A,N: Hi everyone! Here is the next chapter. I must admit I feel like I am on a roll. I have slowly started on Gx too, but still need some few details to sort out before continuing. So guess you zexal readers are lucky lol. However, hope you like this chapter, and thank you so much for your support with this story. I could never have gotten this far without you. So thank you! Have fun reading.

Yuma's p.o.v.

In the meantime with Yuma's team.

"So wait? You found Nash in the forest?" Tori questioned rather confused as the team of Yuma, Tori, Rio and Astral walked down this red corridor who had opened up as soon as the other trap had been activated.

Like Shark had stated earlier, they had to split up for the time being. Yuma however was not really worried. He knew Zaira and Shark could take care of themselves. They were tough after all.

"Yeah he told us he is just visiting here on vacation" Yuma replied quickly "Shark and Astral are convinced it isn't true. They think he is a barian".

"Hu? A Barian?" Tori questioned in a puzzled tone. She looked bewildered at him.

"Yeah but forget about it Tori. I think they are wrong" Yuma tried reassure her.

"But if they were right, it might mean that we lead him straight to the number" Rio added in with a concerned look on her face. Yuma just shrugged at that.

"Nah. Shark and Zaira would be able to handle it even if Nash is a barian, and I believe he isn't" Yuma said and smiled "Now let's keep going".

They continued on and soon reached a giant room, who was filled with pillars. It looked like one of those ancient temples, Yuma had seen on one of his dad's photos. The group was staring in awe as they looked around.

"This place is amazing" Yuma then stated. He was about to say more but Astral was quicker. The ghost prince was staring at a giant staircase who lead up to a statue of a flying horse. Yuma was sure it was called a Pegasus from fairytales.

"Up there. At the statue Yuma. Look!" Astral uttered and pointed at the top of the pegasus statue. Yuma's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Is that a card? Could that be the number we are looking for?" Yuma managed to get out before a blinding light was radiating from the card and forced everyone to close their eyes for some minutes.

When they opened them again a knight, dressed in an impressive gray armor, had long blond hair who were as long that it almost touched the ground behind his back, and purple eyes, were standing in front of them.

"Hu? Who in the world are you?" Yuma asked rather stunned.

"I am Mach. The guardian charged with protecting the number" The knight introduced himself as. Both Yuma and Astral were surprised by that.

"He is a Number guardian?" Astral then questioned. Clearly none of them had been expecting this when they went on the search of the numbers.

"Mach is an incredible powerful entity" Rio then stated in a worried tone "I can sense the number's force radiating from him". Mach send them a confident smile as he was holding up a card in his hand, who clearly was the number they were after.

"No doubt you have come here seeking to possess this number" the guardian then said and made the card disappear in his hand. As he did a duel disk unlike anything Yuma had ever seen, appeared on his arm. It kinda resembled a wing shape of some kind. Mach continued "It will never be yours unless you vanquish me in a duel and prove that you are truly worthy of possessing it".

"I never turn down a chance to duel. You on Mach" Yuma said and grinned like crazy. He was so excited to duel here. He activated his duel disk and gazer as well and the duel began.

Mach: 4000 Lp's.

Yuma: 4000 Lp's.

After some encouragement from Tori the duel began. Since they were challenging Mach, the guardian claimed that he had to go first, and Yuma didn't have any problems with that whatsoever.

"Let us see how your skills and courage fair when put to the test. It begins now" Mach stated as he drew a card from his deck.

He stated off his turn by placing a monster face down on his field in def mode. Then he placed two facedown cards and ended his turn. Yuma liked that. The guard was swift and quick which was all good qualities in Yuma's book. Especially since it now became Yuma's turn.

"Remember this is no ordinary opponent" Astral advised by his side.

"Yeah that is for sure" Yuma replied and drew. He was about to make a move when Mach suddenly interrupted him. All which made Yuma have goosebumps.

"However, there is a price to be paid failure. If you do not pass your test, the number will remain here. Along with three of your companions souls" he informed them.

"What? What do you mean?" Yuma questioned rather puzzled.

He had just asked that when a giant blue sphere had appeared at the sideline a bit away from the crew. Yuma's eyes widened in horror as a picture appeared there. He could see Zaira, Shark and Nash stand almost shoulder to shoulder, as the walls in the room they were in, were getting closer and closer.

"Zaira! Shark! Nash! Where are they? They seem to be in serious trouble!" he then uttered. He turned an angry glare at Mach "Hey! Keep them out of this! Let them go free!". Sadly Yuma's distressed shouting did nothing. Mach was still as calm and cold as ice here.

"Only by surrendering can you lead your companions to freedom and find victory" he instead told them. Not like that helped them in anything.

"Me surrender?! Never!" Yuma shouted angrily "I will fight full out to get that number and save Shark, Nash and Zaira".

Then he began his move. He started off by summoning "Gagaga magician" to the field in att mode, and since he now had a Gagaga monster on his field, he was also allowed to summon "Gagaga child" from his hand to the field. Gagaga Child also became the same level as his fellow Gagaga partner on the field, so its level rose from 2 to 4. Yuma now had two level 4 monsters on the field.

"Now that I have two level 4 monsters...".

"Yuma..." Astral interrupted and made Yuma look over at his partner.

"You were gonna remind me, that if I used them to summon Utopia, it won't be able to attack this turn, but I am way ahead of you" Yuma replied quickly and stopped Astral in his track.

He was after all in a hurry. He activated the spell called "Gagagatag". With this spell all his Gagaga monsters gained 500 more att points. His Magician now have 2000, and the child had 1300 att points.

"Hang on. I promise, I will get you all out of there no matter what!" Yuma then shouted in encouragement, even though he knew Zaira and the others couldn't hear him.

Astral's p.o.v.

Astral was worried. Very worried indeed. How could he not, when Shark and Zaira, and somewhat Nash was in danger? Sure Astral was still not convinced the gray haired male who had been following them to this ruin had good intentions, but regardless he didn't want any of them to die in this ruin. It also didn't help with the riddle this number guardian was giving them. How could they archive victory by surrender? Astral couldn't figure that out right now. However, at least Yuma was doing progress on the duel. He had summoned his Gagaga monsters, and even taken Astral's suggestion in that he should not summon Utopia just yet. Sure Astral hadn't said much, but his bond and friendship with Yuma over the time, had made their teamwork essential. They knew what the other suggestions were without wording them. That was why Yuma had used that spell to up his monsters att points and were now lunching an attack on the guardian Mach. Astral was having a close look on that guardian. After all he might notice something that could lead them to a quick victory. Yuma will now attack with his Gagaga monsters, so he may summon Utopia at the end of his turn. It is a sensitive move, and yet I fear this guardian will not yield so easily.

Yuma however, continued his move and made his Gagaga magician attack Mach's facedown card. It was the card 'Secret Sect Druid Wid' who had 1800 def points. Luckily because of 'Gagaga tag' Yuma's magician had 2000 att points, so it easily destroyed it. However, as he did, Astral noticed that an escape route opened up for Shark, Zaira and Nash. He saw in the sphere how they all three had jumped through the door that had appeared all of the sudden, which prevented them from being squashed as a pancake. Astral sighed relieved. They were all okay!

"It is just as the legend says" Mach then suddenly said and got their attention "The wise duelist understands that the bond between friends can open up new paths".

"Oh my brother is safe" Rio uttered as she looked at the sphere.

"Zaira and Nash seem to be okay too" Tori replied and made Astral frown a little. None of them had noticed how the hidden door had opened when Yuma had attacked him. Astral was sure something was off here.

"They are. For the moment" Mach replied and send them all a stern look "However since you have destroyed my monster, I am allowed to use this continuous spell card from my hand. I chose this card. 'The labyrinth of decisions'".

Astral's eyes widened in surprise. That couldn't be anything good. It also didn't help when Mach activated his trap "Unfair treaty" who was an continuous trap. He could activate this card by discarding two cards from his hand to the graveyard. None of this could be any good. However, they didn't have time to think much about that, because in that moment, another trap had sprung on Zaira, Shark and Nash, and Yuma quickly attacked with Gagaga child, in hope of finishing this duel rather quick and save his friends. 1300 life points hit Mach, and Astral noticed, just as before, how another escape route appeared when Yuma attacked. Their friends once again escaped the trap.

"With each move you further sealed the fate for you and your friends" Mach now said, which made Astral's eyes widen. This duel was...

"My labyrinth of decision takes effect now" Mach continued explaining "This spell requires me to surrender 600 life points, but I can then send a card in your hand to the graveyard". Yuma was staring in disbelief at him.

"I am losing a card?" he questioned slowly.

"You will lose far more than that Yuma, because I activate my unfair treaty trap" Mach then proclaimed and smirked "With my card combo complete, my life points are safe but yours I am afraid are not. You must give up 600 life points, in edition to discarding one card in your hand to the graveyard".

"Seriously!" Yuma uttered rather stunned.

"His strategy is remarkable" Astral replied slowly and watched as Yuma was forced to discard a card from his hand.

Afterwards they were both hit by 600 life points, because of Mach's trap. They were down to 3400 life points. Astral hummed slowly. Even though they had lost life points, the Astral prince had finally figured out what this duel was all about. Not that it helped them in anyway, but still.

"This number guardian is presenting you with an anguishing dilemma" he then told Yuma and made the lobster haired boy look at him. "Whenever we attack, an escape route will open for Zaira, Shark and Nash. Their fate is in our hands. However we will lose life points when we attack duo to Mach's card combination. If we attack, we will be weakened, but if we do not, we cannot save them".

"Exactly" Mach then replied and glared at them "Will you save your life points or your friends?!". Astral could hear Yuma growl beside him.

"Hey, is this supposed to be a duel or a multiple choice test?" his partner then questioned.

Mach of course didn't answer them, and in the end, Yuma just decided to overlay his two Gagaga monsters, so he was able to xyz summon Utopia to the field in att mode. Then Yuma ended his turn.

"Your number looks quite impressive" Mach commented but then snort "However looks can be deceiving".

The number guardian drew and started off his turn by summoning the monster called "Secret Sect Druid Dru". It was a level 4 monster with 1800 att points. As it was normal summoned, its effect activated and made it possible for Mach to summon a Druid monster from his grave. Astral's eyes narrowed at that. The only monster he had in the grave was the one Yuma had just destroyed last turn, and if Astral remembered correctly, that monster was also lv 4. That could only mean one thing. He was going for an Xyz summon.

"And now the number I guard shall be revealed. Now arise my mighty steed. Awake from your aid old sleep and soar down to this world. Display your full splendor and might to these lowly creatures. I summon number 44, Sky Pegasus" Mach proclaimed.

Yuma and Astral were both staring in awe as this beautiful winged horse soared down from the sky and landed on Mach's field very gracefully. It was a rank 4 monster with 1800 att and 1600 def points. It was not as strong as Utopia, but Astral didn't doubt that this number had some kind of ability. They needed to be careful.

"This is the number we seek Yuma..." Astral began saying. He actually wanted to say more, but Mach was interrupting him.

"You will seek for it in vain unless you pass this test" the guardian said and snort "I activate Sky Pegasus's effect. Avail yourself off one Ou to unleash your mighty power. Now you will rid the field of Yuma's pathetic number".

"Wait what?" Yuma uttered in disbelief. Astral was surprised as well.

"Your number is now doomed, unless you shield it by sacrificing 500 life points" Mach explained and made his number get rid of one of it's Ou.

"That's some choice you are giving me!" Yuma hissed back in an angry tone.

"Yuma... without Utopia, it will be difficult to save Shark and Zaira" Astral then pointed out in a worried tone.

He didn't want to give up 500 life points either, but if it was for a noble cause to save their friends, Astral was okay with it. He could hear Yuma growl annoyed, but in the end, he also decided to sacrifice his life points to keep Utopia on their field. They were having 2900 life points now.

"Bad choice because now Sky pegasus additional effect activates!" Mach shouted at them and surprised both of them "Whenever you give up life points, you also take an equal amount of damage".

Without warning Sky Pegasus lifted and flapped its wings thereafter it flew towards them, making its wings radiate with power, and hit them with 500 points of damage as well. Yuma and Astral both got send flying and Yuma now only had 2400 life points remaining.

"We can't afford to keep losing our life points this way Astral" Yuma muttered weakly as he got up on his feet as well.

Astral nodded rather concerned to that. However currently, that was the only way to save their friends from the traps.

Zaira's p.o.v.

I let out a deep sigh as I leaned myself up at a wall. I was trying to catch my breath and so was Nash and Shark. After all we went through, I believed we were allowed a tiny break. Of course if those traps had anything to say, we might not even get that. I mean what is wrong with this place. First the walls were closing in on us, and we would have been done for hadn't it been for the secret door opening all of the sudden. Then the ceiling began closing in on us too, and we had to toss ourselves under the suddenly open door or we would have been squashed again! It didn't help that I had a hunch this was not over. I mean there was no exist in sigh after all. The only good thing this event had given us, was that Nash and Shark wasn't arguing or anything like that. There just wasn't any time when you were in such dangerous situations. We had to stick together and help each other out. Like when the walls were closing in and both Shark and Nash had grabbed my hand and pulled me through the door, when I accidentally tripped. Or that time when Nash was almost left behind when the ceiling were closing in on us. Such situations really can make enemies friends. At least until we aren't in danger any longer. Shark growled annoyed as he leaned up at the wall beside me. He was out of breath too, but I could see how his eyes were looking all over the place for any trap that might could be tossed at us. Nash was sitting on the ground and were catching his breath too. Once in a while his hand went up to that injured arm with the bandage, I had given him, and I felt instantly pity for him. It could not have been easy for him to dodge all those traps with that arm of his, right?

"Whoever designed this place must have had a serious maze crave" Shark then complained rather annoyed.

I just rolled my eyes at that. It really wasn't the time for jokes. We needed to figure out how to get out of here, without springing any traps. I had just said that when a weird round sphere appeared out of the blue. In it we could see Yuma and the others, and it looked like they were having a duel.

"What's going on?" Shark questioned puzzled. He had taken the words right out of my mouth. I also wanted to know what was going on here.

"Zaira, Reginald! Hang on, Yuma is trying to rescue you" I could hear Rio say.

"Oh yeah? How?" I questioned suspiciously. It seemed more like Yuma was dueling.

"By beating the knight who trapped you, that's how!" Tori shouted eagerly back.

"You mean the guy in that goofy armor?" Shark then questioned and made us all turn our gazes to the knight Yuma was dueling "What happens if Yuma fails?".

"Then you will never leave here" Astral stated worriedly and made us flinch "The traps along your path is connected to Yuma's duel. Whenever we attack, a door on your side will open, but when we do attack, we will lose life points. This is a must precarious situation".

"Yeah tell me about it" I stated coldly and snort. I was trying to act cool and collected, but in reality, I was pretty scared. I mean I was not ready to get buried here and die if Yuma loses. I finally had a life I was proud of.

"Even when they are separated, true friends will find a way to help each other" I could suddenly hear the knight say and got our attention.

There were something about this knight that made me shiver a little. It could be he of course was a knight and everything, but there was also something about him. It could be the force who was radiating around him, or the feeling I was just having from him. All I knew was that this knight was strong. Very strong indeed.

"Help each other?" I could hear Astral question. Then his eyes widened, and he was staring at all of us through the sphere "Of course. Zaira, Shark, tell me, is there anything at your current location that might give us a clue how to win this duel?".

My eyes widened in surprise and I looked around aimlessly for something, anything that could help Yuma and Astral right now. My gaze feel on a weird mural down picture on the wall who had ancient writing on it.

"I see something" I then proclaimed and got everyone's attention "There is this picture on the wall, with weird letters on it". Shark and Nash were both quickly at my side, as we all three studied the mirror in front of us.

"That must be it" I could hear Astral say "The test that we must pass actually takes the form of a very complex puzzle. I believe we were separated for a reason. The traps steered you to a location that gives us clues that can help us win this duel".

"That is all good and well Astral" I said slowly and looked at the picture in front of me "But did any of us pack books that contains this language? I don't think so...".

My hand roamed around on the stony wall and at that point I really wished I had been listening in our history class right about now. Although I don't think any of these letters were in any of the history books I knew of.

"This mural tells the story of a legendary hero from an ancient past" Nash then suddenly said and surprised us big time. Apparently, he could read this ancient text as unbelievable as it was. But Shark and I both went silent as we wanted to hear what this tale was all about. ¨

"It is all about a valiant knight" Nash continued slowly "Long ago a valiant knight bravely defended his kingdom, riding an incredible horse named Pegasus. He and his fellow knights defeated all the evil forces that threatened the land. In time the whole kingdom was at peace. Then, one day the knight left the castle, longing to see his family and friends. He and his pegasus journeyed to his home village, but while he was gone, some of his fellow knights grew envious of their king. They began to grumble and say that they should rule the land instead. Soon whispers of rebellion and betrayal could be heard echoing through the castle. The whole kingdom was now in peril".

I looked bewildered at Nash. Not that I wasn't surprised over that he could read this, but something about this story moved me deeply. Sure, I had always been fan of fairy tales, and had stolen a lot of stories at the orphanage as a kid, but this story really moved me more deeply than any story I had ever read. At least for now.

"What do you think princess. Do you like this story?" a voice suddenly echoed through my head.

"I do, but I really hope this story has a happy ending. Not fond of tragedies" another voice rang through my head and I could feel how dizziness were all around me now.

"It stops there, so I don't know how the story ended" I could hear Nash say in the background. The frame of his body was more or less visible, even though everything was dancing like crazy around me. I tried to scan my surroundings for my boyfriend but sadly, when I tried to turn my head, everything got even blurrier.

"Zaira!" I could hear my name being shouted.

I didn't even know if I was about to pass out or anything like that. All I knew was that my sight turned dark for at least some seconds. When it was slowly returning, gray fluffy hair was the first thing I saw. I blinked a little and found myself sitting on the floor, Nash kneeling beside me, holding my hand and the other around my back, who clearly was there to support me.

"Are you okay my lady?" He asked worriedly and I was staring into his gray eyes. I must admit a slight blush was shown as nodded quickly and got out of his grip.

"Hey, I told you, hands off her!" I could hear Shark say as my boyfriend rushed over to us.

I was sure he hadn't been far away from me, when this, whatever it was, happened, but it still was strange that Nash had managed to get over to me before Shark did. I mean he didn't look like an athletic person at all. Nash however, had gotten up on his feet's and were now glaring at Shark surprisingly.

"I would consider that you get your priorities straight" He then said in a cold tone "Your girlfriend were about to pass out, and all you care about is me...".

"You could be the reason she is feeling this way!" Shark sneered back. I could see how his eyes were scanning me for any injuries though. It was in some way Shark's way of worrying, without wording it. As soon as he was sure I was okay, his attention was once again turned towards Nash. "Besides I know Zaira and what she is capable off. She is tough. She can take care of herself without you. It is not like this hadn't happened before anyway". By that statement, Nash's eyes narrowed even more.

"And you just considered that normal?" he snort back rather annoyed.

"What do you want me to do? Take her to the doctor?" Shark yelled annoyed back "We are trapped in some stupid ruin your genius...".

I would have rolled my eyes at the display in front of me, hadn't it been for the next trap getting activated. Giant blocks were suddenly falling from the ceiling and Shark, Nash and I needed to move our feet pretty quick after all. The boys didn't have the time to argue right now. However, I must admit it was both weird and funny to see Shark this raddled up. Something about Nash must just hit his buttons, I guess.

"Yuma! Attack quickly or they'll get crushed!" I could hear Rio shout from the sphere. Yuma of course did as she said and drew. It was after all his turn.

"Yuma you must attack now!" I could hear Astral shout as well "We will lose more life points, but until we can come up with a better strategy, it is the only way to save Shark, Zaira and Nash!".

I must admit I got this warm feeling in my chest. I couldn't believe Yuma and Astral would go through such length to save me, considering I might be one of... I shook my head a little. I didn't want to think about that now. All I had to focus on was avoiding the blocks. For now. However, Yuma attacked Sky Pegasus with his Utopia. Sadly the knight was ready for him, as he activated his trap called "Intrigue Shield", which kinda was a shield, protecting Sky Pegasus from being destroyed in battle or having to take any battle damage at all. The only good thing that happened with that move was that Yuma managed to open another escape hatch which Shark, Nash and I ran towards as fast as our legs could carry. Now safe, at least for the moment, we watched the rest of the duel unfold in the sphere that also was in this room as well. I had a feeling it was following us, which didn't make me feel anything better, but I guess Astral had been right in his assumption that this duel was a complex puzzle. I just hoped we could solve it.

"Your attack activated my card combination" I could hear the knight say, "You will not only be robbed of 600 life points, but you must send yet another card to graveyard".

I could hear how Yuma was growling annoyed before he send another card from his hand to the grave. Thereafter he and Astral got slammed by 600 life points. It also didn't help that Sky pegasus effect activated making Yuma lose yet another 600 life points. They only had 1200 life points left. Yuma did however end his turn with a face down. It was the knight's turn now.

"Shark, Zaira does the mural presume in the chamber you are now?" I could hear Astral ask suddenly and made me get out of my daydream. I had been so focused on the duel at hand, that I had forgotten everything else.

"Yeah it does" I could hear Shark reply and I noticed him glaring suspicious at Nash. They were both currently at this chambers mural, and I soon joined them.

"The story of the knight and pegasus continues..." Nash began reading as his hand were roaming around the ancient script there. "When he learned of the treachery of his companions, the heroic knight rushed back to the castle, hoping to restore order. He begged the other knights to remember the oath they had taken to uphold peace and justice in the kingdom, but they were too blinded by their thirst for power. The rebellious knights turned their swords against their former friend and attacked him. The heroic knight remained loyal, refusing to battle those who had been his friends. Without mercy the rebels continued to attack him until he fell. At that moment all seemed lost for the kingdom's last true knight, but the winged horse pegasus suddenly flew down and landed between the rebels and it's master. The horse was determined to protect the knight, no matter the consequences...".

As Nash slowly stopped reading, I was trying the hardest not to cry. I didn't know why, but as Nash began reading, the story just moved me deeply. It was different than any fairytales I have heard about and... I rubbed my eyes. The way the story was going so far... It made me wonder if there even was a happy ending here at all.

"Wait miss stubborn, don't tell me you are crying?" I could then suddenly hear Shark say as he was holding my hands now. I was sending my boyfriend a cold glare,

"Yes, I am, but so what?!" I sneered back and got out of his grip "I am a girl! I am allowed to cry you know. The story is just so moving and... just because you can't appreciate this, doesn't mean I can't!".

I had been ready to say a lot more, but just in that moment my hand had hit the mural for support, and light, who I wasn't even sure the others could see, enveloped me. Pictures were suddenly flashing for my inner mind. I could see a meadow, a castle, knight and... wait was that a pegasus? Was I seeing pictures from ancient times here? Then the pictures changed, and I suddenly noticed a weird shadow behind the rebels. Before I could say or do anything the picture however disappeared once again and got replaced by this weird silhouette who was much clearer than the others, and I instantly could see who it was.

"Dumon" I mumbled as I looked at the silhouette in front of me.

The barian looked at me with sad eyes before that picture also disappeared, and I was back in the ruin at the mural with Shark and Nash. To say I was shaken was an understatement. I literally couldn't keep standing and feel down to knees.

"Zaira!" I could hear... I think it was Shark's voice and could see my boyfriend's worried expression. He had taken my hand and helped me, so I was sitting up at the wall with the mural instead of lying on my knees. I send him a reassuring look.

"I am okay. Just need to catch my breath" I half lied. I mean I did need to progress what I had seen after all. I just hoped we could get out here soon.

Dumon's p.o.v.

Dumon was not sure what was going on here. He wasn't sure at all. On one hand he was of course worried about Zaira. How could he not when he still was in love with her, and that she suddenly was feeling ill. If it wasn't for the rouge he was having, he would already have taken her up in his arms and try to do something, anything, just so she could feel better. A part of him blamed himself as well. Zaira was one of them, but since her barian powers were sealed, maybe her unstable powers were in some way reacting to it? Dumon truly wished he could do something here, but sadly Reginald Kastle, alias Shark was watching him like a hawk. He was clearly just waiting for him to mess up and reveal who he truly was. A barian! On the other hand, the legend who was written on this mural, moved him deeply. Sure, he was the only one who was able to read it, and Dumon was grateful he had taken his time to learn those ancient scripters. However, what he didn't know was this feeling, this longing, he was feeling when he read the legend. This legend seem so familiar to me, but how can that be?! I have the strangest feeling, as I have been here before, but that's impossible! Dumon was not sure what was going on here, but it couldn't be anything good. Or at least that was what he believed.

"And? What happened next?" he could suddenly hear Yuma say. He was clearly waiting for Dumon to continue the legend.

"Sorry Yuma, but I can't tell you" Dumon replied slowly and sighed "Unfortunately the rest of the mural has crumbled away".

To prove his point, he pointed at the broken off mural. That of course made Yuma rather pissed off, and who could blame him? Dumon wanted to know the end of the legend as well. After all maybe that could explain why he felt so strongly about this place?

However the duel continued. It was currently the knight's turn. He drew and started off his move by activating his Pegasus's effect once again. By using one Ou he could destroy a monster on the field, and he was of course targeting Yuma's Utopia. Yuma could of course prevent this, by giving up 500 life point, but because of Sky Pegasus's other effect, he would lose additional 500 life points, leaving him with only 200 life points remaining. But if he didn't, he would lose Utopia. They were truly in a dire situation as Astral mentioned earlier.

"There is no way you can win, if you keep losing life points" Dumon could hear Shark say now "Forget about us. With your lame dueling skills, you need all the life points you can get".

Dumon glanced over at Shark who was currently at Zaira's side. He was ready to help her in case of another trap would happen. Zaira was conscious but at the same time very silent. She hadn't said a word since she almost collapsed, but she was nodding slightly to show that she was agreeing with Shark. Dumon clenched his fists. He was not sure he was agreeing with them, but then again all he wanted to do was get out of here along with Zaira. Knowing she was okay was... He stopped suddenly up as something daunt to him. What if...?!

"Make your decision" The knight said firmly and glared down Yuma and Astral "You can save yourself or save your friends. Which will it be?".

Dumon could see how Yuma was struggling with this decision, but it was clear that he was about to follow his friends suggestion in not protecting Utopia.

"You must help us! Sacrifice your life points!" Dumon then shouted. After all Yuma couldn't give up Utopia right now. Shark and Zaira looked stunned at him.

"That's the most cowardly thing I have ever heard!" Shark hissed back at him.

"Think what you like, but I just remembered the rest of the legend" Dumon replied and noticed the shocked expression on both Shark and Zaira's face.

He had just said that when the next trap got activated. The floor around them began to crumble and made this hole in the ground. Dumon knew it would lead to their end if they ever fell in there, but at the same time he didn't care. He was much more focused on the legend of which he now remembered for some reason.

"With the rebels focusing on attacking the pegasus, the noble knight could have run away, but instead he remained beside his fateful horse and faced their adversaries together and forever" Dumon explained and looked angrily at Shark "Don't you get it?! This legend is about trusting in your friends and always sticking with them to the bitter end no matter what. Yuma please trust me and protect your utopia".

"Why should he trust you? You could be a barian!" Shark yelled back at him. Dumon was sure Shark wanted to say something more, but in that moment the ground around him crumbled, and Shark wasn't quit enough to move out of his way.

"Shark!" Zaira actually uttered and rushed forward grabbing his hand, as the boy were about to fall down into this giant pit who was now created.

She managed to stop Shark's fall. Sadly it seemed like Zaira didn't have the strength nor the reflexes to keep herself from falling down with him. Dumon didn't think twice about this. He ran towards the edge and grabbed her hand. He also made sure he was holding on to the edge with his other hand as he was now lying on the ground, trying to pull both of them up from this pit of a hole. Dumon was actually surprised that Zaira was still holding on to Reginald, considering her condition, but at the same time Dumon knew how stubborn she was. She was determined to hold on to him regardless what. In the background the gray barian could hear how Yuma and his friends were shouting worriedly at their predicament, and he knew, if they could, they would try saving them as well. Dumon growled annoyed as he tried to pull both of them up, but with his current strength that didn't seem to be possible. He needed to do this.

"I am so sorry my princess. I am sorry I lied to you and I am sorry for what I am about to do" he began and looked at Zaira now. She was actually looking up at him with bewildered eyes now. It was like she knew what he was about to do, as her barian power surprisingly was reacting to his own and began repairing his barian Lapiz. "And you were right Shark. It is true. I can feel my power returning, so now all can be revealed. As you soon will be able to see, I am indeed a barian".

Light emitted around him as he could feel his barian power all around him. Dumon didn't need a mirror to know that he had changed back into his barian form. However, his eyes flickered as Zaira, and in some way Shark, was staring up at him. He felt rather guilty for lying to his princess after all.

"Dumon! I knew you couldn't be trusted!" Shark sneered angrily and yelled as loud as he could, so Yuma could hear him "Yuma! I told you he was really a barian! This guy is actually Dumon!".

"Even so, he could be telling the truth about the legend" they could hear Yuma shout back, and Dumon really hoped that Yuma would listen to him and protect his Utopia. If not, they might be done for.

Zaira's p.o.v.

I couldn't believe it. I really couldn't. Nash, the guy Yuma and I had saved from the bear in the jungle, was in reality Dumon. The barian leader. Or at least that is what Dumon had told me. I had no idea if that was true, along with everything up until now. I mean he had just lied to us in order to keep his identity a secret. I felt so betrayed. It was almost as bad as when Vector told me the truth about us being siblings. Something I still denied with all my heart. On the other hand, it also explained so much. The hostility Shark was feeling. I mean he must have in some way felt something was off with him considering they fought against each other at Sargasso. I on the other hand felt like a fool. It was the second time I trusted Dumon where things turned out to lies in some way. I mean he promised me that I would leave back to earth with my friends, but instead he placed me in that sphere field. And now he had pretended to be hurt, just to gain our trust and then...

"No you are wrong. Dumon wouldn't do anything like that".

I looked surprised around as this new voice spoke. Or at least I knew it wasn't anyone right here. It wasn't even Cy's voice, which made me wonder, who that was. I had a feeling I had heard it before, but right now the thought escaped me. Then again could you blame me. I was after all hanging on from dear life. However this voice did make me think. I mean if Dumon really was as devious as I made him out to be, why was he then having a tight grip in my hand, and tried to pull both Shark and me to safety?

"Dumon! I knew you couldn't be trusted!" I could hear Shark sneer angrily as he was having a tight grip in my hand. Then he began to shout to Yuma "Yuma! I told you he was really a barian! This guy is actually Dumon!".

"Even so, he could be telling the truth about the legend" I could hear Yuma shout back and I bit my lip in worry. We were all in this dire situation right now. One wrong decision and it could be over.

"Don't make the same mistake you did with Ray!" Shark sneered back and made me freeze for at least some seconds.

I guess everything with Ray was still a hard topic for me, and it didn't help that my boyfriend unknowingly rubbed salt in the wound. I knew Shark was right. Everything that had happened at Sargasso wouldn't have been that difficult if we hadn't trusted Ray to begin with. But he is my brother! That thought whispered through my mind and made everything much harder for me. For some stupid reason, even though I knew how insane and evil Vector was, he was still my brother, I still cared and maybe even still loved him. How crazy was that?!

"Zaira, I know you are struggling, but you have to keep fighting" I could suddenly hear Dumon say and made me look up at him. "Remember, it doesn't matter where we come from. What matters is what we do. So don't give up. Use your inner strength...".

I was staring bewildered at him. It was like he had read my mind, which surely haven't been the case, but still. He didn't want me to surrender. I growled annoyed as I managed to lift myself and Shark a little up, making it possible for Dumon to actually pull us up over the edge, and soon we were both, Shark and I, panting like crazy.

In the meantime Yuma had decided to protect Utopia by giving up his life points, leaving him and Astral with only 200 life points. However it soon turned out to be the right choice. Since they both were so low in life points, the knight's card combination was considered useless now. All which was shown when Astral told Yuma to attack with Utopia. They attacked Sky pegasus, who was once again protected by intrigue shield. That activated the spell card "Labyrinth of decisions" which forced Yuma to once again send a card to the grave. The trap "Unfair treaty" then usually would make them pay 600, but because their life points were so low, they couldn't pay the cost, and the knight had to pay those 600 life points instead. Yuma and Astral was having the upper hand now. Yuma activated the trap card he had just send to the grave. It was called "Hyper quick" and since it was sent from the hand to the graveyard, Yuma could activate its effect now. He could now draw a card from his deck, and if it was a spell card, he was allowed to activate it right away. As luck so happens Yuma had of course drawn "Rank up magic numeron force" which allowed him to rank up Utopia into "C.Nb 39 Utopia ray victory". Yuma of course used one Ou to activate his monster's eff. He now made Utopia gain his opponents monster's att points, which made Utopia have 4600 att points now. Utopia attacked and since Sky pegasus could only be protected by intrigue shield once per turn, Yuma and Astral of course won the duel.

I couldn't help myself in cheering a little after the duel was won. Because of Yuma and Astral's duel, Dumon, Shark and I were now standing in the last chamber of the ruin as the last hidden door opened and revealed a staircase that lead outside. I could even smell the fresh air coming from there and sighed rather relieved. I didn't want to think about that I still had to walk up all those stairs in my current condition. That was something I was saving for later. Right now we were watching through the sphere how Yuma and the others were doing. It was rather interesting.

"You have passed the test" the knight proclaimed and got up from the floor.

"Tell me, do you know how the legend of the pegasus, and the knight ended" Astral then asked, which made me smile. I had been wanting to know that as well. That was the whole reason I stayed in the ruin after all. The knight nodded eagerly.

"Of course. After all I am pegasus" the knight replied and were now radiating in a dark blue aura "In the end, the rebels were moved by the sacrifices my master and I made. They were filled with shame and gave up their treacherous ways. My master and I then took leave of this earthly realm. We were never seen again, or so the legend claimed. Ever since then I have had no other master, but because of your belief in your friends, I place myself in your service".

As the knight said that, he transformed himself into the card called "Nb 44 Sky pegasus" and flew over to Yuma. I sighed relived at that. We had the first number card. Only seven more to go.

It was like it was a call of some kind, but once again I felt rather lightheaded. Just like before. Maybe it was in some way my body's way of telling that it needed rest. I mean after everything that had happened, who could really blame it, but in the end, I was resting up at Shark's chest. My boyfriend had kneeled down on one leg and placed me carefully down on the ground at my rear end. He looked very worried.

"Miss stubborn? You okay? Is there anything I can do for you? Do you want to go back to the ship or something?" Shark questioned slowly. All while glaring at Dumon, which I found a little funny actually.

"Just give me a minute" I mumbled slowly and bit my lip a little. My throat felt so dry for some reason. "If it could be possible... I would like something to drink".

"Of course Zaira. Let me be the one to bring you this drink" Dumon then surprisingly said which stunned both Shark and I. Then Shark were growling angrily as he glared back at Dumon. It was like he was about to kill him.

"Oh no you don't!" he hissed "Zaira is MY girlfriend. I should be the one finding water. Besides you would properly poison her or something like that".

"How dare you?! I would never stoop this low!" Dumon sneered back, and without anything warning, both of them ended up arguing, which surprisingly lead to both of them leaving this place to bring me water. I on the other hand, was just left behind in the ruin and were wondering to myself, what the heck just happened here.

Shark's p.o.v.

Shark had never been so annoyed in his life. At least not in an event that he could think of right now, but then again, this gray barian was occupying his thoughts at the moment, so that might explain why. Shark still couldn't believe he ended up tagging along with the gray barian in the first place. Why was he even here to help anyway? He was the one who was supposed to bring Zaira this water, not a weird alien from outer space. Yuma already had claimed the number in these ruins anyway, so what was keeping this guy around?! Shark hissed angrily as they both marched through this jungle looking for water, and in the end, he just couldn't take this anymore. The silence was killing him, and he also wanted answers. Answers, he was going to get right now! Even if he had to kick the barian's butt in a duel once again.

"Okay spill it Dumon. You are a barian, so why are you helping us? Why are you still helping us, despite us no longer being in danger in that ruins!" Shark then yelled and glared angrily at Dumon "I want answers and I want them now!".

"You don't know what you are asking for" Dumon replied slowly. The gray barian had stopped up. His gray eyes were glaring at Shark's, making the purple haired male glare back at him. He was not letting this guy intimidate him.

"Try me!" he sneered back, which made Dumon sigh deeply.

"I really don't understand why She is loving you this much" he then said and sighed again "But very well. If it is answers you want, I guess I will comply for now. To be honest I am not fully sure why I helped you or your friends. It was just something with that legend that moved me deeply and inspired me to come to Yuma's aid...".

"You really think I would believe that!" Shark interrupted in angry tone "Even if that is correct, it still doesn't explain why you are still here and why you are helping her of all people? Zaira is my girlfriend, so keep your hands off her!".

"I am sorry, but I cannot do that" Dumon replied and moved around so his back was facing Shark. He did however notice the tiny blush who was present on his cheeks. It was something that made Shark's eyes widen in surprise.

"Hold on, don't tell me you have fallen for her!" Shark uttered rather stunned "I know Zaira has charm but come on...". He stopped himself and were once again glaring at Dumon with cold eyes.

"Well it doesn't matter. Zaira is my girlfriend and...".

"You are so foolish. You still don't understand anything?!" Dumon then suddenly interrupted and were once again glaring at him "You are so focused on keeping Zaira to yourself, that you are forgetting that Zaira has a say in this. She isn't anyone's! Her being with you is her choice and you can't decide anything for her. She wouldn't even be with you hadn't it been for her memory loss!".

Shark looked bewildered at him. Dumon had been so levelheaded in the duel at Sargasso, so seeing him this frustrated was clearly a new side to him.

"Hey! What do you mean by that?!" Shark then sneered back "What do you know of Zaira's memory loss. What do you mean with she wouldn't be with me?!".

"Use your head for once" Dumon sneered back "Haven't you noticed anything from our duel in Sargasso or the events there?".

Shark's eyes narrowed as he ran the events through his head. He remembered the duel, the questions Dumon had asked him, Zaira being in the sphere field after she was kidnapped... then it daunted to him. Horror was written in his face as he tried to speak anything comprehensive.

"You... and her... Vector... I... I don't believe it!" he managed to say as he fell to his knees rather shocked.

"Yes they are siblings if that is what you are trying to get at" Dumon replied and sighed "And I staying around because she is one of us. She is known as our princess. Zaira, the wolf princess, and we have been lovers for over a century".

A,N: Well cut. Hope that is better than the usual ending. Lol. Shark finally knows the truth. Do wonder what that means for their relationship?! Well find out in the next chapter, I guess. It is going to be about a lot of interesting events considering the labyrinth of screams are the next ruin. Hope that piques your interest. Please comment on what you think of the story so far.