Hello everyone. I'm back and so is the story. Sorry about the hiatus. I know it's been a couple months, but I thank you for being patient. Hope you enjoy the chapter.

The sun just rose, and it became morning for Heartland City. However, in a dark alley, multiple unconscious bodies are found. "No one has any idea how these people ended up unconscious.", said the news reporter as Shark and Rio are watching the news at Shark's house, "The bodies are being transported to a nearby hospital." Then Shark turned off the TV. Then, Astral comes and says, "What or who do you think is behind this?"

Shark replied with a serious expression, "I think we both know who it is." Astral replies, "Yes, I believe you are right. Listen Shak, we must be careful. I have a feeling that person has some sort of plan for Rio still in store. We must stay vigilant." Shark says, "You think I don't know that? It's fine. I think I might know who can help us." Then, Rio entered the room and said, "Breakfast is ready.", as she showed Shark a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon. Shark smiled at the thought of having breakfast with his sister and said, "Thanks, Rio." "No problem. It's the least I could do. So, can you tell me exactly what's going on and how I lost my memories?"

Shark and his sister ate breakfast discussing the how Rio and Shark grew up together to them being Barians to them becoming human to meeting the stranger. Rio looked back and said, "I see. And this mysterious duelist wants revenge on both the worlds and he's trying to make you one to further his plan?" Shark looked at Rio and said, "You're taking this quite well." Rio replied, "Well, don't get me wrong, it's a lot to wrap my head around but I'm sure once I get my memories I'll be fine." As they finished breakfast, shark stood up and said,

"Alright, we need to hit the road now. There are some friends I want to introduce you to." Rio looked and said, "Are you sure it's safe?" Shark smiled at Rio and said, "Trust me. I won't let anything hurt you."

Meanwhile, Number 96 is flying around the city looking for his host. "I can't find any worthy hosts. You'd think with how twisted humanity is, I'd find someone eventually." Then, he saw Shark and Rio exit the house as they started walking. "Well well, where are they going?" Then, he started following them. Rio asked, "So these friends of yours, "What are they like?" Shark replied, "If they haven't been targeted you'll find out." Number 96 followed Shark, Rio and Astral to Dr. Faker's lab, where they encountered Kite, Vetrix, and his three sons, Quinton, Quattro, and Trey.

Shark says, "Long time no see." Kite replies, "Likewise." "I'll cut to the chase. I need your help." Vetrix says, "Yes, we're very well aware." Shark had a surprised look on his face and said, "You are?" Then, Rio stepped in and said, "Are these the friends you told me about?" Quattro with a sad look on his face said, "This a joke?" Quinton replied, "I'm afraid not, Quattro. It seems she's lost her memories." "It seems she's infected with some kind of dark power", Trey added." Shark said, "How do you all know this?" "We detected an immense power, which would be your little friend that took Yuma and have been monitoring it ever since." Shark smiled and said, "On top if things like always huh?" Then, an ominous voice said out of nowhere, "Indeed."

Then, Number 96 appeared. Astral looked in shock, "Number 96?" "Hello, Astral. Long time no see." "Why are you here?", said Shark. "I'm looking for a new host to make me stronger just like Astral did for you. And I think I found just the one.", he said as he looked at Vetrix. "Hello there. I've heard what you can do. I think I'll take you as my host." Then, Number 96 flew towards Vetrix, however, Vetrix protected himself with the power of the crest. Vetrix said, "Sorry but you'll have to do a lot better than that to get to me. Then, he pushed back Number 96.

Number 96 looked angry and then said, "Then I guess I'll have to take it by force. But I won't do it alone." Then, he went to possess Kite. Kite tried to fight 96's control but he wasn't strong enough, so he said, "Vetrix take this.", he said as he threw a card to Vetrix. Vetrix looked at it and said, "This is the card you've been working on. Kite said, "Use it.", and then Kite gave am ominous and evil smile. "I quite like this body. I'll use it to take you. Vetrix said, "I don't think so", as he activated his Duel Disk. Number 96 activated his and both said, "Let's duel!"