Hey guys time for chapter two. For those who left reviews, I give you my thanks and to answer your question about Shadow Yuma…..hehehehehehe….

Midnight….raining…..the Midnight Channel should be on soon, Yu thought to himself as he glanced at Yuma's sleeping form. He was out like a light so he shouldn't be disturbed by what came on. Judging by the pattern he and his friends had determined, Yuma is to be featured next on the channel having been featured on the news that evening. Yu flicked off the lamp and stared into the blank TV waiting for the right moment. The TV flicked on; the image was slightly clearer than usual but the static still obscured the face a bit. But this time the static really didn't hide who it was; the spiky hair gave it away. It was with no doubt Yuma. The TV turned off allowing Yu to return to his bed with nothing more he can do that night never realizing he was being watched by a certain blue spirit.

Astral's gaze followed Yu to his bed before switching to the TV. What is just showed confused him as well as Yu's actions. It seemed like Yu had expected the TV to randomly turn on right at that moment. Mulling over his thoughts, he tried to come to a conclusion.

Narukami acted like he knew that TV would turn on. Though reviewing my observations, the circumstances matches those in the rumor Yuma had overheard. Though why would Narukami observe the channel?

The investigation team had once again gathered at the Junes' food court, Today's topic, last night's Midnight Channel.

Chie slurped down her steak before speaking, "So we're 100% certain that was Yuma on the program last night."

"With hair like that, there's no doubt," Yosuke said, "How does he get his hair like that anyway? Hair gel?"

"Let's not get distracted," Naoto spoiled the fun, "We know that Yuma is the killer's next target."

"At least we know, not the killer," Rise pointed out, "The image last night was still rather blurry and we could identify Yuma because we know of his spiky hair. Unless the killer as already seen Yuma, he's still in the dark."

"So in other words, we're actually have the jump on him this time!" Kanji was getting excited.

"Until it rains tonight, then the image gets clearer. It's not a big window." Yukiko sighed.

"Maybe not," Yu interjected, "You all said you were home when you got kidnapped. Yuma lives with me and it's usually me or Nanako who answers the door. It's very unlikely for Yuma to answer the door giving the culprit the opportunity he needs."

"So it will be unlikely that Yuma's going to get kidnapped," Naoto mused, "But that doesn't mean that the killer will try to get Yuma outside of the house."

"But that would mean that he would have to stalk Yuma until he saw his chance, when he's by himself and there's no one else around. Thankfully for us that kind of behavior is easier to spot." Yosuke said.

"So it's even more important that we keep an eye on Yuma," Yukiko sighed, "Do you know what Yuma does after school Naruakmi?"

Yu thought for a moment, "Usually he stays at his school, he claims to be on the roof. But other than that he usually goes straight home unless I take him somewhere else. But he's starting to explore the town now."

"So we should take turns watching him, like a steak out!" Rise was getting excited for some reason.

"Um…guys…." Teddie who had been rather quite during the meeting spoke up rather softly, "There's something else."

"Uh? What do you mean Teddie?" Kanji asked.

"I wasn't quite sure about this but when we were with him yesterday, I saw a shimmer behind Yuma. Like something was following him."

This made the group go quite. Naoto was the first to inquire, "Are you certain you saw something?"

"Positive! I thought I was seeing something at first but I saw it three times!"

"A shimmer…like a ghost?" Rise wondered.

"Don't say it like that," Chie shivered, "that's creepy."

"But if there is something there…that might explain why Yuma keeps talking to air back home." Yu muttered.

"We shouldn't let that distract us for now," Naoto said, "Our priority is to prevent Yuma's kidnapping. Well take turns following Yuma to keep an eye on him. That way he won't get suspicious of us. Narukami-sempai can keep an eye on him at their home."

"Sounds like a plan," Yu said as he got up, "He should be leaving his school now."

"Time to act." Kanji grinned.

"Yuma, you're being followed."

"Really?" Yuma turned around just in time to spot someone trying to duck behind a lamp post. "Huh…someone is."

"It appeared to be one of those people you spent time with yesterday."

"Why are they following me?"

"I'm going to find out," Astral flew over to the stalker's hiding place. He spotted what he remembered as the ones identified as Kanji and Chie, both looking rather nervous.

"That was too close," Kanji panted.

"We weren't even talking! How did he know we were behind him?" Chie whispered.

Astral noted the small amusement that he felt over this situation.

"Is he still looking this way?" Kanji asked.

"I don't know, but I think he is," Chie leaned around the post as much as she dared.

Astral decided he had enough and rejoined Yuma.

"So?" He asked his partner.

"It was Chie and Kanji. From their conversations they're trying to follow you undetected." Astral reported.

"I'm glad I've got you then," Yuma smiled, "But why are they trying to follow me?"

"Your roommate Narukami is friends with them right? I did observe him doing something odd last night."

"Odd? Like what?"

"He watched that Midnight Channel."

Yuma jumped back a bit, "That thing is real?!"

Astral nodded, "Yu watched it last night. The image was blurry, but it looked like you."

"Wha….but why?"

"I don't know but clearly there's something that's going on here. I advise that you take caution around Narukami and the others."

Yuma frowned, he really didn't want to be suspicious of his new friends. They were the ones who reached out to him when he was getting lonely in this new town.

Astral noted Yuma's hesitance, Is there truly no changing your trusting nature Yuma?, he thought to himself. Vector's deception was still fresh in Astral's mind. He desperately did not want a repeat of what happened. Astral knew that part of his duty was to protect Yuma but could he do that if it meant overriding his will? He shook that though out of his head. He couldn't believe he just thought of that!

"Astral?"

Astral snapped out of thoughts. "Yuma…"

"Are you okay?"

He sighed, "I'm fine…."

Yuma wasn't convinced, "Come on, let's head down to those flood plains we heard about. We can take a walk down there."

Chie and Kanji just stared in disbelief.

"Is that kid crazy and just had a conversation to himself?" Kanji asked.

"Maybe Teddie was right and there is something there," Chie said, "But I think he knows we're following him."

"So steak out's a bust then?"

"I don't know….Yosuke and Yukiko are taking over next," Chie pulled out her phone, "I'll text then and let them know Yuma's catching on."

"I think he's heading for the flood plains, and tell Yosuke not to make a scene."

Chie grinned, "Already on that."

By the time Yuma got home, he was exhausted. Not only did he noticed Chie and Kanji following him, he saw every single one of Narukami's friends following him! Even that Teddie guy still in the bear costume! Even Yuma found that ridiculous.

"Long day?"

"Oh hey Narukami," Yuma took a seat next to at the table in front of the TV which Nanako was watching again, "Dojima still at work?"

"Daddy always works late," Nanako said without even looking away from the screen.

Yuma whispered to Yu, "Is it always like this here?"

"It is, Dojima-san is rather dedicated to his work," Then Yu changed the subject, "So what do you two want for dinner?"

Yuma's stomach growled, "Chicken dumplings!"

Nanako turned away from the TV, "Me too! But I don't think we have chicken."

Yu smiled, "That can easily be fixed. How about a trip to Junes?"

Nanako's face brightened, "Of course! Let's go big bro! You can come too Yuma!"

"Glad I'm not left out," Yuma chuckled, "Maybe we should get a few special snacks while we're there."

Nanako nodded in agreement then ran to get her shoes on.

Better let the others know then, Yu thought as he began to text his friends hiding his phone under the table. Behind him, Astral saw what he typed.

Just what are you hiding Yu Narukami?

"Hey Nanako is this chicken good?"

"It's not fat enough Yuma, pick a bigger one. We're making a lot tonight."

Yuma put back the package and took a look at the others trying to find the perfect chicken, "How do we know if it's fat enough?"

"When it looks like it wants to burst out of the package."

"Like this one?" Yuma held out another package for her.

She nodded, "Yup that's perfect. Let's see…we still need some green herbs and more flour."

"I can get the flour for you," Yuma offered, "It's just on the other side right?"

"Yup, I'll meet you back here. Don't get lost" Nanako teased.

"I won't," he reassured her before taking off to locate the flour. When he was out of sight, he turned to his spiritual friend, "Astral, you've been really out of it today."

Astral remained rather silent before speaking, "Yuma, Narukami is up to something. I saw him messaging his friends that we were coming here."

"That's not suspicious, maybe we just wanted to spend some time with them."

"Yuma, please listen. There are too many odd things around this town for me to brush off. Even if we're far away from the others we still need to be cautious about the Barians."

Yuma shuffled his feet, "I know Astral, but we're out here in the country. We haven't seen a single one since we've got here."

"But that Midnight Channel-"

"We don't even know if it's a real thing or if it's dangerous. Relax Astral, we're fine."

"But what if we walk into another trap? What if we run into someone like Vector again? What if Narukami's trying to trick you?!"

Yuma was taken aback, "Astral….do you really not trust Narukami….do you not trust me?"

Astral opened his mouth then closed it, he couldn't believed what he just said.

"Excuse me….Are you Yuma Tsukumo?"

Yuma turned around to face that man that came up behind him, "Yes that's me,"

"Good..." Then Yuma felt a cloth being pressed over his mouth. Astral's calling for his name was the last thing he heard before everything went black.

"So how did following Yuma go?"

Everyone faced Yu like he was an alien. "What?"

"You didn't mention how crazy he was?!" Yosuke nearly yelled.

"He kept looking right at us!" Teddie actually yelled, "It's like he had eyes in the back of his head!"

"Not to mention he kept talking to thin air," Chie added, "He was catching on to us!"

"I never would of guessed his ability to notice us," Naoto was the only calm one.

"But none of us noticed anything odd other than the aforementioned," Rise said.

"In short, the stake out was a bust." Kanji groaned.

"Though smart about bringing Yuma here," Yosuke said, "This place is too crowed for something to happen."

"Big bro…"

Yu turned around in shock, "Nanako, I though Yuma was with you."

"He was, then he offered to get the flour for me. But I haven't seen him since. I checked this floor but I can't find him."

Silence coated the group in fear.

"I'm going to go let security know." Yosuke ran off to find the closest employee.

"I'm going to go check the other floors," Yukiko ran off with Chie in tow.

"Big bro, you don't think something bad had happened?" Nanako was close to tears.

"No Nanako, we're just playing it safe," Yu fibbed as dread filled his stomach, Yuma….please be alright.

It quickly became known that Yuma was not located anywhere in Junes and the police were called. When Dojima arrived with Adachi, he was pissed. Not only there was another strange disappearance, this one looked like it could be a kidnapping. And not just of any kid, one that he was supposed to be looking after. By God if something happened, he wouldn't forgive himself.

"Adachi, get the store in lockdown. No one leaves until Yuma is found."

"Yes sir," Adachi saluted and ran off to let the rest of the team know.

"Uncle…"

Dojima turned to see his nephew and daughter, both looking extremely worried.

"Don't worry too much, we'll find Yuma before the night's through."

"Please Daddy….if I hadn't let him go alone…."

Dojima patted his daughter on the head, "It's not your fault Nanako."

"Uncle, I'm going to keep looking for him."

Dojima gave a long glance at Yu, "Okay…be careful, don't confront anyone who could be dangerous. But I can't let you leave the store. We're putting it in lock down just in case he's still here."

Yu nodded, "I will." He then turned and left to rejoin his friends. "We're going to check the store one more time then the Midnight Channel."

The team nodded and headed to search the store once more.

The gang shifted nervously in front of the large TV at Junes. The search for Yuma in the store had not gone so well and as it was approaching midnight, the Midnight Channel was their only way to confirm if he had been kidnapped yet.

"I don't get it," Yosuke muttered, "All the other victims had been kidnapped from their homes. Why did Yuma get kidnapped from a crowed department store?"

"Maybe the killer got impatient and grabbed Yuma when he could" Rise suggested.

"To risky, there are far too many witnesses to pull off a kidnapping like this. Besides, we don't even know if he has been kidnapped." Naoto being the calm one here, "That's why we have to wait for the Midnight Channel to confirm whether or not he's on the other side yet."

"But we shouldn't just stand here!" Kanji exclaimed, "We should just hop in right now and search!"

"Calm down Kanji-kun," Yukiko said in an attempted to calm the hot head down, "Once we know if he's there we can do the rescue mission."

"Quiet!" Chie hushed everyone, "The TV is turning on!"

The TV flickered on and the image was clear. They saw Yuma sitting improperly on a throne with one leg hanging over one arm rest and resting his head on one hand. He was dressed in a leather jacket and pants and a large read cloak with a fur trim like that of a king was draped over his shoulders. He looked up towards the camera revealing the golden eyes all the other shadows had and smirked.

Greetings everyone, have you come to worship your king yet?

"King?" Teddie questioned. He was quickly shushed by everyone else.

You see, no one recognizes me for my greatness. But while I have the throne and look, I'm not a king yet. I have to rise and grab the power for myself. And it's very soon…..soon…I will have the power to MAKE THEM ALL SEE!

The Shadow Yuma stood up spreading his arms in declaration.

I am the king…..and I don't need pathetic commoners like you anymore. You'll be begging for forgiveness soon.

With that, the TV shut off.

Yu broke the silence, "He's there."

Yosuke gulped, "Let's go."

They all leaped into the TV. It was time for a rescue mission.

"Yuma…Yuma…Yuma!"

Yuma groaned. His head was pounding with a headache and Astral's cries for him to wake up were not helping. Reluctantly, Yuma rolled over and lifted himself up on his elbows. "Astral? What happened?"

"I am quite unsure myself. The man you spoke to suddenly placed a cloth over your mouth and you fell limp. He dragged you over to a TV and somehow….he threw you inside it. I was pulled along inside as well. We've landed in a strange environment but you have remained unconscious for quite some time."

Yuma rubbed his forehead and looked around. Where ever they were, it was made out of smooth stone that had an odd blue color to it. Beyond that he couldn't make out too much, there was too much fog. "What's with all this fog?" he muttered.

"I'm not quite sure you're referring to when you say fog." Astral gave observation.

"It's this white stuff that's making it very hard to see!" While he had gotten used to Astral's naivety, Yuma still found it frustrating at times.

"My vision is perfectly clear. There is no "white stuff" that you describe."

"You can't see it? It's like pea soup."

"What is this pea soup?

Yuma groaned, "I have got to stop using figures of speech around you."

Astral was about to ask what a figure of speech was but a low chuckle stopped him.

Heh heh heh heh…hello there worm….come to be crushed?

Yuma froze upon hearing the voice. He knew it but, he didn't want to turn around to confirm it. Astral however, did. "Yuma…..there's another you."

"Rise-chan…..are you sure Yuma-kun is in here?"

The group had followed Rise's lead to what appeared to be a futuristic castle built out of a smooth blue stone with many stain glass windows and were standing in front of the main gates, which were opened.

"Positive. Though…..I sense someone else is with him," Rise said while gazing through Himiko's visor. "But the signal is rather odd. Could someone else have gotten thrown in with him?"

"Why would the killer risk that?" Kanji wondered.

"Maybe someone saw the killer kidnap Yuma and tossed him in as well to get rid of witnesses." Naoto theorized.

"Regardless, we still need to go in and find Yuma and save him." Yu spoke confidently, "Both from the shadows and from whatever issues he faces."

"Yeah, I don't know about you guys but he said on that program sounded a little messed up. Especially from a 13 year old." Yosuke wondered.

"We can speculate later, Yuma's life could be in danger right now." Yukiko warned the group.

Yu nodded, "I'm with Yukiko. Let's go rescue Yuma."

With that, the group rushed in.

Yuma gulped. There in front of him, was him, or him in some sort of way. They stared at each other for quite awhile as if to observe one another, as if to process what was happening.

Eventually, Yuma collected the courage to speak, "Who…who are you?"

The other Yuma grinned, Who am I? What kind of a question is that? I am you.

Yuma took a step back, "What do you mean? I'm me. There's only one of me."

Of course there is only one of you. I'm just another side of you….one you don't want to admit.

"What do you mean don't want to admit?!"

The other Yuma chuckled, Haven't you grown tired of having those pesky "friends" around? I bet you're enjoying this trip so you can be away from them.

Yuma froze; Astral looked on in confusion as the copy continued.

You're tired of having them around. They only hang around you because you have the interesting life with hunting the numbers. You know they like Astral more. He's the one with the superior dueling skills.

Yuma began to grit his teeth. His fist started to clench in anger.

Admit it, you're weak. All your cockiness and the "kattobingu" is just a face. It's more annoying than anything. It's just a desperate plea for attention to surround yourself with others that make yourself feel superior.

Astral didn't like where this was going. Yuma had gone silent and this clone kept going on. If this copy was truly what he claimed to be, logically this isn't going to end very well.

Yuma eventually spoke with a growl in his voice, "It's not stupid…..I'm not lonely…"

"YUMA!"

Yuma snapped out of his frustrated state and spun around and was surprised by who he saw, "Narukami?...Everyone?"

Sure enough, Yu and his team had arrived with all of their Personas summoned and ready for battle.

"Um guys…"Chie inquired "Do you see that blue ghost next to Yuma"

"I'm getting very bizarre reading from it," Rise stated from under Himiko's visor, "I can't tell if it's a Shadow or a Persona."

"It doesn't smell like a Shadow" Teddie chimed in.

Yuma and Astral turned to each other, "Yuma….they can see me."

"But….how?" Yuma spun to face his clone, "Are you doing this?!"

The clone simply ignored the question.

Oh what's this? Made a new group of so called friends to replace your old ones?

"Yuma!" Yu yelled, "Don't let anything he says get to you!"

You know you do make friends a little too quickly. You're so naive about people.

Yuma could only stammer, everything was just confusing him.

How do you know if the people you befriend are the ones you can trust?

Yuma choked over his answer, "I….I just know!"

Oh really? Do I have to remind you about…..Shingetsu?

That name, it made something inside Yuma snapped. He stared at the clone with intense anger in his eyes. The pleads from Astral and the others started to fade out.

You should take a page from his book. He knew how to use people. He would be a great teacher. I certainly did learn a few things from him.

"No…"

"Don't say it!" Yukiko pleaded.

"You're…"

"Kid don't do it!" Kanji begged.

"Control yourself!" Naoto called out.

"Not…"

"YUMA!" Both Astral and Yu yelled.

"ME!"

The clone grinned as darkness swirled around him.

Just the words I wanted to hear.

Then twisted laughter deafened everyone.

Zexal ends in a month….I don't want it to go. Please leave a review to let me know how I'm doing.