Right, I said id start answering my reviews from this chapter onwards so here they are all up to know.

Darth Gigas, X-Knight20 - Thanks both for the positive reviews!

Cor Strike - Quite a few questions to answer for you. In regards to how Kaiser is a bit like Kaiba, read this chapter and that should give you a better incling. Also in regards to the duelist Fayths being other anime characters, I think that after seeing Kaiser's Fayth's and Tara's Fayths, that the question is pretty much answered. lol. Finally I can confirm that the voice is not that of the duelist that joined Braska on his pilgrimage. However Tara's father will make appearances in the Jecht Sphere type flashbacks, as well as other appearances.

hermione494 - I dont know who to address first, although Hexheart, you might have to restrain Heather if she gets too much! Lol. Anyway, looking at the type of deck Tara plays, I think that its pretty safe to say that a certain fuzzy furball could make his way into a duel at some point! lol. Also ive added that deck section idea that you supported!

Isumo 1489 - In regards to the various decks that will be played in this fic, ive got one simple answer. THE LOT. Duelist champion decks have already been decided, however other deck suggestions are more than welcome. There will be a lot of random duels along the way, so more suggestsions are quite welcome. In regards to the Blue Eyes deck, read this chapter and then read between the lines. That should answer your question. hint hint.

Kefke The Wren, Nutter2020 - In regards to the proofreading/grammar issue, trust me, im on that.

Thats the reviews over with I think. Just a few announcements before I start the next chapter. Firstly, as you may have seen by now, we have a deck section for this fic that will permanently remain the last chapter of the fic. It will be updated after each duel and when each new card is played even if its in a random encounter. Ill make a notice to check out the deck section for an update after each chapter. Also ive decided after to give the previous chapters a bit of a facelift, after reviews about my spelling and grammar. I think that my writing skills are starting to improve, so ill be going back and updating the previous chapters. The foreword has alredy been completed, however ill update the other chapters all in one. By the next chapter update they should all be finished.

Finally I dont own Final Fantasy or Yu-Gi-Oh!... Onto the chapter!

Chapter Ten: The Price Of Betrayal - The Sins Of The Duelist

"It looks like the tide has turned in a favourable direction for me" spoke the voice.

"Turn yourself anywhere you want, I really dont care" I reply sharply.

"Arnt you going to thank the person that let you access your rage?" Replied the voice.

"THAT WAS YOU!" I shout back.

"I promised you that you would feel darkness before the day was out... and I made good on my promise" said the voice with a malicious twist.

"Know this whoever the fuck you are... When you finally come out from the rock your hiding under... My Cyber End Dragon will destroy you" I reply sternly.

"Who says you have the means to summon that beast again?" Laughed the voice.

"What?" I say, uncertainly.

Slowly I could feel the world around me beginning to take shape once more... that and a grueling headache to boot. I could feel that I was lying on my back on the ground, the sword on my back seemed to be absent as I couldnt feel as if I were laying on it. Grogily I try to open my eyes, they flicker at first as light starts to invade my senses. My vision seems quite blurred at first, my eyes slowly start to refocus as I see a figure staring down at me with. My vision clears and I see that its Tidus thats staring at me with a small smile on his face.

"Finally... Was starting to think you were gonna snooze the day away there" He says softly.

Reaching up with my right hand, I put it on the side of my head and rub gently, where Wakka had hit me with the Blitzball. The area felt tender to say the very least, it hurt to the touch almost. Wakka really had hit me hard with that Blitzball. I begin to move slowly to try and sit up, but it wasnt easy to say the very least. I still felt quite woozy, almost as if I was drunk. Tidus saw that I was having difficulty and restrained me by holding onto both of my shoulders.

"Whoa there Kaiser... Chill for a second would ya. You took a hard hit there... dont rush things... Give it a few minutes, Yuna said she was gonna come and heal you after she helped Tara." Tidus said.

My mind instantly flew into action at the mention of Tara. Despite the pain in my head, I slowly turn my head to the side to look out to see if I could see Tara. I could see Tara next to the Obelisk, she was on her feet but leaning against the Obelisk breathing heavily through the effects of the duel. Lulu and Yuna were by her side tending to her. Yuna seemed to be casting magic on Tara every couple of seconds, they were obviously Cure spells to try and help her heal quicker. Wakka seemed to be standing guard infront of them, Blitzball in hand and ready to be thrown. He must have noticed my looking as his face quickly turned into a scowl, before he turned round and said something to the group behind him, who quickly looked up at turned thier attention to me.

"Dont look like im thier favourite person right now" I say to Tidus.

"Well you didnt exactly give them a reason not to think that" He replies sadly.

I couldnt exactly say that he was wrong... far from it. Id behaved like a monster in my duel with Tara. Id gave into my rage and allowed something to enter my mind and use me as its puppet. Whatever was stalking me in my dreams and now in my duels, clearly had influence over me. It tapped into my emotions and multiplied them until I was doing everything it said without question. It was my own fault that I had given in. No wonder they would hardly look at me.

I noticed that Yuna had made her way over to me with her staff in hand, the one that I had given her no less. Twirling it around in the air a few times she began to mutter under her breath as she encanted a spell. Then in a flash of light she said a simple word.

"Cure" She said softly.

The light seemed to emanate from my very core. I could feel energy entering my body, healing it. My headache began to slowly vanish until it was completely gone. Yuna's Cure spell had really done the trick, I could feel my strength returning. After the light had died down, I moved my arms to sit myself up, within a few more seconds I was back on my feet stood before Yuna and Tidus.

"Thanks Yuna" I say simply.

I didnt have time to say anything else because Wakka suddenly appeared infront of me. He gave me a hard shove with both hands and I almost flew off my feet back onto the floor, I managed to steady myself and stay on my feet fortunately. He crossed his arms firmly and gave me quite the death look.

"Stay away from Yuna ya. Dont wont no 'destroyers of Spira' or whatever near her. You hear me?" He says sternly.

"Chill there Wakka, he didnt mean it... wernt you watching?" Tidus spoke up in my defence.

"I wont chill nothin! He could have killed Tara in that duel!" Wakka threw back at Tidus.

"But..." Tidus trailed off.

"Tidus its alright" I say softly.

Both Wakka and Tidus seemed to jerk their heads in my direction at this point. Hanging my head I look down at my now deactivated duel disk.

"As I told Tara... I make no excuses. Its my fault that this happen. I deserve everything I get" I say, feeling a small tear roll down my face.

Reaching down to my duel disk, I reach for the graveyard slot where every single card in my deck resided after the duel had ended. Pushing the activation button, the deck slid out of the duel disk and I quickly placed them back in the deck slot, while placing the fusion monster cards I had back in my pocket.

"I treated my cards like trash in that duel... abused the power that the Fayth had gave me. I threw back everything Tara was trying to do to help me... Im nothing" I finish.

I could hear footsteps walking towards me as I hung my head, my eyes looking firmly on the ground. I could feel all thier eyes all bearing down on me, not that I could blame any of them. I felt a soft hand fall upon my shoulder and a small hand cup my chin.

"Your not nothing at all" Came a soft voice.

I knew who's voice it was and it was something that filled me with dread, not that I didnt want to hear that voice. The fact was that I couldnt face it. The hand lifted my face up so that I was looking them in the face.

"Your the best Duelist ive ever met" Spoke the person again.

I was staring into the ocean deep blue eyes of Tara. It was her that wanted to rouse my spirit back both in the duel, and now in the aftermath. I wanted to pull away, I couldnt face her after what Id done to her in the duel. Id tried to destroy her with everything I could muster, if the voice that was controlling my emotions hadnt left when it had, I could have quite easily killed her when Cyberdark Dragon attacked Rainbow Neos. I could feel that she was sensing my reluctance, taking her hand from my shoulder, she took my hand in hers and clasped onto it tightly.

"Whatever your thinking... Whatever you think of yourself right now... Just remember... When push came to shove... You came through" She said almost whispering.

I didnt know what to say or do, my mind was racing at a million thoughts a minute. I didnt deserve forgiveness just like that, Tara had forgiven me unconditionally. But I knew that I didnt deserve it. I deserved nothing more than to be struck down for the evil that I had committed.

"Yeah well I arnt buying it Tara... No matter what you say!" Wakka suddenly exclaimed.

"Wakka... let it go" Lulu suddenly added.

Eyes once more turned to the raven haired mage as she made her point.

"Tara already told you that something was manipulating Kaiser's emotions against him in that duel. Granted however... Kaiser did let himself get used by whatever was controlling him volunatarily... so he is partially to blame... But its wrong of you to blame him entirely Wakkka and I will not allow it" Lulu said flatly.

I took a quick glance towards Tara. She must have filled them in on the situation while I was unconscious. I didnt know what she knew about what happened. But for some reason she knew enough. I would make sure to find that out later, but for now I was more interested in the reaction that Wakka was taking. Wakka took a look around the group, looking for someone to agree with him. Looking over at Tidus he simply shrugged at the older Blitz player. Yuna simply turned away slowly from Wakka before her eyes met his, Tara simply gave him a glare of her own. Wakka didnt even attempt to look back at Lulu after the statement she had made. Realising that he wasnt going to win this argument, Wakka simply flung his arms up in the air in defeat.

"Fine! But that dont mean I gotta like it!" Wakka said.

"I never said that you had to" Lulu said snidely, turning her back to him.

Giving a small snort of disgust, Wakka simply walked away towards the exit to the promotory, where he simply stood and waited with his arms folded. Tara at this point took a look in his direction before turning to Yuna.

"Ill go talk to him sis. He'll see sense after ive got through with him!" Tara said cheerily.

"I could do with the amusement" Lulu said with a snigger almost. "Ill join you" She added.

Yuna simply nodded in reply to her sister and the black mage. Lulu started to slink away first towards Wakka, while Tara remained for a few seconds more. Looking at me she pointed out her fingers in Jadens trademark pose like I had done.

"Gotcha! That was a fun duel" She said. Leaning forward she stepped in close to whisper in my ear. "That duel didnt end in a result, which means im already itching for our rematch!" She added.

Giving me a sweet smile she started to walk after Lulu, then for some reason she looked over her shoulder at and headed back. Grabbing Tidus by the arm she started to pull him away, to which he was protesting.

"Hey! What you doing?!" Tidus exclaimed.

"Tell you later... Just come on!" She added sternly.

Gulping, Tidus didnt resist anymore as he was dragged across the promotory towards Lulu and Wakka, leaving just me and Yuna alone on the promotory. It was at that moment that I realised that the Summoner had been quite silent during Wakka's outburst, and hadnt said anything at all for me, or against me. I noticed that she was still clutching onto the staff that I had given her quite tightly, and she wasnt looking at me while we stood alone.

"Yuna... I" I begin.

"You gave me this staff as an act of kindness" Yuna interrupted.

"I did" I reply, uncertain.

"Yet you committed such acts of cruelty and anger towards my sister" Yuna added, looking up at me for the first time.

I could see the confusion in her eyes. She really was in turmoil over what had happened, I could tell without a second thought. In one hand I had shown her such a good side to myself, giving her something for absolutely nothing. Just to be kind to her, and be her friend. Yet on the other hand, I had let my rage and anger control me and almost kill her sister... and enjoy the fact. I could tell that the Summoner didnt know what to think. Despite the fact that Tara had filled her in on what happened, she was still unsure.

"Im sorry" I say simply.

"I know you are" Yuna says with a sigh. "I know it wasnt all you that did that in the duel... But... The fact is that it could have been. Thats what scares me" Yuna says softly.

I didnt know what to tell her. She was right, it wasnt all me that had tried to kill Tara in that duel. But it may have well been, I let it in and let my own darkness consume me. I drop my head once more in shame. I really didnt know what to say to the Summoner, she seemed to fragile, I didnt want to say anything else that could confuse her more. One more I could feel footsteps taking a step or two towards me. Even with my head hung down, I could see the lower half of the petit Summoner stood infront of me, still holding onto the staff.

"Look at me Kaiser" She says, I comply slowly, looking at her dead in her bi coloured eyes.

"Your the Dark Warrior of the prophecy... I truly believe that... That means that you have both light and dark attributes in your soul. Ive seen for myself first hand that you have. So I know that you have a choice as to what you will do. Which is why I forgive you" She says with a smile.

I was stunned, with the exception of Wakka, everyone had seemed to have forgiven me as if nothing had every happened! I knew that I didnt deserve friends like these. If I had died on the spot right there and then, I would have died happy just knowing that these people were the friends that I never had. Yuna gave me a brief smile before replacing the staff on her back.

"Come on, lets go meet up with the others" She says as she starts to walk towards the others.

As Yuna walked away I looked out across the promotory top down to the village of Besaid. Everything seemed to have been made awash almost like a passing breeze. But the fact was that no matter how much they seemed to forgive me in whatever capacity. I knew that I would as easily forgive myself at all. I was going to make up for what had happened today.

"By the honour of the duelist, I swear that no friends of mine will come to any harm ever again... not as long as I draw breath." I think

Looking down, I see that the sword Tidus had given me is lying on the ground. Tidus must have removed it from my back when I fell unconscious to make sure I was comfortable. Picking the sword up, I give it a few strokes in the air before strapping it to my back with my coat belt once more. I then quickly turn round and move to join the others on the trail towards the beach.

As the group were walking along the trail I noticed that Tidus seemed to have wandered off infront, he was quite a distance away now along the trail. I could still tell that there was a bit of awkward silence in the group after what had happened, so I thought it best to break the ice.

"Whats Tidus doing so far infront?" I ask

"He said he wanted to look at the ruins" Lulu replied flatly.

"More like he was jealous you got some one on one time with Yuna and he didnt!" Tara squealed.

"Excuse me?" Yuna said half startled.

"Nothing!" Tara said throwing her arms up and giving me a quick snigger.

Wakka simply gave a grunt at the small exchange. Clearly he still wasnt happy about me staying with the group, but by the looks of it he was dealing with it, albeit begrudgingley. However I wasnt really interested in what he thought of me at the moment. Tara's attitude towards me was remarkable to say the least. It wasnt too long ago that I had tried to kill her, yet now she was laughing and joking with me as if nothing had happened. There was something about her that was just sending my senses into overdrive. I could'nt describe it. But my thoughts were interrupted as we all stood sharp after hearing a loud roar from somewhere in the ruins. Leaping down in an incredible display of agility was Kimahri, leaping from ruin to ruin till he jumped to the earth infront of Tidus ahead of us on the trail. Punching his fists hard into the ground, Kimahri gave a roar before drawing his spear, Tidus very quickly drew his sword before the large Ronso.

"Whats Kimahri doing?!" Yuna asks shocked.

"Search me ya! We gotta stop him!" Wakka exclaims, as we all begin to run along the trail.

As we draw closer, I could see that Tidus was fighting a loosing battle. He was new to the skills of swordfighting, while I knew that Kimahri was a seasoned warrior, deadly with his spear. Tidus was parrying his attacks the best he could, trying his best to not get hit while Kimahri was constant attack, trying to skewer Tidus in every way possible. In the end Tidus managed to find an opening and gave Kimahri a punch to the gut with his free hand. Although the Ronso wasnt hurt by the attack, he was enraged. Giving a mighty battle cry Kimahri seemed to concentrate his energy for a moment before plunging his spear into the ground.

"He's going for his Jump Overdrive attack! Tidus get out of there!" I scream in my mind, knowing that Im too far away to warn him.

Propelling himself into the air using his spear as a vault, Kimahri was flung high into the air, before descending to the ground, spear first aiming for Tidus. Tidus seemed to realise what would happen at the last minute as he flung himself backwards to avoid the attack. Kimahri slammed into the ground hard spear first, the impact causing Tidus to loose his balance and fall flat on his back on the ground, with a roar, Kimahri pulled his spear out of the ground to continue his attack.

"That's enough!" Wakka shouted, as we all appeared on the battle scene.

Kimahri instantly halted his attack, and replaced his spear back onto the strap on his back, Wakka approached the Ronso and gave him a playful punch. Kimahri simply nodded before turning and walking away down the trail silently. Walking over to Tidus, I offer him a hand back up, to which he grateful accepts, as I haul him back to his feet, he sheathes his own weapon before looking at the departing form of Kimahri walking down the trail.

"What's with that guy?" Tidus exclaimed rather flustered.

"Maybe he thinks your not a cat person" I snigger, to which Tara gives a giggle.

"Kimahri Ronso of the Ronso tribe." Lulu interrupted. "He's learned the fiends' way of fighting." She finishes.

"That's not what I meant!" Tidus frowned folding his arms.

"He's another of Yuna's guardians." Wakka added

"Huh?" Tidus asks, to which I immediately facepalm, which Yuna and Tara continue on with a giggle.

"Sometimes we don't understand him either! Kimahri doesn't talk much anyway. But he has protected me since I was a child." Yuna explains.

"Oh…" Tidus nodded.

"Maybe he should be protecting her from someone who really would hurt her" Wakka adds snidely, taking a glance in my direction.

Turning away from us all, Wakka began to walk along the trail also. Lulu simply gave him a stern look at his departing back while following with Yuna, who gave me a brief smile before continuing onwards. Tara made to follow them also before taking a look in my direction.

"Ignore him... Once he's set on something he dosnt change much. Give him some time and he will move onto something else" She says before running after them, leaving Tidus and myself behind.

Tidus was shifting around nervously on one foot, I could tell that he felt a bit awkward, something that wasnt like him. Giving him a brief smile I decided to speak.

"You havnt said much since... the duel" I say

"Didnt really know what to say" He says in reply quickly.

"What do you want to say?" I ask hopefully.

"That I wish I didnt think I had to attack you once that barrier fell down" He adds gravely.

My suspicions had been confirmed, he had thought he would have to attack me when the duel had ended. I could see by the looks on his face that it was something he regretted. As much as I had turned psycho in the duel, he still regretted the thought of having to hurt me even if it meant saving Tara. I didnt think I could ever have a friend like this. Id only known him for a day or so and he kept suprising me more and more.

"You wont ever have to think like that again... I promise" I say

"Thanks... Kinda made me sick to my stomach to think that way. You've been a real pal since I came to Spira, I didnt want have to hurt the first friend I made here" He says with a smile.

Just listening to the words of the young Blitzer was enough to soothe the ache I was feeling inside. Feelings were running through my head about what he was saying to me. I couldnt describe it, it was like the connection that I kept experiencing whenever I talked to Yuna. The feeling was so similar it was uncanny, something was definately afoot here with those two and myself. But for now I would have to let it go.

"Thanks Tye" I say with a smile.

"No prob, come on, there going on ahead!" He says before running off. Quickly I charge after him along the trail.

After joining up with the rest of the group, the walk along the trail was quite pleasant. Everyone was taking in the sheer beauty of the landscape around us as we made our way towards the beach. The only one who didnt seem in a pleasant mood was Wakka, who still had quite the scowl on his face. He kept giving me a few stern glances every now and then, but a glance by Kisara and a gentle shake of her head from Yuna seemed to quell that habit before long. As we continued to walk along, we were all suddenly interrupted by a loud screeching coming from the mountain top. Looking up I could see that a Garuda was descending towards us, clearly looking for us as its next meal.

Within an instant everyone had drawn thier weapons while Tara and I had activated our duel disks for the upcoming battle. Wakka, Lulu and Yuna took point on the front lines, while the rest of us hung back in support.

"A flyer? Thats your department right?!" Tidus yelled to Wakka.

"True true... but errrrr" Wakka stammers, however he quickly regains his composure. "Why dont we let our Summoner show us what shes made of!" Wakka exclaims.

Giving a nod of understanding, Tidus looks over his shoulder to Yuna, turning on his foot, he runs back to the backline with us. Yuna, taking a deep breath, grips her staff tightly and joins Wakka and Lulu on the front lines.

"Your first real battle! Lets see some style!" Wakka adds as Yuna joins them.

"Show us what your training has taught you Yuna" Lulu threw in.

"Ok" Yuna finished meekly.

Lulu and Wakka both gave each other a look before running from the front lines to join us on the rear line. Yuna took the time to throw her hands to her sides as she concentrated her energy. Calling forth the glyph on the ground once more, the beams of light shot up once more into the clouds, after a few seconds more, the Aeon Valefor emerged from the sky and flew down to the ground, hovering over his Summoner, the bird type Aeon gave a mighy screech at the Garuda as its battle cry.

"Valefor! Sonic Wings!" Yuna commanded.

Yuna's Aeon quickly complied to the command, charging up its attack, it closed its wings briefly before unleashing the attack, spreading it wings outward sending a air shockwave at the Garuda that was hit head on. The Garuda looked quite dazed by the attack, to which Valefor quickly followed up on. Flying quickly towards its opponent, Valefore gave the fiend a rather sharp kick to its head, its razor sharp talons digging into the Garuda's flesh causing it to howl in pain from the attack. The Garuda, now enraged from being attacked, quickly built up a Sonic Boom atttack of its own, launching the dust wave at Valefor, that winced from the attack.

I was quite impressed at seeing the Aeon fight upclose, it was a lot stronger that I had given it credit for. I knew that the Summoner and the Aeon were linked in strength so that the Aeon grew in power as Yuna did. Clearly Yuna was much stronger at the start of the journey than I had expected. Noticing something out of the corner of my eye, I could see that Tara was twitching almost, her hand was held firmly over her deck slot.

"Shes ready to burst... She wants in on the action" I think

My guess proved right as within a few seconds more, Tara made a dash to the front lines to join her sister side by side. Yuna for her part gave her a raised eyebrow, wondering what she was doing.

"I wasnt gonna let you have all the fun!" Tara says, drawing a card from her duel disk.

"Ok" Yuna says simply.

Giving her sister a smile, Tara takes a glance at the card before placing it down on her monster card slot.

"Come on out! Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus!" She shouts.

In a whirlwind of pyreflies, the winged horse appeared on the field, before taking flight into the air, to hover next to Valefor, who greeted the newcomer with a welcoming glance. Watching on the back line with the others, I gave a pleasant smile towards Tara. Her lust for the duel was incredible. It was no wonder she had both Jaden and Jesse as her Fayth. She encompassed thier love for the duel as much as I knew they did. I was snapped out of my thoughts by a nudge in my side. Looking to my side I could see that it was Tidus.

"Get in there man!" He said smiling at me.

Looking down at my deck slot, I smile at the cards in it, before returning the smile to Tidus.

"Sure why not" I say, about to take a step forward.

"You stay out of it!" Wakka jumped in immediately. "Dont need this to be a two on two fight with you siding with the fiend!" Wakka says sternly.

"Wakka" Lulu says flatly, giving him a rather hard glance. Wakka for his part simply looked away and gave a snort. Lulu quickly turned to me and nodded.

"Go" She said simply.

Deciding to head Lulu's words and not ask questions now that she had sorted Wakka out for me, I simply nod in reply to her before running to the front lines. By the time I got there, I could see that between Tara's and Yuna's creatures, they were running rings around the Garuda. The Pegasus for its part was so fast it was confusing the Garuda by constantly charging and dodging its attacks, while Valefor, being the heavy hitter of the two, was picking its times to strike when it saw and opening. Once I was level with the two girls, they both gave me sideways glance and a smile.

"Nice for you to join us!" Yuna says with a cheer.

"Show us something new!" Kisara squeals. "Im itching to see the rest of what you got!" She adds.

Nodding to the two, I quickly draw a card from my deck. With a smirk I bring the card up to take a look at what I had drawn. The smirk quickly vanished from my face as well as the colour as I looked at the card. It was blank, completely white, exactly as it had looked before the Fayth had told me how to draw upon my newfound power. Concentrating, I try to imagine every and any monster that I could think of, just to fill the card. Nothing was happening. I didnt know what was going on. Silently I give an inward call into my soul, calling upon the two Fayth in my soul, but they did not answer. I started to panic, I didnt know what to do. But I didnt need to wait long, an overwhelming feeling of fatigue began to assail my body, my eyes became heavy as my vision began to blur. I quickly put the card I had draw back in to the deck slot and grabbed hold of my head with my hands trying to rouse myself, but to no avail. In just a few seconds more the world around me turned black as I fell to the floor.

Waking up slowly my eyes dart open as I sit up quickly. Looking around I could see that I was in some sort of void, definately not on Spira by the looks of it. Standing up quickly, I brush myself down. I seemed to be intact, as my clothes, duel disk and sword on my back were still present. Spinning around on my heel, I take in my surroundings... or lack thereof. There was nothing, just a void that stretched off as far as the eye could see. But what was strange about this place mostly was the sky, or what could pass for it. It was both a mixture of light and darkness, whatever it meant all I could think was one thing.

"Guess im not in Kansas anymore" I say aloud, to no one in particular.

I didnt get a reply from the void that was around me. Not that I expected to that is. But it didnt take too long for something to happen. Two figures began to materialise in the void with me. I recognised them instantly, it was my Fayth's, Zane and Kaiba. Only they looked quite solid compared to the half transparent forms that I had come to recognise them by. The worst part of it was the looks on thier faces, each had thier arms folded as usual, and their looks showed me they were quite pissed off. Kaiba more so than Zane I noted.

"Not glad to see me?" I say joking.

I didnt get the reaction that I was hoping for, as both of thier faces gave me and even worse scowl. Kaiba for his part seemed to be almost seething on the spot, I could tell he was ready to pop at any moment. That moment came a bit too quickly, as unfolding his arms Kaiba strided towards me with malicious intent. He then quickly unleashed a right hook that hit me square on the jaw. I fell down hard on the floor from his attack, holding my throbbing jaw in agony. Kaiba took another step forward with his fist clenched ready to hit me again, despite the fact that I was on the ground.

"That enough Kaiba!" Zane shouted, however Kaiba didnt comply, he clenched his fist tighter, making it go white as he gritted his teeth.

"This little punk is going to learn not to cross me" He said, voice dripping with venom.

Looking up I could see that Kaiba wasnt joking, his face was that of complete rage. I know that Id seen Kaiba angry before, but this was nothing like Id ever seen. Id clearly pushed him too far with my actions in the duel. That much as obvious as my jaw was now atesting. I saw a hand appear on Kaiba's shoulder, Zane had stepped in and was holding him with a firm hand by the shoulder. Kaiba turned his head and gave him a death glare in response.

"We agreed on set terms to deal with this Kaiba, be thankful that I even agreed to let you hit him at all." Zane spoke.

"He deserves a lot worse than one shot by me Trusedale" Kaiba counted.

"Maybe so, but you agreed to one shot... Unless your not a man of your word after all?" Zane added.

Kaiba snorted in disgust as he realised that he couldnt question his own honour. I knew that Kaiba could be hot headed to say the very least, but I could honnestly say that I had never seen him lie or break his word. Lucky for me really was all I could think. Kaiba declenched his fist and took a step back while Zane stood forward and stood over me. Despite him stopping Kaiba from hitting me again, I could tell that it wasnt a case of him being on my side at all. Quite the opposite in fact.

"I wont hit you" Zane said quickly, albeit with a sneer. "Not that I dont want to. Its just that I have more inventive ways to teaching you a lesson" Zane added.

My mind instantly recognised what he was saying in a flash. It was the blessing of the Fayth that I had been given, the power to duel in this world. It had been taken away from me. Zane seemed to have read the expression on my face and understood that I had caught on.

"By the look on your face you know what I mean. Yes, we have taken away your power Kaiser, your cards are now blank slates that you can never use until you prove to us that your fit to do so, without giving into your emotions, or whatever is trying to manipulate you" Zane says.

Zane then lent forward and offered my his hand to help me to my feet. Rubbing my aching jaw once more, I take his hand and let him pull me back to my feet. However Zane dosnt let go of my hand, he holds onto it with an iron grip. Looking dead into his eyes, I could see that he was deliberately holding onto me. I try my best to not show that it was hurting, but he saw straight through me.

"Your own emotions betray you Kaiser, the fact is you let them betray you. Thats what happened in the duel, and it nearly cost Tara her life" Zane said.

Letting go of my hand, I recoil it back instantly, and give it a rub in order to bring the circulation back into my hand. Kaiba was stood along side Zane now, as they both stood staring me down.

"Despite what Kaiba may say" Zane says, to which Kaiba snorts once more. "We both know that you wernt entirely to blame for what happened Kaiser. At the end of the duel we saw the people you know from your world... The people that hurt you the most" Zane says gravely.

Appearing on the duel field were quite a number of half transparent figures, that were stood on Kisara's half of the field. My eyes widened in horror as the figures shapes took form as I recognised the people that stood before me. They were the people that I knew back home. The people that had hurt me the most... which was just about everyone. All the people that were supposed to be my friends, yet they all used me for thier own gains and gave me nothing in return. Now they all stood before me... and they were laughing... pointing and jeering at me... making snide comments at my expense. I could feel the rage in my heart beginning to bulid... no more would I be the subject of thier ridicule and attempts to use me.

"Trusedale do you see them?" Kaiba panicked

"Yes! These images arnt coming from Kaiser! He couldnt conjure these things by himself! Somethings been manipuiating him all along! Feeding the rage in his heart!" Zane roared.

Thinking back to the events of the duel were unpleasant to say the least, I hadnt even registered what Zane and Kaiba had said until now. Hanging my head low for quite a number of times today, I couldnt face Zane with what he was saying. Zane seemed to noticed that I had recalled what he was talking about.

"Kaiba and I didnt realise that something had been manipulating you, until we saw those aparitions. We suspect that the phantom voice that keeps plaguing your dreams is to blame" Zane continues.

"It is... While I was unconscious, the voice of whoever it was told me so itself" I say, still with my head hung low.

Kaiba and Zane quickly exchanged glances, each trying to read the others expression. Within a few more seconds they both nod to each others, silently understanding almost what they were both thinking.

"Nevertheless" Zane continued. "The voice could only open the door for you Kaiser, you were the one to walk through it. More to the point, you chose to walk through it." Zane finished.

"I know... I could have killed Tara" I say weakly.

"More than just her you moron!" Kaiba interrupts. "Had you actually destroyed Rainbow Neos, you would have killed not only Tara, but would have destroyed the souls of Jaden and Jesse! As much as those two runts annoy me, they dont deserve to be destroyed like trash! Neither did Tara deserve to be treated like that!" Kaiba roared.

Kaiba's anger once again managed to get the better of him as he stepped forward and grabbed me by the scruff of the shirt and pulled back his arm, clenching his fist once more, intending to hit me again.

"Just do it... I deserve it" I say

Kaiba's face was still one of seething anger dispite my open invitation for him to hit me. Glancing over me for a second more, he pushed me back roughly as he let go.

"Your not even worth it" He sneered, walking past Zane to stand with his back to us.

Zane took a look over his shoulder to see if Kaiba was going to continue his tirade once again, after about half a minute he seemed satisfied that he wouldnt, and he turned his attention back to me.

"As you can see Kaiba wanted to give you a more hands on lesson. However I talked him into removing your power Kaiser. Although im afraid I couldnt talk him out of a single shot against you as you already know" Zane said, nodding at my aching jaw.

"How can I put this right Zane? Please tell me" I plead.

"The promise you made earlier on the promotory top is a good start" Zane said with a small smile. "Yes, we heard that loud and clear Kaiser... Random thoughts dont often come through to us to hear. Only a completely pure thought would come to us loud and clear... Belive me when I say that we knew you meant every word you said" Zane finished.

I hadnt even thought that they could openly read my thoughts. I knew that they could have access to my memories, but I didnt think they could openly hear what I was thinking like that. It was yet another revelation about the power of the Fayth.

"How can I keep my promise if I cant summon my Duel Monsters?" I ask.

"Well" Zane said with a smirk. "Thats your test Kaiser... Prove to us that you can control yourself and that you can do this under your own power. We will know when you prove this to us..." Zane trailed off. He looked up in the air, at something that I couldnt see before speaking. "The world is calling you Kaiser... Time to go back" He finishes.

"Where exactly is here?" I ask.

"Your soul of course... This is the living embodiment of your soul... With both the attributes of light and dark... This is where we exist inside you Kaiser, we can observe what you do from here." Zane explains.

Turning round. Zane begins to walk away, Kaiba silently following along side him. Zane calls out to me one last time without even looking.

"Remember your promise to both us... and them... Kaiser" He says.

I could feel the heat of the sun bearing down on my body as feeling started to come back to my body. I slowly started to twitch and open my eyes, my vision was blurred by the sun at first, as my eyes started to focus, I could hear voices all around me.

"His eyes are opening!"

"Thank Yevon"

"Glad to have you back again man"

"Bah! Trying to gain attention like that"

"Be quiet Wakka"

I could recognise the voices of my friends as the people that were speaking. As my vision cleared I could see them all around me. Yuna and Tara were on thier knees tending to me, the former of the two had my head resting upon her lap, while Tara was holding onto my hand with hers. Tidus, Lulu and Wakka were all on their feet looking down at me. Although Wakka didnt seem too interested in my wellbeing I noticed.

"Being nursed by two beautiful women... I must have died and gone to the Farplane" I say.

I didnt actually realise what I had said until it was too late. Yuna and Tara's faces both turned a rather interesting shade of crimson as they both turned away rather embarrased by what id said. Tidus did his best to stifle his laugh by holding onto his mouth and stomach, but small giggles were evident from the Blitzer. Wakka seemed to turn a shade of red also, however his seemed to be more that of rage. While the raven haired mage Lulu simply raised an intrigued eyebrow in response.

"Think I must be dilerious..." I say quickly, regaining my composure.

Quickly sitting up, I got back onto my feet and brushed myself down quickly, trying my best to avoid the glances of the group after what I just let slip. Tidus, despite how much I knew he would want to milk this, broke the ice for me.

"So what happened there man?" He asked.

"Think I must have passed out" I say quickly. "What did you guys see like?" I continue.

"Well, from what I saw, you drew your card, took one look and it and started to wig out on us. Then you just collapsed, right in the middle of the fight!" Tara said.

"I managed to get you off the front lines, while Valefor and the Pegasus kept the fiend busy" Tidus added.

"You were unconscious for about ten minutes, I tried a few Cure spells and they just didnt seem to do anything. You were just... asleep" Yuna threw in.

"Probabally just being lazy and trying to gain sympathy" Wakka said snidely.

"Wakka..." Lulu said sternly. "I wont ask again" She added with more emphasis.

"Yes Lu" Wakka gulped quickly.

I could tell that they didnt know anything from what they were saying. I didnt know what to tell them, Id been stripped as my powers of the Fayth. As long as they didnt trust me, I couldnt summon any of my monsters again. Some chosen one of the prophecy I was turning out to be. Looking at each of thier faces in turn, I could see they were waiting to see if Id say anything. Thinking about it I realised that id lied to them enough so far about who I was, at least I knew that by lying about who i was, was actually justified not to change events. But the least I could do for them could be honnest about this. Taking my deck out of its slot, I simply hand it to Tara, who simply looks at the cards puzzled.

"There blank?" She enquired.

"Yes" I reply gravely. "After the duel, the Fayth took away my power. They wont let me use it again until I prove myself to them..." I trail off.

The faces of the people around me were grave, none of them really knew what to say after such a revelation. Well Wakka seemed to know what to say, he couldnt hide his reaction as he started to laugh rather loudly after a few seconds.

"HAHAHAH! Couldnt have happened to a nicer person!" He said rather sarcastically.

Lulu at this point simply gave a deep sigh before turning her attention to Wakka. Wakka noticed her glare and stopped laughing instantly, nodding her head in the only acknowledgement to him, she started to walk away. While Wakka walked with her, a step or too behind her rather timidily.

"Looks like Wakka's gonna get burned" Tara chuckled.

"Kaiser" Yuna began. "Does that mean you can never duel again?" Yuna asked.

"Like I said, not until I prove myself to them... Whenever that will be" I say.

"Tough break man" Tidus adds.

"Nah its fine" I say with a small grin. "Its my own fault that I lost thier trust to begin with" I say, my voice going lower as I look at Tara.

"You'll get them back" Tara says, handing me back my deck.

"I hope so" I say, placing my deck into the slot.

"Anyway, lets keep going" Yuna says. "The boat is due to leave soon" She finishes.

Tara and Yuna begin to walk along the trail, Tidus starts to follow them until he notices that I arnt moving. Turning round he walks back to me.

"Whats up man?" He asks.

"Just thinking" I say, looking up at the sky.

"Does it hurt?" He asks with a wry grin. To which I reply to him with a slap on the back of the head.

"Guess not" He says rubbing his injured head.

Giving him an evil smile, I proceed to take the sword he had given me from my back, and point it at him. Tidus's eyes widen instantly and he throws his hands up in defence.

"Hey! I was only joking!" He stammers.

"I know" I say lowering the sword "But since I cant duel anymore, I need some sort of protection, think you can give me some pointers with this some time?" I ask, indicating the sword.

"Sure man. Can always teach you some moves on the boat trip" He offers.

"Great" I say, replacing the sword on my back. "Come on, lets head after them." I say, as we both break into a run to catch the others.

After catching up with the others, the rest of the trip to the beach passed without any further incidents. Wakka seemed to have taken a quiet turn after whatever Lulu had said/done to him earlier. While Tara and Yuna were both chatting to each other along the way, admiring the scenery. Tidus was bending my ear on the finer points of sword play, despite him being a novice himself, he seemed to actually be giving me good advice. Pretty soon I noticed that we were just at the crossroads near the beach, Kimahri was stood waiting for us there, arms folded across his massive chest. Upon seeing us, he quickly moved to walk along side Yuna, almost covering her entirely with his own shadow.

"Faithful guardian as ever" I think to myself.

"Are you ready for this?" Tara said, looking at Yuna.

"Yes" The Summoner said briefly, taking a deep breath.

Yuna took point, striding onto the beach with a large smile on her face. All the villagers seemed to be here, all of them lining up along various parts of the beach to bid farewell to the Summoner. Yet looking at their faces with my own eyes for this first time, I realised something. None of them were happy. Every single adult that kept greeting Yuna and wishing her well were hiding thier emotions. I could hear with the tone of thier voice that they felt sad. That and the fact that the children seemed to be crying outloud didnt help. But it took me a few seconds to realise why.

"Its almost like her own funeral" I think sadly.

In that one brief moment, Id forgotten that as far as everyone here was concerned, Yuna would not be coming back to Besaid. At the end of her pilgrimage she would die. Only I knew differently and that thought alone broke my heart, I just wanted to shout out loud that she would come back to them all. That they didnt need to say thier goodbyes as if they would never see her again. But I knew I couldnt, I couldnt risk changing the course of events. As we all made our way slowly towards the docks, the various villagers wishing Yuna well began to disperse. Many leading thier children back towards the village to comfort each others. I couldnt stand seeing this any longer. I began to walk away from the main group onto the wooden docks where the boat was moored. Taking a glance upwards towards the boat, I saw the dedication on its hull, The S.S. Liki. it did look quite a fine ship for the technology used on Spira. But I kept walking along the dock until I reached the end, quite a distance away.

Standing on the edge of the dock, I simply peered out across the open sea. Just retreating into my mind for a few minutes. Looking across my shoulder. I could see that Yuna and the others hadnt even gotten onto the dock yet and were still on the beach. The various villagers were keeping her busy as she gave smiles and goodbyes to the people she had grew up with. Looking back across the sea, I realised that I didnt want to watch anymore. I just wanted to be content, looking out at the sea for a few more minutes.

"Spira has changed me so much in the short time ive been here... But the changes in my emotions so far have been the most suprising. I didnt think things would hit me so hard like this. I just hope it cant get much worse" I think.

"Guess you didnt want to see this like I dont" Came a voice behind me.

Hearing movement behing me, I take a quick glance over my shoulder to see Tara moving to stand next to me on the dock. Her long flowing hair blowing softly in the breezer while she looked out over the ocean with me. Turning my own head back forward, I stare out towards the ocean, not replying to her comment. After a few short seconds, I take a deep breath before replying.

"This sort of thing dosnt agree with me" I say

"Dosnt with me either" Tara replys.

"I dont see how she can keep smiling... Its almost like her funeral at her home town" I say softly.

"Shes Yuna" Tara adds. "No matter how she feels, she does her best to help others. Thats why im glad shes my sister..." Tara trails off.

"Yet you allow her to be a Summoner? Knowing what that means?" I challenge, rather harshly than I intended.

"I didnt allow her anything..." Tara says trailing off, turning her head away from the ocena. "Lulu, Wakka and I all tried to talk her out of it. But she follows her heart. Too much as far as I would like her to sometimes." She finishes.

I notice that she didnt begin to look back at the ocean. Realising id hit a sore spot once more, I turn myself in Tara's direction before speaking.

"Sorry" I say quickly "That didnt come out right... I know you tried to stop her. Yet we are all here for her now, Lets try to make her pilgrimage a happy one, that way she wont have any regrets... And neither will you" I say.

Tara lifted her head up slightly and turned to face me, I noticed that her cheeks now had soft tear trails running down them. Without warning she buried her head in my chest and began to sob softly to herself. Slightly suprised at first, I didnt move for a second, before I slowly moved my arms, and wrapped them around her shoulders, comforting her. Placing my head onto of hers, I could still hear her sobbing and sniffing, getting her emotions out.

"Let it all out" I say softly.

For about another minute we stood there, Tara letting out all her pain at the tought of her sister dying at some point in this pilgrimage. The thoughts running through my head were going at a mile a minute. I didnt want to release her from my embrace, despite the fact that she was starting to soak my shirt with her tears. I could almost feel as if something was being lifted from my shoulders also.

"Even if I have to go to the Farplane and back... Just remember that I will always find you... I love you... Kaiser"

My eyes suddenly widened as images and thoughts ran through my head. I didnt know what they meant, its just that when Tara had embraced me, I felt something run through my mind. I knew that it wasnt the Fayth or the voice in my head. This was something completely differnt entirely. My eyes wandered down as I looked at Tara still holding onto me. Were those thoughts from her? Eventually I could hear hear sobbing beginning to cease, and I slowly released her from my embrace. Wiping her eyes quickly, she looked up with me and smiled.

"Better?" I ask

"Better" She replied.

Whatever that was, it was something that I would have to address another timme. Taking a glance across the dock towards the beach, I could see that Yuna and the others were just starting to board the boat. Tidus was looking out across the docks at us. With a clear grin on his face I noted. He gave me a wave before he bounded onto the boat.

"Looks like thats our cue" I say

"Yeah... Thanks Kaiser" She said.

"I should be thanking you" I say quickly, to which she raised an eyebrow. "For even allowing me in your prescence... after the duel" I say slowly.

"Keep whatever promise you made to the Fayth and thats good enough for me" She replies sweetly.

Smiling back at her, I stare at her face for a few second more. She seemed to raidate such beauty that increased with each passing second. I still couldnt move pass the fact that she seemed to have forgiven me so easliy. But for now, we had a boat to catch. As we started to walk back along the pier, Tara suddenly spoke up.

"So whats with your friend? How come he didnt seem to be bothered by Yuna's farewell to Beasid?" She asked.

"He dosnt know" I say with a heavy sigh. "Sins toxin affected him much worse than it did me. I just cant remember many things about myself... He seems to have forgotten about everything in the world" I say, lying to her with mine and Tidus's cover story.

"Oh... Should we tell him?" She replies.

"How can we?... Its too hard to say as it is... Let alone to someone who dosnt know" I reply gravely.

Giving me a solem nod in reply, we both walk along the dock in silence after that. Boarding the boat, I could see that the others were waiting for us, they quickly dispersed into various areas of the ships. While Tara left my complany and joined her sister at the side of the boat. The gangplank was removed from the side of the boat by the crew as the signal for departure echoed through the air. It seemed as if all the villagers had gathered onto the docks now as the ship was departing. Most of them now were openly crying out loud, particulary the children. Yuna gave them a large wave as the ship began to move, smiling and performing the Yevon prayer once last time to the villagers she had spent most of her life with.

In particular one little boy seemed to be running along the beach. He must have been late for the send off, for he ran onto the dock, crying his heart out and waved and jumped around, trying to get Yuna's attention. Yuna noticed the boy almost immediately, giving him a sweet smile, she gave him a gentle wave as the ship began to move father out. As the villagers grew smaller to her view, Yuna gave them one last wave and the Yevon prayer sign as a single words left her lips.

"Goodbye." She echoed.

About an hour into the voyage, all was well aboard ship. Everyone seemed to be occupied with something or other, whether it was simply gazing across the ocean, or watching the Aurochs practice on the main deck. But right now at the back of the ship was where the real action was taking place. The sound of swords clashing was distinct in the air as two people were engaged in swordplay.

I was engaged in some sparing practice with Tidus. We had been working at seeing how good I was with a sword four about an hour now. Considering how strenuous I knew this would be, Id took off my coat and duel disk before we started, leaving them lying on top of one of the crates at the back of the ship. The practice had been going rather well, I seemed to be getting better with the training Tidus was giving me, showing me how to block and parry strikes. But I still wasnt near enough as good as he was.

Slashing down my sword from above, Tidus blocked my strike by turning his blade horizontal and holding it above his head. As the swords clashed we were held in place, as I redoubled my efforts pushing down hard. Tidus gave me a wry smile and I realised my mistake, I was holding onto my sword with both hands and pushing down, while he was holding me back just by using one hand. I had misjudged his strength it seemed, grabbing the sword with his free hand, he almost effortlessly pushed back at me making my sword almost fly out of my hands. He then quickly released his left hand from the sword, and punched me with it on the wrist, instinctively I let go of my sword as it clattered on the deck. Less than a second later Tidus's Brotherhood sword was pointed squarely at my chest, Tidus holding onto it gave me a wry grin.

"Another one to me" He said still grinning.

"Yeah yeah" I say rubbing my wrist, while I lean down to pick up my sword.

"Lets call it a day Tye, I could do with some rest" I say, breathing heavy to get my energy back.

"Sure thing, was getting tired myself anyway!" He replys.

Both of us sat down on the crates that were at the back of the ships, while we both recovered from our training exercise. Grabbing my coat and duel disk, I quickly put them back on and sat and relaxed after athe exercise. After a few mintues of getting our breath back, I broke the ice with my training partner.

"So how'd I do?" I ask.

"Not too bad actually for your first time with a sword" He said cheerily.

"I arnt as good as you though. Your a lot stronger than me as well. Guess all those blitz games got you all beefed up" I reply.

"Thanks" He chuckles while flexing his arms. "But seriously though Kaiser, your a big guy yourself, but it isnt all about strength. Im fast enough as it is, so thats my main advantage. You've got really long arm reach, you should stick with that, keeping the fiends out of reach while you slash at em. Should work well enough." He explains.

"Thanks Tye, ill keep it in mind" I say, but then something crosses my mind. "How come your so good with a sword Tidus?" I ask.

"You remember Auron, I told you about when we were at those ruins?" He replies, to which I nod. "Well ive known him for about ten years. He's really good with a sword, he taught me a few basic things with a sword over the years. I just practiced inbetween the Blitz games to keep it fresh" He says.

"Interesting, I never thought about it like that..." I think.

"Anyway, lets go for a walk" He says, jumping onto his feet.

Springing to my feet with him, we both take a walk towards the front of the ship. As we approach the front, Tidus suddenly sprints forward. I noticed that he is heading towards a young person looking out over the sea with a pair of binoculars. Jumping up high Tidus lands on thier shoulders, trying to wrestle the binoculars away from the person who starts to struggle. He wins the struggle eventually and jumps ont the side of the boat, looking out towards the sea for a few seconds. Turning round he takes a look around the ship, looking over at Wakka and, various 'assets' of Lulu, until his gaze fixes on Yuna making her way to the front of the ship, with Kimahri and Tara following just behind her. She notices him looking to which she gives him a smile and a wave. In a flash he has chucked the binoculars back to the person before juming down on to the deck, embarassed at being caught. As he walks back over to me, im already facepalming at him.

"Reeeeaaaaaal smooth there" I say

"Bit like how you and a certain Duelist were getting all cosy on the docks earlier?" He says, while nodding towards Tara who was waving at me to illustrate the point.

"Ok shut up" I say quickly, turning away.

"Come to think of it, I haven't even told you where we're going!" Wakka suddenly interrupted, walking over to us. "First to Kilika Island, then we gotta change boats and head for Luca. Before that though, Yuna's gotta pray at the temple. I'll be guarding." He said folding his arms

"We'll be praying for the Aurochs' victory too, so you come along, ya?" Wakka continued.

"Great plan" Lulu said from her poition leaning against a wall.

"Hey, it is a great plan!" Wakka threw back

"Don't look at me!" Tidus added.

"Ill pray for them too Wakka" I interject.

"I wasnt talking to you" He said sharply, before walking off.

"That was a bit harsh" Tidus said quietly.

"Give him some time" Lulu interrupted, walking over to us. "Wakka can be quite stubborn in his beliefs once thier in that thick head of his. It may take a while but if you furfill that promise you made to the Fayth for example, then chances are he will come around" Lulu finished, before turning and walking after Wakka.

"I think I like her" I say once she was out of earshot. "NOT like that!" I say quickly before Tidus can speak. "Anyway, lets go into the ship, theres something I wanna show you" I say.

Looking slightly puzzled, Tidus followed me as I led him down below deck of the ship.

As we descended the stairs, we were suddenly acosted by a rather parculiar looking man, wearing a blue waistcoat with brown sandbag like trousers. He seemed to be wearing a large green backpack on his back. But the look he was giving us was the whole story right now.

"Oooh, them's fascinating clothes you're two's wearing! Yewh! Filthy, filthy! These won't sell or me name's not O'aka! Don't look like you got much money, either. I've no business with ye. Outta me way!" The man said.

"Its called we've been training buddy" I say with a sneer.

"Who do you think you are?" Tidus challenged.

"O'aka XXIII! Merchant extraordinaire!" He replied, beaming with pride.

"O'aka the who?" Tidus asked looking puzzled, he gave me a glance to which I simply shrugged in reply.

"Don't know me? Well, not many do, not yet." O'aka says sadly before walking off.

"What was that about?" Tidus asked rubbing the back of his head.

"He's a dissalusioned merchant trying to make it big in the trading society" I say.

"Big words there" Tidus says grinning.

"In that case, he's a bit of a hack, but his hearts in the right place" I add.

"If I ever come into some money, ill be sure to keep some aside for the old merchant, at least I know if I chuck him it, he will make good on it later down the line." I think.

"Anyway, come this way, ive still something to show you" I say.

Just on the underside of the stairs was a large wooden door. Standing outside I can clearly see that it says 'Power Room' enscribed on a piece of bronze metal. Pushing the door oepn wide, we both enter.

"What the heck is that!" Tidus shouted out in fright.

Chuckling to myself, I take a look at what he was referring to. The power room of the ship was based of Chocobo power. The Chocobo was Spira's equivalent to a horse. Only this thing certainly wasnt a horse. It was more like a large yellow chicken, which was probabally a bit bigger than a horse. With two short wings, that didnt look like would enable it to fly, however it made up for that flaw, with the rather large pair of powerful legs it had. The Chocobo's were used to run around in wheels to power the ships. Almost like a hamster would do in its cage. The difference was that Chocobos were a thousand time faster than a hamster.

"What the heck is what?" Replied the woman who was stationed in the power room.

"What is this place?" Tidus re-asked

"The power room. Like it says on the door!" Said the woman, sounding slightly annoyed.

"Yeah, but why the big birds?" Tidus said, pointing at the Chocobos

"Whats so strange about Chocobo power?" Asked the woman, puzzled.

"Chocobos? Those are Chocobos?" Tidus asked, glancing at me.

"What?" Said the woman, even more confused now. "You've never seen a Chocobo? What kind of backwater island did you come from anyway?" She askes, before returning to her work.

As the woman returing to filling in some notes on her notepad, Tidus very gingerly, walked towards the Chocobo and stared at it in awe. With a smile I stand next to him, as we watch the large bird continue to run in the wheel.

"Impressed then?" I say

"Totally!" he crys out. "How fast can these things run? Dont they ever get tired?" He asks, still looking at the Chocobo.

"Put it this was, you wont find anything faster than a Chocobo on Spira, and they could run from one end of the world and back without getting tired" I reply.

"Cool" He said quickly.

"Mircales and oddities were starting to become a daily routine on this trip. Yet for some reason every time there was something that I didnt understand, Kaiser was allways there. Sure he might poke fun at me about it from time to time, but we both do that to each other. He believes that I come from Zanarkand without question, not like everyone else. He's a good friend..." Tidus narrates.

"To be honnest the main reason why I brought Tidus down here was for myself. Ive wanted to see one of those yellow road runners for years now. Maybe I could get one for a pet or something at some point. Because Id love to have a nice little companion in Spira to ride around on." I narrate

A short while later, Tidus and I were back on the deck of the ship, quietly watching the sea pass us by as we looked across the bow of the ship. It was quite peaceful just watching the sea drift by gently. Something that id long to do for a lifetime back home. Only difference was, the weather wasnt always as nice as it was on Spira. My thoughts were interrupted as two passengers walked past us both.

"Word is that Summoner's got noble blood!" Said the first with excitement

Tidus spun around instantly at the mention of Yuna, and strained his ears to listen to what they were saying. I could still hear without having to be so dramatic about it.

"I heard she's Lord Braska's daughter!" The other confirmed.

"Ya don't say?" Replied the first, as they walked to the front of the boat. A large croud had gathered at the front of the boat where Tara and Yuna were stood, Kimahri was stood blocking the crowd from disturbing the pair.

"Lord Braska's…daughter?" Tidus said outloud, turning to look at me.

"Ask Wakka. He loves telling storys like this" I say with a chuckle.

"Ok then, see you later" He says, before walking off, looking for Wakka.

"Theres hope for you yet" I think as he walks away.

Standing up straight once again. I take a look at the front of the boat, where Yuna and Tara still stand. They were on a slightly raised platform, looking out over the sea. The crowd has since dispersed, however Kimahri is as ever standing guard over the two. Taking a deep breath, I start to walk towards them at the front of the boat. Upon reaching the steps, I notice that the large Ronso isnt moving. He is stood still like a statue, staring at me with his arms folded, his cat like eyes piercing my form.

"You gonna move Kimahri? Kinda need to talk to Yuna and Tara" I say.

"Yuna tell Kimahri about what happen in duel" Spoke the Ronso, with a very deep voice.

I was stunned, and quite literally frozen on the spot. On the one hand, I knew how protective Kimahri was of Yuna, and the fact was that if he knew what happened in my duel with Tara. Then chances are I wasnt going to like whatever he would say or do next. But then again... he actually talked to me! Id never heard Kimahri utter a single word until we should be at the Djose area. Yet here he was! Talking to me!

"Oh..." Was all I could mutter.

Kimahri's face seemed to relax slightly. He unfolded his arms and shook his head at me.

"Kimahri hold no grudge. Yuna tell Kimahri she believe you Dark Warrior of Yevon Prophecy. Ronso as guardian of sacred mount Gagazet, entrusted with knowledge of prophecy and keep secret from rest of Spira. Ronso believe that Dark Warrior deliver Spira from Sin with Summoner. Even though Kaiser cannot use monsters now, Yuna believe that Kaiser will gain power back soon. Yuna believe in Kaiser, then Kimahri believe in Kaiser." He finished.

"The Ronso knew about the true extent of the prophecy? Not even the temple priest knew that! But then again, I know what kind of secrets Yevon keeps, so its not suprising really. Ill have to pick Kimahri's brains at some point. He might know more than that" I think.

"Thanks Kimahri" I say.

Nodding in reply, the large Ronso stepped aisde so that I could pass. Walking past the Ronso, I could almost feel his eyes were still on me. It was a little unsettling, but then again, if he belived that I truly was the Dark Warrior of the prophecy, then it stands to reason that he may now regard me in the same way he looks at Yuna. As an eternal Guardian to me. Once past Kimahri, I could hear him shuffle back into his Guardian post. As a I take a few more steps, Yuna and Tara turn around, as they hear me approach.

"Hello Kaiser" Yuna said softly.

"Hey" Tara added.

"Enjoying the voyage ladies?" I say, as I join them against the rope barricade.

"Its nice" Yuna says, letting the gentle wind glide over her face.

"Bit boring though" Tara mutters, to which I laugh.

For a few minutes the three of us stand silently and watch the waves pass by us as the boat glides gently over the water. Standing with Yuna and Tara was quite peaceful, more so than when I was standing alone. It was nice to pass the time with people like them, even if we were stanidng in silence, merely observing the view.

"Kimahri has a lot of faith in you Yuna" I say suddenly, to which the pair look at me puzzled.

"And you have a lot of faith in me as well it seems Yuna... Kimahri told me you really do think im the Dark Warrior of the prophecy... Even if I cant use my monsters now." I finish.

"I... I do believe in you Kaiser... And I know... that you will get your power back..." Yuna trails off.

"What is it that you promised the Fayth anyway?" Kisara asks.

"That..." I say, taking a deep breath. "That I would rather die first than ever seen any of my friends get hurt again... see any of you get hurt again." I say.

Silence followed all of us, after I had given my declaration. I honnestly didnt think that Yuna or Tara knew what to say to something like that. But fortunately the silence didnt last long.

"What'cha all up to?" Tidus asked as he walked up beside us all.

Yuna stood aside to allow Tidus to join us looking out over the rope barricade. Stretching his arms out he made a small show of ity, before settling down and leaning on the ropes, looking out towards the sea.

"The wind… it's nice." Yuna uttered suddenly, breaking the silence.

Tidus gave some sort of noise in agreement, and it didnt take long for him to start giggling ato himself with what Yuna had said. Pretty soon the laughter seemed to be contagious, as before long, all four of us were laughing out loud almost hysterically. In the end we managed to calm down and continued our sightseeing towards the sea.

"You're a blitzball player, aren't you? From Zanarkand, right?" Yuna asked softly, leaning over to look at Tidus.

"You hear that from Wakka?" he inquired, turning to face her.

"Wakka doesn't believe me at all! Only Kaiser here seems to believe me" he said, while turning to lean backwards against the ropes, he gave me a smile after saying my name.

Yuna backed away from the ropes at this point, holding her hands behind her back and looking at him quite playfully., "But…I believe you." She said sweetly.

"Me too" Tara added.

Yuna then looked up slightly to the skys. "I've heard, …in Zanarkand there's a great stadium all lit up, even at night! Great blitzball tournaments are held there and the stands are always full!"

"Yeah sis! And that the rich areas of Zanarkand had Duelists of thier own and that they were really good!" Tara said excitedly.

"How do you know that?" Tidus asked, practically pouncing on Yuna.

"A man named Jecht told me. He was my father's Guardian." Yuna added.

"He was the last Guardian to join Yuna's father on his pilgrimage, my dad was Lord Braska's Duelist." Tara threw in.

Tidus almost seemed like he was drunk, he slowly staggered back to the ropes and looked out across the sea.

"You ok man? You've gone a bit pale." I say, although I knew full well why he was like this.

"My father...his name is Jecht." Tidus said, his voice dripping with venom.

"Amazing!" Both Yuna and Kisara gasped. "You know our meeting like this must be the blessing of Yevon!" Yuna gushed.

"Sounds like him…but it can't be him!" Tidus replied, soudning rather adamant.

"Why not?" Tara asked.

"My old man… he died… Ten years ago off the coast of Zanarkand…" Tidus explained slowly.

"Sorry Tye" I say, placing a hand briefly on Tidus's shouder.

"He went out to sea for training one day…and never came back. And no one's seen him since then…" He said, standing back up straight.

Tara's and Yuna's eyes met suddenly, and the penny dropped "Why that's the day that Jecht came to Spira!" Yuna gasped.

"It's true! We first met Jecht ten years and three months ago!" Tara interrupted

"I remember that was the day… that our fathers left… The date fits, doesn't it?" Yuna added.

"Sounds like more than a coincidence to me" I threw in.

"Yeah…but how would he get here?" Tidus said, while partially giving off a nervous laugh.

"You're here, are you not?" Yuna said knowingley.

Both of them turned to stare at each other, while Yuna gave a playful laugh. Inwardly I smiled as the pair exchanged glances.

"Keep a secret?" Tara whispered quickly in my ear. I didnt bother to turn around in reponse to avoid looking suspicious, I merely just nod. "Yuna likes him" She said.

"He likes her too... keep that secret as well" I whisper back.

Turning my head slightly to the side, I quickly realise that im within a hair's breadth of Tara's face, as her head was close to mine while she whispered in my ear. For a few seconds we simply stare at each other, not really knowing what to do in this awkward position. I could almost feel myself starting to melt under the gaze of those deep blue eyes of hers, the feeling felt wonderful...

Suddenly there was a mighty bang that resounded loudly beneath our feet. The whole ship began to violently shake as if was about to tip over at a seconds notice. Everyone on board had to grab ahold of something in order to steady themselves, while a large majority of the crew were already flat out on the main deck. Id managed to grab ahold of the rope barrier as well as a wooden post that was firmly held into the deck for support. Tara had wrapped her hands firmly around my waist, holding on for dear life. Looking out across the sea I see the cause of the sudden change. The ocean had turned into a massive vortex of waves within the space of a few seconds, waves as high as houses suddenly appeared, drenching the boat constantly with a massive amount of water, soaking us all.

Tidus was holding onto Yuna the best tha he could, but the sea was getting worse, and they were holding onto each other by thier fingers at this point. In the end he couldnt hold on any longer and Yuna was released from his grip to go sailing across the deck.

"Yuna!" Tara shouted out.

Yuna shrieked out as she went flying across the deck, she manged to grab onlto the harpoon that was fixed at the side of the boat. Within a second Kimahri had bounded up onto the deck, and despite not being able to hold his own balance well, he lept towards Yuna, grabbing the young Summoner and holding her steady. Lulu and Wakka were next on the scene, joining us all on the front of the boat. Suddenly a massive amount of water gushed up towards the rear of the ship, and emerging from the water came a giant scaled dorsal fin. An icy cold chill asssailed my heart as I knew exactly what the massive form was.

"SIN!" Came hysterical cries from all over the ship.

The crew of the ship quickly were overcome by blind panic as the massive form of Sin moved alongside the boat, parting the waves violently in its wake. Sin started to move away from the boat and head directly alongside the ships course. Two of the crew managed to overcome thier fear and quickly jumped up and manned the two harpoon guns on the ship.

"What are you doing? Stick a harpoon in him and we'll all get dragged under!" Wakka protested in shock

"Sin is going for Kilika! We gotta distract it!" The crewman cried urgently.

"Our families are in Kilika! Forgive us, Lady Summoner." Said the second.

Yuna nodded solemnly, showing her own resolve.

"Wait!... Oh boy…" Wakka exclaimed.

Both the harpoons fired in unison at the dorsal fin of Sin. Lancing towards thier target, the first one didnt hit the fin and fell into the water. However the second harpoon struck true, and impaled the fin of Sin quite deep. The rope quickly pulled taut, yanking the boat forward violenlty as the boat was pulled along with Sins wishes. Water was assailing the deck now from every percievable angle, surrounding the ship in a white sea of foam. I was still holding on to the post at the front of the ship, Tara's grip seemed to have gotten tighter around my waist during the water melee. But in the end the water seemed to die down enough so that I could open my eyes and see what was going on.

I could see several shapes flying towards the ship, they seemed to be scaled and looked like some sort of cocoons. They landed on the deck of the ship and opened up, revealing themselves to be spider/scorpion type creatures, standing on four insect like legs with scaled wings. I recognised them as Sinspawn, and they were far from friendly, worse still was that there were about a dozen of the things currently scuttling around on the deck, looking at us all like we were lunch. By now the goup had taken up position near the ships main mast in a defensive line, at seeing the Sinspawn approach, everyone drew thier weapons.

"Alright, dont let them separate us ya! Keep on the move!" Wakka shouted, to which everyone nodded in reply.

Tidus, Wakka and Kimahri quickly jumped onto the front lines and started hacking away at the Sinspawn. Yuna, Lulu and Tara were stood at the back on the back lines. Looking at the sword in my hands, I realised that it would be futile for me to go on the front line, I still wasnt skilled enough with a weapon. Instead I took up a defensive posture infront of the three girls.

"Ill keep you three covered while you use your magic and monsters, keep them covered on the front line and ill keep the Sinspawn from bothering you!" I shout, the three girls simply nod in understanding.

Lulu started to bombard the Sinspawn horde with Thunder spells, frying them to a crisp after a spell or two. Yuna was throwing Cure spells out to the guys on the front lines whenever they were injured, but for the most part, they were holding the Sinspawn at bay. Drawing a card from her hand, Tara slapped the monster down on her duel disk.

"I summon Elemental Hero Wildheart!" Tara declared

Appearing in a vortex of pyreflies came the form of Wildheart. The dark skinned warrior jumped onto the deck of the ship with a mighy battle cry, he was naked save a loincloth around his waist. But it was easy to see that this monster was a warrior, as its body was massively built with several large tatoos around its shoulder area. With a large head of raven black hair that was tied in a ponytail, the fierce expression of this monster showed he wasnt to be trifled with. Especially when he drew a large sword from the scabbard on his back

"Go Wildheart! Slice them down with your Scimitar Slash attack!" Tara ordered.

Wildheart giving another battle cry, leapt forward, slashing at several Sinspawn cutting them down easily. However more started to assail the monster and it began to slash around widely taking as many with it as it could. Still watching the display, I didnt realise that one of the Sinspawn had gotten past the front lines and was now heading towards me, screaching an unholy scream. Holding my sword forward, I began to slash around, keeping the Sinspawn out of reach, which kept doging out of the reach of my slashes. The ship suddenly lurched to the side as Sin changed direction, making me stumble and fall to the ground. The Sinspawn saw its chance and bared down on me, I manged to get my sword up in time, but it was still pushing down on me, at this rate it would stab me with my own sword! In desperation I kick out at the fiend knocking it back. Leaping back onto my feet, I rush forward and thrust my sword forward, stabbing the creature straight through its body. It gave a screech of agony as it fell to the floor and died in a shower of pyreflies.

Looking round, I could see that the rest of the group had eliminated the Sinspawn hoard. Only the fin of Sin was remaining to be taken down, Yuna complied instanly by summoning Valefor into action, the winged Aeon immediately flew towards the fin and started to hack and slash at the fin with its giant claws. Glancing to my side, I could see that Wildheart had disappeared from action, and Tara was now stood still concentrating, glowing a rainbow coloured light with her eyes closed while holding onto a single card. In the next second her eyes sprung open and she held the card aloft in the air.

"Come forth! Ultimate Crystal God! Rainbow Dragon!" She shouted.

In a massive rainbow light emanating from the card, the mighty dragon appeared in a cloud of pyreflies, roaring at the form of Sin that was before it. Valefor seemed to react to the prescence of the dragon, and flew back towards the ship, hovering along side the dragon, they both waited for commands.

"Valefor!"

"Rainbow Dragon!"

"FINISH THIS!" They both shout. "ENERGY RAY!" "OVER THE RAINBOW!"

Both monsters appeared to charge up thier energy attacks momentarily, before releasing them at the dorsal fin of Sin. Both attacks hit home, making Sin scream out in agony despite it being underwater. However by now Sin had become restless, and now enraged after suffering such an attack it upped its own game, in a mighty surge of its own power. It lurched forward hard, and pulled the harpoon gun clear from the deck, lifting is massive tail from beneath the waves, its splashed down hard onto the water, sending a tidal wave onto the ship, dropping us all onto the decks and hanging onto anything we could find. Withing a few seconds after the water had disperesed, the sea seemed clear once more. However cries of despair echoed throughout the ship as the crew cried out in panic. Sin was infront of the ship and heading straight to Kilika at full speed, creating a massive tidal wave as it moved.

Both Aeon and dragon dissapeared from view in a shower of pyreflies, looking round, Yuna and Tara had collapsed on the deck, both of them exhausted after using there monsters most powerful attacks. Instantly we were all upon the young Summoner and Duelist, checking to see if they were ok. Kimahri helped Yuna to her feet while Wakka helped Tara.

"Kaiser! Sin is going for Kilika! Even if you cant summon a monster you have to try!" Yuna pleaded.

Nodding I rush to the front of the ship, leaping over the barrier and standing as far out as I could, while the rest of the group stood back watching with baited breath. Feeling my duel disk activate, I instantly draw a few cards from my deck and take a glance at them. They were still all blank.

"Please just give me a chance to save these people!" I plead inwardly.

Glancing down at my cards once again, I see that nothing has changed, they were still blank. I cry out in frustration that they Fayth wouldnt help me try and save the people of Kilika. Holding my cards aloft despite them being blank I still try and summon a monster.

"By the power of the Fayth! I summon Cyber End Dragon!" I shout.

Cheers errupt from behind me as everyone thinks that my monster is coming. But still nothing happened, the dragon never came. Cheers of praise were replaced by panic as Sin came closer to Kilika. I feel the tears begin to roll down my cheeks, knowing that I have failed the people of Kilika.

"Please Cyber End Dragon! I need you! Come to me now and help me save the people of Kilika!" I shout, the tears now rolling fully down my cheeks.

It was too late, the massive tidal wave was now upon Kilika, engulphing the entire port town under its massive onslaught. Everything was destroyed that was hit. Men, women and children were sent flying thourhg the air, to land in the water, not moving. The remainder that were hit by the initial wave were simply crushed by its weight. The entire town had been decimated. The full form of Sin now emerged from the rear of the wave, coming to a halt and obeserving its own destruction. Waves upon waves of Sinspawn errupted from the beast, ready to pick off any survivors that remainded of the one tranquil port town. Giving a roar of triumph, the beast slowly sank beneath the waves and slowly disappeared.

I slumped to my knees, still holding onto the cards that I had tried to use. I had failed the people of Kilika, hundreds, if not thousands of people were now dead, because I had not been able to stop Sin. No that wasnt right. I had lost the power to try and save these people, for my own actions in my duel. It was my fault that these people were dead. I started to cry out loud, openly weeping as I still remained at the front of the ship. I didnt care who heard me, right now I had lost the will to carry on at being the cause of so many deaths.

"Kaiser" Came a voice behind me.

I didnt need to look to know who it was, it was Tidus. He was standing just behind my left shoulder, but I still didnt move, I still cried out in anguish and pain at the loss of the people of Kilika. Kneeling down, he placed an arm around my shoulder and squeezed.

"Come on man, you tried, its not your fault your monster wasnt summoned" He spoke softly.

"But it is my fault! I failed the Fayth and they took away my power! If I hadnt done that then maybe I could have saved them all!" I shout.

My emotions finally over came me at the reality of what id just said, turning round, I slump forward onto Tidus's chest, crying my eyes out with all the pain that I was feeling. Holding onto me, Tidus said nothing, just simply held onto me in my time of need. In the end, I looked up and was met by his eyes looking down at me. To which he smiled.

"You've always been here for me since I came to Spira, looks like this is the first time ive properly paid you back" He says.

"I really dont deserve you Kaiser... risking yourself to save her? When that should be my responsibilty because shes my girl? Thats why I know your the best friend ive ever had... and the best brother"

My eyes widened instanly once again as alien thoughts ran through my head once again. These feelings that I had felt now were too strong to ignore, but what made matters worse were that I didnt know what was causing them. I thought at first that it may have been Tara, but now I seemed to have had a reaction with Tidus too. I could feel my eyes begining to get heavy, the battle with the Sinspawn had drained me, and I was mentally exhausted from the destruction of Kilika, very slowly I smile at Tidus, before falling to sleep peacefully. Tidus looked down at the sleeping form of Kaiser and smiled.

"You really have a bad problem with falling asleep on me man" He said to no one inparticular.

"Hey! Is he ok?!" Tara shouted. The group had made thier way to the front of the barricade when they saw Kaiser fall asleep.

"Yeah, he'll be fine, help the ships crew, ill be alright getting him back onto the deck." Tidus said.

As the group dispersed to help the crew members, Tidus sat Kaiser up, with the intent of carrying him back onto the deck over the rope barrier. But as he did, something fell out of Kaisers coat, it was a duel monsters card. Turning it over, Tidus looked at the card, wondering what it was.

"Hmmmm whats this?... Blue-Eyes White Dragon huh? Cool card, I wonder why he didnt try and summon this bad boy? This card isnt blank" Tidus said to himself.

Opening Kaiser's coat, Tidus found the inside pocket where the card had fallen out of. Placing it back in gently, he lifted Kaiser up over his shoulder and began to carry him back onto the deck. Little did he realise... that the card was glowing.

Well thats it for this chapter! Small update to the decklist section for Wildheart. Plus major league consequneces for Kaiser after giving into his own darkness. And whats with the thoughts running through his head when he was with Tara and Tidus? Find out next time! More importantly... the Ronso spoke! Please review!