This is a special chapter indeed, for it is chapter one hundred! To even think that I've reached one hundred chapters… just wow. It's amazing how large this story grew, and so quickly! I thank everyone who has helped me get to this point. This chapter, one I've looked forward to writing for a long time, will hopefully be worthy of being chapter one hundred.

As a side note, I would like to wish Habba a happy birthday!

John: What the… Dark isn't a Jedi! He's more like a puppet master than anything; he likes pulling the strings from the background.

Captain Obvious: Yes, he's in killer mode. And Max in killer mode is not good. And you too? Dark isn't a Jedi dang it!

DarkFictionWizard: Yeah, I've been looking forward to it too. I'm glad that it's finally here. And thanks for setting those guys straight.

Chapter 8: True Feelings

Hope lay there, stunned by the blow and what Max had just said.

But Max wasn't going to wait around. He went up to her again, kicking her on her left side. "Get up! I'm not even close to finishing with you yet."

Gaston had frozen at first, being shocked by the turn around of events. Now he lunged at Max though, bringing out his sword. "Max! What do you think you're doing?"

"Stay out of this!" Max snarled, spinning around and grabbing Gaston's wrist. Gaston dropped his sword instantly, wincing at the bone-crushing grip. Before he could react, Max slammed into him, sending him flying into a tree, which fell over as Gaston collapsed.

"Pathetic guardians you have," Max said, kicking aside Gaston's sword. "I'll deal with that traitor later." He went over to Hope, and then began kicking her in her already injured spot several more times. Blinded by agony, she couldn't even bring herself to move.

"So you can deal out pain but you can't take it? What happened to your superior attitude? I thought you were the all-mighty manipulator? Yet you're such a weakling when the truth is uncovered! Sorry, but it looks like you won't be able to fool around with me anymore!" Max set his foot on Hope's neck. "I suppose I could end it quickly by snapping your neck… but would that really be any fun?" He put a slight pressure on it, causing her to gasp in pain. "So frail… not even able to withstand the slightest amount of agony, are you?"

Then Max heard something. He tore his eyes off his victim, but was too late to stop Gaston from hitting him in the side, sending him flying off Hope.

"You're still conscious? I underestimated you," Max growled. "But you don't stand a chance…" Then he punched Gaston in the stomach, causing him to fall to his knees.

Gaston spat out some blood before staggering up again. "H-hope… get out of here while you can…!"

Hope had been halfway between being conscious and unconscious at this point. But his words brought her back to awareness. She managed to rise, and looked over at the two of them. "But… what about you?"

"Don't worry about me! I exist to protect you, remember? And that's what I'm going to do!" Gaston said. "Now go!" Then he charged at Max.

Hope didn't wait to see the outcome. Knowing her Soul Monster was right, she turned and fled through the forest, ignoring the searing pain in her side and head.

Max did not wait for Gaston to make it to him though. He leapt at the swordsman and landed another three hard blows to his chest. This time, when Gaston fell, he did not move.

"Even with his armor, that must have broken a few ribs," Max muttered. Then he began to calmly walk in the direction Hope had fled, taking his time while enjoying the chase. "Now that he will not be bothering me again, I can go back to my main victim."

…..

Hope ran through the forest, tearing through branches without any regards to her safety. The mere scratches were nothing compared to what was coming, after all.

Max… why is he doing this? Hope thought frantically as she ran. He said that Gaston was a traitor… and that I'm a manipulator. What does he mean? Wait… Dark said… that he'd show Max the truth when he lost the duel. Oh God… what did Dark do to him?

She cast a quick look over her shoulder, and was relieved to see nothing yet. But she could not quell her anxiety. I hope Gaston will be ok… I know I couldn't have done anything, but still…

Then she heard a twig snap. But it was from behind her. Hardly daring to breathe, she looked over her shoulder, and saw Max calmly walking towards her. He too disregarded the trees as he approached her.

He's caught up with me by walking? But… Gaston… what happened to him? No, I can't think about that! I have to save myself before I can worry about finding him!

She desperately grabbed a card from her deck as she ran, and looked at it. Thank everything… Then she inserted it.

Max looked up as he heard something above him, and saw several dots of light descending. Before he could react, the swords stabbed into the earth around him, freezing him in place.

Sealing Swords of Light… you're merely stalling.

Hope turned and fled once more though. Max waited patiently for a few minutes, until the swords faded away.

"Valiant effort, but you're not the only one with support cards," Max stated, inserting a card of his own. "You can't have run far enough to be out of range for these to hit you."

Hope was still running when she heard a noise above her that was similar to the Sealing Swords of Light. But when they landed around her, she felt her blood run cold.

They were just like the Sealing Swords of Light, except that they were black instead of yellow. Hope had only seen Swords like these once; against Satan.

How can this be? Did... he become Thanatos again? No, that isn't possible! Thanatos is gone! Then how did Max have these Swords?

Hope spent a few nervous minutes waiting, listening for the slightest noise. However, when the Swords finally faded, Max had still not appeared.

She continued to run, until she came to a clearing. But there she stopped short, seeing who was already there.

"You can't outrun me," Max stated. "Your Sealing Swords of Light bought you some time, but my Sealing Swords of Darkness made it all for nothing."

So it's a completely different card altogether… Hope realized. Then those Sealing Swords of Light are just the way Satan's look. At least that means Max isn't completely gone…

"It was fun, but it ends now. You can't get away." Max walked towards her, eyes flashing menacingly. Hope, frozen in place, could not will herself to move.

But just before he reached her, someone leapt out from the trees, tackling Max. Reacting instinctively, Max punched the new threat, sending him staggering backwards.

"You again!" Max snarled as he recognized Gaston. "Learn to stay down, you damn dog!" Another kick, and Gaston was down again. Once more, he did not move.

"I'm not trusting you this time…" Max muttered, walking over to him. "I suppose I will just have to kill you first, since you refuse to acknowledge your place. When it comes to strength, I am too many tiers above you to even count!"

But before he could strike the swordsman, he heard Hope speak. "Max!"

He turned to face her, but as he did so, she viciously slapped him across the face.

Max blinked, taken by complete surprise by the aggressive move. Then he found his voice again. "What the hell do you think you're trying to pull off? You know that you don't stand a chance at stopping…"

But Hope knew this was her one chance to stop Max, and she knew she had to act now. "I can't believe you Max! Three times you have proved me wrong! Three times! I thought I knew you, but you concealed the personality I like with three others! One of confusion, one of anger, and one of hatred! Yet the you I like you buried away! What happened? Why did you have to feel like this? I wasn't trying to get you to spare my life before! I really meant it when I said I loved you! But not like this! I love the real you, the one thing you have to hide! Now quit listening to your doubts and see the truth, or else you'll find yourself dealing with another broken heart; mine! I can see the darkness around you, so quit trying to cover it up. Now tear apart the shrouds and reveal the light I desire to see!"

Max stared at her, stunned, as he truly listened to what she said for the first time in a long time.

Now I understand… I was doubtful because of words, just petty words that have no meaning, for the person that said them only wishes harm. Those images… they were false… I believed them because of my natural suspicions. But all this time, I was denying the fact that someone… CARES about me. Someone… loves me… how? Why do I deserve this? What have I done?

As he realized this, the anger and hatred that had consumed him faded away. But then something else struck him, something just as intense. It was a full blast of pain, and with a cry, he collapsed.

Despite what he had done to her, and what she had just said, Hope was beside him in an instant. "Max?"

Max barely managed to say his response. "I understand… too late…"

"What? Max, what's the matter? Tell me!" she exclaimed, tears clouding her eyes.

Gaston had been watching the whole thing. As he saw what was happening, he forced himself to sit up. "Hope… although I've never seen anything like this… it can only mean one thing; he's dying."

"No! That can't be true! Not now!" Hope sobbed. "Not after all he's gone through!"

But she could not deny what was happening to him. His screams of pain became increasingly more agonizing to hear as Hope watched him helplessly.

"There's nothing we can do…" Gaston whispered sadly.

Hope shook her head, her tears finally falling. "I finally say what I'm feeling, to end in this? I won't let him die now! I love him too much!" Then, ignoring his cries, she grasped his hand.

Suddenly, the orb around her neck began to glow with an intense white light, obscuring everything but three figures: Hope, Max, and Gaston.

"What… is this…?" Hope said, gazing at the area. Then she felt a pulse. She looked down and saw that the orb was shining even more brilliantly than the area around it.

This power… Hope closed her eyes, feeling something course through her. It's… my soul… the orb's drawing out my soul…

The orb then flashed. When she did nothing, it flashed again, more insistently.

I'll do anything! Anything to save Max! I don't know if this will work, but I pray it will! Then she brought her hands down over Max's heart.

The white light began to enter Max at a rapid pace, slowly leaving the orb. But that wasn't all. Gaston began to glow as well, and black and white light came out of him, also entering Max. But the energy that came from him quickly faded away, while Hope's lingered.

Finally, the light she supplied began to vanish. However, before it was completely gone, all three of them saw a dark shadow emerge from Max. Before they could make out what it was, it was gone, and they were back in the clearing.

Hope fell to the ground, and lay there. Gaston was unable to stay up either.

Max sat up almost instantly though, looking over at Hope. He was amazed at what had happened. One moment, he had been feeling a terrible pain tearing into him, but now it was completely gone. He felt terribly exhausted, but that was nothing compared to what he had been suffering before.

Despite the relief he felt, he was not about to stay. After what he had done to Hope, he could not bring himself to face her. He quickly got up, turning to run from the clearing.

But then Hope managed to sit up far enough to grab his arm. Her grip was far too tight for him to pull himself away from her, so he looked down at her.

What he saw shocked him. Hope's eyes, normally so bright, were now darkened with pain. He could tell she was barely conscious now, and felt a pang of guilt as he saw the injuries he had inflicted on her.

"Don't… leave…" Hope whispered.

"But what if I hurt you again? Whenever we're together, I end up hurting you somehow!" Max said. "You're much better off without me…"

Hope found it hard to speak, but she forced herself to. "What will we do… if we are attacked? We can't… defend ourselves. I also… want to… talk to you…"

Max gazed at her, and then nodded. "Fine. After what you've done for me… after what I did to you… the only thing I can do is stop running away."

He hesitated for a moment, and then reached down and gently lifted her, avoiding her injured side. Knowing he wouldn't be able to get very far, he went over to a tree in the clearing, sitting down and leaning against it. He tried to shift Hope off of himself, but her death grip had not faltered. So he held onto her.

"Gaston? Are you going to go back into your Soul Card? You seem pretty badly hurt…" Max said, not looking at him.

"I will remain to keep watch," Gaston replied, forcing himself up once more. "Yes… I feel very weakened, and injured… but I would not be able to relax… knowing the two of you are here…"

Max pulled out a few Red Potion cards he had kept nearby and used them, setting two aside for Gaston. The other two he managed to get Hope to drink, healing her wounds somewhat.

"Hm… I still feel pained, but my other injuries will heal now. Thanks," Gaston said, sitting down against a tree close by.

"I was the one who caused them in the first place," Max pointed out.

"Nevertheless…" Gaston closed his eyes. "I must rest for a while, but you do not seem tired. When you grow weary, wake me up."

"Sure," Max nodded.

When he was sure the swordsman was asleep, he looked back at Hope. Her eyes were barely open, and she seemed to be out of it.

"I suppose you'll want to talk later," Max murmured.

But to his surprise, she looked up at him. "No… now…"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes…"

"Then let me ask you something," Max said. "Why do you love me? After all I've done to you, why do you still love me?"

She was silent at first, and then spoke. "Max… as I got to know you… I saw who you really were. The true you… the one you hid away… that is what I have loved all this time. Please… do not try to keep the real you concealed. I want you to be able… to act as your heart… would direct you…"

"But after all I've done…"

"Your life was a terrible one," Hope said softly. "You tried… to hide away… I can see why. But I knew… that with help… you could open up once more." She smiled slightly. "And you did… right now…"

Max tried to sort his thoughts before he responded. "If that's what you want… then I'll tell you what I've been feeling. I can't deny my love for you any longer... I've loved you for a long time, but I never knew it until now. Or maybe I just didn't want to know it…" He closed his eyes. "But I know now what I have been feeling. Despite trying to hide my emotions, you opened them up to me. And although I at first feared you… or maybe I hated you… for what you could do… I also felt love for you." He resumed eye contact so she would know he meant his next words. "So I won't run anymore. I promise that I'll never hurt you again…"

Hope's pained eyes seemed brighter at those words. Then she closed them, feeling herself falling towards unconsciousness. "I know you won't… thank you, for telling me what you felt… and for being here…"

Then she went limp. Alarmed by the sudden change, Max checked her pulse.

"She's just unconscious…" Max said out loud, relieved. Then he looked over at Gaston. "I can't keep awake, but he needs rest too… we have to risk resting without a sentry." He shut his eyes one last time. "I can only hope nothing will happen…"

…..

The woman sat on a large limb, watching the conversation. Soon, she saw that Max had fallen asleep as well.

First love… how touching. I remember how it felt back then. She leaned against the trunk. Well, neither is the Limiter, so why not? I suppose I can stick around to watch over them for a while.

She looked over her deck, and when she was sure it was ready, slid it back into her Duel Disk. Then she settled back to prepare for a long night.

…..

Late that night, Dark was still searching the forest. He had not found any of the trio, and this puzzled him. He had thought for sure Max's power would be like a beacon, but it seemed to have just vanished.

I'll find him soon enough, Dark thought, going on.

After a bit more searching, he suddenly stopped outside a clearing, seeing something. After a second, he silently went in.

He was astonished to see the three that were there. He looked over Max and Hope's sleeping forms, and then at Gaston before turning back to the two others. How is this possible? He should have killed them… did he somehow throw off my illusion?

Dark glared at them as he brought his hand forward, his scythe appearing. Fine then. If I can't control him, I will just have to kill all three. It will be much easier to do it now, while they are asleep…

Suddenly, a clear barrier appeared in front of Dark, blocking him.

Before he could figure out what had happened, he heard something. Looking behind him, he saw a figure leaping out of a tree.

One of Tirran's, no doubt, Dark thought, irritated at the interruption. But he knew the only way to get to the three group members would be by disposing of the person who was protecting them, so he went after the figure.

After a few minutes, he emerged in a different clearing. The person was standing there, and he instantly recognized who it was.

She wore a black dress that went down to just above her heels. At the neck of it was a red ribbon. Her black shoes matched the dress quite well. She also had white gloves. Her flowing black hair went to her thighs. Her gray eyes, often gentle, were now much harder when she saw Dark come.

"Naraya," Dark greeted. "I should have guessed you of all people would be protecting them."

Naraya, or Aya, as she liked to be called, was not intimidated in the slightest by Dark or the scythe he carried. "As if I would let someone like you take their lives."

"They're technically mine anyway," Dark pointed out. "I defeated the boy in a duel."

"Then you should have killed him when you won," Aya stated. "Now you've lost your chance. You can have another one when they wake up and are able to face you. However, I will not allow you to kill them in their sleep of all things."

"You're too much like your husband," Dark smirked. "But that's all I'd expect from Tirran's wench anyway."

Aya's piercing glare told him he had gone too far. "That's it. I considered letting you have a chance to get away, but not anymore. In accordance to this world's rules, we'll duel. If I win, you're to leave the three of them alone until they awaken once more. If you win, though… I suppose I will have to stand aside."

"If that is what you want," Dark said. "But I will warn you about this much. I have already mastered this card game, while you have probably never played before. Therefore, the conclusion I foresee is that that you will get to watch the ones you tried to protect die while I go on to slay the rest of their companions."

"You always had the bad habit of jumping to conclusions," Aya said dryly, bringing out her Soul Card. A man appeared next to her. He wore a white sleeveless shirt and white shorts. Around each of his bare, muscled arms was one gold armband. He had short blonde hair and brown eyes too. But what were most noticeable were the four large cream-colored wings that emerged from his back.

"This is Sahaqiel. He's a Shine Angel," Aya explained.

"Fitting," Dark commented, bringing out his own Soul Monster. "This is a Controller of Spirits-Puppetmaster, called Kankarou."

"Hmph. It looks like we both have appropriate Soul Monsters," Aya said, turning on her Duel Disk. Dark did the same.

Aya: 8000

Dark Scythe: 8000

"I suppose I will take the first move, since you do not seem to care," Aya told him. "I lay one monster in defense mode, and end my turn."

"My first move will be to summon Chaos Rider, Gustav," (1400/1500) Dark stated. "He attacks your defense monster."

"It's a Shine Angel," (1400/800) Aya said. "Since you destroyed him in battle, his effect is triggered. I get to special summon a Light Main-Type monster that has 1500 attack or less from my deck to the field in face up attack mode. So I choose to bring out my Mokemoke." (300/100)

Dark stared at the creature that appeared in disgust. It was a white monster in the shape of a square. Its legs and arms were very tiny, and on the top of it was a red antenna that was like a question mark. Out of each of the top corners a small yellow wing produced. Its eyes were closed, and it had a bored expression on its face.

"That is your main attacker? I thought you would put up at least a decent challenge," Dark commented.

"It is not wise to underestimate him," Aya replied. "Also, Sahaqiel's Deck Master ability activates. It's basically the same effect as my Shine Angel's, except that it occurs whenever any of my monsters is destroyed in battle. So I bring out another Mokemoke."

"So now you have two useless monsters," Dark smirked. "I'm not impressed. I lay one card down and end my turn."

"I lay another monster in defense mode. That's all," Aya said.

"Alright then… I attack your defense monster with Gustav."

"It's my Cannon Soldier. (1400/1300) With Sahaqiel's effect, I bring out my third and final Mokemoke."

"Like having those will change anything," Dark said. "It's your move."

"It makes all the difference," Aya replied. "Now I summon another Shine Angel. (1400/800) Then I play a permanent magic card: Angered Mokemoke."

"Just what is that supposed to do?" Dark asked.

"When one of my Angel Sub-Types is destroyed, any Mokemoke on my field will have their attacks raised to 3000 until the end of that turn," Aya explained. "So I advise that you think twice before attacking. I end my turn."

Dark looked at the card he had drawn, and could not help but laugh. "It's just too perfect. You've played right into my hand."

Aya glared at him. "What do you mean?"

"First, I summon Wicked God of a Thousand Eyes." (0/0)

"And you criticize me for having weak monsters," Aya sighed.

"But mine serves a very important purpose," Dark said. "I will attack your Shine Angel with Gustav. This causes all of your Mokemoke's attacks to rise to 3000." (3000/100)

The three Mokemoke suddenly turned red, expanding as their faces took on fierce, angry expressions. Their wings unfurled, and the question mark-like antenna turned into an exclamation point.

Dark was not phased in the slightest. "So, what will you special summon with your Shine Angel and Deck Master?"

"Nothing," Aya answered. "I can choose when I want to use that effect, and right now I don't want to."

"Then you've sealed your fate," Dark sneered. "My Wicked God attacks your Mokemoke!"

"Have you finally lost your mind?" Aya asked in astonishment as the Wicked God rushed forward. But the furious Mokemoke leapt into the air and began to brutally pound the life out of the Wicked God. Several painful seconds later, it vanished.

Aya: 8000

Dark Scythe: 5000

"Quite the opposite, for it was a good play," Dark told her. "Now I can activate my Hell Tempest! This instant magic card can only be activated when I take 3000 points of battle damage. It removes all of our monsters from our deck and Cemetery from the game."

"Ah… interesting strategy," Aya commented as she began to remove her monsters. "Too bad I already have all the monsters I need to win."

"We'll see," Dark replied. "I lay one monster in defense mode and end my turn."

"I lay one card face down and set one monster," Aya said. "Go ahead."

"I will now I flip summon another Chaos Rider, Gustav. (1400/1500) He attacks one of your Mokemoke."

"I can't let you do that," Aya stated. "I activate Emissary of Harmony so that your monster's attack power does zero damage."

"You are merely stalling," Dark told her. "It's your turn."

"Actually, I don't need to stall anymore," Aya responded as she drew. "I've won the duel."

"Oh? You think you can defeat me with these… pillowcases?" Dark said sarcastically.

"Of course. It's only fitting," Aya replied. "I'll start by flip summoning my Marshmallon." (300/500)

"Another cute yet worthless creature?" Dark said, sounding bored.

"Worthless? You might want to think that over. I play a magic card, Forced Transfer. We each choose a monster on our fields, and swap them. Since you only have Gustav, he's mine. You can have my Marshmallon."

"I'm thrilled," Dark muttered, glaring at it as it smiled innocently back at him.

"Then I summon Magical Scientist. (300/300) I'll explain his purpose in a moment. But first, I will activate another magic card, Fusion! This fuses together my three Mokemoke to form King Mokemoke!" (300/100)

Dark blinked at the titanic Mokemoke that appeared before him. "This is ridiculous…"

"I'm not done yet," Aya grinned. "I pay 1000 Life Points to activate Magical Scientist's effect. This allows me to special summon a level six or lower fusion monster from my Fusion Deck, so I bring out another King Mokemoke!"

Aya: 7000

Dark Scythe: 5000

"Now, before I go on, I should explain Marshmallon's effect," Aya said. "It cannot be destroyed in battle."

"Then why give it to me?" Dark asked.

"So I can do this," Aya replied. "Magical Scientist attacks!"

"But if Marshmallon can't die in battle, then you've just been committing suicide," Dark pointed out.

"True," Aya nodded as she watched her Scientist vanish. "But I needed the room on my field. Now King Mokemoke attacks!"

Dark watched in disgust as the tiny Marshmallon and huge King Mokemoke clashed in a flash of light, leaving only the Marshmallon when it faded. "I can't believe this…"

"Start believing it," Aya responded. "Now, King Mokemoke's effect activates. I can special summon as many Mokemoke as possible from my Cemetery. So I bring out all three. (300/100) Then I attack with my other King Mokemoke!"

As the second King Mokemoke vanished, the Mokemoke's reacted. Their bodies became red once more, and their wings unfolded, with their antenna coming up.

Dark could only stare as he realized what she was doing. "…This cannot be happening."

"Sorry, but it is," Aya said, smiling sweetly. "That's what you get for underestimating them. Now they're all at 3000 attack, and more than ready to kick your ass. (3000/100) They all attack!"

The only good thing was that the Marshmallon blocked most of the attack power. But still, Dark was highly repulsed by it all as the attacks connected.

Aya: 7000

Dark Scythe: 0

"Damn you," Dark growled, shutting off his Duel Disk.

"It's all you deserved after provoking me," Aya told him. "Now, remember our deal and run off like a good boy. Be sure not to come back any time soon either."

Dark gave her one last seething glare. "Mark my words: I will be getting revenge for this."

"Bold words for someone who just lost horribly to a bunch of tofu-like monsters," Aya replied calmly.

There was nothing Dark could say to that. So he walked off, leaving Aya and Sahaqiel alone in the clearing.

"Thanks for the assistance," Aya said. "But I can handle everything else from here."

Sahaqiel nodded, and then vanished.

Aya cast one last glance around the trees before she began to go back over to the trio she had left.

…..

Max's peaceful sleep was suddenly interrupted when he heard something. His eyes flashed open, and he froze, staring at what was in front of him in amazement.

It was morning, so he could see the jackal-like monster clearly. He was at least seven feet tall at the moment, and he was hunched over; Max was sure he'd be easily nine feet or so if he stood up straight. His whole purple, muscled body was covered with fur, but in some sections it was particularly long, such as his thighs, elbows, and neck. The only kind of clothing he wore was a golden, orient Egyptian-style loincloth and a large, elegant red necklace of some kind. Each of his hands had five long, deadly claws that could easily tear just about anything apart. His face was much more like a jackal's than a human's, with a protruding muzzle that was filled with dagger-sharp teeth. His red eyes were focused on Max's, who was still petrified in shock.

Gaston had woken up as well, and had quietly placed his hand over his sword hilt. But he knew that he would never be able to hit the monster before he got to the two companions, so Gaston remained where he was, watching nervously.

Max finally managed to speak. "Who… are you?"

The monster considered the question for a minute before answering. "I am your Soul Monster."

To be continued…