Chapter 9: Shark's Counterattack!
Later that night I was laying down on my bed while Happy was laying on my chest. I gently stroked my new cat gaining a purr of content. I looked over at my deck which was sitting on the little bedside table.
"I feel that a storm is approaching." I mutter to myself before looking up at the ceiling. "I just hope Yuma, Astral and I are ready for it." I finish before closing my eyes and letting sleep overtake me.
-Zexal-
"Oh No!" Yuma yelled out running in place beside me. "Late Late"
"Yuma, Calm down." I tell him standing beside him calmly while we were waiting for the crosswalk light.
"But We're really late Ven!" Yuma yells out in a panic.
I just shrug and pull out a lollipop and stick it in my mouth. "It's your own fault for staying up so late" I verbaly poke at Yuma
Yuma just sticks his tounge out at me before notices the light change, Yuma looks around a bit before going to run across. I slowly walk after him. I notice a Motorcycle speeding towards Yuma.
"YUMA!" I yell out in worry.
Yuma dodges the motorcycle and the driver stops.
"Who's the reckless Son of a?!" I begin to say before the driver looks at us.
"You're…" Yuma Starts.
"Shark?" "Ryoga!" Yuma says aloud and I say mentally.
Shark just looks at us for a bit before driving off.
"Shark, where's he going anyways?" Yuma questions.
"Who knows?" I say with a shrug. "But we should get off the road"
"Huh Why?" Yuma Asks before a loud honking is heard making Yuma have to dodge a car.
"That's why" I say in a calm tone from the sidewalk.
-Zexal-
"I made it" Yuma moans exhausted.
"Yuma-Kun!" Takashi says to Yuma making Yuma Jump in fright.
I chuckle at Yuma's Reaction.
"Let me have a look at your deck." Takashi tells Yuma digging through his bag.
"What are you doing?" I ask Takashi giving him a look.
I notice Kotori and Tetsuo walk up behind Takashi as they look at Yuma's deck.
"What's going on?" I ask walking up next to Kotori.
"Morning Ven" Kotori says with a small smile.
I feel my face heat up from Kotori's smile
"Huh?" Takashi mutters looking at Yuma's deck.
I look over at Takashi with a raised eyebrow of interest. "Wanna tell us what's going on inside that mess of your head?"
"It's not here" he mutters aloud.
"What isn't?" Yuma questions.
"I mean your Numbers." Takashi tells Yuma. "Where are those cards?
Why are you looking for the Numbers?!" I ask Takashi putting a firm hand on his shoulder.
"We were just curious about them is all." Kotori tells me.
I give her a soft nod "We'll don't, you've all see firsthand how the Numbers affect someone." I tell them firmly gaining three reluctant nods.
"The Numbers?" Yuma questions. "They don't show up in my deck unless that guy is around."
I whack Yuma on the back of his head with my book bag. "Don't call Astral "That Guy"!"
"Owww" Yuma whines.
"That guy?" Takashi questions.
"Like Ven said, his name is Astral" Kotori tells Takashi.
"The "Dueling Spirit" Friend of Yuma and I" I say putting air quotes around Dueling Spirit, I knew Astral was more than that but the Duel Sprit was just the easiest way to describe him.
Takashi looks at Yuma and I see pure disbelief on his face. "What is all this?" He murmers to himself.
"Oh well, to summarize If you don't have the Numbers cards, then right now, you're just a terrible Duelist, aren't you?" Takashi says walking up to Yuma.
"HEY, there is No need to be rude to Yuma." I snap at Takashi giving him my death glare making Takashi flinch in fear, before I turn the glare into a full on smirk. "Even if that statement is 100 % True."
Kotori and Tetsuo let out a bark of laughter.
"Oi Ven!" Yuma says with a pout before turning to Takashi, "And what's with that attitude, Wouldn't that mean that all my Victories so far were all relying on the strength of Numbers and tha…Astral?" He says starting to say that guy at the end but stops from the death glare I give him.
"Isn't what how it is?" Takashi says walking over to us, "I mean, look at Venus-Kun here" he says pointing to me. "He has defeating many duelists without using any Number cards and even defeated a Number card himself.
"Two actually" Kotori corrects Takashi.
"Three" I mentally correct.
"Why don't you use the Numbers anyway Ven?" Kotori looks at me in questioning.
"It's fake" I tell her gaining curious looks from the others.
"If I can't get stronger using my own power and have to rely on the strength of outside help then I don't deserve to be called a Duelist." I tell them with a passionate tone.
"I never knew you felt that way Ven" Tetsuo murmurs.
Takashi looks at me for a bit before turning to Yuma, "To summarize without the Numbers, there's no way you can win against Shark and Tokunosuke."
"You guys!" Yuma tells at us in anger. "You just don't get the awesome power of my "Bringing it to 'em"!"
"My Duel Sphinx goes up dramatically, you know!" he says pointing to himself.
"Duel Sphinx?" I question in confusion.
"He's trying to say "Tactics"." Tetsuo states with a deadpan.
I feel a sweat drop run down the back of my head "How did you get sphinx from tactics?" I mentally question.
"Amazing, Tetsuo-kun must be Yuma's human translator!" Kotori jokes at Tetsuo gaining a small giggle from me.
"Well Yuma-kun, can you prove that you are still strong even without Numbers?" Takashi challenges Yuma.
"Challenge Accepted!" Yuma tells Takashi. "I'll duel with Shark one more time, as long as I can defeat him without Numbers, right?"
"Yuma?" Kotori questions Yuma.
"Hey you." Tetsuo mutters under his breath is shock.
I shake my head softly knowing Yuma would fail that mission.
"I see, that way I'll get to recognize your strength too, right?" Takashi tells Yuma
"Alright!" Yuma states grabbing his deck back from Takashi. "Then let's hurry up and go to Shark's place"
"Wait Yuma, I heard that guy hasn't come to school recently." Tetsuo tells Yuma.
Yuma gasps in shock and I look at Tetsuo with my full attention. "Ryoga" I mentally whisper in worry.
"After losing that Duel with you, Shark's reputation fell dramatically" Tetsuo tells us. "Rumor says, he started hanging out with some bad people."
"Ryoga, Rio" I mutter under my breath grapping the Symbol. "Let's go, were going to find Shark." I tell the others.
"Huh why?" Kotori asks me in confusion.
"I promised someone I would look after Shark, I failed that promise and now it's time for me to make up for that." I tell her gripping the Pendant harder.
"But it will be dangerous!" Tetsuo points out.
"I Don't Care!" I snap at Tetsuo, "for the sake of my promise and a friend I would gladly lay down my life.
-Zexal-
After school Yuma and I were walking through the mall heading to the place where Shark was last heard to be staying at, we turned and entered a shady looking alleyway.
"Geez, those guys don't understand at all." Yuma comments to himself.
I give Yuma a curious look.
"I'm way stronger than before, I can duel with out the Numbers" Yuma says in a tone which makes me think he's trying to reassure himself more than anyone else.
The Emperor's key glows and Astral comes out.
"Where are we going Yuma, Ven?" Astral asks us.
"We're going to find Shark, Yuma wants to duel him again without Numbers to prove he's a strong duelist." I tell Astral
"I see" Astral states.
"What do you want, coming out at a time like this?" Yuma questions Astral.
I give Yuma a look. "What's wrong with our friends hanging with out."
"He's just an annoying hitch hiker." Yuma says pointing at Astral.
I whack Yuma on the head. "He's a friend"
"Whatever" Yuma groans out before turning to Astral, "This is all your fault, for making things so troublesome!"
"What do you mean?" Astral and I question Yuma at the same time.
"I will duel Shark again" Yuma starts as we begin to walk down some stairs.
"Shark?" Astral questions
"The person who Held Number 17 and Yuma's opponent in the duel you arrived in." I explain to Astral getting a nod of recognition.
"But why do you want to duel him?" Astral questions.
"You don't need to know!" Yuma snaps back. "This Duel has nothing to do with you!"
"He wants to prove himself" I tell astral answering his question.
"You getting involved in this duel would make it worse" Yuma tells Astral.
Astral gives me a questioning look.
"Numbers" I say softly gaining an ahh from Astral.
"Hey Wait." I hear a voice behind us, I turn to see Tetsuo and Kotori running down the stairs.
"Kotori, What are you doing here?!" I ask in worry for here due to the type of place were in.
"I'll be fine Ven." Kotori says smiling at me before turning to Yuma, "Yuma you're really planning to go?"
"Of course!" Yuma answers her. "If I don't go see Shark, we won't be able to Duel!"
I clench my fists softly "And I won't be able to keep the broken promise" I say under my breath.
The five of us walked up to what looked like a broken down Game arcade, I saw Shark's motorcycle parked beside us.
"This the place?" Yuma questions. "Shark is here, isn't he?"
"Must be, Shark's Bike is here" I comment.
"H-Hey, this place doesn't look to good!" Tetsuo weakly protests.
Yuma and I ignore him as we head toward the building.
"Hey Yuma, Ven" Tetsuo calls after us in a weak attempt to get us to stop.
The Doors open as Yuma and I walk inside
"What a dump" I comment looking at the trashed interior.
"Such as strange place." Astral observes.
"Ven" "Yuma" Kotori and Tetsuo call to us running up to us.
"Let's go back home okay?" Kotori asks us.
I gently put a comforting hand on Kotori's shoulder. "It will all be fine" I tell her putting as much comfort as I can into my voice, I feel the tenseness in Kotori's shoulder relax a bit.
We hear someone grab Tetsuo.
"Tetsuo!" Yuma yells out in worry for his friend.
"The hell you doin' here, brats?" The guy with dreadlocks holding Tetsuo questions us. "This is my territory."
I stand protectively in front of Kotori.
"You jerk, take your hands off him." Yuma starts going to jump Dreadlocks but getting caught by another gang member.
"Yuma!" Kotori yells out.
I just keep silent observing the situation.
"Le'go!" Yuma yells out in protest.
"This stubborn kid's got some guts, ain't he" Suit comments.
"I not sure if it's guts or stupidity" I mentally comment.
"Whas' happenin', boss" A bunch of gang members ask as they come up around up.
I see Kotori getting nervous, I place a hand on her shoulder and give her a comforting grip.
"Just what are these guys up to" a red haired guy with a red reverse R and a blue K on his shirt says.
"You jerks, I came here to Duel, so lem'me go!" Yuma yells out in protest.
Astral floats upside down beside Yuma, "I suggest you give it up." He tells Yuma.
It takes all I have not to burst out laughing at Astral's pose.
"There is a vast difference between your body structure and his." Astral comments to Yuma.
"You stay outta this!" Yuma snaps at Astral.
"Bro, what should we do about these guys?" Suit asks dreadlocks.
"Should we get rid of 'em?" Dreadlocks asks in return.
I heard Kotori scream out as a gang member grabbed her, my mind snapped at the sound of her fear and I blacked out for a moment, when I regained focus I was breathing a bit heavily and noticed everyone was looking at me in fear.
"What?" I question.
"V-Ven, look" Kotori stammers out.
I looked at where Kotori was pointing and I was shocked there was a giant hole in the wall, and through six walls after that and lying at the end was the gang member who had grabbed Kotori.
"Did I do that?" I mutter under my breath.
"You bastard, how dare you hurt a family member!" Dreadlocks growls stepping closer to me, I give him a challenging glare that makes him falter a bit.
"Stop it!" A voice calls out, I turn to see Shark.
"Release them." Shark tells the gang members.
"Shark" Yuma mutters out.
"Do you happen to know these guys?" Dreadlocks questions Shark.
"I Do" Shark replies.
"Then your lives are spared." Suit says dropping Yuma. Dreadlocks doing the same to Tetsuo.
The gang members leave.
"You guys don't belong here." Shark tells us.
"Neither do you!" I snap back at shark.
Shark looks back at me for a bit. "This is the only place that accepts me" he says sadly before walking off again.
"Wait, Shark I have something to do with you!" Yuma yells after Shark.
"With me?" Shark questions stopping short.
"Please Duel with me once again!" Yuma requests.
I see Shark gasp at those words before burying it behind his cool exterior.
"That I can't do" Shark tells Yuma
"Why?" Yuma questions in response
"I gave up dueling" Shark explains to Yuma.
Yuma, Kotori and I gasp in surprise at that statement.
"I have no intentions, of ever playing again." Shark says as he leaves the building.
"Ryoga." I mutter sadly under my breath looking at the door.
-Zexal-
"Shark sure has fallen." Tetsuo comments as we are walking home. "Those brothers are punk Duelists" he explains to us.
"There the kind of duelists who attend all kinds of tournaments and threaten people." I add on to Tetsuo's words.
"What's wrong Yuma?" Tetsuo questions, I turn to see a solemn look on Yuma's face.
"Yuma" Astral calls out, Yuma and I turn to look at Astral.
"Why would he give up dueling?" he questions us.
I had a pretty good feeling as to why but would keep it to myself.
"Right, why would he give up dueling?" Yuma asks himself.
"No doubt that's because of losing to you." Tetsuo states bluntly
"No" I say with a shake of my head, "I think it was a variety of things, the loss against Yuma was just the final straw."
"Then why would losing to me make him give up Dueling" Yuma asks no one.
"There are somethings you can never get back after losing them." I comment looking out over the water
"Something you can't get back?" Yuma questions looking at me.
"Speaking of which, Shark started acting bad when he participated in the National Duel Tournament" Tetsuo comments. "Maybe something happened to him then."
I clench my fists in anger. Shark had told me about it when I met his sister. I felt bad for the guy.
-Zexal—
Later that night Yuma, Astral and I were up in Yuma's room while Yuma was laying down on his hammock.
"That guy, he should love dueling" Yuma mutters.
I smile at him, "I think with your spirit you can bring back the old Shark he tried to get rid of." I tell him kindly.
Yuma just nods silently as I leave him to his thoughts and go down to my room.
-Zexal-
The next day I was sitting next to Kotori getting ready to pack up for the day.
"Where's Yuma?" Tetsuo asks us as he and Takashi come up to us.
"He went home early." I tell Tetsuo. "At least that's what he told me."
"Don't tell me that Yuma." Tetsuo mutters to himself, I assume he is thinking about Yuma's desire to challenge Shark again.
I rub the bridge of my nose in frustration, "Idiot, I get you wanna challenge shark, but don't put your life at risk for it." I mentally comment before saying aloud. "let's go find Yuma, he won't give it up so we might as well help him"
Tetsuo and Kotori nod as the four of us head out the door.
-Zexal-
After a bit of searching we found Yuma and Shark by the pier near the hideout.
"Numbers can only be defeated by Numbers, but Shark no longer owns a Numbers!" I hear Yuma tell Astral.
"Yuma." Kotori and I end up saying at the same time, we glance at each other and blush a bit before smiling.
"How can I do such a lowly thing like using a Numbers against a guy who doesn't even have one?" Yuma questions to Astral. "Plus, I've gotten way more skilled than the last time, I can still win, even without your strength." He comments.
"Idiot, your letting your pride affect you again." I comment under my breath.
"Understood, I will carefully observe this." Astral tells Yuma before backing up a bit.
I see Shark grin ferociously, I smile I knew Shark was starting to enjoy the thrill.
"Let's Go!" Yuma yells throwing his D-pad into the air, "Duel Disk-Set" he yells out as the monster zones fold out. "D-Gazer, Set" Yuma puts on his Duel Gazer, while Shark and us spectators do the same.
"AR Vision – Link established."
"Duel!" Shark and Yuma yell out. (Shark: 4000) (Yuma: 4000)
"Let's Go, my turn, Draw!" Yuma yells out drawing his card. "I summon Gogogo Golem" Yuma says as the rock golem emerges from the ground. (Gogogo Golem, Level 4, 1800)
"Be careful, Yuma he uses many powerful monsters." Astral comments to Yuma. "With only Gogogo Golem.."
"I got it already!" Yuma yells at Astral. "I set one card face down" he says as the card materializes. "I can't attack on the first turn, Turn end."
"My turn, Draw." Shark states drawing his card. "I summon Killer Frilled Shark." He declares as the new eel like shark monster appears out of the ground in a splash of water. (Killer frilled Shark, Level 3, 700 Atk)
"Killer Frilled Shark?" I hear Astral Comment
"700 Attack Points." I comment "it must have a dangerous effect, what is he planning?" I rhetorically question.
"Next I special summon Shark Sucker." Shark says calling another monster to the field. (Shark Sucker, Level 3, 200 Attack.) "When there is another fish-type monster on the field, I can special summon this card from my hand" he explains to Yuma.
"There are two level 3 monsters." I hear astral comment
"An instant rank 3" I observe.
"Don't tell me." Yuma gasps in shock.
"I overlay my level 3 Shark Sucker and Killer Frilled Shark!" Shark announces as his two monsters turn into blue lights and fly up into the air. "With these two monsters, I construct the overlay network!" he chants as the red overlay network opens up in front of shark and the two monsters enter into it. "Xyz Summon, Come, Submersible - Aero Shark." He says as his signature Xyz appears from the ground. (Submersible – Aero Shark, Rank 3, 1900 Atk)
"1900 Attack Points, higher than Gogogo Golems" Yuma comments.
I sighed, once again Yuma thought the opponent wouldn't be able to easily Summon a monster with higher attack then his, I just hopped that set he had would be useful.
"I activate Aero Shark's effect!" Shark declares. "Once per turn, by detaching one overlay unit, I can inflict 400 damage to my opponent for every card in my hand." He says pulling a Unit from under Aero Shark and putting it into his graveyard. "There are four cards left in my hand, because of that you'll take 1600 damage." He tells Yuma.
"What?!" Yuma yells out shocked as Aero Shark launches its torpedoes at Yuma.
I hear the others gasp at the sudden damage. (Yuma: 2400)
"Then, I activate the quick-play spell, Cyclone from my hand!" Shark says holding up a card.
I was a little shocked, Cyclone was a bit of a rare card.
"Cyclone can destroy one spell or trap card on the field." Shark explains as a giant tornado of wind destroys Yuma's set card.
"Ah, my trap was." Yuma whines softly.
I shake my head softly, Yuma needed to learn to have back up protection and make his traps less obvious.
"Go, Aero Shark, Attack Gogogo Golem!" Shark orders his Xyz Monster "Big Eater". Aero Shark rams into Gogogo Golem as Yuma is sent flying from the impact (Yuma: 2300)
"I set one card face down, Turn End!" Shark says as his card materializes face down.
"Amazing, with only a single turn, Yuma's life dropped to 2300" Takashi comments.
"That's Shark for you." I comment with a smile.
"Oi, Ven who are you cheering for." Kotori whines at me with a small pout.
I give her a cheeky grin, "Why not both, they are both my friends."
Kotori just giggles at my antics as we turn to observe the duel again.
"Come on, what's wrong, aren't you here to defeat me?" Shark taunts Yuma. "You're here to beat my fallen self again, then make fun of me, aren't you?"
"You're wrong!" Yuma yells at Shark. "That's not what I'm after." He says standing up.
"Yuma, don't fall for Shark's pace." I mutter softly knowing Yuma wanted to duel this duel on his own. I see his face is conflicted on something. "Is he?" I comment aloud.
"Huh?" Kotori asks as everyone gives me a look.
"Nothing." I way waving it away.
"Damn, My turn, draw!" Yuma yells out grasping his card and drawing it.
"I Summon Gagaga Magician!" Yuma says grabbing his signature magician's card and placing it onto the duel disk. (Gagaga Magician, Level 4, 1500 Attack) I see Yuma look at his hand as if considering his options his face showing frustration.
"Come on, bring it out!" Shark yells at Yuma. "Your Numbers, your trump card."
My eyes widened in shock, was Shark like me, wanting to duel numbers and prove he can beat them with his own strength alone.
"Huh?" Yuma gasps in shock.
"What is Shark talking about?" Takashi questions.
"Only Numbers can be defeated by other Numbers" Tetsuo comments. "He should know that already"
"True, but if you know how to work around that, they aren't any more powerful than a normal Xyz" I comment to Tetsuo.
"Now, Summon it" Shark orders Yuma. "Your Numbers, did you really think you can beat me without it?"
I raised an eyebrow, Shark must want to defeat Hope and prove he became stronger than his old self.
"Since I accepted your duel like this, it'll only mean something if I defeat you while you used Numbers!" Shark tells Yuma.
Yup, I was right, I notice Yuma look conflicted a bit, so I decided to help him. "YUMA!" I yell out gaining his attention. "It's not wrong to use the Numbers even if you promised to not use them, if the opponent specifically requests you use them it won't be acting shamelessly underhanded." I tell him.
"Thanks Ven, Yuma says with a smile, I know that the moral dilemma was off his chest now.
"I won't object to you using the Numbers, I can't afford to lose the Emperor's key" Astral tells Yuma.
"WHAT?!" I yell out in shock, gaining looks of curiosity from everyone. "N-Nothing." I say with a red face. "Why would you bet, your sacred treasure Yuma?" I mentally question.
"The only way for the sake of winning is to use the Numbers!" Astral tells Yuma.
"You're right, I think you're right" Yuma tells Astral. "This duel isn't about my pride, I have to save Shark"
I smiled, Yuma was willing to forsake his pride for the sake of a friend.
Yuma grabs a card from his hand. "I activate a spell card, Monster Reborn, I'll revive Gogogo Golem from my graveyard."
"I overlay my Level 4 monsters, Gagaga Magician and Gogogo Golem!" Yuma yells out as his monsters turn into yellow and purple lights and fly up into the air. "With these two monsters, I construct the Overlay network." Yuma chants as the two monsters enter the galaxy style network. "Xyz Summon, Appear, Numbers 39: Aspiring Emperor – Hope" Hope unseals itself and lets out a massive cry of Hope! (Number 39: Aspiring Emperor Hope, Rank 4, 2500 Atk)
I frowned at Yuma's choice. "He had Gagaga Magician on his field, why didn't he go for Shark's monster and use Gagaga magician's effect to bring out Number 17?" I question internally.
"Yuma used Numbers?" Kotori questions in shock, I knew she had heard my speech earlier to Yuma, but I guess she was shocked Yuma actually went through with it.
"But he promised he wouldn't use it." Tetsuo says shocked.
"To summarize, Yuma's duels are still relying on the Numbers!"
"Tetsuo!" I snap at him. "Shark specifically asked for this."
"Y-Yeah but Yuma promised." Tetsuo trails off.
I give him a glare making him drop the subject albeit reluctantly.
"It's finally here, the Numbers!" Shark says with a smirk on his face. "I'm all fired up!"
I watched more closely then I was before, I was interested in how Shark planned to beat Hope.
"Go, Aspiring Emperor-Hope, attack Aero Shark!" Yuma yells out.
"So naive." Shark yells out. "I activate the effect of Killer Frilled Shark" "by removing Killer Frilled Shark from play from the graveyard, one of the opponents monster's attack is negated, and its attack power is decreased by 500." He explains as Hopes attack is cut short as its strength is cut down to 2000.
"Smart tactic" I comment.
"What?!" Yuma stammers in shock that Hope was stopped so easily.
"Trap activate, Fish Rain!" Shark declares flipping up his set card. "With this card, when a fish type monster is removed from play, I can special summon one level 3 or lower fish type monster from my hand, I'll Summon Big Jaws." He announces as the Monster appears on the field. (Big Jaws, Level 3, 1800)
"No way." Yuma mutters that his attack was stopped so easily. "Even if Hope couldn't destroy Aero Shark."
"Just now, you made a mistake because you're too eager to win." Astral tells Yuma.
Yuma looks at Astral in questioning.
"Monster Reborn can revive an opponent's monster as well" Astral tells Yuma, "If you revived Killer Frilled Shark from Shark's graveyard, activated Gagaga Magician's effect, then Xyz Summoned Leviath Dragon, Killer Frilled Shark's effect wouldn't have activated."
I smiled so even Astral noticed what I saw earlier, although honestly I'm not surprised.
"Then, using Leviath Dragon's ability, you could have destroyed Aero Shark." Astral further explains.
"So noisy, everything is still fine." Yuma bites out verbally at Astral. "Hope's attack power is 2000, There isn't a monster with higher attack then Hope on Shark's field." He comments. "I'll end my turn like this."
"My turn, Draw!" Shark yells out pulling his card. "I activate Aero Shark's effect, once per turn by detaching an overlay unit, I can inflict 400 damage to my opponent for every card in my hand!" Shark tells Yuma once again as he pulls the final overlay unit from under Aero Shark and puts it into the grave. "There are two cards in my hand, because of that you take 800 points of damage!" (Yuma: 1500)
"Then, I summon Skull Kraken!" Shark says as the Skull Octopus like monster emerges from under the ground. (Skull Kraken, Level 3, 600 Atk)
"There's two level 3 monsters." Yuma comments.
"Don't panic he doesn't have a card that can destroy Hope, a Numbers" Astral assures Yuma.
"I overlay my Level 3 monsters, Skull Kraken and Big Jaws." Shark announces as his monsters fly up and enter into the Overlay Network. "With these two monsters, I construct the Overlay network, Xyz Summon, Appear Black Ray Lancer!" (Black Ray Lancer, Rank 3, 2100 Atk)
I raised a curious eyebrow wondering how this new monster would be able to stand against a Numbers.
"This duel is mine!" Shark tells Yuma "I activate Black Ray Lancer's effect, by detaching an overlay unit during this turn, the effects of one of my opponent's monsters is negated"
"What?!" Yuma yells out as hope is hit by various slices of energy. "HOPE!" he yells out.
"Even if Numbers cannot be destroyed, it is merely a card effect after all." Shark explains. "If the effect is gone, then it can be destroyed!"
I was shocked, I never had thought about trying to negate the effect of a Numbers before, come to think of it I had assumed that effect destruction prevention applied to the effect of Numbers can only be destroyed by Numbers and not just battle and that was why I never used Zenmaines effect on a Numbers. I realized I had to research and try more against the Numbers and not assume anymore.
"How could it be?" Yuma stammers out. "Hope's Numbers' effects are negated?"
"Go, Black Ray Lancer!" Shark yells out ordering his monster to attack. "Black Spear!" The monster throws the spear at hope which completely penetrates the monster destroying it.
"HOPE!" Yuma yells out in agony at the destruction of his ace monster, before falling to his knees (Yuma: 1400)
"Hope, was defeated" Yuma stammers.
This wasn't good Yuma had lost his fighting spirit when hope was defeated, he never expected anyone could defeat his numbers, his arrogance had cost him once more.
"This boy, he discovered the Number's weakness" Astral comments about Shark.
"Aero Shark, direct attack!" Shark yells out as his monster charges at Yuma. "Big Eater!"
Yuma yells out at he is sent flying as the last of his life if striped away. (Yuma: 0) (Shark: WIN!)
"To summarize, it was a complete defeat." Takashi comments.
Tetsuo looks aside an emotion on his face that I can place as ashamed, I'm guessing for Yuma using Numbers.
"Yuma Lost" Kotori Mutters.
"It's because Yuma thought Shark wouldn't prepare for a rematch and went into the battle with arrogance." I tell her.
Kotori nods softly in unsure understanding.
"You're kidding right?" I hear Yuma murmurs in disbelief. "Even after I used the Numbers.
"That was almost too easy" Shark tells Yuma taking off his D-gazer. "Losing to a duelist like you, losing everything and such how laughable" he comments walking up to Yuma pulling the Emperor's Key off Yuma's neck. "As promised, I'll be taking this."
I wasn't too worried, I was good at reading people and could tell Shark wasn't seriously going to take it.
Shark stands up and takes a few steps away from Yuma. "This kind of thing, it's not even worth destroying." Tossing the key back to Yuma.
"Shark." Yuma says. "Wait"
"Yuma, you don't understand." Shark tells Yuma. "I'm staying with them because I like to"
I frowned, I felt a lie in that sentence that even Shark was unaware of.
"They gave me a place to stay, to someone with no place like me." He tells Yuma. "So don't get involved again!"
"Yuma." Kotori states in worry for her friend.
Shark drives off as Astral floats down to beside Yuma.
I look after Shark and watch him drive off.
I gripped the Regnant's symbol. "Rio, I'll make everything right" I mentally comment.
-Zexal-
Next week is the tag duel, I know I had made a poll but since I haven't seen anyone voting on it I'm going to close it early and make Ven the tag partner, plus it will just fit better with His promise to Rio. I will still leave the other one about Kotori's deck though.
If you pay close attention to my story, you may notice that Ven makes small references to Popular Media. if you can catch these refs and know what they are then props to you, they will actually play a small part later on in the story.
