Aurasoul: Hello everyone to another chapter of Zexal.

Darka: So we finally get to start the hunt?

Aurasoul: Yup after a talk you and Yuma have with Astral and Astrana yeah disclaimer please.

Astrana: I'll do it Aurasoul doesn't own Zexal only her characters except Lyra who she shares with Durbe the Barian who owns Sirius and Antares and Shane is owned by Shane Kor.

Aurasoul: So enjoy!

Chapter 5

"Darka wake up".

Darka groaned turning in her bed. "Leave me alone I'm sleeping", she grumbled.

"Darka I'm serious wake up".

"And so am I leave me be", Darka yawned curling up.

"Oh for the love of your gods Darka wake up"!

Darka growled and sat up from her bed to face an exasperated Astrana her hands on her hips. "Astrana you better have a good reason why you had to wake me up in the middle of the night", Darka hissed.

"Indeed I do", Astrana said.

And Astrana took Darka's hand and in a silver glow they disappeared.

"Ack"!

Darka groaned sitting up rubbing her head. "Well that hurt", she said.

"Darka"?

Darka jumped and turned and was shocked to see Yuma. "Yuma? What are you doing here"? She asked.

"Astral took me here", he said.

"Astrana did the same", she said.

Darka looked around to see dark blue instead of light and saw they sat on gold instead of silver. "We're in the your key not mine", she remarked.

"You can tell"? He asked surprised.

"The inside the Empress's Key is light blue not this shade and the ship pure silver not gold", she explained with a yawn.

"You know why we're here"?

"No Astral just woke me up told me he needed to discuss something important and took me here", he yawned.

"Yeah same", she said.

"Cause we do have something to discuss".

The two looked up to see their partners and Darka couldn't help but see how alike they were maybe not appearance but their stature and serious demeanor when it comes to important business which showed now. "But couldn't it wait until morning"? Yuma yawned.

"I'm sorry Yuma but we really needed to discuss this", Astrana said.

"Whats going on"? Darka asked.

Astral and Astrana were silent until Astral spoke. "Thanks to the tournament me and Astrana gained Numbers that held very helpful memories one being our mission", he said.

"Your mission"? Yuma said shocked.

"Yes it is to find the Numeron Code", Astrana said.

"The Numeron Code"? Darka said confused.

"Yes it is also known as the God Card", Astral said.

Then all went dark making Darka and Yuma gasped and to see an image of a blue card of sorts. "Wait what do you mean God Card"? Yuma asked.

"What we mean that it is a card that created the world and can control fate itself", Astrana said.

"All that in a card"? Yuma said shocked.

Darka thought then gasped. "Wait are you two suggesting", she began.

"Yes it could be possible that the power the original Giver of Life had to created Barian World was the Numeron Code", Astrana nodded.

"It has been our mission to find the Numeron Code and its not just us the Barian Emperors are after it as well we need to find it before them", Astral said.

And then they were back on the ship again Darka and Yuma stunned. "So their after the power the Giver of Life had from deities that created the worlds and controls fate", Darka said running a hand through her ruffled silver hair.

"Is there a way to find it"? Yuma asked urgently.

"We are still working on it looking through the Numbers", Astral said.

"Well you guys got plenty if you find anything tell us", Darka said.

"That's the idea", Astrana said with a small smile.

Then Yuma yawned loudly making Astrana chuckled softly. "We should get you two back to bed we shouldn't have woken you up", she said.

"No sorry its great you guys told us about this", Yuma said.

"Yeah. Mind if we tell the others in the morning"? Darka asked.

"We wont mind", Astral said.

"Alright lets get going then", Darka yawned.

"Numeron Code"?

It was school Hotaru and Shane coming to the roof to meet with the others on their lunch time with them Lizzie too who had enrolled in the school with Rokujuro as her guardian and Antares enrolling too and with Darka and Yuma telling them all what their partners told them. "So those guys have the nerve to try to take a power from the Giver of Life"? Hotaru asked.

They all paled knowing Hotaru was angry about this. "Sis calm down you might blow a fuse literally", Manami sighed.

"Do Astral and Astrana know how to find it"? Sirius asked.

"Still working on it in their keys", Yuma said.

"We'll be lucky to get anything today", Darka said.

Astral and Astrana stood with another being facing against a deity like being lightning crashed down they nodded at one another as they then as they all became colored mist and clashed at one another with a bright light and a massive explosion.

Astral and Astrana gasped in shock. "Brother"! She said.

"Yes I seen it as well", he nodded.

"There was someone with us it could've been her", Astrana said urgently.

"Its possible but we don't know if it was from the past or future", Astral said.

Then a map suddenly appeared before them. "Could this be connected to our vision"? She asked.

"It might be", he said.

"Well I hope they find something soon that code belongs to the current Giver of Life not the Barian Emperors", Hotaru said.

"She has a point", Antares said.

"This must be a lot to take in", Kotori said to Lizzie.

"A bit I mean all about Astral and Astrana and the Barians and with the others its definitely a lot to take in", Lizzie said.

"You get use to it I did", Darka said.

"And we'll help you Lizzie don't worry", Yuma grinned.

Lizzie softly smiled and nodded and then Yuma, Shark, Rio, Darka, Hotaru, Manami, the guardians, and Shane gasped getting up. "What's with you guys"? Tetsuo asked worried.

"You guys felt it"? Yuma asked.

"Yeah definitely", Rio nodded.

"Oh yeah", Hotaru said.

"It was something", Manami nodded.

"Very familiar", Darka said.

Then suddenly the wind blew shocking them all they all looked up and gasped to see a large shadow above and with a green light some were gone. "Woah"! Antares said looking around.

"Next time you want us to go your airship gives us a warning", Yuma said to Astral.

"I am sorry but this matter is rather urgent", Astral said.

Darka looked to see her guardians, Shane, Lizzie, Kotori, Shark, Rio, Hotaru, Manami, Koru, and Harumi. "Tetsuo and the others aren't here", she said.

"I can understand Koru and Harumi thanks to their Numbers I bet", Hotaru said.

Then suddenly a dark shape appeared by Harumi to form Blackmist. "Are you alright Harumi"? He asked urgently.

"Eek"! Lizzie squeaked.

"Blackmist its alright", Harumi assured.

"How did Lizzie got here though"? Yuma questioned.

"Look we can figure it out later. Did you two find something"? Darka asked Astral and Astrana.

"Yes we did look here", Astrana said.

They turned to see the map. "We were on the deck when this planetary map unexpectedly appeared there are ancient ruins in each of the marks location and more importantly there are seven Numbers hidden there", Astral explained.

"Seven Numbers", Yuma said shocked.

"Could they be clues about the Numeron Code"? Lyra asked.

"Maybe", Sirius said.

"Along with the map there was an important message", Astral said.

He nodded to Astrana who nodded back Astrana then lifted her hand and with a glow they gasped to see a hologram image of Kazuma Tsukumo appeared. "Hello Yuma, Astral, Darka, Astrana", the hologram said.

"Dad", Yuma said shocked.

"Kazuma-san", the sisters gasped.

"If you are watching this then the situation is much worse then I hoped this map shows seven ruins inside of each is one of the seven Legendary Numbers these cards are like any you ever seen and if they fall to the Barian's hands an ancient evil will destroy everything you've been fighting for that is why you must get those Numbers before the Barians can I know you can do it in fact I'm counting on you".

Then the hologram disappeared Yuma slowly stepped. "Dad", he called out.

"So Kazuma knew about the Numbers and the Barians", Hotaru said.

"Well he was the one that gave Darka and Yuma the Emperor's Key and Empress's Key", Antares said.

"I really wish he was here right now", Yuma said sadly.

Hotaru patted his shoulder in comfort as Astral floated. "Your father has great faith in you as do I", he said.

"And the same for me", Astrana said smiling at the two.

Darka gave a small smile as she took a breath and nodded. "Ok then I guess we know what to do", she said.

"We have to go after all the Numbers", Yuma nodded.

"Don't count us out".

Hotaru and Manami stepped up. "Those Legendary Numbers might have a lead on that code and maybe even the Giver of Life if we're lucky", Hotaru said.

"There's no way we're staying out of this", Manami smiled.

"Same here those Barians rub me the wrong way", Shark said.

"Which means I have to go to look out for my brother", Rio smiled

"And of course where Darka-chan goes we go", Sirius said, him, Antares, and Lyra stepping up.

"Same goes for me of course", Shane smirked.

"And I theres no I'm backing out", Koru said.

Harumi faced Blackmist they both nodded. "Count us in too", she said.

"You may not trust me but I will protect Harumi", Blackmist said.

"I may not be able to do much but I want to help too", Lizzie said.

"That's the spirit Lizzie"! Kotori smiling.

"Looks like we're not alone", Darka smiled at Yuma.

"Yeah", Yuma grinned.

"Alright Astral, Astrana lay out a path for the first Number"!

"Full speed ahead"! Darka grinned.

The ship then glowed as it went off.

Durbe flew through dimension remembering back.

Flashback...

Durbe and Misael appeared in the palace hearing the shaking shocked. "Its like the whole planet is shaking", Durbe said.

Lightning crashed down harshly as the shaking continue. "This could bring the end of Barian World", Misael said.

"It would take an incredible force to destroy an entire world", Durbe said.

"That's exactly whats happening".

They turned to see Vector walking to them. "Vector", Durbe said.

"Even as we speak Astral and Astrana are using their strength to threaten Barian World", Vector said.

"If that is true then the fault is entirely yours", Misael said.

"Hmph well as you know Astral and Astrana have long been a threat to us many ages ago they along with another even defeated our great deity Don Thousand and cast him to the depths of the Sea of Ill Intent if they continue absorbing Numbers they'll soon be in a position to destroy Barian World but never fear Vector is here I have learned of a way we can stop them", Vector said.

"And how exactly is that"? Misael questioned

"There are seven Legendary Numbers that are scattered across the human world when we acquire them we can wield their power and use them to crush Astral and Astrana", Vector said.

"How did you learn this Vector"? Misael questioned.

Then there was buzzing noise confusing Misael and Durbe until they saw a fly of sorts flying on Vector's finger. "What a repulsive looking insect", Misael remarked.

"Hey don't be rude! You think I enjoy coming back as a fly? Let me tell you it stinks especially when I land on garbage", the fly said.

"This creature's fate was sealed until I decided to bring him here say hello to Mr. Heartland", Vector said.

"Its unfair! Why did you have to bring me back in this form"? Heartland questioned Vector angrily.

"The only reason I brought you back at all is to get the latest buzz for such a tiny pest he delivered big time Heartland was full of useful intel that will lead us to the Numbers we need he told me about seven previously unknown Numbers hidden in the human world there are twenty three different locations where could the Numbers be sealed away", Vector said showing them a Baria crystal that showed a map.

"If your information is correct then it is imperative that we find those Numbers before Astral and Astrana do", Durbe said.

"We can discover something else if we travel to the human world we may find clues that could lead us to Nasch", Vector said.

"To Nasch"?! Durbe said shocked.

"Yes it seems like yesterday we seven Barian Emperors had our ranks reduced to five when our fearless leader Nasch and Merag disappeared from Barian World we maybe led to our lost friends as we explore the dimensional doorways", Vector said.

"Vector is right", Durbe said.

"Durbe"! Misael said.

"We must split up and begin our search at once", Durbe said opening a portal.

"Inform Alit and Girag and begin searching".

And Durbe then left through the portal.

End of flashback...

"Nasch where did you disappear to? We could truly use your help now", Durbe thought as he continued onward.

The group were on the deck of the ship Hotaru on one of the masts. "These lightning blasts are too close for comfort", Kotori said worried.

"Not only that they're probably freaking Manami out inside the ship", Darka frowned.

"I thought Manami got over her fear", Rio said surprised.

"She's on the road to recovery doesn't mean she really crossed it", Hotaru said from above.

Manami was crouching down covering her ears shaking her eyes shut tight. "Manami its ok", Lizzie began.

But then lightning crashed again making Manami shriek in fear and whimpered making everyone worried. "She wont get through", Sirius said.

"Well we cant leave her like this Sirius-san", Lyra said.

"I don't know what can we"-

"Mana its ok".

They all looked to see Shark crouching in front of Manami gently stroking her cheek. "Open your eyes please", he said gently stunning everyone.

Manami shook and slowly opened her eyes looking at Shark. "S-Shark", she whimpered.

Shark then held her. "Its ok I got you", he assured rubbing her back.

Manami slowly relaxed sighing in comfort. "Hmph not bad", Antares grinned.

Back on the deck Astral and Astrana were in deep thought. "There appears to be some strange force at work", Astral thought.

"What could make all of this though"? Astrana thought.

Hotaru looked then gasped seeing a light. "What in the world"?! She gasped.

Durbe gasped seeing the ship as everyone gasped Durbe crash landed hitting the ship all being fling back by the impact.

"AHHH"!

Durbe now in human form blinked then gasped quickly getting up and hissed clutching his arm and looked at his wrist and gasp. "My Baria Lapis is broken I wont be able to use my powers here", he thought.

He slowly got up clutching his arm. "I should've been more alert I didn't spot that ship until it was too late judging by the gold color I'm sure it was Astral's his and Astrana's mission is not off to a good start", he said.

Then he heard rustling he gasped and looked to see a bear coming out of the bushes roaring. "AHH"! Durbe yelled.

Then Yuma and Darka jumped down from a tree Yuma shielded Durbe as Darka stood in front of the bear. "Enough", she said coldly to the creature.

Durbe was shocked. "Yuma and Darka? But why protect me"? He thought.

The bear growled Darka took a step forward eyes cold Astrana by her side Astral with Yuma. "And even Astral and Astrana", Durbe thought shocked.

The bear roared loudly but Darka didn't step down taking another step back. "Darka", Yuma said worried.

"I said enough", Darka said her voice cold still.

The bear stood there but then relaxed and went away Yuma sighed in relief. "Nice work Darka guess he couldn't 'bear; the thought of taking you on", Yuma said.

"Yuma please", Darka sighed, walking to Durbe.

"You ok"?

Durbe then cried out dropping to his knees. "You're hurt", Darka said crouching down.

The Kuro, Harumi, Manami, Hotaru, Sirius, Antares, and Shane then found them and Sirius gasped. "Durbe-nii"! He gasped, running to his brother.

"Sirius", Durbe winced.

"Let me see the injury", Manami said, walking over.

"Manami be careful", Shark began.

"I'll be fine Shark", Manami assured him.

Manami then crouched down in front of Durbe and took his right arm making Durbe cried out. "Yup you must've hurt your arm", she said.

Then she looked. "And you also broke your Baria Lapis too", she whistled.

"Hold still".

Manami's hands glowed as her Baria Lapis appeared glowing softly as she placed her hands on his arm and Durbe gasped to feel his injury healing. "Does it hurt"? Manami asked worried.

"N-no I'm fine", he said.

"Don't be afraid to tell me", she said.

Shark watched frowning arms crossed Harumi looked at him. "You don't have to be jealous Shark", she whispered.

"I'm not jealous", he seethed.

"Right", she said not believing it.

Manami then moved her hands away the glowing stop. "There that should do it now to see your lapis", she said.

Before Durbe could refuse she took his wrist and examined his lapis. "Can you fix it"? Sirius asked.

"Hm hard to say its looks quite damaged I mean I seen Uncle repair a lapis before but", Manami frowned.

"So what do we do? We cant just leave him here can we"? Koru asked.

"Not unless we want him to get attacked by a wild animal again without his lapis he's a normal defenseless human", Darka said.

"But we cant bring him with us", Hotaru frowned.

"I don't think we have much a choice", Rio said.

"She's right we cant leave him here", Antares agreed.

"They don't have to talk like I'm not here", Durbe thought annoyed.

*ZZAP*

Everyone grew wide eyed and looked to see lightning handcuffs on Durbe's wrists. "There that way we don't have to worry", Manami said.

"Manami don't you think that's a bit much"? Yuma asked with a sweatdrop.

"No way he's still a Barian Emperor we cant trust him", Shark said.

"For once I agree with Shark", Hotaru said.

"Alright sorry about this Durbe", Darka apologized.

"AAAHHH"!

They all gasped hearing a scream. "That was Kotori"! Manami gasped.

They quickly ran to find the scream until finding a temple of sorts. "Woah check it out", Yuma gasped.

"This is one of the ancient ruins we seek Yuma", Astral said.

"No doubt about it", Astrana agreed.

"So one of the seven numbers we're looking for is inside", Yuma said.

"So they also are looking for the Legendary Numbers", Durbe thought.

"AAAHH"!

"Now that was Lyra-chan"! Antares gasped.

"Lets go"! Darka said.

They began to run in but Shane looked back and saw Manami standing there. "Manami"? Shane called out.

But Manami stood there. "This place... It seems so familiar. But why"? She thought stunned.

"Oi Manami"!

Manami gasped and looked to see Shane. "Come on"! he said.

"R-right"! Manami nodded.

They ran in with Yuma and Shark in the lead then they gasped to see Kotori, Rio, Lizzie, and Lyra on a broke stone snakes hissing at them. "Eeek"! Manami shrieked jumping back.

"Snakes it had to be snakes", Hotaru groaned.

As the others ran to the girls Durbe looked around. "I have to find the Number before they do but with my lapis broken and being handcuffed I wont be able to do it alone looks like I'm stuck like this for now", he thought.

"Scat with you"! Hotaru said kicking away the snakes.

"You girls ok"? Yuma asked.

"Yeah thanks they appeared out of no where", Lyra said relieved.

"Looks like someone is trying to keep something safe", Shark remarked, walking to a blocked doorway.

"These passages are totally sealed off".

Yuma walked to the other sealed doorway. "We'll just have to bust through", he said.

But just as Yuma walked Manami gasped as an image flashed in her mind. "Shark! Yuma get back its a trap"! She yelled.

"Huh"?

Then they both stepped on switches.

"That's not good", they said.

Then the ruins began shaking making them gasp. "Now what"? Kotori frowned.

Then a wall came down behind them sealing them from behind as they gasped. "We're trap", Durbe said.

Durbe then looked up and gasp seeing another wall about to come down as Shark walked forward. "Everyone calm down keep your eyes and ears open for trouble", he said.

"He's right on that something isn't right", Manami said.

Durbe groaned and then pushed Shark away just as another wall feel separating them from the others. "Ryoga"! Rio gasped.

"Shark"! Manami gasped.

"Durbe-nii"! Sirius yelled.

"Hey Shark! You there"?! Yuma yelled slamming his fist on the wall.

"Where else would I be"?

Yuma and Manami sighed in relief hearing Shark. "Are you alright too Durbe-nii"? Sirius called out.

"Yes Sirius don't worry I'm fine", Durbe assured.

"But something tells me things are only going to get worse", Shark growled out.

"What was your first clue"? Shane sighed.

Then suddenly both sealed doors opened shocking them. "Hey Shark the passage on our side opened up"! Yuma called out.

"Same thing on our side looks like we'll have to split up from here", Shark said.

"Be careful Shark", Manami called out.

Shark had a small smile. "Don't worry little maiden I'll be fine", he assured.

Manami blushed yet smiled a bit. "Be careful Durbe-nii", Sirius said.

"I'll try Sirius", Durbe said, as they then walked to their passage ways.

"So you guys found Durbe at the forest"? Kotori asked.

"Yeah that's right", Yuma nodded.

"Do you think he knows about the Legendary Numbers"? Harumi asked.

"We shouldn't be surprised if that is the case", Astrana said.

"Good thing Manami handcuffed him", Hotaru sighed.

"Don't be so rude he's Sirius's brother", Manami frowned.

"Thanks Manami", Sirius said.

Shark and Durbe walked down their passage way. "Thanks for saving my skin back there but don't get the wrong idea that doesn't mean I trust you", Shark said.

"I was only paying back my debt to Manami", Durbe said.

"To Manami"? Shark said confused.

"For healing me and I know she cares about you dearly so I was repaying my debt for her", Durbe said simply.

"Hmph Manami wouldn't think that Manami healed you cause she wanted to she's nice like that always has been", Shark said.

"I've noticed", Durbe remarked.

As they walked they then reached a dead end. "Looks like we've come up empty theres no way ahead and nothing here", Shark said.

Then the chamber suddenly began shaking causing them to gasp then they looked to see another door appear. " A second door we may have discovered a trap", Shark said.

"Woah this place is incredible".

The others had reached the end of their passage and now were in a large room with stairs going to a Pegasus statue. "Its like some kind of temple", Yuma remarked.

Then Astral looked up. "Look there above that statue", he said.

They all looked up to see it. "Is that a card"? Yuma said.

"That could be the card we're looking for".

"Then lets go"-

But before Antares could finish Manami was already walking forward surprising everyone. "Manami-chan"? Lyra said.

Manami didn't seem to hear Darka as she continued walking forward. "I know this place I know I do. Yet how do I know it? And that card its almost as if"... She thought walking.

"Its like she's in a trance", Rio gasped.

"Sirius-san", Lyra said worried.

Sirius paled at this but then the card shined brightly causing them all to gasp Manami gasping stopping as they shield their eyes from the light once it had slowly died down they looked and were shocked to see a man wearing knight armor standing before them. "Who are you"? Yuma questioned.

"I am Mach the guardian charged here with protecting the Number", the man said.

"A Number Guardian"? Astrana said shocked.

"Mach is an incredibly powerful entity I can sense the Number's force radiating from him", Rio said.

"As am I so he's stating the truth", Blackmist said.

"No doubt you come here seeking to possess this Number", Mach said holding up the card before it disappeared.

"It will never be yours unless you can vanquish me in a duel and prove that you are truly worthy of possessing it".

A duel disk then appeared on Mach's arm. "Alright then"-

"Fine I'll duel you".

They all gasped as Manami stepped up. "Wait Manami you're going to duel Mach"?! Yuma said shocked.

"Yeah so but out Yuma", Manami said sharply.

Yuma gulped backing away. "Yes ma'am", he quickly said.

"Manami I don't think its a good idea Mach seems strong", Sirius began.

"You don't need to tell me that Sirius", Manami said.

"Duel disk set! D-Gazer set"!

Manami got set her duel disk and D-Gazer as Mach looked at her. "That girl she possess great strength such as she"...

"Tell me maiden what is your name"?

Manami was surprised but spoke. "My name is Manami Ocean Shinori", she said.

"Even having the same name if that is the case", he thought.

"Then let us begin Manami"!

"Your on Mach"!

"Duel"!

Aurasoul: Sorry if it seems rushed I tried my best on this so next time it will be Manami vs Mach to get the Legendary Number so until next time!

Manami: Please read and review.