Welcome to the fourth chapter of Let It Die. This chapter includes the Brawlers! Yay! This chapter contains a few Russian words. Just a note on this story, there will be some things said in Russian, and some in Japanese also. I'll tell you what the words or phrases mean in this little authors note. You will see this in the chapter: Ostav'te menja v pokoe! This means: Leave me alone! in Russian.

Now, for our disclaimer.

Me: Masky, could you do the disclaimer for me, pleeease!

Masquerade: I'm still mad at you.

Me: For what?

Masquerade: You interrupted mine and Alice's little. . . . meeting.

Me: Yeah, sure, it was a meeting. You weren't making out with her or anything.

Masquerade: No, we weren't. We were having a creative-

Me: creative make out session.

Masquerade: We weren't making out. We kissed ONCE and you wrote that! I would never do something like that, I am Alice for goodness sakes.

Me: Not in this story!

Masquerade: Either way, the writer of Bakugan, would NEVER allow that to happen.

Me: So that means I didn't create Bakugan, and I have no control over it.

Masquerade: More or less, yes.

Me: Alright, bye Masquerade.

Masquerade: What about? Never mind, I don't want to know.

Me: Let's gooo!

Chapter Four: I Will Not Hurt Her

"Why didn't the prince just fall in love with Angelina?" deep brown eyes covered by a mop of auburn hair asked clasping her fingers around an older figures jacket.

"But dear, he was in love with her." replied the women, who's bright blue eyes and dark red hair swayed lightly in the breeze of the night.

"Then why did he let her die?" the little girl asked, clear liquid soaking in her eyes.

"Angelina was captured by Niskai, remember? Her hands and feet were shackled to the cold, bare concrete of the wall. Niskai didn't feed her, he made her watch the prince make his final decision. He had to decide to let her live and be suffering or to let her soul be released and let Niskai capture him instead."

"So he let her die, so she wouldn't be in pain?" she asked.

"Yes, that is an important lesson young one. If you truly care about someone, their needs come before your own. That is what the prince did. He could have let her live, and stayed with her through the pain, but instead, he freed her, and let himself befall her original fate."

"I want that kind of love, mommy! I want it!"

"Of course you do. Now sleep little one, you've got a long day ahead of you."

"Will we meet up with daddy soon?" she asked falling silently into sleep on her mother's lap.

"I hope so honey. I hope so."

She squeezed her eyes tighter, moaning as the day donned upon her. Her hand was tangled in her orange locks, and she was only slightly aware of the day around her. A flickering pain in her head caused her to join the other creatures of the day.

She cringed at the sudden taste in her mouth, similar to that of rusting metal. The first thing her eyes saw was a small card tucked neatly into her free hand, the one that was also gripping the covers. She pulled the hand from her hair and gently wiped away the remains of sleep in her eyes. Using that arm, she also propped herself up into a sitting position.

Unconsciously chewing on her bottom lip, she unraveled the note and blinked her eyes several times to clear the words in her head.

Alice,

Sleepy as ever I assume? I originally came to see if you were interested in having a brawl with me? You remember that little Bakugan I left with you, don't you? I'm sure he's itching for a brawl, and you're his master now, so it's your responsibility. I guess I should leave you be now. Sigh, life does call now. Call if you need me, which believe me, you will. Goodbye now Miss Alice.

-Masquerade

Alice stared at the letter dumbfounded. She had completely forgotten about the small black orb that had been given to her well over a week ago. Her mind had even begun to erase the memory of the masked boy, but now his face came flying back into her brain and vision. Instinctively, she clenched her fist around the note and held her hand tightly to her chest. The exact reason why a sudden but quick rush fell over her, she was uncertain, but was determined to shake it.

Alice allowed the tension in her shoulders to relax as she observed herself in the mirror. Her auburn hair was flowing loosely behind her with the exception of two braids close to her eyes. She ran the brush over her hair, releasing any knots she happened to miss the first time around.

Placing the brush on her dresser, she decided to take another look at her outfit of choice. She had gone against her usual attire and donned a knee-length, white dress with the sleeves hanging on the sides of her arms and spaghetti straps on her shoulders, with white slip on shoes.

Mindlessly, she twiddled one of the sleeves between her fingers, and soon she became oblivious to the world around her. It was quite the habit she had picked up over the course of the past week. There was even a case when an entire day had burned out and only left her with the moon and stars.

Of course, nothing could wake her from her out of mind state, except for the one thing that kept her in her imaginary world.

"Good morning, my dear Alice." the brown eyed girl jumped in surprise. Standing before her was none other than the blond, masked, mysterious brawler that had somehow crept into her mind over the duration of the week. She held her arm to her chest as she released a calm breath.

"Masquerade. What are you doing here?" she asked.

He pointed his red gloved hand at her bed, where a crumpled piece of tan paper lay. Alice made an 'O' with her mouth and twiddled her hands together before glancing at the masked blonde.

Biting her lip and leaning her head to the ground, she replied, "It is not polite to enter a ladies room without her permission."

Though she couldn't see it, when he smirked, he obviously lifted his brow at her statement. He put his hands up in surrender.

"I get it. You're still a bit touchy from the other day. But was it really that bad?" he asked.

She lifted her head to meet his gaze, which she was positive she met, as she somehow could not look away.

"Yes Masquerade. It is that bad. I'm-" she placed her hand over her mouth in embarrassment, and an attempt to create the correct words.

"A lip virgin?" he offered.

"Let's just stick to virgin period." she responded, beginning to feel her anger bubbling.

Masquerade chuckled. "Vexed are you?"

"Note quite. But I'm getting there." she answered through clenched teeth.

"Have you and Dadron been formally introduced yet?" he asked.

Alice blinked and furrowed her brows. Topic change much? She thought. She squirmed about, shaking her head before looking back at the boy.

"The Bakugan. The one that yells at me while I'm sleeping. The one that claims I kidnapped him." They weren't questions, but rather irritated statements.

"That would be him. The two of you don't agree I assume." That wasn't a question either, yet it caused Alice to scoff.

"Don't agree? Masquerade, that Bakugan is begging to be thrown out an eight story window." Alice hissed.

"You, dear Alice, do not seem the threatening type." he folded his arms.

"I usually am not, but that thing and you have driven me to it." her fist clenched.

"Hey don't blame me. All of this was of your own free will."

"Free will? If you hadn't abducted my notebook, this situation wouldn't have risen about." she screeched.

"Note quite dear Alice. If you hadn't called me out that day, we never would've met. So on the contrary dear Alice, this is all of your doing."

Her uneven, jagged, sharp breaths released and entered at rapid rates, and her brown eyes were nearly invisible under the water that filled them.

"Alice. . . ?" Masquerade asked wearily.

Her fist tightened at her side, and she stood straight. "Ostav'te menja v pokoe!" Her thin and fragile voice reached his maximum capacity, shaking the walls surrounding them.

Alice fell to her knees, wetness soaking her floor, and weak screams filling the air. Masquerade reached a hand down, but she hissed in his direction, and he pulled away.

"Truth hurts, hu? Goodbye, dear Alice." and with that, she knew he was gone. She pulled her head up to see the area around her. Correct, he wasn't there. She pushed her back against the wall, pulled her knees to her chest and buried her head in them.

"Baka. Masuku Baka." she cried.

Alice sat at her computer desk, her personal notebook open. There was no pen in her hand, as she wasn't writing, she was reading.

We've been traveling for, I couldn't even tell you how long anymore. Jarred has yet to return, still in Vestroia no doubt. That worries me. Our birth, our baby, it is soon. What if he isn't here for that. What if something happens to her? I don't know. Hm. I haven't even decided on a name yet. Alyssa. Anna. Alex. Adriana. I love names that start with A's. Jarred says I'm obsessed. My name is Alice. My mother's name was Annabell. Her mother was Alaisa. I am positive my child is female. I can feel it. She doesn't kick strongly. She's gentle. I know it. She'll be a kind soul when she grows. Though I fear I will not live to see it, not if Jarred does not return. Not if these creatures do not return us. I do not care, she will not live our life. Never, even if I must take my own life to create this alternate reality for her. I will do anything. Oh, my, I mustn't write anymore. If I never write again, be aware. Jarred will protect this baby, if it costs him his life.

This was the last entry in the book. It was dated to fourteen years ago, or thirteen years and one-hundred and sixty-six days.

Beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-bee- She glanced at her computer and saw the flashing window on her screen. It was a request from the Brawlers web page. I request for a video chat. Afraid it was Masquerade, she didn't respond, until she noticed the name. Misaki. She knew that name. Runo Misaki. A Bakugan Battle Brawler. She clicked a small red button on the screen and sat back.

"Hi! Sorry for the bother. I'm Runo." the girl had to be at least two years younger than Alice herself. She had pigtailed light blue hair, and had a perky demeanor.

"Hello Runo. I've heard about you before. You're a member of the Battle Brawlers." Alice replied.

"Oh, yeah. Do you mind speaking to a few other people while we chat?" Runo asked.

As long as Masquerade isn't involved. "Sure, no problem. Oh and I'm-"

"Alice Gehabich. Fourteen years old. Born is Moscow, Russia. Fluent in Japanese. And a majorly talented strategist." Runo replied.

Alice was left without words. If Runo knew that much about her, this had to be important. Suddenly two more boxes appeared on her screen, and she immediately accepted. The boxed revealed a brown haired, brown eyed boy, Dan Kuso. Another was young and blonde, with glasses covering his eyes. Marucho...his last name escaped her.

"Hello Dan. A pleasure to meet you Marucho." she greeted politely.

"As to you too Alice." Marucho responded pushing his glasses up on his nose.

"Yeah, It's pretty awesome to meet you." Dan complemented.

Alice blushed slightly at the statement before settling into her seat. "Um, yes, regarding that. Why is it you wanted to meet me?" she asked.

"Oh, that? That's simple!" Runo cheered.

"Yes. We are actually here on behalf of the Brawlers strength." Marucho responded.

"Eh?" she asked meekly.

"Allow me to elaborate-" the blonde boy was cut off by the brown haired one.

"We want you to join the battle brawlers." Dan replied.

Alice's mouth fell open for a moment before she regained her posture. "But I don't brawl." she said, head low.

"No problem." her head thrust up.

"Yeah, we could use a little more organization." Runo said.

"We can't find anyone to better fit the bill than you Alice." Marucho said, smiling brightly.

"A-are you sure?" she asked.

"Yes! Now come on." Runo begged.

"What should I say?" she wondered quietly.

"Just say yes." she looked over to see the Bakugan that hissed this reply.

"Yes." she replied, smiling, and nearly failing at hiding her enthusiasm. "But, aren't there four of you?"

"Yeah, hot shot Shun's too busy to give us a hand." Dan mumbled.

"But we'll make sure he welcomes you. Don't worry Alice." Runo said, her eyes slightly red.

"I must go! I apologize, but its arriving at lunch time, and my Grandfather should be awaiting his meal soon." Alice bowed to her new team mates.

"Daijoubu desu yo." Runo said.

With that, the four disconnected the line.

Alice stood in the kitchen of her and her grandfather's house ladling the soup into two bowls. Over the past week, her grandfather had actually eaten a normal amount of food for a man his age, which puzzled Alice, as usually he didn't want anything to do with food. Though, she decided not to push her luck and set him back into his starvation phase. She also had the feeling the 'split person' inside of him was using up much too much energy.

She had to sigh as she balanced the bowls on a tray in her hands. This entity seemed to be both destroying her grandfather, but also making him stronger. She wasn't sure anymore if she should consider this being a menace or just something inevitable.

Speaking of inevitable... She stopped instantly, shaking the thought from her mind. He was not inevitable. That boy. That masked boy. That masked blonde boy, was not something she could not escape. She had her own mind, her own body, and she did not belong to him. So he held no control over her. He never would.

Alice held the tray with one hand so her other hand could open the door.

"Yeah, yeah. I know my mission. Do you have to remind me every day?" Masquerade asked, his left knee to his chest.

"So far you've made no progress in your mission." the green skinned man hissed.

"It's not as easy as you'd think. Especially when she's so temperamental. The slightest thing will set her off if it contradicts her own thoughts." Masquerade replied in frustration.

"Then try to get inside her brain. Find out a way to not make her angry." he paused, then continued, "If what you are saying is true-"

"Which it is."

"Hush. If it is true, then what if someone did something to truly upset her. She'd be an ultimate wea-"

Masquerade stood to his feet and stepped over to the green skinned man. He stopped directly in front of him, and glared, though the man could not see such a thing.

"I will not hurt her just for your sick purposes." He growled.

"You will do whatever it is I say. That is if you care about your brother at all." Masquerade growled once again at the response and began his reply.

Before he could though, a door to his right squeaked open, and he heard a stifled gasp. His head twisted into the direction of the gasp, and his eyes widened, and he went pale.

Shit. He cursed to himself at the expression on the red-heads face.

He saw her shaking her head, and mumbling thing inaudible to his ears. On the floor were the scattered remains of glass bowls, and soup covered the floor. Before he could take a step towards her, she had turned and fled. Masquerade once again growled in frustration, but also anger. He grabbed the man's collar.

"If anything happens to her, and I mean anything, I can't guarantee your threats will even stop me." with that Masquerade held his transporter card to his face and vanished in a ray of lights.

Alice had reached the outskirts of the garden surrounding her home, and fell to her knees in a bed of roses. Roses were her favorite flowers. Cheerful, beautiful, painful, but delicate, perfect, and strong. Now not even their essence could cure her. In all honesty, the entirety of the situation hadn't fully donned on her yet. She knew she was shocked to see that man. She was even more shocked to see him there as well. She hadn't heard what they were talking about, but she knew they were acquainted. It was the way the room felt around them.

The tears didn't stop their flow, and her low sobs continued to ring despite her protests. Her hand protected her mouth, muffling the sound her sobs made. Why did all of this upset her so much? Was it because of how much both people confused her? Did she blame Masquerade for what happened to her grandfather? What was happening to her? And why didn't he tell her he knew her grandfather?

Masquerade paused at the edge of the garden. In all truth, he had never been anywhere around Hal-G's lab, not the outside at least. He had given specific instructions to only come within the lab, no where else in its range. Now he understood why. Alice, she was Doctor Michael's granddaughter. The girl he'd heard about from Hal-G. And Hal-G was who Alice had told him about days ago.

He spotted her. She was sitting with her knees in a pile of roses. He could hear her, barely, but he could hear her cries. Her eyes were hidden from him by her long hair, which had long fallen out of it's braids. He sighed. What could he do? There wasn't much. Not without getting Dustin harmed in the process.

Follow the plan best I can... He watched her wipe her eyes, attempting, though obviously failing, at stopping her tears. Without harming her.

"Alice." his voice was in her ear. She felt his breath against her skin, and a gasp escaped her grasp. Her eyes turned to look out the corners and saw him.

He was sitting crossed legged beside her, his hands in his lap, leaning forward. A smile, not a smirk, covered his lips and he leaned closer.

"Don't be mad." he whispered.

She turned her body to him rapidly as he leaned back. Her breaths were deep, quick, and heavy. He could hear them, and see her body shaking with every one. He closed his eyes for a moment to collect himself.

"What the hell Masquerade?" was all she could manage, and it was the weakest reply he'd ever received from her.

"I didn't know until just now either. Don't take your anger out on me." his voice was soft.

"What anger?" she asked through her breaths.

"You sound rather angry."

"I'm not." she cried.

"Then what's wrong Miss Alice?" he asked her, sincerely puzzled.

"I don't know. I'm burning but it's not because I'm mad. I-I don't understand it myself. It hurts but it's not directed at anyone." she said lowly, almost to herself.

"Are you sure?"

"What do you mean?"

"Is it directed at yourself." he asked.

"Why would-"

"Simple. Your upset you never noticed or sensed that I had contacts with your grandfather."

"Why would that burn?"

"That is also simple. Of all the people for your grandfather to be associated with, it was me. And that makes you crazy."

"I repeat why?" she asked.

"Because. You're drawn to me like a moth to a flame. And seeing someone that tears you up with your grandfather." he shook his head. "You're a ticking time bomb."

They sat in silence, nothing to be said. Masquerade had said it all. He was right. He was exactly right. That burned Alice even more.

With everything boiling up in her, she clenched her fist and slammed them on the ground. At the same time a blood curling scream encased their surroundings.

Masquerade looked at her in pure shock. She was a ticking time bomb all right, and the timer just hit zero.

Alice took in more heavy breaths, feeling her tears hot on her red face. Her throat was aching and her eyes felt puffy.

"Alice." she looked up at his voice.

"I would like to make a proposition." and with that, his mind was made up.

Taa-daa! Finally, after, what, two months of waiting, chapter four has made its appearance. Hallelujah!

Alright, not many questions.

1) What'd ya think? A little short I know but, was it good?

2) The journal, are you confused about its contents? Who does it belong to?

3)Tell me your favorite part if you have one.

There might be a few spelling errors. I apologize. Creativeness and description words are my thing, spelling is just so easy to miss.

Please, if you read, review. It will help me get the chapters out quicker.

Masquerade: Are you trying to make me hate Hal-G? And what's gonna happen to Dustin?

Me: You'll see. And if the readers want to see, they have to review.

Dustin: Hey, review readers, I kinda want to know what she plans to do to me.

Me: Don't worry Dustin.

Dustin: *shivers* That only makes me worry more!

Me: *Evil Laugh* Come on review!