Episode 21: Truth Be Told

[Dasia Turano]

Dasia entered the arena, still having her burned arm bandaged. The damage Damian caused to the arena by using the Second Layer form clearly showed across the arena floors; a large portion of it near Vulcan was completely melted away. They edges around the hole weren't even close to cooling down. The red coloring was still there, showing that those particular pieces were as hot as ever.

"That looks like more than a sparring match, you two..." She could easily tell that something was wrong here as they tend to not use anything close to their powers when fighting each other just to keep everything and everyone under control.

"I'd figure you two would be down here since the guards couldn't find you anywhere. I know you two come down here often to do this," she said. "I've called a meeting with all of you; the rest of your squad is waiting on us upstairs. I need you for about fifteen minutes."

[Jamal Armstrong]

"Oh...yeah, that wasn't supposed to happen. Sorry," Jamal regretted in regards to Damian using his power in a very dangerous way. The arena would be restored in a short amount of time, but it was still disturbing to see nonetheless. "Hey, are you doing anything afterwards? I figured we could-"

"Not the time, Jamal," Tec interrupted. "I think we might be in trouble. She's hurt."

"Hm?" He was too distracted by her beauty to even see the injuries across her body. The most obvious one was her arm. That didn't spell good news for either of them or the Royal Guards. Having the job protecting the queen of your own planet was a huge deal and had to be taken seriously at all costs. When they fail to do so, they know they're in for a long, brutal time under her authority.

"I'm guessing that's a no then...again?"

[Damian Knight]

Dasia's entrance gave him and Helios a moment to cool down. It was definitely needed before they destroyed the palace. Even though Vulcan hadn't shown his true power just yet, he still had enough to make sure Helios didn't bury anyone - including himself. He was an extraordinary sparring partner, maybe even a rival.

That aside, the problem with Dasia was a big one. He knew the Spartans were going to hear some things in the next couple of minutes. As long as the guards were the only ones at fault, everything would be fine for them. The Spartans weren't there while the guards were; then again, could she potentially say shame on them all since they weren't? The possibilities were endless.

"Just tell me what he looks like and where I could find him. I'll erase him from this existence in a flash," Helios promised.

"I heard you and the Prince had a rough gathering against this masked freak that has been running around lately." Damian grinned a bit when realizing what this meeting could be for other than pointing the finger at different organizations. What he was thinking was not what someone would usually think. "I believe you owe me an answer before I consider attending any more of your meetings. You're not a very transparent woman based on the way that was handled. You're not supposed to be hurt right now since whoever it was never came into this palace during the attack, so you should have never been anywhere near Gamma City if you're supposed to let your 'protectors' know where you are. So my question is: why'd you go down there unattended knowing he was around, especially when you're worthless on the battlefield?"

[Dasia Turano]

It's not that Damian was incorrect with what he was saying. The main problem that caused Dasia to glare at him was that she didn't have the time nor the patience to entertain that with a response. She addressed his comments anyway. The upcoming meeting was probably going to involve talking along those lines, so a sneak peak wouldn't hurt too much. 

"Impeach me for caring about my brother's well-being if it bothers you that much," she sarcastically growled.

Dasia then responded to Jamal obviously asking her out; she wasn't stupid to guess it was anything else even with him being cut off. "You'll get one chance if we live long enough, Jamal. That's all you're getting."

She then turned to leave. "Now hurry up with whatever you're doing and appear in my room within five minutes. If you want to stay and, more importantly, if you plan on living, you'd better be there."

[Noland Hardy]

Noland was left too emotionally weak from the last time he was awake, so he couldn't properly function after getting 25% charged on his death-dealer that would've burned his and Drago's body out, maybe even permanently. He was still in the Silver Knights HQ - in his Gundalian form, getting the rest he needed as requested by the doctors. Drago had a faster recovery rate than him, so he was awake around the time Noland was asleep. This was only three days after the incident.

"What's next for us, Noland?" Drago asked, knowing he wasn't going to receive an answer. "The world wants to see us dead, and we've deprived ourselves of the only power that could have saved Sandra and the Hederick's. What can we do with this forbidden power still coursing through our veins? Nothing...except destroy everyone and everything...That wouldn't solve anything though. Is being a Silver Knight your last remaining option if you want to do anything from now on? I'd hope not. You've done more than Vince and Krakix could have ever asked of you when you wanted to be just as good as he was. I know he'd be very proud of you if he was here today. I'll just be proud of you in his place, if that's okay. As long as you know you don't have an obligation to be here like this, then that's enough for me to stand by you regardless of the decision you make from here."

"Your forbidden power isn't as bad as you think it is. It just means you're growing, Drago."

"Um...what?" Drago started looking around hysterically. He just heard a voice out of nowhere speak to him. "Who just said that?"

"You don't recognize my voice, do you? I'm not surprised. You were very young when I last saw you. You'll believe me more through sight than sound, but I want to ask you something first."

"And what's that?"

"Will you allow our intervention?"

"Excuse me? Our?"

"Yes, unless you'd rather find your own way out of this rut of yours."

They didn't have that much to work with in their present condition, so why not? "Sure, I guess. What are you going to do?"

Both Noland and Drago were teleported out of the HQ into another area. All Drago saw was a flash of light, and then he was in his monster form, standing in a volcanic area of some sort. It didn't appear to be any location on Earth though. The change in scenery woke Noland from his slumber.

"Wait, what? What's going on here?" Noland was startled to see Drago in his monster form, but he was more shocked to see they were in an active volcanic environment. He didn't feel as hot as the area was given his Gundalian genetics giving him immunity, but it was a bit rude for an awakening. "Are you playing mind games with me again, Drago?"

"I...didn't do this," Drago answered.

[Noland Hardy]

After getting a feel for his surroundings, Drago started to recognize where they were brought to. "We're in the Pyrus subspace...of Vestroia."

"Vestroia? You mean, this is your-"

"Home." Drago started to retract his words.

"At least, it was."

Eruptions took place in all of the surrounding volcanoes in the area. One of them carried a nice surprise. Within the blaze of flames the lava produced was a set of eyes that lit up. What emerged from it was a Dragonoid around Drago's size. Noland and Drago took a good look at who was coming towards them. The power level was enormous, outranking even Drago's. The Dragonoid unfolded its four sets of wings and spread them out, revealing their true form. They were the largest wings seen on any Dragonoid so far. As it landed in front of the duo, it retracted them, returning them to the peacock-like stature they were in when not in use.

"It has been a long time, Drago. It's good to finally meet you as a Dragonoid."

Drago was too stunned to move at that point. Noland was more confused by this than concerned by the insane power level this Dragonoid had. He watched as Drago slowly moved towards the Dragonoid. Each step was carefully planned as if Drago was going through some emotions while making his way forward. He got within range of the Dragonoid, and then gave it a giant hug.

[Noland Hardy]

Noland didn't bother to say anything. He just let the two Drago's have their moment, not like he knew what was going on anyway. The only things he could gather by watching that was either they know each other and/or are related.

"At least this is friendly contact..." He recognized that too. Judging by the reactions from its power, being an enemy was something they didn't want. He waited until the hug was over before asking questions; he didn't want to be rude. "If you don't mind me asking, what is your relation?"

"Father and son," the Dragonoid answered.

That certainly explained all of what he just witnessed.

"Allow me to formally introduce myself to you, Noland. I am Apollonir, a Legendary Soldier of Vestroia - leader of six. It is out of respect for you that I welcome you to the deepest part of the Pyrus dimension in Vestroia, where I have resided for three-hundred years since our last undertaking. It is an honor to finally meet the one who has been taking care of my son for some time now. You are one of two that have been able to earn his trust. That means you have mine as well. There is much that we need to talk about."

"Apollonir is the most powerful Dragonoid alive. He is the only Bakugan I openly acknowledge as my superior," Drago said to Noland.

"Could've fooled me," Noland sarcastically said, knowing that Apollonir was already tough. "The pleasure is all mine, sir. As for taking care of Drago, I have to admit...I haven't been that good to him lately, especially with that whole murder incident. I'm sorry I put him under that much stress."

"We're going to talk about that in a few, but don't worry. I would've done the same thing, so there's no need to apologize."

"I don't hold any ill will towards you, Noland. We were both out of our minds." Drago then got to the point at hand, as that was the reason why they were there. "You told me earlier that you had a solution to all of this?"

"Correct. Before we get into that, there's something else that needs to be done first. The first step in all of this is getting to know the truth behind who you are and what you're doing. I can do that for you, Drago. As for Noland, I can't." Apollonir held his right hand up to reveal he was charging some kind of rainbow-colored energy. He was summoning someone to the scene.

[Vince Hardy]

Apollonir had opened a portal with the energy he released. By then, the summoning of another was apparent, but who it was remained a mystery. Slowly, but surely, who it was started to emerge. One foot stepped out, and there was a slight pause.

"A Gundalian...here of all places?"

This was a masculine voice, so it was obviously a male walking out. Another step was made, and then he saw a Dragonoid. The exact form was unrecognizable, but that was because he had evolved twice since they last saw each other. He looked as strong as ever. The appearance of Drago alongside the Gundalian clearly represented one thing to the male as he stepped out in clear view, the portal closing behind him shortly afterwards.

"That Gundalian...that's you, isn't it, Noland?" He was slightly disappointed that it came to the point where he would assume that form, but that wasn't really an issue for him. That was his son, his own flesh and blood. Who cares what he looks like? He sure didn't.

"I know that look when I see it. That's my son right there," Vince acknowledged, seeing the shocked look on Noland's face. "You didn't forget about me, did you?"

[Noland Hardy]

Noland instantly recognized whose voice that was. It took him a while to believe in what was going on. Vince was supposed to be dead; Alana allegedly killed him. Now he was here, standing right in front of him. What Apollonir meant by having Vince here to explain stuff to him was clear; he knew enough about Drago to where he could easily say what needed to be said. It made sense for someone close to Noland to be able to do the same.

"Of course not...I always remembered you..." Noland started to tear up a little. "D-Dad!" He lunged towards him and hugged him, just like Drago did to Apollonir, but faster.

Drago turned to face Vince. He was happy to see him, but guilt poured over his face. He blamed himself in the past for Vince ending up where he was. Seeing Vince alive was enough to erase some, but not all of it. "Vince...I'm so sorry about before...I should have been stronger than that...I was stronger, but I failed you..."

[Vince Hardy]

Vince embraced his son as soon as he came in for the hug. While doing so, he looked up at Drago who was still clinging on to that encounter with Barodius. "You still got him at the end, right? Of course you did. You're standing right in front of me today as proof. My boy's alive too." He gave Drago a thumbs up. "Forgive yourself, Drago. We're both good. You and I did what we could. That's all we can ask ourselves for."

"I held him here after saving him from Fury," Apollonir explained on Vince's behalf. "I'm sure this comes as no surprise to you, but Vince is a good man, and good men are always wanted dead no matter where you go."

"Yeah. The last thing I remember was getting blindsided by Alana and then Fury was trying to use some forbidden ability on me. I've been in stasis ever since. Both of you are the first ones I've seen since I've woken back up, other than Apollonir of course."

After the embracing was over, Vince looked at Noland. The Gundalian form was still a bit of a shocker to him, but he tried not to let it get to him. "It's very difficult for me to avoid talking about it, but I'm just as shocked as you are about you and Kendrick having Gundalian forms. It surprised me a lot. I guess that's where we should start then, huh?"

[Noland Hardy]

The name "Fury" didn't ring a bell in either Noland or Drago's heads. That was the first time they've heard of a Bakugan by that name, and whoever it was must have resided in the Doom Dimension. Could Fury have something to do with the Doom Cards?

"I would like to know about that - everything that you know about it is what I want to know," Noland made clear.

"Explaining who Fury is would be a good place to start as well," Drago asked, more directed at Apollonir since he's implying there was an encounter. "Would that be a skeletal-looking Bakugan that has four giant bodyguards?"

Drago was very specific with that description because Alana was the one that made them aware of a sinister Bakugan lurking in the depths of the Doom Dimension. If anything she said was to be taken seriously, then that would have to mean the one she was talking about was Fury if Vince saw him too.

[Vince Hardy]

Vince and Apollonir looked at each other once the questions were in. It was like they were reading each other's mind on what to say first. They looked away once a decision was reached.

"Those questions fit together with what we want to tell you, so I'll say my piece first. Before that, I'd like to apologize to you, Noland and Drago. I've lied to you, and I've done so for a long time." He suddenly became very serious. "Please...keep this between us, or at least in the immediate family."

He took a deep breath before going on with the story. "Your mother and I had a very complicated relationship after 9/11. Considering I went pro before you were born and made it into SWAT along with Andrew, I didn't really meet her expectations as far as being at home went. I was always doing something. If I wasn't brawling in the circuit, I was out in the streets risking my life bagging up terrorists; if I wasn't risking my life, I was brawling in the circuit. I brought in a lot of money to support all of us, but it didn't support her emotions; she was afraid for my safety. She didn't want you growing up without me there. There were a lot of scares with the people I've faced..."

Apollonir nodded as he understood that feeling. That made him regret having to send Drago away even more.

"She got what she wanted out of me in the end since the aftermath with Barodius was enough to do me in, so I dropped out of the force. It took a toll on my training and interest in brawling in general, so I stopped brawling competitively as well. I stuck to investigating for a while until they finally threw out the CIA Director for his incompetence in the 9/11 incident. The President wanted me to take his place, so I did. I rejoice and regret that decision, because what I uncovered left you without a mother."

"What we discovered was a growing trend in Gundalian operatives popping up in different locations on Earth. The Silver Knights and Eden were doing a good job in making sure no one - not even me - would discover that they were there. A couple of days after she got out of the hospital following Kendrick's arrival, she revealed her capability of dimensional travel. I detected it, so I informed a few of the Silver Knights about it so they could see what she was up to. I also sent someone from my end to check on things as well; her name was Montai, and she was the only one that returned. She told me everything...from the arrival on Gundalia...to your mother being a Gundalian...and to her alleged affair with Barodius."

"That should explain why you and your brother are part-Gundalian. You got it from your mother," Apollonir explained.

"Knowing this, I obviously wasn't happy. We were more worried about the potential conspiracy with the emperor, so we did what we had to do. When she came back...we dealt with her."

[Noland Hardy]

When Vince apologized to both Noland and Drago, they didn't expect it was going to have something to do with his mother. They were told about a lot of things: how Vince felt after his friendship with Nero went south, were his Gundalian genetics come from, and...why she wasn't there anymore...

"You...you told Kendrick and I that she died from complications after childbirth," Noland said, obviously becoming very sad. "So that's what happened to her...you did it..."

Drago eyed him with very precise attention to see if his emotions would flare up over it in case it made him angry. The one thing he doesn't want is to be manipulated by his power again. That wouldn't do either of them any good.

"Noland?"

"I'm not mad at you for lying to us or doing what you did. I understand why based on the circumstances. I'm just disappointed...that neither you or Montai could have been honest with me..."

[Vince Hardy]

"I'll take that reaction," Vince accepted. "I knew how much you hated Gundalians growing up. I would have failed you as a father if I allowed your childhoods to be ruined by that garbage."

"We do agree that you had the right to know about her fate, Noland," Apollonir interrupted just so there was no confusion.

"I know. You deserved better than that. I wasn't confident in myself to come forward about the situation. Deep down, I enjoyed seeing you envy me the way you did. I didn't want to see that ruined by you knowing about the mistake I made. It's just that when she came back to Earth to try and take you and Ken back to Gundalia with her, under that madman's protection, I snapped."

Vince sighed. He knew how bad that looked; telling a lie to cover up his actions wasn't a good thing, even if it was to protect his children from being put up for slaughter. "I've made some mistakes, Noland. One of them costed me a lifelong friend," he remembered. "But I would never want one of them to cost me the lives of my sons. I had to do what had to be done. I'm sorry for just telling you about all of this now. I was hoping I'd wait until you were older and wiser so that you'd understand better..."

[Noland Hardy]

Noland nodded in acceptance of what Vince was telling him. It wasn't easy to stomach, but it had already happened; he had no choice.

"I'm old enough to understand now," Noland stated. "I remember feeling devastated at first when I saw Kendrick's Gundalian form, because he transformed before I did. Right before I knew it was him, I called him a freak. Just looking at ourselves disgusts me beyond my limits. We have the image of cold-blooded murderers. That's all we saw whenever we saw one, and that's all they see of us now."

"Look at this." Noland wished to activate his and Drago's special power, but he couldn't do it. Every time he'd try, darkness would take its place, and Drago would assume the same chaotic form he had when it first occurred. "I have the powers of one too."

"It doesn't have to be who we are just because we look like them..." Drago pointed out.