Episode 49: The Fallen Hero

[Noland Hardy]

If that attack is fired, there's a good chance Noland may be obliterated. He had to stop Hydranoid from shooting it, and that's exactly what he was going to do.

He already did it...

A cutting sound was heard going through two entities the moment Hydranoid was about to go through with firing that ability. Upon further inspection, Drago had switched back to the Hex Code and had a prickly chain coming out of his body. It was extended all the way to where Alana and Hydranoid were.

Both of them had this chain stuck right through their chests...

"Dianos Durance X, sweetheart," Noland notified his opponent. "I had it ready as soon as I still detected your miserable presence... As much as I'd hate to admit this, I don't think I could defeat you if I dragged you all the way back to a regular Hydranoid. Allen is getting close to our location, and I doubt he'd allow me to do what I've just done."

"You've done more than I ever anticipated. You should be able to rest in peace with the thought that you did everything you could to stop me, and you still had the courage to fight me even after you had to resort to that interesting ability of yours." Per Dianos Durance X's effect, Alana and Hydranoid were having their life energy siphoned out of their bodies. There bodies will be lifeless husks in a little bit. It won't be long now.

"What are your last words to me? I know you have the urge to defy me one last time. Get it out and make it quick," Noland commanded her. "Despite how much hatred I have for you, I enjoyed this battle. It's all I will do to pay my respects to you."

[Alana Cortese]

The impalement was close to painless. Alana and Hydranoid only felt like they were being stuck by something. They could feel the forbidden ability's chains inside of them, but it wasn't close to spilling blood. What they did feel was life escaping from them.

"...So that's how it's going to be then?" Hydranoid inquired of them. "Fuck you. I'm not giving you some last minute speech. I'm going to die knowing you had to use a forbidden ability to do me in. You have no choice but to give me respect, especially when you're over there fighting like a bitch."

Alana's facial expression looked like she was about to say something along the lines of what Hydranoid just said. "I said all I needed to say to you, and you still haven't returned to normal," she started. "My guess is...that Dharaknoid...was right..."

"Don't think that just because you made a decision different from mine that I would suddenly wish for your death. I never became a brawler to kill nor did I fight this hard for a second chance at this just to let you get taken away from me again," Noland said back when they fought at nationals.

"...Really? You really don't want to? Are you just saying that for emotional impact or do you actually mean that?" the Dharaknoid replied.

"I have my answer now, so...I'll go away peacefully. You...win..." Alana tearfully accepted. "I guess it'll be good for you that you won't have to deal with someone so unlikable anymore...just like when we first met. Just like Drago said...at least...I tried...unlike you..."

Just like Hydranoid, she was defiant no matter what happens to her from here on out.

[Allen Silva]

It took Allen a while to finally make it through that darn cave system. He would've asked Gorem to just run through the whole thing, but then they'd have to account for the whole thing caving in on them. Even the strongest juggernauts can have their backs broken carrying unnecessary weight.

Still, when Allen stepped out of the cave to see what the battle wrought upon the landscape, he may have wanted to settle for his back being broken than for it to happen to his heart. It should never have to come to this between best friends. NEVER.

"I know this looks bad for us, and I know what you're thinking, but before we find out what happened for real, let's just remember one thing while we can still think," Allen started in an attempt to remain calm. "Drago and Hydranoid don't care about the environment. Either one of them could've made that huge crater over there...and there...and over there..." Allen was steadily eyeing the destruction caused here.

"What about that one over there?" Gorem added in.

"Over where?" Gorem pushed his head to the right where he saw a giant canyon that was carved out by someone's attack. While Allen held a stoic expression, he was extremely livid on the inside. "Alright. You know what? I've had enough. Not only did Vestal get destroyed, but the one person I called my brother is trying to kill us, and this blue-haired bitch is egging him on. I'm ending this NOW. Where is he?"

Common sense only told Allen to follow the carved out canyon back its source. He found what appeared to be a ruined arena with Noland and Drago sitting on the other side meditating. Alana and Hydranoid were nowhere to be found. That can only mean one thing, but Allen wasn't going to make that assumption just yet. Just in case there was a little bit of hope left, he went on ahead and asked...

"You done went ahead and did it, didn't you?"

[Noland Hardy]

Noland slowly awoke from his meditation once Allen decided to arrive to the premises. It has been one minute and thirty seconds since the brawl ended. Not too bad of timing if he should say so himself.

"Did...what?" Noland asked Allen with a smile on his face. "I haven't done anything wrong since we were separated earlier. I've been waiting patiently for you to come here to finish our battle. Maybe Alana knows whatever you're trying to get out of me. I can send you to her if you'd like."

This was disgusting humor on his part, and Noland was the only one thinking this was funny. He rose to his feet in anticipation of the final opponent he needs to beat to get what he wants. Drago did the same.

"Or you can stop being blind for once in your life and just look to your right. Whichever one comes first," Noland shrugged.

[Allen Silva]

The comment on the blindness was a low blow, even for evil Noland's standards. Of course, there was a reason why he has this eyewear on, not like anyone ever called him out on it. He fixed it a little after hearing it, showing that it did affect him.

"Of course you'd say that, since you and Alana were the only ones who knew about my low vision," Allen said. "I guess you need all the laughs you can get after what you did to her." Saying this, Allen could already guess what happened to her. That sick reference Noland made pointed directly to the fact that she's dead. He looked to his right to see for himself.

"..." Speechless, is what he wanted to say. He runs over there to see Alana and Hydranoid lying face-down. He flipped Alana over and saw that her eyes were still open, but there was no one there. The same happened with Hydranoid who he never expected to be in this position...well, at least not by Drago.

"Their bodies are in good condition, which means..." Gorem started.

"You used the Hex Code again," Allen quickly realized. "I remember you tried doing the same to the Andersens before you were put to sleep. I wish what I'm seeing here was a dream." He cradled Alana's lifeless body in his arms and set her right beside where he was going to stand for this upcoming death battle. Gorem brought Hydranoid on over as well. It's probably not what Hydranoid would want, but just to spite him, it was getting done.

"In case it went right over your head earlier, I'm going to tell you how good you had it, man. You're an awesome brawler who just got his dad back, has a little brother who's not a complete mess to live with, and you have a harem, but you had to mess it all up somehow. How could you do it and be so happy about it?"

[Noland Hardy]

"When you only mention the positives, I'm sure even a Hydranoid can see how stupid that sounds," Noland responded. "I'll ignore your question for a little bit and tell you where I messed up. The power creep has gotten very real. There were several points where I had broken my limit to keep up with certain people, and I've lost control of my powers as a result. You know that already, as you saw me about to deliver the killing blow to Maria once she was defeated. Apollonir forcing us to enter Duality pushed me over the edge, regardless of how dire the situation was."

"But that mistake wasn't entirely regrettable. The Hex Code is so difficult to control because it augments my hatred. You can walk into me on accident, and I will then make sure you don't walk again. That's why you're in the situation you're in now. The racial slurs, the graffiti, the gunshots, that annoying bitch whose obsession with me is worse than Yita's, and even you, Allen - the moment you decided to kill me - have made it even more difficult for my power to be balanced out."

"Now, does that answer your question? Can I kill you now rather than letting you try to talk your way out of this?"

[Allen Silva]

Allen couldn't say that Noland's explanation was wrong, because it all made sense. He thought back to the time when Noland went crazy the first time, and from what he heard just now, he was right. If Alana and Hydranoid were alive right now, he'd be gloating in their faces all day.

"If you're done giving me your sob story, you can start trying," Allen returned. "But remember who you're dealing with. I'm the Iron Juggernaut for a reason. I think it's about time I remind you of why that is, because it's obvious the fear of it isn't in you."

Having had time to figure out the power Drago was working with, Gorem confidently took the plate to face off against his forgotten rival in round 2. If he has any say in this, it won't be a tie this time.

"Like you, we broke our limits," Gorem informed Drago in case his head was too far in someplace else. "Now the only thing left to break is your hopes of world destruction. You ain't getting it, no matter what."

(Boss Theme - Phase 3)

[Noland Hardy]

Drago scoffed at Gorem's declaration. If he wanted things to be this way so that he'd have to walk over his dead body to get what he wants, then so be it.

"If you had said that before I shut Hydranoid up, I'd be slightly concerned," Drago sternly told his foe. "Your talk is cheap, just like your life."

Intending not to waste any time with Gorem as he was doing before, Noland immediately upped the stakes. The attribute circle popped up from his hand as Noland started gathering power. Soon, both him and Drago were engulfed in a rainbow-colored outpouring of energy. What Allen saw before him once the lights dimmed were obvious.

"You clearly need a reminder if you think that counterattack from before is enough to make a man out of you," Noland sassed. "Ability activate! Grand Destructor!"

A large - but stable - energy ball was materialized a little above his wings. Sending it upwards like usual would be nice, but he decided to give Gorem zero seconds to anticipate his demise by dispersing it right there. Doing so sent an innumerable amount of energy bullets towards him. Thanks to the form's energy control, these bullets were extremely accurate. Wherever Drago wanted them was where they were going to go. Anywhere Gorem is will suffice for now.

[Allen Silva]

Allen was contemplating when to reveal what Clayf taught him, and now seemed to be the appropriate time. The Switch Code was too threatening due to its consistency. It'd be here all day if Allen had nothing to say about it.

"You're about to see the kind of man I am and always was. Say hello to my new ability, Giga Potentia," Allen boldly announced. Rays of brown energy were unleashed from deep within Gorem's being. At the same time, he punched the ground, rupturing it in the process. This brought Gorem underneath the arena where he was safe from harm. As quick as his descent was, the next attack came even faster than that. An overwhelming force caused a giant pressure wave to be sent in Drago's direction. Not only did this blow some air on that hothead, but it also sent slabs of the land below their way as well.

"See, I knew we were going to face that form of yours eventually, so I did some remedial training with the toughest Legendary Soldier to show you up. And guess what? I got some new tech to use with my Advanced Fusion Ability." When the debris cleared, Gorem was shown decked out in some flashy new armor. It had a nice silver coating all around, trails of brown energy flowing through it, and a glowing Subterra symbol located in the center of the chest region.

The aesthetics were pleasing, but the power was more than enough to send Allen's glee over the top. This armor actually assists with Gorem's limit breaking power with the Advanced Fusion Ability. What this means is that Gorem can freely regulate how much of that power he can utilize at any given time, but the only way he can go 100% is to unleash the Kinesis Dominator.

"Pompousness is worthless. Guess I'm worth more than you," Gorem quipped.

[Noland Hardy]

An initial look of shock was on Noland's face when Allen pulled that move, but it quickly turned into a smirk. Despite Allen being an enemy, Noland was very pleased that Allen developed this power. It was a sight to behold. Just like he would think when he was good, it is always more satisfying to see what his rivals come up with. It keeps him on his toes, and allows him to draw out even more power. It's a win-win situation.

"Gotta admit. That's pretty cool," Noland gladly recognized, "but I'm the coolest." Knowing that Gorem was a substantial threat to Drago now, Noland had to plan around this limit breaker. "Ability activate! Novia Charge!"

A direct approach to Gorem would be near suicidal, even for Drago right now. To mitigate this, Drago would use this offensive technique in a creative fashion to avoid getting caught in a choke hold.

Drago adjusted himself after the breeze Gorem sent his way. He surrounded himself in rainbow energy to the point where he appeared like a comet to everyone else. As he flew overhead, a giant pressure wave was created from his approach, the intensity of which could inflict substantial damage despite Gorem not being directly gored by the attack itself. That time will come shortly, as Drago was continuing to make his passes back and forth to kite Gorem and will inevitably make a run for him personally when his armor is worn down.

[Allen Silva]

Guess it was too much to ask for Noland to walk right into Allen's trap. Gorem was being blown up, down, left, and right. It was happening so frequently and so fast, so he couldn't get himself together to provide a really hard counter. If Allen didn't do something soon, he'd get blown straight into a graveyard where Alana would likely kill him again for losing.

"A little help?" Gorem begged. "I'm dying here!"

"Until I say so, no you're not," Allen confidently assured him. "Double ability activate! Unshaken Fort plus Kinesis Barrier!" Gorem rooted himself to the ground, obviously the non-destroyed part of it. This gave him more resistance to Drago's power, enabling him to keep his footing. Sure, he was still being moved a bit, but it was more of a shove to him now.

Then, Gorem held out his right hand, and the broken parts of the arena flowed towards it. They amalgamated into a double-sided hammer. His armor began to shine, showing that Gorem was upping his power a bit. He slammed the hammer into the ground to produce a staggering amount of force that rocketed upwards.

[Noland Hardy]

The worse that happened from that was Novia Charge being disrupted. Drago flipped a few times in the air before finally regaining his composure. When he did, he shook his head a bit, showing that Gorem's attack packed quite a punch.

"Hm...not good..." Noland remarked, albeit a false declaration. Anyone could tell from the sound of his voice that he wasn't concerned about Gorem controlling the Advanced Fusion Ability's power in that armor. In his eyes, anything less than 100% wasn't an immediate threat to him. "Ability activate! Triple Threat!"

Drago easily created a triple node thanks to the Switch Code's power. He generated a ball of energy in his mouth and had it supercharged to grand proportions. He shot it towards the ground rather than attempting to hit Gorem directly with it, thinking it would be deflected. By doing this, the resulting impact will devastate the environment around them and should easily include Allen and Gorem in the blast, not including the lifeless corpses they're guarding.

[Allen Silva]

Of course Noland would go for splash damage, but unfortunately for him, Allen wasn't born yesterday. He knew just what to do to avert disaster. "You forgot about this, didn't you?" Allen prefaced before putting it in play. "Ability activate! Martyr's Plight!"

Gorem's gauntlets broke apart to form into a satellite dish apparatus. Gorem pointed it towards the Triple Threat. Now, instead of it crashing into the ground and destroying everything on the spot, the attack changed its flight path and went towards Gorem himself. So much for not trying to target Gorem directly.

"Here's when things get even worse," Allen remarked in agreement with Noland's statement. "Here goes Rebound Revolter, just like last time!" If it's not broke, don't fix it.

In his current state, Gorem was able to take on this powerful attack and make it his own. Through the Triple Threat's absorption, Gorem was able to amplify his body's power to go beyond what he could do with his limits broken at 100%. While it is a safe overburst in contrast to going all out with the Dominator, it is likely that the stolen energy would decrease fast. After all, Gorem wasn't too big on energy like his compatriots.

"Weren't you supposed to be smart? You fell for this trick earlier," Gorem taunted, apparently remembering the fiery duo giving him flak for standing still earlier. "Not that I'm complaining. You want power? Here you go!" The accumulated energy flowed into his hammer. In one swift stroke, a volatile, crimson-colored energy wave was sent towards Drago, obliterating anything in its path.

[Noland Hardy]

Still appearing to be uninterested, Noland stares at this incoming attack without any worry. There was a hint of annoyance though. Allen's defenses were up to par without a doubt. He clearly wasn't bluffing when he said he did some training with Clayf; however...that's still not enough.

"Ability activate! Absolute Defense!" Drago forcefully descended back on the ground, shifted his form into the bulky wingset, and put them out in front to guard. In this situation, Gorem's attack was expected to completely blow right through this defensive ability, but there was one thing in the formula that Allen may not have anticipated when he went with this same strategy: the forbidden abilities from when Alana was still in the fight.

By linking up with Dianos Cocos X, Drago was able to adapt to this force that was stronger than he was and overcome it. This left Noland and Drago completely unscathed from the destruction while everything else was wiped out.

"Thank you very much," Drago sarcastically responded to Gorem essentially making him much stronger than what is normally possible through the Advanced Fusion Ability.

"Things have indeed gotten worse, for you that is," Noland boldly stated with an evil smirk on his face. "What I just did would normally be taboo if I was the same person from before, but with things the way they are now, there's no concern. My next ability will have a Duality-esque enhancement thanks to Dianos Cocos X's shroud of darkness. Using anything less than that ability's equivalent will be wasteful of its power, so without further ado..."

Noland got the ability just for this occasion, wasting no time introducing it. "Ability activate! Advanced Supremacy!" Noland and Drago's energy began to rise at a scary rate. Both shouted during this increase as the forces of light and darkness mixed together to form the energy befitting that of a carrier of the Ultimate Warrior Gene. Drago's color scheme was now a mix between the Switch and the Hex Code with both forms overlapping the other at regular intervals.

"Tell me... Did your training prepare you for this?" As Noland asked that, Drago swung his arm forward to produce an invisible force wave that completely ran through Gorem. His hammer was broken apart on contact, and the golem was smacked away like a ragdoll. After doing this, Drago eyed Allen specifically and sought to do the same to him. Obviously, Allen wouldn't be so fortunate to be alive if he gets touched by a smidgen of this overpowering force.

[Allen Silva]

And now Drago has become even stronger thanks to that advanced supremecy ability. Things were looking bad enough that Drago wasnt phased by his plight of the martyr ability, but now he kicked on the pressure by powering himself up even more. Granted Gorem was defensively one of the greatest bakugan the resistors had, if not the best. But if Allen didnt do something to stop Nolands assault, even that would be a candle in the wind. And he really wasnt ready to die today.

" i guess theres no other choice." Allen barely squeaks out. Even his confidence is a little shaken when Drago showed off this overwhelming strength in comparison to Gorem. So his only option was to weaken that power directly." Time to play the ace in the hole. Thank you silver knights for this. Ability activate, Fist of Atlas!"

Gorem manages to get himself to a knee before activating the ability. Placing his hands against the ground, Gorem opens a portal aimed directly in Drago's direction. From this portal, a massive fist, much larger than anything he had previously conjured up creeped out of the portal. This fist didnt just give him a offensive option, but its sheer pressure should have weakened Drago's Advanced Supremecy, because Gorem felt the boon that came with it.

" Good luck with stopping that, shadow of Drago. It might not be up to Clayf's level, but its sure as hell not anything you've felt before." Gorem wheezed a little between each word. He was still a bit hurt from the pressure wave that sent him back and crushed his hammer. He is still really mad about that. But with theorhetically a shift in power equal to half of Drago's power, 25% either way, Gorem should be able to withstand and maybe outlast." now if i still had my damn hammer that would be amazing. But you can't always get what you want."