bopdog111: Alright guys. Before we continue on we should continue on seeing what Sandy is about.

Ulrich362: Makes sense to me.

bopdog111: Well let's see what she's about.

Disclaimer: We don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V or Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS but we own the OCs!

Sandy was leading Ace away.

Ace watched curiously.

Then a door suddenly appeared startling Ace.

"What... is that?" Ace asked nervously.

"Where the people of the afterlife spend their now lives." Sandy answered taking his hand. "It will be alright Ace their friends of mine."

Ace looked at the door before closing his eyes. "I can't do it."

Sandy turned to him. He was shaking and looked really scared.

"Oh. I know another way to where you can only see one of them, and then see Amy." Sandy offered.

Ace turned to her in surprise before starting to tear up. "Why... why did it happen?"

Sandy hugged him hearing that. Ace hugged her back as he cried.

"It's okay Ace. Cry as long as you need." Sandy said soothingly.

A few minutes later Ace had slightly calmed down. "I'm sorry, you probably wanted to do other things than worry about a stranger."

"The only think I want, and to worry about right now is making sure you say your farewell to Amy." Sandy told him.

Ace nodded at that. "Thank you, I..."

"Well what do we have here?" questioned a voice.

They turned over hearing that. It was Ernesto. "Looks like Amy abandoned you, if you want my opinion you're better off without her."

Sandy asked him, "And you are?"

"Ernesto Gotham little girl." Ernesto answered. "And as you probably guessed the son of Garret Gotham."

"Well why are you here?" Sandy asked him. "Can't he you he is suffering more then enough?"

"Suffering, that brat Amy abandons everyone, those friends she claimed to have she knew them for a week at most." Ernesto revealed. "She's a horrible person."

"No she isn't!" Ace yelled. "You made fun of her about her Daddy! Your the horrible person not her!"

"Excuse me?" Ernesto questioned. "Why are you defending her? You should be happy to be rid of her."

"He cared for her, and maybe he even loved her." Sandy answered.

Ace looked down. "She... she was one of my only two friends in the world."

Sandy patted his back as she asked him, "Shall we take the other path?"

Ace just nodded quietly as Ernesto glared at them before walking off. Sandy then said one word, "Hopscotch."

All of a suddenly an aura appeared before they vanished suddenly appearing in a broken down library which is nearly deserted with a few ravens.

"Huh? Where are we?" Ace asked.

"Elder Gutknecht's home." Sandy answered. "He might know where she is."

"Huh, Sandy?"

"And speak of the devil." Sandy smiled as they turned to see a elder hunched-over skeleton with a small short beard wearing glasses, and having a crack at his skull raise up as he coughed.

"Ah... Sandy my dear. You've returned." The skeleton known as Elder Gutknecht greeted waving before seeing Ace. "Ah... And I see you've brought company."

Ace stared at him for a few seconds before screaming in horror. Sandy hugged him.

"...Oh sorry for frightening you little one." Elder Gutknecht apologized stepping back.

Ace was trembling. "I want to go home."

"It's okay Ace. He's a friend." Sandy said. "I was like this when I first came here but their as sweet, and caring as a litter of kittens."

Ace looked at her before turning to Elder Gutknecht while shaking in fear.

"Ah... It's alright young one. I don't bite." Elder Gutknecht assured him. "Sandy you came for another visit perhaps?"

"This time it's a serious matter." Sandy answered. "We're looking for someone named Amy Masters. Did she arrive earlier?"

"Hm... Amy Masters." Elder Gutknecht gave thought as he walked to a raven before talking to it as it cawed before flying off, "I sent the raven... After she's informed she will come here."

"I'm sorry..." Ace apologized looking down. "I'm just... ghosts and skeletons really scare me. A lot of things scare me."

"Ah... It's no trouble for me young lad." Elder Gutknecht told him slowly walking over trying not to scare Ace before placing a hand on his shoulder, "Young Sandy was terrified when she came here by accident."

"By accident?" Ace asked. "How... how do you come here by accident?"

"Well..." Sandy looked down before saying, "It was after the death of my dog, Chole. I had hear her howling at night, and went out to see before tripping being knocked out. When I woke up I was here."

Ace blinked in shock before hugging her. "I'm sorry."

Sandy hugged him back.

"Did you find her?" Ace asked.

"Yeah." Sandy nodded. "She was delighted to see me but she convinced me to stay at the living, and Elder Gutknecht have sent me back."

"Right before I told her that if she wants to come back she has to say 'hopscotch'." Elder Gutknecht added.

"Oh, ok." Ace nodded before pausing. "Um, is anybody who died here?"

"Basically pretty much anyone." He answered Ace.

Ace looked at his Duel Disc. "Miss Aqua, do you think your friend is here?"

Aqua emerged before answering, "I don't know... This is the Land of the Dead, and for people like you. Earth is an AI so he is likely deleted like a computer program, and Lightning still has what's left of him."

"Oh, I'm sorry." Ace apologized sadly. "I thought you could see him again."

Aqua nodded as she rose, and placed a hand on Ace's cheek. "Thanks for caring... Your parents, and sisters are really lucky."

Ace blushed at that. Aqua retreated back as Sandy patted his back before they heard footsteps. They turned to see Amy but her skin is blue.

"Ace?" Amy asked in shock seeing him before starting to tear up.

Sandy smiled as she said to Ace, "Alright Ace. Do what we came here for."

Ace blushed, and started tearing up, and nodded before walking up, "Amy..."

Amy was openly crying seeing him. "Why, it's not fair."

Ace hugged her as he said, "Amy... I founded out what happened..."

Amy continued crying before choking out. "Why did you have to die too?"

Sandy said, "Actually Amy. Ace isn't dead yet."

She turned to Sandy in shock. "But... how can I see him? How can I hug him?"

"You see Amy my dear." Elder Gutknecht explained. "Sandy here have offered for the two of them to come here to the Land of the Dead for Ace to see you one last time."

Amy looked shocked before smiling. "You're the best friend ever Ace... I'm really sorry I didn't say anything."

"No... It's okay." Ace told her hugging her tight. "I understand."

Amy shook her head. "I should have told you I could die... I knew for a really long time and it really scared me. I thought I shouldn't have friends because of that but... I made the best one and lied to him."

"It's okay. I forgive you." Ace smiled before saying, "I... Want to say goodbye to you before we leave."

Amy smiled with tears before saying, "Ace... You deserve someone better then me."

"I don't want a better friend." Ace argued.

"Not what I meant..." Amy told him. "Truth be told... I've been in love with you Ace."

Ace's eyes widened in shock. "Huh?"

"I... Was hoping we could spend all our time together." Amy admitted. "But we didn't."

Ace looked down before hugging her. "We got to spend a little time together though."

Amy then smiled, "And I know who you'll spend your time with with love."

Ace blushed at that. "Really?"

Amy smiled before she turned to Sandy, "Take great care of Acy."

Sandy looked surprised at this before nodding giving a slight bow, "Okay."

Ace turned bright red hearing that. "Amy... please stop."

Amy told him, "Ace... It was really fun to meet you... Thanks for very much for the hope you gave me."

"Amy..." Ace started before tearing up. "I wish I'd been there with you, you'll always be one of my best friends."

Amy smiled with her own tears before she softly peck Ace's cheek before saying, "Goodbye..."

Ace nodded sadly. "Goodbye, Amy."

Amy smiled, and closed her eyes before walking back to where she was before as Sandy walked, and hugged Ace from behind. "I'm so sorry Ace."

"I got to see my friend again, thank you." Ace said quietly.

Sandy smiled hearing that before they heard some cawing, and see Elder Gutknecht took an egg from a raven, and said "Ah. I have prepared the Ukranian Haunting Spell for you two to head back to the Land of the Living. Remember like before if you want to come back say 'hopscotch'."

"Wait, um... is Sandy the only one who can come back?" Ace asked suddenly.

"Oh no." Elder Gutknecht answered. "This is to people who want to go to the Land of the Living."

"I meant... what if I say hopscotch?" Ace asked. "If I... wanted to spend some time with Amy again?"

"Then you can but do be mindful to bring someone with you so you be alright surrounded with the dead." Elder Gutknecht told him

Ace nodded hearing that. "Thank you."

Elder Gutknecht nodded before banging the egg on the table as it spew smoke surrounding the two before they appeared back at where they were before.

"That... wow." Ace whispered.

Sandy patted his back with a smile. Ace smiled before his eyes widened and he started blushing heavily.

"You know I honestly didn't expect for Amy to say that." Sandy admitted.

They had gone back into the Sakaki's room where Yuya's pendant was glowing.

"Yuya?" Yuki walked noticing the Pendulum is glowing.

Yuya was still unconscious but they noticed a single card fell from Yuya's deck, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon before it started to glow and split into five separate dragons. Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon, Odd-Eyes Persona Dragon, Odd-Eyes Mirage Dragon, and Odd-Eyes Phantasma Dragon.

"Whoa what the?" Yuki asked shocked picking the cards up.

"That's... how?" Yugo questioned.

"That is something you don't see everyday." Bonnie remarked.

"Yeah." Mason agreed as Ace walked in.

Ray looked, and caught his face is red. "Ace?"

"I saw Amy mommy." Ace said before running to hide his face.

"What?" Mason asked shocked. "How?"

"Sandy can visit people who..." Ace started before his eyes widened. "Mason, Bonnie? Can you come over tomorrow?"

The two blinked as they turned to each other as they nodded before Bonnie said, "Okay Ace. But why exactly?"

"Sandy taught me how to go to where people who died live, and maybe you can see your grandma." Ace explained only to start blushing again.

"...What?" The Livingston Duo asked shocked.

Ace nodded. "I thought it would make you happy."

Lance emerged as he remarked, "Whoo doggy. Sounds like this Sandy girl is much more then we thought."

Ace turned even brighter as Lance said that before hiding his face in his hands.

"Ace?" Dawn asked surprised seeing her brother like this.

"Is everything ok?" Zarc asked walking into the room.

"Zarc where have you been?" White Wing asked him.

"I thought I heard something, and I was right." Zarc answered. "I heard these four."

With that he revealed the four cards he picked up, four Pendulum Dragons.

"Those look like..." Yuto widen his eyes shocked.

"Our dragons." Yugo finished.

"How?" Yuri asked.

"I don't know, but they belong with you four." Zarc mentioned.

They slowly nodded taking the cards looking over them.

Yugo's:

Name: Clear Wing Fast Dragon

Attribute: Wind

Level: 7

Scale: 4

Type: Dragon/Synchro/Pendulum

ATK: 2500

DEF: 2000

Pendulum Effect: You can send 1 face-up "Speedroid" Tuner and 1 face-up non-Tuner monster you control to the Graveyard, whose total Levels equal 7; Special Summon this card from your Pendulum Zone. You can only use this effect of "Clear Wing Fast Dragon" once per turn.

Effect: 1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner WIND monsters
During either player's turn: You can target 1 face-up monster your opponent controls that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck; until the end of this turn, change its ATK to 0, also that face-up monster has its effects negated. You can only use this effect of "Clear Wing Fast Dragon" once per turn. If this card in the Monster Zone is destroyed by battle or card effect: You can place this card in your Pendulum Zone.

Yuto's:

Name: Dark Anthelion Dragon

Attribute: Dark

Rank: 7

Scale: 10

Type: Dragon/Xyz/Pendulum

ATK: 3000

DEF: 2500

Pendulum Effect: No Pendulum Effect.

Effect: If you can Pendulum Summon Level 7, you can Pendulum Summon this face-up card in your Extra Deck. Once per turn, during either player's turn, you can detach 1 Overlay Unit from this card to decrease the ATK of an opponent's monster by half and increase this card's ATK by the same amount until the end of this turn, also gain that same amount of Life Points. This card cannot be destroyed the turn you activated this effect. When this card is destroyed, you can place it in your Pendulum Zone.

Yuri's:

Name: Starving Venemy Dragon

Attribute: Dark

Level: 7

Scale: 1

Type: Dragon/Fusion/Pendulum

ATK: 2500

DEF: 2000

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, you can reduce one battle damage to zero. When a card leaves the field, place one Venemy Counter on all monsters on the field.

Effect: 2 DARK monsters
Once per turn, negate one monster effect and gain that effect. In addition, lower that monster's ATK or DEF by 500 points, and inflict 500 in damage to your opponent. When this card is destroyed, you can place it in your Pendulum Zone.

Yuki's:

Name: Frozen Blizzard Dragon

Attribute: Water

Level: 7

Scale: 9

Type: Dragon/Ritual/Pendulum

ATK: 2500

DEF: 2000

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, when you Special Summon a monster gain Life Points equal to half the ATK of that monster.

Effect: You can Ritual Summon this card with the Ritual Spell Card, "Blizzard Tornado". Once per turn: You can target 1 monster your opponent controls. If this card destroys that monster inflict damage to your opponent equal to the ATK of this card. In addition if that card has 3000 or more ATK remove it from play. When this card is destroyed, you can place it in your Pendulum Zone.

"This is... wow." Yuto said in shock.

"Yeah." Yuki nodded agreeing.

"Mommy, can we go home?" Ace asked.

Ray turned to him. He was blushing as Sandy arrived at the room.

"What did I miss?" Sandy asked.

Ace blushed even more hearing her voice and tried to hide his face again.

"Acy? Can you tell me what's going on in private?" Ray asked.

Ace looked at her and nodded. Ray, and Ace walked to another room for Ace to talk to her.

"Um... we saw Amy." Ace said nodded before saying, "Yeah I know. What I want to know is why your face is red."

Ace turned brighter. "Amy said she loved me... but then said she knew who would take care of and love me for her."

Ray looked surprised asking, "Who?"

"... she said Sandy." Ace answered before blushing even more.

Ray stayed quiet for a few seconds before hugging Ace. He hugged her. "Mommy it's embarrassing."

"Well what do you think of Sandy?" Ray asked him.

"She's nice, but... Amy was one of my only two friends, and I don't want to replace her. It's mean." Ace answered.

"Ace when Amy said that she wants Sandy to care for you she doesn't mind it at all." Ray smiled.

Ace blushed again. Ray kissed his forehead softly with a smile before saying, "Ace let me tell you something. About me, and Daddy."

Ace looked at her curiously.

"Me, and Grandpa first saw him in one match." Ray began to explain.

Ace's eyes widened in shock hearing that. "Really?"

Ray nodded.

"What happened?" Ace asked.

"Well it was when..." Ray started.

Flashback:

"Ok just relax, this is your first major duel so nobody expects you to be perfect." Zarc told himself as he awaited the moment his name was to be called and he would enter the stadium for his match, the voices of the crowd echoing in his ears as he drew four cards from, his deck and smiled. "You're excited too huh, well we'll just have to give these people a show they'll never forget."

As if responding to Zarc's words the four cards seemed to start glowing as he closed his eyes feeling the same bond with his friends that had gotten him this far in the first place, their hearts were connected.

"Next up, we have a newcomer to the professional dueling stage." announced an enthusiastic male voice as his words echoed throughout the stadium and Zarc took one final deep breath, the moment of truth had finally arrived. "Please give a warm welcome for the Dragon Duelist, Zarc!"

On cue Zarc walked out into the stadium and was immediately dumbfounded at the incredible number of people who were there to watch him duel, his eyes raced across what felt like thousands of faces all focusing on him before he paused as he caught the eye of Ray. He didn't know why, but something about her immediately drew his attention and it was only when he noticed he was staring that he quickly looked away as his opponent, a man in a dark green jacket with brown pants approached him.

"So your name is Zarc, I'm Richard." the man introduced himself extending his hand. "Let's have a good match."

"Yeah, and may the best duelist win." Zarc agreed taking his hand as he felt the familiar excitement of performing alongside his dragons.

The duel had gone back and forth countless times, with the crowd's gasps of suspense and excitement bringing incredible joy to Zarc, this is what he had been looking forward to the entire time. In a display of coordination with Odd-Eyes Dragon that left the audience cheering louder than any before he had managed to not only survive the attack from Machina Force with 50 life points but he had also gotten every card necessary for his friends to give him the victory.

'Odd-Eyes, you sacrificed yourself and I promise it won't be in vain.' Zarc thought with a smile before turning to the audience, unconsciously in the direction of that girl from before as he bowed. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I truly hope you've enjoyed the show and Richard has been a remarkable opponent, but the time has come to bring our performance to an end. I activate the effect of my two Dragon Miracle traps in the graveyard, banishing them to summon two level four Lesser Dragons in defense mode."

"Two level four monsters, then you must be planning to Xyz Summon." Richard noted. "Though you're Xyz monster still won't be powerful enough to take down Machina Force."

"If it were any Xyz monster I might agree with you, but this is one of my closest friends. I overlay my two Lesser Dragons!" Zarc declared before closing his eyes. 'Time for your debut, let's make it one to remember.'

The crowd went silent as the two dragons flew up into the vortex and Zarc drew a card from his Extra Deck as a single roar echoed in his mind.

"Formed from pitch-black darkness, to fight those foolish enough to oppose it with its treacherous fangs! Now, descend! Xyz Summon! Rank 4! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!" Zarc chanted as his dragon appeared on the field above him. "Now, by using one of Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon's overlay units your Machina Force loses half its attack points and Dark Rebellion gains that same amount, go Treason Discharge!"

As Zarc said that, one of the purple orbs floating around Dark Rebellion flew into its wings before purple electricity shot out and surrounded Machina Force.

"What, but that means Machina Force is vulnerable!" Richard realized in shock.

"Exactly." Zarc smiled. "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon attack!"

"He's pretty good, what do you think dad?" Ray asked.

"He certainly is talented Ray. Not many people have such a strong connection to their monsters." Leo Akaba noted sitting next to her. "You could see it in his eyes."

Ray turned back to the duel as Zarc won and looked straight at the Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon before a feeling of joy and happiness filler her heart and she immediately blinked in surprise. 'You too, you can feel the hearts of your cards?'

Suddenly the crowd erupted into deafening cheers as Zarc won the duel with his dragon and smiled while waving at everyone watching, though Ray and her father both noticed that as Zarc's eyes passed them they stayed on Ray for a few moments longer than anyone else.

"We should congratulate him; don't you agree Ray?" Leo Akaba inquired with a smile.

"Yeah, actually there's something I wanted to ask him. During the duel, did you notice it?" Ray asked. "It was as if he was talking directly to his dragons, just like I do when I duel."

"You think, well there's only one way to find out. Come on we can meet him if we head out now." Leo Akaba mentioned with a calm smile as the two of them walked out of the stadium and away from the ever-increasing cheers of the crowd.

Zarc felt like he was on top of the world, his first professional duel and he made everyone smile. Winning wasn't even something he cared about doing, it was just an extra boost to his confidence and he was excitedly speaking with his dragons about the duel.

"You two were amazing, I knew I could always count on you, and next time I'll be sure to let you two take center stage." Zarc smiled before closing his eyes. "The five of us are a team, and nothing will ever change that."

Zarc was so engrossed in his conversation with his dragons that he completely missed the man walking up to him before he practically walked into him only to stop at the last second thanks to Odd-Eyes Dragon warning him.

"Huh, oh I'm really sorry I was just…" Zarc started.

"Talking to your dragons?" Ray finished as Zarc turned and stared in shock that she not only would think to guess that but that she was so certain she was right.

"Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Leo Akaba, and this is my daughter Ray." Leo Akaba introduced that Zarc had nearly walked into. "I must admit, that was a remarkable duel. You're quite skilled."

"Thanks, did my dragons and I entertain you Mr. Akaba?" Zarc asked anxiously. "That's kind of what I was trying to do, winning was great but even if I lost it people enjoyed the match that's all I wanted."

"You did, and judging from your reaction to my daughter's question you were indeed speaking with your dragons." Leo commented calmly.

"Yeah…" Zarc started. "But how did you know that's what…"

"I can do the same thing, I thought I was the only one." Ray interjected causing Zarc to turn and stare at her in shock.

"You two must have quite a bit to talk about, would you like to join my family for dinner? Leo offered though with the look in his eye Zarc could immediately tell this wasn't a simple polite invitation.

'Wait, I was staring at his daughter. I'm dead.' Zarc thought fearfully. "Oh, um well I'd hate to intrude and…"

"Think nothing of it, you're more than welcome if you'd like to join." Leo explained.

"Well…" Zarc started before meeting Ray's eyes as he felt all of his nerves melt away. "That sounds lovely, thank you very much Mr. Akaba."

"The pleasure is mine." Leo replied calmly.

Zarc had expected the dinner with the Akaba family to be awkward but sitting between Ray and her father was even more stressful than he expected it to be.

"If you don't mind me asking, where did you get those two dragons?" Leo inquired. "Odd-Eyes Dragon and Dark Rebelliomn Xyz Dragon correct?"

"Actually, I have four dragons." Zarc explained as he took out his deck before placing the four cards on the table. "I used Odd-Eyes and Dark Rebellion in the duel today but I also have Clear Wing Synchro Dragon and Starve Venom Fusion Dragon."

"Four dragons, no wonder he called you the dragon duelist." Ray smiled. "You can talk to all of them?"

"Yeah, I can. They're my closest friends in the world." Zarc smiled as he felt familiar feelings of happiness in his chest, his dragons felt the same way. "Though to be honest, I didn't find them so much as they found me."

"They found you, what do you mean by that?" Leo inquired calmly before meeting Zarc's eye with an unspoken message that they needed to talk after the meal.

Zarc swallowed nervously thinking about the implications of that conversation. "Well, a few years ago I was heading home…"

As he said that Zarc looked down sadly.

"Zarc?" Ray started hesitantly. "What's wrong?"

Zarc just looked up as Leo and Ray noticed the tears in his eyes only for him to glance at the four dragon cards and wipe them away.

"Anyway, I was heading home when a strong breeze blew the cards right in front of me. I heard them asking for help and so I picked them up and well, we bonded really quickly after that." Zarc smiled recalling the day he got the four cards. "To be honest, I've always been able to communicate with the spirits inside the cards, but these four. We have a connection that goes beyond just a duelist and the cards he uses."

"They're like your family aren't they?" Ray guessed only for Zarc to suddenly look down. "Is something…"

"Zarc, you mentioned you found the cards on your way home. What exactly did you parents say when you told them that four incredibly powerful cards just flew into…" Leo started before Zarc started shaking.

"Zarc?" Ray asked as she went to gently take his hand only for him to pull back and stand up from the table.

"I appreciate you having me over, but I really need to go." Zarc said quickly before picking up his cards and starting to walk off only for Leo to catch his shoulder.

"Zarc, you don't have any parents do you?" Leo questioned as Zarc's body tensed at the memories. "Those dragons, they aren't like your family, they are your family am I right?"

Zarc just shook but the pain in his eyes was more than enough for Leo to know he was right as he took Zarc into a side room.

"Do we really have to do this?" Zarc asked. "I'm sorry that I looked at…"

"You think that's what I want to talk to you about?" Leo questioned. "Zarc, I care about my daughter yes but that's for another time. Right now you need to listen to something else, you haven't done anything to make me distrust you and if you need anything I'll be there to help."

Zarc's eyes widened hearing that as Leo smiled gently.

"It's really alright, I have my dragons and…" Zarc started only for Leo to gently shake his head.

"Yes, but you need more than that. We can talk about your potential relation with Ray later, right now though what you need to know is that Ray and I will be there if you need anything." Leo told him. "You're a good person, do you understand?"

"You… yes. Thank you." Zarc whispered in shock as Leo smiled.

"Good, now we'll still have to talk about that another time, but right now would you like to spend the night as our guest?" Leo inquired. "You're more than welcome to if you'd like."

Zarc could hardly contain his emotions as the implications of what he just heard hit his brain. Mr. Akaba, he wasn't mad and was willing to support him? Nobody in the past had ever treated him as anything other than a freak who talked to his deck.

"Dad's right, you can stay if you need to Zarc." Ray offered with a smile.

"That's… thank you, thank you both so much." Zarc smiled as a familiar feeling of happiness built in his chest and he knew immediately that his friends felt the same joy he did.

Meeting Ray and her dad had been the greatest thing to ever happen in Zarc's life, he had people who cared about him and on top of everything else his dueling was continuing to bring smiles and excitement to everyone. His life couldn't possibly get any better.

"It looks like a storm might be brewing so we'll have to pack things up and head back." Leo commented.

Well maybe one way, he'd never admit to it but Leo Akaba wouldn't give Zarc and Ray time to themselves, always suggesting that since Zarc didn't have a family of his own he should spend time with the two of them to make up for lost time, not that Zarc didn't appreciate that but some time with just Ray would have been nice.

"Yeah, you're right about that." Zarc admitted. "Besides, I have another big match coming up in a few days and I want to make sure people are cheering even louder than ever before."

Leo and Ray smiled at Zarc's enthusiasm as the three of them started packing up their bags they had taken to the crystal-clear lake just outside the city and started heading back as Ray walked up to him. "Seeing you have so much fun with your dragons I know people will be excited to see again."

"She has a point Zarc, nobody else I've seen has such a close connection to their cards and while I can't speak for anybody else when I see you duel it keeps me at the edge of my seat with excitement." Leo told him. "I'm sure that as long as you keep doing what you've been doing people will be happy and excited."

Zarc rubbed the back of his head sheepishly before nodding. "Thanks, um… actually if it isn't too much trouble there's a new movie coming out tomorrow and if…"

The look in Leo's eyes told Zarc that he knew exactly what he was asking but after spending these past few weeks with him it was clear that Zarc was a good person as he closed his eyes.

"Dad?" Ray inquired before Leo opened his eyes and smiled.

"You two have fun, I have some work to do so I won't be able to make it. Enjoy yourselves though." Leo smiled.

Zarc immediately blinked in shock, Mr. Akaba had never allowed him and Ray to go somewhere without his supervision, this was unreal and yet he knew it wasn't a dream. He would actually have the opportunity to spend time with Ray, and maybe even tell her his feelings.

Ray just smiled hearing that as she gently took Zarc's hand as Leo noticed and met Zarc's eye with a kind but calm warning, don't upset her or you'll regret this, you get one chance.

Zarc smiled back and closed his eyes as the cool breeze blew past them. Things couldn't possibly get any better than they were right at this moment.

"What kind of movie is it Zarc?" Ray inquired as the two of them walked up to purchase their tickets as Zarc blushed slightly. "Huh, is something…"

"Ray, there's something I've been wanting to tell you for a while." Zarc admitted anxiously. "Back when I first saw you there was…"

Suddenly Ray took Zarc's hand and smiled causing him to pause and meet her gaze as she gently kissed him.

"I know what you're trying to say, and the truth is I think I might feel the same way. At first I just felt like all we had in common was that we could hear the spirits in our cards but after spending these past few months with you, it just makes me more and more happy." Ray smiled.

Time seemed to stand still as Ray said that and Zarc just looked at her in shock before huge smile appeared on his face.

"Ray, you have no idea how happy that makes me." Zarc smiled. "When I first saw you in the crowd I felt like there was something special about you, I guess it was that I had just seen the person who would mean more to me than anyone else."

Ray blushed hearing that but smiled as the two of them walked up to purchase their movie tickets.

The romantic film that Zarc had chosen couldn't have resonated with him and Ray any more if they were the main characters, and the two of them knew if from the moment the film started until the instant the credits started to roll.

"That was an amazing film, right Zarc?" Ray asked holding his hand and smiling. "The scene where the two main characters met and realized they had the same strange power that isolated them for so long."

"That is until they found each other and realized what they both thought was keeping them from getting to know other people was really just the key to finding the people that really mattered in the end." Zarc agreed before the two of them started to laugh.

As the two of them walked the sun moved out from behind a cloud illuminating Ray's face as Zarc blushed a bit before the familiar feeling of his dragons' happiness filled his chest and he realized that they were as happy to spend time with Ray as he was.

Suddenly Ray paused. "Zarc, I'm worried. Your duels are getting more and more risky to keep people excited but after what happened last time, you nearly fell and if your trap hadn't brought back Clear Wing…"

Zarc looked down recalling what she was talking about, he was trying to excite the crowd by leaping from Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon in midair and landing on Starve Venom Fusion Dragon as he summoned it only for his opponent to use Solemn Warning and stop him. If it wasn't for his facedown card bringing back Clear Wing Synchro Dragon to catch him during his fall he might not be standing with Ray now.

"I know that you want to please the crowd and make people smile but when you have to be careful. These duels are just getting more and more realistic and…" Ray started only for Zarc to gently hug her.

"I know, I can't promise I won't try to make the audience smile but I will promise that I'll be careful so you won't have to worry." Zarc promised.

"Ok, thank you Zarc." Ray smiled as the two of them walked back to the Akaba household.

"You two seem happy." Leo noted as Ray and Zarc walked into the house. "How was the movie?"

"It was a great movie." Ray replied. "I'm really glad we managed to see it."

"She's right, it was one of the best movies I've ever seen." Zarc added as he met Leo's eye. "Actually, could I talk to you Mr. Akaba?"

Leo nodded calmly as the two of them walked into a different room and Leo offered Zarc a seat on a chair which he politely took.

"What's on your mind Zarc?" Leo inquired though the look in his eye and the calm expression on his face told Zarc he knew exactly what this conversation was going to be about.

"You and Ray have been so incredibly kind to me these past few months and I couldn't be more grateful, although…" Zarc started before taking a deep breath. "You probably know what I'm going to ask, but I love Ray. I'd like to marry her one day, and I don't want our relationship to suffer because…"

Leo just looked down and shook his head before glancing at Zarc with a smile on his face causing Zarc to pause and look at him in surprise.

"I've known this whole time that you love her Zarc, the truth is you don't have to be a genius to see how happy the two of you make each other." Leo explained. "The fact is I was doubtful at first for my daughter to be spending so much time with you, what father wouldn't be?"

Zarc could only smile in understanding, Ray was his only child so of course he would want to make sure she would be ok.

"You're right, and I feel the same way. I want to keep Ray happy too." Zarc admitted. "That's why after my next duel… I was going to ask to marry her."

Leo just closed his eyes in thought as Zarc held his breath, each second that passed feeling like an eternity until Leo finally opened his eyes. "I still think you two are young to be thinking about marriage but if you two are willing to wait a bit longer I can say that I can't think of any people more perfect for each other."

Zarc just stared as his brain attempted to catch up with what it just heard, Leo Akaba was saying it was ok for him to marry Ray? As he realized that was what Leo meant Zarc felt happier than he had in his entire life.

"I… thank you so much." Zarc replied. "You have no idea what this means to me."

"I think I can guess, though remember I asked you to wait a bit longer before that can you do that for me Zarc?" Leo questioned.

Zarc just nodded. "It won't be easy to wait, but if anything in the world is worth waiting Ray is more than worth the wait."

Leo just smiled hearing that before the two of them walked back to see Ray looking at her cards and smiling.

"Oh, what were you two talking about?" Ray inquired.

"I was just telling Mr. Akaba about how you were concerned about what happened in my last duel and didn't want me doing anything that risky again." Zarc answered.

Ray just looked at the two of them skeptically but nodded.

"Bringing smiles to people watching the duels is just as important as winning or losing Ray." Leo pointed out.

"I guess you have a point." Ray relented. "Just make sure you're careful alright Zarc, the crowd got a little too excited after that last near miss and you're too easily swayed by their cheering."

Zarc just rubbed his head and laughed knowing she was right. "Well yeah, but I promised I wouldn't do anything crazy and I won't."

Ray smiled hearing that and the sight of her smile made Zarc feel even happier than ever before.

Flashback End:

"...And that was it." Ray ended with joyful tears.

Ace looked shocked before hugging Ray. Ray hugged him back.

bopdog111: Well guess we had developed more of Sandy's character.

Ulrich362: Yeah, among other things.

bopdog111: Ray's flashback is borrowed from Ulrich's story Joined Souls. What you saw was only half of it.

Ulrich362: I've been working on a few Arc-V stories including that one so feel free to give them a look if you want or to give any suggestions and I'll see about getting to them. That aside though, it sounds like Mason and Bonnie will reunite with their grandmother soon right Bopdog?

bopdog111: Yes.

Ulrich362: Well, look forward to that. See you in the next chapter.

bopdog111: Be sure to review!