Dining Room: Night…

Yuma sat across from Yusho and was digging into the meal the latter made with gusto. "You really know how to cook."

"Ah, you should try my wife's cooking one of these days." Yusho chuckled. "Her food puts mine to shame."

They wrapped up dinner before Yuma spoke again. "Okay Yusho, how is it that you know my grandma, and why did she send me here?"

"Haru is someone I met not to long after arriving in Heartland." Yusho informed. "As for why you are here; your grandmother tells me you haven't been yourself."

Yuma was surprised. "Did you really agree or was I merely used to deliver food?"

"I'll put it this way." Yusho stood. "Starting now, you can call me your teacher. My advice would be for you to get some rest." He walked away. "Tomorrow, you'll be taking me on."

Yusho left the room while Yuma was shocked.

Tsukumo Residence: Night…

Kari was furious. "You sent Yuma to the Duel Sanctuary? Grandma, the more Yuma gets involved in this duel stuff, the more danger he'll be in. Think about mom and dad."

Haru took a drink of her tea. "I'd love nothing more than to keep Yuma safe forever, but dueling is in his blood. We can't and won't be able to stop him. Holding him back will only keep him from being prepared for what lies ahead."

Kari put her hand on her chin. "I can't believe this."

?

Hunter came to stand across from a purple, dragon armored knight whose eyes glowed before he moved forward. When he spoke, it was with the same voice as Hunter.

"My name is Fusion, and we shall partake in a Speed Duel." Fusion informed. "Speed Duels require your deck to be twenty to thirty cards, we start with four cards in our hand, there are only three monster and spell/trap zones on the field, and there is no Main Phase 2.

Additionally, you will get to choose from a list of skills, and a skill can be activated when appropriate. All other rules of duel monsters apply as they normally would. Do you understand the rules, or should I explain them again?"

"I think I got it." Hunter stated before his deck came off his waist and spread itself out before him.

"Then, cut down your deck and pick your skill from the list." Fusion declared.

Hunter quickly went through the assortment of cards and got it down to a deck of 30 before looking at the available skills. He saw a particularly good looking one that was calling his name, so he choose it. Then, a modified duel disk appeared on his arm.

"If you are ready, we shall begin." Fusion stated.

"Oh, I'm ready." Hunter declared firmly. "Let's do this."

"Duel!" Both declared.

(Hunter 4000/Fusion 4000)

"I'll start!" Fusion declared. "I summon Heroic Challenger-Fusion Armor(LV 4/1200/1000)." A warrior in purple armor appeared. "Since I control a non-level 1 Heroic Challenger, I can special summon Heroic Challenger-Knuckle Sword(LV 1/600/200)."

A warrior in gold, navy blue, and silver armor appeared. "This card does have another effect, but its unimportant since I'm going to use Fusion Armor's instead. During my main phase, once per turn, I can fusion summon using any cards from my field or hand."

"Fusions can be performed without the proper spell for it!?" Hunter thought in shock.

"I fuse Knuckle Sword and Fusion Armor. Warrior who always strikes true, appear. Fusion summon Heroic Champion-Apollo(LV 6/2000/1000)." A warrior in bronze armor and wielding a golden bow appeared. "During my Main Phase, this monster can deal 1000 life points to you."

(Hunter 3000/Fusion 4000). "That's not all. The turn this card is special summoned, I can special summon a level 4 or lower Heroic Challenger from my grave. Return Heroic Challenger-Fusion Armor(LV 4/1200/1000) in defense mode. I end my turn with a set card."

"My move!" Hunter drew. "Since you control a monster, and I control none, I can special summon Heroic Challenger-Assault Halberd(LV 4/1800/200)." A warrior in black armor appeared. "I then normal summon Heroic Challenger-Spartan(LV4/1600/DEF 1000)."

A warrior in Roman metal armor appeared. "I'll then construct the overlay network with my monsters. Xyz summon Heroic Champion-Clarent(R4/O2/2500/1700)." A warrior in blue armor and wielding a halberd appeared.

"By detaching 1 overlay unit, this monster destroys all spell/trap cards my opponent controls." Heroic Champion-Clarent(R4/O1/2500/1700). "Next, I'll equip him with Stoic Challenge. This grants an Xyz monster six hundred ATK for each overlay unit they have."

Heroic Champion-Clarent(R4/O1/3100/1700effect). "Additionally, any battle damage this card dishes is doubled; however, the equip spell is destroyed during your end phase which destroys this monster. I'll set one card before attacking Apollo with Clarent."

(Hunter 3000/Fusion 1800)."

"You still left me with a monster." Fusion drew. "I activate Fusion Armor's effect to fusion summon using any monsters from my field or hand. I combine Fusion Armor with Spartan from my hand. Warrior of defense, stand guard!

Fusion summon Heroic Champion-Aegis(LV 7/1000/2800) in defense. Provided this card is fusion summoned, it gains DEF equal to the ATK of one special summoned monster you control until the end of the turn. That's Clarent." Heroic Champion-Aegis(LV 7/1000/5900 effect)."

"That monster gains DEF equal to the ATK of a special summoned monster I control?" Hunter was confused. "Why would it have such an ability? Is Fusion just trying to buy time?"

"This card can attack while in DEF mode, and if it does, it then uses its DEF in place of ATK." Fusion declared.

"Oh, that's something else then." Hunter stated impressed.

"I'll set one card before having Aegis attack Clarent with Shinning Shield!" Fusion declared.

Aegis' shield glowed brilliantly before he threw it into Clarent destroying him (Hunter 200/Fusion 1800). Heroic Champion-Aegis(LV 7/1000/2800)

"Ritual, Fusion, and Synchro… I knew they had to be powerful, I've seen it, but in the right hands, these methods are devastating." Hunter thought before smiling. "While you have me backed into a corner, I'm still in the game." He drew. "With this, I have everything I need."

"Is that so?" Fusion questioned interested. "Well, show me how you'll do it."

"Glady." Hunter stated. "First, I activate Xyz Reborn allowing me to return Heroic Champion-Clarent(R4/O1/2500/1700) to the field and this trap then becomes an overlay unit for him. I'm then detaching that unit to remove your face down."

Heroic Champion-Clarent(R4/O0/2500/1700) "Next, I normal summon a second Heroic Challenger-Assault Halberd(LV 4/1800/200). Then, I'll activate Heroic Chance on him doubling his ATK in exchange for being unable to attack directly this turn."

Heroic Challenger-Assault Halberd(LV 4/3600/200 effect)

"Not bad." Fusion looked up at the field. "Not bad at all."

"Assault Halberd, take out Aegis (Hunter 200/Fusion 1000)." Hunter declared. "Now, Clarent will attack you directly for game (Hunter 200/Fusion 0)."

Fusion's duel disk vanished while Hunter's returned to normal. The purple, dragon armored being took a knee as the human approached.

"You have bested the second trial and earned the cards you will receive." Fusion stated as his eyes dimmed. "You have one more trial to complete, and it awaits you beyond that gate."

Again, before Hunter could speak, the armored man vanished leaving eight cards. The first three were Heroic Challenger-Fusion Armor, and Heroic Champion-Apollo, and Heroic Champion-Aegis.

The remaining five were Polymerization, Heroic Fusion, and Heroic Champions-Caduceus, Bolg, & Scythe. Hunter slid the cards into his deck box with the cards associated with Ritual. His eyes then drifted to the next gate which had a Synchro card on it.

Heartland Streets: Alleyway

Shark was taking a walk down an alleyway only to stop as a figure in a black cloak stood in his way. He couldn't make out features since the hood was up, but if he were to take a stab at it, he'd say this was a female.

His thoughts on this were soon assured though as she removed the cloak. She was a girl who looked around his age with long pink and purple hair and green eyes. She wore a sleeveless, white top, white shorts, and long black stockings into white shoes with red trim.

"Who are you supposed to be?" Shark asked.

"My name is Luna, and you could say I'm an emissary from the moon." Luna replied.

"Sounds like something out a fairy tail." Shark commented snidely.

"Shark, I have no hatred towards you, but I must duel you." Luna declared.

"Fine, we'll duel, but you got to tell me how you know me after." Shark stated.

Shark knew full well this was no duelist he took on back in nationals. In fact, he's never seen this person until today. Still, it wasn't out of the question that she knew him from his time in nationals before he was kicked out.

Suddenly, waves of light blue and red energy washed through the alleyway confusing Shark "What?"

"I will tell you more than that." Luna stated. "Right now, we must duel."

"I must have been seeing things." Shark thought. "Bring it on!"

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Shark 4000/Luna 4000)

"Since I control no monsters, I can special summon Moon Butterfly(LV 4/500/100)." A white butterfly appeared. "Then, I normal summon Moon Priestess(LV 4/1000/800)." A woman with white hair and matching attire appeared.

"When she's normal summoned, I gain one thousand life points (Shark 4000/Luna 5000). Now, I construct the overlay network with my two level four monsters. Xyz summon Moon Dragon Undine(R4/O2/2000/1000)." A blue, beautiful dragon appeared.

"By detaching one overlay unit, this monster deals you 200 life points of damage for every card in your hand." Undine(R4/O1/2000/1000). "Since you have five cards, that's one thousand points of damage (Shark 3000/Luna 5000). With that, I'll set a card and end my turn."

"Not bad. She increased her life points and decreased mine all on the first turn of the duel." Shark drew. "If you think I'm about to be outdone, you're mistaken. I normal summon Skull Kraken(LV 3/600/1600)." A black skull with tentacles appeared.

"When this card is normal summoned, I can destroy one spell/trap you control, so say good-bye to your face down. Next, since I control an aqua monster, I can special summon Shark Stickers(LV 3/200/1000)." A blue, eel like fish appeared.

Now, I construct the overlay network with my two level 3 monsters. Xyz summon Submersible Carrier Aero Shark(R 3/O 2/1900/1000)." Two Sharks bound by an orange piece of equipment appeared.

I then activate Aero Shark's ability. By removing an overlay unit, you take 400 life points for every card in my hand." Submersible Carrier Aero Shark(R 3/O 1/1900/1000). "Four cards equals 1600 damage (Shark 3000/Luna 3400)."

"This is exactly what I was hoping to see from you." Luna declared happily.

"I'm not done." Shark declared. "I activate Torpedo Take Down. This card's main effect is basically Aero Shark's. By targeting an Xyz monster I control, I can detach an overlay unit, and deal you 400 life points of damage for every card in my hand.

I can only target Aero Shark meaning you're going to take another 1200 damage (Shark 3000/Luna 2200). The spell then increases the targeted monster's ATK by the damage dealt." Submersible Carrier Aero Shark(R 3/O 0/3100/1000 effect). "Now, attack Undine."

"I activate the effect of Moon Gardna(LV 4/100/2000)." Luna countered as a man in white armor with a shield appeared kneeling on the field. "When my opponent declares an attack, this card can be special summoned in ATK mode, and it switches all your monsters to DEF."

"Alright, I'll set one card and end my turn." Shark stated.

Submersible Carrier Aero Shark(R 3/O 0/1900/1000 effect)

"My move!" Luna drew. "I fist activate Moon Dragon Undine(R4/O0/2000/1000) dealing you 400 life points of damage because you hold two cards in your hand (Shark 2600/Luna 2200). Now, I tribute Moon Undine and Moon Gardna to summon Moon Whale(LV 9/1500/0)."

A large, white whale appeared.

Shark knew he would be one to talk considering he had his own high leveled whale in his deck. "Alright, I'll bite." He looked to the duelist. "What does that do? A monster that high in level with so few ATK/DEF must do something."

"You're right Shark." Luna declared. "When Moon Whale is summoned, I get to add a Rank-Up-Magic card to my hand. Since I have only Moon monsters in my grave, I'm allowed to special summon Moon Disciple(LV 9/100/100)." A woman in white summoners attire appeared.

"I can guess where this is going, but to think there's a deck that could pop out rank nine Xyz monsters." Shark thought. "Not only that, but I get the feelings she's going to take it a step further with her rank up magic."

"Now, I overlay my two monsters." Luna continued. "Dragon who protects her subjects with her mighty power, appear. Xyz summon Moon Dragon Selene(R9/O2/4000/3000)." A beautiful white dragon appeared. "I'm taking it one step further with Rank-Up-Magic Moon Force.

This card allows me to reconstruct the overlay network with Selene to summon a monster 1 rank higher. When her power alone fails, Selene calls on the power of her subjects to empower her summon Moon Dragon Goddess Selene(R10/O3/4500/3500)."

A larger, fiercer yet still beautiful white dragon appeared roaring which shifted Aero Shark to ATK mode.

"What?" Shark questioned.

"When Goddess Selene is summoned to the field, all monsters my opponent controls are forced into ATK mode." Luna declared. "Now, Selene will attack and destroy Aero Shark with Moon Howling!"

"I activate my face down Tidal Advantage." Shark declared. "Since you're doing battle with a water monster I control, this card halves your dragon's attack until the end of the battle and ensures my monster can't be destroyed by this battle."

Moon Dragon Goddess Selene(R10/O3/2250/3500 effect)

"I activate one of my dragon's special abilities." Luna countered. "By detaching one overlay unit, this card halves the ATK of one monster on your field, and you only control Aero Shark."

Moon Dragon Goddess Selene(R10/O2/2250/3500 effect)

Submersible Carrier Aero Shark(R 3/O 0/950/1000 effect)

(Shark 1300/Luna 2200)

"Alright, I have no other choice then to end my turn." Luna declared. "Your move Shark."

Moon Dragon Goddess Selene(R10/O2/4500/3500 effect)

Submersible Carrier Aero Shark(R 3/O 0/1900/1000 effect)

Shark drew and looked at his options. His hand contained Double Fin Shark, Lantern Shark, and Aqua Jet.

"Discrediting obviously wrong moves, my only play is Bahamut Shark, but his ATK is too low. Even his ability would only buy time." Shark growled at himself. "Even Aqua Jet could only get one of my monsters close to matching her dragon's power."

"Allow me to assist, my king…" An unfamiliar voice stated.

Shark looked around only to see that his Extra Deck was glowing, and this was something Luna smiled at. Curiously, Shark opened his Extra Deck and saw that the cause was a glowing card. When he picked it up, the Shark user saw that it was Number 101: Silent Honor ARK.

"A Number!?" Shark went wide eyed before realizing something. "Wait, I still feel like me. Even looking back on Levithan Dragon, for as fuzzy as it was, I know I wasn't quite me then. Well, if I can control the Number, I might as well use it since he's just what I need." "Tell me Luna, have you ever heard of Number monsters?"

"I most certainly have." Luna smiled. "Rest assured, if I thought it would be useful right now, I'd have summoned it. If you're planning on summoning a Number, then bring it out."

Shark smirked as he put the Number back into his extra deck. "I summon Lantern Shark(LV 4/1500/900)." A long, black shark with a glowing underside appeared. His effect allows me to special summon a Level 3, 4, or 5 water monster from my hand.

I choose Double Fin Shark(LV4/1000/1200)." A red and white shark with multiple fins appeared. "Now, I construct the overlay with my two level four monsters. Xyz summon Number 101: Silent Honor ARK(R4/O2/2100/1000)."

A large, light blue submarine appeared. "I can now detach 1 overlay unit from this monster to attach one monster you control as an overlay unit. Your only monster is Moon Dragon Goddess Selene leaving you open."

"That was a pretty good play; however, you're short five hundred ATK to finish me." Luna retorted.

"Not for long." Shark declared. "I'm activating Aqua Jet." Shark declared. "This card grants any one fish, sea serpent, or aqua monster I control a permanent 1000 ATK boost." Number 101: Silent Honor ARK(R4/O2/3100/1000 effect). "He will end this by attacking you directly (Shark 1300/Luna 0) Winner: Shark."

"Alright, we had our duel, so I want answers." Shark declared as he approached. "Why did you confront me?"

"I first wanted to determine your dueling spirit, and it is quite powerful." Luna stated. "Once I determined it was strong enough, I wanted to ask for your help in stopping Dr. Faker."

"Never heard of him." Shark stated.

"I'm not surprised with how he's become." Luna stated sadly. "Dr. Faker is the man responsible for creating Heartland, and it would eventually become this city we find ourselves in now. I know because I used to work for him."

"Used to?" Shark asked.

"That's right." Luna nodded. "I'm unclear on a lot, but one day Dr. Faker took off with a couple of friends before coming back alone. When he came back, he changed. He has his eldest biological and adopted sons working on collecting Numbers.

It's to keep his youngest biological son and only adopted daughter healthy from what I could gather. Not sure how mind you. The way they collect Numbers is to reach in and take the souls of people. I couldn't abide by that, so I took off.

Shortly after, I discovered I could naturally wield Numbers and had the feeling I could awaken that ability in others. Strangely, you're the first person it worked with. I'm not sure why since I obviously tried this with other people. You even generated your own Number."

"Slow down." Shark interrupted. "You just said I generated my own Number? Also, are you telling me that this Dr. Faker has his eldest children working to keep the younger ones alive?" Shark asked.

"Well yeah, there's only supposed to be one hundred Numbers, so having a Number above one hundred is unprecedented." Luna informed. "As for Dr. Faker, that's exactly what he's doing. Again, I don't know to what end. All I know is that he needs the Numbers to help his youngest."

"To do that, he's having them steal souls…" Shark drifted off as his mind wander to Rio. "There's no way I'm taking souls. Yuma at least tried to dissuade me from a bad path, and Hunter made me see the errors in it.

Even if this could work for Rio, there's no way I would be able to face her. After almost losing her before, I won't lose her again. Still, I can't fault those two, but they're after Yuma and Hunter. Seems like I can wield these Numbers to, and I can tweak my deck."

"Yeah, he is." Luna looked at him firmly. "Look, take it from me. I knew Dr. Faker's youngest, and I'd never wish any harm to them. That doesn't mean I can stand by and let them steal souls. It's not right to trade lives like this.

That's why I sought you out because I remember your nationals run. Regardless of the allegations, you're a strong duelist, and you can clearly wield the Numbers now. I need all of that because Kite and Shay, the eldest, aren't going to stand idly by."

"You can stop pleading because I'm in." Shark declared firmly. "I'll help you put a stop to them and Dr. Faker."

"Thank you." Luna stated relieved. "Now, the upcoming World Duel Carnival will be the best place to finally put a stop to this. From what information I've recently gleamed, the WDC is Dr. Faker's ploy to get Numbers. He's bound to make his appearance there."

Luna held out six cards. The first three were Number 32: Shark Drake, Number 37: Hope Woven Dragon Spider Shark, and Number 47: Nightmare Shark. The next three were blank, but that seemed to be changing as they were awash in red energy.

"These first three cards are Numbers I've collected which I believe best fit your deck." Luna informed. "These next three are using me as the medium to filter your duelist energy into them creating cards that will better suit you."

The last three cards revealed Rank-Up-Magic Barian's Force, Number C32: Shark Drake Veiss, and Number C101: Silent Honor DARK. She held them up to Shark who took and observed them. He liked what he saw with these cards.

"If you ever need more cards like these, I'll find you." Luna stated before throwing on her cloak and turning away. "Until the WDC, sharpen your skills and make sure your deck is ready."

Shark put the cards in their proper decks. "I'll keep that in mind."

I'll be in touch." Luna nodded. "I'll also keep you updated on any duelists I manage to find that will be working with us."

Once she was gone, Shark made his way out of the alleyway and was on his way home to see what he could do to tweak his deck.

?

Hunter came to stand across from a white armored knight whose eyes were glowing; however, something was different. Ritual and Fusion's eyes glowed the respective colors of their summoning methods and neither of them were restrained by purple cords around their body.

What looked like a mechanical, puppet woman faded into view right next to who Hunter assumed would be named Synchro. She was white with gold and blue attire. It was self-evident by the purple cords coming from her back that she was restraining the knight.

"Is this part of my test?" Hunter thought as he looked at them. "What is this? Who are you?"

"My name is Construct." A feminine voice came from the mechanical looking fairy, and it sounded rather emotionless. "I was sent out to capture a piece of 'The Rival'." She pointed at him. "You will become my new puppet, and this being will ensure it in a 2 on 1 duel."

"That is correct." Synchro stated sounding not emotionless but like he was in a stupor.

That was a little freaky since, like Ritual and Fusion, Synchro used Hunter's own voice to speak.

"I'm about seventy-five percent sure this is actually an interruption to my test." Everything that's happened since Astral appeared in his and Yuma's lives played through Hunter's mind. "Make that a good ninety percent sure. Regardless, dueling seems to be the answer."

"You have no choice." Construct stated misinterpreting his contemplation. "I have learned much from this one, and I know you are here to acquire other summoning methods. If you leave, I can guarantee you will never get Synchro summoning. I will ensure it."

"Leave it to something emotionless to misunderstand a human." Briefly, thoughts of what happened when he went up against Shay rushed through Hunters mind before he steeled himself. "I don't run. If you want to take me on two to one, then so…"

Before he could finish speaking, a ghostly blue portal opened. What Hunter assume to be a motorcycle came racing out of it. The motorcycle skidded to a halt allowing everyone to get a good look at it. It was the same ghostly blue as the portal with lavender trim and accents.

A boy, roughly Hunter's age, sat in the driver's seat. He had long, jet black hair, with a lavender streak that seemed to have been dyed, tied up in a pony tail and dark blue eyes. He wore a sleeveless, ghostly blue shirt with matching baggy pants which had lavender lines down the side.

The boy scanned the area before going wide eyed upon seeing Hunter. "What are you doing here Archer?" Hunter was confused. "You were back with Yugo and Rin before I rode off. Now, you're here. Then again, I'm not sure where here…"

His gaze settled on Construct. "It's you!" He took a duel disk off his motorcycle and moved to stand protectively before the Heroic user. "Archer, you shouldn't have followed her. Regardless, I got this buddy, so just stay back."

"I suppose anyone looking at him would be fooled, but why don't you just ask your own ally if that really is your friend?" Construct asked.

A transparent Shiranui Spectralsword appeared next to him. "She is right Damien. Archer and this look alike both portray light, but I can tell you that this boy is not him."

Hunter didn't see the Shiranui appear, so he assumed Construct was talking about him. "Look, I don't quite know what's happening, but my name is Hunter." Damien looked back at him shocked. "Right now, I got to duel those two."

"He is right, Synchro Resident." Construct stated. "He must duel us, so why don't you be on your way?"

"Wait." Damien looked back at Hunter. "I now know you aren't my friend, but this person came after a good pal of mine until another friend of ours drove her off. If she's after you, I just know that can't be good, so what's going on?"

"Not quite sure about that… I don't even know where we are… but I can say I'm supposed to duel that knight in the white dragon armor for a test, but she's ensnared him. Regardless of circumstances, I got to duel them both now."

"I see." Damien smiled. "Well, you may not be my pal, but you certainly have that look of determination like he gets." He smiled as he moved to stand next to the Heroic user. "Since I'm here, and I got beef with her, I might as well even the odds."

"Are you sure you want to do that?" Hunter asked a bit shocked this stranger was helping him even if he had his own reasons to.

"Why not?" Damien shrugged with a smile. "Like I said, I got beef with her. By the way, my name's Damien Luminous."

"Well, it does sound fair since I'm fairly certain she couldn't be in sync with her partner." Hunter nodded at him. "Name's Hunter Raiden."

"Very well." Construct sighed. "We'll make this a two on two where life points are shared, each pair starts at four thousand life points, we shall share one field and grave, and everyone gets to draw one card. Agreed?"

"Agreed!" Hunter & Damien declared together.

"Let's Duel!" They all declared.

(H&D 4000/C&S 4000)


Damien Luminous was provided by Energy Dragon Slayer.


3bodyjaa:Thank you