Welcome everyone! Happy New Years! Sorry I forgot to mention. But it's been 2 whole years since Access the Dimensions started! Man, I would celebrate, but now is not the time!
This is a brand new chapter that took me a long while to make as well. That's why it was such a delay before. But fear not! Everything is getting back to normal somewhat. I have no idea what it will be like next month. But I am trying my best to finish this as soon as possible! However, let me get to a quick disclaimer here:
I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL in any way, shape or form. Its property belongs to Konami, Kazuki Takahashi, NAS, and so forth. Alesia and the rest of my OC's belong to me. That includes some locations you can't find on the map and the made up cards that are only part of the plot. Got it? The plot line theory is not to be discussed! EVER!
WARNING: Some scenes in this chapter is going to be rated T+ for some references to sensuality, brief nudity, some profanity, drugs and other suggestive material that may not be appropriate for young readers.
You have OFFICIALLY been far warned!
YES, it's another chapter with a warning again! AND — It's A SUPER LONG CHAPTER! Prepare your reading glasses everyone. Because this is going to get bumpy.
And no, peoples. I wasn't being lazy!
LAST TIME ON 'ACCESS THE DIMENSIONS'!:
Yuma, Kite and Orbital are getting accustomed to being in the real world and learning about the culture of the Real World. While Alesia and Julie tries to be a host to them, the boys continue to disagree during their stay there. As well as Kite going through his conflicting emotions, Alesia is pulled into a dream that she has never been to before. During that same night Yukito reminisces about the past, while the Barians are settling down into their new homes. However, something terrible happens to Alito. And the Barians have no idea what to do about it. Meanwhile as their problems grow, so does the distress of the innocent people who lives there. And Cara, who happened to be nearby, took matters into her own hands and investigates.
Two days later, the boys starts attending school with the girls to have an idea of what life is like to attend high school. But that was until mysterious boys entered the premises…
Chapter 49: Showdown in Homecoming PT.3 S02-13
Two days prior
Alito was passed out on the floor as smoke streamed up away from his body until it touched the ceiling. Mizar, Duman and even Girag continued to pant as they tried to catch their breath. Mizar slumped to the floor completely exhausted. "What in the name of the stars just happened?" He spoke with such confusion. "I don't know. But one things for certain, that was definitely not Alito just now!" Girag argued.
"No, it WAS Alito…" Dumon concluded. "But something had to have happened. And that is what we're Barians are going to find out." He declared to the others.
Someones foot steps can be heard from behind them. "So you guys are the 'Barians'?" The boys immediately held their breath before sharply turning around to the direction of where the voice came from. They see that it was Cara who showed up. And as she gave them dirty looks, you can tell she was internally panicking, but held her poker face. Sweating was beating down from her face, and her breathing almost labored. Dumon took note of this as he began to realize who she could be.
"Wait a minute. Who the heck are you girly?" Girag demanded. "Yeah, you must have some guts to come over here on your own after everybody else left the building." Mizar snapped. Cara's eyes widened as she realized what they just said. "So you boys really are them…"
"Since you've seem to have an idea of who we are. May I guess that I know who you are?" Dumon challenged her — Which, however, was at the shock of her as well as the rest of his comrades. "Your one of the Eternia holders who once came to our universe, the original girl and first chosen. Am I getting warmer?"
Cara's straight face was fading by the second of Dumon figuring her out all in such a short time. She just couldn't believe it herself that somebody like him was able to catch on so quickly. She can tell that he wasn't as dumb as he would be perceived. But now she realized that she could be in big trouble.
"Tsk! Your way over your head, sweetheart. You remind me far too much of dear little Alesia." Mizar disclosed. "What did you guys do to her? What are you people doing here causing trouble?!" She ordered. "How about you tell us exactly what are you doing here in this part of the real world first? Before you go off and blame us for everything. It wasn't like you just randomly appeared here at the right time, when things couldn't have gotten any worse than it already is." Dumon stated. "I don't think I need to answer any of that to you. Besides, I asked you all some questions first!" Cara argued back. She wasn't about to let them get their way.
"And if you want those questions answered, then perhaps its best you get on with what we demanded." Mizar calmly answered her. "I'm not about to sit here and waste my precious time, bargaining with a bunch of criminals." Cara snarled back. "Now you just wait a minute! Who are you calling criminals!?" Mizar growled angrily until Dumon flexed his left arm to stop him from potentially cause more trouble. "Calm down. We do not want to hurt you." Dumon stated politely.
But in retaliation Cara did a back flip to give space between them. "Save it! I know what you Barians want. You want to power of Eternia that you can't get from Alesia, right? And now that she is out of your reach, you're trying to see if you can get to me and the others who have it. Well, I won't let it happen!" Cara prepared to fight back. She took out her duel disk from her bag, completely set with her deck and place it on her arm. "Of course, she knows how to duel…" Girag mumbled.
"Yeah but her deck is pretty ancient. It won't stand a chance against our Numbers decks even if only one of us gets to take her on." Mizar boasted with a devilish smirk. He's right, after nearly 10 whole years, this deck I have is really old compared to theirs. And since it's been 3 whole series that spawned from the original. I doubt I will be able to make it to the 3rd turn! Cara thought to herself as she beats with sweat.
"I highly suggest you step down and put that away. You're not the one we're after…" Dumon pointed out. "However, if you want to put your life at risk, then be prepared to get stumped by our monsters. You are aware of what the situation your in?"
She narrowed her eyes at Mizar. "Of course I do. This is what I like to call the D-zone. A special realm of the in-between that crosses between time and reality. Where our dueling technology and powers come alive as if were back in your universe." Cara lectured them much to the shock of everyone else.
"The D-Zone? 'D' as in dueling I take it. Very interesting knowledge you possess Ms. Cara…" Duman said with interest. But him knowing her name started Cara. "Wait… how did…!"
"Surprised? He's been studying the history of you Eternia holders for quite sometime. So now I hope you understand now that you cannot stop us, and your plans to save Alesia from our grasp is never going to happen. Whether we duel you or not, but that is entirely up to you. We either do this the easy way, or the hard way!" Mizar threatened.
A powerful blast was sent towards them, passing Cara in flick of light. Girag, quick to notice, immediately teleported in front of Dumon and Mizar, much to their surprise. Girag got badly hit as Dumon gasped and Mizar called out to him. "Girag!" The tall Barian slowly tipped backwards and landed hard on the hard wooden floors. Head first, he landed on the opposite end of Alito's unconscious body.
"What in the name of…"Mizar cursed, before he growled loudly with such anger that his voice echoes in the narrow hallway. "Grrrrrr…!" Dumon looked who was behind Cara and winded in shock. "You…it cannot be…"
Cara gasped when she felt the presence of somebody she knows. "You lay a finger on Cara… I'll kill you all right here and NOW!" At the shock of his statement, the remaining Barians were shocked at what his threats were. "Yuki…" Cara breath outwards as he moved towards the front of her for her protected. "Cara… I understand now why you do what you do…" Yukito started.
"Wha—"
"It's because in your heart, you desire to protect those you love. And the innocent people who don't have the ability to protect themselves. You wanted to help people, even if it meant giving up your own needs in the process. I always been hounding you about doing crazy stuff just for the sake of it. But who am I to judge? I've done the same thing in the very beginning after a while, even though I felt I was the sane one in the group. Remembering what I was like. Completely anti-social…" Yukito brought back many scenes from the past in his mind. And Cara knew what he was talking about.
Dumon leaned towards the wall. "So… are you going to protect her now? After everything I've read up about you…"
"Listen, four eyes! You better hope that you wouldn't want to meet me back home. Because I will give it to you on a silver platter. And that will be the power of my deck that father have passed down to me. A deck that not even the database on the internet can pick up and mass produce. Even powerful than the Pharaoh's."
Dumon and even Mizar remained speechless. I've heard of people who have this special ability to create cards out of nowhere. But they were told to be extinct and died off after they were sought out and killed… But it would seems like such people as him still exist. But how is it that he's here in the real world? Yukito, there is so much mystery surrounding your birth and the many secrets that dwells within you. And sooner or later, those secrets will be uncovered!
Dumon smirked. "Very well then …I take it that you are Cara's bodyguard right? And not just that, but it would appear to be as you two are lovers." Cara wanted to snap until Yukito grabbed her using the back of his arm. "Easy… he's trying to provoke us…" He whispered. "I can see why the power of Eternia have truly chosen you to be it's controller. You are indeed worthy of it. But… the sad part is, you really don't have the power of Eternia anymore, do you?"
Cara and Yukito stiffened. "I knew it! And here we were about to tremble on our feet's here, while dealing with your argumentative, stubborn ways along with the lashing and meaningless threats. Such a bothersome lot!" Mizar spewed out his displeasure. "That was a very fresh move of what you try to do there Ms. Cara. I hope you realized that people like me doesn't appreciate being tricked. And the sad news is, it's going to cost you dearly for that." Powerful static was being generated into the palm of Mizar's hands as he chuckled wickedly at the sudden fear shown in Cara's eyes.
Darn it! I don't have much power to actually defend us. But I got to try!
Dumon silently sighed to himself and closed his eyes. "Now let's end this!" Mizar threw the electric orbs at Cara and Yukito. But before impact Yukito covered Cara with his whole body as she screamed in horror for Yukito to flee. A loud explosion can be heard from the outside. Causing many people to move away quickly from the building as the 7th floor blew out the windows, the doors, and the walls were completely damaged.
The Next Night, Hernandez Residence
Alesia's POV
Mom was in her bedroom listening to the current news on her radio. They were talking about the current events around the nation and internationally that held some importance to know. Surprisingly she seemed like she wasn't even paying attention to what is going around her. "Mom…?" I began.
"Hmmm?" Mom answered with a groan to her expression. I raised the eyebrow while eying the radio still king on, even though it was on low for mainly only her to hear. "You have the radio on." I reminded her in case she forgot.
"Huh?" She looked up at me. "Oh, yeah, I just wanted something more quiet so I had that turned on." I frowned at her answer. I knew something had to be up. This is just typical of her. "Mom? Does this have to do with what happened to Christopher?"I tried to finally get the truth out of her this time, since I never had the chance to really speak to her about it. She frowned and then took it all in. "I suppose that I am…"
I sat down next to her once I had closed her door for privacy. "Well, we never really did talk about what really happened."
"Didn't I already told you the story?" She asked unsure. I shrugged. "Well, you can always tell me again. It might help instead of keeping it bottled up inside all the time." Mom got curious and turned around just to look at me. "Where did you get that idea from?"
I finally gave her a look. "Mom…I do live here right?"
"Yeah, well, that's not what I meant. I mean, when did you become more wise about stuff like this?" Now that I was thinking about it, I never thought of that before. I was so focused on trying to get back here in the beginning, saving their world the next, and now I'm stuck with getting them back home as well as stop the Barians from getting their way. "I suppose that I didn't learn all of this until I entered into the ZEXAL World."
I was having flashbacks of the very beginning I entered to their world and the crazy adventures I had with them. "I had to learn how to duel their way, and went through a lot over there. There were a lot of violence that happened back there, that I couldn't even understand it for the life of me. And going through what I did somewhat gave me a sense of direction that I didn't think I needed. Now with dealing with all of this with Jenny, I realized that I couldn't just run away from my responsibilities. Even if I never did ask to be in it."
"So now you're really going to do this. You're really going to confront those Barians even if it means I may never see you again?" Mom suddenly asked me. It really got me thinking about this. "What made you ask me something like that?" I questioned worriedly.
"I just want to prepare for the worse, Alesia. I don't know what I am going to do without you if you leave. I mean, I know that you will leave for college soon and that is something I'm willing to look up to. But you leaving this world? This life? Reality? I'm afraid that you might never exist anymore!"
"MOM! I'm not going anywhere. You got it?" I tried calming her down. I don't know what has gotten into her lately, or where she got this idea that I would actually life this life behind. "But what if you do leave? Then what?"
I shook my head at her. "It's never going to happen mom. Trust me when I say, that I will return home. I mean. The other girls have when they finished with their adventures, right? There won't be anything changing with me. Not even with Jenny. Sure, we are going through a lot of challenges at the moment. But even then, we don't do anything drastic like staying. I mean how could we, our place is here. Our home is here."
After the little speech I had to give, mom finally understood and nodded. "You got me there." She chuckled. "Speaking of which, I found something while on my job this morning." She went over to her pocketbook and pulled out a piece of paper that looked like it was ripped from pages of a book." I widened my eyes when it looked so familiar to me.
"Mom! Let me have it." I took it from her hands and looked it over. It read:
'The power of Eternia
What is it? Nobody really knows for sure, but this person does. And she said that I have it. And that it was meant for me to transfer it to my sister.
Then, I found out the truth once Chris broke up with me. That his father was looking for it. Which means I'm in danger, and then he's going to come looking for Alesia…'
"Mom…" I started. "I've read it. I didn't want to startle you so I waited until things calm down some more. However, I ended up forgetting about it sooner or later. I'm so sorry…"
"Don't worry about it. You were only thinking of me." I shook my head. "This just doesn't make any since at all. If Cassie knew about me having the power then why didn't she say anything. All she did was blame me for it." I said sadly. Mom blinked in confusion. "Blame you?"
I looked to her. "Yeah, she was jealous of me."
"Jealous? Not Cassie?" She responded in shock. I nodded. "I was just as surprised as you were."
Mom leaned on the wall. "So, that would explain why she left home and never told any of us about it. She was supposed to go to college but before that we all thought she eloped with some guy that we never met. How could we've been so stupid? Common sense would have told us that something wasn't right. We could have called the police. But then again, what could they have done? She was of age to do whatever she wanted to do. And even if it led to something as dangerous as this, it wouldn't have made a difference. They wouldn't have found her, and neither would have we."
"Your right, this changes everything now." I said after her. She looked at me concerned. "That means that this wasn't just a fluke or accident. I was chosen to carry this burden for a reason. And now I screwed it all up." Clenching the piece of paper from Cassie's dairy, I realized that I made a huge mistake. Like I promised at the hospital to myself. I have to make this right. But I don't know what to do in order to do it.
Mom frowned. "You shouldn't have to worry too much, Alesia."
"Huh?" I looked to mom confused. "If anything, you will figure it out. I just know it. I mean, you came this far. And your friends are still counting on you and Jenny to help them in anyway possible. Let's not forget that."
I nodded. "Okay…"
Current Night
Dumon walked to their new apartment complex that he and the rest of the Barians chose to hide out. He decided that the plan to go after the rest of the Eternia holders, that was suggested by Alito himself was a waste of time. After the paper he found on his way to the area.
'So it turned out that it was more serious then I thought, once I had finished cooking dinner with the family she showed up again. I don't even know how to tell my family about all of this. In fact, I was even advised to not even say anything to them nor Chris and the Arclight family at all. I'm so confused about all of this. Why did it have to even have to happen the way it did? The next time I speak to her, I will get my answers!
The woman in white will have no choice to tremble at my new found strength…'
He remembered it well. But now his bigger problems are even greater than before. All because what Alesia have done. He'll admit that he didn't anticipate it the moment it happened. He always figured that she was a lot more smarter than to pull off that stunt. So he didn't want to make it insane like what happened before. They ended up taking drastic measures that wasn't supposed to be. But for them, it was necessary.
As he used his key to unlock the apartment door, he sees that Mizar was eating some chicken on the bone and snow peas. He got bored and couldn't go without having some type food. "You mind telling me where have you been, Dumon? I've been starving for food." Dumon narrowed his eyes. "Do I have to answer to you? And besides if your hungry you can take some money I had transferred so that you can get yourself something to eat. Like what you are doing right now."
Mizar wanted to roll his eyes. But he knew better, not wanting to make him any more upset than he already was. A Barian is down, Another isn't here currently. Though they are somewhat happy the annoying Barian was gone for the while. They really needed the other two whom they've been searching for almost eternity. Nash and Mirag…
"Any news about Alito?" Dumon decided to ask this time. Mizar shook his head and even gave a strained face. "As much as I can almost care less about some people, but I'm starting to grow weary of the situation. His predicament was not normal. And what did that blasted girl meant by the D-Zone?"
"She was more and likely referring to the phenomenon that happened many years ago. Apparently there were a time when the real world and our universe crossed paths, merged and then almost destabilized. Had they didn't stop it sooner, then none of us would probably exist right about now. All we have is borrowed history. It isn't ours. So put all of those insecurities to rest. Alito…"
"HAS WOKEN UP!" Girag cried out from the boys room before Mizar and Dumon rushed to see what was all of the noise about. When they did, they gasped when they see Alito, completely okay and alert. But seemed worn out and tired. And they understood why. He's been out for the past two days. "Well what do you know…?" Mizar started. "Yes, we're glad that you've finally came back to us, Alito." Dumon greeted with such formality that Girag wanted to protest the behavior. But he knew that it wasn't going to change anything. They still needed to work on something very important and that is why he is not going to waste his time of something that isn't going to benefit anybody.
Alito looked up and looked around the room with drained eyes. Taking in the environment around him before he spoke. "How long have I been out?" He asked suddenly. "You've been out for two whole days. Girag had choose to stay and keep an eye out for you while we didn't know what else to do with you." Dumon spoke up.
"Yeah, you better not be a burden for us like that again, you slacker. Now that your awake you can pretty much help us out with our plan." Mizar scolded in annoyance. Meanwhile, Girag wanted to punch the blond. "Plan? What plan?"
Everyone else but Alito was starting to get concerned. "What do you mean 'what plan'? The plan to capture Alesia, of course! She does have the power that we are seeking at the moment so that she can guarantee our ability to win the interstellar war! Once we conquer and defeat Astral World, we will over run the human world and come take control of this one was well." Mizar remained.
"You mean to tell us that you don't remember our primary mission?" Girag this time ask his best friend. Alito looked to him and shook his head. "That's odd — a lost of memories? How can that be possible?"
Dumon narrowed his eyes. "I think I have an idea how." He went over to Alito and stood over him. Much to the great discomfort of all the boys in the room. " So, did you have fun while swimming in the pool of memories that doesn't belong to you, Alito? Hope it was worth the trip. Because now you can't even recall anything from before we left our world, haven't you?"
Alito paled. Girag and Mizar was in deep shook at what Dumon had just revealed. "What the hell did you do?" Mizar bellowed in anger. "All I did was touch it, okay?! It almost dropped after we had that earthquake in Barian world!" Alito argued before grasping his head.
"Oh, you got a headache now? GOOD for YOU! You deserve everything that you got! Pitiful! I should have known something was completely off with you." And then he turned to point at Girag. "Did you know of this, Girag?!" Girag shook his head vigorously denying anything that he didn't know of. "No, no, no! I didn't know anything about it! I swear!" He begged.
"You leave Girag out of this. He didn't know about a single thing that I did!" Alito yelled at Mizar for the accusations.
Dumon stepped in-between the arguing Barians. "Quiet you fools! You want the neighbors and the people who got us this new apartment after that last scenario happened, to hear us and call the authorities?!"
"I say screw the neighbors. We have a big problem now that Alito chose to look at Alesia's memories." Mizar started again. "Well, in a way you don't have to worry about it, because I don't have a single clue over what had happened. In fact, just when I thought her memories was going to flow through…" Then he paused and his eyes grew distant with each passing moment. The rest of the Barians was confused as ever now.
Just what did Alito meant by all of that. "Alito?"
"…Sorry…it was nothing important. Please forgive me…" He asked. "Forgiveness isn't going to cut it. You disobeyed orders, and therefore I'm going to have to take serious measures. But we aren't in our world right now. And now isn't the time for your punishment. We have to worry about other matters at the moment." Dumon clarified the situation.
Alito now looked at him. "What happened when I was asleep?" So now the Barians had to tell him everything.
The Next Day
Tami looks up at Shark and hides behind a wall attached to the kitchen. He notices and gives a small smile. "Hey there! Your Tami, right? Don't be shy. Come over here for a sec, I would like to talk to you." Tami begins to blush and gulped loudly. She didn't know what it is about him. But she doesn't want to be a bother to the rest of the family.
Shark sat down on the couch and gently grabbed Tami's hands before pulling her towards him. Her shyness and reserved nature began to show. "Don't be scared. I'm not going to bite yah." He teased and attempted to tickle her at her sensitive spots. Which got her bursting out laughing. "STOP IT! THAT TICKLES!" She warned.
"I'll stop when you start being nice to me. It's not everyday you get to see a fictional character grace your home. And it's not everyday I get to tickle a real world kid." He said with a smirk and continued to tickle the sensitive girl who was giggling and laughing all over the place. And even lifted her up just so he can get her on his lap. She conceded and begged for him to stop.
When he saw that she gave up he was satisfied and gently placed her down to sit next to him. Both parties out of breath.
"So you mind telling me how come you and your twin brother is avoiding me?" Shark asked her hopefully in getting an answer. As much as he was stuck up and noncompliant in the past. He couldn't help but feel bad about how he was perceived here in Jenny's home. Tami finally calmed down and showed her body language was that of a person being in an uncomfortable situation. She trailed her eyes away from him.
Shark frowned. He had no idea that speaking to children was going to be this hard. But in a way, he kind of liked Tami. She was naturally quiet. Very willful at times. Playful and cheerful, but showed great intelligence and intellectual skills for her age. It was those qualities that made him feel guilty for not being actively involved in getting to know the family more. Even if he was only here for a short time. He still wanted to make a good impression. For him, being in the real world was like starting his life all over again. But he still missed Rio. And he knew that if he and his friends were to never return back to their animated lives, it would never be the same again if Rio vanished from existence because he wasn't there. He would lose everything. Although, he always acted tough like shark skin around other people, especially in the very beginning. Being alone scared him.
When Rio was in the hospital, to him she was still alive. But to some others, she was as good as dead. That was the conflict he felt and dealt with within himself, when Quattro was ordered to send her into oblivion, and tarnish his reputation and dreams for his sister. And although he didn't completely forgave him for those stunts he pulled with the Kastle siblings. He had to let it go somehow. Rio is better now and out of that dreadful place called a hospital. And he was tired of chasing down unwanted memories of shame, guilt and hatred. All it did was turn him into a monster. Hurt those dear to him in the process, and got him brainwashed while being taken over by a Numbers card.
He was certain, though, that even if the t.v. show and the series still exists for the world to see and be entertained by. His version and realm of where the REAL them lived will not. And that is what confuses him. Is how can such a violent yet beautiful world have such a great impact on his views of the two worlds. This life, more real and tangible than he could ever dreamed of compared to the intangible world called the ZEXAL World. And the one he is from. So simple, and yet, unpredictably impossible for this life that he is currently living out. The 'fantasy' somehow seemed to make sense to him now.
This was REALITY. But it wasn't HIS reality. Unlike Alesia and Jenny, him and their friends don't belong here. He knows it. He feels it. Yet he feels like he doesn't fit in this world even with human skin. He feels more like he's in between. Just borrowing a form that isn't truly his and cannot last. He doesn't exist. And so does the 'Reginald' of this world.
He is Reginald Kastle. Shark, the XYZ water deck duelist from Heartland City. An Ex professional duelist and a runner up in the World Duel Carnival. Not a boy from the real world.
Tami suddenly noticed that he was extremely quiet "Um… are you just going to stare into space all day?" She cautiously asked that she was so uncertain that he heard a word she said. He blinked and turned to her immediately. It somewhat made her jumpy. "Oh sorry. I was just out of it, is all. You still didn't answer me before…" Shark trailed.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I ah…" Tami began while falling silent again. Shark raised his brow. "You know What? Forget it." He responded feeling bored out of his mind. This confused Tami a bit. "I don't know what I was thinking trying to force some answers out of a little kid. I must be losing it today." He said getting up, having a resolve to go back upstairs. "Later. Make sure you've finished your homework, so your mom won't yell at you when she gets back." He lastly spoke placing his hands in his pants pockets.
It was then he walked out of the living room and resorted back to his old ways.
We're at the hospital. Going to go see Astral before he is able to come out during discharge tomorrow. This would be his last day at this place. But strangely enough, he couldn't help but win the hearts of some people on his floor. Dad seemed to approve of it, since he knows that Astral had to form other relationships sooner or later. I didn't know if that was a good idea to begin with. But, who am I to control their lives? All I want is for all of us to get back to what is really needed.
At the moment that I got news about what happened to Cyan. I wanted to speak to Jenny about it personally, alone. Besides it was hard to get privacy with each other, now that our friends are here.
"I want to know what happened while you were home Jenny." I started as we went to go get some lunch at the lunchroom in the hospital. She suddenly froze and then she turned a tint of red in her cheeks. "Ah, Jenny. You mind explaining to me why your face is so red?"
She came over and covered my mouth with her hand. "Shhhhh! I don't want to talk about it. Got it!" She whispered to me with urgency in her voice. I had to grab her arm nearly spit on the ground. "Sure, but you don't mind not suffocating me with your sweaty hands! It's starting to smell like sweaty socks!" I said with disgust.
"Ahh! Like I need you to insult me!" Jenny fumed before paying for her lunch and went to a different table than I planned. I frown in disappointment at her childish antics. You can't always get what's going through her head sometimes. But now is not the time to be prideful. I have to do something about this. We may not have until tomorrow at all! Not even a week…
When I walked up to her spot she was about to be nasty towards me until I nearly slammed my lunch tray on the table — Shocking her and a few customers around us. "Look, I am sorry for how it came out earlier. But we really don't have time for this Jenny. And it's not a good situation right now to be fighting. So can we please stop?"
I had to beg her. I've been through enough without petty arguments. And I'm not about to go through with it again.
Jenny just eyes me for a bit before she sighs in the end. "Your right, I'm sorry. You don't have to push it, ya'know?" I frowned feeling completely terrible about what I said earlier. "Yes, I would not have said that had I was thinking straight. But I wasn't. I've been completely stressed as of late. And finding a homecoming gown is going to be a drag. Literally…"
Jenny shook her head. "You don't have to tell me twice. I found something that my sister sent over to me from her trip in Seattle."
"What's she is doing all the way out there?" I asked curiously. "Don't know. Mom thinks it's a boyfriend she's got with in college."
I rolled my eyes just thinking about how Cassie did the same thing without telling anyone. Where do people get off with that is behind me. I could never have imagined that she was already in Seattle now. Thanksgiving break haven't started yet.
"Speaking of which, what did she sent you?" I asked her chewing in my turkey sandwich. She pulled out a large envelope that was stamped and addressed to Jenny's home address. Surprisingly it said urgent delivery. I wonder what it could mean at a time like this.
She opened the taps in the back before unhooking it to reveal a sheet of paper. It was nearly crumbled and it looked like she tried her best to keep it all intact as much as she could. When Jenny looked it over quickly, her eyes widened as I can see her eyes tracing it from side to side.
"Oh my…"
"Jen, what happened? Something wrong?" I asked concerned. "More like we got serious trouble on our hands." She mumbled. I swallowed the last bite of the sandwich. "And? Can you read it out to me?"
"More like you need to read it. Take a good look at it." Jenny urged as she handed me the paper. I finally took it from her hands and then noticed the date on it.
04.19.21XX
I gasped when I realized that this was Cassie's handwriting!
'I sent in a letter to Chris before it was too late. I needed to tell him how I felt. How I was glad to be his fiancee. But time is running out and I don't know how much longer I can keep this up. He left for Heartland tower in the morning. Since it was just me alone in the Arclight mansion, I had to get everything I possibly could. All the research that Byron had. It held clues about this ratcheted curse!
Sacrifice or be killed? What kind of monster come up with such a terrible power! It would kill me if I don't surrender it to its rightful owner. That's what she told me. That blasted woman from the Infinite time. I must find a way to get there. But how? Only they can release this burden on me. For who knows what will become of this world and the real world if they remove it from me. I don't want to die! I rather exchange somebody else who wants to be responsible! '
Again I read it over. "What in the world is going on here?" I whispered. Jenny began making noise by sipping on the straw with little to no juice in her bottle. "I told you so."
"She keeps saying 'she' in her recent entries. Just who is this person. It has to be a female." I stated. "Okay, calm down, Alesia. Maybe you are underneath a lot of stress. And here I thought I was the one who got it bad." Jenny muttered.
"We ALL got it bad, Jenny. And besides, this is serious!" I stressed it out to her. "I know it's serious, Alesia. You don't think I'm not scared about this? I mean, look at the situation we are dealing with here already? Astral is still in the hospital, human. Kite's injured himself. The golden key doesn't work anymore, and you lost your powers now. I don't have them, because I gave the rest to you. The Barians are still running amok in town. We have homecoming tomorrow, besides we need dresses, a date, AND let's not forget the 'you-know-What' is about to go bye-bye. And don't even let me start about them not having any shadows. Yet we have no way of contacting the others while we're over here."
I was deathly quiet. This whole mess was getting me a major migraine. I haven't even checked when was my last period. And I fear it's going to start soon. Thank God we never get ours in the ZEXAL World.
Jenny took the piece from Carrie's dairy. "Speaking of which, Alesia. Do you find it very strange that a price of Cassie's dairy is found here in the real world? When it should be back over there?"
I blinked in realization of that. She's right. How could I've been so stupid?! "Your right,Jenny. But what is it doing here? Didn't you and Kite said that it was left back in the ZEXAL world?" I whispered in case passing bystanders happen to listen by accident.
"Ah, yeah, see, that's what I was thinking too. I knew something was strange when we both came back here." Jenny began eating her bag of potato chips. Her favorite is the salt and vinegar kind. "What else did you find?"
"Well, not really anything. But that's just the thing. We haven't experienced anymore portals being opened since the first day we arrived. It's like it all just disappeared from the start." Jenny started to explain. Meanwhile, I was silent and thinking.
"Then we have the 3 major incidents that took place. And that also includes Cyan." I just remembered that. I slammed my hands in the table in excitement. But not in a good way. "Wait a second! When Sam and Yuri came to our school, that same morning my homeroom teacher spoke about Cyan not returning to school."
Jenny widened her eyes. "What?!"
I nodded. "Yeah. And what makes it worse is that he's in a coma right now. He had some accident after we left this world for a while, that nobody seemed to know what happened to him for this to get that bad."
"That cannot be just a coincidence. When exactly did this happened, do you know?" I began thinking long and hard. Trying to remember anymore useful information that can be beneficial to our cause. And sadly I came up empty.
I shook my head at her. "I'm sorry. I don't remember anything else…" I drifted off. She frowned. "So no exact date? Zilch, Nada? Nothing at all?"
I nodded to her. She leaned back on his chair. "Damn…"
"I just don't know what to think about this anymore. But now that Cyan is in a coma, we have no idea where he's…" And then it hit me. Seems like it got to Jenny too. So she went ahead and got up as I did. We threw out our trash in the garbage bin and made our way to the main desk as fast as we could.
When we got there nobody was at the station. Everyone else was walking towards the directory panel so they can see where they have to go for their visit. Jenny flapped her hands to her side in frustration. "Great. There's nobody at the front desk. Now what?"
"There's got to be a better way in finding out where Cyan could be at. We don't have any other options at the moment." I had no choice but to say that. It was then that we see a woman with long blond hair, blue eyes and pale skin walking towards us while she is checking her pocketbook. When I got a real good look, I was in shocked about who this person could be.
I remembered that Cyan was with a woman like this who I assumed was his sister from out of town. His mom has always been busy and been traveling internationally for a company over the past two years. It was rumored that his father was estranged since he was 2 years old. He never talked much about who he was to anybody else before except his close friends. But even then it wasn't proven due to the fact that nobody has any clue of who his father was. Surprisingly his mother wasn't married. And after that it was a talked about ever since.
In the beginning after finding all this out, I really felt bad for him. I was thinking about trying to become his friend but he's always been neutral when it came down to speaking to me. We were classmates but not close enough to be friends. At the same time whenever somebody tried to bully me, he never tried standing up for me. But he never laughed either. There were times where I felt like nobody really cared about what I was going through except Jenny. Little by little I was growing depressed and I didn't want to further burden my mom about it.
So it's scary to know that now of all times something has truly happened to Cyan. But this was no doubt something that I have to investigate. Since we had that parent-teacher conference in the early part of the year. I can positively say that this person was no other than Cyan's mom.
When Jenny and I have move out the way she immediately turned to look at me and widen her eyes. " Oh! Hello. We're you two waiting to sign in?" She asked in her surprisingly youthful voice?
I frowned. " Um, no. Sorry about that, My friend and I had already been signed in about an hour ago. We're just waiting for the receptionist to show up from lunch break." I said to her.
"Oh, I see. Pardon me then, girls." The woman began writing down her information on the sign-up sheet in front of her. While she did so she noticed that Jenny and I wasn't moving an inch. It was then that she narrowed her eyes in suspicion and turned to look at both she and I at either end in front of behind her. "May I ask why are you so dangerously close to my personal space?"
I was about to panic some more, until Jenny went around her and spoke up. Leaving the poor woman barely startled. "A-A-actually, there is something that we wanted to ask you when you arrived. And it's related to why we were here waiting for the receptionist in the first place."
Then the lady raises her left brow deeply curious as where this was going. "Hold on. Aren't you two girls students at the Clifford High School District East?"
"Yes! We were hoping that you could help us out. My name is Jennifer Spencer and this is Alesia Bennet. We wanted to know if you have a son named Cyan?" Jenny asked with some hope. The woman was shocked and nodded. "Yes. His is my youngest son. I take that he goes to one of your classes?"
We both nodded and started talking to her concerning about what happened to him. As we were away for a long while and have no idea what happened to him. Besides telling her that we are visiting our friend who is also here, and was curious about if Cyan was being treated here as well.
"I see, so you wanted to pay my son a visit. Unfortunately, I can't help you." She said sadly placing her head down. "But why?" I asked her meeting on her level of tone. "You see, whatever news you were told at the school was probably bogus rumors. The reason Cyan is here in the hospital is because he isn't just getting treated for being in a coma. But also other problems as well. However, what I tell you must not leave this hospital. You must not tell anyone else once you go back to school tomorrow. Got it?" She asked us sternly in a serious warning.
Jenny and I nodded like our life depended on it. But we understood her reasons. This is not something anybody can just understand. I mean, just take a look at our dilemma? Not so kosher either when you think about it.
"Well, I don't want us to intrude into private business if you can't talk about it. We just want to know how is he doing." I tried putting her at ease. Though, the look on Jenny's face tells me that she was lost for words after I replied.
Cyan's mom gave a small smile. "Thank you, Alesia. But it's fine. All I can tell you two is that Cyan is fighting for his life. The police had got involved looking for him. And he was found at the junkyard off of Walker drive. They said there was some smoke mixed in with the fog that day. Homeowners nearby heard explosions going off. Strange sounds, screaming, yelling, and the noise pollution was worse enough to get some car alarms blaring. Besides some animals feeling unnerved. By the time they've investigated. They see Cyan…" She choked by her own anxiety.
"Ms. Mulligan, you don't have to say anymore. We understand that it was bad. Thank you again. In fact, we have to get back to see our other friends. They're waiting for us to return."
Jenny and I took the stairwell to get to the 2nd floor. "Man, poor Cyan and Ms. Mulligan. Who would have thought that things could have been so bad when we left for the ZEXAL World." Jenny described what she was feeling. I just looked down at the stairs as we continue to walk up. I whined a little. Feeling very unhappy about what I heard.
Explosions? Animals frightened? At the junkyard? Just what in the world was Cyan doing over there? Surely he isn't getting into some criminal activity since we were gone, was he?
And then what went through my mine was the thought of Cyan's smug face. And then his moms said demeanor. She was so heartbroken. I was quiet all throughout the walk towards the elevator to get to Astral's bedroom floor. "Okay. Mind telling me what's going on inside your head? Because all of this silence is starting to get on my nerves." Jenny said annoyed all of a sudden.
"S-sorry Jenny, I was just being quiet. The things that Cyan's mom had said back there…" I began.
Jenny sighed. "I know, I know. I was thinking the same thing to be honest. But now I want to hear your theories about this." She looked around at the advertisements hanging on the hospital wall.
I turned to look at her. "What theories, Jenny? Let's just face the facts here. We don't know anything about what really happened to Cyan, and what his circumstances had anything to do with what is happening with us. All we have is just plain speculation." I replied.
"So! Haven't we always look for Clues based on those theories alone?" Jen.y questioned me. "Yeah, but at that time Jenny, we already had knowledge of what was going to happen in the future of their world. Remember? And now that we are still losing our memories of the show, were jeopardizing the safety of our friends. It's bad enough I still feel guilty." I said with a frown remembering what I did saving Tori from getting hit by Mizar's energy ball.
I know that Yuma forgave me and understood. If I can't defend myself from the Barians here. I just may as well get kidnapped altogether. But they may not know that I no longer have the… then I froze in place. "Oh no…"
Jenny turned to me immediately. "What…?! What is it, Alesia!"
"Jenny… I'm so screwed…" I started. It was then she knew what I was speaking of.
Back at the Hernandez Residence
They piece together all of the data written in Cassie's diary that they were able to find. So far they ended up with 7 pages of it. They doubt that they were going to find the rest of it. "I'm s-sorry, b-b-but my p-processors can only handle but s-s-so much."
Kite sighed impatiently as he knew this was something that he wasn't going to want to hear. But his robot eventually had told him anyway. He guessed that it was just wishful thinking on his part. He should have known that he needed bigger computers with faster processing speeds to get all of that done. Even of he wanted to hijack one of Alesia's computers. Which he was able to find out had different technologies than what he was used to, it wouldn't have helped. They practically had hours until degeneration is complete.
"Just do what you got to do. Our world depends on us getting back to it." Kite ordered with his head down feeling overwhelmed. "Roger!" How long can we go on like this? Who knows how much stress our world is taking at the moment? Or whether or not of our family and the rest of our friends are safe. This is starting to be redundant. And what is the point of me going to this stupid homecoming nonsense? I mean, I get that I never got to experience these things and all. But it's really not important. And yet, what if it's true that the Barians have infiltrated the high school? Things are starting to look really bad.
But if those Barian freaks thinks they're going to be getting their hands on the power of Eternia from Alesia, well then they have another thing coming! I made up my mind. I'm going to protect her with all I've got. As I'm sure Yuma, Shark and Astral will do too. Jenny is going to have to step it up a notch. Because we all can't expect to protect everyone at once. And I have a bad feeling that those Barians are going to eventually crash the party!
5:45pm
Jenny was in my room helping to get myself dressed as she was already done. We had to fix our hair yesterday once we went to go to the nail and beauty parlor for a wash, styling and getting ourselves done. I don't know why our parents made us do this. But I seriously wasn't complaining about it. Dad chose to help get the boys fixed up after he got Astral out of the hospital. He basically gave me all of his medical stuff so I can add it to my storage bin for everything YGO related. My mom began taking pictures of me and then Jenny all throughout the afternoon.
The boys are getting themselves dressed in the same room as Kite were staying in. Shark also came as well, which I forgot to mention. Mom rushed upstairs to see if we were almost ready to get the makeup done. I really wanted to protest now. I shook my head vigorously to show it. She got upset with me talking about how very stubborn I am and 'what am I going to do in the next 2-4 years heading off to college and becoming a young adult'.
"Fine. Light makeup then…" I mumbled feeling completely embarrassed, and upset. I wanted to cry at some point. I didn't feel happy going to homecoming like I thought I would. Do we even have to go?
Jenny noticed my distress and frowned when she sees that I'm about to shed some years threatening to fall. "Less, not in front of your mom." She whispered to me as she was listening to the voicemails on her phone. It was almost loud to her ears for her to hear.
"I'm going to go check on the boys. You two get yourselves ready to leave." Mom ordered before she walked out the room. Jenny took this opportunity to try and talk. "Okay, what happened?"
"Nothing…" I said nearly depressed. "It isn't nothing, Alesia." Jenny concluded. " It is something that your mom said? You don't have to try and please her or everybody all the time."
I shifted as I got the eyeshadow palette from my makeup case. "I just feel very sick is all." I admitted. "Do you want to stay home?" She kindly asked me. "It's probably just nerves." I quivered. Jenny took her left hand and felt my forehead to check my temperature. "You are feeling kinda warm. Maybe you can have some hot tea before we leave. I'll go get Ms. Julie…"
I grabbed her wrist in a panic. "No! Why worry her? I already have enough problems as is!" I warned her. Jenny widened her eyes at me. "Alesia, what is wrong with you? Why are you acting like this all of a sudden? I can tell that your upset about something." Her sudden silence got my face going pale when she had the look of realization expressed on her face.
"Now I think I got it. Your afraid that you will be bullied while at homecoming, are you? And by you dressing up like this, everyone there is going to judge you. Now that the boys are also with us as our dates in a sense, most of the girls are going to freak out. And your scared your going to crack under pressure from that. You can't handle that weight. And neither can I to be realistic about it." Jenny assumed. And she was kinda right about the whole thing. I guess in a way to explain it. I fell very self-conscious right now.
"Still… if you really don't feel well. We don't need to do it. We don't have to go to this stupid homecoming. Nobody is going to push you either." I was about to say something until mom came in. Now in shock that we still didn't do our makeup.
"What in the world are you two girls going? Do you not see the time?!" My mom began freaking out. And sooner or later I started holding my temples and covering my ears. Felt a string headache coming on. With all of this tension it's making my heart pound faster.
I was breathing heavier and wanted to whimper. "Ms. Julie will you take it easy! Can't you see Alesia isn't looking so good ?!" I barely hear Jenny say. Mom slightly gasped and looked at me expressionless now. "What is wrong with Alesia?" Mom asked Jenny. Jenny sighed and decided to escort Mom to the hallway, even though she protested that the boys would see. Though Jenny didn't care at the moment.
I had no idea what they were saying outside. I wanted to lay my head down on my dresser feeling completely overwhelmed by this painful feeling in my stomach. I held it for dear life as I had a feeling that I was getting nauseous. I whined in pain over and over again. What is happening to Me? I was looking forward to this. And now it's getting ruined…
I began crying to myself. Mom and Jenny walks back in and gasped seeing me looking awful. "Honey, what's going on? Do you feel sick?" Mom began rubbing my back. I sniffed from my stuffy nose and lied to get. Jenny closed her eyes and shook her head in disapproval.
"Hey! Ms. Julie?! Can we head downstairs now?" Yuma cried out from the guest room. Mom went to the boys quickly to let them know something.
Jenny snuck over to me and whispered. "You realize that there is no way you're going to the dance, right?"
"Don't tell me…" I barely spoke with a raspy voice. Then we can hear a group of footsteps heading our way. The boys saw us and gasped. I just wanted to bury my head in the sand somewhere.
"It's conceivably impossible." Dad spoke. "Did you come up with the numbers all by yourself? Or did you run it through the people in the astrometry project?"
"Walter, I did everything you've told me to, from scanning the beta group distribution in the computer lab to the testing the seismoscope. And it's not telling me exactly where all of these activities are ranging from. It's bilateral in nature." A pale Scottish man said as he began lighting up a cigarette.
Walter lean over to look at his old friend. "Thomas, we need to fix this as much as possible before innocent lives are taken. We don't need…"
"They already know, and they've been aware. They just don't know exactly who is responsible. Some are already getting paranoid as is and we can't afford to allow anything to slip. I will try to get as much readings as possible for you as soon as I get anymore updates. But Walter, I'm sorry. But you're just going to have to take care of this on your end as well." Thomas said before looking back on the screen.
Walter began feeling very frustrated with what is related back to him. He's running out if options. If he can't find a way to pinpoint when the next quake will hit it can cause a major catastrophe. But he wasn't going to give up. He couldn't. Not after everything he did in the past. Though he knows that his family forgave him, it was tough to put it behind him, when he knows that he has unfinished business.
"Wait!" He hears a female open the door to the control room. Thomas looked behind him to see his coworker approached him. "What are you doing Taylor?" The woman who entered was dark skinned with black hair and brown eyes. She had some moles on the side of her neck. But they were nearly noticed. "We're going to have to have a meeting with Mizrahi and Cot. They're here with an update." She turned over to look at who he was talking to, and remembered Walter right away.
"Bennet. I had no idea that you were still achieve." She strikes the conversation. "Nothing in this world could stop me from wanting to do my job. I take it that the higher-ups I have regarding the current situation?"
Taylor sighed before shaking her head in disbelief. "Unfortunately we don't have evidence to support what data we are receiving yet. In the meantime we're trying to keep everything on the ropes in our end. But sadly I don't know how much longer we can keep up. We don't get anything soon within the next 4 hours, you know what the next step is going to be."
"Well, can we run through it with the manager first?" Walter pleaded. And again, Taylor disapprove. "It cannot be done Walter, I'm sorry." She said sadly. " I am truly sympathetic with your daughter's situation. You know that more than I do. It's just that everything is so tight right now on this side, and I fear for all of our safety. Who knows what's really going on over there as well as here." Taylor tries to reason.
"But at this point, if we don't do anything, our whole world is going to be in danger not just this town." Walter argued back. "And you don't think that we're not trying to prevent that! Do you not realize how much money in funding is being sent in just to complete this project?" Taylor wouldn't give up reasoning. But she can tell him that he is really not happy about it.
*Forget the damn project! What about my daughter? Her friends? *
Thomas chose this moment to step in. "Walter? Are you there, man?"
"Yes, I'm listening…" Walter finally answered.
"Look, much as I hate to say this Taylor is right. There cannot be a more serious time than this right now. With all the budget cuts are coming in, there is no way we'll be able to do everything that you want us to do. With everything where its at right now, all we can do is stick to Basics. If we come up with any other plan, we'll let you know right away. If we find anything unusual we'll send in the reports." Thomas spoke level-headed.
"We're running out of time… We may not have another day." Walter wanted to cry badly. As he couldn't imagine what he would have to tell the kids once they've found out they may never be able to get home. "But in the meantime, you have to try to get you some sleep. We have you on call so we'll be in touch." Thomas concluded
" And please Walter, don't do anything stupid." Taylor warned. He scoffed at the comment. " So what are you, my mother now? I'm not one to do stupid things, Taylor."
She frowned. " No offense, but you know exactly what I mean."
Walter wasn't pleased with what she was suggesting. "If you want to refer to my past Taylor. Then I suggest you just drop it." Walter started to get angry at the suggestion she was making. And this shocked everyone on the monitor. "Walter! She wasn't insinuating that at all. Please, don't make it into a complicating spectacle. I don't know what happened while you were away. But you seriously need to calm down. If the boss didn't want us to handle the situation. Who knows where you would have been right now. We're the only ones who can help make it easier for you and the kids. So calm, down."
Walter frowned and then slouched back on his desk chair and rubbed his face. He just couldn't believe that he was threatening his friends just now. This was not like him at all. Something is terrible wrong. He's been agitated all day.
"Taylor, can you do something personal for me?" Walter asked. She curiously cocked her head to the side. "Sure, anything." She answered calmly.
He then looked at her. "I need you to call the local news station. Tell them that I need to speak with them as soon as possible."
"What for, if you don't mind me asking?" Now she was even more curious than before. And so is Thomas. "I need them to help us in this investigation. Something tells me that this whole thing with the accidents weren't any fluke."
It was then that somehow Taylor and Thomas knew what he was thinking.
Alesia's POV
After I took the time to get some rest I awoke feeling a strong power surge coming from where the school was. I immediately called Orbital to come up to my room. I know that the robot often have a hard time trying to get upstairs. But now that this mess is coming into a full scale dangerous situation – I fear that our friends, family and innocent people are in grave danger!
Orbital came in from the door shocked to see me awake this early while homecoming just barely started. "Ms. A-A-Alesia, what on e-e-earth is you d-d-doing! You s-s-should be getting your-self some m-more rest!" He started chastising me with his robotic arms to his hips and narrowed eyes. "No time to explain, Orbital. We have to get to the school and fast!" I said as I pulled the covers off of me. Trying to find my main clothes and the homecoming dress I got from a few months ago. Orbital looked completely confused about this.
"You're n-not making any s-s-sense." I hear him say.
I didn't have time to worry about him being there. I throw off my pajama shirt and tossed it over, before hearing him yelp about something.
"Trust me, once we get going, I can be able to explain things a little better!" I had to argue him down with just getting to where we need to go. He has to understand that this is not the time for us to ditty dabble in questions. Acting at this point is essential. We are definitely running out of time!
When I finally placed on my regular shirt, I turned around looking at Orbital and blushed after seeing my pajama shirt was thrown on top of his head! Oh god, WHY?! I ran over to him and snatch the shirt off his head. Only for him to be seemly steamed up and panicked about the experience he didn't ask to be in right now. "I'm so s-s-sorry! I didn't see anything! N-Nothing..!" He finally snapped.
"Orbital, please calm down. It was an accident, and I wasn't thinking. If anything, it was really my fault. I should have been more careful and paid attention to what I was doing. I wasn't thinking that you were still in here like that." I apologized. The guilt and embarrassment was starting to creep up on me now. If Kite found out about this…I have no idea what he will make out of it! I mean, I don't think of trying to be…oh I don't know! I'm not trying anything! I mean I… Man I feel so embarrassed right now! And since Orbital basically records everything and anything that eventually hap… Now my face is turning redder. Aghhh! My life is ruined! There goes my good reputation. Now I will never be able to live it down.
Mom came rushing in and gasped when she sees me up and about, wondering what could be going on through my head. "Alesia..! What on earth are you doing up right now?" And then she turned to notice Orbital. "And, Orbital 7…"
I ran up to her. "Mom… We have to go, now! The students at the school are in danger." I warned her. She widened her eyes. "What are you saying?"
"I can sense the enemy's presence. They're going to make their attack for the homecoming dance. And if we don't get there soon then…"
Mom grabbed me gently and led us to my bed with Orbital slowly rolling towards. "Calm down, and take a deep breath. Are you positively certain that this is going to happen now?"
I nodded. "Yes!" Mom turned to look at Orbital. "Orbital, do you think you can contact your master about this situation from here without you being detected?" Orbital tilted his head in wonder. "I-I suppose I could. B-B-But, I doubt that M-Master Kite would be h-happy knowing this. Perhaps sending a-a-a signal to Ms. J-Jennifer's phone would be better!"
Orbital pulled up Jenny's Number on his screen, with the exact coordinates and everything else. I got up from where mom had us and packed up a few things. Now she seemed even more worried than usual. "So you are leaving again…"Mom said sadly. I stopped after noticing the pain in her voice. She was going to be lonely again without me. I didn't want to deal with this situation again. But I have to. I have no other choice in the matter. I got in too deep, and I have to be the one to finish it once and for all, like I promised last time. "Mom, you know I have to." I said to her.
"I know, But… I just got you back…" She wanted to cry. Orbital noticed the tense situation and slowly rolled out of the room to give us privacy. "Yeah, I get it too, mom. But mom, trust me when I say, that I will return back to you and dad. You don't have to worry about that." I looked down, wondering what else can I say to cheer her up. I mean, come on. I'm her only daughter left. There is still somethings that I have to clear up back at the ZEXAL World. I can't lose my focus on this one. The Barians wouldn't let this go to waste if they can get their hands on me. One way or another – they want the power of Eternia for themselves.
I sighed, trying to go from bag to hug mom. She held me tighter, as if she was going to lose me. "Mom…"
"Sweetheart, listen. You are growing up. You will have to make your own choices on what to make of it. I truly wouldn't want you to leave me so quickly and I have yet to see you do all of the things that you wished to accomplished in this life. But you did decided to take on this big responsibility even though I said before to stay out of it." When she said that, it reminded me exactly of the things she said the very first time I made it back here alive. Warning me about Kite and Hart, concerned that I would be killed in that world. And if I hadn't stayed vigilant, she would have been right. Nothing would have prepared me for this had I didn't have great friends to support me.
"I don't know what would happen once all of this is over. I don't know what else can be done to make sure this never have to happen again with you for good. But what I can't stop you from, is doing this for the sake of your friend's world and this one. Whatever that must be done, do what you can. I will no longer stop you." Mom said lastly. I pulled away from her and wonder what she is saying.
"What are you trying to say mom?"
"I mean that I have to prepare to let you go, in case you don't return back here anymore. I know that you say you will, and I believe you. But Alesia, you feel like that place is also your home right? That also mean that you may build a life there if you don't come home." She said worriedly.
"Look mom. I WILL come back to you no matter what. Once the Barians are defeated, I will. But I also have to gain my memories back. They were stolen while I was there. I don't have the upper hand in this now."
She placed a hand on my shoulder. "You'll make it through. You always have. But now let's get going. The more time we waste. The less likely you are to make it there in time."
I once again nodded, and got my stuff that I know that I'm going to need. In fact, I remember having something that I printed out a few months ago, that I was all of the episode listings and descriptions of every episode that aired for ZEXAL. I took that information and a few extra cards that can be used for my deck so that I can do what needed to be done.
Homecoming or no homecoming – Anybody who tries to bring innocent people in the middle of this mess is - going to pay.
In Town
Cara was being carried by Yukito on their way to the forest so that they can get out of the town. They knew that the Barians were not so kind after their run in with them a few days ago. "Yukito… I don't understand what happened back there." Cara spoke exhausted just as he was. "That power, that you saw, was coming from the Pharaoh himself who reminded me of the strength I had. I know that the power of Eternia was sealed up. But trying to deal with a new enemy with stronger cards than we do was idiotic, Cara!" She bowed her head in shame.
"I just don't know how else I can help!"
"You can start by believing in the next generation of Eternia holders, Cara. That's what you can do to help. You're their first person that was originally chosen to go. It wasn't me, as I thought. But I had something that helped me alone the way. So don't worry about it. Our job is to stand clear for when Alesia completes her mission. She will do this. Just like we did, and like Hailey, and Lauren." Yukito said lastly with a smile looking back at the Town before them. Cara couldn't help be at ease and agreed with her longtime friend. Yukito was right. And she knew it well.
Cara looked at the town the same way as he did. And began to have a silent prayer, in hopes that the situation would be resolved without worries… That Alesia and her new found friends would put an end to the cycle of the Eternia holders once and for all. So that nobody else would get hurt, killed and be sacrificed in the wake of this terrible forces… She wanted nothing more but to not have other girls caught up in this. Even though she knew that it was foretold that the power cannot stop being passed down. And she secretly desired that there would be a way to do so.
And then it hit her like a brick!
"Yukito!" Cara gasped in realization of something very serious. Yukito gave her a panicked expression. He grasped at her gently. "What is it, Cara?! Did you get badly injured?" Cara shook her head. "No, no. It's nothing like that at all, Yukito. But I have found out something very strange that may need to be addressed immediately. But we're going to have to get back to the minivan and do some research now!"
"Okay, okay, calm down here. Where on earth did this burst of energy come from all of a sudden? And what do you mean by we need to get back to the minivan? Don't you think that it's a little too late to be doing research right about now?" Yukito argued. But Cara gave him an angry look. In which he was feeling uncomfortable by. "Listen here, this is no time for arguing. You save my skin from getting creamed before, right. So the least you can do is help me save Alesia and her friends before it's too late! I may have found a way to put a stop to the cycle for good…"
And when she revealed what she could have known to Yukito, it was like time had stopped.
Homecoming Dance
7:29pm
The students were in the gymnasium and was pounding the wooded floor with their feet's as the DJ set for the night's events was setting off the 4th song in the songbook: Missy Elliot's 'Run This'. Shark and Kite was looking around as they are still in shock with the type of music, food, dances and the culture of the 21st century was like in the real world. In fact, they never really had good music like this before. Shark felt like the people in their world needed to take notes, because as much as he didn't want to dance. He surely would if he didn't feel too embarrassed about it.
"Yeah, I'm really feelin the flow!" The girl that Yuma agreed to dance with, Cynthia Chen giggled with excitement and went along the dance moves that Yuma was doing, almost getting some of the students surrounding them doing it. Jenny decided to get all of this on her smartphone. But as she was doing so, she was sniffling.
"Wow…our Yuma is growing up as Eli…" She said removing a tear. Shark rolled his eyes and starting drinking some of his coke. "Yeah, whatever… nobody told me that Yuma was this good at dancing…" He said nearly ticked off about something. Astral was called to join in, and got pulled away by Yuma. Much to his protest…
Kite gave a small smirk and tried to stay as FAR AWAY From the fan girls as possible trying to line up and ask Kite out on the dance floor. Leaving pretty much some of the boys sending death stares at him. And he wasn't afraid to send them back. "Do yourselves a favor and get these silly girls away from me, instead of standing there looking dumbstruck." He said with an attitude.
"Hey, watch it punk! You want your handsome face get punched in?" One of the boys started, as one of the girls clanged to him in hopes of using him as bait for a fight to ensue. Jenny and Shark gulped knowing that this wasn't good at all. So she decided to do something. "Look, what is all of you peoples problem?! We're trying to enjoy homecoming, not start a war over who should be with who." She tried to reason with them.
One of the girls narrowed her eyes in envy. "Hey, don't you dare talk to us that way Spencer! You took all of the good looking boys away from us. You and that pathetic loser, Alesia… And it's funny that all of a sudden you two showed up with hot guys over your shoulders? Never knew you two can be such whores."
That last one really ticked off Kite and Shark with that comment of hers, and nearly freaking out the girls and with the guys holding them back from the two characters from another world. "Allow me to make one thing clear to you, ladies… Don't you ever call Alesia and Jenny that filthy word like that again. Who knows what any of you are doing in your spear time and private lives? You don't even know them, so how the hell can you judge? From all I've been hearing about this place, every single one of you bullied Alesia and ostracized her from having a better teenage life. And now you're condemning Jenny over the same exact thing you're doing to Alesia!? That kind of garbage is not going on between any of us. Their decent girls, you got that?" Shark growled in anger. And Kite couldn't help but agree.
"And I'm going to have to agree with him. If you ladies and guys focused on your own little dates, you wouldn't have to be concerning about any of us. But all you people do is lust after each other and don't freaking care about another. You see something you like and you try every damn thing you can try to take it from somebody else. What the hell is you people's problem?! You can't get what you want so you want to bully into other people's business? Why can't you people have any respect for your dates?! I am not interested in any of you petty silly girls. Especially ones who goes around and tries to harm somebody close to me like that. Close to our friends. And trying to threaten Jenny isn't any different." Kite replied just as mad.
Jenny widened her eyes and wanted to shed tears of adoration. "You two are amazing…"
Yuma and Astral couldn't help but over hear and stepped in as well. "That's right! What they said! I can tell that many of you don't have much friends, let alone true friends that would stick by you. What has Jenny or Alesia have done to any of you? It's just like they all said. You have your dates and whoever you came with. Why must you try to steal other's dates like that?"
"Exactly, have you all had no shame in yourselves?" Astral even chimed in. One of the guys mocked Astral, word from word. "Dude, who the hell talks like that anymore, your mommy…?" Everybody in the surrounding group cracked up with laugher until a teacher or two blew a large whistle to alert all of us here. And yet Shark clenched his fist in anger - Revealing some type of bluish light sparking form inside it.
Then came over and revealed to be Mr. Buckner and Ms. Cassidy. The bulky jock for a gym teacher and 9th grade science teacher assessed the situation. "Alright, what is going on here already? What are you all doing shouting over here?"
One of the blond girls pointed at us and gave off a victimized look. "Those boys and Jennifer Spencer over there called us names and started the fight!" Now Shark was beyond pissed, and he wanted to nearly snuff out that girl right then and there. And he doesn't even like picking a fight with women. But he has no qualms putting one or two in their place. "WHAT?!" He started as he wanted to jump in and start a riot. As much as he was technically against hitting girls, He was about to change his policy in a heartbeat. But thankfully, Yuma, Astral and Kite were holding him back.
"Easy there, pal! That anger of yours needs to be taken down a notch." Kite warned. "You're just going to make it a lot WORSE for us, Reginald!" Yuma whisper also in a warning. "That's right, please refrain from unnecessary violence for our sake and Alesia's, and Jenny's sake. We're just guests here for homecoming. We're not here to cause trouble for ourselves or them." Astral chimed in. Hearing that from his friends made Shark realize that this really didn't seem like a very good idea, but Shark calmed down while Jenny was verbally fighting with the rest of the rowdy teens and setting it straight with the adults.
A lot of the other students attending were curious about what was going, and were prepared to witness a potential fight going on. As they were always so hyped about what was happening within their presence, like a bunch of wild pack of animals that can't control themselves. They took joy in seeing the unseemly. And any harm to others as that was their entertainment. But Kite remembered what he told Alesia that time. And now he understood it even more. Almost regretting it completely when he never grew up in this kind of environment. Now he is, for practically almost 4 days. Compared to their world, This one was even more wicked than what they're used to seeing and hearing all the time.
Shark began to feel a bit guilty after thinking about how his behavior would affect the girls in that way. All he wanted to do was protect his friends. And who he greatly liked….
For Kite, it was just simply standing up for what was the right thing to do. He was loyal to his new friends. And anybody badmouthing them was no exception. Yet, the fear of seeing Jenny potentially get into serious trouble was not something that he wanted to see. So he was prepared to step in and own up to basically starting the whole fight.
Until one or two students stepped in and admitted that it was the other group that was harassing them. Shocking everybody else there… "Yo, that is such a F-ing lie dude! You know damn well that ain't what happened!" Another cried out. "You know it was the damn truth, Colin. You had all of these chicks come knocking on these guys door, man. And neither you, Taylor or Bethany did a damn thing about it. Have some f-ing class ladies!"
"How the fudge…?" A Hispanic teen mouthed out and a butch chick pointed her fingers in a threatening expression towards the other group. "Y'all a bunch of a-holes!" she creamed, before Mr. Buckner caught on and pointed at her with a stern look of 'WATCH THE LANGUAGE'. She immediately frowned after knowing she was getting off the hook with her suspension.
The girls who tried going after Kite gaped in shock and anger while they were getting shunned out by others, who saw the whole commotion, and didn't agree with it either. Jenny, of course, argued back and was not happy with the whole situation, in which Kite pulled her back and had Shark take care of it. Kite went over to Ms. Cassidy, with the brown hair in a long ponytail and brown eyes. She heard what he had to say and nodded in understand and was in shock.
"Is that true, young man? That's how it happened?"
He nodded. "Yeah…I may have gone a bit overboard, but they were already harassing me and eventually my friends. I couldn't just sit here and do nothing. Either I said something, or it was going to get out of hand sooner or later. I'm not here to start trouble. I'm just doing this favor for a friend. I never had this kind of experience before." Ms. Cassidy nodded and then spoke with Mr. Buckner for a few seconds. He narrowed his eyes further and was mad when he heard the news. He turned around from Jenny and the boys before looking at the others. "You, you, you, you and you, step into my office. NOW…" He pointed at the trouble making group and sent them away. Everyone finally clapped at the whole thing because they didn't agree with all of that. The ones that were friends with them being called out, protested until he threatened to have them written up for disorderly conduct. Or possibly, arrested for sexual harassment and harassment in general.
Jenny and the others couldn't help but be pleased with the results. However, somebody was watching them in the corner of the hallway leading to the classrooms.
Alesia's POV
Mom dropped me off at the school front, and then she called me from inside the vehicle. "Alesia! Don't forget that you still have a home here. You made a promise that you would come home, so do so. But I will wait outside and contact your father immediately." I had nodded to her. " Okay. But stay out of sight in the meantime. Those Barians are here somewhere just waiting when to strike and make a move. I don't want you or anybody else caught in the middle. I already have a bad feeling that they almost killed somebody we know." I told her while hoping that she would understand what I am asking of her.
I have my backpack with me, and she handed Jenny's that she got from the Spencers. "Okay. Thanks a lot mom. I promise that I would be back once all of this is over. I won't allow myself to end up like Cassie did." Once that was settled, another song that we knew was in playing, and mom sighed. "What?"
"I can't reach your father. Something must be up with him taking this long to respond. Do you still sense them around?" I shook my head. Still a bit creeped out about it and trying to regain my senses.
"Nothing…"
Mom frowned in thought. "That is very strange." She started her car and gave me one last look. "I'll see you soon?" I asked in hope she will forgive me for leaving again. "See you soon. Come back when this is over, and your job in done." I nodded with a smile and ran inside to the nearest bathroom stall.
A few minutes later, I changed my clothes and contacted Jenny's phone. She came out of the gym and met me as soon as I got to her. She was shocked knowing that I was already here. "Oh my gosh, Alesia, what were you thinking about coming here at a time like this?" She scolded. "Because I sensed something big when I was in my room. And I mean REALLY BIG."
Jenny's expression said it all. She scoffs in disbelief and just seemed like she was going through so much stress as of late. I wonder what the heck is going on while I was out of commission. "You mind explaining what's eating you up inside?"
"Do you really want to know, now?"
"I have nothing else better to do." I gave a small smile. Jenny sighed and took me to a small bench that is next to the gym. "Um, do you actually think it's okay to leave them alone like this?" I asked nervously. Jenny nodded. "No worries. Their with Yuma's date, Cyndy."
I widened my eyes. "Cyndy? As in Cynthia Chen? The AP Biology nerd?" I covered my mouth in shame. Realizing that it was extremely rude of me to say that. "Yeah, she's all good. She really seemed to enjoy dancing around with Yuma. I think she likes him."
"Yeah, but, still…" I said worriedly. "I know, I know. It's not like they can date anyway. Besides Yuma belongs to Tori. Always have. Though I do understand what you are getting about. When he leaves, she's going to be heartbroken. But we can't be worried about her heart breaking right now, you know?"
I did know. And that is where I felt so sad. "So that is not what you were trying to get me to know about right?" Jenny closed her eyes and whined. "Okay, I'm guilty. We all almost got into a fight with some of the other students in the school."
"What?!" I asked in a seriously tone.
Hidden Shack Near School Building
Alito, Mizar, Dumon and Girag all assembled in a circle as they are about to go over their plans. "I hope you all are up to date on what must be done?" Dumon started. "Yeah…Once we can get all of them in one area, we can open up a portal that can suck them all in at once." Girag noted. Mizar smirked at the idea. "These little humans have no idea what is coming to them. We've been storaging up energy from nearby victims in hopes of creating a cage to capture little Alesia. And separate her from the rest of the group."
Alito looked to Dumon. "You actually took my idea on that one as well?" Dumon nodded. "Might as well after that last fiasco from the 1st Eternia holder. Would have got her energy with her friend too. But things wasn't going well. It wasn't easy to sneak around without hardly getting detected." He confessed as he turned around determinedly and looked at their new victims.
The students that were kicked out of homecoming all piled up looking halfway dead. Their bodies hardly responding, and they seemed stiffened. Pale and nearly blue. "Just like what we did to that trader…"
"He got what he deserved. As long as he's in that coma, he can't go around and spoil all of our plans. Let's just hope that it stays that way…" Mizar gave a devious look to him. But his smirk evil as it could be.
Meanwhile in the Gym
Alesia POV
When I walked into the gym a lot of people were already dancing in the center, while a few were getting snacks and drinks. A few noticed me and were shocked that I even showed up with it soon to be over. Two couples were beginning to gossip. Now as to compare to the ball in Heartland vs here in Homecoming…I say this is where I feel even more self conscious!
Jenny hugged me close to her. "Relax, they can't do anything compared to what those other guys did."
"I know… it just hurts to know that a lot still don't like me for some reason." I mouthed. "They're jealous, Alesia. I mean come on. Look at what you're wearing." She said proudly. "I HATE attention, Jenny — Especially unwanted ones…" I whispered.
"You want their approval but you hate their attention. Man you are one paradox. How are we friends again?" Jenny joked. I gave her a look that she didn't expect for me. So she tried keeping her opinions about it to herself. Smart move…
"HEY! Jenny, Alesia!" I hear Shark call us to the rest of the group. He had a welcoming smile on his face as he waved. Yuma and Cynthia are sitting down talking on the other table talking to each other. Though I have to admit. It is kinda cute. Kite just noticed us and gave a small smile. But before Jenny was going to give another smart lib, I tugged sharply at her short sleeve dress. "You try to make something out of this, I will dig the biggest hole you can find and bury you in it." I warned her curtly.
She nodded vigorously before moving herself away from me as far as possible. This group looked on with interest, wondering what could have spoked her. But short Jenny wasn't so short anymore. It was hard to believe that she gain an inch or two higher than me.
As we got to the table the boys were amazed. Astral came back with some drinks for us to have. "Hey, you look good in that suit! We need a camera." I stated much to Astral's embarrassment. Cynthia overheard me talking about a camera and her shyness began to take over as she offered for us to use hers. "Cynthia, are you sure you don't mind?" Yuma asked.
She nodded with a small blush on her face. "Y-Yes, it's okay, Eli. It's no big deal. Really…" Jenny clapped her hands. "OKAY! Now that is settled, let's start taking some pics!" She said excitedly. But I can tell how it was freaking out Shark, Kite and Astral. "Uh…do we really have to? I mean, it's not like we're going to remember all of it anyway…" Shark nervously pointed out. Kite wanted to tease him, but chose against it. It was not something he wanted to do anyway. He wasn't good at taking pictures. Especially since it's been forever when he one done. Such like as that time, before Hart got sick.
"And, this is why we needed one Reginald. When was the last time we have taken a picture together?" Jenny protested. "Ah, like, NEVER?" Reginald pointed out. As the boys all wanted to protest except Yuma, we took a quick picture or two, and then suddenly there was a loud boom that shook the whole school. The kids were screaming and fell down to the ground, as we tried to hold on to whatever we were able to get to. I gasped as I felt something move underground.
I turned to look at Jenny. "Was I the only one who felt that?" I asked her. She shook her head. The students were murmuring to each other, trying to figure out what could be happening. There were also some structural movements in the area. Some began screaming again, while others tried to calm them down and chaste them for the unnecessary alarm. The teachers begin's making an announcement for everybody to stay inside and do not leave the gym until further notice. The DJ stopped the music and looked around. He sees some debris of cement coming off from the ceiling.
I noticed him looking up, and I did the same thing. Trying to grasp what could be happening. Yuma looked at me while I was doing that. "Alesia, what is going on?" Yuma whispered to me. "I caught the DJ was looking up at the ceiling, and I wanted to see what he was staring at."
Shark looked up as well as Kite did. Shark frowned and then looked at me. "And?"
I shrugged. "I don't see anything. But I did spot some dust on his shoulder." Cynthia shook. "If that's true — then, that can only mean one thing. The building isn't stable, and it can possibly collapse."
Jenny widened her eyes. "Cynthia is right. No doubt whatever that had caused that explosion nearby must be behind all of this. I couldn't help but notice the structural changes that the construction workers have modified for the building. How recent was this?" Kite asked curiously. "As of today? I say no more than 6 weeks ago?" Cynthia guessed.
"Those idiots… That is way to soon to be allowing anybody to come into such an unstable place like this. Especially when you have over 500 students in here plus the faculty." Kite said disapprovingly.
Yuma frowned and turned to Kite. "So what can we do? Somebody's got to do something about this, otherwise, this whole building can fall apart."
"Eli, is correct on that on. Without getting everyone out of here for safety, we may be in big trouble." Astral said. "So what are we going to do, other than admiring the danger we all could possibly be in?" Jenny urged. I knew that this wasn't going to be easy, but now it's even harder. That explosion was more and likely the Barians doing. And that can only mean that they are here, at homecoming. Waiting to strike again for their next attack. And they don't care who they hurt. And I am not going to allow these people to be further involved if this really is Barian related.
Oh man. My first real mission ever and it's killing me on the inside. Unlike in the other world, this is my world. Not something you see on the X-Files or something. You might as well call this the X-Files. Yu-Gi-Oh style…
Then an idea came to me. "Hey guys. I think I know what we need to do. But…" I gave a small glance at Cynthia, who has no idea what is happening or what we are talking about. Yuma caught on and then suddenly took Cynthia's hand. She blushed through her glasses and he did as well. "Well ah, let's talk somewhere private okay?"
She frowned. "But wouldn't it be safer if we stayed amongst your friends?"
"There's no need to worry about it. Everything's cool. And besides, my friends can handle themselves." He said reassuringly with a warm smile. You can see that Cynthia's heart was warming up with joy and confidence. She nodded. And gave a small wave to us as they left. I couldn't help but mouth 'Yuma, thank you…'
However, the others didn't seem to convinced with the idea. "Do you think it was wise for Yuma to leave us at such a time like this?" Astral commented. "Hey, the man chose to go down honorably. Got to give him some credit for that." Jenny said evenly. I raised a brow, shocked at her. "Look, he isn't dead yet, okay? So let's not jinx that. Overall, Yuma did the one thing none of us could do. He is her date, he should be the one to help her calm down. While we can focus on the real problem." I suggested.
"The Barians…" Shark said. I nodded. "Exactly, that's why she needed to be out of the way."
"But where could those cowards be hiding?" Shark asked. "Probably somewhere close by. I can feel a dark presence in the area." Astral started. I looked to him. "Is your power back?" He shook his head. "Not that I'm aware of. But I have no doubt that they aren't unprepared for a battle." Kite nodded slowly examining the situation. "You can count on them being prepared."
"Yeah, but we're not." Shark whined while folding his arms. I went ahead and showed them their stuff as well as mine. The boys and Jenny widened. "When did you get all of our things?" Kite asked shocked.
"Right after I sensed the presence of our enemy around the school at home. I didn't want to leave home empty." I pointed out, handing all of their gear with them. "And a change of clothes is on the way. I had Orbital pulled up around the school before Mom dropped me off here." I got out my cellphone and called the number code that Kite and I made up for Orbital to pick up the signal. Sure enough Orbital took the line.
A few minutes later
Jenny and I had said that we needed to go use the bathroom as an excuse to let us change our outfits. As soon as we did so, Kite and Shark snuck out so that they can investigate the area for themselves. Astral was assigned to keep an eye out on Yuma while he is with Cynthia. And the other students…
We rushed to get inside and undo the wardrobe, to change back into our regular outfits. "Sad that our homecoming has to end like this." Jenny said. "Don't remind me." I sent a quick text to both mom and dad. Mom immediately got the text and texted me back.
mom:
Please be careful!
dad:
Stay where you are. I'm coming with some reinforcements!
I went ahead and gave another text to him.
me:
don't worry. Jen and I r in the grl's bathroom at the moment. We're leaving now while we still can get out. Yuma is with his date. Astral is watching them, and Shark is w.t Kite searching for some clues. We won't do anything unless we have to.
I clicked send and placed away my phone. I looked to Jenny preparing myself to duel. "You ready?"
Jenny smirked and said the tagline for Darkwing Duck.
NORMAL POV
Shark and Kite are outside of the school's gym and they surveyed the hallways before realizing that security was guarding the front doors. They couldn't believe it and realized that maybe, they wouldn't be able to escape after all. "You have any plans, genius?" Shark asked. "Why are you asking me?" Shark frowned. "Because you always come up with the plans!"
Kite gave him a narrowed look. "Yet you always wanted to show em who's boss. Whatever happened to all of that, all of a sudden, hmm?" Kite tempted. "JUST. SHUT. UP." Shark said in annoyance. "Gladly." He sighed. "I cannot believe I'm actually gonna do it."
"You're not thinking about flirting with the security guard are yah?" Shark said looking creeped out. "Either that, or do you have any other smart ideas? So I can save my dignity?" Kite questioned with some aggression.
Shark thought for a moment before he decided to lead him to one of the exits that isn't on camera at the moment. "We go out through here."
"She'll hear us and see it on the camera." Kite protested. "So. It ain't like you go to school here."
Kite frowned. "Yeah, but you sure do." Shark smirked. "Not anymore…" He said deviously before he opened it, and Kite responded the same way.
When they made a break for it the hurried up and hid, knowing that the lady was going to investigate. She opened the door and did. After her look around for movement, she went back on her intercom and phoned it in. "I guess its goodbye for that high school. Now let's find those Barians and kick their ass! I ain't having no Barians ruining this party and get's away with it." Shark declared.
"You said it, Shark…" Kite agreed and focused on what they had to do. About three minutes in, they came to a shack near the school and decided that they should go in. Despite the adrenaline kicking in because of their anxiety, Kite wanted to try something first. He focused and then activated his duel tattoo on his face. Shark looked shocked.
"Whoa, how did that happen, and we're in the real world?" Shark wondered. "I don't know. It was like this natural feeling I got when we got near the shack. Something is definitely up. Orbital, come in." Kite tested.
And then Orbital came on his feed. "Y-Y-Yes Master Kite! I-I-I'm hear!"
"I need for you to scan this area that I'm at and check for abnormalities at once. I'm able to use my Duel Gazer Tattoo. Something that shouldn't ever happen in the real world." Kite concluded and ordered Orbital. "And while your at it. I'll test out mine." Shark took out his, even though it looks like plastic. He pushed a button on it, and suddenly it came alive and changed into a machine instead. He gasped in awe and wanted to jump with joy. But he knew that it's going to be short lived for now on. The road to home was near.
Kite nodded. He got the readings from Orbital and looked shocked. "What did it say?" Shark asked. "We got trouble. And we better do it fast." Kite and Shark prepared for what they were going to find inside the shack. They opened the door, and saw that it was pitch black dark. The only light was from the moon, and the light shined down towards what looks like somebody's foot.
Their heartbeats were drumming with fear. Shark gulped and quickly glanced at Kite, who slowly nodded for him to do something. Shark's finger flipped a switch and they gasp at the sight they saw.
"What the — What the hell!" Shark spewed out. "Damn, we were too late…" Kite cursed as he gripped his hand. "What, what is too late?! Tell me!" Shark demanded.
"It's not that simple, Shark. But one thing that I can tell you is this. Whoever is responsible for this is going to wish they have never been born." Kite replied with his whole eyes scanning the bodies of the students that have harassed them earlier. He could not believe that the Barians would go this far and… he didn't want to even say it.
Shark wanted to hurl after seeing them pale and not really breathing. "We need to call 9-1-1, man." Kite nodded. "After, we leave from here. Until then, there is nothing we can do without jeopardizing our chance of finding the Barians, and getting home. Remember that they are after Alesia, for the power of Eternia. That comes first. I don't like it either. But it has to be this way until we can come up with a better strategy." Kite said before closing back the door.
Suddenly they see a light coming out towards the school's grounds. They finally found out where the Barians are.
Meanwhile, a group of trucks are being parked outside of the school's perimeter of the building. Setting up barriers and a chance to get the students out for safety. Three officers had went ahead and entered the school building, alerting the security guard to assist in the plan.
Alesia's POV
I get another text message from dad, telling me to get the rest of the boys so that we can handle the situation. And that the Barians are making their move! Jenny and I hurried up out of the bathroom and back to the gym. When we rushed over to where Astral were, we told him the situation. More rumbling started, and the lights began flickering. The teachers got word of the situation too, and began escorting everyone out into hallways and safety remind in the middle to avoid getting crushed by lockers. Yuma began to get the hint, and started leading Cynthia out with the others. That was when we showed up.
"Eli, we have to go. Time isn't on our side now." Astral warned him. Yuma looked sad before meeting the face of a frightened and confused Cynthia. "What's, what's going on Eli?"
Yuma gave us a look and then we nodded before rushing out to the other side avoiding getting separated by stampede of teenagers. "Cynthia, I need you to go with the other students. It's safer that way."
She frowned at his statement. "What are you talking about? The teachers and the police are here to get us all out." Yuma shook his head. "No, Cynthia. Just people like you."
"I don't understand. What are you saying to me?"
"I'm saying that I'm not a student here, and I'm only here up to today. I won't be here anymore Cynthia. Please don't make it harder for me than it already is. I have to leave you now." Yuma tried to turn around but was pulled back by Cynthia grasping to his sleeve. "Your not leaving…"
He turned around in shock. "Cyndy…" He nicknamed. "NO! NO! I thought that we had something in common! I never had a boyfriend before." She said beginning to cry. "Cynthia… I'm sorry. But…I only took you out because I figured that it would be nice and fun to go to homecoming. I never meant to give you the wrong impressing. Besides, I'm too young to date."
"HEY!" one of the teachers called. "You two better stopped slacking, this place isn't safe!" Yuma worriedly turned back to her. "Please, Cynthia, just listen to me! I've I told you that I don't belong in this world, and I've came from somewhere else because of an accident, and now that I have to go back, your world is in grave danger, would you believe me?"
Cynthia looked so worried that she didn't even know how to process it. "What are you saying to me? If you wanted to break up, you should have just said so!"
"That's not it! It's the truth!" Yuma pleaded. "I want to be with you…" Cynthia whispered. Yuma froze. "Everything was just perfect, why would you want to agree to dance with me, if you're not even going to stay!?" Cynthia ran away from Yuma and she pushed through everyone around her.
"Cynthia…" Yuma cried and then ran the opposite way, ignoring the protest of the other students. Suddenly beams from above came down and blocked the path of police officers attempting to stop Yuma. Yet, the other students was more worried for their own lives.
He caught up with the rest of them, And Astral waited for Yuma to stop so that they can speak. "Yuma…?" Astral asked sternly. Yuma sniffed and began wiping his eyes. "I tried Astral. I just…tried. I couldn't get through to Cynthia. I broke her heart." He cracked. "I never would have thought that this would hurt so much! I really liked her." Astral nodded as Yuma whimpered and wailed. He wrapped his skinny arms around his best friend and pat him on the back. "Everything isn't always clear to us, dear friend. But in times like these, we must prepare to make grave sacrifices."
Jenny ran back to be a few feet from the two. "Hey, what are you two doing right now? We got to get a move on before the other kids and adult catch wind! We got to find Shark and Kite! Orbital is at the site now!"
Yuma sniffed. "He found the Barians?"
"Yea! And their doing some sort ritual or something! Possibly making a large portal!" Yuma looked up to Astral. "Let's go, Yuma." Yuma nodded with determination. "Right, I'm feelin' the flow!" Yuma ran passed them and Jenny shrugged before making sure that Astral can keep up. He's still getting used to walking on legs, compared to running, since he's always floated everywhere.
"I want to be with you…" Yuma remembers hearing Cynthia Chen's voice. "Everything was just perfect, why would you want to agree to dance with me, if you're not even going to stay?!"
Cynthia, I'm sorry. I'm so so,SORRY for hurting You! I never meant to. All I wanted to do was have fun and make you happy. But I can't stay with you. Everyone needs me. Alesia needs me. But every time I look at you, all I see is Tori…
My POV
I can see Orbital is watching them, and he was panicking at the site. My mom and Dad was also there as well, shocked at the revelation of what they were seeing. "Mom, Dad, what in the world are you two doing here!?" I scolded my own parents. "We couldn't just let you all do this alone. "But your in danger. You can't stay here." I said.
"We needed to see this for our own eyes. There is no telling what can happen next if this isn't documented. We won't be in your way, we promise." Dad made it clear. Shark and Kite finally caught up to all of us. "Alright, is the gang all here?" Shark asked. We all nodded. Until Kite noticed about Yuma's expression. "Yuma? Did something happened to your lady friend?" Kite asked concerned.
Yuma shook his head no and closed his eyes in shame. Kite recognized that he was in pain and somewhat figured it out. He nodded and silently sent his condolences for his lost of a good date. It must have been hard on him. But this was far more important. Even though he shouldn't be afraid to cherish the memories that they made here.
"Walter. When you are done here, send in your men to take care of the students at the shack by the school. Shark and I discovered their bodies there." Kite suggested to my dad. Dad nodded. "Will do." I went to hug him tightly as he kissed my forehead. And I went over to mom, who also hugged and silently cried. Jenny came in next after hugging my dad. And the characters all shook their hands and gave hugs as well. "Please take care of her. And Jenny…" Dad ordered.
Yuma, Shark, Kite and Astral smiled. "We will, Mr. Bennet!" Yuma saluted. Astral nodded as did Shark and Kite. We all ran down to stop the madness going on as a big dome emerged from where the Barians and SAM were? Wait a minute. SAM?!
"Mizar! Stop!" I warned him. Both him and Sam stopped running. "Oh no… What is Sam doing here?" Jenny asked confused, as were Yuma and Shark. However, Kite and Astral refuse to say anything at the moment. While Orbital gave a suspicious look.
"Why are you doing this? Where are you taking Sam? Answer me! Are you going to do the same thing to him, like you Barians have done to Cyan months ago?! Placing him in a coma and used him to threaten us to return back to the ZEXAL World?! And what you all did to my classmates were despicable!" I demanded an answer.
Yuma, Astral and Shark looked confused. "To Cyan?" Astral questioned. "You mean that kid that used to be in Alesia's class? THEY did that, too?!" Shark was astounded by what was revealed. "Now it all made sense. They used the energies from the other students to build up a mega dome designed to gain enough power for them to use theirs in the real world. Since there is no such thing as the powers or magic in our world in this one, they needed to bring it here somehow." Kite realized this at the state of his horror.
The boy whom we assumed immediately as Alito smirked. Man, does he look exactly like how he was in ZEXAL world. And Girag was even scarier. Tall, bulky, and creepier too —Wait! They're the BARIANS!
"And what is it to you, little princess?" He turned around mocking me, forcing Sam to do the same with his now injured arm. "Yes, as you guessed, it was us Barians who controlled that little pest. HE was quite the stubborn fool when we first met him in this pathetic world." As Mizar said this, he was glowing yellow all around him. Quickly changing to his animated form along the way, staring at me directly.
"…" I expressed uncomfortably with hardly any sound left. I can tell from the further end, my parents were freaking out. Guess they can fully and actually believe us now.
"It would make sense how the Barians somehow infiltrated the school posing as normal students. And taking on the aliases to cover their tracks so they wouldn't get noticed by us. Let alone by those who are familiar with the show. Quite clever. To think that our foes could be quite the adversary in stealth. They even knew what neighborhood and place the girls lived. Brainwashed Cyan, hurt him and placed him in a serious coma. While taking on his classes separately to spy on Alesia and Jenny. Possibly to try to kidnap had you both not been there to protect them. It seems like fate was on our side. Who would have known had you both not been there, what could have happened to them." Astral stated correctly.
Sam looked at me quite sad looking. He sighed, and also began changing his form. I gasped as did the rest, he revealed himself in Barian form. So I'm guessed that he is attempting to hide his true form as a human. Sam, is a Barian too… How could I been so blind to notice it!
"You know, Alesia. My Barian Emperor's have failed me more than I can possibly count. I think now would be the time for me to actually do something about it. Right in front of your dear parents." Dumon threatened. Now the boys gasped in shock. I moved forward a bit and narrowed my eyes at him. "Listen, SAM, you can take a shot at me. But don't you dare lay a finger on my mom and dad, got it?!" I growled under my breath.
Dumon raised his brow, while Alito was getting a kick out it. "Whoa ho! Looks like we've touch a nerve there." He said smirked while eying up where mom and dad are located. Seemly plotting something along the way…
Yuma, Shark and Kite prepared themselves for when they have to get to dueling.
"Hold on Dumon! I will be to challenge Bennet." Yuri who we now found out is actually Mizar spoke. Jenny and I gasped in shock. As Shark growled in anger. "What?" Yuma questioned in deep shock. "I don't understand. Why duel Alesia?" Astral asked to himself. HE gasped as he began remembering a few details back before this whole mess happened. HE narrowed his eyes and looked at the situation evenly. "Of course…" Astral started, which got Yuma's attention.
"Huh?" He began while looking directly at Astral who he forgot is still human. "…it all makes sense now. Mizar is keeping his promise from when he was still challenging us to a duel, remember?"
Then it hit Yuma. And even Shark remembers this. "You mean to tell me that this guy is still going to go through with it?!" Shark bellowed in anger. "Alesia! NO! You'll get crushed out there! Possibly even die!"
I gasped hearing Sharks plea. Could he be right? "I have no other choice right now, Shark. If I don't do this, I can lose my parents now."
Meanwhile, Jenny was remembering the talk she and he had after he caught her from running away again.
"If there is any consolation, you can always have me as a shoulder to lean on. It must have really hurt for him to betray you like this." Shark tried with a small blush to the side.
FLASHBACK
Jenny smiled with a tear coming down. But looked to the ground.
"Well, ah, thanks, but no thanks. No offense, but I think you're the last person I really need to be leaning on right now." She responded with such remorse in her voice that both of them can hear it cracking. Shark froze and frowned upon hearing her say that, as he remembered the day he confessed to Alesia his feelings for her. Was also the day Alesia also told him of her best friend's feelings for him. So by him rejecting her before this, it would only make sense why she would say that to him. Though he has to admit that it pretty much hurt him in the end. All he really wanted to do was to comfort her as a friend. But at the same time he couldn't help but feel guilty because she constantly gets hurt.
FLASHBACK ENDED
"ENOUGH TALK! Let's get this over with, shall we, darling?" Mizar challenged. "With absolute pleasure, Mizar! I'll avenge Cyan and the students whom you've nearly killed!" I said with tears and determination. I will stand and I will fight to the end. He began to change into his Barian form with a bright blinding light. "GO! BARIAN BATTLE MORPH!" The duel disk is set on my arm, the duel gazer is read to calculate the duel and set the stage for all of the AR vision link to be played out. Everyone else got their gear on while Orbital rushed over to where mom and dad are and projected a huge lens for them to see for themselves. Even for the camera.
Normal POV
"What the?!" Julie asked in deep shock. Astonished. "Alesia…?" Walter breath out concerning for their daughter about to duel a Barian for the first time. "Sweetheart, do be careful."
AUGMENTED REALITY VISION LINK ESTABLISHED
Mizar: 4000
Alesia: 4000
Mizar and Alesia drew their first hand. "Now let's duel!" They declared.
Yep! The Last chapter with homecoming, hope you all enjoyed reading this. It's very, very LONG. I can actually say that this is my longest. More than 40 pages! That's like close to an hour people if this was on TV. Literally… And I never planned this. I just kept on writing. I'm getting hit hard with the snow and the ice. And had a health scare with one of my dogs. So yeah… they're doing okay for the moment. But Chapter 50, can anybody believe it is soon to be up!
In the meantime, Just send in your reviews everyone. I know that I said about doing the dedications to reviewers before. But that will have to saved for next chapter. And yes, I do read the reviews as soon as I can. Hope you're looking forward to the duel. Be there!
~Sapphire100
