Dreamscape

A middle schooler standing at 6ft even, certainly tall for his age, had short, dark blue hair with an orange streak down the middle and blue eyes as well. His current attire was a blue tank top with forest green pants. Around his neck he had a white amulet with the design of a golden key on it.

The boy found himself standing next to a familiar sight as he watched his best friend, Yuma Tsukumo, walk across narrow, crumbing land. Yuma has tan skin, red eyes, and black and red spiked hair that points out and upward.

Around his neck he had the Emperor's Key which was the design imprinted on the boy's own pendent. This had not always been the case as it'd appeared when he met Yuma. Anyways, Yuma was dressed in his usual attire consisting of a red vest and a purple, sleeveless shirt.

Yuma also wore white pants with designs of three orange moon crescents on one of the sides. The boy kept quiet knowing that saying anything would only break his friend's concentration as this was not the first time the two had ended up in this place.

The boy instead turned his attention to the demonic looking door wrapped in chain as it began to speak. "Whomever can open this door shall gain a great power but know that with such power comes equal risk. Have either of you the courage to open this door?"

"Great risk…" Yuma stated contemplative and honestly a little frightened. "I don't know." He looked to the boy. "What do you think Hunter?"

Yuma asked him this question every time. It was like Yuma was trying to include him in this decision. Honestly, Hunter didn't feel this was the case. According to Yuma, this door had been appearing to him well before he appeared, so wasn't this Yuma's choice alone?

"I don't know Yuma." Hunter stated.

Then, the ground collapsed beneath them throwing the boys into the abyss below.

Raiden Residence

Hunter suddenly shot awake at his desk, which had his deck scattered across it, before looking around rapidly. Soon, his eyes fell on his mother who came to the doorway. Zeera Raiden had beautiful, long blue hair and hazel eyes. She wore a forest green T-shirt with matching pants.

"Huh, looks like you awoke of your own accord." Zeera smiled amused. "By the way, Yuto wanted me to tell you that he's gone on ahead to the park. He said you shouldn't be long since Nistro could be waiting."

"Wait…" Hunter was still waking up before everything processed in his mind. "That lousy brother!" He jumped out of his seat as the words finally settled and ran out the room. "Thanks for telling me mom! I love you!"

"I love you to, Hunter." Zeera chuckled. "Oh, take it easy on your brother for me and remind him you both need to wash your hands upon your return; otherwise, there will be no lunch for either of you!"

"Will do!" Hunter yelled back as he opened the door.

When the door closed behind him, Zeera smiled. "Those boys sure are lively."

Hunter got onto his bicycle and began peddling like mad to the park.

Nearby Park

Hunter ran into the park to find Nistro and Yuto waiting for him. Nistro was a big, burly man with flame-shaped, dark red hair and purple eyes. A duel gazer tattoo was over his right eye. His attire was a dark red trench coat over a red shirt, dark red trousers, black shoes, and gloves.

Yuto's hair was black in the back and light purple up front, and his eyes were gray. His attire gave of a tidy appearance with a black shirt, matching pants, and a cream-colored jacket. His posture gave off the feeling of someone relaxed yet ready at the same time.

"Well, if it isn't bean pole." Nistro smiled. "You've actually managed to arrive on time."

"I was only late in the beginning, and you know it." Hunter declared.

"I don't know Nistro." Yuto gave a playful smirk. "Hunter was cutting it pretty close, so maybe you should recheck if he's actually on time."

"Oh, I'm so going to enjoy wiping the floor with you." Hunter stated firmly.

Nistro chuckled. "That's the spirit boys, but let's save it for your final exam."

"Right, Nistro." Yuto declared.

Hunter smiled smugly. "It'll be a simple matter for someone of my skills."

"You still haven't lost that cocky attitude no matter how hard I tried." Nistro thought. "I can't tell if I want you to win or lose and learn a lesson." He eventually moved away from them. "Alright, get set up you two. I want to see you dueling already."

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Hunter 4000/Yuto 4000)

"I'll start this duel if you don't mind." Yuto stated.

"Be my guest." Hunter stated.

"I set three cards face down and activate Emergency Provisions on those three face downs as well as itself giving me four thousand more life points (Hunter 4000/Yuto 8000)." Yuto stated. "I'll then set the final card in my hand and turn it over to you."

"I had a feeling you were going to use that tactic." Hunter grinned as he drew. "I'll start by summoning Heroic Challenger-Chain Scythe(LV 4/1600/300)." A warrior in black armor with a chain scythe appeared. "This monster, when summoned, lets me do one of two things.

The only thing that matters in this context is the ability to add any Heroic monster from my deck to my hand. I choose Heroic Challenger-Knuckle Sword(LV 1/600/200). Since I control a Heroic monster, I can immediately special summon this monster."

A warrior in gold and blue armor appeared wielding a blade. "Now, in exchange for being unable to attack with anything less than an Xyz monster, I'll use Sword's effect allowing me to target Chain and make both their levels one or four. I'll go with four."

Heroic Challenger-Chain Scythe(LV 4/1600/300)

Heroic Challenger-Knuckle Sword(LV 4/600/200 effect)

"Now, I construct the overlay network with my two level four monsters." Hunter declared. "Hero of orderly justice arise! Xyz summon Heroic Champion-Durendal(R4/O2/2600/2400)." A warrior decked out in white armor appeared.

"Here we go." Yuto commented with a smile.

"I now detach one overlay unit from Heroic Champion-Durendal(R4/O1/2600/2400) to activate one of two effects allowing this monster to attack twice this turn." Hunter declared. "Here comes the first one with Paladin's Light!"

Durendal glowed a brilliant white as he lunged forward with his sword.

"I activate my face down The Phantom Knights of Wrong Magnetring(LV 2/0/0)." Yuto countered. "This trap negates your attack and special summons itself, in attack mode, as a monster with 0 attack and defense."

A blue, glowing ring appeared throwing up blue energy that stopped Durendal in his tracks.

"Durendal will use his second attack to destroy Wrong Magnetring." Hunter declared. "Paladin's Light!" Durendal was cloaked in light as he rushed forward and cleaved through Magnetring (Hunter 4000/Yuto 5400). I'll then set one card ending my turn."

"No one could call either of their first turns that of a novice." Nistro thought. "It only heats up from here."

"My turn!" Yuto drew. "I'll end my turn."

To most, having your opponent end their turn without putting anything on the field would usually mean they bricked, but Hunter knew his brother's deck. He drew something useful but didn't need it because his grave had all the protection he needed.

"You think you're clever, but I know what traps you sent." Hunter drew. "I already have the perfect combo to break that defense."

"Really?" Yuto smiled. "Well, let me see it."

"I normal summon Heroic Challenger-Double Lance(LV 4/1700/900)." A warrior in white and light blue armor with two lances appeared. "When I perform an Xyz summon, this monster can count as two materials, so I'll build the overlay network with Double Lance.

Xyz summon Heroic Champion-Gandiva(R4/O1/2100/1800)." An archer in golden armor and atop a steed appeared. "Next, I'll remove Heroic Champion-Durendal(R4/O 0/2600/2400)'s last overlay unit to allow him to attack twice this turn."

"Clever." Yuto thought. "Still, this duel is far from over."

"Gandiva, attack Yuto directly." Hunter declared.

"Sorry, but it's not going to be that easy." Yuto declared. "I activate the effects of The Phantom Knights of Dark Gauntlets(LV4/300/900 effect)x2 and The Phantom Knights of Shadow Veil(LV4/0/300) in my grave.

Since you declared a direct attack, each of these can be special summoned as a monster, and both Dark gauntlets will gain 300 def for every Phantom Knights spell/trap in my grave. With only one left, that's 300 more defense."

Floating, black gauntlets appeared on the field alongside a suit of ghostly armor atop a ghostly steed.

"I'm activating Heroic Champion-Gandiva(R4/O0/2100/1800)'s special ability." Hunter countered. "By detaching her overlay unit, I can destroy a special summoned monster on your field, and I choose Shadow Veil. Now, Gandiva and Durendal will destroy the last two.

With your field wide open, Durendal will use his second attack to attack you directly with Paladin's Light!" Durendal glowed with white light before lunging forward and slashing Yuto (Hunter 4000/Yuto 2800). I'll end my turn with a face down."

"Whenever Yuto doesn't get a monster, his opponents tend to underestimate him, but that's always their mistake." Nistro thought. "Thanks to having Yuto as a training partner, it's only sharpened Hunter's skills."

"Alright, I draw!" Yuto drew and smirked. "I think it's time I take the offensive with Phantom Knight's Ranks. This spell allows me to special summon two level three Phantom Knights monsters from my deck in defense position.

I choose The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves(LV3/1000/500) and The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots(LV3/200/1200)." A blob of ghostly energy with ragged gloves, and ghostly energy within brown attire appeared.

"Here it comes." Hunter thought. "If Yuto doesn't set the card in his hand, it's almost a certainty he'll summon his dragon."

"Now, it's time I construct the overlay network with Ragged Gloves and Silent Boots. Souls have fallen on the battlefield, so it's time to cut through the darkness. Xyz summon The Phantom Knights of Break Sword(R 3/O2/2000/1000 effect)."

A suit of black armor atop a black steed appeared. "I could use an effect of Ragged Gloves, but I'll conserve it for later. Now, I activate his special ability. By detaching one overlay unit, I get to destroy one card on each of our fields. I'm destroying Break Sword and Gandiva."

The Phantom Knights of Break Sword(R 3/O1/2000/1000)

"Before Gandiva's destruction, I'm activating the continuous trap Heroic Stand." Hunter stated. "This card's two effects can only be used once each per turn. The first activates whenever a Heroic monster would be destroyed by card effect.

This card grants me half that monster's original ATK as life points. The second activates whenever a Heroic monster would be destroyed by battle and once again grants me life points equal to monster's original attack. This time, it happens before damage calculations.

(Hunter 5050/Yuto 2800)

"I actually wasn't expecting that." Yuto smiled. "Even so, I still have everything I need to win this."

"We'll just have to see about that." Hunter smiled back. "Go on and summon your dragon, Yuto."

"Very well." Yuto stated. "Since Break Knight was destroyed, I can target two Phantom Knights in my grave and special summon them one level higher. Welcome back The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves(LV4/1000/500) and The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots(LV4/200/1200).

I'll then construct the overlay network with my two level four monsters. Cloaked in shadows and relentless in its objective. I Xyz Summon Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon(R4/O2/3500/2000 effect)." The black and purple dragon appeared.

"Thanks to Ragged Gloves, your monster is 1000 ATK stronger than normal." Hunter commented with a smirk.

"That's right, but you know I won't be content with just that." Yuto declared. "By using one overlay unit, Dark Rebellion can target a monster you control, half its ATK, and increase his own ATK by what your monster lost. I'm using it twice on Durendal. Treason Discharge!"

Dark Rebellion glowed black and Durendal did the same.

Heroic Champion-Durendal(R4/O 0/2600/2400)

Heroic Champion-Durendal(R4/O 0/1300/2400 effect)

Heroic Champion-Durendal(R4/O 0/650/2400 effect)

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon(R4/O2/3500/2000 effect)

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon(R4/O2/4800/2000 effect)

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon(R4/O2/5450/2000 effect)

"Now, I'm activating Silent Boots and Ragged Gloves effects in the grave." Yuto continued. "By banishing them, I get to add a Phantom Knights spell/trap and Phantom Knights monster to my hand. Get ready because I'm going to pull out a card that ensures you don't get another turn.

"Even if I didn't know what you were about to pull out, that only made it obvious." Hunter smiled. "Rather than let you destroy my trap, I'll just activate my second face down Xyz Reborn. This trap revives an Xyz monster from my grave and becomes an overlay unit for it. Welcome back Heroic Champion-Gandiva(R4/O1/2100/1800) in defense mode.

"You really were prepared." Yuto smiled. "Very well then, but I'm not letting you get away with any monsters on your field. I activate Phantom Knight's Feed. This spell allows me to banish all Phantom Knight Xyz monsters from my grave.

Then, it grants a monster on the field attacks equal to the number of cards banished. I banish Break Sword allowing Dark Rebellion to attack twice this turn. My first target will be Gandiva. Go Mauling Mandible Charge!"

Dark Rebellion sparked with purple lighting before it ravaged the field destroying both Gandiva and Durendal.

(Hunter 5050/Yuto 2800)

(Hunter 6100/Yuto 2800)

(Hunter 1300/Yuto 2800)

"I could use the monsters in my hand to summon a second Xyz; however, knowing Hunter, that would just give him another, weaker target to attack. If he's winning next turn, it'll be over my dragon." Yuto smiled. "With that, I'll end my turn which reverts Dark Rebellion's ATK."

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon(R4/O2/3500/2000 effect)

"Get ready Yuto because I'm winning the duel this turn." Hunter drew. "This time, I'll be doing it with my new ace!"

"New ace?" Yuto asked confused. "What happened to Excalibur?"

"He's still in my deck and a valued member at that; however, this new card is one I picked up special for today, and it's on a whole other level." Hunter drew. "Allow me to show you. I summon another Heroic Champion-Double Lance(LV4/1700/900).

Using his effect, I construct the overlay unit with Double Lance. Golden sentinel that protect his fellow warrior, arise! Xyz Summon Heroic Champion – Claivesolish(R4/O1/2500/2000)." A tall, golden warrior with a massive sword appeared.

"I wasn't expecting him to get into the new Heroic support." Nistro crossed his arms. "Time to see if he can actually use it fully though."

"It has the same original attack and defense as Dark Rebellion." Yuto commented.

"That he does; however, his effects are a cut above!" Hunter declared. "First effect, I pay all my life points until I'm left with five hundred, and at the start of the battle phase this turn, I can double the attack of one monster I control. Shining Life! (Hunter 500/Yuto 2800)."

"Even at double the strength, that's not enough to end this." Yuto declared.

"His second effect will be enough, but we must first enter the battle phase where I'll double Heroic Champion – Claivesolish(R4/O1/5000/2000 effect)'s ATK." Hunter declared. "Now he'll attack Dark Rebellion where I'll activate his second effect.

By detaching one overlay unit, Claivesolishgains ATK equal to the ATK of one monster you control, and I can only choose Dark Rebellion. Go Golden Copy!" A golden, transparent version of Dark Rebellion appeared behind Claivesolish before merging into him.

Heroic Champion – Claivesolish(R4/O1/8500/2000 effect)

"Eight thousand five hundred ATK!" Yuto exclaimed.

"That's right!" Hunter exclaimed. "Claivesolish, end this with Golden Devastation!"

Claivesolish slashed his sword clean through Dark Rebellion destroying him (Hunter 500/Yuto 0) Winner: Hunter."

Some Time Later…

Hunter and Yuto sat on a park bench as Nistro walked over with three vanilla ice cream cones. He handed one to each of the boys and kept the other as he sat down.

"So, how'd we do?" Yuto asked.

"You both passed." Nistro sighed. "Though I will say that overconfidence of yours still needs work Hunter."

Hunter leaned back. "I think it's the right amount of confidence all things concerned."

"That's what I'm talking about." Nistro stated. "You have the potential to be a truly great duelist, but you're held back by your confidence."

"I think he's right." Yuto stated. "Your skills as a duelist have stagnated to the point that new cards are the only way to better yourself."

"I think I'll be fine." Hunter chuckled. "Besides, I beat you and Nistro said we passed meaning it's not his job to worry about us."

"Yeah." Nistro sighed. "I've taught you everything I can about dueling, and it couldn't have come sooner. My job's about to take up a lot of my time. Still, there is one piece of advice I want to give you two before leaving."

"Like what?" Hunter/Yuto asked.

"If you ever lose, don't view it as the end of the world. View it as a chance to learn and grow. To better yourself." Nistro stood up having finished his ice cream. "Anyways, so long kids. Feel free to stay in touch, and we'll likely duel. When we do, I won't be going easy on ya."

"Thank you for everything, Nistro." Yuto stated.

"Yeah, thanks." Hunter smiled. "It was fun learning from you." As Nistro left with a nod to them, the Heroic user leaned back and finished his ice cream while looking at the blue sky overhead. "As if I'd ever lose."

Dreamscape: Day's Later…

Hunter found himself standing next to the demonic, chained door as he watched Yuma walk across the narrow strip of crumbing land. Even though this was odd since he was never this close, he kept quiet as Yuma joined him, and the two of them turned their attention to the door.

"Whomever can open this door shall gain a great power but know that with such power comes equal risk. Have either of you the courage to open this door?" A deep voice asked.

"Great risk…" Yuma contemplated as he looked at his key, but it could not hide the fear of the unknown. "I just…" He looked to Hunter. "What should I do?"

"Yuma, I don't know." Hunter sighed, "Why don't you decide for yourself?"

"I don't know either." Yuma confessed.

The ground collapsed sending both middle schoolers into the abyss.

Hunter's Room, Morning…

Hunter bolted awake. "Why do I keep having that dream? Scratch that. Why do Yuma and I continue to have that dream?" Hunter noticed the time on his clock and reacted with utter shock. "No! I'm running late!"

He started moving about the room getting dressed in his year one, middle school uniform which consisted of a white shirt with red-lined sleeves and collar, a red tie, blue pants, and brown shoes. He then grabbed all his gear and booked it downstairs.

"Mom! Yuto! Are you here!?" Hunter shouted.

He ran into the kitchen only to find a note on the fridge.

'Hunter & Yuto,

I was called into the news station for an early, last-minute meeting. Hunter, please get to school on time.

Love,

Mom

P.S. This is Yuto. I'd hurry since I know you'll be running late enough already.

Hunter absolutely loved his brother, but he could be real annoying at times. He grabbed his school bag before running outside to his forest green bike with blue trim and pegs on the back for his friends. Usually, the only one that rode with him was Yuma.

Hunter turned on his duel gazer to check the time and breathed a sigh of relief. "Alright, if I book it, I can pick Yuma up and get us to school on time." He started pedaling hard down the street. "Legs don't fail me now!"

Tsukumo Residence: Attic, Same Time…

Yuma, dressed in a white and red shirt with gray sweats, fell out of his hammock. "Weird dream." He was in the attic with his deck laid out before a picture of his parents. "Oh well, at least I'm up." The clock started going off getting Yuma to his feet. "I'm late!"

He climbed down to his ladder and quickly got dressed before heading down to find Kari working on various stories. "I love a good lead in the morning."

"What gives Kari?" Yuma ran in place. "Why didn't you wake me?"

"Because I'm a news reporter, not your babysitter." Kari took a drink of her coffee. "You're in middle school little bro. Act like it."

Yuma made a face before running outside to find his grandma sweeping away. She was smaller than him and had grey hair. Her attire consisted of salmon robes and socks with Japanese style sandals.

Yuma closed the door as he put his shoes on. "Bye grandma!"

"But Yuma, what about a good-bye kiss?" Haru asked.

Yuma began to run past her. "No time!" Haru moved with more grace and precision than one would expect from someone her age as she used the handle of the broom to catch Yuma by his shirt and hold him up high by his collar. "Grandma! What are you doing?"

"Either you give your grandma a kiss goodbye or you get a grand slobbering." Haru threatened.

Streets of Heartland City, Some Time Later…

Yuma was stuffing a rice ball in his mouth before jumping over one of the many litterbots in his way.

Hunter yelled behind him. "Get ready, Yuma!"

Yuma looked back and smiled upon seeing his friend ridding up behind him. "Got it Hunter!"

Hunter sped on by grabbing Yuma's right arm and lifting him up. The Syllable duelist then swung around until he could plant his feet on the pegs. From there, Yuma rested his hands on his best friend's shoulders.

The Heroic duelist then picked up speed taking them clear over the stairs. Hunter landed safely, and any speed they may have lost was easily made up for as he pumped his legs. Soon, the two boys were weaving through the people ahead.

"Right on time as always Hunter." Yuma happily declared.

"Did you expect anything less?" Hunter smirked. "Now, hang on because I'm getting us to school in record time."

Train

A young girl with green hair and orange eyes rode the train watching Hunter and Yuma speed off down the road. She wore their school's 1st years girl's uniform which consisted of a sleeveless white uniform with pink trim and a skirt.

A girl with red hair noticed the boys. "You know, sometimes I can't imagine how those two became best friends. They're just so different. Almost like opposites."

The girl with green hair slightly blushed but spoke calmly. "I think Yuma has a lot of good points, and I'm certain Hunter sees those in him."

"Plus, Hunter's not all that different from Yuma." Yuto chuckled. Trust me on that."

"I guess you would know, Tori and Yuto." The girl shrugged. "Personally, I think Yuma should try a little harder to stay friends with Hunter."

Gym Class, Later in the Day…

Hunter slapped the 20th vault box. "Alright, that's 20 Yuma. Clear this and you'll set a new school record."

All the first years were dressed in white gym clothes with red trim.

Yuma excitedly said, "That record's going down because I'm about to high five the sky!"

He ran to the spring and jumped on it only to crash into the boxes resulting in their classmates laughing at him except for Tori, Yuto, and Hunter.

"Are you okay Yuma?" Tori asked.

"Yeah, ground's not that hard." Yuma stated sounding a little disoriented.

Yuto helped him to his feet. "Alright buddy, good try."

Pool

All the male first years wore blue trunks with red trim while girls wore one piece white and pink swimwear mirroring their uniforms.

"Go Yuma!" Tori cheered as Yuma dove into the water.

Hunter nodded. "He may actually do it this time provided he keeps his mouth closed."

"Maybe one of us should have told him that." Yuto added.

Girls, besides Tori, were looking at Hunter, but he ignored them. He didn't really care for fan girls like most would assume upon first impressions.

"Hold my breath for a lap?" Yuma thought before opening his mouth. "No problem."

He then took in water. Hunter jumped in and brought his friend out of the pool before he could take too much in. The rest of the class laughed save Tori and Yuto who looked on concerned.

English Class

Yuma and Tori sat in the back middle while Hunter and Yuto sat on the right side.

"So, why do you do it Yuma?" Tori asked getting his attention.

"Those dares?" Yuma asked. "Why not? It's all good fun."

"It's fun to turn green coughing up pool water?" Tori asked.

Yuma smiled. "No, but that's the price you pay. To be great, you got to take chances, so I take lots because I want to be the greatest" He grabbed his golden key. "With this key, someday I will be."

Hunter chimed in. "You got to beat me first Tsukumo."

Yuma looked at him determined as Hunter stared straight ahead with a noticeable smirk.

Tori looked at the pendent. "So, that's the key your parents brought back from one of their expeditions, right?"

Yuma nodded. "Yep, and you know what it unlocks? Potential. Isn't that cool?"

"Really? Think it could work on me?" Tori asked.

Yuma plainly said, "Nope."

That caused Tori to fall onto her desk before looking at him. "Why?"

"Because this key is part of me. With it, I'm good to go." Yuma could no longer contain his excitement. "With it, I feel the flow!"

That got their teacher's attention who cleared her throat.

Yuto sighed. "You three really should pay attention during class."

Dueling Period

Hunter walked out into the wide-open area used for dueling since he had gone on ahead of Yuma, Yuto, and Tori. He loved them as his friends, and one brother, but not enough to miss out on a second of duel period. Now, he was looking for his first opponent.

He was approached by a regular opponent of his. A young man who was a year older than him, Shark. He had dark blue eyes, pale skin, and dark purple hair resembling tentacles. A grey, shark tooth-shaped locket was around his neck.

He also had two grey rings on his right hand. Shark had a grey and green duel gazer with a red lens as well as a blue D-Pad. His school attire consists of a white shirt with green-lined sleeves, tie, and collar indicating that he was a second year.

"Alright Raiden, it's time we had another duel, and this time I'm claiming your deck." Shark declared.

"I'm always up for a duel especially with second best in the school, but don't expect this time to be any different than the duels of the past." Hunter smirked. "Where are we dueling?"

Shark pointed at the top of the steps. "Up there."

The boys moved to the top of the stairs before facing off.

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Hunter 4000/Shark 4000)

"Get ready Shark because I'm coming out of the gates hard." Hunter declared. "I summon Heroic Challenger-Double Lance(LV 4/1700/900)." A warrior in white and light blue armor appeared wielding two lances.

"As long as I'm using him for an Xyz summon of a Heroic Champion monster, he counts as two monsters, so I build the overlay network to Xyz summon Heroic Champion-Gandiva(R 4/O 1/2100/1800). I'll end my turn by setting two cards."

"You think that's going to protect you?" Shark scoffed. "If so, you better think again. I summon my Big Jaws(LV 3/1800/300)." A small shark with large teeth appeared. "Since Big Jaws is a fish, I can special summon Shark Stickers(LV 3/200/1000)." A long, blue fish appeared.

Hunter cut in. "I activate Gandiva's effect. By removing one overlay unit, I can destroy a LV 4 or lower monster that was special summoned to your side of the field. Say goodbye to your Shark Stickers."

Shark took a card from his hand. "You destroyed my monster, but he won't be gone for long. I activate Surface which allows me to special summon Shark Stickers(LV 3/200/1000) back to the field.

With two Level three monsters, I build the overlay network. Xyz summon Submersible Carrier Aero Shark(R 3/O 2/1900/1000). Then, I can detach one of its overlay units to deal 400 life points per card in my hand.

Since I have three, you take 1200 damage (Hunter 2800/Shark 4000). "Now, I activate Aqua Jet equipping it to my shark and granting him 1000 extra ATK." Submersible Carrier Aero Shark(R3/O 1/2900/1000 effect). "That's more than enough power to destroy Gandiva."

"I activate my Heroic Retribution Sword. I can equip this trap to any Heroic monster I control and make us both take battle damage when the equipped monster is involved (Hunter 2000/Shark 3200)." Both monsters blew up. "Additionally, any monster that does battle with the equipped monster is destroyed."

"I'll set two cards and end my turn." Shark declared.

"Alright, it's time to step things up." Hunter drew. "I summon Heroic Challenger-Spartan(LV 4/1600/1000)." A warrior decks out in golden armor appeared. "I then activate my face down Copy Knight.

Since I summoned a level four or lower monster, I get to copy its level and attack giving me two monsters to build the overlay network. Xyz summon Heroic Champion Excalibur(R 4/O 2/2000/2000)." A large warrior decked out in red armor and holding a blade appeared.

Shark smiled. "I was waiting to see him because I have a special card up my sleeve just for you. I activate one of my face downs Splash Capture. By banishing two Fish monsters from my grave, I can take control of an Xyz monster you summoned."

"Well, you've upgraded your deck from the last time we dueled. That said, it's not the end. Since you control a monster, I can special summon Heroic Challenger-Assault Halberd(1800/200)." A warrior in black armor appeared. "I'll then set one card ending my turn."

Shark drew. "I activate Excalubur's effect. By removing two overlay units, this card gains double its original attack." Heroic Champion-Excalibur(R 4/O 0/4000/2000). "That's more than enough to wipe out your Halberd and remaining life points!"

Hunter smirked. "I activate my face down Battleguard Howling. Since you targeted a warrior on my field, I get to choose a monster on your field and make you take life points equal to that monster's original attack. You only got Excalibur (Hunter 2000/Shark 1200). In addition, that monster returns to the hand. or in this case, my extra deck."

Shark grit his teeth. "I end my turn."

Hunter drew. "Looks like this is the end, Shark. I summon another Double Lance(LV 4/1700/900). As you recall, he can count as two monsters when summoning a Heroic Champion. That means I have three materials.

I build the overlay network with my two level four monsters to Xyz summon Heroic Champion-Kusanagi(2500/2400)." A warrior decked on out in orange and red armor appeared wielding a glowing orange blade.

"Damn it!" Shark shouted.

With Yuma, Tori, and Yuto

Yuma ran out feeling as excited as he always does with Tori and Yuto walking out to stand with him. "Alright, it's finally time to duel!" They put their gazers on allowing them to see the duels that were going on in Augmented Reality. "Now, who to duel today?"

"You mean who to lose to today." Tori quipped.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Yuma stumbled. "Sure, I've lost 20 straight duels, but so what?"

"I think that says something about you Yuma." Yuto commented.

Yuma glared at him.

Tori noticed Hunter and Shark dueling, so she pointed it out. "Hey, look you two."

The pair did, and they both saw Kusanagi's summon before running over as Shark shouted, "Damn it!"

"That is so cool!" Yuma was marveling at Kusanagi. "Someday, I'll get some Xyz monsters."

"Alright Kusanagi, attack Shark directly." Hunter smiled. "You can activate that face down, but it won't do any good in the end."

Shark knew Kusanagi's effect about as well as Yuto since they dueled that often, so he took the hit (Hunter 2000/Shark 0) Winner: Hunter."

"That was a great duel, Shark." The Heroic user walked up and held out his hand to the Shark user. "You're a challenging opponent."

"Just you wait." Shark scoffed before taking the offered hand. "Someday, I'll claim your deck."

"You can try." Hunter chuckled. "I don't know why you insist on such an ante, but if your opponent agrees willingly, I'm cool with it."

Shark had, at one point, forced people into these duels, but Hunter had stepped in putting his deck on the line to stop Shark's bullying. Now, the guy could no longer force people into the ante, but if they accepted, there was nothing Hunter could do.

These days, the two dueled often with Shark always putting forth the ante and Hunter accepting. After all, why should he fear losing when he's never lost to anyone except Yuto. Even then, he was ahead 55 duels to 50.

Yuma could no longer contain himself as he ran to stand at the side of the two of them. "Alright, I'm next Shark! Let's duel right now!"

"Please Yuma." Shark scoffed and waved him off. "Everyone knows you're the worst duelist in school. There'd be no point. Even claiming your deck doesn't appeal because everyone knows it's trash."

Shark didn't even use the decks he claimed, so the fact that he didn't want Yuma's deck as a trophy was a low blow.

"Come on, we don't have to duel for my deck." Yuma complained. "Why can't you ever just accept my challenge for fun?"

Shark stuck his hands in his pockets. "It's just not my style to duel your way."

Hunter jumped in. "Then how about you duel Yuma for my deck." Everyone looked at him. "I mean it. You duel Yuma for my deck, but if he wins, you can never claim another deck in a duel."

Yuma was surprised as he turned to Hunter. "Are you sure?"

Yuto raised an eyebrow. "That is a pretty big ante bro."

Hunter nodded. "I think Yuma's more than capable of beating Shark."

Shark laughed. "Since you're sure, I suppose I can spare a few minutes to take Yuma down, but not here." He walked away. "We'll duel at Station Square, Sunday afternoon. If Yuma doesn't show, I'll come looking."


This is my redux of Yugioh ZexArc-V:A Flowing Journey. The first story had way too many ideas within it, I was far too eager to have character switch decks around, and truly connecting it to another story was the wrong move. Now, this story is better contained, characters will be sticking with decks and merely upgrading them, and this story is no longer connected to Konoha Shinobi Deck. I'll even go a step further by outlining the three big things I want to do with this story.

1. Keep people switching decks low.

2. Make sure people know this is a crossover between Yugioh Zexal and Yugioh Arc-V.

3. Keep the number of OC's low. This doesn't mean I'm not open to them from other people, but I personally put way too many in the first story.

As for this chapter, Yuto is introduced right out of the gate. What you must remember is that this is Yuto before the Fusion Invasion. Yeah, I've made him the adopted brother of my OC. To my knowledge, the Yu Boys and Bracelets Girls weren't born into the dimensions they appeared in. They were either adopted or not. Hopefully this chapter flowed well for all of you.