Chapter 12: Soul Hunt! Rise of the Numbers Hunter!
"Man I really need to watch what I wish for." I thought to myself as an Obot came crashing down in front of Yuma, Kotori and I from the top of the mall where a Thug was holding up the place. It had started as a simple invite by Kotori to go to the mall with her. I had agreed as I enjoyed hanging out with her but as with any guy I eventually got bored with the shopping and silently wished that something exciting would happen.
"Well, you reap what you sow." I mutter under my breath looking at the Obot in front of me before I look back up to watch the situation.
"How Annoying!" The Thug cries out from the top level of the mall waving what looks to be a metal bat. "This damn Trashbot!"
Clean…ning, Clean…ning" The Obot weakly states its head spinning around.
"What's going on?" I question softly looking up.
"What are you going to do with my conditions?" The Thug questions.
"Conditions?" I mentally muse.
"Don't you worry about the safety of those hostages?" The Thug questions again.
"Hostages?!" I mentally question in anger my fist clenched.
"Money, hurry up and prepare some money!" The thug yells at the police. "And a Helicopter"
I silently watch the news broadcast on the Screen in front of us.
"Now the criminal who is inside the shopping mall demands cash and a helicopter for running away" The news anchor states.
"This is bad, a big incident" Yuma comments.
I nod, "I just wish I could do something.
Kotori gently puts her hand on my shoulder and smiles at me, "You don't have to take on all the worlds burdens Ven.
I smile at her feeling a bit more relaxed. "Yeah" I say feeling more at ease turning back to the situation. "But is someone doesn't take on this world's suffering who will?" I mentally question to myself.
Yuma's D-gazer suddenly rings, he picks it up.
"Yuma, you're in the Shopping Mall right now, aren't you?" Akari's voice questions from the Phone.
"What are you talking about?" Yuma weakly protests. "I.. eh…school, I'm still in school, and so is Ven were both still in school"
"Yuma" I say softly before flicking him in the head, "Don't bring me into your problems" I then point at the screen, "plus it's showing us on the TV."
"Yuma!" Akari hisses slightly at Yuma.
"Yes?!" Yuma yells out in a panic.
"I know you were there for sure, like Ven just said you're already on TV!" Akari tells Yuma.
Yuma looks up and sees himself on the screen, "Ahh, they're recording me!" He yells out in a panic.
I smirk, "You're a celebrity Toma"
"Urusai!" Yuma bites out.
"Do you understand?" Akari questions Yuma, "Hurry up and shoot some scoop photos for me!" she orders Yuma before hanging up.
"If you say so, Geez" Yuma grumbles out.
I turn back to the Screen to get a better grasp of the situation.
"Besides the helicopter for getting away" The newswomen states while the Thug was yelling for the police to "Hurry up and provide him those things!"
I notice out of the corner of my eye the Emperor's Key glow as Astral materialized.
"What a scary face he has!" Yuma comments about the Thug's face.
I shrug, "I've seen scarier, I paused at that thought "I have, when?" I mentally question.
"Look Yuma, Ven It's Numbers!" Astral points out.
I look at the Thug more closely and see a 56 on his Shoulder, "Your right" I tell Astral.
"The criminal actually has a Numbers?" Yuma mutters silently.
I give him a look, "You know what we have to do then"
Yuma nods before trying to pass through a crowd of people, "Please let me pass, sorry" he says pushing through them.
"Sorry, Excuse us." I say as I follow Yuma.
"Yuma, Ven!" Kotori calls after us.
"We'll be back Koto" I tell her with a thumbs up as I follow Yuma.
A bit later we were heading up the stairs toward the higher levels, "Let, let me pass please" Yuma yells out passing some people on the escalators.
I ran up behind Yuma when he stopped and looked up, I looked up as well Sensing an additional presence outside the building.
"What is that?" I mentally question.
"Eh, what the heck is that?" Yuma questions as we both see a flying figure over the skylight.
"Shit, What happened to the money they promised me?!" I hear the thug demand.
I see the glass of the skylight shatter to pieces as someone lands in front of the Thug before a giant flash enveloped the world.
-Zexal—
I blinked, "What happened?" I question before noticing Yuma was gone. "Oi, Yuma Where are you?!" I call out.
"Be quiet" a nearby lady criticizes me.
"Sorry" I say running the back of my head, "Old Bat!" I mentally comment keeping a straight face while looking around for Yuma.
"What's happening? That boy." I hear the police Yell from the top floor
"Boy?" I question softly looking up, "Yuma how did you get up there?" I mentally question as Yuma was 5 levels up and I had been right behind him.
"LET'S GET HIM!" another police member yells before they all tackle Yuma.
"Ouch!" I say with a wince as Yuma gets attacked. "But what happened after that flash?" I mentally question crossing my arms.
-Zexal—
"Numbers Hunter?" I question Astral who had told me what happened while we were walking home.
"Yes" Astral says with a nod, "Time stopped and someone was dueling the holder, when Yuma and I got to where he was down and for some reason his hair was turned pure white and the number was gone.
"Interesting." I muse while my mind was processing all this new information, "Seems like there is a new player in this game" I mentally muse, "and if Yuma and that thug could move while time was stopped but I couldn't, then that must mean that only the Number holders can move when time is stopped"
I silently walk along letting my thoughts simmer, I feel Kotori giving me a worried look but I give her a soft smile.
I felt a shock surge through my body as I fall to my knees my head pulsing in agony causing me to grip it and yell out in pain as the screams of pure terror from many souls tear through my own soul, as quickly as it starts it passes.
"Ven, Are you alright?!" Kotori asks in worry kneeling down to support me.
"Y-Yeah" I say weakly standing up, "Wh-What was that?' I mentally question.
-Zexal—
Later that night Akari was watching the latest news coverage of the incident in the shopping mall and it showed Yuma being pinned down along with the thug.
"They boy who was caught with the bandit, accidently appeared between the policemen and criminal." The newswomen says.
"So you became the spotlight of my special features?!" Akari questions Yuma
"Somehow Yuma got mixed up in the crime scene." Kotori comments.
"Oi Ven why didn't you stop Yuma?" Akari questions me.
"What happened to that Number holder?" I mentally muse, "It looked like he lost his soul or something."
"VENTUS!" Akari yells in my ear causing me to yell out in shock and fall to the ground.
"Ow, geez Akari" I say rubbing my ringing ear.
"Daijoubu?" Akari asks giving me a worried look.
"Y-Yeah, Just got a lot of my mind" I state weakly.
Akari gives me a look before smiling "Alright, if you say so."
"But how did you do that?" Kotori questions Yuma about the incident in the mall.
"Eh, don't worry about those details." Yuma protests weakly.
"Geez" Kotori groans out.
I chuckle a bit at their antics, "You guys always know how to make me feel better"
"Yuma, do you need to tell her about Numbers?" Astral inquires about telling Akari.
I mentally raise an eyebrow.
"Are you an idiot?" Yuma badly stage whispers to Astral, "My sister never allows me to duel, how can I tell her that?"
I notice Akari roll up closer to Yuma in her chair, "Ehh?" She enquires of Yuma.
"Eh, No-Nothing" Yuma stammers out.
"You, don't tell me…" Akari interagates Yuma. trailing off being purposely vague.
"It's not like that, I didn't duel" Yuma weakly protests, "T-Tell her Ven"
"Yes, Tell me Ventus" Akari says looking at me.
"Ask no question and I shall tell no lie" I say with putting my hands in my pockets.
"Numbers Hunter" I hear Astral mutter softly.
"Astral." I mutter under my breath in worry for my friend and who I've come to call little brother.
-Zexal—
Later that night I was up in Yuma's room with Him and Astral.
"Yuma." Astral says gaining Yuma's attention.
"What is it?" Yuma grumbles out.
"If besides me, there are other people collecting Numbers" Astral comments.
"Something about that Numbers Hunter, huh?" Yuma says in a slightly dis interested tone.
I flip the hammock making Yuma crash into the floor, "Take this seriously!" I snap at him, "You hold Numbers therefore you are a target as well this isn't a game anymore" I rant out before calming down
"Ow-chi-chi" Yuma groans out rubbing his back.
"Ven is right, one day the Hunter will probably come after me" Astral tells Yuma. "It won't take too long for that Hunter to find you."
I cross my arms in thought, "or maybe he already found you due to the mall incident." I comment.
"It's a possibility" Astral comments.
"What the, are you trembling?!" Yuma asks Astral standing up
I look closer and notice Astral is indeed shaking a tiny bit, "Poor Guy" I comment inside my head.
"Then watch how I duel, and win in my way!" Yuma says oozing confidence"
I chuckle at Yuma's antics feeling loads better. "All joking aside, be sure to take this matter seriously It's not a thing your Bring it to 'em spirit can handle"
"I'll show you" Yuma says sticking out his tongue.
I just give him a wave and jump down to my room and climb into bed. "It seems like things are developing faster than I thought" I mentally comment as I wrap myself in the blankets and fall into dreamland.
-Zexal—
I was sitting in the class room at the table next to Kotori while Takashi was sitting in the seat in front of us backwards to he would face us while Yuma and Tetsuo was standing up.
"There is a huge Duel square in the neighboring town!" Tetsuo tells us.
"Nice, let's check that out on Sunday!" Yuma comments.
I nod, "Would be nice to relax with all the Number stuff that's been going on." I say adding my two cents.
"I'll let them witness my bringing it to 'em" Yuma states to no one in particular.
I smirk, "If you can win, then why not" I say in a teasing tone.
"Oi!" Yuma bites out as everyone in the group chuckles at our brotherly antics.
-Zexal-
"This is a fun place." I comment looking over all the duels going on.
"Yeah, I'm gonna bring it to em!" Yuma yells out to the sky.
"Oi Yuma, Let's see who can get more wins." I tell him sliding my duel disk onto my arm.
"You're on." Yuma says with a grin before running off.
I look over at Kotori who came with up, "You gonna go with me or Yuma?"
Kotori smiles, "I'll stick by you Ven."
I smile back at her before we run off into the crowds.
-Zexal—
"Not to challenging" I mutter as the tenth opponent's life hit zero.
"You're doing great Ven" Kotori says with a fist pump.
"Yeah." I say with a giving her a high five.
"Auuuuuuuggggghhhhhhhh!" a scream tears through the air.
"What was that?" Kotori questions, gripping my arm in worry.
I look around, "This way" I tell her running toward the source of the scream.
-Zexal—
A short bit later we came across a women wearing a white and purple kimono that went down to her upper thigh with a purple ribbon, her hair was tied up in a ponytail and she had flowers dangling from her ears. (Think of what Maya Fey from Phoenix Wright wears)
"Pathetic" the women says kicking a man on the ground, "you're not worthy of even being my slave peasant.
She goes to kick him again and I block it with my foot.
"Who dares?!" the women yells out.
"Oi, Oi don't kick someone when there down." I scold her.
"Who are you to stop Queen Flora?" the so called Queen Flora enquires of me.
I hear the chirping of birds, "That's!" I mentally comment recognizing the sound, I activate my duel disk. "I'm the one who will dethrone you." I tell her.
Flora begins to laugh, "Interesting, you amuse me peasant" she says as a miasma flows as a 49 appears on her neck
"I was right" I mentally comment.
"I'll teach you your place" Flora says activating a flower D-Pad"
"DUEL!" Flora and I yell out. (Flora: 4000) (Ventus: 4000)
"Good luck Ven!" Kotori cheers from the side lines.
"Royalty before peasants" Flora declares, "My Turn, Draw!" she yells out drawing her card. "I summon Lonefire Blossom." She announces as a plant type Monster appears. (Lonefire Blossom, Level 3, 500 Atk) "I activate Lonefire's Monster effect" Flora declares, "By releasing my weak servant" Lonefire is enveloped in light as a new monster appears, "I can summon a stronger servant from my army, come out, Flowerbot" (Flowerbot, Level 3, 1500 Atk)
"She's mastered this deck it seems like." I mentally comment with a smirk, "Interesting"
"I activate the effect of Rose Rook from my hand." Flora says holding up a card in her hand, "If I control a Plant type monster, I can special Summon this card to the field." She says as a new monster appears on the field (Rose Rook, Level 3, 1000 Atk)
"Two level three's" I observe silently, "is it coming?"
"I overlay my Level 3 Flowerbot and Rose Rook" Flora declares throwing her hand into the air as her two monsters turn into lights and fly up into the air, "With these two monsters I construct the overlay network." She chants out as the two monsters enter the overlay network, "Xyz Summon, Sing out, Number 49 Fortune Tune!"
A twig appears in the air, it begins to spin around before a beak comes out and grabs onto it before resting on Flora's shoulder. (Number 49 Fortune Tune, Rank 3, 900 Def)
I frowned, "bit of a low attack, we'll have to see what its effect is."
"I set two cards and end my turn." Flora says as her cards materializes face down.
"My Turn, Draw!" I yell out drawing my card before looking at my hand. "I Activate Galaxy Wave" I say placing the spell card into the spell and trap card zone, "Next I normal Summon Wind-Up Dog" The toy dog appears on the field. (Wind-Up Dog, Level 3, 1200 Atk)
"Are we here to duel, or play with toys little boy?" Flora taunts me.
I ignore her, "I activate the effect of Wind-Up Shark from my Hand." I say revealing the said card in my hand, "When I summon a Wind-Up Monster, I can special summon this card from my hand." I say placing the card on the monster zone as the toy shark appears out of a torrent of water.
"Oh." Flora says with a teasing smirk, "Bringing out more toys huh?"
"I activate Wind-Up Dog and Shark effects to raise both of their Levels to 5" (Wind-Up Dog, Level 3-5, 1200ATk-1800Atk) (Wind-Up Shark, Level 4-5)
I see Flora's face show slight interest.
"I overlay my Level 5 Wind-Up Shark and Wind-Up Dog!" I declare throwing my hand into the air as the toy monsters turn into lights and fly up into the air "With these two monsters I build the Overlay Network" I chant as the red style overlay network opens and the two monsters enter into it, "Xyz Summon, Annihilate Wind-Up Zenmaioh!" (Wind-Up Zenmaioh, Rank 5, 2600 Atk)
The galaxy wave network begins to pulse. "Galaxy Wave's effect" I announce, "When I Xyz Summon a monster you take 500 points of damage." I explain as a pulse comes out of the portal and hits Flora.
"Tchh, annoying pest" Flora growls out, (Flora: 3500)
"I now activate Wind-Up Zenmaioh's effect" I say pulling the overlay network from the monster and placing it into the graveyard. "By detaching an Overlay Unit I can destroy two set cards on the field, I destroy your two set cards." I announce pointing at the two set cards, zenmaioh fires its drill arm at the two set cards destroying them.
Flora chuckles a bit before bursting out into a somewhat evil laugh, "Pathetic fool, you didn't think I would prepare for this did you?"
"What?" I yell out in shock and slight worry.
The grave portal opens up and the trap card I just destroyed was shown, "I activate the effect of Aromassence." Flora announces, "When this card is sent to the graveyard by a card effect I can reap its bountiful benefits and gain 1000 life points."
"This is gonna be a problem" I mutter under by breath as flora's life goes up by 2000 (Flora: 3500-5500)
"I set one card and end my turn." I say as my set card appears face down.
"My turn little peasant" Flora taunts out, "My turn, Draw!" she says drawing her card.
Fortune Tune Begins to flow a bit, "Due to my pet's effect I gain 500 life points." Flora says as the glow covers her and her life is increased. (Flora: 6000)
"Tchh, more life gaining" I growl out
"I activate the continuous spell Miracle Fertilizer" she says placing the card into the spell and trap card zone, "With this card I can summon a plant type monster from my graveyard once per turn, however if the summoned monster leaves the field this spell is destroyed."
"Depending on how she plays this it could be quite the problem." I mentally comment.
"Sprout once more, Lonefire blossom!" Flora yells out as her monster appears from the graveyard portal. (Lonefire Blossom, Level 3, 500 Atk) "Next I activate the effect of Lonefire, by releasing this monster I special summon a plant type monster from my deck, sprout Aromgae – Bergamot, (Aromage – Bergamot, Level 6, 2400 Atk) "Since Lonefire left the field, my Miracle Fertilizer is destroyed" she says as the spell self-destructs.
"A level 6 monster" I comment with a raised eyebrow.
"Next I activate the field spell Armoa Garden" she says placing the card into the special zone on her duel disk as the scenery changes to a formal garden.
"Pretty" I hear Kotori comment.
"I activate Aroma Garden's effect" Flora says with the wave of her hand, "Once per turn I can gain 500 life points." A gentle fragrance flowed from the garden and Flora breathed it in as her life went up again, (Flora: 6500)
"Next thanks to my garden's pleasant aroma, all my monster's gain 500 Attack and Defense." She explains as her monsters grow in size slightly, (Aromage – Bergamot, 2400 ATk – 2900 Atk) (Number 49 Fortune Tune, 900 Def – 1500 Def) "This change lasts until the end of your next turn." She explains.
"This is gonna be more annoying than I thought." I mentally comment.
"Next Bergamot's effect activates." Flora says as her monster lets out a cry, "When I gain life points this monster gains 1000 Attack and Defense until the end of your turn" She explains as the monster grows even larger, (Bergamot, 2900 Atk – 3900 Atk) "Battle, Bergamot attacks Zenmaioh!" She says yelling out as she points at my monster.
"Trap card open" I say hitting a button on my duel disk, "Overwind, due to this cards effect my Wind-Up's attack and defense is doubled until the end phase of this turn." I explain as Zenmaioh grows in size.
"Foolish peasant, you didn't think I would prepare for that did you?" Flora tuts out.
"Nani?" I yell out.
"From my hand I activate the quick play spell, Forbidden Lance" she says placing a card from her hand into the duel disk. "Your monster may lose 800 attack points" she says with a malicious smirk "But as a wonderful bonus it gains immunity from all spells and traps this turn, oh dear this could be a problem for you." "She says grinning more evilly.
"No Zenmaioh" I yell out as his attack drops down to 1800 before it is anihalated by Bergamots attack. I brace myself as the destruction sent out a pulse that sends me flying.
(Ventus: 1900)
"Ven!" I hear Kotori yell out in worry.
"I'm fine" I say weakly standing up.
"Oh, I doubt that will be true for long little peasant" She says with a teasing smirk.
"We'll see." I say with a competitive smirk.
"You got spirit, I'll give you that." Flora comments, "Turn End" she says finishing her Turn.
"My Turn, Draw!" I yell out drawing my card. I decided to go defensive since she had such a high powered monster out, "I summon Wind-Up Knight" I say putting the monster onto the duel disk, the toy paladin appears from the ground. (Wind-Up Knight, Level 4, 1800 Atk) "I set two cards and End my turn" I say placing the last two cards in my hand.
"So you've seen it's pointless" Flora says before smirking, "Good, My Turn Draw!" she says drawing her card.
"My pet once again gives me its bounty" Flora says as her life is raised by 500 from Fortune Tunes effect. (Flora: 6500) "Since my life was raised Bergamot gains 1000 Attack." She announces as the Monster goes up to 3400.
"Next I activate the effect of Flowerbot that was just detached as an overlay Unit, If this card is send to the graveyard, I draw a card and take another from my hand and place it onto the top of my deck." She explains drawing a card and taking another and placing it onto the top of the deck "I summon Aromage – Rosemary" she says placing the card onto the monster space as a blue maiden appears from the ground. (Aromage – Rosemary, Level 4, 1800 Atk)
"I activate my garden's effect once again to raise my life by 500" she says as the garden unleashes the fragrance again raising her life by 500 once more." (Flora: 7000)
"Her life is almost double its original value." I mutter to myself.
"Next my lovely garden raises my monsters attack strength "Flora says as her monsters slightly grow in size. (Bergamot: 3400 – 3900 Atk) (Rosemary: 1800 – 2300)
"This is gonna be a problem" I groan out.
"BATTLE!" Flora yells out a slightly crazed look in her eye. "Rosemary Attacks your wanna be knight" she says pointing at Wind-Up Knight.
"I activate Wind-Up Knights Effect" I say throwing my hand into the air.
"Useless, no one can stand up against the queen, When Rosemary attacks you can't activate any Monster effects." Flora says as my toy knight is forced to the ground from a pressure.
"What?" I yell out in shock as Knight is destroyed, I brace myself as my life drops once again. (Ventus: 1400)
"Your Life is like a candle in the wind ready to be snuffed out" Flora taunts out, "Now Bergamot finish him off." She says pointing at me, the Monster charges at me"
"Ventus!" Kotori yells out in worry.
"Trap Card Open!" I yell out hitting a button on my duel disk. "Magic Cylinder, due to this trap's effect when you attack that attack is negated and then you take damage equal to the monster that attacked me."
"Teme!" Flora hisses out in pure fury as the attack is redirected at her and sends her flying. (Flora: 3100)
"Awesome Ven, you reduced her life" Kotori cheers out.
Flora begins to growl before yelling out in fury "How Dare You harm your queen" she yells out the miasma flowing. "I set 1 card and end my turn."
"My Turn, Draw!" I yell out drawing my card, I smiled this could help me turn things around. "I Activate Spellbook inside the Pot" I say placing the card into my spell and trap card zone, due to this card's effect we each draw 3 cards" I explain as we each draw our three cards."
"Thanks for your contribution Peasant" Flora comments as she draws her own cards.
"Next I play Book of Moon" I say placing the card into my duel disk, "I set your Number Monster Face down" I explain as Fortune Tune is flipped face down.
Flora growls even more in anger.
"Trap Card Open!" I yell out with a swipe of my hand as my other set card flips up, "Xyz Reborn, I revive Wind-Up Zenmaioh from the graveyard "I say as the Wind-Up Xyz rises out of the Graveyard. (Wind-Up Zenmaioh, Rank 5, 2600 Atk) "Then Xyz Reborn becomes an overlay unit for Zenmiaoh." I explain as the trap turns into an Overlay unit and surrounds my monster. "Next I use Zenmaioh's effect to destroy the Set Number 49 and your Spell or Trap" I say pulling the card from under Zenmaioh as it fires at the two set cards.
"It doesn't matter is that weak toy is back, it doesn't matter in the bit" Flora yells out hitting a button on her duel disk activating her set card, "Poison of the Old Man"
"Which of the two card effects will she use?" I mentally question realizing that card.
"oh, it seems like you recognize this card" Flora says with a taunting smirk, "I use this old man's potion to raise my Life by 1200" She says as the old man hands her a vial that she takes and drinks. "Ah refreshing" she says with an evil smirk (Flora: 4300) "And since my life was raised Bergamot gains 1000 attack until the end of your turn, and since the last boost is still in effect they stack together" She says with a smirk. (Aromage – Bergamot 3900 – 4900 Atk)
"Tchh, more life raising" I growl out, "But at least your Number is destroyed" I say as a silhouette of Fortune tune is shown as the card is shattered to pieces.
"And due to Rosemary's effect, since I gained Life I change your monster to defense mode" Flora says as Zenmaioh kneels down and turns a blue shade. (Wind-Up Zenmaioh, 2600 Atk – 1900 Def)
"Useless!" I hiss out, "I use Wind-up Zenmaioh as Xyz Material and rebuild the overlay Network" I say as the Xyz Monster enters the overlay network once more.
"What?!" Flora yells out in shock, "Using an Xyz Monster as Overlay material?"
"Xyz Summon, Gaia Dragon, The Thunder Charger!" I yell out as the Dragon knight descends from the sky. (Gaia Dragon, The Thunder Charger, Rank 7, 2600 Atk) "Since I Xyz Summoned a monster you take 500 points of damage from Galaxy Wave" I say in reminder.
Flora just growls out in what seems to be an incoherent grumble as her life drops. (Flora: 3800)
"Battle!" I yell out "Gaia Dragon Attack Rosemary" I say pointing at the humanoid plant. The Dragon Zyz tears into the monster obliterating it sending Flora back a bit (Flora: 3500)
Flora growls out before full out laughing "Baka!" She says crazily.
"What?!" I yell out in worry"
A red fragrance flows from the garden, "When an Aroma monster is destroyed by battle I gain 1000 life points" She says with a smirk as her life raises once again. (Flora: 4500)
"That is gonna be annoying!" I growl out before looking at the other two cards I drew, "This will help greatly" I mentally Comment. "I set two cards face down and end my turn" I say as the cards materialize face down.
"At this time Bergamot returns to Normal" Flora says as her monster shrinks down to regular size (Aromage – Bergamot, 4900 Atk * 2400 Atk) "My Turn, Draw!" She says drawing her card she looks at the card she drew before grinning wildly. "First I shall gain my garden's benefits" she says as the garden unleashes its aroma once more.
"Now!" I yell out, "Continuous Trap Open!" I yell out with a swipe of my hand. "Bad Reaction to Simochi!"
"No!" Flora yells out in rage.
"Oh, it seems like you recognize it" I say with a smirk, "Due to this card's effect if you would gain life points you lose the same amount instead."
"Bastard peasant!" Flora yells out as the fragrance from the garden turns a poisonous color and her life is reduced. (Flora: 4000) "I banish Lonefire blossom from my graveyard to equip your Gaia Dragon the Thunder Charger with Mark of the Rose." She says placing Lonefire into her pocket as a flower mark appears on my Monster.
"What is this?" I question before my monster goes over to her side, "What, where are you going?" I question my monster.
"To his rightful place" Flora says royally, "Due to this card's effect I gain control of your monster until the end of my turn, but regain control during my turn."
"This is bad!" I hear Kotori comment.
"The little girl is right" Flora says with a smirk, "Battle, Annihilate your former master!" she yells out with a twitch in her eye. "It's Over!"
"Nooooo!" Kotori screams out.
The explosion from the attack enshrouds me from sight.
"It's over, no one can defeat the rightful queen!" Flora says with a laugh.
"Whew that was close." I say as the dust cloud dissipates showing a face up trap card.
"Why don't you DIE?!" Flora yells out in fury.
"Ven." I hear Kotori sigh in relief.
"Storming Mirror Force" I say announcing the trap card's name.
"Storming Mirror Force?" I hear Kotori Question.
"Due to this trap card's effect, when you declare an attack I return all Attack Position Monsters the Hand.
"What?!" Flora hisses under her breath as Gaia Dragon returns to my extra deck and Bergamot returns to her hand.
"Good Job Ven!" Kotori cheers with a fist pump.
"All my cards are useless due to that continuous trap" I hear Flora grumble under her breath. "I Set one Monster and End my Turn!"
"My Turn, DRAW!" I yell out pulling the card from my deck. "You came" I mentally say with a smile. "I summon Wind-Up Rat (Wind-Up Rat, Level 3, 600 Atk)
"Aww what a cute and USELESS toy" Flora comments.
"Don't call my monsters useless" I yell at her at Rat gives out a springy squeak.
"Oh, but it's true" Flora says with indifference.
"I Activate Rat's effect" I say turning Rat into defense position, "Once while this card is face up by turning it into defense position I can bring back a Wind-Up Monster from my graveyard." I explain as the graveyard portal opens. "Be reborn Wind-Up Shark" I say as the toy shark rises from the portal. (Wind-Up Shark, Level 4, 1500 Atk)
"Pointless" Flora comments.
I just shrug, "I activate Shark's effect, once per turn I can raise or lower its level by 1, I reduce Shark to level 3"
"Two Level 3 monsters huh?" I hear her comment in bored disinterest.
I throw my hand into the air, "I Overlay my level 3 rat and shark." I say as my two monsters enter the red overlay network, "Xyz Summon, Sail Forth Wind-Up Zenmaity!" I exclaim as the toy carrier appears onto the field. (Wind-Up Zenmiaty, Rank 3, 1500 Atk)
"Galaxy wave's effect!" I announce.
"Let me guess, I take 500 life points of damage" Flora says in a bored tone.
"your paying attention." I say with a teasing smirk as the overlay network lets out an energy pulse that hits Flora making her growl in anger. (Flora: 3500)
"This is going around in circles" I hear Kotori comment about Flora's life points.
"Next I activate Zenmiaty's effect" I announce as I pull the overlay unit off the toy carrier, "Once per turn, by Detaching an overlay unit I special summon a Wind-Up monster from my deck." I say as a card ejects from my deck. "Come out, Wind-Up Juggler!" I say placing the card onto the monster zone. (Wind-Up Juggler, Level 4, 1700 Atk)
"Oh look, the fool is here as well!" Flora comments.
"This fool will destroy you." I say with a smirk, "Battle, Juggler attacks your face down monster" I say pointing at her set card.
Flora smirks as the card flips over, "Aroma Pot" she says with a smirk, due to this monster's effect when its flipped face up it can't be destroyed by battle. (Aroma Pot, Level 1. 400 Def)
I smirked, "It doesn't matter"
"What?" Flora growls out.
"Wind-Up Juggler's effect, when this card battles your monster at the end of the damage calculation I can destroy that monster, however I can only do that once while this card is face up."
Flora growls out as her potted monster cracks before exploding.
"Now Zenmaity direct attack!" I say pointing at Flora.
Flora yells out as the force of the attack sends her flying. (Flora: 2000)
"Now since the battle is over, I can use the Rank 3 Wind-Up Zenmaity as an overlay unit and rebuild the Overlay network" I say as my monster re-enters the Overlay network.
"This again" Flora comments boredly.
"Xyz Summon, Come forth Downerd Magician!" I say as the girl alchemist appears, (Downerd Magician, Rank 4, 2100 Atk) "Due to this monster's effect it gains 200 attack for each Xyz material on it." I explain as Downerd's attack raises to 2500 "And since I Xyz Summoned a monster Galaxy Wave deals you 500 points of damage." (Flora: 1500)
"Turn End." I say putting my hands to my side.
"My turn, DRAW!" Flora yells out in a frenzy. She looks at her draw before growling. "I set a monster face down and set 5 cards face down, Turn End." She says with disappointment in her voice. As she sets her entire hand onto the field.
"My Turn, DRAW!" I yell out drawing my card, I smirked at the card I drew. "Battle, Downerd Magician attacks your set monster" I say pointing at the monster. "Since Downerd declared battle, I must detach an Overlay Unit, causing Downerd to go down to 2300 Atk.
"I'll take a page from your book." Flora says with a smirk, "Trap Card open, Magic Cylinder" she says as the card flips over.
"And I'll take a page out of your book" I say with a smirk
"What?" she says with slight interest.
"Quick Play Magic Activate" I say placing the spell into the correct zone. "Forbidden Lance"
"I see" Flora says with a smirk as Downerd attack is lowered by 800"
"Now continue the battle." I tell Downerd as Flora's monster flips over. (Dandylion, Level 3, 300 Def)
"Downerd Inflicts piercing damage" I explain as Downerd hits Dandylion causing the plant lion to scream out, as the pulse of power sends Flora flying once more. (Flora: 300)
Flora stands up and dusts herself off, "Annoying Pest, Due to Dandylion's effect I special summon two Fluff Tokens to my side of the field." She explains as two fluffy plants appear on her side of the field. (Fluff Token, Level 1, 0 Def)
"This could be annoying depending on her next draw" I mutter to myself softly. "Turn End!" I say in a tone she can hear.
"My turn" Flora says drawing her card before smirking. "I Release my two Fluff Tokens." She says as the two tokens are enveloped in light and merge into one. "Advance Summon, Come out Talaya, Princess of Cherry Blossoms!" (Talaya, Princess of Cherry Blossoms, Level 8, 2800 Atk) "Talaya gains 100 for each plant monster I control" Flora says as an aura surrounds the princess and her power raises to 2900.
"Is she gonna use her set cards?" I mentally question.
"Battle!" Flora yells out, "Talaya attacks Downerd Magician." She says as the plant princess generates a vine and whips it at Downerd Magician.
"Since Downerd Battled I must detach an Overlay unit" I say pulling an Overlay unit as Downerd's power goes down to 2100 Atk, she shrieks in pain as the Vine hits her and she is destroyed.
"Sorry Downerd." I say putting the card into the Graveyard as my life goes down. (Ventus: 600)
"Turn End." Flora says with a confident smirk.
"Why hasn't she used her set cards, maybe they are just bluffs" I mentally comment before shaking my head. "Whatever." I say before griping my deck, "My Turn, Draw!" I yell out drawing my card.
Flora makes a hand motion, "Make your weak struggle"
"I play the Spell Pot of Greed." I say placing the spell into the spell and trap card zone, "I draw two Cards." I say drawing the cards, before smirking at my draws. "I Play Cold Wave" I say placing the spell into the duel disk as a chilling wind sweeps over the field. "I don't like using this card normally but I have to finish this duel quickly."
"C-C-C-Cold" I hear Kotori chatter out.
"Due to this card's freezing effects all of our Spell and Trap cards are frozen Until my next turn." I explain as the entire field is covered in ice.
"What?" Flora growls out.
"Next I Summon Wind-Up Kitten." I say calling out my toy cat. (Wind-Up Kitten, Level 2, 800 Atk)
"Kawaii!" I hear Kotori squeal out.
"Yes, yet it is somewhat cute, but what can it do it has way less attack points then Talaya." Flora comments in a bored tone.
"Oh?" I say with a smirk. "Wind-up Kitten's Effect." I say with a throw of my hand. "Once while this card is face up on the field I can return a Monster on your field to the hand."
"What?!" Flora yells out as the toy kitten swipes cutely at the cherry princess causing her to blush before returning to her hand.
"Battle!" I yell out my eyes widening a bit. "Wind-Up Kitten attack Flora directly!" the toy kitten charges at Flora and Scratches her.
"Im-Impossible." Flora stutters out at the attack comes closer "Nooooooo!" Flora yells out as she is sent flying. (Flora: 0) (Ventus: WIN!"
"You did it Ven" Kotori says giving a fist pump.
"Yeah, your cheering helped me." I say smiling at her.
Kotori blushes and turns to hide her face.
I reach out and the Regnant's symbol glows as the Number lifts out of Flora and comes into my hand. "Hopefully she will be nicer without this" I say mentally.
"Hey You!" Flora says standing up
"Yeah?" I say with a raised eye brow.
Flora begins to go into a large rant that makes my eyes widen in shock and my mouth drop open as Kotori gasps and covers her mouth, the language coming out her mouth made a sailor look tame. It seemed like the Number actually had made Flora tamer then crazy.
"Let's get out of here" I mutter to Kotori.
"Yeah" Kotori agrees as we both leave to go reunite with Yuma and Astral.
-Zexal-
"Ah, that was a close one" Yuma comments as we were walking home, "If I had decided to attack then, Right Ven, Kotori?" he questions about that last duel we had saw him doing.
"Geez, didn't you lose all your matches?" Kotori says teasing Yuma.
I chuckle at that, "I can't believe you didn't even beat the newbies that were there." I point out.
"Hey, bringing it to 'em means endless challenges!" Yuma says in protest.
"And endless stupidity" I whisper to Kotori gaining a chuckle.
"Oi what's so funny" Yuma questions
"Nothing" I say weakly waving off the subject. "We should hurry, it's about to rain" I say as I smell the change of moisture in the air.
The Emperors Key glows as Astral materializes from it.
"Yuma, Ven looks like we should be on guard!" Astral tells us
I concentrated and felt a presence hovering over us. "I have a bad feeling" I comment.
"Myself as Well" Astral comments.
"Here we go again." Yuma grumbles at Astral.
"What Happened?" Kotori Questions.
"Nothing" I say gripping her shoulder and giving her a let it go look.
"Yeah Nothing" Yuma weakly stammers out as the rain starts to come down like cats and dogs.
"Rain," Kotori mutters putting her hand out to catch a drip.
"Darn it, it's raining, let's go Kotori, Ven!" Yuma yells as he takes off in a run.
"Yuma!" Kotori yells after him.
"Yuma, Don't Run!" I scold him before running after him.
"Whoa" Yuma Yells out as he slides a bit before running across the cross walk with me right behind him.
"You're So Slow, Kotori" Yuma says in taunts. "Ow!" he whines out as I drive my fist into his head.
"Geez, Wait!" Kotori yells out covering her head with her hands.
A loud honking fills the air as a truck comes closer and closer to Kotori, I feel fear grip my heard "No, not again" seems to fill my thoughts, My legs tense up as I feel myself run towards Kotori.
"MELI!" I feel myself yell out in fear as my body hits Kotori's and sends her flying out of the trucks range. I turned and look at the approaching truck, now I could have had time to reflect on what I could of done differently in my life, or the flash back to the past or perhaps even wonder who the Meli was, but only one sentient thought went through my mind before a white flash enveloped the world and everything went black.
"That truck is really dirty"
-Zexal-
Fan made Cards:
Aromassence, Trap card: If this card is sent to the graveyard by your opponent's card effect: Gain 1000 Life Points.
Rose Rook, Monster Card, Level 3, Earth, Plant Type Monster. 1000 Atk, 0 Def: If you control Just 1 face up Plant type Monster you can Special Summon this Card from your hand. This Card cannot be used as a Synchro Material or a Tribute for a Tribute Summon or an effect..