Hello, sorry it's been awhile, but some important business needed attending to. Coke head has posted a new illustration on Deviantart. I posted the gallery link in a previous chapter. You may go there to learn how to type the link. Enjoy and R&R!

Sidney started shaking as she continued to talk to Akiza. "It hurts…when it feels like everyone around you just wishes you were nonexistent. But, my dad always told me that people fear what they don't understand…and that's why they hurt you. But in my experience, if you hit back, they just hate you more."

Sidney started tearing. Akiza pushed Sayer's hand away. "Just drown out their jeering…why don't you listen to the people who want to be your friends?"

Sayer grew impatient with her. Everyone saw Sidney's marks beginning to glow brighter, especially the foreclaw on her right arm.

"You can stop now."

Suddenly, Sidney's deck emitted a white light that shined from her back pocket. She pulled out her deck. Voices started filling the air, similar to cries of monsters and warriors. A gust of wind blew as the voices were wisped away and the light from her deck faded.

"What was that supposed be?" Jack wondered, growing irritated with his futile attempts to free himself. Yusei thought for a moment, and when he looked down, he saw Akiza got a surprised look on her face. Perhaps they were thinking the same thing just then. Sidney pulled out the top card of her deck, a monster.

She could feel as if the card was calling to her, wanting to be released. The foreclaw mark seemed to flicker in response to Sidney almost unconcoiusly raising the card high in the air as she called out the creature's name.

"Gladiator Beast Andal!"

The card glared with white-hot light as the monster materialized in front of her outside the cage. The creature was a huge black bear clad in a purple breastplate and other bits of armor. It had a scar across one of its eyes, and seemed to not be able to use that eye. The beast bellowed.

Sayer was taken aback. He jumped up from the chair, and pulled Akiza up with him. Akiza seemed as if this was what she was expecting.

"Woah…I was feeling so bad…I felt so upset about what you went through…and I was so scared…and now….I can summon monsters now, too…I guess that's the power associated with your mark, Akiza…" Sidney collected her thoughts. The bear turned to Sidney and ripped the door of the cage clean off in one fell swoop. The locked was smashed to pieces. Sidney fell on her knees and put her hands over her head for a moment, feeling frightened by the power of the beast.

The bear tossed the door aside like it was a plank of wood, it crashed into the wall, causing the whole warehouse to shake slightly. It put its massive paw over Sidney's hand and pulled her to her feet as it lead her out.

Sayer was infuriated. He saw that Rose Tentacles was still bigger than the bear and looked at Akiza hopefully.

"My monster is pretty strong as a game card, a level four monster with 1900 attack points and 1500 defense points. It would probably get clobbered in a duel, but let's see if it can do more than just battle…"Sidney directed the bear's attention up to wear Yusei and Jack were suspended by Rose Tentacles. Gladiator Beast Andal roared as it attempted to climb up the plant as it swatted at him with thorny vines. The beast managed to make it to the tip of the two vines that held Jack and Yusei, and made a fast swipe the cleaved the tentacles. Sidney whipped out another card as the two duelists were rapidly descending to the floor.

"Big-Tusked Mammoth! Catch my friends!"

A very bulky, violet colored, red eyed Wooly Mammoth appeared underneath them. It scooped up Jack into its curling tusks as he came tumbling down and Yusei was cushioned as he landed on the animal's furry back.

Rose Tentacles finally made a blow that ripped through the Armor of Gladiator Beast Andal and pierced it with curvy thorns, tearing its skin as trickling blood tainted its fur. The bear cried out in pain as it let go and descended to the ground. A white light surrounded it as it shattered into bits of energy and returned to its card in Sidney's deck.

Akiza was angered by the damage that had been done to her beautiful monster, and Sidney peered at her with an apologetic frown.

"I had to do it to save my friends, Akiza. I would save you too if you'd give me the chance." Sidney smiled. Akiza shook he head.

"I don't need saving…I've already been saved."

"Have you?" Just then, there was a clunking and crashing sound outside the warehouse. The doors swung open as Laura and Shinju marched in, with Duel Disks on their arms. Their motorcycles and car were parked by Yusei and Jack's Runners.

"Hope we're not too late." Shinju remarked. Laura rushed over to Sidney and hugged her joyously, ignoring the giant plant and animal that carried the two duelists.

Shinju noticed the unsightly scene right away and gulped.

"What the heck is going on here!?"

Laura sighed. "There will be time to explain later hun."

Jack was shaken off onto the ground by the Mammoth; Yusei jumped down and ran to Laura and Shinju. Jack scrambled up to join them.

"It's too dangerous for you guys, you need to get out of here." Yusei urged them.

Laura got a wicked grin across her face. "It's ok, the cops started following us awhile ago when we told them we figured out where Sidney went. They should be here sometime soon."

Sayer's eyes widened as he filled with anxiety and rage. Akiza perked up.

"We shouldn't waist our time with the police. We can escape to try another day." Akiza advised her worried companion. He nodded to her approvingly. The girl whipped out a card and summoned her Black Rose Dragon. The monster incinerated the Mammoth, who returned to its card before becoming toast.

As her monster was burning, Sidney tried to slip past Sayer, who sensed her worry, swirled around to seize her hand.

"You're not going anywhere!"

Sidney rose into the air pulled Sayer with her as her wing symbol brightened. She grabbed a card with her free hand. Sayer tried to pull the card from her hand, but had no choice but to hold on, for he would rise falling and doing injury to himself. He watched in agony as Sidney called out her monster. Everyone looked on as the white light sprang from the card. A monster started materializing out of the air around them and there was a loud growl much like a big cat.

"I summon Tiger Dragon!"

A huge orange and black dragon with a feline like face appeared in the air, with its dark mane aflame and its green wings spread wide. It swooped in and batted Sayer away from Sidney. A black vine stretched out from Black Rose Dragon to catch Sayer and pull him to safety on its back, where Akiza had hopped on and was waiting. Tiger dragon hissed at Black Rose and surrounded Sidney with its furry, flexible body. It purred loudly.

Police sirens could now be heard in the distance. Sayer cringed, but started laughing as he turned to Sidney.

"You just signed your own death warrant! Next time we get our hands on you, you'll wish you'd never gotten away this time…"

The Black Rose Dragon snarled as it ascended, blowing fire at the roof of the warehouse and burning a big hole through it. Debris fell from the ceiling towards Sidney. She flew down to her friends before they all ran outside. Tiger Dragon swatted the fragments to the side and managed to stabilize the building before disappearing.

Akiza, Sayer, and Black Rose Dragon soared into the sky and vanished in a shower of petals similar to when Sidney was taken. Flower petals fell around the group of young people like raindrops. Before the Dragon was out of sight, Sidney saw Akiza staring back at her, and felt sad for her.

Laura held Sidney's hand while Shinju climbed back onto his bike. Laura looked up at Yusei and Jack.

"Thank you for coming to save her." She nodded at Yusei with satisfaction before giving Jack a dirty look.

"I'm watching you." Laura gave him the 'eyes on you' gesture before getting into her car. Jack shrugged.

Sidney gave Jack a gesture of thanks. She took a deep breath before she twisted around and hugged Yusei, completely embracing him. He was so surprised he didn't react at all for a second or two, but then he folded his arms around her. Laura concealed a gratified giggled as Jack reluctantly slid into his Duel Runner, put on his helmet, and drove away in the direction of his apartment.

As he was riding back, he brooded to himself about how Yusei had just taken his title, which he wasn't fit for, and now this…he's getting the girl, too!?

Yusei was made aware by Laura of Jack's behavior around Sidney, but at this point only felt cautious of it.

Back at the warehouse, Sidney forced herself to let go and say goodbye to Yusei. He cupped her hand in his cheek and smiled at her. He remembered the bruise on her waist and touched his hand to the spot, which made her flinch.

"Don't worry." He said calmly to her.

"Ok…ummm….Thanks…I really mean…Thank you, Yusei…" She joined Laura in the car. Yusei nodded to the three before heading his own way. Shinju saluted to him, and race down the road back to the shop. Laura revved up the engine.

"Wait! I heard sirens and you said the cops were coming. So, shouldn't we wait for them?" Laura started to laugh ridiculously.

"It was a bluff, Sidney! You know that the cops are so crooked you can use them as bendy straws! I wouldn't trust MOST of the police in this town…I suppose there might be a few nice ones…but anyways, you know what I mean…"

Sidney tittered. "Yeah. I'm really glad you came to rescue me."

"Of course, what are friends for, chop liver?"

The car reeled down the road as the sun was now beginning to set in the sky. The horizon was a symphony of orange and pink and lavender. Clouds floated along like quiet listeners. Sidney was lulled to sleep, her powers had exhausted her and the scene beckoned her to sleep.

Laura shook her head and drove her back to Goodwin's place. It was almost an hour and the dim twilight was beginning to blanket the city.

As she arrived up the stairs, she thought she noticed the silhouette of a young, smartly dressed woman in a far up room on the other side of the mansion. She remembered Sidney pointed out at one point her room to be on the exact opposite side.

She prodded Sidney awake. Sidney mumbled.

"What is it?"

Laura pointed, and Sidney looked up. Whatever it was, it was gone now. Laura slapped her palm on her face in disgust.

"Darn it, Sid! I thought I saw someone…maybe Goodwin's house is haunted? Or… does someone else live here, too?"

"It's probably one of the servants, Laura. They go around the house…cleaning and stuff. I haven't gotten used to it, having lived a middle class lifestyle for so long…" Sidney was too sleepy to even think about it. Laura gazed up at the window.

"I'll take your word for it, Sid. But, that must have been one fancy servant to be dressed like that…maybe I was just seeing things…it is getting dark out." Laura escorted Sidney up to the door, where Goodwin and Lazar immediately burst out before Laura could even knock. Laura flinched as Goodwin towered over her in an intimidating manner. Lazar seemed to be pre-occupied, which was unlike him. But, his attention was called back as Laura tapped her foot.

Goodwin gave her a thankful grin. "Sidney! You found her and brought her home! I'll have Lazar tell the authorities to cancel the search."

Lazar bowed and reentered the house. Laura gave Goodwin a warning expression. He closed his eyes understandingly.

"Sidney, you should go upstairs. Shower and go to bed early tonight, you've had a rough day, I'm sure." Goodwin tried to sound as non-threatening as possible. Laura motioned for Sidney to stay a little.

"She's been hurt. There's a bruise on her waist, along with some skin damage around the area… she needs a bandage, possibly some disinfectant, and she needs to take it easy for a couple of days."

Laura bid Sidney goodnight before she walked into the house and disappeared up the stairs. Goodwin raised an eyebrow curiously at Laura.

"Interesting use of language for someone such as yourself."

"I'm working at my boyfriend's uncle's shop to pay for college…I'm going to be in Medical School to become a Doctor. My boyfriend wants to be an engineer and take charge of his uncle's shop one day since his uncle doesn't have any kids and his parents aren't interested in owning the place, just working there so they don't have to be sent back to the trash bin you call the Satellite…He's not an idiot, neither am I."

Goodwin was made curious by Laura's irritation.

"I wasn't insulting you. Just commenting, I am allowed to voice my opinion if I wish to do so, Miss Shinoda."

Laura sneered. "That may be so. Just remember your words and actions have consequences."

As she turned to get back in her car, she heard Goodwin laugh.

"Is that supposed to be a threat?"

"It doesn't have to be. Treat my friend well and you won't hear anything from me…" She mused, "Oh, and you should know about Jack…if he ever makes her cry I will dismember him and you won't have your champion duelist anymore."

Goodwin started formulated an idea in his head. Laura was no threat to him. But, if she really would do to Jack what she said, she could be an annoyance. But then again, could she really to anything significant at all? Without her parents, she was a commoner from the lower levels of New Domino society, not a Satellite, but things could easily change if she stepped out of line.

She took one last look at him before she drove home for the night. If she had said what she did to him in public, he could have had her arrested for it. But he let it go.

Lazar came back outside. "The message has been sent, the chief will allow units to return to their normal duties, Mr. Goodwin."

"Good. Everything will be quiet for now. It won't stay that way for long."

A gust of wind picked up and blew through Goodwin's long hair. Lazar shuttered.

"Sir?"

"I feel the darkness lingering, Lazar. The army of darkness is being called to earth at this very moment. The rest of the Dark Signers shall soon be born, if the ones that now exist can find and awaken them."

"Dark Signers, sir? You mean, you know who they are?" Lazar asked excitedly.

Rex Goodwin knew about the Dark Signers all too well. He suppressed any specific memories, it would not help him in his plans and he needed to keep a level head to make his plan into a reality that could be achieved.

"Only a few. I had the displeasure of encountering them on a trip to the Satellite."

He failed to mention he knew a specific Dark Signer. One he had known all his life. And no matter what happened, the two never seemed to escape each other. One way or another, they would cross paths. Now, when they would meet, it would be as enemies in a war.

That's episode 11! Be sure to catch episode 12, and all the episodes after that. Don't forget to R&R, and please, feel free to make suggestions for episodes (as I mentioned in the previous chapters). Thanks again to Coke head for doing illustrations and be sure to read her fanfiction, A Futuristic Fairytale.

Like I usually say, Have a nice day.