Astral sat as his desk laying out all the Number Cards. "Hello everyone."

There was no change in the cards but Astral could feel them responding. It was rather unbelievable that these used to contain his memories and the truth behind the Astral-Barian conflict. Now that the war was over there was no reason for the Numbers to keep existing but they chose nonetheless to stay. Except one.

Astral looked to the spot where Number 96 Black Mist would have been. Ever since the war was over the card had vanished. At first Astral panicked that he might be loose until Vector of all people told him why.

"He wasn't part of you. He was actually part of Don Thousand that got stuck in you after your first battle. Don Thousand reabsorbed him so when he went, so did Black Mist."

Vector explanation did make sense and in hindsight, Astral was glad that was the truth. Knowing what Black Mist was made everything that he said false and brought great relief to him. Collecting the cards, Astral slipped them into his deck box and took off for a walk. Yuma was off with his friends so Astral took some time to enjoy the outdoor weather. It was a fine spring day too with a genital breeze. A faint hum from the Number Cards indicated that they enjoyed it as well.

Some grass rustling caught Astral's attention. He could of sworn that he saw something moving between the trees but after staring at the spot for a good while yielded no results and it wasn't really the best idea to leave the path to investigate. Shrugging, Astral turned to continue his walk when another sound caught his attention.

Astral…

He froze, that voice was familiar and it had been over a year since he last heard it. He didn't bother turning around to confirm who it was, he just took off running.

GET BACK HERE ASTRAL!

It couldn't be…..Black Mist is supposed to be dead. Astral followed through with a gut feeling to jump to the left spotting a black tentacle crashing into the spot where he used to be. This time Astral managed to pay a small glance behind him to see his pursuer. It was defiantly Black Mist but he was worse for wear. He no longer looked like a winged demon now once again mimicking Astral's former spectral form but it was clearly unstable as if he was melting. The look on his face was a mixture of anger and bloodlust. Like a predator spotting his prey.

Where doing you think you're going? Black Mist chuckled as he sent another tentacle Astral's way missing him by inches. He was now breathing hard, he was not used to strenuous activity and now he was running for his life. Fumbling into his pocket, Astral pulled out his D-Gazer and dialed up Yuma.

"Yuma! I need help!"

Astral? What's going on?

"It's Black Mist! He's back!"

Black Mist!? Astral where- A tentacle smacked the device from his hand.

No help for you…

There was no chance at getting the device again, Astral dove into the trees in hopes that he could lose Black Mist or at least prevent the tentacles from reaching him. Taking shelter behind a tree, Astral tried to suppress his breathing trying not to make a sound. He strained his ears trying to listen to any clue to hint at Black Mist's location. There was only the wind rustling the grass and leaves.

Where did he go? Is he toying with me? Astral started to panic again. Quietly as he could, he reached down to his deck box. Maybe he could gather enough energy to summon a Number to fight the dark copy off.

Found you!

Something cold grabbed Astral's ankle yanking him downward and started dragging him off. Astral tried to grab onto anything, grass, roots, the occasional rock, anything to stop this. Black Mist's cackles got louder the more and more Astral tried to resist. Another tentacle grabbed Astral's other leg flipping him over allowing him to make eye contact with Black Mist.

Black Mist frowned as he looked Astral over. Strange…..I thought I killed you…yet here you are. A human on top of that as well.

Astral just glared at the dark spirit. He inched his hand close to his deck box trying not to attract attention. Black Mist looked weak so just one attack should get rid of him.

Another tentacle shot out grabbing Astral's arm twisting it painfully behind his back causing him to cry out in pain.

Oooooh…..looks like your new body isn't as durable as your old one….Black Mist grinned psychotically. This will be fun.

Astral could feel the tentacles wrap around him further binding his other arm and pin his legs together. The black substance felt colder than he remembered, especially when it passed over his skin. He shivered involuntary at their touch which seemed to please Black Mist.

What's wrong Astral? Can't call on others for help? Black Mist raised Astral off the ground as he continued to restrain him. I finally got you alone and I'm going to enjoy every moment of it. He purred as he drew a claw down Astral's cheek.

Astral tried not to show any fear. Surely Yuma would be able to track his still on D-Gazer. He felt the other Number rallying up wanting to be summoned. If he could only reach the cards.

"Astral! Astral where are you?!"

"Yuma! Be careful! Black Mist is-HUMPH!" A tentacle slid around Astral's mouth silencing his cries.

Shut up you. Black Mist snarled. I'm not going to let him interfere. Human or not I plan on killing you for real and taking your power as my own. He turned his attention to the surrounding area trying to spot Yuma. Where is he?

"Right here!" Yuma appeared seemingly out of nowhere tackling the dark spirit to the ground. Astral couldn't believe it. Yuma was extremely brave and crazy for attacking a deadly enemy straight on.

Get off me you stupid boy! Black Mist shoved Yuma off but it didn't deter him. Yuma just got up and tackled Black Mist again. "Let go of my brother!"

Brother? Black Mist was surprised, How sickening….it was bad enough that you two worked together but brothers! He let out a laugh, That's just pathetic. A tentacle knocked Yuma back into a tree and pinned him there. I'll just crush you right here in now! The tendril began tightening around Yuma's body as Astral screamed from under his gag. Yuma on the other hand, laughed.

What's so funny?

Yuma stopped laughing and grinned, "You are really easy to trick."

What are you implying-GAH! Something struck Black Mist from behind. Standing over the spirit, was Number 65 Djinn Buster.

"Got you!"

Black Mist turned around, YOU!

"Surprised to see me again?" Vector chuckled as he looked at the D-Pad on his arm, "Even after losing my powers these babies still have enough juice in them to deal some good damage. Now how about you let my friends go?"

You think I will just release them? Black Mist tried to look intimidating but the attack was taking its toll. His form was melting and the bonds holding his two captives were loosening allowing Yuma to wiggle free and the gag slipped away from Astral's mouth.

"I think you will." Vector waved his hand as Djinn Buster swung its sword again cutting the tendrils holding Astral causing him to fall to the ground letting out a grunt.

"Are you okay nii-san?" Yuma ran over pulling the last of the restraints off of his brother.

"I-I'm alright….just a little shaken….how did you find me?"

"The Numbers told us! Djinn Buster suddenly appeared in my deck glowing so we used it to track you down." Yuma said looking over to where Vector was having his fun, "And Vector wanted a chance to get back at Black Mist for something so he volunteered to use the card."

"Did he put you up to distracting him?"

"Nope, totally my idea!" Yuma beamed.

"Of course it was…" Astral shook his head.

Due to Djinn Buster's repeated attacks, Black Mist was looking no better than a puddle of goo. "He's not staying dead isn't he..." Vector asked in annoyance.

I….cannot…..be killed…..Black Mist's voice seemed to bubble from the puddle. I'll…..get you…..ASTRAL! The liquid shot forward like a steam of water straight for Astral but Yuma leapt in front of him his Key glistening as it projected a barrier stopping the attack. The goop plopped to the ground and slithered off fast like a snake in the grass.

"Awww….he ran off." Vector pouted.

"And good riddance for that!" Yuma shouted, "Thinks he can go after Astra like that…."

"I'm more worried about how he came back….and that he's still out there." Astral pointed out.

"Who cares…..I can take him." Vector said rather nonchalantly.

"Yuma….Vector….thank you…" It was hard for Astral to show gratitude towards the former Barian, considering what he had done in the past, but he managed it nonetheless.

"Don't mention it…..I needed to vent and he was the perfect target….mind if I keep the Number just in case I see him again?"

"Only for use against Black Mist." Astral warned.

"No promises!~" Vector sing-songed.

"Let it go Astral….how about we get you home and get you cleaned up before Mom sees you and freaks." Yuma proposed.

"That is a wise plan…..I hate to see Mom's wrath directed at anyone."