Aurasoul: heres the next chapter everyone hope you like it!

Manami: Now we'll let everyone know how we know the Arclights!

Darka: Aurasoul doesnt own Zexal while Sirius and Lyra are owned by Barian-chan.

Aurasoul: lets get started!


Chapter 42

"Everyone! Come down you'll be late for the party"! Kasumi yelled from downstairs.

"Mom your not even going so you don't even have to worry if we're coming late", Hotaru said coming down the stairs.

Hotaru was wearing a silken red long sleeve blouse, a white blazer grazed in gold, white pants, gray flats, she changed her studs to red colored crystal earrings her hair up in a ponytail her bangs straightened. "I know but I don't want you all to be late its to celebrate your teams coming to the semi finals of the tournament", Kasumi said smiling.

"Have Reginald and Rio gotten the outfits I made for them"?

"Yeah I gave them the outfits don't worry about it mom. But are you sure you don't mind them staying here? I mean since it was my idea and all", Hotaru said worried,

Flashback...

"So its time we get going home get ready for tonight", Darka said as they all left the amusement park.

"Shark, Rio where do you guys live? So we can pick you up there", Manami said to the Kastle siblings.

They grew wide eyed and faced one another. "Well you see Manami-chan we wont be living in our house since its not livable", Rio said.

"What do you mean not livable"? Astrana asked who was in human form.

"She means its not livable we haven't been in that house since Rio went to the hospital I usually stay at the hospital to watch over Rio", Shark said looking away from Manami's shocked face.

"So you mean you don't got a place to stay"? Darka asked shocked.

They siblings shook their heads then Hotaru sighed. "Then come live with me and my sisters", she said.

"Eh"?! They all said shocked.

"We have plenty of spare rooms considering how sometimes our family visits us without giving us a head notice plus mom and dad wont mind the extra company I mean we already have Sirius and Lyra living with us might as well let you guys stay too", Hotaru shrugged.

Everyone looked at her shocked and speechless and she noticed. "What"? She asked annoyed.

"Who are you and what have you done to our sister"? Darka asked.

"Yeah cause this isn't like you not one bit", Manami said.

"Oi! Cant I be nice when I want to"? Hotaru asked mad.

"No", her sisters said.

Hotaru scoffed as Rio walked to her with Shark and bowed. "Thank you Hotaru-san for the generous offer we're really thankful to you right Reginald", Rio said to her brother.

"Yeah thanks", Shark nodded slightly bowing knowing if he didn't Rio would kill him.

"Look enough of the bowing and just call me Hotaru the whole san thing makes me twitched", Hotaru said.

End of flashback...

The girls with Sirius and Lyra had token the Kastle siblings to the house introducing them to Kasumi and Tsuyoshi who warmly welcomed them to the home and helped them pick a room while Kasumi made them, Sirius, and Lyra outfits for the party at the amusement park. "And like me and Tsuyoshi said we don't mind them staying one bit Im just surprised you were the one to offer them to stay here", Kasumi said.

"You too?! What is up with people finding it hard to believe?! I mean really", Hotaru growled angrily.

Kasumi only laughed as Rio and Shark came down from the stairs Rio wearing a strapless dark blue dress that matched her hair with white ruffles to her knees, white heels, and silver bracelets borrowed from Darka and her hair brushed back while Shark wore a navy blue tux, a black shirt, and black dress shoes. "Wow you guys really cleaned up nicely", Hotaru smirked.

"Thanks Hotaru-chan and thank you again for making us these outfits", Rio said to Kasumi.

"Oh its my pleasure Rio-chan I just love making new outfits for people and please you and Reginald can call me Kasumi, is my mother-in-law", Kasumi smiled.

Rio giggled as Lyra and Sirius came down Lyra wore a cross strap ruby red dress with gold sequences to her mid thigh, gold color heels, a golden chain necklace borrowed from Kasumi, and her hair in a crowned braid while Sirius wore a white tux with a gray shirt, and gray dress shoes. "Wow you guys look great", Rio smiled.

"Thanks Rio-chan", Lyra smiled happily.

"I feel a bit uncomfortable wearing this", Sirius muttered.

"Oh don't be you look great really classy", Hotaru chuckled.

"Hotaru"-

"Guys we have a problem".

They looked up to see Manami and Astrana coming down the stairs Manami wore a long sleeve sea blue dress that looked like water as Manami moved the sleeves laced in white that reached to her mid thigh, gray heels, her earrings, a dark blue diamond charm necklace, and her hair in pigtails her left eye closed while Astrana in her human form wore a dress similar to her own but with silver sequence, her sandals, earrings, and her hair pulled back by a blue headband Shark had a light blush on his face seeing Manami as Hotaru groaned. "Whats the problem"? Hotaru asked having a good idea what it was.

"Darka refuses to come down the stairs", Astrana said as she walked to the bottom step.

"I knew it. Darka get down here already"! Hotaru yelled.

"I aint coming down there I feel weird wearing this thing"! Darka yelled back in a growl.

"Does Darka-chan hate wearing dresses"? Lyra asked confused.

"No she wears them sometimes but barley and the dress mom made for her isn't what you call something Darka is used to wearing. Darka its not that bad so come down already"! Hotaru yelled.

"Ugh fine"!

Darka came down and they all grew wide eyed Darka wore a beautiful silky like skinny strap high low dress the bottom grazing in silver and gold, silver heels, wearing her locket and Empress's Key, gold hoop earrings, and her hair braided back. "Darka-chan you look amazing"! Lyra said in awe.

"Yeah that dress is so you", Rio smiled.

"That's what we been trying to tell her but she wouldn't listen", Manami said as she walked to Shark.

"I just feel uncomfortable wearing this that's all", Darka growled.

"You wear high low skirts all the time so I don't see whats the big problem wearing a high low dress that by the way looks amazing on you", Hotaru said.

"Look it just feels off to me ok now can we please get going aren't we meeting the others at Yuma's house"? Darka asked.

"Right and we'll be waiting there for the limo to take us to the amusement park", Hotaru said as she walked to the door.

"Wait you got a limo and someone to drive us to the amusement park"? Sirius asked shocked.

"How in Crimson did you pull that one off"? Manami asked shocked as well.

"Lets just say I have my connections", Hotaru smirked.

"And I don't think we want to know so lets get going", Darka said walking to the door with the others.

"Goodbye everyone have a nice time", Kasumi said.

They all walked out of the house walking down the route Hotaru walked to Darka. "So hows Harumi"? She asked gently.

Darka frowned and clutched the side of her dress. "She still hasn't woken up yet the doctors said that she will soon enough but Im still worried Blackmist is worried about her too always watching over her when no ones there when I went to see her with Koru, Blackmist was there watching Harumi I highly doubt he noticed us", Darka said.

"Wow Im surprised Blackmist actually cares for Harumi that much its a shock after knowing what he's done in the past", Hotaru said.

"I wiped away his sins and he is after all Harumi's number so of course he would generally care for Harumi my light gave him a chance to live a new life of good and to be with his master as long as he doesn't do anything that might result me to kill him everything will be fine", Darka said.

Hotaru looked at Darka sweat dropping. "The way you say it. Its like a casual statement for you isn't it"? Hotaru asked.

Darka only shrugged as Hotaru sighed and decided to hear Shark and Manami talking. "Hows your eye? Not in pain"? Shark asked.

"No thanks to Hotaru's healing it should be fine but I have to wait until tomorrow to really use it so I have to keep it close until tomorrow", Manami said lightly touching her closed eye.

"Well that's good Im glad your not hurt or anything", Shark smiled softly holding Manami's hand.

Manami smiled at him happily as Rio then jumped in. "Oh you two are just the cutest couple. Hey when do you plan to tell your parents about your relationship Manami-chan"? Rio asked.

Manami blushed a dark red and rubbed her neck. "Well I don't know I mean with all that's going on I never really had the chance to tell them to be honest", she said.

"But now that we're living in your house your going to have to tell them sooner or later", Rio said.

"Ugh don't remind me Im a little worried on how they're going to react at the fact I actually have a boyfriend without telling them", Manami sighed.

"Don't worry if you want we can tell them together I wont let you tell them by yourself if you don't want to", Shark assured.

Manami smiled and nodded at him as Rio smiled happily. "Man Manami-chan you can really get Reginald to be nice", she said.

"Im only nice to you and Manami", Shark said.

"Liar! Your're nice to Yuma too", Manami said smiling.

"Besides him"! Shark said lightly blushing.

Manami and Rio laughed at Shark's blush and Hotaru lightly chuckled. "Maybe having them in our lives wont be so bad", she thought.

They reached Yuma's house to see the others Koru wearing a black tux with a blue shirt and black dress shoes. "Wow you guys look great"! Yuma said in awe.

"You can thank mom for that", Darka said smiling.

"So whens that limo coming Hotaru"? Koru asked.

And on cue the limo drove up to them Hotaru smirked as she knocked on the front window it rolled down to show Tai smiling. "Thanks again man for doing me this favor I owe you", Hotaru said.

"No problem so lets go", Tai said.

"Right come on everyone lets get a move on", Hotaru said.

They all went in the limo and it drove off all Shinori sisters have their eyes closed thinking not saying a word as the others chattered until they reached the amusement park they all got out and walked in Hotaru showed the guard her ID and he allowed them in they all saw people there mostly people who were invited by Heartland there was food, drinks, and music while some were dancing. "Man Heartland and Faker really know how to go all out", Darka whistled.

"Hmph Im going to mingle you guys do the same", Hotaru said walking off.

They all watched her go Darka and Manami faced one another. "We better do the same", Darka said.

"Right. Shark mind walking with me"? Manami asked.

"Sure I don't mind", Shark nodded.

Manami smiled as she took his hand and they walked off Darka faced Sirius, Lyra, and Astrana. "You guys stick with me I have a feeling that things might get interesting in here", she said.

The three nodded and followed her off in the crowed. Hotaru walked to the get a cup and drank some punch sighing in content her eyes closed for a moment. "So you came", she said.

She turned eyes opening to face Quinton who had a sad smile on his face as he nodded. "Yes father wanted to come since all teams are here", he said.

"Of course which means Vetrix, Thomas, and Michael are here right"? she asked.

"Yes that's right... You look lovely", he said.

"Thanks mom wanted me and the others to look good for the party", she said icely sipping more of her drink.

"Hotaru please understand Im keeping my distance for a reason", Quinton said.

"Chris don't even start with that crap I miss you and the others even Darka and Manami", Hotaru growled.

"Weird I didn't think slapping us meant missing us", he said.

"You know the reason Manami slapped Thomas after how he talked plus he nearly killed Rio dammit she had to go to the hospital how was Manami suppose to react", she hissed.

"Thomas didn't want to do it he was forced by Vetrix we don't want to do these deeds Hotaru but we have no choice we have to for its the only way to get revenge on Faker"-

"And we keep telling you its not Fakers fault! He's being manipulated by the Barian Vector he's doing this for his son Hart", she growled.

"Im surprised your defending the Tenjos last time I remembered you hated them", he said.

"I only hated Kite for hurting Darka but turns out it was a misunderstanding and now we're getting off topic. Listen to me Chris we can help you guys you just need to let us", she insisted.

"This is a family issue Hotaru we don't need the help and you shouldn't be getting yourselves involve in this", he said.

"We got ourselves dragged in this by Vector and by the numbers so don't you dare tell me not to get involve by all this", she said angrily.

Quinton shook his head in frustration and cupped her face much to her shock. "The reason I say this is because I don't want you and your sisters to get hurt me and my brothers still care for you we missed you after all these years me most of all", he said.

Hotaru grew wide eyed in shock as she cupped Quinton's cheek softly. "Chris please I beg of you I care for you too much for you and the others to get hurt please let us help you", she said softly.

He looked at her then lightly kissed her forehead. "Im sorry my dear Firefly", he whispered.

She gasped as he walked off she watched him go and she clutched her hands tightly. "Dammit not again I couldn't do anything", she thought angrily and sadly as a tear slipped out.


Manami and Shark walked around and Manami gasped. "Is something wrong"? Shark asked.

"Well its good to see you Manami".

They turned and Shark gasped then growled to see Quattro there smirking. "Quattro what do you want"? Shark growled.

"Why I just came to say hello to an old friend. Isnt that right Manami"? Quattro asked with a smile.

Manami's eye grew cold as she looked at Quattro then the crest holder put up his hand. "Do you mind having a dance with me Manami-chan"? Quattro asked innocently.

"Quattro you"-

"No its fine Shark".

Shark gasped and looked at Manami who looked at him with a small smile of assurance. "Don't worry I'll be fine besides he wont do anything to me so don't worry", she said.

Shark looked at her then he nodded and lightly kissed her Manami then walked to Quattro and took his hand. "Great lets dance then", Quattro said.

He led her to the dance floor and they began to waltz Manami having her arms around Quattro's neck and his hands on her hips. "I didn't know you two were dating you look cute together", he said.

"Enough with the sweet talk Thomas I want answers. Why did you hurt Rio? You could've killed her your lucky she survived and don't think about lying cause if you think that slap hurt wait till I use my powers", Manami said deadly.

"Wow you really changed but your still the same cool ocean I remember when we were young", Quattro smiled.

Manami gasped seeing that all too familiar smile but she then shook her head. "Don't you dare try to warm up to me tell me the truth", she said.

Quattro looked at her then sighed. "Look I didn't want to hurt Rio but I had no choice I was forced to do it", he said.

"By who"? she demanded.

"By Vetrix".

Manami grew wide eyed as he continued. "He planned to use Shark to defeat Faker by placing hatred and darkness in his heart starting by me phurting Rio but I saved Rio from the fire that's how I got this scar", he said pointing at it.

Manami saw the scar and lightly touched it. "So you saved Rio and took her to the hospital"? she asked shocked.

"Yeah cause like I said I didn't want to hurt her it was all Vetrix's plan plus getting him disqualified in the circuit he thought he nearly got Shark but thanks to Yuma that wont be happening plus with Rio's quick recovery. How did she healed that fast though"? he asked.

She gulped and quickly pulled her hand away and shrugged. "Don't ask me I wasn't in the hospital. But don't get off topic here so you mean to tell me all this was Vetrix's plan"? She asked.

"Yes the reason me and the others are doing this is because we just want our father back and if defeating Faker will do it then we'll do it no matter how many sacrifices we have to make", he said.

"But we keep telling you Faker is being manipulated by Vector all he wants is to help his son", she said.

"And I believe you Manami but Vetrix wont listen to reason though", he said.

"Dammit there has to be a way", she hissed.

"There is your team either Yuma or Darka have to defeat Vetrix you have to defeat him so he can get back to his senses", he said.

Manami looked at him as the music ended and they stopped dancing. "Beat us and Vetrix will have to listen", he said.

She nodded as he walked her back to Shark who quickly grabbed Manami and held her close. "It was great seeing you again Manami and remembered what I said", he said.

Quattro walked off and Shark looked down at Manami who had a shocked look on her face. "What did he said to you"? he asked.

"I'll tell you soon enough but first we have to find the others".


Darka and her group walked around until reaching a table she walked to it and gasped. "Kite your here", she said shocked.

Kite smiled at her he wore a tux as he hugged her. "Yeah I came to make sure you'll be alright you look great by the way", he said.

"That's sweet of you and thanks", she said blushing lightly.

"And for your information she has us to protect her so you shouldn't be worrying too much", Sirius said motioning to himself and to Lyra and Astrana.

"I never thought you needed protection Darka".

They gasped and all turned to face Trey who had a smile on his face. "Michael", Darka said happily.

She got out of Kite's arms and hugged the youngest Arclight tightly. "Oh its good to see you again I really missed you", she smiled.

"Same but you have to call me by the name Vetrix gave me same with Quinton and Quattro", Trey said hugging Darka back.

"Not a chance your still the same Arclight brothers me and my sisters know so we will keep calling you by your real names. Look Michael you have to tell me why is Vetrix is going this far to getting revenge on Faker I need to know the full story", she said.

Trey frowned as he let go of Darka. "Like he said Faker betrayed him and Kazuma-san for that he was consumed by revenge and wanting to hurt Faker", he said sadly.

"But Faker is being manipulated all he wants to do is help his son for Crimsons sake", Darka growled.

"What do you mean Darka"? Kite asked confused.

Darka gasped and faced Kite remembering he didn't know the full reason to why Faker was collecting the numbers then bit her lip. "Sirius tell him all we know I need to keep talking with Michael", she said.

Sirius nodded as Trey spoke with Darka. "He wont listen to reason Darka Vetrix's only focus is his revenge", he said.

"Then I guess I have no choice I have to duel him", she growled.

"Darka no! Vetrix is too powerful you might not be able to defeat him", Trey said worried.

"You don't have to worry about me Trey I know hes using chaos so don't worry I'll be fine", she assured with a smile.

"I just don't want you to get hurt I mean I want my father back but I don't want to lose you, Manami, or Hotaru same with Quattro and Quinton we still care about you even through all these years", Trey said smiling slightly.

"Same so don't worry everything will work out in the end trust me", she assured happily.

Trey only nodded as he walked off Darka sighed as she walked to the others Kite looking shocked as he faced Darka who frowned. "Come on we need to find my sisters and the others", she said.

"We're here Darka", Manami said while she and the group walked to them.

"You and Hotaru spoke with Chris and Thomas"? Darka asked.

"Yeah and lets just say its a shocker", Hotaru sighed.


"Ok so lets recap here".

They were all outside the building at the gates Darka taking a deep breath. "Thomas or should I say 'Quattro' never wanted to hurt Rio it was all a plan to use Shark to get rid of Faker but thanks to Yuma and to Rio's recovery it wont be happening he even tried to help save Rio from the fire and even though we want to help Chris wont let us get involve since its a family matter no the last resort we have left is that Team Zexal goes against Team Crest and either me and Yuma try to duel some sense into Vetrix and hope to get back Byron again which wont be easy", Darka groaned rubbing her temple.

"Yeah considering the fact he's using chaos which aint going to be good", Hotaru said.

"Um can I ask a question"?

They all looked to see Lyra who spoke up. "Yeah you can Lyra whats wrong"? Darka asked.

"Well I don't want to pry or anything like that but... How is it that you and your sisters know the Arclights"? Lyra asked.

Darka and her sisters grew wide eyed in surprised as they others agreed. "Yeah you never did mentioned how you guys know each other", Yuma said.

"Let alone being friends with them", Astrana said.

The sisters faced one another they then sighed. "Well that's sort of a long story to be honest", Manami said.

"Hey we have time might as well tell us", Sirius sighed.

Darka sighed and nodded. "Ok you guys deserve the truth Hotaru you tell them the beginning it makes sense", she said.

"Sure it began 6 years ago".

Flashback...

"Hotaru come down please"!

"Coming mom"!

A 16 year old Hotaru came down the stairs wearing a red tank top and faded jeans her hair in her mid back. "Whats up"? Hotaru asked.

"Your father forgot his lunch again. Mind go to his work and give it to him"? Kasumi asked holding up a box lunch.

"Again? That's the 5th time this week! But I'll go give it to him", she sighed.

Hotaru grabbed her jacket vest and the box she then ran getting her hoverboard and rode off to the amusement park she then got off her board picking it up and walked inside to the tower her father worked in but a guard came in front of her. "You cant pass", he said.

"Look I just need to see my dad he's one of the workers here", she said.

"And Im telling you I don't care you cant pass now run along", the guard said.

"And I told you"-

"She can come in".

Hotaru looked to see a 14 year old boy at the door with a small smile on his face the guard growled yet nodded and allowed Hotaru to pass she walked pass the guard and walked to the boy as they walked in. "Hey thanks for back there", she said.

"No problem Hotaru-san", he said smiling.

"Hey how do you know my name"? she asked shocked.

"My name is Christopher Arclight your father is a friend and co-worker to my father and he talks a lot about you and your sisters", he said.

"Oh that makes sense now", Hotaru chuckled.

Christopher smiled. "So you came to see your father"? He asked.

"Yeah he forgot his lunch again. Mind taking me to him"? She asked.

"Sure no problem lets go", he said.

Hotaru smiled and nodded as she followed Christopher.

'And that was the beginning'.


Aurasoul: And thats it.

Hotaru: Seriously?!

Aurasoul: Dont worry about it I'll make sure to continue next time we continue by showing how Darka and Manami met the Arclights and of the next duel match.

Darka: so please read and review!