Episode 10: The First Strike
Henshuta observed as Yuya and Sylvio finished their task for the day. They were training underneath a waterfall, waiting as Kiori sent down petals. The trick was for them to catch the petals before they landed.
The two of them were doing fairly well. They remained as relaxed and focused as they could, grabbing the petals with relative ease. However, they certainly missed a few, as the pond they were in was littered with the petals.
"That's enough for today boys." said Henshuta. "Excellent work."
Yuya and Sylvio got out of the waterfall and began to dry off. Kiori handed them towels as Henshuta approached.
"Once your all dry, come see me in the dojo." said Henshuta. "I'd like to talk to you boys about something."
The boys nodded and Henshuta left. He then sat in the dojo and meditated, awaiting for his students to arrive. The two of them walked in and sat across from Henshuta.
"You've been here a few weeks now." said Henshuta. "And have both been working very hard. Sylvio, you have shown great improvement since you got here and I'm grateful for that. Yuya, I feel as if you need to improve much more."
"Yes sir." Yuya said dejectedly.
In truth, Yuya had been falling behind on the task that Henshuta had assigned him. Henshuta noticed plenty of times during the training where Yuya seemed drained and bothered, yet Yuya did nothing. He had a feeling he knew why the boy was not doing what he asked. After all, Declan had told him of Yuya's past.
"So." said Henshuta."I think it is time to perform the Kokoro e no tabi"
"The what now?" Sylvio asked, raising his eyebrow.
"Kokoro e no tabi." said Henshuta. "It means Journey of the Mind. I'm going to put you two in a sort of hypnosis. In this state, you will go on a test of self discovery. What that test is, only your mind will know. If you pass this test, you will grow stronger as a person."
"Well, ok." said Yuya. "When do we start?"
"Tomorrow." said Henshuta. "Bright and early. Alright, that is all. Get some rest."
"Yes master." the boy said together.
They then bowed to Henshuta and left the room.
I hope they are ready. Henshuta thought. This task is not for the faint of heart.
It was late at night and Eric was conspiring with Stacy and Reggie.
"Well those You Show kids were a bust." said Reggie.
"And so far, the Leo Institute been kicking our butts too." said Stacy.
"We'll just have to keep at it." Eric smiled.
"I just got one question." Stacy said.
"Ask away." Eric said.
"Why not sign us up on the professional circuit?" Stacy asked indignantly.
"Yeah boss." said Reggie. "We could represent ya!"
"Now, now." Eric said. "We talked about this."
Eric then took out a blue orb. The orb shined brightly, reflecting in Reggie and Stacy's eyes. They went blank for second, then the orb stopped shining as the two shook their heads.
"What were we talkin about again?" Stacy asked.
"I dunno." said Reggie. "What was it boss?"
"Nothing important." said Eric. "Now then-"
However, he was interrupted as two people in cloaks suddenly materialized in front of them. Reggie and Stacy jumped in shock while Eric remained unfazed.
One person was completely covered in the cloak. The only thing that could be seen was a pair of bright red eyes and gray, scaly hands. The other person was more visible, as the black cloak only covered the top part of his face and backside. The other person had white and blue robes. His outfit also included a foot length cloak which trailed behind him, padded shoulders, cuffed wrists, a raised collar and a green stone that bore a symbol around his neck. The other person had light blue hair that featured a two locked fringe and trailed to near knee length and was tied at waist length.
"Well, well." said Eric. "Wasn't expecting to see you here."
"Boss." said Reggie. "You know these guys?"
Eric's blue orb then shined again. Reggie and Stacy stared at it, then fell down, unconscious.
"Interesting choice of help Mr. Samson." said the blue haired man. "Or should I call you, Heartland?"
Eric then suddenly burst into bright light. When the light dissipated, he changed. His appearance became that of a man in a black suit which covers a yellow shirt. He also sported a pair of stylish orange glasses with a crimson "V" shape (similar to a heart) in the center. His hair is green with a lighter green fringe. He also wore white gloves and sported a cane with the blue orb on top.
"Ugh, don't blow my cover." Eric whined. His voice even changed, from smooth and silky, to smug and drawling.
"What cover?" the blue haired man asked. "I rather doubt anyone knows you here."
"Keep in mind." said Eric, who was also known as Heartland. "That the XYZ dimension is similar to my own dimension. I've even met another me. And boy, was he a bore. If people notice me, then questions may be asked."
"Whatever." the blue haired man said, rolling his eyes. "What is your progress Heartland?"
"I've finished testing out those You Show students." said Heartland. "But that Yuya fellow wasn't around. I'm currently scouting out the Leo Institute to see if we have any potential threats."
"And the duel energy?" the blue haired man asked. "How potent has it been?"
"Potent?" Heartland chuckled. "You could practically cut it with a buzzsaw."
"Good." said the blue haired man. "That means our time won't be wasted. Now then, time to complete my task."
"What task?" Heartland asked.
"The master sent me here for the soul of Zarc." said the blue haired man. "Perhaps you can direct me to it?"
"I don't know for sure." said Heartland. "But I presume it's somewhere in the Leo Institute. I haven't had the chance to snoop around yet."
"I see." said the blue haired man. "Then perhaps the soul of Ray will do for now. Do you know where it is?"
"Sure thing." Heartland smiled. His blue orb then shined as the face of Zuzu is seen in it. "Ray Akaba has been reincarnated as Zuzu Boyle, a resident of this dimension. Though she's not as acclimated with her abilities as Yuya Sakaki is as far as I know."
"Excellent." said the blue haired man, who turned to the other hooded figure. "Find Zuzu Boyle. Defeat her and claim the power of Ray Akaba."
"Yes master." the hooded figure bowed.
The hooded figure then swiftly bounded off as the blue haired man and Heartland watched on.
"I suppose I better get back to work." said Heartland, changing back into Eric. "I'll keep you posted."
"See to it that you do." said the blue haired man. "The master will be most displeased if we don't yield results."
"I still don't get why I always get the simple jobs." Eric/Heartland whined.
"Your a simple man Heartland." the blue haired man scoffed. "Simple people deserve simple jobs. Plus, if you were a more competent duelist, you'd probably have higher respect."
"Oh poo." said Eric/Heartland. "I can duel circles around most people in these dimensions."
"I'll be interested in seeing you back that up at some point." said the blue haired man. "I bid you adieu until then."
The blue haired man disappeared as Eric revived his cronies.
"What?" Reggie said in a daze. "What happened?"
"Must've been out late last night." Eric smiled. "You guys passed out during our meeting."
"Sorry boss." said Stacy.
"No trouble." said Eric. "Now then, back to business."
It was late at night and Zuzu was walking home. She was in the school choir and the rehearsal went extra long tonight, mostly because one of the new members couldn't quite hit the right note. Zuzu was tired and ready for her dad's famous sloppy joe's, a treat he promised for tonight.
Her stomach growled as she walked home. She clutched it and sighed.
"Ugh, relax." She said to herself. "We'll get some food soon."
"You better." a voice like hers said. "I can't stand the sound of an empty stomach."
Three girls then appeared. Like with Yuya, these girls were transparent and only Zuzu could see them. They also bore some resemblance to Zuzu. These girls were the spirits of Ray Akaba when her soul split and inhabited the different dimensions.
The first girl was named Lulu Obsidian. She was from the XYZ dimension and she was the younger sister of one of Zuzu's friends, Shay Obsidian. She has pink eyes, long dark purple hair which extends past her lower back even when tied up in a bow-shaped style and has shorter, lilac side tails. She secures her hair with a wing-shaped barrette and, has large, feather earrings. She wore a cream vest with an under dress that splits into three, worn out pants, brown boots, two brown belts, and a red sash on her right hip.
The girl who spoke was named Celina, who hailed from the fusion dimension. She used to go to duel academy before learning of their true motives and joining the Lancers. Celina has indigo hair tied into a ponytail with a large yellow ribbon, and green eyes. Her hair also features two light blue bangs that fall to either side of her face, similar to Zuzu. She wears a casual outfit resembling her Academy uniform, composed of a simple red jacket, a broad grey skirt, a black vest that is half unzipped over a white shirt and large black and red boots.
The last girl is Rin, who is the best friend of Yugo from the synchro dimension. She has shoulder-length aqua-green colored hair in a style vaguely similar to Yuri's with a lock of hair sticking up over the head like Yuya's. Rin's hair also has two light green sidetails in a similar style to her counterparts, and she also has orange eyes. She is fair skinned. Her jewelry consists of a pair of blue studded earrings and a black choker with a blue jewel. Rin's outfit consists of a blue and white jacket with pink pads on the shoulders and elbows, pink shorts, and white and pink boots that reach up to her thighs with pink kneepads.
"Oh relax." said Zuzu. "We'll eat soon."
"I hope so." said Lulu. "Your dad's sloppy joes are the best. Better than my brothers."
"I don't care what we eat." said Rin. "I just want something."
"Agreed." said Celina. "Especially after such a long day of rehearsal."
"Hey, Zuzu and I did most of the work tonight." said Lulu. "You two just sat around."
This was true. While not quite as good as Yuya, Zuzu has been able to merge her mind with her counterparts as well. As Zuzu and Lulu have good singing voices, the two traded off during the night to keep their voices fresh. Rin and Celina, who couldn't sing even if their life depended on it, simply sat back and watched.
"Well excuse me." said Celina.
"C'mon, enough." said Zuzu. "We'll be home soon. It's just-"
Zuzu stopped in her tracks however. She had a strange feeling that she was being watched. She quickly looked around and gasped. Atop a light post, someone in large robes with a hood on was watching her. The mysterious person then leapt down in front of her, blocking her path. He stared at her and Zuzu noticed that the only thing she could see was his eyes, which were a deep, glowing red.
"Isn't it a little early for Halloween?" Celina said snarkily.
"I don't like this." said Lulu. "Be careful Zuzu."
"Who are you?" Zuzu asked. "What do you want?"
"You who holds the power of Ray Akaba." said the hooded figure. "I will give you one chance to surrender the power willingly. If you do not comply, I shall take it by force."
"Why would I give it to you?" Zuzu said.
"That is beyond your mortal understanding." said the hooded figure. "But I take that answer as being unwilling. Very well."
A duel disk then appeared on the figure's arm. It glowed to life along with Zuzu's.
"Wait, I didn't turn it on." said Zuzu.
"Generating Action Field." a female voice said. "Crossover."
"I don't think he's giving you a choice." said Rin as blue platforms began to form all around them.
"Fine then." said Zuzu, putting her deck in her duel disk. "Let's make this quick."
"Duel!" the two of them said.
"Ladies first." said Zuzu. "I'll start by summoning Aria, the Melodious Diva."
Zuzu's monster appeared, singing a little song.
"I end my turn." said Zuzu. "Which allows Aria's effect to activate. When you don't take battle damage this turn from Aria, you lose 800 life points. Go, Resonating Wave!"
Aria then sent a beam of musical notes at the hooded figure, lowering their life points the 3200.
"Pathetic." said the hooded figure. "I draw. I'll begin by special summoning Steelswarm Cell. I can special summon it to the field while I control no monsters."
A monster then appeared. It looked like a little black beatle.
"I then play Double Summon." said the hooded figure. "Which allows me to normal and tribute summon twice this turn. I then summon Steelswarm Gatekeeper."
Steelswarm Gatekeeper appears alongside Cell. It growled at Zuzu, ready to strike.
"I then tribute Steelswarm Cell." said the hooded figure. "To summon Steelswarm Mantis."
Cell is then released to bring the hooded figure's new monster, a pitch black mantis like creature.
"Gatekeeper's effect then activates." said the hooded figure. "Allowing me to normal summon or set another Steelswarm monster this turn. I choose, Steelswarm Sting."
Another monster then appeared, a black bee like creature.
"I then use Mantis's effect." said the hooded figure. "I sacrifice 1000 life points to revive my Steelswarm Cell."
Cell then returned in defense mode, lowering the hooded figure's life points to 2200.
"Now, attack!" the hooded figure shouted.
Zuzu swiftly ran around the field, looking for an action card. She found one and played it immediately.
"I activate Big Escape!" said Zuzu. "This instantly ends the battle phase."
"Very well." said the hooded figure. "I play one card face-down, then end my turn."
"My turn then." said Zuzu. "I draw. I then play the spell Fortissimo. This card allows one of my Melodious monsters to gain 600 attack points until my next standby phase. I then summon Freya, Spirit of Victory."
Zuzu's new monster appeared, a cheerleader holding red pom poms.
"As long as I control a fairy type monster." said Zuzu. "Freya can't be targeted by attacks. Plus, Freya gives all fairy type monsters on the field an extra 400 attack points."
Freya then performed a cheering dance, raising it and Aria's attack points. Aria now had 2000 attack points while Freya had 800.
"Aria, attack!" said Zuzu. "Take out that Steelswarm Mantis with Piercing Note!"
"I think not." said the hooded figure. "I play the trap, Infestation Wave. With it, I can send Mantis back to my hand to destroy a card on your field. I'll use it to destroy Aria."
A blast of dark mist shot out of the trap, engulfing Aria. The monster screamed in alarm before being destroyed.
"I'll play two face-downs then." said Zuzu. "That ends my turn."
"Then I draw." said the hooded figure. "I now tribute my three monsters, so that I can summon Steelswarm Hercules!"
The hooded figures monster then disappeared as his new monster is summoned. It was a massive gold and black demon, with large wings and spikes and horns all over it's body.
"When I summon Hercules." said the hooded figure. "I can halve my life points to destroy every other card on the field."
Hercules let out a mighty roar as the hooded figure's life points dropped to 1100. A wave of dark energy shot out, destroying everything in its path. Zuzu's Freya cried out in pain as it was destroyed.
"Now, Hercules, attack!" said the hooded figure.
Hercules sent a blast of dark energy from it's mouth as Zuzu went looking for an action card. She managed to grab one, but not before the attack hit. Zuzu was sent flying, landing hard on the ground. Her life points then lowered to 800. The hooded figure then grabbed an action card nearby.
"I play Grand Draw." said the hooded figure. "When I inflict over 3000 points of damage, I can draw three cards."
"I play...Damage Draw." said Zuzu weakly, trying to get up. "When I'm hit for...over 2000 damage...I can draw two cards."
Zuzu slowly went to draw her two cards, but collapsed onto her hands and knees, panting slowly.
"That hurt." said Zuzu. "That really hurt."
"The damage." said Lulu, appearing next to her. "It was real."
"I could feel it." said Rin.
"This isn't good." said Celina.
"Get up and draw your cards!" the hooded figure shouted. "Unless you wish to surrender."
"She won't be surrendering." said someone to their left. "But she will be getting some assistance."
Zuzu and the hooded figure turned to see someone else standing atop a streetlamp. It was a young man dressed as a ninja. The man has blue eyes and hair, which is held in a high ponytail. His scarf, which wraps around his face like a mask, and the details on his outfit, are blue as well. The stranger ninja outfit was black and had shoulder protectors and a headband with moon symbols, as well as a katana on his back. His right arm is covered by a sleeve while his left arm, which carried his duel disk, was sleeveless.
"Moon Shadow." Zuzu said weakly.
"Stand back Zuzu." said Moon Shadow, jumping into the fray.
"This is not your concern." the hooded figure said.
"You are hurting the girl I am sworn to protect." said Moon Shadow. "As well as a dear friend. As far as I am concerned, this matter involves me as well."
Moon Shadow then activated his duel disk. When he did, a female voice said "Intrusion Penalty, 2000 life points." A jolt of electricity was then sent out. Moon Shadow groaned in pain as his life points became 2000. However, he stood tall, ready to duel.
"Very well." said the hooded man. "We will harvest your duel energy then as well. Now, let the girl draw her cards!"
Zuzu panted in exhaustion, still trying to get up.
"Zuzu, let me help you." said Lulu.
"Ok." said Zuzu.
Lulu and Zuzu then closed their eyes as they merged together. When Zuzu opened her eyes, they turned into Lulu's eyes.
"I draw!" Lulu and Zuzu said together.
"Then I play two-facedowns and end my turn." said the hooded figure. "Your move."
"Then I draw." said Moon Shadow. "I'll first play Reinforcement of the Army, allowing me to add a level four or lower warrior type monster to my hand. I'll add Twilight Ninja Kagen. I then set my pendulum scale, with scale one Twilight Ninja Jogen and scale ten Twilight Ninja Kagen."
Moon Shadow's played his card as his duel disk lit up with the word PENDULUM.
"I can now special summon monster between levels 2 and 9 at once." said Moon Shadow. "I pendulum summon!"
A portal then formed above Moon Shadow as three monsters burst from it.
"Appear, Ninja Grandmaster Sasuke!" said Moon Shadow. "Twilight Ninja Getsuga the Shogun, and Twilight Ninja Shingetsu!"
Moon Shadows monsters swarmed the field, ready to attack.
"Your card's don't scare me." said hooded figure. "They are not strong enough to defeat my Hercules."
"Perhaps not alone." said Moon Shadow. "But with this spell card, they will defeat you. I play Shield & Sword. This switches the attack and defense of all monster on the field this turn."
Every monster on the field then had their attack and defense points switch. Grandmaster Sasuke now has 1000 atk, Shingetsu has 100, Getsuga has 3000, and Hercules has 0.
"Attack Hercules, Getsuga!" said Moon Shadow.
"I play the trap, Defense Draw!" said the hooded figure. "I take no damage from this battle, plus, I can draw one card."
Getsuga destroys Hercules by slicing it in half, but the hooded figure's life points remain untouched. The hooded figure then drew on card.
"Then Sasuke and Shingetsu attack." said Moon Shadow. "This will end the duel!"
"Think again." said the hooded figure. "I activate the trap, Infestation Resurgence. This not only ends the battle phase, but if a level five or higher lswarm monster was destroyed by battle this turn, I can special summon the monsters used for it's tribute summon."
Steelswarm Sting, Cell, and Gatekeeper then appeared, all in defense mode.
"I end my turn then." said Moon Shadow. "Zuzu, it's time to finish this!"
"Right." Lulu and Zuzu said together. "I draw!"
Zuzu and Lulu looked at their hand and saw a spell that Lulu would normally use. They looked at their hand and saw another card of Lulu's.
"I play the spell, Bird's Call!" said Zuzu and Lulu. "By banishing every monster in my graveyard, I can special summon a Lyrilusc monster from my deck. I choose, Lyrilusc Turquoise Wobbler!"
The monster then appeared, a young girl in a bird outfit.
"I then play Inferno Reckless Summon!" said Lulu and Zuzu. "This card allows me to special summon monster with the same name as the monster on my field!"
Two more Turquoise Wobbler's then appeared, joining their comrade.
"I then summon Lyrilusc Sapphire Swallow!" said Zuzu and Lulu.
Another monster appeared, an older girl in a bird outfit.
"Interesting." said Moon Shadow. "Unless I'm mistaken, these cards do not belong to Zuzu. They are the cards used by Lulu Obsidian."
"I overlay my four level one Lyrilusc monsters." said Zuzu and Lulu. "In order to build the overlay network!"
Her monsters then turned into orbs of green light, which burst into the air before landing in a black and yellow portal that appeared on the field. Once the four monsters were inside, a burst of lightning shot out of the portal as a new monster began to materialize.
"Birds with Brilliant Wings!" Lulu and Zuzu said together. "Gather on the battlefield and take brilliant flight! I XYZ summon, Lyrilusc-Assembled Nightingale!"
A new monster appeared, a young woman who was half bird.
"Nightingale gains 100 atk points for each of it's overlay units." said Zuzu and Lulu. "Since it has four overlay units, it gains 400 atk points. Plus, it can attack that many times."
"It is still not enough to defeat me." said the hooded figure.
"On the contrary." said Zuzu and Lulu. "Its is, because Nightingale can attack you directly!"
The hooded figure growled in rage as Lyrilusc Assembled Nightingale launched it's attack. The hooded figure fell to his knees as his life points went down to zero, ending the duel. The field began to disappear as Zuzu's eyes returned to normal. She stumbled a bit from exhaustion, but was caught by Moon Shadow.
"Are you alright?" Moon Shadow asked.
"I'm fine." said Zuzu. "Just tired."
Moon Shadow nodded and then turned to the hooded figure. There was something strange about him, as he began to fade away.
"You have not won yet." said the hooded figure. "We are legion. The time will soon come. You will all fall to Eon."
"What nonsense are you babbling about?" Moon Shadow said fiercely.
He did not get answer as the hooded figure turned into dark mist. The mist evaporated, then disappeared.
"MY ZUZU!" Skip shouted. "MY POOR LITTLE GIRL!"
"Dad, I'm fine." said Zuzu, resting on the couch.
They had returned to Zuzu's home a few minutes ago. Moon Shadow told Skip everything that happened.
"What were you doing there anyway?" Skip asked. "You couldn't have been just walking by."
"Declan assigned me to watch over Zuzu." said Moon Shadow. "He believed she may be in danger."
"Danger of what?" Zuzu asked.
"I don't know." said Moon Shadow. "I do not believe Declan does either. However, he said it was imperative that you remain safe."
"That hooded guy." said Zuzu. "He was saying something about the soul of Ray."
"Perhaps that is what Declan was talking about." said Moon Shadow. "The soul of Ray Akaba is very strong. Otherwise, it would not have survived the split of the original dimension."
"But she didn't survive." said Zuzu. "She split into four."
"That perhaps not in tact." said Moon Shadow. "But she still survived. Through you and the other girls."
"I guess." said Zuzu.
"I must report back to Declan." said Moon Shadow. "Will you be safe on your own?"
"Yeah. Thanks Moon Shadow." said Zuzu.
"Of course my friend." said Moon Shadow, bowing to them. He then vanished right in front of their eyes.
"Are you sure your ok?" Skip asked.
"I'm ok." said Zuzu. "Just really tired."
"Well, I've got dinner ready." said Skip. "Hope that guy didn't knock out your appetite."
"Not even close." Zuzu smiled.
It was the next day and Yuya and Sylvio were following Henshuta to a room in the temple they had never seen before. The room was lit by many candles and in the center of the room were two mats. Along the walls were paintings of different people, young and old. They seemed to be at different parts of the temple.
"Welcome to our little Hall of Fame." said Henshuta. "This is where I dedicate some paintings to some of my personal favorite students."
"Yuya, look." said Sylvio, pointing at one of the paintings. "It's Declan!"
It indeed was Declan, though one much younger than the one they currently knew. The young boy seemed to be about eight. Declan also had shorter hair and purple glasses in this photo. Still, it was unmistakably the leader of the Lancers.
However, Yuya wasn't paying attention to that painting. The one he was staring at in shock had a young man doing a flashy martial arts pose. The man had messy black hair and golden eyes. It was Yusho.
"That's my dad." said Yuya.
"What?" Sylvio said in surprise.
"He never told you, eh?" Henshuta chuckled. "Yes, I taught your father. He was certainly one of the most amusing duelists I ever met. When he told me that he desired to use dueling in the way that he did, I was in shock. I had never met anyone who thought of such a thing. However, I was also impressed. He was an exceptional student too. Carefree as a bird. You remind me a bit of him Yuya."
Yuya smiled, excited to see his father up there.
I'll make you proud dad. Yuya thought to himself.
"Now then." said Henshuta. "Let us begin. If you two would lie down on those mats."
Yuya and Sylvio did as they were told.
"Now, close your eyes." said Henshuta. "I'm going to put you two into a sort of trance. While in this trance, you won't be able to wake until you complete a test that your mind gives you. What that test is, I do not know. Once you have finished, you will awake. Are you ready?"
Sylvio and Yuya nodded and closed their eyes. Henshuta then began to mutter and place his fingers atop Yuya and Sylvio's foreheads. The words began to drown out as the boys got sleepier and sleepier. Eventually, the words faded altogether as they fell asleep.
Authors Note: Bringing in the new year with some old enemies. I'm sure you guys know who Heartland is, but let's see if anyone can guess the other guy. Now, the only question remains, how did they end up here? Guess you'll just have to wait and see. Anyway, Happy New Year all!