A,N: Hello you guys. So, so sorry for the wait you guys. Had lack of motivation to be honest. That and trying to finish up Gx so I have less to work on. Hope you can forgive me. However at least the chapter are making up for my absence. With further ado. Have fun reading.

Astral's p.o.v.

Astral looked worriedly at Zaira, as Dark mist dropped her into Vector's lap. The Astral prince didn't question that they had put some kind of spell on her. After all he knew Zaira, and if she could she would clearly had tried to escape in some way. but at the same time, Astral knew that neither Vector nor 96 was gonna hurt Zaira right now. She was after all a trophy to both of them, and what knowledge Astral knew of trophies was that they were priced. At least for now. it was with that resolve that Astral was prepared to face 96 head on. Zaira believed in him. Although Astral still wondered what 96 deal with Zaira was, or why she was so important to the barians. After all getting captured twice here, must have some kind of meaning. Astral shook his head a little. Right now it wasn't important. He had to focus on the duel, and this was a question for another day.

"Now that that had been taking care off, I will duel and defeat you!" 96 uttered as he appeared in the arena once again. Astral snort confidentially at that.

"That will not happen!" he then stated, summoned a duel disk, and looked up at Yuma on the pedestal "Yuma I need to duel with your cards". An energy wave hit Yuma making his deck case open and let his cards slide into the duel disk deck slot.

"Oh yeah. Just kick his butt Astral!" Yuma shouted cheerfully back.

"He-he, things are different now Astral. I am much more powerful, so there is no way you can beat me. Zaira will soon belong to me" 96 stated and summoned a duel disk with a deck ready as well. The duel began.

Dark mist: 4000 Lp's.

Astral: 4000 Lp's.

96 of course started off, which was something Astral had suspected. The dark number drew and normal summoned "Malicevorous Spoon" to the field in att mode. It was this lv 2 fiend monster who was holding a spoon in his hand and had 100 att and 500 def points. Then by sending "Malicevorous knife" from his hand to the grave, 96 could now special summon "Malicevorous fork" from his hand to the field in att mode. That was also a level 2 monster. However, 96 was not done yet. Since a Malicevorous monster was special summoned just now, Malicevorous spoon's effect kicked in, allowing 96 to special summon a Malicevorous monster from his grave, He of course brought back "Malicevorous knife" who also was a level 2 monster.

"He already got three level 2 monsters on the field" Astral could hear Yuma say in the background, and both of them knew where this was going. He was gonna summon his alter ego. "Number 96 Dark mist".

"I overlay my three Malicevorous monsters into the overlay network and XYZ summon my alter ego, my evil avatar. Nb 96 dark mist" 96 proclaimed and smirked evilly as his evil avatar appeared on the field in att mode.

"No not that monster again" Yuma uttered rather fearfully. Astral was sure he remembered his last run in with 96. In the test inside the key.

"Whenever Dark mist battles, if it uses one Ou, it steals half the opponents monsters att points, and adds those precious points to itself" Astral could now hear Vector comment from the throne he was sitting at "In other words, dark mist's special effect ensures that it always has at least 100 more att points than its opponents. So you will always play catch up. Isn't that right Zaira?".

Astral's eyes wandered over to Zaira as he noticed Vector had grabbed around Zaira's cheek, in order to get her to speak, but Zaira had stubbornly refused to say anything, to Vector's annoyance. Instead her hopeful eyes were looking at him, and were in some way saying, "You dare lose and let me endure this for nothing". All which made Astral more determined to win.

"I end my turn with this face down. It is your move" 96 proclaimed and tossed down a card on the field. Astral nodded eagerly.

"Very well then. I draw" Astral stated and drew.

He started off his move by special summon "Toy knight" to his field. (lv 4. 200,1500 def) He could summon that to the field since he had no monsters on his field. Then Astral summoned another Toy knight from his hand to the field in att mode. He was now having 2 level 4 monsters.

"Okay Astral. The stage is set. Summon Utopia!" Yuma shouted eagerly to him.

"He. If you think you are fooling me, you are making a fateful mistake" Astral could now hear 96 say. The evil number was grinning evilly. "I know the reason you summoned 2 toy knights, isn't so you can summon Utopia. It's because you are trying to make dark mist use its Ou's on those toy knights. Since those monsters don't have many att points, you think you have found a way to limit the damage you have to take. However I will put a stop to that".

Then 96 activated his trap called "Small stopper" which made it impossible for monsters with 1000 or less att points to be able to attack. Furthermore, if the player controlled monsters who didn't attack, they would take 1000 points of damage at the end of the turn. Astral was still having a calculated face expression. 96 trap didn't bother him much since he decided to use his two toy knights to xyz summon Utopia to the field instead. That way he wouldn't take any damage.

"Ha! I know that the toy knights couldn't attack anymore, but if you think Utopia is going to help you are wrong" he could hear Vector state in the background.

Even Yuma was telling him that this was a bad idea because of dark mist's effect. Astral looked up at his partner and send him a little smile.

"Yuma, do you really think I would not summon Utopia without good reason?" he then asked, which got everyone's attention.

The Astral prince activated an equip spell called "Guard robe exchange" from his hand, and he equipped it on to Utopia. It gave Utopia 500 more att points. Then he attacked dark mist. 96 of course activated his monster's effect called shadow gain. It used one Ou to steal half of Utopia's effect and add those points to itself. Utopia lost 1500 att points, while dark mist was now having 1600 att points. However, that had all been Astral's plan for the get go. He had summoned the toy knights and waited until 96 used his only trap card before he summoned Utopia. Then he had equipped it with the spell card which activated whenever Utopia's att points changed, and since it did, 96 was hit by difference as damage. It equals 1500 points of damage. Jolting sparks were shut out from Utopia's rope and hit 96 pretty hard. He lost those 1500 life points and had only 2500 remaining. Thereafter Astral used one of Utopia's Ou to negate this battle to the annoyance of Vector and 96.

"Alright the first round goes to Astral!" Yuma uttered happily as he was cheering for his friend and partner. Surprisingly, 96 didn't look too angry as Astral had been expecting. No he was actually grinning evilly.

"That was impressive, but you don't think I am stupid enough to take damage for nothing, do you?!" 96 then said and chuckled darkly. Astral looked puzzled at him.

"Meaning?" Astral questioned slowly.

He had just said that, when a weird sound could be heard and suddenly a large pendulum blade came swinging at Yuma somewhere from the pedestal he was standing at, and were trying to kill or push Yuma off, to the gang's horror.

"What's going on?!" Yuma uttered rather surprised as he ducked his head and evaded the blade for now. Both Astral and Yuma could hear Vector chuckle evilly now.

"Oh yeah. I forgot to mention, every time number 96 loses life points, you my former friend might end up losing more than just a hair or two" Vector replied and laughed like crazy. It was really shown how much he enjoyed this.

"Are you insane?!" Yuma shouted angrily back which Astral actually believed was the case. Who else would find this part enjoyable.

"So wait, every time Astral attacks him..." Tori began, and Rio finished "It will put Yuma in great danger". Shark added in that it was just evil and Astral couldn't agree more. 96 chuckled at that.

"Say whatever you like, but I bring much more than cards to this duel" the number then proclaimed and smirked evilly "This labyrinth of screams is a trap that makes everyone of your moves, extremely dangerous. And so, if you win Astral, well then Yuma doesn't!".

Astral clenched his fists. It was not like he had believed 96 would play fair anyways, but to pull something like this off was devious beyond belief.

Yuma's p.o.v.

Yuma let out a surprised scream as the pendulum blade swung passed him, almost knocking him off the pedestal. Yuma could hear his friends yell his name in fear as they were all worried for his safety, and who could really blame him. He had been in many tight spots before, but no one as anguishing as this one. Usually he was after all the one dueling. Sure being in danger was part of the job, but not in the way this duel was created. If he even could call it dueling. Astral was the one dueling, and he had the upper hand, for now, but because of him being in danger, Astral couldn't duel like he needed to, and it hurt Yuma more than anything. He hated being useless. It also didn't help that 96 and Vector had prevented Zaira from helping in any way. He really could need her smart remarks to feel the flow and high five the sky. He ducked his head once again as Yuma was now staring down Vector. The barian emperor was still sitting in that throne over there with Zaira on his lap, caressing her hair like she was some kind of puppet, while having that plastered smile on his face, that showed just how much he enjoyed the show. Yuma hissed angrily at that.

"This isn't dueling Vector! This is insane!" he then yelled angrily at Vector. That of course only made the barian chuckle darkly at that.

"Ha-ha. Call it whatever you like Yuma, but I am loving it" Vector then replied and looked down at Zaira "Isn't that right Zaira, you love the show, too right?".

Yuma could barely see how Zaira's eyes widened at his comment. Then she shook her head a tiny bit. It was almost like she barely couldn't move, and with a low voice, Yuma could barely hear speak Zaira answered:

"No. It is sick. You are sick". At that Vector of course chuckled as he ruffled Zaira's hair once again, although it was a bit rougher than earlier.

"Why thank you for the great compliment Zaira chan" he said and laughed a little. He send her an evil smirk "But I am sure that in time you will enjoy this too. As soon as your own shackles who are holding you back are released".

At that Zaira of course didn't answer. Yuma couldn't blame her, but he had been into asking Vector what he meant when the pendulum blade swung by again, making his thoughts rather busy.

"Well Astral, even someone as clueless as you, can plainly see that I am in total control of this duel" Yuma could hear 96 state in the background now.

"Every time number 96 takes damage, that thing swoops in to try and knock Yuma off" Shark then sneered in a rather pissed tone "And if they win, they keep...".

"They keep Zaira" Rio finished off for her brother "This is just awful. Astral can't do much with Yuma being in danger like that".

Yuma could feel how guilt struck him as he knew this in some way was his fault as well. If Astral didn't protect me... It also didn't help that Astral ended his turn with two face downs. Yuma had been sure his friend could have done something more here.

"Now it is my move" 96 stated and smirked evilly as he drew.

He started off his turn by summoning "Malicevorous knife" to the field, and since he did, the monster's effect kicked in, allowing him to summon an another "Malicevorous knife" from his grave. Since he now had 2 level 2 monsters, he could use them to xyz summon. Yuma was holding his breath. This could not be good news.

"Now Astral I will show you the number you hope to acquire" 96 then said and smirked evilly once again.

He overlaid his two monsters so he could xyz summon "Nb 65 Djinn Buster". It was a rank 2 monster with 1300 att and 0 def points. It didn't look strong, but was there something Yuma had learned from Astral, then it was that you should never judge a monster on its att points. After all it could have a special effect of some kind.

"Number 96 attack Utopia, and while you are at it, use your special ability" 96 then shouted, "Use Shadow gain and steal half of Utopia's att points".

Yuma looked in horror as dark mist used its second Ou to steal half of Utopia's att points. It was only having 750 att points now, while dark mist now had 2350 att points.

"Aren't you going to use 'Guard robe exchange'?" 96 then taunted Astral with "It is your best move. Why don't you realize that?".

"Do it Astral!" Yuma shouted loudly from his pedestal. Determination was written in his eyes. Astral didn't need to protect him. He would be alright. "What are you waiting for? It will take a huge chunk out of 96's life points". Sadly, Astral was only standing there rather emotionless, and didn't do anything.

"Ha-ha, but if he does, that will put you in danger" 96 answered for him as he chuckled again.

He made his evil avatar attack to destroy Utopia. Astral of course activated Utopia's effect, as he tried to cancel out this battle. Sadly, in that moment, 96 activated Djinn Buster's effect. By using one Ou, Utopia's effects were now negated, and Astral also took 500 points of damage. (4000-3500) Dark mist then continued on with his attack, destroying Utopia, which leaved Astral with 1900 life points. Djinn Buster however also needed to attack, and Yuma looked in painful horror as his partner was struck a third time, leaving him only with 600 lp's.

"Ah Astral no!" Yuma yelled out in pure distress. He wished he could do something. Anything to help his friend, but all he could do was watch, as 96 attacked him rather ruthlessly.

Zaira's p.o.v.

I was not sure how I felt right about now. Everything was so confusing and horrifying that it made my emotions go wild. Of course a lot of anger was there. I mean I was stuck here together with Vector and I couldn't do a thing to help. Thereby the frustration I was feeling. At the same time however was dread, pain and a lot of sadness. I mean Astral was being torn apart by 96. I couldn't even close my eyes and turn away from this horrifying display. Of course Vector and 96 was not playing fair. Why hadn't I realized that before I agreed to this deal?! I feel so stupid. Now if Astral doesn't win, I would belong to 96 and that was a horrifying thought for sure. Worst case scenario right now was that Astral couldn't do a thing, because of Yuma being stuck on that pedestal, and when Astral dealt damage to 96, it put Yuma in danger. Like Yuma stated before, this wasn't dueling at all. It also didn't help that Vector...

"Yuma, I can't tell you how great it feels to see you in such distress" I could hear Vector taunt Yuma.

All which send shivers down my spine. Vector was truly an evil bastard. How could tormenting someone even be considered fun at all?! Right now, Vector was sitting lazily at the throne, while stroking my hair. It was like I was some kind of pet to him, and that thought made me feel even more nauseous. It didn't help that each stroke of his, was filled with so much power, and made it impossible for me to do anything besides watching and speak. In some way I wondered if he needed to do that to keep this spell on me, or if it was just a habit. All that I knew was that Vector for some reason was even more powerful that last time I meet him. As unbelievable as it sounds, and it made me hiss angrily now. How was I able to escape if he was radiating with such power? I needed to figure out something and fast.

"I can't believe you are working with Him... Vector!" I sneered out and got my so called brother's attention. He was sending me one of his creepy smiles now.

"What was that dear sister? Finally admitting we are siblings?" I could hear Vector whisper in my ear. It could almost be seen as a caring gesture, but only almost. '

"You wish!" I hissed back and turned my eyes at him "How can I even consider you a sibling when you are working for 96. He is pure evil and have obsessions problems with me, and then all you are doing, is making me fall into his hands, as soon as Astral loses? Very brother like if you ask me".

The last part was of course meant sarcastically, and I knew Vector knew that as well, considering my tone of voice. What surprised me, however, was the angry look on his face now. That and clenching fists. His hand had even left my head and as he did, the powerful energies he was using to keep me in place, slowly began disappearing. Guess he really need to stroke my hair in order to keep the spell on me. That I could use to my advantage. But then his fingers copped up my cheek and made me look into his purple eyes.

"Don't worry Zaira. I will not allow that" he then stated in a firm tone and smiled or smirked. I wasn't sure here. "He will touch a hair on your head. That I promise you. You are after all my sister, and you belong with me".

My eyes widened at that statement. Not completely sure why. Maybe because of the commitment he was showing, or maybe because he stated he was my brother, even though he sounded just as possessive as 96. Whatever the reason, I actually felt this rather warm feeling in my heart. Vector did care, as unbelievable as it sounded. That was also the reason why I didn't comment on his statement about 96 not touching a hair on my head. after all it had only been minutes since that creepy number has been holding me in his creepy fang arms. A thought which made me shiver inside.

"It is my turn. I draw!" I could then hear Astral say and once again my eyes were focused on the duel, and so was Vector, considering that he once again was stroking my hair absently. I really needed him to stop that.

"I activate the spell 'Xyz treasure' from my hand" Astral then said and continued his move.

With that spell he was allowed to draw one card for every xyz monster on the field. Since 96 had two, he drew two cards. Then he summoned the monster called "Explossum" to the field. It was this level 1 monster with 100 att and def points, but what was most important, was its special effect. It could equip itself on to an xyz monster, which in this case was dark mist, and when that xyz monster ran out of Ou's, dark mist would be destroyed. All which Astral of course explained to 96.

"Ah. How did he think about that?" I could hear Vector sneer in annoyance.

I didn't say anything in remark. After all, in just that moment, Vector had let go of me, biting his thumb in annoyance, and was all to fixated in the duel. For now. I grabbed my chance so to speak. Sure, if I fought now, Vector would just easily catch me again, being where we were and all, and if he did, the spell he was using might be even stronger. So I did the next best thing. I began storing up my power, waiting for the right moment. After all how else would you beat a trickster like Vector? By stooping to his level of course.

"Awesome Astral" I could hear Yuma shout from the pedestal. All which only made 96 smirk evilly. That couldn't be good news.

"An awesome fool, because I use Djinn busters effect to negate that effect" 96 then stated and used one of Djinn buster's Ou's.

"Explossum" effect was negated and once again Astral took 500 points of damage, which only left Astral with 100 life points remaining. This was not looking good. Not looking good at all.

"Astral? You okay?" Yuma questioned worriedly before he ducked once again. The pendulum blade was trying to knock him out once again. 96 chuckled darkly again.

"Furthermore, your monster only have 100 att points and my small stopper trap card doesn't let any monster with 1000 or less att points attack...".

"And for the coup de grâs you take 1000 point of damage if your monster doesn't attack Astral" Vector then said in a mocking tone and once again were roaming around in my hair "So with only 100 life points left...".

"It is over Astral" 96 ended with and chuckled darkly. His eyes were fixated at me and Vector now. It gave me the creeps. "Zaira is going to be mine".

"As long as I have a turn. Nothing in over 96. It is my move" Astral then proclaimed and got up once again. He was staring down 96, showing me that he wasn't giving up. In that moment, I was actually proud of being friends with Astral here.

"What's the point in continuing? Your defeat is inevitably" 96 then taunted.

"We shall see" Astral replied.

He activated the spell called "Tribute ticket" from his hand, to tribute Explossum who now counted as 2 monsters instead of one. All which enabled him to summon "Swordsman of Revealing Light" in def mode onto the field. It was a level 8 monster with 0 att and 2400 def points, and its special effect made it so that it can negate an attack once per turn, while also couldn't be destroyed by battle once per turn. I bit my lip at that. Astral had found a good defense, I will give him that, but was it good enough to keep 96 and dark mist at bay?

"That's genius Astral. Since your swordsman is in def mode, the trap card small stopper doesn't activate" I could hear Yuma say from his pedestal, just before the pendulum blade took another swing at Yuma, and he had to run for cover.

I sneered angrily inside, and if I could, I was sure I had clenched my hands as well. After all, sitting here, on my so called brother's lap, while being under a spell, preventing you from doing anything, made you feel rather restless and angry. I just wished I could do something. Anything!

"Why fight? Just give up" 96 then questioned and smirked evilly at Astral.

"I will not" Astral snorted back in reply "Victory and defeat is never known until a duel ends". In my ears it sounded rather philosophy at Astral's part, but I doubt 96 was seeing it that way. Who knew what was running through that evil numbers mind?

"You only have 100 life points left" 96 then commented while wearing that evil smirk of his "If you still have hope? Hope is your enemy. You put your hope in the hands of humans, who swears they are your friends to the end, but the second one of them thought it would do them some good, they lied to you, betrayed you. Yuma already showed you that betrayal once, so what's to say it won't happen again. Maybe next time, it would be that precious protector of yours".

As he said that 96 creepy eyes were once again looking at me, which to me revealed that 96 knew. He knew my secret. He knew I was a barian and thereby in some way knew I hadn't told my friends just yet. I believe Vector was to blame here. Who else would after all tell this insane number that I was from barian world? However, it still didn't stop my heart from beating like crazy along with a lot of guilt. After all, since I hadn't told anyone my secret, that could in some way be considered lying right?

"That friendship it is a burden. A weight you are forced to carry" 96 then continued and were once again glaring at Astral "But you put your hope in the wrong place Astral. You put your hope in Yuma Tsukumo and Zaira Wroom. Both traitors. The fact is, the only real hope you have left is me".

"And how is that?" Astral questioned while glaring down 96. Luckily, at this point, Astral wasn't believing anything that came out from 96 mouth, but it still made me wonder, was I really a traitor here?

"You mean you still haven't figured out why you can't absorb chaos numbers?" 96 questioned and laughed like a maniac before returning back to Astral "It is so obvious. You don't have my power!".

By that statement, it was like 96 had dropped a bomb. Everyone was staring in disbelief at the evil number, including me and Astral. I mean who could have predicted that outcome? I mean Astral really needed 96's power in order to gather all the numbers? Of course the number could be lying...

"You can never gather all the numbers without my help Astral" 96 then stated and was sort of taking the words right out of my mind here. "You allow your emotions to get the best of you, and as a resolve, you still try to protect your friends the liars".

At that Astral didn't really respond. Not even when Yuma was shouting encouraging words to him, about just winning the duel, and that he would be okay. He just needed to beat him. It was sweet and all, but we all knew Astral wouldn't put Yuma in danger, regardless of what he said. The only thing Astral did at the moment, was ending his turn, which meant it was 96's turn now. I hissed inside rather angrily. Whatever that number had planned to do now, it couldn't be a good thing.

And of course I was right. I just didn't truly know what that meant. I mean sure, I had figured 96 would summon something that could deal with Astral's swordsman, I just didn't know how, or with what. But a rank up barian card would never have been my guess. Not in a million years. As 96 drew, who now I could only suspect was in fact 'rank up magic barian's force' spell card, 96 of course activated that card right away. He used it to rank up 'Number 65 Djinn buster' into a chaos xyz monster called 'C. Nb 65 king over fiend" who was now a rank 3 monster with 1600 att and 0 def points. However, that was funny enough not what worried me the most. No what worried me the most was the barian card. As 96 activated it, it was like a burning fire was entering my body. It was so intense, that I couldn't contain myself and I let out a little whimpered cry. I had hoped my voice had been so low that my so called brother hadn't heard me, but I guess destiny was just to cruel here.

"Zaira is something wrong?" Vector questioned and was actually having a worried expression on his face.

I groaned loudly again. The fire was still roaming around in my system and it made me rather dizzy. What was going on here? It was almost as intense as that time in the sphere field at Sargasso.

"It burns!" I uttered angrily and let out a scream once again. "Make it stop!".

"It burns?" Vector questioned rather puzzled. Then his eyes widened "Wait? Don't tell me you get affected by my barian powers when 96 activated my rank up magic card? You were rather sensitive to it before after all".

All I could utter was a whimper. After all I was still under his weird spell. My eyes were even getting blurry. It almost felt like that time in the pegasus ruin, where Nash alias Dumon had read that legend from the mural at the wall. It was the same feeling. The same dizziness who in some way was over me, and it felt like everything turned dark. Then I heard it. A voice! It was whispering, like this voice or person was right beside me, whispering into my ear, like it was telling a secret. It's content was still running through my mind, even after it had spoken. I remember every word with clarity.

"Vector is your brother, and he cares deeply about you. Use that to your advantage. That is the only way you can trick a trickster like him".

Even after my sight returned to me, and I could see this ruin clearly. To say I was surprised, was an understatement. I mean how many times have stuff like this happened? That and for some reason I knew this voice was telling the truth. It even felt like I had heard it before, even though right now it escaped me. However, right now it really didn't matter. After all I finally had a plan to get out of here, and I was not letting this chance get away. Not by any means. But at the same time I knew this had to be genius. I had a feeling Vector could smell a lie meters away here. That and the days on the streets had taught me that when you lied you at least needed a piece of truth in it, or it was most likely people wouldn't believe you. Vector was clearly the case here. That evil bastard!

"It hurts! Make it stop!" I begged in a whimpering voice. Everything I was telling Vector here was the truth. It still hurt and burned like crazy. All I did here was exaggerating a tiny bit. All which surprisingly worked.

"Wow, easy, easy there Zaira chan" Vector uttered in a voice similar to his Ray persona and let go of me.

I was still sitting on his lap, but his embrace around me loosened. Once again, I felt how the power around me began disappearing. As it did, so did that hurtful burning all around my body. Guess Vector was right about me being sensitive to his powers. Or all barian powers to be exact. I let out a gasping breaths, once again exaggerating, as I tried to calm myself down. That and my limps were able to move slightly now. All which I used to get my stiff limps to move. But only slightly. Vector didn't need to know that of course. Surprisingly he hadn't even caught on to anything here. His attention was solely focused on me and my breathing as I slowly calmed down which was rather embarrassing and weird to say the least.

"Are you better now sis?" my brother asked in a surprisingly worried tone. He was scratching his hair rather awkwardly now. "I guess I forgot how powerful I have become. It won't happen again sis. I promise".

To my surprise his smile this time looked rather genius. Like he was actually sorry for what happened now.

"Nii-san" I actually mumbled out in a rather low voice, before I stopped myself and turned my head a little away. I felt rather embarrassed here, and I was really sure why. Maybe because... was Vector really my brother? I bit my lip once again.

"It is okay, I guess" I then said rather slowly and turned my head back to him.

Few tears were shown in the corner of my eyes. Not fully sure why, since I had no control over it, whatsoever. Maybe it was just a reaction to all the events that just was happening here. That, or maybe because I now knew Vector was truly my brother. And in some way was making my heart ache.

"Shh it is okay sis. We will soon be together for real" Vector promised in his weird caring voice as he wiped my tears away. My heart was still aching like crazy.

"I... I need some air" I then whispered and tried to move out of his grip. I felt like he was too close. Too close for comfort. "Just... just leave me on the floor. I promise I won't run before the duel ends".

At that Vector hummed and he was once again having that evil smirk plastered on his face. His arm was around my neck and down my waist, as he pulled me into some kind of awkwardly hug. At least for me.

"You promise Zaira-chan?" he then said in this teasing voice and pointed a finger at my cheek "I am sure you know what happened if you are lying to me hmm".

"I promise! I promise on Cy's card!" I uttered out.

Not sure if it was because I was offended that he didn't trust me or because he needed this statement from me. I could feel how I was actually lifted down from Vector's lap and sat down on the floor, beside the throne. The edge of the throne was hitting my back, and at my left side I could feel how Vector's leg was moving about before his hand was once again hitting the top of my head, while stroking it, just like before.

"That I can believe sis. You would never let me rip Cy's card in pieces after all" I could hear Vector say before he chuckled rather darkly "Now lean back and watch the show sis".

I didn't say anything to that. How could I, when I knew Vector would make things serious with his treat here? All I could do was watching the duel, as he suggested, and let my stored up power roam just below the surface, making me ready whenever a chance showed itself.

Yuma's p.o.v.

Yuma was in so much distress. How could he not when Astral was in this predicament right now? It also didn't help that Zaira, if Astral truly lost, would disappear along with Vector and 96. Yuma hated when he lost people. It was the most dreaded experience for him. After all his parents disappeared when he was very young. Now they were supposedly in Astral world, but it didn't help on the longing he was feeling. That, and that Zaira almost died once before, and he just couldn't live with himself if both Astral and Zaira disappeared on him. Sadly, he couldn't do a thing, being stuck here at this pedestal, knowing full well, that he was to blame for his two friends misery. Like Vector had pointed out, he was in so much distress right now. So much in fact that if he didn't have the mission with the numbers, he would almost have tossed himself over the cliff. After all if he did that, Astral would win over 96 and... Yuma sighed deeply. He couldn't do that. He couldn't do this knowing how sad his grandma and sister would be. But he just needed to do something here.

"Go chaos xyz evolution!" Yuma could then suddenly hear 96 shout and woke up from his thought. 96 was holding up the rank up magic card and had just transformed "Nb 65 Djinn buster" into "C. NB. 65 King overfiend".

It was all kinds of bad things. Not to mention that King overfiend effect was all kinds of nasty. As long as it was on the field, all effect Astral's monsters were having, were negated, meaning his swordsman could no longer stop 96's attacks.

"Oh your iron clad defenses has been destroyed Astral" Yuma could hear Vector say as he chuckled darkly.

Surprisingly, Yuma noticed Zaira was sitting on the floor now instead of Vector's lap. He wondered what this was about, but at the same time, Astral's trouble were far more important at the moment.

"So what?!" he sneered back at Vector "Astral's monster still has way more defense points. It is no way that number can destroy it!".

"We will see about that" 96 said and chuckled.

Then he activated King over fiend's other effect. By using one chaos Ou, making Astral's monster lose 1000 att and def points. The only good thing was that King overfiend was out of Ou's now, but that was really a bad consolation prize in comparison. After all, Astral's swordsman now only had 1400 def points, which was easy picking for 96 and his avatar, and within seconds, Astral's monster was destroyed.

"I am not done yet" 96 proclaimed and grinned "King overfiend attack Astral directly!".

Yuma could only watch in horror as 96 prepared a direct attack on his friend. If this hit, Astral was a goner for sure. Luckily, however, Astral had a trap planned. The trap called "Xyz reborn", which brought back Utopia to the field. With its 2500 att points, it was stronger than king overfiend, so 96 had to stop his attack, but that was not all, Xyz reborn also became an Ou for Utopia.

"You are such a pain Astral" 96 mused as he stopped his attack "But no biggie, thanks to king over fiend, Utopia can't use its special ability, and if you attack me, you put Yuma in danger. Face it Astral. You are through and Zaira will soon belong to me". The number was chuckling darkly now.

"This can't be" Yuma uttered in a rather low tone and took some steps back. His back soon hitting the fence. He just couldn't believe this was happening. Its my fault. If Astral wasn't protecting me, he could duel the way he needs to, and they wouldn't...

"If Astral loses the duel, Zaira would disappear. They both would, and I would never... I'll never forgive my...".

"Yuma listen to me" Astral suddenly said and made Yuma look stunned at him. Apparently, his friend had heard his last outburst "Focus on what is happening, not what might. Look at your surroundings. Is it possible to change your adversity to your advantage?". Yuma looked rather perplex now.

"But I... I don't know what I can do!" he shouted back in pure distress. "There is nothing I can...".

"Do not think that way!" Astral yelled back rather firmly which made Yuma stop up, staring at his friend.

This was so unlike Astral to yell at him. What... what can I do? What can I do to help you? Those thoughts were running through his mind along with the weird advice Astral had given him. Soon everything dawned to him and Yuma knew exactly what he needed to do. I got it! I have to find a way to get off of here, so Astral doesn't have to worry about me. His eyes flickered all around, as he took in his surroundings. Just as Astral told him he should. Soon he realized another pillar a little further away. If he just could get over there, then maybe he was safe? But how should he get over there. All there was between him and that other pillar was this gabbing hole who seemed bottomless. That and the pendulum blade. Yuma's eyes widened rather horrified. The only way he could think about was to ride the pendulum blade, but that didn't come with it's own share of risks, and if he failed, he was done for. That until Yuma suddenly noticed a coin stuck between the cracks at the floor. It was a similar king's coin, like the one he had found in the pegasus ruin. A coin which his father had left behind. Yuma of course grabbed it and put it in the pocket of his pants. All to give him luck and courage. After all if his father had been into a similar situation than he had, then Yuma was sure he could do this.

Zaira's p.o.v.

I looked in horror as the duel was getting to its conclusion. It was getting so intense and a lot of dread was all over me. Sure Astral managed to survive this long. I will give him that. Sadly, 96 was still in the lead, or in this case, had Astral cornered. There was not much he could do at this moment, with Yuma in danger and all, and inside I was trying to come to terms with that. As unbelievable as it was. I would be that creepy evil numbers prize which send all kinds of shivers against me. At the other hand, Vector had promised me that it would never come to that. That 96 never would touch a hair on my head, and I couldn't believe I was relying on that of all things. Although most of all I was still hoping, still believing, that Astral would win.

"Well Astral I think it is time you, Zaira and Yuma are saying your goodbyes, don't you?" 96 then said in his evil taunting voice.

"This duel is not over yet" Astral replied back rather firmly.

"Ha! You only have 100 life points left. Why don't you give up?" 96 then said and chuckled darkly.

However, that laughter was caught short, because I could see how Astral was staring at him with determined eyes. He was not giving up, which clearly bugged 96 a lot.

"Eh? Okay fine. I will end my turn" 96 replied as he tossed down a face down. It was now Astral's turn.

"I am feeling the flow and high five the sky!" I could suddenly hear Yuma shout, and then he did his most risky and foolish stunt ever.

At least in my book, but I would get him credit for at least trying. As the pendulum blade, who had been swinging back and forth past Yuma almost since the duel began, Yuma had courageously grabbed on to the iron stick, and were now swinging along with the pendulum.

"What is he...?!" Vector uttered rather stunned and got even up from the throne as he was staring in awe at Yuma's weird stunt.

Our friends were staring in awe from the cells as well. As for me, I had much more pressing matters to attend to. Since Vector after all was occupied, this was the chance I had been waiting for. I focused all my energy at one point, but instead of blasting myself free, I decided to wait. For now. After all I gave Vector my word that I would be sitting here until the duel ended. I was just hoping Yuma would survive until then.

And of course he did! Yuma was amazing, and rather acrobatic. He had managed to make the pendulum blade change directions, where after he jumped off hitting another pillar some place further away.

"Grr, he can't get away that easy!" I could hear Vector sneer as he ran over to the chains who controlled the traps around here.

Seconds later a giant iron ball with chain hit at the spot Yuma was standing on now, but sadly, in Vector's case, Yuma had been quick on his feet and managed to jump down on another pillar, where at he was soon standing on the arena platform where 96 and Astral was dueling.

"I did it Astral! Now you can do whatever it takes to beat him!" Yuma shouted encouraging to Astral, which made me smile. Yuma was just one of a kind here.

"You will regret this Yuma!" Vector sneered angrily and I wondered why he was so angry. Maybe he was still mad that Yuma beat him before?

"You may be clever, but I still have the advantage" 96 replied just as angrily.

"I think not. In fact my victory is now inevitable" Astral replied, shocking both 96 and Vector. Then Astral of course did his comeback.

After he had drawn, he made Utopia rank up into "C. Nb 39 Utopia ray" which made all the difference. Especially along with the trap called "Superior Overlay". Since he had more overlay units that his opponents, all his monsters were now destroyed. Astral had 2 Ou's on Utopia Ray and 96 only had 1 on 96. Like I said, it made all the difference.

"But that means... My field will be empty!" 96 shouted rather stunned.

"Perhaps. However, you are allowed to remove 1 Ou from dark mist in order to save itself from destruction. The choice is yours Number 96!" Astral replied firmly as his trap activated and destroyed King Overfiend. However, when the trap was about to do that to dark mist, 96 of course removed his Ou to keep his avatar on the field.

"Alright! Since it lost its overlay unit, it can't use its special ability" Yuma replied happily. All which made 96 and Vector rather pissed.

"How did he... turn the duel around with just one card?" Vector questioned rather annoyed, which only made me laugh a little. It made my brother turn towards me.

"That is because Astral is a genius" I replied honestly which only made Vector yell "Be quiet" at me. 96 didn't look any happier.

"You knew exactly what you were going to do, before the duel even began, didn't you?" 96 then yelled at Astral in an accusing tone.

"Of course I did" Astral replied back.

"But how?!" 96 asked rather fiercely.

"Quite simply, you overestimated your strategy and underestimated Yuma and I" Astral just replied in his very observant tone "Guess Zaira will stay with me now".

"You! How dare you make a fool out of me!" 96 yelled angrily, but it was not like it changed anything.

Astral still activated Utopia Ray's effect, using all its Ou's to gain 1000 att points (2500-3500), while Dark mist lost 1000 att. For each one discarded, giving it an att points of 350 now. Astral was going to win this now!

Or so I thought. I should have known 96 was having a trick up his sleeve. Something that took us all, even Vector, by surprise.

"This duel isn't over. This duel is not over by a long shot!" 96 then yelled and activated his trap called "Chaos return".

"This card stops your attack Astral. Then by discarding a card from my hard, I am allowed to retrieve and use a spell card from my grave. I of course choose to activate 'Rank up magic barian's force'" 96 then told us and discarded a card from his hand.

Soon he was holding the said name card in his hand and of course used it on Dark mist. As he did the same burning feeling from before entered my body, but this time I tried ignoring it. It was rather easy considering what happened next. Let's just say it got my full attention. Sure 96 ranked up Dark mist into a rank 3 monster called 'C.Nb 96 Dark storm' who now had 1000 att and def points, and looked like some kind of fiendish dog, who in my opinion seem to have been playing way too much in the mud and needed a bath. However, that was not really the problem here. No, 96 was. After all since he and Dark mist in reality was the same person, or in this case number, the changes from the rank up magic card, also began affecting him. It was a hideous display to say the least. Besides now having the barian force emblem on his forehead, 96 also grew in size along with a lot of muscles. He even grew monstrous wings and now also had a giant eye on his abdomen. He was hideous to say the least.

"What do you all think? Doesn't this new look suits me perfectly?" 96 questioned as his transformation was all done. All that did was making me nauseous.

"Oh man? What did that barian card I gave him do?" Vector questioned and looked just as horrified. And that was not even the worst of it.

"My trap chaos return other effect activates" 96 then shouted "Remember how I stopped Utopia's attack? Well that was only temporary because it has to attack now".

"Wait what is he planning?" Yuma questioned rather puzzled.

"I bet he has got something nasty up his sleeve" Shark stated slowly, and Rio added in "I don't think Astral expected this".

Rio was of course right. Dark storm was having a special effect here too. When this monster was destroyed in battle, both duelists take the battle damage, meaning Astral and 96's duel both ended in a draw. As unbelievable as it sounded.

"It's a tie?" Yuma questioned just as surprised. Astral and 96 had both fallen to the ground and were now slowly getting up, while glaring angrily at each other.

"I did not win, but I did not lose either" Astral then stated.

"How frustrating!" 96 yelled but then his eyes turned towards me and Vector "I didn't win, but that doesn't mean I will go empty handed. I leave the rest up to you Vector". Then 96 disappeared through a portal to who knows where.

"Guess he does have a point, but this is the last time I am following his orders" Vector actually sneered rather annoyed and pulled in one of the chains.

As he did the whole place began to shake. His attempt were clearly to destroy this place with us all in it. Or almost all of us. Seconds after my so called brother had activates his latest trap, he was beside me, holding out a hand towards me. It was like he expected me to take it by my own free will. Behind him had a portal even appeared.

"Let's go Zaira. Before this place collapses on us. I will bring you home" he then said and actually smiled "I lessened the spell, meaning you can move, but that can soon change if you disobey me". I sneered angrily. Like he was really giving me much of a choice! That bastard!

"No!" I sneered and pushed away his hand. I even managed to get up "I will rather die here with my friends, than leaving with you!". Vector tsked at that and grabbed around my wrist. An insane amount of power was running through me.

"That was not a request Zaira and you know it!" he sneered back and began pulling me towards the portal.

I was of course fighting him like crazy, but even with the stored up power from before I was no match for him. It was like he was on a different level suddenly. Had he always had this kind of power or was there something else behind this?

"Yuma?!" I could suddenly hear Astral shout and I turned my head instantly as I noticed Yuma hanging on by a hair.

His hand holding on to one of the cliff edges who had been the ground just a minute ago. This place was collapsing fast.

"Ha! Serves him right!" I could hear Vector say as he chuckled darkly. We were about to enter the portal. "He should never have chosen to fight for Astral world".

Then he was laughing like crazy. All that did to me though was pissing me off. Anger rose through me along with weird pictures. They were flashing through my eyes rather fast and I were barely able to catch on at what I was seeing. I knew it was around Vector though, and like many other times before, I got this knowledge in my head. I knew what I had to do now. His Lapiz! That was every Barian's weakness. It was literally their life force and if it got destroyed, it was bye, bye Vector. I even knew where it was when he was in the human form, which surprised me big time. I focused all my restly energy into my free hand and hit Vector in the chest where his Lapiz was hanging as a necklace under his clothing. Or at least that was where I thought I had hit him. When I looked closer, I realized I had hit his left pelvis instead, but from the groaning sounds from Vector, I still hurt him. That and the painful expression on his face, was a dead giveaway.

"How did you...? You shouldn't be able to..." he did however manage to say as purple liquid hit the ground.

I however didn't have time to even think about that for now. All I knew was that I had pushed him through the portal, which disappeared behind me, as soon as I left. I of course tried to reach for Yuma, but it seemed as if my worries had been for nothing, since Kite just swooped in, saving him just in time, and all I had to focus on was getting out of here. Just like everyone else.

Vector's p.o.v.

"AW, AW, AW! It hurts!" Vector complained rather annoyed as he was flying through the dimensional gateway.

He was in barian form now, as his left hand was trying to stop the bleeding wound in his left pelvis "This was not supposed to happen!". It the back of his mind he could hear Don thousand chuckle.

"You should consider yourself lucky Vector. Had Zaira's attack hit just a millimeter upwards, you would have died" the deity replied and grinned again "Your sister still have a soft spot for you". Vector growled annoyed at that.

"No thanks to you. Weren't you supposed to help me?" he then questioned rather annoyed "You promised to help me retrieve my sister!".

"The time is not right Vector. Everything is going as planned" The deity responded, "Besides I have a more important task for you".

"What? I thought you wanted me to retrieve 96?" Vector questioned rather annoyed. "And what about this stupid wound? I can't do missions....".

"You are a barian. As long as your Lapiz is whole, you will survive" Don thousand replied.

All which made Vector snort annoyed. Sure he wasn't going to die, but the pain was rather unbearable at the moment. He still couldn't believe his own sister attacked him. Where did she find the strength to do so?

"As for 96. There is no need for him at the moment. Just like Zaira, the time is not right" Don thousand said, getting Vector's attention again.

"Fine. What task?" The barian then questioned and could hear the god laugh inside his head once again. It was rather annoying here.

"It is time to awaken them" the deity replied while he showed him images of Girag and Alito.

A,N: well that was that chapter. Man it was long, but hopefully interesting. Do wonder if you have figured out why Zaira gets all those images and stuff. Would like to hear your opinion. In the next ruin part, Yuma and the crew is in spartan city, hitting it up with a certain gladiator legend. Zaira doesn't have much importance. Besides kicking some ass and having some fights with Shark. If you want to see if they make up, read the next part. I promise you won't be disappointed.