~~Hello readers, I'm back with a new chapter.
I do not own Yugioh Zexal.
Only my original characters belong to me.~~
Dark Mist and I were standing at each end of a dueling field.
My friendship with Vector and his safety were both on the line right now.
Dark Mist was going to send Vector back to Barian World permanently if I lost this duel.
Vector was being restrained by Dark Mist's black tendrils, so he couldn't return to my side.
He nervously tried to pull them off of him but to no avail.
"Please win this battle for me Sioku! I'm counting on you!" he called out.
I tried not to let the anxious tone in his voice get to me.
"Don't worry Vector, I've got this. I promise," I reassured.
Seeing Vector tied up like that tugged at my emotions.
I pulled out my duel disc and a deck of cards.
"Bring it on Dark Mist! I'm ready for you!" I hollered.
"Same here Sioku, just remember what I told you. Vector goes back to Barian World for good if you lose," he replied with an evil grin.
I let out a growl of irritation at that.
"That's not going to happen Dark Mist! Vector is staying right here with me!" I yelled back.
My heart sank as Vector stared at me with sad eyes.
"Please don't let him win," he said sadly.
I really wanted to walk back over there and comfort him.
"Stay calm Vector," I replied with a look of reassurance.
I watched in awe as a purple duel disc mysteriously appeared in front of Dark Mist.
"That's pretty cool," I thought with a small smile.
Dark Mist and I powered up our duel discs.
"Let's duel!" we shouted in unison.
I put on a proud smile despite my anger toward Dark Mist.
"I've never seen him duel before. This is my chance to see what he can do in battle," I thought.
Dark Mist and I started out with 4,000 life points each.
"I'll make the first move Sioku," said Number 96.
"Very well," I replied.
Dark Mist drew the first card and called out. "I summon Maliceverous Spoon from my hand!"
I smirked at the weird monster as it took its place on his side of the field.
"You've got to be joking Dark Mist. Are we having dinner together? What is that monster doing in your deck?" I asked before I laughed out loud.
I heard Vector chuckle at my comment.
"My plan to make Vector laugh worked," I thought with a proud smile.
Dark Mist just shook his head at me.
He then discarded a card from his hand and continued. "By sending Maliceverous Knife to the graveyard, I can summon Maliceverous Fork!"
Looking at his second monster made me chuckle a bit.
"Another weird monster? You have an unusual deck," I pointed out.
"Sioku you're hilarious," said Vector.
"You know it Vector," I replied proudly.
"I'm glad you think so," Dark Mist replied sarcastically.
I glanced over at Vector who was looking at me with a hopeful expression.
"I won't let you down Vector," I reassured.
"Quit looking at your friend and pay attention Sioku! My turn isn't over yet," scolded Dark Mist.
"Whatever," I snapped back.
Dark Mist played another card and added. "I overlay Maliceverous Spoon and Maliceverous Fork! With these two monsters, I build the overlay network! Now that I have, I can XYZ summon Number 96: Dark Mist!"
Dark Mist's two monsters instantly disappeared from the field much to my relief.
"I'm glad the dinner party is over," I joked.
Dark Mist glared at me in response.
"Oh lighten up," I said happily.
The number just shook his head at me.
I heard Vector chuckle at my way of lightening up the mood.
A massive amount of black ooze began to rise on Dark Mist's side of the field.
That tall humanoid figure emerged from the ooze.
I gasped in awe while staring at it.
A flashback of my first encounter with Dark Mist entered my mind.
"He still looks gorgeous as ever," I whispered.
I smiled dreamily as I remembered the happy moments Number 96 and I had.
Dark Mist's words of encouragement from my PE lesson echoed in my head.
I had faith that the good Dark Mist was still in there.
Vector trembled in fear under his restraints as he saw the monster.
"Sioku! Look out!" he called to me.
"It's okay Vector, I know this guy. He's my friend," I assured.
Vector let out a sigh of relief.
I then turned my attention back to the duel.
"I never wanted to defeat you in battle Dark Mist, but you leave me no choice! My victory will save you and Vector from your jealousy! It's my turn now," I said while drawing my first card.
"Keep dreaming Sioku," Dark Mist replied with irritation.
I placed a card on my duel disc and said. "First, I summon my Bull Mastive Puppy in attack mode!"
A medium sized dog with floppy ears appeared on my side of the field.
Vector smiled as he looked at the dog.
"Sioku, that pup of yours is so cute!" he said excitedly.
I grinned and nodded at Vector in agreement.
"What? Your dog has 2,000 attack pointes," said Number 96 as he looked at the gear.
"Yes, but I'm not done," I answered confidently.
I played another card from my hand and continued. "Next, I'll activate my furry friend's special ability! It allows me to summon another Bull Mastive Puppy to the field!"
Another dog took its place beside my first one.
I then played a second card and added. "I overlay both of my Bull Mastive Puppies! With these two monsters, I build the overlay network! Now that I have, I can proudly XYZ's summon my Full Grown Bull Mastive!"
My two puppies vanished from the field, and a huge dog reappeared in their place.
The dog panted happily and wagged it's long tail.
"No way, 4,000 attack points?" asked Number 96 with a look of shock on his face.
I just smirked at him in response.
I didn't care to tell him that my XYZ's monster gains both of my original monsters' attack points.
"I place one card face down and end my turn," I said while setting a card in one of the slots.
"I believe in you Sioku! You can do this!" hollered Vector.
"I sure can," I replied with a bright smile.
Number 96 let out a growl of frustration before he shouted. "Quit talking to him Sioku! It's my move now."
"Be quiet," I simply replied.
I wasn't going to let Number 96's anger get under my skin.
"You're way too serious Number 96. Try to have a little fun," I said before I laughed.
"This is not a game Sioku! I'm not letting a Barian come in between us," the number replied.
"He's totally jealous," I thought.
I let out a disappointed sigh and continued. "Number 96, I wish you would go back to being the calm beautiful number that I know and love! I don't like this new side of you!"
"You're the one who brought it out of me by bringing Vector into the picture," Number 96 argued.
I immediately threw him a piercing glare.
"Let's just get on with the duel," I said with irritation.
"As you wish Sioku, I activate Dark Mist's special ability! Dark Mist will absorb half of your monster's attack points," Dark Mist replied before he laughed wickedly.
My dog howled in pain as 2,000 attack points were drained from it.
"Oh no," I whispered.
Number 96 laughed out loud again.
"Oh yes, and now my monster is stronger than yours!" he boasted.
I shook my head to brush off the annoyance I felt toward him.
"Dark Mist, attack that dog! Get rid of it," commanded Number 96.
Vector closed his eyes tightly in order to prevent himself from watching Number 96 attack me.
I stared at my face down card and decided to play it.
"I activate a trap: Negate Attack!" I called out.
Dark Mist was stopped instantly as it tried to move toward my dog.
"You may have saved yourself this turn Sioku, but you won't be so lucky next time! I will not lose the duel," insisted Number 96.
"Oh we'll see who loses," I replied competitively.
I confidently drew another card and said. "First, I'll summon my Fluffy Pomeranian in defense mode!"
A small dog with long hair and pointed ears barked loudly as it ran onto the field.
Vector heard the barking and slowly opened his eyes.
"I love that little dog! It's adorable," he cheered.
I giggled at Vector's complement.
Vector continued staring at my smaller dog.
I smiled in relief Knowing that I had found a distraction for Vector.
"I'll set two cards face down and end my turn," I said as I laid them in the slots.
Number 96 grinned as he pointed to his monster.
"Dark Mist, attack Sioku's dog again!" he commanded.
I quickly shielded my eyes as the powered up number came charging toward my dog.
Both my monster and I were zapped violently as my life points dropped to 1,500.
Vector's face contorted with fear as he watched the devastating attack.
"No Sioku! No!" he cried.
"Vector, please don't worry about me. I'll be all right," I assured with a small smile.
I lost my balance and fell to the ground while panting heavily.
Both of my dogs instantly disappeared from the field.
Number 96 laughed wickedly while staring down at me.
"Give it up Sioku! There are no monsters on your field to protect you! I'm going to win this duel, and there is nothing you can do to stop me!" he bragged.
A brief moment of silence passed by.
"You're wrong Number 96," I replied furiously.
I rubbed a burning spot on my side where Dark Mist had struck me.
"Please get up Sioku!" hollered Vector.
Vector's hollering lit a new spark of determination inside me just in time.
After resting for a few minutes, I carefully stood up.
"Wow Number 96, you're packing some serious power in that monster. Don't think that you have the upper hand because this duel is far from over," I said confidently.
Vector's face lit up with joy as he watched me brush myself off.
"Sioku, what are you talking about? You now have less than half of your life points left," Number 96 argued.
I just shook my head and grinned.
"It's my turn," I answered with determination.
"Go ahead and make your last move Sioku," Number 96 taunted.
"I wouldn't say that if I were you," I replied with a bright smile.
I happily drew another card from my deck.
"I play the spell card, Monster Reborn! That allows me to bring a monster back from the graveyard! I choose to bring back my Bull Mastive!" I called out.
The number's eyes widened in shock as my XYZ's monster returned to the field with its original attack points.
"Let's take him down my loyal friend," I said to the dog.
My dog barked and wagged its tail.
There's one thing you should know about my monster Number 96! By using one overlay unit, Dark Mist's special ability is negated! You can no longer steal my dog's attack points," I joyfully added.
""That won't help you," he replied with a smirk.
I smiled at Vector and then at Number 96.
"Go get him Sioku!" hollered Vector.
I gave him a thumbs up in response.
Just as I was about to play another card from my hand, I paused at something miraculous.
This new card definitely looked unfamiliar to me.
I carefully examined the card, and Rank Up Magic Barian's Force was written at the top.
"When did I get a Barian card?" I thought in confusion.
I held up the Barian card and turned to Vector.
"Oh well, I'm going to play it anyway. Vector, this one is for you! I activate Rank Up Magic Barian's Force! This lovely card allows me to rank up my furry friend!" I shouted joyfully.
Vector noticed the Barian card in my hand and grinned in excitement.
"That's right Vector," I replied with a big smile of my own.
Number 96 froze in terror at what he had just heard.
He wanted to ask questions, but the number was too shocked to speak.
Instead of politely answering Number 96, I decided to taunt him in return for what he did to Vector.
"Yes Number 96, this is a Barian card. I'm going to use it to end the duel in my victory! Vector will no longer be under your control," I said.
"You wish," replied Number 96 in a low angry tone of voice.
I just shook my head and laughed.
"Let's continue my turn, shall we?" I asked impatiently.
"Sure Sioku, just get it over with. I want to end this pathetic duel as quick as possible," the number snapped back.
"Oh we'll end it all right! My way," I replied with a glare.
I decided to end the argument and continue with my turn.
"What are you planning to do with that card?" asked Number 96.
"I'll show you," I answered.
My dog began to glow as it stepped forward.
"Now it's time for, Chaos XYZ's Evolution! I overlay my Rank Six Bull Mastive and rebuild the overlay network! Come forth, Rank Eight Chaos Full Grown Bull Mastive!" I proudly called out.
My original monster vanished revealing a giant bull Mastive in its place.
This newly evolved monster was taller than me.
Number 96 watched in awe as my bull dog's attack points rose from 4,000 to 8,000.
"What was that Sioku?" asked Number 96 with a look of surprise.
"That, my celestial friend, was my bull dog's special ability. My XYZ's monster's attack points are automatically doubled," I joyfully answered.
Vector smiled at Number 96 in amusement.
I turned to Vector and nodded my head in agreement.
"Quit communicating with that selfish Barian Sioku! Make your move," demanded Number 96 impatiently.
"Shut up about him Number 96, the only selfish person over here is you! I've had enough of your foolish jealousy!" I yelled back.
Number 96 just growled in response.
I could tell that he didn't feel any remorse for his actions.
"I'm not wasting anymore time on you Number 96," I said.
Due to all of the torture that Number 96 put Vector through, I didn't have a problem with hurting him.
My anger toward Number 96 was growing stronger by the second.
I took a deep breath before I commanded. "Okay Bull Mastive, attack Dark Mist with all your might! Let's end this duel once and for all!"
"Go Sioku! Let him have it!" shouted Vector.
Without warning, my monster began to charge straight toward Dark Mist at full speed.
The huge dog then tackled Number 96 to the ground.
I grinned as Number 96's monster disappeared from the field, taking 3,000 of his life points with it.
Number 96 groaned in pain from the impact.
Normally, I would be concerned for my celestial friend.
However, I was too distracted by Vector's restraints.
My heart pounded as I stared into Number 96's eyes with burning anger.
"This is where being jealous gets you Number 96! My monster can attack you directly," I said furiously.
The giant bull Mastive then charged forward before it slammed itself into Number 96.
Number 96's life points instantly dropped all the way down to zero, and he was knocked out in the process.
I deactivated my duel disc once the smoke cleared.
"I won without playing my face down cards," I bragged before I walked away.
My immediate response was to calm any fears that Vector had.
"Vector, are you all right?" I asked while running toward him.
I watched in relief as the slimy restraints disappeared from Vector's body.
"I'm fine Sioku, thank you for saving me. I just knew that you would pull through," he answered quietly.
I gently ruffled his hair.
"You're very welcome," I replied.
Vector gratefully pulled me into a tight hug.
I felt his body shake slightly against mine.
"You're okay Vector," I assured.
My heart started to race as I embraced him.
"Oh Vector, I would be completely lost without you. I love you so much," I said softly.
Vector laid his head on my shoulder and closed his eyes.
"I love you too Sioku," he whispered back.
Vector and I remained silent and listened to the wind as we relaxed in each other's arms.
The warm sun shined down on us.
There was no other place I would have rather been than outside with Vector.
A few minutes later, I heard Dark Mist calling out to me from a distance.
He sounded frantic and confused.
"Sioku? Where are you?" he asked.
Instead of answering him, I just looked at Vector and sighed.
Vector noticed my silence an spoke up. "Hey Sioku, you seem to be at war with yourself. Are you all right?"
"I'm not sure if I should help Dark Mist after what he has done to you. You didn't deserve to get hurt like that," I answered.
"I know Sioku," he replied.
I had been having mixed feelings about Dark Mist since our duel.
My heart was telling me to go check on Dark Mist, but the anger inside my mind told me to just leave him.
"There might be something wrong with Dark Mist. You should go assist him Sioku. I'll stay right here and wait for you," Vector softly suggested.
My smile grew wider as I stared lovingly into the Barian's eyes.
Vector still felt sorry for Dark Mist even though the jealous number had tortured him.
"Vector, you truly have a heart of gold. Dark Mist can really learn a lot from someone like you," I replied.
Vector nodded his head and smiled back.
Knowing that Vector would be safe, I decided to help my other friend.
I slowly walked over to the spot where Dark Mist was laying down.
Dark Mist looked at me with a weary expression and then turned away.
He didn't seem interested in seeing me at all.
My heart sank to the floor as I continued staring down at him.
I hated seeing Dark Mist in that situation.
"Hey Dark Mist, what's bothering you? This is Sioku," I said smoothly.
There was no response from my celestial friend.
Dark Mist began to pant heavily as he tensed up.
"Please don't hurt me Sioku. I apologize for harming our new friend," he said shakily.
Hearing how desperate he sounded immediately shattered my heart.
My mind flashed back to the night when Dark Mist had a major panic attack.
I just couldn't turn him away.
The compassionate side of me had returned once again.
"Calm down Dark Mist, I accept your apology. Vector is worried about you as well. You should go back inside my pendent and rest for a while. I promise you that we'll talk about this later," I gently replied.
Dark Mist seemed convinced by my kind words.
"If you insist," he added with a sigh.
I leaned closer to Dark Mist so he could easily reach my pendent.
"Watch this Vector," I said while looking over at him.
Vector curiously looked up at me.
"I want to show you how Dark Mist enters my pendent," I added.
With the strength he had left, Dark Mist touched my pendent and allowed the force to pull him inside.
"That was impressive Sioku," cheered Vector.
I gave him a thumbs up in agreement.
"It's okay Dark Mist, you're free now. I need you to rest until school is over," I said calmly.
"Very well Sioku," Dark Mist replied telepathically.
With Dark Mist safe inside my pendent, I hurried over to Vector who was sitting against a tree.
Vector had his head down which made me believe that he was lost in deep thought.
I carefully knelt down on the ground beside Vector in order to prevent myself from startling him.
"Hey Vector, I have returned. You don't have to worry about Dark Mist anymore," I said smoothly.
Vector lifted his head and smiled at me.
"Thank you Sioku, you really saved me. I hope Dark Mist will start acting normal again soon," he replied.
"Same here Vector," I added while pulling him into a tight hug.
Vector and I relaxed as we listened to the flocks of birds chirping in the treetops above us.
All was quiet until I heard the school bell ringing in the distance.
My nerves were suddenly set to panic mode.
I frantically released Vector and pulled out my phone.
Vector jumped in fear at my reaction to the bell.
"Sioku, is everything all right? What's going on?" he asked frantically.
"Oh no... gym class is about to start! I really need to get going," I answered anxiously.
Vector put his arm around me for support as I stood up.
"Be careful Sioku, I've got you. I don't want you to collapse from dizziness," he said softly.
I leaned against his side and breathed deeply.
"Thanks Vector, I'm sorry for scaring you," I replied remorsefully.
"Hold on Sioku," Vector said suddenly.
"What is it Vector?" I asked as I stood directly in front of him.
"I want to join you in your next class," he answered.
Vector's request caught me by surprise in the best way.
I smiled brightly at him as I pictured us having fun here at school.
"Vector, I would love it if you tagged along. You saved my life after all," I said cheerfully.
Vector's eyes widened as he gasped joyfully.
"Sioku, do you really mean it?" he asked excitedly.
"Of course," I answered in excitement.
Vector quickly pulled out his Baria crystal.
"Hold on Sioku, I need to take on my human form first. I don't want other people to be suspicious," he said quietly.
"Wait, your human form?" I asked in confusion.
Vector seemed amused by my reaction.
"Just watch," Vector answered before he laughed.
A glowing red light emitted from Vector's crystal as he held it up.
I watched closely as Vector disappeared and then reappeared in front of me a few seconds later.
He definitely didn't look anything like the Vector who saved me from Julie and the officer.
Vector was now a human boy with fair skin, and his bulbous spiked hair was colored orange instead of grey.
He had on a male school uniform consisting of brown shoes, blue pants, a white shirt with red lined sleeves and collar, and a red tie.
"Hey Sioku, do you like my new look?" he asked happily.
"You look amazing Vector," I answered with a bright smile.
"Thank you," he replied.
I picked up my bag and threw it over my shoulder.
"Well, what are we waiting for Vector? Let's go to gym class," I said energetically.
"I'm right here with you Sioku," Vector replied as he gently took my hand in his.
Vector's touch sent me to a world of endless happiness.
I instantly forgot all about those two major incidents.
Just being around him made me feel like I could fly.
It felt great to be back on cloud nine.
I looked up at the beautiful, clear sky as we walked toward the gym.
"I wish Dark Mist was floating beside us right now," I thought.
Vector curiously looked around as we continued walking.
I decided to start a conversation with Vector.
"Vector, being with you is already so amazing. I want to be your best friend forever," I said with love.
"I feel the same way about you Sioku," he replied.
Hearing him say that made my heart skip a beat.
Vector and I were greeted by Yuma, Astral, Tori, Bronk, and another male student as we entered the crowded gym.
"What's up people," I hollered cheerfully.
"Hey Sioku, where have you been during passing period?" asked Tori.
My face turned bright red at her question.
"It's a long story," I answered nervously.
"We were worried about you," added Yuma.
"I was afraid that we had lost you Sioku," continued Astral.
"I'm sorry for making you all worry," I replied sympathetically.
"Zip it Astral!" shouted Yuma in annoyance.
"Calm down Yuma," I said before I laughed.
I leaned closer to Vector and tapped on his shoulder.
"Astral has a crush on me," I whispered.
Vector grinned at me in amusement.
Bronk pointed at Vector who stood quietly by my left side.
"Sioku, who's the new guy?" he asked curiously.
I proudly raised up my hand that Vector was still holding and answered. "Everyone, please give a warm welcome to the newest member of our group. His name is Vector, and he is a wonderful person."
The high amount of energy in my voice caused everybody to cheer happily.
"Sioku, anybody who saves you from danger is a friend of mine. I'm glad he's here," said Yuma.
Astral nodded his head in agreement.
I smiled warmly at them in response.
Vector shyly waved at my friends.
"Welcome to the group Vector," greeted Tori.
"It's nice to meet you," added Bronk.
Vector seemed uninterested in talking to everybody.
I released Vector's hand and comfortingly put my arm around him.
His body started to shake slightly against mine.
"Hey, are you all right?" I asked quietly.
Instead of answering, Vector turned away from the group and pulled me closer to him.
"What's up with him?" asked Bronk.
"He looks terrified," added tori with concern.
"Vector might be overwhelmed right now," I answered.
"Did something happen recently?" asked Yuma.
"He had a major flashback earlier," I answered sadly.
"Sioku, where did Dark Mist go? Also, how did you and Vector meet?" asked Yuma.
"Dark Mist is resting inside my pendent. This gorgeous young man rescued me from Julie's captivity," I answered in relief.
Vector just blushed at my complement.
"It's true," I added before I laughed out loud.
My friends froze in place as they stared at me with looks of utter shock and horror on their faces.
"Sioku, what happened to you?" asked Bronk.
"I'll tell you all the story at lunch," I suggested.
The others nodded their heads in agreement.
There was a short period of silence between us.
I decided to change the subject and pointed to the boy standing next to Tori.
"Speaking of new friends, who is he?" I asked curiously.
"My name is Caswell Francis, it's a pleasure to meet you Sioku. Yuma and I became friends after he beat our math teacher in a duel," he answered.
"I'm glad you could join us Caswell. Welcome to our group," I replied.
Caswell had blue hair over black hair in a bowl-cut style.
He also wore a male first year school uniform.
"I won myself another number card as well," said Yuma as he reached into his deck box.
He pulled out a card, and Number 34: Terror Byte was written at the top.
"Congratulations Yuma," I replied.
The bell rang again, and people started running toward their teachers.
"We're going to be late. Let's go to the bleachers," I suggested.
"Right," everybody else replied in unison.
My friends and I carefully maneuvered through the large crowds of people as we walked toward the bleachers.