Chapter Text
To become a Deity, you must understand, both your divinity and humanity are a gift and a curse.
Bakugan Academy, a school known for its reputation of training the top brawlers. Those wanting to become better, to become stronger, flock to it like moths to a flame. It’s a place to improve your strengths, discover your weaknesses and find where you belong in the world, figure out who you are as a person. It’s an experience, Bakugan brawling is an experience.
"My mistress, are you going to be okay?"
Her head snapped to the source of the voice, a small Bakugan of a shining silver colour tugged at her hair slightly. A simple shrug came from the girl, not one of nervousness but more something blank, like she genuinely didn’t know what to feel. She hasn’t actually been to a proper school before, being homeschooled for what she remembers of most of her childhood so this was new to her, actually having to go to school and talk to people her age instead of climbing and hanging off trees or mostly staying inside.
The bakugan let out what seemed to be a sigh, not expecting a specific answer but hoping for something to be at least verbally communicated to it. With that, the girl stalked her way into the building, entering the bustling halls of the school, and there were so many kids. She stood there for a moment before shuffling herself over to the side of the hallway, wanting to avoid as many people as possible. All she had to do was find out where she was going… but that was the problem, she honestly didn’t know.
This would be called a conundrum, if she hadn’t been in worse situations, so this was simply another obstacle in her life. She could go ask someone where she needed to go, but that required human interaction and, to put it bluntly, she sucks at that. Right now what she needed was a miracle, although if she’s wishing for that she might as well wish for an angel to come whisk her away from this overstimulating hellhole.
“Shira! Shira! Oh there you are.”
Oh, sometimes miracles do happen. Shira looked up to the voice that called her name, recognising it immediately. A woman jogged up to her through the crowd, stopping to catch her breath before leaning against the wall beside her. “Found ya! Thought I told you to head down the hall and to the right?” The woman asked with a slight chuckle. Shira raised an eyebrow at her before simply responding.
“You did not.”
“Oh, I thought I did… ah, well at least I found you. Come on, let’s get you to our destination then!”
The woman pushed herself off the wall, indicating for Shira to follow her. Shira, with not much other option, trailed behind her. They made their way through the crowd, which honestly wasn’t as bad as Shira thought it would be. People moved out of the way… probably because she was following a teacher, who also happened to be her homeschool teacher.
“Ms Weaver… where exactly are we going?”
Shira inquired as they turned a corner and reached their destination, an empty classroom, devoid of any students. Ms Weaver swung her keys on her finger and turned to Shira with a small smile before unlocking the door and inviting her in. “This is my classroom, you can stay here for a bit since I know you’re not the biggest fan of large groups of people.” She explained. Shira nodded in response, thankful for the consideration, but also knowing she meant something else.
“So my first class will be here?”
Ms Weaver nodded, walking over to her desk and propping down her stuff. “Yep, I’ve been here a little longer than you and have had this particular class for a bit. I believe it’d be best suited for you.” The girl raised an eyebrow at her teacher, seeming skeptical about her decision. Ms Weaver just gave a small laugh before reassuring.
“Trust me, you’ll do great in this class!”
With her words, Shira contemplated for a bit before simply nodding, she wasn’t one to trust some easy, but she can trust Ms Weaver, she knows what she’s comfortable with.
Students started flocking into the classroom slowly as it got closer to the first class. Shira kept to the side near Ms Weaver’s desk, quietly observing the crowd who didn’t seem to pay much attention apart from a couple of glances. People’s curiosity has always fascinated Shira, she guessed their curiosity spiked her curiosity, if that’s what she’d call it.
A certain group seemed to strike quite a presence in the room, they seemed all too familiar but at the same time, like people she’s never seen before.
“Man, wonder what we’re doing today, hope it’s brawling practice!”
“That and food are the only things you think about.”
A familiar red streaked boy stuck his tongue out at his blue haired friend. The group sat in their usual spot, their Bakugan spreading out on the desks in front of them. “Some brawling sounds good actually.” Drago exclaimed, which just resulted in everyone letting out a sigh before chuckling.
“Like Bakugan, like partner.” Wynton remarked, flopping down in his chair next to his best friend. “I do wonder what we’re doing today though.” The others shrugged, sitting down themselves. Ajit’s eyes scanned the room before his eyes landed on a peculiar figure, standing distantly next to the teacher’s desk. His interest spiked as he observed her, her presence seemed almost, void like.
“Looks like someone’s joining the class.”
Ajit’s comment caught the others attention and they turned to where he was pointing. If Ajit didn’t point her out they would’ve never realised, this person seemed to know how to make their presence in the room as minimal as possible. “Well she certainly seems distant.” Lia commented, watching the new girl talk to the teacher quietly. “That’s understandable, joining a new school can be quite confronting, I was the same when I joined our previous school.” Shun remarked, the comment making him reminisce on that moment. The class was chatting before a loud clap caused everyone to scuttle to their seats
“Settle down everyone. We’ve got a bit to get through today, so let’s get started.”
Ms Weaver was confident, and caught the attention of everyone in the room quickly. Shira always found it peculiar, that someone with so much presence took someone who was like a ghost, under their wing. “Alright, now that you’re all seated. I’m guessing none of you noticed the newest presence in the class?” she inquired, causing most of the students to look at her in complete befuddlement. Ms Weaver just laughed before gesturing her hand over to Shira, who did not expect everyone’s eyes to shift over to her so suddenly.
“Welcome the newest member of our school, and of your class, Shira Haruno! Hope you all make her feel welcomed. Have anything to say, Shira?”
Shira just stood there blankly, what should she say? Everyone was looking at her so intently, What did she do every other time she had met someone, oh wait. “Um, hello.” She simply said, unable to think of anything else to say as Ms Weaver has technically already introduced her. Everyone in the class replied with some sort of variation of hi in response, which Shira guessed was a good response, which made her relax a little bit.
Her silver Bakugan emerged onto her shoulder again and spun around happily, glad that it's partner seemed to relax a little bit. That was until it sensed something, an aura that felt all too familiar yet alien, like a lost memory. It spun around and observed the room, its focus landing on a particular set of Bakugan rummaging around on the desks of a particular group of kids.
“My Mistress.”
Shira turned her head slightly to the call of her partner. “Yes Genesis?” She whispered. Genesis, pointed over to the group, eyes fixed on the area where they were sitting. “I don't know why but I feel… drawn to them, their energy feels familiar.” The bakugan explained, turning its full attention back to its partner. Shira seemed intrigued, looking back at the group getting lost in thought. That was quickly interrupted by Ms Weaver tapping her on the shoulder.
“Hey Shira, since it's your first day, what would you like to start the lesson off with?”
The black haired girl stared at Ms Weaver, who just had a small smile on her face. How would you usually start a lesson off? She didn't have much time to get lost in thought before Genesis whispered into her ear. A small pause, turning to her partner for confirmation, then speaking up.
“My Bakugan and I would like to have a battle.”
This caught the attention of the class, their ears perking up at the mention of a battle with the new person. Specifically a certain someone, who almost stood up from his chair out of excitement. Ms Weaver had to hold in her laugh at her class’ reaction, knowing full well Shira strung a chord in their interest. “With who?” Ms Weaver proceeded to ask, looking over to the young girl who was scanning the room.
With another whisper from Genesis and a quick confirmation. Shira lifted her hand up and pointed at the opponent she wanted.
“Him, the boy with the red streak in his hair.”
His eyes widened, a massive smile forming on his face. He sprung up from his chair and bolted down the stairs, skipping steps and almost falling down multiple times in the process. It took a couple of minutes for him to catch his breath, before he stood up straight and faced her with a grin. “Awesome! I’ve been itching for a battle! Oh yeah also I’m Dan, Dan Kouzo!” Dan rambled on, Drago flying right beside his head, also pumped up.
Shira stood there for a bit, analysing him as she looked him up and down. She then looked at Drago, the small red Bakugan, one of the few that Genesis stated it was drawn too. She was going to investigate this matter, try and get some ideas or answers. With a simple nod of her head, she responded to him with an edge to her voice that made Dan feel even more hyped.
“I hope our battle is a formidable one then.”
The class flocked out into one of the outdoor arenas, not expecting to watch a battle as soon as the class started, but excited nevertheless. The other Awesome Ones found some seats closest to the arena. “Well Dan got his wish.” Shun remarked with a small chuckle, causing the others to let out of their own. Lightning just let out a bark in response, messily jumping onto the chair beside Ajit. The golden streaked boy smiled at the dog before leaning forward, resting his arms and head on the railing in front of him.
“Hmm yeah, I feel Shira chose Dan with intent though, just something about it felt… targeted.”
The others all looked at him as he said that, a little confused. “We are pretty well known, I guess she’s a fan?” Wynton guessed, not sure exactly what Ajit was getting at. Lia shook her head in response, “No, she’d be acting a little differently if she was a fan. Ajit’s right there was definitely intent behind her eyes.” With those words the others got a little concerned, what was really happening here? Wynton just shook his head, leaning his head on his palm.
“I’m sure Dan will be alright, I know he will be.”
Shira stood at the entry point of her side of the field, looking around at the arena. She had just learned how to use the gate cards, which is weird… she could usually put up the dome just fine. Genesis tugged on her hair slightly, a little concerned for its partner. “Mistress, are you alright?” It asked. The white streaked girl nodded, putting her hand up so Genesis could jump across onto it. “I’m fine. This is just new, I’ve only battled one person before.” She exclaimed, looking up across the field where Dan seemed to be getting pumped up. “I’m sure this won’t be much different, besides you adapt quickly on the battlefield.” Genesis remarked. The girl thought for a bit before simply nodding again.
They walked into the arena, all eyes on them. Dan seemed to love the attention, in a way this was where he thrived. Shira on the other hand was more used to the shadows, so this was a little overwhelming. They both took their place, Shira holding Genesis tightly in her hands, she didn’t know why she was so… nervous? Is that the word? All she knew was that this battle would help her get an idea on why Genesis was so drawn to them.
Dan pulled out his gate cards, flipping them between his fingers, he looked over to Shira on the other side of the field, who seemed to be pulling hers out. “Ready Drago?” The boy asked, looking over to his Bakugan. The dragon floated there for a bit, staring at Shira. “I am Dan, but… something about that girl’s bakugan… be careful.” Dan looked at his partner, confused.
“What do you mean?”
“I’m not exactly sure, but just trust me on this, be careful.”
With a heavy sigh, Dan put out his hand and Drago simply dropped into it. They quickly set up the dome before they rolled out.
“Bakugan Brawl!”
Drago stood tall and proud, letting out a small huff of smoke as he looked over to his opponent. Genesis stood across from him, light shining off the silver parts of its body that resembled knight armour. It flipped its swords around in its hands, taking an offensive stance as it prepared to fight. Dan stood there dazed for a bit, he had never really seen a bakugan like Genesis before, the only person he’s met with a unique bakugan was Ajit. Even then, Genesis wasn’t golden.
Maybe this is what Drago meant when he said to be careful.
He ran to a bakucore, swiftly picking it up and throwing it at Drago. “Twisting Inferno!” With that command, Drago shot a fiery blast into Genesis’ direction. It was a direct hit. However, when the smoke from the attack cleared, the knight bakugan stood strong, blocking the attack with its blades, mitigating the damage to them and turning them a low orange colour. Yes it took damage, but not as much as twisting inferno usually emits.
Shira plucked a bakucore of her own off the ground, almost effortlessly and hurled it towards the knight. “Ruminate!” Genesis, with a simple nod, suddenly hurled its sword in Drago’s direction, the blade lighting on fire in the process. Drago hurriedly flew into the air, dodging the attack in the process. Dan let out a sigh of relief, but was quickly cut off when he looked up.
“bAH, DRAGO LOOK OUT!!”
“Genesis, drop kick!”
Before Drago could comprehend what was happening, Genesis had dug its leg into him from above, slamming him down into the ground below, hitting the sword in the process. Dan watched the scene, questions of his next move rushing through his head. His eyes snapped to the sword, which Genesis seemed to be calling back. An idea struck into his head, he raced over to another core and threw it.
“Tail Crusher!”
Using the momentum of the sword's recall, Drago flipped himself around and smacked Genesis with his tail, sending it flying back. Shira watched this all, examining the way Dan and Drago fought. “They’re unpredictable, think on their feet.” She mumbled to herself, looking for something to help her out.
“But from their first move alone, they’re erratic, they don’t think before they act.”
She picked up another bakucore, staring at the way the light reflected off of it. “Therefore they leave themselves open to any sort of calculated attack… Genesis!”
It was a constant back and forth, although it kept everyone on their toes, something about this new girl felt… fascinating. “She’s good.” Lia remarked, holding her camera as she recorded the battle. “Yeah the fact she's able to keep up with Dan is incredible.” Wynton added on, watching the way Genesis blocked another one of Drago's attacks. Shun’s eyes followed the battlefield’s movements, the way both Bakugan and humans moved along the field.
“It’s like she’s analysing Dan’s every move, picking up on the way he fights. The way she constantly has her eyes on him… This may be her first day at the academy, but it’s not her first battle.”
With those words the others didn’t know what to feel. She didn’t feel like a threat, she certainly didn’t act like one when they were in the classroom. They weren’t exactly worried, Dan has been able to hold his own multiple times, but there was something more to this battle. Ajit let out a sigh, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms, “Well, Dan has always liked a challenge.”
Dan let out a puff of heavy air after throwing another core at Drago. It felt like a chore to try and keep up with Shira and Genesis. His eyes tried to follow the Bakugan around, both their speed forms zooming around the stadium like blurs. He needed to find a way to keep Genesis still so he could land a critical hit. Dan looked over to Shira, her expression practically unreadable. You couldn’t try to predict her next move even if you tried. He had to try and hold Genesis still…
“Drago!”
“Yes Dan?”
The dragon landed in front of his partner, awaiting his next command. Dan stood there for a moment, processing the situation before an idea struck his head. “Stand your ground.” He remarked simply. “Trust me.” Drago was hesitant, but it was clear Dan had a plan. So with a slight nod, he planted his feet in a firm position, ready for whatever his opponent had to throw at him.
Genesis landed in front of Shira gracefully, seemingly not stirring any dust at all. Shira stared over at Dan and Drago who were just simply standing there. Out of confusion she tilted her head, why were they just standing there? “What are they doing..?” She mumbled to herself, this was surely some sort of plan, probably a trap, Genesis would have to play it safe. “Genesis, sacred sword, but be careful.” The bakugan nodded its head, one of its swords glowing in its hand before it charged at Drago.
Time seemed to slow down for a moment in Dan’s head, he didn’t know if this idea would work, but he might as well try. Genesis was close to Drago, inches from contact. Time seemed to slow down for that moment as the Dragon stared at the knight, light reflecting off the sword and hitting his eyes. He was fixated on the blade before the sound of Dan’s voice.
“DRAGO NOW!”
Both Bakugan were quick to react to the call out. Genesis quickly goes to jump back, but Drago suddenly grabs its leg, pulling it down. Without hesitating Drago powered up his next attack. Shira’s eyes widened at the scene, she should’ve expected this. In a hurried state, she bolted to the closest bakucore, frantically picking it up off the ground and throwing it at Genesis, seconds before Drago’s attack.
A bright light spread through the stadium, a massive force of wind blowing from the place of impact. Shira covered her eyes slightly to stop any dust invading them. If she was being completely honest, she wasn’t hopeful about this outcome. There was a chance that Genesis survived that, but it was slim and Shira knows it’s best not to hope for those slim chances.
The dust eventually cleared, settling back down on the arena floor. Shira waved whatever was left in the air away from her face, before lowering her hand. The scene of the Bakugan was revealed, and a gasp ran through the stadium.
Genesis shakily held a sword in front of its face, seemingly from trying to shield as much of the attack as possible. Drago took a moment to process the situation, and in that moment Genesis took the chance to kick his tail off its leg and stumble back, creating distance between the two Bakugan. It was weakened, heavily, barely able to keep itself up without the support of its sword, but it was still standing. Shira was surprised, to say the least, but at this point she should know never to doubt her bakugan’s abilities.
“You alright Genesis?”
“I just need a few… bakucores…”
The silver knight seemingly huffed out, picking itself up and putting itself into an offensive stance. Shira nodded in response,“Okay, let’s end this quickly.” She scanned the field for a moment, taking a small breath before walking forward and picking up the bakucore that popped up in front of her. She thought it was just coincidence, but it wasn’t just coincidence, there was something special about this one…
A white flash emitted from the bakucore as she picked it up, a foreign yet almost familiar energy filling her body. Genesis sensed this energy too, the bakugan seemingly preparing itself for something. A whisper rang in both Shira and Genesis’ minds, so clearly that she wouldn’t be surprised if anyone else in their vicinity heard it.
“It’s time to reawaken them all.”
She had no idea what this meant, but it was bound to have some sort of connection to Genesis and their familiarity with Drago and the others, bakugan they were sure they had never met before. Without even contemplating her actions, Shira flung the bakucore in Genesis’ direction, making contact with it. Another flash went through the stadium.
Dan was still befuddled from earlier, how Genesis was able to barely tank Drago’s attack confused him. Drago told him to be on guard, but this, this isn’t what he expected. He covered his eyes from the white flash that came from his opponent and when he uncovered them, the sight added more to his shock.
Genesis looked different, like it evolved, but it was an evolution Dan had never seen before. Shira… Shira looked like she was glowing, an otherworldly aura emitting from the pair. He didn’t know why, but he had a feeling that he was definitely done with this battle after this. Shira, stalked forward, a bakucore forming in her hand from thin air. Dan’s mind was racing, he had to find something quick. “Drago hold your ground..!” The dragon nodded, getting ready for whatever was coming his way. Shira almost effortlessly threw the bakucore at Genesis before yelling out a command.
“Genesis! Oblivion!”
Every one of the Awesome Ones felt a painful sting ring through their brain, clutching their heads. Lightning holding down his ears and letting out a whimper. Their Bakugan, transfixed on the scene in front of them. Dan barely opened his eyes, desperately trying to search for a bakucore, trying to fight through the weird feeling in his head.
The knight bakugan pulled an orb of energy out of its chest. It grew exponentially and floated in front of Genesis. It bared its swords, before batting the orb towards Drago at a rapid speed, the dragon barely had time to react before it made contact…
The ringing in his head stopped. Dan took his hands away from his head and looked up, watching a small red ball roll towards him. “I’m sorry Dan…” Drago sounded guilty. Dan let out a sigh, picking up the bakugan in his hands. “Nah, it’s all good Drago.” He responded, knowing full well that in his state they probably had no chance. “It was fun though!” Dan added on, causing Drago to emerge in his small form and let out a small chuckle.
Genesis sheathed its sword, turning back into its regular form. Shira turned back to normal too, her mind rewinding what just happened in her head. “Peculiar…” she mumbled to herself, glancing up at Genesis. She went to call it back before she suddenly felt woozy, her vision going blurry, knees collapsing underneath her weight as the last thing she saw was Genesis roll back into a ball before her world went dark.
····
It was dark, that group of kids were there, but they looked different, they didn’t seem like the same kids she saw that morning, but she couldn’t tell clearly. She suddenly felt chains wrap around her ankles. She tried to fight them, but it was no use. They pulled her down.
Shira woke up, this is why she had trouble sleeping. Her head had a slight twinge to it. It took her a moment to remember what happened for her to end up in this situation, there was a battle and… oh. She went to sit up, clutching her head slightly as she tried to take in her surroundings. It was a room with a medical bed, chairs and a couple of simple medications and bandaids. Must’ve been where kids went when they were sick at school.
Genesis was rolled up on the table beside her, sleeping. She guessed that attack, whatever it was, drained a lot of energy out of it. Shira grabbed her shoulder bag, carefully placing Genesis inside before draping it over her body. She gave herself a minute before getting up off the bed. She felt alright now, she guessed, any dizziness she can just shake off as she walks. Shira reached the door, turning the doorknob.
The Awesome Ones were outside, they had been waiting patiently for Shira to exit the nurse’s office. “So we all felt that pain in our head then..?” Wynton asked, the others all nodding before the door suddenly opened. Shira stood there a little confused, scanning their faces before catching onto an idea of why they were there.
“I have no information or idea of what occurred, don’t bother asking.”
“Hold up, we’re not that obvious?” Dan retorted, very confused on why she jumped to conclusions so quickly, even though she was correct. Shira raised an eyebrow at him before responding, “we’re not associated in any way, why else would you be here?” The others were silent for a moment. “Well… we were worried about you. You don’t usually collapse after a battle like that.” Lia remarked, a hand placed on her chest out of concern. A sigh escaped the white streaked girl.
“I am alright, thank you for worrying. I believe I must be going now.”
Without even waiting for them to finish their sentences, Shira walked off down the hallway. “She’s acting weird…” Ajit couldn’t help but mumble, clearly suspicious of the whole situation. “She’s probably still dazed, let’s give her a little bit.” Shun perked up, a small sigh leaving him.
She was a little tired, it was true. Nothing a little nature walk couldn’t fix. Shira looked down at her bag, Genesis tucked comfily in a small handkerchief. They weren’t the only ones that wanted answers, and she’ll find them no matter what.
····
“Ow my head. Huh, you alright Okami?”
She asked the small wolf bakugan, it flopping down tiredly on her shoulder. She took that as a no.
“Maybe I ate too many sweets or something…”
“Hey, we’re about to leave, hurry up!”
“Oh, hold up, I'm coming!”
She ran towards her older brother, clumsily almost dropping her suitcase on the way.