A/N: Yayyy! I'm back!

Larissa: Finally!

Sor-ry! School started up again and I had relatives over, so I was busy! Anyways, I hope you guys like this chapter! It will be sweet to write. By the way, I am including a couple songs in this story...so please don't flame me, all you rule followers! LOL. So if you don't like it...deal with it! XD By the way, you all know the quote I put in the first chapter of my story? I came across a quote that fits my story much better, so I edited that chapter. Check it out if you like! Alright, here is the next chap...enjoy!

Chapter Eleven: Follow Your Heart

Antauri hovered in the air as he meditated, grateful for this pleasant moment. Larissa was down below him, floating a couple of inches off the ground. Antauri was amazed at how far she'd progressed in such little time. It seemed in the two weeks Larissa and Dana had been there, they had seemed to mature, and Larissa's memory seemed to be regaining. Dana no longer released her temper as she had with Sparx, and she had grown sensitive to the feelings of others. Larissa was not as stubborn as she had been, and her childish curiousity had faded and been replaced with a mature demeanor. Antauri could see a new light in their eyes, but he could also see the fear and doubt. He sensed that their hearts were changed, but he had foreseen that their presence here would cause more harm than good...at first.

Larissa glanced up at him just then, her dazzling blue eyes shimmering with questions. Antauri lowered himself to her height, looking at her seriously. "What is on your mind, Larissa?"

Larissa briefly met his eyes then looked away, hoping she wasn't overstepping her boundaries. "Antauri, who is your creator?"

Antauri smiled. He had expected that question sooner or later. "Our creator," he began, a slight fondness in his eyes as he seemed to recall, "was a very intelligent scientist called the Alchemist. He created us for the purpose of protecting Shuggazoom." He shook his head sadly. "But unfortunately, he was corrupted by the Dark Ones, and he turned into the greatest villain of all time." Antauri's eyes locked on hers solemnly. "Skeleton King."

Larissa gasped at Antauri's statement, but before she could comment, he continued. "Not long after that, one of our very own teammates followed in our creator's footsteps." Antauri sighed softly. "To this day we are not certain why he did, but he did have a controlling nature. He did not only want to be Shuggazoom's hero, but he also wanted to be Shuggazoom's master."

Antauri folded his hands in his lap as he hovered above the ground. "After time he became even more greedy, and the team and I knew if he was ever to become leader of Shuggazoom as well as the Hyperforce, he would no doubt abuse his power." His eyes closed suddenly, as if the memories pained him. After a few moments he spoke again. "We could all sense a dark presence within him."

Larissa absorbed his words, then suddenly the answer came to her instantly. She knew whom Antauri was referring to. But just to make sure, Larissa asked, "Antauri, who is this teammate you speak of?"

Antauri opened his eyes and glanced at her. "Mandarin."

The answer hit her with such a blow that Larissa sucked in her breath, even though she'd been expecting that answer. Why hadn't Mandarin ever told them? Was he ashamed of it? She and Dana should've known all along. Antauri noticed her thoughtful, almost upset, silence. "Larissa, are there any other matters you would like to discuss?" he inquired.

Larissa sighed and looked at him, heavy burdens apparent in her eyes. She waited a long time before speaking, but finally she gathered up the courage to ask what had been on her mind. "Antauri...is it possible to choose your own destiny? Nobody makes that decision for you or expects you to follow in the pathway you were created for?"

As soon as the words left her mouth, Larissa wished she could take them back. She had revealed too much information already. Larissa slowly looked up at Antauri, almost expecting to see that familiar condemning expression Mandarin had shot her so many times. But instead, Antauri had a kind, almost loving, look on his face

"Larissa, it matters not whom you were created by or what others expect of you." Antauri smiled and took Larissa's hand, gently placing it over her hammering heart. "All that's important is what your heart is telling you to do."

Their eyes locked just then and Larissa froze at the perceptive glint in his eyes. She could've sworn that Antauri knew. He knew! Several thoughts buzzed through her mind, making her dizzy, as she pondered all that she'd learned in two short weeks and her miserable life as a slave. Was it worth it? Should she risk everything?

Antauri floated just inches above the ground, gazing at her intently. His dark blue eyes showed nothing but compassion...and a welcoming sparkle. "Larissa...what is your heart saying?"

Larissa hesitated for only a quick moment, then determinedly looked into Antauri's eyes. She had made her decision. "My heart is saying...I want to join the Hyperforce," Larissa admitted unwaveringly.

Antauri's face seemed to brighten with enthusiasm as he took her hands warmly. Then he spoke the words Larissa had been yearning to hear ever since she'd arrived.

"Welcome to the team, Larissa."

A/N: AWWW! TOO CUTE! Kinda shorter than I thought it'd be, but oh well. I hope I did alright, that I was in character with Antauri and my writing was right and everything....so, how'd you guys like this chapter?

Larissa: YAY! I LOVED IT!

I know you did. XD The next chapter will be longer and have a song in it....and it'll be really deep, too! I hope you guys like this story so far and that you enjoyed the chapter...I want to thank all of my faithful reviewers for being so...erm, faithful! LOL. But y'all know what I mean. I really appreciate your reviews. Now...REVIEW! XD

Larissa: And we're out...for now! ^.^