Aurasoul: Hey everyone! Welcome to another chapter of Yugioh Zexal as of right now I am being hunted by most of the cast for what I did to Darka so I had to do these things quick along with the other chapters too so once I have them typed up and such you'll be wanting to kill me too so just a reminder I dont own Zexal only my OCs except Shane, Sirius, Lyra, and Antares they belong to Shane Kor and Durbe the Barian respectively except with Lyra since I share her with Barian so enjoy the chapter!
Hotaru: There she is!
Aurasoul: Oh crud! Oh and I'd like to thank guest KeyKey for that review thank you so much! And I wanna thank 0713MM for helping me type the duel on this chapter thanks man! So enjoy! *runs off*
Chapter 18
"How is she Yuma" Hotaru was in Heartland Tower in the halls with her D-Gazer out talking to Yuma as she leaned on the wall.
"She hasn't come out of the key ever since what happened to Darka. Even when Astral went in to talk to her, she won't budge from the spot she's been sitting on", Yuma answered sadly.
"Yeah I figured. Seeing what happened to Darka and having her taken away must've really done some damage on her psyche", Hotaru sighed.
"And we would've gone to Astral World sooner to get Darka if it weren't for the ships in the keys not working for some reason".
"Astral thinks that, that sage Nyx did something to the Keys without them realizing it when she looked at them", Yuma frowned.
"I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case the Sage of Astral World has power above the other Astral Beings that might as well includes Astral and Astrana since they were created by the same person", Hotaru frowned.
"But why do it? I mean she was the one who told us to go after them to Astral World. So why make the ships unable to go there"? Yuma questioned.
"It must be some sort of test with those Sages, but what they said about the Giver of Life worries me. Its as if she's alive all this time", Hotaru frowned before she sighed.
"Look, me and Tenjo are looking for a way to get to Astral World. Until then watch over Astrana".
"Don't worry we will after all we promised Darka", Yuma said softly. Hotaru heard the sad tone in Yuma's voice.
"Don't worry Yuma. We'll get her back", she assured.
"I hope so. See ya Hotaru", he said.
Hotaru hanged up and sighed running a hand through her hair she looked around making sure no one was around before getting out a cigarette putting it in her mouth before snapping her fingers to spark a flame lighting it before blowing smoke with a sigh.
"Didn't know you smoked".
Hotaru glanced at Kaito as he walked to her she gave a light smile. "Started when I was nineteen. Now I'm down to doing it one box every two years. Not like it really affects me fire in my system and all", she said, blowing some smoke.
"How can you be so calm"? He asked suddenly.
She looked at him slightly confused so he went on. "I mean we don't know if Darka is ok. For all we know she could be dead. So how can you be calm"?! He demanded, saying the last sentence in a shout.
She grew wide eyed before she crushed her smoke in her hands with no burn before walking to him hand on his shoulder. "Close your eyes Tenjo", she said.
"Why"? He questioned.
"Just do it", she sighed.
He frowned but did so as she made sure he did. "Now what do you sense in your soul"? She asked.
"My soul"? He questioned.
"Yes, what do you sense"? She asked.
He was confused but concentrated and felt something familiar a familiar, warmth and a sudden scent. "Roses"? He said shocked. She smirked.
"Darka. If you feel a warmth and smell of roses you know it's Darka. She's alive. It's a connection we have with her that can never break", she said.
Kaito looked at Hotaru shocked for a moment before he gave a light smile. "Yeah you're right now come on we got to get started", he said.
"Heh yeah lets", she smirked.
The two then walked down the hall to get to work.
Astrana sat in front of the Numbers on the ship in the Empress's Key the ship had become blackened the gears unable to move yet this went unnoticed by Astrana as she stared blankly at the Numbers her eyes red from crying as she hugged her knees her eyes catching Rose Enchantress making her choke out a sob clutching her head tightly.
"Darka", she whimpered.
"Astrana".
Astrana didn't look up knowing it was Astral as he floated and sat next to her a hand on her shoulder. "Sister you know Darka is alright", he began.
"Yes, but for how long? We cannot reach Astral World like this and who knows if Kaito and Hotaru will be able to find a way to get us there", she said emotionlessly.
"We just have to have faith", he began.
"But it might not last long", she said sadly. He frowned hating to see his sister like this as he held her close to comfort her.
"Why the hell did you go out of your way to bring me all the way out here"?
Vector walked down a hall in a tower in Barian led her by Don Thousand.
'This is my royal palace it is a sacred ground where only those who rule the Barian World are allowed to enter', Don Thousand said.
"Hey now don't tell me you brought me here just to show me this rundown", Vector began, walking in a throne room of sorts when he gasped.
In front of him looked to be a sphere of energy as he walked to it. "What? I-it couldn't be"! Vector gasped, as Don Thousand chuckled and he quickly ran to it.
"This is"!
'That's right. This is the power that I had placed in Number 96 when he was defeated by Darkalicia and Astrana his power returned to me', Don Thousand said.
"Why'd it come to you"? Vector questioned.
'That is because Number 96 was a part of me', Don Thousand said, his shadow appearing in Vector's shadow.
"Wh-what'd you say"?! Vector questioned shocked.
"Long ago when I was fighting against not only Astral and Astrana, but the Giver of Life as well I took a portion of my power and left it in Astral's body', Don Thousand explained.
"Explains why a guy like Number 96 was inside Astral", Vector remarked.
'Yes. But when Darkalicia used her powers on Number 96 I had lost my connection to him and he became his own being though without this power and Darkalicia to fix him he's just a broke shell now', Don Thousand chuckled.
'Now absorb this power'.
Vector touched the orb as it glowed and Vector cried out in pain as he absorbed the energy once done he had a dark aura emanating from him.
"What's with this power"? He questioned. "This is the power Don Thousand put in Number 96"? Vector then began to laugh maniacally. "If I have this power I'll go beat Yuma and Astral down right a"-! Vector gasped before clutching his chest crying out in pain as the dark aura rose from him and to the throne.
'Have patience Vector', Don Thousand spoke.
"Don Thousand just left my body"! Vector thought shocked, as he looked up at the throne.
"Its not yet time for that. Right now we still have other things we must do"! Don Thousand said, taking shape from the dark aura and sitting on the throne.
"Things we must do"? Vector questioned.
'This'!
Then Vector heard noise and quickly turned seeing the floor open in front of him and a machine of sorts came up from it. "Wh-what the hell is that"?! Vector said shocked.
"I will use this to fuse the Barian World and the Human World into one"! Don Thousand said.
"What did you say?! You can do something like that"?! Vector said shocked, turning to face Don Thousand.
"Yes it can be done that is"… Lightning crashed down as Don Thousand told Vector. "Yeah that definitely sounds doable but first", he began.
"Power! I require more power"! Don Thousand yelled. "Power enough to destroy Astral World! We must amplify the evil within the human world and along with the Barian World my strength will increase tremendously! But to accomplish this we must produce mass quantities and there is an enormous amount of energy within it"!
"So that's why you needed to take back Number 96's power"! Vector said understanding.
"I must concentrate on this for awhile during that time there is something you must do", Don Thousand said.
"H-hey! Wait a minute"! Vector began.
"I know you and I are of one body and soul. You cannot leave this place. I will grant you these Numbers", Don Thousand said, as four glowing cards appeared in front of him before he disappeared.
'Now come on over to the throne. Employing people with bad intentions is your specialty, is it not"?
Vector weakly walked up the stairs as the cards disappeared and he sat on the throne sighing when suddenly tentacles sprouted from the throne wrapping tightly on Vector morphing to an armor of sorts causing him to scream unknown to him Bakura was watching shocked of the scene unfold before disappearing.
Kotori walked in the hospital room carrying flowers seeing Shark and Manami sitting in front of Rio's bed side Manami had her eyes close though Kotori was unsure if Manami was asleep or not. "Excuse me", she said softly, as she walked in. Kotori walked to Shark holding out the flowers.
"Um this is a get well gift", she said with a strained smile.
"Ok just leave it there", Shark said lightly, not looking up.
"Sure", Kotori said, turning to place the flowers on the table before frowning.
"You know Shark… Ever since what happened to Darka, Astrana hasn't come out of her key and Yuma and Astral are very worried so maybe".
"Sorry but neither me nor Manami are in the mood to talk to them right now", he answered.
"Th-that's true Rio-san is in bad condition I'm sorry", Kotori apologized.
"I'll excuse myself for today I'll be back Rio-san".
Kotori then walked out the room as Shark frowned deeply. "What am I supposed to say to them right now"?! He frowned, looking at his hand.
"I… I almost"!
He then placed his hand on his face in agony Manami opening one eye to look at him sadly with a small tear before closing it again.
"Fly Burning"! Heartland, as a fly, flew in the throne room.
"Oh great lord Vector I have come just as you asked"-! Heartland gasped seeing Vector as he opened his eyes.
"You're late"! Vector growled.
"L-lord Vector"? Heartland questioned stunned.
"Just what is going on with you"?!
Vector had some sort of armor on him that was connected to his throne as he then reached to grab Heartland.
"What are you"?! Heartland gasped.
Then Vector's hand glowed in dark energy on Heartland causing him to regain his original human form looking at his hands shocked.
"This is…! I'm back"! Heartland gasped happily.
"I returned to my original form! Thank you so much Lord Vector! I will never forget this for the rest of my life"!
"If you feel that way I have some work I need you to do", Vector said.
"Sure thing! Just give me the order for me to obey"! Heartland said with a light bow, changing to his new attire.
"Use this thing to take the Numbers away from Yuma Tsukumo, Astral, and Astrana", Vector said, raising his hand as a card formed and flew to Heartland.
Heartland took the card looking at it shocked. "Th-this is"! He gasped.
"Number 1! I can't believe you gave me this valuable card"!
"Heh I'll give you these guys as your subordinates", Vector said, raising his hands.
Three cloaked figures appeared in front of them making Heartland gasped. "You guys are"?! Heartland said shocked.
"To think that we, once known as the Four Villains of the Dark Duels, would team up again", one of them said with a smirk, as he removed his cloak.
"Semimaru", Heartland said stunned, before grinning wickedly and kneeled in front of Vector.
"Lord Vector we shall certainly live up to your expectations".
With that they all disappeared, Bakura watching with a frown before he silently disappeared.
The Number Club along with Yuma, Astral, Koru, Lizzie, Shane, and the Barian Guardians were in Yuma's home chatting with food as Kotori ate a chicken nugget.
"Delicious! I made a ton of chicken nuggets so eat as much as you like guys"! She smiled.
"You're the best Kotori"! Yuma grinned, as he ate one.
"This is really great cooking Kotori-chan", Antares smiled, as he took a bite on one.
"Oh and check this out guys! I made some special Numbers Pin badges", Tetsuo grinned, holding one up.
"And naturally I have enough for everyone".
"So cool"! Yuma grinned.
"Very impressive", Astral remarked, looking at it.
"Indeed they are", Shane hummed with a smile.
Lizzie looked at the Empress Key that was in Yuma's hand and frowned. "She isn't out", she said sadly.
Yuma flinched but sighed sadly and shook his head.
"No she isn't", he said.
They all frowned sadly at this as Yuma sighed. "Thanks for trying guys it was worth a shot", he added with a sad smile.
"She hasn't come out of the key since"… Lizzie began with a frown.
"Since we lost Darka", Sirius said bitterly.
"Sirius you cannot blame yourself", Koru frowned.
"We were meant to be her guardians. To protect her, but we failed it's practically our fault Astrana is like this", Sirius growled.
Antares and Lyra flinched with equally guilty looks on their faces, but Shane frowned. "Enough with your morbid talk Sirius. Not when Darka is still alive", he said.
"But we can't get to her in Astral World. Not since the Astral Being Sage did something to the Emperor's Key and Empress's Key ships", Lyra frowned.
"I don't get why she would. I mean, she was the one who told us to go to Astral World to go to Darka", Kotori frowned.
"So why make the ships immobile"? Koru frowned.
"Hotaru told me that Nyx might be testing us", Yuma frowned.
"Testing us"? Cathy asked.
"Most likely on our dedication and loyalty to Darka", Shane spoke with a frown.
"Since Darka is somehow connected to the Giver of Life who disappeared 22 years ago, she is important to the Astral Beings. As a result, Nyx must wants to see how much we're willing to go for Darka as the person we all know and care for".
"Makes sense. They want to know if we're serious and strong enough to do so", Antares frowned arms crossed.
"But I don't get it. How can Darka be connected to the Giver of Life's disappearance? It had happened before she was even born", Takashi frowned.
"That's the true mystery out of all this", Koru frowned.
In the middle of the night Astrana appeared out of the key with a desolated look to her face to see the others sleeping on cots then she saw the chicken nuggets on the dresser she landed in front of it turning to her human self before grabbing one and eating it a tear fell as she returned back to the key.
"Here's the finishing blow".
Semimaru smirked as he defeated his opponent a shadowed monster behind him as the dueling field disappeared while he walked to his defeated opponent. "You lose as we agreed I'll be taking your memories", he smirked, as he changed shape and his opponent screamed in horror.
"An incident involving multiple duelists with amnesia huh"? Akari frowned, reading on her computer.
"Unconscious duelists were discovered at the road during midnight when the victims regained conscious all of their memories are completely gone. Who could be doing this"?
"I see so it really is true that Darka is gone. That must mean that the Barians attacks are getting more fierce the time has come for us to move out I'm entrusting Yuma, Astral, and Astrana to you".
"Roger".
A submarine surfaced from the sea nearing to Heartland City.
"An incident involving Duelists losing their memories, huh"?
The gang, were in school on the roof eating their lunch Tetsuo reading the news on his duel disk.
"Must be some guys who picked a fight with the Barians or not"! Tokunosuke said.
"To summarize, since Darka is gone they must be taking action now", Takashi said.
"Yuma", Astral spoke.
"Yeah we should check it out we can't let the Barians do what they want", Yuma frowned with a nod.
"Then we'll come with you", Kotori began.
"No. Only we Guardians will go with him", Sirius frowned.
"We received word from our leader that we would be protecting Yuma, Astral, and Astrana", Antares said.
"Same for me from the Lords", Shane nodded.
"And it's best if it's just us it could be dangerous for you guys", Lyra added.
"But the point on us forming the Number Club is to help you guys", Tetsuo scowled.
"Guys they're right we have to leave this to them", Koru scowled. They frowned at this as Lizzie faced Koru.
"Koru have you checked on Harumi"? She asked.
"Yeah and she isn't doing so good herself. She's watching over Black Mist, who still hasn't woken up since that day, and she's still feeling guilty for what happened with Darka", he sighed.
"We should go check on her later", Yuma voiced with a frown. As they conversed the Number Club looked at one another and nodded in a silent agreement.
"Hey Semimaru! Just what is the meaning of this"?! Heartland walked to Semimaru in his abandoned home scowling at Semimaru.
"The meaning of what"? Semimaru asked.
"That should be obvious"! Heartland said angrily.
"Our mission is to steal the Numbers from Yuma Tsukumo, Astral, and Astrana! Yet you've been attacking duelists who have nothing to do with this night after night"!
"Don't get so worked up. That was a mere warm up", Semimaru smirked.
"And their memories are like food to me human memories taste like the sweetest honey I cant get enough of watching them try to squirm as I suck it out of them".
Then suddenly an alarm rang out making them look up.
At the hall where the Number Club was walking down a statue of Heartland eyes glowed red by its alarm before following them without them noticing as their images appeared on a screen where Heartland and Semimaru were. "Whoa! That's the tag along girl who's always with Yuma Tsukumo"! Heartland gasped, seeing Kotori.
"Those brats look like they'll make good puppets", Semimaru smirked, with a lick of his lips.
"I hope Yuma and the others won't get mad at us for doing this", Kotori frowned.
"They should know we're not helpless", Cathy huffed.
"Ok everyone listen", Takashi spoke.
"The incident involving the duelists losing their memories I mentioned seems to be happening somewhere near this Heartland mansion".
"Ne-ow I see", Cathy spoke.
"Then here", Tetsuo began.
"The culprit maybe hiding or not"? Tokunosuke finished.
"When we find him I'll turn him black and blue with this frying pan", Kotori scowled, holding up said pan.
"Woah now you've got that backwards".
They gasped turning to see Semimaru as he smirked at them. "Have some business with me"? He asked.
Then suddenly he began to change shape once again as the others gasped in shock and horror.
"Astrana come out please". Yuma held up the Empress's Key walking with Sirius, Lyra, Antares, and Shane a deep frown on his face as Astral appeared next to him.
"Anything"? He asked.
"Nothing", Astral sighed.
"Ugh we tried everything to get Astrana out, but nothing is working", Yuma groaned.
"Things will be difficult without Astrana here", Shane frowned.
"We'll just have to make do we can't push her any more", Sirius frowned.
"We'll deal with this, ourselves".
"Though I feel bad for turning down the others", Lyra frowned.
"They understood Lyra-chan", Antares said with a smile.
"And we can always apologize to them tomorrow at school".
Astral then noticed a fly flying toward them suddenly and he narrowed his eyes.
"Yuma", he spoke.
"Huh"? Yuma asked.
Then the fly flew in front of Yuma making them stop as it shot out a hologram of a familiar face. "Fly Burning"! Heartland said.
"No way is that"?! Yuma gaped shocked.
"Heartland"! Sirius growled.
"It's been a while Yuma Tsukumo along with Astral and Sirius over there", Heartland smirked.
"You're alive"? Astral demanded with a frown.
"No way! Hotaru slugged him making him fall in that hole between dimensions in the tournament"! Yuma gaped shocked.
"Indeed. Because of that she-devil Hotaru, I was sent to the Parallel Worlds but I was resurrected thanks to Lord Vector's power"! Heartland smirked.
"Vector"?! Yuma said shocked.
"Should've known he had something to do with this", Shane scowled.
"Behold"! Heartland snapped his fingers as the image of the hologram changed to the Number Club making them gasp in shock and horror.
"I know you all know who these guys are", Heartland spoke wickedly.
"It appears these guys stuck their noses into an incident in order to help you guys and I thought you all will be overjoyed to hear that they solved the case if you want to return the favor come to Heartland Memorial Center at once with the Numbers"!
With that the hologram was gone as the fly disappeared as they all quickly ran to the memorial center.
"We're on our way guys"! Yuma yelled as they ran.
"Good for you all to come".
By the time they reached the Memorial Center it was already night as Heartland stood in front of them in front of a statue of himself.
"Heartland! Where are Kotori and the others"?! Yuma demanded.
"They're right there", Heartland smirked, motioning to the side.
They all looked to see the others sitting lifelessly making them gasp.
"Tokunosuke! Cat-chan! Hey Tetsuo"! Yuma called to them.
But none of them made any signs of hearing Yuma whatsoever. "What have you done to them"? Astral questioned angrily.
"It was I who absorb them".
They looked up to see Semimaru who was sitting on the statue with a smirk. "All those twerps' memories I mean", Semimaru smirked.
"Their memories"?! Antares questioned shocked.
"Who are you"?! Yuma demanded.
"My name is Semimaru and if you want me to return their memories duel me with the Numbers on the line", Semimaru said.
"Though I say the outcome is already clear you'll cry miserably when the Numbers are taken and you can't save your friends with you losing after all one of you is gone and another out of commission".
hey flinched at the mention of Darka and Astrana as Yuma clutched the Empress's Key tightly in his hand.
"Yuma this is a duel we can't afford to lose", Astral frowned.
"Yeah I know", Yuma nodded glaring at the two.
"Now let's hold on Semimaru", Heartland spoke with a smirk.
"There really is no need to corner to two really".
Heartland walked to Yuma facing him with a smirk. "Now think for a moment Yuma Tsukumo the Numbers were an issue between Astral World and Barian World in the first place it should have nothing to do with a human like you", he spoke.
"What"? Yuma said shocked.
"I mean after all because of these Numbers you all have lost Darkalicia Shinori", Heartland smirked.
"We haven't lost her"! Sirius growled.
"Oh? Do you truly think she had survived an attack like that? Please despite what those 'sages' said she's history", Heartland smirked, making Yuma and Astral shudder.
"Since those Numbers have caused you so much grief and that I am a kind man if you simply hand over the Numbers. I promise to keep my hands off of you guys from now on. And of course we'll return the memories of your friends too. Oh and if you like, we can erase your memories of ever getting involved in this whole situation and able to live a normal life".
Yuma grew wide eyed in shock. "Forget everything? Including Astral, Astrana, and even Darka, Sirius, and the rest"? Yuma questioned shocked.
"Of course. Anyone would want to forget such painful memories, including of Darkalicia's fate and only wish to remember the more pleasant memories of blissful life before meeting Astral here and the rest", Heartland smirked.
Astral frowned deeply at this. "It is true it is because me and Astrana came that Yuma and the others were dragged into the dangerous situations they were in such as now and even Darka's fate it was all because of the Numbers and now Darka is gone and Astrana is unable to do anything in a way I could not blame Yuma if he truly wished to step out of all this", he thought guilty.
"Hitting Yuma and even Astral where it hurts most that fly sure is manipulative", Shane thought with a frown.
"Yuma, Astral don't listen to Heartland he's only manipulating you"! Sirius yelled.
"I know that Sirius I"-
"How dare you".
Everyone gasped hearing a familiar voice as the Empress's Key began glowing brightly in a silver light Yuma yelped tossing the key as it glowed brighter causing them to shield their eyes once the light died down they looked up and gasped to see Astrana in her human form the Empress's Key hung around her neck as she glared coldly at Heartland.
"You truly are scum", she growled.
"Astrana you're out"! Yuma gasped.
"I am and I'm sorry for worrying you and the others Yuma, brother", Astrana frowned, clutching her key.
"I allowed my grief to cloud my sight on what was truly important". She turned to face Yuma walking to him and taking Darka's extra deck from him and took out Rose Enchantress from it. "True me and brother dragged Yuma, Darka, and the others into the the situation between Astral World and Barian World but the Numbers are important to me, Darka, Yuma, and brother", she said, before glaring at Heartland.
"To the four of us the Numbers are what represent everything we've been fighting for up till this point and I know Darka would never have us hand the Numbers to you least of all quit here and I can tell you this now Darka is not gone she is alive that is certain".
"And how can you be certain"? Heartland sneered. Astrana smirked.
"Darka is the most stubborn and bravest person you can ever meet there is no way she can be killed by an attack like that", she said, before looking at Semimaru.
"Now stand up Semimaru I'll defeat you here and now for I will get back the others memories and protect the Numbers"!
"Astrana", Yuma grinned.
"Sister", Astral smiled, as the guardians were smiling as well.
"That's right Astrana"!
They gasped looking up to see III throwing a sword at Heartland making him move back to dodge it as III landed.
"You are"! Heartland gasped.
"III"! Yuma said shocked.
"Michael"! Astrana gasped.
"Astrana I can clearly hear your determination if you got the feelings to fight for what you want to protect I'll become your sword and shield to protect you"! III said.
"Wh-what"? Astrana said stunned.
"After the last incident my brothers and I spent all our time researching Astral World and Barian World", III said, facing them all while sadly frowning.
"And while we were investigating we learned of what had happened to Darka".
Astrana stiffened frowning guilty knowing III was very close to Darka. "Michael I", she began.
III smiled shaking his head. "It's ok Astrana I know it's not your fault and I too believe that Darka is alive after all she was one of my first friends along with you and Yuma", he said, gently taking her hand.
"That is why I cannot ignore your sadness"!
"Michael", Astrana said softly before smiling, clutching his hand. "Thank you".
"Hmph what can the three sons of your rugrat papa possibly do"? Heartland questioned, as they faced him.
"We're able to crush some comical fly wearing glasses"! III smirked.
"Drat! You've got a loose mouth for such a cute face"! Heartland scowled.
Then Heartland summoned his flies and sent them flying toward them making them gasp but III raised his hand that had a bracelet on his wrist the gem glowing brightly.
"What"?! Heartland gasped. The light hit the flies causing them to fall to the ground.
"How are you able to use the power of your crest"?! Heartland demanded.
"It's thanks to this bracelet my big brother made", III said. "Through the power of science he was able to place the power of the crests my dad gave us inside them".
"The power he gave you", Astrana said softly.
"Astrana I know I can never replace Darka after all she's a one of kind person", III said, facing her. "But I can help you duel these guys! In the past you fought for me and my brothers with your life on the line against my father when he was blinded by his revenge that is why I wish to fight beside you as your friend".
"Fight alongside me as my friend", Astrana whispered, looking at the extra deck before giving a small smile with a thought.
"It's alright right Darka"?
She opened the silver extra deck box getting out Number 33: OOPArts Super Weapon - Machu Mach and Number 6: OOPArts - Atlanthal. "Here Michael", she said, handing them to him.
"Those are", III began surprised.
"The Numbers me and Darka have collected have been entrusted to me, Yuma, and Astral since Darka is not with us right now and I know we all want to use these Numbers justly", she said.
She turned her head to face Yuma and Astral the two smiling and nodded as she smiled back and nodded as she faced III again. "That's why we will split this power between our friends and fight alongside them", she said.
"Astrana", III smiled, taking her hand in his own.
"To be completely honest I am not sure if this is the right choice but this is my, no our answer", she said.
"Now that's more like it", Antares grinned, Shane nodding in agreement with a smirk.
"Astrana", Lyra smiled.
"Finally coming back", Sirius half smiled.
"Well it seems you're ready to duel", Semimaru smirked, getting off the statue.
Fine by me feel free to attack two on one"!
"You'll end up regretting that statement", III frowned.
"Let's go Michael"! Astrana frowned.
"Yeah", III nodded, the two back to back.
"Duel disk set"! Astrana had her cerulean duel disk forming on her wrist as III set his own.
"D-Gazer set"!
III's D-Gazer tattoo formed as Astrana's rose red eye glowed luminous.
"Duel"!
"Semimaru! Allow me to flower up your battlefield a bit"! Heartland spoke with a smirk as he snapped his fingers.
"My clansmen! Carve the seal of wickedness within the earth"!
The flies that had fallen on the ground glowed and melded on the ground as it began to glow.
"Wh-what's going on"?! Yuma gasped.
"Within this field, at the same time the duel begins, Semimaru can take half your LPs and add them to his"! Heartland smirked.
"Thats dirty"! III yelled.
"Yeah it certainly is dirty. But more than that aren't these guys more of a problem"? Heartland asked with a smirk, motioning to the Number Club members with his cane.
Astrana frowned deeply before she gasped in pain as she fell to her knees as III kneeled in pain as their LPs decreased while Semimaru laughed as his LPs increased.
Astrana's LPs: 4000 - 2000
III's LPs: 4000 - 2000
Semimaru's LPs: 4000 - 8000
Semimaru grinned darkly as he shifted to his real form sending a shockwave destroying the statue.
"My image was broken"?! Heartland yelled tearfully.
"Good riddance", Sirius muttered.
Astrana and III frowned as they looked ahead once the smoke cleared. "So thats", she began with a frown.
"His true form", he finished frowning.
"Hehe I'll take the first turn my turn draw"! Semimaru yelled.
"I can't stand things that take too long! So we'll go with rule in this tag duel that I can attack on the first turn"!
"What gives you the right"?! III yelled angrily.
"I summon Oily Cicada"! Semimaru yelled.
The cicada monster appeared onto the field glowing a red aura chirping.
Oily Cicada
Level: 3
Atk Points: 1000
Def Points: 1000
"I then special summon the Dream Cicada! I can special summon this guy when I got a face up attack position insect monster on my field and change that monster in defense position", Semimaru said, as the other cicada monster appeared on the field as Oily Cicada switched to defense mode.
"I'll change Oily Cicada in defense mode"!
Dream Cicada
Level: 3
Atk Points: 300
Def Points: 1300
"When Oily Cicada's battle position changes it can be used as two Xyz Materials"! Semimaru said, as Oily Cicada glowed green and became two of itself.
"Three level three monsters", Astral frowned.
"He's going to do it"?! Yuma gasped.
"I Overlay my level three Oily Cicada twins and Dream Cicada"! Semimaru yelled, as the three monsters became green mists going to the Overlay Network. "I'll use these three monsters to build the Overlay Network, Xyz Summon! Show yourself Number 3"!
"Did he say Number 3"?! III gasped.
"That's right! This is the Number I got from Vector-sama to bury you fools"! Semimaru yelled.
"III, I could care less what you call yourself! The true Number 3's my Number! After years of slumber sing loudly your victory from the depths of hell! Hell Cicada Emperor - Locust King"!
Number 3: Hell Cicada Emperor - Locust King
Rank: 3
Atk Points: 1200
Def Points: 2500
"So that's his Number", Shane frowned.
"But it's in defense mode"? Lyra said confused.
"He went on about attacking on the first turn too", Antares frowned.
"Astrana we can't let our guard down", III warned.
"I know it's obvious he's planning something with that Number", Astrana nodded with a frown.
"I set two cards facedown and end my turn"! Semimaru finished.
III turned to look at Astrana who had a deep frown on her face.
"Astrana… Even without Darka this duel is a huge ordeal for you that's why in order to ensure you can overcome this and get back on your feet I've come", he thought, placing a hand on his pocket where a distinctive item laid.
"After all that's what I promised".
"Michael", Astrana spoke.
"I'm going to take the next turn to see what happens then you'll follow up. Got it"?
"Understood", III nodded. Astrana nodded to him as she faced forward a hand to her deck.
"Darka please lend me your strength", she thought, her eyes closed before opening them.
"My turn draw"!
She looked at her hand and nodded. "I special summon Shadow Sage from my hand when there are monsters on your field and none on mine I can special summon her from my hand", she said.
A black haired women appeared on the field she had silver eyes and wore black robes with dark purple line on it.
Shadow Sage
Level: 4
Atk Points: 2000
Def Points: 0
"Next I normal summon Sage Caller from my hand", Astrana said.
A young pre teen sage appeared on the field with glossy white hair, gold eyes, and wearing robes of stark gray.
Sage Caller
Level: 4
Atk Points: 1500
Def Points: 1000
"When Sage Caller is summoned I can add a Sage monster from my deck to my hand", Astrana said, as a card slid out from her deck as she took it. "I add Sky Sage from my deck to my hand".
"Now Astrana has two level four monsters", Shane said.
"Which means", Yuma grinned.
"I Overlay my level four Sage Caller and Shadow Sage"! Astrana yelled, as Sage Caller and Shadow Sage became yellow and dark purple mists respectively before going to the Overlay Network.
"With these two monsters I build the Overlay Network, Xyz Summon! Bloom Number 38! Allow this enchantress to be free and spread her wonder of magic! Rose Enchantress"!
And with a gust of petal wind Rose Enchantress appeared on the field standing regal.
Number 38: Rose Enchantress
Rank: 4
Atk Points: 2600
Def Points: 2000
"Played it right from the start eh"? Semimaru chuckled.
Astrana looked at Rose Enchantress as the petals fell around them. Rose Enchantress looked at her and nodded as she nodded back. "Next I activate the continuous spell Quick Reservation Reward from my hand! This card allows me to reveal a Quick Play Spell from my hand to the opponent and then set it", she said.
She then chose one card and revealed it. "The card I set is Sage Command of the Sky", She added, setting the card.
"Sage Command of the Sky"? Semimaru questioned.
"What kind of spell is that"? Yuma questioned confused.
"I don't know. I'm not familiar with the Sage deck that Astrana uses", Astral frowned.
"None of us have really truly seen her duel with that deck since she's dueled with Darka and the Shadowheart deck. But since that deck was taken with Darka, this was the deck Astrana made to use", Sirius said.
"The card set by the effect of Quick Reservation Reward can be activated this turn and the monster that uses its effect has its attack points doubled during a battle. Not only that, but when the monster attacks a defense position monster and it's attack points are higher than it's defense points the opponent receives damage equal to that amount", Astrana explained.
"So thanks to Quick Reservation Reward, Astrana will be able to deal piercing damage once she attacks with Rose Enchantress once she uses the spell card", Shane deducted.
"Impressive", Sirius remarked.
"Now I activate Rose Enchantress's effect by using one Overlay Unit her attack points are increased by 600 points"! Astrana yelled.
Rose Enchantress hit one of her Overlay Units causing a red aura to glow from her.
"I won't let you"! Semimaru suddenly yelled.
"By using one Overlay Unit, I activate Locust King's effect! When the opponent's monster uses an effect it negates that monster's effect Memory Sucker"!
Locust King let out soundwaves hitting Rose Enchantress causing her to wince as her glow disappeared her eyes dimmed. "Rose Enchantress"! Astrana gasped.
"And that's not all! Thanks to this effect, Locust King's defense points are increased by 500 points"! Semimaru said.
Locust King launched its stinger at Rose Enchantress stinging her arm making her cry out as Locust King sucked up power to raise its defense points.
Number 3: Hell Cicada Emperor - Locust King
Def Points: 2500 - 3000
"3000 defense points"?! Yuma gaped.
"So that's why he played it in defense mode", III frowned.
"Too bad for you! I bet you can't activate that spell of yours unless you use your monster's effect. But now I negated it", Semimaru sneered. Astrana looked at him with a frown as Heartland smirked.
"Even if she tries without Darka she's only a helpless fool with no one at her side", he smirked.
"Silence", Astrana scowled.
"I place a card facedown and end my turn".
"Then it's my turn!" III declared.
Before he drew his card, he glared at Heartland. "As for you, why don't you shut up and let the duelists duel?" He frowned.
Heartland stared a III, but did not say anything. Once III realized that what he shut Heartland up, he put his right hand on top of his deck. "I draw!" III drew his card and observed his hand. He smiled at a result.
Time to damage that giant bug! III thought. He pulled a card from his hand revealed it.
"Since I don't control any cards while you do, I can Special Summon Chronomaly Moai Carrier from my hand!"
A massive casket holding a head stature within its case.
(Chronomaly Moai Carrier, Level 5 EARTH Rock-type monster, ATK/DEF: 900/1800.)
III then pulled another card from his hand while Semimaru and Heartland watched curiously. "Now then, time to bring forth the monster that shall be released from its carrier! You see Semimaru, if I control a Chronomaly monster, I can Special Summon Chronomaly Moai from my hand in DEF position!" III yelled.
The carrier opened up and the giant statue head came out onto the field in DEF position.
(Chronomaly Moai, Level 5 EARTH Rock-type monster, ATK/DEF: 1800/1600.)
III observed the field before continuing. "Since there's already 2 Number monsters on the field, I might as well make it 3." III spoke as he raised his right arm upwards.
"I overlay my Level 5 Chronomaly Moai Carrier with my Level 5 Chronomaly Moai!"
Both monsters turned into an earthish color scheme streams of energy; thus flying upwards into the air before flying down towards the now opening Overlay Network Portal. "With these 2 monsters I build the Overlay Network! I Xyz Summon the megapolis of monsters! Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mech!"
The Overlay Network exploded before revealing the massively sized city-like monster; 2 overlay units swirled around it.
Number 33: OOPArts Super Weapon - Machu Mach
Rank 5
Atk Points: 2400
Def Points: 1500.
"Nice! III got Machu Mech out"! Yuma grinned.
"Hmph! What can a Number that's just a pile of junk do"? Semimaru scoffed.
"It can do quite a lot! But first, I activate the continuous spell, Chronomaly Pyramid Eye Tablet!" III announced as he activated said spell into his machine arm-like D-Pad.
Uponing doing so, a tablet with an eye at the top of it appeared. "Thanks to this, all my Chronomaly monsters gain an 800 ATK points!" III said.
Machu Mech glowed brightly as its ATK points increased to 3200. III then thrusted his right hand forward. "Now for Machu Mech's special effect!" III announced.
"See whenever the ATKs of a monster change, Machu Mech can use 1 overlay unit to dish you damage equal to the point change! Prepare yourself to get blasted!"
Machu Mech absorbed one of its overlay units, then opened up multiple cannons on its body; all aimed at Semimaru.
"But wait a minute III! His monster"! Yuma began.
"That's right! Have you forgotten Locust King's effect?! I use one Overlay Unit to activate Locust King's effect"! Semimaru yelled, as Locust King flew up towards Machu Mech.
"It negates the opponent's effect and increases it's defense points by 500! Memory Sucker"!
Locust King got on Machu Mech, launching the soundwaves making Machu Mech lose it's glow as it's defense points rose.
Number 3: Hell Cicada Emperor - Locust King
Def Points: 3000 - 3500
"Now Machu Mech has lost all its memories"! Semimaru grinned wickedly.
"Locust King's defense went up again"! Yuma frowned.
"Michael", Astrana frowned. III on the other hand, was not too concerned.
"I activate Quick Reservation Reward's effect!" III declared.
"It lets me place my Heart of Stone spell card facedown on my field!"
III placed his spell into D-Pad's Spell/Trap Zone. Once that was done, III pointed his right index finger at Locust King.
"Machu Mech, zap that Locust King!" III declared.
This declaration by III surprised Semimaru. "What?! Why are you attacking Locust King"?! Semimaru questioned, shocked.
Locust King flew off of Machu Mech as it began charging up lightning. Once the cicada was off of the city-sized monster, Machu Mech blasted its lightning at Locust King, who absorbed the blow due to its high DEF points, then blasted it back at III. Upon doing this, an explosion occurred on III's side of the field.
III's LP: 2000 - 300 = 1700
"Why would he do that when he knew he was going to take damage"?! Yuma questioned, shocked.
After the smoke cleared around III's field, he held a smile on his lips. "Because Yuma, that now allows me to play my Heart of Stone!" III announced as the facedown card flipped face-up to reveal a...well, heart made out of stone.
The said stone flew up towards Machu Mech and went inside of it; thus giving Machu Mech more power. "Since Locust King wasn't destroyed, Heart of Stone let's my Machu Mech attack again." III explained.
"But this time Semimaru, it's attacking with more fury, because Quick Reservation Reward doubles Machu Mech's ATK points!" Machu Mech's glow returned, and it was brighter than before.
Machu Mech's ATK: 3200 * 2 = 6400.
"6400 attack points"! Lyra gasped.
"So this was III's plan all along", Astral remarked.
"Machu Mech, what do you say we try this again!" III announced.
"Exterminate that Locust King with Meteor Meltdown!"
Upon the declaration of Machu Mech's attack, the sky opened up and bright meteor began to come crashing down towards Locust King. "I won't let you! I activate the trap Cicada Mirage"! Semimaru yelled.
"It protects one Cicada monster on my field from being destroyed in battle!
"What"?! III gasped.
The spirit of Locust King flew up leaving it's old shell to be destroyed in an explosion by the meteor. "But even if your monster isn't destroyed you still take damage because of the effect of Quick Reservation Reward"! III spoke.
"AHHH"! Semimaru yelled, being sent flying the shockwave of the attack as his life points went down.
Semimaru's LPs: 8000 - 5100
"Semimaru"! Heartland gasped shocked.
"He did it", Yuma grinned.
"Have you learned your lesson? This is the power drawn together by two friends fighting together", III said, as Locust King reformed on the field again.
"When the battle ends Maschu Mach's attack power returns to normal".
Number 33: OOPArts Super Weapon - Machu Mach
Atk points: 6400 - 3200
"Damn brats you actually made me get serious"! Semimaru growled.
"I set one card facedown and end my turn", III said, setting his facedown.
"My turn draw"! Semimaru yelled.
"I'll make you shitty little brats cry uncontrollably! I switch Locust King into attack mode"!
Locust King opened its wings as it was switched to attack position making Astrana and III frown. "When Locust King is switched to attack mode while be targeted by Cicada Mirage, Cicada Mirage's other effect activates"! Semimaru said.
"It's 3500 defense points are added to it's attack points"!
Number 3: Hell Cicada Emperor - Locust King
Atk Points: 1200 - 4700
"4700 attack points"?! Yuma gaped.
"I'd like to pay you back for that little stunt earlier", Semimaru said, glaring at III before looking at Astrana.
"But first I gotta make sure I beat the snot out of this one! I use Locust King to attack Rose Enchantress"!
Astrana gasped looking as Locust King began to store up power in it's antenna. "If this attack goes through you're finish", Heartland smirked.
"Astrana you gotta do something"! Antares yelled.
"But before Astrana could speak III spoke up. "But it won't! Trap activate Orichalcum Mirage"! He yelled.
"What"?! Astrana gasped, looking at III.
"With this card when the opponent attacks the target is changed to an OOPArts monster on my field"! III said.
The card blew out mist forming a rainbow shield protecting Rose Enchantress from the attack as it bounced to Machu Mach destroying it in an explosion the shockwave sending III flying. "AHHH"! He cried out.
"III"! Yuma yelled.
"Michael"! Astrana gasped.
III hit the floor with a wince as his life points dropped.
III's LPs: 1700 - 200
"You just had to interfere"! Heartland scowled.
"III are you ok"?! Yuma called.
"I-I'm fine", III assured, as he slowly stood up.
"Michael why would you"? Astrana began shocked shaking slightly.
"Astrana I told you that I'd become your sword and your shield", III said with a weak smile.
"Michael", Astrana said tearfully.
Tetsuo and the others slowly looked up as Semimaru chuckled. "So you plan to save your friend"? He questioned.
"Your loss is as good as decided now"!
"What"?! Yuma gasped.
"I activate the trap Cicada Final"! Semimaru yelled.
"This card activates when I damage the opposing player! That 1500 damage you took just now once I send this card to the graveyard on my next turn that damage will be inflicted on you once again"!
"No way", Yuma said shocked.
"This is the final stage for you both"! Semimaru yelled.
"I then set one card facedown and end my turn"!
"Me and III will lose when his turn comes if we can't do something", Astrana thought, a hand to her deck.
"My turn draw"!
She looked at her hand with a frown. "I have to do something or else", she began to thought.
Semimaru watched Astrana. "She's racking her brain but it's useless I have my set card Cicada Chirp Force it activates when I receive an attack while I control a Cicada monster it destroys all face up monsters they have", he thought.
Astrana frowned deeply. "I can't go through that again I can lose anyone again", she began to think.
"Astrana".
They all gasped and looked to see the Number Club slowly standing up speaking. "Astrana-san", Takashi spoke.
"You can do it or not", Tokonuske said.
"Astrana", Cathy spoke.
"Astrana", Tetsuo spoke.
"Guys"! Yuma gasped.
"They're speaking", Astral said shocked.
"Impossible"! Semimaru yelled.
"All their memories were supposed to be stolen so why"?! Heartland demanded shocked.
"Because they are her friends"! III spoke.
"Back to playing your pretend friendship huh"? Heartland scowled.
"Shut up! Even if their memories were taken the feelings they have for their friend carved in their souls won't change"! III yelled.
"Michael", Astrana said stunned, before looking at the Number Club.
"Everyone… Yes of course I still"...
"Astrana… You can do it", Kotori said softly with a small smile.
"I still have my friends", Astrana thought with a soft smile, allowing a single tear to fall from her rose red eye.
She wiped away the tear looking at III who nodded to her as she nodded back before facing forward. "I'll fight along with my friends", she said.
"Michael I'm lending Rose Enchantress to you".
"Huh"?! III said surprised.
"I activate my Quick Play spell Sage Command of the Sky! By sacrificing Rose Enchantress I can special summon Sky Sage on Michael's field come Sky Sage"! Astrana yelled.
In a strong gust of wind from the sky a man with whitish blond hair appeared on the field having greenish blue eyes and wearing sky blue robes with white lines.
Sky Sage
Level: 6
Atk Points: 2000
Def Points: 800
"When Sky Sage is summoned by a spell card his effect activates he destroys all set spells and trap cards on your field", Astrana said.
"What"?! Semimaru said shocked while Heartland gaped.
"Storm Tempest"! Astrana yelled.
Sky Sage's eyes glowed green as he launched a cyclone destroying Semimaru's trap. "My trap! But you both will lose on my next turn"! Semimaru growled.
"Next is the effect of Sage Command of the Sky at the cost of summoning Sky Sage it will inflict 1000 points of damage to Michael at the end of his turn and increased my LPs 500 points", Astrana spoke.
"Whoa there III's only got 200 LPs left. You trying to kill your friend in order to save yourself"? Semimaru questioned snidely.
"Not at all", Astrana said lightly.
"What"? Semimaru questioned with narrow eyes.
Astrana smirked. "Michael should know me well enough to know what I have plan with his turn it'll all be over", she said.
"I end my turn".
She glanced at III then at her facedown. "This card is the trump card needed to end this and I know we can pull it off since I believe in him and our friends", she thought.
"Hmph don't bother with that kind of front you're only sacrificing your friend to save yourself"! Semimaru sneered.
"Shut up! Real friends aren't like that at all! I'll prove that to you right now"! III yelled.
"My turn draw"!
III looked to Astrana and her facedown. "Astrana's facedown if she's planning what I think she is", he thought before speaking.
"I activate the continuous spell Orichalcum Chain from my hand! When this card is on my field the next time I summon an Xyz monster it can be summoned with one less Xyz Material"!
III then faced Astrana who faced him. "Astrana let's go"! He said.
"Of course", she nodded.
"I Overlay the level 6 Sky Sage"! III yelled, as Sky Sage was enveloped in a green mist flying to the Overlay Network.
"I use this one monster to build the Overlay Network! Xyz summon! Come forth Number 6! OOPArts Atlantal"!
And the tall rock Number monster appeared onto the field.
Number 6: OOPArts Atlantal
Rank: 6
Atk Points: 2600
Def Points: 3000
"When Atlantal is summoned I can equip one Number in the graveyard to it and raise it's attack power by its total attack points"! III said.
"Revive Rose Enchantress"!
"I see! She used Sage Command of the Sky not to destroy my facedown but to get Rose Enchantress into the graveyard"! Semimaru said in realization, as Rose Enchantress came out of the graveyard her eyes closed while Astrana and III smiled.
"Behold! This is the light of courage emitted through the bonds forged by friends in battle"! III spoke, as Rose Enchantress went within Atlantal in a silver glow.
Number 6: OOPArts Atlantal
Atk Points: 2600 - 5200
"And because of the effect of the continuous spell Pyramid Eye Tablet it increases the attack power of an OOPArts monster by 800"! III said.
Number 6: OOPArts Atlantal
Atk Points: 5200 - 6000
"6000 Atk points"! Yuma grinned.
"But Locust King's attack power is 4700! I'll only take 1300 points of damage from a battle"! Semimaru said.
"You sure about that"? III smirked.
"I attack Locust King with Atlantal"!
Atlantal's flame burned brightly as it raised it's fist. "Trap activate! Will Bearer of the Sage! When a monster battles by removing from play a Sage monster from my graveyard it's attack points are doubled"! Astrana yelled.
"I remove from play Shadow Sage"!
The spirit of Shadow Sage appeared behind Atlantal with a smirk as it's attack points doubled.
Number 6: OOPArts Atlantal
Atk Points: 6000 - 12000
"12000 attack points"?! Semimaru said shocked.
"Astrana hoped for this outcome", Astral smiled.
"You go you guys"! Yuma cheered.
"Go attack Locust King, Atlantal"! III yelled, looking at Astrana who nodded.
"When the heritage of God harbors the light of courage beyond human intelligence judgement forged by the heat of bonds is dealt"! They spoke, as flames erupted from Atlantal to form Rose Enchantress.
"Go! This is the power of friendship! Rose Atlantal Blast"!
Rose Enchantress blazed in the flames as she twirled her staff and launched rose gold blast destroying Locust King in a burning explosion sending Semimaru flying. "AAAAHHH"! He yelled, reverting to his human form before disappearing leaving only his Number.
Semimaru's LPs: 5100 - 0
"S-Semimaru"! Heartland gasped.
Astrana caught the Number as the field disappeared while she and III smiled. "Tch Astrana"! Heartland growled, before he disappeared in a portal.
"You guys did it"! Yuma cheered, wrapping his arms around Astrana's and III's shoulders.
"You had us worried there", Shane smirked.
"But they succeeded", Astral smiled.
"Wait the others", Sirius frowned.
They gasped quickly looking at their friends as they suddenly gasped looking around. "We", Tokonuske began.
"We"... Cathy said.
"What exactly"? Tetsuo began.
"To summarize what"? Takashi questioned.
Kotori looked and gasped. "Astrana! You're out of the key"! She gasped.
They gasped looking up to see Astrana shocked. "Ah she is"! Tokonuske yelled shocked, as they ran over to them.
"Are you feeling ok"? Tetsuo questioned worried.
"To summarize it's good to see you out of the key", Takashi smiled.
"You had us all so worried", Cathy said.
Then they all gasped to see tears streaming down Astrana's eyes. "Astrana are you ok"?! III gasped.
Astrana gave a small smile nodding. "Yes Im fine", she said, wiping away her tears and gave them a smile.
"I'm really glad you're all ok".
They all stood near the view of the water as Astrana bowed to them. "Thank you everyone and I'm sorry for worrying all of you", she said.
"Oh come on Astrana you don't have to apologize", Yuma said.
"He is right you went through a major shock how you acted was reasonable", Astral said.
"Maybe but now I won't let my depression cloud my judgement any longer especially when I have all of you with me", Astrana smiled, standing straight.
Then Astrana walked to III who was smiling gently at her. "Michael thank you and I wish for you to have this", she said, holding out Locust King to him.
"This is Number 3", III said surprised as he took the card.
"Yes I was able to obtain it thanks to you after all", Astrana smiled.
"I understand I'll look after the power of this Number", III said.
"I know you will", Astrana began.
Suddenly Astrana began to fall making them gasp as III quickly caught her. "Astrana are you alright"? He asked worried.
"Y-yes sorry I guess I'm a bit more tired than I thought", Astrana admitted sheepishly.
III looked at her surprised before he softly smiled. "Well then excuse me", he said.
"Eh"? She said confused.
She then gasped as III picked her up bridal style to her shock and embarrassment. "M-Michael what are you"? She began.
"Well if your tired I don't mind carrying you to the Tsukumo house", III smiled.
"You don't have to honest I can walk", she quickly said with a flush.
"It's no problem really", he assured with a smile.
"You're not heavy at all so it's no bother".
"Th-thats not the problem here"! She shrieked.
III laughed and the others couldn't help but laugh as well and Astrana couldn't help but smile. "I'll be ok Darka as long as I have the others here I'll be fine and soon we'll get you back", she thought.
Aurasoul: And there you have it the next few chapters will be the longest of the story I bet with me squeezing things in one chapter each so for next chapter Shark will investigate of his family past and Vector has Heartland send someone to go after him but you all know how itll play out I bet so until then read and review!