Hey all! Just a quick blurb beforehand, there are two cards of my own design that'll be making their debut in this chapter.
Sundorian Princess Kumiko
Sundorian Twilight
Like before, if you wanna know what they do, read on and find out (and no borrowing without my permission! Please ask first).
Now on with the action!
Early morning light streams over the buildings of Heartland City as the third and final day of the WDC Preliminaries begins. But rather than checking in on one of our well-known competitors, the focus zooms within the hidden headquarters of the city mayor as he speaks with two very late entries...
"You two want to join the World Duel Carnival?"
Heartland turns his chair to meet his lavender irises with Nistro's violet-blue, the latter replying with confidence and determination,
"That's right. We want a piece of the action. If you let us enter, you won't be sorry."
"...You'd have to resign from the organizing committee. (Stands with a smile) Bu~t, if that's what you really want..."
"It is, Mister Heartland."
The older male makes his steady approach to the younger, approving the decision...if not without a certain condition or two.
"Okay then. But if you enter, I expect you to make all the through to the finals. Is that understood, Nistro?"
"Yes, Mister Heartland. You don't have to worry about that. I have my eyes set on someone."
Heartland's eyes narrow the slightest with interest.
"Interesting...I should hope you're referring to Kite."
Nistro stiffens a bit from the bitter address of that one name, and the mayor releases the former's shoulders as he turns to slowly wander back to where his previous seat resides.
"I'm assuming from that expression you and Dextra haven't received the latest on his status, have you? My mistake...Kite and Hart Tenjo have finally gone rogue."
A wisp of a gasp escapes the young woman's lips about the same time her partner's eyes widen, and their boss adds,
"And if you're to run into Kite during the tournament..."
He glances over his shoulder with a cold expression.
"Do everything you can to make him regret turning his back on us."
...The late teens are soon seen riding a moving walkway, their minds still somewhat muddled by recent news and the easiness in switching their roles...Dextra decides to break the silence by inquiring an answer regarding a question nagging from the back of her skull.
"...You're not going after Kite, are you?"
"Hm?"
"You plan on going after Athena Fujina, right?...Remember, she's the one playing host to the Original Number. We'll need to devise a plan, especially now that she's managed to persuade Kite into joining forces with her."
Smirking, Nistro lightly argues,
"I seriously doubt those two have really teamed up. We both know Kite's the type to play on his own terms. She just gave him the final push to get out alive...And besides..."
He looks down at the stack of cards in his hand - the first one on the bottom being a copy of Heroic Challenger Spartan - and adds,
"With a deck like mine, I won't need some fancy plan."
Recognizing the deck, the young woman with purple hair asks,
"Hold on. What about the deck Mister Heartland gave you? You have to use that one."
"I thought about using that one, but I'm not really feelin' it. My deck's way better, anyway, and I'll prove it by taking down Athena and the Original Number before anyone else gets the chance."
Reaching the end of the automatic path, the pair walk out through a doorway onto a balcony attached to the inner city wall to overlook the outer area...
"When you're as good as me, you don't worry about plans."
...Nistro notices that Dextra's expression hasn't relaxed.
"What's with the serious look on your face?"
Turning her gaze back outward, the latter reminds the former,
"You do realize we'll each have to win all five Heart Pieces in just one day..."
"My kind of odds, Dextra...My kind of odds...Plus if those punks we were trying to chase could do it, it'll be child's play for us."
Athena's POV
"Athena...Athena, are you up yet?"
"Mm...hrm...?"
The feeling of little fingers gently prodding my forehead stirs me awake, and blinking away the tiredness in my eyes, I find myself staring up at a certain young boy's face beaming at me with a sunny little smile.
Hart?...Oh, right, now it's coming back.
"Heh, I am now, kiddo."
Rising to a sitting position, I rub my left eye while giving the kid a once over.
"You're lookin' bright-eyed and bushy-tailed this morning. Have a good sleep, I take it?"
"Uh-huh. Best I've had in a while...Same for big brother too."
"Is that right? Good to hear."
Hearing that my former enemy turned mutual ally is slowly integrating towards a slightly more peaceful outlook made a part of my heart feel warm, because it meant that I'm doing good for people who deserve it...Anyway, as I flip the sleeping bag off my body, I tell Hart,
"I'll meet you and him downstairs in a bit. Just gotta get dressed."
"'kay!"
I watch his little form bound down the attic's exit, making me shake my head in amusement.
Amazing that he's actually on the move like any other kid his age...
Something's definitely changed since yesterday, but not in a bad way.
Letting the thought rest in the back of my head, I gather up my dueling equipment and newly-built deck before clambering down the ladder to my room. Setting the stuff on my desk, I glance out the window and see that the sun had already risen a fair deal.
Hm. Must've slept in a bit...Probably about nine by now.
Turning away, I walk over to my closet to pick out some clothes...I settle on an outfit consisting of my ice blue spaghetti-strap top with the Black Magician of Chaos's image printed on the front, my black leather jacket, a dark red cargo skirt reaching the top of my knees, and my brown steel-toe boots with white knee-high socks. For my hair, I settle on a style with most of it tied into a long braid, and a single thick strand on the right left loose to act like a lengthy bang.
Adjusting my golden pendant, I nod in approval at my appearance.
Not bad.
That's when Astral materializes out of the key.
"Mornin'."
"Good morning. I am surprised to see you are functioning considering how late we were returning to your home and beyond that."
A lazy smirk forms on my lips as I wander back to my desk to pull on my dueling gear.
"Yeah well, after so many late night raids and sleepless nightmares pounding my skull, I've gotten used to running on little Zzs. At one time ago, I could go for three days without sleep. Sure, there was the risk of zombie brain, but I could still interact with the world."
"I see...That does not sound very healthy. Are not all humans suppose to get an adequate amount of sleep in order to reclaim the energy lost during the daytime?"
"...Logically, yes, but understand that everyone's got their own internal clock, Astral. Most may follow a similar rhythm...but there are others like mine that fall between wired as all hell or just choosing to cut back the hours..."
Heading for the door, I add,
"But hopefully, after this tourney's over with, I can allow some room for getting my clock fixed."
Assuming I don't have too many thoughts keeping me up...
Down the hall and stairs I went, and the first face I meet eyes with is Akira's who sits on one side of the living room couch while Adam occupied the other.
"Yo."
"Yo yourself. Get any sleep?"
"Eh, enough that I should remain conscious until the evening starts."
"Teh, nice."
I then notice Kite's up as well, he sitting in one of the chairs with his little bro in his lap.
Seeing the two looking so content and, relaxed made my heart grow warm again...if a little sad as well.
Only god knows how long it's been since they've had a moment like this...
"Ah, Athena, good morning."
Focusing back out of my thoughts, I turn to see gramps approaching from the direction of the kitchen.
"Good morning, grandpa...Is Master Roku not up yet?"
"Actually, he arose earlier and left for the sanctuary."
I frown a little in disappointment.
"Aw, really? I was kind-of hoping he'd stay for the rest of the tourney..."
"He had to return to meet with an old student...But he wanted me to tell you that he's proud of your decision to continue persevering down the road traveled by all duelists."
Heh, right, (looks down) 'cause that's all I can really do at this point. Persevere...
"Now don't you go makin' that face again."
"Hm? Uh!"
Looking up from the floor, I nearly recoil back in surprise at seeing my other brother standing in front of me with a firm but meaningful expression.
"You've come so far in making a name for yourself as a duelist, so you can't afford to wallow in self-pity. (Light smirk) The only thing you should be concerned with is giving as many competitors as possible a reason to never underestimate you."
"Terry..."
"Addy, Addy."
As if on cue in this train of re-encouragement, LillyBot comes rolling into the room with Orbital steady at her heels (or would it be wheels?).
"You must eat, you must eat."
She presents me with a familiar bundle.
"Duel Fuel. Duel Fuel."
Taking it with a half-smile, I reply,
"Keh, thanks, Lil, but I should get breakfast in me first. I'll eat this later, for sure."
"Duel Fuel? What's that?"
Peering over at the kid, I use a comparison he's catch on right away.
"It's sort-a my version of the caramel power-ups you and your brother share. A little bit of positive motivation to keep trying since I was five."
That seemed to register based on the new smile, while Kite raises an eyebrow at me.
"How do you know about that?"
"Hart told me. Well, kind-of; had to call in some, outside help..."
That only served to confuse him more, but he chose to not question me further...
"Erm, sorry to cut the conversation short, but you might wanna shake a leg, sis. There's still a task to do before you can enter the finals."
Ah! That's right, my fifth Heart Piece...
Nodding at Adam, I mutter more to myself.
"Better make that breakfast to go, then."
Akira stands up and shows me another cloth bundle larger than the one Lil gave me.
"One step ahead of ya. Got enough for both of us to eat along the way."
"Thanks, 'kira...So Kite."
Focusing back on the still-technically Number Hunter, I ask him,
"You gonna stay here and chill, or are you comin' out too?"
...He doesn't answer for a minute, and I can tell the reason has to do with his conflict in leaving his younger brother's side...
"I'll be alright, big brother."
Eyes turn to the kid himself as he says with reassurance,
"I, haven't been feeling any bad energy since we left the tower, and I feel safe here in Addy's house...Besides, we need to make sure that Heartland and, Faker, don't get their hands on any other Numbers in any way we can. I can't do much...but you've got the freedom to."
"Hart...Hah, okay."
They share a hug as the older boy sets the younger one to his feet in accordance to getting up.
"But call me the second you need me."
"Will do."
My own bros and grandpa then chime,
"We'll all be home today, so Hart won't be by himself."
"Yeah, no worries; we'll take good care of him."
"Hart will remain safe under our roof, young man, I promise you."
Kite's concerns partially leave his expression after that, and he settles back into the familiar stoic while gesturing his mini mech to follow him to the door...The five of us - myself, Astral, Akira, Kite and Orbital - are soon outside and heading for the stairs down to street level, and the robot didn't skip a beat in voicing his own worries.
"A-Are you sure about this, Ma-Master Kite? You've only just recovered after your last Pho-Photon Transformation, and given that we'll have Heartland a-and company on our tails-"
I cut him off by drawling,
"Aoh stop being such a mother hen, would you? Everything's gonna be fine; we just have to stay positive is all."
"Positive? That's a word I haven't heard you use for a while."
"Hm?"
Glancing down the stairs, my eyes bugle slightly at the sight of the rest of my main crew waiting patiently on the sidewalk. Tiffany, Caden, Flip, Jamal, even Caswell's here!
Oh, wow...
"Morning, Addy."
"U-Uhm, yeah, right back at'chya."
Tiff's lookin' a bit perky...but is that how she's really feeling?
I decide to backtrack on my BFF's emotional state later and just half-smile back as I made my way down the stairs to everyone.
"Really, it's nice to see everybody at once again...'specially you, Cas."
Locking eyes with him, I ask,
"How's that arm of yours? The handicap causing you any grief?"
"Not overly. I mean, it's been difficult to only have one working hand, but hey, a tough guy like me can't be kept down for long. No sir! No one pushes me around!"
Flip then slides in and pushes Caswell a little as he beams,
"Addy! We're all here to cheer you on in the Carnival!"
Caden chimes similarly,
"We know you're gonna pounce the competition and send them running like mice, mreow."
It feels nice to know I have all this positivity to back me up. Suddenly, the world isn't as weighing...
"Of course, we won't just got your back."
"Hm?"
Jamal shifts his gaze between myself and Kite as he says with a serious undertone in his smile,
"Tiff gave us the lowdown on the way down here regarding your little adventure the other night, an', well...all I can say to you is this, Kite: don' waste this chance to be with people who actually support your cause."
To say our resident Number Hunter was surprised by my best guy friend's words would be an understatement. He actually couldn't respond verbally and was close to gaping...until he settles on keeping his lips shut and nodding in acknowledgement...
"It's the last day of the World Duel Carnival Preliminary Round, and time is running out! If you wanna be part of the finals, hurry up and win your five Heart Pieces! Now get out there and duel!"
The lot of us are now walking by the man-made river as our 'delightful' mayor's voice echoes overhead, and I comment,
"Is anybody else besides me finding his voice is starting to sound about as annoying as a fly on the wall?"
A few of my friends murmur in agreement while Akira replies wryly,
"I thought that was just me...I'm shocked that our 'dear mayor' is even able to showboat..."
Jamal adds,
"Yeah, I would've thought with Kite and Hart going AWOL, he'd be panicking up a storm."
I shrug,
"Guess he's just that good of an actor."
"...Oh! Before I forget..."
Caswell hurries behind me and presents that familiar kuriboh flash drive over my left shoulder.
"I finally finished decoding those encrypted files."
"Uh! Already?"
"Mhm. In the end, the Heartland database was no match for my code-breaking skills...I also took the liberty of removing any possible tracers, so nobody from Heartland's group should be able to track us...Although I gotta say..."
I could hear the delicate frown etching onto his face.
"What I did find on here was a bit disturbing to say the least. About half of the information is still classified, but, what isn't points towards yet another secret organization."
You, have got, to be kidding...
Taking the drive from him, I pull out my duel disk and plug it in...
"What, the...?"
Eclipse, Laboratories?...Wait a minute...
(Flash)
Above the door of that steel and glass cell I was kept in...There was a symbol...
A, solar eclipse...
(Flash)
"Uh-h!...It's them..."
I stop in my tracks, prompting everyone else to do the same.
"Huh?" "What's wrong?"
"Addy?"
With a trembling hand, I utter out with a level of fear that feels both familiar and foreign to me,
"This...These files...They're from the place, I was taken to years ago!...These are the people who hurt me."
A couple gasps sound, and Kite steps over for a closer look at the open pages.
"You're sure?"
"Yes...The name; it, triggered something. A symbol above the door of my cell. A solar eclipse...I'm almost certain this organization's the same one that had me kidnapped."
Tiffany asks aloud with a bit of worry in her own voice,
"But why would the Heartland database have something like this? Human experimentation doesn't sound like the thing even Mister Heartland would be into."
"Maybe not him...but then there's Doctor Faker."
Clicking the files off, I turn my eyes on Kite and ask him,
"Do you think your father might've tried appealing to these laboratories to help Hart?"
"...It's possible. You and he do share a common memory...But these files don't really say much about what exactly they did or didn't do."
"No...I guess we'll just have to wait until mine or Hart's memories reveal more details. Currently, confronting Faker wouldn't be wise."
Kite almost looks like he wants to disagree, but went along with my logic anyway.
"Right. Not while the Carnival's still running...Speaking of which, we should probably go our separate ways from here."
Huh?
Sensing mine and everyone else's confusion, he explains,
"Whether they've caught onto on alliance or not, the less we're seen together outside your home, the better."
Ah, right. That does make sense...
"But, don't think I'm not, grateful for what you're doing for my brother and I."
A sliver of softness rose on Kite's face as he says to me,
"Thanks to you, I no longer have to cater to second-rate minds who had no intention of really helping Hart."
"I'm glad to hear that from you."
"...But remember what I also said about the Numbers."
That sternness reappears in the shift of topic.
"While I find your terms agreeable, when the time comes, I won't just be handing the Number Cards I've collected over. (Half-smirk) The only sure-fire way you'll be getting them, is through a duel."
Teh, saw that one coming. Duelist's pride and all.
Smirking back, I reply,
"Somehow, I knew you were gonna slide a duel in...and you make a fair point. We'll settle it with a chat over a match. Don't think I'll go easy on you either."
"Keh, right...Good luck getting your last piece."
He signals Orbital to transform into their glider form, and he calls before taking off for the skies,
"And if I hear that you and Astral aren't in the finals, I won't be merciful in my lecture!"
"Duly noted!"
...Once he was gone, Jamal comes up beside me and asks somewhat apprehensively,
"I don't mean to sound doubtful, but, you're absolutely sure there won't be any deceit on Kite's part?"
"Way sure, but I understand why you're feelin' antsy still...Until now, Kite hasn't been a real good for us, particularly for Astral..."
I form a small smile as I finish my case.
"But now that he's ditched the people who've been oppressing him and his brother, he'll be a powerful ally."
"I guess you're right...but what about the Numbers?"
"Negotiations can come later after we finish off the tourney drama...And don't worry, Astral."
My eyes peer upward to meet his as I tell him,
"As much as I wanna keep the talk civil, I will fight my ass off to make sure your memory is restored."
"I appreciate that, truly..."
Akira cuts into the conversation to get us back on current events.
"But first things first, we gotta get'chya into the finals."
Caden adds while crossing his arms,
"And the only way that's happening is by gathering all the pieces required...How many do you have again?"
I pull out my near-complete Heart Piece to show off.
"Almost all five. Just need one more..."
Tilting her head to the side with that cute smile, Tiffany comments,
"It's amazing how much can be accomplished in just a few days...Now we just need to track down a duelist for ya."
Flip hops in the air with a fist raised, already feeling more pumped than everyone else.
"Yeah, like a really rotten one with no ability!"
Folding my arms, I harrumph back with an indignant glare,
"Come on, man, I want my last required duel to have a bit of a challenge..."
Cade reasons,
"Plus there probably won't be any amateurs left in the competition."
"Alright alright, forget rotten then...How about a half-rookie duelist?"
That seemed agreeable with the rest of the crew.
"Yeah." "That's better-thinkin'!"
"Half-rookie sounds right!"
I just sigh and groan while throwing my head back,
"At this point, I don't care about skill; just find me someone who won't kick my hide on the first turn!"
...
A little while later, I find myself wandering around a park with Tiffany, Caswell and Astral after the others split up to comb the city for someone I could duel with...
"I would've thought you'd be running around like a chicken with their head cut off."
"Yeah, how are you remaining so calm, Addy?"
Repositioning my hands behind my head, I reply casually to my non-alien friends,
"Because I'd rather let the last battle come to me instead of accidentally mowing down a fellow duelist in a fruitless and desperate scramble. Besides, it's not even lunch time..."
Tiff shakes her head with a half-amused smile.
"Of course...Still, I'd be careful on how you manage your time."
"I'm managing just fine, thank you."
(...Brriiing)
"Cas, that's you."
"I know that!...Hang on..."
He struggles slightly thanks to his temporary handicap, but manages to pull out his duel gazer.
(Beep)
"Oh, it's a text from Flip...Hmm...Hh! Uh oh..."
"What? Is he in trouble?"
"More like he just dodged trouble. You're not gonna believe who he saw collecting Heart Pieces just now...!"
Pausing our walk, Caswell then shows us a text/image message sent by our friend from one of the alleyway sections...
"Gh! No way!" "Oh come on, not them!"
Nistro and Dextra?!
This time, I really couldn't stifle my groan and let it ring for any passers to hear.
"Great. Juuust great; as if the pressure wasn't already on, now this!...Wait a sec..."
Crap, does Kite know?
"Caswell, send me a copy of Flip's message so I can pass it along."
He does as I ask while inquiring curiously,
"To who?"
"Who do ya think? Everyone! After last night, I'm not taking any chances with possible threats. I'm keeping all of us on high alert."
I haven't heard from Shark recently, but I should give him a quick heads-up too...
I'm not letting anybody of my circle get caught unawares.
I finish compiling my message and hit send, letting out the kind of sigh you'd usually hear from an old woman rather than a teenager...A gentle hand makes its way onto my shoulder, and I look up to see Tiffany giving me a comforting and somewhat teasing smile.
"Heh, I think we know who the real mother hen is, and it isn't Orbital."
"Uh...Mph, I'm acting paranoid again, aren't I?"
"A little, but it's coming from a good place...Just don't make yourself crazy in the process, and remember to keep most of the focus on protecting yourself."
...Protecting myself, hm?
"Aah! Look, there he is!"
"Huh?"
Our attention then diverts up ahead as a pair of young boys go running down the stairs for the courtyard, following a bunch of other faces that include a few students from the academy. Tiffany and Caswell wonder aloud,
"What's up with those people?"
"Not sure, but it must be something exciting...Maybe it's a pair of competitors for the Carnival."
Floating down near me, Astral suggests,
"Perhaps it would not hurt to follow the crowd and see what is happening."
Shrugging, I say to everyone,
"Well let's not stand here like a bunch'a trees then. C'mon."
...Making our way down and finding a space between a few young adults and grade-schoolers, we'd discover that there is a duel going on...but not necessarily for the tourney.
"And now to finish you off! Esper Star Sparrow, attack with Mega Punch Surprise!"
Uh!...Nelson...But what's he doing in his costume?
"Oh my gosh, it's Sparr-I-I mean, Nelson!...Wow, it's been a while since we saw him."
Hearing my gal pal's attempt to stifle her inner fangirl made an amused smirk rise on my face as we watch him make his final move against his opponent, taking them down in no time flat. As the AR fades, Cas then asks us in surprise,
"Since when do you two know a TV star?"
"Long story, man,"
"And we have a Number Card to thank for it."
"Ah. Say no more."
We tune back to the rest of the world as Nelson then announces,
"As I promised, I shall now resume, autographing!"
The little sea of people doesn't waste any time in scrambling in front of the poor kid, a few nearing knocking me and my friends off our feet.
"Whoa!" "Hey!"
"Watch it!"
Ugh, I see the gabble of sheep hasn't changed much...
I only get more annoyed when my ears pick up on the following squeals.
"I can't believe it's him!" "This is the best day of my life!"
"...Just so we're clear, Tiff, yes, that's what you sounded like when we snuck into the sound stage."
By no surprise to me, she immediately denies it with a defensive stutter.
"Wh-What?! I don't sound like that!"
"Heh, liar. You do and you know it, but you're too embarrassed to admit it."
"Auh, Addy!"
Caswell just smiles helplessly at us and says,
"Now take it easy, girls; remember where we are."
"Hey, you in the costume!"
"Hm!"
We all stiffen to a standstill come the familiar voice call, and look over to see the same pair that Flip sent a warning about earlier.
Oh, crap...
Sensing my rising worries, Astral reassures me,
"Do not panic, Athena. Their focus is not on us, but rather, on Nelson."
Yeah, I know...but that's why I'm a little concerned.
Focusing in on Nistro, I notice that his attire's changed a little since I last saw him, now donning a grey black coat with light orange fur trimming the collar and bottom, leather pants with two belts around the waist, and a pair of white/brown cowboy boots.
Huh...He almost looks more, free...
"You look like a duelist who has a Heart Piece he's willing to part ways with."
To my surprise and slight relief, Nelson holds strong and isn't intimidated by the other's personality.
"A Heart Piece?...I'm guessing you're in the World Duel Carnival?"
"That's right, and if you've got a Heart Piece to complete my set, I'm gonna win it from ya."
"(Slight smirk) I'm afraid, I must disagree with you. It is your Heart Piece that will complete my set."
Ah! So Nelson's in the tourney too?
(Slight smile) I'm glad to see his confidence has boosted, but, again, not really seeing the point of the costume...
"You see, I need my fourth Heart Piece, and yours will do nicely."
"Ohohoh, I'm sure it would, but you don't look like someone who can win it."
Hmph, cocky are we?...Alright, so his personality's definitely the same as ever...
"Addy! Tiff, Caswell!"
Turning our eyes right, we see one of our friends rushing over to us.
"Oh, Flip!"
"Hah, hah, I see you got my message...and, found The Sparrow too. Man, the half-rookies really are scarce on day three."
I wave a dismissive hand and tell him,
"Eh, at least you tried, and we can give it another go in a bit...For now, let's see if Nelson's got the stuff to take on Nistro."
"Mm, alright, your call...buuut I'm just gonna..."
He then darts part of his body behind mine.
"Stand back here if that's cool."
"Haaah, if you insist..."
Can't blame him for playing chicken since those two are here, but still...
Anyway, we call put our attention on the starting battle as Nelson and Nistro get their gear ready.
"Rrrrraaaah!"
"Bring it on, bird boy! Hhhhhh!"
"Duel Disk, set!"
"Get ready to feel the heat!...Ha!"
Augmented Reality Vision Link Established.
They each cry out as the AR settles for all of us alike,
"Let's Duel!"
"...Hey, guys!"
That's when the last three of our group - Jamal, Caden and Akira - make their grand arrival. Flip smiles and says to them,
"Nice to see you three made it here too."
"Yeah, thanks to your message. (Looks at me) You get the same?"
I shake my head at Jamal and say,
"Not exactly. It all sort-of fell into place on its own after Flip's warning text."
"Ah."
"...Yo, Tiffy!"
"Tiffany, over here!"
The surprises don't seem to wanna cease, and glancing sideways, I spot my gal pal's two friends Calli and Hana were standing next to us. Since were not trapped in school, they were free to wear their individual styles. Calli's look is kind-of like mine but more tomboy, this round being a yellow and dark blue-checkered vest with ripped sleeves overtop a plain white tank top, deep brown baggy pants and a pair of showy red high tops, all of which show off her lovely caramel complexion and funky curly black/dark blue hair nicely. Hana meanwhile encompasses a sweetheart look like Tiffany's, this time a soft pink cap-sleeve dress with a cream white crochet mini poncho overtop, and brown peter pan boots with a matching-coloured bow in middle of her long white-blond hair. Her peachy skin and innocent grey-blues only add to the factor, both girls making my heart flutter with semi-foreign emotions.
...I hurry to focus up front and away from them before any blushing starts, almost cursing myself for being distracted by pretty faces.
Kh, get it together, girl. If Tiff catches you leering at her friends again, she'll smack you silly!
And when it isn't my fellow girls stirring something in me, guys definitely do. I'll never admit it aloud, but I have flushed over some of the hot boys at the academy...even Shark. There, I admit it: he's a good-looking guy! But most of these ogle moments are just for the eye-candy; I don't plan on doing anything serious with anybody in this current time...At least, I don't think so.
God, I hate hormones; why do they have to be so confusing?
"Is everything alright, Athena? Your face looks more coloured than usual. Are you unwell?"
Snapping out of my overly-conflicting thoughts over my sexuality, I stutter back to Astral,
"N-No, I'm fine; just lost in, o-other thoughts."
His expression told me he hardly bought my words, but for the sake of the appending battle, he chose to drop the subject completely much to my relief...I mean, don't get me wrong: I'm not ashamed of the possibility that I could be...bisexual...I just dunno if I really need the label, you know?
Is there something so wrong with flirting and staring at anyone you want, regardless if they wear pants or a skirt?
Moving on, it doesn't take very long - a few turns at best - before Nelson brings out his big gun trio, Beast Warrior Puma, Phoenix Beast Gairuda and his monster clone, Esper Star Sparrow while also setting an unnamed card face-down on the field. Meanwhile, Nistro's got three copies of a monster known as Heroic Challenger Spartan, which reads as a sign he's changed his deck recently, and two face-down cards. Both of them have dealt some fair damage to eachother, the totals dropping to 3400 and 3000 respectively.
Well, Nelson's staying strong so far. That's good...and based on his current field, I think I know which monster's coming next.
"And now, fiend, I summon the mighty and powerful, Iron Hammer the Giant in Defense Mode!"
Called it...Hm?
That's when I glance up and notice the slight sparkle of excitement in Astral's eyes and a gape in his mouth, making me smirk in amusement.
...Keep that face up and it's gonna be permanent.
He jumps a bit on the spot, turning to look at me in half-embarrassment for catching his fanboy moment. It morphs into annoyance as soon as I start snickering quietly.
Wow. Been a while since you spaced out like that.
"It is not that funny."
Why? You're always on with the serious vibe so it's almost hilarious to see you acting like, well, a teenager.
"I am not immature of mind, if that is what you are implying."
I know that; don't get so defensive...I'm just sayin' it's okay to let your inner kid out...
I, like seeing this side of you, Astral.
He's taken aback by my words, so to spare him anymore confusion, I surrender this conversation for a different one which I incorporate everyone else on.
"So has anybody else besides me noticed a change in Nistro's cards?"
Flip replies,
"Yeah! He's not using the Photon monsters he did last time!...Still, they look pretty strong, and you, me and Tiff know how brutal Nistro is in battle..."
A shiver runs through my gal pal as she mutters,
"No kidding," but I just smile awkwardly and comment,
"Eh, well, it's not like I actually had a front row seat for most of the action since I was otherwise, preoccupied..."
"Preoccupied?"
I turn to Akira and reply,
"Long story, dude, but let's just say the whole 'caught in two places at once' concept got proven the other day."
"...Alright, I'm not gonna ask, today at least."
"...Hey, Athena!"
I stiffen in place when Nistro's voice booms my direction, then turn to meet my amber red with his violet-blue.
"I'm comin' for ya, so watch your back!"
...It's funny: I should've felt threatened, but after yesterday, any new calls to challenge like this one just feel annoying. Shaking my head with a cynical smile, I joke to myself,
I gotta find a way to stop making as many enemies as I do friends...
"Esper Star Sparrow, attack Heroic Challenger Spartan directly!"
Nelson's monster charges forward to strike down Nistro's with their whip...
"Please, that move is for the birds...I activate my Spartan's special ability, Heroic Formation!...When my monster is attacked, its special ability allows all the Spartans to combine their Attack Points!"
All three Spartans cloister together with their shields raised, combining their Attack Points to create a whopping total of 4800! I curse aloud,
"Shit! Nelson's Sparrow's a dead duck!"
Astral counters,
"Unless, your friend has a trick up their sleeve..."
No POV
On the battlefield, Nelson remains calm and calls back to his opponent,
"Very clever, but not as clever as this, I'm afraid. I activate my Trap, Change to Jet Iron! Now I tribute the Sparrow Family, so I can summon, the truly incredible Dimensional Jet Iron! And its Attack Points equal the total amount of the monsters that were tributed. Arise, Jet Iron!"
Just like that, the major powerhouse in the teen star's deck is summoned to the field, the total Attack Points being a gargantuan 8000. All of Athena's friends - save Astral, Tiffany, Jamal - were in awe, Caden exclaiming,
"Now there's a monster with some claws!"
"And now, Dimensional Jet Iron, attack with Iron Phoenix!"
The massive jet machine dives downward in a cloak of fire on a straight course for the waiting targets below...But the former member of the Carnival Committee doesn't flinch with fear.
"I'm activating my Trap Card, Heroic Guard! With the power of this Trap, by tributing one Spartan, I can then decrease the damage I take by its Attack Points."
One of the said monsters breaks from formation to jump up and sacrifice themselves to save the other two, the explosion's impact blowing back down against Nistro as his Life Points drop to 1400 after temporarily rising to 7800...
"Hehahaha, and here's another Trap for ya: Heroic Retribution Sword!"
One of his face-down cards flips up to reveal a scene involving a white-suited warrior reaching for a molten blade while holding a hand up to counter-defend a coming attack.
"I can activate this Trap when a Heroic Challenger is destroyed! If the monster equipped with this sword battles with the monster that destroyed the Heroic Challenger, your monster is automatically destroyed, and you take damage equal to its Attack Points! Peck on that, bird boy!"
Cringing, Athena and Astral each mutter from the sidelines,
"Damn, if that attack connects, Nelson's gonna go flying out of the park and then some."
"This is quite the comeback..."
Luckily, the boy in costume had a plan.
"Not on my watch! I activate Dimensional Jet Iron's special ability!...I tribute it to bring back the Sparrow family from my Graveyard!"
Nistro frowns as he watches the target monster get sent away to allow the four starters to return to his opponent's side of the field.
"Hmph! Lucky for you. Since Dimensional Jet Iron is gone, my sword's effect ends. (Smirk) Never thought the first challenge I had all day, would be dressed like that."
Nelson ignores the obvious baiting.
"I refuse to stoop to your level, but suffice it to say, you have proven to be a worthy foe. However, (swipes up a card) we must get back to the duel at hand! For now, by summon Gairuda, I draw one card..."
He looks down, and smiles when he sees,
Aah, I was wondering when she'd show up, (glance) heh, and since Addy's here...
"I then summon a trusted ally of The Sparrow...The fierce royal from the Sundorian Planet with an inner fire that burns deep with a passion for protecting her people! Arise, Princess Kumiko!"
A portal of light dances into the atmosphere from the ground up like fire reaching for the stars, before it dies down with one sideways stroke of a Moorish sword, revealing their wielder in full. Standing just half a foot shorter than Esper Star Sparrow, this monster heralds the appearance of a young woman with long black hair tied into a crown braid with a molten copper circlet sitting on top her head, eyes the colour of burning embers and standing out against her cerise pink skin, and ears with double points atop the upper rims. Her outfit consists of a garment similar to a furisode kimono of charcoal black, persimmon orange and crimson, but made with much lighter material and cut with a high right slit showing off a pair of harvest gold leggings and bronze brown Chelsea boots. Their Level stands at Four with a fair strength of 1700 Attack Points.
"...Heheh, hey Addy, look, it's your Duel Monster doppelgänger!"
Said girl feels her face flush in embarrassment and frustration while her friends laugh.
"Oh come off it; that royal and I look nothing alike!"
"Sure you do; same eyes, hair, face and well-meaning sarcastic attitude. See?"
Following Jamal's point, we watch the hero of the hour send a sheepish smile at the Sundorian Princess who rolls her eyes in response...
"Sparrow, this is no time for flirting!"
"Yeah, get your head in the game!"
Snapping out of his minor daze, said monster heeds Puma and Gairuda's voices and shakes himself lose with a more humbling if slightly embarrassed expression. Fans of the television program these monsters derive from start to chuckle and giggle, recalling instances of similar behaviour between the protagonist and the princess. Meanwhile, the boy portraying the star holds a hand to his forehead with a half-smile of mortification.
Oh wow, as if those scenes weren't embarrassing enough on set, now this?
"Alright, moving ahead, that's the end of my turn. You're up!"
"It's payback time, you feathered freak! My Spartan wants me to get revenge for his fallen brothers. In order to do that, I draw! I tribute my Spartan to summon, Heroic Challenger War Hammer!"
Crashing forth through the ground up, this Level Six monster with 2100 Attack Points reflects the similar theme of the previous warriors, but with a stronger build while carrying a long hammer for their weapon.
"And now, attack Beast Warrior Puma!"
Lunging forward in a leap, the Heroic Challenger swings the base of the hammer hard against Puma's torso, destroying them in a cluster of pixels. Poor Nelson is hit with the backlash of the attack, crying out as he goes flying backwards to the pavement while his Life Points sink to 2900.
"Nelson!"
"Oooh, that must've hurt...!"
Athena and Tiffany's exclaims would be followed by the shrieks and worried wails of the Esper Star Sparrow fangirls, and the costumed boy struggles to raise himself to his feet again while mourning the loss of his ally.
"Puma..."
"Aw, poor kitty cat. Looks like that's one cat that didn't have nine lives!"
"Rrrrrrr, I won't let you get away with that!"
"Hm?"
Suddenly, the blade of Kumiko's Moorish sword glows a blinding yellow light at the same time the warrior princess's own irises gleam similarly, and she leaps into the air to send a slash of pure hot energy towards Nistro.
"Take this, you villain!"
(Whash, bzzzt)
"Gaaauuuh!"
The young adult with soot red hair is hit dead-on, feeling the shock of the princess's power as his Life Points roll down to 1200...
"H-How did you-?!"
Stifling a chuckle, Nelson explains with a little smirk,
"Oh yes, something I probably should've mentioned before: the princess from Sundoria doesn't take to seeing her friends getting pulverized on her watch. In this case, whenever one of the members of the Sparrow Family is taken down in battle while she's on the field, you'll be dealt 200 points of direct damage."
As Kumiko relaxes her stance, Sparrow says to her,
"Excellent counter, Kumiko!...I'm really glad you're here."
"Teh, as if I would leave my allies hanging."
They give eachother softer smiles, the mini scene prompting Flip to nudge Athena and joke,
"We~ll, those two look a bit cozy, don't they? Something you wanna share, Addy?"
Thumping the back of his head, the girl with copper red-tipped black hair replies in an annoyed manner,
"Hell no, you doof! That's just series context; there's absolutely nothing beyond friendship going on between me and Nelson!"
"Okay okay, calm down; I was just kidding!"
Getting back to the action, Nistro all but growls,
"Grh, think you're so smug?! You won't be laughing after this!...I now activate War Hammer's special ability! War Hammer equips the monster it destroys, and gains its Attack Points!"
In other words, the Heroic Challenger warrior's strength increases to 3700, much to Athena's dislike.
"Damn!...A quick turnaround with a single card..."
Astral comments,
"That was a remarkable strategy," but Nelson is about to argue otherwise.
"Rrrh, Puma's Attack Points will not save you!"
"Kuh, well they sure aren't gonna hurt to have! Now, I end my turn with a facedown."
On the sidelines, Jamal and Caswell become concerned by the switch of strength on the battlefield.
"This isn't looking good..."
"No it's not. In the end, the difference between Heroic Challenger War Hammer's Attack Points and that of Nelson's monsters is too much."
"For now."
"Hm?" "Huh?"
The boys turn their attention to Akira, his aqua irises narrowed in concentration as he keeps his attention on the Duel Monster match.
"I'm more than certain we'll be seeing a reverse counter from The Sparrow. He and Nistro have displayed an equal amount of strategy that makes each of them formidable opponents...Besides, (half-smile) when has The Sparrow ever backed down when the odds seem against him?"
Nelson's POV
As great as it was that Kumiko managed to dent at Nistro's Life Points, with his War Hammer gaining strength from my Puma, that old feeling of self-doubt began to creep in.
...What am I to do?...Focus! Turn things around. What would Addy do?
I recall our match from back in the sound studio when...I was under that Number Card's influence. Actually, that's not completely accurate: I only remember bits of it based on some playback feed my duel disk stored away...
When we dueled, I had her beat, but that didn't stop her from believing in herself.
That's what I need to do now!
With my determination reset, I grab my next card.
"My turn! I draw!"
...Aha, perfect!
Grinning, I play my new card.
"I activate the spell, Sundorian Twilight!...This card can only be activated when Princess Kumiko is on the field. It allows me to choose one of my monsters with an even Level, and change the Levels of my other monsters to that one for three turns!"
Kumiko's sword morphs to that of her people's royal war staff, an object of immense power many would give their sanity for...
"Unfortunately for you, I choose my Level Ten Esper Star Sparrow!...Princess, please lend your power to your galactic allies!"
And just like in the series I act for, my monster twirls her staff around before shooting a beam of light into the air, which splits to crash down upon the others and greatly increase their strength.
Alright. Now it's time to bring out the big guns.
"I Overlay my three Level Ten Monsters, in order to build the Overlay Network! Now the power of the Sparrow Family will join forces so that I can XYZ summon, Super Dimensional Robot Galaxy Destroyer!"
Arguably my strongest monster beside Dimensional Jet Iron, they're a giant robot made from blue-schemed metal and with horns at the side of its head. And let's not forget their impeccable strength of 5000 Attack Points and three Overlay Units...
"Prepare to be blasted out of this world!...I activate Galaxy Destroyer's special ability! By using one Overlay Unit, all the Spell and Trap cards on your field are destroyed! Go, Galaxy Break!"
I was able to easily decipher from his expression between summoning and calling the attack that Nistro's facedown would've likely been a trap to stop a more offensive measure, so I knew I had to get rid of the counter quickly. Based on the new look of disbelief, it seems my hunch was correct.
Once more, by releasing Puma from his role as an equip, War Hammer becomes weaker...
"And now, Super Dimensional Robot Galaxy Destroyer, attack War Hammer!"
My monster manifests its blaster gun, and charges it up to fire. Victory seemed assured...but then-
"Not so fast, you costumed crackpot! I send my Heroic Challenger Sword Shield from my hand to my Graveyard! When I do that, if there's 2000 or more points of damage dealt to me in battle...the battle damage is negated, and my Life Points become 100!"
So by a miracle of fate, my opponent is able to barely survive my XYZ monster's cataclysmic blast, much to my frustration.
Guuurh, you're kidding...!
"I would've won the duel if you hadn't made that move! (Irritated smile) Guess my victory's gonna have to wait."
I watch Nistro rise back onto his feet before getting on with his next turn.
"Now for my comeback, (swipes up a card)!...I summon Heroic Challenger Double Lance!"
This monster would be enclosed in off-white battle armour while carrying a pair of the weapons named, Level Four and with 1700 Attack Points.
"And I truly mean double, 'cause this monster counts as two when XYZ summoning."
"Uh!...Can it be...?"
Sounds like my Galaxy Destroyer's about to receive a more substantial opponent...
"That means I Overlay two Level Four Double Lances!...With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network, and XYZ summon, Heroic Challenger Excalibur!"
Standing only a head or two shorter than my own monster, Nistro's embodies the appearance of a knight in red armour, Rank Four and with 2000 Attack Points!
"It seems this duel has taken a most wicked turn...!"
My monster's strength may prevail over his, but for how long...?
Not long based on the smirk Nistro wears as he exclaims,
"Now things are going to get worse for you, because I'm activating Excalibur's special ability! By using one Overlay Unit, it can double its Attack Points!"
So now his warrior stands a tall 4000...Just off by a 1000 with one ability. Amazing...
"Now I'll really ruffle your feathers, when I activate the Spell Card, Heroic Chance, and Excalibur's Attack Points are doubled again!"
Uh! 8000 Attack Points?!...I have no way to counter.
This duel is, finished...
I accept the consequences of the match just as Nistro makes the final call.
"Heroic Challenger Excalibur, attack Galaxy Destroyer! Go, Shock Sword Slash!"
"Ah! Impossible!"
One strike from that electric-charged blade and my robot is down for the count, leaving me to go flying backwards from the explosion's impact as my Life Points drain away to zero...But as I lay on the pavement and remove my gazer, I don't feel any overwhelming negativity over losing.
"Ngh...my wings were clipped...heh. Heheh."
"Yo, Nelson!"
"Hm?"
I sit up and spot a certain friend jogging over to me.
Standing up in full, I remove my mask and brush down my hair to address her as myself.
"Ah, Athena. The only girl I know who actually remembers to address me by name first before character."
"Probably 'cause I'm not one of your ditsy fangirls despite expressing some enjoyment in Esper Star Sparrow."
We both laugh at her response before she then asks,
"Speaking of Sparrow, how come you're out here dressed as your alter ego? I would've thought after the drama from a while back, you'd be trying to avoid work off-set whenever possible."
"Heh, true enough...but this is actually a part of my strategy."
"...Uuuhm, I'm gonna need a little context."
"I thought it might psyche my opponents out, if they were facing a super powerful hero like The Sparrow."
Her face lights up with realization.
"Oooh, psychological warfare, is it? Nice...Shame it didn't work on your latest opponent."
Speaking of Nistro, we spot him coming our way up the stairs from the other side of the courtyard...I don't miss the sudden tensing in Athena's body, making me frown briefly in concern.
Hmm, so she's encountered him before I have...but obviously not in a good way.
I wonder what happened...
"Not bad. Not bad at all."
Snapping back to reality, I reply with a polite smile,
"Right back at you. Guess you earned my Heart Piece..."
I hand Nistro the bit of gem required to complete the entrance key for the next part of the Carnival...
"So you and Dextra aren't a part of the committee anymore, are you?"
He turns his focus on Athena and replies,
"That's right. We wanted a piece of the action."
"I see..."
"Be sure to make the finals, Athena. I'll be waiting."
"Mph...Teh, right, (forced smirk) well it's not like you're the only one after my hide, so all I can say is get in line."
Not the only one?
Nothing else is exchanged between the two after that, and Nistro walks away with his friend...
Sensing my friend's lingering discomfort, I smile at her reassuringly and say,
"Don't let him get to you. You know, you're the reason I was able to go the distance."
"Oh yeah?"
"Mhm. Remember our duel? I had you on the ropes, but you wouldn't give up."
"...You remember the match?"
My smile falters the slightest as I explain,
"Well, sort of. My memory's a bit shot thanks to the Number Card, but my duel disk had recorded the battle for the play-by-play function."
"Huh..."
"Addy!"
That's when the rest of her friends - some I know well enough by now that I can consider them friends too while others are still in the acquaintance category - come our way. I say to them,
"I was just telling Addy that it was her spirit that inspired me to duel against all odds with Nistro. (Looks at her) I may play a hero on television, but your relentless spirit in a duel makes you my hero, Athena."
"And apparently inspires you to be cheeky and play a card with a few remote - emphasis on remote, boys - similarities to me."
"Uh...!"
She smirks at me with a bit of irritation and inquires,
"You played Sundorian Princess Kumiko on purpose, didn't you?"
Caught red-handed, my lips curve between a sheepish smile and a mischievous smirk.
"Ah-heh, you got me, but I couldn't help myself after I spotted you in the audience...It's strange: we met long after Kumiko's character was created, but you and her do share enough commonalities that could make you her real-life double."
"Oh god, not you too!"
She covers her face in embarrassment as the rest of us laugh.
So there is more to her than just being a little brash, sarcastic and passionate in protecting her loved ones...
"Aw, no need to get red, hun; we're just pokin' a bit of fun!"
"Tch, yeah, at my expense, Calli, now knock it off!"
"Or what, you gonna pull out your own sword and blast us off our feet?"
"I'm warning you, Jamal, one more comment and you'll be the first I tackle to the ground!"
"Careful man, I think she means it!"
I just shake my head in amusement at the animated reactions between these people I hold importance to.
Friends really do make life worth everything...
...Hm?
That's when I suddenly felt this, stare, a bit piercing but nothing truly threatening coming from a small distance away, and I look around in confusion.
Odd...it feels like someone's watching me, but I don't see anyone...
Astral's POV
Amongst the positive chaos of Athena and our friends, I notice Nelson suddenly looking to and fro with a befuddled expression on his face. I almost assumed that perhaps it might have been my own presence he was subconsciously sensing (there have been a few previous instances which suggest some humans in this world may not be fully aware of my existence like Athena, but can feel my stare)...until I realize I'm no longer the only 'invisible' person in the open.
"...I see you are being true to your words with regards to protecting your, mistress, was it? You are aware of course that Nelson is not a threat."
My glance turns sideways...to meet with the eyes of Adreus, Keeper of Armageddon. He replies to me,
"Of course he isn't...but that Nistro and Dextra duo were causing some ill of ease within Athena, which urged me to rise out from her deck and watch they didn't do anything funny."
"I see..."
How this development came to pass is a rather curious tale.
Flashback
It began not too long after Athena had gone to sleep the other night after our argument, and the night had only grown quiet...when I sensed a shift of energy within the connected attic and bedroom.
"Hm?"
...A duel monster...?
Peering down below through the floor door, my eyes widen when I spot a shadow hovering over where Kite and Hart were sleeping!
"What in the...Who are you?!"
They dart their head up to stare my way, revealing blood red irises that sent a shiver down my spine...before floating upward through the structure of the ceiling for the attic...
Uh, Athena! She could be in danger!
Worried for my friend, I hurry back up in time to watch the dark figure head inside the key...I do not hesitate in following after them, concerned that they might be someone I continue to pray is under a strong lock.
If this is who I think it is...
Stopping just in front of the golden airship, I call out with a stern glare,
"...Number Ninety-Six, if you are here for another fight, I can assure you the outcome will end the same as last time! Come out and face me if you dare!"
"...Heheheh, the young mistress has had quite the effect on you, I see. Very brave of you to call a challenge, Astral."
Huh?...That was not Black Mist...
I am careful to not let my relief show, dropping only the slightest amount of my guard as I then inquire,
"...Who are you, and why were you hovering over Kite and Hart a moment ago?"
The time to wait would not be any longer than a few seconds, before the figure emerges from the shadows to reveal themselves.
"Oh I believe you know me already from the Duel Fist match earlier this evening."
"Hh!...Adreus?"
He grinned at me and replied,
"The one and only."
"...But, what brings you here? H-How are you here? Have you always been able to manifest from your card?"
"Hehaha, easy there; you'll tie your tongue into a knot at that rate...To answer simply, I've been popping out of my card in spirit form for a number of years. It's a trait many Duel Monsters have but few use."
Ah yes, of course...Augmented Reality is not the only place where Duel Monsters come alive...
Since there was no true threat present, I relax and stimulate further conversation with this XYZ monster.
"Does, Athena know of this?"
"Not exactly. I have been watching over her since she first picked me up from that shop a year and a half ago, but haven't really made my spiritual presence known to her."
"Why is that?"
"I just feel it's safer for me to guard her from a distance. It would've been especially dangerous to show myself in full during her time with those thugs. Her mind was...and still is in a fragile state. I'd rather not scare her."
"I see...There is still one question you have yet to answer, though. Why were you hovering over Kite and his younger brother?"
His smile turned into a dark smirk as he replied,
"Ha, oh that? I merely gave the Number Hunter a little warning to watch himself in my mistress's company."
"A warning? (Narrows eyes) You terrorized him in his sleep?"
"Perhaps~, but not enough to traumatize him if that's your concern."
"...I am not sure if I approve of your methods."
His face grew more serious as he argued,
"You have your ways and I my own...but we both share the same desire to protect Athena, and that's what really counts in these troubled times...Troubled times that have only begun to rear their ugly head."
"I, suppose you make a fair point..."
End of Flashback
And as I observe the Duel Monster spirit now, I cannot help but feel both intimidated by his presence...and a little safer by it.
His aura may be rather imposing, but he is a remarkably strong ally to have...
Still, his methods in keeping Athena safe are rather questionable.
"I can sense your conflict in trusting me."
I nearly jump in place from the sound of his voice, and he side-glances me with a wry smirk.
"You're not used to someone of my personality, are you?"
"Um...not, particularly."
"Let me guess: I remind you of the Number that's been nothing less than a diabolical nuisance to you and the mistress."
...I avoid eye contact with him as I nod a little...
"Suppose I can't really blame you for feeling that way...but I'm certain I can change your thinking with time. Just remember: we both share a same desire."
"...Right. Of course."
"And because you mean so much to the mistress...consider yourself protected as well."
Now that caught me off-guard, and I whirl back his way as I exclaim,
"Uh, me?!"
His smile becomes more sincere as he replies,
"Yes you. Your current defenses can only do so much. It would be worth your while to have an XYZ like myself on your side...And besides all that...you've become a strong light in my mistress's darkness, and revitalized her soul...Meanwhile, she's been giving your own soul the edge needed to combat the world."
Giving my soul edge...?
"You're only discovering your strengths with each Number returned, but that strength will only provide you with so much...Astral, if you want to eventually stand as a protector for your world, you need to build up your character, become someone worthy of your home."
...
His words seemed to echo in my mind as we focus away from one another, nearly burning deep into my spirit.
...To be worthy of the place you come from...