Yugioh: The Hope of Six

Chapter 24: Kaiba Arc - Part 14

The platform elevator came to a stop not long after Yuzu's group barely managed to escape the rising acid pit with their lives. The door before them had not opened, but there was a red button to the side. "Looks like we got one way to go." Mai said nonchalantly, looking at the button and the door.

"Um, what are the chances we will meet some not very nice people on our way out?" Miho asked nervously.

"With our luck, I'd say pretty close to a one hundred percent chance." Bakura told her. This made her groan a little.

"Got no choice." Valon said, holding his chest while wincing.

"The sooner we leave, the sooner we can get you to the hospital." Shuzo told him. Yuzu agreed with her dad.

"Then let's go." Yuzu said as she started toward the door.

"Wait." The girl stopped as a familiar voice chimed in. The whole group froze.

"W-Who was that?" A startled Miho asked, looking around.

"Can it be?" Yuzu said as she lifted up her Duel Disk. She and the others stood stunned as Aqua emerged from the Disk.

"Hello Yuzu. I am glad you are alright." Replied the Ignis. Yuzu couldn't speak for a moment. She never expected Aqua to appear like this.

"Aqua? I thought you were with Yuya's dad. How did you...?" Yuzu questioned.

"Before I transferred myself to Yusho's Disk, I formed a wireless link with yours. This way, I can instantly move myself back to your Duel Disk no matter where I am. I explained this to him and those with him before I came." She then looked over and saw Shuzo. "Hello Shuzo. I am very relieved you are also okay." Shuzo smiled down at her.

"Thanks. Believe me, so am I."

Yuzu then felt a sudden surge of anger. Seeing Aqua again made her remember something she and everyone witnessed upon arriving at this horrible place. She was about to bring up that very serious subject when someone spoke up first.

"Um, guys... what's going on? What exactly IS that?" Miho demanded, pointing at Aqua. She sounded both curious and a little scared. Yuzu sighed. Miho was the only one of her friends to not know about the Water Ignis. She should get that out of the way first.

"Miho, it's fine. This is Aqua. She's a very intelligent A.I. and a friend. She won't hurt you or anyone else." Aqua nodded as she turned to Miho.

"She is correct. I mean you no harm, Miho. It really is a pleasure to finally meet you. Serenity talks about you a lot." Miho gasped.

"Serenity?! My best friend?! She knows about you too?!"

"Actually, pretty much everyone in this tower does... except maybe Noah and Vivian. They don't know you're here, do they?" Bakura asked, concerned for the Ignis now that she was here. Aqua shook her head.

"No, they do not. The moment I arrived here, I sent out a faint signal that would slightly modify the cameras so that they do not see or hear us converse. To Noah and Vivian, it would appear as though you are all just standing around and talking to each other."

"That's a relief." Valon said, letting a out a sigh.

"You... can really do that?" Miho asked, her curiosity now overcoming her initial fear. Aqua nodded.

"Yes, Miho. I can do many things regarding technology." She answered. Miho was very impressed.

"That's so cool! How come no one told me about you before?" Yuzu decided to speak up now.

"We're sorry about that, Miho. We felt you shouldn't know unless it was necessary. Protecting Aqua's existence is a really big deal for us. You know, the things she can do and all..." She said with a pang of guilt. Miho nodded vigorously.