Aurasoul: Hello everyone to another chapter of Yugioh Zexal!

Hotaru: Why do I have a bad feeling about this chapter?

Aurasoul: Oh you worry too much so disclaimer anyone?

Darka: I'll do it Aurasoul doesn't own Yugioh Zexal only her OCs while she shares Lyra with Durbe the Barian who owns Sirius and Antares and Shane is owned by Shane Kor and of course we have help with this chapter from or good friend MM!

0713MM: You got that right!

Aurasoul: So lets get this started!

Chapter 7

Vector began to travel between the dimensions.

"So where are we going? And how do you know where the Numbers are"? Vector questioned.

"I found them in the depths of your memories", Don Thousand said.

"My memories? What do you mean"? Vector questioned.

"You'll find out soon enough but first we must take the Number that is Number 96", Don Thousand said.

"Ha! Good luck thanks to that Darka, Blackmist is on their side", Vector scoffed.

"Darka? I see she must be the other key holder", Don Thousand said.

"Yeah and she used her powers to make Blackmist good and on their side", Vector said.

"Hm then we shall head to the ruins of the next Number I have a plan", Don Thousand said.

"A plan"?

Inside the ship everyone looked at the map. "The map your father sent Yuma is indicating the location of the second Legendary Number", Astral said.

"Woah", Yuma said.

"It's in some ruins on a remote island", Shark said.

"Sounds like this could be tricky", Rio said.

"And tricky means dangerous", Kotori said worried.

"She's right on that", Harumi frowned.

"Ah bring it on let's get this search party started", Yuma grinned, grabbing the wheel.

"Now that's the ticket", Darka smiled.

Appearing out of the portal was Vector as he walked seeing the ruins he walked to it and used his powers to force the doors open. "Well better get started", he scoffed.

But once he stepped in he gasped feeling a strange feeling clutching his head. "What is this feeling? Like something is taking over", he thought shocked.

Then Vector heard Don Thousand chuckle and he growled. "It's not funny"! He yelled.

Don Thousand then appeared to Vector as a shadow. "So you can feel it"? Don Thousand asked.

"What did you just do"?! Vector questioned.

"You do not need to know right now", Don Thousand said simply.

"Tell me"! Vector yelled.

"Silence! Now go! Like I told you we must hurry before Astral and Astrana come here", Don Thousand said.

Vector growled yet continued walking inside the ruins going down stairs to reach multiple passageways. "Now where"? He thought.

Then he gasped his eyes glowing as he began walking to one of the passageways stepping on the stairs it began to move downward as he gasped. "How could I have known of this secret passage? What is going on here"? He thought.

As the ship traveled through the dimensions inside while the others were sitting Yuma was toppling over the ship. "Wah! Ah! Ow that hurt", Yuma winced.

"Yuma you ok"? Lizzie asked worried.

"Yeah", Yuma winced.

"We told you to stay in your seat Yuma", Kotori sighed.

"More than once if I might add", Darka added.

"The ride seems a lot bumpier this time", Rio remarked.

"Thats for sure", Koru said clutching on his seat.

"This turbulence is a troubling phenomenon", Astrana frowned, as Yuma tried to get up but failing.

"Indeed I wonder what could be its cause", Astral said.

Then Yuma was sent flying hitting the ceiling before toppling and rolling on the floor. "I guess this is our in flight entertainment", Shark remarked, everyone sweatdropping as they watched Yuma.

"Well it is entertaining", Blackmist remarked.

"Blackmist"! Harumi scolded.

"Oh please Harumi you honestly say this isn't humorus"? Blackmist smirked.

Harumi about to speak but then thought watching Yuma then sighed. "Ok I'll admit it's kinda funny", she admitted.

"Told you", Blackmist chuckled, poking her nose.

Harumi squeaked covering her nose the others watching. "I really don't understand the relationship here", Sirius remarked.

"Neither can I and I helped formed it", Darka sighed.

"What do you think Manami-? Manami-chan"? Lyra said confused.

Manami was still looking at Sky Pegasus oblivious to her surroundings a frown on her face. "She's been like that ever since we left the ruins", Shane frowned.

"I guess she must be still confused of what happened back there", Antares frowned.

Sirius gulped worried by this as Darka frowned then looked around. "And not just that Hotaru isn't here. Where did she go"? Darka questioned.

"I think she mentioned of going outside to the masts", Blackmist voiced out, watching Yuma hit the ceiling again.

"What?! Why would she do that"? Lizzie gasped.

"Said something about getting air", Blackmist shrugged.

"Someone should go check on her", Astrana said.

Then they saw a glow they all looked to see Sirius's deck glow then a light shot out surprising everyone. "I take it someone volunteered", Astral remarked.

Outside the ship Hotaru sat on the highest part of the mast her closed of meditation thoughts going in her head. "I don't get it. How was I able to read that myral in the ruins? And why did I get so emotional about it too? It's almost as if… I saw it for myself".

Then Hotaru groaned yelling in frustration. "UGH! This is going to drive me crazy"! She yelled out annoyed.

"Arf"!

Hotaru blinked and groaned. "Oh no I'm hearing things", she groaned.

"Arf! Arf"!

Hotaru jumped then looked and was shocked to see a white wolf pup looking at her cheerfully with another happy bark. "Arf"! It barked.

Hotaru blinked but then smiled. "Well hey little guy", she cooed, petting him.

The wolf pup barked happily jumping on her lap Hotaru looked surprised but giggled petting his head. "Well I know you're a duel monster spirit. What's your name"? She asked.

The wolf pup barked and Hotaru managed to catch a little bit of it. "Corvus? Is that your name"? She asked.

The wolf pup Corvus barked happily and nodded Hotaru smiled and petted him. "Well it's nice to meet you Corvus my name is"-!

Hotaru gasped feeling pain in her head she shrieked and clutched her head in pain Corvus saw this and whimpered in worry as she panted. "M-my head it hurts", she winced, then gasped.

"Aww they're so precious".

"I know, right? The white one over there is Corvus".

"Aww he's so cute".

Hotaru gasped panting heavily clutching the mast tightly Corvus whimpered licking her cheek Hotaru gulped air and slowly patted Corvus. "It's ok I'm fine really", she tried to assure.

But Hotaru couldn't help but pale. "What was that? A vision or something? And why did I hear Sirius"? She thought.

She hugged Corvus burying her face in his fur. "What in the world is happening to me"? She thought.

Vector walked on the ledge with a throne to show a field. "So this is where the ruler dealt with his enemies and passed judgement", he thought.

Then he saw a an axe at the center as she shuddered a bit. "So what am I supposed to do here"? He questioned.

"You are to place this card where the Number is and it will do the rest", Don Thousand said.

A card then appeared before Vector where it radiated a dark energy he took it and threw it at the axe the card was then absorbed by it as the axe then radiate the dark energy then suddenly a Battle Ox suddenly appeared roaring in pain before disappearing along with the axe leaving the card with the dark energy. "I take it that was the guardian to the Number", Vector said.

"Indeed but it was no match for my power now we shall wait until Astral and Astrana come here with Blackmist and it will do all the work", Don Thousand said.

"Hmph fine then", Vector scowled.

The group had reached their destination walking in front of the ruined castle. "Guys check it out that must be where the Number is", Yuma said.

"It will be hard with a place this size", Darka remarked.

Hotaru looked at the ruins with narrowed eyes. "What is this? I feel something from this place. But what"? She thought.

"Firefly-chan"?

Hotaru blinked and looked to see Sirius and Antares looking at her worried. "You ok"? Antares asked.

"Um yeah I am. Why ask"? She asked.

"You seem to have a suspicious look on you face. Do you sense something"? Sirius asked.

Hotaru blinked surprised but then sighed as they walked with the others. "I'm not sure to be honest it's just something about this place doesn't seem right to me", she said.

"I hear you it's giving me the chills", Antares shivered.

"Heh I guess that's one way of putting it", Hotaru chuckled.

They then reached the entrance to the ruins. "Ok let's go inside", Yuma said.

"I'll go first", Hotaru said.

Hotaru walked in first but once she stepped inside she gasped. "Is something wrong Hotaru"? Harumi asked.

Suddenly flashes were in her mind being in a battlefield of a horrible war hearing the cries of people losing their lives the sight of blood before her eyes Hotaru covered her mouth feeling her stomach turn quickly running out shocking everyone. "Hotaru"?! They called.

Once she reached the woods Hotaru vomited by a bush coughing as she did when the others caught up to her she was heavily leaning on a tree pale as a sheet coughing and shaking like a leaf. "Hotaru what happened over there"? Darka asked, walking to her sister.

When Darka reached to touch Hotaru's shoulder Hotaru gasp flinching and slapping Darka's hand away shocking everyone Hotaru blinked shocked herself as she looked at her hand then Sirius walked over to Hotaru being careful and gently placed his hand on Hotaru's shoulder. "Hotaru its ok its just us", he said.

Hotaru blinked for a moment before relaxing her shoulders drooping. "S-sorry about that", she sighed.

"What happened back there? You look to have saw a ghost or something", Shane remarked.

"You must've saw something bad since you lost your lunch", Kotori grimaced, noticing the vomit.

Hotaru shook her head rubbing her face. "No I… When I stepped in I saw a image a v-vison of sorts", she said.

"What kind of vision"? Lyra asked worried.

Hotaru shuddered remembering it. "I saw… A battlefield of a war it was in one word horrible so many people losing their lives and the blood", she began.

But then Hotaru covered her mouth again her stomach turning by just the thought. "Sis that's enough don't go too far", Darka said quickly.

Hotaru nodded panting as Sirius rubbed her back in worry. "Well that explains the vomit then", Manami twitched.

"It does"? Elizabeth asked.

"Oh right you guys don't know Hotaru here has haemophobia", Koru said.

"Hae what"? Yuma questioned confused.

"Haemophobia it's a phobia of blood", Hotaru sighed.

"A phobia of blood"? Antares said surprised.

"Just the sight of blood makes her sick really. But Hotaru why did you have that vision"? Darka asked confused.

"Don't ask me I have no idea", Hotaru said.

Sirius and Antares looked at one another. "Hotaru maybe you should go back to the ship", Sirius said.

"Yeah I don't think you should keep going if this keeps up", Antares began.

"I'll be fine really I don't think it'll happen again", Hotaru sighed, finally relaxing.

"You think"? Shark questioned with a frown.

Darka sighed. "Fine but at least let Sirius and Antares walk next to you in case ok"? She said.

Hotaru chuckled and nodded wrapping her arms around Sirius's and Antares's shoulders. "Sure you got it. Ok with you two"? She asked them.

"It's what Darka asked us to do", Sirius sighed.

"Don't worry Hotaru we got you", Antares grinned.

Hotaru chuckled as they walked back to go inside the ruins Rio grew wide eyed. "Yuma, Darka this place feels dangerous", she said.

"Dangerous"? Yuma said worried.

"I just think that the best thing to do is stay out of there", Rio said.

"Rio as much as I want to do that you know we have no choice but to go the Legendary Number is in there we have to get it before the Barians do", Darka said.

"Darka makes a valid point", Astrana said.

"Indeed we have to proceed on", Astral said.

"Then we'll have to do it carefully and I'm looking at you Hotaru", Rio said.

"Hey I didn't ask for that vision", Hotaru scowled.

They then walked inside walking down some stairs. "Its kinda spooky in here", Kotori said.

"Yeah and creepy", Elizabeth shivered.

"Here let me make a light", Hotaru said.

Hotaru focused her powers in her hand but to her shock nothing happened. "Huh? Why isn't it working"? She said shocked.

"Maybe you should have a breather Hotaru", Manami frowned.

"Yeah I can form some light", Darka said.

Darka then formed a small sphere of light in her hand everyone looking at it in awe as Hotaru looked at her hand. "What's going on? How can I not be able to use my powers? Could it be the ruins"? She thought, then shivered.

"Hey look at the walls", Rio suddenly said.

They all look as to see pictures."All these drawings must tell a story", Shark said.

"Like back at the other ruins", Koru said.

"But what do they say"? Harumi asked, Darka holding up the light so they all could see.

"It's the story of the ancients and their sadness", Rio said.

"Yes she's right I can feel it", Hotaru said with a shiver.

"Such pain and sadness it's unbearable".

"What are they grieving about"? Yuma asked.

"Can we just find the Number and get out of here please"? Kotori frowned.

"The grief of those past lives shed tears and it can't be healed with time", Rio said.

"For they have been through much suffering their deaths unfair and unjust", Hotaru added with a pained look.

Then Rio's eyes glowed green with a green aura around her. "What in the world"? Koru gasped.

"This is the legend of this cursed place ages ago a cruel prince lived in this palace and ruled the island he looked on all people with suspicions so he executed his servants but the hateful prince soon discovered he had nothing left but his own cruelty", she said.

Rio then gasped her eyes going back to normal and the green aura gone as she fell from exhausted Shark gasped and caught her. "I'm fine now", she said with a weak smile.

"This ancient ruler. Why would he betray those he should've protected"? Astral thought.

Blackmist looked at Rio looking at the images Harumi noticing this. "Is something wrong Blackmist"? She asked.

"Nothing I was only thinking that at one time I maybe would've liked this ruler but then again that was the old me one who craved on the suffering of his enemies", Blackmist sighed.

Harumi looked at him then gently took his hand making him look at her surprised as she gently smiled at him. "LIke you said that was the old you now you don't think that. Right"? She asked.

He looked surprised but then smiled and nodded cupping her cheek making her squeak. "Yes for now I only wish to protect you that is all", he said.

She blushed but had a small smile on her face the others looking. "I really don't know the relationship here", Darka said.

"I don't think any of us does", Astrana said.

"But really though this place it might really be cursed", Yuma said.

Hotaru couldn't help but frown as they walk wanting to disagree with Yuma not feeling the same about it as they walked reaching different passages. "Now where do we go"? Kotori asked.

Yuma looked then noticed a star images on one of the pillars. "Maybe that star might be a guide post", Yuma said, pointing at it.

"You think"? Darka asked looking at it.

"But what if it isn't"? Kotori asked.

"Yeah it could be a trap", Rio said.

"She's right we should try a different route", Hotaru said frowning.

"Don't worry just follow me", Yuma said, walking to the way.

They all looked worried as they followed Hotaru, Sirius, and Antares hesitantly. "I have a bad feeling", Hotaru frowned wanting to turn back.

"Yeah maybe we should turn back", Antares said.

"You think Yuma will listen"? Sirius sighed.

"With his stubbornness I highly doubt it", Antares sighed himself.

"Like someone else we know", Lyra said hearing the conversation.

"Yeah… Hey"! Antares said catching on.

Hotaru couldn't help but giggle at Antares but then they heard a rumbling sound. "What was that noise"? Rio asked.

They all looked and and gasped to see a boulder toward them. "Does that answer your question"?! Shane yelled.

"What do we do"?! Kotori gasped.

"Run"! Yuma yelled.

They all quickly began running the boulder getting closer to them. "Yuma it's getting closer"! Kotori yelled.

"Yuma there should be another marking ahead"! Hotaru yelled.

"Huh"?! Yuma gasped then looked and saw another star mark.

"Another star"!

Yuma quickly pressed the mark and the wall lifted to a small ledge they all quickly got on as the boulder rolled past them they all breathed in relief. "Thank Crimson we're safe", Darka sighed in relief.

"No harm done", Yuma said.

"What?! We followed your lead and we almost got squashed"! Shark yelled.

"Yeah if it weren't for Hotaru telling you about the star mark"! Sirius yelled.

"Wait a minute. Hotaru how did you knew that star mark was going to be there"? Rio asked confused.

"Huh"? Hotaru blinked.

"Yeah how did you know"? Yuma asked.

Hotaru blinked again rubbing her head confused. "I… I don't how I just did", she said with a frown.

"That doesn't make any sense", Shark frowned.

"I know it doesn't but its the truth", Hotaru sighed.

"Let's just drop it for now", Manami sighed.

"I bet it mightve been my dad who left those marks", Yuma smiled.

"What makes you say that"? Koru asked.

"He always does stuff like that he must've marked the path with stars to show the best way to avoid the traps", Yuma said.

"Now that is smart", Rio smiled.

"That's Kazuma-sensei for you", Darka chuckled.

"Do you know Yuma's dad Darka"? Elizabeth asked curiously.

"Yeah he's an old friend of my dad he always asked my dad for the best places to explore and for some good equipment Kazuma-sensei was the one who gave me good pointers and stuff for my dueling", Darka smiled.

"He's a good man too Yuma's lucky to have a great guy like him as a dad", Hotaru nodded with a smile.

"Yeah I know", Yuma chuckled rubbing the back of his head.

Then Yuma leaned on the wall causing it to shift and trapdoors opened under his and Shark's feet. "Ahh"! They yelled falling in.

"Yuma"! Kotori and Darka gasped.

"Shark"! Manami and Rio gasped.

Then trapdoors opened under them. "You gotta be kidding me"! Hotaru yelled, as they all fell in.

They all were then going down from slides in different directions. "I dont like it here"! Kotori yelled.

Then Yuma fell to the floor. "Ugh oh man", Yuma winced.

"Are you alright"? Astral asked.

"Yeah I think"-

"AHH"!

Darka suddenly fell landing on top of Yuma. "Ack"! He yelped.

"Ow that hurt", Darka winced.

"Darka you should move you're hurting Yuma", Astrana said.

"Huh"? Darka said then looked down and gasped to see he was on Yuma's back.

"Oh man sorry Yuma"!

Darka quickly got off of Yuma as he groaned getting up. "I'm really sorry Yuma", Darka apologized again.

"Hey don't worry about it Darka its"-

"Move"!

They gasped and quickly moved as Hotaru landed in on her feet followed by Sirius and Antares.

"You guys too huh", Hotaru sighed.

"But where are we"? Yuma said.

Then they looked and gasped to see they were in a cage. "Oh just great", Sirius groaned.

"Guys you ok"? Darka called.

"We're fine here"! Harumi called being with Kotori, Rio, and Lizzie.

"Same here", Shark said, Manami, Koru, and Shane with him.

"Glad the others are ok", Yuma said, clutching on the bars.

"Guess this was a trap", Kotori said.

"No thanks to Yuma activating it", Blackmist scoffed.

"Hey I didn't mean to"! Yuma yelled.

"He's right Blackmist it was an accident", Harumi frowned.

"Hmph", Blackmist scoffed, Harumi sighed.

"Heyllo Yuma, Darka." Vector smirked as he sat on the throne that was facing across from the cages. He glanced at the big group; his grin extended across his face. "I see you brought more friends with you. More friends for me to crush!"

"Vector"! Yuma gasped.

"So he got here first that must mean he has the Number", Darka growled. Vector grinned.

"Of course I have the Number! I got here first!" Vector continued. "But since you came all this way, I'll give you a consolation prize." Some of chains came down from the ceiling so Vector could pull one of them; allowing only Yuma, Hotaru, Darka, Antares, and Sirius to get out of the cages.

"One of you will duel winner gets the card", Vector smirked.

"That sounds fine to me as long as you don't get it", Yuma said. Vector chuckled darkly at Yuma's statement.

Then the ground tilted causing them to fall to a ledge of sorts spikes appearing behind them so they couldn't get away.

"That hurt", Yuma groaned rubbing his head. Vector chuckled darkly once again.

"I suppose I should mention, if you don't know the mechanics of how thing works; there's no getting out!" He stares at the ones he released from their cage before continuing. "The Number has taught a lot about the tricks and traps of the Labyrinth of Screams. That's what they call it ya know."

"Quit messing with us! There's no way we can duel on this tiny pedestal"! Yuma yelled.

"That's why only one of you duels one of you shall step up to the center here", Vector smirked.

"Who should duel him then"? Darka asked.

"I will".

Hotaru jumped off the pedestal with a flip landed at the center a cold look in her eyes as she cracked her knuckles. "I've been wanting to take this guy out since we first met him", he smirked.

"Oh did I forgot to mention you won't be dueling me"? Vector asked with a smirk.

"What are you getting at"? Hotaru questioned. But then Hotaru gasped.

"What's this dark power I'm sensing"? She thought.

She looked and then saw the card at the field.

"Is that the Number Card? But why is it giving off such a dark energy"? She thought shocked.

"You see the one you'll be dueling is none other than Number 96", Vector smirked.

"What"?! Hotaru gasped.

"There's no way Blackmist would work for you Vector", Darka growled.

"True not by his own free will of course but of course I already had a plan for that", Vector said darkly.

He snapped his fingers and the card began to rise shocking them then Hotaru gasped. "Blackmist disappear now"! She yelled.

"What"? Blackmist gasped.

"Too late"! Vector smirked. The card was then shot off in the cell hitting Blackmist.

"AHHHHH"! Blackmist yelled in pain.

"Blackmist"! Harumi gasped in horror.

"What are you doing to him"?! Darka yelled.

"Lets just say I've added a little something in the card that will allow the Number to take control of Blackmist's body and will", Vector smirked.

"What"?! They gasped. Vector began to laugh darkly at there insolence.

Then Blackmist slumped now covered in the dark energy. "Blackmist"? Harumi said weakly, reaching out to him.

Blackmist lifted his head his eyes glowing dark pink making them gasp as he then floated to the center a bit away from Hotaru as he faced her. "I am the Number of these ruins if you wish to retrieve me then prove to me your power", he said.

"You gotta be kidding me", Antares gasped.

Vector laughed darkly. "Hahahaha! Well what will you do Hotaru? Can you really go against one of your own allies"? He smirked.

"How about you shut your damn trap", she said with distaste. Vector on the other hand, decided to ignore such a command as she continued.

"Here's the difference between me and Darka I don't hold back on my opponents I go full force even if it's one of my allies being brainwashed and such I don't care I'll take them down regardless".

"She can't be serious"! Yuma gaped.

"Oh she is", Manami sweatdropped.

"She's always been like that", Darka sighed.

"Either friend or foe Hotaru hates going easy she goes full force and if they are being controlled she always says a good punch will knock some sense into them".

"Geez Hotaru sure has some violent policies", Antares sweatdropped.

Hotaru faced the possessed Blackmist. "So if I defeat you I get to retrieve you and free Blackmist from your control"? She asked.

"That is correct", the Number nodded.

"Heh then it's fine by me killing two birds with one stone", she smirked.

"Just be careful Firefly", Darka said.

"Leave it to me", Hotaru smirked.

"Firefly? That is your name"? The Number asked.

Hotaru looked at him but nodded. "Thats right Hotaru Firefly Shinori", she said.

"I see then I have one more request before we start this duel", the Number said.

"A request"? Yuma said surprised.

"What kind of request"? Hotaru asked suspiciously.

"I sense your skills are limited I wish for you to use the deck you are in sync with and in tune with that is my request", the Number said.

"Huh? What's he talking about"? Yuma said confused.

Hotaru looked at the Number. "There's no way. Could he know"? She thought.

Hotaru reached for her knights deck looking at it for a moment then at the Number before she sighed putting it in her deck box. "Fine you got a deal I'll use my true deck the Millennium Deck", she said.

"Duel disk set"!

Hotaru set her duel disk while inserting a different deck shocking everyone as a purple duel disk appeared on Blackmist. "D-Gazer set"! Hotaru said, as the others put theirs on too.

"Lets duel"! Number 65 looked at the cards that were already in his hand. He placed his right hand atop of his deck.

"Here I go!" Number 65 drew his 6th card, and he also looked at it. Despite his draw, he still had everything he needed to get the upperhand. He pulled one card out of his hand and slapped it onto his D-Pad.

"First things first, I normal summon Judgement Lord-Garium in attack mode." Number 65 spoke nonchalantly.

A dark robed man emerged onto the field, twirling his spear.

Judgement Lord-Garium

Level: 2

Atk Points: 0

Def Points: 0

He then grabbed 3 more cards from his hand and placed them into the Spell/Trap cards zones on his D-Pad.

"I now place 3 cards facedown, and end my turn." Number 65 spoke. "Now it is your turn. Show me what you got, Firefly!"

"Hmph my turn I draw"! Hotaru yelled.

But as she did so the images returned to her full force making her quickly cover her mouth as she coughed . "Hotaru"! Darka and Manami yelled.

"What happened"?! Yuma gasped.

"There's a reason why Hotaru doesn't use her Millennium Deck anymore", Darka said grimly.

"In her last year in Heartland Academy when she uses the deck she began to see the same visions she saw when she entered here".

"Wait the same exact ones"?! Rio gasped.

"That's why she doesn't use it anymore and used the Knights! What was she thinking using it again"?! Manami said distressed.

Hotaru panted seeing her hand shaking. "I can't believe it just started the duel and already it's kicking in no it's even more worse inside here", she thought.

She gasped seeing the visions coming faster making her shake and clutch her chest feeling her breathing uneven. Vector cocked his head at the sight.

"Awww. What's wrong? Breathing going down?" Vector mocked. Hotaru glared at Vector yet couldn't help but feel her panic from the visions until...

'Mistress'!

Hotaru gasped hearing a familiar warm voice in her mind. "Phoenix", she breathed.

'Yes listen to me closely you may not be able to use your flames at the moment but use your shadows they shall help you', Phoenix instructed to her.

"Are you insane? You know I can't"-

'Mistress just trust me'! Phoenix insisted.

Hotaru heard Phoenix's plea and sighed. "Alright I got it", she sighed, panting as she stood straight. Yuma looked at Hotaru, then at Number 65's monster before he spoke up, "I hope Hotaru will be okay. I mean, that monster on Number 65s' field has no attack points. So it must have a very powerful ability."

"Alright then".

They gasped as black shadows began swirling around Hotaru then enveloping her in a very dark gray aura as she breathed in. "Huh Phoenix was right I can breath easier now and the visions stopped too what a relief", she smiled a bit at this.

"Using her shadows yet no fire this is really not like Hotaru", Manami frowned.

Number 65 watched this as he looked at Hotaru. "I see so this is your power", he remarked.

"You can say that it's one of it anyway this is the shadows but I try hard not to use it it can take a toll on me", Hotaru sighed.

"But since I can't use my fire right now I had no choice but use my shadows now I can properly duel you, I summon Millennium Scribe in attack mode".

And appearing on the field was an egyptian scribe who had black hair and pale green eyes.

Millennium Scribe

Level: 4

Atk Points: 1400

Def Points: 1700

"I activate his ability when I summon him I can add a spell card from my deck to my hand", Hotaru said, a card coming out from her deck as she added it to her hand. The others watched with interest. Number 65 said nothing; except continued to watch as Hotaru continued her turn as she looked at the spell and sighed. "I hope I won't have to use it", she thought, then spoke.

"Ok Scribe take down his Garium"!

The scribe rushed in his brush turning into a dagger as he was about to attack. Number 65 just stared, not impressed. He thrusted his hand forward.

"I activate Garium's effect!" Number 65 countered. "When he's under attack by one of your monsters, I can negate that attack, then I can special summon another Judgement Lord-Garium from my hand or deck, with their effects negated."

"What"?! Hotaru gasped. Vector laughed darkly at the failed attack.

"How priceless!" Vector giggled. "I should've bet my money on that! Or rather, something else..." Number 65 pulled his deck out of his deckholder, then searched for the said card, then slapped the card onto his D-Pad, then put his deck back into the deckholder; to which it auto shuffled. Astral observed the monsters.

Judgement Lord-Garium

Level: 2

Atk Points: 0

Def Points: 0

"Two monsters with the same level." Astral muttered. "This could pose a problem."

"He could either summon himself or summon another monster to summon Blackmist both in which pose great threats", Astrana frowned. Yuma nodded in agreement.

"Yeah. Plus, he still has 3 facedown cards." Yuma pointed out. Shark grunted.

"Yeah well, either way he's gonna lose to Hotaru."

"We don't know Hotaru's deck so she might have some tricks", Harumi said.

"Let's hope she does", Kotori said.

Sirius and Antares observed the duel worry evident in their eyes. "Tch I place three cards facedown and end my turn", she finished. Number 65 stared down at his deck; readying to draw his next card. Vector sat in his little throne, watching the duel as it progressed.

"My turn; draw!" Number 65 declared as he did so.

He stared at the card, as if he expected to draw it. He placed it in his hand, then raised his arm upward.

"I now overlay my 2 level 2 Judgment Lord-Gariums!" Number 65 declared. Both monsters turned into purple streams of light as they soared to center of the field; where the overlay network portal awaited them.

"Here it comes"! Antares gasped.

"Xyz Summon!" Black Mist called out. "Appear! The cursed executioner of jugement Number 65: Djinn Buster!" The overlay network exploded as the Number in question emerged onto the field, twirling his judgment spear. He wore robes of that of a judge.

Number 65: Djinn Buster

Rank: 2

Atk Points: 1300

Def Points: 0

Xyz Material: 2

"So that's the Number", Hotaru said. "But now I activate my continuous trap! Millennium Curse! Every time you Xyz summon a monster you take 1000 points of damage"!

"Awesome"! Yuma grinned.

"So take the damage"! Hotaru yelled. Electricity was shot out from the trap hitting Number 65. Black Mist on the other hand, was prepared for such a contingency. And to prove this, he thrusted his right hand at one of his facedowns.

"I activate my own facedown. And it's called Judgement's Curse. How fitting for your trap. You see, as long as I control Number 65: Djinn Buster, I don't take any damage from your card effects. Also, I gain the amount I would've taken. And for the cherry on top, you take the damage I would've taken!"

Yuma gulped "Uh, that's not good." he pointed out.

"I activate my second facedown Dark Bribe! With this your trap is negated and you get to draw a card"! Hotaru said.

"Thats great"! Lizzie gasped. Vector watched as Dark Bribe began to flash in an attempt to cancel Judgement's Curse continuous trap.

"I'm afraid...It won't work." Vector grinned maliciously. "See for yourself!" Unfortunately for Vector, his words were incorrect. And to prove this, Number 65 drew his card, thus his trap was destroyed and he took 1000 points of damage. He grunted in response.

Number 65's LP: 4000 - 3000

Yuma slightly cheered. However, most of the others watching the duel looked a bit uneasy.

"You were saying Vector"? Hotaru smirked. Vector just grunted in response.

But then they heard a noise. "What was that"? Yuma asked.

Then suddenly they saw an ax falling toward them. "Get down"! Darka yelled.

The four quickly moved away while Astral and Astrana floated up missing the ax the others gasp. "Guys"! Hotaru gasped. Vector began to laugh insanely once more.

"I forgot to mention, whenever Number 65 here takes damage, or when you attack Hotaru, you'll be putting your friends, and family, in harm's way!" Vector laughed until he began to cough.

"Are you insane"?! Sirius yelled.

"Move"! Darka hissed, grabbing him before the ax could hit him.

"So every time Hotaru attacks Number 65", Kotori began.

"She's putting Yuma and the others at great risk", Rio finished.

"Now thats just evil", Shark said angrily.

Hotaru hissed and faced the Number. "And you're ok with this"? She questioned.

"What he does with those traps are none of my concern all that matters is this duel and to see if you truly are her", Number 65 said.

"Her"? Hotaru questioned.

"No"! Sirius and Antares thought.

"Hm it seems I will have to explain", Number 65 said.

Aurasoul: There so go all done! 0713MM thanks again for helping me with this chapter!

Hotaru: I knew I wasn't going to like this!

Aurasoul: And its going to get worst for you so until next time everyone please read and review!