Raptor's Carnival

by TheRominLegion

One should be careful picking up random cards lying down on the ground, you never know what might happen. This is a lesson Kiryu learns one day at a local annual convention, when he finds himself thrust into another world from that very act. Armed with his wits and deck, he must fight to survive in this world where a simple card game can determine the very fate of the world.

6. The Falcon, The Hellish Fanservice and

Review Corner:

Joshiro99: Fret not my friend, Kiryu is indeed dueling again for the next few chapters, it was merely dumb luck that the last two chapters were Yuma focused duels, as I felt both were to important to him to give to Kiryu. All of his Monsters have sentience, but not intelligence.

QueenofNiii: Possibly, Quite Possibly.

Guest: It will rotate between Yuma and Kiryu depending on the situation, the last two were important to Yuma, now Kiryu will be dueling for the next several chapters.

AmethystEspeon: Kiryu is more of a Deuteragonist to Yuma in this story then a Protag. But while having a bit of a slow start, be will have a bunch of rapid fire duels from here on out.

HectorFenyx: (If google translate is right) Mi placer

Quick Note before we begin, I am looking for some help with designing a semi-oc archtype that will be Kiryu's main deck later on in the story. If anyone is willing to lend me a hand let me know.

Chapter 6: The Falcon, The Hellish Fanservice and the King's Fury

"Thank you for the meal Grandma Tsukumo" I told Haru Tsukumo as I set down my chopsticks.

"Your welcome dearie." Haru told me.

Through a mishmash of events and happenings, I somehow ended up being invited by Akari to their house for dinner so that she and her family could get to know 'Yuma's new friend' better as she had put it. Not seeing a real reason to decline, I had gracefully accepted the invite.

"All right, I'm gonna go work on my deck for tomorrow!" Yuma said, slamming his bowl down and running out of the room.

"Yuma, Clear your dishes!" Akari yells after him.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of cleaning up." I said as I started to gather up the dishes.

"You're a guest Kiryu, you don't have to help clean up." Akari tells me.

"It's no big deal at all." I said as I put the dishes into the sink and started to wash them, "Plus, I work in a restaurant back home so this is the norm for me."

"Well at least let me help dry." Akari tells me.

I nodded and handed her the clean dish, Akari took it and Dry's it.

"Obomi, put this away." Akari tells the Tsukumo household Obot.

"Dishes Put Away." Obomi chirped.

The three of us fell into a rhythm and soon enough all the dishes were clean.

"Thanks for your help, Kiryu." Akari says as she lets out a sigh and leans back in a chair.

"You're welcome and thanks again for dinner, next time I'll make a meal for you all." I said.

"We'll have to take you up on that one day." Akari said with a smirk.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN THIS CARD ISN'T A GOOD ONE TO PUT IN?!" Yuma yells, obviously in a debate with Astral.

"YUMA, BE QUIET!" Akari yells back before sighing, "I know I don't mind him dueling anymore, but his constant talking to himself is a bit concerning to me at times."

"I'll go and see what's up." I said getting up and walking out the door of the kitchen.

Akari called out some directions after me as she opened her D-Pad for her job.

I knocked on the door to Yuma's room.

"Yeah." Yuma said in response.

I opened the door and walked in, I saw him sitting on the floor with his deck spread out in front of him.

"Hey Yuma, Hey Astral." I told both of them.

Yuma and Astral look at each other in surprise, "You can see him?" 'You can see me?' they ask together.

I made sure not to look at Astral in response to that, "No I can't see him, Kotori had told me about him a bit ago and I simply operated under the assumption he was here when I greeted you." I said.

"I see." Yuma said

I sat on the bed and pulled out my deck, looking it over as Yuma went over his deck.

"Yosh, I'm all done!" Yuma says as he sets his finished deck down, "Hey Kiryu."

"Hmm…" I muttered looking over the top of my cards with a raised eyebrow.

"Let's have a duel!" Yuma says with a grin.

"Yuma, I do not think this is a wise idea. He has a Number meaning if we lose my life is forfeit, plus as a competitor in the WDC we could be giving him an advantage." Astral tells him.

"Ahh…." Yuma says in realization.

"Sure, I'll duel you." I said putting the Duel Disk down and getting down on the floor, "but we're gonna do something different."

"Something different?" Yuma asks as Astral floats behind him.

I gestured for him to sit down, "Do you remember the different styles of Dueling from back home I told you about." I asked him.

Yuma frowns for a bit. "Hmm…"

"Riding Duels, Action Duels and Rush Duels." Astral says.

"Oh right!" Yuma says in realization.

"That's right, you and I are gonna have a Rush Duel." I told him.

"Awesome!" Yuma says giddily as he sits down across from me with his deck.

I started to hand shuffle my deck, "Normally Rush Duels only involve Normal Spell and Trap cards and limited use of the Extra Deck, but since our decks both rely on the extra deck we will forgo that little titbid.

Yuma nods.

I handed my deck over to Yuma to cut it as I did the same for his, "Second, each monster no matter what it is can only activate its effect Once Per Turn while on the field."

"Got it." Yuma says as we take our decks back.

"I'll go first to better show how these work." I told Yuma.

"Okay." Yuma agreed.

"RUSH DUEL!" The two of us called out. (Yuma: 4000) (Kiryu:4000)

"Rush Duel Bullet Lesson 1, First, we both start out with Four Cards in Hand." I said as I drew 4 cards.

Yuma also drew his four cards.

"Then I draw for my turn!" I said drawing my fifth card. "Now unlike regular duels, in Rush Duels there are only 3 Monster Zones and 3 Spell and Trap card zones, and there is no Main Phase 2." I told him.

Yuma hums in response.

"I Summon 3 Raidraptor - Vanishing Lanius!" I said throwing three monsters down onto the field. (Raidraptor - Vanishing Lanius,Level 4,1300 ATK)

"Wait, what are you doing?!" Yuma protests.

I gave a smirk, "In Rush Duels you can Normal Summon as many times per turn as you want."

"Fascinating…" Astral comments.

"Next I Overlay my two Raidraptor - Vanishing Lanius and Xyz Summon Raidraptor - Force Strix." I said, while briefly shuffling through my Extra Deck I froze when I saw a card, I totally forgot I had it in here. Putting it aside I quickly grabbed what I was looking for and placed it on the field. (RR - Force Strix, Rank 4, 100 ATK, OLU: 2)

"100 Attack Points?" Yuma says in shock.

"Force Strix's Effect, It gains 500 ATK for every other Winged Beast Monster I control." I explained. (RR-Force Strix:100 ATK - 600 ATK)

"Next I activate Force Strix's effect. By Detaching an Overlay Unit I can add a Level 4 Dark Winged Beast monster from my deck." I said as I placed one of Force Strix's Overlay Units into the GY, I picked up my deck and looked through it. "I add Raidraptor - Retrofit Lanius." I added the card to my hand and shuffled my deck. (RR - Force Strix: OLU 2 - 1)

"Next I Summon Raidraptor - Fuzzy Lanius, and Overlay it and my other Vanishing Lanius to Xyz Summon a second Force Strix." I said as I made some plays. (RR - Fuzzy Lanius, Level 4, 500 ATK) (RR - Force Strix, Rank 4, 100 ATK, OLU: 2)

"And Finally I Summon Raidraptor - Retrofit Lanius." I stated as I summoned the card I added into my last Monster Zone, "Retrofit Lanius can be treated as 2 Materials for the Xyz Summon of a Raidraptor Xyz." (RR - Retrofit Lanius, Level 4, 800 ATK)

"No way." Yuma says in shock.

"I Overlay my Retrofit Lanius and Xyz Summon Force Strix." I said bringing out my third Xyz Monster. (RR - Force Strix, Rank 4, 100 ATK, OLU: 1)

"Impressive, he Summoned three Xyz Monsters even with the limiting Rules." Astral comments.

"Due to each Force Strix's effect, they gain 500 ATK for all other Winged Beast Monsters." I stated. (RR - Force Strix:100 ATK - 1100 ATK x 3)

"I set one card face down and end my turn." I said, setting the last card in my hand.

"Yosh Here I go, My Turn, Draw!" Yuma said drawing his card.

"Yuma, I will not be lending my assistance for this Duel as there are no major stakes involved." Astral tells him.

"That's fine, I'd rather experience my first Rush Duel on my own." Yuma tells him.

Astral nods and floats back to a more observant distance.

"I Summon Gagaga Magician and Gagaga Girl!" Yuma said placing down two monsters. (Gagaga Magician, Level 4, 1500 ATK) (Gagaga Girl, Level 3, 1000 ATK)

"Next I activate Gagaga Magician's effect. Each Turn I can change his Level, I choose to make his Level 3." Yuma said as Gagaga Magician's Level Changed. (Gagaga Magician: Level 4 - Level 3)

I raised my Eyebrow at Yuma's rather impressive play for his first Rush Duel.

"Next I Overlay My Level 3 Gagaga Magician and Gagaga Girl and Xyz Summon Temtempo the Percussion Djinn!" Yuma said stacking the two Gagaga cards and Summoning out one of his Djinn Xyz. (Temtempo the Percussion Djinn, Rank 3, 1700 ATK,OLU 2)

"Further since Gagaga Girl was used as Xyz Material along with another Gagaga Monster her effect now activates reducing your monsters ATK to 0, I choose the Force Strix in the middle." Yuma further declares. (RR - Force Strix: 1100 ATK - 0 ATK)

"Not Bad Yuma." Astral compliments him.

"I'm not done yet, I'm gonna take full advantage of this Rush Duel! I Summon Achacha Archer and Rai Raider!" Yuma saids summoning two additional monsters. (Achacha Archer, Level 3, 1200 ATK) (Rai Raider, Level 3, 1200 ATK)

"Since Achacha Archer was summoned you take 500 points of Damage." Yuma continued on as I took the first damage. (Kiryu: 4000 - 3500)

"And now I Overlay my Level 3 Achacha Archer and Rai Raider to Xyz Summon Melomelody the Brass Djinn" he continued on. (Melomelody the Brass Djinn, Rank 3,1400 ATK,OLU:2)

"I now activate Temtempo's effect, by detaching one of its Overlay Units I can detach all the Overlay Units from one of your Xyz Monsters and then Temtempo gains 500 ATK for each one. I chose the Force Strix with two Overlay Units." Yuma said as he removed one of Temtempo's Overlay Units. (Temtempo the Percussion Djinn: OLU: 2 - 1, 1700 ATK - 2700 ATK)

I gave a soft hum as I removed both Overlay Units. (RR - Force Strix: OLU 2 - 0)

"Ba…" Yuma starts to call out.

"Yuma, Remember that you have no Main Phase 2." Astral reminds him.

"Oh yeah." Yuma says in realization, "I set a card face down, Now I attack the Force Strix with 0 ATK with Melomelody" he declares.

"Not Bad, Yuma." I said as I placed the card in the GY while wincing as if I took damage. (Kiryu: 3500 - 2100)

"Since a Winged Beast left the field, Force Strix loses some of its ATK power." I stated. (RR - Force Strix: 1100 ATK - 600 ATK x 2)

"Next I activate Melomelody's effect. Since It attacked and you control an Xyz monster by detaching an Overlay Unit I can make a second attack." Yuma said removing the Overlay Unit. (Melomelody: OLU 2 - 1)

"Now I attack the second Force Strix." Yuma declares as my second monster was destroyed (Kiryu: 2100 - 1500) (RR - Force Strix: 600 ATK - 100 ATK)

"Now Finish him off Temtempo!" Yuma calls out.

"Trap Activate, Adversity!" I calmly said as I flipped over my set card. "When a I control monster is attacked by a monster with higher attack, my monster gains 1000 ATK and cannot be destroyed by Battle. Then I take no battle damage." I calmly explained.

"Darn I almost had you." Yuma mutters with a pout before smirking confidently., "Well I'll win next turn since you only have a monster with 100 ATK and no cards in your hand."

"Yuma, don't be so confident a single draw can turn things around. Plus there may be other rules to the Rush Duel that Kiryu hasn't revealed yet." Astral tells him.

"My turn!" I said before giving a smirk, "Rush Duels are all about the unexpected, being able to turn any pinch into a comeback." I said, causing Yuma and Astral to look at each other curiously.

"DRAW!" I call out overdramatically as I drew from my deck holding up a single card… before spitting them to reveal 5 cards. "Rush Duel Bullet Lesson 2, at the start of your turn you draw until you have 5 cards in your hand."

"Wooow." Yuma says in Awe.

"So in a Rush Duel, having an empty hand at the beginning of your turn is more optimal for the duelist." Astral mutters.

"I activate Force Strix's effect." I said detaching the Overlay Unit from the last Force Strix on my Field as I picked up my deck and shifted through it. "I add Raidraptor - Recusant Vulture" I added the selected card and shuffled my deck (RR - Force Strix: OLU 1 - OLU 0)

"I Summon Raidraptor - Recusant Vulture!" I said, slapping the card down. (RR - Recusant Vulture, Level 4, 500 ATK)

"Due to its effect I now take 500 Points of Damage." I calmly stated, taking the effect. (Kiryu: 1500 - 1000)

"What is he doing?" Astral wonders.

"I activate Raidraptor - Pain Lanius's effect from my hand, "By Targeting my Recusant Vultere and taking damage equal to its ATK I can special summon this card as a monster with the same Level, meaning 4." I said, calling out a third monster to fill my board. (Kiryu: 1000 - 500) (Raidraptor - Pain Lanius, Level 1 - 4,100 ATK)

"Why are you making such self destructive plays?" Yuma asks in confusion.

"I'll show you." I said with a smirk, "But first I activate the Raidraptor - Sanctuary Magic Card." I said activating the spell card. "Since I control 3 Raidraptor Monsters, I draw 2 cards." I drew my cards. I looked at my cards, smirking at one of them.

"Now I Overlay my Level 4 Raidraptor Recusant Vulture and Raidraptor Pain Lanius to Xyz Summon Raidraptor Blade Burner Falcon! When it's Xyz Summoned while your Life Points are 3000 or more greater than mine its effect kicks in making its ATK become 4000!" (RR - Blade Burner Falcon, Rank 4, 1000 ATK - 4000 ATK, OLU: 2)

"So that's why you lowered your life so much, to use that effect." Yuma says in realization.

"A risky tactic, but one that could very well pay off." Astral acknowledges

"Now Yuma it's your turn to face it." I told him.

"What do you mean?" Yuma mutters.

"Wait is he…" Astral mutters.

"I activate the Rank-Up-Magic Raid Force!" I said activating the Spell Card.

"A Rank Up?!" Yuma and Astral say in shock.

"I Overlay Force Strix and Xyz Summon a Raidraptor monster that is one rank higher, I Rank Up Xyz Change into Raidraptor Stranger Falcon!" I declared. (RR - Stranger Falcon, Rank 5, 2000 ATK, OLU: 1)

"I activate Stranger Falcon's effect, by detaching an Overlay 'Unit I can destroy a monster you control and inflict damage to you equal to its ATK power, so say goodby to Temtempo." I said removing the Overlay Unit. (RR - Stranger Falcon: OLU 1 - 0)

"Just like Number 61." Astral commented as Yuma put Temtempo in the GY. (Yuma: 4000 - 1300)

"I set 2 cards, Now Blade Burner Falcon attacks Melomelody!" I declared.

"I activate my trap card, Battle Break!" Yuma said, flipping over the card, "When your monster declares an attack, this card destroys the attacking monster and ends the battle phase."

"Not bad Yuma." I reluctantly admit as Blade Burner was put in the GY, "I end my turn."

"My turn, Draw!" Yuma said drawing his 5 cards. "I Summon Kurivolt, Pinecone and Acorno!" Yuma said summoning out 3 monsters (Kurivolt, Level 1, 300 ATK) (Pinecono, Level 1, 400 ATK) (Acorno, Level 1, 200 ATK)

"Now I Overlay my Level 1 Kurivolt, Pinecone and Acorno and Xyz Summon Baby Tiragon!" Yuma declared stacking his cards together. (Baby Tiragon, Rank 1, 9100 ATK, OLU: 3)

'Adorable…' I muttered in my head looking at the card's picture.

I briefly saw the cards Spirit appear and give me a sad look.

"Next I activate Monster Reborn to bring back Gagaga Magician." Yuma says reviving his key magician card. (Gagaga Magician, Level 4, 1500 ATK)

"I see you're using that combo again Yuma." Astral comments.

"Yup, I Activate Gagaga Magician's effect. Once Per Turn I can change its Level, I make him Level 1." Yuma states. (Gagaga Magician: Level 4 - Level 1)

"Now I activate Baby Tiragon's effect, by detaching an Overlay Unit a Level 1 Monster I control can attack you directly, which Gagaga Magician now fits perfectly." Yuma says removing a card from under Baby Tiragon. (Baby Tiragon: OLU: 3 - 2)

"I set a card and attack directly with Gagaga Magician!" Yuma declared

"I activate my Necro Raptor Trap Card" I said flipping over my card, "When I would take damage from a direct attack, I reduce that damage to 0 then I Special Summon a Raidraptor monster from my GY, Take Flight once more Raidraptor Vanishing Lanius!" (Raidraptor Vanishing Lanius, Level 4, 1600 DEF)

"I end my turn" Yuma says as Gagaga Magician's Level returns to Normal. (Gagaga Magician: Level 1 - Level 4)

"My Turn, Since I have 4 cards in my hand I only draw 1." I said as I drew for my turn. I looked at my hand and felt a pulse from my extra deck, I gave a smirk 'So you want to come out.' I thought as a feather flew by my mind's eye.

"I Summon Raidraptor Napalm Dragonius!" I said summoning out the Monster. (RR - Napalm Dragonius, Level 4, 1000 ATK)

"I activate the Spell Card Level Lifter, by sending the Level 3 Raidraptor Skull Eagle from my hand to the GY for the rest of this turn I make Vanishing Lanius and Napalm Dragonius become Level 3." I said discarding a card. (RR - Vanishing Lanius: Level 4 - Level 3) (RR - Napalm Dragonius: Level 4 - Level 3)

"Two Level 3 monsters." Yuma muttered.

"First I activate Napalm Dragonius' effect. Once Per Turn I can inflict 600 points of damage to you." I stated. (Yuma: 1300 - 700)

"Now I Overlay my Level 3 Raidraptor Vanishing Lanius and Raidraptor Napalm Dragonius" I said as I stacked the cards on top of each other, I picked up my Extra Deck and shifted through it and grabbed a card. It pulsed as I held it in my hand.

"That card…." Astral says, staring at it suspiciously.

I held the card in front of my face, "Gentle spirit gliding on the breeze of destiny. Cry out your song and bring forth the melody of fortuna to all brave pure hearted warriors." I held up the card, "Xyz Summon Come forth Nu…."

"YUMA!" Akari yelled out slamming the door to the room open, the gust of wind scattering our cards.

"Sis, why did you do that?!" Yuma cries out trying to grab all of his falling cards.

"It's late you need to get to bed!" Akari scolds him.

"But I was just about to finish my Duel with Kiryu." Yuma whines.

I smirked and gathered up all my cards, "Don't worry Yuma consider this duel a teaser We'll have our true battle once you complete this." I tell him as I jiggled the Heart Piece a bit.

Yuma smirked, "It's a Promise." he says as we fist bump each other. (Duel Called Off)

I put my cards into my pocket, "Thanks again for dinner I better head out, I gotta figure out a place to crash for the night.

"You need to find a place to stay?" Yuma asks

I nodded, "Yeah I kinda came to Heartland on an impulsive whim and forgot to figure out lodgings before I came." I muttered sheepishly.

Akari chuckles, "Just like Yuma." she mutters fondly. "Well if you need to you can stay here for the night."

I looked at her, "Are you sure?" I asked her.

"Of course dearie we would be happy to let you stay" Haru says.

"HOLY SHIT?! Where did you come from." I yelled out, grasping my chest.

"I've been here the whole time." Haru says.

"Weird I totally didn't see you.." I muttered.

"You have Grandma's approval so welcome for the night Kiryu, I'm sure Yuma has some clothes that can fit you for some sleepwear." Akari says.

"Thank you for the hospitality." I said with a smile.

"Yosh, we're gonna have an all night Duel sleepover." Yuma cheers out.

-Zexal-

I sat up with a yawn, the morning sun slipping through the window.

"Time for the second day of the WDC and my second day in Heartland." I muttered to myself as I gave a stretch popping my back.

Up in the attic above I could hear Yuma's snores.

I chuckled and headed out to the kitchen, making a quick pit stop in the lavatory.

"Morning Kiryu dearie." Haru greeted me

"Mornin." Akari half greets me taking a sip from her coffee mug as she was working on a news article.

"Morning you two, Thank you for letting me stay last night." I tell them.

Obomi passed by making a beeping as she swept the floor, "Kiryu Morning." she said.

"Morning to you as well Obomi." I told the bot

.

"Take a seat dear, I'm just about to start on breakfast." Haru tells me.

"Why don't you take it easy today, I'll do the cooking." I tell her, picking up an apron.

"You're a guest here Kiryu, you don't need to go out of your way to pay us back for our sake." Akari tells me.

I shook my head, "That's not it at all… well a part of it maybe, but mainly as a way of saying thanks. Plus I like to cook."

Haru stands there for a minute before nodding, "I look forward to trying out your food." she says.

I gave a nod and began cooking, I went into a tunnel vision and lost track of time but soon I filled out five plates just as Yuma came into the kitchen.

"Morning." Yuma said still half asleep.

"Hey sleepy head." I joke as I placed all five plates on the table.

"All right, food I'm starving" Yuma said grabbing a plate

Akari and Haru also sat down.

"Umm Kiryu, you made one plate too many." Akari points out.

"Uhh… I guess I accidently made a plate for Obomi?" I half asked rhetorically, 'Why Did I make an extra plate, did I accidentally account for Astral in my food calculations.. Surely I didn't make one for Obomi like I said.'

There was a knock on the door.

"I'll get it." I said as I was still standing up, I went to the door and opened it.

"Kiryu!" Kotori says in shock.

"Hey Kotori, what are you doing here?" I asked her.

"There was an announcement made that Mr. Heartland was going to make an announcement this morning before the second day of the WDC. I wanted to make sure Yuma got that message because knowing him, he wouldn't get that." Kotori said.

I chuckled, "I could see that happening."

Kotori chuckles as well, Her angelic laughter making my heart flutter

"So what are you doing here?" Kotori asks me.

"I crashed here for the night." I said before I paused, "Actually have you eaten yet?" I asked her.

Kotori's stomach gave a small growl, "Not yet." she said with a blush.

"Well I just made everyone breakfast, come on in and have some. I'm sure the others won't mind." I say holding the door open.

"Thanks for the hospitality." Kotori says.

"Hey Kotori!" Yuma says as we walked into the kitchen

"Morning Everyone." Kotori greets.

"Good Morning Kotori dear." Haru says as I hand Kotori a plate.

"Thanks Kiryu." Kotori tells me.

I gave her a soft smile.

I sat down at my spot next to Kotori, we all clasped our hands together. "Itadakimasu"

Yuma was the first to take a bite of the food, as soon as he made that bite he froze and began to shake.

"Yuma?" Kotori asks.

"Are you all right?" Akari says concerned

Yuma starts to shovel the food in his mouth in a fanished fury, "SHOOOO GHOOOOD!" he says tears and snot pouring down

Kotori had a slight look of disgust at Yuma's action before looking at her food, "Is is really that good?" she mutters to herself before taking a bite. Her body seemed to freeze up, before a shudder seemed to travel up her spine and she arched her back back as her eyes seemed to grow glassy as she gave a low moan.

Kotori blushed red and hid her face behind her hair.

"This is really good." Akari said, taking a bite.

"Indeed you're a great cook Kiryu." Haru says.

"Kiryu should stay over forever so we can eat this great food every day." Yuma says digging into his food.

I laughed, "I'd be happy to stay as long as you'd like me to." I told him.

"Yosh!" Yuma cheers.

"I wouldn't mind getting to eat Kiryu's food again." Kotori mumbles.

"So what brings you here this morning Kotori?" Akari asked the Tsukumo household's other guests.

"I came to tell Yuma about the announcement Mr. Heartland was going to make before the second day opened for the WDC." Kotori tells her.

"Ahh the second day of the WDC, time for me to Bring it to em!" Yuma says finishing up his meal and rushing out.

Soon afterwards the three of us were standing outside the Tsukumo household with our D-Gazer/Tattoos on and looked skywards as a giant hologram of Mr. Heartland appeared.

'My brave Duelists, good morning! It's day two of the World Duel Carnival! That's right! Today's where things get real! Clash your passionate hearts against one another! Heart Burning!

"Alright, I'm in top form today!" Yuma said as Mr. Heartland's message ended.

"Yuma, in top form. How rare." Obomi mocks him as she sweeps

I let out a bark of laughter at that.

"Heh! I'm different in this tournament today!" Yuma tells Obomi holding up his Heart Piece.

"What is that? What is that?" Obomi asks

"They're Heart Pieces! I already got three" Yuma explains.

"Why is he explaining the Heart Pieces to an Obot? I stage whisper asked Kotori.

"I'm not sure. But such a thing is a quirk that makes Yuma, Yuma." Kotori says with a giggle.

I nodded in agreement.

"Let's follow this momentum and qualify for the Finals." Yuma says.

"We both will." I told him.

"We're gonna bring it to 'em Kiryu!" Yuma says.

"You two are being a bit overconfident," Kotori teases us.

"Hurry up!" A voice says, we all turn to see Tetsuo zooming by on his skateboard with Takashi running after him.

"Please wait!" Takashi calls out gasping for breath.

"Tetsuo and Class Rep too." Kotori comments.

'They're really energetic too! Nice!" Yuma says.

"I wonder where they are off too in a hurry?" I asked, while secretly thinking, 'So it's time for their duel against Thomas. I need to test myself against the big game opponents here. Maybe I can somehow sneak myself into the duel.'

The three of us ran after the duo.

"Hey, Why're you guys in such a rush?" Yuma asks as we caught up to them.

"Yuma." Tetsuo says before noticing me, "Oh who's the new kid."

"I'm like 4 years older than you but whatever." I muttered under my breath before saying out loud, "I'm Kiryu Kurosaki. Nice to meet you."

"Pleasure Kiryu." Tetsuo says, shaking my head.

"I'm Takashi Todoroki, the Class Rep of Heartland Academy." Takashi introduces himself before regaining focus, "Listen here! To summarize, this is why!" he says holding up his duel disk.

"Who's that dude?" Yuma asks, looking at the picture of IV.

"He's the Asia Champion, IV!" Tetsuo says.

Yuma tilts his head confused.

"C'mon! He's the guy Shark fought in the National Championship." Tetsuo explains.

"Shark…" Yuma mutters.

"So this man is the one Shark was talking about." Astral says having emerged from the key.

"We're about to Duel against IV! He appointed us" Takashi explains.

"Isn't that guy a dangerous opponent?" Yuma says, trying to warn his friends.

"Whatever do you mean?" Takashi asks, confused.

"I heard he used unethical means for victory." Yuma says shiftily dodging the subject.

"There isn't a Duelist more gentle than IV." Tetsuo explains.

I stood there stoically on the outside, but on the inside I was doing the J. Jonah Jameson sarcastic laugh. "You Serious?" The last part slipped out verbally.

Tetsuo nodded, actually responding.

"To be able to Duel against him. To summarize, I already have no regrets in my life!" Takashi says hearts appear in his eyes.

I leaned back a bit disturbed, his pupils actually became hearts. How is that even physically possible?

"We gotta hurry!" Tetsuo reminds him.

"Ah, you're right!" Takashi says

"Let's Go!" "Yeah!" They both took off.

"Should we follow them?" I asked rhetorically.

"Yeah, Hey! Wait up!" Yuma called after as the three of us gave chase.

-Zexal-

Soon after we ended up in a more back alley area.

"You're gonna Duel in a place like this?" Yuma asks.

"It's such a quiet place, so we should be able to take our time and enjoy our Duel with him." Takashi explains.

"Yeah. That's for sure." Tetsuo says.

"Ah.. I suppose that's true." Yuma mutters.

We heard some footsteps approaching and turned to face them.

Tetsuo and Takashi smiled.

"That's IV?" Yuma asked.

Heading towards us was Thomas Archlight and Micheal Archlight.

"It's IV!" The Chubby and Nerdy duo cry out and run up to him.

"You're IV-san, aren't you?!" Takashi asks him.

I walked up to the duo.

"O-Oi Kiryu." Yuma tries to call after me.

"I apologize for the wait, Todoroki, Takeda." IV says before noticing me, "Oh who are you?" he asked me.

I gave a… whatever a bow version of a stage whisper would be. "I'm Kiryu Kurosaki. IV. I'm a big fan" I say playing to his ego

IV gives his fan service smile. "It's a pleasure of mine to always meet a new fan." he says, taking my hand in his. We both wince back and let our hands go as a spark of electricity jolts from both of our hands.

"Sorry about that static discharge." I say covering up the incident.

"It's no problem." IV says before turning to the other two, "Shall we get started."

"B-Before that, can you please autograph this for me!" Takashi asks, holding up his Duel Disk.

"Me too, me too!" Tetsuo says, also holding up his.

"If it's not too much of a bother. Can I also get one?" I ask sheepishly, tapping my foot on the ground pretending to be an embarrassed fanboy as I hold out my deck box.

"With pleasure. Fanservice is my motto, after all." IV says as he signs our objects, "Is this acceptable?"

.

"Thank you so much!" Takashi says

"M-Me too!" Tetsuo says.

I just tilted my head town a bit letting my hair shadow my facing, giving the appearance of embarrassment.

"Here you go." IV says giving us back our objects.

The other two squeal giddily at that.

"Now for the Duel." IV says bringing attention back to it.

"Tetsuo, Who's going first?" Takashi asks.

"Oh, right…" Tetsuo says in realization.

"If you'd like, the four of us can go together." IV offers.

"The four of us?" Tetsuo asks, looking at III.

IV smiles at that, "No my companion won't be dueling. I actually meant Kiryu over here."

"EHH?!" The three of us say.

"So how about it, Kiryu? Would you like to duel with us." IV asks me.

"Are you sure?" I muttered, twiddling my thumbs.

"Of course, I'm always happy to show a fan my appreciation with my special fanservice." IV says.

"You two were the ones originally invited. What do you think?" I asked Takashi and Tetsuo.

The two looked at each other before nodding in acceptance.

"The rules will be a Battle Royale, betting all our Heart Pieces." IV explains.

Tetsuo and Takashi gasp in shock.

My eyes narrowed in focus as the mask I had on slightly began to slip off.

"A Battle Royale?" Yuma asks.

"Is he serious?" Astral asks.

"Huh?" Yuma mutters looking at him.

"The Battle Royale rules make it so all participants are enemies. But no doubt Tetsuo, Class Rep and Kiryu will all be aiming for IV. In other words, this will actually be a 3-on-1 match. He may be an advanced player, but these conditions still put him at the absolute disadvantage." Astral explains.

"I want you three to realize the infinite possibilities during a Duel. You guys could even defeat me in the process" IV tells us.

'Oh don't worry. I plan to.' I think while giving a predatory gleam.

"Wow, IV's a pretty nice dude!" Yuma says getting absorbed into his speech.

'OhYuma, Yuma, Yuma.' I thought, subtly shaking my head.

"Here goes!" Tetsuo and Takashi say throwing their Duel Disks into the air.

"Duel Disk, Set!" The two of them call out, activating their disks.

"Deck Set!" I call out slamming my deck into the holder as the blade activates and it begins seeking the opponent.

"D-Gazers, Set!" Tetsuo and Takashi declare activating them.

IV's Crest appears on his hand as his D-Tattoo appears over his eye. Mine activates as well.

AR Vision - Link Established.

"DUEL!" The four of us cried out. (IV: 4000) (Tetsuo:4000)/(Takashi:4000)/(Kiryu:4000)

"Please, you three go first." IV tells us.

"According to the rules of a Battle Royale, the player with the later start gets more of a disadvantage." Tetsuo says in shock.

"But he actually forfeits going first!" Takashi said.

"I'm going first, then Takashi and finally Kiryu." Tetsuo said.

Takashi and I nodded in agreement.

"My turn! Draw!" Tetsuo says drawing for his turn, "I Summon Aye-Iron!" he said, summoning his mechanical kangaroo. (Aye-Iron, Level 4, 1600 ATK)

"The Battle Royale rules state that none of the players can attack in their first turns! I end my turn with that!" Tetsuo states, ending his turn.

"My turn! Draw!" Takashi says, Drawing his card as his hair twitches a bit somehow. "I Summon Debugger X!" he said, summoning his blocky monster. (Debugger X, Level 3, 900 ATK)

"That will end my turn!" he stated.

"My turn!" I said drawing my card and adding it to my hand, "I Summon Raidraptor - Skull Eagle!" I slapped my card onto the blade as the monster appeared. (RR - Skull Eagle, Level 3, 1000 ATK)

"I set one card face-down and end my turn." I finished as my set card materialized.

"Wow, you guys brought out some unique Monsters! That's how it should be. It almost feels like I have no chance" IV "Compliments" us

"Tetsuo, Kiryu, we were praised by IV!" Takashi says giddily.

"Yeah! But don't let your guard down you two." Tetsuo tells us.

"My turn! Draw!" IV said drawing for his turn, "I set a Monster in face-down Defense Mode! I then set two cards and finally I activate the Field Magic, Xyz Colosseum from my hand!" he said, setting some cards before the arena changed around us. "This card can increase all Xyz Monsters Attack Power by 200 and all monsters other than Xyz Monsters cannot declare an attack. And that is the end of my turn" he finishes.

"A cemetery?" I heard Kotori mutter looking at the field.

"In order to Summon an Xyz Monster, 2 or more Monsters with the same level are required." Tetsuo comments.

"Before we have enough Monsters, he is planning to seal our attacks using Xyz Colosseum." Takashi theorizes.

"But that won't work!" Tetsuo says confidently starting his turn, "My turn! Draw"

"I summon Tin Goldfish!" he said, summoning out a flat mechanical fish looking creature. (Tin Goldfish, Level 4, 800 ATK)

"When this card is Summoned successfully, if I have another Tin Goldfish in my hand, I can Special Summon it! I Special Summon Tin Goldfish!" Tetsuo said, summoning a second copy of the monster. (Tin Goldfish, Level 4, 800 ATK)

"Now he's got three Level Four Monsters on his field!" Astral comments.

"Is he gonna do it?!" Yuma questions.

"I Overlay my two Level Four Tin Goldfish and my Aye-Iron!" Tetsuo declares as his three monsters fly up and into the red overlay network. "I build the Overlay Network with my three Monsters! Xyz Summon! Come forth, Tin Archduke!" he declares as the monster who's size matched his own descended from the sky with a thud. (Tin Archduke, Rank 4, 2200 ATK, OLU:2)

"Amazing! I can't believe you already Summoned an Xyz Monster!" IV tells him.

"I activate the effect of Xyz Colosseum! Due to this card's effect, the Xyz Monster, Tin Archduke gains 200 Attack Points!" Tetsuo declares. (Tin Archduke: 2200 ATK - 2400 ATK)

"Here goes! I activate Tin Archduke's effect! By detaching one Overlay Unit, I can change the battle position of one of my opponent's Monsters!"" he declares as a unit was absorbed into the sword. (Tin Archduke: OLU 2 - 1)

"This can't be! All of a sudden, my face-down Monster is…" IV says in "Shock" before complimenting Tetsuo, "What a Duelist you are!"

"Th-That so?" Tetsuo says sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.

"Tetsuo! You got praised by IV again! To summarize, I am envious!" Takashi says.

'Oh you poor unfortunate souls.' I thought.

"I switch IV's face down Defense Monster into Attack Mode!" Tetsuo says as Tin Archduke swung its sword creating a shock wave that caused the set monster to turn and flip over.

"The monster I set was Gimmick Puppet Princess" IV explains (Gimmick Puppet Princess, Level 1, 0 ATK)

"A monster with 0 Attack Points." Astral observed.

"This is a good chance!" Takashi said.

"I know!" Tetsuo tells him, "Tin Archduke, attack Gimmick Puppet Princess! Strike of the Archduke!"

Tin Archduke swung its sword, crushing the puppet. (IV:4000 - 1600)

"I activate the Trap Card, Puppet Repair!" IV says "Desperately." As his set card flipped open, "When a Level 4 or lower Puppet monster was destroyed by battle, this card can Special Summon a monster with the same card name from my deck! Come forth, Gimmick Puppet Princess" he explains as he summons a second copy of Gimmick Puppet Princess. (Gimmick Puppet Princess, Level 1, 0 DEF)

"But that Monster's useless against me!" Tetsuo tells him, "I activate Tin Archduke's effect! I detach one Overlay Unit and change the battle position of my opponent's Monster!" he said, activating the effect once more. (Tin Archduke: OLU 1 - 0) (Gimmick Puppet Princess: 0 DEF - 0 ATK)

"Excellent! So you can use Tin Archduke's effect not once, but countless times per Turn?" IV states, "Or maybe I should say, "This is bad." he mutters doing the Lelouch hand pose over his face making me internally giddy.

"Hey, isn't this impressive?" Kotori asks Yuma.

"Yeah! It may be a two to three man effort, but they could really beat the Asian champion!" Yuma comments.

"My turn! Draw!" Takashi said drawing for his turn, "Maybe, just maybe even IV himself may have let his guard down! IV's got a zero ATK monster on his field! If we attack with a monster that has 1600 or more Attack Power, we win!" he states.

"I Summon Debugger Z" he says summoning out a second blocky monster. (Debugger Z, Level 3, 700 ATK)

"When I successfully Summon Debugger Z when I have Debugger X on the field, to summarize, I can Special Summon Debugger Y from the deck!" Takashi says summoning a third blocky monster. (Debugger Y, Level 3, 400 ATK)

"Oh! You have three Level Three Monsters!" IV comments.

"I Overlay my three Level Three Monsters, Debugger X, Y, and Z!" Takashi declares as his monsters enter into the red network. "I build the Overlay Network with my three Monsters! Xyz Summon! Show yourself, Antidote Nurse!" (Antidote Nurse: Rank 3, 1800 ATK, OLU: 3)

"Also, because of the effect of Xyz Colosseum, she gains 200 Attack Points!" he stated as Antidote's Attack rose. (Antidote Nurse: 1800 ATK - 2000 ATK)

"Nice one, class rep!" Yuma comments.

"Go, Antidote Nurse!" Takashi orders.

"Woah! If this happens!" IV says in shock as his monster is destroyed.

"We did it!" Tetsuo and Takashi cheer out as smoke obscures IV.

"Yes!" Yuma cheers out.

"We did it, class rep, Kiryu!" Tetsuo told us.

"Yes! We defeated IV!" Takashi said.

"Don't bet on it." I tell them seriously.

"What do you mean?" Tetsuo asks, confused.

"My attack hit IV's monster, to summarize that would have wiped out his Life." Takashi stated.

"Wow, that was magnificent! Such wonderful attacks, but I did not take any damage!" IV tells Takashi and Tetsuo as the smoke clears and the counter shows he is still at 1600.

"No way! They destroyed his Monster." Yuma says in shock.

"Wh-Why?" Takashi questions.

"So sorry, but I activated the Continuous Trap prior to the attack, Gimmick Box! When I am about to receive Battle Damage, this card can negate that damage, and the trap Special Summons itself as a Monster Card! Additionally, the negated value becomes this guy's Attack Power!" IV explains. (Gimmick Box - Trap, Level 8, 2000 ATK)

"Brother please hurry, If they haven't Summoned them during the previous attacks, they most likely don't have Numbers at all." III tells IV.

"Numbers?!" Yuma says in shock.

"It can't be! Are they also gathering Numbers?!" Astral questions.

"I'm well aware those two don't have one, but I still need to see if my third opponent has One." IV tells III before giving a hint of a predatory smirk

"Keep it together, class rep, we still have a chance!" Tetsuo tells him.

Takashi nods, "Your right Tetsuo, to summarize Kiryu can finish IV off if he plays his cards right."

"I'll try my best." I said sheepishly, "It's my turn, Draw!" I said drawing for my turn and looked at my hand. I knew Number 15 was most likely appearing next turn, and considering its Anime effect right now I should focus on survival.

"I activate the magic card, Raidraptor - Call!" I said activating the spell card, "By Targeting my Level 3 Raidraptor - Skull Eagle, I can Special Summon another copy of it from my hand." I explained as I summoned a second Skull Eagle. (RR - Skull Eagle, Level 3, 1000 ATK)

"Two Level Three Monsters." IV comments.

"I Overlay my Two Level Three Raidraptor - Skull Eagles!" I said as my monsters flew up into the air and a galaxy network opened up, "Gentle spirit gliding on the breeze of destiny. Cry out your song and bring forth the melody of fortuna to all brave pure hearted warriors! Xyz Summon, Come Forth Manifestation of Memory, Numbers 49 Fortune Tune!" I called out as a stick appeared in the air, before a Bird flew down from the sky and grabbed it in, it's beak and flew around before landing on my shoulder. (Number 49: Fortune Tune, Rank 3, 400 ATK, OLU: 2)

As I summoned the Number, the Sigil of the Raidraptor appeared on my hand glowing the color of the Mark of the Crimson Dragon.

"A Numbers?!" Yuma, Astral, Kotori, Tetsuo and Takashi all say in shock.

"Numbers confirmed, Brother." III told IV.

"Well, looks like this wasn't a complete waste of time." IV said with a smirk.

"I activate the Effect of Raidraptor - Skull Eagle, an Xyz Monster that uses it as Xyz Material gains 300 attack. Since I used 2 it gains 600 Attack, Furthermore due to the effect of Xyz Colosseum it gains an additional 200 ATK." I stated. (Number 49: Fortune Tune: 400 ATK - 1200)

"Next I Equip Fortune Tune with the Blade-Wing Equip Spell Card. I equip this card to a face up attack position Winged-Beast monster I control and it gains ATK equal to its DEF, and if I destroy an opponent's monster I can make a second attack this turn." I said as scythe-like wings appeared on my Number. (Number 49 Fortune Tune: 1200 ATK - 2100)

"Alright, Kiryu, you got your monster higher than IV's monster." Tetsuo says.

"To summarize, finish this duel!" Takashi says.

I nodded, "Right, Go Fortune Tune… Attack Gimmick Bo…" I started to declare.

'ERROR' My Duel Disk Buzzed.

"What's going on?" Tetuso asked.

"AHH I FORGOT!" I yelled out grasping my face, "I can't declare an attack the turn I use Raidraptor - Call."

Everyone else did an anime fall.

"How could you forget something like that?!" Tetsuo yells at me.

"D-Don't worry I'm sure I can work something out." I said looking through my cards before picking up one, "Ahh this one will work. I activate the Spell Card, Gift of the Blessed Breeze, I choose a Winged-Beast Xyz Monster I control and Draw 1 card for every 1000 ATK points it has. I choose Fortune Tune who has 2100 ATK Points and Draw 2 Cards." I said drawing 2 cards. (IV:1600 - 2700)

"Why did IV's life increase?!" Yuma says in shock.

I frowned in confusion and looked at the card I just played, "Target 1 face-up Winged Beast Xyz Monster you control, increase your opponent's Life Points by its Attack, then Draw 1 card for every 1000 of Life Gained." I read out before fidgeting, "I'm sorry guys." I apologized.

"It's all right." Tetsuo says calmly.

"To summarize, you're trying your best. Takashi said.

"I end my turn!" I Finished.

"I don't understand what Kiryu is doing?" Astral questions.

"Huh, what do you mean?" Yuma asks Astral.

"In the past two Duels we have observed him, as well as that duel you had with him last night. Kiryu has shown to be a very competent duelist, and yet here he is making mistakes you would have made when we first met." Astral points out.

"HEY... you're right." Yuma yells at Astral in anger before realizing he has a point.

"What is it, Yuma?" Kotori asks, confused.

It's Kiryu, he.." Yuma begins.

"I guess it's about time… I showed them my true fanservice." IV said darkly, interrupting Yuma.

"IV-san?" Takashi said concerned.

"What're you talking about?" Tetsuo asks.

"I shall offer you hope, then snatch it back! It's at this moment that human beings make the most beautiful faces. To let you have those expressions… that's my fanservice!" IV said stretching out his arm, a malicious grin on his face, "My turn! Draw!" he says drawing as his D-Tattoo glowed menacingly.

"Your Dueling was splendid! Both your combination and your tactics! But despite that in the end it was nowhere near the level needed to defeat me!" he tells us.

Tetsuo and Takashi were shaking in fear at IV's new side.

I steeled my spirit, ready for what was next.

"I summon Gimmick Puppet - Scarecrow!" IV summoning a puppet Scarecrow. (Gimmick Puppet - Scarecrow, Level 4, 800 ATK)

"And then I activate the Magic Card, Level Doubler! By Sending a card from my hand to the Graveyard, I can double the level of one Level Four or lower Monster!" he continued on as he discarded a card from his hand. (Gimmick Puppet - Scarecrow: Level 4 - Level 8)

It's coming.

"I hope you thoroughly enjoy the taste of my fanservice!" IV said eerily as he held up his hand, Crest glowing, "I Overlay my Level Eight Gimmick Box and Scarecrow!" He declared as his monsters entered into a galaxy style network, "I build the Overlay Network with my two Monsters! Xyz Summon! Come before us, The messenger from Hell, the puppet who controls the strings of fate Number 15, Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder" he said as his Number unsealed itself. (Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder, Rank 8, 1500 ATK, OLU: 2)

"A-Another Number?!" Takashi says in shock.

"He also had a Number?!" Yuma comments.

"And then, the effect of Xyz Colosseum raises its Attack Power up 200 points!" IV says as his Field Spell takes effect. (Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder: 1500 ATK - 1700 ATK)

"And I activate the effect of Giant Grinder!" He continues on as an Overlay unit was absorbed into Giant Grinder's crown. (Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder: OLU: 2 - OLU 1)

"By detaching one Overlay Unit Giant Grinder can destroy all of my opponent's Xyz Monsters this turn!" IV said as Grinder shot out strings from it's hand ensnaring Tin Archduke. Its chest cavity opened to reveal a grinder as the monster was slowly pulled into it and shredded appart.

"And you take damage equal to the Attack Power of the Monster that was destroyed!" IV explains.

"What?!" Tetsuo and Takashi say in shock.

"Tin Archduke had 2400 Attack Points!" IV states as a cannon emerges from Giant Grinder's chest, "Take my fanservice!" he says as the blast hits Tetsuo sending him flying back. (Tetsuo: 4000 - 1600)

"Tetsuo!" Yuma and Kotori call out in horror.

"Tetsuo?" Takashi mutters in shock.

"You're next!" IV says pointing at Takashi!"

Giant Grinder ensnared Antidote Nurse and began dragging her into it's shredding chest cavity.

"I destroy your Xyz Monster, and you take damage equal to the Monster's Attack Power! Take This!" IV says as the cannon fires again.

Takashi cries out as he was also sent flying back. (Takashi: 4000 - 2000)

"Class rep!" Yuma cried out.

"And finally it's your turn! Your Number will belong to me!" IV said as Giant Grinder ensnared Fortune Tune and dragged it in, The cannon emerged and started to gather energy.

"KIRYU!" Kotori cried out in worry.

"TAKE THIS!" IV said as Giant Grinder fired it's cannon, only for it's shot to be a dry fire, "What?!" he said in shock.

Fortune Tune stood inside the cannon on the edge, covered in soot before it shook itself clean and flew down onto my shoulder.

"What happened?" Yuma said, confused.

"Fortune Tune can save itself from destruction by detaching an Overlay Unit." I told Yuma with a grin. (Number 49 Fortune Tune: OLU: - OLU 1 )

"Tchh." IV growled out before regaining himself looking at the injured forms of Tetsuo and Takashi, "Fantastic! It's so beautiful! Such painful and twisted expressions! It shines only during my service!" he says, giving a predatory grin as Tetsuo and Takashi weakly stand up.

Tetsuo and Takashi glare at him.

"And the true fanservice has only just begun!" IV cried out, "I activate the effect of Gimmick Puppet Princess in my Graveyard! When this monster rests in my Graveyard after being destroyed in battle, When the Monsters who destroyed them are also in the Graveyard, by Banishing them I can Special Summon Tin Archduke and Antidote Nurse!" he explains as his two Princesses emerge from underground and use their strings to bring back the monsters.

"It took Tetsuo's Monster from the Graveyard!" Yuma commented.

"At this moment, because of the effect of Xyz Colosseum, Tin Archduke gains 200 Attack Points!" IV stated. (Tin Archduke, Rank 4, 2200 ATK - 2400 ATK)

"I get it! He's using Xyz Colosseum for this purpose!" Astral says in realization.

"Why the heck is he reviving his enemy's Monsters?!" Yuma questions.

"This is a looped attack!" Astral answers him.

"You are all nothing but puppets controlled by the strings leading to destruction. You cannot escape from my control!" IV states as Antidote Nurse was brought back. (Antidote Nurse, Rank 3, 1800 ATK - 2000 ATK)

Giant Grinder absorbed another unit into it's crown. (Number 15: Gimmick Puppet - Giant Grinder: OLU 1 - OLU 0)

"And your Monsters will be destroyed yet again!" IV says as Giant Grinder once again drags in all our monsters.

Fortune Tune and I caught each other's eyes, almost silently communicating before it nodded.

"Bask in the pain!" IV cries out as Tin Archduke was shredded to pieces and the cannon shot at Tetsuo. (Tetsuo: 1600 - 0 ELIMINATED!)

"By pulling his opponent's Monsters out from the Graveyard, he can launch a loop attack by destroying those Monsters again while inflicting damage equal to the destroyed monster's Attack Power to the opponents!" Astral states while Antidote Nurse was destroyed and the cannon once again shot at Takashi. (Takashi: 2000 - 0 ELIMINATED!)

I let out a wince as Fortune Tune shrieked as it was shredded to pieces before the cannon emerged and fired a beam of energy at me, I crossed my arms over my face as the blast pushed me back a bit, my coat flapping in the breeze. (Kiryu:4000 - 1900)

"This is Cruel!" Kotori says, squeezing her eyes shut.

"Not yet! My fanservice hasn't ended! Giant Grinder!" IV yells out in a sort of haze.

"Wait!" Yuma cries out in horror.

"Did you not even notice just how much they were enjoying my fanservice?" IV asks darkly, "Go, Giant Grinder Final Dance!" He orders his monster to attack.

Giant Grinder Swung its whip out in an arc, Tetsuo and Takashi cry out in pain as the whip hits them.

"Stop, they aren't in the duel anymore!" Yuma begs..

Finally Giant Grinder swings it's whip up and brings it down hard infront of me, kicking up a bunch of dust.

"K-Kiryu." Someone muttered faintly, I couldn't tell who said it, probably Kotori.

When the dust cleared I was a bit scuffed up, there was also two monsters on my field now. (Kiryu:1900 - 200)

"Where did those Monsters come from?!" IV asks.

"Raidraptor Avenge Vulture can be Special Summoned from my hand when I take Damage, when Giant Grinder just inflicted damage to me by that Direct Attack just now, I was able to summon these two from my hand." I explained. (RR - Avenge Vulture, Level 4, 1700 ATK)

"Next I activate my Trap Card Wonder Xyz!" I said as my set card flips open, "With this I can perform an Xyz Summon using monsters I control. I Overlay my Two Level Four Raidraptor Avenge Vultures!" I declared as my monsters entered a crimson portal.

"Blaze with crimson light! Set flame your thirsting wings to light my soul! Xyz Summon! Come Forth! Rank 4! Raidraptor - Blade Burner Falcon!" I cried out as my monster appeared. (RR - Blade Burner Falcon, Rank 4, 1000 ATK, OLU: 2)

"Blade Burned Falcon's Monster Effect!" I declared, "When this card is Xyz Summoned and your Life Points are at least 3000 higher than my own, it's ATK becomes 4000." I explained. (RR - Blade Burner Falcon: 1000 ATK - 4000 ATK)

"Does this mean he actually increased your life points on purpose?" III asks.

"Furthermore, due to Xyz Colosseum's effect, my monster gains an additional 200 ATK." I explained as Blade Burner gained even more attack. (RR - Blade Burner Falcon: 4000 ATK - 4200 ATK)

"Hoh, You might be an even more interesting opponent then I gave you credit for." IV says, genuinely complimenting me, "I end my turn!" he finishes.

"It's my turn, Draw!" I said drawing for my turn, I looked at the before before immediately playing it, "I activate the Continuous Magic, Charm of Lamentation!" I declared slipping a card into my Spell/Trap Zone, "With this card's effect when I battle an opponent's monster and that monster isn't destroyed at the end of that battle, I draw 1 card." I explained.

"Why would Kiryu use that card?" Kotori questions.

Yuma has a look of thought on his face before it clicks, "I see since Numbers can only be destroyed by Numbers, if Kiryu attacks Giant Grinder he'll be able to draw a card in addition to inflicting some damage.

"You're right, Yuma." Astral tells him.

"Battle! Go Blade Burner Falcon, attack Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder!" I cried out as my monster took off into the sky with a screech, igniting on fire like a Phoenix, "Blaze Shot!"

The monster hit Giant Grinder creating some explosions. (IV:2700 - 200)

"Due to Charm of Lamentation's effect I draw 1 card." I said drawing my card, "I set 3 cards and end my turn." I said emptying my hand as my cards materialized.

"As fun as this little side detour has been, I have things that I must do. Other fans to see, but before I go I will be sure to give you a true taste of my fanservice!" IV says, grinning sadistically.

"It's my turn, Draw!" he says drawing for his turn, "I activate the Magic Card, Gimmick Treasure" he said slipping the card into his Disk. "I destroy a Gimmick Puppet Monster I control and Draw a Card, then if that monster is Level 5 or Rank 5 or higher, I can draw 2 cards instead. I destroy Giant Grinder!"

Everyone else gasped in shock at that.

"He's destroying his Numbers?" Astral says in what would of been shock or horror.

"I Draw 2 Cards.!" IV says drawing his cards, he looks at them before smirking, "I summon Gimmick Puppet Terror Baby!" he said, summoning a monster that looked like a creepy doll baby in a stroller. (Gimmick Puppet Terror Baby, Level 4, 500 ATK)

"That's… Different" I muttered in surprise at that card.

"I activate Terror Baby's effect. When this card is Summoned I can target a Gimmick Puppet Monster in my Graveyard and revive it!" IV said as Terror Baby threw some strings into the Graveyard Portal, "Be revived Gimmick Puppet Scarecrow!" (Gimmick Puppet Scarecrow, Level 4, 2000 DEF)

"I Overlay my Two Level Four Gimmick Puppet Terror Baby and Gimmick Puppet Scarecrow!" IV declares as his monsters enter in the Overlay Network. "I Build the Overlay Network with my two monsters! Xyz Summon! Come Forth, Gimmick Puppet Gigantes Doll!" he cried out as a creepy amalgames looking doll appeared. (Gimmick Puppet Gigantes Doll, Rank 4, 0 ATK - 200 ATK)

"Due to the effect of Xyz Colosseum Gigantes Doll gains 200 ATK" IV states.

Kotori let out a shriek at the sight of the beast.

I automatically started to go over to comfort her.

"I activate Gigantes Doll's effect!" IV cried out, getting back my attention, "By Detaching Two Overlay Units, I can gain control of up to two of your monsters, and right now you have one that's the perfect target!" he said as Gigantes ensnared Blade Burner Falcon and dragged him over to IV's side of the field.

"Oh no, Kiryu!" Yuma calls out in concern.

"Battle!" Go Blade Burner Falcon, Finish off your Former Master" IV orders.

"Trap Open! The Phantom Knights of Wrong Magnetring!" I called out as my set card flipped open, "When my opponent declares a attack I can Negate that attack." I said as Blade Burner's Attack was stopped, "Then I can Special Summon this card in Attack Position as an Effect Monster." I further explained as a Monster appeared on my field. (PK - Wrong Magnetring, Level 2, 0 DEF)

IV's eye gained a little twitch on annoyance, "Fine, I'll finish you myself! Go Gigantes Doll attack Wrong Magneting!" he orders as his monster launches at mine with its scissor hands.

"I activate my other trap, The Phantom Knights of Lost Vambrace!" I called out as my second set cards flipped up. "First Gigantes Doll Loses 600 Attack!" I said explaining my cards effect. (Gimmick Puppet Gigantes Doll: 200 ATK - 0 DEF)

IV let out a deep growl of annoyance.

"Then I Special Summon this card as a Normal Monster." I said as a Monster appears on my Field. (PK - Lost Vambrace, Level 2, 600 ATK)

"Kiryu has set himself up for another Xyz Next Turn." Astral comments.

"I set one Card." IV says as his set card materializes, "And During the End Phase Gigantes Doll's effect ends and your monster returns to you. Turn End!" he finishes.

"Before your turn ends I activate the effect of Wrong Magnetring!" I declared, "By Sending Wrong Magnetring and a face up Phantom Knights Monster or Spell/Trap card I control to the Graveyard I can draw 2 cards, I sent Magnet Ring and Lost Vambrace!" I said sending the two monsters on my field to the GY and Drawing Two Cards.

I looked down at the injured Tetsuo and Takashi, I have enough data from this duel, I had to finish it and get them some help.

"Its my turn, Draw!" I cried out drawing for turn not even looking at the card, "Battle!" I cried out entering my Battle Phase, then making a play no one expected. "I activate the Quick-Play Magic The Phantom Knights of Around Burn!" I called out as my final set card opened.

"I Banish The Phantom Knights of Wrong Magnetring and The Phantom Knights of Lost Vambrace from my Graveyard to destroy all monsters on the field as possible and end the Battle Phase!" I said as Blade Burner Falcon was destroyed.

"Tch!" IV growled out as Gigantes Doll was Destroyed.

"Then at the End of the Battle Phase we both take 800 Damage for each of our Monsters that was destroyed!" I finished.

"WHAT?!" IV said in shock as an explosion was generated sending us both flying back.

I winced as I bounced a few times. (Kiryu: 200 - 0 Eliminated) (IV: 200 - 0) (Result: DRAW)

"At least I got two of them for my collection." IV mutters dusting himself off.

"Class Rep Tetsuo!" Yuma Calls out running up to us.

"Kiryu!" Kotori calls out, coming up as well before pausing as she noticed something, "Are these tombstones of all the Duelists defeated by IV?!" she questions.

"Hey, are you alright?! Tetsuo Pull yourself together!" Yuma asks crouched down over Tetsuo and Takashi's injured forms.

I stood up, feeling slightly battered but non the less for wear, Thank Numeron for Shun's incredibly durable body.

"Forget me… the class rep!" Tetsuo weakly gets out.

"I can't believe this…" Yuma mutters, taking off his D-Gazer, "These guys really admired you! So how could you do this?!" he yells at IV.

IV lets out a laugh, "A worthy star gives everything for his fans! And I truly mean EVERYTHING…

"What'd you say?" Yuma says angrily, "IV, I won't forgive you! Fight me!" he challenges

"Are you going to become one of my fans as well?" IV mocks Yuma.

Suddenly a Motorcycle jumped over the wall.

'CARD GAMES ON MOTORCYCLES!' Abridged Jack yelled in my mind.

The Dust cleared showing the Rider to be Shark, "Found you!" he says.

IV smirks, seeing Shark.

Shark got off his bike, "Have you forgotten the face of your greatest fan… IV!?" he starts off mockingly before yelling out in anger.

"Shark!" Yuma says in surprise.

"I finally found you, IV!" Shark says focused on the target of his rage.

"Ryouga, I actually forgot you really are my biggest fan out there." IV taunts Shark.

"Then allow me to repay the debt I owe you!" Shark says in anger.

"Debt, huh… Oh right, how's your "Precious" younger sister doing?" IV asks mockingly.

"Younger sister?" Yuma questions.

Shark hisses at that, pure fury forming on his face, "You set up everything… It's all because of me… because of me… She…" he mutters before angrily stating, "I will exact revenge on you here and now!"

"Shark, you seek revenge?" Yuma says in disbelief.

"Excellent. I really like people like you." IV tells Shark.

III suddenly whipped his arm out and ensnared Shark in a Duel Anchor.

"This is…" Shark said in surprise.

"It's a Duel Anchor. You cannot escape without finishing the Duel with me!" III says with a cheerful smile on his face.

"III, this guy is my prey! Get lost!" IV tells his brother.

"Brother IV, Ryoga's deck doesn't have any Numbers." III reminds him. "Therefore it won't be necessary for you to become his opponent, right? Plus, Tron's order is absolute"

"This fanservice is over." IV says admitting defeat, before tossing something at me. "Keep ahold of your Numbers for now, I will be back to claim them in the Finals." he told me before walking away.

I look at my hand to see a Heart Piece.

"Wait, Stop! Are you going to run away, IV?" Shark calls out after IV

"I already finished collecting my Heart Pieces. I will wait for you in the Finals." IV says showing he had an additional complete set before vanishing with a sinister laugh using his Crest's power.

"IV!" Shark cries out.

"Calm down. My brother is quite busy. Plus, your opponent is me." III tells Shark.

Tetsuo sat up helping support Takashi, Kotori went up to the other side of Takashi and put his arm around her shoulder to support them.

"Anyway, we have to get him to a hospital!" Kotori says.

"Right!" Tetsuo says.

"I'll help you out, it's my fault for taking so long in that duel." I say walking up to them.

"Kotori, Tetsuo, Kiryu!" Yuma says, looking at us.

"You can observe this Duel for yourself, we don't have any problems on this side!" Tetsuo tells him.

"But… Yuma says in concern.

"Yuma, I agree with him as well." Astral says.

"Astral…" Yuma mutters before nodding, "I got it, take care of him!"

The Three of us nodded before heading out.

I noticed Kotori was slightly struggling as due to Tetsuo's injuries he wasn't fully supporting his own weight.

"Hold on a second." I told them.

"What is it, Kiryu?" Kotori asks.

"I noticed both of you were struggling so I decided to help make it easier." I said taking Takashi from them and flinging him around my neck in a fireman's carry. "Let's go." I said.

"Yeah." Tetsuo and Kotori nodded before the three of us one again headed to the hospital, this time Kotori and I supporting Tetsuo as he walked.

Today I was lucky to get a draw against IV, it is obvious that my deck needs a serious tweak if it wants to go toe to toe with the big league duelists of Heartland. If I want to stand atop the peak as the strongest duelist I can't merely be equal to them in strength.

-Zexal-

Note: While writing this I forgot Fortune Tune couldn't be targeted by card effects, so for this story just pretend that it's targeting protection is only for the opponent's card effects.

OC - Card Corner:

Raidraptor - Recusant Vulture

Dark/Winged Beast/ Effect

Level 4/500 ATK/500 DEF

When this card is Summoned: Take 500 Damage.

Blade-Wing

Spell - Equip

There can only be one face-up "Blade-Wing" on the field. Equip only to a Winged Beast Monster in Attack Position. It gains ATK Equal to its Defense. If the equipped monster changes battle position: Destroy the equipped monster. Once Per Turn, You can apply one of the following effect: • This turn, if this card attacks a defense position monster, inflict piercing damage. • This turn, if this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle, it can make a second attack this turn.

Gift of the Blessed Breeze

Spell - Normal

Target 1 Face-Up Winged Beast Xyz Monster you Control (Min. 1000 ATK.) Increase your Opponent's Life by its ATK, then for every 1000 Life Point your opponent gained: Draw 1 Card. You can only activate "Gift of the Blessed Breeze" Once Per Turn.

Gimmick Treasure

Spell - Normal

Destroy 1 Face-Up Gimmick Puppet Xyz monster you control; Draw 1 Card. If that monster was Rank 8, Draw 2 cards instead.

Next Time: Mystery on Resteraunt Row! The Raptor is a Detective?!