Streets of Heartland City, After School…
Hunter, Tori, and Yuma walked along the streets having just gotten out of school.
"Are you really sure you want to do this Hunter?" Tori questioned. "You know Yuma always loses."
Yuma looked back at her. "I don't always lose Tori." He then turned to Hunter. "I also want to know if you're sure about this."
"Same." Yuto stated. "I'm not certain how I feel about you wagering your deck."
"It's fine because I trust Yuma to win." Hunter threw his best friend a card. "Of course, I'm also aware how tough Shark is, and I realize how dumb it'd be if you went in unprepared. That's why you should consider that an early birthday present."
Yuma looked at the card and was utterly shocked. "This is an Xyz card!"
Tori looked at it. "Zubaba General?"
The card depicted a warrior in white and gold armor with a red cape and black sword.
"Are you sure it's okay for me to have this?" Yuma asked.
Hunter looked back at him with a smile. "I just told you I planned for that to be your birthday present, and I already have a slew of awesome warrior Xyz's at my command."
Yuma smiled while excitedly jumping up and down. "Alright, I got an Xyz monster! I got to try this out." He looked at Hunter. "Let's duel right now." He looked at the harbor. "Let's duel there."
Tori smiled and shook her head. "Yuma, you know exactly how this is going to end even with an Xyz, yet you still insist on going ahead with it."
"Sure." Hunter chuckled. "I'm always up for kicking your butt."
Harbor
Yuma smiled as he activated his D-pad and gazer. "Alright, I'm feeling the flow!"
Hunter smirked as he did the same. "Feel the flow all you want because it won't help you win."
Tori and Yuto stood off to the side as they activated their duel gazers to watch.
D-pad go
Duel Gazer on
Augmented vision link established
(Hunter 4000/Yuma 4000)
"Get ready Hunter because I'm going to show how much I've improved!" Yuma declared. "I play Achacha Archer(1200/600) in attack mode." An archer in light armor appeared. "When he's summoned, you're dealt 500 life points of damage (Hunter 3500/Yuma 4000). Alright, I took the first life points! I'll end my turn."
Tori sighed and shook her head. "Yuma…"
"He really should learn not to celebrate too soon." Yuto added.
Hunter chuckled. "You forgot about placing your traps; however, I'm not sure you had one, so let's focus on the fact that Achacha Archer can activate its effect upon flipping. Meaning you could have set it and still dealt first blow even if I had summoned my Assault Halberd."
"Oh, I knew I was forgetting something!" Yuma shouted.
"This is a duel, so we can't go back." Hunter drew. "That said, I'm not going to punish your blunder too bad. I summon Heroic Challenger- Thousand Blades(LV 4/1300/1100)." He smiled. "Instead of activating his effect, I'll have him destroy Archer (Hunter 3500/Yuma 3900). With that, I end my turn."
"Okay, think Yuma." Yuma drew and looked at his hand. "What cards do you have that could help you?" He then saw a possible combination. "Alright, I'll start by summoning Goblindbergh(LV 4/1400/0) while activating his effect."
A goblin, dressed as an aviator, flew onto the field carrying a metal cage. "When he is normal summoned, I can special summon a level 4 or lower monster from my hand. I choose Ganbara Knight(LV 4/0/2000)."
A knight in red and yellow armor with twin shields appeared making Yuma even more excited. "Alright, it's time to build the overlay network with my LV 4 Ganbara Knight and Goblindbergh. Xyz Summon Zubaba General(2000/1000)."
The warrior decked out in white and gold armor with a huge blade appeared. "I'll have him attack Thousand Blades (Hunter 2800/Yuma 3900)." Yuma was ecstatic once more. "Alright, I finally Xyz summoned!"
"Yuma, did you forget Zubaba General's effect!?" Tori angrily shouted. "Did you even bother reading it in the first place!?"
Yuma looked from Tori to his card. "Zubaba General has an effect?"
"Yeah, it's actually rare that an Xyz doesn't have an effect." Yuto voiced.
Hunter sighed and drew. "Anyways, it's officially my turn." He looked at his hand. "I had a different play in mind, but this should work better. I summon Heroic Challenger-Ambush Soldier(LV 1/0/0)." A warrior in silver armor and with a sword on their left hand appeared.
"I then activate his ability to tribute him in exchange for two Heroic Challengers from my grave or hand. I'll choose to summon two Heroic Challenger-Thousand Blade(LV 4/ATK 1300/DEF 1100). One from the grave and the other my hand.
Now I overlay both to Xyz summon Heroic Champion-Excalibur(R 4/O 2/2000/2000)." The warrior in red with a large blade appeared. "I activate his effect by removing both overlay units to double his original attack until your next end phase."
Heroic Challenger Excalibur(R 4/O 0/4000/2000 effect)
Yuma was shocked. "4000 ATK!?"
"I think your mistaken because I'm activating my Magnum Shield." Hunter smirked. "This equip spell can only be equipped to a warrior, and works differently depending on what position said warrior is in. Since Excalibur is in attack mode, he gains ATK equal to his DEF."
Heroic Challenger Excalibur(R 4/O 0/6000/2000 effect)
Yuma's shock only grew. "6000ATK!?"
Tori was impressed. "Wow, I don't remember Hunter having that card before."
"I'm pretty sure I know when he picked it up." Yuto stated thinking back to the duel they had.
"Now Excalibur, destroy his General (Hunter 2800/Yuma 0)!" Hunter commanded.
Hunter walked over to Yuma with a smirk. "You managed to shave off a few 100 more of my life points this time around." He nodded. "Not bad."
Yuma smiled. "Just you wait because I'm going to win our next duel."
Hunter rolled his eyes. "Only in your dreams Yuma."
The two of them laughed.
Tori smiled. "To others, their friendship may not make sense."
"Stick around long enough, and you'll see that they're not so different." Yuto finished.
With Shark
Shark had just left Heartland Hospital and was walking up to his bike when he noticed a blank card beside it. "A card?"
He knelt and picked it up only to hear a deep, dark voice speaking to him as dark energy entered his being. "Yes Shark. Let the Number take hold."
Shark let out a primal scream as the power coursed through him and the number 17 appeared on the back of his left hand. He smirked as he put the card in his extra deck and got on his motorcycle. Oh, he was looking forward to Sunday.
Raiden Residence, Sunday…
Hunter walked down the stairs dressed in his blue cargo pants with forest green trim and matching tank top. "Should have expected Yuto to go on ahead."
He entered the kitchen only for Zeera to call out to him. "Hey Hunter, catch."
She threw an apple and Hunter caught it. "Thanks mom." He took a bite. "I'll be off now."
Zeera nodded. "Tell Yuma good luck."
Hunter walked off. "Will do."
Tsukumo Residence
Yuma ran by Haru. "Bye grandma!"
"Wait." Haru called out.
Yuma ran backwards and jogged in place. "Right, your kiss."
She threw him a small package. "No, you're forgetting your duel fuel."
Yuma smiled. "Thanks Grandma."
Heartland Tower
A tall, young man with straight blueish-black hair that falls to his chin, and light green bangs in the shape of a wing partially tucked under some strands on the left walked through the halls. His attire consisted of a blue trench coat that is tattered at the ends and belted shut.
He also sports grey pants and brown shoes. The young man had just finished his morning training and walked into a room that was panted to look like a blue sky. There were posters of a grassy field out in the country as well. This was offset by many medical supplies.
The young man did not see who he was expecting, but he did notice a slightly open closet nearby. "Lulu, did I do something wrong?"
He waited for the usual reply which ranged from a soft, angry yes to giggling depending on what the situation was. This time, he was greeted by silence.
"Lulu?" The young man asked as he opened the closet only to see it empty. "Lulu!" He ran from the room in search for her. "Where's Lulu? She's not supposed to leave the room unless it's with Kite or I. Kite usually tells me if he's taking her somewhere."
He ran along the halls heading for Hart's room, at the top of the tower, only to spot Kite walking down the hall. He was a young man with light, blue-grey eyes, pale skin, and blonde hair that curled up in a point with a dark green spiked front.
His attire includes a black trench coat with a high collar over a grey shirt, a finger-less black glove on his right hand, and white pants with black boots. He also has a belt with two purple deck boxes for his cards.
The young man ran up to Kite who noted the concerned look he gave. "What's wrong Shay?"
"Kite, have you seen Lulu?" Shay worriedly asked. "Is she with Hart?"
"She wasn't in her room?" Kite asked starting to worry himself.
Shay quickly shook his head. "No."
Kite put on a calm demeanor. "Don't panic. We'll look around the tower first and expand our search to Heartland if she's not here. Should either of us find her, we'll contact the other."
Shay nodded. "Right."
The young men parted.
An Alleyway
Hunter rode his bike into a clean alley only to stop across from a girl with pink eyes and feather earrings. She had long, dark purple hair which extends past her lower back, and shorter, lilac side tails. Her attire consisted of a cream vest with an under dress that splits into three, worn out pants, brown boots, two brown belts, and a red sash.
Hunter asked, "Can I help you?"
"My name is Lulu Obsidian, and I demand a duel." Lulu replied seriously.
Hunter noticed something odd as a number 13 appeared on the back of her left hand and a number 31 appeared on the back of her right. "That is strange." He got off his bike and looked at the girl. "If you want to lose, I'll gladly oblige your request."
Hunter was always up to duel, but those numbers on her hands concerned him. Since she seemed adamant about dueling, maybe he could find out what they were through the duel.
"I'm going to take you down." Lulu stated
"If I had a nickel every time I heard that, I wouldn't need to work a day in my life." Hunter retorted.
D-pad go
Duel Gazer on
Augmented vision link established
(Hunter 4000/Lulu 4000)
"Just a moment, for I must inform my friends where I am before we really get started." Hunter stated.
He called up Yuma. "Hunter, where are you?"
Hunter looked at Lulu. "I'm currently held up and can't get away; however, I believe in you. Take Shark down."
Yuma smile. "You got it."
Hunter ended the call and Lulu, who was clearly annoyed, asked, "Are you finally done?"
"I'm just letting my friends know where I am." Hunter defended. "Anyways, I'll start by summoning Heroic Challenger-Night Watchman(LV 4/1200/300)." A warrior in light brown armor appeared carrying a lantern and iron blade. "I'll then end my turn."
Lulu drew. "Since I control no monster, I can special summon Lyrilusc-Turquoise Warbler(LV 1/100/100)." A green and blue warbler girl appeared. "When she's summoned, I can special summon another Lyrilusc from my hand or grave.
I choose Lyrilusc-Cobalt Sparrow(LV 1/0/100)." A brown and tan sparrow girl appeared. "Since I control Winged-Beast monsters, I can special summon Lyrilusc-Sapphire Swallow(LV 1/100/0)."
A blue and black swallow girl appeared. "As well as another LV 1 Winged-Beast monster from my hand. I'll choose a second Lyrilusc-Cobalt Sparrow(LV 1/0/100)." She smirked. "This gives me everything I need to build the overlay network."
"Four level 1 monsters in one turn." Hunter thought. "What is she planning to summon?"
"I'm going to build it twice. Xyz summon Number 13: Embodiment of Crime(R 1/O 2/500/500) and Number 31:Embodiment of Punishment(R 1/O 2/500/500)." The number 13 flashed red as a fiend with chains, horns on its head, and a saw appeared followed by another red flash as number 31 appeared being a fiend with horns, a cross, and a spiked ball. "I end my turn."
"A Number? I've never heard of those cards before." Hunter drew. "Alright, I'll admit that was impressive, and I'm not stupid enough to think low attack monsters don't have their strong points."
He smirked. "That only means I have to play carefully to get around your monster, so I summon Heroic Challenger-Extra Sword(LV 4/1000/1000)." A green, silver, and gold warrior holding two blades appeared.
"My monsters have a unique effect in that you'll have no choose but to attack, so pick your target." Lulu demanded. "If you're thinking you can switch your Night Watchman to defense, then think again. Both monsters can force your monsters into attack mode with their ability.
"Alright, then my Extra Sword will attack 31." Hunter stated.
"You activated my monster's effect. Since Number 13 is on the field, any battle damage I'd receive is dealt to you (Hunter 3500/Lulu 4000)."
"Powerful effects, and they're full power can be accessed when they are both on the field." Hunter was surprised. "They are the perfect duo."
Lulu smiled. "Your Night Watchman is forced to attack, so pick your target."
"Not that it matters, but I'll attack 31." Hunter's monster was blocked by 13 (Hunter 2800/Lulu 4000). "I'll set two cards and end my turn."
Lulu drew. "I activate Premature Burial (Hunter 2800/Lulu 3200). By paying 800 life points, I can special summon a monster from my grave. I choose Lyrilusc-Turquoise Warbler(LV 1/100/100).
Since I control a Winged-Beast monster, I can summon a second Lyrilusc-Sapphire Swallow(LV 1/100/0). This allows me to summon another monster from my hand, so I'll summon Lyrilusc-Cobalt Sparrow(LV 1/0/100).
I build the overlay network with my three Lyrilusc to Xyz summon Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale(R 1/O 3/300/300)." A colorful bird woman appeared on the field. "She can attack directly as well as multiple times equivalent to the number of units she has."
"So, three attacks." Hunter stated.
Lulu nodded. "Exactly, and I'll use all three now (Hunter 1900/Lulu 3200). Number's 13 and 31 will follow that up by attacking you directly (Hunter 900/Lulu 3200)."
Hunter smirked. "This is a sticky situation, but I'll come out on top in the end."
The Heroic user drew only to be surrounded by golden light forcing him to close his eyes.
Train Station, Before Hunter's Duel Started…
Yuma arrived to find Shark, Tori, and Yuto waiting for him, but not Hunter. "Guys, where's Hunter?"
"I don't know." Tori stated. "I thought he was coming with you."
"Maybe Hunter wised up and decided to stop hanging out with losers." Shark laughed.
"I highly doubt that." Yuto commented.
"Regardless of the answer, it won't stop me from going to claim his deck after I've creamed Yuma." Shark declared.
"You won't claim Hunter's deck because I'm going to win." Yuma declared.
"Please, I've already said you aren't on Hunter's level, and you certainly aren't on my level." Shark declared.
"We'll see because I'm feeling the flow!" Yuma declared.
D-pad go
Duel Gazer on
Augmented vision link established
(Yuma 4000/Shark 4000)
"Alright Yuma! Win this for Hunter!" Tori cheered.
Yuma's gazer went off, and he answered it to see that it was his best friend. "Hunter, where are you?"
Hunter replied, "I'm currently held up and can't get away; however, I believe in you. Take Shark down."
Yuma smiled. "You got it."
Hunter hung up.
Yuma focused on the duel at hand. "Alright, it's time to high five the sky. I summon Ganbara Knight(LV 4/0/1800)." A knight in red and yellow armor, with two shields, appeared. "Then…" He looked at his hand. "I activate the effect of my Kagetokage(LV 4/1100/1500).
Because I summoned a LV 4 monster, I can special summon him from my hand." A black reptile with red eyes appeared. "With two level 4's, I can build the overlay network to Xyz summon Zubaba General(R 4/O 2/2000/1000)." A warrior decked out in white and yellow appeared.
Shark scoffed. "So, someone finally got themselves an Xyz." He drew. "Looks like I'll just have to tear it to pieces. I summon Needle Sunfish(LV 3/1500/100)." A fish with a huge mouth full of needles appeared.
"I then activate Aqua Jet granting him 1000 more ATK until the end of the turn. Now, fill that monster with holes Sunfish (Yuma 3500/Shark 4000). I'll end my turn with a face down. You're move Yuma."
"This duel's only just begun, yet I'm down in a big way." Yuma drew. "I got to even the score. I summon Zubaba Knight(LV 3/1600/900)." A warrior in yellow and red armor with a red cape appeared. "Now, take that fish down my knight."
"My monster won't be destroyed that easily. I activate Zeus' Breath. This puts a stop to your monster's attack and deals you 800 points of damage if I have a Water monster on my field. Which I do (Yuma 2700/Shark 4000)."
Yuma flinched. "I end my turn."
"Yuma…" Tori worriedly thought.
"Come on, you got to play better than this." Yuto thought.
Shark drew. "I summon Skull Kraken(LV 3/600/1600)." A black skull with red eyes and many tentacles appeared. "I now build the overlay network with my LV 3 Skull Kraken and Needle Sunfish to Xyz summon Number 17:Leviathan Dragon(R 3/O 2/2000/0)."
A large, blue dragon with 3 sets of wings appeared shocking Tori, Yuma, and Yuto.
"What is that?" Yuma questioned.
Tori said, "I've never seen a monster like it before."
"I don't think anyone has." Yuto stated.
"I activate his special ability. By removing an overlay unit, I can increase his ATK by 500." Number 17:Leviathan Dragon(R 3/O 1/2500/0 effect). "I'll use it to crush your knight. (Yuma 1800/Shark 4000)." Shark laughed. "Face it Yuma, at this point, you're just holding out.
Yuma stared down the dragon before looking at Shark. "I don't intend to hold out Shark." He placed his hand on his deck and drew. "I intend to win because I'm feeling the flow!
That's when Yuma's key glowed a brilliant gold.
Before the Demon Door
Hunter and Yuma both appeared before the door at the same time and looked at each other. "This is our dream."
The door spoke drawing their attention. "This is no dream. Have you the courage to unlock this power? It is time to decide, Yuma and Hunter."
Yuma looked to Hunter and held out his key. "What do you think?"
Hunter looked from the door to Yuma and thought back to his current duel. "Do it."
Yuma shook his head. "No, we'll do it together."
Hunter smiled as he cupped his hands and got down. "Alright then."
Yuma stepped back a bit before running forward and jumping into Hunter's hands. The Heroic user then pushed up with all his might sending Yuma straight at the door.
"Alright, I'm feeling the flow!" Yuma declared as he shoved the key into the hole.
It released a burst of blue energy that knocked both Yuma and Hunter to their butts. The chains broke open releasing golden light which blinded the boys once more.
Hunter vs Lulu
(Hunter 900/Lulu 3200)
Hunter quickly looked around only to find himself back in the alleyway looking at Lulu before a glow came from his pendent and deck box catching his attention. He opened the deck box and pulled out two cards with wide eyes.
"Number Cards!" Hunter thought.
"Hey, are you spacing out on me or giving up?" Lulu asked.
Hunter looked at her as he put the cards away. "Sorry about that. I believe I'm ready to end this, and it all starts with another Heroic Challenger-Night Watchman(LV 4/1200/300)."
"How will that help?" Lulu asked.
Hunter smirked. "Just watch. I got something special in store, but first I activate two copies of Copy Knight. When I normal summon a LV 4 or lower warrior, this card grants me a normal monster of the same name and LV.
That means I now have 5 LV 4 Heroic monsters to build the overlay network with. Come forth Number 86: Heroic Champion–Rhongomyniad(R 4/O 5/4000/3000 effects)." A warrior decked out in white armor with gold trim appeared wielding a spear."
"You think I'm intimidated? He can't touch my life points or monsters. Even my current Lyrilusc has effects in place to protect my life points and itself from destruction." Lulu stated firmly.
"That's true, but Rhongomyniad gains a new effect for every overlay unit attached to him. One effect, when he had four overlay units, is the ability to negate the effects of one card on your side of the field. I'll choose Number 31."
Lulu was shocked. "I lost…"
"Number 86, attack Number 31 with Heroic Lance." Lance commanded.
Number 86 lunged froward and thrust his lance clear through the Number destroying it (Hunter 900/Lulu 0). Lulu fell to her knees and closed her eyes. Immediately, two cards, which Hunter assumed to be the Numbers, floated up and into his pendent freeing the young girl.
The middle schooler picked his pendent up and looked at it. "This has been odd."
Lulu opened her eyes and looked around confused. "Where am I?"
She tried to get up only to immediately fall to her knees panting.
Hunter ran over. "Hey, are you okay?"
"Stay back whoever you are!" Lulu struggled to get up and used a nearby trashcan to stand. "I may not look it, but I know how to defend myself."
"She is suddenly acting like a whole other person." Hunter held up his hands. "Whoa, I'm not out to hurt you or anything. You just challenged me to a duel."
"I did?" Lulu asked seeming excited by the prospect. "Did I win?"
Hunter tapped his duel gazer. "Look through the logs on your gazer."
Lulu did and sighed. "I lost."
Hunter nodded as he continued to notice Lulu wobbling something fierce. "Right, I'm not exactly sure what's happening, but would you like some help to the hospital? Maybe some family you have? I swear, I'm not out to hurt you."
Hunter hadn't gotten any answers, but it wasn't like he could leave a girl, who clearly had some form of sickness, alone in an alleyway.
Lulu sighed as she fell to her knees. "I'm sorry for saying that."
Hunter slowly walked forward and crouched before her. "No, I get it. You sort of just woke up here and had no idea what's going on. Anyways, let's make proper introductions. My name is Hunter Raiden."
"I'm Lulu Obsidian." Lulu stated.
"It's nice to meet you." Hunter nodded. "Now, is there somewhere I can take you?"
"You can take me to Heartland Tower." Lulu stated. "My brothers are there."
Hunter picked Lulu up before putting her on his back which surprised the girl. "Hey, what are you doing?"
"Well, it would be easier to get you back to the tower if you rode on my back. Just hang on tight, and I'll have you back to your brothers soon." Hunter stated.
Hunter grabbed his bike and walked out of the alleyway. The Heroic user pushed his bike along the sidewalk as Lulu marveled at the city.
Yuma vs Shark
(Yuma 1800/Shark 4000)
Yuma opened his eyes and looked around only to see a floating being next to him. This being has a transparent, blue body with green markings and blue gems all over. He has blue hair that curls up in a mohawk, pointed ears which are pierced with dangling earrings, and heterochromatic eyes. The left eye was luminous gold and the right a clear white.
"W-Who are you?" Yuma asked shocked.
"Astral." The being said.
"Huh, what's an Astral?" Yuma asked confused.
Astral said, "My name… if I recall."
"If you recall?" Yuma asked. "What do you mean by that?"
Tori appeared on a screen. "Who are you talking to Yuma?"
"Yeah, who are you talking to?" Yuto inquired.
Yuma looked over at them. "What do you mean?" He pointed at Astral. "This guy right here."
"Where?" Tori questioned not seeing Astral.
"Here." Yuma began furiously pointing at him. "He's kind of hard to miss."
"I don't see anyone." Tori stated.
Yuto shrugged. "Maybe Yuma's lost it."
Yuma sighed. "Maybe I am hallucinating, or I might have really lost it?"
"What have you lost?" Astral asked getting his attention. "Perhaps we could find it together. Then again, is that what I'm supposed to do? I don't remember. In fact, I don't remember much of anything. All I can recall is that I'm here for a great purpose which escapes me."
"A great purpose!?" Yuma rubbed his head in frustration. "How great could it be if you forgot!?"
"Yuma, get it together!" Tori shouted.
Yuto shouted, "Yeah, my bro's deck is still on the line here!"
Yuma shook his head and focused on the matter at hand. "They're right. Phase the walking flashlight out of my head and focus on the duel." He looked at the field. "I got to figure out how to deal with this Number card." He looked at his hand. "Okay, what do I have to win this duel?"
Astral suddenly remembered something. "Duel? That word sounds familiar."
Yuma turned to him. "Huh, what do you know about dueling?"
"Plenty because I duel." Astral stated firmly.
"Yeah, and I tap dance." Yuma rolled his eyes. "Now be quiet."
"I can duel." Astral declared before looking at the hand. "I'll summon Gogogo Golem in defense mode."
Yuma glared at him. "This is my duel, and I'll summon Gogogo Golem(LV 4/1800/1500) in attack mode." A large golem appeared. "I'll then activate Blustering Winds granting Golem a thousand more ATK until my next turn. Now, attack that dragon (Yuma 1800/Shark 3700)."
Tori happily proclaimed. "That's the way Yuma!"
"Yeah, Leviathan Dragon is toast!" Yuma declared.
"Not quite." Astral stated.
Yuma saw that the dragon was still standing. "What gives!? I took that dragon down fair and square!"
"'Fraid not." Shark chuckled. "A Number can only be destroyed in battle by another Number."
Yuma stepped back in shock. "I don't have any Numbers."
"Observation number one: This human's dueling skills are adequate are best." Astral stated.
"What do you mean?" Yuma questioned angrily. "I still got a monster on the field to protect me!"
Astral nodded. "You do, but your golem would have served better in defense with its ability to survive an extra attack while the spell could have been saved. As things stand now, this Shark has the advantage."
Shark confirmed what Astral said. "That golem may be strong, but not for much longer." He drew. "I activate my dragon's effect removing its last unit to power him up to 3000 ATK. Then, I'll summon Drill Barnacle(LV 3/300/0)."
A grey barnacle with purple drills appeared. "My dragon will destroy your golem (Yuma 1600/Shark 1900). Next, my barnacle will attack you directly (Yuma 1300/Shark 3700). When Drill Barnacle(LV 3/1300/0 effect) successfully attacks you, he gains 1000 ATK."
Astral looked at his hand as it began to fade. "What is this? My life force seems to be draining away." He closed his eyes before opening them. "Numbers! They're the key to opening my sealed memories." He looked at Yuma. "You must win or something terrible will happen."
"That's easier said than done!" Yuma shouted frustrated.
"You can win this duel if you stop making dumb mistakes and listen to my advice. This duel may be simple for you, but this is a more serious matter for myself." Astral stated.
Yuma grit his teeth. "News flash, but I got something on the line here. If Shark wins, he's taking my best friend's deck." Astral looked at him, so the Syllable duelist sighed. "Which is why, if you can help me, I'll listen… for now."
Astral nodded. "On this turn you need to draw a card that allows you to summon more than once this turn."
"Okay, I know a few cards that could help me do that." He drew. "Perfect!"
"Goblindbergh." Astral nodded. "It seems as though fate has come through for me this time."
"Let's just finish this." Yuma grit his teeth. "I summon Goblindbergh(LV 4/1400/0)." A goblin in a plane appeared carrying a metal case. "He didn't come alone because his ability allows me to special summon a level four or lower monster from my hand. With that ability, I will bring out Gagaga Magician(LV 4/1500/1000)." A spellcaster in blue and orange robes appeared.
"Why do you insist on standing in my way?" Shark asked. "It's hopeless. All you've done is line up targets for my monsters to tear to pieces. You should just give up!"
"You're wrong Shark. Nothing is ever hopeless, and I never give up. Feeling the flow means fighting until the very end." Yuma declared.
"Feeling the flow?" Astral questioned.
Yuma nodded as he focused on Shark. "Yeah, it's my motto. It's about doing what can't be done. Like how I'm going to find a way to win this."
"I believe I have a way." Astral stated getting Yuma's attention. "Overlay your level 4 monsters."
"I already used my Zubaba General." Yuma stated confused.
"Look in your extra deck." Astral stated.
Yuma pulled out a card. "Another Xyz monster." He nodded. "Alright, I overlay my two LV 4 monsters to Xyz summon Number 39:Utopia(R 4/O 2/2500/2000)." A white and gold warrior with twin blades sheathed appeared. "Now I have everything needed to win this duel, and I have your Drill Barnacle to thank Shark."
"You're bluffing." Shark growled. "Utopia is too weak to defeat me even with Drill Barnacle's destruction."
"That is true, but like the summoning of an Xyz monster, my deck can pull off teamwork." Yuma declared. "Utopia attack his Drill Barnacle. I then activate your effect. By detaching one overlay unit, I can negate his attack. Go, Lightwing Shield." Yuma declared.
Number 39:Utopia(R 4/O 1/2500/2000)
"Do you think this means he has that card in his hand?" Tori asked.
Yuto nodded. "I'd say it's almost a certainty."
"What are they talking about Yuma?" Shark asked.
"I'll show you." Yuma replied. "From my hand I activate Double or Nothing. Since Utopia's attack was stopped, he can attack the same monster with double his ATK."
Number 39:Utopia(R 4/O 1/5000/2000 effect)
Shark was shocked. "5000 ATK!"
"Utopia destroy his monster with Rising Sun Slash (Yuma 1300/Shark 0)!" Yuma stared in disbelief. "Did I really just win?"
Tori was just as shocked before she jumped for joy. "You did it Yuma!"
"Way to go!" Yuto cheered.
Yuma started celebrating as well. Astral turned his attention to Shark and held out his hand to draw Number 17 out of Shark, to him, and absorb it.
"It is…" Astral suddenly went wide eyes. "Two more small sections of my memory just returned. Could it be that other boy I saw next to Yuma? Maybe I can go to him as I seem to have Yuma." He closed his eyes. "I can feel something, but it's weak. What does that mean?"
Shark walked up to Yuma. "Tell Hunter he won't have to worry about me taking any more decks. It was getting old anyways." Yuma nodded, so Shark turned from him. "You're a good duelist Tsukumo. I'll see you around."
"Thanks." Yuma stated. "Maybe we can do this again, but just for fun. I know Hunter would enjoy the same."
Shark walked off. "You may have a point Yuma."
Yuma smiled as Astral spoke up. "This may just be the start of a beautiful friendship if you do everything I say."
"Do as you say!?" Yuma angrily jumped into the air. "Not a chance!"
Streets of Heartland City
Hunter continued walking with Lulu who was marveling at all the buildings. "Wow, all the buildings are really something up close."
Hunter curiously asked, "Have you ever been in the city?"
"I've wanted to go into the city for a while now, but it wouldn't be good for my health to be away from the tower for too long." She smiled. "That's not to say I'm unhappy. My older brothers look out for me, and I have a younger brother to look out for as well."
"That's nice." Hunter stated.
His mind turned to those Number Cards. It was clear this girl had some sickness that made her weak, but the Heroic user never saw traces of it when she was under their control.
"Just what are these Number cards?" Hunter looked at Lulu. "Back in that alley you seemed more concerned with the duel over the possibility I was a kidnapper. Why is that?"
Lulu frowned. "I've always wanted to be a duelist, but how could I with my health problems? There's always that chance I'll collapse. There are just times I'm healthy and times I'm sick. It's never the same to the point that there's no guarantee I won't fall out my wheelchair.
It can seemingly happen from one moment to the next. One moment, I'm walking around the tower, and the next I pass out. Right now, I'm lucky with weak legs, but it could just as easily vanish or become something else."
"So, dueling seems to be her deepest desire. Interesting." Hunter nodded before smiling. "While you couldn't match up to me, you're no newbie. Your control and use of a level one deck were unlike anything I've seen. I have a best friend who'd lose to you, hands down."
Lulu asked, "Did you really think I was that good?"
"I've battled a few LV 1 users, and you are by far the best." Hunter seriously stated.
Lulu smiled. "I may not remember our duel, but you seem like an honest guy."
Hunter was about to turn a corner when Kite and Shay ran out from behind it.
"The guy I questioned in the café said he saw Lulu come this way." Kite stated.
"Alright. Who should we…" Shay stopped as he noticed Lulu on Hunter's back. "Lulu!"
Kite saw her as well, and both brothers started glaring at Hunter. Admittedly, with no context on the situation, the Heroic user could understand where they were coming from. Both brothers started to approach him.
Fortunately, Lulu also realized the situation. "Big brothers, wait! Hunter, that's his name, found me in an alleyway and has been looking after me. He was just taking me back to the tower."
Shay and Kite now approached him while seeming less likely to tear his head from his shoulders. Not that Hunter wouldn't fight to stop that from happening, but he'd prefer not to fight because he knew that would only cause more trouble.
Shay looked Hunter up and down. "Is this true?"
"Basically." Hunter nodded. "Lulu was in the alleyway but seemed to have a lapse in memory as we had to introduce ourselves twice. I swear I have not hurt her."
"You did not see anyone suspicious when you found Lulu?" Kite asked.
Hunter shook his head. "She was alone when I found her."
Shay and Kite looked at each other before nodding. Shay then took Lulu and put her on his back.
Kite said, "We thank you for looking after our sister."
The brothers walked off with Shay saying, "We owe you one."
Lulu looked back at Hunter and waved seeming both happy and sad.
Hunter waved back and mouthed some words hoping she could read his lips. 'Goodbye, new friend.'
Lulu smiled before turning around.
Hunter sighed and looked at the sky. "I should go find the others. No doubt Yuam's duel is over by now."
Guest: Yeah, his name was Lance, but in the spirit of doing this rewrite justice, I decided to rename him completely.
