Okay, it's been a while since there have been any author notes so I felt the need to input on this chapter. I've really enjoyed writing this chapter and I hope all of you enjoy reading it.

Thanks to all of those that reviewed, too.

The Big Reveal is here…

Chapter 10

My head spun. This was too much to absorb at once. The mamodo had returned, and they were apparently the same ones from last time. Zofis had manipulated Kory's heart and was now controlling him. What happened to Zofis's last book holder, Koko? Why did Zofis desire his revenge here when he could have dealt with Zatch in the mamodo world?

"You and Zatch will pay, Kiyo. I had the crown locked up until you and you meddling friends interfered."

I cleared some of the less important thoughts away before answering, "What will you achieve with revenge?"

"I will gain nothing, but I wish to see you in pain. I'll destroy you with your precious mamodo and girlfriend at your side."

"What are you talking about? Zatch isn't here," I replied through clenched teeth.

"And I say he is. For someone who has a reputation of being a genius, it's taking you a while to figure it out."

The similarities were there, and I hadn't noticed: the kindness, the hair, and the way he ran. All this compelled me to ask, "Zack, who are you really?"

Gazing intently at me, he said, "I missed you, Kiyo." Then Zack or actually, Zatch took off his hideous mask. I studied him, half-expecting to find the same old Zatch, but he changed as well. He wasn't a puny little kid anymore; now, Zatch was older and with that came a growth spurt. He still had that childish look in his golden eyes and his hair was the same, but he gave off an air of royalty or something close to that.

The words caught in my throat—Zatch noticed and ran over to hug me. I returned it and he handed me his book. The red book, the one I'd protected with my life was now in my hands again. I looked to Monique, seeing through her masquerade.

She sang well, like Megumi. "Kiyo," she began, while removing her own sparkling mask. "And Zatch, haven't seen you in a while."

"It's good to see you again, Megumi." I said, fully assessing her beauty. I felt my cheeks flush just by looking at her.

"Wow, Megumi. You sure are pretty." Zatch commented. A conversation would have been nice, but now was not the time. One by one the others revealed themselves and I was hardly surprised. After all I'd seen today, I really didn't doubt anything was possible. Telleo—Zatch's partner—was Tia and she was ecstatic to see Megumi again. Oh and me, by the way.

Lacy revealed herself to be Lori, a sweet mamodo girl's book holder. Sunbeam had been disguised as Sean and I high-fived him when he removed his mask. Peter Forotini was none other than Parco Folgore, the Italian superstar. Leah bowed in front of me as did William in front of Zatch. "My King, I'll lay my life on the line for you and your partner, Kiyo." Wonrei promised; Li-en nodded courageously. Andrew became Apollo, and he gestured toward Sherry, previously known as Sarah. For a second, her eyes seemed kinder than usual, but then the natural hardness returned.

I grinned at everyone, not hiding my enthusiasm. Zofis snickered darkly behind us. "What a quaint reunion." Instantly, my expression changed into one of angry discontent. That's right; there was still the matter of Zofis threatening to kill us all. "Ah, but only three of you have your mamodo. What of the other five? Oh, that's right. They're right here."

Zofis snapped his fingers and the curtains drew back. Locked up inside a large cage stood the missing mamodo: Kanchome, Rops, Brago, Ponygon, and Kolulu. They were unconscious and older, too. Another snap and the floor ahead of us divided. Out of the darkness rose another cage, but this time fancily dressed people were in it. "The partygoers," I thought; they were Zofis's hostages and we were the ransom.

Being a bad guy, Zofis liked talking about his plan and how we ruined his life. This gave me time to create an idea. Option one: we run like crazy out of the castle and hope to escape. Then maybe we can catch a taxi to London. Option two: we pretend to be defeated and then one Zofis is distracted we hit him from behind. Then run.

Then I thought of something else: the prisoners. Shoot. I had forgotten about them. Okay, option three: we fight Zofis and release the other mamodo. With everyone out, we can evacuate the captives and finish Zofis off. Yeah, I liked this plan better. "Everyone, we've got to get them out," I whispered.

I motioned for them to come and we huddled together as I told them my brilliant idea. "Alright, Kiyo! I knew you'd want to save them," Zatch commended.

"And what are the rest of us supposed to do while you guys play hero?" Sherry asked, staring hard at me.

"You guys just have to lay low until we manage to free Brago and the rest." I told her.

"Don't worry, Kiyo. We'll try to get to them and from there it's up to one of you to blast them out," Apollo assured. Wonrei and Li-en volunteered to do the blasting.

I nodded, before inspecting my troops. Megumi and Tia looked pumped and ready, as did Li-en and her partner. Suddenly, Zofis launched an attack in between the two parties. Wonrei ran ahead, leading them toward the caged mamodo. I glanced at Megumi to see if she was hurt. Zatch had pushed her out of the way, and Tia was next to me. "Are you alright, Kiyo?" she asked, heading to her book holder.

"I'm fine, but what about Megumi?" I responded, following.

"Zatch!" she shouted. He looked up, slightly dazed, but quickly recovered with a, "I'm okay, Tia, and so is Megumi." Said girl picked up her book and thanked Zatch, before addressing her mamodo.

"Well, Tia, are you ready for a battle?"

"I sure am." Zofis attacked again with something quicker and stronger. "Megumi, now!"

Her book glowed and her confidence was conspicuous. "Seoshi!" The familiar clear dome enveloped us, and we were protected from the assault. I grinned at my date; she winked at me. The blush came back, and I tried to focus on the battle. A ray exploded somewhere in the background. The dome flickered, then disappeared.

I pointed two fingers at Zofis and opened the red book. "Zaker!" Zatch faced the appointed direction and lightning shot out of his mouth. The speed at which he attacked was amazing and way faster than before. He beamed excitedly at me when I mentioned it.

"I've been training and so has Tia," he replied. "Did you notice how her Seoshi didn't break like it did when she blocked strong attacks?" Tia heard this and immediately gave Zatch a good strangling.

"Looks like Tia still didn't learned how to control her anger," Megumi pointed out. I nodded, but looked away before she could see the blush on my face. Zofis, however, took the opportunity to attack. The spark was too close to dodge and I didn't have enough time to use Rashield. Closer it came—we're not going to make—

Seconds later we were still alive. In front of us was a large blue ball of…something. More surprising still was that Brago was the one using it! He'd really disliked Zatch and me, but now he'd saved us. "Thank—"

"You do not need to thank us. It was merely to protect the King," Brago responded tartly before I could finish. "But it is good to see an old rival again," he added.

"Rops go, my friend!" Apollo called as his mamodo released a barrage of boulders. Zofis easily evaded almost all of them, except one. It struck him on the shoulder, but he gave no signs of feeling pain.

"Wonrei, Go Boren!" Another direct hit! We were on a roll. Now it was Folgore's turn.

"Kanchome, distract that bad person! Dikaporuk!" This is when Sunbeam cast one of Ponygon's more powerful spells. Bull's-eye! The bad news was that Zofis laughed. It was like hearing someone scratching their nails across a chalkboard—yeah, it was that bad. And also, it's never good when the bad guy laughs. It usually means something worse is about to happen.

Cliffhanger…sorry about that. I'm kind of stuck now. But no need to fear, new material will appear soon. Anyway, please continue to review. It really encourages me!