Episode 42: Scorched Earth Policy

[Maria Zenovia]

Hearing what they have to say to her offer Maria playfully giggles.

Amused by their choice of words she barely endures not to burst into laughter. Before them stands a woman whose one snap of a finger could grant them any wish they ever wanted- from loads of cash to amazing powers and ranks in the organization... and they choose to give such funny responses. Well, they are very humble- that is a fact she cannot deny. Hydranoid is a hothead, but he is a Hydranoid after all.

And this is what Maria begins to adore with them: their humility, their willingness to help, their selfless actions and desires... it is a rare occasion to see people like this. Especially young people like them. 

There are lots of things on Maria's mind, lots of things she wants to say to these people who showed how amazing they are... "You... you are too good for this world." Maria tells them in a soft tone. Their acts of kindness touched her deeply in the heart that she really cannot hide it. She knows many good Generals, she met many strong and noble Admirals, but most of them cannot be compared to these three when it comes to such unique way of kindness.

Since Alana's Hydranoid is so eager to earn stuff now that they emerged victorious Hydra complains. "Your body would blow up if you tried that." Hydra informed Alana's Hydranoid. "Also, I am not a cow you can milk for the nectar." She angrily complains at Hydranoid's request. Maria gladly butts into the conversation and tries to cheer Hydra up a little bit. 

"Aww, come on..." Maria says with a mild tone. "No."

"He deserves, at least, to get a power or two. And our Trial of The Twelve would probably make him stronger than Drago. Now that would be a gift." Maria asks Hydra politely and with those words tries to tempt Hydranoid to continue bugging since he probably would do anything to earn power that could let him best Drago. 

"If I was into that kind of stuff I would take and marry all three of you right now. Rarely I get to met such adorable and valiant people..." Maria jokes. Or does she?

"We have a long and rocky road ahead of us. We can only do our best and hope for the best from now on..." Maria says and then looks around the wrecked room. "There are still enemies inside and around the building that need to be taken care of. Perhaps it is the best option that you withdraw for now and get some rest. I can take over from here... if I need help I will contact Asuka." Maria says. She does not physically look much better than Resistors either. Her uniform is torn to pieces at some spots, she is covered in dust and dirt and she looks very tired. Hydra still can put up a fight beyond 50% of power now that Maria is in full control of her body and what Hurranians could not mimic. However, who knows what could happen... if Kyuki or one of his top weapons are in this building then Maria might not live to give Hydra necessary power.

[Alana Cortese]

Alana looked at Noland and blushed in embarrassment when Maria made the marriage comment. As if Noland didn't already have enough material to form his own imagination of what could happen in the future if he has good behavior, he gets to have this comment to think about too. Maria had to be doing this on purpose.

"M-Maria! Don't give him any ideas!" Alana accidentally shrieked.

Hydranoid coughed before muttering, "Jealous," when Alana was regaining her composure.

"Anyway, we can't leave," she said in opposition to Maria's suggestion. She put Noland on the hot seat for why none of them could leave yet. "Didn't someone tell you to do something in here?"

"Actually..." Hydranoid interrupted. "Can we not do that? I'm interested in whatever this trial is. As a matter of fact, I don't want the nectar anymore. Put me through that trial and we're even."

[Noland Hardy]

"So that's the name of the one who gave me these instructions..." Noland thought. He shook his head in refusal to back down. Even if they wanted to, neither of them could comply with that order. Asuka already gave specific orders.

"She already has her hands full with the monsters that are out there. That's why I came all the way here initially. She sent me," Noland informed Maria.

"She called for scorched earth policy," Drago added. "She wants this place gone before the Hurranians get their hands on anything valuable. We were already cutting it very close since you and the other Admiral were all the way down here."

"I don't really know if you would think differently about that since the Andersens are still in here, but...that's what's on the table. If you can keep me safe from Asuka's wrath, then I'll do whatever you think is best."

[Maria Zenovia]

Maria stops there for a second to think.

What Noland said about Asuka's orders does disturb her a little.

That kind of tactic is a good plan if it is the only option left, but there are not enough information to know if it is really necessary or not. If enemy is close to getting the information and there is no way to stop it then this tactic is usually done by Silver Knights.

However, unless they are absolutely sure it is the case they will not do it- because it might end up as false alarm and all that destruction would be for nothing. Also, there are just too many people still trapped inside the HQ for this to be considered a legit way of solving the problem- at least that is what Maria thinks.

"Our computers transfer data to another HQ in these situations. Then they delete any tracks and release highly-corrosive acid into their components. After such procedure not even Hurranians could benefit." Maria informs. That is how their computers work. If there is a threat that could affect Knights' databases their computer normally transfer all of it to distant computers and then self-destruct. In this case there would be no reason to use Asuka's tactic altogether. Unless someone managed to stop the computers from transferring data and destroying themselves. But still, in that case it would mean someone got to the computers and had enough time to steal the data. "If computers are destroyed there is no need for this self-destruction." Maria informs.

"But we do not have time to check on that. I feel Virus's presence in the near..." Hydra interrupts.

Maria sighs and then turns to Resistors. "One group needs to fight and other needs to go down to check on those computers and, if needed, manually do what I said. Statistically, I have the highest chance on Virus so I will take the first. You three can choose either. By doing this we are disobeying orders of highest of Admiral's- if we are to fail I will take the responsibility." Maria informs the Resistors making sure their mind is clear of doubts of disobeying Asuka's orders if they decide not to destroy the HQ the moment they get the opportunity. Asuka is obliged to de-rank Maria for some previous disobeying, so Maria does not give much crap now.

"However, if we are to succeed... you three and your Bakugans will be awarded properly." Maria promises with a confident smile. And this time she is not even making a joke where reward would imply their faces being buried somewhere nice or something similar- it is the real deal now. She will make these three into heroes even among Silver Knights. "And there will be your statues in our Hall of Heroes. Forever." She also adds. All that sounds tempting, but it is also extremely dangerous. 

[Yita Aileen Nyx]

YITA AILEEN NYX

Hao "Spartan"

Speaking of marriages regarding Noland, there was the only and only suitor who would kill everyone who got in her way if it came down to that charmed everyone's hearts in one way or the other (both in good and bad ways). Yup. The one and only, Yita Aileen Nyx. Of course, she never used the door like a normal person would. But then again, what was normal in this day and age with this kind of conflict going on? These kinds of events seemed to be as normal as normal could get. This was all to the Haos spartan of course.

"Nolaaand!~" She calls, leaping out of the usual wormhole she would be seen traveling through. Neri was right behind her, all patched up and new looking in that little kitten form to avoid suspicion. After all, a rather large female usually arouses a lot of attention. Despite what happened last time she had seen the resistors (being brutally beaten up by Alana and Tracy) she still came back. And for a very good reason too. Everyone would benefit from her visit, even those who hold some strong grudge against her.

Maybe... Not after this though.

She practically pounces on Noland and goes full out lip on lip with him, not caring one bit about the glares that were most likely being sent flying like fireworks. Neri was there to protect her, now better than ever. Yita took her time in carrying out her act of love before pulling back and giving Noland some space to cope with what she had just did to him. "It's been soooo looong since we've last seen each other like this." She says,
Neri walking over to sit beside her partner's feet, reminding her on her other reason on visiting the resistors. "Oh. I have some news on Daisa. She went coo-coo and is now with the Hurranians. It also seems like she was one of those masked people."

"I'l continue to watch over my darling."

► kaigra ◄

[Maria Zenovia]

"Awww... Adorable." Maria says in a delighted tone.

Maria's eyes and expression altogether lighten up at the adorable and slightly disturbing show Yita decided to put there for everyone in the room. Unlike every other person in this building... universe... Maria has developed quite a liking towards this... 'relationship' that Noland and Yita have. She thinks it is actually very cute and adorable.

Hydra first looks at the lovely scene before them and then gazes at Maria and nearly going pale in embarrassment listening to Maria's words full of delight. "Seriously? You... nevermind..." Hydra begins saying something and just gives up in the middle of it and turns her gaze towards the large opening she previously made just so she could get out of that conversation.

"You two look exhausted- let's not trouble you with running down to the computers, okay?" Maria says to Alana and Allen who happen to be very close near her and then she grabs both of them by their shoulders and starts dragging them away from the... hmm... let's call it a crime scene. And if it is not clear enough on what she is doing right now... "Master Blaze and the adorable Spartan will blow up the computers for us. They look like they're in the mood of lighting up some fire." Maria says in a very serious tone. If that is supposed to be a joke Maria is doing a good job at pretending to be ignorant of what she is causing right there... BUT considering that Advent people have a slightly 'different way' of showing affection Maria might seriously be blind with her mistake. 

Hydra looks at Maria dragging two of those into the distance... little by little and they are out of the sight. Even Hydranoid and Gorem follow them leaving only Noland, Yita and Hydra over there. Hydra is still staring in that direction where others have gone and barely has energy not to let all her jaws drop. "...I will just pretend none of this happened..." Hydra silently says to herself and turns towards the lovebirds before going after Maria. "Just blow up the computers... alright? You can have your moment later... Also, Master Blaze- this is not in my power, I apologize." Hydra says leaving Noland on his own with Yita. Not like Drago will attempt to prevent anything- he will probably just die of laughter. Hydra flies after Maria and soon disappears from the sight.

[Alana Cortese]

As Hydranoid was walking away, he was struggling to keep his composure. The central head was VERY close to bursting out laughing. The other two heads were doing what they could to keep it from doing so. The more they looked at the central head, the more they wanted to laugh themselves. This was a no-win situation for them all.

"That's not the only thing they'll be in the mood for..." Hydranoid struggled to say without laughing. "They might take a while to blow them up. They might become...'distracted' with something else..."

It was easy to find someone who was highly unhappy about these turn of events. Alana was huffing and puffing as she was being dragged away.

"Maria! You're doing this on purpose!" Alana loudly accused. She then turned to Allen to tell him to do something about it. "Allen! Stop them!"

[Allen Silva]

Allen was doing everything in his power not to explode in laughter and probably get himself in trouble. Esspecially since he too, for some reason, was bieng drug away by the Admiral. Its not like he was going to do anything to stop the scene occuring. It was way too much fun letting it play out to end it now."why are you dragging me? If Nolands got this,hes got this. I aint gonna do anything." He voiced his displeassure for part of the current scenario.

Of course, Alana almost yelling at him to do something solved the laughing problem. Now he was in a ultimatum. Either piss of the person who almost wrecked all three of them, or unleash Alana's inner fury. It was a no win possition for him either way." What do you expect me to do about that? First off, im no longer in control of where im going. Second, i wanna see how this goes. Will Noland actually acknowledge pyscho stalker chick, will the building actually be destroyed? Will i live to see tomorrow? Find out on next weeks episode." He answered, giving some obvious sarcasm when it came to that last bit.

[Maria Zenovia]

Maria continues to drag two Resistors away from Noland and Yita.

She attempts to think of an appropriate strategy in case it is really Virus they have to fight. Its awakening was a complete shock for Maria since there is no good reason for it being active at this very moment- a week ago general Ivanna Zima force-awakened Virus and defeated it, depriving it of all accumulated power and it takes two weeks for power to recharge so, logically speaking, Virus could not have awakened on his own. It would not be surprising if Kyuki did something that caused Virus to awaken by force- after all, Kyuki created Virus. Unintentionally, but still it is an important fact to know when dealing with it. Another important fact about Virus is that he can take control of Daniel, Kuzuha and Wolveride once he awakens and it is nearly impossible to break that control because that power origins from Deathcrown (control over Darkus or dragon Bakugans). Only one who can break it is Deathcrown, but to awaken him Daniel must be in control of his own body and that is certainly not the case...

No simple strategy comes to Maria's mind. After all, that monster can one-shot Valiant Strive like Hydra. And constant noise coming from Alana, Hydranoid and Allen over the obviously irrelevant issue is not helping either.

"You trust him that little?" Maria asks Alana as she drags her across. "From what I learned, he knows you for years and likes you, on top of that. I don't know how some random girl that popped out of nowhere could change that... Even if she tried something by force I bet he'd rather incinerate her than accept it." Maria says. What she says is an assumption- she just gets the feeling that Noland is not that kind of person to cheat on someone he loves with a person that appeared out of nowhere a few months ago and started chasing him around. "If you cannot trust him or if he falls for her then he is not worth the trouble, correct?" Maria concludes with a rhetorical question.

"Iron Juggernauts has the right spirit!" Maria acknowledges. 

"It wouldn't be harmful if you, people, focused. This is battlefield, not a picnic." Hydra complains as she makes her way towards the group in her orb form.

"Yes. Besides, think of all rewards you will get if you survive? IF." Maria reminds with that tiny little emphasis on 'if'. If she really decides to give Hydranoid the trial opportunity and he passes it would be fun watching Alana ride him like a horse and chase and shoot after Noland if he gets a little 'funny' with Yita.

[Noland Hardy]

It didn't matter how much space was given to Noland. Noting could make up for how shocked he was that Yita showed up out of nowhere and did this to him. He shouldn't be surprised, since it has happened before. It could happen a million times, and he still wouldn't believe that she had done this.

Who could make that even worse for him? Drago can. His face was turned away from the scene, pretending like he didn't even see anything. He was constantly making sure he didn't burst out laughing. He wanted to do it so bad.

"Hey...Noland..." Drago asked.

"What is it this time?" Noland asked from the floor.

"I have a question for you..."

"What?"

"Did you two pick out a date yet?"

Noland angrily looked at Drago as he got back to his feet. Drago saw the look on his face and burst out laughing. "Well...she is a healer...I guess this might work..." Noland thought. Yita was also a hacker. This could work in their favor if they have to do the data transfer manually. He sighed, but then looked at Yita with a smile.

"Well...here we are again in a live or die situation..." he lamented. "How about it? You help me take care of these computers, and we'll take on your queen together. Sound good?"

[Yita Aileen Nyx]

Yita, glad that they were finally left alone and got back at Alana (in a sense), had a grin on her face. Noland definitely made her day bright anytime (especially after a certain family confrontation not too long ago.

"That would be nice..." She says with a dreamy tone of voice, "Computers are my specialty, and throwing off that hag would be pleasant as well." She hums, twirling a flash drive around on her finger, the little thing she would need to wreak havoc in the digital world.

Neri paws her legs, "Hey, you also promised me a more appropriate form." The feline says, though it appears that her voice was more like a his voice. "I mean, I can't do my usual shifting due to what you've done, so I would prefer something nicer."

"Oh alright Neri-"

"Yashu. It's Yashu. You've called be Neri long enough." The cat growls. Why was it now that he decided to speak? It was as if Ner- Yashu wanted to make a fool out of her knowing that strange sense of admiration towards this male.

"Oh whatever." She huffs before looking back at Noland. "Maybe if I become the new queen you could be my king?"

"Oh man, that's cheesy." Yashu grumbles off to the side, looking annoyed at his partner. Of course, Yita ignored him. It was times like these that she remembered why she did was she did back then and made the words she spoke to Niko the other day all the more true.

[Noland Hardy]

"You...you are kidding me..." Noland facepalmed. He could not believe that Yita just said that. What's worse is that he wanted to drown in his own misery as Drago went over to the nearest wall, put his arm against it, put his face down, and then started laughing uncontrollably. This earned an annoyed look from Noland.

"We are too dug in to be talking about these things right now..." he mumbled. Out of nowhere, he was yanked by Drago's tail and pulled towards his face so that they can talk privately.

"Hey...what if she tries to steal the Silver Knights' classified information?" he whispered.

"What are you talking about? And how do you get so serious all of a sudden?"

"Nevermind that now. They stole our battle data from before, and now their queen is using it to destroy everything. What if she's evil?"

"And you're one of the main ones who supports this shipping."

"The fanbase demands it!" Drago looked over to Yita after accidentally raising his voice. He then looked back at Noland. "Look, she's nice, she's pretty, and she LOVES you. If you keep ignoring her advances, she's going to get bored and move on to something else, and Neri - err, Yashu - is a healer. I could use a healer right about now."

"...You fucking suck."

"Don't hate the Bakugan. Hate the creators and the fanbase that surrounds them."

"I hate every single one of you."

"We love you too." Drago placed Noland right next to Yita and dropped him very close to her. He snickered when he did it.

"...I...COULD..." Noland replied to Yita's request. "Now...let's get this over with before either one of those Admirals comes back in here to kill me..."

[Yita Aileen Nyx]

Yita rocks back and forth in a child-like manner, humming softly to herself as she eagerly awaits Noland's response.

Yashu's ear flicks and he sighs, overhearing himself being discussed in whatever conversation Noland and Drago were going on about. "Man, I feel so sorry for this dude." The cat grumbles as he hops onto the desk where the keyboard and stuff were. "Plus how long you're practically been stalking him, I feel very sorry for him." The cat bluntly states with a yawn before looking over at Yita with a bored but sly look in his eyes.

The girl was about to storm over to her bakugan and strangle him, it was times like these she would clearly remember why she had drastically changed Yashu to Neri. But Noland was placed by her side and she refrained herself from strangling her bakugan. She sent one last nasty glare to the smirking feline as she shifts her attention onto Noland. "Alrighty then!~" Yita hums as she pulls out her flashdrive from her pocket and walks over to the computer to plug it in. She then takes a hold of the mouse (while using her other hand to flick Yashu once). And her program when right to work worming its way through the system.

[Noland Hardy]

Noland walked into the computer room, following behind Yita. He monitored her closely, not because he had feelings for her as some Bakugan - definitely not named Drago - might think. He was making sure there wasn't anything fishy going on.

He made eye contact with Drago briefly as they looked things over. They gave each other a nod, showing their mutual agreement to act abrasively in the event that foul play was detected.

"Okay...so far, so good..." Noland thought. The program Yita installed into the system seemed malicious in nature. There were no signs of a data transfer from her side. He could only hope that remained true, because if she ends up taking all of that information, she could get him skewered by Maria.

"Drago can get healed while we wait," Noland mentioned, implying that Yashu could assist with that. "Now...it's on Maria..."

[Maria Zenovia]

Meanwhile...

Sounds of explosions, screams and slaughter come from the outside. Judging by the amount of explosions that had recently increased by a drastic number either Chrono Elite or Silver Knights received reinforcements. And occasional Stigma can be seen flying across the sky after being pummeled to death by Silver Serpents or mountains of terrorists' corpses pilling up before the headquarters. From moment to moment one can come across corpses of Silver Knights who have fallen to the swarms of Stigma that have surrounded the area. Thankfully, Asuka has been doing an excellent job keeping those things on their toes and shielding other Knights. Just moments ago three Generals (hosts of the trials) have joined the battle and cleaned up a decent amount of the trash that swarmed up there.

While that is going on Maria leads two Resistors through the complex corridor that might remind one of a labyrinth rather than a hallway- majority is cracked, ceilings are falling apart and occasional Knight or terrorist can be found inside. Maria would send the Knights outside the headquarters and give terrorists a gift of never having to live again. The further they go the more chaos can be seen and presence of something disastrous can be felt- crawling under their skin and giving them daunting shivers. Hydra recalls the feeling very well from past experiences- it is none other than that of Virus. "That damn counterfeit is awake." Hydra confirms angrily that Virus has been awake all along. And that is not the worst- its power has been brought to maximum somehow. Far beyond what he had when he fought Resistors before and clashed against Alex inside the Power Cell.

Once distance comes down to meters three brawlers notice a giant door. Broken open, claw marks on its edges, marks of ice and burns all over it. Once they enter the hall that is giving signs of nightmares that might be coming from in there they have quite an unpleasant show to witness. On one side there is the main issue- Daniel. His clothes are covered in dust, blood slightly leaking out of his mouth and nose, cloud of dark-red forming around his body. Hydra feels that energy coming from him- Virus. By his side stands Kuzuha, veiled in magnificent clothes that would remind one of royalty- she most-likely used her embodiment ability by selecting a very powerful Bakugan from her list. There is no Bakugans in such fancy clothings known to Maria or Hydra, so who might it be?

On the other side stand Alex and Lydia- no better candidates for fighting Daniel. Alex's clothing and body are in the same state as Daniel's- dust and blood, but has not weakened much. His left eye glows blue and sky-blue fires slowly form around his body signifying his unique power. Dante is still in his base form, determined not to use any transformations until it appears to be necessary.

And by them stands Lydia. Kneels, to be more precise. One can see that she had gone through hell in this battle- her clothes are in tatters, cuts and bruises all lots of blood leaking out of her chest. If one takes a better look they can see a big cut on her chest. Devilin keeps on throwing dark blades towards Daniel and Kuzuha, but Kuzuha effortlessly deflects all by summoning a storm of knives.

"What the hell is going on...!?" Maria yells wanting the answers to this. "How the hell did he take control?"