Before the Collision: World's Apart

[Noland Hardy]

It has been one year since the destruction of the Hurranians...

A new terrorist has emerged on the scene thanks to the idiotic misgivings of one of the Silver Knights' greatest adversaries: Crimson and the Chrono Elite. Him and this terrorist organization was not known to the general public. Only the Silver Knights and the FBI had information on who they were and what they wanted. 

This was irrelevant news, at least to the Resistors, who all went about their merry lives and left these enemies to the people who were getting paid to do these things. It was very different to see the Resistors not have a care in the world about it, but it was necessary for them to stick to their roles.

Noland was very indifferent to the said difference though. Knowing full well that this was going on, Noland opted to kill time in the weight room where him and Allen were pumping iron. He was doing a set of hang cleans while pondering over the current set of issues.

"You ever think some of those Silver Knights are getting...pissy at us for some reason?" Noland asked out loud.

"You actually give a damn?" Drago answered in a tone that implied he didn't care about what they thought at all.

"Lydia was telling me that some of them are getting worried about this Cyber dude. They're concerned that the Admirals and whoever else is at the top can't manage this problem. You know how people start expecting things out of someone their threat systems say is the strongest mortal here."

"Are they jealous that Cyber's going after them instead of us?"

"They want our help." Noland put the bar down to relax. "I know I told them that I'd only step in if they couldn't take him down, but damn. Can't I have normal blood pressure for a couple of years first?"

"To be fair, we could help them do whatever they want to him now, and then go about our business instead of waiting until something bad happens." 

"Then their credibility will go even lower."

"True, very true. I find that weird though... Why us? Don't they have the resources and the manpower?"

"I dunno. I say we keep the Knights at a safe distance. Let's see what they got, for real this time." Noland was about to get into his next set, but the ringing of his BrawlX interrupted him for a second. He pressed a button on his BrawlX to answer the call. "What's up, Ken?"

[Kendrick Hardy]

"Funny you should ask, since you're the talk of the country, probably the world too," Kendrick started off. "Maurice Barker. You remember him?"

This Maurice character was the person who thought he was so good after being the person to win the national championship after Noland won it the last time. He had no competition that could be compared to the Resistors; yet, he sternly believes that the Resistors who competed were garbage tier and that he was the person everyone should be talking about instead.

"Yep, the same guy who thinks he's on or past your level? I watched nationals for you, and I have some breaking news. He won in a terrible field. Now he's gunning for the Resistors...well...he's really just coming for you. He called you out in his post-brawl interview. It's trending on Twitter now. Thought you should know."

[Noland Hardy]

Noland giggled after hearing this. He proceeded with his workout as planned without any signs of focus on the ridiculousness that Kendrick just shared with him. "Hold on. Let me guess. He can beat Baalenoid now? How about Diablo 3? No wait...he could probably solo Cyber... He's a universe buster, isn't he? Damn. I'm so outmatched. What will I ever do?"

"I'm all for confidence, but...come on..." Drago said in disbelief. "So what? Am I supposed to shut him up? This is just like the time when Damian was here, except him and Helios were actually good at what they did..."

"Alright. I'll bite. What did he say?" Noland curiously wondered. "Might as well tell me where and when I'm fighting him. We all know it's going in that direction, so... What's up?"

[Kendrick Hardy]

"So...about that... I thought this was pretty funny..." Kendrick prefaced. "He said you're overrated, he's stronger than you ever were, bullshit bullshit bullshit. Just like every other cocky idiot who likes to trash talk big names. He said two things that were even remotely interesting."

"First, you had better quit being a pussy about his challenges if you're so good, and two, he says you chickening out is exactly why you aren't in control of your bitch right now."

"J-just to clarify, I only thought the last part was funny since it's stupid," Kendrick stammered on his words to prevent himself from being a potential target. "But yeah...that confirms nothing interesting and I wasted your time. There goes my daily log of being a good little brother today."

"I will say that Tank is having a blast trolling this idiot. He even said he's better than Tank!"

[Noland Hardy]

"..." Noland froze for a moment after hearing Kendrick say what he said. He wasn't laughing anymore.

"Uh oh..."

"Give me a second..." Noland went on Twitter on his BrawlX to see everything that transpired. It only took him two minutes to see and hear everything.

"You...uh...aren't mad or anything...are you? I guess being called a pussy is pretty jarring..."

"Mad? Are you kidding? I'm fucking livid!" Noland responded. "And...now I don't care. Moving on..." Noland started setting up for bench presses. Allen was finishing up with what he was doing, so he was about to spot Noland for his sets since he was packing on the weight.

"Honestly, Kendrick, I think me doing nothing is absolutely fantastic. Just look at him. He has about as much tact as he does battle power. The only way he's going is down, and I don't even have to acknowledge him. This is working out in our favor already." Once he set up the bench presses, Noland was getting ready to hang up. "I'll call you back once I'm leaving. See ya."

Drago emerged from ball form into a robed form, not unlike Apollonir's when he was still around... "Something tells me I'm going to end up fighting this guy anyway, so... Should I one-shot him?"

[Lydia Andersen]

None of the present could sense another person arriving to the scene- only Drago could hear faint steps of a person coming closer and closer to the door. Without any announcement or invitation Lydia barged in as if she owned the place- not that anyone could stop her; with Maste's abilities none but Bakugan and selected people can sense her in any way. It seemed almost too convenient how she appeared at this exact moment when Noland was definitely not subtly implying he would be starting a fight with someone. It did not take a genius to realize that one- even Drago got it. Lydia was very nice to let out a gentle cough so the remaining two could be alerted of her presence. 

"Fighting? I am afraid we are not going to be having any of that." She said with a quite polite and gentle tone that was giving off a more intimidating aura than intended. "Remember our goal? If you do not get into trouble it will be accomplished in timely manner and with better results. I know there are plenty of people who have the need to feel better about themselves so they resort to starting trouble, but there are also plenty ways of dealing with them without resorting to violence." Lydia politely advised.

"Young ones, I hope you realize this is merely a bait." Maste said to Noland and Drago.

"Correct. Win, and with a single shot, you are a 'cheater', he will play a victim and gain media attention for his ego. Just wait and the nonsense will go away." Lydia advised.

"What if HE confronts THEM?" Maste inquired of Lydia.

"Then I will make sure he changes his mind." Lydia answered with a happy and gentle tone, again, giving off a very different aura about what she might do to the guy if he attempts to attack her client. 

[Noland Hardy]

With a confused look, Noland got up from the bench and slowly pointed towards Drago. "But he said it..."

"Gee, thanks for sharing, 'partner'," Drago sighed, then looked at Lydia in bewilderment. "I don't know how you keep doing this, showing up every time something out of the ordinary gets said. Besides, I'm pretty sure one-shotting him is a lot better than what YOU have planned."

"Now that you say that..." Noland looked at Lydia for approval. He had a nice idea. "What if I'm NOT violent? Let's just say his Sprayzer gets tapped the wrong way or something. Drago trips over a rock and Sprayzer just happens to be in the path of Drago's horn going down into his skull?"

"...Are you serious right now?" Drago laughed, knowing that Noland knew what he was saying was nothing but violence.

"Come on, Lydia. Please? You've been studying me for a while now. Can't we test ourselves to see where we are?"

"Trying to wiggle your way out by implying it's for research?"

"Of course it's for research. I won't go anywhere near full power for this one. I promise."

[Lydia Andersen]

To Lydia it seemed like Noland was very eager in confronting this person after certain posts were put on Twitter. Normally, she would only share an advice and her disagreement with unnecessary violence over something so childish, but considering Noland was her client who had more important issues to be dealing with. It would be a bad and inappropriate move if therapist allowed their client to do things and picking up fights regardless of how they wanted to execute it- as a direct fight or in a childish manner such as Noland attempts to do. Lydia let out a deep sigh and kept an eye contact with Noland which was giving an aura of frustration.

"Noland, someone in my position may not allow that. Whether it is direct, a faked accident or research we all know purpose behind the action. If you are so eager to see where you are then, by all means, stay after our next session this Friday and fight Maste- I can guarantee a better 'research' in your position and skill than by fighting someone whose entire skill is based on the fact any strong brawlers did not participate in that World Championship..." Lydia responded trying to talk Noland out of this activity he had planned. She knows people like him are easy to be caught on a bait by people who want attention. Not only that it would be an unnecessary fight, but media would not wait to make a big deal out of it regardless of how and what happens and he definitely does not need media's eyes on him. 

"My duty is to represent you- if it will make it any better I, myself, will solve this issue with that stubborn manchild in a more peaceful manner. I guarantee a success." Lydia explained. She was not implying fighting the guy herself- her approach seemed to be very diplomatic and, not to mention, confident. With Lydia's knowledge and experience she might be able to solve this issue without any unnecessary violence and still get justice for Noland. "I am not saying he should get away with what he is doing- people nowadays put lots of things on their social media thinking it is not a big deal on provoking someone in the eyes of many for his own personal pleasure. You may not see it, but it is defined as cyberbullying which many people nowadays do not take very seriously." Lydia explained. She had her own plans for that person regardless of what Noland wanted or tried to do and she was going to execute them as soon as possible. "Would it not be a shame if all his efforts backfired before he could even get to fight you? All that 'credibility' he had as a champion lost in a single day." Lydia wondered implying some ideas and plans she wanted to pull on Noland's challenger.

[Allen Silva]

Allen, who had been sitting quietly, spotting Noland to make sure the great hero of the world didnt kill himself lifting wieghts, decided it was time to chime in." If you want my take of this whole mess, it wouldnt be bad if Noland gave that guy a little smack on the head. Just enough to teach him what it means to be on the resistors level." Allen threw in his two cents on the matter. Of course he probably wasnt supposed to get in on the matter, but that wasnt going to stop him. " Doesnt it make us look like cowards if we dont give this guy a actual challenge? I mean, we could at least try to get me or Tank to do it and leave Noland to whatever your nefarious schemes are."

" i agree with Allen here. Im itching to give my new powers a test run, and this friggin whacko almost hands himself to us on a silver platter. Give me the word and ill knock him into next week." Gorem brought his own feelings to the table. He had been on the sidelines since Diablo and Dasia had been defeated, and was starting to get tired of it. Any longer and he might fight small animals.

" C'mon miss scientist, let us go. It wont be too bad for rep, i swear."

[Lydia Andersen]

"Look, I realize what he is doing is wrong, but that does not mean we have to resort to violence to solve it and to show you people are 'capable'. Just because Bakugans can smash around like wild animals it is disrespectful for just using them as tools in unnecessary violence just because someone got us angry on social media..." Lydia explained with deep concern for these young mens' logic in problem-solving. This is exactly why Vince wanted Noland to separate himself from battles and be a 'kid'- all that fighting got into his head and all problem-solving revolves around 'beating someone with your Bakugan'. That is not how society should work in any way if this world wants to move forward. "It makes us feel better for some time when we physically prove our superiority to someone who thinks they are better than us- that is in our genes, but is that really what you should be doing? It is pretty easy to clench your fist and beat a person who berates you- you prove very little. Of course, you are all still teenagers so I do not expect you to understand how this work- once you get into 20s or 30s you will."

"Is person acting idiotically really a reason for going there and 'one-shooting' them? We do not know why they are doing it- maybe they do not know any better; maybe their family never taught them how to be a person, maybe they are abusing the kid and so on. Saying 'I do not care' to that, taking their empty insults to hearth and beating them is getting down on their level." Lydia continued to explain. At this point she has probably become that 'annoying anime character' in a fighting anime who fights for 'peace' and where everyone just wants to mindlessly whale on the enemies. Of course, those kinds of people exist and not many, especially teenagers, will understand them. They will always think a character like Goku is a better inspiration than a character who is by their family, spending time with kids and resorting to peaceful measures in solving issues. Violence is usually the answer today.

"I am NOT saying you should not stand up for yourself either. There does not have to be an extreme solution of ignoring him or fighting him. You, being the way you are, can show him how wrong he is without even need of fighting. If fists are the only way you can prove him that you 'matter' then you are not proving anything. Many Bakugans nowadays can feel power of another's aura- if you simply go there and release a decent amount of aura so his Bakugan can feel it I reckon his Bakugan is going to think twice before trying to attack you. You can prove him that this behavior will get him nowhere without throwing a single punch. How about you try that instead? One-shot without combat." Lydia suggested. So it was basically proving the guy that Noland is strong, but without fighting. Once their gauntlets explode with the amount of power coming out of either Drago or Gorem this guy is probably rethink his life decisions- nobody is stupid to bash on someone when they see how wrong they were in every aspect and how all their assumptions and plans crumbled in less than a second.

[Noland Hardy]

"..." Noland sighed, since he knew him and Allen were getting nowhere. He returned to bench pressing without offering anymore counterpoints.

Later on, after him and Allen were finished lifting, they were walking out of the building, which was revealed to be the Sports and Learning Complex, a place of importance throughout all of their adventures together. Before they could take three steps, they were confronted by six people, one of them being the bastard who thought what he was saying on social media was funny. He had the average build of a running-back, but...that was kinda irrelevant when it came to Noland and Allen for obvious reasons.

(Maurice's Arrival)

"What's wrong?" Maurice questioned the two Resistors since the looks on their faces implied their moods were less than pleasant. "Are you finally ready to stop living in the past? I'm the champ now. You are just an afterthought."

"..." Noland locked his eyes on Maurice to see what he was going to do next. It was taking everything he had to not put his hands on this fucker.

"I saw 'your girl' the other day. Can't imagine how bad it must feel for a fine bitch like her to leave you like that. Really sucks, doesn't it?"

"..." Still, Noland was unresponsive to any of Maurice's provocative comments.

"Nothing to say at all? Are you really that afraid of competition?"

"..."

"That must be what happens when all you've ever been was the strongest. You can't handle when people show you up, can you? How about we go back in there to the brawling arenas so you can open your eyes a little?"

As soon as the challenge was issued, Noland scoffed at Maurice's attempt to feign being strong. Him and Allen vanished, at least from Maurice's point of view. What really happened was that Noland had already sensed where him and Allen were going to go, so he just "jumped" to it.

"Ran again? Tsk tsk tsk," Maurice said, shaking his head. "Ya'll got that?" There were people recording what Noland and Allen just did,, just for clarification later. "Good."

Back at home, Noland was standing on the roof of the house. He was looking up at the night sky as he contemplated what he was going to do. He hung his head down as if he was sad, like some of what Maurice said had some truth to it. He decided to dial a person's number so he could get some advice. There was one person that he could definitely count on a situation like this.

"Hey," Noland started. "I know you're busy, but...I need some advice. I heard about a lot of people trying to rile you up ever since you went into NCAA. How'd you deal with them?"

[Tracy White]

"Oh yeah...'them'..." Tracy hummed. "Maurice is bothering you again, isn't he? I guess this is what people at the top must feel like on the daily. Comes with the territory, I guess."

Tracy was in her dorm room getting her hair done by Skystar, except that the sorceress wasn't doing it herself. She was handling it through magical forces while she was still looking through the Holy Providence.

"I thought you'd ask Tank or Markus this since they're pros and probably has more examples than we have, but I'll do my best," Tracy explained. "People care too much about the spotlight. They'll do anything they can to get their names out there if enough people aren't talking about them. I guess he figures that speaking ill of us is the best way to do that. Can't say it wasn't a bad idea. It's clearly working."

"Did you try expelling some of your power to scare him off?" Skystar suggested, which was the same thing Lydia proposed earlier.

[Noland Hardy]

"I haven't had a good place to do that yet," Noland responded, shaking his head in frustration. "The pressure that comes from my power is too much for any nearby structure to take, even if it's just a little bit. We'd only end up hurting or killing someone else."

"I doubt that'd work anyway," Drago added in. "If what Tracy said is accurate, then he's not going to stop. Attention whores are never satisfied. If we weren't forbidden from fighting him, we'd have shut him and all of these reports about us down in an instant. I'm thinking there's a concern that we could potentially kill him with a non-serious shot."

"Lydia was saying she had other methods of getting him to stop, but even then, why even bother? She's looking at this based on a singular person when this could open up doors for other people to tag along. People other than him are getting internet famous off of this bullshit now. I want to end this here, but...I don't want to end up killing someone either. That's why I'm stumped over this."

[Tracy White]

"Well, not that you'd like me saying this, but...you will," Skystar said in response to Drago's assumption. "Even the Silver Knights know how potent our powers are after the trials. I felt Sprayzer's energy from when Tracy and I were in town. All you'd need is one shot from anywhere to the body, and that's it."

"We can't have that though..." Tracy knew. "So if we know you'd kill him on accident or...on purpose, then we can't have you fighting him in an arena, especially since they weren't made to contain entities as powerful as you and Drago. I would think Lydia is also taking that into account as to why you can't solve this problem by fighting him."

"Assuming Maurice is smart, he probably already knows this, IF he's not being malicious with his banter," Skystar added in.

"Hm...I'd say don't fight him, but...I know that's not why you called me, so..." Tracy began dialing another number to add to the call for a second opinion. "Hey. Real quick, the Maurice guy Tank has been trolling. Noland wants to fight him. Yay or nay?"

[Markus Hederick]

"...Dammit. I was just about to pay him a visit in the next couple of minutes," Markus regretted in disappointment.

"It was for...scientific reasons," Gargulion backed up. "We weren't going to shut him up ourselves or anything like that... I'll just be quiet before I get myself in trouble."

"In all seriousness, we need to meet somewhere in the middle on this. We obviously can't fight him out of fear of killing him, but we can't keep running away from this either for obvious reasons. I think you should take the challenge, Noland," Markus suggested. "But...this is a no-hit type of deal. Do whatever you want, but just know that you can't hit him, or he dies.

"I think that if we just show him and the rest of his crew where they are compared to us, then we'll be good. We won't have to be violent and we can end this nonsense once and for all. That's the only fair option in my eyes. What do you think?"