Dueling Field

Lance walked back out with Shane and saw Yuma looking around for a challenge. "Yuma!"

The Syllable noticed him and ran over. "Hey Lance, I was looking for you. Let's have a duel."

Lance said, "Actually, I need to ask you to have a practice duel with my new student." Yuma looked at the Malicevorous duelist. "This is Shane Conner, and I need you to duel him while I guide him in how to play."

Yuma waved. "Hey, it's nice to meet you Shane."

"It's nice to meet you as well Mr. Tsukumo." Shane bowed. "Please help me develop my skills."

Yuma looked to Lance. "I'm game."

"Let's find a place to duel." Lance stated.

Once they were somewhere with ample space, Shane and Yuma squared off with each other while Lance stood next to his new student.

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Shane 4000/Yuma 4000)

Lance crossed his arms. "Yuma you go first."

Yuma nodded. "Got it."

Astral appeared at his side. "Alright Yuma, I recommend you go with Zubaba Knight."

"I was thinking the same thing." Yuma smiled. "Alright, I am feeling the flow. I summon Zubaba Knight(LV 3/1600/900)." A warrior decked out in yellow armor and a red cape appeared.

"Don't forget the other cards in your hand." Astral informed.

"Got it." Yuma nodded. "I set one card."

Shane drew, and Lance spoke up. "You understand the basics of the cards, correct?" The Malicevorous duelist nodded. "Then focus on how to use them." He looked at Shane's hand. "Pay attention to your monsters. I want you to summon two monsters with the same level."

Shane looked at his cards. "I summon Malicevorous Skewer(LV 2/300/300)." A small fiend in dark purple armor and wielding a skewer appeared. "His ability allows me to special summon a Malicevorousmonster from my hand."

Lance chimed in. "Remember, you need to think about both short-term and long-term game. This deck is based around effects meant to swarm the field, but some of them have requirements before that can happened."

Shane nodded. "I choose to special summon Malicevorous Cup(LV 2/600/400)." A small fiend in dark purple armor appeared holding a cup."

Lance nodded. "Very good. Now let's try Xyz summoning. Remember, it's all about taking monsters with similar levels and combining them to summon something stronger. Keep in mind what we've talked about and bring one out."

Shane studied his cards for a good moment before deciding on the action he wanted to take. "I activate Cup's ability. By discarding a card, I can increase the levels of up to two Malicevorous monsters on my field by 1 or 2.

So, I choose to increase my Cup and Skewers to LV 3 meaning I can build the overlay network to summon Lavalval Ignis(Rank 3/O 2/1800/1400)." A flaming warrior within black armor appeared.

Lance nodded. "Very good. Now, always keep in mind your opponent's field; however, never be afraid of it. Be cautious, but not afraid. The simple fact is that sometimes you will have to run into the trap."

"I'll have Ignis attack Zubaba Knight." Shane declared.

"Don't activate your trap Yuma." Astral stated. "Conserve it for later."

"I activate Lavalval's ability. By detaching a unit, I can increase his ATK by 500 until the end of the turn (Yuma 3300/Shane 4000)." Shane was shocked. "I pulled of an attack?" He smiled. "I managed to damage my opponent!"

"While you've done well, this duel is just starting. Now, peruse your hand and determine if there are other actions you want to take. If you wish to set nothing, declare an end to your turn." Lance instructed.

Shane looked at his hand. "I set two cards."

"Yuma, you have what you need to Xyz summon." Astral guided.

Yuma drew but had noticed what Astral meant beforehand. "I activate Monster Reborn returning Zubaba Knight(LV 3/1600/900) to the field. I then summon Achacha Archer(LV 3/1200/600)." An archer in light yellow armor appeared.

"When he's normal summoned, you lose 500 life points (Yuma 3300/Shane 3500). I'll then construct the overlay network with Achacha Archer and Zubaba Knight to Xyz summoned Number 17:Levithan Dragon(R 3/O 2/2000/0)." A large, blue dragon appeared."

Shane was shocked. "A Number… what is that Master Hogan?"

Lance glared at the card. "A real problem." He sighed. "I can't believe Yuma would use a Number against someone who doesn't have one."

"I activate Leviathan's effect." Yuma continued. "By detaching one overlay unit, I can increase his ATK by 500. On top of that, I activate Blustering Winds increasing Number 17:Levithan Dragon(R 3/O 1/3500/1000 effect)'s ATK by 1000 until my next Stand-By Phase."

Shane stepped back. "Over 3000 ATK!"

Yuma smiled. "I'll use it to destroy Ignis."

"I activate my face down Malicevorous Link." Shane countered. "By discarding a Malicevorous monster, you take the same amount of damage I take as effect damage (Yuma 1600/Shane 1800)." Shane declared.

Lance nodded. "Good move Shane."

"Good job." Yuma nodded. "I'll end my turn by placing a second face down."

"Alright, everything should be set if I simply keep my effects in mind." Shane drew. "I banish Malicevorous Cup from my grave to special summon Malicevorous Chop Sticks(LV 2/300/200) from my hand."

A small fiend in dark purple armor appeared wielding two large chop sticks. "I then activate my second face down Sinister Level Up! allowing me to increase Chop Sticks level by 1. I'll double his level with the spell Double Malice making him a LV 6."

Yuma was confused. "Astral, I may be wrong, but that spell and trap he used only works on monsters currently on the field, correct?"

Astral said, "You are correct Yuma. Before you ask, I theorize his monster acts like Lance's Double Lance."

"You mean he can overlay with just Chopi Sticks!" Yuma shouted.

Shane nodded. "That is right Mr. Tsukumo. I'm going to build the overlay network with my Malicevorous Chop Sticks because it can count as two monsters. Xyz summon Sword Breaker(Rank 6/O 1/2700/1000)."

A warrior decked out with every weapon under the sun appeared. "I can detach his only unit to declare a monster type, like Dragon. When he battles a monster of that type, no matter what happens, it's destroyed in the end. Go, destroy Leviathan Dragon."

"Yuma activate your face downs." Astral declared.

"Got it." Yuma declared. "I activate Ego Boost. Since a monster has declared an ATK, I can target a monster on the field and grant them 1000 more ATK. I choose your Sword Breaker(Rank 6/O 1/3700/1000 effect).

I then activate Fiery Fervor and equip it to my Number 17:Levithan Dragon(R 3/O 1/7000/1000 effect). Since you control a monster whose attack is higher than my monster, Levithan's ATK is doubled (Yuma 1600/Shane 0)."

Shane bowed to Yuma. "Thank you, Mr. Tsukumo for a splendid duel." He then bowed to Lance. "Thank you master Hogan. I have learned a lot about dueling and how to use my deck effectively."

"You certainly pick things up fast." Lance patted his student's back. "If we continue these lessons every Duel Period, I have no doubt you'll be dueling by yourself in no time."

"Thank you, master." Shane nodded. "I'm going to spend the remainder of my time ensuring I understand all the cards in my deck." He started to walk away. "I won't let you down."

Tori had noticed them and ran over. "Wait!"

Shane smiled at her. "Do not worry Ms. Meadows. You did nothing wrong during our duel, so there is nothing to apologize for." He bowed to her. "I'd just like to thank all three of you once more. Today has been most educational. I look forward to learning more."

The Malicevorous user walked off as Tori let out a sigh of relieve. When the guy had ran off, the Gusto duelist had felt like she'd kicked a puppy. Knowing everything was alright made he feel as though a weight had been lifted off her chest.

Lance turned to his friends. "Well, I think I'm going to try to get a quick duel in."

After School…

Lance walked outside with Nelson and Shane only to find that Yuma and Tori had attracted a crowd as they argued back and forth.

The three of them walked over to Caswell with Lance asking, "Hey man, what's going on?"

Caswell sighed. "Remember our lunchroom chat and the whole green track suit story?"

Lance nodded. "Yeah."

"Well, those two started debating with one another until it turned into a full-blown argument." Caswell summed up.

"Well, you're wearing your school uniform!" Yuma declared.

Everyone turned their attention to the ensuing chaos.

"Of course, I'm wearing my school uniform. You are to. We're at school." Tori sighed. "You know what, let's put this to the test. Tomorrow afternoon the two of us will hit the mall. We each get an hour to pick an outfit, post pictures, and let our class decide who's got style."

"You're on!" Yuma declared before noticing the Heroic duelist. "Lance will take the pictures."

He then dragged Lance into the middle of the circle.

Tori nodded. "I'm fine with that because I know he'll take better pictures of me than you."

"You know, you two can be quite competitive sometimes." Lance smiled. "Guess that's why I hang around. Count me in."

"We'll meet at the City Center tomorrow at 3 P.M." Yuma looked at Tori and Lance. "Don't be late."

Lance didn't notice the silver haired classmate nearby who had heard everything.

City Center: Next Day, 10 minutes past three…

Yuma tapped his foot impatiently. "Tori says I keep her waiting."

Lance put an arm around Yuma with a smile. "Unless I ferry you to places, you usually are."

Just then, their attention was drawn to a large group of cats that had surrounded them and were constantly meowing.

Astral appeared. "What are these and what is that awful noise they are emitting?" He frantically looked at the cats. "It is making my spine tingle. They are simply terrifying."

Lance could see what Yuma was about to tell Astral and decided to smack the back of his head. "No. Bad Yuma. No scaring Astral."

"You're no fun Lance." Yuma declared.

Lance looked back at Astral. "It is rather unusual to see so many cats; however, the common house cat is harmless and often taken in by families as pets. They are soft and cuddly little guys."

"I still don't like them." Astral declared. "Why are they all fixated on Yuma?"

Yuma noticed a note as well as Tori's ribbon in the mouth of a blue furred cat. "Wait! That's Tori's ribbon." He took the note and accessory. "We have your friend. Follow us to get her back."

The cats started to run off, causing Yuma and Lance to run after them without hesitation. Suddenly, they both came to a halt as a woman screamed form an alleyway.

Lance looked at Yuma. "You go rescue Tori. Leave this incident to the Sentai Ranger. Just keep me posted once you got her."

Yuma nodded. "Be careful and good luck."

Yuma ran off with Astral while Lance ran into the alley. There he noticed an unconscious woman as well as a man with slicked back, black hair, sunglasses, and black suit. The man also wore a black D-Pad and duel gazer.

"Back away from the woman." Lance commanded,

The man turned to face Lance as he walked forward with a smirk. "I should have expected you'd come Sentai Ranger. Someone will pay handsomely for you."

"A kidnapper it is then." Lance glared at him. "So, how do you want to settle this? I can either kick your butt up and down the alleyway or we can duel. I win, you're under arrest. You win, and you can have me. Either way, she goes free."

The man chuckled. "You may be a strong duelist Sentai Ranger, but I've acquired a card that makes me unstoppable. You have yourself a deal."

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Lance 4000/Suit 4000)

"I'll go first." Lance declared. "I summon Super Quantum Blue Layer(LV 3/1200/2000)." A figure in a blue and white jump suit appeared. "When she's summoned, I can add a Super Quant card from my deck to my hand. I end my turn."

"Now begins the end." Suit drew. "I summon Summoner Monk(LV 4/800/1600) in defense mode." A wise, old blue man in purple and white robes appeared. "I activate his ability. By discarding a spell, I can special summon a Level 4 or lower monster from my deck.

I choose Luster Dragon(LV 4/1900/1600)." A purple dragon appeared and at the same time a blue 52 appeared on Suit's right cheek. "I now overlay Luster Dragon and Summoner Monk to Xyz summon Number 52:Diamond Crab King(R 4/O 2/0/3000)."

A large, blue crab with a massive number of diamonds on its back appeared.

"A Number." Lance thought. "One with 0 ATK. I'll need to be on guard."

Suit laughed. "I can see your hesitation Sentai Ranger. Allow me to show you just what makes my monster strong. I detach one overlay unit transferring my Crab's DEF to ATK until the end of the turn.

"He'll attack Blue Layer (Lance 2200/Suit 4000)." Once he attacks, my crab switches to defense keeping himself safe. With that, I have the perfect defense. Pray tell, what possible counter could you have?"

"I see you know of me, yet you don't know everything about me. Allow me to give you a taste of what makes this deck truly dangerous." Lance drew. "Since I control no monsters. I'm allowed to special summon Super Quantum Red Layer(LV 5/2000/800)."

A warrior in a red and gray jumpsuit with clawed gauntlet on the left hand appeared. "When I control a monster with 2000 or more ATK, I can special summon Overlay Booster(LV 5/2000/0) in defense mode." A warrior decked out in red metal armor appeared.

"Now I activate Red Layer's ability allowing me return Super Quantum Blue Layer(LV 3/1200/2000) to my hand. I'll then use my normal summon to bring her back to the field. I shall now build the overlay network with LV 5 Booster and Red Layer.

Xyz summon Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger/R 5/O 2/2600/2000)." A large completely red machine lion appeared with a mighty roar. "By detaching an overlay unit, I can destroy Number 52."

"Impossible!" Suit shouted. "My Number is invincible!"

"They aren't invincible. Just a pain to deal with." Lance informed. "Now I equip Magnaliger with Stoic Challenge granting my monster 600 more ATK. With him and Blue Layer attacking directly, this duel is over. (Lance 4000/Suit 0).

Suit collapsed to the ground and Lance's pendent claimed Number 52.

Lance sighed as he called Crow. "We got an incident near the City Center dad."

Cathy Catherine's Mansion

After arriving, Yuma was roped into a duel with Cathy Catherine. The silver haired girl from school who now wore a mostly black dress with white cat tail attached and clawed gloves. She had black and white over-knee-high socks with black shoes.

Up to this point, it's been a great duel with Yuma taking charge and getting as far as he has without Astral's help. This has greatly impressed the otherworldly being, and the field is as follows…

Current Field

(Yuma 400/Cathy 2400)

Cathy's Field:

1 card in hand

Twin Tailed Cat Lady(R 1/O 2/2800/1000)

Cat World Field Spell

Yuma's Field

3 cards in hand

Cathy had just attacked bringing Yuma down to 400 life points. "It's your move Yuma.

Yuma was getting excited. "This is a great duel! You're awesome!"

"You think so?" Cat questioned with blush.

Yuma nodded. "You bet!"

Cat looked away embarrassed. "It's just so nice to hear you say that because there's this boy. He doesn't even know I exist. We see each other all the time, but he just looks right through me."

"This guy sounds like a jerk." Yuma stated.

"I tried playing all sort of tricks on him just to get him to speak to me, but it didn't work. I wish I could just walk up to him and tell him I like him." Cat explained.

"You should." Yuma stated getting her attention. "He'll never know how you feel if you keep it to yourself. Just go for it. Put it out there for the world to see."

Cat smiled. "You're right Yuma! I'm going to do it. I'm going to go for it. Alright, here it goes. Yuma, I think you're really…"

Yuma drew. "It's my turn, and I summon Goblindbergh(1400/0)." A goblin in a red airplane appeared. "He doesn't come alone. When he's normal summoned, I'm allowed to special summon Gagaga Magician(1500/1000)." A spellcaster in brown and blue robes appeared.

"Hang on a second!" Cat yelled.

"Alright, it's time to construct the overlay network using my Goblindbergh and Magician to Xyz summon Number 39:Utopia(R 4/O 2/2500/2000)." The gold and white warrior appeared.

"Yuma wait a second. I wanted to say…" Cat tried.

"Now I'm activating Ego Boost and Blustering Wings on Utopia granting him 2500 ATK." Yuma continued.

"Yuma, I just wanted to say…" Cat tried again.

"I am seriously feeling the flow! Utopia destroy Twin Tailed Cat Lady (Yuma 400/Cat 0)." Yuma jumped for joy. "I did it!"

Astral held out his arm to take the Number he assumed Cat had only to find that she didn't have a Number to take.

Yuma walked over to her. "You okay?" Cat looked at him. "Well, a deal is a deal. This is the part where you tell me where Tori is."

Cat blushed. "Alright Yuma."

Train Station, Evening…

Yuma and Lance arrived to find Tori playing Red Light, Green Light with a bunch of cats.

"Tori, what are you doing!?" Yuma asked.

Lance sighed. "We thought you were in serious trouble."

"Yuma and Lance." Tori stated in shock before laughing embarrassed.

Heartland Academy, Next Day…

Lance and Yuma walked ahead of Tori with their hands in their pockets. The fan girls could see that Lance was in a bad mode, so they stayed away for the time being.

"I've already said I was sorry." Tori stated. "How long are you going to stay mad at me?"

They glared at her. "We're not mad."

Tori looked away from them. "You could have fooled me."

Lance looked at her. "Hey, you have no right to get huffy with us young lady. We weren't the ones who decided to play with a bunch of cats and worry their friends to no end."

At that moment, Cat approached them. Lance had heard about their encounter from Astral and soon came to some conclusions. Clearly, Cat was the culprit, and his best friend was oblivious to the women around him. Hey, he wasn't going to say anything.

Cat looked at Yuma and quietly said, "Good morning."

Yuma held up his hand. "What's up!?"

Cat giggled as she ran on ahead.

"Who was that?" Tori asked.

"Her name's Cathy." Yuma stated. "She goes by Cat. We dueled the other day."

"You did? You didn't tell me." Tori stated jealously.

"Great, Tori's jealous and I didn't even know she liked Yuma. At least things won't be boring from here on out." Lance sighed. "Come on guys, let's get to class."

He walked off forcing Yuma and Tori to run after him.

Total Numbers: 10

Lance's Numbers:

Number 52: Diamond Crab King

Number 54: Lion Heart

Number 57: Tri-Head Dust Dragon

Number 83: Galaxy Queen

Number 86: Heroic Champion – Rhongomyniad

Yuma's Numbers:

Number 13: Embodiment of Crime

Number 17: Leviathan Dragon

Number 31: Embodiment of Punishment

Number 34: Terror-Bite

Number 39: Utopia