Alleyway
A man with short black hair and hazel eyes had mugged a lady. His attire consisted of a black, long-sleeved shirt with matching pants. He was now laying low while tallying up his take which wasn't much.
"Damn those cops." The man spat venomously as a purple 56 glowed through his sleeve. "Because of them, this is all I could get away with."
A young man with light blue-grey eyes, pale skin, and blonde hair that curled up in a point stood on a nearby roof having locked his sights on the man rummaging through the items. The young man on the roof was in fact Kite Tenjo. The very same Kite that Hunter briefly met weeks ago.
"Number confirmed." Kite stated. "Time to spread our wings."
He was speaking to a white robot. "You got it boss."
The robot became a set of wings on his back allowing Kite to glide down to the street at the start of the alleyway. The moment he touched down, time slowed for all but Kite and the man. He started to walk down the alley while whistling a heavenly tune.
This got the man's attention. "Who are you?"
"Such questions are irrelevant punk." Kite stated firmly. "What I do is what should be relevant to you. I hunt Numbers."
"Numbers?" The man questioned before pulling out Number 56. "Is this what you're talking about?"
"That is exactly what I'm after." Kite smiled. "Here's how this is going to work. You and I are going to duel. I win, and I get your Number. You win, and I'll give you one of mine. Of course, I won't be losing."
"He isn't lying." Orbital declared before launching out a D-pad.
"Now then, you don't mind if I change, do you?" Kite asked before his clothes glowed with a bright light. "Go, Photon Transformation!" He put the D-pad on his right arm, his clothes became white, and a tattoo appeared over his left eye. "There, I'm quite comfortable now."
Streets, Some Time Later…
Yuma was running late. He was supposed to be at the mall 10 minutes ago to meet up with Hunter, Yuto, and Tori. He was currently running along the sidewalk when Astral suddenly appeared looking at the sky.
"Yuma?" Astral questioned. "Is it normal for Humans to fly?"
"What are you talking about Astral. People don't…" Yuma stopped and looked at the sky only to see Kite flying away after having collected a Number. "I have no idea what that is, but humans don't usually fly."
They heard the distant sounds of police sirens, and Yuma decided to check it out. He came to the alleyway and noticed a man laid out on the ground. The guy's hair was pure white, and he looked like he'd seen a ghost.
"What in the world?" Yuma questioned.
Mall
Tori, Yuto, and Hunter had been waiting on Yuma, but now they were among the crowd looking at a report of the current scene going on in the mall. "We're here at Heartland Shopping Center where an unknown individual has blockaded all access points to the top floor. We understand…"
A litterbot fell from the top floor crashing into the ground. "Trash identified. Trash identified. Trash identified."
"This is serious." Hunter stated as he was about to run out there.
"Hunter calm down." Tori grabbed his arm. "The police are here, and the last thing they need is for you to go running up there."
"Yeah bro." Yuto stated. "Sometimes it is better to take no action than an action that would lead to a bad end."
Hunter relaxed. "You two are right, but I don't have to be happy about it."
Tori let go, and Hunter put his hands in his pocket.
High Roof Looking Down
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 looked down on the scene with his yellow-green eyes. This was Shay Obsidian who Hunter met at the same time as Kite.
"Number confirmed." Shay stated before jumping down.
He engaged the pack on his back-causing wings to pop out as he flew down to the mall.
Inside
The criminal in question was a punk with black and blond hair. "Times up! Where's my helecop…"
He stopped as Shay came crashing through the skylight. When he landed, time slowed within the mall leaving three people unaffected.
Ground Floor
Hunter looked around noticing that everyone was frozen including his brother and Tori.
He waved his hand in front of her face. "Tori?"
He looked around before turning his attention to the screen which displayed the punk clearly. The Heroic duelist noticed a red 24 on the man's right arm.
"A Number!" Hunter declared. "Those haven't been shown to freeze time." He shook his head. "Whatever. I need to get up there because that's likely where I'll find answers."
Top Floor
"What's happening here?" The punk was freaked out. "How come no one's moving?" He looked at Shay. "You're still moving, so you must be the one behind this."
"Seems as though your education was top notch." Shay sarcastically stated. "Those are wonderful critical thinking skills you have."
The thug pointed his bat at him. "Don't mock me."
"Well, I could mock you all day, but let's move past it to get down to business." Shay stated seriously. "I'm here hunting Numbers, and you got one. That's why I will take it after defeating you in a duel."
"So, this is what you're after." The man took out Number 24. "If you're after it, you must have some of your own. If I'm putting this on the line, you're doing the same."
"That's fine because I don't intend on losing." Shay glowed white. "Go, Photon Transformation!" His D-pad turned on, a purple tattoo appeared over his right eye, and his clothing changed to white and blue. "Let's get this over with."
A Short While Later…
Current Field
(Shay 4000/Punk 1200)
Shay
Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon – Airraid(R 6/O 2/2000/3000)
A black machine-like raptor floated on Shay's field.
Punk
Number 24: Dragulas the Vampiric Dragon(R 6/O 2/2400/2800)
A black, silver, and red dragon stood on the punk's field. "That the best you got? Looks like you're losing steam."
"You haven't seen my raptor's ability." Shay stated. "By detaching an overlay unit, I destroy a monster on your field and deal half its ATK as damage (Shay 4000/Punk 0)." The punk was blown onto his back, and Shay held out his right arm. "Now, to claim my prize."
A glowing hand shot out entering the man and forcibly withdrawing Number 24. Shay nodded before tucking the card away. It was at this moment that Hunter jumped over the barricade finding the punk laid out on the ground. He now looked old with white hair and was frozen.
The Heroic duelist then noticed he was one of Lulu's older brothers. "Shay? What is going on here?"
"Everything is currently moving at one ten thousandth its normal speed." Shay explained. "This is a duel field that the pack on my back generates and only those with a Number could move. Since you have a number…" He shot forth a crimson tether that wrapped around Hunter's wrist. "…we must duel."
Hunter tried to move his left wrist away as the cord vanished, but he couldn't get far. "Shay… you're after the Numbers and forcing people into these duels." He looked at the punk. "Did you… did you do that to him?"
"We're dueling for Numbers. When you lose, your soul and Number will be forfeited." Shay stated. "Now, cut the chatter because the only way you're getting out of this is by winning."
"Very well." Hunter grit his teeth. "If you want to lose that badly, I'm happy to oblige. I'll beat you to get answers to every question I have."
D-pad go
Duel Gazer on
Augmented vision link established
(Hunter 4000/Shay 4000)
"I will go first." Shay declared. "I summon Raidraptor-Avenge Vulture(LV 4/1700/100)." A brown and black machine raptor appeared.
"Raidraptor?" Hunter thought. "I've never heard of those monsters before."
Shay continued. "I now activate Raidraptor-Call to summon another Raidraptor-Avenge Vulture(LV 4/1700/100) from my deck. With these two monsters, I build the overlay network. Xyz summon Raidraptor-Force Strix(R 4/O 2/100/2000)." A brown raptor appeared.
"By detaching one overlay unit, I can add a Level 4 Dark Winged-Beast from my deck to my hand. I'll then equip Raidraptor-Force Strix(R 4/O 1/1100/2000 effect) with Raptor's Ultimate Mace granting him 1000 ATK. That will end my turn."
"My turn." Hunter drew. "Since you control a monster, and I don't, I can special summon Heroic Challenger-Assault Halberd(LV4/1800/300)." The warrior in dark purple armor and wielding a halberd appeared.
"I normal summon Heroic Challenger-Night Watchman(LV 4/1200/300)." The warrior in light armor with cape, small blade, and lantern appeared. "I then construct the overlay network with these monsters. Xyz summon Heroic Champion-Excalibur(R 4/O 2/2000/2000)."
The warrior decked out in red armor and wielding the famed blade appeared. "I detach both overlay units to activate Heroic Champion-Excalibur(R 4/O 0/4000/2000 effect)'s effect doubling his original ATK until the end of your next turn. He'll attack Force Strix."
"My monster may be destroyed, but Ultimate Mace sees me taking no battle damage." Shay interjected. "I also get to add a Rank-Up card from my deck to my hand."
"I set two cards." Hunter declared.
Shay drew. "First, I discard Raidraptor-Damage Lanius. This turn one instance of effect damage is reduced to 0. Then, I activate Rank-Up-Magic Soul Shave Force. Normally, this would half my life points, but you know why it doesn't.
Now for the important part. Soul Shave allows me to target a Raidraptor Xyz in my grave and Xyz summon a monster two ranks higher. I target Force Strix to Xyz summon Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon – Airraid(R 6/O 1/2000/3000)."
A large, black machine raptor appeared. "His effect activates upon being summon allowing me to target any monster you control, destroy it, and deal half its current ATK to you as damage. I target Excalibur."
"Not happening." Hunter interjected. "I activate Xyz Reflect. This trap takes any effect that targets an Xyz monster I control and negates it. The card with the effect is then destroyed and you are dealt 800 life points (Hunter 4000/Shay 3200)."
"When Raidraptor - Revolution Falcon – Airraid is destroyed, I'm allowed to special summon Raidraptor-Revolution Falcon(R 6/O 1/2000/3000) and Airriaid becomes an overly unit for him." A blue and black machine Raidraptor appeared.
"Damn it!" Hunter shouted. "I activate Karma Cut. If I discard one card, I can banish a monster on your field. Revolution Falcon is the only target."
"You're holding out better than the usual variety, but my deck has more." Shay declared. "I summon Raidraptor-Vanishing Lanius(LV 4/1300/1600)." A green and blue machine raptor appeared. "If he's summoned, a Level 4 or lower Raidraptor can be summoned from my hand.
I choose a second Raidraptor-Vanishing Lanius(LV 4/1300/1600). I can then use this Vanishing Lanius to special summon another Raidraptor. I choose Raidraptor-Mimicry Lanius(LV 4/1100/1900)." A gold, blue, and silver raptor appeared. "
This one's special ability can increase the levels of all Raidraptors I currently control by one. This means I can construct the overlay network with my three level 5 Raidraptors. Xyz summon Raidraptor-Blaze Falcon(R 5/O 2/1000/2000)."A red and black machine raptor appeared.
"Since he has overlay units, my monster can attack you directly (Hunter 3000/Shay 3200). That's not all. When this card inflicts battle damage, I can destroy a monster on your field. Excalibur is the only target. Finally, I set one card."
Hunter grit his teeth and drew. "I special summon a second Heroic Challenger-Halberd(LV 4/1800/300) since I control no monsters and you do. I then normal summoned Heroic Challenger-Ambush Soldier(LV 1/0/0)." A warrior in light camo armor appeared.
"I activate his ability to tribute him and special summon two Heroic Challengers from my grave. I choose Heroic Challenger-Night Watchman(LV 4/1200/300) and Heroic Challenger-Assault Halberd(LV 4/1800/300)." With these three monsters I construct the overlay network.
Come forth Number 86:Heroic Champion – Rhongomyniad(R 4/O 3/3000/3000)." The white and gold warrior with a lance appeared. "With three overlay units, he can't be destroyed by battle, his ATK/DEF are 3000, and he is unaffected by card effects. He'll ATK Blaze Falcon."
"You monster is unaffected by card effects, but the same cannot be said for mine. I activate Raidraptor-Readiness. This card prevents the destruction of Raidraptor monsters for this turn. Then, since I have a Raidraptor in the grave, I can banish this card making all damage I take 0."
"He's countered almost every move I've made." Hunter was utterly shocked. "I… end my turn. With it, my Number loses an overlay unit as well as his protection from card effects."
Shay drew. "Since I control an Xyz monster, I can special summon Raidraptor-Singing Lanius(LV 4/100/100)." A small gold and black machine raptor appeared. "I'll then normal summon Raidraptor-Booster Strix(LV 4/100/1700)."
A small raptor completely encased in a larger blue and green machine appeared. "I overlay LV 4 Singing Lanius and Booster Strix to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Raidraptor-Blade Burner Falcon(R 4/O 2/1000/1000)." A silver and teal machine raptor appeared.
"I then activate Rank-Up-Magic Revolution Force allowing me to construct the overlay network with Blade Burner Falcon and Xyz summon the one rank higher Raid Raptor-Stranger Falcon(R 5/O 3/2000/2000)." A purple and yellow machine raptor appeared.
"Since this card has an Xyz monster as a material, I can detach an overlay unit and destroy a monster on your field. You then take damage equal to half their original ATK. Your Number 86 is in my sights (Hunter 2250/Shay 3200)."
"Yuma… Astral… I'm sorry." Hunter thought utterly shocked.
"Blade Burner Falcon and Blaze Falcon will then attack you directly (Hunter 0/Shay 3200)." Shay declared.
Near the Center
Yuma had almost made it to the mall when Astral suddenly cried out in pain falling to his knees.
The Syllable duelist looked at him concerned. "Astral, are you okay?"
"I'll be fine." Astral panted. "I can't say the same for Hunter. He's lost a Number duel."
"What!?" Yuma asked shocked. "Are you sure?"
Astral slowly floated up. "Positive." He pointed at the center. "If you don't believe me, you know where he is."
Without another word, Yuma continued running.
Inside: Top Floor
The red cord linking Shay and Hunter together dissolved into light particles before Hunter was knocked onto his back by the resulting attacks.
Shay held out his left hand as images of his first meeting with Hunter came to mind.
"We owe you one…"
More specifically, the kindness he had done him, Kite, and Hart by keeping Lulu safe.
"We owe you one…"
It would be so easy for him to take Hunter's Numbers.
"We owe you one…"
Shay grit his teeth as his hand wavered
"We owe you one…"
Eventually, Shay lowered his arm and clenched his fist.
The Number Hunter walked up to the downed Heroic user and held out his hand making it glow. "You can keep your soul and Numbers this time Hunter, but Kite and I no longer owe you anything. Neither of us will spare you again when we cross paths."
Shay lowered his arm, walked back, and activates his pack before flying through the hole he made. Hunter had seen the look in Shay's eyes. He was serious, and this caused the Heroic duelist to shake in fear as time flowed normally.
"Who is that?"
"That's a boy laid out."
"Get in there. He may need medical attention."
The police vaulted the barricade to check on both Hunter and the punk.
Heartland Tower
Shay walked into the lobby to find Kite waiting for him.
Immediately, The Galaxy-Eyes user noticed the frown. "What's wrong?"
Shay looked away. "Kite, I'm sorry."
Kite opened his eyes wide. "Did you lose one of your Numbers?"
"No." Shay shook his head and leaned in close. "That kid, Hunter, has a Number. What's more, he wasn't controlled. For all I know, he could have many."
"I see." Kite nodded. "Shay, you did the right thing letting him go."
Shay looked at him. "What about Hart and Lulu?"
"There will be other chances to get whatever Numbers he has. If you beat him once, one of us can beat him again. Right now, with everything our siblings must endure, we can't stand to be men who break our word." Kite patted Shay's back.
Shay nodded. "Thank you, Kite."
"Mr. Heartland won't hear anything from me." Kite stated firmly. "Now, come on."
Shay felt better about his choice knowing that Kite didn't hold it against him.
Control Room
Shay and Kite entered a room, with Orbital 7, which had monitors overseeing the operations of bombarding Astral World with the trash of their world. They were greeted by Mr. Heartland who wore a green suit which matched his hair.
"Did you boys retrieve any Numbers?" Mr. Heartland asked.
"We did." Kite closed his eyes. "A Number each."
"That is superb news." Mr. Heartland smiled as he approached them. "Especially for Heartland City. Your dueling skills will soon bring peace. So, how many numbers do you have now?"
"Orbital." Kite and Shay stated together.
Orbital saluted. "At once masters Kite and Shay." He displayed a grid of 100 slots and lit up 22 of them. "22 Number cards are in our possession. Masters Kite and Shay have collected 11 Numbers each."
"Wonderful!" Mr. Heartland stated. "That's almost 25% in such a short time. I knew I picked the right men for the job." Both men had their eyes closed. "What's wrong?" They opened their eyes. "Don't tell me you're upset at the souls you've been taking.
There's simply no way to avoid taking the soul of a Number keeper as the Number is tied to their life force. Hey, what's a few extra gray hairs? Plus, these Number keepers have it coming. They're a villainous lot that should be shown no mercy."
"Just promise us that once these Number cards are ours, Lulu and Hart will be okay." Shay firmly stated.
"Of course." He put a hand on their shoulders. "As I've told you both numerous times, your siblings will be cured."
"Okay." Kite and Shay simply stated before walking out.
Once they were gone, a man appeared as a hologram. He has pale skin, blond hair which curls in a point, and light purple eyes. His attire includes a black trench coat with a high collar, fingerless white glove on his right hand, and white pants with black boots.
"Dr. Faker, it is nice to see you." Mr. Heartland stated.
Dr. Faker was frowning. "Tell me Mr. Heartland, are Kite and Shay alright? I mean psychologically?"
Mr. Heartland smiled. "You have nothing to fear sir. They both have iron clad wills."
"What of Heart and Lulu?' Faker asked. "Are they physically okay?"
"Rest assured that they've received only the best care, sir." Heartland informed.
Faker nodded. "Do see to it that they continue to see each other. Having one another is all I can do as a father with everything I have put them through."
Heartland said, "Forgive me sir, but it almost sounds like you are wavering."
"Nonsense." Faker became stern. "I know the importance of what we are doing, and I expect Shay and Kite will hate me once this is over if they do not already. They have the right to after everything; however, the time to go back has long passed.
Now, I need to secure a future for my children where they can be together happy and healthy. Those that get in my way, will be crushed. That includes this envoy from Astral World. No one will stand in my way."
Mr. Heartland smiled. "I am glad to hear those words."
Raiden Residence: Hunter's Room, Evening…
Hunter was lying in bed just staring at the ceiling. This was how he's been since being brought home. He hadn't even changed out of his clothes and had only removed his shoes.
His mother knocked at the door. "Hunter? Honey, it's time for dinner."
Hunter didn't turn to the door. "I'm not hungry mom."
Zeera opened the door, turned on the lights, and walked over to the bed with Yuto following. "Alright, what's wrong?"
She looked over at a photo kept on her son's nightstand. It was of a man with short, silver hair, pale blue eyes, and the build of a runner. He had on a black D-pad with blue accents and matching duel gazer. His attire was a black sweater with blue jeans.
"You haven't been like this since your father passed away." Zeera continued. "Did that criminal say something to you? Hurt you?"
"I'm just… tired." Hunter sighed. "It was a busy day."
Zeera leaned down and kissed the side of his head before rubbing his back. "Then, get plenty of rest."
Yuto looked at his brother concerned. "Yeah, sleep well Hunter."
Kitchen
Zeera and Yuto entered the kitchen with the former saying, "I don't know what's happened, but something or someone has etched fear into him."
"I don't think it would be that thug." Yuto stated. "Yesterday, Tori and I were the ones having to hold him back from going up there. No doubt his arrogance has been thrown into flux."
"I just want him to be full of life and purpose again." Zeera stated sincerely. "I know it's only been a few hours, but I miss him."
"I miss my brother, but I don't think we can just flip a switch in him." Yuto stated. "Everything seems to always go Hunter's way. When you don't regularly experience failure, it can be hard to think of it in the proper way."
"I think what he needs now is his teacher and his friends." Zeera stated. "I'll get in contact with Nistro and explain the situation."
"Good idea." Yuto stated. "If anyone can bring back the fire within him, it's our teacher. I'll contact Yuma and Tori. Together, we'll plan something to lift his spirits."
Zeera managed a smile. "That sounds like a good plan."
Top Room of Heartland Tower, Night…
Lulu was the last person Hunter had met the day he got his Numbers. She has pink eyes, long dark purple hair which extends past her lower back, and feather earrings. Her attire consists of a cream vest with an under dress, pants, brown boots, two brown belts, and a red sash.
Today was one of her better days which gave her the opportunity to spend time with Hart who currently sat in her lap, with bags under his eyes, staring out blankly at Heartland below. Hart was a young boy with sky blue hair, dark blue sleeveless shirt, and shorts.
He watched as a balloon drifted into the air and Lulu said, "Hart, you know we could head down to the fair. Kite and Shay can come with us. The four of us could have some fun together like we used to."
"I don't think so." Hart stated.
Lulu put her arms around him. "Come on Hart. We all used to have so much fun at fairs. Shay and Kite would get into competitions to see who could win us the most prizes, and the two of us would eat so much food."
"I don't remember those times, Lulu." Hart stated. "I don't even think I ever liked anything."
Shay and Kite had ridden up on the elevator and heard what Hart said.
"Hart, you're wrong about that. You liked to do so many things." Shay stated as he crouched to the left of his siblings.
"You promise?" Hart asked.
Kite crouched to the right. "We promise Hart. Once you're better, the four of us will spend a whole day down there doing everything you loved."
Tsukumo Residence, Attic…
Yuma laid in his hammock staring at the ceiling as thoughts about the day ran through his mind. On top of that, he was really worried about Hunter. He'd refused to see him or Tori when they tried to visit him.
"Yuma." Astral stated. "Someone other than you, Hunter, and I are collecting Numbers. I find this most troubling. Especially since they were able to beat Hunter."
"I was thinking the same thing." Yuma stated. "Since we got Numbers, they'll come looking for us."
"We need a plan." Astral stated.
"I got a plan Astral." Yuma declared. "We'll hunt down those Number Hunters before they hunt us down. What do you think?"
Astral stared out the window. "I think that is a bad idea."
Streets of Heartland, Day…
Hunter walked slightly behind Tori, Yuma, and Yuto. His mother had kicked him out of the house for the day when they came along. He had spent it watching them duel as he wasn't up to doing so himself. Yuma had even bought them lunch. Admittedly, he felt a little better.
"That was tons of dueling fun." Yuma declared. "Did you guys see how great I dueled? I was on point."
"Do you always lose all your duels when you're on point?" Tori questioned with a smirk.
Hunter looked up at the sky. He noticed it was starting to get cloudy before looking straight ahead and just missing the shape of a person gliding above the clouds.
"I'm serious, you need to get yourself more Xyz monsters." Yuto stated. "I think you'll be surprised how good you can do with them."
Astral appeared frantically looking around. "I sense danger approaching."
Before anything more could be said, it started to rain.
"Kari will kill me if I catch a cold." Yuma stated. "Come on guys, let's get home."
Yuma ran off getting a fair distance ahead of the others. He crossed the street, and Tori started to, only for a truck to come barreling down the road.
"Tori!" Yuma, Hunter, and Yuto called.
Yuma sprinted from his spot while the brothers did the same. Yuma was closer and got there first pushing Tori only to put himself in the way of the truck now.
"Yuma!" Hunter and Yuto shouted in distress.
Then, time slowed.
With the realization dawning on the Heroic duelist, he looked around frantically. "No. No. No. This is bad!" He picked Yuma up from the street. "We need to go. We can't stay here. Yuma, you get Tori and I'll grab Yuto."
Yuma looked over at the motionless Tori and Yuto. "What? I don't? What's going on?"
Astral floated over to them. "I'm with Hunter. We must get out of here."
They then heard whistling of a heavenly song. Yuma and Hunter turned to see Kite walking up to them.
The Heroic duelist stepped in front of the Syllable duelist while shaking. "Yuma run. I'll buy as much time as I can."
Kite shot forth his crimson cable at Hunter only for Yuma to shove past him. "No way, I…"
The Syllable duelist stopped as the cable latched onto his wrist binding him to Kite. "Not who I was aiming for, but you can still move. Must mean you got a Number at least. We shall duel for those very cards."
"What the heck is going on?" Yuma asked.
"Remember those guys I told you about?" Hunter questioned. "Well, earlier today I dueled and lost to Shay. That guy is Kite. They're Number Hunters."
Yuma stared him down. "Well, you're going down Number Hunter."
Astral became determined. "Good attitude Yuma. We must be fearless."
"You're going to have to stand your ground." Hunter stated while gritting his teeth.
"There's a lot of pressure here." Yuma smiled. "That's good because I'm at my best when under pressure."
D-pad go
Duel Gazer on
Augmented vision link established
(Yuma 4000/Kite 4000)
Hunter moved off to the side.
"Alright, I'm feeling the flow!" Yuma declared.
"Yuma, this is the first turn." Astral reminded him. "Play defensively for now, so we can gauge what deck this duelist has."
"Got it." Yuma nodded. "I set a monster and one card."
"Is that the best you got?" Kite drew. "I activate Photon Sanctuary. This spell grants me two Photon Tokens(LV 4/2000/0)." Twin, glowing blue spheres appeared. "These monsters cannot attack, but I don't need them to.
All I need them for is the ability to tribute monsters with over 2000 ATK to special summon Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon(LV 8/3000/2500)." A purple and galaxy blue dragon appeared. "Get ready to meet defeat."
Astral looked at the dragon shocked. "I know this creature."
"That thing is powerful." Yuma stated shocked. "Wait, I thought you couldn't tribute tokens."
"That's the beauty of Photon Sanctuary." Kite stated. "These tokens can be tributed."
"Do not worry Yuma." Astral stated. "While that card is powerful, you set Gogogo Golem meaning your life points are safe even if he were to summon another monster."
"Next up, I activate Photon Stream of Destruction. Since I control a Galaxy-Eyes monster, I can banish a card on the field such as your face down monster." Kite declared.
"That's bad!" Yuma declared.
"Yuma, once he attacks, use your face down." Astra declared.
"Now my dragon, attack Yuma directly with Photon Stream." Kite declared.
"I activate Damage Diet to half all damage I take this turn (Yuma 2500/Kite 4000)." Yuma countered.
"I set one card ending my turn." Kite declared.
"At this point, the only monster that could hope to compete with that dragon is Utopia combined with a booster card like Double or Nothing in my hand. To use that, I'm going to need another four-star monster to go with Kagetokage. Which means, I need to draw the right card."
Yuma drew. "Perfect." He smiled. "Alright, I am seriously feeling the flow. I summon Gagaga Magician(LV 4/1500/1000)." The spellcaster in brown and blue robes appeared. "Because a four star monster was summoned, I can special summon Kagetokage(LV 4/1100/1500)."
The shadow lizard appeared in the ground. "Now, I overlay my Level 4 Gagaga Magician and Kagetokage to summon Number 39:Utopia(R 4/O 2/2500/2000)." The gold and white warrior appeared. "I'm counting on you Utopia."
"Just because you have a Number doesn't mean you'll win." Hunter gulped. "Yuma's got to play better than this."
Kite smiled. "The Number has finally appeared."
Heartland Control Room
Mr. Heartland stood before the Hologram of Dr. Faker. "Dr. Faker what do you think of my plan?"
Dr. Faker paced back and forth. "It would allow for this situation to end far sooner." He looked at Heartland. "The World Duel Carnival is an excellent idea. Schedule this event as soon as possible."
With Dr. Faker
He stopped transmitting and walked through a door behind him which led to a balcony. He reached the railing and looked down at Hart. Trash was collected, and a portal was open to Astral World before it was bombarded.
Hart had slipped into his other personality as he laughed manically. "It's working. Yes, it's all working. Let the screams flow forth."
Dr. Faker grit his teeth and clutched the railing causing his knuckles to whiten. "Hart…"
Back at the Duel
"Get ready because Utopia 's going to attack your dragon." Yuma declared. "I immediately detach an overlay unit to negate the attack." Number 39:Utopia(R 4/O 1/2500/2000). "Then, I activate Double or Nothing allowing him to attack with double the strength."
Number 39:Utopia(R 4/O 1/5000/2000 effect).
"This isn't going to be pretty." Kite declared. "I activate my Galaxy-Eyes' power allowing me to banish both it and Utopia. You're attempt to attack me has failed miserably. What is your next move?"
Yuma grit his teeth. "I'll set one card."
"I was hoping you'd say that because Galaxy-Eyes' ability continues once you end your battle phase. The monsters that were banished from play return to the field. If the monster Galaxy-Eyes banished was an Xyz monster, he gains ATK for each overlay unit that monster had."
Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon(LV 8/3500/2500 effect)
Number 39:Utopia(R 4/O 0/2500/2000)
"His monster just grew even stronger!" Yuma proclaimed.
Kite continued. "I'm not here to just deal damage. I'm here to take Numbers. To do that, I must evolve my dragon into one of her various forms." He drew. "I activate the ability of the Galaxy Knight(LV 8/1800/2600 effect) in my hand.
Since I control a Galaxy monster, I can summon him without tribute; however, his ATK goes down from 2800 to 1800 until the end of the turn. That's fine because I just need him to help build the overlay network.
I Xyz summon Number 62:Galaxy-Eyes Prime Photon Dragon(R 8/O 2/4000/3000)." A larger galaxy and light blue dragon appeared. "I detach an overlay unit granting my dragon 200 more ATK for every Rank of all Xyz monsters on the field including itself."
Number 62:Galaxy-Eyes Prime Photon Dragon(R 8/O 1/6400/3000 effect)
"6400 attack points." Astral stated shocked.
"That Number's ability, coupled with it's overwhelming ATK, far surpasses Excalibur." Hunter stated shocked
"Number 62 destroy Utopia." Kite declared.
"I activate Half Unbreak. This trap saves Utopia from destruction and cuts any damage I'd take in half (Yuma 550/Kite 4000)." Yuma countered.
"You managed to survive for now." Kite stated. "My dragon's ATK now returns to normal." Number 62:Galaxy-Eyes Prime Photon Dragon(R 8/O 1/4000/3000 effect). "I'll end my turn."
Astral looked at his hands in shock as he started to flicker in and out.
Yuma saw this. "Astral!" He reached to draw a card, but his hand shook something fierce. "What are you waiting for? Do it!" Yuma drew while panting. "I can only see one last play to make. Monster Reborn and Ego Boost.
They're the only cards I have in my hand. They would destroy 62 and potentially buy one more turn meaning I could get a second draw. What if that next draw isn't what I need? What if I don't even get another turn?"
"It's a risky move alright." Yuma looked to Astral. "If you are still unsure, think back to another time with impossible odds. How did you get through that?"
Yuma gripped his key and thought back to his first-time mountain climbing with his dad. "Alright! I am feeling the flow!"
"Hopefully, you are Yuma." Hunter thought worriedly.
Astral suddenly felt a throbbing in his head. "Gaaah!"
Yuma looked at Astral. "Is something wrong?"
"Listen and hear my voice Astral." A regal voice spoke within Astral's mind. "I am 39. My power is yours and Yuma's to control. Together, you can build the overlay network and break through your limits. Do it twice and you may win."
The voice faded leaving Astral gripping his head.
"Are you okay!?" Yuma asked concerned.
"Yuma, you must trust me." Astral declared as he straightened out. "Rebuild the overlay network using Utopia and once more with what comes out."
"What?" Yuma asked confused.
"I can't explain it." Astral stated. "Please, trust me."
Yuma nodded. "Let's do it." The Syllable duelist held out his arm with Astral. "I rebuild the overlay network with Utopia. Through the power of bonds and feeling the flow, a new power emerges. Go, Shining Evolution!"
"Master Kite, this human is outputting power unlike anything I've read before." Orbital informed.
Kite noticed that Yuma was starting to glow with yellow energy. "What is this?"
"Come forth, Number S39: Utopia Prime(R 4/O 1/2510/2000)." A less bulky, smaller Utopia appeared as Yuma was panting and sweating. "I'm not stopping there. I rebuild the overlay network once more with Utopia Prime."
"He's doing it again!?" Kite shouted in shock.
"What is going on?" Hunter questioned out loud.
"Through the power of a bond's connection and feeling the ultimate flow, a true power emerges from within." Yuma was glowing yellow and red. "Go, Shining Evolution!"
"Master Kite!" Orbital shouted. "These readings are off the charts!"
"I can see that Orbital!" Kite angrily shouted. "I need to know what this is!"
Yuma held his hand and head high. "Xyz summon Number S39: Utopia the Lightning(R 5/O 2/2500/2000)."
A mighty white, gold, and black Utopia appeared with electricity sparking around him. Yuma felt dry of mouth as he continued to pant from the effort.
"Orbital, what is that Number!?" Kite angrily shouted. "Who is this kid!?"
Orbital had been frantically scanning the Number since it appeared. "I don't know Master Kite. The readings coming off that card make Utopia Prime look like the most basic card in existence."
"Lighting will attack Number 62." Yuma declared. "I then detach two overlay units from Number S39: Utopia the Lightning(R 5/O 0/5000/2000 effect) to double his ATK. Whenever he battles, my opponent can't activate effects until the end of the damage step.
I then activate Ego Boost which grants Number S39: Utopia the Lightning(R 5/O 0/6000/2000 effect) an extra 1000 ATK. (Yuma 550/Kite 2000)." Number S39: Utopia the Lightning(R 5/O 0/2500/2000)
"I see now that I shouldn't have played around." Kite growled as he drew. "Prepare yourself because this is the end. I activate Xyz Reborn allowing me to revive an Xyz monster from my grave and attach this card to it as Xyz material. Return Number 62:Galaxy-Eyes Prime Photon Dragon(R 8/O 1/4000/3000)."
Yuma stepped back in shock.
With Hart
Hart gripped his head in pain as Dr. Faker had a pained expression on his face.
With the Duel
"Now, it's time to end this Prime Dragon." Kite declared.
Yuma turned to Astral. "Is this it?"
"I'm afraid so." Astral was petrified. "Farewell, Yuma and Hunter."
"Astral!" Hunter shouted from the sidelines.
With Hart
Hart collapsed with the last words escaping his mouth. "Older siblings!"
At the Duel
Kite pointed. "Go…" He suddenly stopped as Orbital got a message displaying the downed sibling. "Hart!" He broke off the tether connecting him and Yuma. "We'll finish this later." He turned to Orbital. "We must hurry."
"Let's roll." Orbital stated before turning into a motorcycle.
Kite rode off leaving Hunter to collapse to his knees in utter fear. "Shay… Kite… They're both so strong."
That's when time started. Tori hit the ground and Yuto stopped in his tracks as rain cascaded down on the area once more. The truck drove by the Syllable user splattering him with water.
Tori turned to them in shock. "Guys? What's wrong? Did I miss something?"
"Yeah, me getting schooled." Yuma fell to his knees. "Now I know, when the stakes are high, and everything is on the line, I don't have what it takes." Yuma let the tears flow. "I let Astral and Hunter down."
Hunter punched the ground as he to let his tears flow. "Who was I kidding? I hid behind false bravado. I thought myself high and mighty, but all I am is an arrogant idiot. It's all I've ever been." He shook his head. "I'm so sorry."
