Hunter's Room

Hunter entered his room only to see Astral talking to Yuma who had been sleeping.

"Did you know there is a boy called the Sparrow, and that he is from a different world like me?" Astral questioned.

"Yeah, he's from the planet Vortexia or something." Yuma stated.

Astral asked, "Where is that?"

It was at this moment that Hunter decided to interject. "Astral, that show you were watching, The Sparrow, is made up. He's not real. None of it is."

Astral looked at him. "What do you mean?"

"Hm, how do I put this?" Hunter questioned. "Ah, imagine I told you the story of how Mr. Kay defeated me in a duel."

Astral tilted his head in confusion. "But you defeated Mr. Kay."

"Exactly." Hunter nodded. "The Sparrow, every episode, is a made-up story portrayed by people acting out events to entertain others. Clearly, it worked because you were greatly entertained."

Astral put a hand on his chin. "Fascinating. Observation number 5: Humans create many things to entertain one another."

"Can't we just go to bed already?" Yuma whined. "I'm tired."

Yuto entered the room. "That's a shame since mom has a snack for us in the kitchen."

Yuma bolted to a sitting position. "A snack!?"

Yuto nodded. "I smelt cookies."

"Cookies!" Yuma cheered as he ran from the room seemingly wide awake now.

Hunter and Yuto chuckled while Astral, despite knowing the truth, sat on the ground to watch the next show.

Heartland Academy: Monday, End of the Day…

Hunter was being chased by his fan girls. Ever since he arrived with Yuma and Yuto, he's been running to his next classes; however, this wasn't an abnormal experience. Besides the occasional 'Don't run in the halls' the teachers hadn't done anything for him.

Except for Mr. Kay who let him hide out in his office during free period and lunch. That had been nice. Eventually, he got a good enough gap that he could leap into a tree which concealed him well enough.

Hunter watched as the stampede of girls ran by before jumping down to the ground. "Okay, I think I lost them."

"Your fan girls?" Hunter jumped clear to the right as he didn't recognize Tori's voice at first, but he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw it was her. "Wow, I didn't realize they made you this jumpy."

"You have no idea." Hunter frantically looked around. "I know they'll calm down eventually, they always do, so all I need to do is stay one step ahead."

"Well, there is a reason I came looking for you." Tori stated getting his attention. "I told Yuma about The Sparrow being down by the seaport. After some convincing…" She meant dragging and ordering. "…Yuma agreed to go."

"I'm in." Hunter started running for the gate just to get off school grounds before the girls found him. "In fact, we should go now!"

Studio

Tori, Yuma, Yuto, and Hunter stood at the back of a group of screaming fan girls. Tori turned out to be just as big of a fan girl as them.

"Are we the only guys here?" Yuma asked.

Hunter breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm just glad no one here is fan girling over me." He put a hand on his best friend's shoulder. "Please, let me enjoy this."

A tall figure in a dark red cloak recognized the voice and approached the group.

The figure put a hand on Hunter and Yuto's shoulder before speaking with a joyful tone. "You two have really grown since the last time I saw you."

The brothers looked back in shock as they recognized the medium length, spiky silver hair within the cowl. "Lloyd?" They smiled and hugged him. "Lloyd!"

Tori and Yuma looked at them uncertainly.

"Do you two know this person?" Tori asked concerned.

"We shouldn't talk in the open." Lloyd smiled as he parted from them. "Bring your friends, and I'll get us inside the studio."

"Don't worry Tori." Yuto assured. "Lloyd is cool."

Hunter nodded. "Yuto and I both know and trust him."

Back Entrance

Lloyd led the way to the back entrance before removing his cowl, so the security officer could get a good look at his silver hair and lime-green eyes.

"Mr. Andrews, you've returned." The officer looked at the middle schoolers. "Who are they?"

"These three are my guest." Lloyd smiled. "I plan on giving them a studio tour."

"Right, sir." The guard nodded. "Go on in."

Inside

Lloyd ditched his cloak revealing a white shirt underneath a red vest and red cargo pants. Tori was fan girling over the studio, so the others choose to ignore her.

Yuma turned to his other friends. "Alright, who is this guy?"

"This is Lloyd Andrews." Yuto introduced. "He was Nistro's student before Hunter and I, and on his way out shortly after we joined."

"He still showed us a thing or two." Hunter added. "On that note, it's so good to see you again. I honestly didn't think you'd be here."

"That's understandable." Lloyd chuckled. "I meant to contact you two; however, I hardly found the time. I was going to visit, but you showed up to my surprise."

"It was Tori's idea." Yuma stated. "She's a huge fan of your little brother."

Hunter nodded. "Oh yeah, your little brother. You never brought him around, but we've heard the stories. What's he really like?"

Just then, they heard The Sparrow from a room up ahead. "You lowly minions think you can defeat me? Think again."

"Why don't you find out." Lloyd stated. "Only you Hunter." The middle schoolers looked at him. "Trust me, it's better if he only comes into contact with one of you for now." Lloyd looked at Yuma, Yuto, and Tori. "Don't worry, I'll continue the tour with you three."

Yuma nodded. "If Lloyd thinks it's a good idea, you should go Hunter."

Tori sadly nodded. "I guess."

"Good luck." Yuto stated.

With no further prompting, the Heroic user walked into the room as Lloyd led his friends away, but Astral decided to stick with Hunter for the time being.

Inside the Room

Hunter entered the room and spotted The Sparrow who had his silver hair styled upwards and green eyes. His attire consists of a white spandex body suit and matching boots with different shades of blue and yellow trimming.

Hunter walked up to him. "Hello."

The Sparrow looked at him. "Who's there?" His voice wasn't deep as it had been seconds ago until he cleared his throat. "I mean… Halt, who goes there?"

Hunter held up his hand. "Name's Hunter. I got a tour from your older brother. He's an old friend of myself and my brother. He wanted me to meet you."

The Sparrow looked at Hunter before jumping and landing before him. "You and your sibling are friends of my brother?" He looked at Hunter. "Is your brother Yuto?"

Hunter nodded. "Yep."

The Sparrow smiled. "That's so cool!" He realized his mistake again and cleared his throat once more. "You wouldn't happen to be a duelist?"

"Best at my school." Hunter replied.

The Sparrow nodded. "Then, I would like to challenge you to a lavish duel."

"You're speaking my language." Hunter smiled. "Let's duel now."

"You mean it!?" The Sparrow questioned in his normal voice.

He went to clear his throat, but Hunter put a hand on his shoulder. "Come on man, we aren't on camera. Just be yourself."

The Sparrow nervously chuckled and rubbed the back of his head as he spoke normally. "That's easy for you to say. You're clearly very confident in yourself while I'm just a normal kid from the suburbs. I like video games, comics, and pizza.

I'm not some monster busting freedom fighter." He removed his mask and fixed his hair. "I can't even talk to girls without getting nervous." He sadly looked at the ground. "It's not like anyone would be interested in knowing the real me."

"Hey, I like who you really are far better than some T.V. personality, and I know there would be others who'd love to know the real you. This you." Hunter stated firmly.

The Sparrow looked up hopefully before walking over and clasping the Heroic duelist's hand. "You're the first person who's ever said that to me. Hold on, there's something I wish to try." He cleared his throat but spoke normally after. "It is nice to meet you, I am Nelson."

Hunter laughed good naturedly. "That was good. It is nice to meet you as well Nelson. As I said, name's Hunter, and I'd like to get to know you more through a duel."

Nelson nodded.

"Observation number 6: Hunter displays overconfidence, heroism, and great kindness as his main traits. While the later two should work with the former, he is surrounded by people that seem to care greatly for him." Astral thought.

Suddenly, the door to the room opened and a woman with long, violet hair and lime-green eyes entered. Her attire consisted of a blue suit with a skirt.

"There you are." The woman looked at Hunter. "Who's this boy Nelson, and where's Lloyd? Your brother was supposed to get you for your next appointment. You're not to speak to anyone except for authorized personnel."

Astral stared at her. "It's the Galaxy Queen!"

Nelson looked at her. "I know mom, but…"

"But nothing." She interrupted. "If the people found out what kind of kid you really were, the illusion of The Sparrow would be shattered, and it's not just about you. Think about how many people depend on you being The Sparrow.

You're part of something much bigger than yourself. You need to remember that." She then began pushing Hunter towards the door. "I'm going to need you to leave. If you tell anyone you met Nelson, I'll make certain you never duel in this town again."

Hunter struggled without putting up a true fight because he did not want to hurt Nelson's mother "Come on, you don't have to do this. I won't say anything."

Nelson ran forward until he was behind his mother. "I'm sorry Hunter."

Hunter looked back at him with a smile. "You have nothing to apologize for Nelson. We'll have a duel someday, but you must stop letting others tell you who you should be. Start being who you want to be."

"I can't." Nelson looked at the ground sadly. "The Sparrow is more important that I. Nelson Andrews doesn't matter."

Ms. Andrews closed the door, but Hunter yelled. "Nelson, you matter to me! Not the Sparrow, but you!" He sighed. "I'm starting to make friends that are out of my reach. I haven't even heard from Lulu since the day we met." He looked to Astral. "Return to Yuma. Tell him I'm walking."

Hunter didn't wait for a reply as he walked off. Astral watched him go before floating off towards Yuma locating him through the pendent around his neck.

Apartment Balcony, Night…

Nelson now wore a blue, short-sleeved shirt, brown pants with two straps on the side of his hips, and matching shoes. He stared out over the city.

Lloyd walked out onto the balcony holding two cups. "Mom said no more soda." He winked at his brother. "So, let's not tell her. A little secret between brothers." He gave Nelson a glass, and the T.V. star accepted with a nod. "You know mom loves us, right?"

"I know." Nelson replied.

Lloyd sighed. "Look, Nelson. You don't have to be The Sparrow. You can be that normal kid you want to be. I mean, you've made more than enough money for mom to see you through normal schooling and beyond.

At this point, mom makes you do this because she thinks it makes you happy. As such, she uses justifications she thinks you have for doing this to motivate you. Those thoughts blind her to what you really want."

Nelson didn't look at him as he put a fake smile on his face. "I-I don't know what you're talking about. Who wants to be some normal kid? I'm perfectly happy being The Sparrow."

Lloyd sighed before drinking down his soda and ruffling Nelson's hair "I won't force you to give this up." He walked back inside decided to head into the city. "Just give it some thought." He looked back at Nelson, but his brother hadn't turned to him.

"I just want my brother to be happy. I guess… if this makes him happy, maybe I should support him. Stop fighting mother. I don't know." He walked through the apartment and out the door into the hall. "I don't know…"

Some Time Later…

Nelson had finished his glass of soda and was about to walk back in when he noticed a card on the ground.

The star set the glass down, walked over, and picked it up before being cloaked in dark energy as a deep voice spoke to him. "Nelson, let the Number take hold."

A green 83 appeared on the back of his left hand.

With Lloyd

Lloyd had his hands in the pockets as he walked along the sidewalk. He suddenly stopped when he noticed a card that seemed to be abandoned.

The Super Quant duelist picked it up before being cloaked in dark energy as a voice spoke to him. "Let the number take hold, Lloyd."

A red 57 appeared on the back of his right hand.

Heartland Academy, Next Day…

Tori, Yuma, Yuto, and Hunter were all gathered around watching the news. "Multiple eyewitnesses report that the assailant was none other than The Sparrow. The hero of the popular T.V series. We now…"

Hunter switched the thing off.

"This is awful." Tori lamented. "Someone out there is trying to make The Sparrow look bad."

Streets of Heartland, Night…

The quartet walked along with flashlights.

"What are we doing out here Tori?" Yuma questioned.

"We're out here to prove The Sparrow's innocence. Tying random people up and flipping over cars? The Sparrow would never do anything like that." Tori stated.

"She is right that this is something Nelson wouldn't do. The only explanation I can think of is a Number." Hunter deduced. "Nelson's mind was on being The Sparrow, and a Number would amplify that."

The group heard a man scream. "Help!"

The middle schoolers instantly rushed off towards the voice where they found a civilian tied up.

"Are you okay sir?" Yuto asked.

"Some odd ball wearing a cape came out of nowhere." The civilian explained as Yuto started to free him.

Astral pointed out a figure dressed in The Sparrow's clothing. "Over there!"

Yuma and Hunter ran after him. "Hey you! Stop!"

Nelson jumped up to a higher level as the pair ran into the alley.

"Nelson, just stop man!" Hunter shouted.

Nelson looked back at them. "Hunter… just stay away from me."

The Sparrow started to jump away, so Hunter turned to Yuma. "I'm going after him. It's likely he's returning to the studio so meet me there."

Yuma nodded as Hunter went after The Sparrow. Tori and Yuto soon ran into the alleyway only to find Yuma.

"Where are they?" Yuto asked.

"Hunter has given chase." Yuma walked past them. "Come on, we need to hurry."

"Right." Tori stated.

Lloyd stepped out from around the corner. "Hunter may have gotten away, but you three will remain here. I'll make sure of that. No one else will interrupt what my brother wants. He will be happy."

Yuma was about to speak until Astral appeared next to him. "Yuma, these brothers both have Numbers. Don't worry about Hunter. He should be fine. You should focus on getting this Number from Lloyd to free him."

"Alright Astral, but I'm planning on taking this guy down fast." Yuma declared.

Tori looked at the Syllable duelist. "Yuma?"

"Tori, Yuto, I'm going to take this guy on." Yuma looked at her. "If you want to go after Hunter, wait until the duel's started."

They looked from Lloyd to Yuma.

"I think Hunter will be okay." Tori stated.

"Yeah, he's one of the most skilled duelists I know." Yuto added.

Yuma nodded before turning to Lloyd. "Since you're determined to stand in our way, I'll take you down and restore your state of mind because I'm feeling the flow."

"All you will feel is defeat." Lloyd declared.

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Yuma 4000/Lloyd 4000)

"Alright Yuma. we cannot allow for any mistakes." Astral decided to try what Hunter said. "That is why I am asking that we work together to best this duelist."

Yuma narrowed his eyes before sighing. "Fine." He looked at Lloyd. "Since you challenged me, I'll take the first move."

"Yuma think before you play." Astral advised. "Look at your hand and plan."

Yuma took a deep breath and looked over his hand. "I summon Achacha Archer(LV 3/1200/600)." A warrior decked out in archer armor and wielding a bow appeared. "When he is normal summoned, you take 500 life points (Yuma 4000/Lloyd 3500). I then set one card."

"Alright Yuma!" Tori cheered.

"I don't know if we should be celebrating." Yuto commented. "Playing his archer in face down defense mode could have still been the better move."

"I've seen better." Lloyd stated. "Allow me to show you how a real duelist takes his first turn. Since I control no monsters, I can special summon Super Quantum Red Layer(LV 5/2000/800)." A warrior in red armor appeared.

"This isn't good." Astral stated.

I then normal summon Star Drawing(LV 4/1600/1000)." A child with a star wand appeared. "Since I normal summoned a level 4 monster, I can special summon Kagetokage(LV 4/1100/1500)." A shadow lizard in the ground appeared. Red Layer will attack Achacha Archer."

"Yuma activate your trap." Astral declared.

"I activate Bye Bye Damage." Yuma countered. "My monster can't be destroyed by this battle and any damage I take gets dealt double to you as effect damage (Yuma 3200/Lloyd 2400)."

"Very well." Lloyd stated. "My Star Drawing will destroy your Archer (Yuma 2800/Lloyd 2400). Then, my Kagetokage will attack you directly (Yuma 1700/Lloyd 2400)."

"Lloyd is certainly skilled." Astral stated. "He hasn't even used an Xyz monster, yet he's already dealt so much damage to our life points."

Yuma smiled. "It doesn't matter how many life points he takes because I am feeling the flow!"

He drew and Astral said, "Go with a combo that gets two monsters on the field. The sooner we can get a Number out, the safer we'll be against his Number."

"Got it, Astral." Yuma looked at his hand. "I summon Zubaba Knight(LV 3/1600/900)." A warrior decked out in yellow armor appeared. "I then activate Monster Slots. Here's how it works. I target a monster on my field and in the grave.

Then by banishing the monster in the grave, I can draw a card. If it's the same level as the monster on the field, I can summon it. So, I banish Achacha Archer and target Zubaba Knight. Now, I draw." The Syllable duelist smiled at what he drew.

"I drew Rai Rider(LV 3/1200/1400) who I can now special summon." A biker atop a blue motorcycle appeared. "With Rai Rider and Zubaba Knight, I construct the overlay network. Xyz Summon Number 17: Leviathan Dragon(R 3/O 2/2000/0)."

The large, blue serpent like dragon appeared. "I then detach one of his overlay units which grants Number 17 500 more ATK." Number 17:Leviathan Dragon(R 3/O 1/2500/0 effect). "I'll have my dragon destroy your Red Layer (Yuma 1700/Lloyd 1900). I end my turn."

Lloyd drew. "I normal summon a second Star Drawing(LV 4/1600/1000) and special summon another Kagetokage(LV 4/1100/1500) through his effect." A red number 57 appeared on his right hand. "I now construct the overlay network with two Star Drawings and Kagetokage.

Xyz summon Number 57:Tri-Head Dust Dragon(R 4/O 3/100/2600)." A three headed Dragon made of dust appeared. "When he is summoned this way, Number 57 gains ATK equal to the ATK of a monster on your field. Leviathan Dragon is your only monster."

Number 57:Tri-Head Dust Dragon(R 4/O 3/2600/2600 effect). "Both Star Drawings activate. Since they were used for an Xyz summon, each allows me to draw 1 card. Number 57 will destroy 17 (Yuma 1600/Lloyd 2400). Kagetokage will attack you directly."

(Yuma 500/Lloyd 2400)."

Yuma was knocked down by the attack as Astral began to fade in and out.

"Yuma get up!" Tori shouted.

Yuma sprang to his feet before looking at Astral. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Astral stabilized before looking to the Syllable duelist. "Yuma, this next turn is important. If you don't draw something that can win this duel, or buy one more turn, we will lose. Those two monsters in your hands won't hold up."

Yuma nodded. "Don't worry Astral because I got this." He drew. "I'm seriously feeling the flow!" He smiled. "Just what I needed. I summon Goblindbergh(LV 4/1400/0)." A goblin in a red plane appeared.

"Goblindbergh's ability allows me to special summon a level four or lower monster from my hand provided I switch him to defense mode. So, welcome to the field Gagaga Magician(LV 4/1500/1000)." A spellcaster in blue and brown robes appeared.

"Now I build the overlay network with my Level 4 Goblindbergh and Gaga Magician to Xyz summon Number39:Utopia(R 4/O 2/2500/2000)." The white and gold Number appeared on the field.

"That monster isn't strong enough to surpass 57, and even attacking Kagetokage won't win you this duel." Lloyd declared.

"I know, but I have just the combo to end this. It starts with an attack on number 57 only for me to activate Utopia's ability. At the cost of one overlay unit, I can negate any attack." Yuma declared.

Lloyd was confused. "Why would you do that?"

Yuma smiled. "It's because the last card in my hand is Double or Nothing. Since Utopia's attack was stopped, he can attack once more; however, his ATK is doubled." Number 39:Utopia(R 4/O 1/5000/2000 effect). "Go Rising Sun Slash!"

Lloyd stared up at Utopia in shock. "I'm sorry Nelson."

Utopia struck Number 57 down to its core destroying it (Yuma 500/Lloyd 0).

"He did it." Tori sighed relieved. "He won."

"Yeah, looks like Yuma's really improved." Yuto commented.

Astral held out his hand and claimed number 57 from Lloyd's body. He then saw the memory of his own birth.

The other worldly duelist decided to internalize this information as he turned to Yuma. "This duel. The Number. His desire. Yuma, it seemed as if Lloyd condoned what Nelson's doing. That he wanted to protect him. Why is that?"

Yuma looked at Astral. "That's the power of familial love Astral."

"Familial love?" Astral questioned.

Yuma nodded. "Well, yeah." He looked at Lloyd's body. "Lloyd loves his brother and is really worried about him. Based on what Hunter said, Nelson is unhappy as The Sparrow. He just doesn't want to admit it. I bet that made his true desire for Nelson confusing."

"Interesting." Astral thought."Observation Number 7: Familial connections are strange, yet humans seem to greatly value them."

"My head." Lloyd stat up. "What happened?" He noticed Yuma. "Yuma?" He looked around. "What am I doing here?"

Yuma ran over. "That's a long story and doesn't really matter. What does matter is that your brother needs you."

"Needs…" Lloyd suddenly remembered. "Nelson!" He jumped to his feet. "What was I thinking when I encouraged this? I must have been out of my mind!"

"Is Lloyd okay?" Tori asked.

"He's fine." Yuma replied before looking at the Super Quant user. "Hunter seems to think Nelson was heading back to the studio and gave chase."

"We must hurry." Lloyd ran out of the alleyway. "Something is wrong with my little brother."

The three middle schoolers followed.

Studio

Someone, likely his mother, made sure Nelson was physically fit because he'd kept the same distance between himself and the Heroic user the entire time. Hunter was in no way lazy or a slouch. Eventually, he followed Nelson onto the set of the show.

Nelson turned on the lights before facing Hunter and speaking as The Sparrow. "I told you to stay away, yet you insisted on following me."

"Of course, I followed you. One of my buds was running around dressed in costume and harassing citizens." Hunter stated. "Any good friend would be concerned."

"I see now. You are here to impede my promise to the Galaxy Queen. The Dark Emperor, Furious Max, has recruited the warrior of justice, Hunter. Do not worry, for The Sparrow shall free you." Nelson declared.

Hunter firmly stood his ground. "You are wrong Nelson because I shall be the one to free you. I challenge you to a duel."

Nelson smiled. "I accept your challenge."

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Hunter 4000/Nelson 4000)

"Alright, let's do this." Nelson declared. "I summon Beast-Warrior Puma(LV 4/1600/1000)." A puma on two legs and with a sword appeared. "I end my turn with a face down."

Hunter drew. "Since you control a monster, and I don't, I can special summon Heroic Challenger-Assault Halberd(LV 4/1800/200)." A warrior in dark purple and blue armor appeared. "I then normal summon Heroic Challenger-Ambush Soldier(0/0) in defense mode." A hero wearing light armor and a green trench coat appeared. "Halberd will attack Puma."

"You walked right into my trap." Nelson declared activating his trap card. "Since I have three copies of Triple Star Trion(LV 1/100/100) in my hand, I can activate Trion Barrier forcing your Halberd to defense mode. Then, I can summon my three Trion to the field."

Three warriors with blue, green, and red clothing appeared. On their robes, were 1, 2, and 3 stars respectively.

"Three level one monsters at once." Hunter looked at Nelson. "I set one card."

"My turn!" Nelson drew. "I release two Trions to tribute summon D.D. Esper Star Sparrow(LV 10/3000/1500)." A black as night version of Nelson in an altered Sparrow costume appeared.

"Nice try, but I'm not allowing you to keep that monster." Hunter interjected. "I activate Karma Cut. By discarding one card, I can target a monster on your field, and banish it. Say goodbye to Star Sparrow."

Nelson was shocked. "No, Star Sparrow isn't protected by his own effect and banishing him makes his second effect useless. In just one turn you have dispatched a key component of my deck. Clearly, Furious Max has been training you well, but I refuse to give up.

I activate my Trion's special ability. Since they were used for a tribute summon, I'm allowed to return the two used giving me three LV 1 monsters. With all three, I build the overlay network to Xyz summon Number 83:Galaxy Queen(R 1/O 3/500/500) in defense mode."

A tall woman with a blue outfit and finery appeared. "By removing an overlay unit, every monster on my field is immune to destruction until my next Stand-By Phase, and all monsters deal damage to even your defense monsters. Puma destroy Ambush."

(Hunter 2400/Nelson 4000).

Number 83:Galaxy Queen(R 1/O 2/500/500)

Hunter drew. "I summon a second Heroic Challenger-Assault Halberd(LV 4/1800/300)." Now I overlay my two Assault Halberds to Xyz summon Heroic Champion-Atlantis(R 4/O 2/2000/1000)." A blue armored warrior with a trident appeared.

"By removing one overlay unit, one warrior monster I control can attack you directly; however, no other monsters I control can attack." Heroic Champion-Atlantis(R 4/O 1/2000/1000). "Now, Atlantis will attack you directly (Hunter 2400/Nelson 2000). I then set one card."

It was at this moment that Ms. Andrews appeared. "What is going on? Why are you…" She had at first fixated on Hunter, but quickly noticed her son. "Nelson, is that you? What are you doing here? It's past your bedtime. How did you get past the guards? Explain yourself young man."

Nelson looked at her. "Are you speaking to me?"

"I think that is hardly the tone one should use when addressing their mother." Ms. Andrews firmly stated.

"I think you are mistaken as my mother is right behind me." Nelson stated referring to the Number.

Before Ms. Andrews could speak again, Hunter interrupted her. "Ms. Andrews, your son can't determine his own life from that of the fictional Sparrow. You pressured him to suppress who he really wanted to be, so he thinks he's the Sparrow. Only the Sparrow."

"This can't be." She looked to her son in shock. "Nelson, you are in big trouble young man!"

Hunter tightly clenched his fist. "Look at your son. Do you even know what he wants to be? He wants to be a normal kid. He wants to eat pizza, play games, and read comics. He wants to have friends. He doesn't even want to be The Sparrow anymore. It only brings him sadness."

"Enough! We are going to continue this duel." Nelson drew. "I'm able to equip any monster on my field with a D.D. Esper Star Sparrow if it comes from my deck. I do always carry a second, so I'll equip it to Beast Warrior Puma(LV 4/4600/2500 effect)."

Hunter was genuinely amazed at such a move. "That is something else."

"Puma will destroy your Atlantis." Nelson declared.

"No, he won't because I activate my face down Battleguard Howling." Hunter countered. "Since you're targeting my monster with an attack, this card allows me to target one monster you control, deal you damage equal to its original ATK, and return it to the hand. I target Puma."

(Hunter 2400/Nelson 400)

"Very well, I activate my Queen's ability once more. Removing one unit to prevent you from destroying either monster through battle or card effect. Take your last move, for you shall not get another."

Number 83:Galaxy Queen(R 1/O 1/500/500)

Ms. Andrews was genuinely worried. "Nelson, I don't like this. You never wanted to use the Sparrow's deck. You always wanted to use your real deck in a genuine duel. Listen to me. We're going back to the room, and we'll get some ice cream."

"That's enough." Nelson held out his arm. "I must be The Sparrow. Do you have any idea how many people are depending on me?"

Ms. Andrews sighed sadly. "Nelson…"

"You seem to have spaced the fact that Atlantis still has one more overlay unit, and I'm detaching it now." Heroic Champion-Atlantis(R 4/O 0/2000/1000). "Atlantis will then finish this with a direct attack (Hunter 2400/Nelson 0)!"

Nelson was blown back causing Ms. Andrew to worriedly shout, "Nelson, no!"

The Number rose from Nelson and entered Hunter's pendent. Ms. Andrews walked up to her son's body as Yuma, Lloyd, and Tori finally made it to the studio. Lloyd saw his brother down and ran to join his mother.

"Mom!" Lloyd looked from her to Nelson.

Ms. Andrew looked at the Super Quant user before lightly touching Nelson's face waking him up. "Mom… Lloyd…." He sat up. "I don't know what happened."

"Don't worry. It's over now." Ms. Andrews sadly looked away from him. "Nelson, I'm sorry I've been pushing you. I just wanted you to be happy, but my vision of what that was got clouded. I should have realized you'd want to be normal."

Nelson quietly said, "It's okay."

"I want you to be yourself. I really do. So, what would make you genuinely happy? Tell me, and I will do it." Ms. Andrews stated.

"I want… I want to end The Sparrow and attend school with my new friend Hunter." Nelson stated. "I want you, me, and Lloyd to live in a normal home. To be together as a family again."

Ms. Andrews nodded. "You got it Nelson. Leave it to your mother."

Nelson smiled. "Thank you, mom."

Lloyd crouched down on his other side placing a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry about us being together." He shook his head. "I don't have any plans to leave on another, extended trip."

Yuma pictured his mom, and it started to bring tears to his eye.

Yuto patted his back. "Come on, they should be left to their moment."

Yuma smiled. "Right."

Hunter nodded in agreement. "Best to let them have this time to themselves."

"Observation number 8: Familial bonds are strong. Very strong." Astral looked at the roof of the building. "That memory after obtaining 57… I am entrusted with my world's future."

The otherworldly duelist closed his eyes before floating after the middle schoolers.

Heartland Academy: Days Later, Morning…

Hunter rode through the gate with Yuma, and the pair were arriving early. That was a pleasant surprise considering they always seemed to arrive just on time. Hunter stopped the bike as both he and Yuma noticed a group of fan girls surrounding a new student, Nelson.

The former actor smiled nervously. "You're all very nice, but I was kind of hoping my first day would be normal."

"He's so cute in person."

"We loved the end of your series."

"It was so heartwarming."

Hunter stopped and looked at Yuma. "You go on ahead. Looks like Nelson's going to need someone to mentor him on how to deal with fan girls."

"Got it." Yuma hopped down and ran off. "Good luck!"

Hunter kicked his stand down before running over to the group of girls and jumped over them. He landed in the middle of the group next to Nelson.

"Look, it's Hunter."

"That was so cool."

Hunter didn't pay them any mind as he looked at Nelson. "I got you."

The Heroic user grabbed Nelson and jumped out of the group before running to his bike.

"Wait, what's going on!?" Nelson asked confused. "What are we doing?"

"I'll tell you more, but we must outrun them first." Hunter was referring to the fan girls who were chasing them. "Hop on the pegs and hold onto my shoulders."

The Heroic duelist got on his bike as Nelson jumped onto the back gripping his shoulders. Hunter then sped off down the path.

Roof of the Academy, Later…

After riding around the school, a couple of times, Hunter left his bike on the rack and took Nelson through the school straight to the roof where they were alone. As they rode and ran, Hunter had filled him in on certain things alleviating his confusion.

Nelson looked at Hunter gratefully. "I did not know the fan girl situation would be so concentrated." He nodded. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it." Hunter nodded. "I've been dealing with fan girls, without security, since the first day of middle school." He patted Nelson on the back. "Stick with me, and you'll become a master of evasion. Now, do you have your schedule?"

Nelson pulled a folded piece of paper out of his pocket and handed it over. "It's right here."

Hunter looked it over. "Good, we got every class together." He gave it back to Nelson. "This gives me the full day to show you the best way to avoid the fan girls."

Nelson gave a small, slightly embarrassed smiled. "Thanks Hunter."

"What are friends for?" Hunter moved towards the door. "On that note, we should go. Class will start soon."

Nelson nodded. "Right."

Dueling Period

In a surprising change of pace, Tori walked out onto the duel field alone, but it wasn't long before she spotted Nelson. The former actor was looking around at the duels in amazement. While Tori still loved the Sparrow, getting to know the boy behind the mask calmed her down.

"Wow, this is everything I dreamed it'd be." Nelson commented.

"Glad to see you, Nelson." Tori greeted.

"Oh, hello Tori." Nelson greeted back warmly. "I was hoping to see Hunter, but since he's not out here, would you mind being my first, real duel opponent?" He looked at his deck. "I want to try the deck I've put together myself."

"Sure, I'll duel you." Tori smiled. "Though, the way you talk makes it sound like that's not the deck you used against Hunter. What happened to it?"

"That deck was made when The Sparrow started to become popular and given to me in case I had to duel. Now, that old deck is scheduled to enter a museum over in America along with my costume." He rubbed his head. "Turns out my show was just as popular there as it was here."

Tori nodded. "Alright, let's find an area to duel in."

"Thank you, Tori." Nelson smiled. "I will try my best." They walked off. "So, why aren't the fan girls swarming me like they usually do?"

"This and lunch are a favorable time to relax." Tori replied. "According to Hunter, those and the times he can be around us are the only times he can truly relax."

They found a place to duel and faced off.

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Tori 4000/Nelson 4000)

"Since you challenged me, I'll take the first turn." Tori declared.

"Go right ahead." Nelson stated.

"I'm activating my Summon Storm. By giving up 800 life points, I can special summon a level 6 or lower wind attributed monster from my hand (Torie 3200/Nelson 4000). I choose Gusto Griffin(LV 2/800/800)." A green griffin in armor appeared.

"Then, I'll normal summon a second Gusto Griffin(LV 2/800/800). Now, I overlay my two monsters. Xyz summon Daigusto Sephyra(R2/O2/500/800)." A woman with long green hair in a set of gray armor appeared. "With that, I'll end my turn. Your move Nelson."

"A Rank 2 monster likely means trouble." Nelson drew. "I normal summon Bujin Torifune(LV 4/1500/500)." A white and gold armored monster appeared. "Then, by tributing Torifune, I can special summon two Bujin monster from my deck, of different types, in defense mode.

I'm choosing Bujingi Fox(LV 4/200/2100) and Bujin Yamato(LV 4/1800/200)." A glowing, yellow fox appeared alongside a dark red suit of armor filled with that same energy. "Now, I overlay my two level 4 monsters.

Xyz summon Bujintei Kagutsuchi(R 4/O2/2500/2000)." A suit of dark blue armor bursting with light blue energy appeared. "When this card is Xyz summoned, I must send the top five cards of my deck to the grave.

In exchange, for every Bujin card sent to the grave, he gains 100 ATK." Nelson milled five Bujin monsters. "Five cards means 500 ATK." Bujintei Kagutsuchi(R 4/O2/3000/2000 effect). "Kagutsuchi, attack Sphyra!"

"Nice try Nelson, but it's not going to be that easy." Tori declared. "By detaching one overlay unit from Daigusto Sephyra(R2/O1/500/800), she's not destroyed by battle, and you take all the battle damage I would have taken from that battle."

"So that's her effect." Nelson smiled. "While it is a powerful one, my deck is equipped to handle it. I activate the effect of Bujingi Fox from my grave. By banishing him and sending 1 Bujin monster from my hand to the grave, I take no damage this turn."

"I activate the secondary effect of Sephyra which only activates if her prior effect is activated." Tori declared. "By taking half the damage I was supposed to from battle, this card negates one monster, spell, or trap and banishes the card meaning you still take the prior damage."

(Tori 1950/Nelson 1500)

"Alright, I end my turn." Nelson stated.

"I draw!" Tori drew. "I'll have Daigusto Sephyra(R 2/O0/500/800) attack your Kagutsuchi while detaching her last overlay unit to activate her prior effect meaning you're taking the battle damage."

"Even if I lose, I'll make sure it's not by a wide margin, or you're not attacking." Nelson declared. "Since you're targeting a Beast-Warrior Bujin, I can discard Bujingi Crow negating the attack and dealing you damage equal to half your monster's ATK."

"I activate Sephyra's effect taking on half the battle damage I was supposed to receive to negate and banish your Bujingi Crow. That means you still take the full battle damage (Tori 700/Nelson 0) Winner: Tori."

"I lost." Nelson laughed. "That was great!"

"You dueled really well Nelson." Tori smiled genuinely as she walked over. "For your first, real duel, that was great."


Do keep in mind that for certain decks without the greatest support or certain extra deck methods already available I will be utilizing OC cards. Keep in mind that I said mostly keep from changing up decks. Nelson is an exception to this, but rest assured that his deck is now Bunjin, and that is what it will stay.


Martin: Yes he will be.