Episode 42: Scorched Earth Policy

[Asuka Izumo]

Outside of the building a story of its own unfolds.
By mysterious Admiral's side stand hundreds of men, brave Knights facing thousands of beasts. They chose to protect what is theirs and ready to fight to the last man they charge into battle with faithful Bakugans by their side.
Bloody massacre paints the street red and the great red stain grows bigger with more and more beasts to come. No mercy shall be given to either side; this is where both sides face the worst of one another.
Men of Chrono Elite walk alongside with the beasts and fight; ironic how parts of humanity chose that power dictates over all and have sided with monsters to achieve it.


Admiral quickly pulls her gun out; enemy has become bold enough to get close to the brawler. One beast, two and three, jump at the woman and fall down by quick draws of her gun. No man or Bakugan can attack her like this and live to tell the tale.
To give Admiral some breathing room, members of Mighty 5 have surrounded her area and cleared it of the vermin infestation.


Admirals hears an incoming call and takes her tablet to pick up. "Be quick..." She makes a quick response without checking who calls. It is not safe to lose concentration in an unfair fight where brawlers' lives are aimed as primary targets.

[Noland Hardy]

Drago placed his head near Alana's ear and whispered something to her that was sure to piss her off. "Noland thinks she's very hot, just like Maria."

Not knowing what Drago just said, Noland was sure to be as quick as he could. This Admiral seemed like she was having enough on her side already.

"This is Noland again. I have some news about what happened to Maria," Noland started off. "Alana's here with me. She just fought Brian Black and his Hydranoid was using power that originates from Maria's Hydranoid. We believe Maria might have gotten infected. What's the best way of dealing with her?"

Asking someone else for advice on how to defeat someone else was something Noland has never done, but this was a special circumstance. He knew that Maria was too powerful to not have any idea on where her weak points were.

[Asuka Izumo]

Forces of evil have yet not faltered.
For each death on their side two new monsters take place. From bird's perspective monsters remind of ants raiding nests of other beings and slaughtering all they can in their way.
A few civilians have not learned precious lesson from days ago and have not abandoned their homes only to be found and eaten alive by the swarm of Stigma clones.
No one was spared in their slaughter. They ate parents in front of the children letting children see what the next moments will look for them as well.
Truly sickening scenery... who would have believed that Fina could create... this?


Woman makes a click on her tablet. It connects to Noland's BrawlX. It starts sending necessary battle data to fight and defeat Maria and her Hydranoid. Once data is uploaded to Noland's BrawlX two abilities pop-up; Dimension Dweller and Free of Regression.
"Zero Hydranoid has low healing factor." Admiral explains shortly. She recalls that Hydra, in order to heal herself, uses 'Drain' passive on all attacks and abilities. However, she does not have any significant healing abilities herself so she relies on hitting her targets and draining their power making it nearly impossible to defeat her.
If she is unable to hit her target she is unable to heal.
Dimension Dweller is an ability that should make it happen. "I am not aware of how well you handle abilities unusual to your arsenal. Dimension Dweller makes it impossible for Maria to target you; she does not have arsenal required for countering it." Admiral explains.


Ugly monsters begin to swarm around her. Only a little time is left before she must hang up again and continue fighting. "Regardless, her strength is overwhelming and process will take time. Once Zero Hydranoid begins turning to Misfortune 13 use Free of Regression." Admiral explains. Free of Regression is an ability taken from one of Six Lost Generals, Ran 'Soul Bandit'. It is not as strong as his, but it should make Zero Hydranoid's transformation fail and have terrible consequences battle-wise. "That is all. I wish you farewell, soldier." Woman says one final farewell as connection begins to get jammed... it must be professor Kyuki.

Beasts being to surround Admiral. Ares lands in the near, ready to take action. They swarm and jump but are cut down and continue to paint the street red. Asuka's enhanced gun burrows through their skulls and keeps them away. Mighty 5 and Silver Serpents turn on their transformations and being gaining an upper hand versus the beasts.

[Alana Cortese]

Soldier? It sounded like Noland was being treated like an official Silver Knight. Alana wasn't so sure what to think about that, even though she knew it was a good possibility Noland would take that route.

She went up to him and plucked his cheek out of jealousy, then she went on to speak about their next plan of action.

"Does anyone else feel embarrassed that we just asked for techniques to beat her?" Hydranoid asked out loud before Alana spoke. "I can't believe this... Never have I ever seen an opponent we have to cheat against to win. I'll never live this down."

"Hey...those Hurranians may expand her arsenal, you know," Alana warned. She only said it because she experienced it firsthand against Brian Black. "What's our Plan B if she can counter those abilities?"

[Noland Hardy]

"Well, let's look on the brighter side of this. We can live," Drago responded. Deep down, he didn't feel right about this at all, but this isn't a brawling competition. Someone is going to be killed in here.

"Plan B...hmmmmmm..." Noland put the newly-acquired abilities away for now. "Well, my plan A is for us to do this together."

"Awwwwwwwwww."

"Let's save Plan B for later when we need it," Noland said, ignoring Drago. "I'm only saying that because...this is starting to get a little scary. I'm not really sure if I can take her by myself without you or these abilities. Even Alex couldn't do it, and we're just about the same power-wise. Any other plan we could have...may result in us dying..."

Noland looked where the light was taking him. From here on, there was no turning back. No matter what happens, they have to scuttle this fortress, even if they have to go through Maria. He took a deep breath, and then started to walk. Drago returned to ball form to land on her shoulder.

[Alana Cortese]

Alana widened her eyes in shock. The only other person Noland talked this way about was his own father. It's clear that he's not confident that he's strong enough to handle Maria's power. This was too rare of a sight. She understands why though. He may be afraid...of Misfortune 13.

"Okay, Noland...I trust you," she replied. "Listen...I don't care about the abilities you were given just now. We cannot let her use that transformation...never..."

"We'll be fine. We've all toughened up. This will only be a test. If we can't win against her, we might as well die," Hydranoid suggested as he returned to ball form. He rested on top of Alana's head.

"Alright...lead the way, boys. Let's get this over with." Alana started following alongside Noland, hoping to be ready at a moment's notice.

[Noland Hardy]

Both Noland and Alana were seen running through the HQ. Loud bangs could be heard throughout these expansive corridors. The electric wires were starting to pile up around the floor, making it hazardous just to be in this building right now. Drago was using his new abilities to get a read on what was going on.

"There's a battle going on," Drago blurted out.

"Between who?"

"Gorem is fighting someone...almost like he's trying to keep something out..."

"Out? From where...?"

Noland reached a wide open area that was wiped clean of debris. All he could see was a black Dragonoid continuously breathing flames against someone who was not allowing any of that to affect him. There was a special lock that was keeping the area closed, so it's not like it was blatantly open for access.

"Out of there..."

"The self-destruct mechanism is in there...?" Noland was getting ready to launch Drago towards this Bakugan to knock it out as soon as possible. His throw sent Drago hurtling towards the enemy like a bullet.

[Maria Zenovia]

A dark-grey object hurls out of the darkness towards Drago.
With an eagle-eye precision it hits Drago's orb forcing his route to change. Drago hits a corridor wall and bounces off and lands near Noland and Alana.
Unexpected hit causes him to activate his monster form.
Energy from activation and Drago's fall causes a wave that pushes both Noland and Alana down by force.
Suddenly, silent steps can be heard coming from the darkness.
A dark figure forms in front of them and soon familiar face is revealed.

It is none other than Maria herself. She casually walks to the object she threw at Drago and picks it up. Seems like a little stone of some sort, but she threw it with such precision that she could hit a Bakugan orb midair. Quite impressive, even for Maria.

"Good afternoon, Resistors..." Maria slowly but casually greets Noland and Alana. Her behavior does not show that she is infected, but the fact that she hit Drago like that should be enough of a proof. "Have you meet my former superiors? Amagi Hayashi and Clade?" Maria asks and casually points towards the man inside the next room and gigantic Dragonoid of some sort that is spewing dark flames all over the room. "I guarantee they will be glad to meet YOU." She says indirectly implying that Amagi should give hell to Resistors or anyone else who chooses to fight against them.

"Shouldn't you be chasing after my favorite Andersen, Master Blaze? It is impolite to interfere in others' work..." She says coldly. It does not look like she is taking kindly that they interfere with her plans. It is not that bad considering the circumstances. As long as there are survivors inside the HQ there is a low chance anyone will pull the trigger and destroy it.
Knowing Resistors, they would not dare to do such thing.
Even if they do not Asuka will eventually bombard the place on her own, but it will be too late.

[Alana Cortese]

Hydranoid was knocked off of Alana when she fell. He rolled a couple of inches backwards before opening up, just like Alana did. "...Did you just see that?" Hydranoid asked in wonder. She's a more accurate thrower than the professional brawlers.

"Ow...are you kidding me!?" Alana was definitely pissed now. She sat up to rub her back before getting up. "So you ARE infected, aren't you?"

Maria pretty much confirmed Alana's earlier experience. Zero Hydranoid's power was used simply because she is apart of the Hurranians now. Amagi had to at least be an Admiral or above within the Silver Knights, and it looked like he wasn't a slouch in battle. The sinister feeling in the air created by those dark flames brushed over Alana's skin. This was an ideal way of conveying what kind of situation this was. Having to deal with two Admirals was something not even Alana imagined she would have to do. Maria must not have been enough of a hassle.

"That Admiral is attacking Allen..." Alana concluded. "Well, guess what? We have business here too, so we'll just have to settle with moving you out of the way."

[Noland Hardy]

Noland got himself into a kneeling position after Maria blindsided them. He was almost left speechless at what this attack against them meant. Alana was more than likely correct; Allen was battling against an Admiral, just like they were going to have to do very soon.

"That's a grand shame..." Drago condemned. He propped himself up off of the floor to get in a battle-ready position. He knew where this was going, so he might as well get ready.

Noland wasn't so proactive in this. From the looks of it, Noland must not have been ready to accept this as a concrete truth, even though he knew how Maria was going to be when she is discovered. This was the woman that is literally responsible for him even standing right now. With her being an alleged adversary, he didn't know what to think. He didn't want to accept that this was the direction Maria has taken.

"I don't believe you... I just don't... How could this have happened...!?" It suddenly dawned on Noland that there was always a certain quirk about Maria that she has kept with her for a while now. "No...it was the injury... You were infected by that wound..."

[Maria Zenovia]

“Surprise!” Maria exclaims to Alana.
She does not seem so upset about facing two Resistors at once; on the contrary, she looks delighted. Knowing the difference in power between her and her opponents she does not feel like there is no need for being worried; she could handle one just fine even without using Misfortune 13. Two pose no threat when transformation takes place.
Plus, with Amagi in the picture, there is no way that three Resistors could survive this encounter. He is not as strong as Maria, but he is strong enough to be an equal nuisance as Maria.
Maria still might not be an issue considering Asuka provided copies of Six Lost Generals’ abilities. However, she never provided any strategy against Amagi so that is an issue; Amagi can counter two provided abilities.


“I am flattered you care so much of my safety, dear. So unfortunate we will not be seeing each other for much longer.” She replies to Noland with a cold giggle. Her hand reaches out for her pocket and takes out a scary-looking item: Doom Card.
She makes sure everyone there sees it is a Doom Card. She then casually throws it down on the ground where card disappears and creates dark-purple ripples. After that card creates large barrier of darkness that traps everyone in there with her… Everyone except Alana and Hydranoid that is. Noland and Drago, Allen and Gorem and Amagi and Clade remain inside the barrier with Maria.


Maria claps and exclaims: “Hydra! Come out to play!” After saying those words loud stomping begins and ends with a large Hydranoid coming from the dark corridors. She does not say a word; she just growls impatiently almost as if she is in pain. Perhaps she was just recently infected and her consciousness is struggling with Hurranian infection. That could potentially be her downfall in this fight.
Safety of Keto, Sylvia and their partners remains unknown. Sylvia should not be caught in this chaos; she might seriously get killed and if she or her partner get infected it would mean catastrophe. Keto is probably guarding her, but, in this situation, that is definitely not enough.

[Alana Cortese]

The moment the barrier started forming, Alana leaped forward to try and get in that barrier. She was not successful. She was left with her fists against the barrier without any viable means of entry, unless Hydranoid somehow had the ability to alter Doom Dimension type barriers.

Hydranoid whistled when he came to terms with what was going down. "Well...that's bad...that's very bad..."

"Dammit, Maria!" Alana cursed. She turned to Noland who was about to deal with a heavy hitter all by himself. "Listen, Noland. I know this looks bad for you and Allen, but believe in yourselves. You're both the strongest men I know, and you're both at your most dangerous when you're pushed to the edge. Stay strong and win! I don't care if it's an Admiral or the Marshal. Do what you have to do!"

[Noland Hardy]

The threat the Hurranians posed just got trumped by this Doom Card Maria put into play. Noland's face painted the situation very clearly. He was livid. This would be the third time he finds himself in danger of being sent to the Doom Dimension. Anyone who would willingly do this obviously has something wrong with them. Maria just wasn't...who she used to be anymore, and if Noland didn't accept that now, she would murder him without any fruitful resistance.

Then there was Allen in the opposite room having to face an Admiral on his own who could very well be close to Maria in strength. Both of the Resistors were in the same boat now. They'd have to paddle together to make it out of this one. That was the key mistake these Admirals have made. If you piss one of them off, make sure the other one isn't around, or you're going to really figure out that the way they earned their place among the legends wasn't all for show.

"Alana..." Noland's left arm was shaking involuntarily. It was probably fear, but maybe it was sorrow. He would have left this responsibility to someone else, because having to face someone who has been a huge help in his life like this...just wasn't sitting well with him. He balled his fist up as he forced himself to stop shaking. He had an Admiral to fight. "Thank you for believing in us. We're not letting you down...I promise."

He got his BrawlX prepped for battle. Drago was primed to take Zero Hydranoid to the brink, whatever it takes to win.

"Bring it!"

(Boss Theme)

[Maria Zenovia]

Now that infection takes place Maria will not hold back.
And neither will Hydra. Against Alana's Hydranoid she held back quite a lot because of what her power would do to the area, but now she is going for the kill.
This means that she will not even attempt to hold back; Drago is going to feel the those hits for real.
Maria reaches for her pocket and takes out one of the signature Abyssal-class cards. Those types of cards are unique to Hydranoids and similar races and carry very destructive power that is focused on one target or a little amount of targets. Since Drago is only one opponent, with Gorem being a possible second, these abilities are most appropriate.


"Ability activate! Abyssal Driver!" Maria raises the card and exclaims.


Abyssal Driver is an ability that focuses on buffing the user to a ridiculous point, then closing in on opponent and doing severe melee hits on them.
Hydra's body flashes quickly in blue color and before Drago could blink he realizes that Hydra is right in front of him; reaching out for his head with her claws. She grabs Drago by the back of his head and smashes his nose against the floor.
Suddenly her wings spread and are surrounded in blue flames.


"Send him to hell!" Maria coldly commands to her Hydranoid.


Hydra takes off, but is still only a meter or two above the ground with Drago's head still in her hand. She smashes his head against the ground once again and uses flames on her wings as a booster. She starts racing across the room with that booster and captured Drago.
Drago's face, being dragged across the room like that, is like it is put in a meat-grinder. At the speed Hydra is using she could easily peel off Drago's scales and skin to the bones if this is not stopped.

Hydra then stops and tosses Drago against the ceiling.
He then crashes on the ground.


"Grrr..." Hydra still growls painfully as she proceeds with this horror.

[Noland Hardy]

Noland looks like he wasn't worried about Maria's offense. Without grimacing, he put his offense up to the plate.

"Ability activate! Crimson Bonding!" While Drago was faceplanted, he experienced a surging power, personified through the electric ripples scattering throughout their battle space. Zero Hydranoid was seized by this energy. The current traveled all over her body very quickly. Paralysis was its penalty, but the internal burning was the punishment.

"Drago, move!" Noland shouted. Drago bounced off of the ground and approached the stunned Hydranoid. To delay her attack pattern, he used both of his hands to clasp each of her heads between them, and shot a fireball at them to blow each of them off of her body. He then punched both of her shoulders, easily dislocating them for the time being. He finished up with a forceful kick to her gut that sent her back to the starting line.

"This one's going to be tough..." Drago lamented as he wiped his face and regains his composure.

"We can't get caught off guard like this too many times, Drago, so watch yourself. She's out for blood."