Hello and greetings everyone! I'm so sorry this has taken so long to get uploaded. I have not been well these past few weeks, and the stress is tremendous. But as it is now August, It is so hard to believe that it is nearly over already and I have to say, this year has been very strange and interesting. With some parts of the US with near draught, the wildfire going on in Cali, snow now popping up in the North…I don't know what to say. And they say that there is no such thing as having snow in the summer.

Heh, yeah right…

But — I'm glad you all are here. As I have said before in the last chapter, this is the final chapter of this arc. However, the Alesia's story is not finished! You will see what I mean at the end of this chapter. So without further delay, let's get this chapter started!

Be prepared, for this is a long chapter!

Disclaimers:

"Okay look, STOP! Hold the phone! I want to do it this time!" It was Flip who just showed up at of no where. "Um…." I said feeling very creeped out about this. "Ah, Flip? Why are you here?" He just smirked at me. "Oh you don't need to worry about that! I just want to say the disclaimer. In fact I had it all thought up in my head!" I raised a brow. "Oh really? Then shoot." I just shrugged.

P.S: I just want to get this disclaimer down and over with so that we can just get to the freaking chapter! How about you!?

Flip clears his throat. "Now…Sapphire100 does not own Yu-Gi-Oh! or Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL. Not even the other things in the franchise, and heck! Not even me, or Yuma, or Astral, Tori, even Bronk…Uh. Who else did I forget?" He asked me. "Just get to the point Flip…" I said begrudgingly. "Oh yeah, okay, okay, OKAY!" I slapped my head. Where did they get these people, I have no idea. Just kill me. "But since I have no choice but to get to the point — She doesn't own any of the main characters, supporting characters, or the antagonist for the matter. But, she does own Alesia, Jenny and their family. Sadly…that and some cards, a few places I have never heard of…OH! And don't forget that the plot belongs entirely to their original owners. But the plot twist is out of the question. In fact, even Kite can't figure it out!" Flip laughed feeling very proud of his.

"Remind me to send a letter of apology to Kite later, if I can even contact him…Owww! Thanks a lot Flip! This is all your fault!" I yelled.

WARNING:

*** The story is about to get darker from this point forward. If you can't handle it, try skipping these few upcoming chapters. Of course, you will miss out on very important info. 0.o

You have OFFICIALLY been far warned!

LAST TIME ON 'ACCESS THE DIMENSIONS'!:

Alesia has just woken up from an exhausting nap after her and Jenny's ordeal of the WDC Finals. Believing that she would be best to receive her answers from Hart, Yuma learns that his deck and duel disk has been missing this whole entire time. Trying to avoid being caught by Faker, and knowing there was no other way to break into Heartland Tower. She uses her ability to teleport into Hart's room. However he time with grieving over the sickly boy was short lived, when Yuma and Astral discovers that Alesia was indeed going to see Hart as well.

However; Hart drags both Yuma, Alesia and Astral within the depth's of his mind. And finally confesses to Alesia that her presence in the ZEXAL World was no accident. But Vetrix got to her first under the disguise as Hart himself. After his failure to bring her to his world himself, he reveals that he does not have the means to return Alesia and Jenny back to the real world. Then after forcefully being brought back to the outside world. Dr. Faker finally appears and mocks the young duelist over his plans. But despite the situation, Alesia was not going to give up hope.

The Semi-Finals for the WDC finally begins with Shark and Yuma stepping up to the platform. Yet the girls know's there is something wrong with their friend Shark. And as the duel between the two young duelist begins, Shark isn't doing so well. But is it all an act?

Chapter 36: Objective & Motivation S01-36

Things just wasn't looking good for Yuma. I could feel it, even from the stands. Shark suddenly got back, as if resolve was in his eyes. Then I suddenly noticed that Vetrix's crest was on his right hand, and he flashed it towards Yuma. I widened my eyes knowing what's going to happen next.

"Alesia, what's happening?" Jenny asked looking at Shark behaving strangely. "It's Vetrix! He's manipulating Shark's memories!" I told her. She looked at me concerned with the situation. "His memories? Why would he want to do that?" I can't believe this, she said she saw the show all the way up to the tournament right? "Remember when I said that Shark has a twin sister named Rio?" She frowned. "Yeah, and she's still stuck in the hospital right?" I nodded to her. "Right. Vetrix had ordered Quattro to duel her and use a specific card called 'Flaming Hell's Blessing'. The effects of the card was so powerful, that it caused the buildings around them where they dueled to catch on fire…"

Jenny gasped hearing the story, and pretty much had an idea afterwards. "So you're saying…Quattro really did hurt Rio?" I nodded again. "Yes, but if it wasn't for Quattro saving her at the last minute, both of them would have been dead. And that's how he got that scar too…" I turned to look back at the Duel, and Yuma wasn't doing well this time.

Normal POV

Yuma was looking at Shark even after his opponent summoned his ace monster on the field. "Shark…what are you talking about?!" Shark smirked and looked towards the crowds, and he she's the shock in Alesia's eyes. He notices Jenny as well, and sees them talking. He then looks back to Yuma, but is not looking smirking. "You have no idea what kind of power Alesia has Yuma. You realize that if nothing is done, she can end up destroying this world including hers. I won't let anyone take her away from me! And that includes you!" He pointed to Yuma's face.

"I have a very bad feeling about this Yuma…" Astral dreaded.

My POV

My eyes widened in shock at what Shark even revealed just now. I can't believe this, Shark still isn't over me? "Its that Number…" I hear Jenny speak out loud to me. "Shark Drake must be influencing Shark to be completely obsess with you, because it's one of the most powerful drives he's got besides his sister. Revenge is one thing, but obsession over you is another…" She spoke seriously. I'm glad she's not taking it out of me though.

Jenny sighed feeling very impatient with the whole thing and didn't know what to do. "This is insane! How are we going to do something if we can't even do anything?!" Jenny complained. "Jen, you think I want to sit here and do nothing? It wouldn't have made a difference if either or us won in the first place." I said secretly feeling how she was. Jenny raised her eye brow. "Oh, and how do you figure?"

I just gave her a look. "How do you THINK Jenny? There isn't anything that we can do, no matter how much I want to go and help Yuma and Shark. The point is, what more can we do, if were not even dueling. Therefore, all we can do is be watchful of what is happening around us, and that includes this duel. Even if that means silently watching it all play out. I hate it. But I can't do anything. If I reveal my powers, it would cause a problem and unwanted attention. It's bad enough bystanders have no idea what Numbers are except for those who have them or were involved with them."

Shark was surrounded by the dark aura of his Number, and Yuma once again took another blow from Shark. He was now down to 900 life points. I tried so hard to remain calm. Having to witness this duel is bad enough, but I know that he will pull through in the end. I hope…

Yuma survived Shark's last attack by using Gogogo Ghost's special ability to bring Gogogo Golem from the graveyard, but in return Gogogo Ghost must be switched to defense mode and Yuma takes no damage! Throughout this whole duel Yuma has been trying to convince Shark that they are still friends, and this wanted to make me smile. It was true. I was thinking about all the times since I met Shark. He was always somebody I figured was just crazy and has serious problems. But that was before I ended up here in the ZEXAL World. Now that really has changed. He's really kind and sweet once you get to know him. Can be really friendly, and is a loyal guy. I mean come on! Look at all the things he's done for Yuma…and will do in the future!

I hear Jenny gasped and this caught my attention. "Now Shark is the one down to 900 life points!" I looked really quickly to the duel. It was no doubt that this was going to end soon…

Shark wouldn't listen to reason no matter what Yuma said, and continued to put the blame on Yuma for hurting Rio. The crowd was very excited with the duel so far, but went to shock as Shark finally brought out his Chaos Number 32: Shark Drake Veiss! "This can't be happening…" Jenny dreaded. "It is happening…" I muttered.

Suddenly I felt the whole stadium shake with tremendous power. And the audience was confused about this as well, until it got even more violent before people began screaming. "What's going on here?!" I can hear Flip from all the way from the top a few seats up. But then the earthquake stopped again. Jenny was gasping for air. And you can see that the boys were still dueling, as if nothing was happening to them on the platform. Which was really strange, because you would think that the shake was enough to throw them off the duel for a while.

"Whoa! Okay folks! It looks like that miniature earthquake we had was indeed quite a ride…BUT it looks like it didn't stop these duelist from duking it out! Just look at these two go!" Heartland spoke with enthusiasm. I suddenly felt the need to get up and get out of the stadium without saying anything. Jenny got up as well, not knowing how to explain all of this. I kept saying 'sorry' and 'excuse me' to a lot of people, despite them wanting to see the duel. When I finally got to the stairs, I was running up to the exit so that I can investigate the problem.

"Alesia wait!" I hear Jenny speak up after I just now realized that she was behind me. She was catching her breath and then came over to talk to me. "What is going on Less? You don't usually just walk out like that. And Shark and Yuma are still having their duel!" I sighed and looked to Jenny with a sorrowful face. "There is nothing I can do even if I wanted to Jenny. That earthquake never happened in the show, and it is a sign of something that is bound to happen, if I don't try to figure it out."

"But why do you have to do everything by yourself!" Jenny protested. "I don't want you to get hurt again Jenny!" I yelled back at her. She pulled away in shock. "Jenny, you don't have the power of Eternia anymore. If things get really bad, how are you going to protect yourself? You're monsters? Because there's only but so much they can do, especially outside of the Augmented Reality." I tried to explain to her. But all she did was shake her head. "I don't know…I don't know what to do or say anymore Alesia. But you know that I would have done whatever I can to help you. But right now, what are we going to do about Shark and Yuma?"

I looked back towards the entrance of where we came from. "I don't know either…" Jenny gave me a look and then walked back to the duel. "Jenny…?" She stopped and then looked back at me. "Well if that's how you really feel, then I won't stop you from whatever you want to do." I widened my eyes. "That's not it…I just want to investigate a bit, before I return back."

"The winner for the first round of the Semi-finals is…YUMA TSUKUMO!" Heartlands voice has gotten the crowd to cheer loudly as everything just suddenly dawned on us that the duel was finally over. "Yuma won?!" Jenny asked in surprise. "Well he is the main character!" I said with a chuckle, remembering everything that had happened when I confessed to them that I came from a different world, and how this place was fictional.

A helicopter suddenly came out of the stadium and was heading towards Heartland hospital. Jenny was a bit concerned. So I looked over to her and sighed, knowing what she could be thinking. "Jenny, go…" I told her. She looked at me very confused. "You want to see Shark right? He's on that helicopter and their taking him the to hospital now." I explained. Jenny's face became a bit pink and then looked to the ground. "I don't think that would be a good idea."

"Why not?" I asked her. "BECAUSE! He would rather for you to be there instead of me. If I go, the first thing he would ask is where you are. And I…" She paused, and seemed like she was going through a mental battle with herself. I frowned, knowing exactly what was happening. I knew how she felt. The feeling where you have feelings for somebody but they don't pay attention to you, or reject you. But the reality is that they have feelings for somebody else, and it isn't you. You begin to feel betrayed. Its all about that other person…they eventually become obsessed if they don't have a good reason as to why they feel the way they do.

I don't know what to tell her. I'm thinking her feelings for him would go away, but its like no matter what I say or do to help her get over him. It never works…

"Well what is it that you would like to do Jenny?" I asked her, hoping to get some clarity from her perspective. "I…" Once again she froze. "Jen, I think what you really need to do, is figure out how much Shark really means to you. Because it's like, you have a crush on him, and it looks pretty serious. But yet you don't seem to put your foot down when he's looking at me, or talk about me right in front of your face. And to be honest, I myself is getting tired of that too."

Jenny was surprised when I said that. The fireworks had finally arrived for the celebration and Heartland began to introduce the next competitors for the 2nd round of the Semi-Finals. Jenny and I rushed back to see what was going on, and I can see Kite is about to take his place on the duel tower. "Its happening now?! Whatever happened to a 30 minute break or something?!" I said feeling like I'm really missing out on this duel.

"Maybe you should get back down there and watch this duel?" Jenny suggested. I nodded. But still felt concerned for Jenny. "Don't worry. I'll be fine. And your right. I do need to stop allowing Shark to get the better of me. If I'm going to continue to pursue him, I need to do better than this." Jenny said with determination. "Glad you finally said something." I smiled at her and made my way back to our seats. I knew that I should be checking out the city. But this duel is extremely important, as with the next ones are…

Once I made it back to my seat, I already saw that someone else has already taken them. I sighed having a feeling that something like that was going to happen. "Hey, Alesia!" I nearly jumped at the sound of somebody calling me, and turned to look at the direction of the said person. And found the whole gang waving at me to get my attention. "We told two people to exchange seats, so you can sit with us!" Caswell said to me as the others nodded. I smiled to them and made my way over to where they were sitting.

The duel was already about to start. And the heated tension between Kite and Vetrix was very clear on the tower. As Orbital helped Yuma get on the raising platform, Heartland began to give his commentaries. Honestly I can't wait until he's gone.

Cathy noticed that Jenny wasn't nearby. "Hey, whatever happened to Jenny?" She asked. "I told her that she should go see Shark." I admitted. But this caused the whole gang to be surprised by my actions. They were fully aware what was the deal between the so-called love triangle going on between us. "What?! But why? Isn't Shark in love with you?" Tori asked concerned about this whole picture. "Look, I know what you're thinking. But Jenny has feelings for Shark, and I'm not going to deprive from her getting closure from this ordeal. And besides Tori, you know that I don't feel the same for him."

"I still can't believe Shark of all people would be in love with you, Alesia." Flip said out loud. But Cathy hissed at him, and this made him shudder up to himself away from her. "In the end, what can you do. So you rejected him I presume?" Caswell wondered. But Tori nodded and answered for me. "Yeah, she did. And he still believes that he can change her mind." Bronk widened his eyes. "You mean that Shark is completely obsessed with her?! Man that guy doesn't give up." He pointed out. But Caswell had other opinions. "Either way, you have to admire his devotion to one girl."

"Its just one problem, you forgot Jenny has feelings for him, not Alesia for Shark." Tori said feeling unnerved by him. But Caswell froze and he was completely whited out! "Yeah man, didn't you hear what the girls said before?" Bronk chastised.

Normal POV

Orbital just nearly slipped out that Kite was in critical danger from his Photon Transformation, but Vetrix began laughing. "What are you laughing about?" Kite seethed feeling very upset about Vetrix's obscure behavior. "Oh nothing! I just find it funny that my nemesis is trying to spy on me. And that little Alesia is watching this duel too…" He chuckled again, before Kite didn't notice about this before. He looked around the stands and indeed, saw he brown haired girl and Real Worlder, standing out in the crowd with Yuma's friends. He was surprised that she was watching the duel until he made sense.

Of course she would be here. It's only natural. After all, she feels it's her responsibility to make sure nothing out of the ordinary would happen in this duel…Surprised that she didn't go running off to be with that other loser.

His thoughts made him feel very confused. Wait a minute, since when have I been jealous over that kid?! I already said this before, I don't care what she does. All that matters that I defeat Vetrix at all cost! After what he did to Hart, and put Alesia through, I will defeat him!

My POV

The duel started with Kite going first and he summoned out his 'Photon Crusher' onto the field. Then when it was successful, he used his spell card 'Photon Spear' from his hand, to equip it to 'Photon Crusher'. Since it's a card that allows his 'Photon' monster to count as two instead of one, he meets all the conditions for him to summon out his ace monster: Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon.

The crowd cheered with enjoyment as they have never seen such a powerful monster before. I can't blame them. After all, known of these people know what the heck is really going to go down for now on. And that was the very sad thing.

However something was really wrong with Kite. He was down on one knee, as if he was having a hard time breathing. Oh no, his Photon Transformation is taking a huge toll on his body. All the while Vetrix is playing games with him. Mind-games to be exact. But he placed a card facedown and ended the turn. Giving the next turn to Vetrix. He summoned Heraldic Beast Basilisk and used a spell card called Heraldic Blast to equip it onto Galaxy-Eyes. It really confused everybody, but I already know what thats about.

Usually, whenever person uses an Equip spell card on an opponents monster, it's usually isn't good. So unless you're a complete newbie or is less experienced in the game, it's really common sense that tells you that. But as surprising as it was, Kite isn't stupid. All he has to do is remove both monsters from the field using Galaxy-Eyes special ability, and it will remove the Equip spell from his monster. I had to learn that the hard way every time I tried using Fiendish Chain on him. So after learning my lessons and experience from those duels, and I think its pretty safe to say that I still have a long way to go, before I become a better duelist. I don't know how I will stack up in the Real World, though. In fact from what I know, there are even more better duelist than me. Sadly I think they can out beat all duelist in this world if they were to come here.

Vetrix ended his turn after placing a card facedown. And then have the nerve to compare Kite to him! Sadly I have to admit Vetrix did have a point there, otherwise Kite wouldn't have reacted the way he did. "Man I don't know how I would take that." Bronk spoke up in honesty. "Yeah, I mean sure Kite took peoples souls for their Number cards, but yeesh! What happen to sportsmanship?" Flip concluded. I closed my eyes after hearing everything.

"Vetrix doesn't care about any of that. Getting into people's heads is what he's good at. Dueling isn't just for fun, it's psychological warfare. And in most cases, spiritual too." I said in a dark tone. "Huh?" Tori asked concerned. I sighed knowing that explaining will just make everyone question more. "Its best that you just watch the duel to understand it more." I pointed it out, before returning to look at the duel.

Kite made his move and summoned Photon Satellite from his hand, and used its abilities to copy the level of Galaxy-Eyes to make it a level 9. Then used its second ability to make it count as two monsters, before overlaying them to bring out Quinton's Number card: Dyson Sphere.

When Dyson Sphere made its entrance everyone in the crowd was overwhelmed by its side and structure, even when it loomed over us. Its shadow covered the sun, and you wouldn't even believe that it was a monster or a UFO. "What is that thing?!" Bronk said feeling nervous while everyone else was shocked. But to Vetrix surprise, he didn't know that Quinton gave Kite his Number card. And he was not afraid to use it against him, with having Galaxy-Eyes absorb all of it's overlay units to increase Galaxy-Eyes' attack points by 500 for each one. Since there was only two overlay units, Galaxy-Eyes' gets a 1000 attack boost from 3000 to 4000.

Galaxy-Eyes: 3000 — 4000

The next few minutes however was the worse to come.

Vetrix removed his mask and revealed Harts transparent face! I was so sickened by it, I teared up and wanted to immediately throw up from the sight. The urging need to do so was not helping even though my eyes were close. My body was so shaken that Tori and Cathy and to try and rub my back. They didn't need to say anything to me. They already knew what it was.

He chuckled knowing what was happening around him and for some reason I felt something cruise through my body! My body stiffened and the got the attention of the gang. "Alesia, Are you okay?" Tori asked worriedly, but for some reason I couldn't move or speak. When I looked at Vetrix who had the holographic face of Hart still, he flicked a finger towards him, and suddenly my vision switched immediately to being extremely close up to the duel.

I hear everyone gasping and the fright in their voices. But when I saw why, it freaked me out. How did he get me all the way up here, and why?! "What are you doing?! Why did you involve her in this! Let her go Vetrix!" Kite yelled out in anger. "But Kite, I just want to play with her!" I shivered at the sound of Harts voice merged with Vetrix's. Kite's eyes widened after hearing what Vetrix was saying. "First you kidnapped my brother, taken both his and Alesia's powers, and now you're using them against me?! You make me sick!"

"I'm just using whatever avenue's I need to take to assure my victory! What's wrong with that!?" I somehow was able to move my mouth and tried to speak. "You're not getting away with this, Vetrix. You know that the path you're taking is wrong!" Vetrix laughed at me and gave an sinister look. "I don't need you to lecture me!" Light came from underneath me and this alarmed Kite when he saw what was happening. The red chains came up around body, and now I'm stuck in place. I cannot move, even if I struggled against it's secured strength. And there's definitely no way Mr. Heartland would help me. In fact he'll make it out as if its part of the act!

Kite gave me a look of pity as he didn't know what to do. Almost as if a lot of things was going through his mind. "Don't worry Alesia…I'll beat this guy and get you out of this situation!" Kite said with a strange look in his eyes. Determination was definitely there — yet Vetrix just chuckled at this and then Yuma gave a shocked look. "What should we do? Kite can't get to Hart, but now Alesia is caught in the middle."

"Ah, I k-knew that this was a b-b-bad Idea!" Orbital spoke as his hunched his back and his face turned sad. Kite wasn't going to wait anymore and instead rushed to try to get to Hart. But Vetrix wasn't going to allow that. He used his own duel anchor to catch Kite before he was able to escape from the duel. Vetrix wasn't pleased and threatened to hurt me if he didn't comply. Yuma offered to help Hart while Kite stays and try to protect me during the duel. I frowned knowing that this was really bad. While Vetrix was distracted, I attempted to use the power of Eternia to break loose from these chains. But nothing was happening. And instead of getting them to untie me, I started to feel really weak all of a sudden.

My breathing was getting shallower, and I felt really light-headed. Yet I have no idea what is happening to me. Kite began to notice this as well. "Alesia, what's wrong?" He asked me in a concerned voice. "I don't know…" I started. "She can't use her powers thats why!" Vetrix-Hart had interjected with amusement. "As long as she is within those chains, Alesia won't be able to activate her powers while I'm in control of this duel. And its all thanks to reinforcing the powers Hart gave me!"

Vetrix was able to overlay his two monsters to get his fearsome Number: Heraldic King Genome Heritage! I still hate that monster… Overall Kite tried to defeat 'Genome Heritage' but it was getting extremely difficult when I'm in the way. Which exactly what Vetrix had wanted it. But by using his Number, he was able to defeat Dyson Sphere and then its blaze sent Kite flying in the air before he crash landed backwards to the ground. I closed my eyes, feeling completely helpless to do anything. And this was going on for quite a while.

A few minutes later…

Jenny was rushing to get to the hospital as fast as she could. She wanted to make sure Shark was okay, to talk to him. She wanted the closure she needed before heading back to the real world. When she made it to the building, she went to the receptionist at the front desk. The receptionist was a male who was taking over for his female colleague. He had brown hair and red bangs coming around on the left side of his head. He smiled when he recognized her.

"Oh hello there, how can I help you? You would think you would be at the Semi-Finals watching the duels." He said cheerfully. But Jenny frowned the thought. She was extremely worried for Alesia being their by herself. "Actually I just came from there. I need to see if a person named Reginald Kastle is here. He was sent to the hospital by helicopter, and he is one of my friends. It's just a short visit. Only a few minutes, I have to get back there to help another friend out." Jenny explained feeling a bit upset about this. He nodded and opened up the database on the computer. He scanned through a few files and nodded. "Yes, it would appear mister Kastle is in the build. Would you like for me to phone up to see if he is available to talk?"

Jenny nodded. "Yeah, I would really appreciate it." The male receptionist nodded again and began making a call up to Shark's room. "And um, what is your name, miss?" He asked again. She widened eyes forgetting that she never said anything about her name. "Oh, um, It's Spencer. Jennifer Spencer…" The assistant nodded before a nurse came to speak with him. He said a few things to her, and he took the chart from her hands and laid it on the desk. After he was done, he attempted again to reach Shark's room. His feedback showed up on screen and Jenny can see that Shark was in a hospital robe and had his wounds patched up. "Mr. Kastle, you have a guest looking to see you. She says her name is Jennifer Spencer. A friend of yours?" Shark looked like he freaked out a little but tried not look suspicious.

"Send her in." He ordered before cutting the link off. Being surprised by his response, Jenny didn't know what to expect. "You can go on in. Just sign here and I will create a guest pass for you." Jenny did what she was told and received her pass before being told his room number. It was on the same floor Alesia was when she was sent in. By taking the elevator up to Sharks room, she noticed something strange is going on at the Heartland Tower. Something is wrong. I can feel it. PING! The elevator doors opened and she walked out to find his room. After she finally found his room number, she walked inside as the automatic doors opened.

Jenny gasped when she sees Shark in his hospital bed looked intently at the direction of the duel tower in Heartland. She walked up to his bed and waited for a time to speak. "How are you making out Shark?" He looked towards her direction with an emotionless look. "Never better…" He said sarcastically. If she didn't get it, she would have been offended. "Grab a chair and sit down. I don't like it when people stand up all the time, its rude." Jenny was a bit taken back with that answer, but looked around for a chair until she found one. She saw a chair next to the door and moved it to place it near his bed before sitting down.

"I take it that the duel between Vetrix and Kite is that bad." He guessed. Jenny nodded to confirm his suspicions. "Yeah…Alesia is there now with the others." Shark nodded as well, before he looked at her a bit concerned. "So what are you doing here?" The question alone was enough to make Jenny remain silent. What should I say? I know that I came here for a reason. Yet, I feel like I'm here for nothing…

"Just thought I pay a visit. Alesia said that I should, and besides that duel you just had was pretty intense. And I'm sure getting knocked out like that was not what you would have expected." She finished. "It wasn't…but if I hadn't you know what would have happened. I couldn't let Vetrix use Shark Drake to control me anymore. I was so stupid. I should have known what Vetrix was planning." He placed his head down, a shadow covering his eyes. "He plotted this all along. And he tried to hurt Alesia again…"

"Stupid…" Jenny muttered. This caught Sharks attention. "Its always about Alesia isn't it? Alesia, this… Alesia, that…You never even once thought about me or how I felt didn't you?" Shark blinked. "What are saying? Of course I have! Don't you remember? Ever since Quattro and Vetrix hurt you many times, I still dueled to defend you." He argued feeling deeply confused with this behavior Jenny was displaying. "Yeah, because I'm just Alesia's friend, nothing else." Shark immediately clasped his left hand around her right wrist. "Your wrong. Stop it already! I don't know what has gotten into you Jenny. But it has to stop."

Jenny removed her arm away from him and reputedly stood up from the chair. "Your right, it NEEDS TO STOP. And I'm growing sick of you ignoring me. I think Alesia was right. I really do need to let go." Shark looked at Jenny strangely ever since she spoke about that. "What do you mean 'Alesia' was right? What did she tell you!" He demanded. "Exactly what you are doing now. Obsessing over her but yet I matter. I'm done Reginald. I'm not coming back. All I can say is 'thank you' for taking care of my friend all this time." Jenny bowed and immediately went for the door. Yet for Shark he didn't know how to respond to that.

Heartland Duel Tower

When Yuma and Astral was able to destroy the hold Vetrix had on Hart, his face became distorted and went to place back his iron mask over his face. Angry about the outcome. "Curse you Yuma Tsukumo! Nobody told you to interfere in my plans!" I smirked knowing that Vetrix was unprepared for what was coming next. "Hey Kite! Good news! Hart is safe and out of Vetrix's control. Now you can focus on the duel without worrying about hurting Hart!" Yuma said through the transmission from Orbital. "Oh trust me, I plan on to!" Kite yelled out as he was glowing red. "Now I can release my full rage!"

"Just be sure not to take it out on me…!" I whined knowing how this is going to go down. "Don't worry, Alesia. I'm not stupid! Just try not to move!" Kite said as he prepared for his turn. I couldn't take this. Kite would fight hard, but Vetrix would fight harder. Even with Kites Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon. Using Hart's stolen powers and Dextra's hatred, even Kite's — Everyone, he just wasn't giving up. All of a sudden I my face became wet with water streaming down my face from my eyes. I tried to control myself, but it wasn't working. Now that Vetrix got his new Number card 'Heraldry Crest' to the field, all of a sudden I was beginning to lose hope. He was going to get his soul taken. This confused Kite as he has no idea what is about to happen. And I can't stop it.

Vetrix notices this, and I just closed my eyes and looked away. Sensing that a mockery is coming on. "You see the look on her face, Kite? It means she know whats going to happen next. But she can't tell you!" He mocked Kite in sing song, and it just made me shed it more. And I didn't want to look at either of them! When all of that was happening, I finally realized something. That I am always stuck at making a choice. Either stick to the story or change it. I always followed the rules without question. Yet ever since I came here, it turned out I basically broke nearly every single one of them. Vetrix tells me that it was all his idea. Lair — it was Hart, and fate somehow got me into the mess. I honestly don't know what to do. Help Kite, or just let everything happen?

"And now, I shall steal the abilities of your Neo Galaxy-Eyes!" Vetrix said with glee as he ordered his 'Heraldry Crest' to do as ordered. Using its tentacles to pierce into Neo Galaxy-Eyes. When shocked in pain as it arched its back. Kite felt the same thing and screamed in pain. "Stop it! Don't hurt Kite!" This suddenly caught Vetrix's attention immediately. When he snapped his fingers, Kite gasped loudly as the torture stopped with the after effects of his monster. "Do you honestly think I'm giving up on this duel on the account of you're whining? This duel is about to end. And I am going to get MY victory! So unless you want to deal with the same punishment, be my guest!" I choked up, yet I couldn't let it get to me. I needed to be strong. "I'll give it back to you." I said to him sternly.

Kite widened his eyes at me and gave me a serious look even when tired by this duel. "No, you can't! Don't give it to him!" He warned me until Vetrix placed his hand up to silence him. "You'll give me…?" He looked at me suspiciously. "I'll give you the power of Eternia of my own free will. Just please…" My lower lips trembled in fear and doubt. "…Leave Kite and his family alone. Once you have it, you don't need to worry about them anymore. Anything you wish for can come true right?" Yet Vetrix chuckled at this. "You still don't get it do you?"

The moment he did that again, my body wanted to tremble on its own now. Who knows what this guy is really thinking. "Your power is limited, Alesia! All those who believe in this world, this universe has no idea how dangerous it is to be here! To LIVE in it! Yet you think your power is enough to stop Faker?" He laughed manically, which caused the crowd to become very overwhelmed and concerned with the whole thing. I looked around and see my friends completely worried about us.

"No…I WILL defeat Faker on my own, without your stupid powers!" His yellow eyes glowed with an intense red color. Suddenly I felt a strong smack across my right cheek so hard that I hit the ground harder than I wouldn't have imagined. My head went on first until my vision went immediately black.

"Alesia….Alesia…! Please open your eyes! Alesia!" I gasped after hearing Yuma shout at me multiple times. I looked around to see that I was in his arms and he had tears in his eyes. When he saw that I was fully awake — he pulled me closer to him in a tight embrace. "I'm so glad that you didn't get too hurt badly." I was so confused. I didn't understand what did he meant by that. "What…?" I catch a glimpse at Astral coming down to look at me. His face was sorrowful and concerned. "Are you saying that you can't remember what happened?"

I blinked at him. "Remember what?" I looked around and see that I was in some hospital bed just laying down somewhere. "Where am I?" I asked. "In an infirmary Room in Heartland — They say that you had a minor concussion. Though you really did take a hard fall. What happened to you?" Astral questioned. I opened my mouth half way but paused. What did happened? I remember that I was in the stadium with the gang, suddenly I was…

A flashback of Vetrix attacking Kite in the duel flooded my brain, and then I grabbed Yuma by the collar. Much to his surprised and held himself back as much as he could. I looked at him straight in the eye. "Yuma, its Kite…what happened to Kite?!" I asked in a panic. But Yuma frowned when asked. "Alesia, please…" He grabbed my hands gently and removed them from his shirt. When he looked down, something in me just made my heart sank."Kite lost the duel…" He spoke with such guilt and remorse.

I widened my eyes. "Are you sure? Are you absolutely sure thats what happened?!" I said in disbelief. "But I never saw it! How did he lose?!" Astral looked over at me strangely. "Alesia, you of all people should have known what happened. After all you did come from another world. It was the inevitable." Astral said almost coldly. But Yuma was getting upset. "Astral! How could you say something like that?!"

"I'm only telling her what she needed to know Yuma. Hiding this from her won't help anybody, including Kite." Astral turned to look at me. "Alesia, if you can think of anything that would be helpful in defeating Vetrix, now would be a good time to talk about it." I suddenly felt the need to look away. I didn't understand all of this. This pain on my right face tingled the moment I laid my hand on it. Yuma widened his eyes. "Alesia, you were hit by Vetrix before he went to finish Kite off in the duel."

When Yuma and Astral explained the rest of the story to me, I just felt really hopeless. I didn't know what else to say to this. I knew this was going to happen. I was going to help him! "Alesia, I think you need to stay put away from the duel." Astral spoke up. I looked up at him surprised. "What?" I questioned. "Its just far too dangerous for you to be there. Vetrix almost tried to hurt you as soon as he was finished with Kite. Had Hart not intervened, things should have been worse." He explained. Yuma nodded in agreement. "Astral's right about this, Alesia. I don't think you should be involved anymore. Please. Just do as we say. We screwed up before, and now were trying to make things right."

"But Yuma!"

"No BUTS, Alesia — you know what Vetrix is capable off. And you heard what Quinton said. You need to go back home. Both you and Jenny…" I was about to protest again until we heard the door open. It was Jenny. But the look on her face told me a whole lot. "Jenny what happened? You look like you just got into a fight with somebody?" I spoke up. But all she did was sigh and then just looked to the side, avoiding our stares. "Let's just say I had a ruff patch." Was all Jenny said. But before I can ask about it further, Yuma and Astral got prepared to leave.

"Well, then, we better get going. Our duel with Vetrix is about to start soon." Yuma offered. "Already?" Jenny said in shock. "You know how it is." Yuma said before he and the floated Astral left the room. Leaving only Jenny and I to ourselves…

I sighed and looked around to see if there was anything that she could sit on. "Don't worry, I don't feel like sitting." Jenny spoke indifferently. I nodded and then became concerned. Something tells me that Jenny and Shark had a problem. "So you mind telling me what happened?" I asked her.

Jenny came over to me and then made a sit on my bed.

"I went to go see Shark at the hospital. He seemed okay, but is recovering from his last duel with Yuma." She said staring at the wall. "And then what?" I pressed. She sighed and looked to me. But when she did tears began flowing out. "I did it…" Her voice began wavering. My eyes widened as I was just completely confused.

"You did what exactly?" I grew very nervous if what she was saying was anything along those lines! "I told Shark that it was over. I'm done trying to chase him. I couldn't stand it anymore! Like I wasn't even important. Or the fact that I was just your friend, and nothing more than that. Who wants to feel like 2nd best? Not me, not ever! That is why I did it. And once we go home. I am NEVER coming back here!" Jenny covered her face and she sobbed all of her sorrows to herself. I just couldn't believe what I was hearing from her.

Did Jenny really get rid of Shark? Wow. That, must of took a lot out of her just to do it. I wonder how he took it? Pretty bad I guess…

I frowned, not liking the fact that a friendship ended on the account of this. I would get upset at Shark if he told her something wrong. But from the sound of it, Jenny was the one who made sure to end the situation. Someone has to try to clear up the misunderstanding.

I crawled over to Jenny and hugged her, pulling her closer. I tried soothing her, knowing that she is having such a ruff thing with all of this. It was heartbreaking. Seeing my friend like this. Why does life have to be so cruel! I felt the strong connection of that, and just let out my own tears and frustrations too, sobbing along with her…

About an hour and a few minutes later, we calmed down and suddenly we heard explosions coming from the tower. I gasped and looked towards the window. Jenny widened her eyes when she saw what was happening. Then she turned to look at me. "What's going on now?!" I ignored her question and got from the bed, made way to get my things and rush out the room with Jenny in pursuit. "Alesia, slow down!" A nurse that held a tray of food in her hands moved immediately to the side by the wall and a male nurse yelled at us. But I didn't care. We needed to get to the tower now!

"Alesia! Alesia! Tell me what's happening!" Jenny yelled behind me. "Vetrix and Yuma are stuck in a cube of Energy created by Dr. Faker! Their duel has gotten so intense that the duel tower is dealing with the weight!" However Jenny was confused. " That quickly?" She said. "Jenny! Time is moving faster in this world. It's not like back in the real world, and we have to wait for another episode or two just to clear things up!" I answered her in annoyance. My focus right now is to be there with Yuma and Astral before its too late. I know that I should be worried about Kite and Shark too but…

Jenny and I stopped when we saw people running out of the stadium. Everyone was in a panic, but we're running out of time. "What should we do? There's too many people and the duel tower coming down?!" She freaked out. I was looking around for a better way, but it looked like we had no choice. We have to get to the Heartland Tower where Yuma is right away. Suddenly I remembered a flashback from the show. Exactly where Yuma would be. I gasped when I realized it. Jenny saw the look on my face and knew what I was thinking all together. She shook her head and then grabbed my hand. "Come on! We have to do this now before its too late!" She said leading me pass the crowd.

With the way things were going we were running out of time here. I was scanning around in case we saw the rest of the gang, but they were nowhere to be found. Its possible that Tori was already in the building looking for Yuma. Which also means that Shark would be around as well, trying to do the same thing. And if all of that is true so far, then Kite's soul should be back safe and sound like it should be.

We were able to get near the tower but now there are so much debris, its hard to tell where to go. Smoke was everywhere, and it was getting harder and harder to see. "What now?" Jenny asked getting a bit panicky. I sighed not knowing what else to think except teleport there. "We have to Teleport. Its the fastest way there." I told her sternly. "Nah ah! You aren't doing that!" Jenny protested against it. I narrowed my eyes at her. "Why not?! If we don't hurry it up, Yuma and Astral would be in trouble! Hart's in danger too!"

"I know. But you just went through a crazy ordeal with Vetrix remember? If you risk that now, you may never be able to defend yourself later!" I sighed not knowing what else to say. She had a point. If I get exhausted, I may end up losing control over my powers. Which also means an easy capture…again…

Finally as the smoke cleared a bit, I see a grey door that looked open. My eyes widened when I realized it. "Hey! There's a door over there. Lets see where it'll lead us." I offered her. She nodded, and we raced over there to hurry up inside the building. Since I knew where to go, it was all about directions and getting to the area safely as possible. We're still not out of the woods yet.

About a few minutes in, we were dodging debris and the tumbling rocks that came with it from time to tim. By then, Jenny and I were panting as we didn't have a choice at the moment. I saw a location where it looked familiar to me. I gasped because we hit a dead end. Jenny stopped running and stood next to me in disappointment. "What?! A dead end?!" She complained about it before shaking her head in annoyance. "Now what are we gonna do?"

"Calm down Jen. I think were on the right track." I told her. "Yeah, and how?" I bend down to the ground and touched one of the large block of cement from the ceiling. It had some cuts on them. Jenny leaned down and saw what it was. Her eyes widened. "That look like something out of a tear from a person or something. Did somebody get hurt?" I narrowed my eyes, finally standing up. "Yeah, it was Kite." I answered. "What?! Kite 'stupid' Tenjou?! What happened to him?! It sounds like it was pretty bad." Jenny said with some deep concern. I turned back around and Jenny waited on my single to get back into running. "It is. A huge bolder had fell on top of Kite and trapped him underneath it. Tori and Shark met up and then discovered what happened to Kite along the way. But he should be all right now. When Kite and Orbital was trying to figure out where Hart is. Orbital discovered that Hart is located underground at a dumping area of all the garbage. That's where everyone went, and where Yuma and Astral are held captive. While there; a secret machine that Faker had built prior is used to harness Hart's Barian powers, and create a channel of immense power…"

"…by using Hart as an energy source!" Jenny finished for me before she gasped, realizing the truth. "Oh God, Alesia we HAVE to get there and fast!" Jenny's voice filled with urgency. Never in my life did I even anticipated that any of this could have happened so fast. We saw a corridor that lead downstairs. "There! That's the stairwell we need!" I pointed to it. "Are you sure?!" Jenny asked getting out of breath again. "Trust me! I watched the whole anime remember?!"

Running down the staircase, we tried our bets to keep up with our footing so that there is no way that we would fall. I mean, come on. The ground is still shaking a bit, the debris is coming down, explosion like sounds is filling the air, and the smoke is not even helping.

"Time to do this…" I muttered as I got on my duel disk and deck ready. But something told me to be alert for some reason. "Alesia, look!" Jenny got my attention by pointing to us seeing Shark, Kite, Orbital and Tori in front of us being confronted by Mr. Heartland. But above us, Hart is on a machine that is holding ZEXAL trapped! I widened my eyes after everyone turned around and noticed us. "Ah, looks like our other guest have finally arrived." Mr. Heartland spoke with a devious smile. "Heartland!" Jenny shouted. Shark and Kite widened their eyes the moment they both saw me. "Alesia, you shouldn't have come here! Run!" Kite warned me. I was confused until the exit was cut off from Jenny and I.

"Nah, ah ah! Its rude to just leave a party when you just got here!" Heartland teased. I readied my duel disk just in case. "Who said I was running, Heartland?!" I challenged. Everyone was shocked as it was not what they had expected. "You do realize that this is a trap right?!" Shark asked basically trying his best to ignore Jenny. Yep, its bad… "I don't care! We have to end this now!" Mr. Heartland chuckled before he ordered the Litterbots to attack us, so Jenny and I picked some to get rid of. Since Jenny knew how to professionally fight, she grabbed one Litterbot's extended arm and nearly ripped it out. But thankfully she just tossed it over to some other poor bots that nearly grabbed me out of nowhere.

The floor began separating itself because of what Heartland was doing. I turned around to see her kick another one coming her way. But the problem was that it was made out of solid steel, and she hurt her foot. "Dammit!" She yelled. I found a piece of one of the bots itself and attacked one that tried to get after Tori. "Crap, there's too many of them!" Shark yelled. Orbital suddenly transformed into his Battle form and attacked all the bots that was around us. Jenny noticed this and began moving quickly out of his way, by scrambling over to me. However Heartland wasn't liking where this was going. "Orbital! Find the signal to the Litterbot's and turn it off!" I yelled at him. Orbital turned over to me confused. "W-what?!"

"Orbital, Do as she says!" Kite ordered without question. I looked at him in shock. "You trusted me?" I asked him. He snorted in response. "You're the one who knows whats going to happen, Alesia. I'm sure you're not stupid enough to risk your life including ours." He said with a side smirk before he stopped. "Actually no, Wait — I take it back. You are risky and crazy." My face felt like it was turning red as I was about to explode on this guy. But Orbital made it to the panel which contains the power supply to the Litterbot's. He was about to plug in but questioning about it. "Just do it you hunk of junk!" Shark yelled after taking a blow to the stomach before.

"No! You can't!" Mr. Heartland shouted. "Oh yes he can!" I said. Orbital got a major shock of his life after doing all of that. It caused Mr. Heartland's levitating platform to lose power and then he ended up falling into the deep abyss leading to the Barian World. I looked away as I just witnessed a character death basically for the very first time. Even though he was somebody who needed to go, he was still a human being. Who of course acted like he had no sense of humanity in him. Jenny came over to me and gave me a sad look. "You okay?" I nodded slowly and closed my eyes. "Yeah…"I said as we all looked up after hearing a loud yell coming from above us. It was Yuma getting sent down by Astral after he removed the ZEXAL form.

"Um, Yuma? Why did you appear from the sky? And, where's Astral?!" Jenny asked in a near panic. Yuma stood up and frowned at her. "Astral is still stuck inside. He undone the ZEXAL morph, and now he can't get out just like the other numbers." I stood up and then we all heard a menacing laugher echo throughout the room.

Jenny and everyone else was looking around. "Um, what the hell was that?" Jenny asked feeling confused. "THAT my dear — is ME!" A familiar voice said as Faker immediately revealed himself in person this time. "Faker…" I said with a dark tone. But Jenny looked to me then to Faker, then to me again. "THAT'S FAKER?!" She questioned in shock.

"It's Dr. Faker according to you, missy! Quite a surprise that I get to meet the other Real Worlder in my domain! Jennifer Spencer if I'm not mistaken. And look at what we have here? Another one who's part of my plans! Good to see you again my dear Alesia! I have a special surprise for you!" Dr. Faker said with a sinister smirk, but it was enough to get me freaking out. I gulped on my own and then I felt Kite pulled me behind him much to my surprise. "You lied to me about Alesia's powers all this time didn't you! About Hart, the Numbers, everything!" He yelled viciously. "True, I did! But what does it matter? Soon all of her powers will be mine! And the Real World is readily for the taking! With the help of Hart of course!"

Hart was screaming and you can see his powers getting a bit out of control before it stopped. That never happened before! "Stop it! Faker you know that this isn't you!" I begged him, but all he did is growl. Kite outstretched his left arm at this point. "Don't bother trying to convince him, Alesia. After all of this time, he knew exactly what he was doing!" Shark stepped up and gave Kite a dirty look. "He's right. Both you and Jenny shouldn't have to be in this predicament. But we're going to stop him!"

"Oh so all of you want to deal me? Fine!" Faker started going through some kind of transformation himself! A more mechanical version…Try not to call him a geek or a loser. He seriously has the muscles in all the wrong ways. Jenny huffed as she didn't want to deal with Shark, until he grabbed her arm. "Jenny, please listen to me for a moment. I know you don't want to talk to me, and you don't have to. But hear me out."

Jenny remained silent as I moved to where Tori was after the situation with Orbital, once he shut down. "You were right the whole time. I did ignore you. And it took me a while just to realize how much this effected you. I'm sorry, Jenny. I don't expect you to forgive me for it. But I am." He let go and turned back to the situation in front of him. "And I'll prove that right now…I want to make up with you Jenny. But we have to help Alesia first. You understand? Your world depends on it." Jenny was almost surprised by that, but Shark spoke with Yuma after he handed him Shark Drake again. "Can we really win this?" He asked. "If we work together, there is nothing that we can't do. Come one Kite! What do you say?" Kite was looking at his Neo Galaxy-Eyes. Then he caught a glimpse at me with a strange look in his eyes.

I sighed and nodded to him. "Do it…" I told him. Still not sure how this will be. He nodded and joined forces with Yuma and Shark as they raised their cards together, signifying that they are a team. But for Faker, his smirk told me that he has other plans…

Thats the end for this arc everyone! Chapter 37 is on the way as the start for the 2nd half of the story. I know I took so long for this to get out. Likewise I am going through some tough situations right now, and I'm exhausted. Just to write all of this has took a major toll of me for these pass few weeks. I could have gotten this out sooner. If only…

But it is here now, and thankfully so too. Well since there wasn't really any reviews lately for the last chapter, allow me say thank you to Guest reviewer yugiohchamp4136: Don't worry this isn't the end. Lol. This is just the beginning of the 2nd part of the story. Sorry everyone for the confusion, I really didn't have much planned until recently.

And of course De hearts 26: Thank you so much for reviewing as usual. Yes, it has been a ruff time for my family and I as of late. I lost my great grandmother at around that age too. But yes, Alesia, Jenny will at some point have to. But you'll have to find out what happens next chapter. The surprise is coming very shortly! Thanks for the vote for ideas of Cara's story. I just want this and Cassie's story to be told and finished. And that's interesting; Shun x Oc? A lot to think about. Still getting used to ARC - V to be honest. Yep, time for the Barian arc to soon commence!

Everyone else, Thank you so much for continue reading. Please give me time to recollect my thoughts so that I can get the next chapter up and ready. Also Chapter 3 for Before Eternia, Before Love is coming up as well. Sorry for that long wait. :(

And of course, don't forget to review, review, review! Got to stay motivated to write this story. I'm literally putting in hours of my time to write it, besides other things. So if you want to me continue let me know! Need to hear as much feedback as possible. Their journey is not done. So lets see it through!

For others who just started school/college — congratulations and do your best for the new school year!

Gambatte!

~Sapphire100