A day after Shiho's duel with Hikaru, three of the four main members of Nightfall met up once more in a dark building having their cloaks over their bodies. There were four chairs around a desk as some members of Nightfall were already in the room waiting.

Koji looked up, "Excellent work, Shiho. You did not fail to deliver."

Shiho on the other hand took up her red-striped dark cloak and sat in silence. "Of course," she plainly responded.

A moment after, the last main member of Nightfall entered in a bit of a hurry as he burst through the door.

"Something wrong?", asked Koji after seeing Hayato shaking his head.

With a few clicks and movements of his D-Pad, there was a projected graph with a large spike at the end, "We nearly have enough energy to go through with the first phase of the plan. However, we still need more energy to break through the Iron Curtain completely. From there, we can enter the Spirit World and carry on from there."

The last member Jun seemed a bit distracted but tilted his head up, "I don't see what's wrong with that."

"Just wait...," Hayato replied a bit flustered and projected a second graph, "The Iron Curtain is being tracked by someone other than us. It's hard to get a read on who they are though. They don't have quite a good reading as us but..."

Before Hayato could finish, Shiho stood up and was almost on her way out, "Then we'll just have to hurry before those other people even know what's going on."

After her statement, Koji nodded, "It's just as she says."

Everyone started to leave as Shiho was the first out the door and Jun was about to follow but then he suddenly blocked the door as his red-striped cloak fluttered and he looked at Hayato, "Take this back."

With one swift movement, the red-striped male threw a Spell Card to the silver-striped Hayato who seemed puzzled as Jun spoke up, "Yuushi Sakudo. The one with Arcanite Magician has a Spellcaster deck, does he not?"

"Yes. Arcanite Magician is his ace and he runs a Spell Counter deck. That monster is a Level 7 Synchro Monster that can...", Hayato started to explain.

Jun grinned mischievously, "I know what it does, you imbecile. Not only that but I know that it will be an interesting duel and I don't need that card from your deck to mess that up."

"What do you mean? If you know what it does, why not use Forbidden Chalice in order to counter it?!, Hayato started to yell back annoyed after the insult.

Jun was now the one raising his voice, "Oh, you don't think I can handle that amateur or something?!"

With a quick step, Jun was in Hayato's face staring him down. Though both were about the same age and height as older teens/younger adults, Koji sternly coughed once to draw their attentions. "As long as we can get the siphoned duelist energy, it doesn't matter what cards we use. Hayato, continue on tracking the energy and Jun, if you're so interested in facing Yuushi, then go ahead and head out."

The two looked at each other in a deadlock but Hayato used his somewhat larger body frame and went through Jun who was now angered. Although he wanted to continue the argument, Koji was looking on and was still staring at Jun as Koji coughed once, "I've known you for a while. Sometimes you're so stubborn that you won't listen to anyone. I just want to know if it's pride or stupidity."

Stepping forward, Jun commented, "If I can't beat an opponent like Yuushi Sakudo without any outside help, then I don't deserve to see a new era by your side. It's as simple as that. If a mysterious card like Arcanite Magician is by his side, a first-hand analysis is the best way to learn about it right? After I win, I'll just drain his energy along with that card and we'll see what happens afterwards. Besides Koji, you of all people should know that a card like that just can't be ignored."

Koji acknowledged his words with silence as the two left the dark room.

The next day at Delta Academy, lunch had already passed and it was almost time for school to end for the day. People around Heartland City by this time had heard of the blank card incident as news started to spread quickly. The news had even reached many students including those in Classroom 1-D as Mr. Yamazaki continued his lecture on respiration.

On the blackboard was a digital model of molecules and a flower as the teacher continued, "Through the process of respiration and oxygen, we exhale carbon dioxide when we breathe out. Plants use carbon dioxide as their version of oxygen and they "exhale", in a sense, oxygen which we use to breathe and the cycle continues."

Yuushi was taking notes as he looked to the side for a moment. He saw an empty seat and was distracted for a moment before tuning back in to Mr. Yamazaki's lecture. Class went on as usual but Yuushi thought that everyone in the class already knew the reason why that one seat was empty.

"Remember class, tomorrow we will be learning about anaerobic respiration and some of the basics behind how it functions and its purpose."

The girl beside Yuushi whispered, "Hey. You alright?"

"Yeah but...I never thought Hikaru would be one of those victims. You read about it in the papers and hear it on the news but when it happens in front of you, it's just..." Yuushi quickly whispered to Ayumi with mixed feelings.

"I know what you mean. It's a lot different," stated Ayumi finishing up Yuushi's sentence.

Looking at the clock, there was still 20 minutes left before the end of class but Mr. Yamazaki ended the lecture and ended another educational video before he pulled out a greeting card, "As some of you know, one of your classmates, Hikaru Aoki is currently in an unfortunate coma-like state for an unknown period of time. Fortunately, his mother has told me that the doctor told her that it was not fatal. Whether or not it was part of the blank card incident, I do not know for certain but regardless I would like him and his family to know that he has our deepest support. I urge you all to sign this card wishing his family and him the best in a speedy and healthy recovery."

Everyone got out of their seats and pulled out various writing materials and signed the card with various colors and words and some messages were even upside-down. Regardless, the card was soon filled up with words wishing Hikaru the best.

With only a few minutes left before the end of the school day, Mr. Yamazaki addressed the class once more, "Would anyone like to take this card to Hikaru's family in Heartland Hospital? I have directions and the room number of the hospital. Seeing a classmate may raise his family's spirits."

Yuushi looked over to Ayumi and without any words, Ayumi knew what Yuushi would do as the boy raised his hand, "Sure. We can take it to them."

The final bell rung as the students started to leave and Yuushi and Ayumi picked up their class's wishes and hopes in the form of a card directed to Hikaru.

"Thanks, you two. I'm sure they'll be happy to receive this," the teacher said trying to convey the importance of this card.

Just outside the school doors, Yuushi had put the get-well card in his backpack as Ayumi followed him closely. She looked over his shoulder and read the note, "Heartland Hospital, Room 220. That's the room number right? We can take the monorail heading downtown."

"Yeah. It's about a five to ten minute jog to the hospital from there," a female voice stated as the individual met up to the two.

Yuushi recognized the voice and looked to the side and noticed that Ryoko caught up to both of them. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go."

The three high schoolers made their way over to the monorail station and boarded the next monorail downtown. About twenty minutes later, they were at the station closest to the hospital and got off. Ryoko didn't really know where the hospital was so she simply followed Yuushi and Ayumi who were turning their heads and heading off.

On the way over, Ayumi asked the others, "Did any of you hear exactly what happened to Hikaru?"

"Nothing much really. Just now that he has a blank card and is in the hospital. Natsumi was one of the first people to find Hikaru unconscious. I hope she's alright," said Yuushi while shaking his head.

Ryoko shook her head as well, "Just a few rumors around school. A few really weird theories but that's usually the norm when someone like this happens." After continually walking for a few seconds Ryoko smiled a bit, "Anyways...we need to look a bit happy to at least cheer up Hikaru's family. No point in being depressed all over this and making them more depressed too."

"Agreed. While this is serious, just being sad isn't going to do anyone any good. We have our class's wishes in this card and we have to convey that message along," nodded Yuushi.

Roughly 15 minutes afterwards, the group noticed more and more ambulances and other cars as they were practically at the front entrance of Heartland Hospital. A warm breeze blew through the air momentarily as the group entered through the automatic doors into the main floor of the building. There were already several people waiting in line, sitting down or hanging around the main lobby. A few people were reading the news on their D-Pads or just walking by in crutches. None of the three knew exactly where Room 220 was as they walked past the receptionist desk. Looking left and right were doctors and nurses moving past the group at a quick pace as Yuushi made note of several room numbers as he made his way through.

"100, 107, 111, 119..."

Noticing all the rooms on the first floor were in the 100s, Yuushi, Ayumi and Ryoko concluded that the second floor would most likely have the rooms in the 200s such as Room 220 where Hikaru was. The group entered a nearby elevator as the doors closed and Yuushi hit a button which moved the elevator to the second floor.

*Ding*

After that noise, the doors opened and they made a left turn and started walking down the path.

"210, 212, 214, 216, 218...220. We're here then." Yuushi muttered quietly so that only the other two girls could hear him.

Before they knocked on the door, Yuushi opened his backpack and pulled out the card. It was a relatively simple looking card with a relatively simple message but without a doubt, it was important.

"Are you ready?", Ayumi said to the other two of them sensing the tension in the air.

Yuushi and Ryoko nodded as they turned to knock on the door. However, the door was already open and they saw the unconscious Hikaru laid down on the hospital bed. Although his parents weren't around, there was one familiar young girl sitting by the bed and looking over her D-Pad.

She noticed that other people had walked in and turned her chair around to greet her visitors. "Hi, everyone. Did you come to visit my brother?"

Ryoko waved to Natsumi but got worried, "How exactly is Hikaru?"

"Uh...the doctor said that he'll be around soon enough and then we can really see how he's doing. For now though, Hikaru is just resting and that he's fine and stable. Um, that's about all I know," answered Natsumi a bit nervously.

Though Yuushi wasn't a medical expert or anything, he felt that Hikaru being hooked up to a small tube and a machine wasn't exactly his definition of being "fine". Nevertheless, the room seemed to be the standard room for patients with a decent bed, other monitoring screens and devices, a television, a washroom, a few chairs and even a round mirror. He was a bit at a loss with words, not exactly knowing what exactly to say to Natsumi. While he could have talked about Hikaru's current condition more, he felt that a girl as young as Natsumi was already uncomfortable here and talking about things like that just might make it worse for her.

Nonetheless, there was one thing bothering Yuushi a bit as he asked, "Natsumi, where are your parents?"

The dark blue-black haired girl closed her eyes momentarily and spoke quietly, "Our dad isn't in good shape and when he heard about Hikaru's coma thing, he sort of got sick too and he's at another clinic trying to get better too. The nurses and doctors have been really nice to me though."

"What about classes then?", Yuushi said firing off another question.

"My mom called in and said that I don't have to go today. At least there's no homework," the young girl

replied back.

Ryoko grinned trying to cheer her up, "That's good news at least."

"We have something for you. It's from our class," Ayumi mentioned.

On cue, Yuushi handed Natsumi a card as Hikaru's sister glanced through quickly and smiled, "It's a great card and thanks. I'll just place it right near Hikaru and hopefully this will make him wake up faster."

"When Hikaru gets up, tell him that he needs to focus on getting better. Knowing him, he'll probably get a bit jumpy so you have to calm him down," Yuushi said while glancing at Hikaru.

"Whoever did this is starting to get increasingly bold. This type of incident has been getting more frequent and has even targeted both of us. I don't know what exactly is going on but I'll try to find out what I can. When it's all said and done, this will all end...that's a promise," Yuushi thought to himself.

Natsumi placed the card on the counter by Hikaru's bed as the three stayed in the hospital for another hour as a nurse came by for a quick check-up before leaving again. An hour after the nurse's visit, a doctor knocked on the door before letting herself in and seeing the four people inside.

"Are these some of Hikaru's friends, Natsumi?", the female doctor asked.

She nodded, "Yep, they're some of his friends at Delta Academy. They've been here for a while."

Outside the window, the sun was starting to set as the three high schoolers felt the same thing as they started to get up.

"It's getting a bit late. We'll head out for today. We'll probably visit sometime soon though," Ryoko commented.

Yuushi and Ayumi got up as well as they said goodbye and left leaving the doctor to perform some tests and check-ups on Hikaru. The high schoolers hoped that Hikaru and Natsumi's parents would eventually arrive too as they left the hospital.

On the way back to the monorail station, the black-haired boy seemed a bit quiet as the girls started to talk.

"We heard some things about this curtain from Dr. Sakudo and his team but I wonder what sort of tests he needed Arcanite Magician for," questioned Ryoko.

The other dark-browned haired girl thought about it for a moment, "I'm not too sure. Maybe they don't know exactly what they're looking for themselves but are just collecting data for analysis. Yuushi, did your dad say anything specific to you?"

On the other hand, Yuushi was contemplating about this whole curtain incident himself, "The only thing I don't like is that nobody has any information on what's going on. Sure there's some rough pieces of information to go on but that alone doesn't necessarily prove anything. Even worse, there's no solid explanation on this blank card or curtain thing at all. Whoever is doing this...just what are they thinking of accomplishing..."

After a long moment, Ayumi looked at him, "Yuushi, is there something wrong? You seem like you're not listening to anything."

The boy turned his head and chuckled with slight embarrassment, "Sorry, I didn't catch any of that. I was just going through my mind about those curtain people and trying to figure out their plan. I mean I hope someone can do something about it. I'd try but I don't really have any information to go on other than what's been published in the media."

"Maybe Hikaru knows something about it and we can find out after he wakes up. It's just a matter of time right?", added Ryoko.

Yuushi looked up at the sky for a moment, "That's a good point. Hopefully, he has a lead or something to go on."

The group reached the monorail station and eventually, the next monorail that would take them to their homes arrived. Everyone began to pile into the large public vehicle.

"I just have a bad feeling about all this," Yuushi noted to himself concerned about his friends, especially since Hikaru and himself had been a target of these incidents.

The doors closed as the monorail sped away. After many stops, they passed by various places like a mall, a few schools, a stadium and even a water park. Eventually, they reached a stop at Ryoko started to get off. She waved goodbye to the others as the doors closed leaving Yuushi and Ayumi as the duo left in the group. The sun was almost set by now as the monorail reached Yuushi's stop as he prepared to get off.

"My stop's coming up soon," pointed out Yuushi.

"It's the one coming up now right? I think I have about two or three stops after you," the girl said back while taking a look at Yuushi.

The boy tried to remember everything he had to do out loud as he sighed and looked at Ayumi, "I still have to do some homework. It's due tomorrow and I'll try to finish up before dinner. Maybe we can chat later and do something tonight after."

She responded, "That's seems good to me. Then I'll make sure to finish everything too before then."

The monorail announced the next step and Yuushi along with many others walked off. He waved goodbye as the doors closed leaving him alone to walk back home. He descended down the stairs onto the sidewalk as he stretched before going on his way.

A few cars passed by as Yuushi had more thoughts swirling in his mind, "How many more people like Norio are running around Heartland City at this rate. I really doubt he's the most dangerous one too. It might be pessimistic but...no, the most important thing is that Hikaru is still well and that we got the card to Natsumi just fine. Just need to take things one step at a time and not rush things."

After crossing the next street, Yuushi went into a small park. The exit on the other side saved him some time as he wouldn't have to walk all around the sidewalk but rather cut straight through. It was about dinner time so there were only a few people here and there including some kids on the swings and some adults leisurely taking a stroll.

The sky started to get cloudier as Yuushi walked down a narrow path of trees past a field. He thought to himself that it would take roughly ten minutes or so of walking until he reached the end of the path. Suddenly though, Yuushi noticed that his Duel Disk started to glow like a bright light. Without looking, Yuushi knew the glowing card was Arcanite Magician as he stopped in his tracks but the only thing now was to see why the card was glowing.

"This is never good..."

The tree beside him started to glow as a cloaked figure inserted a card into his graveyard. Before Yuushi had any time to react, a faint curtain descended behind him as it blanketed the entire area. A flash of light temporarily blinded Yuushi as he closed his eyes waiting for the light to fade. In the next moments, he opened his eyes and realized that he was in some sort of blue-black space that was definitely not Heartland City.

"Just like before..."

The black-haired boy glanced over and noticed another person in a black cloak with a red stripe on it staring him down.

Yuushi glared back at him and demanded, "Who are you guys?! Where are we?!"

The cloaked person chuckled, "Yuushi Sakudo. I am part of the group known as Nightfall. I think you've already been acquainted with Norio already. As for your other question, we are in a space known as the Iron Curtain which is somewhat like the border between our world and the Duel Monsters world.

"Dad was right then...", Yuushi thought to himself before speaking up, "How did you know my name?!"

"You simpleton. Did you really think I'd engage you here if I didn't have all the facts straight? You're a first year student at Delta Academy who placed relatively high in their Duel Monsters tournament. I also know that you run a Spell Counter deck. I have all your data in my head. Information like that is key to success, not only in Duel Monsters but also in the world. On the other side of the coin though, incorrect information or data put in incompetent hands has led to the downfall and ruin of many," the cloaked male casually stated.

Yuushi thought that his statement was fairly accurate but couldn't figure out why he'd blurt all this information out.

The cloaked person chuckled and continued on, "As a matter of fact, you're a good example Yuushi. Your ace monster, Arcanite Magician is a card you possess but do you even know exactly what it does or how you came across it? You just stuck it in your Spell Counter deck and ran around hoping that it would somehow work itself out. If that's the way you duel, then this will hardly be worth my time. That stupidity, lack of data and incompetence will be your downfall right now."

"So I take it you know something about Arcanite Magician then?!" shouted Yuushi who was now flustered.

"Perhaps. But that's for me to know and you to find out," the other male said while pulling out his Duel Disk.

Yuushi hesitantly pulled out and readied his Duel Disk, "If this guy really does have all this information on me, then I bet he likely has some counter measures to my deck. I don't like this at all but he's not giving me much of a choice. There's nowhere to run and winning a duel is the only way I know how to escape from this Iron Curtain."

He took another look at the cloaked person and got his glasses ready as they started to function as a D-Gazer. On the other hand, the cloaked person's eyes flashed blue momentarily as he activated his contact lens D-Gazer. Furthermore, he pulled out some sort of square attachment and slammed it into his Duel Disk. His attachment was likely a custom model as the attachment extended and transformed into a platform which acted as his side of the field.

"AR Vision, link complete," the mechanical voice said bluntly.

The area digitized around both duelists as they both drew five cards and prepared themselves.

"Duel!"

Yuushi- 4000 LP
Jun- 4000 LP

The glasses boy was serious from the beginning knowing the situation and started the duel off, "Can't let this guy have a solid plan from the start so I'll start by hiding my plan."

"I set down a monster and another card behind it and end my turn!", shouted Yuushi.

Firstly, a horizontal facedown appeared at the forefront followed by another set Spell/Trap card right behind the unknown monster.

Jun calmly started the second turn, "My turn. Draw! I activate the Spell Card, Spellbook Library of the Crescent from my hand. Try to keep up here. Since I have no 'Spellbook' Spell Cards in the graveyard, I can show you three different 'Spellbook' Spell Cards from my deck. You will get to randomly select one of them which will go into my hand."

Yuushi thought about his explanation for a moment as Jun's Duel Disk started radiate a light blue glow, "If this goes through, he'll have a decent chance of getting almost any card he wants and I won't even know it. However, he's probably running a 'Spellbook' and 'Prophecy' deck which means that something like this will help..."

Swinging his arm, Yuushi revealed his set Trap Card, "I'll activate Magic Drain! If you still want to use that card, you'll have to discard another Spell Card in your hand. If you choose not to, then this card will negate your Spellbook Library of the Crescent."

The cloaked duelist looked at his hand momentarily, "Very well then, I guess your card goes through."

Sure enough, the glow from Jun's Duel Disk disappeared but he wasn't done yet as he analyzed Yuushi's field, "With no cards to protect that monster, your defenses are weak. I summon Charioteer of Prophecy!"

With a faint light, a human horseman emerged from the card. The white horse neighed as the blonde-haired rider calmed it down before brandishing out his wind sword as his blue cape fluttered upon pulling out the weapon. The appearance of the rider's green cloth armor resembled something similar to a medieval warrior (ATK: 1800, Level 4).

"Here's my attack then! Go, Charioteer of Prophecy!"

The horse neighed once more and started to gallop forward. The rapid stomping shook the area as the rider raised up his sword. A coat of visible wind surrounded the sword and quickly was in striking range. The facedown card flipped over and revealed Yuushi's monster in a red fog which was Blast Magician (DEF: 1700, Level 4). The defending monster raised up its scythe like weapon and prepared to block but the horseman's slash proved too powerful as Blast Magician was slashed in half and digitized off the field before disappearing into light.

Though Yuushi lost no Life Points thanks to his defense mode monster, his field was empty. However, he wasn't too nervous as he scanned the field. Jun had no more attacks to launch which meant that he was more than likely safe this turn.

"I suppose you're finished then," said Yuushi.

"For now I'll end my turn but I'm just getting started. I'm actually looking forward to see how this duel turns out," Jun said a bit relaxed.

Yuushi was curious, "Why's that?"

His opponent stared at Yuushi for a moment, "We both run Spellcaster decks which means that I want to prove that I'm the better Spellcaster duelist. Not only in this duel, but I have something I need to prove to someone else as well. Someone that I look up to...someone whose vision is beyond this world."

The black-haired boy didn't know how to respond to that and it just raised more questions for him, "Who exactly are you talking about?!"

Jun looked over at Yuushi ominously before grinning somewhat maliciously, "You really seem to want more and more information for someone so incompetent at handling it. How about this then? I'll tell you everything if you can beat me. For now, let's see your strength. Let's see if the cards made the right choice."

This was all cryptic and confusing for Yuushi but Jun really sounded like he definitely knew something not only about Arcanite Magician but even about this whole blank card and Iron Curtain incident.

"For those who've fallen to Nightfall. For those who've been affected by this curtain. For Hikaru and Natsumi, I can't afford to lose here," shouted Yuushi mentally as he gained more confidence and was about to draw his next card.

Elsewhere, a computer in a laboratory started to rapidly beep as Mr. Sakudo started to hastily type on the computer. Sure enough, the source of the beeping came from a park in Heartland City. Not only that but there was a familiar signature that was caught inside the Iron Curtain. This really made Yuushi's father nervous as the familiar signature was Arcanite Magician and more likely than not, his son was caught inside the Iron Curtain too according to the readings. He opened his own D-Pad and tried to immediately contact Yuushi but got no response which confirmed his fears.

Other scientists were scrambling as Mr. Sakudo started to make a call to someone else, "Dr. Hotake. How far are you from Heartland City right now?"

The other doctor thought for a moment, "Not too far. Maybe ten minutes or so, why?"

"The Iron Curtain has been detected inside Heartland City. Not only that but my son is inside too...I can't get in touch with Yuushi so I have to get over there but I want you to get there first to see what's going on!", shouted the agitated doctor as he got up to leave.

Dr. Hotake nodded quickly, "Give me the coordinates and I'll be right there. I'll tell you if there's anything strange."

Note: Thanks to Overlord reign for the deck idea and concept for Jun

Chapter 21 Preview

Yuushi: This group Nightfall. They're the ones behind all this so I have to win this duel! The main problem in this duel is that this guy has nearly all my data.

Yuushi: But still, I can't give up now. This is the most important duel I've ever had so far and data can only get you so far anyways.

Yuushi: Chapter 21: Spellcaster's Pride. Jun, he's might be condescending but there's something driving him...something I can't explain...just what is it?