. "Ability Card Activate!" he tossed it to Tentaclear. "Haos Stasis!" he called out as it began activating. "Tentaclear Power Increase of 100 G's." said the Bakupod. Meanwhile two ability cards returned to him. "We're in trouble guys..." Marucho watched in worry. "Now he has two ability cards." "My infamous Haos Stasis ability raises my Bakugan by a hundred G's. Oh and I forgot to mention it revives any ability cards I already used or lost in battle." Julio explained to them. "What do we do?" Twilight asked them. Runo thought it through... but her plan might not be an easy one. "I guess... we just pretend we know what we're doing." she said to them bluntly. "Go, Tentaclear!" Julio called out to him as the Gate Card began to open. "All combatant's power increase by 100 G's" said the Bakupod. Just at that moment, Tentaclear sent its tenticals to attack Griffon, striking it forcing it to head into the Doom Dimension. "GRIFFON!!!" Tigrerra cried out as Julio caught Tentaclear. "Inconceivable..." Marucho muttered. "You should see the looks on your faces! What's wrong? Not so tuff anymore are you? My poor Bakugan!" Julio made fun of their helpless situation. Twilight gritted her teeth from hearing it, Dan meanwhile lost it. "I've had all I can take! You're so done!" he shot in his Ravenoid to the field. "Pyrus Ravenoid Stand!" he called out as it emerged on the field. "Ability Card Activate! Shadow Scratch!" he called out as he tossed the card at Fear Rippers Shadow forcing him to remain still. "Fear Ripper power reduction by 50 G's, Ravenoid power level at 330 G's." the Bakupod said to them. "Now your gate card power level is frozen!" Dan yelled at Julio. Feeling surprised, Julio couldn't help but feel impressed. "Oh wow, I wasn't expecting that." he smirked knowing he set up a trap. "But I'll bet you weren't expecting this, Gate Card Open! Final Judgement!" he called out as the Gate Card trapped Ravenoid. "Oh no!" Dan cried out. "A counter move!" Fluttershy exclaimed. "Battle assessment, Final Judgement attribute, drainging all Bakugan power with the exception of Haos Bakugan. All power will be lost." the Bakupod explained. "Go for it Fear Ripper!" Julio called out as Fear Ripper charged at Ravenoid. But Fluttershy held out a card to coutner it. "Elvia we have to help Dan! Ability Activate! Holy Ascension!" she called out as Elvia emerged on the field and blocked Fear Ripper's attack. But it was too late to save Ravenoid as it lost all its power and went straight to the Doom Dimension. "Ravenoid!" Elvia cried out and lowered her head. "I was too late..." she closed her eyes from seeing it. "Ravenoid eliminated." said the Bakupod as Elvia shot a glare at Fear Ripper. "You'll pay for this Fear Ripper!" she charged and struck Fear Ripper down forcing it into Ball Form. Julio watched as Elvia returned to Fluttershy and smirked. "Finally... some competition." he tossed in his next Gate Card. "Bakugan Brawl!" he sent in Tentaclear to battle again. "You think you can win with your attribute? Not a chance! Take him Tigrerra, Bakugan Brawl!" Runo sent Tigrerra to Centipoids field. "Tigrerra Stand!" she called out as Tigrerra emerged and roared at Centipoid. "Pussy cat! Gate Card Open! Reloaded!" Julio called out as the card began to glow. "With my Reloaded Gate Card I can steal a hundred G's of power from any Bakugan on the battlefield!" he explained as Tentaclear's body was surrounded by a yellow aura. "Now watch and learn kiddies, while I win another one!" he said to them as a hundred G's has been transfered from Tentaclear to Centipoid. "Centipoid Power Increase by 100 G's." the Bakupod calculated. "Lets see you try and take down my Centipoid who is packing 400 G's!" Dan looked to Runo. "Runo!" "Right! Ability Card Activate! Rapid Haos!" Runo called out. "Okay Drago, we're counting on you!" Dan said to him as Drago went out to the field. "My Rapid Haos ability lets my Bakugan hook up with another on the battlefield." Runo explained as Drago emerged on the battlefield. "Brawlers at 720 G's." the Bakupod calculated. "Ready Tigrerra?!" Drago asked her. "Never more!" Tigrerra charged at Centipoid slashing at its face as Drago charged at it slamming his tail against it. Forcing it into ball form winning another victory. "Yes!" Twilight cheered out. "Alright we did it!" Runo cheered as well. "Yeah, now the battles all tied up." Dan said to them. Julio meanwhile was starting to get angry with the situation. "This little skirmish is starting to bore me!" he muttered. "Now, to get rid of his Tentaclear." Twilight said as she held Bahamut. "No problem here... go for it Twilight." Dan said to her. With a nod, Twilight loaded Bahamut into her Bakushooter. "Bakugan Brawl!" she shot him into battle landing on the same card as Tentaclear. "Bahamut Stand!" she called out as Bahamut emerged on the field. Glaring at his opponent, Bahamut let out a snarl. "This battle is between you and I Tentaclear! And victory will be mine!" he roared out as he stood ready for battle. "Cut the chit chat! Gate Card Open! Energy Merge!" Julio called out as the gate card started to glow. Causing Bahamut to writhe in agony feeling his power being drained. "Bahamut!" Twilight cried out. "Oh no!" Fluttershy panicked. "Bahamuts power, its beginning to decrease!" said Marucho as he watched it on his Bakupod. "Sensing massive power leve reduction." said the Bakupod. Fluttershy watched as it happened. "He threw a trap card..." she muttered. "My card has the ability to absorb the power of your Bakugan!" Julio explained to them. "Tentaclear power increasing, Bahamut power decreasing." the Bakupod calculated. "That's it Tentaclear, suck in all the power you need!" he called out to his partner. "Bahamut!" Twilight began to worry. "I... can't... lose...!" Bahamut mysteriously stopped the flow of his power from decreasing. His eyes glowed red as he felt his power started to increase as he let out a might roar. "Sensing Bahamut power increase." said the Bakupod. Shocked from hearing it, Julio looked to his Bakupod and saw it increasing. "Impossible...!" he muttered to himself. "Amazing, I can sense a strange power beginning rising within Bahamut." Drago watched it happen. Bahamut spread his wings as he roared out. "I'm regaining my strength... its a miracle!" he yelled out. "Sensing Power Increase in both Bakugan." said the Bakupod. "Go Bahamut! You're absorbing Tentaclear's power!" Twilight called out to him. "Tentaclear listen to me! Take that dragon down before its too late!" Julio called out to his partner. Meanwhile, Elvia turned to Fluttershy. "Now!" "Ability Card Activate! Holy Ascension!" Fluttershy called out as Elvia appeared on the field. Glaring at what happened, Julio pulled out his Mega Flare Blinder ability card. "I'm tired of this...! Ability Card Activate! Mega Flare Blinder!" he called out as Tentaclear's eye glowed brightly and shined on them. "My eyes!" Fluttershy shielded her eyes from the light as well as Elvia. Tentaclear's tentacle reached out and started smacking Elvia around. "Stop it!" Fluttershy cried out. "Finish them Tentaclear!" Julio yelled out. Elvia felt Tentaclear strike her again and again relentlessly. But that wasn't going to stop her. "I can't lose... for the sake of my dear friend Fluttershy and Preyas." she stood her ground. "Hurry it up!" Julio said to his partner. Meanwhile, Twilight took Dan's shades and put them on seeing Tentaclear charging at Elvia. "Elvia look out!" Sensing that Tentaclear was getting closer... Elvia leaped over him catching him by surprise. "You're mine!" she roared out. as she kicked Tentaclear square in the eye, forcing him to lose his power. "Tentaclear no!" Julio panicked. Bahamut felt his strength returning as he glared at Tentaclear. "Bahamut Power Level at 300 G's." said the Bakupod. "But... that's no possible...!" Julio started to sweat. Twilight took off Dan's shades and gave them back to Dan. "Bahamut, how are you feeling?" she asked him. "I feel it... the power is building within me!" Bahamut let out a mighty roar as his wings spread. Marucho was amazed of what's happening. "The evolution process is starting between our Bakugan." "Evolving...?" Dan looked to Bahamut. "Yeah that's it... not only was Drago beginning to evolve when he fought Chan Lee, but so is Bahamut! That is so very cool!" he exclaimed in excitement. "Now Bahamut!" Elvia stood beside him. "It is time Twilight... I have the power to finish the battle!" Bahamut snarled. Nodding her head, Twilight pulled out her ability card. "Ability Card Activate! Crimson Fury!" she called out as Bahamut roared out and blasted Tentaclear forcing him back into ball form. "Tentaclear!" Julio cried out as his partner was defeated. "Alright! It worked!" Marucho cheered out as Bahamut and Elvia returned to Twilight and Fluttershy. "Yep! Twilight, you and Fluttershy were awesome!" Dan complimented them. Meanwhile, Julio groaned in defeat. "How could this happen...? I never lose... never...!" he complained. At that moment, they were starting to head back to the real world. "Runo! Grab my hand!" Dan reached out and grabbed her hand as she grabbed Marcuho and Fluttershy. Pulling them back to where Dan first entered the battle. As they landed on the ground, Dan groaned in pain from the fall. "Well, we're back..." "But where... are we...?" Marucho looked around. Just when things were good, a squeel came from Julie as she approached. "Marucho! Runo! Fluttershy and sweet Dan are all back safely!" she cried out. "Oh this is wonderful! And here we were worried about ya." Applejack said to them. "Is it me Applejack, or does it look like Dan and Runo are awfully... close...?" Centorea asked as she let out a giggle. Dan and Runo looked to each other noticing how close they were to each other and found that they were still holding hands. Their faces turned bright red as they quickly pulled away from each other. "S-Sorry about that Runo!" Dan quickly apologized with a still bright red cherry face. "Its... not your fault, we were almost pulled away from each other after the battle. That's all..." Runo said to him as her face was just as red. But she held her hand to her heart feeling how fast it was beating, the Mane Six... well... five at this moment noticed it and started to giggle knowing what she's feeling. Back at the plane, they told everyone what had happened when they wanted to know about the battle. "So... I guess that, Masquerade is still on his quest...?" Alice asked them as she lowered her gaze. "It seems he's trying to find the Ultimate Bakugan." said Shun. "There's no other explaination... I mean he's probably set on getting his Hydranoid to evolve." said Rainbow Dash. "You might be right Rainbow Dash... but if the Silent Core is fused together with the Ultimate Bakugan, Naga... then it would be possible for the Infinity Core to fuse with another Ultimate Bakugan." Drago said to them. "And that Bakugan... could be Masquerade's Hydranoid!" Spike exclaimed. "And if that happens, it would be totally disastrous!" he started to panic at the thought of it. "I concur Spike, but we have to stop Masquerade before he finds the Infinity Core." said Marucho. "Come on everyone, just relax. One of our Bakugan just needs to become the Ultimate Bakugan before Hydranoid." Twilight said to them. "Right...?" "Yes, and with every battle, our Bakugan will evolve a little more. I get the feeling we can do this guys." said Shun. "Me too." said Dan. Forming a smirk on her face, Runo closed her eyes as she thought of something. "And we should vote..." she suggested. "All in favor...?" Dan asked them. "YEAH!!!" everyone cheered out. Suddenly, something occured to Julie. "Hey... think we should check on Pinkie...? She hasn't come out of her room yet..." she mentioned to them. Hearing it... Marucho looked down knowing she's mad at him for what happened to Preyas. But if there's a chance, he needed to do something. "Julie, come with me... I'm gonna need your help with this..." he walked away to Pinkie's room with Julie following behind him. Dan watched them as they left. "I hope she doesn't blow up at them..." As they appraoched the door, they heard nothing but complete silence in the room. One could easily get a cold chill running up their spine. Letting out an exhale, Marucho reached to the door only to see it open seeing Scylla causing him to yelp and shudder. "Uh... hi Scylla... is.... is Pinkie... alright...?" "Why don't you see for yourselves..." Scylla said to them calmly as she looked to her partner who sat in a corner in a state of sadness and anger. Seeing it, Julie couldn't help but feel sorry for the pink pony. "Well... its now or never..." she said to Marucho. Julie and Marucho watched as they walked in, knowing that they had to do something to help her. Mostly Marucho, because it was his mistake that got Preyas sent to the Doom Dimension. He calmly approached her hoping to get close enough to her to speak. "Pinkie...? Can we talk...?" he asked her. Pinkie didn't say anything for she was still going through a lot going through her mind. Seeing this, Marucho lowered his head in regret knowing she was really angry with him. "Pinkie... I know it doesn't mean much... but please... I am so... so sorry." he said to her with tears in his eyes. "I really am ashamed of what I did... I don't even know how I can even make it up to you... but I-" before he could finish, Pinkie wrapped her arms around him catching him by surprise. This surprised even Julie. "Whoa... didn't see that coming." "I don't understand Pinkie... I thought you were furious with me..." Marucho looked at her. "I am angry with you... but also sad... because of what you went through in losing Preyas. He was the best thing that ever happened to you." Pinkie said as tears fell. Understanding how she's feeling, Marucho wrapped his arms around her. "I'm really sorry Pinkie... can you ever forgive me even though my calculations were wrong...?" he asked her. Forming a small smile, Pinkie held him with her eyes closed. "Of course I do... I just... wish Preyas were here." she said to him knowing he misses him too. Watching this moment, Julie knew it was good to hear Pinkie isn't still that mad at him. Suddenly, an idea popped into her head as she formed a big smile on her face. (This song is parody of Pinkie Pie's Smile Song.) Julie; Your name is Pinkie Pie (hello) Everday you would be there to say (how ya doin'?) You would make everyone smile, and you would brighten up everybodies day-ay Pinkie and Marucho looked to her watching her. It doesn't matter now (what's up?) If you are sad or blue (howdy!) 'Cause cheering up our friends is just what we're here to do Marucho smiled and looked to Pinkie joining in the song. Marucho; Cause you loved to make your friends smile, smile, smile Yes you did It fills your heart with sunshine all the while Julie; Yes it does 'Cause all you really need is a smile, smile, smile From these happy friends of ours Julie & Marucho; You liked to see them grin (awesome) You loved to see them beam (rock on) The corners of their mouths turned up Its always Pinkie's dream (hoof-bump) Marucho; But if you're kind of worried And your face has made a frown You would work real hard and do your best To turn that sad frown upside down Julie; 'Cause you love to make them grin, grin, grin Yes you do Marucho; Bust it out from ear to ear, let it begin Just give us a joyful grin, grin, grin And you fill me with good cheer Looking down, Pinkie Pie knew she couldn't stay like this. She needed to be strong, not just for herself, but for her friends as well. Including Scylla. Pinkie Pie; It's true, some days are dark and lonely And maybe you feel sad A large grin started to form across her face as her mane started to change. But Pinkie will be there to show you that it isn't that bad There's one thing that makes me happy And makes my whole life worthwhile And that's when I talk to my friends and get them to smile Her mane returned to her poofy nature, and her smile was bigger than ever! Pinkie Pie is back baby! I really am so happy Your smiles fill me with glee I give a smile, I get a smile And that's so special to me Pinkie, Marucho & Julie; Cause we love to see them beam, beam, beam Yes we do Tell me, what more can I say to make you see Pinkie Pie; That we do? Pinkie, Marucho & Julie; It makes us happy when you beam, beam, beam Yes, it always makes our day They rushed out of the room and into the main lobby catching everyone by surprise. Pinkie Pie; Come on everybody smile, smile, smile! "PINKIE!!!" The Brawlers and the rest of the Mane Six cheered out. Pinkie Pie; Fill my heart up with sunshine, sunshine All I really need's a smile, smile, smile From these happy friends of mine She started setting up a party for them to celebrate. Brawlers & Mane Six; Yes a perfect gift for us all Is a smile as wide as a mile To make us happy as can be Smile, smile, smile, smile, smile Come on and smile Come on and smile They laughed together knowing its good to have Pinkie back. "Aw man Pinkie, we really missed the old you." Dan said to her with a bright smile. "Sorry I made you guys worry." Pinkie said to them. "Hey its cool, what matters now is that the team is back together." Rainbow said to her. Nodding her head, Pinkie looked to the screen. "Kato, lets go find the Infinity core!" she said to him. "Yes Ms. Pinkie..." Kato let the plane lifted off. What awaits them along their journey...? They may never know, but Masquerade will still be in their way. No matter how many times his minions are beaten. > Julie Plays "Hard Brawl" > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Night fell over as Marucho's plane landed. But within his room, Marucho was having a dream. It was of Preyas... of how they would spend time with each other. Like spending a day at the beach. "Surf's up!" Marucho exclaimed as he dove into the water. "Hey! Check it out! I can barely touch the bottom over here!" he said to Preyas. "Cool! I'll just dive right in! Just as soon as I find water passed my ankles!" Preyas said to him as he ran through the water into deeper water. He leaped in and fell into the water next to Marucho. "BELLY FLOP!!!" he exclaimed as Marucho screamed from the wave. On the beach, they were making the largest sand castle the could build. But Preyas was holding Marucho by his swim shorts. "Ha! Wedgy!" he laughed. Marucho was also laughing at the moment. "Stop that!" he said to him. They soon took a picture of relaxing on the beach. "This umbrella came with my drink." Preyas said to him. He soon grabbed his surf board and hit the waves. "Hey look at me! I'm King Surfer!" he said only to fall into the water. Marucho laughed at the scene and sat up. "Oh yeah? Who crowned you, your board?" he asked only to lookg at nothing but ocean. Everything was starting to grow dark. "Where did you go...?" he ran towards the shore looking for him. "Preyas stop goofing around! Where are you?!" his dream... soon turned into a nightmare as he snapped out of it waking up in the real world. "Oh no..." he looked down remembering. Hearing it, Pinkie Pie woke up and looked to him. "Hey kiddo... what's up...?" she asked him. Tears brimmed in his eyes remembering the battle with Klaus. "It was just a dream..." he closed his eyes as his tears ran down his cheek. "Oh Marucho, please don't cry." Pinkie said as she tried to comfort him. "Listen to her Marucho... listen, we both know what you're going through. But that doesn't mean you have to give up, Preyas could be waiting for you to save him." Scylla said to him trying to lift his spirits. Trying to calm down, Marucho looked to her. "Really...?" he asked. "Is this the face of a Bakugan who would lie to you?" Scylla asked him knowing she can't really show her expression. "Come on kiddo, dry up those tears. Don't let Preyas see you acting like this." she said to him. For the moment, Marucho didn't know how to feel... but he dried up his tears and smiled at her. "Right!" he responded with a bright smile, which also brought a smile to Pinkie's face. She watched as Marucho went back to sleep, she did so as well to get enough sleep. But one thought began racing through her mind... how will they get Preyas back...? The next morning, everyone was wide awake, waiting for the one word they love to hear. "Breakfast! Come and get it while its hot!" Julie called out the other others as Kato and Alice along with Fluttershy carried the dishes to the table for everyone to eat. Alice eventually looked to Shun knowing he'll be hungry. "Come on Shun, you'll need to keep up your strength too." she said to him seeing him meditate. He took a moment but he eventually stood up and walked to the table. Dan arrived at the table and saw what was on the menu. "Whoa! Real sausages?!" he went to grab them only to get smacked on the hand by Runo. "OW!" he cried out. "Yeah, so pretend you have some real manners." she said to him with a firm expression. Rarity meanwhile looked to the plane seeing Marucho walk off. "Oh dear..." she noticed just how sad he was. "I can only assume that he didn't get much beauty sleep." "You may be right Lady Rarity... its only been a day since his battle with Klaus." Lancelot said to her. "I can't only imagine what's going through his mind right now." Spike muttered. Runo immediately put on a crooked smile to hide her worry. "Good Morning Marucho!" she said to Marucho as he approached the table. Getting out of his gloominess, he put on a smile to make sure everyone didn't worry. "Oh, good morning Runo..." "You okay there sugar...? You were looking a little gloomy there..." Applejack said to him feeling concerned. "Don't worry, I'll be alright AJ. Really I will." Marucho assured her. The Mane Six looked to each other knowing something is up, they even looked to Pinkie. "Pinkie, you were in his room last night, you know what happened... don't you...?" Twilight asked her. Panicking, Pinkie Pie chuckled nervously of the situation. "S-Sorry Twilight... but this morning, Marucho made me Pinkie Promise not to tell anyone, or anypony... sorry." she said to them. As everyone started eating, Runo soon thought about something back at Masquerade's hide out. "You know... I've been thinking, remember that world wide data we saw...?" she asked them. Twilight used her magic to form a photographic memory of what she saw. "By this data, it showed that Hydranoid is dangerously close to being the Ultimate Bakugan." "But that's Masquerade's Bakugan..." Fluttershy reminded them. "The Infinity Core needs to fuse with an Ultimate Bakugan." said Shun. "So basically we need to up out game and build one fast before they beat us to it." said Rainbow as she ate her salad and apparently had her mouth full in the process. Scowling... Rarity knew that her bad manners haven't changed, just like Dan's. "Rainbow, would it hurt for you to not talk with your mouth full...?" she asked her and looked to Shun. "Can I have some of the butter please...?" she asked him as he passed the butter to her. Meanwhile the Bakugan stood next to one another. "We have to stop Masquerade from getting to the Infinity Core." Skyress said to them. "Or else Naga will get his hands on both the Infinity Core and the Silent Core." said Tigrerra. Drago nodded his head. "Putting Vestroia and the Human World into jeopardy." he said to them. "We must act swiftly..." "Drago's right... all we've been doing is shedding tred... we need action." said Dan. "And I say we make Drago our Ultimate Bakugan." "Well, as long as we can all agree." said Twilight. "Agreed! We'll ditch this tea party and get some real action!" said Dan feeling eager. Catching everyone, except for Shun by surprise. "And I know just the place to get the Brawl rolling, Masquerades European Lair. Yes, we'll take it by storm! That's if Marucho can pinpoint the location." he started walking toward him. "Hold on there Dan..." Applejack tried to stop him. "N-No..." Marucho simply replied to him. "If Masquerade doesn't get taken out soon, it will be the end for all of us." said Dan. Hesitant... Marucho was reluctant to tell them. "I... I can't remember..." he lied to him. "Marucho, you gotta remember, come on, snap out of it!" Dan said to him only to be pulled away from him by Twilight's magic. "Hey, what's the big idea?!" "Don't preasure him Dan, he's been through a lot remember...?" Twilight asked. "Y-Yeah but-" before Dan could talk to Marucho... "I'm sorry... but I can't deal with this right now!" Marucho immediately ran back to the plane. "But, Marucho come back!" Dan only watched as Marucho ran inside to be alone. "Leave him alone... I think he's gone through enough without you harrassing him like a criminal." Runo said to Dan. "He just lost his best friend Preyas, what do you espect?" "Come on! He's got to man up and move on, Masquerade's destroying Bakugan as we speak. Its a tough break but we have a mission, so he'll just have to get over it." he responded to her. "Dan, hold on-" before Rainbow could interject however. "Nice attitude, jeez why don't you get over it and cut him some slack?" Runo replied. "Cause we're not running a daycare! So maybe we'll just roll without him." Dan suggested. Snapping from hearing it. "How can you even think of blowing him off at a time like this?!" Runo retaliated. The Mane Six could only watch as they argue. "If those two get married... I can only imagine how their kids will turn out." Rainbow said to the others. "Lets not get any idea's Rainbow, besides the writer wouldn't be too happy about it if you thought about it." Pinkie said to her earning confused looks from the others. "What writer...?" Dan asked. "No body!" Pinkie put on a convincing smile on her face. Julie meanwhile lowered her head thinking about Marucho. "Maybe Marucho should stay behind..." everyone looked to her surprised. "I know he'll pull through... he always does. Right now isn't the time for him to come around, we have to move on." she said to them. "Julie..." Runo looked at her. "You don't understand, Billy was my best friend forever! Growing up, he was always there for me! So I've gotta be there for him now that he's under Masquerade's control." Julie stood up from her seat slamming her hands on the table. "I can't just sit here waiting for things to happen when I know there is something that I can do!" she said to them. Walking up to her, Applejack set stoof up on her hind legs and leaned against the table. "Julie's right... Marucho's friend may be gone, but there is still a chance we can save Billy." she said to them. "So I say we should leave without him!" sid Julie. "Not what I would have said, but still..." Applejack gave her a look. Tears started to brim inside Runo's eyes from hearing it. "Y-You're there for your friends...?!" feeling both sadness and anger, Julie just hit a nerve. "What about Marucho?!!" she snapped at her. "Runo..." Fluttershy was surprised by her outburst. "Oh boy, this is gonna get ugly..." Spike quickly backed away. "Spare me your lame excuses! You made your choice! NOW GO!!!" Runo yelled at her as tears were in her eyes. Shocked by what was happening, Twilight took the chance to intervene. "Everyone calm down... I know what Julie said was wrong, but we can't fight amongst ourselves." she said to them hoping for a good response. "Sorry Twilight, but we're gonna need some time away from Runo's mellow drama... come on Julie..." Dan said to her and walked away with Julie. So much for staying calm. "Wait, come back here! Dan!" Alice tried to call them back, but there was no chance of it. "Shun, go and get him!" Skyress pleaded to him. "It is your responsibility as a brawler." Shun took a sip from his water and set his cup down. "Sometimes things need to be worked out between friends... even if they can be hard to work with sometimes." he said to her. Right at that moment, Twilight let out a scream of anger. "HUMANS ARE SO STUBBORN!!!" she exclaimed and flew into the plane to plant her face in a pillow. Seeing it happen, Applejack looked to the others. "I'll go check on Dan and Julie... you guys make sure Twilight doesn't wreck her room." she ran off to find Dan and Julie. "Be careful!" Rainbow said to her and walked to the plane. But she soon looked to Shun who stayed calm through the situation. "How can you be so calm about this? Our friends are literally at each others throats right now..." "Its simple Rainbow... when there's conflict, I must learn to remain calm should a situation get too critical. But should I need to intervene when necessary, I will." he said to her. "Besides... Julie didn't really mean what she said." In the forest, Dan was marching through the tree's fuming in anger of what happened. "UGH!!! She makes me so mad I could just YELL!!!" he exclaimed. At that time, Applejack walked up to him. "Dan, I get you're a little uptight right now, but Runo was only upset because of what Julie said." she said to him. "Yeah but-" Dan is soon interrupted by the sound of crying as he and Applejack looked to Julie, who was crying her eyes out. "Oh not you too..." he couldn't bare to see her like this. "Uh... you kinda got some make up stuff running down your face..." he pulled out a handkerchief and offered it to her. "Here's a hankie..." "Come on now Julie, take it... pretty sure he isn't gonna want it back. Trust me..." Applejack said to her as she looked to Dan. Julie sniffed to clear her nose and used Dan's handkerchief to clean her face. Dan meanwhile, walked a safe distance from her to let out his anger. "I AM SO FRUSTRATED!!! I don't know where we're going, or even where we are!" he cried out only to hear something in a bush. He looked to it and freaked out from what came out, and guess what... its a deer! It stared at him for a bit and took off. "Jeez, what is this...? A Petting Zoo's attack?" Applejack saw how freaked out he was she let out a chuckle. "Wow Dan, I never thought you'd get scared by a deer. You looked like a cat with its hairs standing up." she laughed at the situation. Even Julie started to laugh. Dan noticed and began to smile. "Well look what we found, your sense of humor." he said to her. "I know, and your silly reaction has given my an idea. I think I know where we can look for Billy." Julie said as she smiled brightly at her friends. But Dan was mostly surprised from what she said and started to wonder. "Uh, exactly how...?" he asked. "Yeah Julie, in case ya forgot... he's probably half way cross the world." Applejack said to her. Julie winked to them with a giggle. "Oh you'll see..." Back at the plane, Runo was still sulking from what Julie said earlier. "Dan makes me so frustrated when he goes totally alpha dog on us. Ugh! Why do I even care?! Even Julie's chasing him like a lost puppy following him everywhere!" she complained as everyone watched her. "Runo darling, we all know you're upset... but don't you think you're being a little too hard on them...?" Rarity asked her wondering if she's either really upset, or jealous. "Rarity's right Runo... I mean... really all Julie wants is to get her friend back from Masquerade." Alice said to her. "She's got a point there... in fact Alice felt the same way with what happened to her and her grandfather." said Fluttershy as she rested her hooves on the table. Twilight finally walked out after letting all her anger out on a pillow, she even overheard what they were saying. "In other words, they understand what Julie is going through. Trust me its hard... one time I found that my sister in law was abducted by a Changeling Queen and tried to marry my brother, I was upset to the point I tried stopping the wedding." Meanwhile in Equestria, Shining Armor was looking through the archives in the Bakugan Temple, but suddenly his nost started twitching, and he let out a sneeze causing bats to fly through the temple. "Wow... that came out of no where..." he said to himself and continued his studies. "But we managed to stop Chrysalis, and the wedding went back on schedule. Now Cadance is my sister, and I'm glad I didn't get a changeling queen for one..." Twilight shuddered from the thought of it. Runo stayed quiet for a moment, but she sighed and decided to speak up. "Yeah..." just when things were calm... "WELL MAYBE SEEING YOUR FRIENDS TAKE SIDES IS HARDER!!!" she screamed at them. So much for things being calm... "Runo... we're sorry..." Alice lowered her head and stood up. "I'm going to go check on Marucho... you coming Fluttershy...?" she asked as she walked away. "Coming..." she followed her into the plane. Lowering her head, Runo couldn't help but feel regret for yelling at Alice. "I can't believe this... we... we should be coming together to help Marucho, not be fighting over it." she said to herself. Rolling up to her, Tigrerra opened up and looked to her. "I mean... if I... if I lost Tigrerra, I don't... I don't know... I just don't know..." she closed her eyes as tears fell. "My dear..." Tigrerra started to worry about her. Shun took another sip of his tea. "Tell me something... didn't Daniel once lose his temper and ended up throwing Drago into the river...?" he asked her catching everyone by surprise. "What?!! How did you know that?!" Rainbow asked in shock. "There's no way you could have known that!" she exclaimed in disbelief. "I'm just saying, that Dan already knows what its like to have lost his own personal Bakugan." Shun said to her and the others. He eventually opened his eyes starring at his tea. "Perhaps I give him too much credit, because losing it temporarily and losing it forever are two very different things." he set his tea down and walked away to meditate. Runo watched him go and lowered her head, meanwhile Pinkie Pie had her eyebrows arched from listening. "Did anypony get that...? Because I sure didn't." "I think what Shun means, is that teamwork is very important, even though it is hard to work with most people." Rarity translated. "Assuming that's what he meant to say. "His words of wisdom are quite helpful." Lancelot said to her. "But one must wonder what will happen in the future." Everyone nodded their heads in agreement, Rainbow soon noticed that Dan hasn't returned with Applejack or Julie. "Hey... shouldn't Dan be back with AJ and Julie by now...? I'm sure they've probably blown off enough steam from what happened earlier." she pointed out. "Now that you mention it darling, they have been taking quite an awful long time..." Rarity said as she looked out but soon jumped to one conclusion. "Unless Julie is plotting some kind of plan to take Dan as her own and in the future they end up getting married, have kids and-" before she could continue with her panic attack. Runo grabbed her and shook her like a ragdoll. "THAT'S NOT GONNA HAPPEN, THERE'S NO WAY THAT JULIE IS GONNA GET THE BETTER OF ME!!!" she yelled at her with a bright blush on her face. Rarity's eyes were spinning around from the shaking. "Right... good point darling..." she shook her head in realizing what she said. "Runo... did I hear you right...?" a smirk formed across her face. "Are you really that jealous of Julie...?" Panicking from hearing it. "J-Jealous? W-W-Why would I be jealous of that floozy?!" she asked her. "Well for starters, your face is red..." Rainbow pointed out to her. "You're stuttering..." said Pinkie. "And you're in complete denial." Rarity said to her. "You know these facts are all true." Wanting to deny it, Runo knew they were right. But she couldn't take it, and quickly dashed for the plane. "IT'S NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE!!!" she cried out as she slammed the door to her room. The ponies looked to each other and tried to hold in their laughter, but they let it out knowing it cannot be helped. Because one thing was for certain, Runo did care about Dan... she just didn't want to admit it. In the city near by, Dan, Runo and Applejack were waiting for a certain someone. "You actually sent Billy to Germany besides Australia...?" Dan asked her. "Uh-huh, and your shocked look so reminded me of his." Julie responded as she thought about a moment between her and Billy when they were still friends. A while back, Billy and Julie sat next to each other looking at the sunset. "Hey Julie... if you can be anywhere in the world right now... where would it be...?" he asked her. She thought about it for a second, then looked to him with an answer. "Um, Japan I think..." she replied. "Good call..." Billy smiled at her. "What about you Billy...?" she asked him curiously. He smiled and looked to her. "Me...? I'd pick Germany..." he responded. "That's when he mentioned this soccer field... where he could catch a cool game." Julie explained to them. "I get it, he always wanted to come here, I'm surprised you could remember the place Julie." Applejack said to her. Suddenly out of no where. "I'm surprised you remembered too." Dan and Applejack looked to where the voice came from, and it was Billy himself. He looked to them with the devious smile on his face and started walking toward them. Glaring at him, Applejack stood her ground preparing for the worst. "Well look what the cat dragged in..." she said to him as she flared her nostrils. "Always on top of both your games, aren't you...?" Billy asked. Julie held up her fists in anger. "Oh you asked for it...!" she threatened him. "Wait...!" Dan stopped her. "Look, you may have been best buds at one time... but this ain't one of those times. And being ranked number ten...? He's out of your league..." he tried to talk her out of it, but he watched as both Billy and Julie held out their cards. "Sorry Daniel... but I'm taking him down solo... or with Applejack by my side." Julie said to him as she looked to Applejack. "You ready for this...?" "I'm ready if you are partner." Applejack replied. But just when things were calm... "ARE YOU BOTH COMPLETELY WHACKED?!!" Dan cried out to them. "Oh please! You think you know everything, but you don't when it comes to winning people over!" Julie exclaimed. "This requires a slightly different tactic." she winked at him with a smile. "Masquerade may have a grip on Billy, but we're gonna loosen it one thumb at a time." "Ya better take her word for it Dan... cause this is personal." Applejack advised him. Dan didn't know what to do, but he knew there was no talking Julie out of it since she made up her mind. "Uh-huh... got it..." he said to them and backed down. Julie, Applejack and Billy all pulled out their cards and held them out. "Bakugan Field Open!" the called out as they entered the Pocket Dimension battlefield together. Meanwhile, Billy pulled out the Doom Card to start off the battle. "Doom Card Set!" he tossed it to the field as it absorbed the card. "Hope you got yourself an extra hat Applejack, cause this battles gonna knock it off!" Gritting her teeth from hearing it, Applejack knew he went to far. "Alright Billy... lets see if your mouth is as fast as your brawling!" she replied to him. "Gate Card Set!" they threw the cards to the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" Julie shot in her Subterra Manion to the field. "Manion stand!" she called out as it emerged growling at its opponent. Billy readied his Bakugan for battle. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot it in his Subterra Centipoid behind Manion landing on the card behind it. "Centipoid Stand!" he called out as Centipoid appeared on the field. Observing the situation, Dan looked to Julie knowing he had to help in some way. "He's out to bust a move, wild style." he explained to her. "Gate Card Set!" Julie sent in another Gate Card. "Bakugan Brawl!" she shot in her Subterra Tuskor to the field. "Tuskor Stand!" she called out as it emerged roaring out slamming its giant feet on the ground. "Ability Card Activate! Atractor Activate!" Billy called out as the ground beneath Manion began to sink beneath it. "Here it comes!" Drago observed the situation. "There it goes circling the drain." Dan muttered. Billy chuckled as Manion slowly sank into the sand pit. "Looks like you fell for my sand trap." he said to her. "What the...?!" Julie exclaimed as she watched Manion appear on Centipoids field. "I don't get it, why would he appear on Centipoids card? Manion's got a high power level." "Not quite Julie... look!" Applejack showed her on her Bakupod. "Centipoid leading but 60 G's." said the Bakupod showing the results. "Gate Card Open! Magma Fuse!" Billy called out as the card began to glow, boosting Centipoids power level. It hissed ferociously and charged at Manion snatching it in its pincers. Centipoid raised him up and threw him straight towards a portal to the Doom Dimension. Billy watched as Centipoid returned to Ball Form and returned to him, meanwhile the card he one shattered and forced Julie's Tuskor back into Ball Form as well. She caught him and glared at him for what happened, Applejack shared the same look on her face. "That was a dirty move..." she muttered. "Explain..." Centorea looked to Dan. "Simple, he just smoked one Bakugan and two cards in one totally killer move." Dan explained. Billy smirked at them. "You gotta love that Magma Fuse Card... I like how it takes out all the other cards after a fresh battle, leaving a clean scent behind." he explained to them. Fuming with anger, Julie finally snapped. "You should clean up your own act! Cause you've been fighting dirty!" she exclaimed knowing she was right. Billy only let out a small laugh from hearing it. "Well you don't make it into the top ten by playing nice." he replied. Lowering her hat from hearing it... Applejack rose her head glaring at him. "Playing nice...? More like you're playing as Masquerade's sucker instead bucko!" she yelled. "So what? Now my game is shooting right off the rector scale." Billy replied. That did it. "And you're completely off your rocker... all Julie wants is the old Billy back, and you just made one mistake. And that is making this cowgirl angry!" Applejack exclaimed. "That goes double for me! Bakugan Brawl!" Julie tossed Tuskor back onto the field. "Tuskor Stand!" she watched as it emerged on the field. "Ha! Looks like you're gonna lose again Julie... Bakugan Brawl!" Billy tossed in his Centipoid back onto the field. "Centipoid Stand!" he called out as it emerged on the field. "Gate Card Open! Character Card!" the Gate Card revealed Centipoids Character Card. "Ability Card Activate!" he called out as Centipoid's power boosted up to 520 G's. Julie gasped in shock from seeing it. "Oh no!" she cried out as Centipoid charged at Tuskor ramming it straight to the Doom Dimension. "No, Tuskor!" she watched as the gateway to the Doom Dimension closed. Billy meanwhile, caught his partner Centipoid and smirked at them. "Looks like you'll have to forget about him." he chuckled at her situation and pulled out another Gate Card. "Gate Card Set!" he tossed it to the field letting it expand. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed his Centipoid back in. "Centipoid Stand!" he called out as it reemerged on the field. "Centipoid at 750 G's" said the Bakupod. "This means I only got one left... Gorem, you're my only hope!" Julie said to him. "Lets show'em how its done." Gorem prepared himself. "Game on!" Julie was about to pull out her next card. "Hold it Julie." Applejack stopped her. "Let me take this one... I have a personal score to settle." she said as she looked to the field. Billy went way to far this time, and its time I put him in his place." she said to her with a determined expression. Julie knew this to be true... so who was she to stop her? "Alright AJ, your move..." "Lets do this Centorea, Gate Card Set!" Applejack tossed in a Gate Card. "Bakugan BRAWL!!!" she shot her partner out to the field. "Centorea Stand! Last but not least, Ability Card Activate! Power Charge!" she called out as Centorea emerged in her true form glowing with a orange aura around her. Centipoid panicked from seeing it, and got tackled by the sheer force of Centorea's attack. "Both Bakugan Power Level up by 100 G's." Shocked from seeing it, Billy knew he had to do something. "Centipoid, don't wimp out early!" he yelled at Centipoid. Centipoid shook off the attack he received and charged at Centorea for what she did. "Not happening Billy boy! Ability Card Activate! Shield Wall!" a large shield formed in front of Centorea as it protected her from Centipoids attacks. "Centipoid Power Level down 50 G's, Centipoid 360 G's. Centorea 530 G's." the Bakupod calculated. "Get'em Centorea!" Applejack exclaimed! "With pleasure!" Centorea complied as she started charging at Centipoid with her Power Charge Ability still active. Centipoid charged at her to stop her attack, but as Centorea rammed against the insect, Centipoid was sent flying through the air, forced back into ball form. Billy wasn't even stunned from it as he just stood still, Centorea noticed it clear as day. "I know not what runs through thine head Billy Gilbert... but Julie its going through all this trouble to get you back. She cares for thee... and how do you repay her...? By joining the fiend Masquerade and turning into a monster yourself." she said to him as she reverted to ball form returning to Applejack. Billy at that point should be filled with rage, but he formed a smile across his face. "Well played... into my hands..." he thought to himself. Dan noticed it and started to get a funny feeling. "Hey what gives...? Why's he smiling...? Didn't he just blow a game...?" he wondered but started to put the pieces together. "Unless... this is some sort of a set up...!" "You might be right Dan, I don't like this as much as you do." Drago said to him feeling nervous about the situation at hand. Well... in his case, claw. "Bakugan Brawl!" Billy shot in his next Bakugan which was a Subterra Rattleoid. "Bakugan Stand! Shake'm up Rattloid!" he called out as Rattloid emerged on the field with its tail rattling. "Okay, no its my turn. Bakugan Brawl!" Julie shot in her partner Gorem to the field. "Gorem ATTACK!!" she said as Gorem's ball form rammed against Rattleoid's forehead and landed on the field. "Gorem Stand!" she called out as Gorem emerged on the field standing over Rattloid. "Rattleoid 310 G's, Gorem 380 G's." the Bakupod informed them. "Something don't feel right Julie, I'm tellin' ya..." Appejack began feel cautious. "Ability Card, Activate! Poison Fang!" Billy called out as Rattleoid charged at Gorem biting down on his arm. Gorem struggled to get it off, but felt the affect of Poison Fang. "Ratteloid up 50 G's, Gorem down 50 G's." said the Bakupod as Billy smirked. But despite being bitten, that didn't stop Gorem from slamming Rattleoid on the ground and throw it in the air like a rag doll. "Ability Card Activate! Gate Building!" she called out as the card behind Gorem appeared behind him. "One more card and I'll double down! Gate Card Open! Grand Spirit Activate!" she called out as the card began to glow. "Grand Spirit Card...? What the hay...?" Applejack wondered. "That card rev's up the G-Force by 50 for every card you have on the field." Dan explained to her. Centorea looked to the field and calculated. "So if she already has two cards..." "Then she really did double down her 50 to make a hundred." Dan said as he crossed his arms. "G Power Boost to 430 G's." said the Bakupod. "So how do you like getting your hands dirty under Earth Attribute?!" Julie asked as Gorem pulled his fist back, and threw it landing a powerful punch against Rattleoid. Forcing it into ball form, landing right next to Billy who was unfazed of what happened. Gorem also returned to ball form getting caught by Julie. "Score!" "Aw yeah!" Dan cheered. Eventually, Drago noticed Billy smiling again. "Dan... wait..." he advised him. Dan soon looked to Billy noticing it as well. "He's smiling again...? What is his damage...?" he asked. "I don't know, but if I know Rattleoid... his ability is probably still in effect." Applejack said to him. Billy smirked knowing this will be the final battle. "This is the last card, and all three of us have only one Bakugan each. So how bought we finally settle this..." he looked to Julie and Applejack. "All or nothing, you game...?" he asked. Dan started to slowly realize his plan. "No way! Don't fall for it Julie!" "He's right Julie, this could be a trap." Applejack agreed with the situation. But that didn't stop Julie from accepting the challenge. "Okay, then bring on your worst!" she egged him on. "ARE YA EVEN LISTENING?!!" Dan and Applejack exclaimed. "With pleasure!" Billy accepted her challenge. "Final Shot! Bakugan BRAWL!!!" both Julie and Billy shot in their partners. Billy quickly pulled out an ability card to start off the battle. "Ability Card Activate! Copy Cat!" he called out as it activated for his partner Cycloid. "Ability Card Activate! Mega Impact!" Julie called out as her partner went into his true form throwing a punch towards Cycloid, but Cycloid copied his ability and threw a punch as well. Colliding against Gorem's attack catching Julie by surprise. "Say what?!!" she panicked. "Gorem, I admire your specialty... mind if I take it...?!" Cycloid asked as the Gate Card beneath them activated forming an earth landscape. Dan glared knowing this was going to happen. "That was real slick keeping his Copy Cat card to the T.U.L." (To Use Later.) "Of course, that's why he sacrificed Rattleoid, to copy the previous ability of Mega Impact." Applejack thought back to the previous battle. "You've been playing us from the start! I even bet you were gonna use Centorea's Power Charge ability too weren't ya?!" "Why so shocked? I was gonna use Centorea's move, but I figured Gorem would be better. Most of all, it was Julie who was whinning about an even playing field." Billy said to them. Meanwhile, Cycloid and Gorem were exchanging punches against each other. Julie at that time was holding on for dear life on Gorem's shoulder, she soon looked to her Bakupod to check their power levels. "With both of their Mega Impact's canceling each other out, they both go down 50 G's... but Gorem is still in the lead. Go Gorem!" she cheered only to see his power level go down 50 more G's. "Gorem down 50 G's." the Bakupod calculated. "WHAT?!!" Billy laughed at how shocked she was. "Seems Rattleoid left behind a little parting gift... the Poison Fang is starting to kick in." he said as he observed it on his Bakupod. "Poison Fang?!!" Julie cried out remembering what happened. "Oh no... its taking over!" she panicked as Gorem was beginning to lose balance. "This could be fatal..." Drago muttered. Gorem soon fell to his knee's feeling the effects of Poison Fang. "Oh no Gorem!" she cried out. Applejack gritted her teeth seeing it. "Dang it Julie, you should have listened to us!" she yelled. Struggling to get up, Gorem looked to Julie knowing what might happen. "Julie... you must leave now..." he tried to plead to her. But Julie shook her head resisting his plea. "No! We're in this together big guy! We're going to stand our ground and fight to the very end!" she replied to him feeling determined. "But Julie... one more blow, and I'm finished... and you know what that means..." Gorem reminded her of what happened to her two previous Bakugan. Billy knew that too, but all he could do is smile knowing he was close to victory. "Come on, what are you waiting for...? Do it already Cycloid." he said to his one-eyed partner. Hesitant, Cycloid looked to his partner feeling unsure of the situation. "Are you sure...? Because I'd be sending him to the Doom Dimension accompanied by that foolish human with him." he said to him. "I know she's bluffing, she wouldn't have the guts to pull off something like that." Billy assured him as he let out a laugh. "Hey Julie, why don't you drop the bravery act and get off so we can end this fight properly." he said to her. "Billy, you wouldn't!" Applejack exclaimed. "I swear, if you and Cycloid do the unthinkable, I swear you will be in a world of hurt!" she warned him. He soon looked to her knowing she meant it. "I'm trying to give her a chance okay...? She can either get off of Gorem, or she can join him in the Doom Dimension... we both know she wouldn't pull a crazy stunt AJ..." Billy looked to Julie. "So how bout it Julie...? you gonna come down or not...?" he asked her. She was silent for a moment, but Julie looked to him with a glare. "NO!!! I don't care what you say, I'm gonna stay right here with Gorem, and I mean it!" she said to him. "Ms. Julie, no!" Centorea exclaimed. "She's serious!" Dan watched the scene. Watching what she was doing, Billy couldn't help but feel surprised of what she was doing. Julie held onto her partner no matter what he said. "So... go on! Send me into the Doom Dimension if you think winning is so important!" she said to him. "Why won't she give up? Its over!" Applejack exlcaimed. "She's testing him..." Drago said to her earning a surprised look frim her. "Finding out if the Billy she once knew still exists... forcing him to choose between triumph and defeat. Because the real Billy would sacrifice victory over harming a friend." he explained to her. "Yeah but... this ain't no after school special, seriously, what happens if he gives the word to attack?" Applejack asked him hoping to get a positive answer. "If that happens, then Julie will be banished to the Doom Dimension for all eternity!" Drago said to her catching Billy's attention. He could hardly believe a word he said just now. "You mean like... forever...?" he asked. Cycloid looked to him knowing the answer is hard. "And ever..." he replied. Billy at that moment didn't know what to do... suddenly, out of no where. Masquerade appeared on the battlefield letting out a cackling laugh. "Yes! What are you waiting for...?" he asked him. Billy looked to him surprised. "Masquerade..." "Go on, finish what you started..." Masquerade said to him, only to see a hesitant look on Billy's face. "If you defeat her... I'll move you up a notch to 9th place." he bribed him. "No way... do you mean it...?" Billy asked him. "Don't listen to him Billy, he's just playing you!" Applejack exclaimed. "Yes... do it... and I'll make sure it happens." Masquerade smirked knowing he wouldn't pass up the opertunity. Glaring at Masquerade, Applejack looked to Billy with the same expression. "Billy... I swear, if you even think of taking that offer, you'll be making the biggest mistake of your life. Think about Julie for heaven's sake! She is putting her life on the line!" she yelled at him. He hesitated for a moment, but Masquerade's offer got to him in a heart beat. "This outta shut them up, they won't be calling me double didgets anymore! Go on Cycloid! Finish them off!" he ordered him. "Count me in!" Cycloid went to clobber Gorem. "Ability Card Activate! Shield Wall!" Applejack acted quickly as Centorea went onto the field and appeared on the field forming her shield blocking his attack. She let out a grunt feeling the full force of the attack, causing her to slide back and accidentally push Gorem down. Causing Julie to scream as the toy Billy gave to her fell out and landed on the ground. It eventually caught his attention, suddenly a gateway to the Doom Dimension opened, pulling Gorem towards it. "GOREM!!!" Centorea cried out. "NOOOOOOO!!!!!" Gorem struggled to fight it. "Julie! Go! I can't hold out much longer!" he pleaded to her. Meanwhile, Billy looked at the toy cowboy thinking back to when he gave it to Julie. Noticing it, Julie knew it was the only way to connect with him. "Billy, do you remember that toy?! You gave it to me when we were in kindergarden!" she reminded him of that day. Beginning to remember that day, Billy remembered it like it were yesterday. "Its for you Julie..." he said to her. "Wow! Thanks Billy, that's so nice of you! Keep this up, and I can tell you and I will become the greatest of friends." Young Julie said to him earning a smile from Young Billy. "Yeah!" Young Billy nodded his head in agreement. The flashback to when they were kids quickly vanished as Gorem and Julie were getting closer to the portal. "LISTEN TO ME!!! BILLY YOU'RE MY ONLY CHANCE TO SURVIVE THIS!!!" she pleaded to him as he looked at the toy cowboy. He looked at it closely knowing it was the only gift he ever gave her that day. "Julie..." he muttered. Meanwhile, Gorem struggled to hold onto the ground as he was being sucked into the portal. "Julie! You have to get off!" he struggled as Julie held onto him. "I knew this was a mistake...!" Dan started rushing towards Billy with Applejack. "Call it off or I'll bust your grill!" he threatened him. "He means it Billy! You better call it off or else!" Applejack warned him only to see Masquerade get in the way. "You're already too late!" he said to them. Glaring at him, Applejack charged ahead to attack. "Out of the way chump!" she went to kick him, but he dodged her attack before it could come into contact. "BILLY!!!!" Julie cried out to him as she and Gorem were getting closer to the portal to the Doom Dimension. Centorea looked to him sensing something in his heart. "What art thou waiting for Billy Gilbert...? Art thou going to see your friend be banished to the dark pits of the Doom Dimension?! All for what...? To be in 9th in the top ten...? I thought though were a man of honor, but thou have proven to be a loathsome creature hungry for power." she said to him. Billy knew she was right, and he couldn't bear to see Julie get banished. "Doom Card OUT!!!" he called to it catching Masquerade by surprise. "Excuse me?!" he watched as the Doom Card was pulled out and caught by Billy. Gorem reverted to ball form as the portal to the Doom Dimension closed. Meanwhile, Julie was laying on the ground and let out a groan looking up to Billy. He smiled at her and gave her a thumbs up. "Yeah!" A bright smile formed across Julie's face seeing it. "My Billy's back!" she cheered. "YEEHAW!!! I knew you were still in there somewhere Billy!" Applejack cheered out with them as they returned to the real world. But Billy wasn't feeling to happy with what he did. "I'm sorry you guys... but... think you two can ever find it in your hearts somewhere to forgive me...? I know I was like being a total jerk and everything, but I was so focused on winning and raising my rank, that I didn't see what I was about to lose..." he looked to the toy cowboy reflecting on what he could have done if he didn't pull the Doom Card out. "So... don't be mad at me..." Applejack smiled and walked over only to kick him in the leg causing him to yelp in pain. "No problem... but that's what you get for being a total jerk." she said to him. "That's right, but hey... we can't stay mad at anyone. Except Masquerade!" Julie looked up to where he was glaring at him. "You're the one destroying the game!" she exclaimed to him only to see him chuckle. "But you don't even lift a finger!" "Ms. Julie is right! Thou only send other Bakugan Players to do your dirty work!" Centorea glared at him. "She's right, I've never seen this poser in battle, so what are you afraid of slacker?!" Dan asked him. But before he could get his answers, Masquerade only laughed and pulled another vanishing act on them. Applejack only snorted from seeing it. "Coward..." she soon turned to Billy with a smile. "Sorry about the kick to the leg Billy... just needed to let it out somehow." "Hey, no problem... thanks for putting some sense into me you guys." Billy thanked them for everything. "Thou truly are a good friend Billy Gilbert... but next time thou wish to battle, let it be more fair without the Doom Card." Centorea advised him. "You heard her boss, I'm done with that card." Cycloid said to him as he looked to the card. Billy also looked at it and nods his head. "You're right... its nothing but trouble..." he said as he took the card and ripped it in half and tossed the pieces away. Julie smiled seeing it as a small blush began to form across her face, it didn't go unnoticed from Applejack however as she let out a small chuckle. "Oooohh... somebody's blushing..." The redness on her face intensified. "N-No! No I'm not! I just... got a small cold that's all!" Julie let out a fake cough trying to lie her way out of the situation at hand and ran off. But Applejack wasn't going to let it go, knowing she did have feelings for someone other than Dan. > A Little Help from my Friends > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- At what appears to be Komba's house, we see shelves filled with trophies, and pictures of him and his friends before Bakugan came into his world. He was also looking at the battle scores of previous battlers and found Shun amongst them. Harpus hopped up to the screen looking at it. "Even losing one battle is too many, and boy did you ever lose!" she made fun of her human partner. "Zip it! I hope you realize its all your fault we lost Harpus!" Komba reminded her. Curling up into ball form, Harpus started rolling away. "I'm a bad Bakugan..." she said to herself. Komba ignored it and looked to the screen looking at Shun's info, just looking at it made him furious and caused him to yell out loud. "NUTS!!! I hate you Shun! You and that little rainbow haired pony! How did you pass me?!!" he asked furiously, but then out of no where, a portal opened behind them. Catching both Komba and Harpus by surprise. "What in the world...?!" Suddenly, a familiar dark chuckle came from the portal, Masquerade poked his head out looking to the young brawler. "Its time... I have a little job for you, Komba..." he said to him as Komba started to sweat from seeing what happened. Meanwhile on Marucho's plane, they were flying over the ocean heading to their next destination as Billy explained everything to them. "All the top ranked players were invited...?" Dan asked him. "Yeah, it was like this humongous bash... and only the best of the best Bakugan Battlers got to go check it out." Billy explained to them earning surprised looks from all of them. "Wow... I didn't know they even existed..." Spike muttered looking to the others. "I guess that's a perk for being top gun..." he said to them only to earn a look from Julie. "Please Spike, Billy's just pulling your chain." she said to him. "Okay, now I'm confused." said Spike. "Well if you ask me... I believe its just one big trap..." Marucho said to them. "What...?" Dan looked to him in surprise. Drago rolled up with Bahamut to speak. "I believe Marucho is right..." Drago said to them. "So do I..." Billy lowered his head remembering what he went through. "Because I was one of those stupid enough to fall for it..." he said to them as he thought back to when they first met Masquerade. "He took us to a different dimension, a dimension he called... Vestroia." "He must have shown you Naga and the Silent Core..." Bahamut said to him seeing him flinch from the pain he felt when Naga snared him. "Please... you must tell us the state Naga was in at the time you saw him, and you mustn't leave out any details." he said to him as Fluttershy approached him. "Please Billy... tell us what you remember..." Fluttershy pleaded to him softly. Thinking about what he saw, Billy looked to them remembering every detail he could remember. "Well... gee, I only saw him for a second... but from what I remember, it seemed like he couldn't move." he explained. "Hmmm.... that seem's rather strange..." Twilight muttered. "Perhaps he's frozen like a popcicle?" Pinkie joked about it. "PINKIE!!!" The Brawlers and the rest of the ponies yelled at her. "What...?" she looked at them. "There's no chance he would be frozen like that... it may be something else..." Drago said to her. Tigrerra approached him knowing he may be right. "Perhaps he is trapped within the Silent Core..." she theorized with him about the matter. "Yes, and if your theory is corret, that means Naga has not yet evolved into the Ultimate Bakugan." Drago agreed with her theory of Naga's misfortune. Rainbow Dash approached Billy to get more answers. "What else do you remember...?" she asked him. "Well... I'm telling you, it was really weird... when I saw him, I felt this bizarre power kind of wash over me. And the next thing I knew, all I wanted..." Billy started lowering his head remembering what he did. "Was destroy every Bakugan that I could find... its like I couldn't even control myself!" The ponies looked at him starting to feel sympathy for the poor boy. Fluttershy even took the chance to pull him into a comforting hug knowing it will help him feel better of what happened. She eventually let go and looked him straight in the eye. "Billy, maybe it was the Negative Energy the Silent Core that was manipulating you." she said to him. "Fluttershy's right about that... we felt it every time other players threw down the Doom Card." said Applejack. "Yeah, that's gotta be it." Dan agreed with them. Billy looked at them and began to smile. "Thanks you guys... but I wish there was some way I could tell you how sorry I feel for what I did." he said to them. "And you did... even if it meant getting kicked in the leg instead of the-" before Applejack could finish her sentence. Julie quickly covered her mouth before she could say it. "Hey, don't worry about it. After all it wasn't your fault." she said to him with a smile. "One more thing Billy... when you saw Naga... what did he do to make you feel, scared...?" Twilight asked him from noticing how he flinched from remembering the day he met Naga. Billy held his arm remembing how he was snared by him. "He... had a strong grip around my body... like he was squeezing the life out of me..." he explained as he earned a gasp from the ponies. "I know it sounds crazy... but that's how it felt. Like death had me in the palm of his hands." "It must have been really hard for you to go through that dear Billy... but know that you're no longer within his clutches." Rarity said to him with a smile. With a smile across his face, Billy couldn't help but feel thankful to his friends for giving him a second chance. Of course he could still feel the pain in his leg from when Applejack kicked him. Suddenly, the TV screen turned on showing Kato inside the plane's cockpit. "It looks like we'll be arriving shortly in Bakugan Valley, all departing passengers prepare to leave the plane. That is all, we're going in." he informed them as the plane began is descent. As the plane landed, the platform opened up letting out the passengers. "All that's ashore is going ashore." Kato opened the door for them. Julie looked to the others. "Okay, me and Applejack are gonna walk Billy home and catch up with you later." she said to them as she walked out. "Try to behave kids." Applejack said to them as she walked out with Billy. "Alright, but be careful!" Dan advised them. "Later guys!" Billy walked out with them. Watching them go, Rainbow Dash couldn't hold in her frustration any longer. "UGH!!! Man! That freak Masquerade is really getting under my skin!" she exclaimed. "No kidding, he really goes too far!" Dan agreed with her. Runo looked to them surprised. "What's the matter?" she asked. Dan turned to her with a hardened face. "I'll tell you Runo, you remember the battle we just had with Klaus and Chan...?" he asked her. "Lets face it, they're puppets being manipulated by Masquerade. And that means we need to stop that creep from brainwashing everyone." he suggested. "Yes but, easier said than done Dan." Marucho said to him. "Marucho's right, there's no way of knowing where they are, and when they'll strike." Twilight said to him. "I know Twilight, I know its hard, but it has to be done, and we have to do it." Dan replied to her. Pinkie soon got between them. "We know, we know but... we're just saying-" before she could finish however. Runo pushed her aside with an angry look on her face. "Hey! Take it down a notch! Like Twilight said, we don't even know where these battlers are! And until we find them, we can't do a darn thing!" she soon got in his face. "And don't forget we still haven't found the Infinity Core!" she exclaimed to him. That did it. "I KNOW WE HAVEN"T FOUND IT YET! I'M JUST SICK AND TIRED OF MASQUERADES LITTLE GAME!!! I wanna nail that jerk so bad I can taste it!" Dan yelled at her. "SO DOES EVERYBODY ELSE, BUT WE'RE NOT ALL FLIPPING OUT!!!" Runo yelled back at him. "WHAT?!!" Dan yell back at her. Fluttershy soon came between them to stop the fight between them. "Stop it! Please, I hate to see such good friends arguing!" she cried out at them. "Seriously, you two are better than this." Alice added to it. Dan and Runo soon looked to each other but scowled turning away. "Who says we're friends?!" Dan asked only to look back at Runo and look away. Alice and the other ponies looked at him in shock but felt that they didn't mean it. "But I thought... you guys were..." Alice began to worry about them. "Guys look, you're all a little heated up right now, you just need to take this chance to chill." Rainbow Dash said to them. "Besides, there's no use to be fighting amongst each other." "Little late for that Rainbow... knowing those two, it will be a while." Shun said to her and walked out. "Hey, where do you think you're going Shun?" Dan asked him. As he walked out the door, Dan followed him. "Wait up! You can't just walk away without telling anyone what the heck you're doing!" he grabbed him by the wrist forcing him to turn to him. "Is there something wrong Shun?" Before he could respond, Shun pulled his arm away from him breaking free. "I don't care what happened to the others, I looked after myself!" he replied to him. "Oh give me a break! You cannot be serious!" Dan exclaimed. "We have to work together to beat Masquerade, so get off your high horse and listen to me!" Shun didn't reply at that time and kept quiet, but he eventually turned to Dan with a hardened expression. "And who just elected you captain?" he caught Dan off guard and turned away. "Man, with your temper, you couldn't beat a child." he said to him. Rainbow was watching the scene, sensing a lot of tension between them. "Oh boy... things are starting to heat up out there..." she muttered to herself. "In fact, I could take you down with my eyes closed!" Shun declared getting on Dan's last nerve. "Excuse me?! What did you just say?!" Dan demanded to hear it again. Suddenly, Shun sharply turned to Dan throwing his Bakushooter up to him catching him by surprise. The Mane Six approached seeing it and gasped in shock of what was going to happen. "I'm sick and tired of pretending we're friends!" he exclaimed and started walking away. "Shun, wait!" Rainbow Dash called out to him but see's Dan stop her. "Let him go... go ahead and leave with him if you want. Who cares, who needs him?" Dan muttered to himself. "Daniel!" Drago shouted at him. "What do you want?" Dan asked but lowered his head. "What is wrong with everyone around here?!" he let out a scream in frustration. Alice also watched as Shun left them and began to worry. "Don't leave Shun..." Twilight looked to Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow, go after him, take Alice and Rarity with you." she said to her. "On it, come on you guys, we need to get him to change his mind." Rainbow flew off to follow after him as Rarity and Alice followed on foot/hoof. Night fell, and Shun was still in much anger as he walked through the night. Skyress at that moment looked to him with worry in her eyes. "Where will you go?" she asked him. "I don't know!" Shun exclaimed. "But are you sure you're doing the right thing...?" Skyress asked him unaware that they were being watched. Just in time to catch up to him, Rainbow Dash and others arrived. "Wait Shun! Wait up!" she flew in front of him. "You can't go Shun!" she said to him. "She's right Shun, you just can't go! You know we're all depending on you Shun..." Alice said to him. She watched as he started turning around to leave. "We're a team!" "Please Shun, reconsider... your quest is the same as Dan and the others to unmask Masquerade." Rarity said to him. "She's right Shun, I mean come on, aren't you the one who taught me that a calm mind is what gets us through any situation...?" Rainbow Dash asked him earning nothing but silence. Meanwhile back at the plane, Twilight was trying her hardest to try and convince Dan to go after Shun. But big shocker... "Who cares? Let that poser leave, bottom line is I didn't need him before, don't need him now." he said to her as he was lying on the bed. "We both know that isn't true Dan, he was your best friend since you were young. You can't just let him go after everything that has happened." Twilight said to him. "She's right Daniel..." Drago agreed with her. "The only reason this team is falling apart is because of your arrogance." Bahamut said to him. Dan rolled onto his side on the bed hearing it. "Oh who am I kidding...?" he asked himself. "You brought this upon yourself Daniel... maybe its you who isn't a team player." Drago said to him to try and make a point towards him. Just from hearing it, Dan jolted up glaring at him. "Oh great! I guess now you're taking his side?!" he asked to know. "I'm not taking anyones side! I'm just concerned about the way you've been acting towards your companions." Drago pointed out to him as Dan looked to Shun's Bakushooter. "You must admit Daniel... you haven't been a very good friend lately." Dan lowered his head realizing that his anger really has gotten to him, even Twilight knew how it felt. She immediately placed her hoof on his shoulder earning his attention. "I know its tough being friends with someone close for so long, but even though we have our fights, it doesn't mean we can just make up for our mistakes. Believe me, I had plenty in the past... one revolving around Pinkie, but that's something for another time." she looked out. "Right now... you have friends that you definitely need to apologize to." Lowering his head from hearing it, Dan knew one thing... "You're right you guys..." he shut his eyes tighly feeling regret. "What was I thinking? Oh man I'm such an idiot!" he groaned as he pulled the blanket over him. Sighing from seeing it, Drago lowered his head sulking. "Humans..." he muttered. At that time, Twilight let out a giggle knowing he was right about the idiot part. "Look Dan... maybe you should start with Runo, after all, you did say some really awful things to her." she said to him. But Dan let out a groan and poked his head out of the blanket. "Do I have to...? She's probably really upset right now..." he said to her know how angry she is. "Don't worry, Fluttershy is with her, I'm sure she's got it all under control." Twilight said to him. Meanwhile in Runo's room, she was clearly not under control as she screamed to the top of her lungs. "Oh that Dan! WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS ANYWAY?!!" she started beating her pillow to a pulp. "YOU'RE NOTHING BUT A BIG BABY!" she screamed. "Acting out your frustrations Runo will not further your emotional journey, and as an observer, I-" before Tigrerra could finish her speech, a pillow hit her knowing that it was Runo who threw it at her. "Hey! Stay out of my business Tigrerra!" she roared at her. "Runo please, she was only trying to help... I understand you're upset, but she's right. Letting out your anger like that won't make things better for the team." Fluttershy said to her. But Runo huffed as she crossed her arms turning away. "Some team we are Fluttershy! Dan is the one trying to act all Alpha Wolf here... I can't believe I even li-" before she could finish she covered her mouth blushing. "I-I mean... I can't..." she felt completely tongue tied at the moment. Fluttershy noticed it and sat on the bed next to her. "Runo... is there something you're not admitting...? Even to yourself...?" she asked her. Trying to deny it, Runo's eyes glanced to the left trying to avoid eye contact. But Fluttershy knew she was hiding it from her and someone else. "Runo... tell me what it is... now..." she said to her and immediately gave her The Stare! Feeling a tingling feeling in her spine, she immediately looked straight into the eyes of the shy yet very scary pony. She tried to resist it, but it was all in vein. "Okay! I'll talk! I'll talk!" she watched as Fluttershy stopped starring and let out a sigh. "But you can't tell anyone... not even your friends, or Dan." she said to her as Fluttershy made a gesture that her lips were zipped. "Well... ever since you girls came to this world, I just couldn't believe how much you changed Dan." she looked to her. "I saw how happy he could be, how he could help his friends when they're in need of it... since then I..." she placed a hand over her chest feeling it beating. "I've been having this funny feeling inside, I can't really explain it..." Putting it together, Fluttershy immediately knew what was going on with her. "Its love..." she said bluntly. "WHAT?!!" Runo panicked. "N-N-No! I don't know what you're talking about, its nothing like that! I swear!" she tried to avoid the fact. "Runo, we can go round, and round about this, but we both know you're going to lose the argument." Fluttershy said to her knowing she as right. "Oh please, like it would ever work between me and him!" Runo tried to deny it. "Lady Runo, Fluttershy is not always wrong." Elvia interjected into the conversation. "Tis true that your feelings toward Dan are in bit of a tangle at the moment... but what you are feeling may very well be as Lady Fluttershy described it. Further more, Dan may be a boy with much anger in him right now, but he is still a good friend." she said to her. "And besides, if you care about him, you need to be the one to tell him." Fluttershy said to her. "But only when you are ready to tell him, if that's okay with you...?" Thinking about it, Fluttershy knew that her feelings for Dan were real, but with him acting the way he is, she couldn't tell him for the moment. "You're right Fluttershy... I have to tell him, but I can't with JULIE AROUND!!!" she screamed knowing she will try to take Dan from her. "Of course, forgot about her..." Tigrerra muttered. Soon she heard a knock at the door. "Come in!" she called to who ever was knocking on the door. As it opened, Dan and Twilight are seen as they walked into the room. "Oh, speak of the devil..." Runo saw him and her cheeks puffed trying to hide what she and Fluttershy talked about. "Came to continue acting like a jerk...?" she asked him as she crossed her arms looking away. "N-No Runo... that's... not the reason I'm here." Dan said as he rubbed his head. "Well what is it, spill it!" Runo demanded only to get her mouth forcibly closed by Twilight's magic. "Thank you Twilight..." Dan sat down in front of Runo and let out a sigh. "I'm sorry..." he said to her catching her by surprise. "I'm really sorry... I've been acting like a total jerk lately, and I took my frustration out on you guys." he lowered his head in shame. "Can you ever forgive me for that Runo...?" Runo looked at him feeling that his words were very sincere, and that she couldn't stay mad at him forever. She soon gestured to Twilight to ask her to undo her magic, she nodded and released her so she could speak. "For one thing Dan..." she paused for a bit then hit him across the head causing him to yelp in pain. "THAT'S WHAT YOU GET FOR BEING A JERK TO ME AND SAYING WE'RE NOT FRIENDS!" "Come on, are you gonna stay mad at me fo-" before Dan could finish his question, Runo hugged him to shut him up. "Runo..." he watched as she held him. She sniffed trying not to let her tears to brim. "But I forgive you for being a big jerk... Alice was right, we shouldn't be fighting with each other. As friends, we need to be working together... even if we do fight a lot." she said to him and released him from the hug forming a smile on her face. "You just need to pull the whole leadership thing way back... cause you've been letting it go to your head." Dan rubbed his head knowing she was right about it. "Yeah, I guess you're right... there's still so much I need to fix..." he looked to Shun's Baku Shooter knowing he had to make things right. "And I know just where to start..." "That's the spirit Dan..." Twilight said to him. "Meanwhile I'll go check on Marucho and Pinkie Pie to see how the young master's holding up." she headed towards the door. "Knowing Marucho... he's probably sitting alone in the dark with Pinkie... looking at old photo's of him and Preyas." Runo lowered her head knowing how much he misses his Aquos partner. His life just hasn't been the same without him ever since he battled against Klaus back in Germany. Dan thought about that day too, knowing it hurt Marucho big time. He soon turned to Twilight as she was near the door. "Actually Twilight... maybe its best we left him alone for a bit." he said to her catching them by surprise. "It'll take some time, but Marucho will be back on his feet, I know he will... he just... needs to find the right moment." "And if he doesn't find the right moment...?" Runo asked him. "I'll just simply scream my head off and run out the door in a heartbeat." Dan replied letting out a chuckle. Fluttershy let out a giggle at his humor knowing it helped lighten the mood. "You're funny sometimes Dan, and you might be right... but you still need to find Shun before its too late." she reminded him. At that moment of time, Runo's expression went from sweet to a serious scowl. "And I'm gonna be watching you..." she gestured it to him giving him a firm glare that could cut through steel. He knew that she was dead serious about it, and quickly nodded his head about it. As Dan foretold, Marucho was sitting in his room, it was dark, and he was looking at his Bakupod. Seeing Preyas on the screen. "Preyas sent to the Doom Dimension..." the Bakupod said to him. He cried out knowing he will never see him again. "Preyas, I miss you so much...!" he continued to cry his eyes out. Pinkie and Scylla watched him from a bed, knowing how he is feeling. "Oh Pinkie, what are we gonna do...?" Scylla asked her as she turned directly to her. Lowering her head in sadness... Pinkie had one answer for her, and it wasn't easy for her to admit. "For the first time Scylla... I'm not sure what we're going to do..." she admitted to her as she looked out the window thinking about Preyas and any other Bakugan that was sent to the Doom Dimension. At the park, Skyress looked to her partner seeing how angry he is. "I'm afraid Shun feels the way everyone has been acting lately... none of you could ever defeat Masquerade." she said to them causing Alice to gasp. "That is why he has left... he feels that it is now up to him to rescue all the Bakugan." "But Shun..." Alice wanted to say something, but couldn't find the right words to say. "It's the only way to win Alice... and if I cannot defeat him, everything is lost." Shun said to her. Causing her to think back to when Marucho lost Preyas. "For some reason I feel that this is my destiny... from now on, its up to me to take Masquerade on!" "Shun, no! You can't do this man! You can't beat him all by yourself, think of the others for Celestia's sake! You need your friends, you need us... we need to work as a team!" Rainbow Dash reminded him of what they were trying to fight for. "In case you forgot Rainbow Dash..." Shun turned to her with a harsh glare. "I work alone..." Watching the scene... Rarity had just about enough of his attitude and used her magic to pull him down to her height. "Now you listen here Shun... I have had just about enough of your attitude...! I know you feel that this is your destiny, but you're wrong! In Equestria, me and my friends were destined to meet each other when Rainbow Dash unleashed her sonic rainboom... we didn't know what it was when we were fillies... but since Twilight came to Ponyville, we became the best of friends..." she explained to him and looked directly into his eyes. "But in this world, I see that there isn't an ounce of friendship in your heart... you care only for yourself, and leave your friends to fight the battle alone. Answer me one thing... if your mother were here... she would ask you what is your heart telling you...?" she asked him. Shun was caught completely off guard when she brought up his mother, he wanted to yell at her for it... but her words sank deep into his heart knowing that it was true. He was going to respond to her... but suddenly... "Well, well... if it isn't mister tough guy himself...?" said a familiar voice as they turn to the source. It was Komba standing on a statue in a really weird pose. "I heard everything... you really think you got what it takes to beat Masquerade...?" he chuckled at the thought of it. "You're a regular comedian Shun, I love it! Just one thing, you gotta beat me first!" he chuckled darkly. "Well if it isn't the pipsqueak Ventus Brawler himself..." Rainbow Dash remarked him as such causing him to get angry from it. "Came back for more after our last battle...?" "Careful Rainbow... lets not get over confident." Avion said to her. Shun glared at Komba know he was only getting on his nerves. "Awww, the wittle baby scared to battle? Don't worry, I won't hurt you. I'm just gonna eliminate your Bakugan!" he leaped down to solid ground and smirked at them pulling out his Bakupod showing his ranking. "Here, check out my Bakupod! I'm almost at your level, even though you beat me once. Remember that Shun?" he asked him. "Shun, ranked in top 10, no other data." said the Bakupod. "And you only won that battle because you got lucky that's all." "Hate to break it to ya short stuff... but you lost a battle against me, Shun, Julie and Applejack." Rainbow Dash reminded him. "Luck had nothing to do with it." "You guys double teamed! That doesn't even count! I want revenge for that day! And the only way I can get it is if we battle." Komba gripped his wrist. "Young man, as far as I know... you are far out of your league for this." Lancelot said to him. Immediately turning around glaring at them. "You zip it tin man! And forget about Masquerade, so what do you say, are you ready to rumble in the jungle with me? Please...? PLEASE?!!" Komba begged him to battle, which felt totally out of his character, even though he was trying to get revenge. Shun held Alice as she nearly passed out and glared at him. "Why don't you get lost kid..." "Excuse me?!! Are you brushing me off because you think I'm a weakling?! Well let me tell you, the only reason I lost to you was because I was teamed up with Billy, who's completely useless! That guy couldn't fight his way out of a wet paper bag!" Komba remarked to him. Lowering her gaze... Rainbow Dash knew at that point he went too far. "So... does Billy talk trash behind your back like you do about him...?" she asked him feeling her anger starting to rise up. "Stop it! This is ridiculous! I don't care what Billy says about me, I just want to battle Shun and be done with it! Can't you get it through that thick head of yours little pony?!" Komba said to her. "You don't need friends...? You think you can do this all by yourself...?" Shun asked him earning the attention of Rarity and Rainbow Dash. "Hmmm... sounds interesting..." Alice also looekd to him surprised of what he said. He let go of her and put on his gloves. "Alright kid... I accept your challenge." "No Shun, don't-" Alice went to stop him but Komba chuckled as Shun moved her out of the way. "This is going to be fun!" Komba grinned as he pulled out his card. Rainbow also pulled out her card in the process. "You're not taking this guy alone Shun..." she said to him as she noticed Rarity pulling out her card. "Here, here... I would definitely like to teach this boy some manners." Rarity glared at Komba for what he said about Billy earlier. Nodding to her, they looked to Komba and turned their cards as they glowed brightly. "Bakugan Field Open!" they called out as they entered a Pocket Dimension Battlefield. Komba at that moment pulled out the Doom Card readying it for battle. "Doom Card Set!" he tossed it to the field as it absorbed the card letting out its negative energy. "You two ponies don't know what you're getting yourselves into." he said to them with a dark grin across his face. "Yeah well... neither do you..." Rainbow Dash said to him with a smirk. "Gate Card Set!" the Brawlers and Ponies tossed their cards to the field. "This time you're going down Shun..." Komba said to him. "I don't think so..." Shun said to him. Komba was caught completely by surprise. "Excuse me?!" "I know all your little tricks. So there's no way you can beat me, or these ponies... Rarity... feel free to take the first fight." Shun said to her. "Very well, I've been wanting to see my Lancelot in action for a while now. Ready my dear...?" Rarity asked him as he opened up from his ball form. "Ready when you are milady." Lancelot replied and curled up. Nodding to her partner, Rarity loaded him into her Bakushooter. "Gate Card Set!" she tossed it to the field next to Shun's. "Bakugan Brawl!" she shot him to the field seeing him land on it. "Darkus Lancelot Stand!" she called out as darkness swirled into the air. "Whoa! What's happening?!" Komba asked as he watched what happened. Deep from the heart of the swirling vortex of darkness, a pair of red eyes snapped open before him. With a single swipe of his hand, Lancelot made the vortex vanish revealing his true form. His head armor was in the shape of a dragons skull, his armor was similar to that of Siege's, and he had dark purple hair. He even glared at the young Ventus Brawler who called him a tin man. "I am Darkus Lancelot, loyal knight of Lady Rarity, and for such disrespect towards me and her... you will learn respect!" he said to him as he readied for battle. "My goodness Lancelot, you're just as handsome in that form than you are in ball form." Rarity complimented him. Bowing to her, Lancelot appreciated the compliment she gave him. But it only made Kombat gag from seeing it. "If you think your poor excuse for a lizard man will beat me, you got another thing coming! Gate Card Set!" he tossed in a new Gate Card. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot in his El Condor to the field to face Lancelot. "El Condor Stand!" he called out as it emerged in its true form. "Let the game begin." said the Bakupod. "No turning back now little pony!" "Gate Card Open! Protection of Guinevere!" Rarity called out as an aura of magic swirled around El Condor throwing him out of bounds, forcing him into Ball Form, causing him to gasp in shock. "Like it...? I'm sure you heard the tale of Lancelot and Guinevere... their love for each other was pure, not even King Arthur could keep them apart from each other. And it is through her love that Lancelot will always be protected." she explained to him. Sneering at her, Komba flailed his arms around throwing a fit. (If you were this kid, I think you would know how it feels.) "You won't get away with that trick, you hear me?!!" Komba yelled at them. "This boy has no self control what so ever milady..." Lancelot glanced to Rarity who nodded at him. "Not in the slightest Lancelot..." Rarity replied to him and looked to Komba. "Just face it Komba, you do not have what it takes to play in teh big leagues." she said to him. "This isn't over yet!" Komba replied with a glare. Alice and Rainbow only smiled knowing he was dead wrong. "Sorry, Rarity's right... her Protection of Guinevere card forces the opponent Bakugan to return to the player it came from." Rainbow explained. "She just got lucky!" Komba shot in his Bee Striker to face Lancelot. "Bee Striker Stand!" he called out as Bee Striker emerged in its true form glaring at the Dark Knight Bakugan. "The Battle resumes." said the Bakupod. "Sting him now!" Kombat yelled to Bee Striker seeing him charge straight towards Lancelot. "Ability Card Activate! Dark Vortex!" Rarity called out as her card glowed brightly. Lancelot summoned a sword and twirled it. "Sorry, but you don't have a chance against me!" he said as he stuck the sword in the ground sending a dark portal appeared in front of Bee striker seeing it go through the portal. Bee Striker soon found itself "HEY!!! I DIDN'T EVEN GET A CHANCE TO BATTLE!!!" Kombat complained. "Mind at least letting me make a move?!" he asked her. "Like Rarity told you before... against us, you're out of your league pal." Shun said to him with a smirk as he thought back to the last battle he had with Dan before his mother passed away. Rainbow looked to him knowing what he was thinking. "Your call Shun, what's the plan...?" she asked him. "Rainbow, you and Avion are up, show him what I taught you." Shun said to her with a smile. Rainbow smiled back adn loaded Avion into her Bakupod. "Bakugan Brawl!" she shot him to the field in front of Bee Striker. "Avion Stand!" she called out as Avion appeared on the field to face Bee Striker. "I hope you're ready for a pummeling you arrogant runt." Avion said to him. "Oh, your big over grown bird! I was expecting a butterfly to get me shaking in my boots!" Komba teased them. "Battlefield, ready for action." said the Bakupod. Shun looked at it and looked to the field. "Okay, his moves are limited, and even if he doesn't attack, we can always counter with a Tripple Chain Wind, just need two more Ventus Bakugan on our side." he said to Rainbow and Rarity. "But you haven't lifted a finger since the battle started, how will it work?" Rarity asked her as Alice watched him. "Just leave it to me, Bakugan Brawl!" Shun tossed in his Monarus seeing her land on the field. "Monarus Stand!" he called out as Monarus appeared on the field. A smirk began to form on Komba's face. "I say its about time we show mister big shot how this game is really played. Bakugan Brawl!" he shot in El Condor back onto the field to face Monarus. "El Condor Stand!" he watched as El Condor went to face Monarus. "Gate Card Open!" he called out as it began to activate forming clouds beneath them. "Tabulating Powers." said the Bakupod. "Now its your turn to lose, Ability Card Activate! Solar Plexus!" he called out as lights shined down El Condor upon Monarus. "Monarus Power Level reduction to 280 G's." said the Bakupod. "Show us what you got El Condor! Destroy!!!" "Ability Card Activate! Blow Away!" Shun called out blowing El Condor onto the card he planted on the field keeping Monarus safe. As El Condor fell, it crashed onto Bee Striker. "You gotta be kidding!" Kombat complained from seeing it and looked to them. "Why can't any of you play this game like its supposed to be played?!" he demanded to know. "You're about to find out, Gate Card open! Mine Ghost!" Shun called out as the card glowed brightly and detonated. "When two Bakugan land on this card, doesn't matter what side they're on, they both lose!" he said as the explosion took both El Condor and Bee Striker out of the game perminantly. Komba was shocked from what happened. "Not again...!" Alice, though she was worried, she was amazed how they planned that out. "That was amazing Shun... you didn't even give Komba one opening to attack you or the ponies. Now I know why you used to be ranked number one in the world." she thought to herself and started to wonder about something else. "But what's up with your obsession to totally dominate your opponent...?" Meanwhile, Komba was throwing a major fit from his situation. "HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN?!! THAT'S IT! I'VE HAD IT WITH YOUR AMBUSH STRATEGIES!!! From now on... no mercy!" he said to them with a glare. "Clearly his temper won't be improved any time soon." Rarity said as she fixed her hair from the explosion that occured. "No kidding, he needs theropy..." Rainbow agreed with her as her hair was swooped back. Shun soon held up Skyress knowing he needed to end this battle. "I need you Skyress... lets end this, don't hold back on him." he said to her as he closed his eyes. "I will do what must be done." Skyress replied to him. Rainbow watched them knowing that this plan may work, but its the aftermath that she is worried most about. Shun soon looked to the battlefield and readied Skyress for battle. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed her to the field. "Skyress Stand!" he called out as Skyress shot into the air in flames, and descended from the clouds spreading her wings. "Shun reached battle with two games, Komba zero victories." said the Bakupod. "Go ahead and activate your stupid Tripple Chain Wind! I'm ready for you! Here goes nothing! Bakugan Brawl!" Komba shot in his partner Harpus. "Harpus stand!" he called out as Harpus appeared on the field. "TADA!!! Well it looks like its my turn to play! Hey Avion! Nice to see you!" Harpus said to him. Lettign out a groan of annoyance, Avion knew where this was going. "You're gonna keep gabbing aren't you through this entire battle aren't you?" he asked her. "Awww, so nice you think that way of me Avion, you're such a sweetie!" Harpus flirted with him as a blush formed across both her face and his. Skyress snorted at her knowing where she's going with it. "Focus on the battle Harpus!" she advised her. Turning to her, Harpus smiled gleefully. "Its Skyress! You're looking good girlfriend, but not for long!" she said to her with a big fangy grin. "Ability Card Activate! Feather Storm!" Komba called out as Harpus's power swirled around her. "Harpus tp 570 G's." said the Bakupod as Harpus cackled charging at Monarus. "Ability Activate! Blow Away!" Shun called out as a twister caught Harpus and sent her away towards Skyress's card. Landing face first. Rarity smirked at the situation. "Well played Shun, you blind sided him." "All the more reason you're still awesome." Rainbow said to him as Alice smiled at him in agreement. Meanwhile Komba was getting even more frustrated. "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU BLIND SIDED ME AGAIN!!! Get back in there Harpus and make it quick!" he said to her in a frustrated panic. "So how have you been Harpus...?" Skyress asked her with a smirk. "Don't play cute with me sister! This is what happened to me last time, and believe me! It won't happen again!" Harpus charged at her and kicked her in her head, only to get pushed back by her. Skyress sent a menacing glare at her. "I've had enough of you Harpus!" she tried to strike at her. "Wow old birdy, you sure got a lot of fight left in you! But you're no spring chicken!" Haprus dodged her attacks. "This is bad, Lancelot, we need to find a way to help Skyress." Avion said to him. "I know Avion, but in order to do that, we would have to draw them to our cards. Or the other way around..." Lancelot replied to him knowing that it was likely impossible. Suddenly it hit Avion as he looked down to the card he stood upon. "That's it, I know what card Rainbow sent out..." he looked to her determined. "Rainbow, when the time is right, use your card!" he said to her. She didn't know why, but she trusted his instincts and prepared for it. "Too bad Shun, seems like to me you played all your ability cards." Komba said to him and smiked. "And without anymore power, I guess there's only one thing left to say... I JUST WHOOPED YOUR BUTT SHUN!!!" he cheered out. "Think again Komba, you're wondering why I don't waste time in battle... its because I'm not willing to lose my Bakugan. It's nothing personal." Shun said to him. Komba was surprised from what he said. "Man you are one crazy dude..." he said to him. "Shun and Rainbow still have one gate card left!" Alice called out as they noticed it. "Gate Card Open!" Rainbow called out as both Avion and Lancelot vanished and appeared on the field with Skyress and Harpus. Causing Harpus to panic from seeing it. "Like it Harpus...? Its a little gate card called Calvery, it can pull Bakugan of different attributes, and higher power levels." she explained to her seeing her shocked expression. "In other words Harpus... you're toast." Chuckling nervously seeing how angry Avion is toward her. "Hey, come on Avion, you wouldn't hit a girl would you?" Harpus asked him as she slowly backed up. "Normally I would refrain from hitting a woman..." Avion said to her as she let out a sigh of relief. "But..." she started to tense up from hearing him say that. "When it comes to you and Komba working for Masquerade... I'll have to make an exception." he said to her sending a glare that could easily cut her in half. (Won't literally happen, don't get nervous.) Komba panicked knowing he had to do something. "Not a chance birdy! Ability Card Activate! Feather Storm!" he called out as it activated once again. "Stay away!" Harpus sent a whirlwind of feathers towards them. "Sorry darling, but not this time! Ability Card Activate! Arondight!" Rarity called out. From hearing it, Lancelot's hand glowed purple, summoning a sword from his hand. "Like I will allow you to harm my friends Harpus!" he swung his blade, slicing through the wind as it disappeared. Harpus immediately blocked the attack trying to hold her ground. "NO WAY! THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!!!" she panicked from the attack Lancelot unleashed. "Now its my turn! Gate Card Open! Reloaded!" Shun called out as wings began to pick up and swirl around Skyress. Energy from Avion and Monarus began flowing to to her. "Watch as all the wind power is drawn towards Skyress! Reloaded is the gate card that increases your power by a hunded times the number of Bakugan on the battlefield." he explained as Skyress's power boosted up. "Skyress power increase detected, power to 560 G's." said the bakupod. "Don't leave me out on this! Ability Card Activate! Hurricane Fury!" Rainbow called out as a tornado formed around Avion. Lightning began striking from it as Avion charged straight towards Harpus causing her to scream in terror. "Do something Harpus!!!" Komba exclaimed to her. "ARE YOU NUTS?!!!" Harpus replied to him in her panicked state. Avion rammed against her causing her to fly. "I DON'T LIKE THIS!!!" meanwhile Skyress let out a screech and charged at Harpus and tackled her down to the ground, causing her to revert to ball form, and Komba was thrown off his feet from the impact. Harpus soon rolled up next to him, eyes spinning. "Uh-oh... I think I broke a nail..." Getting up knowing he lost the fight. "No... there's no way I could have lost again...!" he said to himself. "Hate to break it to ya buddy... but you did..." Rainbow said to him with a smirk. Eyes as wide as saucers as they returned to the real world, Komba was devastated. "NOOO!!!! I can't believe this... it must be a dream, how did this happen?!! I want a rematch Shun! You hear me?!" he demanded. "Not to be too forward or anything... but how about you let me sit out the next battle...?" Harpus said to him only to get a firm glare from Komba. "Why you little... this is all your fault!" Kombat yelled at his partner as he was about to hit her. But Shun quickly grabed him by his wrist holding it tightly. "Let me give you some advice... practice... and maybe stop running your mouth off before you start another battle." he advised him as he let go of his wrist. Surprised of what he said, Komba looked down knowing he failed. "I messed up bad..." he admitted to them as he felt shame overwell him. "You can always rely on your friends kid... that's real important." Rainbow Dash said to him with her hooves crossed. "That's real important..." Kombat at that time didn't know what to think, but he knew that this rainbow maned pegasus was right. "Yeah you're right..." he said to her. "Sometimes I am..." Rainbow looked to Shun. "Its a little something that Shun forgot about himself." "You mean his friends...?" Komba asked her as he looked to Shun. Silent for a moment, Shun looked out knowing Rainbow was right. "I never realized it before... but there was one friend in particular, we were both so passionate about Bakugan, but... I lost my friend." he explained as he thought back to when he battled Dan when his mother was still alive. "But what me and Alice do not understand darling, is why is winning such a big deal to you...?" Rarity asked him as Skyress turned directly to her. "His passion becomes apparent when he battles... it makes him feel alive." Skyress explained to her as she looked directly at Shun. "Watching you trying to be so tough made me realize something... you can't do it by yourself." Shun looked to him. "You have to rely on your friends to help." he said to him as Komba felt the burden on his shoulders lift. Reaching to his shoulder, Rainbow gently touched it earning his attention. "Take it from an expert kiddo... if it weren't for me being loyal to my friends, we wouldn't have come as far as we have now." Rainbow said to him with a smile. Komba knew they had a strong connection, something that he knew very little about. But... it started to sync in. "That was awesome!" a familiar voice called out, they all looked to who it was, and it was Dan and Twilight rushing towards them. "There you are!" he chuckled running to them. Alice began to smile from seeing them. "Dan, Twilight!" "Hey guys, where in the world have you been...? Hiding...?" Dan asked them. "Hello darling, what brings you out here...?" Rarity asked him. Twilight smiled and looked to Dan knowing the reason. "I believe Daniel has something to tell you Shun..." she said as Drago nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, and its really important." Drago added. "Hey hold on you two..." Dan sighed knowing they were right. "They're right Shun... I do... gee... I'm sorry for saying we didn't need you. In fact... you're probably the one we need the most." he lowered his gaze remembering how badly he messed up. But he looked to him knowing what needed to be done. "Anyway, I don't know if I told you this before, just listen to me for a second... you're the best friend I've ever had Shun..." he reached into his coat and pulled out Shun's Baku Shooter holding it out to him. "I really mean it bud..." Alice smiled seeing how much he meant those words. "How touching!" she cheered watching it and noticed Rarity starting to cry. "Yes it is darling..." she cried out as her mascara began running down her cheeks. "Oh Rarity don't cry, your makeup will get ruined!" Alice exclaimed trying to clean it up for her. "Come back Shun..." Dan pleaded to him to return to the plane as Alice looked to him. "Please Shun...?" "What do you say Shun...?" Rainbow Dash asked him. Meanwhile, tears began to form in Komba's eyes. "Man this is too much... I can't handle the suspense!" he turned to Shun knowing he had to do the right thing. "Come on Shun! Do the right thing!" he pleaded to him. Shun took a moment to think it over... he then looked to Dan and reached over grabbing the Baku Shooter taking it from him and placing it on his wrist. He then smiled at Dan knowing that his words did manage to reach him. "It would be my honor Dan." he said to him. Everyone cheered out from his decision, suddenly Komba ran to him. "You the man Shun!" he said to him and pulled him into a tight hug. "Hey!" Shun saw it surprised. "What do you think you're doing?!" "I know I've been a real pain, and you probably think I'm just some creepy little kid. But I want to be your student! I want to learn from you Shun! And I'll never leave your side, ever!" Komba said to him as tears run down his face. "IS THIS KID JOKING?!! HE WANTS TO LEARN FROM YOU?!! THAT'S COMPLETELY CRAZY!!!" Dan exclaimed in shock from seeing it. "Mind explaining what happened here? I must have missed something!" he demanded to know. "Well..." Alice hid behind Shun giggling. "I suppose it is kinda weird..." she admitted. Skyress glanced to her from what she said. "Well that's putting it mildly..." she muttered. "I'm dead serious Shun! You gotta teach me man, say you will!" Komba pleaded for him to teach him everything he knew as he repeated the word "Please." Snickering at it, Dan let out his laughter along with Drago. "He wants you to teach him...!" he laughed with the others, but Shun was not amused of the situation. "Hey cut it out you guys! This isn't a laughing matter!" Komba exclaimed. "Well it kinda is right now!" Rainbow laughed feeling her gut about to explode. Meanwhile Shun was growling feeling rather annoyed. "Could somebody please explain to me how I ever got into this mess?!" he demanded to know, but all everyone did was laugh at his predicament. Because never in all his life had he felt so embarrassed. > My Good Friend/Drago's on Fire > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Equestria, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had begun to grow curious about the Bakugan Temple, what secrets it held, and the wall drawing of a human. Celestia was the most curious about it, because never before had she seen a human with what appeared to be dragon wings. Princess Cadance approached looking at it as well. "Your mother mentioned that it was a prophecy... but I still wonder what it is." she said to her as she looked at it. "I've also been wondering about it Cadance... could this prophecy lead to a peaceful future...?" Celestia wondered unaware a certain somepony was behind them. "It could either bring peace..." Solaria saw them jump with a yelp. "Or reign down chaos... this prophecy has been told since me and my husband were around." she said to them. Celestia was trying to control her blood pressure from the fright she had. "Mother, don't sneak up on us like that!" she exclaimed to her knowing she almost had a heart attack. Giggling at her, Solaria knew it was funny, even to herself. "I'm sorry, but you never had a problem with that when you were a filly." she said to her. "That was 1100 years ago!" Celestia complained to her mother knowing how old she was at the time. "Celestia relax... it is nothing to get worked up about." Solaria said to her and looked to the carvings. "There is a reason why I believe this could lead to two different futures... one being a place where Vestroia could live in peace, the other where Vestroia is ruled by evil and chaos." she reached her hoof to the carvings. "It had never come to pass though... me and my husband... were the first ponies to ever fight along side the Bakugan. Apollonir. Legendary Warrior of the Realm of Pyrus. Lars Lion, Legendary Warrior of the Realm of Haos. They were our partners in the good old days..." she said to them. Amazed at how she knew them, Princess Celestia began to recall the stranger who appeared before her the night she banished Princess Luna to the moon. "Apollonir... he was the stranger I met after I..." neglecting to mention it, Princess Celestia looked to Princess Luna knowing that she would most likely open old wounds. Letting out a sigh, Princess Luna knew what she was going to say. "Its alright sister... I've made a terrible mistake in letting my jealousy overwhelm me." she admitted as she lowered her head. "It was all my fault... if I hadn't become Nightmare Moon, you wouldn't have spent the last thousand years alone." Solaria reached her wings across both of them to comfort them. "We all made mistakes in the past that we wish to atone for..." she said to them. Nodding their heads, the Alicorn sisters looked to the drawings of each of the Legendary Soldiers of Vestroia. Cadance looked at each of them noticing that four of the battle brawling creatures of different races. "I get that you and Nova were the first, but one thing has me curious. Who were the others...?" she pointed to them as she looked to Solaria. She approached the wall looking at each of them, forming a smile in remembering her former teammates. "That was our original team... the Original Battle Brawling Ponies before Twilight and her friends." she stated knowing Dan wasn't the first to come up with the idea. She then directed their attention to an Earth Pony. "Firma, she was an Earth Pony Subterra Brawler with a strong attitude, any colt who even tried to court her would be sent to the infirmary just from a mere glare." she chuckled remembering it. "Her partner was Clayf, the most powerful Subterra Bakugan in Vestroia. With his scepter, he could reflect any attack that is thrown at him." Solaria glanced to the Aquos Brawler which was a Sea Pony. "Lady Coral, a Sea Pony Aquos Brawler... who's beauty was unmatched, to the point even I grew jealous." Princess Celestia and Princess Luna immediately gave her a blank stare. "How can we forget...?" they both said in unison as they remembered as fillies, watching their mother getting jealous of the sea pony seductress who was flirting with her husband. Clearing her throat to get back on topic, Solaria looked to the image of Coral. "Coral's partner was Frosch, the most tactical of the Legendary Soldiers, he was the wisest as well. But he can be a little hoppy." she joked about him knowing that he would be listening. She eventually looked to the Ventus Brawler, who was a Pegasus. "This, is Aureole... a Pegasus Ventus Brawler, but the noblist out of the entire team, his partner was Oberus, the most compassionate Bakugan in Vestroia. But she can be very powerful when she wishes." Approaching the wall, Princess Luna soon looked at the final brawler, who was a Unicorn. "And her...?" she pointed to the Unicorn who was Darkus. Looking to her, Solaria's smile faded and her eyes lowered remembering her. "Ebony... the Unicorn Darkus Brawler... her partner was Exedra.. the second most powerful out of all the Legendary Soldiers." she said to them and lowered he gaze. The three Alicorn princesses notice it sensing it that something happened. "Mother... what happened to her...?" Princess Luna asked her feeling worried. Hesitant to tell them, she knew they needed to know the truth. "She was my best friend, her family took me in when I was but a filly, before I ever met Nova. Over the years, she soon became my sister... and Mare of Honor. Then came the night that Tirek and Vladitor attacked... it was the very night that we lost our dear Ebony. She and Exedra tried to hold Tirek back..." tears brimmed in Solaria's eyes. "But it wasn't enough, she was the first to fall to Tirek and Vladitor before Nova." she covered her mouth remembering it choking a sob. It was hard for her to bear. Feeling sympathy for her, they knew it must have been hard for Solaria, witnessing her best friend fall before the might of Tirek. They even blocked out the thought of losing someone important to them, Cadance approached Solaria and placed a wing over her. "I'm deeply sorry for the loss you felt, but something has me curious. How was Tirek and Vladitor defeated...?" she wondered. Solaria cleaned her tears and looked to another mural, which had the human and a powerful ally, which was a Dragonoid type Bakugan. "Tirek and Vladitor were defeated by the only person powerful enough to stand against him, the Bakugan Prince, and his partner... Pyrus Leonidas." she revealed the identity of the mysterious figure. Intruiged, Princess Celestia looked to mural curiously. "Leonidas...?" she looked at the Dragonoid Bakugan and reached to it touching it. Eyes glow pure white as she saw a vision of him, sensing much power and hate within him. Hate for Vladitor for what he did, and hate for any Bakugan that would dare follow him. She pulled her hoof away looking at it panicked. "Such power... all the hatred... and pain..." Solaria nodded her head hearing it. "It is because Leonidas was born in the one place all Bakugan fear... the Doom Dimension." she said to them earning shocked looks from each of the three Alicorns. "The Doom Dimension?! But... that's not possible! You said yourself that no Bakugan has ever left the Doom Dimension and lived to tell the tail!" Luna exclaimed knowing that what she heard was not possible, but one look to her mothers face, she knew she was telling the truth. "We all thought it was impossible, Leonidas was born from the hatred and despair of the Bakugan locked deep in the Doom Dimension, his only desire was to unleash his anger out on other Bakugan." Solaria explained as she looked to the image of both Leonidas and the Bakugan Prince. "But he changed when he met the prince... by meeting him, he learned the importance of friendship... and trust." she smiled at the image. "Together we finally defeated Vladitor... and banished Tirek to Tartarus. But we rewrote the events of that day, to make sure no pony knew about the Bakugan." "And what became of Leonidas and the Bakugan Prince...?" Cadance asked her. That of course, was a very good question indeed. "No one really knows... they just disappeared one day, and we never saw them again." Solaria said to them as she stared at the image. "But I know for certain... that one day, the Bakugan Prince will return. To protect Vestroia and any other world that is in danger." Within the dark void of Vestroia, Naga... trapped within the silent core. Was growing impatient as he let out a growl, and energy began to surge around him knowing that everything on Earth was falling apart. "HAL-G!!! WHERE ARE YOU?!!" he roared out summoning them. Just in time to face his anger, both Hal-G and Masquerade arrived to meet with him. "I am sorry for the delay Master Naga..." Hal-G said to him as he bowed to him. Squinting his eyes, Naga was not one for patience. "That is NOT acceptable!" he roared out sending fear into their hearts. "I have waited too long, you said you would destroy the Dragonoid and then bring me the Infinity Core. But you have done neither, and the Dragonoid only seems to get stronger the more contact he has with the human and those ponies who are tagging along!" he exclaimed reminding them of past failures and glanced to Masquerade. "Masquerade... perhaps its time for you to battle them." he said to him. Masquerade stood silently for a moment, but he gladly took the offer. "I will master, when the time is right." he said to him as a smirk formed across his face. "And when I'm through with Dan, his pony friends will be next." "See to it that you don't disappoint me!" Naga warned him seeing him vanish. Meanwhile at the mansion, Klaus and a few remaining top ranked players were waiting for Masquerade. Julio meanwhile... was growing impatiant. "What does Masquerade take us for, a bunch of chumps?!" he wondered as he was pacing through the room. After sipping his tea, Klaus looked to Julio knowing he needed to calm himself. "Calm down Julio... he'll be here." he reassured him as he took another sip from his tea. Julio turned to him with a harsh glare. "Aren't you angry?! First Billy and now Komba betray us, and we're still waiting for Masquerade to show up?!" he asked him. Chan Lee at the time was listening to his yelling and sighed. "We don't need Billy and Komba on our side, what's done is done. Let it go..." she said to him only to hear an annoyed growl. "I tell ya I'm gonna lose it if Masquerade doesn't get here soon!" Julio warned them knowing he was gonna blow a fuse. Klaus smirked and looked to him. "You really need to learn how to control your temper, relax..." he said to him only to see Masquerade making his entrance. "Ah, here's our friend, now look..." he directed their attention to him. Masquerade appeared before them. "Naga, says he's not happy with the way things are going." he said to them as he walked towards them. "What?!" Julio rushed toward him. "Well I got a few words for him!" "Easy!" Chan Lee tried to calm him down and looked to Masquerade. "What Julio means is we have to come up with a new strategy." she said to him. Klaus soon set down his tea cup and stood up from his chair. "I think I have a plan that will work." he said to them earning nods from his teammates. But Klaus at that moment thought back to when he battled Pinkie, seeing the way she acted, it still frightened him to no end. Meanwhile on Earth inside Maruchos plane, Twilight and the rest of the Mane Six were nodding their heads to a musical beat they were listening on a CD player. True it was techno, but it had a really good rhythm. They soon started to dance to the beat, following each others steps. (The song Revolution belongs to Lolirock.) Twilight; Wake up! Pinkie; Starry! Twilight; Get up! Rainbow Dash; Ready! Twilight; Move up! Mane Six; To the music revolution, baby! Twilight; Warm up! Rarity; Ah! Twilight; Stand up! Applejack; Yeah! Twilight; Reach out! Mane Six; For the music revolution, baby! Fluttershy; Everybody knows it! Rainbow Dash; Everybody shows it! Twilight; Everybody! Mane Six; Move your feet on the dance floor! Pinkie and Rainbow Dash slid in front of Twilight as the other followed along with the song. Unaware to their knowledge, they had a secret audience watching them. Dan and Runo were amazed by their singing talent, and literally could not pull their eyes away from the six ponies. Twilight; Watch out! Pinkie Pie; Starry! Twilight; Look cool! Rainbow Dash; Ready! Twilight; Hey, girls! Mane Six; Let's start a revolution Using their magic, Twilight and Rarity used it to change the outfits they were wearing, to make them look like idols. Amazed by this transformation, Dan and Runo smiled in amazement from seeing it. To the point, Shun, Alice and Julie (minus Marucho...) showed up to watch the show. Mane Six; We are energetic We are charismatic Party on the planet Dance to the revolution Don't be automatic Just be supersonic Let go, never panic Dance to the revolution Stand up, you can follow Wake up, sing and holler Loving one another Dance to the revolution You'll be energetic You'll be charismatic Party on the planet Dance to the revolution They finished their performance halfway as their outfits returned to their brawler uniforms. To their surprise, they heard clapping from behind them and saw the brawlers. "Wow girls, that was awesome!" Dan complimented them on their performance. Fluttershy meanwhile yelped and hid behind the couch. "H-How much of that did you see...?" she asked. "Pretty much all of it, why...? You don't like too much attention...?" Shun asked her. Fluttershy hid herself behind her mane, earning a surprised look from him as he looked to Twilight. "Did I say something wrong...?" he asked her out of curiousity. "No, she's... got stage fright, but she's working on it. Its not your fault." Twilight said to him and looked to Dan. "Any luck with Marucho...?" she asked him. Gasping from realizing, Runo held her ponytails tightly feeling panicked. "Oh gosh! I was supposed to get him ice cream and completely forgot about it! Fluttershy come on!" she ran off as Fluttershy followed in pursuit. "I need to hurry!" she yelled as her voice faded from the distance. "Wow... never thought I'd see her act like that..." Dan watched the way she ran. "No kidding... she took off faster than a road runner in a field." Applejack said to him and turned to face him. "You and her still trying to patch things up...?" she asked. Scratching his cheek, Dan knew he still had a long way to go. "Well, its not easy... but we're working on it." he said to her only to feel Julio wrap her arms around him. "She better not get any idea's! You're mine Danny boy!" Julio held him tightly to the point his face started turning blue. He choked from the lack of oxygen, not being able to speak. He looked to Twilight and hand gestured her to get Julie off of him. Twilight nodded to him using her magic to pull Julie away from him as she let out a yelp. "Twilight! This isn't funny, put me down this instant!" she yelled her. Replying with a smirk, Twilight knew one thing... care what you wish for. "What ever you say Julie." she released her from her magic seeing her land on the floor. Trying to catch his breath, Dan took a few deep breathes to get his blood flowing. "Thanks Twilight, I owe you one..." he said to her. "You owe me big time." Twilight responded with a smile. Meanwhile, Marucho was starring out the window of his plane. He was still thinking about his partner, knowing he will never be able to get over what happened. Suddenly, he heard a knock at the door and turned towards it. "Yes...?" he responded to who knocked. The door open, and Runo and Fluttershy walked in with Ice Cream in hand. "Hey you! Ice Cream!" she handed it out to him. "Its doodle Berry, have some." Fluttershy said to him with a smile hoping it would help him feel better. "Oh... thanks a lot you guys." Marucho took the ice cream from them smiling a little. Smiling at seeing it, Runo started opening hers to eat and helped Fluttershy open hers. "That outta put you right, go on! Better eat before it starts melting." she started eating hers along with Fluttershy. Marucho didn't exactly want to disappoint them given that he's been really down lately. So he decided to humor them by eating his ice cream with them. In the main lobby, Komba explained to the brawlers and the ponies of how Masquerade was getting around. To Dan's surprise, he could almost believe it. "He's teleporting...?" he asked with his mouth full of ice cream. "Yep, Masquerade has this mobile teleporting machine he uses to teleport himself anywhere in the world." Komba responded to them. "Its hard to believe, but that's how he shows up out of nowhere wherever you guys go." "Teleportation is something that I'm capable of, but I can't go that far." Twilight said as the others looked to her curiously. "Think of it like this, my teleportation spell allows me to go to certain places that are within close range. Possibly around 30 or 40 meters." she explained to them. "Oh, so its not magic like yours then." Julie suggested earning a nod from Twilight. At the time, Alice lowered her gaze just thinking about it. "I see... so he must be using an application of the dimension transportation system that my grandfather invented." she theorized. Rainbow turned to Komba curiously. "Komba, is that how you and the others found us by teleporting to our location...?" she asked him. "No, Masquerade would just tell us where to go." Komba replied to her and looked to Shun. "But it worked out great for me, because I got to meet my hero Shun." Shun's eyebrow twitched from hearing it feeling very annoyed. "I am NOT a hero." he said to him with a firm tone in his voice. Alice and Julie watched it and started to laugh knowing he's got his hands full. "Hate to break it to you kiddo... but I happen to be his number one student, which makes me your superior." Rainbow said to him with a smirk. Dan let out a chuckle knowing she was right, but he turned his attention to Komba to know something else. "Did you see who Masquerade really is...?" he wondered. "Daniel brings up a very valid point, did you ever catch a glimpse of him...?" Rarity asked him. But their reply from Komba, was a shake of his head. "No I didn't... when ever he showed up, he always had his mask on. So we never saw his face." he replied to them. "Oh just wait until I get my hands on that frosted tip, mask wearing little-" before Pinkie could finish her sentence, she looked outside seeing Kenya, and all the local wildlife. "Oh my gosh! Look outside everybody!" she called them over as they looked at Komba's home. Komba looked to it and smiled at it. "Welcome to my homeland everybody! This is Kenya, as you can see there are all kinds of animals here." he said to them feeling like a tour guide. "Oh look at the elephants! I've seen pictures of them in books!" Julie pointed out to them as they were taking a nice cool bath in the local pond. "I noticed some Zebra's on the way, I doubt they would be like Zecora." Applejack pointed out. Runo and Fluttershy arrived with Marucho seeing it. Dan walked to the window and looked to them. "Its a real wild life safari park!" he felt excited about it. "Lions! See them Tigrerra?" Runo showed her where the lions were. "Milady, can this be true...? If I wasn't seeing this for myself, I would never believe that there are creatures like the Bakugan in your world." Tigrerra said to her. "The one with large head of hair, is that a male...?" she asked. "Oh yes, that happens to be the King of the Pride. There are several male lions, and a whole pride of female lionesses." Fluttershy explained to her. Tigrerra let out a chuckle. "Nice to know that the males aren't the only ones who are strong." she made bit of a joke about it towards Drago and Bahamut. "Excuse me?!!" both Drago and Bahamut exclaimed to her knowing it might have been an insult. Giggling from it, Tigrerra turned away from them. "I'm only joking you two..." she assured them. "You have a funny way of showing it Tigrerra." Drago muttered. Pinkie was getting excited from seeing all the wild life in Africa, she turned to face Marucho with a bright smile. "What do you think Marucho?! Is this place amazing or what?!" she asked him only to see that his face wasn't filled with excitement as hers or the others. He lowered his gaze thinking about his partner. "I really wish Preyas was here right now... so we could see this." Marucho said as he turned away from them. The Mane Six looked each other feeling really worried about him. Upon landing, the brawlers and the ponies stepped out to say their last goodbyes to Komba. "Well you're home now Komba, If Masquerade or anyone else tries to contact you, you let us know about it okay...?" Twilight said to him. "Sure, I'll make sure I keep in touch. You can count on it Twilight." Komba said to her. "Good..." Shun and Rainbow Dash walked up to him. " Thank you..." he said to him. "We really owe you one." Rainbow said with a smile. "As long as you give me a rematch without the Doom Cards." she advised him. "No problem! Hey, as the second student of yours, its a real honor. See ya!" Komba ran off heading home. Twilight and the others smiled knowing that they didn't change Billy's life, but Komba's as well. But it will take a lot to convince the other top ranked battlers of their choice. At the moment, Applejack chuckled looking to Shun. "Second student...?" she asked him with a smirk across her face. "As long as he can help us, that's all that matters." Shun replied to her. Suddenly, Alice just thought of something. "Hold on... remember what Komba said...? Masquerade can show up any time, wherever we are." she reminded them. "Its Webmaster Joe who tells them where we are." Julie said to them. Rubbing her chin, Twilight knew it that was a good theory. "Its true that he's been tracking our whereabouts all along, but we can use that to our advantage." she suggested. Dan and Shun turned to her nodding in agreement. "Great idea, if any of Masquerade's monkeys show up, we can show them what life is like out of the cage." he said to them. "We just have to be the bait in the trap that's gonna bring'em in." said Applejack. "This will definitely work..." Dan said as the looked to Runo. "Right Runo...?" he asked her. Surprised that he's asking her, Runo stuttered a bit and looked away. Dan didn't know why, but he felt that something was still up with her. Suddenly, Alice just realized something. "Oh I forgot! Those two haven't made up yet have they...?" she asked out of curiousity. "Well they kind of did, but there's still some loose ends they need to fix." Fluttershy said to her. At the moment, Dan knew she and him needed to completely make up for past words they said. But he shook his head to try and looked to Marucho hoping he would give him an answer. "Hey, good plan...?" he asked him. But all he got from him... was silence. Dan was starting to feel really nervous about the situation he was in. "Boy, Marucho sure has been feeling down..." said Julie feeling worried about him. "You said it, its like he's got a really large rain cloud hanging over his head right now." Applejack said as she looked at him. "But still... its not easy trying to get over what happened to Preyas." Pinkie at that moment knew that there was nothing she could do to help. Dan at that time tried to make the situation better as well as he could. "Uh, what I meant was... we don't have to wait around for things to happen you know...?" "Dan's right you guys, if we can break Masquerade's grip on the other Bakugan Players, we can beat'em." Twilight said to them knowing that this plan will work. Suddenly... "That'll never happen!" a familiar voice called out. The Brawlers and the Ponies looked up to the plane seeing three cloaked figures, and we can guess who they were. "Ha! Surprise, surprise, you found us!" Dan exclaimed to them. "But how? We never mentioned anything in our chat room about bringing Komba back home to Kenya." said Alice feeling shocked and surprised. "Well come on Alice, isn't it obvious...?" Rainbow asked her as Alice looked to her. Rainbow shot a glare towards the three Brawlers. "They knew that Komba betrayed them, so they must have figured that we would take him home to safety." she explained to her. "Rainbow's right, how else would they have found us...?" Shun asked as he glared with her. Taking a few steps, Klaus approached looking to them. "It doesn't matter how we got here, we came here for a battle and that's what we intend to do!" he and the others removed their cloaks revealing theirselves. They lept down to the ground facing them. "Right, how about we battle three on three...?" Chan Lee declaired. "More like Six on Three given that we're here!" siad Pinkie as she glared mostly at Klaus. "Looks like the ponies are in whether you like it or not! So sure, lets do it!" Dan accepted their challenge. Suddenly, Marucho stepped up as well. "That sounds good to me! I want my revenge! Remember how they took Preyas away from me?!" he exclaimed glaring at Klaus. Klaus knew what he wanted, but kept it to himself. Eventually, Julio stepped up pointing right at Runo and Fluttershy. "I want to battle you! I'll make sure things don't turn out like last time." he reminded them of their previous battle in the mansion a few days back. Sending a glare at him, Runo put on her bakushooter along with Fluttershy. "You're on cueball!" she insulted him. Dan, Twilight, Marucho, and Pinkie readied their bakushooters for the battle. Meanwhile, Julie was feeling worried about the situation at hand. "I don't like this... those three aren't working together." "Yeah I know... they can't go on like this." said Alice as she was worried. Shun knew that they needed to look passed their differences, otherwise things will only get worse between them during the battle. Rainbow Dash felt that too, because not only will they be facing the best brawlers in the world, but they're going against players that are in possession of the Doom Card. With Marucho aiming towards revenge, there's no telling what could go wrong. The six human brawlers and the three ponies held out their cards preparing for battle. "Bakugan Field Open!" they called out as they entered another pocket dimension battlefield. As they entered, Klaus, Chan Lee and Julio held out the Doom Cards. "Doom Card Set!" they tossed the cards onto the field letting it absorb them. Twilight, Pinkie and Fluttershy felt three times more negative energy than before. They knew that this wasn't going to be easy, but they had to try their hardest to stop them. They all chose a specific Gate Card to use, and tossed them out to the field. "Gate Card Set!" the called out as the Gate Cards expanded on the field before them. The battlers each stared at one another, neither one budging from where they stood. "Is this a battle or a starring contest...?" Dan asked jokingly. At that moment, Pinkie let her hair go flat letting out Pinkamena and looked to him. "Now is not the time to be joking Dan!" she said to him knowing this was serious. Klaus let out a chuckle from hearing it. "For once, I agree... very well, allow me to go first! Bakugan Brawl!" he shot in his Aquos Griffon to the field. "Griffon Stand!" he called out as it emerged on the field, roaring out towards its opponents. "Griffon recognized, power level 330 G's" said the bakupod. Marucho checked it knowing he could take this one. "I'm going i-" before he could start the battle. "Hey! Are you ready for me?!!" Dan called out to him. Marucho quickly shot a glare to him. "Let me take him on!" he exclaimed to him earning a surprised look from Dan. "Are you sure Marucho?" Twilight asked him. Nodding his head, Marucho looked to the battlefield. "I know I can beat him!" he assured her. But before either of them could start the battle, Runo decided to step in. "Bakugan Brawl!" she shot in her Bakugan onto the field catching both of them by surprise. "Mantris Stand!" she called out as her Haos Mantris appeared on the field. "Bakugan Mantris recognized." said the bakupod. Drago flew up in front of the three human brawlers knowing that they're out of sync. "The three of you must work together!" he advised them. "Or you will never win this!" Bahamut said to them, because if they don't, all hope is lost. "Not now you two!" Dan yelled. Tigrerra rushed to Runo to try and stop her. "Wait milady!" she tried to reason with her. But it was too late. "Gate Card Open, Cheering Battle Activate!" Klaus called out as his bakushooter began to glow. "Cheering Battle...?" Pinkamena asked in surprise. "That's right, and that means I can add another Bakugan." Klaus said to them as he held out his bakushooter. "It'll be a big surprise for all of you. Now... who was it that wanted to battle me...?" he glanced over to Marucho. "Oh yes... I remember... it was Marucho." he watched as a surprised expression formed across Marucho's face. "Lucky you, you get to see my very special Bakugan! Bakugan Brawl!" he shot it out to the field and smirked. "Preyas Stand!" he called out. Pinkamena's eyes widen in surprise. "What...?!" "Preyas...?!" Marucho watched as Preyas emerged on the field in his true form. "I don't believe it!" Drago said in shock. "What?!!" Dan looked at him filled with shock. "It's not possible!" Elvia exclaimed. Marucho looked at his partner, knowing it was really him. "It can't be... Preyas...? Is it really you...?" he asked him as tears formed. "You're alive... its actually you, oh Preyas..." "He's come back...?" Bahamut asked as he looked at the Aquos bakugan. "No... there's something different about him..." Tigrerra mentioned. Scylla looked at him knowing she was right, Preyas soon stuck his tongue out at them, jumping around like a wild animal. Marucho watched in shock of what's going on. "Preyas, what's wrong with you...?" he asked in worry. "It's not him Marucho... it may be Preyas on the outside, but its not the Preyas you know." Scylla said to him as she glared at Klaus. "What have you done to him?!!" she demanded to know. Letting out a chuckle, Klaus knew he had to tell them. "Sorry to let you down, but this won't be much of a reunion for you all. You see, things have changed, Preyas is no longer with the Bakugan Battle Brawlers... he belongs to me." he explained to them earning a surprised look from them. "He must have affected him with Negative Energy... how else would you explain why Preyas is acting like this...?" Twilight pointed out looking to Preyas who is acting more like an animal towards them. "Preyas recognized, Power Level 340 G's." the Bakupod calculated as Preyas charged toward Mantris. But before Haos Mantris could brace for an attack, Preyas leaped into the air landing on Griffon's back. "Griffon Power Level increase to 370 G's." said the Bakupod as both Preyas and Griffon charged at Mantris. Getting tackled down, Mantris was forced to fall straight into the Doom Dimension, causing Runo to panic. "Oh no!" she cried out from seeing it happen. "Mantris!" Marucho watched as the portal to the Doom Dimension close and looked to Preyas who was cackling at them as he reverted to ball form along with Griffon returning to Klaus. Dan glared at the Aquos Brawler for that dirty trick. "Hey you! What did you do to Preyas?!" he demanded to know. Klaus only chuckled at him getting on Dan's nerves, but Drago flew in front of him to explain. "Preyas has been exposed to a lot of Negative Power...!" he explained as Scylla floated beside him. "And that's what is making him act so savage!" she glared at Klaus. "He's acting just like Fear Rippper... a force of pure rage." Drago finished the explaination as he remembered way back when. Dan remembered it too... right when he first met Drago and the ponies. "I know..." It was Julio's time to play. "Its my turn! Bakugan BRAWL!!!" he shot in a very familiar, but different attributed face. "Fear Ripper Stand!" he called out as Fear Ripper emerged and growled at its opponents. "Fear Ripper recognized." said the Bakupod. "This isn't looking good, but we can't just let them win." said Fluttershy. "I'm in!" Marucho stepped up. Dan looked to him surprised. "Marucho...?" "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot in his Aquos Stinglash. "Stinglash Stand!" he called out as Stinglash emerged on the field facing Fear Ripper. "Bakugan Stinglash recognized." said the Bakupod. Julio smirked seeing it. "Gate Card Open! Double Battle!" he called out as the card glowed along with both his and Marucho's Bakushooters. "My next ability card forces both players to put out an additional Bakugan to the field." Julio explained. "Bakugan Brawl!" Julio and Marucho shot in their Haos Centipoid, and Aquos Limulus to the field. "Double Battle, Centipoid and joined Fear Ripper for combined power level of 680 G's. Limulus and Stinglash Power Level at 670 G's." said the Bakupod. "This isn't good, Marucho needs more power!" said Runo as she looked at their power levels. "Don't give up on him!" Tigrerra advised her. Dan glared with much anger in his heart. "None of this would've happened if you let me go first!" he exclaimed to them. "Dan!" Twilight caught his attention. "This is not a time to be complaining, this is a time to set your differences aside, and start working together as a team!" she reminded him. Meanwhile, Julio let out a chuckle. "Its no fun if I win this easily... Ability Card Activate! Rapid Haos!" he called out as Klaus's bakushooter began to glow brightly. "Rapid Haos is an ability card which allows another teammate to join in the battle, when there is more than one Light Attributed Bakugan on the field. And as you can see, the three of us are all using Bakugan with Light Attributes!" he explained as Chan Lee's Bakushooter along with his own began to glow. "Who wants to be next...?" he asked his teammates. "Oh come on, take your choice and get on with it." Chan Lee said to him as their Bakushooters flashed rapidly in trying to select who will go next in the battle. And the luck winner... is Klaus as the flashing stopped at him. "Klaus, you're up!" Julio said to him. "Heh, why thank you..." Klaus said to him holding up his Bakushooter. Chan Lee smiled a bit from seeing it. "I knew he'd pick you..." she said to Klaus. "Bring out Aquos Preyas!" Julio said to Klaus knowing that would get to Marucho. Klaus immediately shot Preyas back out to the field. "Aquos Preyas Stand!" he called out as Preyas emerged on the field. Cackling as he looked to his opponents, Preyas crossed his arms with an evil smirk. "Not Preays again...!" Pinkiamena exclaimed knowing that things have completely escalated. "Aquos Preyas combinding Power Levels with Fear Ripper and Centipoid for a total of 1020 G's." said the Bakupod earning shocked looks from everyone. "They're so powerful...!" Runo began to panic. Marucho knew he had to do something. "Preyas its me! You know, your old friend Marucho!" he tried to reason with him. "Let it go Marucho, its not him..." Pinkamena said to him. Preyas, Centipoid and Fear Ripper charged at Stinglash and Limulus. Preyas was the first to leap into action along side Fear Ripper as they both struck Stinglash and Limulus, Centipoid joined the fray and crushed the two Aquos Bakugan. Causing Marucho to fall down and Pinkamena gasped from seeing it. "Marucho!" she cried out but looked to see both Stinglash and Limulus being sent to the Doom Dimension. Dan rushed over to Marucho and kneeled down. "You okay Marucho...?" he asked him feeling concerned. Shaking his head, Marucho stood back up and looked to his former partner. "Please Preyas, you don't have to be this way... you're not a monster! Go back to the way you were!" he tried to reason with him, but Preyas only cackled and reverted to ball form along with Fear Ripper and Centipoid. "No! Come back Preyas!" Twilight saw how desperate he was to get his partner back, she needed to come up with a plan, and fast. Runo saw it too, it wasn't easy, but the situation was clearly not looking well. "Plus... they won anyway... but he still put Preyas in the battle. Just to upset Marucho." "None of this would be happening if you three weren't so hard headed..." Fluttershy said to her earning the attention of all three brawlers. "Twilight was right, this anger towards each other isn't going to save Preyas, or stop Masquerade." she said to them to get the information through their thick heads. Meanwhile, Chan Lee loaded her bakushooter with her next Bakugan. "I'm in... Bakugan Brawl!" she shot in her Pyrus Garganoid to the field. "Garganoid Stand!" she called out as it emerged on the field snarling. "Bakugan Garganoid Recognized." said the Bakupod. "Great! Finally I get my turn, Bakugan Brawl!" Dan shot in his Pyrus Warius to the field. "Warius Stand!" he called out as Warius emerged twirling its spiked club. "Bakugan Warius Recognized." said the Bakupod as it revealed both their power levels. "Dan, be careful, you and the others have taken too many risks." Twilight advised him. "I know Twilight, which is why if things get rough, I need for you, Fluttershy and Pinkie tp take over." Dan said to her and turned to face her. "I know we're knocking each others heads together, but I know you can help us pull through." Twilight at that very moment knew that his words were true, to know he had much faith in her and her friends just proves that he's trying his hardest to make up for all his past mistakes. She nodded to him as Dan looked to the battle field. "Warius! Get him!" he called out to him as Warius charged at Garganoid. But litte did he know he was walking right into a trap. "Gate Card Open! Intercept!" Chan lee called out, as the Gate Card glowed beneath them. Causing Warius to freeze in place. "What?!! What do you mean Intercept?!" Dan demanded to know. "Sorry, but this battle isn't going to count. And the player who puts the next bakugan on the neighboring card will be the winner." Chan Lee explained to her. Dan growled in annoyance from hearing it. "No way!" he exclaimed. Chan Lee let out a small chuckle and looked to Klaus. "I'll leave this one up to you Klaus." she said to him. "Chan, I'm honored..." Klaus said to her as a way of expressing his gratitude and looked to the field. "And I always thought you were jealous of me. Lets finish this... Bakugan Brawl!" he shot Preyas back into the field for a third battle. "Preyas Stand!" he called out seeing him emerge to face Warius. Marucho was scared out of his mind, he knew where this was going to lead. "Move Warius! Come on! Do something!" Dan tried everything he could. "Your Bakugan is out of luck, while the Intercept card is activated, it can't even move a finger!" Klaus informed him of Warius's situation, while starting to get on Dan's nerves. "Alright Preyas, its time for you to send Warius to the Doom Dimension." he said to him as Preyas cackled while charging at the Pyrus Bakugan. He lept into the air descending towards Warius, but before he made contact, Pinkamena puleld an ace. "Ability Card Activate!" she called out not revealing the name. As Preyas struck down Warius, sending him to the Doom Dimension, Marucho closed his eyes from seeing it happen. "You scammer!" Dan insulted him feeling angrier than before. "Don't let it get to you Dan, don't give into your anger. He knows that you'll get upset when he uses Preyas to attack." Drago explained to him earning Runo's attention. "You gotta do something Dan..." she said to him. "But what should I do...?" her asked her feeling worried of what might happpen next. "You can get the old Preyas back..." Runo said to him. Surprised of what she suggested, Dan didn't know how to think. "That's easy for you to say, can't you think of something better than that?" "Oh sure, maybe if we ask real nice, they'll let us win!" Runo exclaimed as Drago got between them. "What are you two doing?! We're in the middle of a battle!" he said to them, but his words fell on deaf ears. "You expect me to come up with all the answers!" Dan yelled at Runo. "Yeah right, sorry! My bad, I thought maybe you wanted to win." Runo crossed her arms turning away. "Of course I do!" Dan exclaimed. "I'm starting to wonder..." Runo said sarcastically. "Yeah, you wouldn't..." Dan said to her. That did it, both Pinkamena and Tigrerra shot menacing glares at the both of them. "SILENCE!!!" they both roared out at the both of them. "My apologies, but if there ever was a time to work together, it would be now." Tigrerra said to them as Pinkamena walked up. "We can't afford to fight with one another anymore!" Pinkamena said to them. Bahamut floated up tp them. "If you don't pull together, we will lose because of your arguing! There is still a way we can win this, and bring Preyas back to his senses." he said to them. Taking the time to process what they said, Dan and Runo looked to each other knowing what they said was true. "They're right..." Runo said to Dan. "That's completely true..." Dan looked to Runo with a small blush on his face. "Hey look, I'm sorry Runo... really I am... I've been trying to make up for my mistakes, I lost sight of it." he said to her. "No Dan, I'm sorry... for being a total pain in the butt lately..." Runo said to him. They looked to each other for a brief moment, but looked away hiding their slightly red faces. The three ponies smiled knowing that they're making progress, meanwhile Chan Lee was scratching her head at the situation. "Are you done...? Could you save the romantic quarrels for later...?" she asked them. "Ah zip it! Its not like that at all!" Runo exclaimed, but clearly lied through her teeth about it. Suddenly, Dan noticed something missing from their group. "Hey Pinkie...? Where's Scylla...?" he asked her. Smirking at the question, Pinkamena looked to the field. "You'll see..." she said to him. Suddenly, four wolves emerged beneath Garganoid biting down on his limbs, catching Chan Lee off guard. "What?!!" she watched as Garganoid was dragged into the depths of the dark abyss. "Garganoid!" she looked around for it, but saw it get shot out of the water in Ball Form. She watched as it landed near her foot. "What just happened?!" To her surprise, Scylla emerged from the depths growling at her opponents. "Surprised...? I can imagine why..." she looked to Preyas and growled. "I will get you back Preyas... be certain of that." she reverted to ball form and returned to Pinkamena. "Whoa! How did she get in the field...?" Dan asked in surprise. Pinkamena held up the card she used. "Aqua Breach... it allows Scylla to join the battle while they weren't aware of it and knocks out any Bakugan I choose. Once that Bakugan is taken out, she returns to safety." she explained to them. "Wow, now that was a dirty trick." Runo said to her. Dan smirked a bit. "That's just Pinkie being Pinkamena..." he said to her. "Now, its my turn, Bakugan Brawl!" Runo shot in her Haos Ravenoid to the field seeing it land. "Ravenoid Stand!" she called out seeing it emerge on the field spreading its wings. Marucho watched the battle knowing what needed to be done. "Preyas has to be stopped... he's tearing our team apart." he thought to himself and looked to the others. "We have to take Preyas down." he earned surprised looks from the others. "This has gone on long enough, we can't let anymore of our Bakugan get sent to the Doom Dimension." he said to them feeling eager. "Marucho..." Runo looked at him concerned. Twilight walked up to her. "Its alright Runo, he's right, we need to get Preyas back... otherwise things are only going to get worse." she said to her. At that time, Julio prepared his Bakugan. "Bakugan Brawl! he shot in his partner Tentaclear to the field. "Tentaclear Stand!" he called out as he emerged on the field. "Bakugan Tentaclear recognized." said the Bakupod. "Time for a little light show! Ability Card Activate! Tentaclear, blind her!" he ordered his partner as he shined a bright light against Falconeer. Shielding their eyes from it, it was still hard for them to see what was happening. "Not this again!" Fluttershy cried out. "I can't see!" Runo cried out but heard the sound of whipping, Tentaclear lashed out at Falconeer, sending it straight to the Doom Dimension. "I'm sorry Ravenoid... but its too bright to see anything!" "If we wait around to see... Preyas will get our other Bakugan!" said Marucho. "No he won't, I know I can get him back if we win this battle!" Dan said to him shielding his eyes. "Go on! We've got no choice!" Runo looked to him. "Even Marucho said we have to take him out!" said Twilight shielding her eyes with her wing. Dan looked to them. "You obviously didn't hear a word I just said did you? If I win this, I can get Preyas back to his old self again!" he reminded her. "That's what we mean!" both Runo and Twilight said to him in unison. "What...?" Dan asked in surprise. "Tigrerra and Bahamut told me that when a Bakugan loses a battle, there's a huge impact on its body. The loss will cause a huge change. Right you guys...?" Runo asked them as she turned to face them. "Yes, that's true!" Tigrerra said to her. "Runo, are you thinking...?" Bahamut started to as her, receiving a nod from her. "Yeah, if Preyas loses this battle, the shot to his head will put him right again." she said to him. Drago caught on to the plan and nodded his head in agreement. "Preyas once battled so hard, he forgot who he was. But when we walloped him on the head that brought him back to normal." he explained to them. "Then I guess its up to us to knock some sense into him, right Scylla...?" Pinkamena asked her. "I'm ready if you are Pinkamena!" she nodded her head to her. "Okay, but he's Klaus's Bakugan now, if we do figure out a way to defeat him... won't he just go back to Klaus again...?" Dan asked them. "I Already thought of that... just leave it to me and Runo." Twilight said to her as she looked to the field. Dan looked at them but nodded his head. "If you say so Twilight... Klaus wants to mess with us, I know he'll bring Preyas out. When he does, that's when you'll make your move." he said to her as he looked to Bahamut knowing he's just as strong as Drago. The light faded, Runo and Marucho nodded to Dan along with the ponies. Chan Lee held out a new card. "Gate Card Set!" she tossed it to the field. "Okay Pinkie... you may have gotten the drop on me, but it won't happen again. Bakugan brawl!" she shot in her Pyrus Manion. "Manion stand!" she called out as Manion emerged on the field. "Alright Bahamut, lets do this!" Twilight loaded him into her Bakushooter. "Okay!" Bahamut prepared himself. "Bakugan Brawl!" Twilight shot him to the field. "Pyrus Bahamut Stand!" she called out as Bahamut emerged on the field roaring out glarign at Manion. "Bakugan Bahamut recognized." said the Bakupod. "Wanna play Princess? Gate Card Open! Tripple Battle!" Chan Lee called out seeing the card glowing. Twilight smirked seeing it. "Let me guess, with the Tripple Battle Gate Card, it can only be used to summon a third party right...?" "Bingo... and the third one is right here..." Chan Lee directed their attention to Klaus. "They're taking the bait... hook, line, and sinker." Twilight thought to herself looking to Klaus. Klaus let out a chuckle. "Chan, once again you set me up perfectly. You are too kind... Bakugan Brawl!" he shot Preyas onto the field. "Preyas stand!" he called out seeing his slave emerge on the field. "This will be the end of that Pyrus Bahamut... Masquerade will be pleased to hear it." "I beg to differ boy..." Bahamut said to him earning a surprised expression from him. "He's right... in fact, I got news for you pal." Twilight said to him. Klaus looked to her with the same surprised look. "What...?" "Guess what, you walked right into my trap... Ability Card Activate!" Twilight activated the card she borrowed from Dan. "Rapid Fire!" she called out as a circle of flames appeared on the field. "That's Rapid Fire, it gives you the ability to let another one of yours, or your teammates Bakugan join in the battle." Twilight explained as her Bakushooter began to glow. "But, the Bakugan must have a Fire Attribute, Dan was originally saving that for you Klaus. But I thought I'd help out given that I have a personal score to settle with you, along with Pinkie." she glared at him as both Runo's and Pinkie's Bakushooters were shining bright. Each of them flashed rapidly, and the light stopped at Runo. "Alright Runo, time to brawl!" "Go get'em Tigrerra!" she called out as she shot Tigrerra to the field, seeing her emerge in her true form roaring out. "What?!" Klaus looked to his Bakupod to check their power level. "Our Bakugan have a total power level of 660 G's!" he was filled with worry as he looked at the calculations. "Calculating Opponent Bahamut and Tigrerra power level, 740 G's." said the Bakupod. "No! They tricked me! I should have seen this coming!" "What can I say Klaus... you're not as smart as you seem to be." Twilight said to him. "Burn!" Pinkie smirked at him. Bahamut growled at Preyas preparing for battle. "Its been a while Preyas." he said to him. "You'll remember us soon enough... as soon as we battle!" Tigrerra snarled and charged at him with Bahamut. Tigrerra's claws extended leaping at Manion and struck it down. Bahamut grabbed hold of Preyas in a tight grip, and punched him out of the field forcing him back in to Ball Form. Marucho watched as Preyas landed on the ground, seeing sparks flying off him. "We got him!" he called out. "Good, I'll take it from here, sit tight Marucho! Gate Card Set!" Fluttershy sent in her Gate Card and held up Elvia. "Elvia, Its your turn." "Yes Fluttershy, I know exactly what to do." Elvia replied to her. Fluttershy nodded to her and loaded her into her Bakushooter. "Bakugan Brawl!" she shot her onto the field. "Haos Elvia stand!" she called out as Elvia emerged through an aura of light. "Ah big deal! She got the best of me last time, but I'm gonna get her! Go Centipoid, Bakugan Brawl!" Julio shot his Centipoid back onto the field. "Centipoid stand!" he called out seeing the beast emerge on the field. "Centipoid Recognized." said the Bakupod. Fluttershy knew where he was going with that, and wasn't going to fall for it. "Ability Card Activate! Pure Light!" she tossed it towards Preyas seeing it hit him. "Huh...?" What is Pure Light...?" Julio asked her. Chan Lee soon realized what their plan was. "She can use that ability card to restore any Bakugan that's been lost. No matter who's side its on." she explained to him. Klaus soon realized it too, while realizing he made a fatal error. "I see their plan... they were trying to take Preyas back all along...!" he exclaimed in shock. Preyas began to float in the air with an aura of light surrounding him. "Return to us Preyas..." Fluttershy said to him seeing him fly to her as she caught him. She turned to Marucho and approached him. "Here Marucho.... this belongs to you." she said to him with a smile. Marucho too Preyas from her and looked at him. "Preyas...?" he looked at him worried. The second he opened up from ball form, Preyas shook his body shaking off what came over him. "HUH??!! What?!! Where am I?!!!" he demanded to know but he looked and saw his old partner Marucho. "Marucho...?" Tears fell from Marucho's eyes, seeing that his old partner has finally returned to normal. "Oh Preyas... its really you..." Suddenly, Preyas finally rememebred something. "Whoa! Hey hold on, I remember now! I lost a battle, and I was held captive!" he explained to them as Marucho held him crying. "Whoa, easy there kiddo..." Twilight smiled seeing it as tears formed along with Fluttershy. Runo also felt tears brimming in her eyes and tried to dry them up. "Everything's okay now Marucho..." she said to him. Pinkamena nodded her head in agreement with a smile and tears of joy. "She's right... you two are together now..." she said to him as her mane went back to being fluffy. Marucho cried has he held Preyas close to him. "Ohh... I'm sorry to bother you sonny... but you'll have to save the crying for later! There's something we need to do right now!" Preyas said to him as he and Marucho looked to Klaus, Chan, and Julio. "I believe we have a score to settle with them." Taking a moment to dry his tears, Marucho hardened himself preparing for battle. "You're right Preyas." Dan, Twilight and the others turned to them feeling ready. "Lets go you guys..." "Yeah... this is where the battle really begins...!" said Marucho as he glared at Klaus. Scylla soon approached Preyas and smacked him really hard causing him to scream in pain. "WHAT WAS THAT FOR WOMAN?!!" he asked her with a big red mark on his face. "That, was for acting so recklessly in facing Sirenoid... now that that's out of the way, I'm feel better now." Scylla said to him and went back to Pinkie. "Sheesh, missed you too..." Preyas said to her and looked to the battlefield. "Okay Marucho, now that I'm back, I'm feeling better than ever!" he said to him with a grin. "And I'm one for one battle!" said Marucho feeling more determined than before. "So, you up for a little combat?" Dan asked him. "Yeah, and now its time to get down to some serious Bakugan!" Marucho replied to him. Fluttershy smiled knowing the old Marucho the knew and loved was back, she turned to the field prepared. "Alright, I'll start, Gate Card Open! Energy Merge!" she called out as it activated. Centipoids power was being transfered to Elvia. "What the...?!" Julio watched as his Bakugan slowly power. "Energy Merge is a gate card that allows the Bakugan to siphon up to 100 G's from the Bakugan that was shot last!" Fluttershy explained to him as a hundred were transfered to Elvia. "Energy Merge in effect." said the Bakupod. Julio panicked seeing it as Elvia glared at Centipoid. "This time its personal!" she charged at Centipoid and tackled it, launching it into the air. Shew flew up to it swinging her leg at it, slamming it down on its head. Centipoid fell back down reverting to ball form, bouncing off of Julio's head. "Ouch!" Julio felt it and looked to where Centipoid landed. "No, impossible! There's no way that's possible!" he complained. Elvia returned to Fluttershy as she giggled cheerfully with her. "We did it!" she cheered out. "Nice job Fluttershy..." Twilight said to her. "Okay, now its my turn! Bakugan Brawl!" Marucho shot in his Aquos Siege. "Siege Stand!" he called out seeing the Aquos Bakugan appear on the field. "Battle Commenced." said the Bakupod. Chan Lee stepped up to enter the fray. "Fourtress, awaken! Bakugan Brawl!" she shot him to the field. "Fourtress Stand!" she called out seeing him emerge on the field preparing to battle Siege. But Siege had other plans as water flowed around him. "Siege Power Level Increase to 450 G's." said the Bakupod. Chan Lee knew this was bat, so she pulled out her ace. "Ability Card Activate! Face of Rage!" she called out as Fourtress changed his face. He growled ferociously at his opponents showing his angry face. "I am Fourtress, master of the flame! My anger will burn anything in my path!" he roared our pulling out his swords. "Fourtress Power Boost by 50 G's." said the Bakupod as Siege's power reduced to 400. "Now you will feel my rage!" he launched a fireball at Siege, forcing him to fall into the Doom Dimension. The Ponies and the Brawlers saw it shocked but glared at Chan for it. "Wow, that was way easy." she said to them as she caught Fourtress. Dan finally had enough of it. "Stop it! Bakugan Brawl!" he shot in his Pyrus Griffon to the field. "Griffon stand!" he called out seeing it emerge on the field. "Klaus! Your move..." he said to him preparing for the worst. Klaus let out a chuckle with a smirk. "Gate Card Set!" he shot in a card beside the one next to Griffon's. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot in Sirenoid to the field. "Sirenoid Stand!" he called out seeing his beautiful partner emerge on the field. "Sirenoid has entered the battle." said the Bakupod. Klaus chuckled darkly as he held up a card. "Ha, this is gonna be easy for me. Ability Card Activate! Dive Mirage!" he called out as Sirenoid dove into the water. "I got a bad feeling about this Dan!" Marucho panicked. Dan looked to where Sirenoid was in the water, seeing her grab hold of Griffon pulling him under. "No! Gate Card Open!" he tried to activate it. "Dan no!" Pinkie stopped him. "With Klaus' Dive Mirage activated, your gate card is rendered completely useless." she explained to him remembering the last time it happened. "No way! Then... my Griffon is a goner!" Dan exclaimed looking to the field of water. Griffon was pulled completely under water by Sirenoid as she chuckled. "Yes, that's it... come to me..." she pulled Griffon down deeper causing it to drown. She soon sent him straight to the Doom Dimension and resurfaced returning to Klaus as teh Gate Card disappeared. "Un... real..." Dan turned to Runo. "Runo, its up to you." "No problem, Gate Card Set!" she tossed it to the field. "Okay Tigrerra, Bakugan Brawl!" she shot her to the field seeing her land on it. "Tigrerra Stand!" she called out seeing her emerge. Julio watched her roar out and smirks. "Ha, time to put Kitty back in the kettle. Gate Card Set!" he tossed the card beside the one Tigrerra was on. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot Fear Ripper back onto the field. "Fear Ripper Stand!" he called out seeing it emerge on the field. Seeing it happen, Preyas looked to his partner with a sly smirk. "When's it my turn to two step...?" he asked him. Marucho returned the smirk and grabbed him. "How about right now...?" he loaded him in the Bakushooter. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot him to teh field. "Preyas Stand!" he caleld out seeing him appear on the field back to his normal usual self. He chuckled as he landed on the field holding an umbrella. "Have no fear..." he turned to Fear Ripper with a grin. "Preyas is here!" he exclaimed glaring at Fear Ripper. "Preyas enters at 340 G's." the Bakupod explained while Fear Ripper stood at 330 G's. "So, lets get this party started! Ability Card Activate! Blue Stealth!" Marucho called out. "Watch! Now you see me..." Preyas waved his hands in front of his face as he soon disappeared into thin air. "Now you don't!" he chuckled as Fear Ripper looked around for him. "Preyas Power Increase by 50 G's." the Bakupod recalculated as his G's went up to 390. "Fear Ripper decreased by 50 G's." it calculated as Fear Rippers power went down to 280. "How do you like it so far?" Marucho asked with a smirk. "HA!!! That was totally lame! I can trump that second grade move with my eyes closed kid! Gate Card Open!" Julio tried to call out as Preyas was making fun of Fear Ripper. But the card didn't activate. "Huh?! It won't open!" Marucho smirked knowing he outsmatrted the clueless Haos Brawler. "I must have forgotten... I hate to break it to you, but my Ability Card leaves your Gate Card useless." Marucho explained to him. "Why you...!" Julio got angry at him for taunting him. "And now, a little sneak attack. Ability Card Activate! Aqua Duo!" Pinkie called out as Scylla went onto the field and emerged next to Preyas catching Julio by surprise. "Aqua Duo is an Ability Card that only Scylla can use when ever there's another Aquos Bakugan on the field." she explained. "Oh Mr. Ripper! Peekaboo, I see you! Hey lunk head, I'm over here!" Preyas was annoying Fear Ripper to the end of his wits but earned his attention. "Say hello to my little..." he kicked him square in the face. "Foot!" Scylla dove underwater swimming towards Fear Ripper. "Don't forget about me!" her wolves reached out clamping their jaws on Fear Ripper's limbs dragging it beneath the water. "Hey!" Julio cried out only to see Fear Ripper get shot out of the water in ball form. "No way!" he exclaimed knowing he was once again defeated. Marucho chuckled as Preyas retuned to him, Scylla felt proud of her fellow Aquos Bakugan. "Well done Preyas, I missed having you around." she said to him. "Awww, does that mean that yo-" before Preyas could find his sentence, Scylla clobbered him to make sure he didn't say it. "Don't push your luck." she warned him. "You rats! I'm going to get you back for that!" Julio yeleld at them. Meanwhile, Chan Lee pulled out a Gate Card preparing for battle. "My turn... Gate Card Set!" she tossed the card to the field. "Ability Activate! Ressurection!" she called out as her Manion went back onto the field. "Ressurection is an Ability Card that allows me to bring back one Bakugan that was defeated in battle, and I get an extra life in the process." she said to them as Manion emerged on the field. "Manion has entered battle." said the Bakupod. "So that's how its gonna be huh...? Gate Card Set!" Dan tossed in his next card to the field. "Battle resumes." said the Bakupod as Dan loaded his next Bakugan. "You ready Drago...? Bakugan Brawl!" he shot him to the field. "Drago Stand!" he called out as Drago appeared on the field. "Drago enters, Power level at 400 G's." Chan smirked seeing it as she readied her Ability Card. "Get Ready boys, Ability Card Activate!" she called out as the card in her hand glowed. "Whenever I need extra power, Pyrus Manion never lets me down." she explained as Manion's body began to glow, and charged straight at Drago. "Power Increase detected." said the Bakupod as Manion's power boosted up to 450 G's. Manion was close to finishing Drago, but Dan wasn't finished yet. "Is that all you got?! Ability Card Activate! Boosted Dragon!" he called out as Drago's power increased, and blasted a large fireball at Manion. "Drago Power Increase to 500 G's" said the Bakupod. Manion was completely consumed by the fireball, and reverted back to ball form landing next to Chan Lee. She was surprised from the fact she was once again outsmarted. "How did... you do that...?" she asked in surprise. "Its simple Chan... you just made a poor judgement call on your part. Believe me, I've made those myself back in Equestria." Twilight said to her. "Like that time you were trying to win a battle of learning how my Pinkie Sense works...?" Pinkie asked her. Giving her an annoyed look, Twilight knew where she was going with that. "I thought we agreed not to talk about that..." she said to her. Meanwhile, Drago was roaring out as his body began to glow brightly. "Its happening again! My body...!" he cried out, but soon realized what it was. "Wait... that's it...! Maybe I'm beginning to evolve...!" "Well, well... that Dragonoid is one amped up Bakugan, I think it would make a perfect addition to my collection..." Klaus said with a smirk. Drago reverted to ball form and returned to Dan. "Nobody... touches my Drago except me Klaus...!" he glared at the Aquos Brawler along with Pinkie. "Yeah, you took Preyas, you're not taking another Bakugan from any of us!" she clenched Scylla in her hoof. Chuckling from hearing it, Klaus secretly held up two fingers behind his back to Julio and Chan. Twilight noticed it and began to suspect they were up to something. She used her magic to get a good look at what was going on, and to her surprise, Klaus had an attack strategy planned. "Be careful Dan, something bad is gonna happen..." she advised him. "I hear ya Twi...." Dan stood ready. Chan and Julio smirked seeing Klaus's sign. "Its the sign..." said Chan. "Now the fun begins...!" said Julio as he prepared Tentaclear. Klaus pulled out a gate card and tossed it to the field. "Gate Card Set!" he called out as it expanded on the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot his Griffon to the field next to Tigrerra's. "Griffon Stand!" he called out as Griffon emerged on the field. Runo was surprised from what happened. "Come on! You gonna battle or what?!! I DON'T HAVE ALL DAY!!!" she exclaimed only to feel a hoof touch her leg, she looked to who it was, and it was Fluttershy with a firm expression. "You musn't be hasty Runo, something doesn't feel right about this..." she advised her. Fluttershy may still be knew to Bakugan, but she knew a strategy when she saw one. "Bakugan Brawl!" Julio shot his partner Tentaclear to the field. "Tentaclear Stand!" he called out as Tentaclear emerged on the field on the opposite side of the field. This really began to worry Fluttershy and the rest of the ponies. But it was mostly starting to annoy the heck out of Runo. "NOT AGAIN!!! UGH!!! Why does that creep keep ingoring my Tigrerra?!!" she demanded to know why. Tigrerra looked to each of the Bakugan on either card, and slowly started to figure it out and growled at the situation. "Field ready for Bakugan Battle to commence." said the Bakupod. Marucho observed it and looked to teh field. "I'm a little confused, why isn't Griffon or Tentaclear making a move...?" he wondered looking to each Bakugan and looked to the Brawlers that sent them in. "Lets see... Water, Light, and all that remains is Fire that should be out there..." suddenly it hit him. It eventually hit Twilight as well as she realized what was going on. "That's it!" she cried out. "What is it Princess...?" Bahamut asked her feeling concerned. "What's the big Revolation Twily?" Preyas asked her. "Don't you see...? With the Combination of Water, Light and Fire, they're going to activate the Tripple Node Attack!" Twilight exclaimed as she explaiend what was happening. "You sure?" Dan asked her. "Not good!" Runo panicked from hearing it. Suddenly an idea popped in Preyas' head. "Hey... I got a fabulous idea!" they all looked to him curious as to what the idea was. "Why don't we all just run?" he asked them only to see them all sam on the ground in annoyance. Scylla once again losing her temper, clobbers him in the head. "SOME IDEA THAT IS YOU COWARD!!!" she roared out in annoyance. "Marucho, how does the Tripple Node Ability work...?" Pinkie asked him as she helped him stand up. "Okay, the Tripple Node Ability works like this... when three players throw down a combination of either Fire, Water and light. Or Wind, Earth and Dark on... the powers of each of those Bakugan increase by 200 G's." Marucho explained to her. "Which means if Chan gets her Pyrus Fourtress onto the field, it would mean one of our Bakugan will be sent to the Doom Dimension, period!" Twilight said to them as she scowled at Klaus and the others. Preyas turned to his partner knowing what needed to be done. "Yo Flex! I'm ready to do some damage! Now lets get this shindig started, cuz I'm ready to party yo!" he said to him acting like a rapper. "Its the strongest combination of the Hexagonel Magic Circle, and that means we have to stop them now...!" Marucho grabbed him and loaded him into his Bakushooter. "Wait Marucho, let me and Scylla take this one... we still have a little score to settle." Pinkie said to him. "HEY!!! WHY DO YOU GET TO HAVE ALL THE FUN?!!" Preyas complained. "Oh quit your whinning... if we lose you again, I swear I will go after you and drag you out if I have to." Scylla warned him. Knowing she meant it, Preyas knew when to back off. "Okay, you win, you take'em...." he said to them. Smirking, Pinkie loaded Scylla into her Bakushooter. "Locked and loaded..." At that moment, Klaus's eyes squinted as he smirked deviously. "That's it... step into our little trap..." he muttered. Even though it was a theory... Pinkie knew something was up, and she didn't need her Pinkie Sense to let her know. But she wasn't going to let them get away with it. "Bakugan Brawl!" she shot Scylla onto the field. "Scylla Stand!" she called out as Scylla emerged on the field. Laughing at what happened, Klaus knew one thing. "She fell for it! Gate Card Open! Mind Ghost Activated!" he called out as the card glowed. "Scylla look out!" Pinkie called out only to see an explosion. "Holy smokes! Klaus' Mind Ghost Ability whipped out both Bakugan..." Dan stared at the flames. "It was a trap card... I can't believe we didn't see it..." Twilight said to herself. Tigrerra saw the smoke clear and looked around. "No... not her too... Scylla!" she looked around. "Why would he send Scylla and his own Griffon to the Doom Dimension...?" Fluttershy asked. "Don't you get it Flutters...? the Tripple Node was just a diversion for Klaus to use his Mind Ghost!" Julio explained to her. "And not to brag or anything losers... but it looks like our little plan worked to perfection." Chan Lee said with a smirk. Pinkie only returned the smirk and looked to her, while Klaus was laughing at them. "This time, Scylla is on her way to the Doom Dimension. And Preyas will be next to go, just so he can keep her company." he said to her. Suddenly a deep chuckle came out of no where. "Not so fast quick-draw..." the voice gained Klaus' attention. "This fight ain't over yet..." the voice camed out of one of the gate cards, and surfacing from it... was Scylla as she smirked at him. The three top ranked players were shocked to see she's still alive. "I get the feeling you don't like me... nice try though..." "But how?!" Klaus asked in shock. Pinkie let out a chuckle showing that she had a Dive Mirage of her own. "It worked, the Dive Mirage I have saved Scylla." she said to him sticking her tongue out at him. "You have a Dive Mirage move...? But how?" Dan asked. "Right, let me explain... when I sensed that Klaus was going to use his Mind Ghost, I activated my Dive Mirage ability." Pinkie explained to them crossing her arms. "And I didn't even need my Pinkie Sense to know what he was planning." "Wow, you sneaky little fluff ball... that was so sweet!" Dan said to her. "That was so cool, way to go!" Runo said to her and smiled proudly. "That was a close call there Pinkie, but you could have at least let us in on it." Twilight said to her. Shrugging her shoulders, Pinkie simple shook her head. "I wanted to surprise you... and you know I'm all about surprises. "Hey, it was nothing Pinkie... you and Scylla did us a favor, I'm just glad I didn't lose Preyas again." Marucho said to her as a smile formed across his face. "Thanks for saving my bacon Scylla, I owe ya one!" Preyas said to her. Scylla smiled but looked to Klaus who glared at her. "So... you think you're pretty smart don't you?!" he asked her feeling furious. "Smarter than you'll ever be Klaus Von Stupid! You're just jealous, because I'm more loved than Preyas." Scylla said to him knowing Preyas was listening. "HEY! I HEARD THAT!!!" Preyas cried out. Loading her Bakushooter, Chan Lee prepared for battle. "You're mine Scylla! Bakugan Brawl!" she shot her partner Fourtress onto the same card Tentaclear stood on. "Fourtress Stand!" she called out seeing her partner appear on the field. "Gate Card Open!" she called out seeing it activate. "Quartet Battle Activated." said the Bakupod. "What...?" Dan was surprised by it. "I know that move... its the one where all the Bakugan are forced to fight against each other." Fluttershy explained as she watched the battle. "Yeah, and its up to them to choose who they want to battle against. Not to mention we can throw in any new Bakugan." Runo said as she looked at the field. Suddenly, the main partners of each player, such as Bahamut, Elvia, Preyas, Drago, and Sirenoid all flew out to the field. "Drago!" Dan called out seeing his and everyone's main partners land on the field and emerge in their true form. "Oh no, it looks like its Fourtress, Tentaclear, and Sirenoid against your Drago, and my Bahamut Dan..." Twilight observed the situation knowing that Drago was in a really tight spot. "Aw snap... that's three against two... that's not good...!" Dan began to panic. "Calculating battle power levels. Drago at 500 G's, Bahamut standing at 500 G's combined to a power level of 1,000 G's. Against a combined power level of of 1,110 G's." said the Bakupod showing the calculations. Dan was worried this may be it for Drago. "What do I do guys...? I can't beat a level like that..." "ARE YOU GONNA PUT ME IN COACH?!!" Preyas asked them as he was throwing a tantrum. "Yes, I too feel useless..." Tigrerra admitted..." she said to him. Bahamut looked to his fellow Bakugan knowing the situation is grim. "Elvia, is there something you an Fluttershy can do...?" he asked her. "I wish there is, but we need to think quickly, because Drago and yourself might not last long..." Elvia said to him looking to the field. "Now that our battle ability is activated, you can use any of your useless ability cards you like against it." Chan Lee said to them placing her hand on her hip. "I'm not much of a team player, but this way our win is guarantied." Klaus said to them as he pulled out a card. "Ability Card Activate! Forcment Wave!" he called out as a thick fog emerged before them, concealing Sirenoid from Drago's and Bahamut's line of sight. "Power Level increase detected." the Bakupod revealed as the power level showed 1210 G's. Meanwhile in Equestria, Princesses Celestia and Luna watched what was happening and began to fear the worst. "This is bad..." Celestia muttered from seeing the situation. "The Dragonoid and Bahamut won't be able to beat a power level that high..." Luna started to worry. "And with the other Bakugan on the sidelines, there's no way they'll be able to win." Arriving to see what was going on, Solaria watched the battle and smiled knowing what will happen. "I wouldn't worry just yet... the battle has only just begun." she said to her and Celestia as they looked to her in surprise. "I have to do something to increase Drago's power level and quick...!" said Marucho as he looked to the field pulling out an ability card. "Ability Card Activate! Fire, Water and Light Tripple Node!" he called out as the powers of Tigrerra and Elvia, Preyas and Scylla, transfered to Bahamut and Drago. Increasing their power levels. "Brawlers Power Increase detected." siad teh Bakupod as the G's went up to 1200. "Drago and Bahamut are up to 1200 G's, but its still not enough!" Dan panicked. Julio laughed at their attempt. "If you think that 1200 G's is is gonna save your butt's, you're dreaming! Ability Card Activate! Solar ray!" he called out as a solar panel appeared in the sky, shining down onto Tentaclear. "Power Increase detected, to 1,310 G's." said the Bakupod. "No, impossible!" Twilight excalimed. Drago began to panic from what may happen. "This may be my demise..." he said to himself, but Bahamut looked to him knowing he was talking nonsense. "So... are you three little stooges going to battle or not...?" Chan Lee asked them. "Maybe they're just too yellow..." Julio made fun of them knowing they're going to win. Klaus chuckled hearing it and looked to them. "Lets give them a minute or two before we destroy their Bakugan... after all, its only sporting." he said to them with a smirk. "I have an idea guys..." Runo said to them gaining their attention. She pulled out a card and looked at it. "It comes down to this card... Tigrerr'a Cut in Saber ability." Tigrerra turned to her noticing it. "Its a risk, but we don't have a choice... once I throw down this card, all our Bakugan's power level will go way up. One catch..." she mentioned as she looked to her partner. "If one of our Bakugan is defeated... you can't go back into battle..." "In other words... we're history..." Fluttershy finished her sentence knowing what she was planning. "If it is our only hope, then it is a risk... we must take..." Drago said to them. Runo looked to Tigrerra feeling fear of even using the ability. "Tigrerra..." she wanted to reconsider her decision. "Please... we must..." Tigrerra said to her nodding her head. "Well... I say we light this candle and show these yahoo's what we're made of..." Preyas agreed with her, even though it would mean he might go to the Doom Dimension for good. "That means... I'm in...?" "Ugh... would it kill you to have more enthusiasm...?" Scylla asked him. "Are you Sure Preyas...?" Marucho asked him earning a nod from him. Runo closed her eyes knowing what needed to be done. "Well Dan... ?" she looked to him. Twilight looked to him as well. "Its your call..." she said to him. "Don't let us down Danny..." Pinkie said to him with a bright smile. Hesitating, Dan couldn't decide... but was well aware of the risks. So he nodded his head, and looked to the field. "Lets do it..." he said to them. "Ability Card Activate!" Runo called out tossing teh card in. "Cut in Saber!" she watched as Elvia, Tigrerra, Preyas and Scylla disappeared, and appeared on the same card as Drago and Bahamut. "This is for all Bakugan..." Tigrerra said as she reverted to Ball Form. "May my heavenly light give you both strength my friends..." Elvia said to him as her power and Tigrerra's transfered to his and Bahamut and reverted to Ball Form. "Tigrerra...!" Drago cried out seeing it. "Elvia!" Bahamut cried out and looked to Preyas and Scylla. "Preyas and Scylla present and ready for action!" he said to them as he vanished reverting to ball form. "Don't let us down you guys... or there will be an ugly surprise waiting for you." Scylla warned them with a smirk as she reverted to Ball Form, transfering her power to them. Drago watched them return to ball form. "Preyas, Scylla..." he muttered to himself. "With those four at our side, we cannot fail..." Bahamut said to him. "But... what if we aren't strong enough...?" Drago asked him as he turned directly to him. "What if this plan fails...?" "It won't! Now ask yourself... who are you?!" Bahamut asked him catching him by surprise. "Are you a warrior, a Pyrus Bakugan who fights for the weak...? Or are you a warrior, who doubts his potential...? Think about all those who fell prey to Naga's madness, think of those who fell to the Doom Dimension!" he said to him as all the aura around him and Drago began to rise. "Fight for them, fight for your friends... and answer me this question...! WHO... ARE... YOU?!!!" he asked him demanding to know the answer... and it came out simple and clear. "I AM PYRUS DRAGONOID!!!!!!!" he roared out as his energy along with Bahamut's sky rocketed. Chan watched and began to realize something. "With their Tripple Node Ability Activated, their power Level could reach 1700 G's each." she explained to her comrades. "Plus Drago's and Bahamut's power levels..." Klaus finished the explaination as Julio looekd to his Bakupod. "Brawlers combined Power Level 2900 G's" said the Bakupod. Suddenly, the ground beneath both Drago and Bahamut began to crack, and Lava started to swirld around Drago. "Power Surge detected." said the Bakupod as Twilight watched in awe of what was going on. Meanwhile Julio was watching in shock seeing the power surge. "How's he doing that...?" he asked as he watched Drago get consumed by the lava, forming a type of cocoon. "Man, I've never seen anything like this before..." Dan watched as the cocoon became solid. "Yeah..." Runo agreed with him watching what was happening. "Drago...? Drago!" Dan tried calling out to him, but got no response. Sensing what was going on, Twilight somehow knew what it was. "Could this be...?" she wondered as Klaus was wondering the same thing. Meanwhile Chan Lee stepped in with a car in hand. "I've got to put a stop to this...! Ability Card Activate! Fire, Water and Light!" she called out trying to boost everyone's power level. "Combined Power Level Increase detected." said the Bakupod as the power level went up to 1910. "That's it Chan, we got him now!" Julio said to her as he chuckled. "No, we don't... their power is at 2900... we're 1910... there's no way we can beat that..." Klaus admited to them looking to the cocoon. "For once in your life human, you're right..." Bahamut said to him eyes glowing with a glare. "Because you underestimated the power these ponies, and the Brawlers have." he looked to the cocoon sensing Drago's power increasing. "Soon... you will understand why..." he said to them. Deep within the heart of the cocoon, Drago's form began to change shape, and his power along with Bahamut's soon reached to 3,450 G's. Causing him to awaken from his slumber, the cocoon began to rumble and crack. Wings broke out of the solid rock, along with a tail, and afterwords... the complete, new body of Drago as he roared out. Dan was amazed of what he's seeing. "Aw man! Drago you've evolved!" he exclaimed in shock and surprise. "Love the new look Draggy!" Pinkie called out to him. Drago looked at himself seeing his new form, and feeling the power he gained in the process. "So this is what my new body feels like... Pyrus... Delta... DRAGONOID!!!" He roared out his new title as he growled at his opponents. His new form has three sleek horns and a hard plated armor in ball mode with chrome rings. He has an extra set of wings and a pitchfork tail. "No way... Delta Dragonoid...?" Dan asked. Twilight soon turned to his card seeing it changee. "Dan look!" she pointed to it. Looking to it, seeing it turn into D Strike Attack. "Whoa..." he said feeling amazed. "He's evolved...?" Klaus looked to his power level. "Brawlers at 3,450 G's." said the Bakupod. "Oh wow! That is totally off the charts!" Julio exclaimed. "Okay, are we gonna win this battle or not...?" Chan Lee asked. Klaus knew that this was way beyond them. "I would say oh yeah... but given we're at 1910 G's... but then again, was there any doubt we would have been outwitted...?" he asked knowing that they've been beaten. Twilight turned to Dan with a smile holding out her card. "Alright Dan, you ready for this?" she asked him. "Born ready..." Dan smiled holding out the card. "Ability Card Activate!" Dan and Twilight called out in unison. "Here it goes! Attack!" Dan caleld out as both his Ability Card and Twilight's activated. Bahamut was the first to charge into battle. "Crimson Fury!" he roared out as he shot out a stream of fire towards the three opposing Bakugan. Flames formed in Drago's maw as meteors came flying passed him. "D Strike Attack!" he roared out as meteors and Bahamut's blasts hit their targets. "Drago and Bahamut power level increase to 3850 G's." said the Bakupod as the Power Level reached a level far beyon anything they could imagine. Klaus and the others were shocked from seeing it. "We're toast..." Klaus admitted as the blast hit their partners, forcing them to fall to Drago's and Bahamut's might. All three Bakugan reverted to ball form, and Drago and Bahamut returned to Dan and Twilight. Twilight looked to Klaus, Chan and Julio with a firm expression. "We won..." she said to them as they returned to the real world. Rainbow Dash blinked a bit and shook her head. "So what happened...? Did you guys win?" she asked them feeling eager to know what happened. One look to Klaus and the others, he answer was pretty clear. Groaning in pain from the impact... Klaus lowered his head in defeat. "They beat us..." he muttered to himself, then to his surprise... Dan lent him a hand and he looked up to him surprised. "Need help...?" Dan asked him. But Klaus refused his offer and stood up on his own. "I gotta tell ya... you put up one heck of a battle, and I respect that." he said to looking to him with a smile. "And maybe one day soon, we can battle again... what do you say...?" he asked him. Klaus was silent from what happened, knowing that he had been beaten at his own game. But when he heard Dan's offer to battle again... he was surprised at how forgiving he's become. (Even though he's still working on it.) "Oh yeah, and next time... let's leave Masquerade out of it." Surprised of how calm he is, Klaus knew that his words were sincere... never before had he met a brawler like Dan. "I must admit..." Klaus finally spoke and formed a kind smile across his face. "You beat us fair and square..." he admitted. Chan held out her Bakushooter along with Julio. "And sorry for using these... our bad..." she dropped hers to the ground along with Julio's. Klaus looked to his knowing the terrible things he did while working for Masquerade, and the pain he inflicted on Marucho and Pinkie Pie. "Chan's right... we were blinded by Masquerade, and what's worse is we almost lost sight of the most important thing... playing fair..." he took off the Bakushooter and dropped it onto the ground. Drago lept to Dan's shoulder seeing what had happened. "They're finally free of Masquerade." Dan looked to him seeing his new Ball Form. "And you Drago... it was nice to see your evolution." he said to him only for Rainbow Dash to snatch him off his shoulder. "HEY! Rainbow!" "No... way... you EVOLVED!!! YEAH BABY! How does it feel big guy?" Rainbow asked wanting to know. "Rainbow, take it easy, we were there when it happened. So give them some time to adjust alright...?" Twilight said to her. Pinkie walked to Marucho with Scylla and smiled. "So... how does it feel to have your friend back...?" she asked. "I'm just glad Preyas made it, anyone seen him...?" Marucho asked and looked to Klaus. Runo walked to him and knew the situation at hand. "Uhh... Marucho, you know that Preyas only belonged to you for just that one battle. Now you have to give him back to Klaus, because he's his rightful master." as painful as it was to admit it, but Runo was right. But suddenly, Klaus walked up to Marucho knowing what was right. "Actually... I think Preyas deserves to be with you..." he held him out of Marucho. "SAY WHAT?!!" Preyas popped open from his ball form surprised. "Klaus darling, are you sure...?" Rarity asked him surprised. Nodding his head, Klaus knew that Preyas belonged with Marucho more than him. Bringing a bright smile to his face, Marucho grabbed Preyas and nuzzled him. "OHHH!!!! I'll never let you go!" "Hey I can't breathe!" Preyas cried out as everyone smiled and laughed together. Klaus soon turned to Pinkie Pie knowing he had much to say of what happened. "Pinkamena Diane Pie...?" he kneeled down to her. "I know what I did was wrong... I never should have let Masquerade mess with my mind." he looked to her hoping he would be forgiven. "Can you ever forgive me for everything I did...? To you and Marucho...?" he asked her. Staying silent, Pinkie only looked at him hair about to go flat causing him to panic. But suddenly... "Of course I forgive you silly!" she hugged him. "We're besties now..." Klaus was surprised by her action, but he smiled and held her as everyone smiled seeing it. A moment after getting the plane prepped for launch, the Brawlers and Ponies were going to say their last goodbyes to Klaus and the others. "Well this is it... but if you guys need a ride..." Twilight offered them a ride on Marucho's plane. "I appreciate the offer, but I own three private jets myself. In fact, one is on its way here as we speak." Klaus said to them. "Rich, good looking, and well prepared... I like it." Rarity giggled only for Applejack to roll her eyes. "Hey, I got an idea you guys, how about a little battle while we wait...?" Rainbow Dash offered them the opportunity to face her partner Avion. "Yeah I know! It'll be good practice when we finally meet up with that creep Masquerade." said Julie feeling pumped up. Alice soon stepped up to them. "We would really love for you to team up with us." she said to them. "Sorry, we're not interested..." said Julio as he looked to them. "But thank you anyway." Twilight turned towards Chan noticing she wasn't interested either. "You too Chan Lee...?" she asked her. "I'm afraid so Princess... you see, ever since I started battling with Julio and Klaus, we've kind of grown close." Chan explained and smiled at her comrades, and looked back to her. "Besides, it looks like you're on a mission." Twilight smiled and looked as Applejack approached them. "Ya'll are right about that... well... we best get going, and maybe one day we'll hook up again." she said them as her and her friends were about to leave. "Hang on a sec..." Shun stopped them from leaving. "I have one question... do you know a guy by the name of Joe..? He's our sites web master." he said to them. Dan immediately gave him a look. "What are you doing?!! How would they know who he is Shun?! Just forget it and lets get out-" "Yeah, I know him..." Chan lee interrupted him as he and the others looked to her in surprise. "He's just a kid... he's kind of sickly, and he lives in the hospital from what I've heard." she looked to them. "I'm sure it will surprise you..." "That is so freaky..." said Alice. "I know... but the poor boy..." Fluttershy felt sympathy for Joe. Dan soon walked up in front of them. "Its more like totally freaky, how in the world do you know about him Chan? So are you like going out with him or something?" he asked her. Just from hearing it, Chan Lee's face immediately turned red and she tried to hide it. "Hey that's... that's none of your business!" she tried to hide it... but it was too late for secrets. Letting out a scream, Julie knew there was something and she refused to admit it. "Someone's in love!" she cried out cheerfully. "That's means Joe works for Masquerade..." Alice whispered to her. "Who cares, they're in love!" Julie argued knowing that she won't lose. Dan and Runo blankely stare at her knowing she's definitely got a one track mind. "Oh boy..." Runo muttered. "So he's a spy..." Dan said out loud. "Oh ya think?" Runo elbowed him. "Ow! hey, would you knock it off Runo?" Dan looked to Chan. "Chan, does Joe ever talk to Masquerade...?" he asked her feeling curious. Twilight was curious too, but all she saw was Chan smiling. "Why don't you ask him yourself...?" she said to them. Back in Equestria, Solaria smiled at the brawlers feeling proud of their victory. "You see girls...? I told you there was nothing to worry about." she said to them. "Amazing... I never thought I would see Drago with that kind of power, but why didn't Bahamut evolve with him...?" Celestia wondered as she looked to her mother. "Its because Bahamut has not yet reached that level yet... he needs time to grow in order to reach his next evolution." Solaria explained as she and Celestia left the cavern. Luna meanwhile was looking at the scene and smiled for their victory, despite losing some of their Bakugan in the process. She turned to follow them knowing that everything will be alright. Suddenly, out of the shadows of the cavern. An unknown figure wearing a cloak walked out looking to the tree. He looked at the brawlers, but mostly to Dan. "So... after all this time, he has reappeared... reincarnated into this boy..." he smiled knowing something, but kept it to himself and disappeared into the darkness. "I look forward to meeting you in the future... Dan Kuso..." his voice faded. As the Brawlers left Africa, Julie was cheering for Drago because of his evolution. "Way to go Drago! You're the first Bakugan to evolve, so cool!" she said to him. "You should've seen it, it was awesome." Dan said to her. "Yes, it was quite exhilarating I should say." Marucho agreed with him. His partner Preyas turned towards Drago. "That means Drago is one step closer to the Infinity Core. Ohhh, way to go big guy!" he said to him as tears form. "Yes, that's true Preyas, but we still have a long journey ahead." Drago reminded him, giving that he finally returned. "And we still have to find the Infinity Core." Tigrerra added to the reminder, knowing they have yet to find it. Nodding in agreement, Runo looked to her partner. "Tigrerra's right... even with Drago's evolution, we're no where." she said to them. "We just have to find teh core, or else that creep Masquerade wins." said Rainbow Dash as she crossed her hooves together looking to Shun. "And to find Masquerade, we first have to find Joe." Shun looked to them. "And he lives in Kir City..." "Alright ya'll, hold on a sec... if this Joe fella is in cahoots with Masquerade, then there might be a chance he knows where the Infinity Core is hiding out." said Applejack as she looked to the others. "You think it might be possible...?" she asked hoping to get a good response. "Well for one thing, he keeps tabs on all the brawlers in the world... so there's no reason to doubt he wouldn't know where to find the Infinity Core." said Rarity as she touched up her makeup. Shun looked to Rainbow Dash knowing she was thinking the same thing. "Then there is only one thing to do..." "We need to take a road trip to find Joe you guys!" Rainbow finished his sentence. Turning her attention to Dan, Fluttershy was curious about something. "Dan, are you familiar with Kir City...?" she asked him. "A little..." Dan responded but looked to Shun. "Hey, you think Joe is Masquerade...?" he earned surprised gasps from the ponies. "Whoa... that is kind of stretched Shun, but its something we haven't really thought of before." Pinkie said to him. "All I'm saying, its a possibility." Shun walked away with Rainbow Dash to continue her training. The brawlers and the ponies watched them leave and were in a similar train of thought. "Hey wait, lets not get ahead of ourselves guys... lets get some shut-eye." Dan said to them. "Dan't right, we'll figure it out tomorrow." Twilight agreed with him knowing they needed pleanty of rest. Runo smiled at him and nodded. "Good idea..." "Yes, excellent idea." Marucho also agreed to the idea. "Well good night all..." Alice and the others started walking away. Just before Runo left, she turned to Dan. "By the way... Dan...?" she earned his attention and she quickly rushed to him and kissed him on the cheek catching him off guard. The ponies gasped in awe. "Wow..." Twilight's eyes were wide as saucers. "Didn't see that coming..." said Applejack. "I kind of did..." Pinkie admitted. "My word, she literally went for it and didn't hesitate..." said Rarity as she watched. "I think its adorable..." said Fluttershy with a smile. Runo let go of the kiss and smiled at him. "That was for the apology... goodnight...!" she rushed off. "Come on Fluttershy..." she rushed off with her to her bedroom with her leaving a completely stunned Dan in the room. Twilight noticed it and covered her mouth trying to hide her laughter. Meanwhile, Julie was not at all happy with what just happened. "HEY! WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA RUNO! DAN IS MINE, AND YOU BETTER KEEP OFF HIM!" Julie screamed at the top of her lungs about to pounce on Dan, but Twilight quickly used her teleportation magic to teleport Dan to his room. "Hey! Where'd he go?!!" she demanded to know, not complying to answer, Twilight immediately disappeared. "TWILIGHT SPARKLE YOU GET BACK HERE!!!" Meanwhile, in the center of Vestroia, Hal-G and Masquerade stood before an enraged Naga who's power was surging from the Silent Core. "What do you think you're doing?! You allowed Drago to EVOLVE!!!" he let out his rage on his servants knowing they failed. "There will be nothing to worry about, everything is going precisely as planned Naga." Masquerade assured him. "You see, if we can take down the evolved Dragonoid, then our Hydranoid will be that much closer to becoming the Ultimate Bakugan." he chuckled a bit. "Please... trust in me, and we'll win..." he said to him. "That's what you believe..." a mysterious voice called out from behind them. Naga looked to a cloaked figure, and judging by his appearance, he was a pony. But he sensed something powerful from him. "Who are you...?!" he demanded to know. The stallion glared under his hood at the White Dragonoid. "You do not deserve to know who I am... what you do deserve to know, is that your Hydranoid, will not be the Ultimate Bakugan." he said to them. "What?!! My Hydranoid is more powerful in every way compared to Drago!" Masquerade exclaimed. Chuckling from hearing it, the unknown stallion looked to him eyes glowing bright light the sun in the sky. "You Masquerade, are nothing... but a pawn in a game you don't even know is being played." he said to him. "Both you and your Hydranoid are indeed powerful, but you are blind to the reality of your actions. You will never be the ruler of all Bakugan..." he said to him and vanished. Upon hearing those words, Masquerade didn't know what he mean by that. "The Ruler of all Bakugan...? What did he mean by that...?" he wondered about it, but his thoughts returned to the situation at hand. "It doesn't matter... we will defeat the battle brawlers, and Hydranoid will be the Ultimate Bakugan, whether you say he is or not..." he muttered to himself as he let out a dark chuckle. > Say it ain't so Joe > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was a beautiful day in Kir City, the people were enjoying their every day lives. In one house, a young girl was watering her mothers flowers to make sure that they stay strong and healthy. But to her surprise, one of the flowers just died from dehidration. She panicked and turned to her mother knowing she had to do something. "Mommy! Come here, one of your flowers has died! Mommy!" she cried out. The moment she turned around to it, a bright light shined down on her catching her by surprise. The light itself was pure, and to the young girls surprise... the flower came back to life. She was amazed of what happened and looked to the cause, though it was hard to see, she could have sworn she saw the silhouette pf a dragon. The creature smiled at her, and vanished as her mother arrived. "What's the emergency...? Did one of your dollies break a nail again..?" she asked only to get no response as she walked to her daughter. "Honey...? Is everything okay...?" Taking a moment to collect herself, she nodded her hand and smiled from what she saw. She waved her hand out to the open sky. "Bye-bye!" she called out as she watched the light fly away into the distance, believing it to be an angel from the heavens above. Meanwhile, Dan, Twilight and their friends had arrived at the hospital to find Joe. "Well... here we are gang. Sunny Kire City..." he looked to the hospital seeing how big it was. "And this is be the hospital that Chan told us about..." said Runo as she looked around. "Yes, and according to her... Webmaster Joe should be here." said Twilight. Marucho turned to them with something on his mind. "Do you guys really think that Joe is one of Masquerade's minions...?" he asked them. "Marucho has a point... I mean we don't have any official evidence that links him to Masquerade." Pinkie reminded them of that fact. "That's what we want to find out Pinkie, and we're going to find out even if we have to beat it out of him." Julie said to her. Scoffing from hearing it, Rarity knew a brutish action when she heard one. "Honestly Julie, there are other methods to interogations." she said to her. "Even if he is... then he'll have to face the Wrath of Preyas!" Preyas jumped from Marucho's shoulder. "I'll give him an uppercut to the chin, and a right to the ribs!" he jabbed his fists around. Lancelot and Tigrerra gave him a blank stare knowing he's acting like a complete fool. "You do that Preyas..." Tigrerra said to him. "Well I think its time we find out what the deal is with this creep." Dan was about to head inside but felt a lasso grab hold of his ankle. He screamed and fell down to the ground landing face first, he then turned to Applejack knowing it was her. "Hey, what's the big idea AJ...?" he asked her. "You might wanna slow down there Dan... he may be the webmaster and all, but he's just a kid in a hospital. And we can't rush in acting like complete psycho's." Applejack looked to the hospital, seeing a sign. "Not to mention, I'm pretty sure animals aren't allowed inside..." Spike leaped to his shoulder. "Applejack's right, unless you want to get caught sneaking us in, good luck with that..." he said to him knowing that it was a bad idea. Thinking it through, Dan knew that she was right. "Good point... we need a plan to get you in without security seeing you..." "Don't worry, I know a spell that can help..." Twilight assured him as she looked to her friends. Once inside, Dan asked the nurse if there was a joe in the building, and luck was definitely on their side. "Yes, here he is... he's in room 501. That's over in the east wing to your left." she directed him and his friends. Twilight, who was invisible along with her friends, she looked to them and whispered. "That can't be too hard to forget, hopefully this will be easy. "Let's hope Dan doesn't-" Rarity started to, but suddenly... "Yes, thanks lady!" Dan rushed off heading towards an elevator. "Hold the elevator!" he cried out as he managed to get in but Drago somehow fell out of his pocket. "Dan!" Twilight accidentally cried out and covered her mouth. The nurse's ears perked from hearing it. "Did someone say something...?" she asked them. Runo and the others (besides Shun...) freaked out know Twilight slipped up. "N-No, that was... probably someone outside... lets get going guys!" she walked away in a hurry with the others as Twilight and her friends followed in pursuit. Once they were in the hallway, Twilight immediately released the invisibility field that was around her and her friends. Sighing knowing she messed up. "I can't believe I did that..." "Nah, you think?" Spike said to her giving her a look. "I'll say, you aren't exactly stealthy Twilight." Rainbow said to her knowing she had a point. "Look, it doesn't matter, I'm gonna meet up with Dan and Drago, hopefully he didn't get far. Lets go Bahamut..." she said to him and vanished with him. "Well, looks like we're taking the stares..." said Rarity knowing it was going to kill her hooves. Shun soon realized something. "Hey... before Dan got into the elevator, I saw Drago fall out of his coat pocket. We should probably look for him and get him back to Dan." he suggested. "Good idea... oh my, Drago is probably lost and alone again..." Fluttershy started to worry. Meanwhile, Dan looked at the rooms that were listed. "Room 501..." he checked for it only to find 510 to 519. "It's not even listed!" he exclaimed. "Well it would be if you didn't rush to the elevator." Twilight said to him as she arrived with Bahamut. "This is where she said it would be though." "Yeah... hey Drago, that Lady said 501 right...?" Dan asked his partner, but when he checked his pocket, he wasn't there. "Drago?" Back at the first floor, Drago was waiting for the elevator to come down. "I can't believe this... why would Daniel abandon me like that?!" he asked but heard the elevator open. "Please! Wait for me!" he called out trying to move his tiny little body. But after a few steps, he fell down onto his face and struggled to get back up. "Its no use... should have learned the art of mobility when I first arrived in this realm." he said to himself as he thought back to when Preyas was trying to help him. "Come on soldiers, look alive! Lift those knee's, move it! Move it! Move it!" Preyas was trying to motivate him in his memory flashback. "One, two! One, two! One, two! Count them! I can't hear you boy!" he only watched as Drago fell down. "Oh, that's gonna hurt..." he looked as Drago was laying on the ground. "Come on soldier! Get your butt back up here, double-time!" All of Preyas' yelling finally got to Drago. "YOU NUMB SKULL! COME DOWN HERE AND HELP ME!" he yelled back knowing he was helpless in this situation. Present time, Drago was still trying to get himself up. When all of a sudden, he found himself being lifted off the ground. He looked to who picked him up, not recognizing who it was. But had a strong feeling as to who it was. Meanwhile, Shun and the others were looking around for him. "Where is that Drago hiding?" asked Julie as she looked around. "I say, we should forget the little pester and continue our quest in finding Joe." said Preyas with a British accent. Ignoring what he said, Alice looked to the others feeling concerned. "Maybe we're in the wrong wing of the hospital. Let's try the West wing." she suggested. "No Alice, the receptionist said the East Wing, its here." Runo said to her. "I'm with Runo on this... but there is also the matter to consider, that Dan may have lead us to the wrong one." Rarity suggested, only to hear Runo groan in annoyance. "Oh you're right Rarity, he's such an IDIOT!!!" she exclaimed knowing she was right. "I suggest, we find Joe on our own... what do you think Shun...?" Rainbow Dash turned to him hoping to get a good response from him. Shun's eyes were closed at the moment, but he looked to her and nodded. "That's actually the smartest idea you've ever come up with Rainbow Dash." he said to her as they entered the next elevator. As it lifted them to the next floor Dan was supposed to be, the doors opened revealing rooms 501 to 509. "Bingo! Room 501, right down this way!" Pinkie leaded them to it. They followed her, trying to find the room Joe was staying in. Upon seeing it, Runo found the number to where Joe's room was. "Come on guys, its down this way." she walked to the room. "Looks like this is it..." said Marucho. "Let me do the honors..." Fluttershy walked to the door, and knocked on it. In response, an unfamiliar voice called out to them. "Come in..." said a soft womanly voice. Runo opened the door only to find what appeared to be Joe's mother. "Yes, can-" before she could start. "Yeah, is... is this Joe's room...?" Runo asked feeling pretty nervous about the situation. Upon hearing it, the mother stood up looking to them. "Are you friends of Joe's...?" she asked them. "Yeah... well, kinda..." Runo wasn't sure how to put it in words. The woman stood up and walked over to them. "Joe's just out for a few minutes with his doctor..." she said to them. "Oh, I see..." said Runo feeling disappointed. The ponies looked to each other knowing that it would be wise to come back later when Joe was around. "Maybe we should come back later when he gets here..." Spike whispered to them. "I agree... we'll have a word with him when the doc is done talking to him." whispered Applejack. "No, please stay..." Joe's mother said to them catching an expression of surprise. "He'll be back any minute now, make yourselves at home." The ponies gasped in surprise. "You heard us?!" Rarity cried out. "Well I heard rumors from my son, but I didn't think it was true. Now that I see you girls, I'm starting to become a believer." she said to them and smiles at them. "W-Well, quite a pleasure to meet you darling, my name is-" before Rarity could finish... "Rarity right...?" Joe's mother caught her surprised. "I must say, you sound like a British Princess..." she complimented her of her accent. "O-Oh... thank you very much. I do fancy myself as such." Rarity boasted only to get an elbow from Rainbow Dash. Looking to the others, Joe's mother started listing them down. "And that would make you, Rainbow Dash... Pinkie Pie... Fluttershy... Applejack... and..." she looked to Spike seeing what he was. She pondered a bit and knew that he wasn't who he she was thinking about. "Judging by you, you're no Twilight Sparkle..." she said to him. Spike immediately snapped from hearingi t. "WHAT MADE YOU THINK I WAS A GIRL?!!" he snapped at her only to be restrained by Fluttershy. "Terribly sorry about that, he's not normally like that... but no, this is Spike. He's a dragon... Twilight Sparkle raised him when she was a filly. As to her whereabouts, we don't know where she is." she explained to her. "Oh... well I hope she'll find you all soon. In the meantime, why don't you all rest..." Joe's mother said to them as the brawlers and the ponies sat down. She walked over to a counter and picked up a plate of cookies and returned to them. "Anyone up for some cookies? I made them this morning." she set the plate down on the table. "Oh wow! I'd love some, I haven't eaten all day!" Julie cried out. "Me neither!" Pinkie grabbed one and tried it out. Suddenly her tastebuds literally popped. "Best... cookie... ever..." she started drooling. Immediately grabbing Pinkie before she devoured the rest of the cookies, Rainbow Dash held her back with all her might. "Easy there Pinkie, save some for the rest of us." she advised her. Fluttershy turned to Joe's mother with curiosity. "Um... It's a kind offer... but no thanks..." she said to her. Returning her kindness with a smile, Joe's mother insisted. "Oh please, don't be shy..." she said to her. "Well, okay I guess..." Runo said to her as Julie ate a cookie of her own. "Yum! Home-made chunky chocolate chip and peanut butter." Julie listed the ingrediants. Marucho looked over to her. "I believe those are called Macadamia Nuts." he said to her. "I hope they're calorie three, because they're delish!" Julie cried out with a bright smile. Runo let out a sigh knowing she won't hear the last of it. "I don't think so..." she said to her. "Well I for one would like to try one of these..." Rarity took one of the other cookies. "They're rather tiny, but I'm sure they'll be delicious none the less." she picked it up with her magic. "Oh! Let me try it first!" Julie tried to take it from her. Rarity immediately pulled it away from her. "Julie please, your manners!" she managed to take a bite out of it and was amazed by the taste. "Wow! Delicious, its like tasting something heavenly." she complimented the taste of the cookie. "It's so nice to see that Joe has such wonderful friends..." said the mother as the brawlers and the ponies looked to her. "Joe should be getting out of the hospital any day now, and all he does is stare out the window and wish he were back at home." she explained to them. "So... what's your son's condition...?" asked Fluttershy. "Yes, what's his prognosis...?" asked Marucho. The mother lowered her gaze a bit thinking about it. "Ohh... he's fine... he just here for some tests..." she said to them. "His doctor says he just needs a little rest..." she shut her eyes knowing she's trying to keep her feelings from going out of control. "I must say my Joe is one tough little trooper..." the ponies saw how worried she was about her son. They looked to each other wondering if what they believed was wrong. Meanwhile, Dan and Twilight were still in the hallway searching for Drago after Dan lost him. "Aw snap, I'm tired of this...! Where did you go Drago...?" he searched for him on the floor. "Well if you hadn't rushed to the elevator like you did, HE WOULD STILL BE IN YOUR POCKET!" Twilight cried out showing just how mad she is with him. "Okay, sheesh, no need to yell... I thought most princesses were supposed to keep their composure..." Dan muttered to himself, but it did not go unheard. Twilight immediately used her magic to pull his ear causing him to yelp in pain from it. "Okay! Okay, I'm sorry!" he cried out in agony but noticed someone approach them. The unfamiliar boy who approached them held up what appeared to be Drago. "Is this what you're looking for...?" the boy asked. Just from seeing it, Dan's heart leaped with joy. "Drago!" "Daniel!" Drago cried out. Dan rushed to him. "I can't believe it, where'd you find him?" he asked as he took Drago back only to give him a scowl. "Hey what's the big idea Drago?! Never take off on me again!" "Excuse me mister, but you're the one who dropped me!" Drago glared at him. "So therefore, you're not one to talk Dan." Twilight said to him with a scowl. "Wow! So you really can talk..." said the mysterious boy standing before them. Panicking knowing that she slipped up, Twilight tried to hide it with a chuckle. "Did I speak...?" she asked him only to recieve a nod from him. Causing her to lower here head in regret. "Curse my temper tantrums..." "Anyways, ignore all that... she and Drago sometiems get a little cranky. I appreciate you finding him, but how'd you know I was looking for him...?" Dan asked him. The boy smiled a bit. "Because you were looking for me... right Dan... Twilight...?" he asked him. Eyes widened, Dan and Twilight were surprised how he knew who they were. "Then... you... must be Joe!" Dan exclaimed. "The Web Master!" Twilight cried out. Chuckling at how shocked and surprised they were, Joe knew they were trying to take it all in. "That's me..." he said to them with a kind smile on his face. A glare soon formed across Dan's face forming a fist. "Oh man! I got so many questions for you!" he said to him only to see him turn around. Joe looked out and thought about something. "You want to come to the roof you two...?" he asked them. Twilight looked at the young man sensing nothing malice, but she couldn't let her guard down, not even for an instant. On the roof, the three walked to where the sky was most wide, and where there was much room on the roof. Joe stood still spreading his arms out, inhaling the fresh air and letting out a sigh. "Isn't this great...?" he asked them and walked to the fence to look to the horizon. "I just love it up here... and the view is awesome." "Yeah... I'm not to big into heights..." Dan admitted to him. "Not to change the subject, but lets..." he said to him preparing for anything that may happen. "We need to know if you're in cahoots with the human called Masquerade." Twilight said to him only to her a soft chuckle from him. Joe turned around to face them knowing the answer but chose to change the subject. "I remember the day I found my Bakugan... it was a day, almost exactly like today..." Twilight's face showed a sign of shock and confusion. "It was right in the middle of summer, I was here for tests..." he looked to his left thinking back. "Sitting on that bench over there..." he remembered a card that landed in front of him the day of his test. "I searched the web to find out what it was... that's when I saw kids blogging about their battles. Then, I created my home page so everyone would have a place to log on and chat about their Bakugan Brawls." he looked to Dan and Twilight with a smile. "Its funny, but you were one of the first to log on." Twilight was amazed that he remembered so much, despite how long it had been since the Bakugan arrived on earth. "Then Shun was next to visit your site... then Runo, Marucho, and Julie showed up, is that correct...?" she asked him. "That's right, then Dan and Shun started thinking up the rules... heh, those two were on fire coming up with all the regulations. It was so simple, and completely brilliant to watch." Joe said to the Alicorn Princess. But Dan just had about enough of memory lane. "I didn't come all the way here to chitchat! All I want to know is if you're working for Masquerade or not!" Dan yelled at him trying to get his answers. Joe didn't respond to him knowing he didn't know anything just yet. "You think somehow I'm connected to Masquerade...?" he asked him. Twilight stepped up to speak. "All he's saying is, Masquerade seems to know everything the Brawlers are doing... and because all of us chat on your website, its the only way we figured he could get that kind of information." she explained to him. "She's right, there's a snitch, and we want to find out who... and I hate to be the one pointing the finger, but..." Dan pointed his finger straight at him. "Looks like its you Joe...! Are you the snitch?!" he demanded to know. Remaining silent, Joe didn't respond to his quesion. "Hey, you better fess up before I get mad...!" "He's serious Joe, and you won't like him when he's angry..." Twilight warned him. "Too late Twilight, because now I'm mad!" Dan cried out glaring at Joe. Letting out a chuckle, Joe shut his eyes for a bit. "I could simply answer your question... but that would be too easy. Instead, I think I have a better idea... how about..." he held our a Bakugan Card. "We make it more interesting Dan...?" Dan was surprised to what he's suggesting, he wants to go into a Bakugan Battle. "You saying... you wanna brawl...?" he asked him. "Yep... me and you...." Joe said to him. Dan didn't know what to do, but at this point he could never miss out on an opportunitty. "Okay, Joe... you're o-" before he could finish, he saw two of his Bakugan get taken by Twilight's magic. "Hey! Twilight, what gives?!" he asked her. "Let me handle him... I want to see how good he is and see if our theory is correct." Twilight said to him. "Besides, I've been itching for a brawl since we got here." Looks like Dan was completely disarmed... what harm could there be in letting her take over the brawl? Time to find out as the battle gets underway. Both Twilight and Joe held out their Bakugan Cards. "Bakugan Field Open!" they called out as they entered a pocket dimension battlefield. As they entered the field, Joe looked at each of the six worlds in awe. Like it was his first time... and truthfully, it might as well have. "Oh wow... this is so amazing!" he cried out. "Are you saying this is the first time you've ever played Bakugan?!" Dan asked in shock. Given the situation, Joe was far too distracted to even pay attention. This immediately got on Twilight's nerves. "Hey! You want to battle or not?!!" she shouted at him. To respond to her question, Joe turned to her with a kind smile. "It's even better than I imagined... its like I'm inside a dream." he said to her. Twilight scowled at him losing her nerve. "If Princess Luna were here, she'd smack some sense into you... but..." her expression changed to a soft surprised look. "This really is your first time then..." "I'll start...! Gate Card Set!" he tossed the card to the field. Reacting late, Twilight immediately tossed in her card. "Gate Card Set!" she called out as both their cards expanded on the battlefield. "Okay, I'm gonna make this official... but I don't care if this is your first time Joe! I'm gonna to play to-" before Twilight could finish her sentence. "Bakugan Brawl!" Joe tossed in his first Bakugan onto the field. "Haos Siege stand!" he called out as Haos Siege emerged on the field readying its lance for battle. "Haos Siege enters battle at 280 G's." the Bakupod informed them of Siege's power level. Twilight pulled out one of Dan's Bakugan. "Alright, not bad for a newbie... but now its my turn! here it goes-" before she could throw in the Bakugan... "That is so cool!" Joe cried out in amaze and excitement, catching Twilight offguard and Dan by surprise. "I never imagined my Siege would be so big!" Twilight's eyebrow began to twitch just from watching him. "Why me...?" she was close to losing her temper. "Easy Twilight, don't let it get to you..." Dan advised her not to lose her cool. "Easy for you to say, you're the one who doesn't like rookies... and I'm starting to see why." Twilight said to him. "Twilight, don't let his inexperience blind you..." Bahamut advised her. Meanwhile, Joe was living the moment of looking at his Siege. "This is amazing..." he smiled at looking at his Siege. "This kid is totally...!" Twilight was close to yelling it out... but her head lowers knowing she won't win by arguing. "Messing up my Bakugan rhythm... but no matter! Bakugan Brawl!" she threw in Dan's Tuskor onto the field. "Tuskor Stand!" she called out as Pyrus Tuskor emerged on the field roaring out. Joe's excitement escallated. "Pyrus Tuskor!" he cried out. "Tuskor enters battle." said the Bakupod. "Alright, Ability Card Activate!" before Twilight could yell out its name... "Nose Slap right?" Joe asked catching her off guard. "Nose Slap is an ability suited for your Tuskor, it allows a player to attack an adjasent zone. You're going to throw it, right Twilight...?" he asked her after explaining what the card would do. "Well... yeah..." Twilight replied but shook her head and shot a glare at him. "YOU ARE TRYING TO DISTRACT ME!!!" "Hey Siege, you better watch out for her Tuskors trunk!" Joe called to his Bakugan. Dan knew this was crazy... they're dealing with the biggest rookie they have ever seen. "This dude is totally wearing on us... Twilight was right to take over..." "Tuskor! Nose Slap!" Twilight activated her ability as Tuskor roared out stretching its trunk out. It swung it towards Siege, but missed seeing Siege dodge its attack. Joe felt the ground shake causing him to fall down, Tuskor went for another swing but Siege blocked its attack with its lance trying to hold its ground. "That's it Tuskor, you keep on him...!" she said to the elephant Bakugan feeling eager to finish the battle. Watching the battle, Joe pulled himself up from the ground and watched Tuskor trying to strike Siege. "So this is a brawl... the colors... the sound... intense!" he exclaimed in excitement. But soon, Tuskor managed to land a powerful strike against Siege. He was surprised it happened, meanwhile Tuskor returned to Twilight as she caught it with her magic. "Looks like I won that one Joe." she said to him. "That was only round one Twilight..." Joe held out another card. "Now things start to get interesting!" he tossed the card to the field seeing it expand on the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in his Robotallion. "Haos Robotallion Stand!" he called out seeing his Bakugan emerge on the field. "Ability Card Activate! Robotallion Enforcement!" he called out as Robotallion's body was enveloped with a golden aura. "Robotallion Power Level at 390 G's." said the Bakupod. "Thanks for the update bakupod..." "So far Joe, I'm liking what you're putting down... but watch and learn! Bakugan Brawl!" Twilight used her magic to throw in Dan's Pyrus Griffon. "Griffon Stand!" she called out as Griffon emerged on the field, snarling at its opponent. "Griffon enters battle at 350 G's." said the Bakupod. "Oh, you purposely threw down a lower power Bakugan and now you're going to use your Wing Burst ability." said Joe as he once again caught Twilight by surprise. "Wing Burst Ability increases your Bakugan by 50 G's, while at the same time decreases your opponents by the same amount as your increase." he explained. Irritated of the situation, Twilight sneered at him. "Right again Einstein...! Which is how are you gonna counter it...? Ability Card Activate! Wing Burst!" she called out as she sent the card to Griffon increasing his power. Griffon's wings lit up in flames, as it snarled at Robotallion. "Wing Burst Activated." said the Bakupod. Griffon flapped its wings sending streams of flames at Robotallion. "Get him Griffon!" Twilight called out as Griffon charged at Robotallion. "Now its my turn again! Gate Card Open!" Joe called out as it activated increasing Robotallion's power. "Robotallion Power Increase to 440 G's." said the Bakupod. Robotallion armed itself and blasted Griffon before it could attack. In that instance, Griffon reverted to ball form landing next to Twilight. Shocked from what happened, Twilight's eyes were as wide as dish saucers. "No... way... HOW DID THAT JUST HAPPEN?!!" she cried out. Meanwhile, Joe caught his Robotallion and cheered. "Yes! I did it! I won my first battle!" he celebrated his first victory. "Hey Joe! When you're done celebrating, can you get on with the battle? Because Twilight looks like she's about to-" before Dan could finish his sentence, Twilight's magic wrapped around his legs causing him to hang upside down. "One more word, and you're road kill...!" Twilight warned him knowing she was close to blowing up. Joe only chuckled but pulled out another card. "Alright, here we go Twilight!" he tossed the card onto the field seeing it expand. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed his Robotallion back onto the field. "Robotallion Stand!" he called out as Robotallion emerged onto the field. "Okay... Twilight, time to kick it into high gear, send in Bahamut!" Dan said to her as she dropped him on his head. "OUCH!" he yelped in pain. "Don't have to tell me twice... finish this Bahamut!" Twilight said to him. "I shall!" Bahamut replied as he curled up into ball form. "Bakugan Brawl!" Twilight tossed him onto the field. "Bahamut Stand!" she called out as Bahamut emerged through flames and roared out. Joe was amazed at seeing him for the first time. "I... I can't believe it...! Is that the Pyrus Bahamut in the flesh?!" he asked in surprise. "You bet he is..." Twilight said to him. "This is so cool...!" Joe said as he stared at Bahamut in awe, like he were looking at a god. "I read about you Bahamut, but I never thought I'd see you for real." he said to him. "Oh believe me buddy, you haven't seen anything yet! Alright Bahamut, time to show him what you've got!" Twilight said to him as Bahamut roared out and charged at Robotallion. "Gate Card Open! Level Down!" Joe called out before Bahamut could reach his Robotallion. The affect of the card started draining Bahamut's power. "Bahamut Power Level Decrease detected to 350 G's." said the Bakupod. "What do you think Twilight? My ability dropped your Bakugan by a hundred G's, not bad for a rookie huh?" "Nice try joe, but I'm not letting you get away with that! Ability Card Activate! Spiral Flame!" Twilight called out as flames swirled around Bahamut as he charged at Robotallion. "My Ability allows me to increase my Bakugan by a hundred G's... and drops my opponents by the same amount. So you tell me who's the bigger rookie." she said to him with a smirk. "Time for the Coup De Grâce!" Bahamut charged at Robotallion and crashed agaisnt it, forcing it back into ball form. Joe watched as his Bakugan landed right next to his feet and looekd to where Bahamut was. "Bahamut is one powerful Bakugan... but from what I heard, Drago evolved to a higher power level right...?" he asked them. "That's right... hey, you're smarter than you look... now listen up! You lose the next battle against Twilight, and you have to spill it about you and Masquerade! Got it?" Dan asked him hoping for a good response. Finally listening... Joe nodded to him. "Yeah sure... but first you gotta win. Bakugan-" before he could finish, he felt something inside him causing him to lose consciousness. He dropped his Bakugan and collapsed to the floor. Gasping from seeing what happened, Twilight rushed to him. "Joe!" she flew up to him and tried to wake him up. "Joe! Come on, wake up!" she panicked from seeing the state he was in. "No choice... Field Down!" she deactivated the Battlefield and turned to Dan. "Dan, quickly get a doctor!" "Right!" Dan ran off to find a doctor to get to Joe as fast as possible. Meanwhile Twilight looked at Joe seeing his condition, and felt guilty of what she put him through. The doctors got to Joe just in time, Dan and Twilight were running beside him as the nurses rushed him to the medical room. "Hang in there Joe, you're gonna be just fine!" Dan assured him as Joe was still unconscious. He and Twilight stopped and looekd to the nurse. "Is he gonna be okay?" "You'll have to wait out here..." the nurse replied as the door closed. Dan and Twilight starred at the door feeling worried, but Twilight at the moment... was feeling guilty for what she put him through. "Oh what have I done...? I must have pushed him too hard that I didn't take his condition into consideration..." she said to herself. "Twilight its okay... we didn't know, what matters right now is that we have to pray he recovers." Dan said to her trying to lift her spirits. "Dan! Twilight!" Runo called out as she ran up with the others along with Joe's mother. "What's the deal...?" Rainbow asked but saw Joe's mother run inside to check on her son. "What I want to know is, how bad is it...?" Dan asked them of Joe's condition. "Just a fainting spell... low blood sugar is what the doctor said..." Marucho informed him. Lowering her gaze, Fluttershy felt sorry for the young boy. "His mother said he wasn't supposed to do anything that might be too strenuous." she told them. "You were there Dan, what exactly happened when Joe collapsed...?" Runo asked him. "Well... he and Twilight were right in the middle of a battle, and the next thing we know he's down..." Dan explained to them of what happened and shut his eyes. Twilight shut her eyes as well, feeling guilty of what happened. "Oh sweet Celestia... I think I messed up big time..." she admitted. "Twi... sugar, don't go beating yourself up over this... you didn't know, its not your fault." Applejack assured that she wasn't to blame for what happened to Joe. "AJ's right Twi..." Dan opened his eyes feeling regret. "Its my fault... if I knew the guy was going to keel over, I never would have challenged him, and neither would you... we just have to hope he's.... okay..." he said to her as he looked down feeling guilty. "Hey, this isn't your fault either, don't blame yourself either Dan..." Runo said to him touching his shoulder. Looking to her, Dan knew that her words were true to her self. He smiled a bit but heard a soft gasp from Marucho and looked to him. "Guys, come here and check this out!" he called to them as they all gathered around the computer. Marucho pulled up a video that Joe himelf made. "Joe here... and if you ever meet a player named Masquerade, and he challenges you to a brawl... please... just say no." he said in the video as the brawlers and ponies formed an expression of surprise on their faces. "All he wants to do is send your Bakugan to the Doom Dimension..." "What is that...?" Twilight asked. "Its a video me and Pinkie downloaded from Joe's website..." Marucho answered him first before Pinkie. "He sent it to all the top players around the world..." Pinkie finished the explaination. "As a warning..." said Tigrerra as she looked to Drago. "Yes, then that must mean... Joe isn't..." before Drago could finish... "Isn't working for Masquerade for Masquerade after all..." said Julie. "Joe is on ourside..." said Gorem as he was on Julie's shoulder. "Sheesh, that's what I've been saying all along..." said Preyas long to get a punch to the face by Scylla. "Okay, maybe not..." he admitted. A moment of silence filled the room, but when the door opened behind them, Alice and Spike walked in to give them the news. "How is he...?" Runo asked her. "They should know better in the morning..." Alice replied to her. "We thought it would be good to stay the night until he recovers." Spike said to them. Eager to find out, Dan turned to her showing he couldn't wait that long. "I want to know right now! I'm gonna go ask the dotor myself-" before he could run off however. Runo grabbed his arm pulling him back. "You're not going anywhere mister! You're gonna wait here like everyone else!" she yelled at him. "She's right Daniel... I know you're eager to find out how he is, but you have to wait patiently. Joe can wait till tomorrow, alright...?" Rarity asked him. "But I can't wait... I gotta know right now..." Dan's eyes shut as he fell to his knee's. "Man I wish there was something I could do for Joe... all this waiting is driving me nuts...!" he said to them knowing he still feels responsible. Spike walked up to him and touched his shoulder. "I get how you feel man... I really do..." he said to him. As for Twilight... she stepped out of the room when no one was looking. Later that night... Joe's mother was watching over he son, but she fell asleep during her watch. But her mind was still awake. "I must say... my Joe is one tough little trooper." her mind repeated what she told Dan's friends. But she suddenly heard the sound of hooves and woke up. She looked and saw Twilight who sat beside her watching Joe. "Oh... you must be Twilight..." Twilight nodded her head and looked to her. "Ms. Brown... I'm so, so sorry... it's all my fault your son wound up like this..." she said to her as tears started to appear in her eyes. "I never should have..." "Ohh... oh don't worry sweetheart..." Ms. Brown touched her cheeks and cleaned away her tears. "You didn't know... so its not your fault... I don't blame you for what happened." she smiled at her. "But..." Twilight sniffed a bit trying to dry her nose. "How could you forgive me for what happened to Joe...? I thought that you would be..." "Furious...? Normally I would be... but..." Ms. Brown looked to her son who laid in the medical bed with an oygen mask on. "I know that Joe wouldn't want that." she said to her and shut her eyes. "When he was a boy... I would sing him his favourite song to him..." she said to Twilight. The young Alicorn looked to her sensing how she's feeling at the moment... so, as a show of kindness, she gently placed her hoof on her hand. "I would like to hear it... if that's alright with you...? I'm sure Joe would want that..." she said to her. Ms. Brown looked at the young pony, but smiled and gave her a small nod and looked to her son. (How does a Moment Last Forever, belongs to Beauty and the Beast) Ms. Brown; How does a moment last forever? How can a story never die? It is love we must hold onto Never easy, but we try Twilight listender to her sing the song, amazed of how beautiful it was. As she sang the song, Twilight could almost see the memories of her life with Joe when he was young and healthy. Sometimes our happiness is captured Somehow, our time and place stand still Love lives on inside our hearts and always will Minutes turn to hours, days to years and gone But when all else has been forgotten Still our song lives on Smiling at her song, Twilight looked to Joe feeling better... but she still felt guilty of what happened to him. Twilight; Maybe some moments weren't so perfect Ms. Brown heard her sing and looked to her surprised. Maybe some memories not so sweet But we have to know some bad times Or are lives are incomplete Then when the shadows overtake us Just when we feel all hope is gone We'll hear our song and know once more Our love lives on Ms. Brown looked at her amazed of her voice, but she smiled and looked at her son. She reached to him and gently placed a hand to his chest. Ms. Brown; How does a moment last forever? Twilight; How does our happiness endure? Ms. Brown; Through the darkest of our troubles Love is beauty, love is pure Twilight; Love pays no mind to desolation It flows like a river through the soul Ms. Brown; Protects, persists, and perseveres And makes us whole Twilight & Ms. Brown; Minutes turn to hours, days to years then gone But when all else has been forgotten Still our song lives on That's how a moment lasts forever: When our song lives on They sang the last verse of the song... but Ms. Brown began to cry, knowing that she may never see her son again. She kneeled down and held Twilight trying to seek comfort. Twilight held her knowing that she needed it. Suddenly, something catches her attention as a light began to form. She couldn't tell what it was... but she managed to catch a glimpse... of what she believed to be a Dragonoid type Bakugan. The next morning, Ms. Brown was sound asleep, but when she heards birds tweeting... she woke up and found her son wide awake. She couldn't believe her eyes at what she saw, Joe looked to his beloved mother and smiled at her. "Hey mom, good morning..." he said to her with a smile. "How's it going...?" he asked her. His mother immediately stood up looking at her son. "Joe... you're all better..." tears began to form in her eyes again as she rushed and held her son. "My boy... my dear sweet boy...!" she cried hold him "Hey mom, its okay..." Joe held her to comfort her. "I'm alright now..." she assured her. Suddenly the door opened, Dan and Twilight were the first to enter as their friends followed in. "Joe! You're okay..." Dan said to him as he walked up. "Its good to see you up and around Joe." "We were REALLY worried about you!" Pinkie said to him as she lept onto his bed bouncing on it. Joe chuckled seeing it. "Ahh, its no big deal... I'm ready to brawl again." he said to Twilight catching her by surprise again. "I want to feel the way I felt when I battled you Twilight... you see, way out here in Kir City, we don't have any top ranked players. But then you and your friends came to see me, it was like the greatest feeling ever." "You sure you didn't knock a screw loose...?" Rainbow asked him only to get a look from Applejack. Twilight smiled at him, knowing that he was definitely better. "Hey, if you wanted to battle me, you should have said so instead of letting me volunteer. You shouldn't have pretended you were working for Masquerade, which I'm still upset about by the way...!" she said to him with a scowl. Chuckling nervously of it, Joe knew she meant it. "Sorry about that..." he apologized to her. Losing her scowl, Twilight formed it into a smile and let go of the grudge. "Actually... I should be the one apologizing for ever thinking of something like that. Dan's sorry too..." she elbowed him. "Right...?!" "Ow!" Dan yelped but chuckled a bit. "Yeah... sorry..." Everyone, including Joe, laughed together... but suddenly Joe remembered something. "Oh yeah! I found the Infinity Core." he informed them only to hear surprised gasps from them. "Yeah, I saw it in one of my dreams... and, Twilight was there too.." he explained... Last night when Joe was still asleep, he was wandering through an endless abyss, wondering what was going on. "Where am I...?" he asked himself. "That's what I wanna know..." Twilight appeared before him. Seeing her, Joe was surprised she was there with him. "Twilight...? What are you doing here...?" he asked her. "I don't know, but something about this seems... strangely familiar... like I've been here before." Twilight explained but wasn't sure what she was seeing was real. Suddenly, a light appeared before them. She shielded her eyes along with Joe's from the intense brightness. "What's going on...?" "I don't know...!" Joe responded and looked to the source seeing the same Dragonoid type Bakugan she saw. "What are you...? Some kind of Bakugan...?" he asked the strange creature. "Yes... my name.... is Wavern..." she responded to them with a soft tone. "Wavern...?" Twilight asked in surprise. Nodding her head, Wavern looked to them with gentle eyes. "Listen carefully you two... you must never give the Infinity Core to Naga. The Infinity Core and the Silent Core are the two entities that preserve the balance of both Vestroia, and Equestria." she explained to them. "What?! You mean my world and your world have met before?!" Twilight asked in surprise. "Yes... but our history with Equestria was hidden, never to be found. Because it was better if Equestria forgot about the Bakugan... Prince Nova and Princess Solaria believed it to be best." Wavern explained to them. "But that is not important right now... the Silent Core has taken over Naga, and in order to restore balance... the Infinity Core has taken over me." "So... that means the Infinity Core..." Joe started to put it together... "Yes... the Infinity Core is within me. Remember you two... never give the Infinity Core to Naga, or Earth, Equestria, and Vestroia are doomed." Wavern said to them and vanished right before their eyes. Twilight panicked wanting to know more. "Wavern wait!" she called out to her only to disappear from Joe's dream. Surprised of the story, everyone merely blinked a bit knowing this was a lot to process. "Wow, that's some story..." said Dan feeling surprised. "But who is this Wavern may I ask...?" Rarity asked them. "Wavern is naga's twin sister..." Drago said to her. Surprised from hearing it, the ponies could only feel their eyes widen, and jaws dropped from hearing it. "Hmm... interesting, but not surprising." said Tigrerra. "Not surprising? NOT SURPRISING?!!! This is Naga's twin sister! And she has the Infinity Core, who know what she's doing with it?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed to her of the situation. "Wavern is different from her brother... and the Infinity Core only links itself to positive emotions. If Wavern is holding onto it, and warned Joe and Twilight to keep it away from Naga... that could be a sign she's on our side." Rarity said to her. "Rarity might be on to something..." Dan turned to Joe. "So where did this Wavern disappear to Joe?" he asked him of where she went. "Heh, sorry... she just vanished." Joe admitted to them. "Yeah, sorry everyone..." Twilight apologized. Sighing in defeat, Dan knew it was a lost cause. "Aw man... so much for that..." he said to himself. "But its interesting... this means we don't have to search for the Infinity Core anymore." said Shun as everyone looked to him surprised. "As long as the Infinity Core stays hidden inside Wavern... its another level of protection against Naga." he explained to them. "And that means there's one thing all of us have to do..." said Runo as she looked to Marucho. "Our Bakugan have to evolve to their ultimate form before Hydranoid." Marucho pointed out. Spike rubbed his chin a bit. "It won't be easy... but that's never stopped us before." he said to them. "Spike's right, if the Bakugan evolve, they'll protect us from Naga nabbing the Infinity Core." said Alice as she held the young dragon in her arms. Dan nodded his head in agreement, meanwhile Joe smiled at them wishing for more adventure. "Boy... I wish I could go with you guys." he said to them as they turned their attention to him. "But I'm stuck in here for the next couple of days..." he said feeling depressed. Placing a hoof on his shoulder, Rainbow Dash smiled at him. "Don't sweat it... from here on out, you're a part of the brawlers. Right guys?" she asked them. "Yes, that's right... in fact Joe, I showed the cool video warning you posted on your website." Marucho explained to him. "You're forgetting, we really need you to help us track down Wavern and the Infinity Core." said Runo as she looked to Fluttershy. "Besides, it would be nice to meet her, wouldn't it...?" "Oh yes, it would be an honor." Fluttershy replied. Dan walked up to Joe and smiled a bit. "I told you that you were part of the team Joe... it means you're a brawler... forever." he said to him. Surprised of what he said, Joe couldn't believe it. Him, a Battle Brawler... he didn't know how lucky he was. "I... I don't know what to say..." he said to them but smiled at them knowing what a sweet relief it was. "But thanks..." he expressed his gratitude to them. Twilight held out her hoof to her and smiled at him. "Welcome to the team Joe..." she welcomed him. Smiling at her gesture, Joe took her hoof and held it. "Yeah..." he chuckled along with her. Dan watched it happen and smiled proudly at how this all turned out. He then looked out, knowing Masquerade is out there somewhere. "Just you wait Masquerade... we're gunning for you, and when we find you... you're going down." he thought to himself knowing he will face him sooner or later. A couple of days later when Dan and the brawlers left, Joe's doctor came to give his mother the good news. She felt a bit nervous, but she held onto a brave face. "What is the good news doctor...?" she asked him. "Joe's all good to go, perfect health... in fact, he passed all his tests with flying colors!" the doctor said to them with a smile. Overfilled with joy, Ms. Brown cheered out and held her son. "Oh Joe!" she held him tightly. "Mom, please!" Joe complained knowing she was embarrassing him. But he soon looked outside and smiled. "Now to get on with my new job... finding Wavern..." he said to himself knowing that she was out there somewhere. Protecting the Infintiy Core from Naga. > Secret of Success > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the middle of a battle, an Aquos Juggernoid roared out facing off against its opponent Darkus Warius. Juggernoid slammed its massive feet onto the ground, snarling at Warius standing its ground. Warius was twirling its club and went into a battle stance. Charging into battle, Juggernoid sought to finish Warius, but its power level was much higher than his own. So Warius took its club, and struck Juggernoid down forcing it into Ball Form. A young boy, who is the owner of Juggernoid, watched in shock seeing his partner get defeated. "Oh no... Juggernoid!" he cried out as they returned to the real world. He watched his Bakugan roll onto the ground landing near his feet. "Not again...!" he complained as he fell to his knee's. An older boy, who was the owner of Warius, chuckled at the young kids despair. "You must like losing... lets see now, I beat you three times in a row Christopher." he laughed mentioning the kids name. "Want to make it an even four tomorrow...?" he asked him with an evil grin. Christopher, the young boy who was on his knee's... was unsure of what to do. "I don't know... well..." he hesitated to even speak. "My little friend here says you'll show up..." the teenage boy laughed at Christoper and walked away whistling. Meanwhile, Christopher picked up his Bakugan as tears began to form in his eyes. "I hate losing... especially to you!" he cried out knowing that he was through with it. But somwhere in the tree's, a pair of yellow eyes were watching him sensing his despair. This strange figure felt sorry for Christopher, knowing exactly how he felt. At Dan's house, Shinjiro arrived home and immediately went to the kitchen. "Okay, lets see what's in the old refridgerator..." he started looking through it to see what was inside. Till finally he spotted what he was looking for. "Ah, pudding!" he said with glee and excitment. "Okay, dibs on the pudding." he said as he walked to the living room with it. "What do you think you're doing dear...?" Miyoko asked him. "I was saving that for Dan when he gets home..." she informed to remind him. "Aww, please honey...?" Shinjiro complained but realized something. "Speaking of Daniel, just where is he...?" he asked her as he sat down on the couch. "With his friends and the ponies... they should be back any time now." said Miyoko as she looked out thinking about her son and the mane six. Letting out a sigh, Shinjiro pulled the spoon out of his mouth. "I miss the boy too hon..." he was about to dig into the pudding, but suddenly the earth started shaking and he started to panic. "What the heck...?!" he tried to hold his footing, but he and Miyoko fell down. "Earthquake! Quick, right there, lets get under a doorway!" he suggested as he ran with Miyoko to a glass door, but when they opened it, the wind was blowing really hard. They looked to the source, finding that it was Marucho's private airplane. In the back door of the plane, stood Dan and the Mane Six. "Hey mom! Dad! We're home!" he called out to them. "Hey Miyoko! Did you miss us?!" Pinkie called out to them. Night fell, and Dan got into the bath taking a chance to relax as he let out a sigh from the warmth of the water. "Oh yeah, there's nothing like a warm bath to start off the evening." he submerged his head half way. "I'm not sure I enjoy this activity Daniel..." said Drago feeling very uncomfortable. "Oh just relax... we've got plenty of time to search for Wavern and the Infinity Core." Dan said to him. "And besides... the next step is to get everyone's Bakugan to evolve like you. Every brawl from now on is gonna be tough, that's why we all have got to be totally ready for anything Masquerade throws at us." Even though things were calm at the moment, Drago knew that they needed to get stronger, no matter what it takes. "You're right... I concur, a little sabbatical is in order." he said to him in agreement. Smiling and starring off to the sealing, Dan took the chance to relax. "I hope the rest of the brawlers and the ponies are getting some R&R..." Dan thought out loud. "As do I... but I must know... why is it that Twilight is in here with us?!" Drago asked looking to where she was. Dan also looked and saw she was using the shower, he panicked and quickly kept himself covered. "Twilight! What are you doing?! You can't be in here while I'm bathing!" he complained to her. "Oh relax Dan, its not like I'm a human girl..." Twilight reminded him of what she was. "Y-Yeah but still..." Dan was blushing knowing it was really awkward for them to be in this kind of situation. "Could you at least give me a heads up next time...?" he asked her receiving a silent nod from her as Twilight resumed to using thower head on her mane. Dan sank half his head in the water. "How did I get myself into this mess...?" he asked while his mouth was still under water. Meanwhile at Marucho's house, he and Pinkie and Applejack were giving Julie the Grand tour of his house to get familiar with it. Julie meanwhile, was awestruck just looking at everything around her. "Oh wow... is this your house or a five star hotel? I gotta admit Marucho, I appreciate your parents letting my stay over." "I'm sure after such a long flight, you'll need some beauty sleep." Pinkie said to her. "Yes well, I'm sure you'll find your accommodations most comfortable Julie." Marucho informed her of her living conditions. "And remember Julie... we need all the rest we can get for our next few battles." said Applejack as she walked beside her. Preyas soon poked his head out of Marucho's bag to speak. "Me casa Su Casa! Me amigo holy!" he chuckled trying to act spanish. "I haven't the faintest clue as to what that jester is saying." said Centorea as she rested on Applejack's setson. "Believe me sister, I've been trying to understand what's been going through that head of his since the day we met him." said Scylla as she was inside Pinkie's pocket. "Hey! I heard that!" Preyas yelled only to get firm glares from both female Bakugan. Meanwhile, Julie opened a door looking inside and gasped in awe believing its her room. "Wow... this is my room?!" she looked around only to get a laugh from Applejack. "What's so funny...?" she asked her. "Oh Julie... you and your ironic sense of humor, this is the bathroom silly..." Applejack pointed out to it. Starring at it surprised, Julie let out a nervous chuckle. "Oh right.... the bathroom..." she chuckled even more. "Well, least you'll have company...." Preyas said to her only to get clobbered by Centorea and Scylla. "GET OVER YOURSELF!!!" They yelled at him and left him in pain. At Shun's, he and Rainbow Dash were meditating together given that Shun promised to teach her ninja techniques. Meanwhile, Shun couldn't help but think about Joe. "If Joe isn't the spy... then I need to find out who it is..." he thought to himself. Trying to focus, Rainbow Dash's brows started to furrow and twitch causing her to yell out in annoyance. "I can't get this meditating thing! How can you even sit so relaxed and not even complain?" she asked him. "Its simple... it takes patience, and once you get the hang of it... you'll understand." Shun explained to her. Letting out a sign of annoyance and her body laying down on the floor. "I picked the wrong teacher..." she said to herself only to see a stick almost hit her causing her to yelp. Old Man Kazami was standing over her with a firm glare. "Are you complaining about my grandson's teachings?!!" he asked her in a furious tone. Quickly panicking and getting back up to continue her meditation. "No problem here! No problem at all!" she was sweating like crazy trying to avoid getting hit by Old Man Kazami. Shun saw it happen and smirked letting out a small chuckle. Meanwhile at Runo's restaurant, she and her friends were working overtime. "Heads up!" she cried out as she and Rarity were working on giving everyone their drinks. "Two Boca Grande's, coming up!" she called out to her customers. "One Espresso for the gentlemen in the back." said Rarity as she used her magic to transport it. Meanwhile, Runo's father was taking pictures of it happening. "Its so nice to have Runo back, and with Rarity help working at our little cafe." he said as he took more pictures. "Yes dear, and if it wasn't for her... this place will be a ghost town." said Saki as she cleaned the dishes. One of the customers was looking around for a certain someone. "By the way, where's Alice...? he asked. "She's out running a few errands with Fluttershy... I'm sure they'll be back in a while..." Saki said to him. Runo was listening to them wanting to see Alice, and she started to get irretated. "HEY KNOCK IT OFF!!!" she screamed at them knowing that they were pushing her to her limit. Tatsuo meanwhile was taking more pictures of her. "You'll always be number one with me my little precious." he said to her taking a few pictures. "Oh dear, Tatsuo I don't think that's a good-" before Rarity could warn him however... Runo screamed at the top of her lungs. "YOU'RE EMBARRASSING ME DAD!!!" she snatched the camera out of his hands and smashed it to a billion pieces causing him to scream. Rarity always knew that she had a temper, but she never thought she'd go as far to break her fathers favourite camera. Meanwhile, Alice and Fluttershy we walking through the park enjoying the afternoon. "What a beautiful day to be outside..." said Alice as she breathed in the fresh air. "Yes.. blissful isn't...?" asked Fluttershy, but she soon noticed Christopher at the river. "Oh...? Who's that...?" Alice looked to where he was, and smiled noticing his Bakugan. "An up coming brawler..." suddenly, she noticed him raising it and realized what he was about to do. Christopher held up his Juggernoid and his eyes began to squint showing much frustration. "I hate losing!!!" he was about to toss it into the river. "No! Don't do it! Stop!" Fluttershy exclaimed about to stop him. Suddenly, Christopher's arm was grabbed by someone else. Or rather, something... he looked and saw an armored pegasus standing before him. "What the...?!" he panicked and fell into the river. He resurfaced coughing a bit and looked to the pegasus surprised. "Hey, why'd you scare me like that?! Get me outta here!" he exclaimed. Alice and Fluttershy rushed over and pulled him out of the river. Fluttershy meanwhile was looking to the pegasus, wondering who he was. "You're an Equestrian... aren't you...?" she asked him. The Pegasus didn't respond, and remained silent for a moment. "I used to be..." he responded and looked to Christopher. "As for you young one... why would you throw away something so important to you...?" he asked him. Christopher didn't respond, but he knew that they needed to know. "This guy named Travis forced me to battle him every day..." suddenly he let out a sneeze that caused Fluttershy to jump. "Oh... excuse me, sorry about that..." "Its okay... but, he forced you to battle him every day...?" Fluttershy asked him. Lowering his gaze, Christopher nodded to her. "Yeah... Travis did it because he's a mean old bully, and knew he'd win." he explained to them. Tears began to brim in his eyes knowing what Travis said about him was true. "I'm a loser..." "No you're not..." said the Armor Pegasus as they turned to him surprised. "You're just not yet experienced with Bakugan yet... and you were just in a bad situation, that's all." he said to him as he folded his wings. Alice was amazed of how wise he was in saying those words, and smiled knowing he was right. "He has a point... you just have to learn how to win Bakugan." she said to him. Christopher however, was not convinced."That's easy for you guys to say... because you're probably good at it." he said to them and looked away. "I've had enough of losing, and I'm not gonna put up with it anymore." he placed his head on his knee's and looked away from them. "Cuz I'll never play Bakugan again..." Fluttershy gasped from hearing it, knowing he was serious about it. But the Armored Pegasus, was not convinced. "So you're willing to run away from everything that you love most about the Bakugan...?" he asked as Christopher looked to him surprised. "Because like you... I too made many sacrifices in the land where I came from..." he looked out to the river starring at his reflection. "Had to experience love... loss... and pain... knowing that it will always be there inside my heart." he said to them remembering his past experience. Fluttershy stared at him, sensing it deep within his heart. The love he shared with someone, the loss he experienced, and the pain that he felt. She couldn't help but feel sympathy for him, but soon she turned her attention to Juggernoid... and reached over picking him up. "Christopher..." she turned to him. "Let us teach you to win..." she said to him earning a surprised expression from him. Alice smiled knowing where she was going with this. "She's serious, and you've got nothing to lose..." she said to him. Christopher starred at Juggernoid and looked to her. "You think.... I could learn...?" he asked. The Pegasus nodded to him and smiled under his helmet. "You may not realize it young Christopher... but you're stronger than you believe you really are. But it will take much practice and training to master your skills as a brawler... which is why we're here." he gestured to Alice and Fluttershy, as well as himself. Fluttershy smiled and looked to Christopher. "So do you believe you're ready...?" she asked him. Christopher didn't know what to believe, but he knew he couldn't just keep losing to Travis, so he needed to end his losing streak. He looked to them and nodded his head. Fluttershy smiled but realized something, and looked to the armored Pegasus. "By the way... who are you...?" she asked him out of curiosity. Taking a moment of silence, the stallion turned to her answering with one simple answer. "Saber..." he responded, lying about his true identity. Because under the helmet, was the former ruler of the Crystal Empire... Knight Incursio Valiant. Back at Runo's restaurant, the customers were complaining about their orders, demanding to have them as well. Runo meanwhile was running like clockwork. "Coming up!" she cried out trying to get their orders to them. "We're out of Multi-brand Soy Muffins!" she replied to one customer while one customer complained about his coffee. "Sorry... I forgot..." she said to him. Meanwhile, Tigrerra and Lancelot were watching her feeling sorry for the poor girl. "Humans... what a strange species..." she said out loud. "Agreed... well at least it can't get any worse..." Lancelot said to her. "Please Lancelot, let's not jinx it darling..." Rarity pleaded to him as she began to sweat knowing what might happen if Runo heard him. At that time, Runo started to lose it. "That's IT!!!" she looked outside. "You better get here quick Alice, or else...!" she said with a menacing glare that sent chills in all the customers spines. Back at the park, Alice was looking through Christopher's deck to see what type of cards he's got. "Hmm... lets see..." she muttered and set the cards down and picked up one of his Bakugan. "Not bad Christopher..." she observed each of the Bakugan and Cards that he has. Christopher meanwhile, was not highly convinced of her methods. "Boy... I wonder if she even knows how to play Bakugan..." he thought to himself. Fluttershy was also looking at the cards and looked to Christopher. "You sure have some amazing cards here Christopher, not a very big selection of attack cards... but some decent ability cards that should get you through almost any battle." she said to him. "She's right... for example, your Aquos Robotallion... it has a low power level. But, if you hook it up with a trap sensing command card, it'll trick your opponent big time." Alice explained to him. "And since you're an Aquos attributed battler... always remember this... always stick to your Aquos abilities, and I bet you'll see a world of difference." Saber said to him. Christopher was amazed of how much they knew about the Bakugan, and he felt all his doubts be laid to rest as he smiled at them. "Yeah..." he looked to his cards. "Man... I never really there was so many ways to battle in Bakugan before." he looked to Alice. "There are... and it all depends on your choices. If you put together the right power combinations, you'll be surprised how good you can be." Alice explained to him. "Do you get it now Christopher...?" Fluttershy asked him. "Yeah, right I get it now...!" Christopher replied with a bright smile, letting Fluttershy and Alice giggle at how happy he is. Saber was also as happy for him as anyone would, but he knew that Christopher needed to face his mortal enemy. "Okay Christopher... I think its time for you to challenge Travis..." he said to him. This surprised Christopher, he didn't know whether or not he could. "Huh?! But.. I wouldn't know which ability card to throw down, or even when to throw it down." he said to him. "I'm sorry... but those aren't my decisions to make... they are entirely up to you young one." Saber said to him. "Up to... me...?" Christopher asked him but lowered his gaze. "I can't... and every time I tried, I've messed up and thrown down the wrong card. You got to help me pick the right ones." he said to them. "No way..." said Fluttershy. "If you want to become the best brawler... you have to play with confidence." she said to him. Christopher sat in a moment of silence as he looked at the shy pony. "I don't think that could ever happen..." he looked down to his cards. Knowing that he had a lot more than he gave himself credit for, Saber reached and touched Christophers shoulder. "Your most powerful weapon is confidence... more important than power. We all know that you deeply love Bakugan... now you have to master the game, as well as master your own destiny." he said to him. "Well I'm not sure I can... but..." Christopher thought about it and knew that he was done being pushed around by Travis. He looked to them determined. "I'll try..." he said to them. Alice smiled at him and nodded to him. "Believe in yourself... and before you know it, you'll fall in love with Bakugan all over again." she said to him. Christopher took their words to heart, knowing that this is exactly what he needed. Meanwhile, back at Dan's place... Dan was scrubbing Drago down with a tooth brush, to the point he was enjoying it. "Ah yes... that's it, right there... a little harder..." he said to him as Dan continued to scrub his back. "I can learn to like this..." he said to himself. Meanwhile Dan was still feeling rather uncomfortable with Twilight being in the same bathroom as he was. "Aw snap... how did I get myself into this situation...? Oh wait, I totally forgot..." he thought to himself. Twilight took a bucket of water with her magic and dumped it on her head and sighed from the warm feeling. "Just like back home... only more refreshing..." she muttered. Suddenly a small splash came out of no where, and Drago was starting to sink into the tub causing him to panic. "Help! Help I'm sinking! Get me out of here! Hurry!" he panicked to Dan trying to stay above water. Back at the park, Chrstopher, Alice, Fluttershy and Incursio came to face Travis, and luckily... he was waiting for them. "So you came back for more punishment, huh Christopher...?" he asked him and noticed Alice. "And who's your girlfriend with her pets...?" he smirked. "Hi, my names Alice... and you might say I'm Christopher's coach..." she said to him knowing secretly that Fluttershy and Saber will be the real ones helping Christopher. "Really...? Ah who cares...? I'm still gonna woop the little pipsqueak's butt. Ain't that right kid...?" Travis asked Christophetr with a grin. Fluttershy looked to Christopher, seeing how scared he is at the moment, but she placed a reassuring hoof on his shoulder to help calm him down. "Just remember, confidence..." she whispered to him. Taking a deep breath, Christopher nodded and calmed down. Meanwhile, Travis pulled out his card preparing for battle. "This is boring, lets start..." he said to them. Christopher pulled his card out as well feeling nervous, but suddenly he felt something grab his hand, and saw that it was Alice who was holding it. "Its okay... just believe in yourself..." she said to him with a warm smile on her face. Face turned red, Christopher knew that she believed in him, as well as Fluttershy. Knowing this, he got his mind into the game and held out his card along with Travis. "Bakugan Field Open!" they cried out as they entered the Pocket Dimension Battlefield. As they entered the battlefield, they each pulled out a specific gate card to throw down onto the field. "Gate Card Set!" the tossed the cards in seeing them expand. "Ready or not kid...?" Travis asked him. Nervous about it, Christopher didn't know what to do. "Alice... which Bakugan should I use...? I'm confused..." he panicked, only to see that Alice wasn't with him, only Saber and Fluttershy were there beside him. "Alice...? Where did she go...?" he asked them. "I don't know... she was with us a second ago..." Fluttershy said to him. Feeling fear in his heart, Christopher knew that he was in trouble. "Hurry Alice... hurry..." he panicked. Meanwhile, Alice was still in the real world... only... she was the only one who was able to move. She looked around feeling surprised of what was going on. "What's going on...?" she asked as she looked around the park. "Did time just stop...?" she walked towards a bench and sat down. "And where exactly am I...? It's like I'm in a different dimension..." Suddenly... "Hey, what the heck happened to your coach?" asked Travis but was no where to be seen. "She... She just disappeared!" said Christopher feeling panicked. Hearing it, Alice knew that he was feeling scared. "Christopher...?" "I bet she split because she knew you'd lose..." Travis chuckled. Then within the mysterious void... "She would never do that you ungrateful jerk!" Fluttershy shouted at him. "Whoa! Did that pony just talk?!!" Travis exclaimed. Alice felt her nerves tightening just from listening to them. "Too freaky..." she muttered. "You don't know Alice the way we do, and if you so much as bad mouth her again, I will make it personal... got it?!" Fluttershy asked the bully sending shivers down his spine as she simply gave him the stare. He tried to look away, but it was almost near impossible. But he managed to shake his head, letting go of his fear. "Alright you freaks... here!" Travis tossed in a new gate card. "Don't worry, this won't take long." he said to them and pulled out his partner. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in Warius. "Darkus Warius Stand!" he called out as Warius emerged on the field, growling at its opponents. Christopher panicked from seeing it. "Oh no... I'm doomed..." he said to himself. "No Christopher..." Saber said to him. "You are giving up too easily... Travis may have a stronger Bakugan, but he's not invinsible." he said to him. "But what am I supposed to do...?" Christopher asked as he looked at his Bakugan and Cards. "If I don't do something quick, I'm gonna lose again!" he exclaimed. Suddenly, out of no where. "Trust your instincts!" Alice called out from the other dimension. "You can do this Christopher!" "What...? Alice...? Where are you?! I need you!" Christopher called out to her. "Just listen to me Christopher, I know we can't see each other... but imagine I'm right beside you with Saber and Fluttershy..." Alice responded to him. Christopher was still in a panic of what was going on. "But I need you here..." he said to her. "Listen carefully Christopher... understand...? What Bakugan is he using...?" Alice asked him knowing that she couldn't see what he's facing. "Travis sent in his Darkus Warius, and according to my Bakupod, its at 350 G's..." Christopher explained to her of the situation at hand. "Good..." Alice said to him. Travis noticed that he was talking out loud, and wondered if he's lost it. "Hey kid, what's up? It's your move..." he reminded him. "Okay, he brought out his big gun to finish you off... what you need to do is jump his ace before he knows what hit him." Alice said to him knowing Travis couldn't hear him. "So... what do I throw...?" Christopher asked her. Alice smiled a bit. "Don't you worry... there's plenty of things we can use to stick a wrench into Travis's game plan." Alice said to him knowing he can win this. "She's right Christopher... you just need to trust in yourself to win the battle." said Saber. "But... uh... you sure...?" Christopher asked. "First, pick a gate card, and throw it down. Then go with Limulas, its your best shot at beating him Christopher." Fluttershy said to him as she placed a hoof on his shoulder. To reassure him that he could win this. Christopher saw it in her eyes and nodded to her. "Right... Gate Card Set!" he tossed the card to the field seeing it appear on the top right side of the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed Limulas onto the fiel. "Limulas Stand!" he called out seeing it appear on the field. "Limulas has entered battle, at 310 G's." said the Bakupod. Travis only laughed as he tossed in his Mantris to the field. "Right back at ya! Mantris Stand!" he called out as his Darkus mantris appeared on the field. "Mantris enters at 340 G's." the Bakupod calculated. Alice listened to the battle knowing that Mantris was a tough opponent. "Okay... listen very carefully, use your Dive Mirage Ability Card." she said to Christopher. "Okay... I will... Ability Activate! Dive Mirage!" Christopher called out as Limulas dove into the liquified gate card and appeared on the other card next to it. "Very good... now let us see what Travis will do..." Saber said to him. "Oh give me a break! What are you doing, running away?!" Travis asked as he prepared himself. Christopher panicked knowing that he was gonna be in deep trouble. "Need... help..." he muttered. "Ignore him Christopher, you're all set to battle..." Fluttershy said to him. Christopher turned to to face her. "Are you sure...?" he asked her. "Remember... you have to play with confidence, just open your eyes and you'll see the strategy." Fluttershy advised him of the situation and looked to the field. "You see...? Travis's Bakugan are in a different field, that means they won't be attacking you." she pointed out. "Fluttershy's right Christopher, that gives you plenty of time to figure out an offensive strategy, and set up a trap against him." Alice said to him from the otherside. Amazed at how much that's happened, Christopher smiled brightly at Fluttershy. "Yeah, that makes perfect sense! Boy, its almost like Alice can see the battlefield!" he said as he looked to the field. "Now... what you have to do, is determine which of Travis's Bakugan is weaker..." Saber said to him and looked to the field looking between Warius and Mantris. "Well... I'm pretty sure its his Mantris..." Christopher said as he held up his Bakugan. "Then go attack it, set your third card, and go with Revive." Alice advised him. Christopher nodded and hardened himself. "You got it! Gate Card Set!" he tossed in his card seeing it expand. Alice smiled hearing it, knowing what he needed to do. "I think you know what to do next... go get him Christopher!" she cheered him on. "Right! Bakugan Brawl!" Christopher tossed in his partner Juggernoid. "Juggernoid Stand!" he called out seeing his partner appear on the field. "Ready or not, here I come!" he said as Juggernoid came out of his shell and roared out. "Juggernoid has entered battle." said the Bakupod. "How am I doing so far...?" Christopher asked his friends. "You're doing great Christopher, you certainly learn fast when brawling." said Fluttershy giving him a compliment. Christopher could only blush from hearing it as he rubbed his head chuckling nervously. Travis observed what happened as he looked to Christopher. "This kids been practicing..." he said only to form his signature grin. "But he's no match for me! Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in his Darkus Fear Ripper. "Fear Ripper Stand!" he called out seeing Fear Ripper appear on the field. Readying its claw, preparing for the kill. "Fear Ripper has entered battle." the Bakupod showed it on the screen as Fear Ripper was facing Limulas. Panicking from seeing it, Christopher knew he was in trouble. "Whoa... he's at 320 G's!" he exclaimed. Alice knew he was in a tough spot, but she wasn't going to lose faith in him. "Hang tough... just wait until he activates his ability..." she advised him. "Ability Card Activate! Slash Zero!" Travis called out boosting Fear Ripper's power. "My Slash Zero ability just boosted my power by 80 G's!" Travis explained as Fear Ripper's power raised up to 400. "Looks like you're behind the eight ball kid!" he warned Christopher knowing he was going to win the battle. "Alright Christopher... you know what to do..." Saber said to him and looked to the field. Christopher nodded to him. "Gate Card Open! Level Down!" he called out as the field card glowed and Fear Ripper's power decreased by a hundred G's. "You gotta be kidding me!" Travis panicked seeing it. "Level Down ability decreasing Fear Ripper power by 100 G's." said the Bakupod. At that moment, Limulas charged at Fear Ripper... and slashed through him, forcing him into Ball Form. Travis panicked seeing Fear Ripper land next to his feet. "That's impossible! How could you have known to counter my Slash Zero?!" he demanded to know. "Like we would ever tell a bully..." Saber said to him with a glare. "I did it! I won!" Christopher cheered. Alice smiled hearing it. "Way to go Christopher!" she cheered him on. "What's next Alice...?" Christopher asked her. "You have to listen very carefully... if you mess up, it could mean the whole battle..." before Alice could finish.. Christopher was filled with excitement, but was still a little nervous. "Oh boy, I don't know if I can handle all this preasure." he said to her. Alice only giggled knowing how he's feeling. "Throw down your Robotallion at Mantris." she said to him. "Huh?! But Robotallion's power level is lower!" Christopher panicked as he looked to the giant insect. Fluttershy touched his shoulder to help him calm down. "Don't worry about that, his card is a trap... remember, you have two Bakugan in play. But Travis is down to just two, soon to be one." she advised him as she looked to the field. "And if you look at what's in your hand, you've still got a Double Battle Card to play." Realizing this, Christopher totally forgot. "Oh yeah! With my Double Battle Ability, I can throw down another Bakugan anytime I want. Awesome!" he cried out. "I know... and it also means Travis is stuck only playing one Bakugan. That puts the odds at two against one... and the odds are in your favor." said Alice as she smiled. "But watch out for Mantris-" suddenly, time began to pick up, and Alice felt the wind blowing around her. "What's happening...? Time is moving again..." suddenly the ground beneath her began to glow. "Something is wrong... this has never happened before... how can time start before a brawl is over...?" she asked. Christopher heard Alice starting to panic. "What's going on Alice..." he asked her. "Listen to me, you can do this! You can win! Believe in yourself, that's all you have to remember!" Alice called out to him as an aura of light shined around her. "Alice! What's happening?! Don't go, Alice!" Christopher cried out to her unaware that she disappeared within the light. Back in the battle, Christopher looked around trying to figure out what happened. But her efforts were pointless. "Oh no... now what do I do...? Oh this is so not cool..." he said out loud. Fluttershy turned to Saber feeling worried. "Saber, what do you think happened to Alice...? Do you think something terrible happened...?" she asked him. "She'll be fine... she's a stronger young woman, don't forget that..." Saber said to her and looked to Christopher, what matters right now is helping Christopher with this battle in Alice's sted..." "Right... now Christopher, she said you should throw down your Robotallion... now go for it." Fluttershy said to him. "Okay... Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in his robotallion to face Mantris. "Robotallion stand!" he called out seeing his Aquos Robotallion emerge on the field. Travis observed this feelign surprised. "What's he doing?!" he exclaimed seeing it. "Battle 2 Commenced." the Bakupod advised them. Showing that Mantris stood with a power of 340 G's, while Robotallion stood at 290 G's. Christopher inhaled and exhaled. "Confidence... Gate Card Open! Double Battle!" he called out as the card glowed. He watched as his Limulas shot out to the field landing beside Robotallion. He smiled a bit hoping Alice was right. "I can do this..." he muttered to himself. Meanwhile, Travis was not amused from seeing it happen. "Oh pretty tough using two Bakugan... but not for long kid! Try this on for size! Ability Card Activate!" he called out as Mantris took flight and grabbed onto Limulas carrying it into the air. It flew over to the card that Warius was on, and dropped it down seeing it land on its back. Christopher panicked from it. "Oh no, Limulas!" he cried out. "This is bad...!" Fluttershy panicked. Travis laughed at Christopher seeing how scared he was. "Looks like I got you good punk! Because with my Sling Blazer, I can attack on any battle area." he explained to him as Mantris went on the offensive, and struck down Robotallion... forcing it into ball form winning the battle. Warius also went in for the kill, taking out Limulas forcing it into ball form. Christopher watched as both his Bakugan rolled up to him, and looked down in defeat. "Oh well... I guess I'm not as tough as I thought..." he muttered. "Warius wins, Power Level 720 G's." said the bakupod. Christopher laughed at how humiliated he was, and reveled in his victory. "You're down to only one Bakugan twerp! And I'd say this battle is pretty much a done deal! Not even your little ponies will be able to help ya!" he said to him. This did not go unheard, Saber knew for a fact that Christopher went way too far with what he just said. His eyes snapped open glowing, catching by Travis by surprise. "You... arrogant little ingrate... you dare to insult this young boy, when he hasn't done anything to you to deserve this cruelty!" he roared out in anger catching both Fluttershy and Christopher by surprise. "He loves Bakugan, and you're treating him like he's nothing! Well I can tell you... he is more of a man than you will ever be...!" Travis knew the Pegasus was serious, but he didn't care otherwise. "If he's that big a man, he should prove it! So lets say we end it here and now!" he tossed his Mantris back onto the field seeing it emerge in its true form. "Ability Activate! Slice Cutter!" he called out as Mantris's scythe formed arms glowed and blasted Juggernoid, weakening him. "Juggernoid Power Level Decrease by 50 G's." said the bakupod. "Well kid, you ready to give up or what?!" Travis asked him. Fluttershy turned to Christopher, noticed how worried he was. "What do I do...? I wish Alice was here..." he slowly fell into despair. Suddenly... "I am here Christopher... and remember what I said, you have to believe in yourself." Alice said to him Fluttershy's eyes widened from hearing it, but she turned to Christopher with a determined expression. "She's right Christopher, its not always about skill or brawn. Confidence wins battles." she said to him knowing he can still win this. Juggernoid growled a bit but turned to his partner with a hardened expression. Christopher saw it surprised but nods to him and looked to Fluttershy. "You're right Fluttershy, I can do this...!" he turned his attention to Juggernoid. "And I will! We've got work to do Juggernoid!" he called out to his partner. Then out of no where. "I'm with you!" a voice called out, surprising Christopher. He looked to where it came from and saw that it was Juggernoid. "Your confidence gives me strength..." he said to him. "HUH?!! Whoa! I didn't know you could talk!" Christopher exclaimed in surprise. Juggernoid chuckled a bit. "You also didn't know that Bakugan feed off the emotions of their human masters." he explained to him. "Whoa... that's freaky..." Christopher admitted to him. But despite how freaked out he was, he hardened himself, ready for battle. "I'm ready! Gate Card Open! Ability Activate! Depth Tornado!" he called out as Juggernoid's power skyrocketed to 380. "Ability has increased Juggernoid's power level by 100 G's, no other data available." said the bakupod as it recalculated. "What the...?!" Travis panicked. "Sick'em Juggernoid!" Christopher called out as Juggernoid spun out of control charging at Mantris. Crushing it with his own weight. Travis flinched from it and saw what happened. "NO!!! No, no way!" he cried out. "Yes way..." Christopher mocked him as he caught Juggernoid. Suddenly the Ressurection Card activated, and Robotallion and Limulas reappeared. "Robotallion, Limulas...!" he spoke to them and saw them revert to ball form as he caught them. Travis observed what just happened feeling shocked and surprised of what he just saw. "Oh wow... somehow his command card let him bring back his Bakugan..." he muttered to himself. Meanwhile, Juggernoid floated to Christopher and opened up from his ball form. "Your victory os the result of your confidence... in battle, I commend you. You have done well my friend." he complimented him on his victory. Saber smiled at Christopher feeling proud of him. "Well done Christopher, you should be proud of yourself." he said to him. "Because we are..." Fluttershy smiled at the young brawler. Nodding to his friends, Christopher looked to the field. "Thanks to you... I think I can win this. Bakguan BRAWL!" he said to them as light shined around them. The battled ended, and Alice didn't know who the winner was. She looked around to find him. "Christopher...?" she looked and found them standing where they last started the battle. Travis slumped down in defeat, knowing he lost the battle fair and square. "Oh rats..." he complained. Christopher looked and saw Alice and smiled. "Hey!" she pointed out to her. Fluttershy looked to where she was and smiled. "Alice!" she leaped to her holding her. Alice giggled from it as she held her in return. "Fluttershy, Christopher..." she smiled at the both of them. Meanwhile, Travis was growling at them, but Christopher paid no attention to him as he walked up to Alice. "Alice, why in the world did and Fluttershy you help me...?" he asked her. Alice and Fluttershy smiled at him knowing the answer. "That's easy... when we first saw you, we knew you were special. Even though you said you don't like Bakugan, because you don't like to lose... you really didn't mean it." she explained to him. "She's right, in fact you really love the game." said Fluttershy as she smiled at him. Christopher knew that he didn't really hate the game, he loved Bakugan more than anything. So he smiled, and looked to them. "You're right..." he said to them. "Christopher!" Travis called him out. Looking to him, Christopher could only guess what was running through his head. "Yeah...? What is it...?" he asked. Travis stood silently for a bit but shut his eyes and smiled calmly. "We've got to have another battle kid... you beat me big time." he admitted to him. Christopher looked to Alice and Fluttershy seeing them nod to him. He then turned to Travis to give his answer. "Yeah, sure... but I won't go easy on you, you understand...?" he asked him. Travis smiled as he and Christopher did a fist bump. "You got it." he said to him. Alice and Fluttershy smiled at how the two have gotten along after the battle. "Way to go Christopher..." Alice said to him. Turning to them, Christopher had a bright smile on his face. "Hey Alice, Fluttershy, thank you both for teaching me to look inside myself for confidence." he expressed his gratitude. "It was our pleasure." Fluttershy said to him. "And mine..." a familiar voice called out surprising them. Christopher knew exactly who it was, and held up Juggernoid. "You've learned your lesson well my friend." he said to him. Travis was surprised and looked to Christopher. "Hey Christopher, who are you talking to...? Not your Bakugan..." he said to him. "Actually... I am..." Christopher replied and smiled. "And you know what I learned the most important thing about Bakugan...? Its to have fun..." he said to him. Fluttershy smiled knowing he was right. Suddenly she just realized something and looked around. "Hey, where's Saber...?" she asked. Alice looked around for him. "He was just here..." she looked for him, Within the woods, Saber, going back to using his name Incursio... watched Christopher enjoy his victory against Travis and smiled at him. "Well done young brawler..." he turned and walked to the woods. "Catch you and the rest of the Battle Brawlers soon... Alice..." he said as he disappeared into shadows. Meanwhile back at Dan's house, Dan emerged from the water in the bathtub panicking. "I almost forgot!" he cried out. Twilight jumped from it and turned to him. "What?! What is it?!!" she asked him worried. "I just remembered the most important thing in my life!" Dan said to her feeling panicked. "Daniel, what is it?! Tell me!" Drago pleaded to him. Dan quickly grabbed his towel and wrapped it around him. "Lets go Drago!" he grabbed him and ran for the kitchen. Twilight quickly dried off and followed after him. Dan reached the fridge and opened it up, looking inside and found his pudding. "Yes! My pudding! Mom and Dad remembered I was saving it!" he cheered out. Meanwhile, Drago, Bahamut and Twilight gave him a blank stare from seeing it happen. "Humans..." they said in unison. At Runo's restaurant, Runo gasped in realizing something important. "Oh no!" she cried out. "This is horrible..." Rarity looked to her and rushed over to her. "Runo, what is it darling?" she asked her. Runo turned to her with a worried expression. "I just realized something I should have realized a long time ago." she said to her. "Well don't keep us in suspense Runo, what is it...?" Tigrerra asked her. "Well... its about the time all of us went to see that kid Joe in the hospital, and found out he wasn't spying on the brawlers for Masquerade. You know what that means guys...?" she asked them. Rarity shook her head in response. "Not exactly Runo dear... what does it mean...?" she asked her. "It means that... one of the brawlers is a spy and telling Maquerade everything..." Runo said to them. Gasping from hearing, Rarity and Tigrerra couldn't believe it. "A spy...? You sure...?" Tigrerra asked her. Lowering her gaze and looking to the photo of her and the brawlers and the mane six. "Yes... but who...?" she wondered. Rarity and Tigrerra looked to each other worried, wondering who exactly would want to spy on them for Masquerade, and why...? > Trust Me > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next day in Runo's restaurant, Alice and Fluttershy walked over to some new customers. "What can I get for you today...?" she asked them getting her pen for writing. "I'll have a liver kebab..." said a male customer. "Sounds good, I'll have the same." said the customer next to him. Meanwhile, Runo poked her head out from behind the counter with Rarity. "Excellent choice, okay that's two liver kebab's coming coming right up." said Fluttershy as she turned to Runo and Rarity noticing their expressions. "Huh...? I something wrong you two...?" she asked them. Panicking, Runo and Rarity acted casual to hide their suspicion. "Uh, no, no! We're good... right Rare...?" Runo asked the white unicorn. "Certainly darling, nothing wrong at all." Rarity responded with a forced smile. "Yo! Can I get a glass of prune juice over here?" asked a customer. "Yeah, sure!" Runo ran off to serve the customer, Alice meanwhile watched her confused, but looked to Fluttershy who shared a confused expression. "I wonder what's gotten into Runo... she's been watching me all day..." Alice said to the yellow pegasus. "Who knows... maybe she and Rarity are just even more jealous because you're pretty popular with the customers..." Fluttershy said to her. Hearing it from a good distance, Runo and Rarity turned to them with a galre. "WE'RE NOT JEALOUS!!!" they cried out in unison. But one look from Alice and Fluttershy, told a different story. Meanwhile at the park, Dan was drawing in crowds to get a chance to challenge him. "Step right up! Come see the legend for yourself! Today could be your lucky day, come play against one of the great Bakugan Battle Brawlers! Now who wants to take me on...?" he asked each of the kids to who wants to battle him. "Fore a small fee, you can battle the best. Chance like this only comes once in a life time, you know our motto... we do battle any time, anywhere." Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack were watching the scene knowing this might end bad. "There goes Dan stroking his ego again..." said Applejack as she had a deadpan expression over her face. "Who can blame him...? He's like this every once in a blue moon..." Twilight replied to her sharing the same expression. "Now, don't be shy... I know you wanna play..." Dan said to them only to accidentally kick his radio. "Oh no, the tunes!" he panicked. Julie soon stepped up to speak. "Hey come on, we love a good challenge..." she said as she turned to a young boy and walked over to him. "Hey young boy... I'm looking for a big strong Bakugan player to roll with... and you're just my type..." she smiled at him. Panicking from how close she was, the boy didn't hesitate to speak up. "I don't know..." he replied feeling unsure of the situation at hand. At that moment, Applejack and Pinkie grabbed her and pulled her away. "Would you quit being so grabby Julie?! You're smothering the poor kid!" said Applejack as she helped Pinkie Pie pull her away from him. "Kid! How about me?" Dan asked him. "I be you and I could have a great brawl." he said to him with a smirk, a wink, but the kid ran off screaming. "Hey wait!" Julie called out but saw him run away. "Boy... talk about sensative..." Dan muttered and looked to the other kids. "So then..." before he could even speak, the kids all ran away from him. Seeing nothing but a leaf blowing in the wind, Dan flipped his lid. "What is wrong with kids today?! Don't they like to have fun anymore?!!" "I think Dan really needs to work on his sales pitch..." Drago muttered. "You said to Drago..." Gorem agreed with him. "Yes siree!" Preyas agreed. Suddenly, Julie noticed Rainbow Dash and Shun walking by. "Shun...? Rainbow Dash...?" she watched them walk by. "Nah, Those kids wouldn't like them either..." Marucho said to her. "No look...! Its Shun and Rainbow Dash right over there." Julie pointed to where they were. But by the time Dan and the others looked to where they were, Shun and Rainbow Dash were already gone. "Where...? I don't see anybody." said Twilight. Julie around for him. "What? But I just saw them..." she assured them. "But there's no way you could have... Julie, we dropped him and Rainbow Dash at his dojo remember...?" Dan reminded her. "And if he was in the area, I'm sure he would have contacted us." Twilight said to her, suddenly her stomach and that of Dan's started to growl. "Oh dear..." she muttered. Groaning a bit, Dan knew the same feeling. "Oh man... I'm so hungry... hey, lets go eat. We can try this again later..." he said to them. "Come on guys...." he grabbed his radio and walked away with Twilight, Pinkie and Marucho. But Julie and Applejack stayed behind looking to where Julie saw Shun and Rainbow Dash. "But I really did see Shun and Rainbow Dash, I know I did..." she though to herself. Back at Runo's restaraunt, Dan rushed into the restaraunt in a hurry. "Yo! You guys think you can make me something to eat?" he asked them. Rarity only gave him a look of disapproval due to his tone. "Not with that attitude we aren't..." she responded. "Hi Dan, what do you want...?" Alice asked him. Runo meanwhile turned to him, placing her hand on her waist. "Everything's been put away, we closed an hour ago. Can't you go somewhere else...?" she asked him. Suddenly she noticed a few missing parties. "Hey... where's Marucho, Pinkie Pie, Julie and Applejack...?" she asked him and Twilight. "Marucho said he had to go home and check something on his computer, Pinkie Pie went with him. Julie and Applejack decided to go with him..." Twilight informed them of what they were doing. Dan crossed his arms closing his eyes. "I think they're scared to eat here because your food gives them gas..." Dan thought out loud only to get on Runo's badside... again. "THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE! WE ONLY USE ORGANIC INGREDIENTS!!!" Runo exclaimed to him. "Calm down Runo, I'm sure its just Dan being Dan..." Fluttershy said to her. "Yeah sure, whatever..." Dan and Twilight sat down at a table. "Me and Twilight just need to get something in our guts..." he said to them. "So, could you feed us please...?" he asked as nice as he possibly could. Meanwhile, Dan looked to the camera pulling a forth wall break. "You know Dan will eat anything... watch this..." she said to the audience who may be reading and turned to Dan. "Okay, give me a minute." she said to him as she walked by. "Oh, let me help Runo..." Alice offered it to her. "That's alright... you stay here with Dan..." Runo responded as she walked passed Dan and Twilight. Watching her head to the kitchen, Alice couldn't help but feel that something was wrong. "Runo..." she muttered feeling worried. Noticing it, Twilight looked to Alice curiously. "Hey, is something wrong...? What's with Runo today...?" she asked her. Sighing at her question, Alice turned facing her and Dan. "Dan, Twilight... now I know its true, Runo suspects me..." she informed them. "Suspects...?" Dan asked but realized. "Oh, she thinks you're Masquerades spy...?" he asked her. Alice nodded her head in response. "But that's ridiculous darling... you would never be involved with that ruffian." Rarity said to her. "I know... but all day long, she's been watching everything I did, and everywhere I went..." Alice said to her and looked down feeling depressed. "She trusts me anymore... its all because my grandfather Michael happens to be Hal-G." she said to them and saw Runo coming back with some food. "Here you go..." Runo set the dish on the table showing what it was. "It's all the leftovers at the back of the fridge..." she said to him. "And for Twilight, nice fresh veggies..." she set her bowl down on in front of her. "Wow, thanks Runo..." Twilight expressed her gratitude. But Dan... was less than pleased with what he got. "Yeah... thanks a lot..." he said to her. Watching Runo how she's been acting... Alice soon remembered something. "Oh, that reminds me, I have to go and pick up some groceries." she walked out as Runo looked to where she was going. "I'll be back real soon, bye!" she called out as she walked out. Runo's suspicians are growing bolder by the minute, meanwhile Dan and Twilight were eating their meals. But Twilight took the chance to ask Runo a question. "So why are you so suspicious of Alice...?" she asked her. "Oh, so you happened to have noticed huh...?" Runo asked her and Dan. "Huh...? Oh, yeah..." Dan responded but kept the fact Alice already told them to himself as well as Twilight. "Okay..." Runo crossed her arms looking out. "To be honest, I do think something is up with her... I mean, Alice doesn't have her own Bakugan, and she doesn't battle. What's up with that...? So how come someone like her is even on our team?" she asked them. "Runo, don't you think that's going a little too far...?" Rarity asked her. "Rarity's right, I've been with her the whole time, and nothing seems to be wrong..." Fluttershy said to her. Runo crossed her arms as she shut her eyes. "I still think its suspicious..." she responded to them. Dan sighed and looked to her. "Okay I'll bite..." he said to her knowing there may be no way of convincing her otherwise. Runo leaned towards him getting close to him. "It's simple... she wants to stay close to us, so she can get our Bakugan. All she does is watch our moves, then she reports them back to Masquerade." she theorized to Dan. Dan looked at her feeling unsure. "Our Alice...?" he looked away. "She wouldn't do that..." he muttered. Twilight looked to him feeling worried, she placed her hoof on his shoulder. "I know its hard to believe... but we can't believe she would do anything like that." she said to him and looked to Runo. "Most of all, we can't just judge her just because she doesn't battle like everyone else..." she said to her knowing she is right. Meanwhile at Marucho's house, Julie explained to him, Pinkie Pie and and Applejack to what she believes, to the point... that they couldn''t believe their ears. "Huh?! No way, you think Shun works for Masquerade and Rainbow Dash is in on it?!" Marucho asked her. "Now that's just plain ridiculous! Rainbow would never do that!" Pinkie exclaimed to her. "Pinkie's right Julie, your mind is playing tricks on you." Applejack said to her. "I'm telling you, that was definitely Shun adn Rainbow Dash I saw today. They were probably wondering what we were doing in the park, you didn't think that anyone could see him, but I did." Julie said to them and closed her eyes. "Come on, think about it you guys, Shun's always gone off on his own hasn't he...? That's because when he's by himself, no one knows for sure where he is, or what he's doing." she explained. "Yeah you're right, but I'm not convinced..." Marucho replied to her. "Marucho's got a point there sugarcube, I mean Dan would certainly have something to say about it. Most of all, Rainbow Dash would easily bust him for it if he were." Applejack said to her. "That's because she's keeping quiet about it, most of all Dan doesn't even suspect Shun!" Julie cried out and crossed her arms. "He's been so busy pumping up the brawlers, that he doesn't even realize what's going on in front of him. So I'll have to show him." "You go girl, go get him!" Gorem cheered her on. Centorea smacked his arm just from hearing it. "Don't encourage her you fool!" she exclaimed. "You know Shun could be in this house right now, watching everything we do. But I won't let him get away with it, I'm gonna get some proof you guys, you wait here till I get back. Come on Gorem." Julie said to her partner as he leaped into her hand and took off in a hurry. "Wait Julie!" Marucho watched her run out, and he let out a sigh and touched his keyboard opening it up. "Julie's plan has disaster written all over it." he started typing some keys looking to his screen. "What are you gonna do there partner...?" Applejack asked him. "If there is a spy in the brawlers, there's only one way to find out who it might be is to approach this problem logically." Marucho replied as he searched the web. "I'm gonna check out our websties history and see if there are any unusual patterns of activity." he explained to her. "Good idea, while you're doing that... I'll go after Julie and make sure she doesn't do anything stupid..." Applejack said to her and ran off to catch up to her. "Good luck! You'll need it!" Pinkie cried out to her. Meanwhile down the hall, Julie was running at full speed and determined to prove her theory. "Look out Shun and Rainbow Dash, here I come! I know you're around here somewhere, and I will check every room in this house if I have to!" she ran to a door and forced it open. "Ah-ha!" she cried out only to see she ended up in the bathroom again. "Oops... bad place to start..." she rushed down the hall and found another door. "Oh now I've got you!" she pushed the doors open only to see Kato surfing. "Woohoo! Come on in Miss Julie, these waves are indeed gnarly!" he said to her. But Julie was already grossed out, and took off to find Shun and Rainbow Dash in another room. "She opened the door only to find a field with a herd of cattle. At that very moment, she lost her nerve. "IT'S NO USE!!! THIS HOUSE IS TOO BIG, AND IF SHUN AND RAINBOW DASH ARE HIDING HERE I'LL NEVER FIND THEM!!!" she screamed at the top of her lungs. Meanwhile at the market place, Alice was working on getting some good food for Runo's restaurant. A shop owner had he basket filled with good food and handed it to Alice. "Here you go Alice, everything should be there..." he said to her. Alice took the basket and smiled. "Oh thank you very much..." she bowed to him and turned noticing Dan, Runo, Twilight and Fluttershy walking by. "Dan, if the spy is one of us... who do you think it is...?" Runo asked him. Dan thought about it for a moment. "Well, if I have to guess... I suppose Alice is probably the one who could contact Masquerade easiest... she's got the connections, what with her grandfather being Hal-G and all." he said to her. She was watching them, and she lowered her gaze. "Oh no... Dan thinks I'm a spy and doesn't trust me anymore..." she said to herself. "But there is no way to prove it, we can't just suspect her of being Masquerade's spy right off the bat you know." Twilight said to him unaware Alice was right behind them. "Twilight's got a point Runo... don't get me wrong, I doubt Alice is working with Masquerade. But if anyone has any inside info one who's spying on us, I believe Alice does." Fluttershy said to her. Suddenly... "Hey Brawlers..." called a familiar yet annoying voice. "Are you two up for a challenge...?" asked another voice. Dan thought about it for a moment but nodded in response. "Oh yeah, sure anytime..." he looked to who it was, and saw it was Shuji and Akira. "Long time no see... we haven't seen you around much since your rankings went up. But do you think you're better than us...?" Shuji asked them "Yeah, what's up with you Dan?!" Akira asked him. Surprised from seeing them, Dan shook his head a bit. "Huh?! Not these two...!" Dan panicked. "Ugh... just when this day couldn't get any worse..." Twilight muttered. Meanwhile, Shun and Rainbow Dash were waiting by Wardington Tower. Julie at that moment poked her head out of the bushes and found them. "At last I finally found you Shun and Rainbow Dash..." she muttered. "You just can't control yourself can ya...?" asked a familiar voice. Julie yelped and turned seeing Applejack standing behind her, and giving her a disappoving look. "AJ, are you trying to trying to give me a heart attack?!" she whispered to her. "I'm trying to stop you from letting your ego get the best of you, Shun and Rainbow Dash ain't spies, I know because I've known Rainbow Dash all my life. There is no way she would be a spy for Masquerade..." Applejack explained to her about her friend. "Yeah well, maybe you didn't know your friend as well as you think...!" Julie exclaimed and looked to where Shun and Rainbow Dash were. But suddenly someone approached them. "Who's that?!" she asked seeing an old man approach the young brawler. "Why would Shun and Rainbow Dash be meeting a strange old man like that here...?" she wondered, but soon realized something. "Oh! That must be Hal-G come to exchange secrets!" she exclaimed. "Julie, now you're just being paranoid! That isn't who you think it is-" before Applejack could stop her, Julie ran off to follow Shun and Rainbow Dash. "Hey!" she watched as she followed them, and let out a groan in frustration. "She is seriously asking for a good kick in the rear." she followed after her. Back with Dan, Twilight, Runo and Fluttershy, they were in the middle of a face to face with Shuji and Akira. Dan meanwhile was beginning to lose his nerve with these two. "Shuji and Akira..." he let out a sigh knowing he wasn't in a mood. "Oh no man, I can't battle you guys today... things are too mixed up in my world right now." he explained to them. "So, sorry... maybe next time..." Fluttershy said to them as she walked away with them. "What?! You're bailing on us?!!" Shuji asked them. "Huh... I heard you say you'd battle anyone, anywhere any time Dan!" called out a rather unfamiliar voice. This immediately caught Dan's attention as he turned around to see who it was. "Who said that...?" he asked. Out from behind Shuji, walked out a young little girl. With pinkish hair, purple eyes, wearing a white shirt with a light violet bowtie. Her skirt was a light blue, and she wore white socks, she looked at Dan with a smug grin on her face. "I think you owe Shuji and Akira a battle Dan... or are you gonna run away because you're too scared?" she asked him. This immediately annoyed Twilight knowing she was as much a bully as the two brothers. "What was that?!!" she asked her. "You heard me..." the little girl replied to the Alicorn Princess. Meanwhile, Shuji and Akira were acting like total goofballs reacting to her. "He's chicken..." he said as he floated into the air. "He wants to go home..." Akira floated beside him. "Dan, just who is this little girl? And how does she even know you?" Fluttershy asked him. "Nene...? You know them...?" Dan asked her. Puffing her cheeks in frustration, the little girl he called Nene glared at him. "Of course! I taught them everything they know, they're my brothers!" she exclaimed catching them off guard. "They're your brothers?!" Twilight asked in shock. "You taught them everything you know?!" Fluttershy asked them in surprise. Nene nodded her head in response. "Got that right... well, are we battling or not?!" she asked as she pulled out a Bakugan Card. "I'm ready to brawl!" Starring at the little child, Twilight knew that this had to be some sort of joke. "Young lady, you can't be serious... you sure you even know how to play Bakugan...?" she asked her. "Oh don't get me started little miss high and mighty! And don't think that Dan will be the only one we'll be facing! You and your pony friend here are gonna be part of the battle!" Nene said to her as she crossed her arms showing how serious she was about it. Seeing it, Twilight began to realize that she wasn't joking... not even the slightest. So... how else will this be resolved...? Settling this in a Bakugan battle, whether they liked it or not. Meanwhile at Wardington Tower... Julie and Applejack were still following Shun and Rainbow Dash who were with Shun's grandfather who were viewing the sights of Wardington. "Oh my, you can see the whole city from up here." he said to his grandson and let out a soft chuckle. Julie meanwhile was watching from a distance, with Applejack in tow. "I wonder what Hal-G is looking at." she thought to herself and looked through a telescope. She looked and found Marucho's place, and jumped to the number one conclusion. "Ah, so that's it! I knew Shun and Rainbow Dash were up to know good, but I didn't think they would be so bold to meet Hal-G out in the open like this! But now they're looking for a way into Marucho's house! I'll stop them before they can carry out their evil plan!" she sneaked towards them with a toy hammer. Seeing it and feeling panicked. "Julie no! It's not what you think!" she cried out, but was too late. "I feel like I'm on top of the world..." said Shun's Grandfather. "If you had wings, you'd see how amazing it would be to sore through the sky." Rainbow Dash said to him. Then out of no where... "YOU WON'T GET AWAY WITH THIS HAL-G!" Julie screamed out holding up the toy hammer. Seeing it, Shun's Grandfather was in a daze of confusion. "What?! Who are you?!" he watched as Julie swung the hammer, he went to catch it... but he missed it and Julie smacked it against his face. Applejack panicked from seeing it as Old Man Kazami passed out from it. "And that's one for the good guys." said Julie as she held the hammer. "Julie? Applejack, what are you two doing?" Shun asked them. Applejack stepped up to speak before Julie could run her mouth like usual. "Shun, I can explain... this was not my idea, I swear on my honor, if my name isn't Applejack." she said to him. "I can tell you're not in on all this, but clearly Julie has a one track mind..." Rainbow pointed out. "You have no idea..." Applejack muttered. "Out of the way AJ...!" Julie walked in front of them. "Shun, Rainbow Dash, I know what you're up to, but I'm gonna end it hear and now! Come on, lets battle." she challenged them letting her ego get the best of her. "Battle...?! Julie you can't be serious-" before Shun could explain, it was too late. "Field open!" Julie's card started glowing in front of them. Applejack wanted to stop her, but there was no convincing her outside the battlefield. So... she needed to convince her inside it. Back with Dan, he got fed up with Nene's attitude and needed to teach her a lesson. "Lets go it, I'll take all three of you on at once if you want." he cried out. "Three of them...? I think you're going to need my help." Runo said to him. "Mine too Dan, Shuji can be a real pain... but his sister I can tell is twice that much." Twilight said to him. Shuji chuckled as he held out a card. "That's more I like it..." he grinned. They all held out their cards as they began to glow. "Field Open!" the cried out, but as it happened. Alice jumped out of no where and grabbed hold of Dan as they entered the pocket dimension battlefield. As they entered the battlefield, Dan and Fluttershy looked to Alice in surprise. "Alice...?" Dan said to her. "What are you doing here...?" asked Fluttershy. Alice inhaled and sighed looking to her friends. "Listen... its not me..." she said to them earning a surprised look from Dan. "The spy, I'm not the one you're looking for. You gotta believe me." she said to them. Looking at her, Dan knew for certain she was listening to what they said. "Alice... I knew you heard us..." he said to her. "You heard us...?" Runo asked her. "If I have to battle to make you believe me, I will... I'm proud to be one of the battle brawlers. Honest, I really am. I want you guys to trust me." Alice pleaded to them to trust her. Unsure of how she will help, Runo walked up to her. "But how are you going to battle? You don't even have a Bakugan..." she pointed out to her. "She's got a point Alice, you're the only member of the battle brawlers without a Bakugan..." Twilight said to her. Alice knew for a fact that they were right. "I'm... not sure..." she muttered. Dan looked at her and smiled a bit. "Don't worry... leave that to me and Twilight, Alice." Dan said to her. Meanwhile on the otherside of the battlefield, Shuji let out a chuckle... but Akira was growing impatient. "Hey! What's the hold up?! Lets do this!" he yelled out to them. "Yeah, yeah, keep your shorts on junior!" Twilight mocked him. Akira fumed with anger from what she said to him. "You'll pay for that!" he exclaimed. "Gate Card Set!" the Brawlers tossed their cards onto the field. Meanwhile with Julie and Applejack, Julie was prearing to battle Shun and Rainbow Dash believing them to be traitors. "Alright you two, time to prove that you two are nothing but a bunch of spies! You with me Applejack?" she looked to her right to find Applejack, only to find that she wasn't next to her at all. "WHAT?!!" she looked over to the other side seeing she was with Shun and Rainbow Dash. "AJ! What are you doing?!!" she asked her. "I'm sorry Julie, but I'm not with you on this." Applejack said to her. "WHAT??!! Don't tell me you're with them!" Julie accused her. "I ain't no traitor Julie, you're just too blind to understand that you've become paranoid as a bat." Applejack pointed out to her earning a surprised look from Rainbow Dash. Shun then looked to Rainbow Dash sharing the same expression. "She's definitely honest..." he said to her. "That's AJ for ya..." Rainbow Dash said to him. Fuming with anger and betrayal. "Darn you AJ, first Shun and Rainbow Dash, and now you! I won't rest until I take down every single one of you traitors! Gate Card Set!" she tossed the card in seeing it expand. Looking to Applejack, Shun needed to know what was going on. "Care to explain what's happening...?" he asked the cowgirl. "Well, here's the short version... Julie thinks you're all working for Masquerade, and thinks your gramps was Hal-G." Applejack explained to him. Centorea floated towards them in her defense. "Its the truth, she thought thou to be suspicious, so she coerced her into following you two." she said to them. "Is that so...? Well then, that explains why she accused us of being traitors..." Skyress pointed out as she looked to Avion. "Convincing her isn't going to be easy... especially with her ego." Avion said to her. "That's what I tried to tell her!" Applejack exclaimed and looked to Julie. "Whether or not she'll listen, she needs to get some sense knocked into her thick skull." "I hope you're not considering on doing that literally..." Shun said to her referring to her back hooves. Chuckling from the thought of it, Applejack looked to him with a smirk. "I may be tough, but I wouldn't hurt my friends... even if she's currently acting like a nutcase." she said to him. She soon turned towards Julie preparing for battle. "Alright Julie, if you won't listen to reason, I'm gonna make ya listen! Gate Card set!" she tossed her card to the field beside hers. Meanwhile, back with Dan and the others. "The Bakugan Battlefield is now open." said the Bakupod. There were three Bakugan currently out on the field, Twilight's Pyrus Siege, Runo's Haos Griffon, and Shuji's Darkus Garganoid. "We're ready when you are!" Dan called out to them. Hearing it, Shuji let out a chuckle. "We're always ready..." he responded and looked to his younger sister. "Hey Nene, what do you think...?" he asked her. "Shoot Subterra Centepoid at Pyrus Siege then drag Shuji's Darkus Garganoid into the battle with an ability card." Nene instructed them on what to do. "Bakugan Brawl!" Akira launched Centepoid onto the field. "Subterra Centepoid stand!" he called out as his Bakugan emerged on the field and pulled out a card. "Ability Card Activate! Attractor!" he called out as Centepoid burrowed underground causing Darkus Gargonoid to fall through the ground and appear on the same card as Centepoid and Pyrus Siege. This got Dan worried as he saw Gargonoid stand on Centepoid's head. "Not two at once!" he cried out. "Then we'll do the same! Ability Card Activate! Cut In Saber!" Runo called out as Tigrerra appeared on the field. "Bakugan Tigrerra has entered the field." said the Bakupod. "You think you're gonna get away with that?!" Akira asked them. "We already have shorty! Dan, now!" Twilight called out to him. "Gate Card Open!" Dan called out as the card lit up in flames. Garganoid and Centepoid cried out in agony as Siege and Tigrerra struck them both down forcing them to revert to ball form. Siege and Tigrerra did the same and returned to their masters. "Alright!" he cheered out. "Nice job you two, keep it up!" Twilight said to them. "Lets keep rolling!" Runo tossed in her next Bakugan. "Haos Tuskor Stand!" she called out as Tuskor emerged on the field roaring out slamming its large feet on the ground standing next to Haos Griffon. "Oh yeah? I can do better!" Nene tossed in her Bakugan to the field. "Ventus Ravenoid stand!" she called out as her Ravenoid emerged on the field spreading its wings. "Ability Card Activate! Blow Away!" she called out as the ability forced Tuskor to blow straight off the card it was on to land on the card Ravenoid was standing on. "Like that? Check this out, Gate Card Open! Energy Merge!" Tuskor felt its energy being drained as it transfered over to Ravenoid. "Ventus Ravenoid at t470 G's." said the Bakupod. Tuskor panicked as Ravenoid charged at it and rammed against its chest, forcing Tuskor to revert to ball form landing next to Runo. "Huh?! What happened?!" Runo asked in surprise. "She took down Tuskor like it was nothing." said Fluttershy as she saw what happened. "Yeah! Nice work Nene!" Shuji cheered for her. "Yeah Nene, you really showed them!" Akira cheered. "That was a clever move combinding an air strike with a trap card." said Alice as she observed what happened in that battle. "Yeah, that kids pretty good." Twilight muttered as she scowled at Nene. "But she's trouble with a capital T..." Nene grinned as she prepared for the next fight. "Alright, my next move will put them in their place!" she said as her brothers cheered her on. "Yeah! Bakugan Brawl!" The brothers called out. Meanwhile, Dan, Runo, Twilight and Fluttershy glared at the three siblings knowing that this battle will not be easy. This also had Alice worried for them. "Dan, Twilight, Runo, Fluttershy..." she muttered as she watched them. Back in Shun's battle, two gate cards were set on the field as Julie glared at Shun and Rainbow Dash. "Shun, Rainbow Dash you no good double crossers! What are you doing hanging around with Hal-G?!" she demanded to know. "Hal-G? You got it all wrong Julie..." Rainbow Dash said to her. "Don't play dumb! I saw you two and that old man looking at Marucho's house!" Julie exclaimed as she glared at them. Skyress knew for a fact she was more blind than a bat. "This girl needs help..." she said to her partner. "You said it Skyress..." Avion agreed with her. "AJ, do you really believe that we're what she thinks we are? I mean come on, you know me better than that..." Rainbow Dash said to her. She nodded to her in response. "I do know you Rainbow, but reason as far as I can tell isn't he best forte..." she said to her. Back in Dan and Runo's battle, there was a Darkus Stinglash, a Subterra Manion, and a Bee Striker with an El Condor agaisnt Runo's Griffon. Things weren't looking good for them at this moment and time. "Its Your move!" Akira called out. "Oh no... I'm surrounded...!" Runo panicked. "Now its time for the biggest fight!" Nene tossed in her Ravenoid. "Ravenoid Stand!" she called out seeing him emerge on the field. Runo panicked knowing she was done for. "I have to do something... Gate Card open!" she called out as Griffon's power level increased to 400 G's. Nene smirked as she pulled out a card. "Ability Card Activate... combined the abilities Triangle of Hexagonel Magic Circle!" she revealed as the powers of Ventus, Subterra and Darkus combined. This shocked the brawlers and the ponies from seeing it. "No way!" they exclaimed. "It's called the Tripple Node ability." Nene said to them with a smirk. "Combined Power Level Increase detected, and transfered to Bakugan Ravenoid to 570 G's." said the bakupod. Ravenoid ambushed Haos Griffon and lifted him into the air. He dove towards the ground and slammed Griffon on it, causing him to revert back to Ball Form. Dan was stunned from seeing it happen. "I wonder where she learned that trick...? I've never seen the Tripple Node used before..." he wondered. "You and me both, Marucho knew the triangle between Pyrus, Haos and Aquos... but for her to know Ventus, Subterra and Darkus? That's a new one for me... even if she is a little child." Twilight said to him. "What should we do?" Runo asked him. "I don't know, but we need to come up with something fast... or else Shuji's losing streak comes to a close..." Dan said to her. Meanwhile, Alice looked at the battlefield, looking mostly at Nene. "This shouldn't be happening, Shuji and Akira wouldn't be so tough to beat if they have Nene to make all their plays for them." she thought to herself. Suddenly, an idea came to her as she looked to Dan and the others. "We need a new strategy..." "Okay, we'll have to counter-attack with our own triple node with Pyrus, Aquos and Haos." Dan said to Runo. "Okay, then I'll let you or Twilight shoot the water attribute." Runo suggested earning a disgusted look from Dan. "What? I'm Pyrus Dan, I'm a fire battler, come on you know that." Dan objected. "Who cares? If you don't do it, we can't do the triple node!" Runo argued with him. Alice grew worried of the situation. "I'm going to have to do something about this, Dan and Runo aren't thinking straight." she thought to herself and looked to Fluttershy "Fluttershy, I need you to get their attention..." "How...?" the timid Pegasus asked her, only to realize what she meant. "Ohhh... myyyy...." she shuddered knowing what it was she was suggesting. Back in Shun's battle with Julie, Julie was still not convinced of what was going on. "This is you Shun!" she held a thumbs down at him. "You big cheater! You and Rainbow Dash, even AJ!" she cried out. "You made a big mistake when you decided to work for Masquerade. You almost got away with it, but now I'm going to make you pay." she said to them. "She's definitely a brawler at heart, I like her style." said Skyress as she floated by Shun's shoulder. "Do you...? Then maybe we should battle her..." Shun suggested. This surprised Applejack as she and Centoria turned towards him. "No offense Shun, but have you completely lost your mind?! That'll give her more reason to suspect you of being with Masquerade." she said to him. "No AJ, I think Shun has an idea there... Avion, we'll join him." Rainbow said to him as she loaded Avion into her Bakushooter while shun grabbed Skyress. "Bakugan Brawl!" Rainbow Dash and Shun launched their Bakugan partners onto the field. "Skyress/Avion, Stand!" the called out as both their partners emerged on the field. Julie meanwhile was scowling at them both as she gripped her fist. "I knew you'd show your dark side eventually, now its lights out for you!" she was about to send in Gorem. "WAIT!" Skyress called out as she approached with Avion. "You're confused child... that old man you saw with Shun was actually his grandfather! It wasn't Hal-G." she said to her catching her by surprise, letting out a gasp from hearing it. "Yes, in other words, you just assaulted an innocent, harmless old man!" Avion said to her with a scowl. "I think he's anything but harmless..." Rainbow Dash muttered as she earned a disapproving look from Shun. Back in Dan's battle, Nene and her brothers were preparing for the main event. "Ha! Time for the big finish!" she called out. Dan and Runo were completely out of options at this point. "The only Bakugan we have left are Drago, Tigrerra, Bahamut and Elvia..." he said feeling frustrated. "I never thought they'd get this far either Dan..." Drago said to him as he looked to the battlefield. Shuji at that moment let out an amused chuckle. "Its your turn, lets go!" he said to them Runo held up two cards and looked them over. "The next card I use will be the most important card of all..." she looked through them carefully and decided which one to use. "Got it...!" seeing it, Alice let out gasp from seeing it. "Lets take out as many Bakugan as we can... its up to you Tigrerra..." she was about to throw her in. Reacting quickly, Fluttershy got in the way giving her the stare, paralyzing her. "Runo, wait!" she said to her Runo shook just from looking into her eyes. "I... I can't...!" she said to her trying to look away. "What is it Fluttershy?" Twilight asked her and Alice. "They're setting up a trap for you Runo, me and Alice think you should shoot your Bakugan at an empty card." Fluttershy said to her. "But that's just like running away!" Runo said to them. "Its not... Haos Bakugan are strong, its just dangerous to go onto a card when you know there's going to be a trap." Alice said to the stubborn blue haired girl. "Tigrerra is tough, she'll make it out all right... I don't need your advice Alice..." Run said to her as she turned away from her. "Uh, Runo..." Dan was about to stop her. "Bakugan Brawl!" Runo tossed Tigrerra out to the field. "No, Runo!" Alice exclaimed, but it was too late. Tigrerre landed on the field and stood. "Tigrerra stand!" Runo called out as Tigrerra emerged on the field. At that moment, Nene grinned seeing it. "Good, she fell for it. Gate Card Open! Triple Battle!" she called out, catching Tigrerra by surprise. Nene then turned her attention to Akira. "Go on! Shoot your second Bakugan now Akira!" she said to him. "Right, Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in his Subterra Centipoid. "Centipoid, Stand!" he called out as it emerged on the field. Both Centipoid and El Condor slowly approached the white tiger having her backed into a corner. Dan panicked as he watched it happen. "You're cornered... there's nothing I can do to help you now Runo. It looks like you're on your own..." he said to her. "Fine, don't worry about it, I suspected they might try and come at me with two of their Bakugan again. If my plan works, I can get both of them at once, I just have to use the right ability card." she said to him. "Runo, use the Haos Freeze card!" Alice said to her. "Why?" Runo turned facing her. "Trust me Alice, I know what I'm doing, and the Lightning Tornado card will do the job." she said to her. "No it won't, Nene's been calling out their plays, and she's used a hat-trick of attacks. That's her pattern, you can't win with a Lightning Tornado card." Twilight informed her as she stood by Alice's side. "Runo, please just this once, this time you have to trust Alice... so set that stubborn ego of yours aside, and listen to her!" she exclaimed earning a surprised look from Runo. Meanwhile, Nene was growing impatient with them. "Akira, activate your ability card." she ordered him. "Sure thing... I will use the Attractor card again and get Shuji's Darkus Stinglash in the game, and then this battle will be our." Akira held out the card. "With the Haos Freeze ability card, you can bring any battle to a standstill, and while time is stopped you can add any other Bakugan you want to the game." Alice informed them of what they could do. Dan and Runo soon began to realize that there was no denying it. "She's right... it would put either Drago or Bahamut in..." Dan looked to Runo feeling determined. "Runo, do it!" he said to her. "But Dan... we can't be sure they're going to add a third Bakugan." she said to him. "Come on! This is no time to second guess yourself, we're just gonna have to trust Alice this time." Dan said to her. "But Dan, I don't think she knows what she's talking about..." Runo said to him as she looked to Alice. "How could she? She's never been in a battle before." she pointed out. Alice looked at her when she heard it and smiled. "Yes I have..." she said to them as they had surprised expressions on their faces. "I've been right by your side in all of your battles, and whatever battles we face in the future... I'll be there too. When we face Masquerade, I want to be there to protect the Bakugan. We have to stay strong if we're going to save Vestroia, and together we can do it!" she said to them. Runo looked away still feeling unsure of what to think of her. "Trust me Runo... please..." she pleaded. But knowing Runo, she is still stubborn. "I have to win this battle on my own Alice, that means I have to throw down the cards I think will work, understand...?" she said to her earning looks from Twilight and Fluttershy. Meanwhile, Akira held out the Attractor card and grinned. "Yeah, this card will take them down!" he tossed it out onto the field. Twilight saw it eyes widened and looked to Runo. "Hey Runo!" she called out. "Look!" Fluttershy pointed out seeing it. "This is the one!" Runo held out the card she picked. "Ability Card, Activate!" Runo and Akira both called out. "Attractor!" Akira called out as Centipoid summoned Stinglash to the field. "Haos Freeze!" Runo called out as lightning surrounded the area and captured Centipoid, Stinglash, and El Condor. "What is that?!" Nene and her brothers asked in shock. "Runo!" Alice smiled at her. "Alright, get going Bahamut, because you're up!" Twilight called out as Bahamut went onto the field, and emerged next to Tigrerra, roaring out as he glared at the trio for all their tricks. "Okay, time to turn up the heat. Ability Card Activate! Crimson Fury!" she called out as flames filled Bahamut's mouth. "Bahamut and Tigrerra combined power levels by 90 G's. said the Bakupod. Bahamut unleashed a stream of fire against Centipoid, El Condor, and Stinglash as they reverted back to ball form. Shuji cried out knowing they had just been defeated again. "How did they get so powerful?!" Nene asked in shock and bewilderment. Meanwhile, Akira lowered his head in defeat. "We lost..." he muttered. Meanwhile, Bahamut and Tigrerra returned to Twilight and Runo. "Hey, Alice was right... good move Runo..." Dan said to her. Runo smiled at hearing it. "Thanks Dan, I can always trust Tigerra, she never lets me down." she said to him and looked to Alice. "That goes for all my friends... Alice, I just want to say I'm sorry for not trusting you." she apologized to her. "No, no, its okay... you made the right choice in the end, and that's all that matters." Alice said to her. Runo smiled and rushed over to her holding her hands. "Thanks Alice, for being there for me." she said to her. Alice giggled seeing it. "Sure..." she smiled with her. Dan smiled seeing it as he rubbed his nose a bit. "Well, I guess we can scratch Alice off our list of potential spies..." he said as he stood next to Twilight and Fluttershy. "But when we find out who is spying on us, and we will... we will make sure they never get near the Brawlers ever again." Twilight said to them as Runo and Alice nodded in agreement along with Fluttershy. "Hey! We want a rematch, right now!" Nene called out. "Yeah! We're just getting warmed up!" Shuji said to them. Dan and Twilight looked to them and looked to each other, forming a confident smirk as they looked to them. "Sure, why not? Runo, Fluttershy, Alice, you ready?" Dan asked them. The nodded to them as Dan and Twilight got ready for another battle. "Bakugan, brawl!" he called out as they began another battle with the trio, who will win? We may never know... more than likely its going to be Dan and his friends. Marucho's House After the battles, Marucho was trying everything he could to find some form of information. Suddenly, he managed to find something. "I knew it... do you see it Preyas?" he asked him. "I see it, but what does it all mean?" Preyas asked him. Scylla approached and swatted him. "You numbskull, it means someone got into the chat room..." she said to him. "Yes... they hacked their way in... and it looks like they copied a bunch of files about the brawlers past battles too." Marucho said to them. "Uh, what does that mean?" Preyas asked him. Pinkie walked up and looked at it. "It means someone used a remote computer to access all our files, even me, Twilight and the others. They've analyzed every move we ever made, and now they know everything about us. Including our strategies, and the names of our Bakugan, we need to tell the others like right now!" she exclaimed and ran off. Back at Wardington Tower, Julie and Shun finished the battle they had after listening to the misunderstanding, and Applejack immediately kicked Julie in the rear for being a paranoid nut case. They walked out of the tower with Shun's grandfather and he turned to them with a smile. "This day has suddenly been full of surprises, you know I had no idea Shun had so many wonderful friends from all over the world, even little ponies from another world." he pointed out. "Oh yeah, we're global..." Dan said to him with a smile. "So tell me sir, did you come to the city just to see Shun...?" he asked him. "I always wanted to see the sites, so I dragged him out of his dojo and he brought me here with Rainbow Dash." Grandfather Kazami said to him. Meanwhile, Julie lowered her head in shame. "I'm sorry sir for bonking you on the nose sir, but I thought you were someone else..." she apologized and looked to Shun and Rainbow Dash. "Shun, Rainbow, I shouldn't have called you both all those mean things either.." she heard a throat clearing and looked to Applejack who gave her a look. "And yes, you too AJ, I'm sorry dude." she bowed. "Oh don't apologize, none of that would have happened if Shun and Rainbow Dash would have told us what he was up to in the first place." Dan pointed out. Shun lowered his head in shame for not telling them. "Sorry..." he apologized. "Oh its not that big a deal.." Alice said to him. Fluttershy stepped up and touched his leg. "That's right, everyone and every pony here is still your friend." she smiled at him. Shun smiled and gentled patted her head. "Well that's good to know..." he said to her. Julie giggled with glee and looked to them. "This calls for a party! Party time!" she cheered out. Suddenly, a limousine drove up, and Marucho and Pinkie got out of the passenger door. "Hey, guys!" he called out to them. Dan and the others looked to them surprised. "Oh, hi Marucho, Pinkie..." Dan greeted them. "Hey, what's going on...?" Runo asked them. Marucho looked at them seeing they were having a good time, and he didn't want to ruin it. "Nothing... did Pinkie and I hear someone say something about a party?" he asked them as he rushed over with Pinkie. "Yeah, you're just in time..." Twilight said to them. Julie smiled as she held her fists in the air. "LETS PARTY!" she cheered out. "We can take the car back to my house." Marucho offered them a ride. "We'll need some snacks." said Runo as she looked to Fluttershy and giggled. "I can go for some squid." said Dan as he was feeling hungry. "I'm totally up for that!" Rainbow Dash called out for it. "I feel like I'm eighty-five again!" Old Man Kazami cried out. "You are eighty-five!" Shun reminded him as everyone laughed at the old man who was a tad embarrassed of his blunder. > Doom Dimension or Bust > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In a city far from Wardington, a Bakugan battle had already taken place. Who was involved in that battle? It was Julio Santana, and who else...? Big shock, it was Masquerade... turns out he didn't take the betrayal lightly, and decided to hunt down all his former acolytes. Starting with Julio... during the battle, Hydranoid had sent all of Julio's Bakugan, even Tenticlear to the Doom Dimension. As they exited the battle field... Julio collapsed gaining the attention of the citizens around him. "Oh my goodness! Somebody call an ambulance!" a female civilian called out. Meanwhile, Masquerade was walking away from the battle with a smug grin on his face. "Nighty-night... Julio..." he said to the fallen Haos brawler as he left the area. Back in Wardington, at Runo's Restaurant... Runo was looking through all the Bakugan that she had, and of course... it wasn't looking good. "Looks like I'm running low on Bakugan..." she said as she stared at the basket filled with a few Bakugan she had left. Fluttershy looked them over and looked to her. "At least no one has been using the Doom Card that Masquerade has been handing out. That's one good thing..." she said to her. Runo nodded her head but turned towards a picture of her and her Bakugan. "I just... can't bear to lose anymore..." she shut her eyes tightly remembering the painful memories of losing her Bakugan. "Don't worry Runo, everything will be alright..." Tigrerra said to her. "Tigrerra is right... no matter how many Bakugan have been lost in this fight against evil, we will avenge them." Elvia said to her as she stood next to Tigerra who looked to her surprised. "I never took you for the vengeful type Elvia..." Tigrerra pointed out to her. The fairy Bakugan looked away remembering those who lost their lives. "You're not the only ones who felt the same loss as I have..." she leaped to the window and looked outside. Runo and Fluttershy grew concerned as they looked to each other knowing things might get a little tough. In Chan Lee's home town, she was walking through the market, smiling at how happy people were. But her instincts detected that someone was following her... she made a mad dash for an alley in hopes to lose who ever it was that was following her. She turned around to face who it was. "What do you want?!" she asked seeing that it was Masquerade. He smirked at her as he stood before her. "Why... I just wanted to see you Chan..." he said to her. "I don't believe you Masquerade... now spill it!" Chan said to him as she glared. Masquerade merely grinned at the brave young lady as she held out a card. "I win, you answer my question..." she said to him. "Bakugan Field Open!" they called out as they entered the pocket dimension battlefield. Back at Runo's house, she set her Bakugan down on her desk and turned to Tigrerra who was sitting comfortably on her shoulder. "Tigerra... I'm so, lucky that you're my Bakugan..." she said to her with a smile. Tigrerra listened to her voice and felt something was amiss. "Do I detect that something is amiss Runo...?" she asked her. Runo was surprised over her question and shook her head. "No, no, nothing..." she tried to deny it. Tigrerra however, wasn't buying it. "Rrrright..." she looked to Fluttershy who shared a look of concern for the Haos Brawler. Back with Chan Lee and Masquerade, Chan had already won her first fight against him and readied for round 2. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed in her Pyrus Warius onto the field. "Warius, Stand!" she called out as Warius emerged on the field holding his spiked club. Masquerade readied his next Bakugan for battle. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot it onto the field. Who was it...? Big shock, it was Hydranoid. "Hydranoid Stand!" he called out as Hydranoid emerged on the field growling at Warius. "Battlefield, Open." said the Bakupod. Chan Lee smirked seeing it. "You're all mine... Gate Card open! Tripple Battle!" she called out as it activated. "Sorry, but you're finished!" she said to him readying her Bakugan. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed in her Pyrus Centipoid. "Centipoid Stand!" she called out as it emerged on the field. "Now watch and learn..." she said to him as she looked at her stats. "Centipoid combined with Warius has increased power leve to 690 G's." the Bakupod informed her. "Sorry Masquerade, but your Hydranoid is outgunned... attack!" her Warius and Centipoid charged at Hydranoid to finish him, but Chan heard a chuckle come from Masquerade that immediately surprised her. "What...?" "Ability Card Activate! Auragano Revenge!" Masquerade tossed the card to the field as a dark mist flowed around Warius and Centipoid. "Try that on for size..." he said to her. "Ability Activated, Hydranoid power increase of 100 G's. Each opponent power level decrease by 100 G's." said the Bakupod. "Hey Chan, you might want to check your Bakupod again." he said to her as she checked her Bakupod. "Calculation complete, Hydranoid now at 550 G's." it informed her, leaving her in a state of shock. "Hydranoid... lets go... and make it quick..." he said to him. Hydranoid snarled as he scared both Warius and Centipoid. "You're mine!" he roared as he swung his tail, smacking both of them right into the Doom Dimension. Chan was shocked from what she just witnessed. "Impossible...! You did it with one move..." she said to Masquerade. Hydranoid returned to Masquerade as the evil brawler grinned at her. "Oh, I'm only getting warmed up my dear... Bakugan Brawl!" he shot Hydranoid back onto the field where Fourtress was. "Hydranoid Stand!" he called out seeing his partner emerge on the field. Chan Lee glared but was still in a state of panic, she needed to do something. "Gate Card Open!" she called out as it activated. "Now to use my Fourtress character card." she said as it was her only option against the Darkus beast. "Fourtress Power Level increase to 730 G's." said the Bakupod. Fourtress stood up and looked to Hydranoid. "Observe my mystical powers grow!" he roared out at Hydranoid. Whom at that moment, was not intimidated. "What a fool... do you really think your power will be enough to stop me?" he asked them as he grinned. "You're the fool, watch this! Ability Card Activate! Face of Rage!" Chan Lee called out as Fourtress felt its power flow into him. He quickly changed his face to the symbol of Rage as he snarled. "Fourtress power increase by 100 G's." said the Bakupod. "The roaring flames of Fourtress' anger, will burn you Hydranoid!" he laughed as he pulled out his swords. However, Masquerade was far from finished. "Ability Card Activate, Merge Shield!" he tossed the card to Fourtress, canceling his ability and catching Chan Lee by surprise. "My Merge Shield ability here, allows me to steal all the power G's you gained during our little battle. What do you think Chan...?" he asked her. She quickly checked her Bakupod as her eyes widened from seeing the results. Hydranoid's power was at 870 G's, higher than Fourtress who stood at 840 G's." Impossible...!" she cried out. Hydranoid devoured all the power he obtained from Fourtress and growled at them. "If you thought that was hot, try this!" he snarled as he launched a blast of his Darkus energy at Fourtress, literally obliterating him. "FOURTRESS!!!" Chan cried out seeing her partner defeated. Fourtress cried out in agony as he grabbed onto the edge of the gate to the Doom Dimension. "Chan! You must warn Dan and Princess Twilight! They're the only ones who can stop that monster!" he said to her. "Fourtress, hang on! I'm coming!" Chan ran to save him. "It's too late for me Chan... this... is goodbye my friend..." Fourtress changed his face to Sadness. "I will never forget you Chan..." he lost his grip over the gate and fell into the Doom Dimension as it closed. "NOOO!!!!" Chan cried out seeing it was too late as she fell to her knees. "You... win... this time." she said to Masquerade as he let out a dark chuckle as the exited the battlefield. He left her to mourn the loss of her friend, she took it hard... harder than anyone she could imagine as tears ran down her face. "I'm sorry Fourtress... I'm so sorry..." she cried holding her hands to her face. Back at Runo's Restaurant, Dan, the Brawlers, and the Main Six received shocking news from Runo. "What was that?" Dan asked her in disbelief. "Yes, do you mind repeating that Runo...? Marucho asked her. "I said, from now on, I'm retiring my Bakugan." Runo said to them. "Girl, you for real? You can't do that!" Spike said to her. "Why? That makes no sence..." Julie said to her, having a hard time understanding her. "What's up...? I remember when you couldn't go an entire day without a battle." Dan said to her. Fluttershy walked up to her with Elvia. "Dan's right Runo, you can't go through with this..." she said to her. "Don't worry guys, its no big deal." Runo assured them of her choice. "Of course its a big deal, you're a brawler, you're part of the team, our friends... our family..." Spike said to her. "I'm curious as to what changed your mind..." Marucho said to her. Runo hesitated on her answer as they looked at her. "I don't know, its hard to explain... but... I've made my decision, and that is that..." Runo walked out of the room. "But Runo..." Dan watched her go. Twilight watched it and looked to Alice. "I suspect that there is something deeper than she's leading on..." she said to her. "I don't know if this means anything... but lately she's been kind of down..." Alice said to them. Julie turned to Tigrerra feeling curious. "Did she... say anything to Tigrerra...?" she asked her. "Not that I can think of..." Tigrerra said to her and looked to Fluttershy and Elvia. "Not even Fluttershy or Elvia knew about this..." "This is literally the first we've heard of it... I just can't believe she'd go through with something like this." Fluttershy said to them. Dan looked at where Runo went, knowing that there was no denying that there was something bothering her. Later that evening, Dan was walking home with Twilight while Spike stayed at the restaurant after hearing about Runo. "Man what is up with Runo...? Doesn't she realize we need her to defeat Masquerade...?" he wondered. "I'm sure she has her reasons... and in her own good time, she'll explain herself Daniel..." Drago said to him. Dan let out a sigh and looked ahead. "Yeah... guess this means we'll never brawl again..." he said as he looked at the sky. Twilight looked to him seeing his worried expression. "Dan... are you worried about Runo because you like her...?" she asked him Caught completely off guard by her question, Dan's face turned red as he panicked. "What?! No, its not like that!" he denied it. The pony princess smirked at him and crossed her hooves. "I'm not convinced... you like her Dan, you can't deny it, no matter how hard you try. You care about her, you want to see her brawling right by your side. You two are so inseparable its adorable... you can't deny that deep down, you really care about her and her Bakugan." she said to him. Dan looked away trying his best to deny it, but his red face said otherwise. "You know Daniel, she has a good point... you two have been together ever since we started uniting the brawlers. Deep in your heart, you know its true..." Drago said to him. Dan groaned from hearing it and shot his arms into the air. "YOU GUYS!" he groaned feeling frustrated and ran off. Twilight and Bahamut laughed seeing it, suddenly she got a call on her Bakupod and looked at it. "It's Chan Lee..." she answered it. "Chan...?" "Twilight... he's gone..." Chan said to her. Twilight was confused from what she meant but slowly put the pieces together. "Gone...? Who's gone Chan...?" she asked her. "Fourtress... Masquerade sent him to the Doom Dimension..." Chan said to her, earning shocked looks from both Twilight and Bahamut. "He went after Julio first and took his Tentaclear... I was next on his hit list. I have reason to believe Masquerade is targeting Billy, Komba, and Klaus next... then he's going after you and Dan. You need to be careful Twilight, his Hydranoid has gotten a lot stronger than before... what ever you do, don't battle him... I can't bear to see you and Bahamut face the same fate." she said to her. Twilight didn't know what to say, she didn't even know what to do at that point. But her magic aura wrapped around a lamp post, bending it as a way of showing how angry she was. "Chan... I'm sorry but I can't just sit by and let that animal get away with what he did to you and Fourtress... if anything, I'm going to help Dan fight him... no matter what..." she said to her. Chan looked at her but let out a sigh. "I figured as much..." she said to her but smiled at her. "What ever happens, just be careful... okay...?" she asked her. Twilight nodded to her as she turned off her Bakupod and sighed. Bahamut floated in front of her knowing she is scared, but is trying to hide it. "Twilight, we have to tell Dan..." he said to her. "We will... just, not right now... he's already got enough on his mind regarding Runo..." she said to him. Back at the restaurant, Runo was cleaning the dishes alone as she scrubbed a palte. "So many dishes... I'll never get this done..." she muttered as she tried to quickly put the plate in the dish drainer. But it slipped and fell towards the ground, but Rarity quickly caught the plate, giving Runo a sigh of relief. "Runo darling, are you sure about your decision...?" Rarity asked her. "Because you're frantic, you're panicked, and you're rushing things to the point you almost destroyed this plate." she pointed out to her. "Yes, you're clearly not thinking straight..." Tigrerra said to her. "I'm sure you two..." Runo said to them. "Its just that, well..." Tigrerra looked down feeling worried about her. "That's sweet you two are worried about me, but I made up my mind and that's the end of it." Runo said to them. "Hey, its really no big deal... I would find a broom, but you prevented a major accident..." she said to Rarity. "Are you sure Runo...?" Tigrerra asked her. Runo stood in a moment of silence from hearing it. "Yes Tigrerra, I'm sure..." she said to her and walked away. Rariry watched her go, feeling that she's unconvinced of what she's telling them. She walked over to Fluttershy and sat down. "Oh Fluttershy, I'm really worried... Runo just isn't being honest with herself... I know honesty is more Applejack's thing, but even I know a lie when I hear one." she said to her. "She just needs time to figure things out... she's scared, we all are... Masquerade has attacked a lot of innocent people, sending their Bakugan to the Doom Dimension. All to make his Hydranoid even stronger... there's no telling what he might do next..." Fluttershy said to her. "You said it Fluttershy..." Spike leaped onto the counter and sat down. "Every time I hear that name it makes my scales crawl..." he shuddered even from thinking about him. "Still gives me nightmares..." "For once the knave has a point..." Lancelot stood next to Elvia as he spoke up. "Masquerade is spreading fear like a wild fire... I feel that the betrayal of his former acolytes did not go well for him. He is likely to target them for leaving Naga's good graces, all to make sure he finds the Infinity Core..." he said to them. "Lancelot is right, I fear something terrible may have already happened..." Elvia said to them as Rarity, Spike and Fluttershy looked to each other in fear. Meanwhile, during a battle between Masquerade and Komba... Komba had his El Condor and Bee Striker out on the field, and he was feeling confident on this battle. "I know you think you're pretty tough Masquerade, but you better not underestimate me!" he warned the Darkus Brawler. "Ha! Bakugan Brawl!" he shot Hydranoid onto the field El Condor was on. "Hydranoid Stand!" he called out as the massive hydra emerged, letting out a vicious roar. "New Battle detected." said the Bakupod. "Sam old trick, Gate Card open! Reinforcement!" Komba called out as the card activated. "With this card, my power level shoots up a hundred times the number of Bakugan the same attribute in play." he explained as El Condor felt power flowing into it. "El Condor power level increase, to 440 G's." said the Bakupod. "Sorry Komba, but you're still no match for my Hydranoid." Masquerade said to him. "Yeah, but I'm just getting started. Time to pull out my ace! Ability Activate!" he called out as he held out the card. "Hot Blast!" he spoke the cards name as El Condor's mouth opened unleash hot air against Hydranoid. "Now your lame Hydranoid is gonna drop a hundred G's!" he said to Masquerade. "Hydranoid power loss detected." said the Bakupod. "You're starting to bore me..." Masquerade held up an ability card. "Ability Activate!" he tossed it into the air. "Thought I'd give you a little buzz with your Bee Striker... with my Chaos... of the... Darkness...!" he said to him with a dark tone. Lightning came down onto Hydranoid, and he unleashed a blast of Darkus Energy onto Bee Striker. Komba was shocked when he saw it happen. "Oh no!" he cried out seeing his Bee Striker sent to the Doom Dimension. "He canceled out my ability!" he exclaimed as he looked to the field. "El Condor power decrease of 100 G's." said the Bakupod. Hydranoid meanwhile still had the Chaos of the Darkness ability still in effect as he blasted El Condor as well, sending El Condor into the Doom Dimension. "H-How in the world did you do that?!" Komba asked him as Hydranoid returned to ball form. Harpus flew up to him looking eager. "Komba, put me in! You need me, I can beat Hydranoid!" she said to him. Komba turned facing her. "But Harpus... what if...?" he didn't even want to think of the possibility. "You know I can do this! Please! I won't let you down, I promise!" Harpus rolled into ball form, flying to Komba. He took her feeling unsure, but he couldn't lose faith in her. "OKay, you're on... Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed her onto the field. "Harpus Stand!" he called out as Harpus emerged on the field. She let out a screech as she appeared. "Time for new girl power!" she giggled. Masquerade let out a chuckle from seeing her. "I hope you like the Doom Dimension Harpus." he said to her. "Oh no, if you're trying to scare me, you're not doing a very good job. But you're still cute... but not as cute as that big hunk, Avion." Harpus said to him. "Love to stay and chat... but, Bakugan Brawl!" he shot Hydranoid back onto the field to face Harpus. "Hydranoid Stand!" he called out as Hydranoid emerged on the field, growling at Harpus. "Scary! And I'm not just talking about your dental work!" Harpus made fun of him and turned to Komba. "Kombat! You ready to play?" she asked him. "Yeah! Gate Card open! Energy Merge!" Komba called out as the card activated. "Harpus power increase to 470 G's. Hydranoid power decreased to 350 G's." said the Bakupod. Harpus laughed at the hydra as Komba pulled out another ability. "You're done Masquerade! Ability Card activate! Feather Blast!" he called out. "Ready for a little feather dusting?!" Harpus unleashed a whirlwind of feathers against Hydranoid. But before it could make an impact, Masquerade had another trick up his sleeve. "Chaos of the Darkness...!" he called out as Hydranoid unleashed a ball of Darkus energy against the whirlwind. "Nice try, but you're low on power... and if you haven't already noticed, Harpus is up to 570 G's." Komba said to him. But Masquerade didnt'c are one way or the other. "Fusion Ability activate! Destruction Blaster!" he tossed the card to the energy blast as it strengthened it more. "Fusion Ability voids Feather Blast ability. Chaos of Darkness increases Hydranoid power to 550 G's. Harpus decreased to 470 G's." said the Bakupod. "No way!" Komba exclaimed in shock. Harpus panicked seeing what happened, as the blast made contact with her leaving Komba in a state of shock. "NOOOO!!!!" he cried out. Harpus struggled to stay strong, but the blast was weakening her. "I'm melting!" she cried out as the blast finally knocked her out of the sky. "Harpus!" Komba cried out seeing her fall. The harpy fell to her doom as tears brimmed in her eyes. "I guess I lose... sorry Komba..." she apologized to him for failing him. "Harpus no!" Komba watched as the gate to the Doom dimension opened bellow Harpus. She fell towards it in defeat. "Goodbye... Komba..." she fell to her doom as the gateway closed behind her. Komba fell to his knee's as he looked to Masquerade. "Masquerade... you win..." he said to him before passing out on the ground as Masquerade chuckled darkly at the fallen brawler. Back at Runo's, the poor girl was having a hard time sleeping as she tossed and turned having a bad dream. In the dream, she is confronted by Masquerade who challenged her to a battle. "No! I said I'd never battle again!" she said to him as he walked towards her "And you can't make me! Go away! I mean it! Leave me alone!" she warned him. But the gate to the Doom Dimension opened behind him as Tigrerra appeared in her full form. She cried out as she was pulled into the dark dimension, shocking the blue haired girl as tears ran down her face. "TIGRERRA!!!!!" she cried out, only to wake up from the dream as she gasped and sat up looking around feeling more panicked than before. She panted harshly knowing it could happen to her. "What a nightmare..." Tigerra sat in a small doll house as she looked at Runo. "Are you alright Runo...?" she asked her concerned. "Yeah I... I dreamt that Masquerade had me cornered, and then he sent you to the Doom Dimension..." Runo said to her still feeling scared out of her mind. Seeing it, Tigrerra knew that she couldn't stay in hiding forever. Fluttershy believed that too as she work up and looked to her. "Runo... don't you think its time you reconsidered...?" she asked her. "Fluttershy has a point Runo... I know you believe you are doing the right thing. But running from your fears is not the answer... if you let this get between you and your friends, you will never truly be happy..." Elvia said to her as she was living in the same little doll house as Tigrerra. "And that my dear, is selfish... what would Dan think of you...?" "Elvia...!" Tigrerra exclaimed to what she said. "I am merely making a point here Tigrerra... if she wants them to be safe, then she needs to face reality..." Elvia said to her and went to her separate room in the doll house. Runo meanwhile, had much to think about. The next day, during a battle between Masquerade and Billy. Masquerade had already loaded Hydranoid into his Bakushooter. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot him onto the field facing Manion. "Hydranoid Stand!" he called out at the hydra emerged on the field. "This is the end Billy!" he said to him. "Hydranoid enters battle at 450 G's." said the Bakupod. Cycloid turned to Billy knowing what will happen to Manion. "Boss! We're in trouble, so what do you think we should do now?" he asked him on what to do. Billy panicked knowing how powerful Hydranoid is, but he had to take a chance. "Gate Card open! Quicksand Freeze!" he called out as the card activated. But that didn't stop Hydranoid from using his tail to smack Manion straight into the Doom Dimension. The quicksand slowly began to bring Hydranoid down into it. Billy chuckled seeing it. "Looks like I got you up against the ropes... now... Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in his Tuskor onto the field. "Tuskor Stand!" he called out as the elephant Bakugan Emerged onto the field. "Ability Activate! Grand Slide!" he called out as the card slid towards the one Cycloid was on. "There's no way you can get to my Cycloid now Masquerade!" he said to him as Cycloid hopped over to the card knowing they had Hydranoid in a pinch. "Cycloid power level increase to 680 G's. Hydranoid decreases 50 G's." said the Bakupod. "Okay... get him!" he said to Cycloid and Tuskor. But Masquerade wasn't about to give them the chance. "Ability Card Activate! Auragano Revenge!" he called out as he tossed the card letting a powerful dark mist surround Cycloid and Tuskor. "What the...?!" Cycloid panicked. Even Billy panicked from seeing it. "Hydranoid now in lead." said the Bakupod as the power levels changed. "Take this!" Hydranoid blasted at Tuskor with a stream of dark fire, sending him to the Doom Dimension. Cycloid panicked as Hydranoid turned to him and blasted him away, Cycloid struggled to stay standing, but the attack was too much to handle. "Hey boss... I'm hit...!" he said to him as he got blasted and Billy screamed from it, rolling on the ground. "I'm gonna... miss you Billy!" he cried out as he got pulled into the Doom Dimension. Billy struggled to get up and saw it happen. "Oh no... Cycloid..." he struggled, only to pass out as Masquerade claimed his victory. Meanwhile at Julie's place, the toy cowboy fell on the table earning Julie's and Applejack's attention. "Whoa, how did that happen...?" Applejack asked as she picked it up. Julie at that point, gasped in realizing what had happened. "I have got a really weird feeling about this..." she panicked. "Dost show signs of a bad omen... a sign that Lord Billy may have been in great danger..." Centorea spoke of it as she looked to Gorem. "I'm with Centorea on this... if something happened to Billy, he will contact us if it has..." Gorem said to them. Julie was only more concerned from hearing it. "Fear not Miss Julie... thou must not fear for Lord Billy. Yes something terrible has befallen Lord Billy, but thou must have faith that he is safe..." she said to her in hopes he will contact them. Julie wanted to have faith, and she knew that Centorea was right. At Runo's place, Runo was still sitting in her room with Tigrerra thinking over what Elvia said last night and looked to her. "Tigrerra...?" she spoke up. "Yeeessss...?" Tigrerra responded to her. "Do you think everyone's upset...?" Runo asked her and looked down. "Is it my fault Bakugan have been sent to the Doom Dimension...?" she asked. Tigrerra pondered the question a bit and looked to her. "I would say they are more worried Runo... like me, Fluttershy, and Elvia. Your friends don't understand your decision to quit Bakugan, as you know I always be there for you. Whether you battle again or not... I am your friend and that will never change, and deep within my heart... I trust you know what you are doing." she said to her partner. Runo was actually touched by her words as she smiled at her Bakugan Partner. "Thank you..." she said to her. "You're welcome my dear..." Tigrerra said to her. Suddenly a tap is heard at the window as it caught their attention. "It looks like I'm not the only one worried about you..." she pointed out. Runo walked to the window and opened it and found Dan and Twilight outside. "I can't believe you just threw me!" Drago yelled at him. "Relax Drago, how else was I supposed to get her attention?" Dan asked him. "Well next time, try using a stone Dan..." Twilight said to him. Dan soon turned his attention seeing Runo in the window. "Runo! Brought you something..." he tossed it up to her seeing her catch it. "Its an energy drink... when you said you were through with battling yesterday... I noticed you were kinda drained. So I brought you my special juice, its loaded with lots of good junk..." he said to her as she was surprised by it. "See ya!" he said to her and ran off, only to feel Twilight use her magic to pull him back knowing he wasn't finished. "Oh, and its cool you don't want to brawl anymore... I'll cover ya, later!" he ran off. Runo watched him go, still feeling surprised of what happened. "S-Sure..." she said to him seeing him go. At that moment, Twilight flew up to her. "Word of advice... don't drink it, I tried it myself... and its really bad..." she said to her and looked to where Dan went. "One more thing, he was really worried about you yesterday..." Runo looked to her surprised. "He was...?" she asked as her face had as light redness on it. "You should have seen his face when I asked him... turns out he's worried that he really cares about you." Twilight said to her as Runo's face turned even more red from hearing it. "Anyways, Bahamut and I better catch up to him before he gets into trouble again... see ya..." she flew off after them. Runo watched her go as Tigrerra looked to her. "My, my... seems Dan is quite a softy after all..." she said to her. At that moment, Runo's face was still slightly red as she smiled leaning against the window frame. "I guess he is..." she said to her. Unaware that Fluttershy and Rarity were watching as the smiled looking to each other, because the finally saw the connection spark between Dan and Runo. Meanwhile, a battle was taking place between Masquerade and Klaus as Masquerade grinned at him. "So... you ready to lose Klaus...? Bakugan Brawl!" he shot Hydranoid onto the field. "Hydranoid Stand!" he called out as the hydra reemerged on the field roaring out. "Ability Activate! Gravity Chamber!" he called out as power flowed around Hydranoid. "This is the power of darkness!" he said to Klaus as a whirlwind of darkness flowed around Hydranoid. "Oh no...!" Klaus panicked seeing both his Aquos Griffon and Stinglash get sucked into the dark storm. "I must hang on... Ability Activate! Dive Mirage!" he tossed it to Griffon, saving him... but wasn't able to save Stinglash. "Oh no... I'm so out of my league..." he said to himself. Masquerade chuckled as he looked to Hydranoid. "Yes Hydranoid... believe in the power...!" he said to him, as Hydranoid's power has finally gotten him to evolve just like Drago. His form changed to a two legged being, with two heads, and a large buzz saw in his torso. Turning the hydra... into Dual Hydranoid. Klaus was shocked from what he was looking at. "Unreal..." he said as he stared at Hydranoid's new form. A chuckle came from Masquerade. "Well Klaus, what do you think of my new evolved Hydranoid?" he asked him. "He... evolved...?" Klaus asked still feeling shocked. Sirenoid soon approached him. "Listen Klaus... use me, its your only chance." she said to him. Klaus turned to her not willing to. "I can't Sirenoid... I can't risk losing you in battle." he said to her. "You don't have a choice... once you put me in play, throw down your Mind Ghost ability. Trust me!" Sirenoid pleaded to him. But Klaus was still uncertain... there were too many strings attached. Was it worth the risk...? "It just might work..." Klaus said to her, but still feared the risk. "But we must hurry... now play me Klaus..." Sirenoid said to him. "Okay... but we have to be extremely careful. Here it goes..." Klaus tossed the card onto the field. "I won't let you down Klaus..." she said to him as he took her in his hand. Klaus held her for a bit, but looked to the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed her to the field. "Sirenoid Stand!" he called out as Sirenoid emerged on the field. Just at that moment, Hydranoid appeared before her. Masquerade chuckled seeing her. "Ability Activate! Gazer Exedra! Hydranoid... do some damage to that Griffon!" he said to him as Hydranoid turned his attention to the Griffon, launching two energy blasts at it gets blasted away into the Doom Dimension. Klaus, was not pleased with what happened. "You'll pay for this...!" he warned the Darkus Brawler. Masquerade only smirked and looked to Sirenoid. "Oh, and now its your turn Sirenoid..." he said to her. "I won't let you destroy me...! Never...!" Sirenoid glared at him. "Yes... we'll see about that..." Masquerade said to her as Hydranoid roared out. Klaus at the moment hesitated, but knew what needed to be done. "Gate Card open, Peacemaker!" he called out as both Hydranoid and Sirenoid returned to ball form. Sirenoid was shocked as she looked to Klaus. "What's wrong why didn't you listen?! I told you to use your Mind Ghost ability! You can't defeat the evolved Hydranoid without it!" she yelled at him. Masquerade chuckled seeing their little quarrel. "So... are you saying you want to surrender...?" he asked them. Klaus glared at him holding onto Sirenoid. "Not a chance... there's no way I'm putting Sirenoid at risk against you. But watch... Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed Sirenoid to the field. "Sirenoid Stand!" he called out as Sirenoid emerged from the depths facing Laserman. "Gate Card open!" Masquerade called out as it activated. "Laserman power level increased to 670 G's." said the Bakupod. Klaus looked over the stats knowing this was bad. "Sirenoid can't even come close to that kind of power in battle... that is enough! Ability Activate! Dive Mirage!" he called out as the field became water. "Swim to another card Sirenoid!" he said to her only to see her swim to the card on the right. "What? No Sirenoid, not there! That's a Mind Ghost Card, what are you doing?!" he asked her. "My purpose is to serve you Klaus, however your strategy can only lead to failure. I'm sorry, but I must defy your orders..." Sirenoid said to him and looked away. Klaus was shocked as he looked at her. "Sirenoid, you're wrong! You can't do this!" he said to her. "Oh, problems in paradise?" Masquerade asked them as he readied Hydranoid. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot him to the field Sirenoid was on. "Dual Hydranoid Stand!" he called out as the hydra emerged on the field, growling at the siren. Klaus panicked from seeing it. "I wasn't expecting that..." he muttered. At that moment, the Gate Card glowed as Sirenoid looked to her master. "Everything will be fine Klaus..." she said to him as she leaped towards Hydranoid. "YOU'RE MINE HYDRANOID!!!" she exclaimed as she charged at him. "SIRENOID!" Klaus cried out seeing it. Meanwhile, Masquerade only chuckled at her choice. "So your little plan is to sacrifice yourself for that idiot you call your master huh...? Not very bright..." he said to her. "Ability Card Activate! Grand Down!" he tossed the card to the Gate Card and nullified it. Sirenoid gasped from seeing it. "Sirenoid, turn back!" Klaus said to her. "Little late, your Gate Card is completely useless... and your Bakugan is on a one way trip" Masquerade said to them. Sirenoid looked to the hydra and panicked as he blasted her away. Klaus saw her flying back and rushed to her grabbing her hand. "Sirenoid no!" he struggled as the gate to the Doom Dimension started pulling her in. "Klaus, you have to let me go... or you'll be pulled in too...!" she said to him. Klaus struggled to hold on to her. "I won't...!" he said to her. "Let me go Klaus..." Sirenoid pleaded to him. "I'm not letting you go!" Klaus exclaimed as tears brimmed. Sirenoid saw them as tears brimmed in her eyes. "I wish we could have been together... if only I were human..." she said to him as her hand let go of his wrist. Klaus' eyes widened seeing it as the gate started pulling her in, he struggled to hold onto her... but his hands were too sweaty and her hand slipped out of his. "Goodbye Klaus... I will never forget you... GOODBYE!" she said to him as she fell into the Doom Dimension. "SIRENOID!" he cried out seeing her disappear right before his eyes. "It wasn't supposed... to end like this..." he struggled only to pass out. Meanwhile, Masquerade turned away from the passed out brawler and chuckled. "Okay Brawlers... I'm coming for you next... even you Princess Twilight..." he said as he grinned. Back at Runo's place, Runo just gave the brawlers and the Main six another big announcement... which literally stunned them. "WHAAAAAT?!!!" the asked her. "You can't be serious..." Dan said to her. "C-Could you please repeat that Runo...?" Marucho asked her. Runo smiled at them. "I said... I'm retiring from retiring from Bakugan battling. Which means, I'm back in the game." she said to them. "Yes but... what changed your mind this time...?" Pinkie asked her out of curiosity. "Yeah sugarcube, is everything alright...?" Applejack asked her. Alice turned facing Runo. "Weren't you worried about something Runo...?" she asked her. "Well, yes but... I'm just being kind of silly." Runo said to them and noticed Elvia looking at her. "And... maybe a little selfish, kind of feeling sorry for myself. Turns out... I was letting down my friends, and realized I could never let that happen. You guys, and you ponies... are all like family to me." she said to them with a smile. "Well, if that was a friendship lesson, it certainly was a good one... right Twilight?" Rarity asked her. "You're right about that Rarity..." Twilight replied to her. Dan stood up from his seat and smiled at her. "That a girl Runo, nice to have you back again." he said to her with a smile. "Alright!" Julie cheered as Marucho, Alice and most of the Main Six along with Spike nodded. "Thanks a lot guys, this really means a lot to me." Runo said to her. "Now, who's hungry? What'll you have...?" she asked them. "Let me think..." Dan thought about it, and got a wild idea. "Everything on the dessert menu!" he said to her. But the response he got... was not what he expected. "Hey! Don't push your luck buster! Besides... you're looking a little pudgy lately. Here..." she gave him a glass of carrot juice. (Or was it...? ) "Have some nice carrot juice..." she said to him. Dan panicked knowing what it really is. "T-Thanks, but no thanks... oh man, this stuff smells nasty..." he tried not to gag. Runo giggled seeing it. "Its the same juice you brought by my house yesterday Dan... it might have gone bad, why don't you try some..?" she asked him. Dan only plugged his nose and gagged at it. "Well, it looks like everything's back to normal..." said Marucho as she watched them. Even Applejack smirked seeing it. "They make a cute couple..." she pointed out. Alice nodded in agreement. "Yes, they do..." she said to her. "Hey, knock off the couples stuff!" Runo said to them. "Yeah, we're just friends!" Dan exclaimed to them. The group laughed at them, seeing their blushing faces. "Hey, what's so funny?! Seriously!" she said to them knowing that this was far from funny, it was embarrassing. But she looked at them knowing that deep inside her heart, she couldn't deny it was actually quite true. But they still needed to prepare for what was coming... because Masquerade and Hydranoid... we just getting started. > Show Down > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Wardington the next day, citizens were enjoying their little shopping spree at the mall. Even Julie... who had Applejack, Marucho and Pinkie along for the ride. Julie was checking out some necklaces to see what suits her best. "So what do you think guys? Should I get this one or one of those other fourteen?" she asked them as she looked at herself in the mirror. "Like I said, the first one looked just fine on you..." Marucho was quick to tell her but soon noticed a group of girls, which immediately got him panicked "Uh, come on lets go Julie... I mean what if someone see's me in here? I do have a reputation as a Bakugan Brawler to uphold and this place is rather..." suddenly something caught Marucho's attention. "I'm with Marucho on this Julie... I already had three girls walk up to me and say how cute I am, and I was close to biting them." Applejack said to her. Pinkie soon noticed at what Marucho was looking at and approached. "Hey Marucho, what'cha looking at?" she asked and looked seeing Dan and Twilight walk around the store. "Hey look..." she pointed out. Julie took notice and walked over. "What is it you guys, see something you like?" she asked but soon saw Dan and Twilight. "What's Dan and Twilight doin-" before Marucho and Pinkie could ask, Applejack and Julie covered their mouths and hid somewhere neither Dan or Twilight could find them. But it didn't go unnoticed from several young girls who stared at them surprised of what they were doing. Julie poked her head out seeing Dan and Twilight looking around the store. "Dan...? Twilight...?" she watched what he was doing. Dan pulled up a cute little necklace of a little frog, he smiled at it as he held it. "This baby ought to do the trick... what do you think Twilight?" he asked her. "Yes, she'll love it... lets get it purchased and surprise her." Twilight said to him and walked to the cash register, unaware that they were being watched. "Curious..." said Marucho as he watched him. "I didn't realize Dan went for the bling-bling..." "But each to his own Marucho..." Pinkie said to him. "No silly, don't you get it? Dan obviously came here to buy a special gift for Runo..." Julie said to them. "Well, those two are getting awfully cuddly with each other... its actually amazing you hadn't even made the first move Julie..." Applejack said to her with a smirk. "HEY!" Julie screamed at her. After paying for the little frog necklace, the cashier gave it to him in a package. "Here you go..." she said to him. Dan took it from her. "Thanks..." he said to her and walked out with Twilight. The cashier watched him go but soon noticed Julie, Marucho, Applejack and Pinkie watching him. "Uh, can I help all of you?" she asked them as she gave them a stern look. "No thanks, we're with him..." Julie said to her with a creepy look on her face and rushed off. "Yeah..." Marucho rushed off with Pinkie and Applejack to catch up with Dan and Twilight. But by the time the rushed to the door as it opened, Dan and Twilight were standing right there as they panicked and accidently crashed into them. But both Marucho and Julie rubbed their faces from it and looked seeing a familiar face. "It's Joe!" they exclaimed in unison. "Hey!" Joe greeted them seeing their surprised faces. At Runo's place, Joe immediately surprised everyone and everypony when he arrived. "Wow, this is a surprise... I didn't expect any of you guys to walk in with Joe..." Runo said to them. "We were pretty surprised to see him too..." Dan said to her as he looked to the others. "Weren't we...?" "Yeah!" Julie chimed in. "You bet sugarcube..." Applejack said to him. "I thought I'd suffered a minor concussion..." Marucho said to them. "You and me both Marucho..." Pinkie said to him and giggled. Alice served him a drink while some boys were starring at her in the background. "I'm glad to see you, and you look really good..." she said to him noticing he's feeling a lot better than before. Joe took a sip off his drink and looked to them. "Thanks... I feel really good too..." he thought back to Wavern when she cured him. "Wavern kind of filled me in on a lot of things..." he said to them. "For instance, how she was able to hide the Infinity Core within her..." Drago spoke up as he looked to Joe. Joe scratched his head a bit from hearing it. "That's right, you know I really wanted to come hang out with the brawlers as soon as I was able to... and here I am!" he cheered and looked to them. "I missed you guys..." he looked to Twilight and her friends. "Even you girls and Spike..." "Aww, shucks... thanks Joe..." Spike said to him. "We missed you to Joe..." Fluttershy said to him as she cleaned her tears. "Really we did..." "Oh come now Fluttershy, no need for tears..." Rarity used a handkerchief to clean them as she sniffed. "Even though... I'm really not one to talk..." she said as she tried cleaning her tears to prevent her mascara from getting ruined. "Okay! I'd say its time to celebrate!" Dan turned to Runo. "Garson... another round over here! On Runo's tab..." he pointed out. Which immediately got Runo angry as she balled up a fist. "Easy big spender!" she clobbered him in the head as everyone laughed at him for it. Dan rubbed his head as Runo scowled at him. "Unfortunately... I got some bad news to tell you guys..." Joe said to them earning their attention to hear him out. "Let me guess... Masquerade...?" Twilight asked him. Joe nodded to her as he held his hands together. "He took down Chan..." he said to them. Everyone and everypony gasped from hearing it. "You're kidding!" Dan exclaimed as he stood up from his chair. "He isn't Dan, I got a call from Chan that Masquerade took her Fourtress..." Twilight said to him. "And you didn't think to tell us about it?" Applejack asked her. "He was occupied with worrying about Runo, remember...?" Twilight asked her as the other ponies nodded in response knowing she had a point. "And its not only Chan... I got some serious information that Julio was hit by him as well..." Joe informed them. Runo and Fluttershy were shocked to hear about it. "Julio too?!" she asked them. Julie panicked as she looked to Applejack. "I guess that means... he got to Billy..." she remembered when the toy cowboy fell down. "I doubt it ended there..." Applejack said to her. "Most likely... probably all his other sidekicks too..." Joe thought about Klaus and the others imagining what they were going through at the time. At that moment, Dan slammed his fists on the table in anger. "Darn it! It's gotta be revenge...! He's getting revenge on all of them!" he exclaimed. "No Dan, I think that there's more to all of this than simple revenge..." Joe said to him. "He is probably trying to increase Hydranoid's power level, in order to make him evolve..." said Drago as he was on the table. "Makes sense..." Tigrerra hopped up next to him. "Fourtress and Sirenoid were very powerful Bakugan..." she said to him. "But then that could mean..." Pinkie theorized as she looked to Marucho. Julie looked to Applejack with the same theory. "That could mean that Hydranoid has already evolved..." she said to her. "He's bringing out his endgame, no doubt about it... I can only imagine what that monster looks like now..." Applejack said to her. At that moment, Dan stood up on the table freaking Runo and several of the customers out. "And I say bring it on! Cause Drago has already evolved, so quit hiding in the shadows like a chicken I know you are!" he exclaimed. Runo quickly tugged on his coat. "You think you could maybe save it for the day there dingus...?" she asked him. Dan was confused but soon realized his blunder as all the customers and brawlers stared at him as he let out a nervous chuckle. Joe smiled and stood up from his chair. "Well then... I guess I'll be going..." he walked passed Dan and Runo. "Thanks for the drink..." he thanked Runo. "Huh...? You're leaving already...?" Twilight asked him. Joe turned to face them. "Yeah, sorry guys... I'm kind of in the middle of a trip with my mom. She said she wanted to take me to all kinds of cool new places because I was cooped up in that hospital for so long... I gotta say, its been a blast so far." he said to them. "I sure wish I could go with you." Marucho said to him. "Yeah, me too! I want to see where your mom goes next." said Pinkie feeling excited. "Thanks again you guys... see you later." Joe was about to walk out the door. "Hey bud..." Dan gained his attention. "Stop by the chat room now and then... you know, keep in touch..." he said to him. "Okay!" Joe accepted his offer and walked out. Meanwhile, Twilight looked to the others feeling worried. "If Hydranoid has indeed evolved, I think we might be in big trouble here..." she said to them. "You said it Twilight... in fact... I'm more worried about Rainbow Dash and Shun." Spike said to her and looked to the others. "There's no telling what they will do if they found out..." "I'm afraid Spike may have a point..." Bahamut said to them as he approached. "If Masquerade got Chan, Klaus, Julio and Billy..." he listed them off. "It's more than likely they went after Komba and Harpus..." Scylla added to the list as she looked down knowing Skyress will not be happy when she finds out. At the Kazami Dojo, Shun, Rainbow Dash and Harpus were looking at the video that Komba sent them. "He got me Master Shun... I beg you and Rainbow Dash, get revenge for Harpus!" he pleaded in the video. Shun put it on an endless loop to her the words over, and over again. Skyress listened to it and looked down as she stood next to Avion. "Harpus..." she thought about the young harpy even though she was rude before. "Poor thing..." "She should have known better than to take on Hydranoid on her own..." Avion said to her and looked to the screen. "But you're right... she didn't deserve such a grim fate..." Rainbow Dash slammed her hoof on the wall of the dojo in frustration. "Curse that Masquerade... attacking his sidekicks, sending their Bakugan to the Doom Dimension?! He just made a big mistake!" she exclaimed in anger. "Rainbow, calm yourself!" Avion said to her. "We will avenge them, the time to attack will come... but it is not now..." he said to her. Rainbow Dash was about to object, but she couldn't find the words to argue with him on the matter. Meanwhile, Shun looked at the footage as his eyes squinted. "You'll pay Masquerade... that we promise..!" he said as he clenched his fist. Back at Runo's place, Alice was cleaning the dishes with Fluttershy as Runo walked in. "Don't worry Alice, I'll finish those... why don't you take a bath or something...?" she asked her. "Sounds good, thanks..." Alice said to her as she undoes her apron but soon started getting dizzy. "I... appreciate it..." she stumbled and nearly fell. Fluttershy quickly caught her from falling. "Alice...! What's the matter? You okay...?" she asked her. "Yeah, sure... I'm okay Fluttershy, I just had a little dizzy spell, that's all." Alice said to her. Runo walked over and helped her up. "You look tired... maybe you should just go to bed." Runo suggested. Panting a bit, Alice nodded to her. "You're right, I think I'll do that Runo..." she walked away with Runo. Seeing it, Fluttershy looked to Elvia worried. "What do you suppose just happened Elvia...?" she asked her. "I'm not sure Fluttershy... it could be she nearly passed out from exhaustion. She has been working hard since she first started working here at Runo's restaurant." Elvia theorized and looked to where Alice went. "But then again... I can't help but notice that she's been this way a lot lately..." she thought to herself. At Marucho's house, he, Julie, Pinkie Pie and Applejack walked through the corridor. Marucho was still thinking about that little frog Dan bought at the mall. "I wonder why Dan bought that little frog necklace from the other day, its been bugging me." he said to them as he pondered as to why. "The more I think about it, the more I don't actually think its for Runo..." Julie said to him. "Oh, and you would be an expert on that how...?" Applejack asked her as she gave her a look. "Well, it couldn't be... I mean she might be afraid of frogs." said Julie in her own defense. Normally, Applejack would let things slide... but one look to Pinkie, they were thinking the same exact thing. "DENIAL!" they said in unison. Julie wanted to object to it, but was quickly cut off by Marucho. "Maybe he's gonna wear it to an amphibious theme party..." he suggested. "Well, no point in wondering about it you guys, lets sleep on it..." Pinkie said to them. Marucho sighed knowing she was right. "Yeah, sounds good..." Marucho agreed with her as the group separated, Applejack going with Julie, and Pinkie Pie going with Marucho. Back at Dan's house, he was sleeping in his bed while Twilight slept by his feet as he snored up a storm. But a shadow loomed over him as he opened his eyes, and saw that it was Masquerade. He gasped and shot up from his bed. "It's Masquerade!" he exclaimed as Twilight woke up and saw him. Dan got out of bed and stood facing him. "What the heck are you doing here?!" he demanded to know. Masquerade smirked as he vanished, Twilight looked for him and saw him appear behind Dan. "Dan, behind you!" she yelled. "You were the one who asked me to come out of the shadows." said Masquerade. Dan and Twilight turned facing him with a glare as Dan pointed his finger at him. "Oh yeah, I called you a chicken too! I want a brawl right here and now!" he said to him only to see him vanish. He and Twilight looked around to find him. "Where did he go?" he looked around hearing a chuckle. Twilight looked up and saw him on the sealing. "Easy tough guy... I've already decided the time and place." he held out a white card. "And then we'll see who's chicken!" he tossed the card at Dan. Dan flinched only to wake up and find that he was dreaming the whole scenario. "I'm not chicken!" he exclaimed and looked around. "Guess it was just a dream..." "No, it wasn't Dan..." Twilight said to him as she showed the card Masquerade left. "It was real... he's goading us into fighting him, and knowing that you have a prime reputation for being a stubborn hot head, you're going to accept it." she said to him. Dan took the card looking at it, knowing that there was no turning away from it. "Masquerade... I've had enough, I'm going to take you down for everything you've done!" he said to himself as he clenched the card. Twilight sighed knowing she can't talk him out of it, besides... it is Dan Kuso after all. The next morning, Miyoko and Spike were once again working on their yoga while Dan and Twilight were getting ready for the battle with Masquerade. "See ya mom!" Dan called out to her. Miyoko looked to where he and Twilight were. "You and Twilight be home for dinner, I'm making something special okay?" she said to them. "You heard her Twilight! Your number one assistant agrees with her, can't go a day on an empty stomach." Spike said to her. "I will Spike!" Twilight responded to him but looked to Dan. "Dan, the gift...?" she reminded him of the gift he bought. Dan panicked from remembering it and rushed back to her, earning her attention. "Oh, you're back...?" she asked him. He walked over to her letting out a small chuckle. "Yeah, kinda..." he handed the gift to her which surprised her. "Today's your birthday, so Twilight and I thought we'd..." he smiled a bit. "Oh my... I... forgot...!" Miyoko panicked as she took the gift and started opening it. "Okay, see ya!" Dan ran to the door to get his shoes on. Miyoko opened the package and pulled out the frog necklace and was amazed by it. "Dan wanted it to be something special, I guess the frog pretty much counts at this point, doesn't it?" Twilight asked her with a smile. Smiling at the gift, Miyoko rushed and looked to where Dan was. "Daniel..." she called him gaining his attention. "Yeah...?" Dan answered her. She held up the frog giving him a wink. "Thanks so much..." she said to him. Dan chuckled nervously and ran off. "No prob, gotta go!" he took off as Twilight rolled her eyes with a smirk and flew after him. Miyoko smiled seeing them go and looked to the little frog, she smiled happily that he remembered. "That was sure nice of him..." she said as she went back to her yoga. "Yeah..." Spike agreed with her but looked out starting to feel worried. "Why do I get the feeling something bad is about to happen...?" he wondered. Later that evening by the pier... Dan was walking beside Twilight as they remembered their past battles, and how they met one another. They walked passed Runo, Fluttershy and Rarity who followed after them. Following after them, were Marucho, Pinkie Pie, Julie, and Applejack. Running across the containers, Shun and Rainbow Dash joined the group as they walked towards Masquerade... to what they believed... to be the final battle. "Okay... lets do this now...!" Dan said to him. Masquerade pulled out a gate card and smirked. "Go ahead and draw..." he said to him. "With pleasure...!" Twilight held out her card. Their cards began to glow. "Bakugan! Field Open!" they called out as they entered the pocket dimension battlefield. As they entered, Masquerade pulled out the Doom Card with an evil grin. "Doom Card set..." he dropped it onto the ground as the field absorbed it. "Twilight, you sure you want to go through with this...?" Dan asked her. "Hey... we're a team... so don't worry about it." Twilight smiled at him as he smiled in return. The three battlers readied their Bakugan but pulled out their gate cards. "Gate Card Set!" they tossed their cards onto the field. Masquerade pulled out a second gate card to add to the field. "Gate Card set!" he tossed it to the field seeing it expand. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot his Darkus Wormquake onto he field. "Wormquake Stand!" he called out as the multi-fanged worm emerged before them and roared out. "Alright Dan, be careful out there..." Twilight said to him. "Got it, my turn! Bakugan Brawl!" Dan shot his Pyrus Griffon onto the field. "Griffon, Stand!" he called out as Griffon emerged on the field and roared out spreading his wings. "Pyrus Griffon, 10 G advantage." said the Bakupod. Griffon snarled as he charged at Wormquake and tackled it, at that instant, Masquerade smirked looking at the battle stats. "Gate Card Open! Energy Merge!" he called out as Worquake began drawing energy from Griffon. "100 G's transferred to Darkus Wormquake." said the Bakupod as Griffon was about to be annihilated. "You think that'll stop me? Ability Card Activate! Fire Tornado!" Dan called out as flames swirled around Griffon. "100 G's transferred back to Pyrus Griffon." said the Bakupod. Griffon charged at Wormquake with the fire tornado around him, and slammed it against Wormquake... burning it to a crisp and forcing it back into ball form. Masquerade only chuckled seeing it, knowing he still had this battle in his favor. Meanwhile, the onlookers watched from the sidelines observing the battle. "Okay, so the first win goes to Dan..." said Runo as she observed it. "Yes, but we can't get our hopes up yet... Dan and Twilight need to watch out for Hydranoid. There's no telling what that beast will do..." Rarity said to her. Runo nodded to her knowing she's right, meanwhile Griffon returned to Dan as he looked to Masquerade. "I win..." he said to him. "That time... Bakugan Brawl!" Masquerade shot in his Darkus Laserman onto the field. "Laserman, Stand!" he called out as Laserman emerged on the field, ready for battle. "Power level, 370 G's." said the Bakupod. "370? I'll go with Griffon again..." Dan was about to send him in. "Wait Dan!" Twilight quickly stopped him. "Its too risky... let me take this one..." she said to him as she pulled out a Pyrus Siege. "Bakugan Brawl!" she shot Siege onto the field. "Siege, Stand!" she called out as Siege emerged on the field. "Pyrus Siege, Power Level 400 G's." said the Bakupod. "I just hope I'm not wrong..." she muttered. Siege charged at Laserman holding his staff in hand, meanwhile Masquerade formed a smirk on his face. "Alright, Gate Card Open! Joker's Wild!" he called out as a wisp of dark smoke blew Siege straight into the Doom Dimension. "Oh no, Siege!" Dan panicked from seeing it happen. "I had a feeling that would happen... what was that Masquerade?! They haven't even brawled yet!" Twilight stated. Masquerade's Laserman returned to him in ball form as he caught the little Bakugan and chuckled at Twilight. "The Joker's Wild Card... with it, the Darkus attributed Bakugan unconditionally. Therefore your Siege is off to the Doom Dimenion, now you and Dan only have two points left, and three Bakugan..." he explained to her. "Oh man, I never heard of that card before..." said Julie as she was worried. "Things are getting serious... both Dan, and Masquerade only have two Bakugan now. Leaving Twilight with just Bahamut..." Marucho stated as he watched the battle. "I CALL THAT AN ILLEGAL MOVE! ILLEGAL!!!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed furiously. Shun shut his eyes from hearing them. "You're right Marucho, things are getting serious. More serious than you can ever imagine..." he said to them. "I would say that's awesome... but that would only be complimenting Masquerade..." Rainbow Dash refrained from saying it. Meanwhile, Masquerade tossed in a new Gate Card as it expanded behind Dan's card. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot his Laserman onto the field again. "Laserman, Stand!" he called out as Laserman emerged on the field. Both Dan and Twilight were surprised by this. "What...? He's using Darkus Laserman again?" he asked. "Something's not right..." Twilight observed the field. "Just be careful you two..." Shun gained their attention. "Masquerade has something up his sleeve..." he informed them. "I figured as much..." Twilight said to him. "But when we're done, he's gonna wish he never got dressed." Dan said to them. "Daniel, normally I'd tell you to watch your tone, but in this case... I'll let it slide." Rarity said to him. Dan rolled his eyes and tossed in a Gate Card "Gate Card Set!" he called out as is expanded on the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot in his Pyrus Saurus onto the field. "Saurus, Stand!" he called out as the dinosaur type Bakugan emerged on the field. "Saurus, 10 G advantage." said the Bakupod. "Okay Pyrus Saurus, lets show this chump who rules this playground!" he called out. "Dan, wait!" Twilight said to him, but it was too late. "Gate Card Open..." said Masquerade as the field began to glow. Meanwhile, Saurus rammed against Laserman, forcing it back into ball form. "Alright! We did it!" Dan cheered, but suddenly saw Saurus was starting to sink into the gate card Masquerade set down. "What the?!" he exclaimed. "Oh no! I've heard of this, its called Quicksand Freeze!" Marucho cried out. Masquerade laughed knowing he was right. "And now, for the main attraction!" he announced as Hydranoid floated next to him. "It's show time Dual Hydranoid..." he said to him. Runo watched as a dark aura version of Hydranoid appeared behind Masquerade. "So its true then..." she muttered. "Hydranoid did evolve..." Fluttershy muttered as she shivered from sensing it. Meanwhile, Masquerade loaded Hydranoid into his Bakushooter, ready for battle. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot him onto the field. "Dual Hydranoid stand!" he called out as a purple flash shined from the field. Oozing black tar emerged from the ground as it slowly took shape, as the aura formed it into Dual Hydranoid, in the dark evil flesh. Seeing it for the first time, the Brawlers and the ponies felt fear for the first time in their lives. "This is it... this is Hydranoid evolved..." Twilight stated as she stared at the monstrous hydra. "Power Level 480 G's." said the Bakupod as Hydranoid reared his heads and unleashed a powerful roar. The Brawlers and Ponies shielded themselves from the gusts of wind as their Bakugan partners tried to stay with them. "WHAT WAS THAT?!!!" Preyas exclaimed the question. The winds died down as Masquerade chuckled and looked to them. "Well, the stage is now set... but all the actors have yet to arrive, and you and Twilight are bound together with only one point... so how about we bend the rules a bit? Send in your most powerful Bakugan onto the field at once..." he said to them. Dan and Twilight were shocked of what they heard. "What...?!" Dan muttered. "Come my friends... its your turn..." Masquerade said to them. "He's baiting us..." said Bahamut as he looked to Twilight. "But if it means the end, I am happy to say that I was your partner... Princess Twilight..." he said to her. "Likewise Bahamut, but I don't plan on losing you." Twilight said to him. Meanwhile, Drago floated up next to Dan. "Dan..." he gained his attention. "Right..." Dan turned facing him. "Looks like its your turn old buddy..." he said to him. "I am ready..." Drago curled into ball form as Dan grabbed him. Bahamut did the same as Twilight caught him. Both Brawlers loaded their partners into their Bakushooters preparing for the final battle. "Well Twilight, this is it... good luck." he said to her earning a nod from her. "BAKUGAN BRAWL!" they both shot their partners onto the field. "DRAGO/BAHAMUT STAND!" they called out as both Delta Dragonoid and Bahamut emerged onto the field, roaring out as they were surrounded by flames. "Drago at 450 G's, Bahamut at 430 G's." said the Bakupod said to them. Masquerade looked at the stats and grinned. "Looks as if we have a full cast." he said to Hydranoid. "Two heads are better than one, but four is a crowd." Hydranoid said to the two dragonoid's as the heads finish each others sentences. "One works for us...!" Drago snarled at him. "So that doesn't leave much room for you!" said Bahamut as he growled at the hydra. Twilight turned to Dan and nodded to him as he nodded to him in return. "Gate Card open!" he called out as a ring of fire circled around the three Bakugan. "BRAWL!" all three brawlers called out as Drago and Hydranoid charged at each other, clashing together. Hydranoid swung both his tails and smacked them across Drago's face, only to see him retaliate by clobbering one of his heads with a hard punch. Hydranoid reacted with the other head and bit down on Drago's shoulder hearing him scream. "Ohhh! That's gotta hurt!' Pinkie exclaimed. Bahamut snarled and punched the head that bit Drago and slammed a hard punch against the other while Hydranoid's saw blade in his torso revved up and started shredding against Bahamut's armor as he cried out in pain from it. Bahamut quickly spread his wings and flew back and roared at the hydra for the attack. Meanwhile, Masquerade held a card in the air. "How do you like the show so far? I think perhaps its time for Dual Hydranoid to bring the house down! Ability Card activate! Dual Gazer!" he called out as Hydranoid snarled and unleashed a blast against Saurus, sending him to the Doom Dimension. Drago and Bahamut were shocked to see it happen. "But... how?!" he asked in disbelief, not aware of what was happening behind him and Bahamut. Twilight panicked from seeing it. "Guys! Watch out!" she called out as Drago and Bahamut turned only to get blasted by Hydranoid. "Power Level Increase, 50 G's." said the Bakupod. Masquerade grinned at seeing it. "Final act..." he muttered. "Drago!" Preyas cried out. "Bahamut!" Elvia cried out as well. The Brawlers and the Ponies gasped in horror as Drago and Bahamut get attacked, Dan and Twilight needed to do something before things get worse. "Ability Card Activate!" the called out in unison. "Phoenix Shield/Wall Burst!" they called out as a phoenix energy shield and a wall of flame deflected Hydranoid's blast and shot it back to one of his heads, blasting it as smoke shrouded him. Seeing it happen, Dan waited eagerly to see the result. "Did it work...?" he asked as he looked and saw that Hydranoid's head was blasted clean off. "Decrease by 100 G's." said the Bakupod. Dan smirked at seeing it. "Yes!" he cheered. The others cheered while Rarity gagged from seeing Hydranoid's neckline. "Way to go you guys." Shun said to them. Twilight smiled but heard a small chuckle from Masquerade and looked to him. "Well, well, the plot thickens..." he grinned with a chuckle and started laughing. "Congratulations your two... you have succeeded in making me very angry!" he said to them. "Oh boohoo, cry me a river jerk, because that's what you'll be doing when you lose!" Rainbow Dash yelled at him. "We'll see about that..." Masquerade tossed an unknown card into the air as it glowed and shattered in mid air. "HSP Decrease..." said the Bakupod. Meanwhile, the head that Hydranoid lost was restored due to the sacrificed HSP Masquerade gave him in restoring it. Everyone was shocked from what they saw. "Look. At. THAT!" Julie exclaimed. "Oh no!" Pinkie panicked from seeing it. "His head!" Runo pointed out. "It grew back!" Marucho reacted to it. Shun growled from seeing it as Dan was shocked to see it happen. "No way...!" he panicked. "Unbelievable..." said Drago as both he, Bahamut and Hydranoid were forced to revert to ball form and return to their partners. Masquerade caught Hydranoid and grinned. "Now, it's time for the final curtain! And unfortunately for you, there will be no encores!" he said to them as he loaded Hydranoid into his Bakushooter. "Playtime is over! Bakugan Brawl!" he shot Hydranoid onto the field. "Hydranoid Stand!" he called out as the hydra emerged on the field growling. Dan and Twilight looked to their partners. "We got to put you and Bahamut back out there Drago, lets finish this once and for all." Dan said to Drago seeing him open up. "I'm ready Dan, me and Bahamut are ready to do everything we can to take down Dual Hydranoid!" Drago declared to him but floated in front of him. "Listen Dan... we can only do this... together..." he said to him. "That goes double for you Princess..." Bahamut said to her. Twilight smiled as both she and Dan nodded and loaded them into their Bakushooters. "Bakugan Brawl!" they shot their partners onto he field. "Drago/Bahamut stand!" they called out as both their partners emerged onto the field, growling at the hydra standing before them. "Power Levels 450 G's and 430 G's." said the Bakupod. "Okay, this is it Masquerade, Gate Card Open!" Dan called out as it began to glow. "Character Card, activate!" Drago's body began to glow as he also transferred some of the power to Bahamut to strengthen him as well. "Power Level doubled for both Bakugan." said the Bakupod. Masquerade pulled out his ace to stop it. "Ability Card Activate! Gazer Exedra!" he called out as Hydranoid's power built up in his mouths. "Power Increase 100 G's." said the Bakupod. "Oh yeah? Check this out!" Twilight pulled out a card with Dan. "Ability Card Activate! Delta Dragonoid/Crimson Fury!" the duo called out as Bahamut roared out and unleashed a stream of flames. "Bahamut Power Increase, 100 G's." Drago roared out as meteors fell from the sky. "Drago Power Level Increase, 400 G's." said the Bakupod. "There is no way you can beat us!" Dan said to Masquerade feeling confident. "On the contrary..." Masquerade spoke up and smirked. "We can beat you and we most certainly will." he said to them as he held up a Fusion Ability Card. "Fusion Ability Card Activate!" he called out as the card began to glow. "Destruction Impact!" he called out as Hydranoid grew stronger from it. "Power Increase 100 G's." said the Bakupod. "Oh no you don't, Delta Dragonoid!" Drago unleashed a fireball to join Bahamut's Crimson Fury as it blasted Hydranoid in his torso. "Hoowee!" Applejack shouted from seeing it. "Way to go!" Marucho cheered for them. "Great job you guys!" Runo cheered as well. "Yes!" Shun and Rainbow Dash said in unison. "Told ya... there's no way-" before Dan could finish, he and Twilight received a shock, seeing Hydranoid was still on his feet, grinning at the two brawlers as flames were around him. He growled at them holding his grin. "So tell me... was that your best shot?" he asked as he snarled at them shocking everyone and everypony as the flames went out. "But, how?!" Bahamut asked in shock. "I don't get it, there's no way he could have survived that!" Twilight looked to her Bakupod to see what went wrong. "Drago and Bahamut Power Level decreased. Drago Power Level 650 G's, Bahamut Power Level 530 G's." said the Bakupod. "But why? Why did their power levels go down?" she asked. "I will gladly tell you Princess Twilight... Destruction Impact doesn't just increase Dual Hydranoid's power level, it also has the effect of nullifying the gate card your partners are standing on." he explained as the Power levels show Hydranoid standing at 680 G's. Masquerade chuckled and laughed just at seeing how shocked they were. Dan was devastated from what he saw, and could barely move. "It can't be... it just can't be... NO! It's not possible!" he exclaimed trying to deny it. Hydranoid chuckled as energy built in his mouth. "It looks like the show is over! For you at least!" he said to them. Meanwhile, Masquerade held up his hand ready to snap his fingers. "And now Dual Hydranoid... time to take a bow." he snapped his fingers as Hydranoid roared out and unleashed a barrage attack against both Drago and Bahamut, hearing them writhe in agony from each of Hydranoid's attacks. Both Dan and Twilight were shocked of what was happening before them. "No, guys!" Dan cried out as Hydranoid relentlessly blasted both Drago and Bahamut. "No please, don't do this to them!" he pleaded for mercy. But his plea's fell on deaf ears as Hydranoid blasted them again. "DRAGO!" "BAHAMUT!" Twilight cried out as the blasts hit them both. "Drago!" Julie looked away. "This can't be!" Rarity exclaimed. Tigrerra gasped as Preyas looked away. "I can't watch!" he cried out. Feeling the final blast from Hydranoid.... both Drago and Bahamut slowly fell back earning shocked looks from everyone. "Oh no, Drago and Bahamut are going down!" Runo cried out. As they fell, both Dragonoid Bakugan glanced to their partners. "Dan..." Drago called out to him. "Twilight... fair well..." Bahamut said to them. Maquerade grinned as a gateway to the Doom Dimension opened up. "Away with you!" he yelled as both Drago and Bahamut flew towards it. Dan's eyes widened from seeing it. "No!" he ran earning a shocked look from Twilight, but she instinctively followed after them. "We refuse to let you go like this!" he shouted. "We'll save you!" Twilight exclaimed as she followed them towards the Doom Dimension. "Guys wait, don't do it!" Rainbow Dash ran after them with Shun. "Drago! Bahamut! We're not leaving you!" Dan cried out as both he and Twilight leaped straight into the gateway. "WAIT FOR US!" he cried out as both he and Twilight entered the Doom Dimension together. The gateway closed, as Shun and Rainbow Dash stopped after seeing it happen. "Dan!" Shun cried out seeing the gateway was closed. "Twilight!" Rainbow cried out. The others gasped in shock of what happened. "What... happened...?" Runo asked. Masquerade stood in silence but grinned feeling satisfied. "That was foolish..." he muttered as they exited the pocket dimension battlefield, returning to the pier. Everyone and everypony stood in shock of what they witnessed, Runo meanwhile... was devastated from seeing it happen. "Dan... Twilight...? Where are they...?! Dan!" she cried out as tears brimmed in her eyes. "What have you done with them?!! TELL ME!!!" she demanded to know as she glared at Masquerade. "I've done nothing to them... they chose their own fate. The Doom Dimension is the afterlife for Bakugan... there is no return, for Bakugan, humans... or ponies..." he informed her as Runo broke into tears and cried. Rainbow Dash glared at him and charged. "YOU DID THIS!!!" she went to strike him only to see him disappear. "COME BACK AND FIGHT YOU COWARD!" she cried out as tears brimmed in her eyes and looked down and fell to the ground. The others also burst into tears of the loss of their friends. "Oh Dan... why did you and Twilight have to go and do that...?!" Julie asked as tears rand down her face. Pinkie cried with Marucho as she held him. "Oh no, Twilight...!" she cried out. At that moment, Runo fell to her knee's as Tigrerra floated to her shoulder. "Oh Runo..." she tried to comfort her. Runo cried as Fluttershy held her to comfort her, she held her in return as she cried her eyes out and looked out. "I... I loved him..." she said to them earning a surprised look from Fluttershy and Tigrerra, but chose to keep it to themselves as they focused on comforting her. Runo held Fluttershy but shot her head looking to the sky in sadness and anger. "DAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNN!!!!!!" she cried out. Meanwhile, back at Dan's house, Shinjiro returned from work to see his family. "Hi honey, I'm home!" he walked into the kitchen and smelled the aroma. "Hey dear, smells good." he complimented the dinner. "I already had chicken going, but I also decided to make Dan and Twilight's favorite. Salad and Hamburger." Miyoko poked her head from out of the kitchen seeing him. "Have a seat... I think Dan and Twilight should be home any minute now." she said to him with a smile as she and Spike worked on making dinner together. "What gives? You're in a good mood..." Shinjiro stated but soon noticed the little frog Dan gave her that she is now using for a chain for her phone. Little do they know... that their son and Twilight took a one way ticket to the Doom Dimension. How will they react to it...? Hopefully they don't find out... > The Brawler's Last Stand > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Equestria, at the Castle of the Two Sisters, Queen Solaria sensed what had happened to Dan and Princess Twilight, as a sheer pain shot through her body as she slightly collapsed earning the attention of Celestia and Luna as they rushed over to her. "Mother, what happened?" Celestia asked her as she helped her up. "Has something happened to the brawlers...?" Luna asked her. Solaria let out a few pants as she felt what happened during the fight against Masquerade. "They're gone... Dan... Twilight... they are trapped within the Doom Dimension with their partners, Drago and Bahamut..." she said to them earning a shocked expression from Celestia as her legs quivered from hearing it. She backed away and sat down, feeling devastated from hearing the news of what happened to her student. "It cannot be... it just can't...!" she tried to deny it. "I'm afraid it is Princess..." said a familiar voice that earned her attention. Solaria, Celestia and Luna turned and saw six sphere's appear before them. Each one a different color, Red, Green, Blue, Purple, Orange, and Yellow. The colors of each attribute, Pyrus, Ventus, Aquos, Darkus, Subterra and Haos. From the spheres, came the humanoid forms of the Six Ancient Warriors of Vestroia. Lars Lion, Clayf, Exedra, Frosch, Oberus, and the leader of their group, Apollonir. He approached them but looked to Solaria. "Solaria... it is good to see you after so long..." he bowed to her. "And I give my deepest sympathies... for the loss of your husband. King Nova was like a brother to me..." he said to her. Solaria smiled at him and approached him and his comrades. "We were all family... despite what we are." she said to them and looked to Lars Lion and walked to her. "Lars Lion..." she smiled and hugged the human sized Haos Bakugan. "I missed you old friend..." she said to her. Lars Lion held her as well as she smiled behind her mask. "As I missed you Solaria..." she said to her. A smirk soon crossed over Solaria's face as she looked to her old partner. "Have you and Apollonir tied the knot yet...?" she asked. "Your majesty!" Apollonir shouted as he blushed under his mask. Lars Lion giggled as she blushed a little. "You could say that... but we didn't exactly come here for marriage advice..." she reminded her. "She's right... we came here to inform you of what has happened. Beyond the fall of Dan Kuso and Princess Twilight." Apollonir said to them. "Vestroia is collapsing..." Frosch informed them of the situation in Vestroia. Luna approached and looked to them. "Wasn't it your responsibility to defend Vestroia should it fall into Chaos...?" she asked them. "Yes... but sadly, we sacrificed ourselves to protect it, and for what?" Clayf said to her. "But of course the question you all may ask, is there nothing we can do?" Exedra asked the question for them. "Not from where we are in the Doom Dimension... we may be here now, but these avatars are our only way of reaching out to you." Lars Lion informed them. "Then... all hope isn't lost..." Celestia stated as she looked to Oberus. "Which is why we must find someone to save Vestroia... before its annihilated." Oberus said to her. "We need six new brave soldiers... but in this case... twelve... with Princess Twilight and her friends now involved with the Bakugan, we need their help more than anything." Apollonir said to them. "But how?" Luna asked him as she approached. "Dan Kuso and Twilight are trapped in the Doom Dimension along with their partners, Drago and Bahamut... there has never been any escape from that realm for any Bakugan, not even you." she pointed out to the Dragonoid. Apollonir chuckled as he looked to her. "There are things that are possible Princess Luna... your return and redemption for example, and Twilight's destiny in becoming a princess. An escape from the Doom Dimension can be possible... it merely takes a matter of finding Drago and Bahamut, and training them to become stronger." he looked out towards the sky. "It is imperative... that we find them... or all of Vestroia is lost..." Celestia turned to Solaria seeing how eager she is, but turned to Luna. "Luna, send word to Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadance... they will need to know what has become of Twilight. But be sure to let them know that there is a rescue plan to get her and Dan Kuso out of the Doom Dimension." she said to her. "Yes sister..." Luna rushed off to send the letter. Solaria looked out, praying and hoping that the plan will work. Meanwhile, on the way to the Doom Dimension... Drago and Bahamut descended into the dark realm as the screamed from it. "No...! This cannot be happening... there is no escape from the Doom Dimension..." he said to himself. "For what its worth Drago... we fought to the very end, and now our fates have been decided..." Bahamut said to him. Drago frowned as they descended into the Doom Dimension. "It has been an honor fighting beside you my friend..." he said to him as they fell into the dark realm. Upon arriving, they fell down and crashed against the ground. They groaned from it knowing it was a painful descent into the dimension, Drago got up and looked around letting out a gasp seeing the Bakugan around him. "How could this have happened to us...?" he asked. "We were unprepared... Masquerade planned his attacks carefully, and we were too reckless to see it." Bahamut said to him as he looked around. Suddenly a laugh was heard as both Dragonoids turned around seeing Reaper standing before them. "Welcome to my world you two..." he said to them, showing his damaged form after his descent into the Doom Dimension. "Reaper? What in the six realms happened to you...?" Bahamut asked him. "Something that will eventually happen to you both... I mean my goodness, I never expected to see you here my friends..." Reaper replied as he took to the sky. "But now that you've arrived... don't expect any special treatment..." he said to them as he disappeared into the dark abyss. "We're trapped..." Drago muttered. "We can't lose hope Drago... there has to be another-" before Bahamut could finish. "Drago..." said a voice as both Bakugan looked around the area. Drago looked around trying to find out what it was. "We must be hearing things..." he said to Bahamut as he looked around. "Bahamut!" called out a familiar voice as Bahamut looked around. The Dragonoid looked around and saw a shadow of an alicorn pony. His eyes widened realizing who it was. "What...? No, it can't be...!" he exclaimed. Walking into view, Dan and Twilight showed themselves and smiled at their partners. "Drago!" Dan called out to him. "Dan?!" Drago's eyes widen in surprise. "Bahamut..." Twilight muttered as tears fell. "Bahamut!" she flew to him as Dan ran to Drago. "Twilight!" Bahamut caught her and nuzzled the young princess as Drago held Dan in his claws. "What are you two doing here?" he demanded to know. "Don't you both realize that you're trapped here with us? What were you thinking?! Twilight, you're supposed to be the smart one..." Drago lectured her. "I know, but Dan and I couldn't just let you two go... we're friends... family..." Twilight said to him as she looked to Bahamut. "You were as much a brother to me as Spike was... I couldn't just let you go Bahamut..." she said to the dragonoid. "She's right you guys, no matter what... we need to stick together... and find a way out of this place." Dan said to them. "Not that it will happen, but... we need to get you back to your family, your mother will be so worried about you." Drago said to him as Bahamut nodded in agreement. Together, the group set off to find their way out of the Doom Dimension... if there is a way out to begin with. Meanwhile at Masquerade's hideout, the evil brawler was checking the stats on his Hydranoid and grinned seeing how they are and looked to his partner. "How are you feeling Hydranoid...?" he asked him. The Hydra opened up from his ball form and looked to him. "Never more ready to battle, and feeling stronger every minute..." he said to him as he felt the power coursing through his veins. "My little plan is working to perfection since I defeated my teammates... not to mention those mindless morons Daniel and Twilight, and their pathetic pesky pets Drago and Bahamut. Now.... lets see who shall be our next victims..." Masquerade checked the web to see who to target first. "Ah, yes..." he selected Shun and Rainbow Dash. "Just as I suspected... Shun Kazami and Rainbow Dash... and their Ventus Skyress and Avion..." he chuckled darkly. At the Kuso residence, there was still no word from Dan or Twilight, Shinjiro and Miyoko seem to believe they're on another tropical getaway. "So honey, what exotic locale did our young son and Twilight fly off to this time?" he asked her. "Well, let me think..." Miyoko thought about it. "Last month, Dan and Twilight jetted off to visit his Bakugan friend Joe in Kir City..." she smiled and looked to him. "I just adore Kir City, especially in the spring... its so pretty..." she giggled. "Just stay clear of the hospital... last I heard, it was packed..." Spike said to them. Shinjiro chuckled and looked to them. "Lucky kid... when I was his age, I've never been anywhere... except a school tour of a morgue..." he remembered his childhood as Spike gagged from hearing it. "Well, off to work..." he walked to the door. "Love ya hun..." Miyoko said to him. "Ditto dear!" Shinjiro replied and walked out the door closing it. Miyoko sighed and pulled out her phone with the frog, and stared at it. "That reminds me... he and Twilight said they were going to call..." she said to herself as she remembered when Dan and Twilight left. "Dan... Twilight... where could you be...?" she wondered. "I'm sure they're sleeping over at Marucho's house, I mean if I were in their position... I'd never leave that place." Spike said to her. Miyoko let out a sigh but smiled looking to him. "I suppose you're right Spike... come on, I'll let you have some of the hamburgers I made for Dan, I'm sure he won't mind." she said to him. "Sounds good to me." Spike followed her to the kitchen, but couldn't help but feel worried for Twilight in the process. Meanwhile, at Marucho's house, Shun was having trouble sleeping as he had reoccurring visions of when Dan and Twilight ran into the Doom Dimension after Drago and Bahamut. His eyes snapped open as he shot up, panting from adrenalin as Skyress and Avion were on a desk next to him. "Good morning Shun..." said Skyress. "Hey Skyress... man, that was some nightmare..." said Shun as he looked to her. Rainbow Dash approached him and leaped on the bed. "Well, you're safe and sound in Marucho's house... not that it'll make a difference for what Masquerade did..." she looked down. Suddenly, Kato appeared on the TV monitor. "Good morning sir, excuse me... but your breakfast is ready in the main dining hall." he informed him. "Thanks Kato..." said Shun as Kato disappeared. Shun got out of bed not noticing a letter falling out of his pocket. Rainbow saw it and grabbed it. "What's this...?" she asked. "Its a note... from Masquerade..." Avion said to her. "Meet me at the abandoned factory at 4:00pm..." Rainbow read it and looked to Shun as he took the letter and looked at it. He read the letter, but crumbled it knowing its something he couldn't ignore. "Shun, no!" Skyress said to him. "Listen to her Shun, I want payback as much as anyone, but going in blindly like Dan won't go well..." Rainbow Dash reminded him of what happened to him and Twilight. Shun stood in silence but looked to Skyress. "Skyress, you've gotta do me a big favor..." he said to her. "Sure Shun, anything..." Skyress replied to him. "I need you to lose against Masquerade..." Shun said to her earning a shocked look from Rainbow Dash. "What are you saying?!" Skyress asked him. "I have to get to the Doom Dimension and bring Dan and Twilight back." Shun said to her only to see Rainbow Dash get between them. "Shun, have you gone completely off the rails?! In case you forgot, there's no way we'll be able to get them out of there." she reminded him of what would happen if he did go there. Avion floated up to her looking to Shun. "She's right Shun, what you are asking of Skyress is suicide... the Doom Dimension will be dangerous, even to both humans and ponies." he informed him. "I have to try Avion, someone has to stop Masquerade, and Dan and Twilight may be the only ones who can..." Shun said to them and walked to get his coat. Rainbow Dash watched him and looked to Skyress who shared her concern of his decision, it was not going to be easy telling the others. Meanwhile at Runo's restaurant, Alice was setting up the open sign while the Misaki family was readying the restaurant for business. "Runo! Get up, its morning! Eat your breakfast, and come down to work! Your father is waiting!" Saki called out for her. But Runo was still in a devastated state, and Fluttershy was really worried about her. She went down stairs to help Alice with the restaurant. Tatsuo looked to Alice as he cleaned the glasses. "Well, good morning Alice... what's wrong, your watch broken?" he gained her attention. "Oh and uh... what exactly is going on between you and Runo?" he asked her. "Oh, well uh..." Alice hesitated but heard the front door bell ringing. "Yes, we're open..." she said to the customer only to see it was Miyoko and Spike. She smiled at her as she walked in. "Good morning..." she said to them. "Hey Alice, what's up...?" Spike asked her as he leaped onto her shoulder earning a giggle from her. "Oh uh, and a good morning to you Mrs. Kuso... is there something we can help you with...?" Tatsuo asked her. Miyoko hesitated to ask, but looked to him feeling eager. "I was... wondering if Runo was here...?" she asked them. "She's still in her bed..." Fluttershy said to her as she walked up with Rarity. "Yes... poor thing wouldn't budge... she's been this way since... since..." Rarity tried to find the words, but couldn't as she lowered her gaze and looked away. Fluttershy placed a wing over her and looked to Miyoko. "I'll try to get her up... hopefully she'll see you..." she said to her and headed upstairs. Miyoko watched her go, and Spike looked to Rarity concerned about what happened. He wanted to ask, but it was difficult to even ask what happened. At the park, Miyoko walked with Runo and Fluttershy to get a clear answer to what has become of Dan and Twilight. Runo stood behind her feeling nervous, but looked to her. "So you... wanted to talk to me...?" she asked her. Miyoko nodded and walked a few feet ahead. "Its Dan and Twilight, they haven't been home since yesterday..." she said to her as she turned around to face her. "I thought you might know where they are Runo..." she stated. "N-No... no clue..." Runo lied straight to her face as she lowered her gaze. Miyoko looked at her, but started to understand why. "Does this have to do with Bakugan...?" she asked her, catching the blue haired girl by surprise. "Well does it?" she asked her to get a straight answer. Runo hesitated to give her a straight answer. "Well, I'm not..." she stuttered. "That's all he ever talks about, either he's off playing, or online chatting away about the game..." Miyoko said to her knowing what was really happening in his life. Flashback... Miyoko was working on her yoga pose god knows when, before Dan met Drago. "Daniel! Did you wash up? Lunch is ready, come and get it!" she said to him. "Yeah, yeah, I heard ya! But I gotta go out! Catch ya later mom!" Dan rushed down the stairs and ran out the door. Seeing it, Miyoko got up and walked to the door seeing it close. "Where are you going? Are you going to be home for dinner?" she tried to ask, but felt that he was already gone. "Ohh... kids these days..." she walked upstairs to his bedroom and opened the door only to see a pigsty. "Oh no... what a disaster... well, better get started..." she started cleaning the room, but soon took notice of two Bakugan sitting on his desk. "What's this...?" she wondered as she touched on of them. "Must be some kind of new toy..." she picked it up only for it to slip out of her hand and land on the desk as it opened up as Pyrus Griffon. She gasped seeing what it was, and picked it up. "So this is a Bakugan ball... interesting..." she though to herself as she fiddled with Griffon's wing. Time passed to when Twilight and her friends were around, and Miyoko looked through Marucho's house to find a way out and trying to find Dan. "My goodness... Dan must be here somewhere..." she looked ahead and saw Marucho running by. "Marucho! Wait!" she ran after him. Marucho kept running as he was in a hurry. "Sorry Mrs. Kuso, but I'm in a hurry!" he said to her as he rushed to the roof with Miyoko following him. He rushed out onto the roof to meet with Dan, Runo, and the Main Six. "Thanks for waiting guys, I finally finished them." he said to his friends. Miyoko poked her head out seeing Dan and Twilight with their Bakushooters. "That's my Daniel... and Twilight..." she muttered as she stayed hidden. "Sweet! Awesome looking Bakugan Launcher..." Dan said to Marucho as he took his. "Bakugan...?" Miyoko whispered as she watched her son. "Aw man, totally wicked!" Dan cheered as he tried it on. "Awesome job Marucho..." he complimented his work. "Hey! No fair!" Runo exclaimed... "Do I get one? Or don't I rank?" she asked them. "Have no fear Runo, Marucho here constructed a model just for you, I know because I helped out." Pinkie said to her. Miyoko watched as she stayed hidden behind a wall. "At the time I thought it was just a silly kids game so I gave Dan his space..." her future self explained as time moved on to when Dan was home and Miyoko was working on laundry. "You really gotta stop worrying Drago, we both know Wavern has the Infinity Core..." Dan said to him. Twilight meanwhile was rinsing her hair out as she looked to them. "Now all we have to do is wait for the other Bakugan to evolve." she said to him. Miyoko overheard them talking, and was curious as to whom. "Who are they talking too...?" she wondered as she peaked into the bathroom. "Yeah, its only going to get tougher from now on... so we better rest up before our next few battles. Cuz we need to save up our energy, you know what I'm saying Drago...?" Dan asked him. Causing Miyoko to blink a couple times. End of Flashback... "I actually saw him talking to his Bakugan... what are Bakugan?" Miyoko asked Runo about what they are. "Um, well... there uh..." Runo hesitated to even speak of the matter. "Please, tell me... is it more than just a game?" Miyoko begged her to tell the truth. Fluttershy looked to Runo seeing her hesitate. "Well its... kinda like this... it..." she tried to explain, but Runo couldn't take it anymore, and turned away running off. "I'm sorry! I can't!" she cried out. "Runo!" Fluttershy watched her go and turned to Miyoko and Spike. "Now I'm worried..." Miyoko turned to Fluttershy and kneeled down to her. "Fluttershy, please tell me what's been going on. Why did Runo run off like that...?" she asked her. Spike approached the shy Pegasus and touched her shoulder. "Fluttershy, where is Twilight...? Come on, its me remember?" he said to her. Fluttershy couldn't bear to see him sad, but she needed to tell Miyoko the truth about Bakugan and looked to her. "Bakugan are living intelligent creatures Miyoko..." she said to her earning a surprised look from her. "They may seem like ordinary toys to you..." she pulled out Elvia and showed her. "But they are much more than that..." Elvia opened up and looked to Miyoko. "What she says is true Mrs. Kuso..." she said to her earning a gasp from her. "I know this comes as quite a shock... but our home world of Vestroia is in great danger. Not only that... but your world, along with Equestria are in danger as well..." "But that doesn't explain where Dan and Twilight are Elvia... where are they?" Spike asked her. "Spike... Miyoko... its difficult to explain, but please try to wait a little longer. Don't make it harder for Runo than it already is..." Fluttershy said to them and flew off. "I promise, all will be explained... just wait at home until then!" she took off. "Fluttershy!" Miyoko watched her go but lowered her gaze, as Spike approached her. He placed a claw hand to her leg as she kneeled down and held him worried. He put his arms around her to comfort her. "I'm worried too Miyoko... I hope nothing has happened to them..." he sad to her as he comforted her. He looked out still wonder what has become of Twilight... little did he realize that she and Dan were in the Doom Dimension. Meanwhile at Marucho's house, he, Pinkie, Julie, Applejack, Shun and Rainbow Dash were sitting at the table with food in front of them. But none except for Shun and Rainbow Dash appear to be eating. Marucho however was slowly taking a few bites, despite how depressed he was. This literally had Preyas worried for his dear partner. "Ooohhh... why so glum, chum? Turn that frown upside down... look on the bright side, we got each other don't we...?" he chuckled nervously but looked to him seeing no reaction. "Uh... don't we...?" he asked. Gorem sighed and looked to them. "I don't believe now is the time for a pep talk Preyas..." he said to him. "Gorem's right..." Scylla said to him as she turned facing them. "We must remain focused..." "Tis true... none of us have been the same since..." Centorea lowered her gaze trying not to remind them of both their fallen leaders. "Forgive me, I shalt not mention it..." "It's alright Centorea, we are all grieving from what happened... what Masquerade did was unforgivable." Avion lowered his gaze. "Bahamut was a great leader, the best along side Drago... but we can't let their death's go unanswered..." he said to them. "I'll drink to that..." Rainbow Dash sipped her grape juice from hearing it. At that moment, Kato walked in to check on them. "Oh my... what's wrong? Breakfast not up to snuff? Bacon too crisp? Eggs too runny...?" he asked them. Pinkie at the moment was Pinkamenia but rather than be her cruel harsh self, she was sad and depressed. "No Kato, everything's fine... its just... we had a lot on our minds, that's all..." she said to him. "So don't worry, its not you..." Applejack said to him. "Yeah, you're okay..." said Julie. "Don't worry, I'm not much of a cook... oh, by the way Master Marucho. Alice, Rarity, Runo and Fluttershy are here..." Kato informed him as the two girls and two ponies walked in. Pinkie's hair went from flat to puffy just from seeing them as she smiled seeing them, even Marucho's mood changed from seeing them. "You made it!" he cheered. "So do you have any good news for us? Huh?" Pinkie asked them. "None really..." Runo said to them. "I guess there's no avoiding it, the rumors of my darling Dan and good friend Twilight being trapped in the Doom Dimension forever are true." said Julie as she panicked as Joe was on the screen behind them. "Yes... and unfortunately... by my calculations, there's nothing any of us can do. I suggest we confide our dilemma to a responsible adult..." Marucho suggested. "Yeah but, what would we say? Uh, excuse me... but two of our friends was playing Bakugan, when they were suddenly sucked into the Doom Dimension?" Joe theorized and looked to them. "I'm just guessing, but no matter who we told... they would think we were nuts." he said to them. "He's got a point you know..." said Applejack as she agreed with him. "Yes, point well taken Joe..." said Marucho. "We must..." Alice spoke up. "Yes..." Runo agreed with her. "Listen... Dan's mom and Spike stopped by the restaurant this morning, and they had to talk to Runo and Fluttershy..." Alice informed them of what happened. "She was asking whether Bakugan was just a game..." said Runo as she earned a gasp from Julie and a glance from Shun. Meanwhile, Skyress and Avion approached the other Bakugan. "Everyone, everyone...!" she gained their attention. "Follow me and Avion... there is something we must discuss..." she said to them. "Oohhh... this sounds delish..." Preyas chuckled as he and the others followed Skyress and Avion. "I just love surprises..." he muttered while Joe watched them waddle out of the room. They walked to the art room to meet with Skyress and Avion to hear them out. "Oh this better be good sister... I hate water. If I get wet, I'll break out in a horrible rash..." he said to her. "Its called rust Preyas..." Scylla said to him as she clobbered the clown. "Now... let's hear what Skyress and Avion have to say." Tigrerra turned to the two Ventus Bakugan. "Go ahead... we're all ears." she said to them. "Thank you, we called you all here to tell you that Shun and Rainbow Dash received a challenge from Masquerade... to battle...!" Skyress informed them. Tigrerra's eyes widened from hearing it. "Are you serious?!" she asked them. "This is big news! Shouldn't everyone hear this?!" Preyas asked them. "We're not so sure... Shun suggested that we lose on purpose, so that we can reach the Doom Dimension and save Dan, Twilight, Drago and Bahamut. He and Rainbow Dash said we must go, and he said we shouldn't breathe a word of this to anyone." Avion explained to them of what they were told. Elvia was shocked to hear just how selfish it was of him. "I can't believe Shun would do that...!" she exclaimed. "That's nuts! Shun is starting to make me look like I'm the normal one! Scary..." said Preyas as he thought about it. "You weren't normal to begin with..." said Lancelot as he earned a look from the Aquos Bakugan. "He says it's our only hope to save Dan and Twilight... but Avion and I are worried we've already allowed the humans and ponies to get too involved in our dilemma..." Skyress said to them as she lowered her head. Tigrerra nodded her head in understanding. "You're right Skyress... this is our problem, it started when Naga destroyed the balance of power in Vestroia." she said to her. "It is our world that is on the verge of destruction..." said Gorem. "Aye, it is not their fight, the humans and ponies must be spared..." said Centorea as she agreed with Gorem on the subject. Skyress nodded to them while Preyas had a worried look on his face. "Oh nuts..." he muttered. "Its up to us to save Dan and Twilight..." Skyress said to them as they all let out their own forms of agreement. Meanwhile, Shun got up as he looked around for Skyress. "Skyress...?" he looked for her. Runo looked around for Tigrerra but saw she was no where to be found. "Where did Tigrerra go?" she asked. "Yes, and where's my Preyas?" Marucho asked as he looked around. "Gorem?" Julie looked around for him. "Where's Gorem gone to?" she asked. Rarity looked around for Lancelot and the others. "Lancelot and the others are gone too." she said to them. "Well they... all left the room a couple of minutes ago..." Joe said to them as he let out an amused chuckle. "Actually, they all waddled out." he corrected himself. "And you didn't think it important to tell us ahead of time?!" Applejack asked him as Joe shrugged his shoulders. Runo tried to put it all together. "But I wonder why...?" she wondered. Shun looked to his Bakupod to check the time. "It's almost 4:00pm. That leaves less than two hours before me and Rainbow Dash are supposed to meet up with Masquerade..." he thought to himself. Alice took notice of it and grew curious. "Is there something wrong...?" she asked him. Snapping out of it, Shun looked to her and had no choice but to lie. "No, nothing... but we better find our Bakugan, come on Rainbow Dash..." he took off with her. "No wait!" Alice stopped them. "What are you two hiding?" she asked them. "Come on Dash... you know I can tell a lie just from hearing it... so spill it..." Applejack said to her as both Shun and Rainbow Dash stood in silence and looked to each other. Meanwhile, Kato looked through a box that originally had two roller skates in it. But the box in this case, was completely empty. "What precisely is going on here...?" he asked as he held up the box. "It appears someone has stolen your roller skates Master Marucho..." he said as he looked at the empty box. On the road, the Bakugan were riding both roller skates down the street, and Preyas was enjoying it. "WOOHOOHOO!!! Sick ride dudes! Kicking it old school on grandma's gnarly deck!" he cheered out as he held onto the roller skate. "Better keep up Preyas, or you're gonna eat my dust!" Scylla said to him as she rolled ahead of them. "Oh no you don't!" Preyas rolled after them. Tigrerra glanced to them as they rolled down the street. "Lancelot, I'm curious, do you know the legend of the six soldiers of Vestroia?" she asked him. "No, not that we are aware of..." Lancelot replied. "So fill us in slim..." Preyas said to her. Tigrerra looked to Skyress to let her tell the tale. "Long ago, when Vestroia was on the verge of destruction... these legendary soldiers put themselves on the line to save it..." she explained to them. "You're not saying what I think you're saying... are you...?" Preyas asked feeling panicked. "Their sacrifice will never be forgotten..." said Tigrerra. Avion turned to them knowing what is going on. "So now it's our turn to save Vestroia... and yes Preyas, it is our duty..." he said to him. "Hey! I never signed up for this gig!" Preyas panicked but looked ahead seeing oncoming traffic as they rolled towards it. The two groups screamed as the uncontrollably rolled towards the traffic as several cars missed them, Gorem meanwhile... was not enjoying it. "I think I'm going to be sick!" he cried out as they made it out of danger, only to find themselves in another predicament. They were headed towards the edge of the street that lead to a meadow bellow. They screamed as both roller skates rolled off the edge, plummeting towards the meadow. A moment later, Shun, Rainbow Dash and the others found the area where they fell as both roller skates were hanging on a tree. They figured that the Bakugan fell to the grass and searched for them, to hopefully find where they were at. "You know, I just can't believe you and Rainbow Dash, Shun. Not telling anyone about your note from Masquerade, we're all supposed to work as a team, and you are both part of it." Runo said to them. "Back off...!" Shun warned her. "Excuse me?! You're not so cool!" Runo stated to him. "Whoa Runo, cool it... I didn't like the idea myself, but Shun insisted..." said Rainbow Dash. "Yes, please... don't fight you two..." Fluttershy pleaded to them. Marucho and Pinkie searched a patch of grass and found what they were looking for. "Found them!" he caught their attention. "Pinkie and I found them over here in the grass!" he called them over to check up on them. Preyas groaned from the fall as he laid in the grass. "Did somebody get the number of that bus...?" he asked them. "Preyas... one more joke out of you, and my pets are going to maul you...!" Scylla warned him. Tigrerra got up and looked seeing Runo and Fluttershy standing before them. "Runo, Fluttershy... how nice to see you again..." she chuckled nervously as everyone kneeled down to them. "Sorry for making you worry..." she apologized as Runo picked her up. "What were you thinking Tigrerra? Don't do that again..." Runo said to her as she hid her face in her hair. "That goes double for you Elvia, you had us worried sick." Fluttershy said to her. Elvia frowned knowing there was no denying it. "Of course, however we don't want to be a burden on you and your friends... this is our battle, we didn't-" "STOP IT!" Fluttershy cried out getting her partner to stop. "Y-Yes, Fluttershy... as you wish..." Elvia said to her. Runo held Tigrerra close as she looked at her. "We're in this together, you have to remember that, okay?" she said to her. "I shall..." Tigrerra replied to her. Meanwhile, Julie was picking up Gorem showing how worried she was. "Oh Gorem..." she held him close to her cheek. "Never run away like that again..." "That means you too Centorea... I can't express how disappointed I am with you..." Applejack said to her as Centorea lowered her gaze in shame. "Now you listen, best friends always stick together..." Marucho said to his partner Preyas. Pinkie and Scylla turned to Shun and Rainbow Dash. "And that goes for you and Rainbow Dash as well Shun..." she said to him. Everyone turned to them with scowls knowing what they were doing was wrong. "That goes double for me..." said Runo as she scowled at Shun. "If anyone's going to save Dan and Twilight, we're going to go as a team..." Rarity said to them as Lancelot nodded in agreement. "Okay, but... there's a 20% real good chance we will never come back." Rainbow Dash stated to them. "Rainbow Dash, cut the drama would you? We have to be positive about this, what do you say?" Julie asked her as she gave her a thumbs up and a wink. "I believe we can at least give it a try..." she said to her and Shun. "You sure...?" Shun asked them. "We're all sure..." Fluttershy said to him. "Besides, we're doing this for Dan and Twilight..." said Applejack. "And we can just leave them in the Doom Dimension." said Pinkie as she smiled. "Dan would want us to help... no matter what..." said Rarity. "So don't even think about talking us out of it you big jerk." said Rainbow Dash as she smirked at him. Shun looked at them and smiled. "Okay, I'm in..." he said to them. Marucho nodded and checked the time, it was currently 3:10pm. "Alright guys, fifty minutes to meet up with Masquerade... ohh, that doesn't give us much time, does it...?" he asked them knowing that none of the brawlers had time to speak with their parents before heading off into the Doom Dimension. The ponies knew this for certain, even though they couldn't see their families, or friends... they had to make due with what they had. At Marucho's house, Julie and Applejack worked on contacting her family. They managed to connect with her mom who was at home at the time. "Hi mom, just called to say everything's cool..." she said to her as Applejack stood beside her. "You should see Marucho's apartment, its sick!" she stated to her. "She'll be staying with us a little longer, is that okay with you?" Applejack asked her. "Well is it mom?" asked Julie. "Is it? I promise I'll call every day..." she said to her. "That's fine Julie, just make sure you remember to contact me while you're there... and Applejack, make sure you keep an eye on her young mare..." Julie's mom said to her as an advisor. Applejack tipped her hat and nodded to her in understanding the situation. Meanwhile in Shun's room, he and Rainbow Dash were contacting his grandfather to keep him in the loop of things. "Its nice to hear your voice too grandpa... everything's fine with me and Rainbow Dash..." he said to him. "And we promise to pick up some denture adhesive for you..." said Rainbow Dash as she chuckled. "I'll have you know young mare, my teeth are in good health." Old Man Kazami stated to her. Shun chuckled a bit. "We'll see you later..." he hung up on him. He smiled as he left the room with Rainbow Dash to meet up with the others. Elsewhere, Marucho and Pinkie were with his parents at the time. "Mother, father, thank you for letting my friends stay over, that was very nice..." he expressed his gratitude to them. "But, we need to take a little trip..." said Pinkie as she stood beside Marucho. Kyosuke let out a small chuckle as he looked to them. "Yes, of course... do be careful you two..." he advised them. "Have a good trip you two..." Shouko said to them. Both Marucho and Pinkie nodded their heads to them. "Thanks... we must be on our way..." they were about to leave. "Oh, and remember Marucho... bring clean underwear...!" Shouko advised him as they walked out. Pinkie glanced to him with a smirk. "Clean underwear...?" she asked sarcastically. Marucho chuckled nervously, but focused on getting back to the others. "Excuse me..." Kato caught their attention. "If you both require assistance on your journey, I would be pleased to accompany you..." he said to them. "Thanks Kato, but this time we'll be using public transportation like regular people." said Pinkie with a bright smile. "But Ms. Pie... Master Marucho has never-" before Kato could object. Marucho turned to him with a scowl. "I'm fine alright?!" he said to him. Kato was surprised by his tone, but sighed and closed his eyes bowing his head. "Yes, I understand sir... I bid you a pleasant and safe journey young master... and to you Ms. Pie... safe travels..." he said to her and Marucho as they nodded to him walked away. Pinkie glanced to Marucho with a stern look. "You didn't have to yell at him Marucho..." she said to him. "I'm sorry Pinkie... but I swear I'll make it up to him when and if we get back." Marucho replied to her as they headed out of the house. At Runo's restaurant, she, Fluttershy and Rarity explained what was going on with them and their friends... which immediately surprised Runo's parents of what they were just hearing from the three. "You're going on another trip?" Tatsuo asked them. "But why?" Saki asked them out of curiosity. "Well we... we've got to help a friend out..." Runo tried so desperately to lie through her teeth. Alice quickly walked up to interject. "But you don't have to worry... because I'll stay behind and help out here." she said to them. Both parents were surprised as they looked to each other, while Rarity quickly stepped up and pushed Runo towards the door. "Well, we uh... we gotta run, catch you later. Come along you two..." she said to them as they rushed out the door as Alice followed them to say goodbye. But before she could say it, Alice wanted to know something. "You sure you don't need me girls? I really want to come with you guys." she said to them. "No Alice, we need you to stay here and help..." Fluttershy said to her as she gave Alice Runo's bag. "I'm truly sorry, but we need someone to cover us while we head to the Doom Dimension." she said to her as Alice looked at them, but nodded her head in understanding. Runo smiled at her. "So, gotta go!" Runo said to her and ran off with Rarity and Fluttershy. "Look after my parents while we're gone, okay Alice?!" she said to her as she ran to meet with the others. Watching them go, Alice looked down as she held Runo's bag as tears brimmed. "This is all my grandfathers fault...!" she held the bag close as her tears ran down her cheek and she cried. "I wish you weren't Hal-G... I wish this never happened!" she cried out as she sobbed holding the bag. Later that evening, Runo, Rarity and Fluttershy walked to where they were going to meet the others in the fight against Masquerade. But before they could meet with them, Runo needed to make a quick call. At the Kuso residence... the video chat call was ringing, and Spike was closest to it and answered it. "Hello? Kuso residence..." he answered and saw Runo. "Runo! Where have you been? Miyoko is worried sick! Therefore I am now that I think about it!" he said to her. "I'm sorry Spike, but can you get her please...?" Runo asked him. Spike looked at her but sighed and looked to the kitchen. "Miyoko? Runo's on the line!" he called out to her and looked at the screen. "I hope things are okay..." he said to Runo as he left the screen. Miyoko walked up and saw Runo on the screen. "Runo...? Is everything alright...?" she asked her. "I just wanted to say, I'm sorry... and I just wanted to say, Dan and Twilight will be home soon." Runo said to her. Both Spike and Miyoko were surprised but stepped closer to the screen. "Runo, where are they?" Miyoko asked her. Runo stood silently for a moment, but looked to the worried mother and baby dragon. "I wish I can tell you that now, but I can't... just don't you worry okay?" she asked her. "Please stop playing games Runo!" Miyoko shouted only to see her disappear from the screen. "Runo! Come back!" she tried to call her back. "Okay, now I know something's up." Spike leaped to Miyoko's shoulder. "I think I recognized the area she was in... come on, we have to go!" Miyoko nodded and ran out the door to find Runo. "Dan and Twilight wouldn't be gone this long if they had a reason... what ever happened, we're going to find out for sure." he thought to himself as he held onto Miyoko as they headed to the warehouse district. At the warehouse, the Battle Brawlers and the Ponies waited for Masquerade to show up, and right on cue... Masquerade appeared before them, making his grand entrance to prepare for the battle. "I am Masquerade..." he walked towards them. Shun and Rainbow Dash walked up together. "We are Shun and Rainbow Dash..." he said to him. The masked brawler smirked at them but glanced to the others. "Well Shun and Rainbow Dash, I don't remember inviting your little friends to our rendezvous." he said to him. "For your information, were a team!" Julie yelled at him with a glare. "And we don't need no stinking invitation Masquerade!" said Marucho as he glared. "You want Shun and Rainbow Dash... you get all of us." said Applejack. "It's a complete package deal pal!" said Pinkie. "So get over yourself, if you want to play, you play the brawlers way." said Rarity as Runo approached. "So now's the time for you to put up, or shut up!" Runo said to him as she glared at him for what happened to Dan. Masquerade grinned from hearing it... meanwhile outside, Miyoko and Spike were in the area looking around. "You sure this is where Runo called from?" she asked him. "Positive, at least I think so..." Spike said to her feeling worried for the others. Meanwhile, Masquerade was grinning at the brawlers and the ponies. "You do realize that if I defeat all of you, my Hydranoid's power will go right off the charts..." he said to them as he pulled out a Bakugan card. "So are you all in... or are you out...?" he asked them with a sadistic tone. Outside, Miyoko and Spike heard it and looked to where they were. "Are you ready to play...?" he asked them. Runo and Fluttershy pulled out their Bakugan cards preparing for battle. "Yeah, lets do this!" Runo said to him as she glared at him. "Hang in there Dan, Twilight... because we're coming for you both..." she thought to herself. "Runo!" Spike and Miyoko ran towards the warehouse to stop them. But it was too late. "BAKUGAN, FIELD OPEN!" they all shouted as the Pocket Dimension Battlefield surrounded them. The time around Spike and Miyoko slowed as they tried to reach them. But when he battle ended within the pocket dimension battlefield, time resumed, and all that was left... was Masquerade. Spike's eyes widened in horror as Miyoko looked at the young man. "What's... what's going on? Hey, excuse me... where did everyone go?!" she asked him. Masquerade turned and walked passed them but stopped giving them a glance. "Doom Dimension..." he said to them as he walked out. Hearing it, Spike growled realizing what was going on. "Is that what happened to Dan and Twilight...?" he asked him seeing him stop in his tracks. "Is it?! Did you send them to the Doom Dimension?!! Answer me!" he demanded to know. But all he got... was silence. But that answered enough, Spike's growled at him and leaped from Miyoko's shoulder. "You MONSTER!" he went to strike him, but Masquerade dodged it and quickly vanished. "GET BACK HERE YOU COWARD!" he said as tears ran down his cheeks and he fell to his knee's. "No... Twilight..." he cried. Miyoko rushed to him and held the young dragon in her arms to comfort him. She shut her eyes in prayer, hoping Runo will hear her. "Please Runo... Fluttershy... bring Dan and Twilight back, safe and sound..." she pleaded, hoping her words will reach her. Within the dark depth's of the Doom Dimension, the brawlers and the ponies looked around severely creped out of what they were looking out. "Guys... I don't like this, but I'm fine... I can deal with this. So... this is the Doom Dimension huh...?" Rainbow asked them as she looked around. "Well they could change the scenery a bit..." she pointed out. "More than that Rainbow..." Rarity said to her. "This is really the Doom Dimension...?" Runo asked. "I have never seen such a place..." said Tigrerra. "Neither have I... and I doubt any other Bakugan would live to tell the tale.." said Elvia as she looked at the dark world. Preyas shivered just by looking at it. "Creepy, very creepy..." he panicked a bit. "Yes, I've never seen any place that looks so decollate..." said Marucho as he looked around. "This dimension has a putrid odor..." said Gorem as he took a sniff noticing it. "Aye... the hatred and despair of the Bakugan here is strong..." said Centorea as Applejack was on her shoulder. "I can't imagine anything more horrible..." the cowgirl looked at the statues knowing they were once living Bakugan. "Nevermind the smell Gosh, we've gotta find my Dan, and quick!" Julie said to them as she swooned at the thought of him. This immediately earned a glare from Runo. "HE'S NOT YOUR DAN!!!" she exclaimed to her. "Stop it, both of you." Skyress said to them as Shun was on her back. "Our best chance in find him and Twilight is to search from the air." she said to them. "Right, Rainbow Dash, Avion, you're with me and Skyress..." Shun said to her as Skyress took flight. "Wait up!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as Avion followed Skyress. The other brawlers and ponies followed after them to find Dan and Twilight, little did they know... they were being watched. Laughter is heard from Frosch, seeing what the battle brawlers did. "I can't believe these fools have entered the Doom Dimension voluntarily..." he said to his comrades. "But didn't they come to save one of their own?" asked Oberus as she looked to Lars Lion. Lars Lion nodded her head to her. "Well personally, I admire their courage..." she said to them. "And I scoff their sheer stupidity..." said Clayf as he looked away from his comrades. "Scoff if you will Clayf..." said Exedra as he looked to the Subterra Bakugan. "But I suggest we get them to help us in this place." he suggested. "A good idea indeed..." Frosch agreed with his suggestion. "I recommend you rethink that suggestion..." Clayf advised them. "Can we really trust these humans and the new generation of Battle Brawling Ponies for such a grand task...?" he asked them. "Not to mention their Bakugan have not yet evolved... and are weak..." said Oberus. Exedra smirked behind his mask. "Something tells me they have great potential..." he said to them. "Here's a thought... we should test them." Lars Lion suggested to Apollonir. Apollonir thought it through, and figured it was the best course of action for them to take. "Yes... an excellent idea..." he said to her and looked to his comrades and looked to the sphere. "They may in fact be our best chance in escaping the Doom Dimension." he said to them feeling hope for the first time in a thousand years. Will they be the ones to free them from despair...? We will find out... when their trials begin. > Nightmare in Doomsville > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the Bakugan, the Brawlers, and the ponies traveled through the treacherous land of the Doom Dimension... some couldn't help but feel pressured at the fact the place was giving off some serious negative vibes. Preyas was more pressured, if not scared of the fact he was not only almost sent to the Doom Dimension, but now he's actually there for real. Scylla took notice of his shivering and squinted her eyes knowing what's going through his mind. "What's the matter Preyas, you're not scared are you...?" she asked him with a devious smirk. "Nah, I'm sure he's just got a bad case of the shivers..." said Pinkie as she giggled as a way of teasing him.. "I do not!" Preyas denied it as he walked with them, but he needed to be honest with them at some point, and now would be a good time. "But you know fella's... I'm not sure we should have come to the Doom Dimension." he said to them still shaking of the negative vibe the dimension is giving off. "Yes, but we're here to save Dan and Twilight along with Drago and Bahamut..." Julie reminded him of their mission. Shun and Skyress returned along side Rainbow Dash and Avion. Runo looked to them hoping they found some sign of Dan or Twilight. "See anything you guys...?" she asked them. Both Shun and Rainbow Dash shook their heads as a way of saying no, Runo lowered her head knowing they haven't found them yet. "Not good... they could be anywhere..." she clenched her fist. "You've all got a case of Doom and Gloom... come on, lets do this!" Julie said to them cheerfully. "How can you be so calm about this Julie? We're in uncharted territory in case you forgot..." Applejack reminded her. "True, but I'd rather stay on the positive side of things." Julie said to her. "Julie's right though guys... we all came to the Doom Dimension by our own free will to find Dan, Drago, Twilight and Bahamut... this is our mission you guys. So lets stay positive about this..." Pinkie said to them cheerfully. Runo felt Fluttershy place a gentle hoof on her shoulder and looked to her, the shy Pegasus smiled at her as Runo smiled in return, giving her a small nod. Preyas stepped forth to lead them, showing off his John Wayne impersonation. "Alright, what do you say we saddle up and we all go this way buckaroo's...?" he said to them. "Neigh, I say we got that way..." Centorea pointed out to the wasteland heading South. "I agree with Centorea, we go that way..." Gorem said to them. This immediately got on Preyas' nerves. "HEY! I want to be Trail Boss!" he exclaimed. "And we want to find Dan and Twilight!" Gorem argued with him. "WHAT?!!!" Preyas exclaimed and looked away. "Treat me like I'm the idiot... oh that's rich you two, real rich. Okay, lets follow the big lug with a brick for a brain, and the blonde with a horse's butt." he pointed out only to feel the tip of Centorea's spear pointing at him, he chuckled nervously from it. "Sorry... my bad..." "Hey, knock it off you guys, look! I see someone coming!" Applejack pointed out to the sky. Everyone looked out to see what she meant, and in the sky, two Pyrus Dragonoids approached them. It was Drago and Bahamut flying towards them... and on top of them, were Dan and Twilight as they approached the others. Seeing him at last, Runo's heart leaped with joy as a smile formed on her face. "Dan!" she called out to him. "Twilight!" Fluttershy called her name feeling happy to see her. "Hey look! Danny boy and Twily! And Drago and Bahamut!" Preyas said to them only to get a pound on the head by Lancelot. "OUCH!" "That will be quite enough you knave..." Lancelot said to him to shut him up. Seeing their friends, Dan was surprised as he looked towards Twilight. "Twilight, look! Its our friends..." he said to her. "What are they doing here?" Twilight asked as both Bahamut and Drago landed on the ground. Their friends rushed up to them feeling happy to see them. "Oh thank goodness you two are safe..." said Runo. "Well I for one knew we would find you..." said Rarity. "I told them all along they had absolutely nothing to worry about..." Julie said to them. Rainbow Dash however was not convinced. "You never said that the entire trip..." she said to her. Dan leaped down to them as Twilight flew down to them. "Thanks for coming... but you realize this is the Doom Dimension...?" Dan asked them but realized. "Did Masquerade send you here?!" he asked them only to see them giggle in spite of their situation. Dan quickly realized that this was their plan all along. "You did this on purpose..." he said to them with a scowl. "No need to thank us guys... it was our pleasure..." Preyas said to him and Twilight. But they were not pleased about it... Dan especially. "Oh man, I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU GUYS ARE SUCH COMPLETE IDIOTS!!!" he exclaimed. Runo's scowled at him for it as she stepped up to him. "Listen Mr. Smarty Pants, every one of us CAME HERE TO RESCUE YOU!" she yelled at him. "Really? Well do you realize we could be trapped here forever?" Twilight asked her with a stern look. "Exactly, what in the world were you thinking anyway?!" Dan asked her. "ABOUT YOU GUYS! But me, mostly about YOU Dan!" Runo said to him earning a surprised look from him. She looked away as her face was slightly red. "So are you saying... you want us to leave you alone here...?" she asked him. Dan wanted to speak, but it was hard for him to utter the right words. "W-Well no..." he replied as his anger disappeared. "You have a good point there Runo, but what possessed you guys to come here...?" Twilight asked them. "Take it out on us..." Shun spoke up as Dan and Twilight looked to them. "It was our idea..." "We take full responsibility for it..." Rainbow Dash admitted to them. Marucho walked up to speak up. "Don't listen to them, we all decided to come to this place..." he said to them. "We're all friends, through and through..." Pinkie spoke up. "Marucho and Pinkie are right... the Bakugan Battle Brawlers do everything as a team." said Julie feeling proud of it. "We leave nobody behind..." said Applejack as she smiled at them. "And besides..." Rarity approached them. "What sort of friends would we be if we left you in this ghastly place...?" she asked them. "We need you and Twilight to come back Dan... we need your guys' help to stop Masquerade." said Fluttershy. Dan and Twilight were amazed of what they said. "Oh man... that is so cool." he admitted to them. "We appreciate this guys... thanks..." Preyas chuckled as he walked up. "Real touching, now! What do you say we get our little hiney's out of here, lickety-split huh?" he asked them. "Yes, but which way is out?" Tigrerra asked him. "Yes, do tell Preyas..." Scylla said to him. "No clue..." Preyas admitted to them. Without warning, both Tigrerra and Scylla clobbered him straight into the air. He screamed and crashed on the ground head first, both Tigrerra and Scylla felt relieved of the anger they let loose. "I should have done that a long time ago..." said Tigrerra as she looked away from him. "I was way ahead of you sister..." Scylla said to her. Groaning from the pain, Preyas smiled trying to hide the pain. "Wasn't expecting that, but now lets get on with business shall we? If we think we can get out of here, then it will happen. Who's with me?" he asked them as he walked up crossing his arms. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but I get the feeling that you're not buying into my plan." he theorized. All the brawlers and the ponies looked at him skeptically. "Oh it has nothing to do with you, personally..." Runo said to him "But you gave it your best shot..." Fluttershy said to him. Preyas was surprised of it, but smiled rubbing his head. "Well thanks guys, that makes me feel a whole lot better. NOW ARE YOU GOING TO LISTEN TO ME OR NOT?!!!" he asked them feeling furious. The Brawlers and the Main Six laughed at him knowing how foolish he was feeling, Dan turned to the others feeling eager. "Hey, we can do this... we'll find a way out of this dump." he said to them. "And together, we will return home..." Twilight said to them with a smile. Just at that moment, a light shined from behind them as a figure appeared behind them. "And we can grant that wish my friends.." said the voice. Dan turned around seeing it as he shielded his eyes. "Who are you...?" he asked him. The red light dimmed as Apollonir stood before them. "I am Apollonir, an ancient Pyrus Soldier..." he introduced himself. Applejack turned seeing a Subterra Bakugan appear before them. "I am Clayf, the Subterra Soldier..." he introduced himself to the Subterra Brawlers. Appearing in front of Runo and Fluttershy, Lars Lion stood before them. "I am Lars Lion... a Haos Soldier..." she said to them. Exedra stood before Rarity as he held his handout. "Exedra... the Darkus Soldier..." he introduced himself to her. Pinkie and Marucho looked noticing Frosch. "I am Frosch... an Aquos Soldier..." he said to them. Rainbow and Shun soon saw Oberus. "Oberus, I am a Ventus Soldier..." she said to them. Drago was surprised just from seeing them. "The Legendary Six Soldiers of Vestroia...!" he said as he felt amazed and honored to be in their presence. "The who and what now?" Rainbow asked him. "You've heard of us then..." said Oberus as she observed his surprise. "Then we shall spare you a long-winded history of our plight..." Frosch said to them. Eager to know why they're here, Shun stepped up to speak. "What do you want?" he asked them. "Our mission is very clear, we seek a new band of brothers to help save Vestroia from total destruction." Apollonir said to them. "Are you talking about us...?" Dan asked him. "We have a little proposition, you help us... and we will help you escape the Doom Dimension." Apollonir replied to him as he looked to his comrades. "But first, we must test your metal, to see if you are worthy of the challenge." said Clayf. Runo and Fluttershy were surprised from hearing what he said. "Worthy...?" Fluttershy asked him. "Yes... we must put you, and the ponies through a series of tests..." Lars Lion explained to her. "I know that you are a gentle spirit Fluttershy, but the fate of your world and ours rests in your hooves..." Fluttershy shuddered knowing that she needed to be a part of it, she also knew she can't turn away from it. Meanwhile, Drago stepped forward with Bahamut. "Our mission is the same... and we need your help to leave..." Drago said to them. "If we don't leave, then our home is doomed..." said Bahamut as he imagined what will happen. Dan nodded his head from hearing it. "Yeah, so... what kind of tests are you talking about here?" he asked them. "And how do we know you're even gonna help us if we pass...?" Twilight asked them. "You can't..." Apollonir stated to her. Dan scowled as he walked up. "Here's the deal... if we help you, then we want you to release every single Bakugan that's ever been sent to the Doom Dimension." he said to Apollonir. Exedra was surprised from what he proposed. "Impossible... nothing of which you proposed has ever been done before..." he said to him. Lars Lion looked at Dan sensing how determined he was, even that of those of his friends. "But it appears these beings really love their Bakugan..." she looked to Apollonir. "We must help them... I implore you..." she said to him in hopes her words would reach him. Thinking of it as he looked at Dan Kuso, he felt the fire within his heart... at first it was nearly an amber... but it reignited into a roaring flame. "Perhaps King Nova has chosen wisely... but I will see for myself if he was right. Very well, then is shall be so... all Bakugan shall be released to your dimension... now... let us commence with your tests..." he said to them. The Legendary Soldiers of Vestroia began to glow as the Brawlers and the Main Six were caught in the Attribute circle with all their Bakugan Partners. All of them shot into the air as each one of them was sent to a different battlefield, each brawler traveling with a respective pony of the same attribute they were... where they go? They did not know... the light blinded them from seeing where they were going, not even their partners knew where they were going. Within the Subterra field... Julie and Applejack screamed as they were being sent to their field. "JULIE!" Gorem cried out as they entered the field. The light dimmed as Julie and Applejack were unconscious on a couch. "Julie...! Julie!" he tried calling her name. "Applejack! Wake up Applejack!" Centorea pleaded her to awaken. Hearing their voices, Julie and Applejack began to stir from their sleep as they saw their partners in their ball forms. "Gorem...?" Julie spoke up. "Centorea...?" Applejack groaned as she got up. "What the hay happened...?" she asked but looked around the room. "Even better question... where are we...?" she asked. "Not a clue..." Julie said to her and looked around starting to recognize it. "It looks like we're back in my house you guys." she was about to get up only to slip and fall off the couch and crash on the floor. But at the point of impact, laughter is heard in the background as both Julie and Applejack looked around. "What is going on?" she asked as she looked around. "And where are the others...?" "Not sure Julie... but this place is just weird, I doubt this is really your place. But lets try calling them on our Bakupods..." she said to her as she tried to contact them, only to realize they weren't connecting. "I'm not getting a signal..." "Me neither..." Julie tried to get it but got frustrated in the process. "Oh come on! Get me online you stupid piece of-" before she could finish her sentence and a certain swear word that should not be mentioned. She and Applejack started hearing the strange laughter again. "Are you hearing what I'm hearing you guys?" she asked them. "Yeah, almost like we're on a live stand up TV show..." said Applejack as she looked around. "This isn't your house Julie..." Gorem stated to her. "What?!" Julie looked to him and Centorea. "We are still within the dark depths of the Doom Dimension Julie... how else can thou explain that laughter...?" Centorea asked her. "Wait, so are you saying all this isn't real then?" asked Applejack as she looked around only to hear a groaning noise in the background. "Hey Julie..." called out an unfamiliar voice. "What's going on...?" the voice asked as a young girl approached. Julie and Applejack looked seeing Daisy, Julie's older sister, she had the same hair as Julie, but her eyes were light purple, and she wore a school uniform. The crowd in the background cheered seeing her, as Julie was surprised to see her. "Oh wow, Daisy..." she said to her. "Daisy...? Who's Daisy...?" Gorem asked her. "Yes, who pray tell is this Daisy...?" Centorea asked her. Julie turned to them to explain. "She's my older sister, that's who..." she said to them. "Your sister?! You never told me!" Applejack exclaimed to her. Daisy shrugged at hearing it. "Oh Julie... I sure wish you'd quit calling me older." she said to her and looked to Applejack. "Also, I'm sorry if she hasn't talked about me much, I'm mostly out of town a lot." she explained. "No argument here..." Applejack said to her. Suddenly out of no where, a man in an astronaut suit walked in. "Hey, hey guys, its me!" he called out as the crowd cheered. Seeing him, Julie was shocked. "WHAT?!!" she exclaimed. "Oh, its Tom... what are you wearing?" Daisy asked him. "Funny you should ask, I was just on my way to Mars." Tom said to her as the crowd laughed. Both Julie and Applejack were getting severely creped out from what was going on. "Okay, would someone please tell us what in the world is going on here?!" she asked them. "And please talk to where everything makes sense around here..." said Applejack. "This is an illusion you two... I sense Clayf's presence. Therefore I would conclude this is one of their tests..." Gorem explained to them. Julie and Applejack looked to them in surprise. "Are you saying this is all fake...?" Julie asked him. "And that Daisy and Tom aren't really real?" Applejack asked them. "Yes... and there is your proof..." Centorea pointed out seeing Daisy hold out Clayf. She held him out with a smirk as she looked to her younger sister. "Julie... how about you, me and Applejack in a quick Bakugan battle...?" she asked her. Surprised to see it, Julie could not believe it. "Bakugan... now I think I'm starting to get it..." she began to realize her situation. Tom nodded his head to her. "This shall be your test Julie..." he said to him as orange energy surrounded him as he revealed himself as Clayf. Gorem was surprised to see it. "Clayf...!" he exclaimed. "You must defeat your sister..." Clayf stated as he reverted to his Bakugan Form, leaving his soldier garments. Daisy watched as he leaped to her and she caught him as they walls around them fell down showing an old western ghost town. "You ready to play Julie?" she asked her sister. Julie put up a stern expression, knowing she had no choice but to face her. All three brawlers held out their cards, preparing for battle. "Gate Card Set!" they tossed their cards onto the field. Daisy was the first to enter battle. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed her Subterra El Condor to the field. "El Condor Stand!" she called out as El Condor emerged onto the field. "It's your move Julie!" she said to her. "Nice try Daisy, but let me show you how its done! Bakugan Brawl!" Julie tossed in her Subterra Tuskor to the field. "Tuskor Stand!" she called out as Tuskor emerged on the field, unleashing a powerful roar. "Battle has commenced." said the Bakupod. "Careful Julie, she may look like your sister, but she looks more serious than a bull in a rodeo..." Applejack advised her. "I got this Applejack, don't worry about me... Ability Card Activate! Nose Slap!" Julie called out as Tuskor roared out and went to slap El Condor with his trunk. However... "Counter Ability Activate! Dragoon!" Daisy called out as a shield protected El Condor, blocking Tuskor's trunk and sent him flying back. "El Condor Power Level increase detected." said the Bakupod. This shocked Julie as Tuskor's power was decreased. "My special Dragoon counter ability lets me drain power from your Bakugan in battle, and without power, then you've got nothing." she teased her. El Condor took the chance to attack, and blasted Tuskor, forcing him back into Ball Form. Gorem was shocked by this turn of events. "Julie...!" he looked to her panicked. Hiding the way she was feeling, Julie turned to him hiding her fear. "Hey, no sweat... she just caught me off guard, that's all..." she said to him. "No, your power is limited..." Clayf said to her. "Say what?!" Julie asked in shock. "I'm no fool Daisy, you could never win against Daisy... her use of strategy will always defeat you..." Clayf said to her. Julie at that instance started having flashbacks of when she was a little girl. How Daisy was good at cooking... horseback riding... winning first prize trophies in art. This immediately got Applejack concerned as she looked to her, worried of what was going through her mind. "It's true... Daisy was always the star... she was good at doing everything did, and compared to her... I was always..." she thought back when she tried to cook go horseback riding, and failure in art. "I was always... just a cluts!" she admitted as she looked to Daisy. "But still... I lost to Daisy my whole life, but I won't lose now!" she said to her. Daisy smirked at her as she held out a card. "We'll see about that Julie... Gate Card Set!" she tossed it to the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed her El Condor back to the field. "El Condor Stand!" she called out as El Condor appeared on the field. Rising up, El Condor chuckled at her. "You're going down brawler!" he said to her. "We'll see about that! Bakuga-" Julie was about to toss in her next Bakugan, but Applejack lassoed her, stopping her in her actions. "HEY! Applejack, what are you doing?!" she asked her. "Just hold on a moment Julie, lets not get ahead of ourselves yet. She's good, I will admit that, even if she is an illusion of your sister... I want to see how this match goes. Let me give it a shot..." she said to her. "Your friend there is brave Julie, maybe you should let her have a shot... not that it will change anything." Daisy said to her. Growling at hearing it, Julie tossed Rattleoid to Applejack. "Give it your best shot, but if you lose, I'm taking over. Besides, we're both bound to the same card points." she said to her. "No need for the reminder..." Applejack caught Ratteloid and looked to the field. "You're quite brave young mare... but what has that bravery gotten you...?" Clayf asked her. "Something you won't understand..." Applejack replied earning a curious look upon Clayf even though he was in ball form. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed Subterra Rattleoid onto the field. "Bakugan Stand! Rattleoid Stand!" she called out as the rattle snake type Bakugan emerged on the field, hissing at his opponents. Daisy smirked at her as she held Wormquake in her hand. "Bold move taking over for my sister... but that boldness is gonna cost you. Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed Wormquake onto the field. "Wormquake, Stand!" she called out as the giant earthworm emerged on the field, snarling at Rattleoid. "New Battle engaged." said the Bakupod. "This ain't gonna be easy, I just hope I'm playing my cards right, and Daisy won't beat me at Bakugan like she did with Julie. Gate Card Open! Grand Spirit!" she called out as energy gathered to Rattleoid. "Rattleoid Power Increase detected." said the Bakupod. "Alright Daisy... hear this... the Grand Spirit Gate Card lets me increase my power level by fifty times, that of any other gate card you played." she explained to her. Clayf meanwhile, scoffed knowing she made a reckless move. "Do you think that's enough to win this battle Applejack...? Or are you so desperate, you can't even admit that you're scared you won't see your family again?" he asked her, earning a shocked expression from Applejack. "That proves my point..." Daisy pulled out another ability card to play. "Ability Card Activate! Spirit Canyon!" she called out as energy was drawn to Wormquake. "Workquake Power Increase." said the Bakupod. "You're kidding me!" Applejack panicked from seeing it. "Sorry AJ, but my Spirit Canyon ability neutralizes your pathetic ability." Daisy said to her as Wormquake charged at Rattleoid, tackling him into the ground as it reverted to ball form within its belly, and shot out the end of its tail. (I want to keep it appropriate, I mean COME ON! It's a kids show!) Both Applejack and Julie were shocked of what happened. "As I predicted... you're both no match for Daisy. I conclude that this challenge is a complete waste of my time!" Clayf said to them. "If you know what's good for you Applejack, you will stick to apple bucking..." he said to her. Applejack stood in silence as Julie was having a little hissy fit. "I can't do anything right, its always Daisy that's perfect... Daisy, Daisy, Daisy! There's still one more battle left to win! Lets do this Gorem!" she grabbed him. "Bakugan BRAWL!" she pitched him towards El Condor. "Show them what we're made of Gorem!" she said as Gorem slammed against El Condor's face, knocking him down. "Gorem Stand!" she called out as the golem emerged on the field. But Daisy... was in no hurry to lose. "Gate Card Open!" she called out as it began to activate. "Get'em Gorem!" Julie called out as Gorem clobbered El Condor, forcing him into ball form. "Way to go Gorem, now stay on'em!" she said to him. "Julie, you have no idea what you've just done!" Applejack yelled at her. At that instance, Gorem started to sink due to Quicksand Freeze. "Not good!" he exclaimed. "It's the Quicksand Freeze!" Julie panicked. "Hmph... I know I keep repeating myself, but you have no change of succeeding against Daisy's Quicksand Freeze ability. Maybe I should battle against you personally... and show you and Gorem how this game is played!" Clayf said to them as he headed over to Daisy. Daisy caught him as he looked to Julie. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed him to the field. "Clayf, Stand!" she called out as Clayf emerged on the field. In the form of a stone colossus, holding a scepter with a reflective mirror. This had Gorem worried as he Clayf as he stood behind him. "I've heard the most powerful Subterra Bakugan ever... I don't stand a chance against him." he said to Julie and Applejack. "Clayf enters battle at 500 G's." said the Bakupod. Clayf turned towards him seeing him hip deep in quicksand. "To give you a chance, I'll stand back and observe Gorem..." he said to him. Meanwhile, Daisy pulled her Wormquake back out. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed him to the field to face Gorem. "Wormquake Stand!" she called out as the giant worm Bakugan emerged in front of the golem. "Hope you and AJ don't take this personally..." she said to them. That however, got on Applejack's last nerve as she finally worked up the courage to snap out of her trauma. "I've had enough of losing! Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed in Centorea onto the field. "Centorea Stand!" she called out as her partner emerged on the field holding her spear. "Ability Activate! Copycat! Copy Dragoon!" she called out as Centorea's power reached 780 G's. "Copycat allows me to copy the ability of anything that's been activated in battle, and use it against it! Second Ability Activate! Power Charge!" she called out as Centorea's power boosted to 880 G's. Centorea charged and land a powerful strike with her shield and spear against Wormquake, forcing it into ball form. Daisy was surprised from what just happened. "Looks like I won that time... and now that Julie and I are back on track, there's nothing that can stop us." Julie smirked and looked to Clayf. "So, are you ready for some more punishment? Because these girls are on a mission!" she said to him. Clayf merely chuckled at them. "You really are starting to bore me you two... I concede you both one two separate battles. But no matter what you do Julie, in the end, you will never win the war against your sister." he said to them and looked to Applejack. "You of course Applejack, are stubborn to admit, that even you are afraid... afraid that you will never see your family again. Even the loss of your parents taught you that much..." Applejack stood quietly, but in her heart... she knew he was telling to truth. Julie meanwhile rolled her eyes from hearing it. "What ev's, give me a break! If you're trying to scare us, you're wasting your breath Clayf!" she replied to him. "Your boastful words are meaningless to me... now lets see you back them up!" Clayf's eyes began to glow as everything around them turned black and white. Julie was surprised from when it happened as her memories along with Applejack's started flowing back. "What's going on?!" she asked as she looked around and realized where she was. "Wait a minute... I remember this..." she looked and saw the school play. "This is for my Elementary School Drama Festival..." she looked back stage and saw her younger self with Daisy. "I can't do this... I don't even come close to having the same talent as you Daisy..." Young Julie said to Daisy. "You can do this Julie, I just know you can..." Daisy tried to encourage her. Julie looked away scared. "I can't.. I just can't!" she closed her eyes looking away. "You can!" Daisy said to her earning a surprised look from Julie. "I'm totally serious, all you need is a little confidence... that's all..." she said to her with a warm smile. Young Julie looked at her seeing how honest she was. "You really mean that...?" she asked her. Daisy nodded to her as Julie got up and headed out on stage. "But... once I went on stage..." the older Julie remembered what happened. "Oh Romeo, I-" before young Julie could perform, she tripped over her dress and fell to the floor. Every disaster on stage she caused, everyone laughed at her as she and the older Julie began to remember how painful it was. "SHUT UP!!!!" she cried out. "Make it stop! Make it stop, make it stop!" she pleaded. "No matter how hard you try to deny your failures, they will always come back to haunt you... just like your friend, Applejack..." Clayf gestured to the earth pony. Julie looked to her, seeing she was stuck in a trance of seeing something tragic. She reached to her and touched her shoulder seeing a horrible moment that haunted her. Applejack ran down the road to find her parents, but when she got to the bridge... the carriage was on the edge as both Bright Mac and Pear Butter were missing from it. "Mom! Dad!" she looked around the area but found bright Mac's hat on the road, and looked towards where the carriage crashed. Tears began to brim as she approached the carriage and looked down towards the river, seeing nothing but darkness bellow. It was that instance... that Applejack was traumatized, that her parents... fell to their death's. Her older self shut her eyes holding her head. "STOP IT! Don't show me anymore! please!" she pleaded trying to wipe out the pain as tears run. "As you can see Julie... everyone has a tragic background, even Applejack. The loss of her parents traumatized her to the brink of madness... and she felt that the only way to protect her family, was to hide it." Clayf said to her and looked to them. "Now... are you ready to admit defeat?" he asked them. Julie shot her head up looking to him with a glare. "No!" she exclaimed as Applejack looked to her surprised. "No matter what tricks you play, we won't lose again to a sour old Bakugan like YOU!" she yelled at him. "Lets show them Gorem!" she grabbed her partner and held him out. "Now its personal Clayf! Bakugan Brawl!" she pitched Gorem at the colossus Bakugan. "Here's what I think of your test!" she yelled as Clayf shielded himself with his scepter from Gorem's attacks. The golem rolled on the ground but stood on the field. "Gorem Stand!" she called out as Gorem emerged on the field in his true form. "Gate Card Open! Character activate!" she called out as it activated. "New battle has commenced." said the Bakupod. "Destroy him Gorem!" she said to him as Gorem pulled back his right arm. But Daisy was well prepared. "Ability Card Activate! Atomic Brave!" she called out as Clayf's eyes glowed, and legs formed beneath him. Using his scepter to block Gorem's attacks, leaving nothing, not even a scratch on it. Julie and Applejack gasped as they were stunned, as was Gorem. "WHAT?!" he panicked as Clayf took his scepter and struck Gorem's chest, knocking him down. "Gorem!" Julie cried out. Panting from the attack, Gorem got back up. "You cannot... defeat me...!" he said to Clayf. He went for another attack, only to get knocked back down by Clayf. "Gorem, no!" she cried out. "You are still too blind to see what's before your eyes, can you finally admit it you two...? You cannot defeat everything that is put in front of you!" Clayf said to her knowing its the truth. Julie was stunned from what she was going through. "Am I only fooling myself...? Is it true I can never defeat you Daisy...? Was I only dreaming that I could...?" she asked her. Daisy stood in silence as she looked at her sister, but Julie was only getting more frustrated. "Come on, say something... say something!" she groaned as she clenched her fist. "Oh forget it, guess I'll just have to prove how wrong you are! Ability Activate!" she called out. "It's over Julie..." Clayf said to her as she gasped. "Atomic Brave is an ability that absorbs any additional power that you attempt to give to your Bakugan in battle..." he explained to her. "Atomic Brave has intercepted all power from ability card. Total amount 880 G's. said the Bakupod. Julie, was shocked from what she saw. "But... that's impossible..." she panicked. "The battle ends here, Gorem!" Clayf struck him with his scepter. Gorem screamed and crashed on the ground. "Gorem!" Julie cried out only to look around hearing the laughter of her past again. She panicked as she looked around. "Why are the laughing at me...?" she asked. "Admit defeat..." Clayf advised her. "You can never win against Daisy..." he said to her with a dark tone. Suddenly out of no where, Centorea struck against his face, making him stumble back and looked seeing her. "Thou have gone too far Clayf... was your test all along to break their spirits...? To bring back tragedy to their hearts, to relive painful memories of loss and embarrassment?! I thought thee to be a great warrior of legend... but now I see not all live up to thy reputation." she said to him and glanced to Applejack. "Isn't that right Applejack...?" Applejack stood silently in her own shadow but looked to them as tears fell. "But he's right... the loss of my parents hurt me more than I realized. I may be tough when I'm with my family and friends, but deep down I've been falling apart inside... my parents meant everything to me, and losing them was harder on me than it was on Big Mac and Applebloom." she admitted to them as she looked to Clayf. "But I wouldn't have come this far if it weren't for my friends... they are just as much a family to me as my brother and sister. For all the time I was honest with them... I haven't even been honest with myself..." she said to him and looked to Julie who was freaking out. "Julie! Snap out of it!" "But he's also right about me... I was never able to beat anyone at anything in my whole life." Julie said to her as her eyes shut and tears ran down her cheek. "Why are you acting like this?!" Gorem asked her earning her attention. "This isn't about Daisy, its about you Julie!" he said to her. "About me...?" Julie asked him. "But I don't understand..." she said to him as she experienced another flashback with her and her sister when she was a child. Daisy walked to Julie as she sat on a bench, earning her little sisters attention. "Daisy...?" the young Julie asked. Daisy smiled and sat next to her, allowing Julie to hold her as she cried. "Oh Daisy... I was so embarrassed! I totally ruined that play, I'm not like you... I'll never be...!" she cried. Daisy smiled as she held her sister. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about... in fact, you were the star of the whole show Julie." she said to her earning a surprised look from her. She looked seeing the guests walk by giving good praises about how the play went. Daisy smiled and looked to her. "See...? What did I tell you...?" Seeing them go, Julie smiled and looked to them. "You're right...!" she said to her. "Hey, you don't have to compare yourself to me... just be the best you can be." Daisy said to her as both she and Julie hugged each other, giggling as the flashback ended. Julie began to realize the flaws of her character. "Yes... now I remember, my whole life changed that day because of Daisy... that's when I realized I could just be me..." she said to herself. "Yes child... and it doesn't matter if thou wins or loses, the important thing is to do your very best." Centorea said to her. Julie nodded her head and looked to them. "Yes... because I am a somebody!" she yelled out as the dust cleared. Applejack nodded till suddenly a glowing light shined in front of her chest, catching her by surprise as both Centorea's eyes and Gorems began to glow. Gorem threw a punch at Clayf's scepter managing to back him up, he threw another punch getting him to move a bit more. Centorea joined the assault by striking his sides with her spear, till suddenly both her body and Gorem's began to glow. "Whoa! What in the world is happening?" she asked only to see her Element of Harmony appear around her neck. "No way!" she exclaimed. "Applejack, is that...?" Julie looked back to the fight and looked to her Bakupod. "Sensing Gorem and Centorea power increase." it showed them as both their power levels were going through the roof. Gorem and Centorea struck Clayf together and soon backed away as their power began to transform them. Clayf couldn't believe what he was seeing. "Impossible... it just can't be...!" he panicked. Watching it happen, both Applejack and Julie couldn't believe their eyes. "Freaky...!" said Julie as she and Applejack received two new cards. Meanwhile, the molten rock over Gorem began to crack, and it broke off his body... revealing him in a new form. He stood up, revealing himself as Hammer Gorem. Meanwhile, Centorea emerged from the light that was transforming her... her armor, shield and spear had changed from how it originally looked. Her hair was down, and her strength had doubled. "Whoa nelly... Centorea...?" Applejack looked at her in disbelief. "What just happened Gorem...?" Julie asked him seeing his new form. "Because you found your confidence again, it allowed me to evolve Julie..." Gorem explained to her. "And I as well Applejack, admitting how thee felt after thy loss of thine parents was indeed hard to behold to others. Which allowed me to evolve, as well as return your Element of Harmony. The Element of Honesty..." Centorea explained to her. Both Julie and Applejack were amazed as Applejack looked to her Element of Harmony. "My element... and two evolutions?" she asked them and began to smile. "Yes... I am now Subterra Hammer Gorem." Gorem spoke of his new title. "And I and Subterra Hippeis Centorea..." Centorea spoke her title. "Subterra Hammer Gorem and Hippeis Centorea..." Julie was amazed of their new titles. Gorem let out a small chuckle. "Just call me Gorem..." he said to her. Julie giggled at him. "Okay Gorem..." she turned to Applejack. "You ready for this Applejack?" she asked her. "You bet Julie!" Applejack replied to her as both she and Julie pulled out their new cards. "Ability Activate!" they called out in unison. "Grand Impact!" Julie called out as Gorem formed his hammer. "Grand Impact is Gorem's special ability that amps up his power level by 200 G's, and at the same time it decreases his opponents power by the same exact amount." she explained as Daisy was surprised. "Centurian Enomotia" Applejack called out as Centorea twirled her spear and flames surrounded her shield. "Centurian Enomotia is an ability that allows Centorea to summon the spirits of her fallen brothers and sisters, to fight by her side." she explained as an army of centaurs formed as astral projections, holding spears up. "Not only that... it decreases your G Power by 200, while giving Centorea a 200 lead advantage." she explained. Daisy and Clayf panicked seeing it as both brawler and pony began to over power them. "Okay Gorem, I say its time to finish what we started." she said to him. Gorem took his double sided hammer and swung it around till finally releasing it and throwing it straight at Clayf, seeing it slam against him, destroying his scepter and making him stumble back. "Now Centorea, finish it!" Applejack called out to her as Centorea yelled out and launched her spear along with her fellow centaur. The spears followed the lead spear and descended upon Clayf, striking him down and letting out a huge explosion. Clayf writhed from it and went back into ball form and disappeared. "YEEHAW! Now that's how its done!" Applejack cheered. "Yes, we won!" Julie cheered as both Gorem and Centorea returned to them. Daisy smiled proudly of her sister, Julie felt bad for beating her... but that never stopped her from smiling and running towards her. "Daisy!" she called to her as she ran to her. But before she could reach her, she disappeared before her eyes. "Daisy...?" she looked around as everything turned dark, but a light shined upon her and Applejack. A crowd in the background cheered for them, catching them by surprise. Gorem floated up to Julie. "It seems everyone is happy for your victory Julie." he said to her. "Aye... as well as thou Applejack... your parents would be proud of thee." Centorea said to her. Clayf watched them from a distance. "I hate to admit it... but I never expected them to pass this test, and now there just might be a chance to save Vestroia..." he thought to himself. Both Julie and Applejack waved at the audience with smiles on their faces. "Thank you everyone! Thank you! We love you all! Thank you!" she giggled with a smile. All that's left now is for the others to finish their tests, and who knows how those would turn out? > We are Marucho and Pinkie, Hear Us Roar > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Moments before Julie's and Applejack's battle, Marucho and Pinkie were sent to where they were to face Frosch. "The Brawlers were all sent to the world of Trials by the Six Legendary Soldiers of Vestroia that we met in the Doom Dimension, in order to be tested. Pinkie and I are wonder what our test will be." Marucho thought to himself only to snap back to reality and scream. Pinkie, Preyas and Scylla followed him to their trial, but Preyas wasn't having a fun ride. "I THINK I'M GONNA BE SICK!" he exclaimed. "If you puke on me Preyas, we're going to have some serious issues!" Scylla warned him what would happen if he did. By the time they arrived in their trial, Marucho and Pinkie found themselves in a lush green forest. With no clue what so ever as to where they are, or where the others were. They searched for a while, trying to find them... but there was no sign, but that didn't stop Marucho. "Dan, Shun, Runo, Julie... where are you?!" he groaned getting no response from them. "You know Marucho, I'm beginning to think those guys were sent somewhere else. No doubt my group is with each one of them." Pinkie said to him as she looked around. "I bet that we're the only ones in this wretched place, doomed to spend our remaining days wandering aimlessly and-" before Preyas could finish his little freak out. Scylla quickly knocked him off of Marucho's shoulder seeing him fall down to he ground. "Would it kill you to stop thinking negative?!" she asked him. Suddenly a small groan was heard, and Marucho looked around. "Wait a sec..." he held his hand to his ear. "Is it just me, or do you guys hear something strange...?" he asked them. Preyas listened hearing a groan "Probably just my stomach, I haven't eaten in ages.." he muttered. "Could you move two feet to your left...?" asked a voice. Marucho heard it and looked down realizing that he was standing on an old frog, he panicked and quickly got off him. "I'm so sorry! Are you okay, whoever you are?" he asked him. "Yes... I mean no... I need water... water...!" the old frog exclaimed. "Sure... but where do we find it...?" Pinkie asked him. The old frog pointed to the mountains. "Beyond that mountain... is another mountain, beyond which there lies a spring, deep in the woods. There you will find water..." he croaked from the strain of being dehydrated. Marucho helped him rest against a tree. "Hang in there..." he said to him. "I don't know guys, it kinda sounds like its a long ways away..." said Preyas earning a scowl from the frog. "Just ignore him..." Scylla said to the elder frog. "We'll go to the spring for you..." Pinkie said to him. The elder handed Marucho a water bottle. "Take this... you can bring water back in it." he said to him. "Great! We'll be back in a jiff!" Marucho ran off with Pinkie. "Wait! You're not serious are you?!" Preyas asked them. "Oh suck it up Preyas and roll with it!" Scylla said to him as she held onto Pinkie. Meanwhile, the old frog was letting out a few coughs, but looked to where they went. He smiled and held up a peace sign as he let out an amusing chuckle. At the Mountains, Marucho and Pinkie were climbing up the mountain to find the spring the old frog told them about. By the time they reached the cliff, Marucho took a chance to rest while Preyas leaped to the ground letting out an exhale. "I'm beat..." he said to them. "You were only holding onto Marucho the whole time, so don't act like you're tired..." Scylla said to him with a scowl. "Well excuuuse me Princess!" Preyas shouted as both Bakugan were knocking heads together. "Stop it you two..." Marucho separated them. "Well we finally made it up the second mountain pass." he said as he looked around. Till suddenly... "Oops, that was the third one..." said Preyas earning a shocked look from both Pinkie and Marucho. "Guess we went too far." "Too FAR?!!!" Scylla yelled in rage only to hear a rock slide. She and the others turned only to see rocks falling towards them, they began to panic as both Marucho and Pinkie were tackled by two large rocks, going back down the mountain. They screamed as they fell straight into the water spring the frog told them about. They resurfaced and looked around the area, and swam for the shore. Preyas meanwhile was bouncing like crazy. "COLD! COLD! COLD!" he exclaimed as he opened up from his ball form. "If this outfit shrinks, I'm gonna be so ticked off..." he said to them. "I'm already ticked with you Preyas, so keep your mouth shut." Scylla said to him. "We're all wet too..." Pinkie said to them. Suddenly, Marucho realized and looked to the spring. "Guys! Look, its the spring!" he pointed out. "No kidding, I guess going down that mountain was faster climbing down it..." said Preyas as Scylla quickly clobbered him, hearing him yelp in pain. They later returned to the old frog to give him the water he requested. Marucho approached him and held out the water to him. "Here we go, drink up." he said to the old frog. He took it from Marucho and smiled. "Ah, still cold..." he started guzzling the water down and started feeling refreshed from it. Once he finished, he took his staff and leaped into the air with easy and landed behind Marucho and Pinkie. A smoke cloud burst out of no where, and the elder frog, revealed himself to be Frosch. "Ah, that's better..." he said as he looked to himself. Preyas was stunned from when he saw him. "Hey! I know you!" he exclaimed. "You're the Ancient Aquos Soldier! Frosch!" Pinkie cried out. Frosch smiled behind his mask as he floated into the air glowing blue. "You both have a pure heart that is willing to help others in need, I dare say you both just may have what it takes to become the new soldiers." he said to them. "Aww, you sly old devil you!" Preyas complimented him. "Pinkie, I think I get it now, this was our test... wasn't it...?" Marucho asked as he was on his knee's. Frosch chuckled and looked to them. "No, sorry... your real test begins right now!" he used his powers to allow water to rise out of the ground. "Water?! But I don't eve have my bathing suit!" Pinkie exclaimed as she jumped into Marucho's arms. "I think I got splashed a little." said Preyas as the arena of water filled the whole entire area. Swiping them away as both Marucho and Pinkie tried to hold their breath. "I am so sending him my dry-cleaning bill!" he exclaimed. Marucho and Pinkie surfaced catching their breath and swam to a lily pad and looked to where Frosch was who was chuckling in amusement. "Well my little castaways... if you entertain the slightest hope of seeing your friends again, you MUST defeat my warriors." he said to them as two warriors appeared before them. It was two cloned copies of Marucho and Pinkie Pie... only... this Pinkie was much more flat haired. Therefore... it was really Pinkamena Diane Pie. Pinkie was surprised when she saw her standing next to the other Marucho. "Ohhh boy, that's not good..." she muttered. "Hey... hang on, if you're here... then how come you're over there too?" Preyas asked in confusion but freaked out looking to the fakes. "AHHH! There's two of both of you!" he exclaimed. "No, don't be ridiculous Preyas..." Marucho stood up looking to the copies. "There can't be two of us... they have got to be an imitation of me and Pinkie." he theorized. "Hair looks good, but no crazy about Pinkamena... I heard a lot of nasty things about her..." Preyas said to them earning a scowl from Pinkie. Frosch meanwhile landed on a rock next to his champions. "Yes, I thought so too... now! Let's begin!" he said to them. "Good, this'll be fun." said Fake Marucho as he held out a Gate Card. "Gate Card Set!" he tossed it to the field. Pinkie turned to Marucho curious of what to do. "Well Marucho? Should we get started?" she asked him. "Well I guess we don't have a choice... Gate Card Set!" Marucho tossed it to the field. "This'll be fun alright, alright Frosch! Give us your best shot!" Pinkie said to him. "With pleasure..." Frosch replied and looks to Fake Marucho. "Why not start with Aquos Warius...?" he said to him. "Okay..." Fake Marucho pulled out the warrior Bakugan out. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed him to the field. "Aquos Warius Stand!" he called out as the hulking warrior emerged on the field, growling at his opponents. Marucho looked at the Bakugan and looked to Frosch. "As an Aquos Soldier, its only natural that we choose to brawl with water attributed Bakugan... I'll do the same and go first Pinkie. Remember, we're both tied to the same life points... so we need to use our skills carefully." he said to her earning a nod from her as he held out a Bakugan. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed Limulus to the field. "Limulus Stand!" he called out as Limulus emerged on the field. "Bakugan ready." said the Bakupod. "Hmm.." Frosch observed the field Limulus was on. "Lets see... use Aquos Siege..." he said to Pinkamena. "Yes... a wise choice. Gate Card Set!" she tossed it to the field seeing it expand. "Get ready for this, you haven't seen anything yet. Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed Aquos Siege to the field Limulus was on. "Aquos Siege Stand!" she called out as Siege emerged on the field, landing in front of Limulus without his lance. "400 G's verses 350 G's." said the Bakupod. Marucho smirked at seeing it. "I can change that, Gate Card Open! Energy Grab!" he called out as the card glowed bright, transferring power from Siege to Limulus. "100 G's of Aquos Siege power transferred to Aquos Limulus. Aquos Limulus power level now at 450 G's." the Bakupod informed them. "In your face Aquos Siege!" Preyas laughed at him. But Frosch only smirked at them. "Didn't your mother teach you that its not nice to steal...?" he asked them. "Ability Card Activate! Aquos Javelin!" Pinkamena called out. Pinkie panicked seeing it fly down. "Should've seen that coming..." she stated. "Aquos Siege, look alive!" Frosch called out to him as Siege caught the javelin and pierced it into the gate card. Forcing it to switch cards, catching Marucho by surprise as he looked to his Bakupod. "Gate Card's exchanged..." the Bakupod informed them. "Aquos Javelin can interchange adjacent gate cards, pretty nice huh...?" he asked them as Limulus lost the power that was given to him. "He just stole my Energy Grab card!" Marucho panicked from seeing it. Preyas fumed from seeing it as he looked to the Bakupod. "Y-Y-YOU THIEF!" he exclaimed. "100 G's transferred back from Aquos Limulus to Aquos Siege." said the Bakupod. Frosch smirked seeing their despair and glanced to Pinkamena. "And now...." he gained her attention. "Gate Card Open!" she called out as she held out her hoof. "Because this is Aquos Siege's character card, his power level doubles." she said to them as Siege took his javelin and struck Limulus down, forcing it back into ball form as it rolled next to Marucho's feet. Marucho, and Pinkie were shocked of what they just witnessed. "Unreal... I've never seen an ability like that one before." he stated as he watched Siege go back into ball form. Pinkamena caught him as Frosch smiled proudly. "Good girl... that's my dear Pinkamena, you and Marucho are such obedient children aren't you...?" he asked them. "I do hope so Master Frosch..." Pinkamena said to him. "WHATEVER! Those little puppets are just doing what that old guy is telling them to. Come on you two, don't listen to any of this hooey! You're not like those imposters!" Preyas stated as he fumed with anger. "Good girl...? Such an obedient child...?" Pinkie looked to Pinkamena trying to figure her out. Meanwhile, Frosch point his staff to Fake Marucho. "I expect you to win the next round Marucho, don't let me down." he said to him. "Yes... I promise I will live up to your expectations..." Fake Marucho said to him as he looked to the field. Meanwhile the real Marucho looked at him and Pinkamena starting to see a pattern. "Then they're..." he muttered. "Spit it out kid, you're making me nervous..." Preyas said to him. "Preyas, don't you get it...?" Scylla gained his attention. "That Marucho and Pinkie Pie aren't imposters... they are every bit as real as they are." she said to him. Preyas nervously chuckled at hearing it. "That's crazy talk... if they're the real Marucho and Pinkie, and these two are the real Marucho and Pinkie, then-" he theorized a bit. "They're different versions of us... they existed a long time ago..." Marucho said to him and looked to the clones. "And we.. we thought they were gone..." Pinkie said to them as she remembered her days on the rock farm while Marucho remembered his past from when he was but an obedient boy. He was eating dinner with his family, feasting on his favorite dish. Shouko looked to her son with a soft and gentle smile. "Marucho dear... your economics tutor will be arriving later this afternoon. Please come straight home as soon as you finished school, all right...?" she asked him. "Yes mother, of course..." Marucho replied to her about to talk to them about his friends. Meanwhile, Kyosuke was busy wiping his mouth of the food he ate and interrupts him. "I know you'd rather play, but you have to apply yourself to your studies." he said to him. Cut to a scene where Marucho was walking through the school grounds, watching the other kids play soccer, knowing he couldn't participate due to his families wishes. "You don't have time to fritter away like the other children, I'm sure you understand... don't you Marucho...?" his fathers words echoed in his head. "Yes father... I understand..." Marucho replied. He remembers all the tutors he was being given, and his parents just would not let up. Not even in the slightest... the poor kid couldn't catch a break. As he wen through his studies, his parents were looming over him to no end. "I know it seems unfair, but its important..." Shouko said to Marucho. "The future of the Marukura family name is in your hands my son..." Kyosuke said to him as he and his hand on his sons shoulder. Marucho, the past version smiled at his loving yet very overbearing parents. (Dear god, my parents are the same way! Only more work and less tutoring...") He looked to them knowing they will be proud of him. "Yes, I promise I will live up to your expectations." he said to them as the flashback ended. Pinkie meanwhile was experiencing her own past, when she lived on the rock farm with her family. Limestone, Marble, and Maud Pie. Her parents, Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz, were quite strict when it came to the rock farming business. While the sisters were in the farm, collecting rocks, Pinkie was by her lonesome trying to gather as much as she could. "Pinkamena, art thou almost finished with thy rocks?" Igneous asked her. "I'm almost done father..." Pinkamena responded to him as she gathered a few more and rushed to deliver them. Seeing her bring good quality rocks, Cloudy smiled and patted her head. "Well done Pinkamena... thou have come thus far, thou may even lead the rock farming business one day..." she said to her. Pinkamena forms a small smile from hearing it but it immediately faded away as she looked away from them. "But, what if-" before she could respond. "No what if's Pinkamena... thou art part of our family, and nothing else would matter." Igneous said to her. "I know it seems harsh my dear, but this is our life... our legacy..." he said to her as he gestured to the rock farm where her sisters continued to work. Pinkamena looked upon it and sighed feeling disappointed. "I understand father..." she said to him as she looked off into the distance as the flashback ended showing the Pinkamena standing before them. At that moment both Pinkie and Marucho were getting frustrated with what was going on. "Stop it! Just stop it! Wipe that obedient smile off your face!" Marucho yelled at his past self. "Yeah, and you!" Pinkie pointed at Pinkamena. "How can you stay so gloomy?!" she asked her. Meanwhile, Frosch was chuckling as he stroked his beard. "Looks like we touched some nerves, doesn't it?" he asked as he looked to them. "Tell me, what's wrong with your old selves that obediently fulfilled all your parents expectations, and how gloomy your past self is because she worked on a rock farm, and did their very best to please their parents?" he asked them. Glaring at them, Marucho soon started to realize what needed to be done. "So that's it... I think I get it now. Our test is to learn to deal with our past selves, am I right?" he asked them. Pinkamena and Past Marucho were surprised as they both looked to Frosch who looked to them sharing a similar expression behind his mask. Meanwhile, Pinkie smirked as she looked at them. "In that case, we'll show the two of you just how much we've changed." she said to them. "Whoa, hold it there Pinkster... you can't be serious, she-" before Scylla could stop her, Pinkie held out a gate card. "Oh dear..." she muttered. "Gate Card Set!" Pinkie tossed the card to the field, seeing it expand next to Warius'. Pinkie reached out for Scylla. "Pinkie, wait a sec-" she tried to escape but Pinkie grabbed hold of her. She turned towards the field ready for battle. "I'll even show past me that I'm not the same as I was back then, Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed her to the field. Scylla screamed as she headed to the field. "YOU'RE CRAZY!!!" she cried out. Pinkie watched as she made it to the field Warius was on. "Scylla Stand!" she called out as the nymph appeared on the field. Emerging on the field, Scylla immediately turned to Pinkie with a glare. "Darn you Pinkie, what do you think you're doing?! Ever since we got to this point, you have been acting like the really harsh Pinkamena." she said to her. "She's got a point there kiddo, even I'm not feeling well about this. I mean I've been craving sour fruit for some reason." Preyas said to her only to see Scylla look to him. "What...?" "Is that, my lemon you're holding...?" Scylla asked him. Preyas looked to it and looks to her, chuckling nervously of it. "Didn't see your name on it..." he said to her. The whole area became silent, like a graveyard at nightfall. Even Frosch was getting a cold chill up his spine as he looked to Scylla, who stood with her back towards him. She stood still but suddenly started to twitch knowing that her lemon had been stolen by Preyas, she burst into a maniacal laughter as she twirled around. "Preyas~, come here~!" one of her wolf heads grabbed him and made him stand on the field. He panicked as Scylla pulled him underwater and started beating the crud out of him "SPIT IT OUT RIGHT NOW, OR I'LL GAG YOU WITH A TOOTH BRUSH AND EAT THE LEMON SEEDS OF EVERY LEMON YOU'VE STOLEN FROM ME IN THE LAST 48 HOURS!!!!" she beat him up to where his face looked like it came out of boxing arena, like he called Mike Tyson a sissy. He wanted to cough up the lemon he took from her, but failed. "TRY AGAIN!" she pounded him one last time and resurfaced with him, dropping him on the ground. "Whatever... I'm here for a battle, not a constant round of beating the clown..." Frosch looked upon the injured and was scared stiff of what he was gonna face, he looked to Maurcho and Pinkie hoping for a straight answer. "Should I be worried...?" he pointed towards Preyas as a tooth fell out of the Aquos Bakugan's mouth. "He's used to it by now, he'll bounce back..." Marucho said to him. "Says you...." Preyas muttered as one of the wolves coiled around him making him scream. "Pay attention Preyas, seeing that Scylla forcefully brought you into battle, I need you to change to your Darkus Attribute." Marucho said to him. Preyas tossed the lemon away and looked to him and Pinkie. "What the heck's up with you two today Marucho? I mean, you're both not your usual fun-loving selves." he pointed out to them. "Actually, I have to agree with Preyas on this... ever since it started, you both have been acting aggressive towards your past selves." Scylla said to them. "We can't lose this battle Scylla..." Pinkie said to her. "So quit messing around, and both of you get focused. Got it?" Preyas panicked seeing it. "Yeah, yeah...got it." Preyas said to her and looked to Warius as his torso glowed purple. "Alright you big lug!" he yelled as he leaped into the air. "Attribute Change!" his blue skin changed to purple as he looked to Warius. "Darkus!" he called out with a grin. Frosch meanwhile was no amused. "Now you think you can win by using an attribute change, is that it? If you keep this up, you'll never win against my Marucho and Pinkamena." he said to them. "No matter his attribute changes, Preyas is always Preyas... he's still my best friend in the whole world, there's no way Preyas would lose to the old me, he's worthless and weak." Marucho pointed out. "Neither will Scylla against my old self!" said Pinkie. The Aquos Soldier smirked behind his mask and looked to Marucho and Pinkamena. "Well, why don't we just see about that...?" he said to them. Past Marucho nodded to him and looked to the field. "Gate Card Open, Switch Back!" he called out. The field beneath Preyas glowed, and Preyas was freaking out. "What the heck is going on?! Switch Back is not good right?" he asked as his attribute changed back to Aquos. "HUH?!! OH NO! Switch Back has made me turn back into an Aquos! And that's bad! I'm talking bad, as in really, really bad!" he realized and turned toward Warius seeing him raise his club. Preyas screamed as Warius went to crush him, but Scylla blocked it as Marucho pulled out a card. "Ability Card Activate! Blue Stealth!" he called out. "I'm disappearing!" Preyas vanished into thin air, leaving Scylla to deal with Warius. "50 G's transferred from Warius to Preyas." said the Bakupod. Scylla avoided a strike from Warius as her wolf tripped him over. Preyas grabbed hold of him and threw him over slamming him on the ground. He leaped and stood on Warius' back pinning him down, grinning as he stood victorious. "Oh how the mighty have fallen!" he called out as Warius reverted to ball form as well as he and Scylla and they returned to their masters. "WHAT?!" he cried out as he is caught by Marucho. "Oh man... I feel even worse than before... and its not because of Scylla beating me up over a lemon..." "Which you deserved by the way..." Scylla said to him scowling at the Bakugan. "I'm sorry Preyas..." Marucho apologized to him. "But its like he see's through all my tactics and anticipates my every move..." he said to him. Chuckling at their surprise, Frosch thought it wise to tell them. "Well of course, you are battling yourself after all... past or present, you are completely the same." he said to him. "But we aren't the same... I am nothing like the rock collecting filly I once was, and Marucho isn't like the boy who mindlessly did everything his parents told him to!" Pinkie said to them with a scowl. "Do you really hate your old selves that much...?" Preyas asked them. "Even I must admit this isn't like either of you..." said Scylla as she was held by Pinkie. "Yes, we do... we despise those we once were." Marucho said to them as he thought back to the old days. "No matter how hard I worked, it was never enough... and when I wanted to tell my parents how I felt, all I could do is smile at them. A fake meaningless smile... but the moment I came across the Bakugan, everything changed." he explained to them. "Its the same with me, all I wanted was to see my family smiling... but that could never would have happened if Rainbow Dash performed her sonic rainboom. I finally got them to smile like I wanted, and I became the best party planner in Ponyville... and then I met my friends, and now I'm here... when we met the brawlers, the Bakugan, and our partners, Preyas and Scylla... Me and Marucho learned to think for ourselves. We learned to brawl, and the laugh, and live life to the fullest." Pinkie explained to them. Marucho looked over to Preyas. "So you understand why there's no way we could lose to our old selves..." he said to him. Frosch scowled at their explanation. "Foolish children..." he let out a small chuckle. "Is that really all you've learned from your friends...?" he asked them. Pinkamena turned to him with a proposal. "I'd like to go into a Triple Battle..." she said to him earning a nod from Frosch. She pulled out a card and looked to the field. "Gate Card Set!" she tossed it to the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed Siege back onto the field. "Aquos Siege Stand!" she called out as Siege slammed his javelin on the ground. Marucho held Preyas up and smiled at him. "Let's do everything we can to pass this test, okay?" he asked him. "Yeah, okay... but-" before Preyas could say anything. "Bakugan Brawl" Marucho tossed him onto the field seeing him reach it. "Preyas Stand!" he called out. Preyas emerged on the field but turned to him still holding Scylla's lemon. "Hey! I told you I wasn't feeling good!" he took a bite out of it as his face squinted. "So sour, but so good." "PREYAS!!!!" Scylla screamed at him. "I'm sorry okay?! But I can't help it, and I can't fight two brawls in a row!" Preyas stated to his partner. "Don't you worry, just leave everything to me." Marucho said to him. "Siege 400 G's, Preyas 340 G's." said the Bakupod. "Quick, hit me with an ability!" Preyas said to him. "Right, I'm on it! Ability Card Activate! W-" before Marucho could complete his command... "Water Refrain!" Pinkamena called out as she tossed the card to the field. Marucho was surprised of what she did. "Wait, I wasn't finished!" he said to her as the card activated. Seeing his card was countered, Preyas began to worry. "Marucho's card was preempted by the other Pinkie, and that means..." he panicked as he turned seeing Siege charge at him. He screamed trying to avoid his attacks. "I'm in trouble!" he cried out. "Preyas, no!" Maruch cried out. Preyas avoided very strike Siege threw at him, while Frosch was getting a good laugh out of it. "Not looking good for you..." he stated. Siege managed to knock Preyas down to the ground, seeing him writhe a bit. "Preyas!" Marucho cried out as he fell to his knees. "Oh no... Preyas, you have to get up... you can do it..." he said to him. Groaning in pain, Preyas looked to him feeling weak. "I'm sorry old buddy... I... I guess I couldn't live up to your expectations." he said to him. Marucho closed his eyes feeling defeated. "No, its my fault... I was so caught up in my own problems, I didn't listen to you tell me yours..." he said to him. Preyas looked at him and smiled weakly. "Its okay Marucho... you know I'm just happy to have battled along side you. Preyas is always Preyas... thanks for saying that, but... if that's true, then doesn't it mean that Marucho is always Marucho...? Just as Pinkie is always Pinkie...?" he asked him earning surprised looks from Marucho and Pinkie Pie. "You both were just blindly doing what your parents wanted... I think back then you honestly wanted to make your parents happy and proud of you both..." he said to them. Scylla watched him and looked to Pinkie seeing she had tears in her eyes from listening. "You are a generous person Marucho... just as Pinkie is a fun loving mare who wants people to smile. You both were then... and you both are now... I'm sure you both made sacrifices, but if that smile you both put on your faces made your parents happy then... there's no way it could have been anything but sincere. You both had to make all those sacrifices just so you could grow and become the plucky little guys you are now..." Preyas sat up and looked towards Siege. "The two guys we all like..." he laid down on his back. "So please remember never to forget your past okay...?" he glanced towards him. "Do that for me...?" Marucho looked at his partner as tears ran down his face, but he nodded to him in response. "Good... I'm glad, just keep being the Marucho we all... that we all know..." he groaned as he started feeling inside pains. "I can't hold it...!" he groaned as a tiny little Bakugan Ball shot out of his... well... best you don't want to know. This surprised Marucho despite what it was as Preyas exhaled feeling relieved. "Oh... so that's what it was... I thought it was a bit strange I wasn't feeling well. But now it all makes sense... its no wonder I was craving sour foods like that." "Uhhhh.... so then, are you feeling any better now?" Marucho asked him. Preyas immediately stood up and turned to him. "Are you kidding?! I feel fantastic! I'm on top of the world!" he said to him as he did a couple of stretches to show just what kind of shape he was in and let out a laugh. "Good..." Scylla clocked him in the head as she appeared on the field. "You've really pulled some nasty moves on us before, but this was takes the cake!" she said to him as he panicked waiting for another clobber. "However... what you said for Marucho and Pinkie earlier... it made me realize that you aren't really such a clown after all. You can be wise, even in the hardest situations... I can't express how moved I was about it, and no it does not mean you can hug me. Because I'm still rip roaring made at you for stealing my lemon..." she said to him as her wolves snarled at him. "But still Preyas... we are so relieved, and happy... you helped us remind us of the good memories we had." Pinkie said to him as she smiled brightly. "I can't thank you enough, and hope maybe after this, we can have a real party, where everyone can laugh and have fun together." she said to him. Suddenly, a light shined around her neck, catching everyone by surprise. "No way!" "Pinkie, what's happening?!" Marucho asked as he shielded his eyes from the light. From around Pinkie's neck, the Element of Laughter appeared around her. Surprising her to no end... she even looked to Scylla as water shot up from beneath her, forming a water vortex around her. Frosch observed what was happening, as a blue light emanated from the vortex. Pinkie didn't know what was happening, but she knew exactly what was going on. the vortex fell, revealing Scylla in a brand new form. "No... way..." Pinkie muttered as she looked upon Scylla. Her crown had five pointed tips, he frill was around her neck like a collar, fins were now part of her arm bracers, and her wolves were now covered in jewels. Scylla's eyes snapped open as water swirled around her and her pets. "I am Tethys Scylla... if you want a piece of Preyas, you're also gonna get a piece of me!" she said to her opponents. "Scylla... you look AMAZING!" Pinkie cried out with a bright smile but snapped back to reality. "Which leads me to the question, how did my Element of Harmony came back...? I thought it was stuck with the Tree of Harmony..." she stated. "In realizing your mistake, you found what was important to you Pinkie Pie..." Scylla said to her, earning her attention. "Seeing the smiles of all your friends is what makes you happy the most... that resulted in he return of the Element of Laughter to you, giving you the strength to keep on smiling." she said to her with a smile. "Now... what do you say we get back to business?" she glanced to Preyas. "Alright, enough of this... we have a battle to finish!" Preyas turned to the new Bakugan ball. "Are you ready my brother...?" he asked it. This automatically confused both Marucho and Pinkie. "Brother...?" they asked in unison and looked to the new Bakugan Ball. It rolled on the field, the new Bakugan finally spoke. "You called, brother dear...?" it asked in a posh tone. Upon opening up on the field, the Bakugan emerged on the field... revealing itself to be a new species of Preyas. Only... this one had angelic wings, yellow, and green eyes compared to its older sibling. "Aquos Preyas... Angelo... at your service..." he said to them. "WHAT?!!" Marucho exclaimed when he saw him. "No way!" Pinkie cried out. "I don't believe it!" Frosch exclaimed seeing him. "That's true, you see... my evolution involves multiplication." Preyas explained to him "Evolution...? Wait are you saying...?" Marucho started putting it together. Preyas chuckled looking to him."No flies on you... you see, your task was to recognize and accept your old selves you guys, when you were finally able to do that, then I was finally able to evolve and multiply, capiche? Oh, and it definitely helped Scylla here..." he pointed out to her. "Charming..." Scylla said with a scowl. "I think we get it..." Marucho looked to Angelo. "I suppose that means you're the evolved Preyas...?" he asked him. Angelo looked to him and smiled. "Oh, oh goodness... where are my manners...? It is a pleasure to meet you both, I'm Aquos Preyas Angelo... I look forward to battling with you young master." he said to him. "Uhh, yes..." Marucho bowed to him. "Yes, nice to meet you..." "By the way... I am water attributed, but I have the powers of a light attributed Bakugan as well." Angelo showed sparkling lights floating around him. "This is probably as good a time as any to mention, I get tired easily and require frequent breaks. I get every second Monday off, and oh! I don't do windows." he said to him. Scylla facepalmed hearing it. "Right... we got a neat freak. You sure this is a good idea Preyas...?" she asked him. "Angelo steps up to the plate when it counts Scylla..." Preyas said to her and pointed to Siege. "Show'em brother!" he said to him. Angelo took flight staying next to his older sibling. "Yes sir, Preyas sir!" he replied. Preyas also stood ready for battle. "Lets show them together!" he stated. Both Pinkamena and the past Marucho were surprised of what they witnessed, but Frosch wasn't that impressed. "Big deal..." he muttered. "Oh, by the way!" Preyas pointed to the gate card beneath them. "The Tripple Battle Card has been activated, but I guess in Scylla's case, this is a Quadruple battle now!" he said to him. "WHAT?!" Frosch panicked seeing it happen. "Not good!" he muttered as Preyas and Scylla gained more power from the card. "Preyas power level increased to 400 G's. Scylla power level increased to 540 G's." said the Bakupod. "Oh man I feel great! I mean check out these boys!" Preyas flexed his muscles from the power. "I hate to interrupt brother dear..." Angelo interrupted him. "But we have work to do!" he reminded him. "Oh yeah!" Preyas put his focus back onto the battle. "Preyas and Angelo total power level 800 G's. Combined with Scylla, 1340 G's." the Bakupod informed them. Scylla charged at Siege first and knocked him straight into the air as Preyas and Angelo leaped into the air and kicked him straight in the chest, forcing him back into ball form as he landed next to Pinkamena. Frosch scoffed from seeing it as Marucho and Pinkie caught their partners. "Yeah! We did it guys!" Marucho cheered. "That was totally amazing!" Pinkie cheered as she held Scylla. "Well, well... it looks like you're both finally getting serious. Time to break out the secret weapon!" Frosch state as he left his humanoid form and reverted to ball form, floating to the Past Marucho. He opened up in his hand and looked to him. "You know what to do, don't let me down." he said to him. "Don't worry, I won't... Bakugan Brawl!" Past Marucho launched him to the field. "Frosch, stand!" he called out as a blue flame formed, and a giant frog leaped out from it. Frosch croaked at Marucho and Pinkie seeing them scream. "What the heck is that thing?!" Pinkie asked. "Don't worry..." Scylla said to her. "That's just his true form..." Angelo stated to her. Frosch croaked a bit and looked to them. "I bet you're about to use a Tripple Battle Gate Card, you're so predictable..." he said to them. "Oh yeah? You think you're so clever do you? Well I hate to disappoint you... Bakugan Brawl!" Pinkie tossed in Scylla to face him. "Scylla, stand!" she called out as the sea nymph emerged before them. Scylla chuckled at him as she crossed her arms. "You certainly have a serious case of fly breath..." she said to him. "Gate Card Open, Quadruple Battle! Marucho, send in Preyas and Angelo!" Pinkie said to him. "On it! Bakugan Brawl!" Marucho tossed them onto the field. "Preyas and Angelo Stand!" he called out. Preyas appeared on the field, but in the process of standing, rather than seeing Angelo... we got something else. Same colored eyes, but we got dragon wings, and demon horns with red patches and an orange frill, along with a goatee. "I am Aquos Preyas Diabo... in the flesh!" he stated to them. "So! Which one of you Jokers woke me up from my nap?!" he demanded to know. Marucho was surprised when he saw him. "Whoa, who's this guy?! And what happened to Angelo?!" he asked them. "You see Marucho, Diablo is Angelo's alter-ego. Its sorta like getting two Bakugan for the price of one." Preyas explained. Marucho began to realize that it was definitely like a Jekyll and Hyde routine here. "Of course, how silly of me. Well... there's just the one opponent to deal with right now, so let's see what you're made of Diablo!" he said to him. "You gotta be kidding me..." Diablo marched toward him. "You woke me up for a brawl with a frog? What a waste of my time! I'll give him one of these! One of these! And a whole lot of this!" he flexed his muscles to show how tough he is. Scylla groaned in annoyance knowing now that she will have three Preyas' to deal with. "Will the nightmare ever end...?" she asked them. "Hey, if Diablo's power level is 400 G's..." Marucho looked to his Bakupod to add it up. "Preyas and Diablo total power level 800 G's. Combined with Scylla power level 1340 G's. Against Frosch power level 500 G's." said the Bakupod. "Alright! We can take him down no problem!" Marucho felt excited. "Don't count your chickens till they hatch." Frosch warned them. "Ability Card Activate! Aquos Cyclone!" Pinkamena called out as water cyclones formed around the battlefield. Frosch grinned seeing it and looked to Marucho and Pinkie. "See what I mean...?" he asked them. "Frosch Power Increase by 200 G's. Preyas, Diablo, and Scylla decreased by 100 G's." said the Bakupod. "Sorry to break it to you... but you're about to be sucked up by my water tornado!" he said to them. "But this can't be!" Marucho panicked. "Don't just stand there!" Diablo got his attention. "Use the Diagonal Relation Ability Card!" he advised him. "Diagonal Relation Ability?" asked Marucho asked him. "I have Pyrus Attributed powers too... if my brother changes to a Darkus, then you can use the Pyrus and Darkus Diagonal Relation. If you don't snap to it and do something fast, I'm gonna get real angry!" Diablo warned him. Marucho panicked seeing it. "Right, sorry about that!" he apologized. Scylla turned towards Pinkie with an idea. "Pinkie, use my new ability... it will help out." she advised her. "Right!" Pinkie pulled out the card standing by. "Ready when you are!" Preyas began to glow purple. "Here it goes! Darkus! Attribute Change!" he changed himself from Aquos to Darkus. "Ready!" he stated to Marucho. "Ability Card Activate! Pyrus and Darkus Diagonal Relation!" Marucho called out as Preyas and Diablo's power began to rise up. "Preyas and Diablo total Power Level increase to 800 G's." said the Bakupod. "Ability Card Activate! Tsunami Barrage!" Pinkie called out as water began to build up in the mouths of Scylla's wolves. "Scylla Power Level Increase to 540 G's." said the Bakupod. She grinned at Frosch which got him scared. "Now you will find out why I am terror of the sea's...!" she said to him. Frosch panicked from hearing it. "Oh nuts...!" he croaked. "Alright, do your thing guys!" Marucho and Pinkie called out in unison. Preyas charged ahead as Diablo followed in pursuit. "Save some for me!" Diablo said to him. Frosch watched as Scylla blasted her Tsunami Barrage at him. "YIKES!" he cried out as he got hit by it. "BYE-BYE FROGGY!" Preyas and Diablo punched him to the ground, forcing him into ball form. Pinkie and Marucho leaped into the air cheering. "OH YEAH!" the yelled out. Preyas let out an exhale. "Our work here..." he glanced to Diablo. "Is done..." he finished the sentence as he and Preyas reverted to ball form with Scylla. They returned to their masters as both Marucho and Pinkie caught them, letting out cheerful giggles as they looked to their partners. Preyas opened up and looked to him. "So... what do you think Marucho...?" he asked him. Diablo opened up looking to him. "He'll be feeling that tomorrow..." he said to him as Angelo took over. He opened up and looked to the young master. "Glad I could be of service to you..." he said to him. "You did an amazing job today Pinkie... I'm proud of you..." Scylla expressed how proud she was of Pinkie. "Awww... it was nothing..." Pinkie soon noticed that both Pinkamena and Past Marucho were about to leave. "Hey, wait...!" their lily pad swam to them. Pinkamena and Past Marucho looked to them. "What...?" they asked in unison. Pinkie and Marucho approached them to tell them what they needed to hear. "We're sorry about how we behaved you two... thanks to Preyas, I think me and Pinkie understand things now." Marucho said to them. "So from this moment on, we promise we'll be happy with the people we used to be. So, thank you..." Pinkie said to them catching their past selves by surprise. "And I hope can be friends if there are no hard feelings...?" she asked them as she and Marucho held out a hand and hoof. Their past selves looked at them and smiled reaching over and taking them, in the process, they turned into pure aura and vanished turning into sparkles. Marucho and Pinkie were amazed but smiled knowing that answered their question, Frosch meanwhile watched them from a distance and smiled proudly for them. "Well done you two, very well done... you won the battle and you passed the test." he said to them knowing they were listening to his words. Marucho smiled hearing it. "Thank you Frosch..." he said to him. "Hope we see each other again, because I need to plan a party!" Pinkie said to him. Frosch smiled at the thought of it, but there was no time to waste. "I will now send you both back to your friends, my new Aquos Soldiers." he said to them as his power flowed around them. Marucho smiled as he and Pinkie glowed brightly. "GOODBYE!" the shouted in unison and disappeared together to join Julie and Applejack. Who will the Legendary Soldiers train next? Find out, when we face the element of wind. > A Place Far From Home > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "At the edge of the Doom Dimension, we met the Six Legendary Soldiers of Vestroia... we told them that we wanted to stop Masquerade from destroying both our worlds. But they wanted us to prove ourselves... so they sent us to the world of tests." Shun flew through the sky being sent with Skyress, Rainbow Dash and Avion to the place he will be tested. "Shun!" Skyress cried out as she followed him with Rainbow Dash and Avion. The light grew brighter around them as they entered the world where they will be tested, Shun's eyes snapped open as he looked around. "Its alright Shun..." she said to him. Groaning as he sat up from the bench, he looked around with Rainbow Dash. "We're here...?" he asked them. "I guess so..." Skyress replied as train trolley's strolled by. "The last thing I remember is the Legendary Six Soldiers, and then we woke up next to you and Rainbow Dash." she explained the current situation to him. Rainbow watched the train trolley go by, curious but also confused. "What...? A train...?" she looked around seeing that things in Wardington weren't exactly how she remembered it. "This isn't what I imagined the World of Tests would look like at all, this could be like any place back in your world Shun. Except of course... " she took notice that there was no one in the area. "That there's no one around but us..." she said to him. "Rainbow Dash is right..." Avion leaped to her head. "This whole city is like a ghost town, I can't sense anyone..." "Yes, in fact look... everything is so rundown..." Skyress pointed out as they traveled through the city. "I wonder if the other Brawlers and the Ponies are around somewhere...?" she wondered. "No, we're supposed to be here alone..." Shun stated to her. "Then lets keep moving, this place is already giving me the creeps..." Rainbow Dash stated as she walked beside Shun and looked around the area. Avion also looked through the town, trying to figure it out, but had some deep concerns about it. "I don't know why those Legendary Soldiers sent us here, but I do know we're in this strange place for a reason." he stated. "Yeah... if being alone is the test, then this is way too easy..." Shun stated as the shadow of an airplane flew over. "I don't mind being on my own, but with the right company I'll be fine. Except... back then... I didn't need anybody... I always took care of myself, no problem." "Yeah, but you're not alone anymore bud... so don't go lone wolf on me." Rainbow Dash nudged him but soon sensed something and turned sharply towards something behind them. "Who's there?!" she demanded to know. Walking up to them, was a little girl, same dark hair as Shun's, and green eyes, wearing yellow shirt with white collar and pink skirt. "Oh, hello... I guess your train was late huh...?" she asked them with a calm gentle smile. Shun looked at her surprised feeling something familiar from her. "Uhh... you were expecting me...?" he asked her. The girl watched as a train trolley went by but looked to Shun and walked towards him. "Yeah, I was getting bored... I need someone to play with." she said to him as she smiled at him. "Play what...?" Shun asked her. Rainbow stepped between them and looked to the young girl. "Look little girl, as much as we would like to play with you... we have a test to take care of..." she said to her. The little girl giggled. "There will be time for that later... for now... how about we play tag?" she grabbed Shun's hand as a sign she just tagged him. "You're it!" she ran off as Shun watched her surprised. "Come on, try to catch me!" she ran from him. Rainbow shook her head and watched her. "Catch you...? Are we really going through with this?" she asked as she looked to Shun. Shun watched as the young girl poked her head out from the corner of the fence. "You can't catch me! You can't catch me!" she taunted as she clapped her hands and ran off. Looking at where she went, Shun was confused as to why she seemed so familiar. "Who is she...?" he wondered. "I don't know... but she seems to know you." Skyress stated to him. "Yeah... she does..." Shun agreed with her. Sighing from hearing it, Rainbow Dash took flight and looked to him. "Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to play along for a while, what do you say?" she asked him. Shun nodded to her and ran towards the alley, trying to find the mysterious young girl. "If this game is part of the test, then we've already passed for sure..." he thought to himself as he ran down the alley looking for her. But it was like a maze, she could be anywhere. Suddenly she ran out from one alley and looked to him. "I'm over here!" she giggled as she ran from him. Shun ran after her trying to keep up with her, the young girl giggled as she was leading him and Rainbow Dash down the alley. Despite how young she is, Shun couldn't help but feel happiness within him... like it was the first time he played with his mother as a young boy. He leaped onto the fence and ran across it, he leaped down in front of her, catching her by surprise. He smiled and walked over to her. "Now you're it.." he went to tag her. But she grinned playfully and backed away. "Uh-uh... you have to step on my shadow to win." she informed him. "What?!" Rainbow Dash was shocked when she heard it. "Those are the rules, because we're playing shadow tag." the young girl stated to them as Shun had a major look of confusion on his face. But the young girl giggled at seeing it and looked to him. "Just kidding..." she ran off. "Hey wait!" Shun watched her run off. True that was bit of a bother, but his thoughts returned to trying to catch her as both he and Rainbow Dash focused their techniques and vanished. The young girl ran towards a building and looked back seeing no sign of them, she giggled and turned around walking off as she hummed a soft tune. Soon enough, she bumped and looked seeing it was Shun... he smiled at her and grabbed her shoulders. "Now I got ya..." he said to her. The girl giggled as she looked to him. "Hey, you're fast... okay, onto the next game." she said to him. This immediately stunned Rainbow Dash when she heard it. "Another one?!" she asked her. "Yeah..." she rushed over to a can. "Kick the can!" she kicked it and watched as it fly through the air. "Come on, follow me!" she ran ahead of them. Skyress watched her but looked to Shun. "She sure seems happy to have you here..." she stated. "I'll say..." Shun replied to her. Meanwhile the little girl was waving at them from a distance. "You're up! It's your turn now!" she stated to him. Rainbow Dash looked to Shun, seeing a soft smile on his face, something she had never seen before. He stood ready as he looked to the young girl. "Okay, here I go." he charged towards the can and gave it a good kick, seeing it fly through the air. Much farther than she could ever hope to get it. The little girl giggled at seeing it as she turned towards Shun. "That was a good one." she complimented him, earning a smile from him as they walked together. Rainbow Dash was feeling uncertain, but who was she to keep him from being happy? She followed them to keep an eye on Shun and make sure he doesn't get into trouble. The trio walked down a road together as time slowly passed by. "Its more fun to play with someone than it is to be alone all the time." the girl said to him. "Sometimes..." Shun replied to her as he walked with her and Rainbow Dash. The girl looked to him surprised of his words. "You mean you like to be alone...?" she asked him. "Yeah, I guess its okay... but when I met Rainbow Dash and her friends...? I guess things started changing..." Shun explained to her, earning a curious look from the young girl. "I have a bunch of friends, but they could be a handful..." he stated earning a smirk from Rainbow Dash, who knows that he cares about his friends deep down. The girl giggled as she walked beside him. "You're lucky..." she said to him as Shun replied with a chuckle. This surprised Skyress when she heard it, but she couldn't help but feel happy for him.. "I don't think I've never heard you laugh before Shun, its good to see this side of you." she said to him. "Hey, look over here!" the girl caught their attention seeing a grand view of the town. "This is my favorite place of all, I always come up here and look at the sunset. As long as the sun is in the sky... I never feel lonely, it makes me really happy." she stated to them as she looked at the sunset. "Shun...? Don't you think its beautiful...?" she asked him. Shun looked at her and smiled a bit. "Yeah..." he replied as he looked out to the sunset. "I haven't seen a sunset like that... well... since I was your age. This really brings back a lot of memories..." he said to her. Avion looked at the sunset but started sensing something was off about it. "Something's not right about all this..." he stated. "And what's that Avion...?" Rainbow Dash asked him as she glanced to him. "I'm not sure how long we've been here, but the sun is still in the same position in the sky." Avion explained as he looked to Rainbow Dash. "Its as if its never going to go down..." he pointed out. Rainbow Dash looked to it and started to sense it as well. "Yeah, its not moving... something is seriously messed up here, I wonder what it means?" she wondered about it. "I know..." the girl said to her earning both Rainbow's attention and Shun's. "If the sun always stays up in the sky..." she turned facing Shun with a smile. "We can keep playing forever if you want to..." she said to him. Shun looked at her as he started to figure it out. We cut to a flashback and see Shun in his younger days when he returned home from school. "Hey mom, I'm home!" he called out for her only to gasp and see she wasn't around. "Mom...?" he looked for her but heard coughing from the kitchen "Mom...?" he rushed over and saw her coughing harshly behind the counter. "Mom! Oh no, what's wrong?" he asked her feeling concerned. A moment passed, and he had Shiori to her bed to rest. She coughed a bit, but looked to him with a soft but weak smile. "Wait Shun... I thought you were going over to Dan's to play after school today..." she said to her. Shun shook his head and smiled at her a bit. "No, not today mom..." he said to her. "Oh come on... you know you can't fool me." Shiori said to him earning a surprised look from him. He stuttered bit, but looked to her to be honest as he could. "W-Well I... I couldn't just..." he hesitated to say the words. Shiori only smiled at him knowing his answer. "There now, its my job as your mother to know what you're up to." she said to him. Shun looked away knowing she was right. "I'm sorry... I knew you weren't feeling well, and I didn't want you to be here all by yourself." he stated to her knowing of her illness. Smiling at how honest he was, Shiori couldn't scold him for that. "Thank you Shun..." she said to him and looked out the window seeing the sunset. "Oh look at that..." she smiled as Shun looked out to it. "When I was young, I used to wish the sun would never set... that way I could play as long as I wanted to... I had so many friends back then, almost as many as you do now. That was a really happy time... my friends and I would play all kinds of games, we had so much fun." she turned towards him. "Sunsets like that don't last forever... so enjoy them while you can..." she said to him. The flashback ended, and Shun slowly started to realize who the little girl was, but felt unsure of it. But there was no doubt in his mind... that this little girl, was his mother... Shiori. "She's just like... my mom..." he stated. "Don't let it get to you, this is only part of the test..." Skyress reminded him of it. "I'm glad you're here... I've been really lonely without anyone to talk to." Shiori thought back to when she arrived. "When I got here, there was nobody around. I looked everywhere, but I couldn't find anyone... I tried to keep myself busy, but pretty soon I got bored. Its not much fun being alone..." she shrugged her shoulder a bit. "Oh well, at least I have the sunset to look at." she turned towards him and smiled. "Then I saw you and Rainbow Dash... and I hoped you'd stay and play with me." she let out a small giggle and looked to him. "Please...?" Rainbow Dash looked to him and nudged his leg. "What are you going to do Shun...?" she asked him. "Please Shun? I have another really good game we can play now..." Shiori said to him as she held out a Bakugan Ball. "Look at this..." she showed him. Shun was surprised of when he saw it. "A Bakugan?" he asked as he looked to her. "This is it... this is the test Oberus, the Ventus Soldier was talking about, and you're going to have to battle this little girl." Skyress stated to him. Shiori closed her eyes and smiled at Shun as she held Oberus. "You wanna play? It's lots of fun..." she said to him. Avion glanced towards Shun seeing his worried expression. "Shun, if this little girl is your mother, then you're going to have to focus if you want to make it through this." he said to him. "He's right Shun, there is no other way..." Rainbow Dash said to him. At that instant, tears began to run down Shun's cheeks... he knew that this was a difficult decision to make. He shut his eyes knowing that this wasn't going to be easy, even for him... he took a deep breath and exhaled looking to them. "I'll try you guys... but this test just got a lot harder all of a sudden..." he admitted. At the streets where the train trolley's have been going by, both Shun and Shiori stood in front of each other, preparing for battle. "Okay Shun, its time for a showdown. Lets play Bakugan!" she held out a peace sign and smiled. Shun looked at her still believe this will be difficult... besides, who was he to battle his own mother? Even if she is a little child... but he couldn't let that distract him from his mission. "Stay focused Shun, come on, you were teaching me to keep my focus, so don't lose yours." Rainbow Dash reminded him as she held up a card. "I hear you Rainbow Dash..." Shun pulled one out as well. All three players held them out, and tossed them to the field. "Gate Card Set!" they called out as the cards expanded on the battle field. "I'll go first, Bakugan Brawl!" Shiori tossed in Manion to the field. "Ventus Manion Stand!" she called out as the sphinx type Bakugan emerged on the field. "Not a bad move on her part, I will admit..." Avion complimented her. "Avion... not helping..." Rainbow Dash said to him. Meanwhile, Shun brought out his first Bakugan to battle. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed in Ravenoid to the field. "Ventus Ravenoid Stand!" he called out as the Raven Warrior emerged on the field. "Bakugan recognized..." said the Bakupod. "Ready...?" Shiori asked as she held out her hand. "Gate Card Open! Character!" she called out as the gate card activated. "Manion power level doubled to 700 G's." said the Bakupod. Shun quickly held out an ability card to counter it. "Ability Card Activate! Storm Breaker!" he tossed the card to Manion as the card syphoned all of his power from the Character Card. "Manion power level now at 350 G's." said the Bakupod as Ravenoid went in for the kill. He charged at Manion and slashed through him, forcing him back into ball form. Manion rolled next to Shiori's foot which mostly impressed her, rather than shock. "Oh wow, great move. You used a Ventus ability card, and that instantly cancels out the effect of my Character ability card." she said to him as Shun caught Ravenoid. "Okay, lets see you beat this... here, Gate Card set!" she tossed in her next gate card seeing it expand on the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed in Bee Striker. "Ventus Bee Striker, Stand!" she called out as the giant bee emerged on the field. Shun knew that Bee Striker was stronger than Ravenoid, so he needed to play this one carefully. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed Ravenoid to the other field card. "Ravenoid Stand!" he called out as Ravenoid stood on the other field behind Bee Striker. "You're setting her up?" Skyress asked him. Shun nodded to her in response. "I have got to win this..." he said to her. "We both do... and we will, this strategy is perfect." Rainbow Dash said to them. "I don't think your strategy is going to work." Shiori said to them. This surprised Rainbow Dash as she looked to Shiori. "Why not...?" she asked her. "Because, I know he's thinking of using a Ventus Tripple Chain, that's a bad move." Shiori said to them pointing it out to Shun as he had a look of surprise on his face. He couldn't believe what he just heard. "How come...?" he asked her. "Oh because... its just so easy for me to tell what you're thinking." Shiori replied to him as he had a flashback moment. "Remember, its my job as your mother to know what you're up to." the flashback ended. Skyress grew concerned of what was going through his mind. "Shun, are you okay...?" she asked him. "Shun, snap out of it...!" Rainbow snapped him quickly back to reality. "Now its time to find out how good you really are, Bakugan Brawl!" Shiori tossed in her next Bakugan. "Oberus, Stand!" she called out as a green flame emerged, and shot towards the sky. Shun and Rainbow Dash watched it happen and looked at the sky, and descending from it... was Oberus... the Ventus Soldier of Vestroia. She spread her wings and let out a screech as she looked to Shun and Rainbow Dash. "Bakugan Oberus recognized." said the Bakupod. "Oberus is one of the Legendary Soldiers who sent us here... she's very powerful Shun... be careful." Skyress advised him. "I will..." Shun looked to his Bakupod to check her power level. "Oberus Power Level at 500 G's. It currently dominates the Bakugan field." said the Bakupod. "Not if I can help it... Gate Card open! Cortet Battle!" he called out as Rainbow Dash's Monarus went into the field. Shiori saw it happen as Rainbow Dash smirked at her, but Shiori smirked back at her. "So, you think you can beat me in a cortet battle, do you...? You're wrong again..." she held out an ability card. "Ability Card Activate! Turmoil!" she called out as wind began to gather around Oberus. Rainbow Dash felt it as she stood her ground. "What the heck is going on?!" she asked. "It is Oberus' ability, Turmoil!" Avion said to her. "Turmoil...?" Rainbow Dash looked to her Bakupod. "Oberus power level increased to 700 G's." it showed her the stats. "Whoa! We can't even beat that!" she cried out as she looked seeing Ravenoid being pulled towards Oberus. He felt the winds push him toward Oberus as the shredding wings forced him to go into ball form. "Oh no..." she looked seeing Monarus being pulled as well, but she a different force made her retreat without losing the battle. She returned to Rainbow Dash in ball form, giving her a chance to exhale. "Good, at least we still got Monarus..." said Skyress. Meanwhile, Oberus reverted to ball form and returned to Shiori. "Oh, I guess I should have told you that Turmoil is an ability that only Oberus has. It can attack with an increased power level of 200 G's automatically. But could only defeat one Bakugan, and that's why you got to keep Monarus." she explained to her. "But, I could have lost both the round, and Monarus and only had Avion in that battle. Leaving me and Shun with only one round left... but I will say, you're good..." Rainbow Dash said to her. "I must ask..." Shun spoke up as he looked to Shiori. "Why didn't you defeat us with an ability card that would defeat both of them...?" he asked her. Shiori smiled and looked to him. "Because... I want to keep on playing with you..." she said to him earning a surprised expression from Shun, that caught Rainbow Dash's attention. "Oh come on now... we'll have lots of fun." she said to him as a vision of her older self appeared before Shun. He was drawn in by it, knowing how much he missed his mother more than anything. He wanted to speak, but Skyress immediately floated in front of him. "Snap out of it Shun! Wake up!" she snapped him out of it. "Come on Shun, I know she's your mother, but its her when she was a child. You need to stay focused, our friends are depending on us to win this test. I for one am not going to let them down, are you...?" Rainbow Dash asked him. Shun wanted to respond, but couldn't find the right words. She scowled at him and grabbed Monarus. "Fine... you may be willing to leave your friends, but I'm not. Gate Card Set!" she tossed a card in, seeing it expand on the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed Monarus onto the field. "Monarus Stand!" she called out as Monarus appeared on the field. "Oh wow, you're certainly a brave one aren't you?" Shiori asked her. "You're right about that... but... to tell you the truth. I wasn't always loyal to my friends... not the ones I know now." Rainbow Dash confessed as Shiori had a look of surprise on her face. "I admit it... even though my friends in Ponyville were closer to me more than anyone... I still abandoned those I considered my friends. Gilda... Lightning Dust..." she looked down in regret. "Gilda was my childhood friend, we always watched out for each other... I helped her when no one else would. Just like I did for Fluttershy... but I found that Gilda had become a bully, years later... she mistreated my friends, and I watched her become something I never wanted to see again." she explained everything about Gilda and looked to Shiori. "Then there was Lightning Dust, a dare devil who took risks that would have injured her, and me... during a track lesson, she and I unleashed a tornado that almost got my friends killed... without even thinking of the consequences, I had to report it to Spitfire. I knew that being a Wonderbolt meant taking risks, but at what cost...?" she asked as Shun looked to her surprised. "My life changed when those two showed me one important fact... my friends are just as important to me than my goals are..." Shiori looked at her and smiled. "You are a good soul Rainbow Dash, there's no doubt about that. But you know there is such a thing as blind loyalty..." she pointed out to her. "To you, yes, but I won't leave my friends behind..." Rainbow replied to her. "Have it your way... hey, lets have a race next!" Shiori said to her. "A race?" asked Rainbow Dash feeling surprised. "Yeah, my Bee Striker verses your Monarus, and we'll see which one can fly higher, okay?" Shiori asked her. "Ability Card Activate!" Shiori tossed it to Monarus. "Scarlet Twister!" she called out as the whirlwind surrounded Monarus and forced her onto Bee Strikers card. Rainbow Dash panicked from seeing it as Bee Striker grabbed Monarus from behind and carried her into the sky. Once they were high enough, Monarus started to lose consciousness due to the atmosphere, and Bee Striker finally dropped her and watched as she feel towards the ground, and plummet into the ground. Reverting to ball form and rolling to Rainbow Dash as Bee Striker returned to Shiori. "You lose... the Scarlet Twister lets me pull the opponent I'm battling into my area of the Bakugan field. Pretty neat huh...?" she asked her. "I have to admit, for someone who's never really played Bakugan before, you're good... real good!" Rainbow Dash said to her. Meanwhile, Skyress turned facing Shun feeling eager to finish this. "Shun, put me in the game..." she said to him. "Okay..." Shun grabbed her and looked to the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed her to the field. "Ventus Skyress Stand!" he called out as green flames shot into the sky. From the clouds, Skyress descended from the heavens and spread her wings and let out a powerful screech. Shiori was amazed just looking at her. "You're so pretty!" she smiled but closed her eyes holding her hands behind her back. "But that won't help you beat me..." she teased her as she pulled out Bee Striker back out. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed him to the field. "Bee Striker Stand!" she called out as the giant bee emerged on the field. "Go get'em Bee Striker!" she said to him. "Advantage, Bee Striker." said the Bakupod. "That's it... Gate Card open! Trade Off!" Shun called out as Bee Striker began to glow and revert back to ball form. Shiori was surprised when she saw it. "Oh no, with the Trade Off ability card, the Bakugan with the power level higher than 400 automatically loses." she said it feeling depressed as Skyress returned to Shun. "But this battle isn't over yet... the suns still up, we can keep playing. You in...?" she asked him with a smile. Seeing it, Skyress looked to Shun seeing is surprised expression. "She's a real brawler, just like you... can you handle this Shun..." she asked him but got no response. "Hey! Shun!" she snapped him back to reality. "I always know I can trust you no matter what battle you put me in, but now I think its time for you to put your trust in me... and Rainbow Dash and Avion." she said to him. "I do trust you guys." Shun replied. "Then prove it Shun, prove you can help us win this battle, and don't let your future mother distract you." Rainbow Dash said to him. Even though that's going to be really hard to do... Shun nodded and grabbed a gate card tossing it to the field. "Gate Card set!" he called out as the card expanded on the field. "We need to face Oberus together for this one, lets do this Rainbow Dash!" he said to her as she nodded. Shun held up Skyress looking to the field. "You ready Skyress...?" he asked her. "Always..." Skyress replied. "Lets go Avion..." Rainbow Dash said to him. "I'm with you Rainbow Dash, all the way..." Avion replied to her. She nodded as both she and Shun held their partners together. "Bakugan Brawl!" they tossed them to the field. Shiori grabbed Oberus and held her out. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed her to the field. "Oberus, Skyress and Avion enter the Bakugan Field." said the Bakupod as all three Bakugan appeared on the field. Skyress scowled at Oberus as she flapped her wings standing beside Avion. "You've underestimated both me, Avion, and our friends Oberus!" she said to her. "And from this point on, its personal..." Avion said to her. "I don't think so... because you're about to find out why." Oberus said to them. "Gate Card Open! Energy Merge!" Shun called out as the card activated beneath them. "This is the gate card that takes a hundred G's of the power level from the Bakugan that entered the battle last, and adds it to the first Bakugan on the field." he explained it. "And since Avion was second and on my team, he gets the same exact amount." he said to Shiori as Rainbow Dash smirked at hearing it. "Power exchange from Oberus to Skyress and Avian recognized." said the Bakupod. Skyress took flight as Avion charged at Oberus. "I bet you didn't see this coming, did you Skyress?!" he went to attack her. "Its no use you two... I've seen both your tricks before." Oberus said to them. "We'll see!" Skyress screeched as she charged with Avion. Oberus stood ready for the attack. "Try and stop this!" she glanced to Shiori. "Ability Card Activate! Turmoil!" Shiori called out as gusts of wind slowly drew Skyress in as she struggled. "Oberus power level 600 G's." said the Bakupod. "No!" Skyress cried out as she struggled to pull away along with Avion. But Oberus, had other plans. "You've both flown right into my trap!" she laughed as she grabbed the both of them. "You're finished!" she said to them. "Avion!" Rainbow Dash cried out. "Skyress!" Shun was about to activate an ability. "That won't help..." Shiori said to him earning a shocked look from shun. "There's no way you can win this battle... so what do you want to play next?" she asked him. "Next...?" Shun asked feeling conflicted of what to do. "I know lots of games... and we can play as long as we want to here. The sun never sets..." a vision of the older Shiori began to appear in Shun's eyes. "Shun, stay here with me..." she said to him. Shun looked at her as his hand that held the ability card lowered. "Of course I'll stay mom... nothing else matters now. I could take care of you... everything will be alright... things will be just like they used to be, there's nothing to worry about anymore. It'll just be you, and me... forever, and ever..." he was about to go to her. "Shun!" Rainbow Dash tackled him to the ground. "Snap out of it! That little girl may be your mother, but she's just a mirage! Oberus is playing tricks on you!" she said to him. "She's right Shun, you have to focus!" Skyress said to him as she and Avion were held by Oberus. "Skyress... Rainbow Dash, let me go..." Shun tried to get free. "Shun, you don't belong here, you and I both have to get back to our own world, where are friends are. Oberus is testing us, whether or not I would lose my loyalty to my friends, even you!" Rainbow Dash said to him. Suddenly, Oberus' eyes began to glow as her mouth opened as green flames formed. "Don't listen to them Shun..." she blasted both Avion and Skyress seeing them burn as they writhed from it. "Shun!" Skyress cried out as she and Avion fell down to the ground. Shun and Rainbow Dash were shocked to see what happened to their partners, but he looked away trying to hide his pain. "I want to stay... my... my mother is..." he hesitated till suddenly... "YOUR MOM IS GONE!!!" Rainbow Dash said to him harshly, but it was the truth. "Don't you get it...? If your mom really were here, she would tell you to head home..." tears began to run down her face. "Just like how me and my friends are trying to get back home... to Equestria, our friends, our families... they're all waiting for us... I know you missed your mom since she died, your love for your mom will never fade away... as long as you hold memories of her in your heart." she looked to him as her tears fell onto his face. "I didn't come this far to let my friends down... and neither should you, so don't you dare start now...!" she said to him. "She's right Shun... you... and Rainbow Dash... have to get back into the battle..." Avion said to him and passed out with Skyress. Shun watched the burning inferno as his eyes widened. "Skyress, Avion, NO!!!" he cried out seeing the blaze. "Don't let that bother you... everything's okay. You can stay here forever and ever." Shiori said to him. Shun stood silently, but he finally decided to break it. "No way..." he said to her, catching her by surprise. "I really don't belong here... I've been alone too long, I need to see the friends I have back in my world... and I need Skyress..." he looked to the flames. "But Skyress and Avion had to sacrifice everything for me to realize all that... everything!" he shut his eyes as tears brimmed. "And... Rainbow Dash never gave up on me..." The rainbow haired Pegasus smiled at him and nudged his shoulder. "That's what friends are for..." she said to him. Shun smiled a bit but looked to the flames... "I'm sorry Skyress... Avion... this is all my fault..." he sobbed as his tears fell onto his card. Suddenly it began to glow, and a light began to shine from Rainbow Dash as he looked to it, shielding his eyes. "What's that...?" he asked her. Rainbow Dash looked to it seeing her Element of Loyalty appear around her neck. She gasped in surprise as she touched it, seeing that it was real. "Ohmygosh, ohmygosh, ohmygosh, ohmygosh, ohmyGOSH! My Element of Harmony!" she cried out holding it. "It came back! AWESOME!" suddenly, she looked to her Bakupod to see what's happening. "Skyress and Avion power increase recognized." said the Bakupod. The flames before them began to shoot up into the air, catching them both by surprise. "Skyress power level at 550 G's. Avion power level at 660 G's." the Bakupod calculated. From the heart of the flames, Avion emerged... with a brand new look. Four of his horns disappeared, but his top ones remained as they were more curved down. He has a green center jewel on his head, is arm sleeves were shorter revealing his forearms, his wings had armor surrounding them, his chest armor had more gold patches, and his leaves were covered by a feathered cloth. His eyes snapped open looking to Oberus as his arms her crossed in front of his chest, he broke them apart as he let out a powerful shriek towards her. Meanwhile, Skyress had also evolved... her wings spread from the flames as she looked towards Oberus. "I don't believe it! Skyress and Avion have evolved...! They have become... Storm Skyress... and Vortex Avion..." she said in shock as Skyress revealed her new form. Her armor became closed at the chest forming a crest, she had four tail feather that curled behind her, and she had bladed feathers. Shun and Rainbow Dash were amazed of their evolved forms. "Guys, you're back! And to think I almost gave up on you Skyress..." Shun said to her. "Dig the new look Avion!" Rainbow Dash said to him. "Remember, we told you all that you needed to do is get back in the battle. Well we're just taking our own advice..." Skyress said to him and looked to Oberus. "It sounds simple, but its true... you don't have to face every battle on your own Shun. Your friends need you as much as you need them..." she explained to him. Avion glance toward him. "We know that you know this now... which is why Rainbow Dash wasn't willing to give up on you. We're much stronger when we're together, than we are apart. That's what it means to be loyal and trusting to your friends. Which resulted in her Element of Harmony returning to her the way it has..." he explained to him. Both Rainbow Dash and Shun looked seeing their ability cards change. "Our ability cards... they've changed..." said Rainbow Dash as she looked to Shun and smirked. "What do you say Shun...? Wanna test them out?" she asked him. He nodded to her and looked to the field. "Lets finish this battle!" he exclaimed. "I'll go first, Ability Card Activate! Roaring Cyclone!" Rainbow Dash called out as Avion unleashed a cyclone began to swallow Oberus. Roaring Cyclone is an ability that only Avion can use, it give him a hundred G's for every Bakugan on the field, and since Skyress and Oberus are here... that makes it 200 from each. Leading it up to 860 G's!" she said to her as Avion struck Oberus several times within the Cyclone and kicked her straight into the air. "My turn!" Shun held his new ability card. "Ability Card Activate! Destruction Meteor Storm!" he called out as Skyress began to glow, gathering energy. "Its time for the sun to set, right now!" he called out to Skyress. She spread her wings as her tail feathers became a single blade. "The past is gone Oberus, we're moving into the future!" she said to the Ventus Soldier. "The test is over! Its time to let us go!" Rainbow Dash said to her. Flames surrounded Skyress as she charged at Oberus. "You can't hold us any longer, we've already broken free!" she dashed toward her to defeat her. "Storm Skyress power increase to 650 G's." the Bakupod. But Oberus wasn't out of the fight just yet. "You can't leave till I say you can!" she charged toward Skyress in hopes of defeating her. Both Bakugan charged as their partners watched as they came close, upon impact... a green explosion came from the impact of Skyress' Destruction Meteor Storm. Oberus... was defeated, she screamed as she fell to the ground, and crashed against it. Reverting to ball form and rolling towards Shiori as she was surprised that she was defeated. But she smiled and held her hands behind her back, accepting her defeat. "Looks like you win..." she said to Shun as he chuckled a bit. Both Skyress and Avion let out powerful shrieks as they reverted to ball form, returning to their masters. Meanwhile, Shiori noticed the sun was beginning to set. "Whoa, look at that... the sun is finally setting." she pointed out. Rainbow Dash smiled seeing it happen. "It sure is Shiori... it sure is..." she said to her. "Well, anyway..." Shiori turned towards them. "I had fun playing with you Shun... and you too Rainbow Dash." she said to them. Rainbow let out a small chuckle. "Don't sweat it..." she said to her. "Yeah, thanks..." Shun said to her. Shiori smiled and looked to him. "Maybe I'll see you again someday...?" she asked him. Looking at his mother... knowing he couldn't bear to lose her again. But he couldn't change the past, no matter how hard he tried. He kneeled down to her and touched her shoulders. "Shiori... this may be hard for you to understand, but when we return to our future... we may not be able to see each other again..." she said to her earning a confused look from Shiori, but she soon saw tears brimming in his eyes. "Because... because you..." he closed his eyes trying not to break. Understanding what he meant, Shiori touched his face and placed her forehead against his as she smiled. "Its okay Shun... so please, don't cry..." she said to him as Rainbow Dash and Avion watched along with Skyress, smiling at them knowing this will help him. "I know it will be hard for you... but know that I will always be with you in your heart." she said to him and smiled as tears brimmed. Shun looked at her as tears fell, but smiled at her and held her. Rainbow Dash sniffed from seeing it as she began to cry, which didn't go unnoticed from Skyress. "Rainbow Dash, are you crying...?" she asked her. "No..." Rainbow Dash denied it, but couldn't hold back the tears. "Yes...!" she admitted earning a chuckle from both Avion and Skyress. (Iruna Etelero belongs to Ancient Magus Bride) Shiori held Shun as magic flowed around her as tears ran down her cheeks as she broke the hug looking to Shun, and cleaned the tears from his face, to help calm him down. Easier said than done, but she knew a way that could help him as the sun began to dip into the sea. Shiori; May the night, fill with stars May the night, fill with stars Gather all, by the water Come and see the flowers bloom She sang to him, as Shun watched her and chose to join in. Shun; May the night, fill with stars May the night, fill with stars Softly come, all together Come and see the flowers bloom Rainbow Dash watched as the sun began to set, and flowers began to bloom around them. Shun & Shiori; In our hears, flowers bloom In our hands, flowers bloom Sing we all, dancing together Joining hands with blooming hearts The flowers began to glow with the moonlight around them, which amazed and astonished Rainbow Dash. Never before had she seen something such as this, not here, nor in Equestria. Hear me now, hear my song Shun; Hear my song softly ring Shiori; Come as friends, bound by starlight Shun & Shiori; And evermore In our joy, by the water Come and see, the flowers bloom As she watched, Skyress could only smile for Shun, knowing this may very well be the last time he will ever see his mother. Shun; May the night, fill with stars Shiori; May the night, fill with stars Shun & Shiori; Gather all, by the water Come and see, the flowers bloom Shiori; May the night, fill with stars Shun; May the night, fill with stars Shun & Shiori; Softly come, all together Come and see, the flowers bloom Smiling at them, Rainbow Dash approached them, to join the song. Shun, Shiori & Rainbow Dash; In our hearts, flowers bloom In our hands, flowers bloom Sing we all, dancing together Joining hands with blooming hearts Hear me now, hear my song Hear my song, softly ring Come as friends, bound by starlight And evermore In our joy, by the water Shun looked to Shiori, and smiled knowing that he will forever miss her, in this life, and the next. Shun & Shiori; Come and see... the flowers bloom He smiled at Shiori, and gave her one last hug before saying their last goodbye the each other. Shun released the hug and watched as Shiori took off to head home. As she ran, she turned to them waving goodbye to them. "Bye-bye! Goodbye, take care! I'll miss you both!" she said to them as she ran home. Shun watched her go, and smiles a bit. "Goodbye..." he said to her as Rainbow Dash looked to him. "Everything is going to be okay... I know what we have to do, and we have my mom to thank for it." he looked to Skyress, Rainbow Dash and Avion. "And I have you guys too of course." Skyress chuckled in amusement. "Hey, that's what friends are for... right Rainbow Dash...?" she asked her. "You said it Storm Skyress... as long as you guys don't go down in a blaze of glory..." Rainbow Dash stated to them. "That was just during the battle with Oberus you know..." Avion said to her. The rainbow haired Pegasus shrugged her shoulders, and shook her head. Suddenly, the environment around them changed and they were in a rather unfamiliar place. "What happened...? Where are we now...?" Shun asked as he looked around. "I don't know... but this looks familiar to me..." Skyress stated. Suddenly, Oberus appeared before them. "Look around you..." she gestured to the land around them. "This is what my world Vestroia looks like now..." she stated. "WHAT?!!!" Rainbow Dash looked around where they were. Oberus nodded to them sensing their shock and disbelief. "I sometimes wonder what kind of future there will be for this place, but I haven't given up hope yet." she stated to them. "Please don't, I know tomorrow will be better... hopefully for both of our worlds." Shun said to her. "That's right, and you have me and my friends that will help in this fight." Rainbow Dash stated to her. "You can trust them Oberus..." Skyress said to her. "Just have faith in them..." Avion said to her. "I do, and I will trust in them..." Oberus said to them. Both Shun and Rainbow Dash nodded their heads to her along with their partners. "Thank you..." both Bakugan said to Oberus. The Ventus Soldier began floating up into the air as she smiled behind her mask. "You and your friends have many more battles ahead of you Shun and Rainbow Dash... if you are true to one another, you will win them all..." Oberus stated to them as she shined brightly. "Good luck... both of you..." she said to them as she sent them to join Julie, Applejack, Marucho and Pinkie Pie. That's Six Brawlers, three of each faction, human and pony. That least Runo, Fluttershy, Rarity, Dan and Twilight... will they pass their tests...? Or spend an eternity in the Doom Dimension...? Find out in the next chapter... > Play Nice Runo > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Ever since we came to the Doom Dimension in search of Dan, Twilight, Drago and Bahamut, the Brawlers have been put through a series of tests by the Six Legendary Soldiers of Vestroia. To see if were worthy to help them save their home... and now... it looks like its me and Fluttershy's turn..." Runo explained as she, Fluttershy, Tigrerra and Elvia were on their way to their test. Following them to their test were Tigrerra an Elvia, who struggled to get their bearings as they traveled. "RUNO/FLUTTERSHY!" they cried out as the entered the test of Lars Lion, the Haos Soldier. Upon arriving in the area where they are to be tested, Runo and Fluttershy looked around seeing a lush green forest around them. It was beautiful, but at the same time... a little spooky. The owls were watching them, the silence was unbearable, and being separated from the others... was not settling well for either Runo or Fluttershy. "So... where are we...?" asked Runo. "I'm not sure... but it looks like we're on our own." Tigrerra replied. "You're right Tigrerra... its more than likely we've been separated from the others." Elvia said to her. This immediately had Fluttershy in a panic. "Rainbow Dash? Applejack! Pinkie, Twilight! Rarity!" she tried calling out to them. Runo looked around and thought it would be best to call our her friends. "Julie! Shun, Marucho! Dan! Anybody, hello?" she tried calling them out, but no response. While off in a distance... Lars Lion, the Haos Soldier appear, hiding within a hallow tree. She watched them in secret, to keep an eye on them, mostly on Runo as she silently chuckled. "Welcome you two, to the enchanted forest of testing... understand, I can see in your minds. Your thoughts, your dreams... your deepest, darkest secrets... and I can see through your lies." she said as she looked at the crystal ball. She soon began to glow as her form started to change. "You can hide nothing from me...!" she said as she changed into an old woman and chuckled. Meanwhile, Runo and Fluttershy were wandering the forest in hopes of finding the others before they ran into Lars Lion. Suddenly, a large butterfly flew by catching their attention. Fluttershy was enchanted by the butterfly's colorful wings as she let out a smile. "So beautiful..." she complimented it. "Yeah.. but this place is creepy..." said Runo as she watched it fly by. "Yes, this place is rather peculiar..." Tigrerra agreed with her. Runo thought about it for a moment, and an idea came to her head. "Hey wait, maybe we're making a big deal about absolutely nothing." she said to them and looked to Tigrerra and Fluttershy. "I say we pick a direction and see if we can find where the other brawlers are hiding." she suggested. "Then I suggest you lead the way Runo, after all, you are more capable of trying to lead us out." Elvia said to her. But Runo gave the little fairy a scowl from hearing it. "Not sure whether or not to take that as a remark of saying I have no sense of direction..." she said to her and looked around. "So, which way do you think we should go...?" she asked them only to feel more worried as a thick fog began to appear. "Oh man, I really wish Dan were here... I sure bet he would know what to do..." she thought to herself. Soon enough, she and Fluttershy spotted someone in the fog. The fog began to clear, revealing a young boy from the mist. Wearing a yellow t-shirt, a red vest and blue shorts. His hair even looked similar to that of Dan's, even his eyes. He smiled at her as he approached. "Hey there kiddo, how's it going?" he asked her. Runo was surprised as she started at him. "Oh wow... it can't be..." she said to herself as she thought back to when she was a child. Sitting comfortably on boxes that were just moved in to their new house, her younger self however, didn't have the long ponytails... she mostly had buns. She was clapping her feet together as she sat on the boxes, only for her father to approach her feeling concerned. "Runo honey, what's the matter...? Why aren't you outside in the sunshine?" he asked her. Runo simply looked at the restaurant. "Don't wanna..." she replied. "But why...?" he asked her. Runo turned to him showing how sad she was. "Because we just moved here, and there's no one to play with. That's how come..." she stated to him. Tatsuo smiled at her knowing what to do. "Well, you won't make any friends by just sitting inside." he said to her as Runo looked away feeling sad about the thought of it. "Trust me Runo... if you go out, I'm sure everything will work out just fine..." he stated, even though Runo was still feeling unsure about it. At the park, Runo walked through the park as the other kids played together, keeping her distance from them. "Boy I hate moving... I miss all my old friends so much..." she thought to herself as she watched the other kids play together. She sighed and sat down feeling alone. "I wish I was back at my old house..." she thought and looked down. "And what's worse... there's no one to talk to..." she said as she noticed a ball roll up to her. "Hey! Hey kid!" called a familiar voice that caught Runo's attention, and saw that it was young Dan Kuso. "Chuck back my ball!" he said to her. Runo scowled as she stood up with the ball in her hand. "I have a name you know!" she stated to him. "Yeah, tell someone who cares.." Dan said to her. Runo's scowl turned into an irritated glare. "For your information, the names Runo!" she threw the ball at him. Dan quickly caught it, but felt the intense force of the throw. He shook his hand from it and smiled looking to her still in pain. "Nice to meet you too... man you got a mean throw." he said to her and got an idea and looked to her. "Hey, why don't you come over and play kid...?" he asked her. Being called kid managed to irritate Runo further. "I said my name is Runo!" she yelled. "Yeah, whatever... do you want to play?" Dan asked her as he smiled at her. Runo blushed a bit as he looked at him, but decided to join the game as she took the ball while Dan went up to bat. She looked at it feeling worried, because of one particular reason. "I've never played baseball before..." she said to him. "Oh come on, throw the ball already..." Dan said to her as he held up the baseball bat. Runo smirked as she held the ball. "Okay, here goes nothing!" she threw the ball as it flew towards Dan. Seeing it come, Dan swung the bat and managed to land a homerun strike as the ball flew through the air. Once retrieving the ball, it was Runo's turn to bat as she walked up to the plate holding the baseball bat. "Okay, show me your stuff!" she said to him. Dan chuckled as he held the ball. "Okay, here it comes!" he threw the ball toward her. Runo went for a swing, but as she swung it... she missed the ball by an inch, and spun out of control and plopped onto the ground. "Strike One!" Dan said to her as her eyes were spinning like crazy. Evening came, and Runo was swinging until she could get a hit while Dan teased her every time she missed. Tired and exhausted, Runo let out her frustration by screaming and grinding her teeth together, but Dan was getting a good laugh out of it. "Whoa kid, you sure are feisty..." he said to her. This completely crossed the line. "I SAID MY NAME IS RUNO!!!" she screamed at him. "Right..." Dan stood up and looked to her. "Well, give me a call when you learn to play. Later!" he gave her two peace signs and ran off. "Nice meeting you kid!" he said to her. Runo finally had it as she swung the bat around. "MY NAME IS RUNOOOOO!!!!!! GOT THAT?!! RUNO! RUNO! RUNO!" she roared out as we all return to present time as the older Runo looked at the young Dan. "Wait a sec, he's the same kid from when I was little." she thought to herself but realized he called her kid. "MY NAME IS RUNO! AND IF YOU EVER CALL ME KID AGAIN, YOU ARE SO HISTORY!!!" she yelled at him. Elvia was surprised from her outburst as she and Fluttershy looked to each other sharing their surprised expressions to each other. Tigrerra was equally surprised from what she saw, and looked to Runo. "What's wrong Runo?" she asked her. "That kid... its him, he's a little creep Tigrerra..." Runo said to her as she scowled at little Dan, not realizing who he was. "No Runo, that's not nice, he's just a kid..." Fluttershy said to her. Dan chuckled and looked to her. "See ya!" he ran off into the forest. "Hey! No wait! Where are you going?!" Runo ran after him to catch up. But by the time she reached the tree's, Dan disappeared into thin air. She looked around for him, but saw no trace of him. She panted a bit and took the chance to relax. "Now why did he just up and take off like that...?" she asked. "What's wrong Runo, and what's so important about this boy anyway...?" Elvia asked her out of curiosity. Thinking back, Runo looked to her and Fluttershy to explain. "Well, I'm not exactly so sure myself..." she said to them. Tigrerra gave her a look not feeling convinced. "Are you being straight with me young lady?" she asked her. Surprised of her question, Runo knew she had to be honest. Otherwise if they do get back home, Applejack would scold her. "Yeah, of course I am..." she said to her. Suddenly a twig snapped, and Fluttershy yelped as she turned towards the sound. "What was that?!" she asked. Out of the wilderness, was Lars Lion disguised as the old lady from before. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you... but are you looking for someone my dear...?" she asked them. Runo and Fluttershy were surprised when they saw them. "Uh, hello...?" Runo responded. "I overheard your conversation..." Lars Lion stated to them. Feeling nervous around her, Runo had to tell her something, or else they weren't going anywhere. "Yes, we're looking for our friends... all together, there's for of my friends, and five of Fluttershy's... and for whatever reason we were sent out into this forest..." she explained to Lars Lion of what they went through. "I see... but are you both sure its your friends you are looking for, and not someone else?" Lars Lion asked them, specifically Runo as she glanced towards her. "Or maybe... is it a little boy whom you seek...?" she asked as she earned a shocked expression from Runo. The Haos Soldier smirked from seeing it. "Tell me, am I right...?" Runo could barely find the words to tell her, but Lars Lion turned away. "Well if I am right, then you will find him in that shack over there..." she pointed towards it. Seeing the shack, Fluttershy shook her head in disbelief as she stared at it. "Didn't see that there before... but, thank you so much ma'am. Well Runo, I guess we better get going now..." she ran ahead of her. Runo followed after her while Tigrerra looked back towards Lars Lion feeling troubled. "What was that all about...?" she asked. "No clue Tigrerra..." Runo responded as she and Fluttershy ran towards the shack. Meanwhile, Lars Lion was looking into Runo's soul seeing how dark it was becoming. "Your soul is getting darker my dear, very dark indeed..." her eyes glowed as she floated into the air, changing into her ball form as she floated to the shack. Unaware of what just happened, Runo and Fluttershy approached the shack and looked around the area. "Okay... so where is he...?" Runo wondered. "I don't know if I should say anything..." Tigrerra spoke up and looked to Runo. "But that old woman back there gives me the willies..." she said to her. "I must agree with you Tigrerra, in fact there was something off about her..." Elvia stated to her as she and Tigrerra obtained the attentions of both Runo and Fluttershy. "We detected a quality about her, that's not quite... well... human." she said to them. Fluttershy smiled a bit and patted her head with her hoof. "Its just your imagination..." she said to her. "Yeah, I mean besides... she's just a harmless old lady..." Runo stated only to hear the door slam open and saw young Dan running out. Dan looked to her surprised, but smiled at seeing her. "Hey, its you guys again..." he said to her. Runo panicked as she looked at him. "Y-Yeah...?" she replied. Dan smiled as he reached into his pocket. "So... you wanna battle?" he held out a Haos Bakugan. Both Runo and Fluttershy gasped in surprised from when they saw it. "WHAT?!!" both Tigrerra and Elvia exclaimed in shock. "Didn't you two follow me so you could battle...?" Dan asked them. "Sorry, but we're confused..." Runo replied to him. Dan's smile faded as he looked at her feeling sad about it. "You mean you don't remember me at all...? I'm Danny... but you can just call me Dan..." he said to her. "What?!" Runo asked in shock from learning about it. "You mean you're Dan...?" Fluttershy asked him as he nodded. "But you don't mean that you're...?" "Yeah Dan, that's me... live and in person. Ain't I a cutie...?" Dan asked them as he smiled. Putting it together and seeing the similarities between the younger and older version of Dan, Runo began to realize who she is dealing with. "Hey then, the brat I met when I was a little girl, was really Dan?" she asked. "For real!" Tigrerra looked towards Dan feeling surprised. "You're serious?" Fluttershy asked her. Runo nodded in response and looked to Dan. "I know it sounds weird you guys, but a long time ago I met this kid in a park. I never caught his name back then, but now... it all makes sense. It was Dan..." she explained to them of her past. Elvia looked at the young boy and began to speculate what this could mean. "I can only guess that the Legendary Soldiers have brought him back to this place, but why...? Especially after all these years...?" she wondered. Runo also began to speculate what it could mean, but soon started to realize what it was. "My test... our test, Fluttershy's and mine... Fluttershy may not have met Dan way back when, but its her test as well." she said to them. "That's it! You're right Runo... which means..." Fluttershy looked towards Dan with Runo and smiled. Runo also formed a smile across her face as she looked at him. "We accept your challenge Dan..." she said to him. "Alright! Lets get busy!" Dan declared as he prepared for battle. Runo looked to Tigrerra and smiled as she was on her shoulder. "You ready Tigrerra? This is my chance for a little pay back... and now that I know its Dan, we've gotta win." she said to her and looked to Dan. "He was so rude to me back then..." she stated. "I'm in Runo..." Tigrerra responded to her. Runo scowled at the younger Dan knowing she won't hold back. "Sure Dan is my best friend, but he's also my rival... and I've got to pass this stupid test!" she declared. Fluttershy smirked as she looked to her. "You sure he isn't more than that Runo?" she asked her with a goofy grin. Runo's face immediately turned red from hearing it, she quickly shook her head and gave her a look. "Now isn't the time to be playing Cupid Fluttershy..." she said to her and looked to Dan. "Are you ready?" she asked him. "Yeah!" Dan responded as both he and Runo held out Bakugan cards. "Gate Card set!" they tossed their cards out to the field, seeing both of them expand across a field of grass. Runo scowled at the young boy remembering what she went through as a child. "This time, you're going down!" she said to him. Dan chuckled at hearing it, knowing there was no chance of that happening. "I don't think so! Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed his Haos Robotallion onto the field. "Haos Robotallion Stand!" he called out as Robotallion emerged in his Haos form on the battlefield. "New Battle Engaged." said the Bakupod. This surprised Runo, but she immediately glared at him from seeing his Bakugan's attribute. "Ohhh, and here I thought you of all people knew how to play this game, Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed in her Hynoid to the field. "Haos Hynoid stand!" she called out as the wolf Bakugan emerged on the field facing Robotallion. "Hynoid has entered battle." said the Bakupod. "Should you be playing your high hand first...?" Tigrerra asked her. "I'm with Tigrerra on this Runo, I mean Dan could be planning anything... he may be a Pyrus the way we know, but this is not our Dan." Fluttershy said to her. "Don't worry you two, I know exactly what I'm doing." Runo assured them of her plan. Fluttershy however, was far from convinced. "That's what I'm afraid of..." she said to her. Meanwhile, Dan prepared his next move. "Hey, nice move... but its my turn again. Gate Card open!" he called out showing it was a triple battle card. He then tossed in his Ravenoid to the field next to Robotallion. "Haos Ravenoid sharing the battle!" he called out as Ravenoid emerged on the field in front of Hynoid. "Take him down Ravenoid!" he called out as Ravenoid stood ready for combat. "Haos Ravenoid increases Robotallion to 420 G's." said the Bakupod. Runo only chuckled from seeingit . "Oh nice try Danny boy, but now its time for you to watch and learn." Runo pulled out an ability card. "Ability Card Activate! Rapid Haos!" she called out as Fluttershy's Tuskor went into battle. "Go get'em Tuskor!" she called out as Tuskor appeared on the field, roaring out as it slammed its feet on the ground. "Power Surge to 740 G's detected." said the Bakupod. Dan was impressed from what he saw. "Wow, that is one wicked counter move... but too bad for you, its not good enough." he said to her. Fluttershy formed a face of confusion mixed with concern for what he said. "What do you mean Dan...?" she asked him. "Oh you'll see, Ability Activate! Ability Counter!" Dan called out as Tuskor roared out and was forced to go back to ball form and return to Fluttershy. "My move makes your Rapid Haos move useless." he explained to them. Fluttershy caught Tuskor, but quickly got on Runo's bad side. "Why you...!" she clenched her fists at him. "Counter move correction..." said the Bakupod as it showed Tuskor removed from battle and Hynoid's power was reverted back to 360 G's. At that moment, Ravenoid used its powers to restrain Hynoid to keep him still. While Robotallion charged at the wolf Bakugan and punched him in the face, forcing him into ball form as both he and Ravenoid did so as well, returning to Dan. "But, but that's impossible! NO! Something's wrong, I should never have lost!" she exclaimed. "But you did Runo, you were too confident..." Fluttershy said to her. "She's right..." Lars Lion spoke up as she floated down to Dan. "In your haste to win, you lost... its that simple my dear." she said to her as she formed into the old lady from before. Fluttershy was surprised when she saw her. "Look, it's that old lady from before..." she pointed out. Elvia meanwhile was not convinced that she was an ordinary old lady. "I smell a rat...!" she stated to them. "You're not the only one..." Tigrerra agreed with her on the subject. Smirking at them, Lars Lion glowed bright yellow and revealed her humanoid form to them and floated into the air. "I am Lars Lion... one of the Legendary Soldiers of Vestroia, and my task is to break you of your stubbornness Runo..." she said to her. "Stubborness?!" Runo questioned her point of view of her. "As well as purge Fluttershy of her fear..." Lars Lion caught the shy Pegasus pony by surprise of what she said. "Listen and learn... a Bakugan must be more than confident, they must be honest with themselves. A trait Applejack is familiar with during her fight with Clayf... wouldn't you agree Fluttershy...?" she asked her as she nodded in agreement. "Hey! I know what I'm doing! So why don't you just back off!" Runo shouted at her and looked to Dan. "Okay squirt, ready when you are!" she said to him. Lars Lion merely chuckled at her knowing she will be hard to handle, but it never stopped her from breaking someone before. "Alright my dear, let the battle begin... Dan, its your turn to start this round." she said to him and looked to Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, since you still have Tuskor, this will be your chance to test your courage... if you can manage it." she said to her. Fluttershy was already nervous about it, knowing her fear was still lingering, but she couldn't let that stop her. She needed to return to her friends, no matter what got in the way. Dan meanwhile was ready for battle. "Alright, you got it... Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed Ravenoid to the field. "Haos Ravenoid Stand!' he called out as Ravenoid emerged onto the field. "New Battle Recognized." said the Bakupod. "Oh give me a break, is that the best you can do? Watch this Tigrerra... Fluttershy is gonna demolish that Ravenoid" Runo said to her with a chuckle. "Slow down Runo, not that I trust that old woman, but you'd be wise to heed her words." Tigrerra said to her. "Hey, I know what I'm doing, now just back off okay? Fluttershy's got this battle in the bag." Runo said to her with a chuckle. Fluttershy meanwhile, was not amused. "Don't let revenge blind you... if I learned anything from these battles, it will only take your focus off the task at hand. But in my case... hoof..." she stated to her knowing exactly what's running through her mind. "Fluttershy, I've waited for this forever, and now its payback time. You and I have to win and that's that..." Runo said to her. Tigrerra was finally fed up with it, and decided to confront Runo straight on. "I don't think you're telling us everything, are you?" she asked her, knowing she really is hiding something from her, and the others. Frustrated, Runo chose to ignore it and looked towards Dan. "All you guys need to know is that we're gonna win this." she said to them. But Fluttershy pulled out her gate card and prepared for her turn. "If that's true, then why did you blush when I mentioned your feelings for Dan...?" she asked her earning a much bigger and brighter blush from her. Giving her a smirk in return and looking to the field, Fluttershy prepared herself. "That's what I thought, Gate Card Set!" she tossed the card to the field, seeing it expand across the ground. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed Tuskor onto the field. "Haos Tuskor stand!" she called out as Tuskor emerged on the field. "Tuskor has entered battle." said the Bakupod as it calculated the power levels. "I'm counting on you Tuskor, don't let me down." she said to him feeling nervous of what mat happen. "Oh man, no disrespect Fluttershy, but if you think you could win with that move, you're off your rocker." Dan stated to her. "Hey, you mind butting out Dan?" Runo said to him, catching him by surprise. "Now its time for Fluttershy to finish you off!" "Gate Card open! Super Pyrus!" Fluttershy called out as the field began to glow and both opponents switched power levels. Dan panicked from seeing it. "Oh no!" he cried out. "Advantage, Tuskor... Opponents powers have switched. Tuskor leads by 10 G's." said the Bakupod. "Please don't hate me after this battle Dan... we're just trying to get home." Fluttershy said to him. At that instance, Lars Lion giggled at seeing her kind hearted nature. "You really are an interesting one Fluttershy, you and Runo both. You are kind, while Runo is bold and makes moves without even thinking. But your choices can be reckless sometimes... and when advice is given, you and Runo dismiss it without a second thought. You both must look inside yourselves... otherwise, your future is rather bleak. Like the time when you believed you became a monster... by Iron Will if I recall..." she stated. Fluttershy's eyes widened from hearing it, remembering how she mistreated her friends and all those around her. But Runo was having none of it. "Hey lady! You're not the boss of me or her!" she said to her. "Too late, you lost." Dan said to her as she looked to her surprised. "Ability Activate! Spark Out!" he called out as Ravenoid pulled out four kunai's and threw them at the field card they were on. One on every corner of the field, as they nullified the fields ability. "Looks like your gate card is pretty much useless, and I'm up by 50 G's." he stated as Fluttershy looked to her Bakupod. "Recalculating battle score." it showed as Tuskor's power was reduced to 380 G's while Ravenoid was at 440 G's. Then Ravenoid charged making clones of himself, ramming against Tuskor while the final one landed a hard punch against him, forcing him into ball form as he landed next to Fluttershy. "What?! Tuskor!" Fluttershy picked him up and frowned. "We lost another battle..." "Hey, don't sweat it... besides... why would I be mad at you? You're the most kind, most gentle pony I ever met..." Dan said to her earning a surprised look from her. "Don't you remember...? You found me in the woods, I was scared, alone, but you were there... you looked out for me..." he stated. Fluttershy's eyes widened when she heard what he said to her. Her memories came rushing back to when she was just a filly, when she heard the cries of a young boy... who was lost in a forest. The young shy little Pegasus filly slowly approached him to see if he was okay. "Hey, are you okay...?" she asked him. Dan turned around seeing her, and panicked as he backed away, only to hit his head on a branch from a tree he was under. He cried out in pain, and Fluttershy frantically looked around but looked to him. "Oh, no its okay... don't worry... everything will be alright, you'll see..." she wrapped her around his head and closed her eyes, hushing him as she hummed a soft melody to him. Dan listened to her melody, as it began to calm and sooth him of his pain. He looked o Fluttershy sensing that she was a good person... or pony in this case. Fluttershy finished her melody and looked to him to check and see if he was better, and so he was. "Wow... that was beautiful, where did you learn that...?" he asked her. "Ohhh..." Fluttershy looked away, hiding a blush. "It is something I sing to myself sometimes... but this is a rare occasion..." she stated to him and looked him over. "What are you...? I've never seen a creature like you before." she said to him. "Well, if you want to know... I'm a boy..." Dan stated to her. "Yes, but a boy what...?" Fluttershy asked him. "J-Just a boy... what, you've never seen a human before...?" Dan asked her only to get a simple no from her seeing her shake her head. He sighed knowing he wasn't home anymore... but he looked to her and smiles. "Well, it doesn't matter... but..." his smile faded as he looked away. "I'm all alone out here..." he said to her. Feeling sympathy for the young boy, Fluttershy sat next to him and nuzzled him to comfort him. "If it makes you feel better... I'm alone here too. Everypony in Cloudsdale was always picking on me... but here...?" she looked to the forest seeing all the animals around as they gathered. "They're like family to me... they even helped me realize my talent to communicate with them." she said to him as she looked at her cutiemark. She smiled and looked to him, knowing that he was the first person she ever told about it. "I never asked you your name..." she stated. Dan smiled at her as he stood up with her. "My name is Dan.... Dan Kuso..." he introduced himself to the shy Pegasus as the flashback ended. The current Dan looked to her and smiled at her. "Ever since that day, we would see each other... but then one day, I woke up back in my home town." he explained to her. Fluttershy was stunned from learning this, but Runo was completely confused of the situation. "Wait, wait, you mean to tell me... that somehow, Dan went to Equestria, and met Fluttershy?!" she asked them in disbelief. "It's hard to believe, but its no wonder I have such a strong connection between you and Dan, Runo... he was the little boy I met so long ago when I was a filly. But how he was transported to Equestria, I do not know..." Fluttershy stated as she looked at Dan, but soon looked to Lars Lion. "But I have a hunch she knows..." she said to Lars Lion knowing that she's hiding something. Nodding her head, Lars Lion may be a legendary soldier, but she wasn't a liar. "Dan had a rough day when fighting with his friend Shun, and ran off... that's when I decided to take matters into my own hands. I was watching over both you, and Dan since you were young, dear Fluttershy... the bond you share is no mistake. But I know for certain that the friendship between him and Runo is more than what it seems, she just chooses to hide it from everyone, even herself." she stated. Runo's face turned bright red, but she glared at her in denial. "MY FEELINGS ARE NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS LADY!" she exclaimed to her. "In the realm of light, it is my business..." Lars Lion said to her. Runo started growling at her, knowing that she was pushing her buttons to the point she was about to blow a fuse. But Tigrerra decided to get through to her, before she loses it. "I beg of you Runo, take your time... use your head, not your heart in battle." she said to her. But Runo turned to her, feeling fed up with her words. "I've had enough of your advice! I know what I'm doing, so just back off!" she cried out. "That's enough Runo, Tigrerra is only trying to help you, but what do you do? You yell at her, and deny that you need help. Which in this case, you do!" Fluttershy stated, knowing that Runo is stubborn as usual. Lars Lion chuckled at their argument, knowing it was quite amusing. "As long as you remain stubborn child, you will never win this battle. It's that simple..." she said to her. But Runo wasn't going to listen, given she will always be this stubborn. "I am sick and tired of everyone harping on me! Now lets finish this!" she yelled at her. "Here it goes, Bakugan Brawl!" Dan tossed in Ravenoid. "Take care of this Ravenoid!" he called out as Ravenoid emerged on the field. Runo tossed in a gate card, seeing it expand on the field next to Dan's. "You're up Tigrerra... okay...?" she was about to grab her. But Fluttershy grabbed Elvia before Runo could go in. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed her onto the battlefield before Runo could get Tigrerra in. "Haos Elvia Stand!" she called out as Elvia emerged on the field, spreading her wings as she looked to Ravenoid. "Sorry Runo, but you head is clearly not in the game... you are too stubborn, and too eager to finish this battle. But me...? I'm focused, but at the same time, I am scared..." she stated to her earning a surprised look from Runo. "I admit it... I am scared that we will never see how friends again, and scared of what you are turning into... if you can't heed the advice of a Legendary Soldier, then you can't face the truth of yourself." Runo was stunned from what she had said, slowly processing it as she looked at her. "Fluttershy..." she muttered. "But now if you will excuse me, I will finish this... Gate Card Open! Character!" Fluttershy called out as Elvia's character card activated. Elvia's wings spread as she took flight and swung a kick down towards Ravenoid, slamming it against his neck. Ravenoid shrieked from it, and received another hard kick from Elvia and soon reverted to ball form, landing next to Dan. Dan was impressed from how she pulled it off. "Oh wow, that was a pretty sweet move... now its my turn. Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed Robotallion onto the field. "Robotallion Stand!" he called out as Robotallion re-emerged on the field. Runo saw this as an opportunity and grabbed Tigrerra. "Amateur... lets show him. Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed her to the field. "Haos Tigrerra Stand!" she called out as Tigrerra emerged and roared at Robotallion. "Okay, I got this, I got this... Gate Card Open!" she called out as the field formed light crystals around them, boosting Tigrerra's power up. She snarled at the Robot Warrior Bakugan and clawed him in the chest, forcing him to revert to ball form. "Yes!" Runo cheered as Tigrerra returned to her. Fluttershy smiled knowing she was starting to focus more on being there for her friends, rather than herself. But knowing her, she's still looking for payback. "Hey there Dan, you impressed or what?" she asked him. "No..." Dan replied feeling smug. Because you just used up all your gate cards." he said to her. Runo was surprised as she looked towards Lars Lion. "You now each have one Bakugan left... so here's my question. Are you brave enough to continue the battle?" she asked them as she changed from her humanoid form to her ball form, floating down to Dan as he caught her. Meanwhile, Runo was getting bad vibes from the situation. "Something's weird, I get the feeling he's got a trick up his sleeve." she turned to Fluttershy. "Do you get the feeling too...?" she asked her. "I've always had it... in fact I'm sure we all do." Fluttershy replied to her. Dan pulled out his final card and held it out. "Here goes nothing!" he tossed it to the field. "Its now or never you two..." Elvia said to them as she looked to Dan. He reached over and grabbed hold of Lars Lion. "Okay, time to finish them off! Bakugan Brawl!" he tossed Lars Lion to the field, seeing her reach the center of it. "Haos Lars Lion Stand!" he called out as Lars Lion appeared before them, looking almost as though she were a goddess in her true form. Fluttershy was amazed by her appearance, unable to look away. "She's pretty..." she complimented her despite that they're in the middle of a battle. "I am Lars Lion... the most powerful of Haos Soldiers. observe as I show you how a light attributed Bakugan should battle." she warned them knowing that what she will do to them will be painful. Runo's eyes widened looking at her. "Holy cow, we're done for... what do we do...?" she asked Tigrerra. "I wish I knew..." Tigrerra said to her knowing they were in big trouble. "Lars Lion has entered battle, at 500 G's." said the Bakupod. Tigrerra turned to Runo knowing what they needed to do. "This is our moment Runo, do not enter this battle without a plan." she advised her. Runo shook her head and looked to her. "I've never battled without thinking ahead..." suddenly she just remembered something Dan said to her when they were children. A quick flashback popped into her mind seeing Dan at the park. "Wow kid, you sure are feisty..." he said to her as the flashback ends. "Tigrerra's right Runo, making rash decisions will only lead to failure Runo." Elvia said to her as she floated next to Fluttershy. Runo stood in silence for a moment as she looked towards Tigrerra. "Tigrerra..." she looked at her but smiled. "I know... I'm going to use my Lightning Tornado ability and finish this fight." she planned it ahead of time before she made a bad decision. "Runo, are you sure this time?" Fluttershy asked her. Runo smirked and looked to the field. "Oh yeah, I'm sure." she said to her as she grabbed hold of Tigrerra. "But I will need your help with this Fluttershy, I can't win without you." she said to her. Fluttershy smiled and nodded her head to her and looked to the field grabbing Elvia. "Bakugan Brawl!" they both tossed in Tigrerra and Elvia to the field at the same time. "Tigrerra/Elvia stand!" they called out as both the tiger and the fairy Bakugan appeared on the field. Lars Lion meanwhile, chuckled at their bravery. "So you've come back for more... what a stubborn little girl Runo is. So stubborn, she couldn't even admit her true feelings to the Dan she now knows." she said as Runo's eyes widened with surprise. "Yes child... I know of your feelings for Dan, your love for him is pure. But you are drowning it in the darkness, trying to deny those feelings. Like you, I too have feelings for a Bakugan I have known for the last 2,000 years. But I wasn't afraid to tell him how I felt... and if you don't learn to let go of that stubbornness, you will lose him forever. This is also part of your test Runo..." she said to her. Dan smiled and held out Lars Lion's ability card. "Ability Activate! Sagittarius Arrow!" he called out as Lars Lion formed a bow around her wrist. Runo was surprised when she saw it. "Oh no..." she panicked. "The most powerful Haos ability... watch as the Golden Arrow brings forth the Haos Soldier!" Lars lion summoned an arrow into the air as it came back down and landed on the ground. Bringing back both Ravenoid and Robotallion. "Activated Arrow ability, increases power to 1220 G's." said the Bakupod. "And there's more! Check this out, Gate Card open!" Dan called out as the entire field turned into an area of pure light. "Sensing another power surge." said the Bakupod as it showed another surge of energy given to all Haos Bakugan on the field. This immediately had Runo worried as she saw it was raised to 1520. "Wow, I've never seen a power level that high before." she panicked. "Me neither..." Fluttershy felt worried of what would happen. Dan smirked as he shot up a fist to his Bakugan. "Do some damage Robotallion! Go get'em Ravenoid!" he cheered them on as both Ravenoid and Robotallion prepared to end the battle. Just as Lars Lion readied another golden arrow. "This battle..." she aimed it towards Tigrerra. "Is over..." she stated to Runo and Fluttershy knowing their defeat was at hand. Dan smiled at her knowing it as well. "You could never beat me kiddo." he said to her as Runo let out a gasp in remembering those words, but in a different pattern as she saw a flashback to when they were children playing a silly game of baseball. "You can never beat me kiddo..." he said to her younger self. But young Runo wasn't having any of it as she threw a fit. "JUST WATCH ME!" she said to him. Dan merely smiled at her knowing she wasn't joking around. "Well, hope we can battle again sometime... see ya." he said to her as the flashback ended. Runo looked at him in disbelief, realizing what he meant by those words. "He knew... that we'd meet again, but how would he be able to predict something like that...? Especially when he was just a kid...? This is getting too freaky..." she stated as she looked at him. But before she could theorize, Lars Lion shot the arrow at Tigrerra, only to see Elvia get in the way and get shot in the shoulder letting out a scream. Fluttershy gasped from seeing it as she snapped out of it. "Elvia! NO!" she and to them with Runo. Both Tigrerra and Elvia constantly received shots from Lars Lion, as Runo and Fluttershy stood in their way. "That's enough!" she exclaimed as she looked to Tigrerra while Lars Lion readied another arrow. "I'm so sorry... this is all my fault. I'm so sorry Tigrerra..." she said to her. "It seems..." Tigrerra stood up and looked to her. "You're starting to learn your lesson..." she stated to her. "Yeah..." tears began to form in Runo's eyes as she looked at both her and Elvia. "I only thought about myself... but putting you both into danger like that, was just me being stubborn..." she said to her as she lowered her gaze letting her tears fall. "I never wanted to get either of you hurt..." "Runo, Fluttershy, you both still need to finish this battle..." Elvia said to them as Runo looked to them. "Making rash decisions does have consequences, and now that you understand this... the battle is yours to win." she said to them. "Then you mean..." Fluttershy began to realize what she meant. "Yes... being true to yourself... that is the key, do you understand?" Tigrerra asked them. Runo looked at her and nodded her head to her, turning towards young Dan and seeing a vision of his older self. "Now I get it... Dan wanted to battle me, as much as I wanted to battle him. No matter how badly I treated him, and even though he could be stubborn and rude, all I would do is think about myself... yet through it all, Dan was always there for me..." she said as tears brimmed. At that moment, Lars Lion readied the arrow. "Sayonara Tigrerra, and fair well Elvia!" she shot it towards then. Runo watched it happen as she stood between them. "It's all so clear..." she shut her eyes. "I understand now..." she stated as she began floating in the air, surprising Fluttershy. "We're friends forever Dan..." she said as the arrow stopped in front of her, earning a gasp from Lars Lion. "Friends, forever... in fact... maybe even more, and nobody in this great big crazy world can change that, nobody! You hear me? FOREVER!" she called out as Lars Lion avoided a lightning storm. Tigrerra smiled at seeing it. "That a girl Runo, I'm proud of you." she said to her as the arrows vanished from both her and Elvia. Lars Lion watched them feeling amazed. "The power... incredible..." she stated as lightning struck both Tigrerra and Elvia. Tigrerra let out a powerful roar as it happened, and a light shined from her as Runo and Fluttershy watched what was happening. "Whoa, what's going on here?!" she asked as she looked to her Bakupod. "Sensing Tigrerra power surge." said the Bakupod. "Incredible..." Runo watched but saw something shine from Fluttershy and looked seeing her Element of Kindness appear around her neck. "Fluttershy, is that...?" Fluttershy nodded to her and smiled. "It's the Element of Kindness!" she stated as she looked to Tigrerra and Elvia who had shot into the sky. Lars Lion watched it happen as she backed away. "They're... evolving..." she watched it all happen. From the light, Tigrerra emerged with a humanoid body, masculine, but feminine in general area's. (Design will come later when I get to it, FYI.) She had long saber fangs spikes over her body armor, claws on her arm bracers, and blades on her shin guards. She let out a powerful roar as she let her blades extend all over her body. "Blade Tigrerra, reporting for duty!" she said to them. Runo looked at her surprised of what she's become. "Is that, really you Tigrerra...?" she asked her. Fluttershy looked around for Elvia seeing no sign of her. "Where's Elvia...?" she asked but soon heard a gentle song coming from the sky and looked to it seeing lights shining through the sky. The light soon started to become brighter as the clouds slowly began to part. An orb of light swirled in the sky, causing Lars Lion's eyes to widen, as a new form of Elvia appeared before her as she spread her wings, making the clouds spread out as she let out a powerful shriek. Her form still consisted of her original, but her wings were much larger, and her patterns were slightly different. She even had three fingers rather than the traditional five. She even had two toes showing her more insect type qualities, and her hair was much smoother and she even had a fur collar around her neck. She glared at Lars Lion clenching her fists. "Guardian Elvia, ready and waiting..." she declared as she descended to Fluttershy. "Elvia... you... you look beautiful..." Fluttershy said to her. "Because of your kind heart, I was able to evolve, but sometimes you needed to give a little tough love towards Runo, to snap her out of her stubborn streak." Elvia explained earning a scowl from Runo. "But... you had to in order for her to realize her true feelings towards Dan... they may be friends... but I feel there may be more than friendship for her in the future. But it was your kindness towards her that allowed your Element of Harmony to return to you..." she stated. "Elvia's right, in fact Runo... once you realized your stubbornness, it allowed me to evolve." Tigrerra stated to her. At that moment, Runo and Fluttershy gained two new ability cards. "Our ability cards..." she looked to Fluttershy and smirked with her looking to the field. "My ability will decrease my opponents power level by a hundred G's and cancels their ability." she explained her ability. "And my ability allows Elvia to increase the G's of all team Bakugan on the field by one-hundred... looks like this just got so much better." Fluttershy stated as she smirked. "And now that we've both evolved, we will finish this battle!" Tigrerra roared out displaying her fearsome fangs. "I'll go first Fluttershy, Ability Activate!" Runo called out as the card activated. "Velocity Fang!" she called out as Tigrerra extended her claws letting out a snarl. Lars Lion began to panic. "Oh no! My ability has vanished!" she cried out. "We're in trouble!" Dan stated feeling panicked. "That means Robotallion and Ravenoid are toast!" he watched as Tigrerra slashed through Robotallion first causing him to revert to ball form, and turned her attention to Ravenoid and charged at him, slashing through him forcing him to ball form as well. "My turn! Ability Card Activate! Titania Exodus!" Fluttershy called out as Elvia fly's her wings as sparkling light glimmered from her wings towards Lars Lion. "Titania Exodus is an ability that strengthens both Elvia, and the Bakugan she's fighting beside. Not only that, the opposing Bakugan is immediately defeated once it is activated." she explained as Lars Lion's eyes widened in shocked from hearing it. "Power reduction of100 G's." said the Bakupod as both Elvia and Tigrerra went in for the attack. Elvia soon unleashed a powerful blast of lightning across the glimmering lights as it shocked and paralyzed Lars Lion as Tigrerra snarled and slashed through her. Leaving her in a state she couldn't move from as Tigrerra landed on the ground. "We did it Tigrerra!" Runo cheered as Lars Lion's bow fell apart. Fluttershy smiled from seeing it. "We bested you Lars Lion, now surrender!" she said to her. Looking at them, Lars Lion could only smile knowing she had been beaten at her own game. "I concede defeat... you both have surprised me young ones." she said to them as young Dan floated up to her shoulder. "Now go, join your friends... and tell them of your victory... especially Dan, he will be so proud of you." she said to Runo. Runo was surprised when she heard it, as young Dan smiled at her. "It was a blast Runo, catch ya later!" he said to her as both he and Lars Lion vanished from the area. Seeing them gone, Runo smiled as she sat down on Tigrerra's shoulder and looked to her and Elvia. "Way to go you guys, you were both awesome... and I really gotta thank you both and Fluttershy for teaching me not to be so stubborn." she said to them with a smile. "Even work on your stubbornness about admitting to Dan about how you feel about him?" Fluttershy grinned at her knowing it was something she couldn't avoid. Letting out a nervous chuckle, Runo knew she couldn't get out of that predicament. "I have you to thank for allowing me to evolve, me, and Elvia... Runo." Tigrerra said to her. Elvia nodded to her wishing she could show a smile, but suddenly... sparkling lights soon descended around them. The four of them were amazed of how beautiful they were, but knew it was a sign that they had completed their test... and were sent to rejoin the others. Who will be next on the Legendary Soldiers list? You will find out in the next chapter. > Rarity's Nightmare Come to Life > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Ever since we got into the Doom Dimension to find Dan, Twilight, Drago and Bahamut, the Six Legendary Soldiers of Vestroia tested several of my friends in all their hard tests. Me and Lancelot are on our way to face our trial... but I know very little of what we will face in that test. But I somehow feel that there will be something in store for me... something I pray never to see again." Rarity narrated as both she and Lancelot were transported to where they were to face their test, upon their arrival... Rarity opened her eyes and looked a the land around them. A dark, desolate wasteland, which would make any brawler run in terror. She looked around knowing this place was definitely not for her, Lancelot might... but then again, he is a Darkus Bakugan, so who can blame him. She walked with him in search for the others to hopefully find a way out. "Ohhh, what was I thinking...? This isn't for me, I'm not liking it here..." she stated as she looked around the area. Lancelot floated ahead and looked around. "I don't know Milady Rarity, this place certainly reminds me of home." he said to her as he floated beside her. "Well its nice you feel safe, but I am scared beyond my wits here." Rarity said to him but looked ahead seeing something in the darkness. "Lancelot, what do you suppose that is...?" she asked him. The Darkus Bakugan looked to what she was seeing, and to his surprise... it was a castle. A dark castle by the looks of it... almost similar to that of the Castle of the Two Sisters, but different in other ways... it had a few features that would make it look almost like the Horned King's castle in the Black Cauldron movie. (Yes people, I literally just went there...) Lancelot stared at it and shook his head. "I... I know not... I've never seen such a place. Perhaps it would be wise we should turn back...?" he suggested. "Well we can't just stay out here, I mean think of it darling, our friends might be in there..." Rarity said to him. Lancelot looked to the dark castle knowing something might be off about this place, and who would know what would happen if they got inside...? He nodded to her as both he and Rarity headed straight for the castle... unaware, that they were being watched from unfriendly eyes. Exedra, and a cloaked figure stood amongst one of the towers of the Dark Tower, as the cloaked mare let out a dark chuckle. "Such a delight to see her again..." she muttered with a grin. "Remember... you are only here to help her face her past, not inflict it." Exedra reminded her of the reason she was here and looked to Rarity. "Once you face her... she may yet come to terms with her own darkness as well, but we may only see that when we face her in battle." he stated as he and the cloaked mare vanished into thin air. Within the castle, Rarity looked around seeing that it wasn't as terrible inside as it was outside. The tapestries were in a bluish violet tone, with dark purple trim, and the windows were stained glass, much like the ones in Canterlot, just with a much darker side to it. She wandered down the corridor and was simply amazed by the décor. (Oh wow, I just made a rhyme.) "This place is simply marvelous... I'm surprised that there isn't a place like this in Equestria. Well, there is the Castle of the Two Sisters, but its nothing compared to this..." she stated as she looked around. "We best tread lightly milady..." Lancelot advised her as he looked around. "I am not liking this..." he stated. "And you are wise to be on your guard Lancelot..." Exedra appeared before them as both Rarity and Lancelot jumped from seeing him. "Oh, if it isn't Exedra, the Darkus Soldier..." Rarity stated as she smiled nervously. Exedra chuckled but bowed to her respectively. "You are too kind madam... I hope you find my home not too repulsive..." he gestured to it. Realizing they were standing in his home, Rarity quickly shook her head and looked to him. "T-This is your home? Forgive me Exedra I didn't mean to intrude, we just didn't-" "It is perfectly fine Ms. Rarity..." Exedra stated to her as he approached her. "But you must be famished after such a long journey..." he snapped his fingers as the room changed around them, and they found themselves in the dining hall. "Come, I insist you must eat... you are hungry, are you not...?" he asked her as he walked to the dinner table and took a seat. Hearing her stomach growl, Rarity blushed knowing she can't deny the fact she hadn't eaten since she got to the castle. "Well, now that you mention it, I would definitely like to eat something..." she walked to the table and got into one of the chairs and sat down. "But why do this for us...? You can at least tell me that much..." she stated. "I would prefer to face my opponents at full strength... fighting a weakling with low stamina wouldn't be much of a fair battle, wouldn't you agree Lancelot..?" Exedra asked him. "Now that you mention it milord, you're not wrong..." Lancelot admitted to him knowing it was the truth. "Good, I'm glad we have a perfect understanding..." Exedra clapped his hands together. "Servant... bring us our supper..." he called out for the servant. And from the kitchen, came Spike... wearing a waiter's vest, carrying two silver platters covering their food. This immediately surprised Rarity when she saw him. "Spike?!" she asked in surprise. "Impossible, we left him in the human world!" Lancelot cried out. Spike walked to Exedra and set the platter down holding his food. "One order of smoked salamander scales..." he opened the lid showing some delicious salamander scales, which immediately disgusted Rarity from looking at them. Spike walked over to her and sets her platter down. "And one order of salad with a side of grapes... do enjoy..." he said to her about to leave. "Spike, hold on..." Rarity stopped him from leaving. "What are you doing here...? I thought you were on Earth with Daniel's mother..." she said to him. "I was, but when Lord Exedra brought me here... I have found my true purpose. Serving him, and my mistress..." Spike explained to her. This immediately surprised Rarity as she looked at him filled with shock and disgust as she looked to Exedra. "What mistress...?" she asked him demanding to know who Spike meant. Suddenly a dark chuckle emerged from the shadows as Exedra glanced back towards the drapes, knowing who it was. Rarity looked to them seeing a pair a familiar eyes that have haunted her since Nightmare Moon's spirit corrupted her. Her eyes widened with horror, as the figured emerged from the shadows... revealing herself to be none other, than Nightmare Rarity. She chuckled as she approached the table, walking up to Spike. "Surprised to see me dear sister...? It has been such a long time, hasn't it...?" she grinned. "What devilry is this?!" Lancelot asked as he looked between both Rarity and her Nightmare self. "Lancelot, allow me to introduce Rarity's dark persona..." Exedra looked towards Nightmare Rarity and smirked. "Nightmare Rarity... she was to be the new ruler of Equestria to succeed Nightmare Moon." he explained as one of his serpent heads came out and started eating the salamander scales. "How is this possible?" Lancelot looked between Rarity and her nightmare counterpart. "How could this have happened...?" he asked trying to understand the situation at hand. "You see... Rarity once bonded with the dark spirit of Nightmare Moon, with the power she possessed, she had the power to rule all of Equestria. Blanketing it in eternal night..." Exedra explained to Lancelot a minor backstory behind Nightmare Rarity and looked towards her. "A real queen of the night..." he stated. "That is... until Twilight and her friends took everything from me, especially Spike here...." Nightmare Rarity gestured to the dragon in waiter's clothing. "But now with him as my personal servant... I plan on making the others the same." she stated and looked to Rarity. "And you... Rarity, I had long waited to return to you for so long... to be whole... to rule the night as Nightmare Moon once did." Rarity backed away in fear, remembering that awful night she became Nightmare Rarity. "No, I won't let you!" she exclaimed to her. (This Song is Parody of In the Dark of the Night, by Anastasia.) Nightmare Rarity let out a chuckle of amusement, sensing her fear from where she stood. "I'm afraid you won't have a choice in the matter at hoof... because once our battle is over, you will be no more, and I... shall finally be the only one to return to the real world, and all who will defy me, will DIIIIIEEEEE!!!!!!" she cried out. Nightmare Rarity; In the Dark of the Night you've been tossing and turning Darkus Garganoid's began to appear around the room. And the nightmare you had was as bad as can be Rarity backed away seeing her approach her, only to see her vanish and appear behind her. It scared you out of your wits a shadow turning to flesh Then you opened your eyes and the nightmare was me! She vanished and appeared on the table, smirking at her. You were once the most powerful mare in Equestria Garganoid's; Ooh, Aah, Ooh! Nightmare Rarity; When Twilight and her friends defeated me they made a mistake! Garganoids; Ooh, Aah, Ooh! Nightmare Rarity; My curse will make each of them pay! But one little mare won't get in the way Little Rarity, beware your nightmare's awake! Garganoids; In the Dark of the Night Evil will find you! In the Dark of the Night just before dawn! Nightmare Rarity; Revenge will be sweet when my curse is complete! Garganoids; In the Dark of the Night! Nightmare Rarity turned towards Rarity and pointed at her. Nightmare Rarity; You'll be gone! Garganoids; Ooh, Aah, Ooh Ooh, Aah, Ooh! Rarity panicked seeing her disappear and looked around for her. Nightmare Rarity; I can feel that my powers are slowly returning to you She used her magic and placed a royal dress around her and a crown upon her head. Wear that dress and wear the crown upon your head as the pieces fall into place I'll see your friends fall into place! Dasvidanya, Twilight your grace! Farewell! Garganoid's; In the Dark of the Night terror will strike them! Nightmare Rarity; Terror's the least I can do! Garganoid's; In the Dark of the Night Evil will brew! Nightmare Rarity; Soon you will feel That your nightmares are real Garganoid's; In the Dark of the Night! Nightmare Rarity; You'll be through! Exedra watched as he enjoyed the performance that they were making, minus Rarity who was too paralyzed with fear to even run away. Garganoid's; In the Dark of the Night Evil will find you! Garganoid; Find you! Garganoid's; In the Dark of the Night Terror comes true! Garganoid; Doom her! Nightmare Rarity; My dear, here's a sign its the end of the line! Garganoid's; In the Dark of the Night In the Dark of the Night Nightmare Rarity; Come my child Rise to your calling Let your evil shine! Find it now Yes, now fly ever faster Garganoid's; In the Dark of the Night In the Dark of the Night In the Dark of the Night! Nightmare Rarity; YOU'LL BE MINE!!!!! She laughed evilly as the Garganoid's flew away, leaving the dining hall. Rarity backed away only to bump and see Nightmare Rarity standing behind her. "So what do you say Rarity...? You willing to accept my offer, and join me...?" she asked her as a sadistic grin formed over her face. Looking at her, Rarity felt her fear melt away and glared at her for what she planned to do to her friends. "Forget it, I won't apart of your plans in hurting my friends! You've already ruined my life once... I won't let you do it again...!" she stated and looked to Exedra. "And for the record Exedra, I'm not very hungry anymore... if you want a battle, then let us settle this, here and now!" she declared. Letting out a disappointing sigh, Exedra knew there was no way of avoiding it. "So be it..." he said to her as he stood up from his seat. "I was giving you hospitality... and this is how you repay me...?" his power began to flow around him and the castle around them began to disappear. He transferred everyone around him to a distant battlefield, far from his castle in the dark lands. "Then it is time you learned what it truly meant to be a Darkus Brawler!" he yelled out as the battlefield began to glow around them. "I'm not afraid... lets get started shall we?!" Rarity asked her dark doppelganger seeing her devious smirk on her face. She even let out an amused chuckle as she pulled up a card along with Rarity. "Lets..." Nightmare Rarity obliged as she tossed her card to the field along with her good counterpart. "Gate Card Set!" she called out with her as she brought up her first Bakugan. "For my first attack, I'll go with this.... Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed it in. "Darkus Garganoid, Stand!" she called out as Garganoid appeared before them, snarling at Rarity as it spread its wings. “Let’s keep it fair my dear.” She said to her. "That is nothing, you can't stop me from leaving! Bakugan Brawl!" Rarity tossed in her first Bakugan. "Darkus Juggernoid, Stand!" she called out as her Juggernoid emerged as his shell slammed on the field. His head and limbs poked out of its shell as he let out a ferocious roar towards Garganoid. "Ooohhh, a turtle, so scary... I think I'm going to pee!" Nightmare Rarity laughed humorously at it. "Keep laughing you dark abomination, because it will be your last...!" Rarity stated to her. Chuckling at hearing it, Nightmare Rarity wasn't going to allow it. "Sorry my dear, but I have other plans... Gate Card Set!" she tossed in a new Gate Card to the field. "Bakugan Brawl!" she tossed in her next Bakugan onto the field. "Darkus Mantris, Stand!" she called out as Mantris emerged on the field, hissing towards Juggernoid as it sharpened its claws. "Ability Activate! Marionette!" she called out as Mantris snared Juggernoid with its Marionette ability. "Now my pet, send it to Garganoid..." Rarity panicked from seeing it. "Oh no, not good!" she cried out as Juggernoid was pulled towards Garganoids field, as his foot touched the card, the Mine Ghost Gate Card was activated... taking both Juggernoid and Garganoid with him. But Nightmare Rarity won that battle as Juggernoid landed on the ground next to Rarity. "What was that?!" she asked. "The Mine Ghost my dear... if an opponent Bakugan from your side touches it, you're instantly finished..." Nightmare Rarity explained as she let out an amused chuckle. Rarity glared at her dark self, knowing she is literally pushing her buttons at this point. Lancelot quickly took the chance to float in front of her. “Milady Rarity, do not let her taunts get to you! That is exactly what she wants!” He warned her of what she is trying to do. “I know that Lancelot, but I assure you, she is not going to win this time!” She replied as she pulled out a card. “Gate Card Set!” She tossed it to the field as it landed beside her card that was already on the field. “Bakugan Brawl!” She tossed in her next Bakugan to the field. “Siege, Stand!” She called out as her Darkus Siege emerged on the field, holding his dark lance towards the Mantris Nightmare Rarity grinned as she twirled one of her Bakugan. “You know this is futile my dear, it would be best that you surrender now, while you still can.” She suggested. “After everything you put me through back in Equestria? You turned me into a monster! Far from being anything that was better than how I am now!” Rarity shouted at her and looked to Siege as she held up an ability card. “Ability Activate!” She tossed it towards Siege’s lance as it merged with it. He charged towards the Mantris and struck its torso, landing a powerful blow against it as the Mantris shrieks from the pain it was feeling, and reverted to ball form. Nightmare Rarity was mildly impressed with the results. But this did not phase her, for she had more in store for her. Rarity caught Siege with her magic and smirked at her darker self. “How do you like that?” She asked her. “Not bad… but your efforts are to this day, very pointless. You ready Exedra darling?” She asked him as he appeared beside her. “Ready at your command, mistress.” He replied as he lost his armor and changed into ball form, floating down to her. Nightmare Rarity smirked as she held him with her magic. “If you thought that I was terrifying…” She looked to her with a sinister grin. “You know little of what Exedra has in store for you! Bakugan Brawl!” She shot him onto the field, seeing him land on it as he stopped and opened up. “Bakugan Stand!” She shouted as Exedra glowed brightly and slowly emerged on the field. Rarity and Lancelot watched in shock and awe as Exedra emerged before them, revealing himself as an eight-headed hydra with a serpentine body and no limbs. He hissed sinisterly as he soon unleashed a powerful booming roar, to make his power known to his opponents. “Now you see what you will be facing Rarity, to true master of the Darkus arena.” He told her as she started shaking at the knees. Lancelot looked at her, noticing how much she was shaking. But she hardened herself to hide her fear as she used her magic around Siege. “Come on then, Bakugan Brawl!” She tossed Siege to the field, but onto a separate card as Siege landed and rolled across it. Opening up as he reached the center of it. “Siege, stand!” She called out as Siege’s eyes glowed and he emerged into the field. “I will not let some serpent frighten me… you hear?! I won’t!” She declared. “Brave words Rarity, but words will not save you.” Exedra said to her. “Bakugan Brawl!” Nightmare Rarity tossed her Garganoid onto the field to resume the fight. Rarity was surprised that she sent him back out. “Why send out that beast again? Ever since the Mind Ghost was played, I thought he wouldn’t resume?” She asked them. “Why yes, of course you’re right Rarity. But the Mind Ghost doesn’t annihilate my Bakugan and ensure they’re not used again. This is something special.” She held up a Card in front of her. “Ability activate. Demon Wizard.” She declared as a set of teeth on Exedra’s torso opened up, revealing a giant ye that immediately shocked Rarity. “Oh no.” She panicked. “Garganoid, lend me your power. So that I may show this welp to fear the power of the Darkus Master.” He said to his fellow Bakugan as he drained Garganoid’s power. Rarity was shocked from seeing this, as it almost made her want to hurl. “Now Rarity, let me show you true power!” He roared as he charged towards Siege. “Siege, look out!” She cried out as Exedra but down on Siege, and started draining him of his power. Siege cried out in pain as Rarity’s eyes widened in horror, forcing herself to look away as Siege was forced into ball form, and sent back to her as he landed on the ground. “No… this can’t be happening.” She muttered. “Oh, but it is Rarity. You… have failed. You already fell into my spiders web before you even realized it.” Nightmare Rarity said to her. But Lancelot floated in front of Rarity to consult her. “Milady Rarity! Do not listen to this she-devil… she is wrong!” He yelled as he managed to snap Rarity out of her trauma. “She may have been your past… but only thou can decide thine future. For what it’s worth… I am glad thou art my mistress.” He said to her. This began to warm Rarity’s heart from hearing his words, she did feel saddened of her other Bakugan, but she couldn’t let their sacrifices be in vein. She sighed as she looked towards Nightmare Rarity. “Perhaps I have been generous towards others, more than I have been generous towards you Nightmare, but I suppose I should thank you.” She said to her as she earned a surprised look from Nightmare Rarity. “You helped me open my eyes to what is truly important, it wasn’t defeating you… but believing in myself, and my partner. I will generously give you something after this battle, and that will be my sympathy. But I will not give you my body.” She said with a smile as she readied Lancelot. “Now, let us end this! Bakugan Brawl!” She launched him to the last card on the field. “Lancelot, Stand!” She called out as Lancelot opened up on the field, eyes glowed as he emerged in his true form and glared at her. “Thou shalt not win this time, witch.” He warned her as Nightmare glared as her left eye began to twitch. But she soon started to let out a chuckle, which soon turned into a maniacal laughter. This began to worry both Rarity and Exedra as things began to get a tad out of hand. Or in Nightmares case… hooves. She cackled as she managed to grab hold of Exedra before he could say anything. “You think thanking me will change anything?! I didn’t come this far just so you can beat me to escape the Doom Dimension! I swore to make your body mine again, and I’m going to take it by force! Bakugan Brawl!” She tossed Exedra onto the field. “Exedra, STAND!!!” She screamed as Exedra appeared on the field. He turned towards her realizing he made a tremendous error in judgement. “That is enough Nightmare, you have already proven your point!” He shouted at her. “Ohh, I’m just getting started my friend. And you will know well than to argue with me! Ability Activate! Final Wizard!” She shouted as Exedra used his power to drain the Lancelot power. He groaned feeling it as he kneeled, forcing Rarity to panic and run to him. “LANCELOT!” She cried out. “Painful, isn’t it Lancelot? Final Wizard not only drains my own Bakugan, but that of my opponents. But I will leave enough for you to try and defend yourself, and make you watch as I take over your mistresses body! Finish him Exedra!” She roared out. Exedra blasted a stream of purple flames at Lancelot as he tried to shield himself from the flames. “Lancelot, no!” Rarity cried out as she looked to Nightmare Rarity and glared. “You witch! I will never forgive you for this!” She shouted in pure hatred towards her dark clone. Till suddenly… “You won’t have to, Milady.” Said Lancelot within the flames as she gasped in surprise and looked to the flames. “I see now why you resented her. And now I believe it is time for us to finally finish this battle, once and for all!” He shouted as his body began to glow with a brilliant light through the flames. Nightmare Rarity shielded her eyes from the intense glow as she panicked. “What is happening?!” She asked as Rarity watched in awe of what she was witnessing. The flames around Lancelot began to disappear, revealing a new form as he stood up and looked at Exedra. Separating a massive shield from his sword, Arondight. His horns became a darker color and grew out a bit. His shoulder guards slimmed downwards, hew dawns a crest on his chest armor and has new arm and shin guards. Which greatly stunned Rarity as she looked upon her newly evolved partner. “Lancelot… is that you?” She asked. “In the flesh, Milady. I am sorry for the distress… also, look to your neck.” He pointed to an item that appeared around her neck. She gasped as she saw the Element of Generosity returned to her as she touched it. “My element. You’ve returned to me.” She said as tears filled her eyes. But Nightmare was far from thrilled of the situation. “NO! I will not be denied my rightful place as queen!” She cried out in anger and utter insanity. “Exedra! FINISH HIM!!!” She roared out as Exedra went for another blast of Final Wizard. Rarity quickly reacted as she pulled out an Ability Card. “Ability Card, Activate! Dark Shield!” She called out as Lancelot’s shield grew and he used it to shield himself from the flames. “Better luck next time Nightmare, for your time has long since past!” She yelled as she pulled out another card. “Ability Card, Activate! Arondight Lightning!” She called out as Lancelot raised his sword to the air, lightning shot down to it and swirled around the blade. He aimed it towards Exedra and blasted a powerful bolt of lightning at Exedra, blasting him back into his ball form, winning the match. Rarity cheered as Lancelot returned to her. “Lancelot, you were magnificent out there.” She complimented him. “I couldn’t have done it without you Milady.” Lancelot said to her as she giggle and unexpectedly kissed him, causing him to intensely blush from it. “Consider that a victory kiss, my dear knight.” She said to him, but soon looked towards Nightmare, who sat there, wallowing in her own self pity. She looked at her and cautiously approached her. Lancelot followed equally cautious, knowing just how madly insane she is. Rarity looked her over, knowing something might happen. “Nightmare…?” She called to her. But to her shock and surprise, Nightmare didn’t show her original beautiful form, but a frightening figure, sharp fangs gnashing as she snarled viciously at Rarity and she and Lancelot backed away from her. “I asked you to play FAIR! And you CHEATED! I HATE cheaters! Now, we are going to play one, last, GAME!” She cackled a bit and was more maniacal. “It’s called… hide, and, SEEK!!!” She screeched as her eyes became pure black, that caused Rarity and Lancelot to panic. “10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2…” She suddenly skipped a number and snarled as she went to kill them both. But Exedra managed to manifest his humanoid form just in time to stop her by making her disappear for food. He exhaled knowing that was close as he looked at Rarity. “I apologize for that, Lady Rarity. But apparently she grew beyond my control.” He told her. “You should have thought about that before she went horror flick on me.” She replied to him. “Again, I apologize.” He apologized for what happened and approached her. “But you did well, Lady Rarity. Even though your generosity was aimed more towards your friends, and others like them. You were willing to share it to Nightmare, who sadly did not accept it. But you have earned your right to return with your friends back to Earth.” He said to her. “But what about Spike? Is he…?” She hesitated to ask him. “Not to worry. He was never here to begin with.” Exedra assured her as he showed that Spike was still with Dan’s mother. Giving Rarity a sigh of relief, knowing that he is safe. “Now, return to your comrades. Stay true to the true light within the darkness.” He told her as Rarity and Lancelot vanished before his eyes and looked out. “Now… only one.” He muttered as he walked away to meet the other Darkus brawler, the one that sent them to the Doom Dimension in the first place… Masquerade.