Aurasoul: Hey everyone! Welcome to another chapter of Yugioh Zexal!
Astrana: So this is where the duel ends, right?
Aurasoul: Yup! Along with Shark and Rio but you know. I don't own Zexal only my OCs but Antares and Sirius belong to Barian-chan, Shane to Shane Kor, Bakura to 0713MM, and Barian-chan and I share Lyra and also a shout out to MM for helping me with my work so now enjoy the show!
Chapter 24
(Etheric Amon's ATK: 5000 + 900 = 5900.)
"5900 attack points." Astrana frowned, Eliphas smirked.
"That's right." Eliphas told her.
"Now, time to finish you both off! Etheric Amon, attack Number C38: White Rose Enchantress!"
Etheric Amon began to charge up its attack. "This is not good!" Yuma pointed out.
"If this attack connects, Astrana will take 3200 points of damage!"
"And she'll lose the duel!" Astral added.
"I activate the trap Purge Ray! By tributing White Rose Enchantress, I can Special Summon another Xyz monster from my Graveyard at the end of your turn!" Astrana yelled as White Rose Enchantress disappeared in white petals.
Eliphas rolled his eyes. "Fine then." Eliphas spoke.
"Then I'll just redirect Amon's attack to Kaito's Xyz monster!"
Amon turned to face Kaito and Neo Galaxy-Eyes; thus firing its attack at the Barian Powered dragon. Kaito's eyes widened in surprise. "Why attack me?" Kaito questioned.
"Because there was a reason behind Astrana tributing her monster other than the use of her trap." Eliphas noted.
"Besides, once I destroy that corrupted dragon, I'll be one step closer to completing my goal. Now begone corrupted dragon!"
Amon's attack struck Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon and destroyed it. The aftermath explosion from the destroyed dragon made Kaito go flying backwards. After flying back several feet, Kaito landed on his back.
(Kaito's LP: 1250 - 900 = 350.)
Kaito groaned in pain from that assault. "Kaito!" They gasped.
"Are you alright Kaito?!" Astrana called.
Kaito began to get up slowly. As he stood up, he felt his legs wobbling and he fell to his knees. His eyes looking down and upon the cold blue ground. "I have nothing….. No cards in my hand, nor on my field…" Kaito muttered to himself.
"I'm sorry Haruto…..Father…"
"That's right Kaito; stay down." Eliphas told the broken blonde coldly.
"All that's left is for you to accept that you've lost. And now to make it official! Etheric Horus, attack Kaito directly!"
Horus began to charge its attack up and then fired it directly at Kaito. "KAITO!" Yuma screamed.
"NOOOOOO!"
"I activate Sage Familiar's effect from my hand!" Astrana countered.
"What did you say?!" Eliphas gasped.
"When the opponent declares an attack, by sending this card to the Graveyard; I can negate the attack and end the Battle Phase!" Astrana yelled.
A sleek white cat with color changing markings on its body and clear wings on it's back appeared with a squeak; flying in front of Kaito and forming a light shield and blocking the attack. As it clashed, the pillars around them began crumbling and being destroyed. Eliphas rolled his eyes. "Fine then." Eliphas scowled, irritated by this revelation.
"I end my turn."
Kaito looked up and saw the white cat vanish. He looked over at Astrana, his eyes giving off the surprised vibe. "You…...saved me….." Kaito breathed.
"Of course I did. We're friends after all." Astrana scowled at him as if it were obvious.
"And besides, we agreed that together we would save Darka. She's counting on the both of us Kaito."
Kaito's lips formed a smile. "Yeah; you're right Astrana. "Kaito replied.
"Of course I'm right. Now get back up and get your act together." Astrana smirked, facing Eliphas.
Kaito nodded at Astrana and stood up fully. "Since it's the end of your turn, I can now Special Summon my Xyz monster from the Graveyard thanks to Purge Ray! Bloom once more Number 38: Rose Enchantress!" Astrana yelled.
And with a swirl of red rose petals Rose Enchantress reappeared on the stared at the revived Number, not impressed.
"So what?" Eliphas told her.
"All you've done is doomed your deck! Amon! Show her what I mean!" Amon raised its right arm up and shot down lightning at Astrana's deck.
"Since the difference in our monster's Rank is 9, the top 9 cards of your deck become Amon's overlay units." Eliphas said.
The top 9 cards flew towards Amon.
(Etheric Amon's ATK: 5900 + 900 = 6800. Xyz Materials: 18.)
"6800 ATK points…" Yuma breathed.
"How can they overcome a monster as powerful as that?"
"They have to figure out something." Manami said worried.
The only way to win this would be to create a miracle. Nyx thought, looking at Kaito and Astrana.
But can they pull that off?
"This duel is over you 2." Eliphas spoke towards Astrana and Kaito.
"You 2 fought valiantly, but in the end, you were ultimately outclassed and outmatched. If you 2 surrender now, I will make sure the loss of your Numbers and for Astral and Astrana's, along with Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon's memories will be quick and painless."
"Galaxy-Eyes?!" Manami gasped.
"Shut your mouth Eliphas!" Kaito snapped.
"Galaxy-Eyes and I have been through too much just for her to forget all of it! I refuse to let my dragon go through that kind of pain!"
"I am afraid you'll have no choice in the matter Kaito." Eliphas told the blonde coldly.
Kaito clenched his fists. "You bastard…!" He growled.
"Call me whatever you want, but it does not change my mind about this." Eliphas told Kaito.
"Be silent Eliphas." Astrana spoke coldly.
"You haven't won this duel yet; so don't act as if you have."
"Face the facts Astrana!" Eliphas shot back.
"Your partner is at the end of his rope! No cards in his hand, nor on his field! On my next turn it's all over for both of you!"
"And that is where you are wrong." Astrana frowned, as she glowed to revert back to her Astral Being form.
"If there's one thing that Darka had taught me, it's that no matter the circumstances, you can always find the way to win as long as you have the courage to do it."
Astrana looked at Darka. Yes. Ever since we first met, we had been through many hardships and experiences. Yet we held onto our courage in order to make it though. We had our ups and downs and even our fair share of arguments, but the both of us have changed each other for the better. That's why… Astrana looked at her hand; raising it to Darka.
"I won't allow us to lose here!"
Suddenly Astrana's hand began to glow bright silver; shocking them all.
"I know that glow!" Yuma gasped.
"That glow!" Nyx gaped.
"So she's finally awakened her true strength." Bakura noted.
Eliphas raised his right arm up to shield his face. "What's this?!" Eliphas questioned.
Astrana smiled. "Thank you and now." She said, placing her hand on her deck.
"Shining Draw!"
Silver light shined as Astrana drew her card making Eliphas gasped. The last time a light was shone like that was when Astral, Astrana, and the previous Giver of Life fought the Barian Deity Don Thousand; one of the many lights that shined brightly during their battle. He thought.
Eliphas then looked over at Darka in the crystal. "Could I have been wrong?" He questioned.
Astrana looked at her card and smiled. "Now Eliphas, it is time I show you what my bond with Darka is made of! I activate Rank Down Magic Numeron Fall! With this Rose Enchantress will be Ranked Down instead of being Ranked Up!" She yelled.
"Ranked down?!" Yuma gaped, as the card glowed.
"Why would you ever rank it down?" Eliphas questioned.
"I rebuild the Overlay Network with Rose Enchantress!" Astrana yelled as Rose Enchantress became dark purple mist and went in the Overlay Network in a blue explosion.
"Xyz De-evolution! Appear Rank 1, Number 38! The light of courage shall bring forth the peace meant for the future! Release the past and it's origin! The guardian of prosperity Blue Rose Enchantress!"
With blue rose petals falling down Rose Enchantress appeared her hair dark blue with white cherry blossom petals in it, sea green eyes, her petal like dress now blue, gray leather sandals, her scepter white with a blue rose blooming in a white orb, her circlet silver with a blue gem, her number mark now blue, and a yellow Overlay Unit circling around her.
Number 38: Blue Rose Enchantress
Rank: 1
Atk Points: 600
Def Points: 200
"Rank Down into Blue Rose…!" Astral said shocked.
"So totally awesome!" Yuma grinned.
"Yes; as awesome as it may be, you've just made things worse for yourself and your deck Astrana!" Eliphas told her.
"Now Amon's effect activates again!"
Amon raised its arm up and shot lightning down at Astrana's deck; taking away 12 more cards and attaching themselves to Etheric Amonon. "Due to the fact that you foolishly Raked Down, my Etheric Amon gains 12 more overlay units and 1200 more ATK points!" He yelled.
(Etheric Amon's ATK: 6800 + 1200 = 8000. Xyz Materials: 30.)
"8000 attack points?!" Hotaru gaped.
Kaito stared it down. "It's gonna take a lot more than an Xyz monster with 30 overlay units to scare me." Kaito scoffed.
"Glad to hear it Kaito." Astrana smirked.
"I activate Blue Rose Enchantress's effect! When she's been Xyz summoned, I can resurrect a monster from the Graveyard from any duelist."
"What?" Eliphas asked.
"In other words, she can resurrect any monster. Either from her own Graveyard, Eliphas's, or Kaito's." Astral said.
"Kaito, can I entrust the rest to you?" Astrana asked, looking at him.
Kaito glanced at Astrana and nodded. "You can count on me." Kaito replied. "Eliphas will be defeated before he can say Uncle."
Astrana smiled and nodded raising her hand upwards. "Embodiment of Light, return once more unto this field! I resurrect Galaxy Eyes Photon Dragon!" She yelled.
Blue Rose Enchantress rose her scepter as it glowed and Galaxy Eyes returned onto the field with a loud roar. Eliphas scowled at seeing the dragon again. "So you used your monster's effect upon it being Summoned to bring back Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon." Eliphas noted.
"Shame it can't help you win. Next turn it's all over for both of you."
"Hmph. You don't know a thing Eliphas." Astrana smirked.
"I activate Blue Rose Enchantress's effect! By using one Overlay Unit, your turn will be skipped!"
Eliphas's eyes widened in shock. "What's this?!" He yelled shock.
"Blue Paralysis!" Astrana yelled with a snap of her fingers.
Blue Rose Enchantress hit her Overlay Unit with her scepter making blue rose petals fall on Eliphas and his field; shackling his duel disk and monsters. "Is that all Astrana?" Eliphas snapped.
"Regardless, all you've done is delay you and Kaito's defeat by 1 turn!"
"That is all we'll need. For Kaito will defeat you in that 1 turn." Astrana smirked.
"How can that be possible?" Eliphas questioned.
"You shall see. I end my turn." Astrana said.
Kaito glanced at Astrana, then at Darka in crystal, then back at the top of his deck.
"I can't afford to lose here…" Kaito told himself.
He glanced back at Darka in the crystal. "If I lose here… Then we'll never get Darka back… So in order to ensure that I win… I shall create a miracle!" He said determined.
Eliphas scowled at Kaito's words. "Foolish." Eliphas told the blonde. However, Kaito ignored him.
"Darka is too important to me for me to just forget about her Eliphas!" Kaito shot back.
"And I shall defeat you here and now!"
"How will you do that?" Eliphas questioned.
"You have a singular card on your field, Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon and no cards in your hand. What can you hope to accomplish?"
"More than you'll ever know!" Kaito shot back.
"You see Eliphas, Darka and Astrana have done so much for me, and yet, I barely returned any of those favors. And my thanks for any of it is long overdue! Considering Darka's my girlfriend, I find it only fitting that you'll fall before me with the combined strength of me, Astrana, Haruto and Darka!"
Kaito's right hand began to glow a bright yellowish-blue color; as did the top card of his deck.
"Wait! That's-?!" Nyx gaped.
"I think it is!" Bakura added; shocked by this revelation just as much as his comrade, Nyx was.
"Is Kaito actually-?!" Yuma gasped.
Eliphas's dual colored eyes widened. Is Kaito really what I think he is?! Eliphas thought.
Kaito drew the glowing card. "You and the few others you mentioned earlier aren't the only ones that can perform a Shining Draw!" Kaito grinned, although deep down, he was quite shocked as well.
"I can do it too! Go! Shining Draw!"
"It is!" Hotaru gasped, shocked.
"A Shining Draw!" Manami shrieked, just as shocked as her elder sister.
"How?!" Nyx gaped.
Astrana smiled knowingly. Just as I thought. His connection to Darka, his feelings for her that brought forth this miracle; just like I thought it would. She thought.
Kaito observed the card in his hand he smiled. "Alright Eliphas, time to say goodbye to your cards in your hand." Kaito smiled.
"For I now activate the card I drew! I activate Photon Pressure Draw!"
"Ehhhhh?!" Eliphas gaped.
Suddenly, all the cards in his hand were sent to the Graveyard. As they did, Kaito drew 3 more cards. "Thanks to my card, all the cards in your hand go bye-bye, then I draw 1 card for every 2 sent to your Graveyard by this effect." Kaito smirked.
"So what?" Eliphas scoffed.
"That didn't help you!"
"Are you sure about that?" Kaito smirked.
"What do you mean?" Eliphas wondered.
"Actions speak louder than words, so about I show you!" Kaito smirked.
"Next on my list, I play another Photon Stream of Destruction! This banishes your Etheric Horus!"
Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon blasted out a stream towards Horus; shattering it. Kaito continued by pulling another card from his hand.
"Next up, I activate Galaxy Expedition to Special Summon Photon Caesar from my Deck in DEF Mode!" Kaito said.
An armored warrior appeared onto Kaito's field next to his Photon Dragon.
(Photon Caesar, Level 8, attribute: LIGHT, type; Warrior, ATK/DEF: 2000/2800.)
Kaito then pulled the last card from his hand. "Now I play Card of Sanctity; allowing all 3 of us to draw until we have 6 cards." Kaito spoke as he drew his 6 cards.
Eliphas grunted in annoyance as he drew his own 6 cards. Astrana followed suit. Kaito grinned at his 6 card hand. "It does not matter what you do Kaito." Eliphas told the blonde.
"Draw as many cards as you'd want, it won't help you win. Besides, your partner is down to pretty little to no cards left in her deck."
"The number of cards in our decks remaining won't matter Eliphas." Kaito retorted.
"Because now I overlay my Level 8 Photon Caesar and Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon!"
"You're doing what?!" Eliphas gasped in surprise.
"But you don't have any more Rank 8 Xyz monsters!"
"Are you sure about that?" Kaito smirked as he raised his right arm upwards.
"With these 2 monster I build the Overlay Network!"
The 2 monsters turned into yellow mist and flew upwards into the air. A shield appear in Kaito's hand as he began to chant.
"Appear Galactic Lord Number 90! With your power of light protect the ones you were sworn to! Galaxy Eyes Photon Lord!"
Kaito then threw the shield into the Overlay Network, which exploded a bright bluish-yellow color, along with the other colors from the Overlay Network when a Number monster is being Xyz Summoned. The red color Number 90 flashed for a brief moment. Once it was done and over with, an armored warrior holding a massive shield and sword.
(Number 90: Galaxy-Eyes Photon Lord, Rank 8, attribute: LIGHT, type: Warrior/Xyz, ATK/DEF: 2500/3000. Xyz Materials: 2.)
"Galaxy Eyes Photon Lord?" Manami questioned, shocked by this.
"When did Kaito get that Number?!" Hotaru questioned.
"This isn't possible…." Eliphas growled.
"How can this boy be the Lord of the Legend?…. This just can't be possible…"
"The what now?" Yuma questioned, confused.
"No way! Lord of the Legend?!" Hotaru gaped.
"Lord of the Legend who bears the legend to the Galaxy Eyes' and to the Dragon of Genesis." Bakura explained; shocked.
"But not only that Bakura!" Nyx began.
"Not right now Nyx."
Nyx and Bakura looked up shocked to see Megumi and Isamu who had managed to come for not being healed by the Chaos. "Let us see how this goes." Megumi said with a smile.
Eliphas just scowled at seeing the Number appear onto the field."Even if you are the Lord of the Legend Kaito, it doesn't change a thing!" Eliphas snapped.
"To prove this, Etheric Amon now takes the top 5 cards of your deck and turns them into overlay units!"
Amon raised it arm up and shot lightning towards Kaito's deck. However, before the lightning could reach Kaito and his deck, Galaxy-Eyes Photon Lord got in the way and blocked the lightning with his shield. This surprised Eliphas.
"What? But how?!" Eliphas demanded.
"I activated Number 90: Galaxy-Eyes Photon Lord's effect." Kaito replied as if it was obvious.
"The first of this Number's effects is that if you activate a monster effect, I can detach 1 overlay unit to negate the activation of that monster effect. If I detached a Galaxy card by doing this, your monster that had its effect negated is destroyed!"
"Unfortunately Kaito, Etheric Amon cannot be destroyed by card effects." Eliphas told the blonde.
"That's why I detached my Photon Caesar instead." Kaito replied.
Amon lowered its arm back down to its side. Kaito then grabbed another card from his hand activated it. "Next to keep things going, I activate the Equip Spell, Photon Lord's Sword!" He yelled.
Upon Kaito activating the card, Galaxy-Eyes Photon Lord's sword upgraded itself."Whatever you're planning with that, it won't work." Eliphas told the blonde.
"Is that so?" Kaito smirked at the Will of Astral World. Kaito thrusted his right hand forward.
"Galaxy-Eyes Photon Lord, attack Etheric Amon!"
"You fool! You cannot destroy Amon with only 2500 ATK!" Eliphas shot back.
"You sure? This sword holds a very special effect. For you see when the monster equipped with this card battles another monster, that monster loses 1000 ATK/DEF, and the equipped monster gains that amount lost. However, if the equipped battles an Xyz monster, that Xyz monster loses all of its overlay units, then the monster equipped with Photon Lord's Sword gains 500 ATK for each overlay unit your monster had +500!" Kaito yelled.
"What did you say?!" Eliphas gasped.
He looked up and saw all of Etheric Amon's overlay unit detach themselves and flew towards Galaxy-Eyes Photon Lord. The charge-up from the overlay units that were now detached from Amon made Galaxy-Eyes Photon Lord gains a massive yellow aura.
(Number 90: Galaxy-Eyes Photon Lord's ATK: 2500 + 500 * 30 + 500 + 1000 = 19,500. Etheric Amon's ATK: 8000 - 3000 - 1000 = 4000.)
"A monster as powerful as that cannot be stopped!" Eliphas cried out, his eyes widening and twitching violently in extreme nervousness.
"Our thoughts exactly." Astrana smirked, arms crossed.
Kaito pointed his right index finger at Etheric Amon and Eliphas. "Now go Photon Lord! Attack Etheric Amon with Galactic Sword Slash!" Kaito commanded.
Number 90 leapt forward and into the air. It then came down on Etheric Amon from high above. Eliphas took notice of this, then glanced back at Kaito. "Even so, Etheric Amon cannot be destroyed by battle either!" Eliphas told the blonde.
"Perhaps. But you still take the damage." Kaito remarked.
Galaxy-Eyes Photon Lord's attack connected successfully; thus creating an explosion that sent Eliphas flying backwards. He then landed on the ground on his back.
(Eliphas's LP: 1800 - 15,500 = 0.)
"They did it!" Yuma cheered.
"They won!" Manami shrieked happily, hugging Hotaru; who hugged back grinning.
Nyx and Bakura stood with Megumi and Isamu. They walked up, as the others followed, Astrana walked to Kaito with a smile. "Knew you could do it." She stated.
Astrana's facial expression turned to concern when she noticed Kaito slightly pained expression. "You alright?" She asked.
Kaito glanced at Astrana and nodded. "I'm fine." Kaito replied.
"I knew you guys could do it!" Yuma grinned, as they reached them.
"Though you did have us worried." Hotaru smirked.
"You truly have surprised us Kaito Tenjo." Megumi said, as she along with her son and the Sages walked up to them.
"To think you were the Lord of the Legend."
"Though it explains why Galaxy Eyes chose him as her partner in the first place." Isamu smiled.
Kaito glanced at everyone surrounding him and Astrana. His gaze finally met with Megumi's. "What do you mean by Lord of the Legend?" Kaito asked in a slightly curious tone.
"The Lord of the Legend is a being that is connected to the Galaxy Dragons and the one who protects the Legend of the Genesis Dragon." Megumi explained.
"Genesis Dragon?" Yuma questioned.
"The very dragon that created the universe itself, along with the Crimson Dragon. The golden dragon you've heard about." Nyx said.
"Yes. It is the duty of the Lord of the Legend to protect the secrets of the Genesis Dragon, along with the Galaxy-Eyes Dragons. For they are the keys to it. The very fact that you Summoned Galaxy Eyes Photon Lord is proof that you are in fact that person. Just as it was stated by the previous Giver of Life." Megumi explained.
"Which is probably why you were chosen by Galaxy Eyes Photon Dragon. She must've sensed it." Bakura noted.
"Wait, when you guys say she-" Yuma began.
"Yes Yuma, Galaxy Eyes is a female dragon; moving on." Hotaru sighed.
Astrana looked to see Eliphas standing back up as they turned to face him as he walked towards them. "I take it that will suffice Eliphas?" Megumi asked.
"Yes." Eliphas nodded, facing Kaito and Astrana.
"You have defeated me Kaito, Astrana. And as we agreed I will release Darkalicia. But as I said before, there is a high chance she won't wake up."
"What do you mean?" Astral questioned.
"When Darkalicia was struck by the attack, it caused a shock to her mind. As a result, it meant that her memories have returned." Eliphas explained.
"Wait when you say memories, you mean when she was the Giver of Life?" Hotaru questioned.
"Yes, and of her first life when she was human. For most the shock of revelations will torture one's mind; as a result, there is a chance she will not wake up with her memories." Eliphas said.
"So that's what you meant before." Manami realized.
"You shouldn't underestimate Darka, Eliphas." Astrana spoke.
They looked at Astrana who was smiling. "Darka is a very courageous person. There is no doubt she will awaken."
Eliphas grew wide eyed before chuckling. "Indeed." He nodded.
Ena watched through the crystal before turning to her fellow Astral Beings. "Everyone, it is now time for us to help our Giver of Life we shall use our power to help her so that she shall help the ones in the dark." She spoke.
As she said this she formed a sphere of light the rest followed her action and launched them followed by every citizen of Astral World as the lights went to the tower.
Then suddenly, lights were flying from below as they went to Darka. "What's going on?!" Yuma gasped.
"Astrana you were right. I was blinded by the truth because of my fear. Chaos is indeed something that is not to be feared. It should be embraced by all; including me." Eliphas admitted.
The light shined to show Darka's injury healed as the crystal shattered making them gasped the light shining brightly which then soon died down to show Darka her in her hybrid form. It had changed again to a silver Barian like being with red curvish markings and blue gems of an Astral being, wearing a silver cloak with a purple eight point star on it and having eight silver wings spread out at once. Despite their conditions, Eliphas, Nyx, Bakura, Megumi, and Isamu all kneeled down to the others surprise as Darka flew down to the ground her eyes slowly opened to show a purple hue to her amber eyes they all looked at her shocked, stunned, relieved, and happy as she gave a weak sheepish smile.
"Hey guys. I'm back." She said.
Astrana had tears streaming as she flew straight in Darka's arm crying her heart out."Astrana." Darka said in slight surprise, but held a smile nonetheless.
"Darka! Thank goodness, thank goodness! Waaaaah!" Astrana cried, holding her tightly.
Darka gave a gentle smile; hugging Astrana back just as tight allowing Astrana to cry. Yuma watching the scene with a grin, tearing up as well. Hotaru and Manami wiped away their tears too. Soon Astrana let her go as she removed the Empress's Key from her neck and placing it back on Darka's. "Right where it belongs." Astrana smiled.
Darka chuckled, touching her key and was suddenly hugged by Yuma, Hotaru, and Manami. "You're really ok! Thank Crimson!" Hotaru said relieved.
"How you made us worry!" Manami hiccupped.
"We are grateful you are alright." Astral smiled.
"It's great you're back!" Yuma grinned.
"It's great to be back." Darka smiled.
Then Darka saw Kaito. Carefully she let go of the others before walking to Kaito with a gentle smile. "Hey", she spoke.
Kaito turned to face Darka. Kaito wasn't one to cry, but it was clearly obvious that he was. After witnessing the whole event before him mere seconds ago, how could he not be crying right now?
"D-Darka…" Kaito choked.
"Y-You're…"
Now Kaito wasn't one to be very emotional either, but he decided to make an acception in this case. "Yeah I'm alive. Sorry I made you worry." She said with a sad smile, reaching to wipe away his tears.
Kaito tightly hugged her, making her gasp. But seeing his shoulders shaking and feeling her shoulder getting wet made her gentle smile and hug back. "I really am sorry", she said, as she held her boyfriend.
"No don't apologize", Kaito told her, moving back to clutch on her shoulders.
"What happened wasn't your fault; it was Vector's and you know that."
Kaito then place his forehead on her own. "And you're alright. That's all that matters", he said softly.
Darka gave a smile, stroking Kaito's cheek "You know I knew you guys would be able to come get me despite knowing Nyx would make the ships immobile to move. And despite the situation I was in, I knew you all would save me. Thank you." She smiled.
"We'd do it again in a heartbeat Darka you know that." Astrana smiled, floating towards them.
"Yeah! After all we're friends." Yuma grinned, Astral nodding in agreement.
"And sisters." Manami added, Hotaru smirking.
Darka smiled and nodded, holding Kaito's hand and smiling at him as he smiled back.
"Darkalicia-sama."
They looked to face Eliphas who had spoken up his head lowered as he spoke. "I am sorry to disrupt this reunion, but I wish for you to announce my punishment for my betrayal", he said seldomly.
They all grew wide eyed as Eliphas went on. "Because of my fear, I was blinded and as a result I caused many mistakes; betraying your Will, and even as going as far as trying to take away your memories, along with the rest of my actions are inexcusable and I am prepared to face any punishment you deemed toward my crimes", he spoke.
"Eliphas you cannot blame yourself. You were only doing what you thought was right for Astral World." Megumi frowned.
"Yet those actions have caused harm to others, along with yourselves, harming the Sages, our people and even harming them going as far as daring to call Astral and Astrana traitors to us." Eliphas frowned, facing the others.
"My actions cannot go unpunished."
"Eliphas." Yuma frowned.
Darka let go of Kaito before walking to stand in front of Eliphas. Her eyes hidden by her hair as the others watched; worried. Her hand outstretched as Eliphas readied himself for her wrath.
*WACK*
"Honestly Eliphas, you have to stop being so stiff." Darka sighed.
"Wh-What?" Eliphas said shocked.
"For starters, enough of the sama, and that goes for you all as well", Darka said, looking at Megumi and the rest of them; making them jump in surprise.
"You know how much I hate formality drives me mad. And please stand up, as I said before, I wanted us to be equals."
At once they stood shocked by Darka's attitude as the others watched amused "You all truly have not changed in the 22 years I was gone", she sighed.
"D-Darkalicia-sa"- Eliphas began but stopped seeing the glare he received from Darka.
Darka sighed before giving a light smile, patting Eliphas's arm.
"Listen to me Eliphas, I'm not going to punish you of any sort", She said.
"Wh-What?" Eliphas questioned, shocked.
"I….I don't understand…"
"Eliphas, the fear you had is reasonable. With my predecessor's death by Don Thousand and the damage that fight caused to Astral World and Earth, of course you would fear Chaos and despise Barians. For fear is a rational thing that makes us all human. But you must have the courage to see through it in order to truly protect others." Darka told him with a smile.
"And I did." Eliphas admitted gesturing to Kaito and Astrana.
"Thanks to your boyfriend Kaito and Astrana."
"By the way, what is a boyfriend? That might be the one term we're not familiar with." Nyx spoke up.
"O-Oh well." Darka began with a light flush on her face.
"Oh for Crimson's sake they're lovers!" Hotaru sighed.
"Hotaru!" Darka shrieked, blushing.
"You were going to tiptoe around it. Plus that is the one term these Astral Beings know." Hotaru shrugged.
The Astral Beings and Barian looked floored by this. Nyx laughed; falling to the ground. "Hahaha incredible!" Nyx laughed.
"Darkalicia…." Bakura said blinking shocked.
"Oh my." Megumi said surprised.
"So the plot thickens." Isamu smirked.
"That story must be a long one." Eliphas sighed.
"Oh hush all of you!" Darka whined with a blush on her face.
The others laughed as Darka sighed, but smiled lightly before getting serious
"Anyway there are things that must be done before we return to the others back on Earth." She said, facing her sisters.
"Hotaru, Manami, I know the other reason you two came here besides getting me was to know the truth of who you two really are."
Hotaru and Manami flinched before looking away. Darka gave a sad smile to them. "I'm not mad. After all, I was the one that reincarnated you both; you two deserve to know. In fact, you two need to remember", she said.
Darka then turned to face her Sages. "Nyx, Bakura, I want you two to take them to those locations it will help them", she told them.
"Of course." Nyx nodded.
"As you wish." Bakura nodded, turning to face Hotaru and Manami.
"Come you two."
Hotaru and Manami faced one another before they nodded and followed Nyx and Bakura away.
"Where are they going?" Yuma asked.
"Long ago, I created special areas for those who wished to remember their past. If they lost their memories when reincarnated there those two will remember themselves." Darka frowned before she sighed.
"They will suffer and it'll be my fault."
"Darka." Astrana frowned.
Darka sighed before looking at them with a strained smile. "Mind you all waiting here? Need to find my coat while we wait for the others." She said.
With that, Darka walked off as the others watched her go with frowns.
Nyx, Bakura, Megumi, and Isamu gaped; stunned. While Yuma and Hotaru grinned, Astrana and Astral chuckled, Manami giggled, and Kaito smirked as Eliphas blinked being whacked on the back of the head by an exasperated looking Darka.
"Before us lies Barian World", Rio said.
"I'm a Barian? I can't believe I'm a Barian"! Shark said.
"Yuma… Astral… Darka… Astrana… Kaito and… I don't know if I can break the bonds I forged with them"!
"You should go meet them", Durbe spoke.
"Our true friends. Everything you have lost lies there".
The three glowed and went to the light leading to Barian World as the three reappeared there standing at its shore. "This place", Shark spoke.
"It's Barian World, take a look behind you, you two. Everyone was waiting for your return", Durbe said.
They turned as the soldiers, their people began appearing in front of them.
"Your Highness"!
"Welcome back, my King"!
"Your Majesty"! Iris called.
"You guys", Shark said stunned.
Their people cheered happy by Shark's return as he looked at them shocked. "Barian World is a miraculous space that connects our souls", Durbe spoke.
"Everyone… Still remembers me"? Shark questioned stunned.
"The battle between Astral World and Barian World… Maybe it will continue until one side is destroyed at this rate you will repeat your past experience once again", Durbe said.
Shark gasped at this remembering the painful memories. "Just like that time", he spoke.
"Only you are able to end this battle once and for all", Durbe said.
"You and her".
Shark and Rio turned facing Durbe. "So I was right Manami", he began.
"Yes I do not know why Manami was reborn on Earth but the fact she was born part Barian and reunited with you two again shows that she is still with us", Durbe said.
Shark looked at Durbe before looking forward. "It's our mission… To protect this world", he said.
"That's right! Even if it means severing your bonds with Yuma, Darka, and the others"! Durbe said.
Rio began to cry at this as she looked at Durbe. "And you are sure Manami will come to us?" She asked.
"Yes for she loved you two and your people more than anything in the world", Durbe nodded.
Rio nodded as she faced Shark who frowned. "The battle between Astral World and Barian World", he thought, before closing his eyes.
Shark recalled his memories with the others before they began to crack and soon shatter before he opened his eyes tearfully and sadly with tears. "Settling everything in my own way is my own fate"! He said.
"Ryoga… I will follow you anywhere your fate leads you, Ryoga", Rio said, placing her hand on his shoulder with tears.
"That's right you two are Nasch and Merag", Durbe said.
The people cheered as Shark, Nasch spoke. "Yuma, Darka… Let's head toward my future"! He said.
"Along with all of you"!
Lightning suddenly crashed down in a loud bang they all looked up with a gasp.
"What was that?!" Yuma gasped.
They went to the balcony to see red lightning crashing down in the sea of Astral World.
"What's happening"?! Yuma said shocked.
"A great evil has been resurrected in Barian World." Isamu frowned.
"Don Thousand?" Eliphas questioned with a frown.
"Without a doubt."
They looked and were surprised to see Darka in her human form with new clothes wearing a silver shirt with a purple design of a spiral on the side, black pants with a white belt, ankle dark gray and white boots, a gray fingerless glove on her left hand, and her coat. "Don Thousand's awakening is nearing and no doubt the Barian Emperors will soon make their move as well." Darka frowned.
"We have to hurry to Earth."
"But Hotaru and Manami aren't back yet." Yuma began.
"We're here Yuma."
They looked to see Hotaru and Manami coming back with Nyx and Bakura following Yuma, Astral, Astrana, and Kaito were shocked to see the sadness, horror, and guilt in Hotaru and Manami's eyes.
"Are you guys ok?" Yuma asked worried.
"Don't worry Yuma, we're fine." Hotaru sighed.
"Just… A lot to take in."
"We have to hurry back. We have to." Manami frowned.
"And we will." Darka nodded.
"Yes for if Don Thousand truly is the one that is behind these attacks, it would mean he's plotting to attack Earth as well." Eliphas frowned.
"Return quickly and take this."
Eliphas threw cards to Astral and Astrana they looked to see it being Rank Up Magic Astral Force.
"Darkalicia." Megumi began.
"Do not worry, we will be fine." Darka assured her with a smile taking Megumi's and Isamu's hands healing them before facing the others.
"Now let us go everyone. That goes for you too Nyx, Bakura. I will need your assistance."
"No need to ask Darkalicia." Nyx grinned.
"Let us be off." Bakura nodded.
They all then glowed of their colored mists before flying off as Eliphas, Megumi, and Isamu watched them go.
"The only power that can save us is ZEXAL. And now thanks to Kaito and Astrana, I have learned that through true friendship can ZEXAL be achieved." Eliphas admitted as his mask cracked and broke; falling to the floor.
"Even if that friendship is forged with the energies of Chaos and Shining."
"You finally have learned Eliphas. Now all we can do is hope and pray for their success." Isamu said.
"With the Lord of the Legend also with them, and Darkalicia's true self returned I dare say we can truly hope for the better." Megumi smiled.
In the distance, Kazuma and Mira watched as the others fly in the sky with smiles.
"Our boy never ceases to amaze me. Along with Darka." He smiled.
"I could never be more proud." Mira smiled.
"They will pull through. But soon they will go through the hardest of trials. Not just for the Worlds, but for themselves as well." He said.
Aurasoul: And it is done Darka is back!
Darka: Finally too I was getting tired not being here for-! Ah!
*Darka was glomped by everyone while I watched grinning*
Aurasoul: And everyone missed you too so until next time everyone read and review!