Aurasoul: Hello everyone to another chapter of Zexal.
Manami: So this will be on my duel with Mach right?
Aurasoul: Right and lets just say we'll be learning some stuff there so disclaimer.
Manami: I'll do it Aurasoul doesn't own Zexal only her OCs but she shares Lyra with Durbe the Barian who owns Sirius and Antares and Shane Kor owns Shane.
Aurasoul: So lets get started!
Chapter 6
"Let us see how your skill and character fare with when put to the test it begins now"! Mach said as he drew his card.
"I will first place a monster facedown in defense mode and then I place two more cards facedown ending my turn".
"Alright its my turn! I draw"! Manami said.
"Remember Manami this guy aint no ordinary duelist"! Yuma said.
"Shut it I know that Yuma", Manami said annoyed.
"Y-yes ma'am", Yuma meeped.
"Wonder whats going on with Manami she hasn't been herself ever since we came here", Hotaru frowned.
"Yeah when we were going in the ruins Manami had a strange off look when she saw the ruins", Shane said.
"And I remember she somehow knew about that trap", Astral said.
"Plus she was in that trance when we found the Number", Rio said.
"Just what in the world is going on here"? Darka said worried.
"Now there is a price to be paid for failure if you do not pass your test then the Number will remain here along with two of your companions' souls", Mach said.
"What"? Manami gasped.
Then there was a bright glow they all looked to see Shark and Durbe. "Shark and Durbe"! Yuma gasped.
"But where are they though? It looks like they're in trouble", Antares said
With Shark and Durbe the walls then began to move. "We definitely walked into a trap", Durbe said.
"And unless we think of something fast we're not walking out of here", Shark said.
"Nii-san"! Sirius gasped.
"Ryouga"! Rio gasped.
"Shark! Durbe"! Manami gasped in horror, then turned to Mach snarling.
"Leave those two out of this! Release them"!
"Only by surrendering can you lead your companions to freedom and find victory", Mach said.
"Victory through surrender"? Astrana said surprised.
"If Manami doesn't solve this riddle I fear our quest will be over before it has begun", Astral frowned.
"There's no way I'm surrendering! I'll defeat you and save Shark and Durbe plus getting the Number"! Manami yelled.
"I summon Big Catfish in attack mode"!
And a large silver catfish jumped on to the field.
Big Catfish
Level: 4
Atk Points: 2000
Def Points: 1200
"That's a big fish"! Yuma gasped.
"I'll attack with Catfish to see what he does", Manami thought, looking at Mach then frowning.
"I don't get it ever since we came to this place I have this weird feeling as if I've been here before ugh no I have to focus".
"Manami will attack with Catfish but that Guardian wont be backing down", Astrana frowned.
The walls closed in closer to Shark and Durbe as they backed up. "Don't worry you guys I'll save you"! Manami said.
"Catfish attack Mach's facedown monster! Big Splash"!
Catfish then slammed down causing a massive wave to hit the facedown monster to show itself as Devious Druid Wid.
Devious Druid Wid
Level: 4
Atk Points: 0
Def points: 1800
"With defense points of 1800 the attack goes through"! Manami said.
The wave hit destroying the monster with Shark and Durbe as the walls closed in on them they looked to see a section of the wall opening. "A way out"! Durbe said.
"It just as the legend say", Mach said.
"Huh"? Astral and Astrana gasped as Mach continued Shark and Durbe running to the exist.
"The wise duelist understands that the bond between friends can open up new paths".
"They're safe", Shane said, as they managed to escape.
"Thank goodness", Manami said relieved.
"For the moment however I now activate Devious Druid Wid's effect! When destroyed this monster allows me to utilize the spell card Labyrinth of Decisions! But first I send two cards from my hand to the graveyard in order to activate the trap card Unfair Treaty"! Mach said.
"He's up to something", Astral thought.
Then the ceiling began moving Durbe and Shark gasped looking up to see it falling. "Here we go again"! Shark said.
Durbe winced looking down at his lighting cuffed hands. "If only I can repair my Baria Lapis and get out of these handcuffs I could use my powers to get out of here but its impossible", he thought.
"Shark! Durbe! Ugh well my turn isn't over yet! I activate my Catfish's effect! When he destroys my opponent's monster he's allowed to attack again"! Manami yelled.
"Go Catfish! Big Splash"! Manami yelled.
Catfish slammed down again making another wave hitting Mach.
Mach's LPs: 4000 - 2000
Another doorway then opened for Shark and Durbe. "With each move you further seal the fate for you and your friends Labyrinth of Decisions takes effect now"! Mach said, as Shark and Durbe quickly made it out.
"This spell requires me to surrender 600 LPs but I can then send one card from your hand to the graveyard".
"I lose a card"? Manami said shock.
"And you will lose far more then that Manami I activate Unfair Treaty! With my card combo complete my LPs are safe but yours I'm afraid are not you must give up 600 LPs in addition to discarding a card from your hand", Mach explained.
"Seriously"?! Yuma gaped shocked.
"His strategy is remarkable", Astral said impressed.
"Not now Astral", Hotaru hissed.
"You must discard a card from your hand", Mach said.
"Right got it", Manami said with a frown.
Manami discarded a card as a massive shockwave blew out Manami wincing.
Manami's LPs: 4000 - 3400
"I understand now Manami's actions in this duel will determine the fate of Shark and Durbe", Astral said.
"And the Number card will be a dilemma for Manami", Astrana frowned.
"Whenever she attacks a new escape route will open for Shark and Durbe however she will lose LPs when she attacks due to Mach's card combo".
"If she attacks she will be weakened but if she doesn't then she cannot save them", Astral nodded.
"Exactly".
They all looked at Mach. "Will you save your LPs or your friends"? He asked.
"That's easy I'll save Shark and Durbe and beat you"! Manami said.
"Now the card I just sent to the graveyard was Thunder Dancer and I activate her ability! When she was sent to the graveyard by my opponent's card effect I can special summon her to the field"!
A dark portal appeared and coming out was a brown haired blue eyed women wearing a gold Arabic dance outfit lighting sparking off her as she danced a few steps.
Thunder Dancer
Level: 4
Atk Points: 1600
Def Points: 1100
"Now I activate the ritual spell card King of the Seas Ritual! I sacrifice Catfish and Thunder Dancer to summon the true ruler of the seas! May he rein true! I ritual summon Neptune King of Atlantis"!
Both monsters disappeared in water and in a massive wave of water Neptune appeared on the field on his chariot.
Neptune King of Atlantis
Level: 8
Atk Points: 2700
Def Points: 2000
"I then place a card facedown and end my turn", Manami finished.
"I see so to hold to your past your partner is a sea king", Mach remarked.
"Huh? What do you mean"? Manami questioned confused.
"You will find out soon enough"! Mach said drawing his card.
"Looks can be deceiving I summon Devious Druid Druise"!
And with a puff of black smoke Mach's monster appeared on the field.
Devious Druid Druise
Level: 4
Atk Points: 1800
Def Points: 0
"And Druise also lets me summon another Druid from my graveyard! Return here Devious Druid Wid"!
And through the dark purple portal the monster appeared on the field.
Devious Druid Wid
Level: 4
Atk Points: 0
Def points: 1800
"He has two level 4 monsters"! Yuma said.
"You know what that means", Sirius said frowning.
"And now the Number I guard shall be revealed! I overlay my two level 4 Druids in order to build the Overlay Network! Appear, Numbers 44! Oh, eternal laborer, now rise from your ancient sleep, and become the wings that soar through the sky! White Winged Horse - Sky Pegasus"! Mach yelled.
"Here it comes"! Hotaru gasped.
In the bright light of Xyz summon shined out as the Number then appeared on the field flapping it's wings letting out a mighty neigh.
Number 44: White Winged Horse - Sky Pegasus
Rank: 4
Atk Points: 1800
Def Points: 1600
"That is the Number we seek", Astral said.
"You will seek for it in vain unless she pass this test"! Mach said.
"No problem Manami can take you down easy"! Yuma yelled.
"I'm not so sure about that Yuma", Rio said worried.
Yuma looked confused and they all looked at Manami and were shocked to see her shaking once she saw Sky Pegasus, Manami clutched her chest tightly. "Wh-what's going on? My body... My very soul its... Its in a turmoil", she thought, looking up at the Pegasus.
"That Pegasus I feel as if I seen it and there's Mach".
Then Manami screeched feeling immense pain in her head. "UGH! My head"! She cried out.
"Manami! What's wring"?! Darka called out.
"M-My head feels like it's splitting", Manami winced.
"Ah so it seems you truly have forgotten", Mach said.
"What are you getting at"? Hotaru questioned.
But Mach didn't answer Hotaru's question. "I activate Sky Pegasus's ability! Avail yourself of one overlay unit to unleash your mighty power"! He yelled, as Sky Pegasus hit the overlay unit as it's wings began glowing.
"Now rid the field of Lady Manami's poor excuse of a king".
"What"?! Manami gasped.
"Your monster is now doomed unless you shield it by sacrificing 500 of your LPs", Mach said.
"Some choice your giving her"! Yuma yelled.
"She doesn't have a choice on it Yuma", Lizzie frowned.
"Indeed without Neptune it will be difficult to save Shark and Durbe", Astral said.
"Ugh alright then I'll give up 500 of my LPs", Manami winced.
Manami's LPs: 3400 - 2900
"Bad choice! Because Sky Pegasus's additional ability activate! Whenever you give up LPs you also take and equal amount of damage", Mach said.
Manami gasped as Sky Pegasus galloped spinning as it strike Manami in an explosion. "AHH"! She cried out being fling back.
"Manami"! They shout out.
Manami's LPs: 2900 - 2400
Manami quickly landed as she stood up panting. "I cant keep losing LPs like this and these head pains aren't helping either", she winced.
Shark and Durbe panted in a hall. "Whoever design this place must've had a serious maze craze", Shark remarked.
Then they saw a blue glow they looked up and gasped to see Manami. "Mana!? What's going on"? Shark questioned.
"Ryouga! Hang on Manami is trying to rescues you and Durbe", Rio said.
"Oh yeah? How"? Shark asked.
"By beating the knight that trapped you that's how", Kotori said.
"You mean the guy in the goofy armor"? Shark asked as he and Durbe looked at Mach.
"But what happens if Manami fails"? Durbe questioned.
"Then you will never leave here", Astral said.
"The traps along your path are connected to Manami's duel whenever she attacks a door on your side will open but when we do attack she losses LPs it is a most precarious situation", Astrana said.
"Even when they are separated true friends will find a way to help each other", Mach said.
"Help each other", Astrana said thoughtfully.
The Astral gasped. "Of course! Shark is there anything in your current location that might give us a clue on how to win this duel"? Astral asked.
"Not sure let me look around", Shark said as he did.
Then he and Durbe they gasped. "Well do you see anything"? Astral asked.
"Yes maybe there's a kind of mural with ancient writing on it", Shark said.
"That must be it", Astral said.
"Then the test Manami must pass actually takes the form of a complex puzzle I believe we were separated from Shark and Durbe for a reason the traps steered them to a location containing clues that can help Manami win the duel", Astral said.
"Alright then Ryouga read mural and tell us what it says", Rio said.
"I don't understand a word of it", Shark said.
"Hmm".
Shark looked to see Durbe in front of the mural. "This mural tells the story of a legendary hero from the ancient past", Durbe said.
"You mean you can actually read that"? Shark questioned.
"Its all about a valiant knight long ago this knight bravely defended his kingdom riding an incredible horse named Pegasus he and his fellow knights defeated all the evil forces that threatened the land in time the whole kingdom was at peace then one day the knight left the castle longing to see his family he and Pegasus journeyed to his home village but while he was gone some of his fellow knights grew envious of their king they began to grumble and say that they should rule the land instead soon whispers of rebellion and betrayal could be heard echoing through the castle the whole kingdom was then in peril", Durbe read.
"That's some fairy tale", Shark said.
"Its no fairy tale".
They all gasped and looked at Manami who was clutching her head tightly shaking. "It isn't no it wasn't no fairy tale", she said her voice a mere yelp.
"Manami"? Darka said worried.
"Something isn't right here", Shane frowned.
Sirius clenched his fists tightly. "I do not understand. What is the legend tell us"? Astrana questioned.
"It stops there so I don't know how the story ended", Durbe said.
Then the ceiling began to crumbling they looked up gasping as pieces fell they quickly moved out of the way. "Manami you have to attack or they'll get crush"! Rio yelled.
"You don't need to tell me that I draw"! Manami yelled.
"Even if Neptune isn't a Number card he can still deal damage! Neptune attack Sky Pegasus! Trident Throw"!
Neptune twirled his trident and launched it at Sky Pegasus. "I activate my trap! Intrigue Shield! When I equipping this shield on my Pegasus my noble steed is impervious to any battle damage and cannot be destroyed so my LPs are safe and you grow weaker"! Mach yelled.
A doorway opened for Shark and Durbe as they quickly went through as a shield appeared in front of Sky Pegasus deflecting the trident. "And now your attack activated my card combination you will not only be robbed of 600 of your LPs but you must send yet another card from your hand to the graveyard", Mach said.
"Fine", Manami said.
As she send a card to the graveyard an explosion hit again sending Manami flying. "AHH"! She cried out.
Manami's LPs: 2400 - 1800
"And Sky Pegasus's effect activates since Lady Manami lost 600 LPs you shall deal her the same amount amount of damage", Mach said.
Sky Pegasus neighed as it glowed and galloped to Manami attacking and sending her flying. "UGH"! She cried out landing harshly on the floor.
"Manami-chan"! Lyra cried out.
Manami's LPs: 1800 - 1200
"I-I place a card facedown and end my turn", Manami panted.
"Shark does the mural resume in the chamber where you are now"? Astral questioned.
"It does", Shark said.
"The story of the knight and Pegasus continues", Durbe said looking at the mural.
"When he learned of the treachery of his companions the heroic knight rushed back to the castle hoping to restore order he begged the other knights to remember the oath they had taken to uphold peace and justice in the kingdom but they were too blinded by their thirst for power the rebellious knights turned their swords against their former friend and attacked him the heroic knight remained loyal refusing the battle those who had been his friends without mercy the rebels continued to attack him until he fell at that moment all seemed lost for the kingdoms last true knight but the winged horse Pegasus suddenly flew down and landed between the rebels and his master the horse was determined to protect the knight no matter the consequences".
"And? What happened next"? Yuma asked.
"Sorry Yuma I cant tell you unfortunately the rest of the mural has crumbled away", Durbe said.
"What?! Are you kidd"-
"No"!
They all gasped hearing Manami scream they looked to see her on her knees clutching her head tightly and were shocked to see tears streaming down. "He cant be gone! Please oh gods why"?! She cried in agony.
"Manami"! Shark gasped.
"Manami what's wrong"?! Kotori called out.
"No oh why"? Manami cried shaking.
Imagaes flashed in Manami's mind clutching her head tightly as she cried. "It seems you have begun to remember do you not"? Mach asked her.
"What is he talking about"? Shane questioned.
"Look we can find out later but first we"-!
But before Hotaru could finish Sirius ran to Manami kneeling to be in front of her and clutched her shoulders. "Manami you have to snap out of it you need to get a grip"! Sirius yelled.
Manami only continued shaking her head crying as Durbe looked at the mural. "This legend seems so familiar to me. But how can that be?! I have the strangest feeling as if I've been here before but that's impossible"! He thought.
"You cannot stop is to come for Manami you know that better then anyone", Mach said.
Sirius frowned at Mach as he then faced Manami again. "Manami-chan please you have to snap out of this if you don't you cant save Shark and Durbe-nii remember that"! He yelled.
Manami gasped at Sirius's words. "Shark, Durbe", she whispered softly.
"Its my turn I draw"! Mach yelled.
"And now Sky Pegasus uses one overlay unit to eliminate your monster"!
Sky Pegasus neighed hitting it's other overlay unit as it's wings glowed. "The only way to prevent Neptune's destruction is by giving up 500 LPs either way will lead to your defeat", Mach said.
"There's no way you can win if you keep giving up LPs forget about us Mana you need all your LPs", Shark said.
"Make your decision you can save yourself or save your friends. Which will it be Lady Manami"? Mach asked.
Manami was silent until Durbe spoke. "You must help us sacrifice your LPs", he said.
Everyone all gasped in shock by Durbe's words. "That's the most cowardly thing I ever heard", Shark said.
"Think what you want but I just remember the rest of the legend", Durbe said.
Sirius and Shark gasped at this as the floor began to crumble Shark gasped as Durbe spoke. "With the rebels focused on attacking Pegasus the noble knight could've runaway but instead he remained beside his faithful horse and faced their adversaries together and forever".
"Wow", Koru said stunned.
"Don't you get it?! This legend is about trusting in your friends and always sticking with them to the bitter end no matter what Manami you must trust me and protect Neptune", Durbe said.
"And why should she trust you? You're the enemy", Shark growled.
"I trust you Durbe for in the very end the knight and Pegasus stayed true".
Manami stood up her blue eyes blazing. "And so will I! I activate my trap! Deep Sea Chains"!
The dark purple portal appeared as it shot blue water chains at Sky Pegasus wrapping tightly on its wings as it neighed. "What is this"?! Mach gasped.
"Deep Sea Chains is a trap card that can only be activated when in the graveyard for at least one turn it was the card I had to send to the graveyard because of your card combination now with it Sky Pegasus can't use it's abilities", Manami said.
"Impossible"! Mach gasped.
"Now that's showing him Manami"! Harumi cheered.
Then the floor of the chamber Shark and Durbe were in began crumbling Shark beginning to fall. "AHH"! He yelled out.
"Ryouga"! Rio gasped.
"Durbe save Shark"! Manami yelled.
She snapped her fingers and the lightning cuffs around Durbe's wrists disappeared in sparkles Durbe gasped and grabbed Shark's hand before Shark could fall the sparkles of lightning touched Durbe's Baria Lapis as Shark began to glow a dark red aura same with Durbe. "You were right Shark I am the enemy while I feel my power returning", Durbe said.
Then Durbe's Baria Lapis glowed and was repaired as Durbe glowed to be in his Barian form as they gasped. "But even I know we must trust one another to win", he said.
"Manami we can't trust this guy"! Shark said.
Manami frowned. "Maybe but he has to be telling the truth of the legend I can tell as much", she said, gripping her own lapis.
"How can you be so sure"?! Shark yelled.
Manami was silent until she smiled. "Because he's Durbe he wouldn't lie", she said simply.
They all gasped at Manami as her Baria Lapis glowed Manami gasped in shock as her deck glowed. "What's going on"?! Lizzie gasped.
"It seems you have finally realized it Lady Manami", Mach nodded.
"I end my turn".
Manami looked at her deck then nodded. "Alright its my turn I draw"!
She drew her card and gasped seeing it but then faced Sirius who stood with a smile. "Thanks Sirius you helped me snap out of it I owe you one", she said.
Then she faced Mach. "I activate the spell card Pot of Greed! With it I draw two cards! Next I activate my facedown card Level Partner! With this I can special summon a monster the same level as my monster on my field from my deck! Neptune is level 8 so I special summon a level 8 monster from my deck so appear Sea Aquamarine"!
And the mermaid appeared on the field with a graceful flip.
Sea Aquamarine
Level: 8
Atk Points: 2600
Def Points: 2000
"And if I have a level 8 monster on my field I can special summon Lady Pearl from my hand"!
And the women in pearls appeared on the field beside Aquamarine.
Lady Pearl
Level: 8
Atk Points: 2200
Def Points: 1900
"Here he comes"! Hotaru gasped.
"Now I overlay my level 8 Neptune, Lady Pearl, and Aquamarine to build the overlay network"! Manami yelled.
Thunder could be heard outside making them gasp as the three monsters were enveloped in blue light going in the overlay network turned black, gold, and gray. "Entity of lightning bear your form and appear as my curse! I Xyz summon Lightning Sky Knight"!
And with crashing of lighting her knight appeared on the field lightning sparking on him.
Lightning Sky Knight
Rank: 8
Atk Points: 2800
Def Points: 2500
Manami's clothes changed to her knight armor she nodded as she faced Mach. "So you even have your own knight as well clinging to it", he remarked.
"Do you truly think this knight is complete"? She asked.
"Wait what"? Antares questioned.
"Brother the card Manami drew", Astrana gasped.
"It couldn't be", Astral gasped.
"Next I activate my spell card! Rank-Up-Magic Barian's Force"! Manami yelled.
"WHAT"?! They all gasped shocked.
"I rebuild the overlay network with Lightning Sky Knight and his overlay units"! Manami yelled.
Lightning Sky Knight became a yellow glow as he and his overlay units went upward in the overlay network causing a massive explosion. "Form with the sea and sky to be one! My blessing! My curse! Chaos Xyz Evolution! Come forth CXyz Lighting Azure Knight"! Manami yelled.
And appearing on the field was Lightning Sky Knight but his armor's lightning bolt markings were now deep blue wave markings, a blue gem on the center of his armor, his eyes gray-blue, his spear handle silver gray while the blade was pure azure blue, and his white cape blowing with four red gem overlay units.
CXyz Lightning Azure Knight
Rank: 9
Atk Points: 2900
Def Points: 2700
"Manami... Used the Barian's Force"? Hotaru said shocked.
"I never thought it could be possible", Lyra gasped.
"No way", Antares said speechless.
Durbe and Shark were also shocked as Durbe helped Shark up the edge Shark pulling his hand away as he looked shocked but then growled. "Manami you cant be serious on saying we can trust Durbe"! He yelled.
"He maybe Barian but he has honor something Vector doesn't have and he wouldn't lie on this since it involves his life too and my soul is telling me he isn't lying so I'm putting my trust on him", Manami said.
"Manami", Sirius said speechless.
"She truly is one of a kind", Durbe said stunned.
"I activate Lightning Azure Knight's ability! By using one chaos overlay unit all traps and spell cards are stunned and cant be used for 3 turns"! Manami yelled.
"What"?! Mach gasped.
"Go my knight! Lighting Paralysis"! Manami yelled.
Lightning Azure Knight crushed one of his chaos overlay units and sent out an electric shockwave at Mach's cards paralyzing them. "And for every trap and spell paralyses my Knight gains an extra 300 Atk Points while your steed loses 300 Atk Points"! Manami yelled.
"So with Unfair Treaty, Labyrinth of Decisions, and Intrigue Shield paralysis", Harumi said.
"That's 900 Atk points to Lightning Azure Knight and Sky Pegasus loses 900 Atk points", Blackmist said.
Lightning Azure Knight
Atk Points: 2900 - 3800
Number 44: White Winged Horse - Sky Pegasus
Atk Points: 1800 - 900
"Sky Pegasus"! Mach gasped, as Durbe and Shark quickly got out of the chamber.
"This is my strength of the seas and the skies together! Go now Lightning Azure Knight! Azure Heaven Halberd"!
Her knight slammed down his spear as azure lightning rose was shot down hitting Sky Pegasus and Mach. "AHH"! Mach cried out being flung back.
Mach's LPs: 2000 - 0
Manami winner
"Manami did it"! Yuma cheered.
"Thank goodness its over", Darka sighed relieved.
Manami panted as the monsters disappeared staggering. "Easy there", Sirius said catching her.
"Heh thanks Sirius", Manami smiled softly.
Another passaged opened for Shark and Durbe to show the outside. "You have passed the test", Mach said, getting up.
"Tell us do you know how the legend of Pegasus and the knight finally ended"? Astrana asked.
"Please tell us", Manami said.
"Of course after all I am Pegasus", Mach said glowing in a light blue aura.
"In the end the rebels were moved by the sacrifice me and my master made they were filled with shame and gave up their traitorous ways my master and I then took leave of this earthly realm we were never seen again or so the legend claimed ever since then I've had no other master".
Manami frowned as she then walked to Mach and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. "You must've been lonely", she said sadly.
Mach softly smiled and touched her hand. "Perhaps but because of your belief of your friends I place myself in your service. Will you accept Lady Manami"? He asked.
Manami smiled. "It would be my honor Mach", she said.
Mach smiled as he glowed. "The honor is all mine you majesty", he said.
And Mach then glowed bright as he became the Number card falling in Manami's hand as she looked at it. "Number 44", Manami whispered.
"Wait did he call her your majesty"? Koru questioned confused.
Shark looked at Durbe. "Why did you helped us"? Shark questioned.
"I-I'm not sure I would think it would be to pay back Manami yet there was something about that legend that moved me deeply and inspired me come to her aid", Durbe said.
"Durbe".
They looked to see Manami smiling brightly at them happily. "Thank you so much for helping us if it weren't for you we would've been in trouble", she said happily.
"No my actions matter little if I had not told you about the legend you still would've put your friends above your own interests", Durbe said.
"I am certain we all will meet again do not expect my help in our next encounter however cause we will face each other as enemies".
Durbe formed a portal and then disappeared inside Manami chuckled. "Is he always like that"? Manami asked Sirius.
"At times", Sirius sighed.
Yuma then noticed a gold glimmer he walked to it and saw a coin. "Hey guys check it out", Yuma said.
"What is it Yuma"? Darka said walking to him.
"It's a Kings Coin", Yuma said.
"What's a Kings Coin"? Kotori asked curiously looking at it.
"Whenever my dad went on an adventure and explored a new place he'd always leave one of these coins behind", Yuma said.
"You mean your father must've visited these ruins", Kotori said.
"That's right he was here and I can sense he's out there somewhere watching over me", Yuma said.
They all nodded then Manami looked at the card and was surprised to see it faintly glow seeing the others weren't looking she walked up to the statue of Mach she looked at it for a moment then looked behind it and gasped to see a door she opened it and walked in and was shocked to see a second mural. "Another one"? She said shocked.
"Manami"?
Manami squeaked and turned to see Hotaru. "Hotaru! You followed me"? Manami asked.
"Yeah I saw you walking up to the statue to this", Hotaru said walking next to her.
"Another mural"?
"Yeah I think Mach wanted me to see it but I don't know why", Manami said.
Hotaru walked to the mural and gently touched it she gasped her eyes flashing green. "Hotaru"? Manami said worried.
"I-I think I can read it", Hotaru said slowly.
"You can"?! Manami gasped.
"Yeah... It tells of another knight who rode a wolf of pure white and tamed a serpent of the seas, his hair once gray was now white as the softest snow and his gaze was as warm as the springtime. He served the a great land alongside his brother protecting his mother, older sister, and childhood friend the young knight, after taking a reprieve from a war, found his home destroyed burned to the ground by a wicked prince. He was struck down by the oppressors knights, and as the young knight's breath began to leave him the wolf and serpent he had befriended had remained by his side and turned to stone the young knight then went to his brother's side while the creatures chose to protect the brothers alongside the elder brother's faithful steed".
"That's so sad", Manami said sadly.
"But why would Mach wanted me to see-! Hotaru"?
Hotaru had tears running down her eyes a horrified look on her face as she slowly backed away shaking her head. "No its all my fault", she whimpered.
"Hotaru"? Manami said frightened for her sister touching her arm.
Hotaru jumped and turned to face Manami and Manami gasped to see Hotaru's eyes were green before they turned to stormy gray again. "M-Manami we keep this to ourselves. Understand"? She asked.
"Huh? Why though"? Manami said shocked.
"Manami! Hotaru! Where are you guys"?!
They heard Antares's voice as Hotaru gripped Manami's hand tightly. "Please Manami just us", Hotaru begged.
Manami frowned not wanting to hide anything from the others but nodded Hotaru nodded back as they then quickly slipped out the room catching up with the others. "You know I've been thinking a lot about our mission my dad always tried to trust and befriend people and the Barians know I'm the same way they'll try to use that against me but I want to keep following my dad's footsteps no matter what it takes so I'm going to keep trusting in others", Yuma smiled.
"That's what I like to hear I'll be doing the same", Darka smiled.
"Its clear that Yuma and Darka have decided on the path they must travel but something tells me that me and my sister will soon have to go travel a different path", Astral thought, looking at Astrana who nodded at her brother with understanding.
Aurasoul: There! Finally done! Man I'm exhausted!
Darka: Looks like you'll need a breather so next time the group head to the next ruins and lets say we'll be finding more then we know.
Aurasoul: So until next time.
Astrana: Read and review.