We're back again with another story of the Shifters! It's been a few days since I last posted, but here it is! I will let you guys know now that the Shifters will be becoming more active in the timeline, but will not be replacing the brawlers. They will instead be working together more closely. With that said, let's get on with the story! As a small recap, Azion decided to stay on Vestal, se he will not be in this chapter. However, Tom is still on Earth, so he will be making an appearance. Now, on with the story!

A lot has happened since we defeated Zenoheld, mone being that Bakugan Interspace went online globally, allowing kids from all over the world to show their battling skills in a great environment. It was a long road, but under Marucho's expert leadership and Atom and Tom's knowledge, the technical team of the Marakura group conducted a number of experiments before finally succeeding. They discovered how to scan people's atomic structures and then convert them into data so they they can be transported into the virtual world. Now all they need to do is drop into the nearest access point and be teleported to the Interspace where they can battle to their hearts content. And then there's the fact that the shifters decided to stay in this reality! Beyond that, my parents actually decided to take Atom into the family, much to his shock. Unfortunately, not everybody wants to leave everything happy and free. A mysterious evil force has infiltrated Bakugan Interspace, and is trying to take over, but we brawlers aren't just going to sit by and let these creeps push us around. We've never run from a fight, and we're not going to start now! We'll show them who runs Bakugan Interspace!

Powers beyond reality,

Brought about by few.

Crossing time and space,

Changing the race.

Creating a whole new world.

The time to combine is now,

The time to recreate is upon.

The time now to find the power

To regain your lost time.

Dan's mom was doing exercise when the two of us came home. "Mom, we're home!" Said Dan. He ran upstairs before his mom could say anything.

"No shoes in the house!" She scolded. Dan was in his room by that time, and I walked calmly up to her.

"You know how he is." I said.

"Yeah, but he should still follow the rules." She replied.

Dan moved a few things in his room. "Where you at buddy?"

Drago opened up. "Hiding from your mom. Last time last time she tried to make me work out with her."

"Maybe we should both split." Said Dan, winking.

"Good idea." A door opened across the hallway.

"Looks like Atom went looking for Leo."

"Let me guess," I started, "hiding from Dan's mom?"

"How did you know?" Asked Leonidas, as he came out of his hiding spot.

"Oh, you know. Now then, ready to go?"

"You bet!" I exited my room as I saw Dan heading downstairs. I followed a bit more calmly.

"Hey, I said no shoes in the house!" Said Dan's mom. Dan went through the door quickly, and I followed, telling her that we'd be home soon. When I got outside, Dan was already riding his bike.

"Nice try Dan, you're not going to beat me with a head start!" I quickly got on my bike and went after him." I soon caught up to him.

"You know Atom, I have to admit that when dad got transferred to Bayview for work, I wasn't that excited about coming. Now that I'm here, I'm really digging it!" Before long, we arrived where Julie worked. Dan looked at his watch just as Julie walked up.

"Right on cue." I said.

"Hello handsome." Said Julie.

"Julie!" Said Dan.

"So, what can I get for you today?" Asked Julie, performing her waitress duties.

"Um, just water. We're waiting for Jake." Julie sighed.

"Big surprise, cheapskate. And what about you Atom?"

"I'll take the same, please." Drago and Leonidas went down to the table and opened up.

"Hello Julie." They both said.

"Hey Drago, Leo."

"I still can't believe you and Dan ended up neighbors again." Said Drago. "But this time halfway around the world."

"And I still can't believe that Dan's family practically adopted Atom." Said Leonidas.

"It's crazy, I know. But it's nice having some old friends nearby."

"Where the heck is Jake anyway?" Asked Dan, looking at his watch. "Always late."

"Dan the Man, with the big brown van!" Said Jake. "Atom the, uh"

"Hey." Said Julie as Jake walked up and Dan stood up.

"Hi Julie."

"Dude, you gotta quit it with that greeting." Said Dan. "I don't have a van, or even a license. Atom barely has a permit."

"More than you can say." I said.

"Yeah, I know, but it rhymes! Dan, Man, Van!"

"Hilarious." Said Julie.

"Hey Julie, do you have one of those real Bakugan too?" Asked Jake.

"What's a real Bakugan?" Asked Julie, confused.

"Jake here only knows the virtual kind." Said Dan. "When we showed him Drago and Leo, he totally flipped out."

"I thought Bakugan only existed as data, so when Dan and Atom introduced me to Drago and Leo it totally blew my mind!" Drago floated up to Dan's shoulder.

"There are thousands just like me on my home world of New Vestroia." He said.

"Seriously!" Asked Jake. "So cool. Dan the Man, can we go? Please?"

"Again with the Dan the Man?" Asked Dan, annoyed.

"I can't help it! You're a legend, dude! You need a nickname like that!"

"Well, when you put it that way, I guess it's okay."

"Dan the Man with a plan!" We began walking towards an access point.

"Okay, dude, we gotta talk about this rhyming thing."

"Okay Dan the Man, but I do have one question."

"Let me guess, why didn't Drago say our home world when he was referring to the Bakugan?"

"Pretty much. So, why is that?"

"My home world is not New Vestroia." Said Leonidas.

"Then where is it?" Asked Jake.

"The Doom Dimension." Jake looked like he didn't understand, so Leonidas continued. "The Doom Dimension is a place of finality for Bakugan" and explained to Jake the entire Doom Dimension as we walked to the Access Point. After a short walk, and a long wait in line, we got into the building and headed down the escalator. Jake kept looking back and forth as if this was his first time, which I suppose it was. A small beep was heard.

"Good Afternoon and welcome to Bakugan Interspace!" Said Marucho, on many screens. "The world's first and only 100% virtual Battle park created just for you! Come experience thrilling brawls with kids from around the globe!" Drago jumped onto Dan's shoulder.

"Marucho's become quite the pitchman."

"You have to admit, the idea is brilliant." Said Dan. "He's bringing brawling to the masses!" We got off of the conveyor belt, and Dan went over to one of the login stations. He scanned his card and put in his code. Welcome, Dan Kuso. The doors opened.

"I'll be in soon." I said. "You know how much I like making sure that the logins are as accurate as possible."

"Sure thing Atom." Said Dan. He walked into the room, then turned to Jake. "Are you just going to stand there all day? Chop chop!" Jake gasped.

"Right." He walked into the room, and the door closed. The two stepped up onto different platforms and glass walls came down. Jake started freaking out.

"Just breath, okay." Said Dan.

Primary simulation, standing by. Synchro Translation 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0. Jake closed his eyes, then the two began to teleport into Interspace. Jake screamed, and then they reappeared. Welcome to Bakugan Interspace. Please enjoy your stay.The glass walls rose up. And remember, play nice. Jake again opened his eyes.

"It's so real." Dan walked over to the door.

"Nope, but it is the next best thing, buddy. So, you ready?" The door opened and they walked outside. Then Jake looked around in awe.

"I, love it!" The door opened again.

"I thought he would." I said.

"This area is called the commons. It's where players from wherever can come hang out." Said Dan.

"It's massive!" Said Jake.

"This is also a place where you can exchange helpful hints and strategies, while searching for opponents to battle against." Said Marucho. Dan and Jake looked at him.

"Hey, Marucho!" Said Dan.

"Hey Dan. How's things?"

"Eh, pretty good." He gestured to Jake, "This is our friend Jake."

"Hey, it's nice to meet you, Jake. I'm Marucho, how's it going? I'm Dan and Atom's old friend from back home."

"Little dude, I know all about you! Dan and Atom's told me stories about the old days."

"I bet they have." Said Marucho, putting his hand behind his head. He laughed.

"Jake's a newbie. This is going to be his first battle today."

"Oh, congratulations. As a token of our new friendship, let me offer you your very own Bakugan." Marucho pressed two buttons on his watch, and it turned around, showing his Bakumeter. He pressed a few more buttons and two sets of light came out, yellow and brown. They formed into Aranaut and Coredem.

"Whoa!" Said Jake.

"Come on, come and pick one Jake." Said Marucho.

"Really? Are you serious?" Asked Jake as he walked up.

"Yeah, of course I am. Please." Jake looked down at them, and looked back and forth between them.

"Okay, let's see. This one." He grabbed Coredem.

"Ah, Subterra Coredem, nice choice. Okay Jake, that means from this day forward Coredem is your partner."

"Good to meet you little buddy." Said Jake. The virtual Coredem said nothing. "So, uh, how come he doesn't talk to me?"

"He's a digital clone, synthetic. Subterra Coredem isn't programmed to speak like a living Bakugan."

"So then, he's not a real Bakugan?" Asked Jake. He looked back to us. Drago jumped onto Dan's shoulder and Leonidas mine.

"Quit staring at me like that." Said Drago. "It's creepy."

"Um, hey, now that you've got your Bakugan, how about we try a little battle, Huh?" Asked Dan.

"That sounds really great, but um, uh."

"Huh?" Asked Dan. Some screens were showing battles.

"Unfortunately, all the battle arena are full at the moment."

"What?" Asked Dan. "You got a full house? That's awesome dude! I just can't believe how popular you made this in such a short period of time!"

"Thanks, but a lot of the credit for this lies with Ren."

Ren walked up. "Excuse me." All four of us looked at him. "Would you be the Bakugan Battle Brawlers?"

"Yeah, we are the brawlers, so who are you then?" Asked Marucho.

"My name is Ren, Ren Krawler."

"That's great, but how did you get in here? This area isn't open to the public, it's under construction and we're using proprietary technology."

A screen appeared. "Forgive me, Master Marucho. Mr. Krawler said he had a matter of the utmost urgency to discuss with you, so I let him through." We exited Interspace to question him further in the real world.

"So, how did you find us?" Asked Shun.

"I had heard a few rumors about the Bakugan Interspace, so I did some research and tracked all of you brawlers down."

"Rumors?" Asked Marucho. "I don't understand, this project is top secret."

"Sounds like you got a leak inside your research team." Said Shun. Dan turned to Ren.

"So, what exactly did you hear?"

"Nothing specific, but I did hear stuff about you guys. What few details I did learn about Interspace made me realize you've got a huge problem though. There aren't enough Bakugan available for all of your potential battlers."

"Is that really true?" Asked Dan.

"Actually, now that I think of it, yes." Said Marucho. "Perhaps the answer lies in cloning existing Bakugan, but which ones? The digital ones in the system or the live ones from New Vestroia."

"I don't know. Both of those options seem like bad ideas." Said Shun.

"Actually, I think I could be of some help in that area, if you'll allow me."

"Listen pal, we just met." Said Dan.

"Yes, but I also received the unknown data."

"The version of the data that Ren received was quite different from what we received in that there was so much more of it. If Ren hadn't come to us that day, I don't think there's any way that Bakugan Interspace would've made it past the prototype stage."

"Whoa." Said Dan. Marucho and Jake looked at him.

"Well well, speak of the devil." I said. The two looked at Ren, who was walking towards us.

"How's it going there, Dan? Atom?"

"Oh, heya there Ren." Said Dan. "This is my buddy"

"Jake Vallory." Ren Interrupted.

"What?" Asked Dan, Jake and Marucho.

"I understand that this is going to be your first battle and that Subterra Coredem is your partner Bakugan."

"Uh, yeah." Said Jake.

"Relax, I just reviewed his registration data, that's all."

"In case you couldn't tell, Ren is in charge of data management for Bakugan Interspace."

"He's a freak for research, facts, and figures."

"Hmph, thanks a lot guys." Said Ren. "Since I'm such a freak, I guess that's how I know that Shun is battling in arena F12. Wanna check it out Dan?"

"Really? Shun?" Asked Marucho.

"Awesome! I'm in!" Said Dan. He pressed a few buttons on his Bakumeter. "Arena F12, let's go!" A digital gate formed next to us. Ren, Marucho and Dan walked through, and Jake looked scared.

"Relax big guy. I'll go through with you." I put my hand on his back and we walked through. We appeared at the top of the stands in arena F12.

"Hey, there's our boy!" Said Dan. "Looks like a good battle!" Hawktor flew up a little.

"Ability Activate!" Said Shuji. "Poison Flasher!" The Haos Bakugan shone light on Hawktor, blinding him. "See that? No one can beat me now that I've perfected my strategy with Subterra, Darkus and Haos!"

"Well yeah, your strategy is good." Said Shun. "But it's your execution that needs work!"

"What? Whadda ya mean?" Asked Shuji.

"Ability Activate! Ninja Defense - Wild Wind Dance!" Hawktor blew away the light, and nearly blew Shuji backwards.

"Ability Activate! Slim Pointer!"

"Ability Activate! Fly Fang - Hyper Storm!" Hawktor flew up to avoid the attack, then came back down to crash into the Haos Bakugan, defeating it and beating Shuji.

Battle over, and the victory goes to Shun Kazami! Shun jumped up and landed next to us.

"Nice one Shun!" Said Dan as he and Shun hit wrists. "But you still got a ways to go to catch up to me and Atom."

"If Marucho's in third and Shun's in second, then whoa!" Said Jake, as he saw me and Dan tied for first. "Dan, Atom, look! You're number one!"

"Won't take me long to catch up." Said Shun.

"You're up next, Jake my friend." Said Ren.

"Huh?" Asked Jake.

"What're you talking about Ren?"

"Well, I shifted around the battle orders a little bit to move him up."

"Ren, that's not fair for the others whose turn it really is."

"Since Jake is our friend, I thought we could make an exception."

On tap for the next battle is one of our number one brawlers, Atom Kuso! The crowd cheered.

"I will never get used to that last name." I said.

"Wouldn't want you to." Said Dan. "It's still weird."

"We needed to give you a last name, and it was the only one that fit." Said Marucho.

Ren turned to Jake. "You're up, Jake. Thank your lucky stars, not many people get to go up against a top rated brawler in their first battle."

"I really don't know if I can do this in front of all these people." Said Jake. He screamed. "I can't do it, no no no no no."

"Come on dude, take it easy." Said Dan.

I whispered into Ren's ear. "Don't think I don't know what you did."

Facing off against Atom is a first-time participant, Ren Krawler!

"Huh?" Asked Dan and Jake.

"What?" Asked Marucho.

"Oops, whoops. Looks like I messed up the order. Probably best that you watch two pros go at it first."

"Come on Ren, what is going on here man?" Asked Dan.

"I bet he planned it this way." Said Shun.

"You did this to embarrass me."

Ren turned to me. "Come on Atom, can't keep the fans waiting."

"You sure about this?" I asked Ren. "I know all your moves and Leo is pretty strong."

"Well my Linehalt's no pushover." The two of us went down to the field.

Bakugan Field, Open!

"Let's see what you got." I said. "Gate Card, Set! Bakugan, Brawl! Bakugan, Stand! Let's do this Leo!" Leonidas appeared in his Realital Leonidas form and roared.

"I just realized, I've never seen Ren battle before."

"He's going up against Atom. It could be over before he knows it." A digital gate appeared next to them, and Tom came through.

"This is going to be interesting." He said.

"Bakugan, Brawl!" Said Ren. "Bakugan, Stand! Rise Darkus Linehalt!" Linehalt opened in a purple aura, then broke through it as he revealed himself.

"I've never seen that Bakugan before." Said Marucho. Linehalt was at 900 Gs while Leonidas was at 950.

"Ability Activate!" I said. "Time Charge!" Leonidas gained a yellow aura and began moving faster. He charged right at Linehalt, who managed to dodge. "Stay on him!"

"Ability Activate!" Said Ren. "Volting Vibra!" Linehalt hit Leonidas, sending his power down.

"He nullified the ability. Just as I thought."

"Lucky shot." Said Drago. "Let's go, Atom!"

"Gate Card, Open! Haos Reactor!" the arena became a lot brighter and Leonidas gained some power. "Ability Activate! Realital Strength!" Leonidas shot a huge ball of light.

"Ability Activate! Dispel Closer!" Linehalt absorbed the ability and took the power that Leonidas had gained. Then he launched the attack back.

"Hold on, Leo. Ability Activate! Novan tornado!" Leonidas transferred 400 Gs and rushed at Linehalt, who couldn't dodge in time and was defeated. Ren life gauge fell to 150 Gs.

"Oh yeah! Atom totally schooled him!" Said Jake.

"Yeah, but he got some pretty good shots in on Leo. Ren is definitely no punk."

"Check it out guys, look! They've started round two already!" The two Bakugan were soaring up.

"Ability Activate!" Said Ren. "Volting Vibra!"

"I knew you'd do that! Ability Activate! Diminishing Returns!" Leonidas created a shield and it stopped the Volting Vibra. "Diminishing Returns nullifies any ability that you have used before!"

"Well played. Ability Activate! Darkness Blizzard!" Linehalt broke the shield.

"Well, that didn't last long." Said Leo.

"Gate Card, open! Freeze Enemy!" Leo lost 200 Gs and seemed to be frozen in time.

"What's happening?" He asked.

"Leo, what's wrong?"

"I can't move my body! It's like I'm frozen in time!" He said as he fell.

"Command Card Freeze Enemy is a trap card that freezes the movements of your opponent and prevents them from activating abilities."

"Leo!" He landed hard and was defeated. My life gauge fell to 350 Gs.

"Oh no!" Said Jake.

"I know you don't think that was a bit harsh, but I'm asking anyway!"

"Come on, why should I pull any punches? You're a number one, right?"

"That's true, don't forget it." I said as I set a gate. "Bakugan, Brawl! Bakugan Stand!"

"Bakugan Brawl!" Said Ren. "Bakugan Stand!"

"Ability Activate! Time Charge!"

"Ability Activate! Dark Saber!" Linehalt created a purple blade out of his hand, and gripped it. He then slashed at Leo, dropping his power.

"Fusion Ability Activate! Power Enhancement!" Leonidas glowed brightly. "This should do it! Ability Activate! Realital Strength!"

"Fusion Ability Activate! Twist Bow!" Linehalt threw his blade at the fireball.

"You think that's all it takes?" I asked. The blade hit the orb and shattered.

"Ability Activate! Razen Breaker!" The attacks collided, but Leo's attack still won. It blasted through and hit Linehalt. "Leo's as tough as his reputation says. I was hoping to save this for later." Ren pressed a few buttons on his Bakumeter.

Ready, Boomix. Ren grabbed it and Leo saw.

"He's got Battle Gear!" Said Leonidas.

"Battle Gear, Boost!" Said Ren.

"Knew it!" I said. Linehalt held onto Boomix tightly, and gained 200 Gs. "We can play that way too." I pressed a few buttons and Leo's battle gear formed.

Ready, Time Split.

"Battle Gear, Boost!" Leo gained 100 Gs as his bracelets appeared.

"So awesome!" Said Jake.

"Their power levels are nearly even now!" Said Shun.

"Battle Gear Ability Activate! Mega Blaster Lock!"

"Let's do this! Battle Gear Ability Activate! Light Time Split!" Three lights formed on Leo's bracelets in the colors of Pyrus, Aquos and Haos. It then sent out a blast formed of the three colors at the same time Linehalt fired. The two attacks clashed in the middle and created a huge explosion.

"Oh no!" Said Shun.

"I need an emergency shutdown of the system! Terminate this battle immediately!" Linehalt and Leonidas were blown back by the blast as was Ren and I. The brawlers were also blown back to a lesser degree. When I opened my eyes, I saw Dan next to me.

"Where am I?" He asked. Then we saw a blast. "Huh?" Then we were almost hit from behind. We jumped out of the way, and Dan looked to his right and saw the upper twelve order Bakugan. Dharak roared and they charged. Dan looked behind himself and saw some Haos Bakugan trying to fight back. "What, what is this place?"

"A war zone." I said. The Ventus Bakugan flew over us, while the Subterra one charged forward and the Pyrus one followed. Dan and I ran, and as we did the Aquos Bakugan came out of the ground behind us. Dan screamed, and then we woke up. I saw the others over me, and Dan next to me.

"Are you two okay there?" Asked Ren.

"What the?" Asked Dan.

"You had to shut it down, didn't you?" I asked Marucho.

"Yes, I did." Said Marucho.

"There was an accident and Marucho had to pull the plug." Said Leo. "Are you okay?"

"An accident?" Asked Dan. "I don't remember that."

"There was a huge explosion in the middle of it. That's what knocked you and Atom out." Said Marucho.

"Are you serious?" Asked Dan.

"I remember watching it, but I don't remember seeing it." I said.

"You don't remember any of it?" Asked Shun.

"Remember?" Asked Dan. "I saw some things, maybe it was all just a dream."

"Calm down." Said Ren. "Just tell me what you saw."

"Bakugan, but they were all at war with each other!" Said Dan.

"How could that happen?" Asked Marucho.

"It makes no sense!" Said Shun.

"Why would the Bakugan be at war with each other?" Asked Jake. "You must've been hallucinating."

"Dan, it was not a hallucination." I whispered to him. "Those Bakugan were real."

All of our friends think that the visions we had after the explosion were fake, but Dan knows what he saw was real. It was very vivid. He just can't explain where they came from, but I know. But that's when Ren made a confession to us. He's been keeping a secret that has to do with the unknown data. He is involved with the warring Bakugan, but the others don't know that yet. Dan is going to do his best to get information out of him, maybe others could listen in to find out for themselves what the truth is.