This chapter is the chapter where cards created by Energy Dragon Slayer will feature.
Duel Sanctuary, Statue Room
Kaze entered the room causing Yuma, Caswell, and Shane to look at him. "I see my grandfather has taken on more so-called students."
The three of them slowly walked up to him as Yuma said, "Grandfather? Are you…"
Kaze scoffed. "I am 'Roku's' grandson. That is the name he still uses, yes?"
"Wait, are you saying Roku isn't his name?" Caswell asked confused.
"Do you pitiful children take everything at face value?" Kaze asked.
"I don't like the way he's looking at this place or us." Shane mumbled worriedly.
Roku stumbled into the room and fell to his knees causing Shane and Caswell to rush over to him while Yuma stared at the old man in shock. "What happened?"
Roku was panting. "Boys, you must stay away from him!"
"Who is he?" Yuma asked. "He said you were his grandfather."
"That's Kaze and he is indeed my grandson." Roku stated before looking at the ground. "I've raised him ever since his parents tragically died." He sighed. "It was a car accident involving a glitch in the early systems.
The lights all turned green for a moment, but it was enough. That tragic night saw not only the death of my son and daughter in law, but another set of parents who had their twin children in the back seat. When Kaze returned home, they weren't there."
"That night sparked the dark magic within. Odd considering my father was his adopted son. My power ran rampant. People were injured, and houses destroyed. It was my grandfather's true name that placed me in his care instead of somewhere else." Kaze continued.
Roku looked sadly at the ground. "I've dealt with dark magic before, but I didn't know how to teach control. As a result, the dark magic corrupted Kaze. The night he left was the night he cut Dark Magician's statue. It's been years since I saw him, but the darkness within has grown."
"I enjoyed telling that story with you old man; however, I have been delayed enough." Kaze stated. "Since I defeated you, the only thing that remains is the destruction of this sanctuary."
Yuma moved in front of Kaze and held his arms out wide. "Stop right there. I won't claim to understand your family, but I won't let you destroy this sanctuary. After all, I'm a student of Roku, and it doesn't matter if that's not even his real name."
Kaze chuckled. "You know kid, you have spirit. You remind me of the weak duelist I once was, so I'll play with you for a bit before destroying this place. If you somehow manage to win, I'll never destroy this dump."
Yuma stared at him determined. "Let's duel."
"If Yuma beats Kaze, especially because it's Yuma, maybe my grandson will be reminded of what's important." Roku spoke up and decided to play off his grandson's current wants. "Kaze what would be the point in challenging Yuma as he is now?"
Kaze looked at him. "What are you talking about old man?"
Roku removed a deck from his vest. "Yuma just arrived last night, and we have gone nowhere near the deck strengthening phase. You may see yourself as a winner, but what good would a win be against the unprepared?"
"Very well old man. I shall give your student 30 minutes to prepare." Kaze walked towards the door. "He must meet me outside or I shall continue with my original plan."
With Kaze gone, Yuma ran over to the old man. "Master Roku are you okay?"
"I'll be fine my boy." Roku passed the deck to Yuma. "What's important now is that you take these cards. I had intended to give them to you after your training concluded, but matters have pushed my hand. Construct a new deck and don't underestimate Kaze."
Yuma looked through the deck in shock. "These cards. They…"
Roku nodded. "Your grandmother told me about the deck your currently use, so I made that deck with your deck in mind. By combining the two, you might just pull out a win."
Yuma tightly gripped the cards. "I'll put together the best deck possible."
Caswell looked at Yuma. "Shane and I will look after him."
Shane nodded. "We'll give you the time needed to work on your deck in peace Mr. Tsukumo."
The three of them left while Yuma sat on the ground and took out his deck.
Astral floated down to his side with his eyes open. "Yuma, I would like to work with you in creating this new deck." Yuma looked at him in shock. "I to have a lot to learn from that old man, so like you, Shane, and Caswell, I am his student."
Yuma nodded before looking at the decks spread out before them. "Alright, let's get to work."
Outside the Hospital
An unassuming young man walked along the streets. He had medium brown hair and matching eyes. His attire consisted of black sweats and matching long sleeved shirt. Just looking at him, you'd assume nothing was wrong. Maybe he looked sleep deprived, but that was it.
No one understood what was really going on within. Ever since he picked up a peculiar card called Number 96: Dark Mist, it'd been talking to him. Telling him things. Never letting him get a wink of sleep outside of what was needed to function.
It was driving him mad. It got to the point that he didn't care what the card wanted. He was willing to do it. Only because the card had said it'd leave him. So, the young man had used the card to beat a couple of duelists with Numbers while under the radar. That was important.
Couldn't let Astral or those Number Hunters catch him. Not yet. He had to have all the power. He needed the perfect host. He needed Astral's host. Of course, there was a problem with the perfect host known as Yuma Tsukumo. That was Lance Hogan.
Throughout his observations, the man and Dark Mist had observed his abilities. It got to the point that the man wondered why he didn't just take Lance who seemed far superior. Dark Mist was smarter than that. Lance had light magic within which would only destroy him if he tried.
No, it had to be Yuma, and he had to destroy Lance. He had to win a duel. To do that, he needed to observe a duel. A time when Lance would use his Numbers. That led to why he was at this location. A strong duelist was within. He could feel it.
The man spoke to the monster through their connection. "We're here, so what do I need to do?"
From within, Dark Mist spoke "Take out our two captured Numbers, and I'll handle the rest Toshiro."
Toshiro took out Numbers 21 and 12. They were then lifted by dark magic and sent through an open window on the second floor.
Rio's Room
The Numbers landed in Rio's left hand and dark magic snaked from the cards into her arms. This jolted the young girl awake as the energy worked its way to her eyes repairing them and strengthening the body. After all, a weak, blind pawn would do him no good.
Outside
Dark Mist was jovial. "Very good Toshiro. I believe you have earned yourself a treat. Go to the restaurant across the street and buy yourself something good. Just stay alert. The show should start soon."
"What about the Numbers?" Toshiro asked.
"Normally, I'd punish you for asking questions, but I'm in a good mood today." Dark Mist stated causing Toshiro to gulp and shake. "This girl is a strong duelist, but her energy certainly doesn't feel like the strongest in the city.
If she wins, we move to claim Lance's Numbers. If Lance wins, I shall claim them back, along with his Numbers, once I have Yuma under my thumb. Neither of them will stand a chance against the strongest Number."
Heartland Café
Lance had returned to the café for some breakfast pastries and was enjoying them with some orange juice when his pendent started glowing white. "What?" Thoughts of the hospital filled his mind. "Is my light magic reacting to dark magic? I need to check this out."
He placed money on the table, more than enough to pay as well as a generous tip, before running to his bike and pedaling down the street to the hospital.
Rio's Room
Rio Kastle, twin sister to Reginald Kastle, stood up and removed her bandages. Her expression was blank as her gaze turned to the doorway. She could hear people running towards her room, so she held out her hand which glowed with dark energy.
The door closed and sealed shut. Rio then moved to a nearby table where she found her deck, gazer, and D-Pad. She grabbed those items and put them on as pounding came from the door. Rio ignored them as she put her duel gear on.
"Must duel Lance Hogan." Rio declared.
Shark and Rio's Home
Shark lived in a two-story home that was only slightly different than most other homes in terms of looks. The inside was a different story. It was rather quiet most of the time. Even when they'd lost their parents, Rio and Shark kept things relatively noisy. Mostly Rio
After that day, it'd started to get noisy once more as Shark rediscovered his love of dueling thanks to Lance. Not that he'd ever admit it was his doing. Right now, this was a quiet moment of contemplation until the phone went off.
Shark walked up to it and answered. "Hello…"
He didn't get father as a nurse frantically addressed him. "Mr. Kastle, you sister appears to be in some sort of danger. Someone has barricaded themselves in her room, and none of the machines are responding to her vitals."
Shark dropped the phone in shock before becoming enraged. He slammed his front door open, ran to his motorcycle, and sped off towards the hospital. Whoever this creep was, especially if it was Quatro, would be introduced to his fist on a personal level.
Hospital
As Lance arrived, he could hear sirens in the distance. "The police are on their way? Does this mean whoever's here has a beef with someone or is this a hostage situation?"
He ran into the building and up to the front desk.
The lady there was surprised to see him. "Sentai Ranger, you got here fast."
Lance nodded. "What's the situation?"
Before she could reply, there was a loud crashing sound coming from upstairs.
Lance looked at the lady. "Never mind."
He ran to the stairs and up to the second floor where he saw unconscious staff everywhere. Dark magic lingered in the air. The wall to the left had been broken by the door across the hall flying straight through it.
Lance walked forward only to stop upon seeing a girl walk out of the room without a door. She had dark pink eyes, pale skin, and dark blue hair with light blue bangs. Her attire was a hospital gown. She looked right at Lance, and he could see the vacant look in her eyes.
"Are you Lance Hogan?" Rio asked. "We must duel if you are."
"Wait a minute, I recognize her from my research on Shark. This is his sister, Rio. If she wants to duel, I'll indulge her." Lance looked at her. "I am Lance Hogan, but if you want a duel, you'll have to come get it!"
He ran back to the stairs and up heading for the roof with Rio following.
Roof
Lance ran away from the door leading down as Rio came out of it. She held out her hands which glowed with dark magic. In mere moments, both were suspended off the ground in a black sphere. You could still see out, and others could still see in.
"No more running." Rio plainly stated. "We duel."
"No arguments there." Lance stated. "I was just getting you in the open and away from people."
Outside the Hospital
Shark pulled up on his motorcycle and hoped off. He was about to run inside when he noticed Lance standing on the roof only for the sphere of darkness to appear around him.
"Lance? What the heck is going on?" Shark questioned as he looked at the sphere.
He ran into the hospital.
Duel Sanctuary
Roku was in much better shape since the last 30 minutes passed, and he now stood on the side lines with Shane and Caswell. They all watched Kaze wearily as he stood facing the sanctuary with his arms crossed and eyes closed.
Kaze opened them now. "Well old man, seems your student made the right decision and either left or decided not to come out." He started to move forward. "The only thing left to do is destroy this accursed place."
Caswell and Shane looked to one another before nodding and moving to stand in Kaze's way.
"Hold it, Mr. Tsukumo will be out soon." Shane began.
Caswell added, "If there's one thing he does right, it's not letting someone down when it matters. He's just running late without Lance to keep him on time."
"So, we'll take you on." Shane declared. "After all, we're Master Roku's students as well."
Kaze chuckled. "You two have guts but no spirit. I'm done…"
At that moment, the doors to the sanctuary opened and Yuma stepped out. "Sorry everyone. Astral and I had a disagreement on a few cards, so it took a little longer to get my deck ready." Shane and Caswell moved off to the side as Yuma took their place. "I'm here now, so let's roll because I'm feeling the flow!"
Kaze smirked. "Very well. I'll indulge you with the duel as promised."
Roku looked at Yuma. "Don't underestimate Kaze my boy. He is one of the best duelists to ever enter these grounds."
Yuma nodded. "Right."
D-pad go
Duel Gazer on
Augmented vision link established
(Yuma 4000/Kaze 4000)
"I will go first." Kaze declared. "I start by summoning Lemon Magician Girl(LV 2/800/600)." A female magician in yellow robes appeared. "I'll then set one card."
"Alright, this looks like the perfect opportunity to get ahead." Yuma drew.
Astral appeared. "Careful Yuma. He's left a weak monster in ATK mode, so he must be planning something. It might just be something big if both trap and monster prove challenging."
"What do you suggest?" Yuma asked uncertain how his new deck really functioned.
"Play it safe for now. Don't Xyz summon, but still get more than one monster out." Astral stated. "You have what you need to do so."
Yuma looked at his hand and got it. "I special summon Dododo Buster(LV 4/2300/900 effect)." A warrior in bulky yellow armor and wielding a mace appeared. "I'm allowed to do this because you control a monster, and I don't.
His level will also be decreased from 6 to 4. I'll then summon Zubaba Knight(LV 3/1600/800)." A knight in yellow armor and a red cape appeared. "Zubaba Knight will attack Lemon Magician Girl."
"When Lemon Magician Girl is targeted for an attack, I can special summon a spellcaster from my hand, but it's effects are negated, and the attacking monster is forced to attack that monster." Kaze smiled. "On top of that, the attacking monster losses half its attack."
"That is one power magician." Yuma stated in shock.
"Indeed." Astral affirmed. "This duelist may just turn out to be as powerful as Kite."
"The monster I summon is Magician's Valkyria(LV 4/1600/1800)." A female spellcaster in teal and light pink robes appeared Zubaba Knight(LV 3/800/800). "Now, your knight is forced to attack her (Yuma 3200/Kaze 4000)."
"I still have my Buster who'll attack Lemon Magician Girl." Yuma declared.
"Not quite." Kaze smiled as Buster switched to and destroyed Valkyria (Yuma 3200/Kaze 3300).
"What just happened?" Yuma asked confused.
"You ran into my Valkyria's ability." Kaze explained. "Whenever my opponent attacks, they are forced to attack her. That means I still take damage, but it's less than I could have taken."
Yuma grit his teeth as he looked at his hand once more. "Okay… think. What do I do now?"
"Yuma calm down." Astral stated getting his attention. "If you let the situation get to you, then you will miss what may be right in front of you."
"Right in front of me?" He saw it. "Alright, "I set two cards ending my turn."
Kaze drew. "I activate my face down Magician's Navigate allowing me to special summon a Dark Magician (LV 7/2500/2100) from my hand and a level seven or lower Dark Spellcaster from my deck. I'll choose a second Dark Magician (LV 7/2500/2100)."
The purple hair and robbed magician appeared followed by the white hair and red robbed magician. Yuma, Caswell, and Shane were in shock and awe.
"No way, he has two Dark Magicians!" Yuma shouted.
Shane gulped. "Mr. Tsukumo has his work cut out for him if he wants to win."
Caswell clenched his fist. "I'm not even certain Yuma can win. Dark Magician is one of the most well-known duel monsters of all time."
Roku sighed. "It's about to get far worse for Kaze holds an even more power Spellcaster."
Kaze chuckled. "Old man, if you thought Ebon was the only Xyz monster I precured, then you're solely mistaken." Roku was shocked. "I've actually acquired two more Rank 7 Spellcasters, and now is the opportune time to introduce one of them."
He held up his right arm as the back of his hand glowed with a dark yellow 11.
Yuma's eyes went wide. "Astral, you're seeing this, right?"
Astral was equally as shocked. "A Number. Another Rank 7 Number at that."
"I construct the overlay network with my two level 7 magicians to Xyz summon Number 11: Big Eye(R 7/O 2/2600/2000)." A huge, floating metal eye with a point at the bottom and a ring around itself appeared. "By detaching one unit, and in exchange for not attacking this turn, I can gain control of any monster on your field. I choose Dododo Buster(Level 4/2300/900)."
"Doesn't Number 34 do something similar?" Yuma questioned
Astral shook his head. "This is far more serious Yuma. Terror-Byte is restricted to monsters of level 4 or lower. I don't think Big Eye has the same restriction. We'll need to be careful who we summon from here on out."
"Now I tribute Lemon Magician Girl to normal summon Dark Magician Girl(LV 6/2300/1700 effect)." A magician in purple and pink robes appeared. "Her ATK is 300 more due to the Dark Magician in the grave. Now, Dododo Warrior will launch a direct attack."
"I activate Damage Diet which halves the damage I take this turn (Yuma 2850/Kaze 3300)." Yuma countered.
"So, you managed to survive another turn." Kaze chuckled. "Not like it will matter in the end. "Dark Magician Girl attack him directly (Yuma 1700/Kaze 3200). I end my turn with one face down."
Yuma drew. "Alright, I'm feeling the flow. Get ready to see Utopia Prime in action."
Astral was shocked. "Yuma, you can't possibly be thinking of something so risky. Utopia Prime will require too much of a sacrifice. Especially with his Magician's Defense. Summon Number 85 instead."
"Astral I'm not certain 85 will be of much help. It's incredibly risky, and if it fails, we lose on the next turn anyways. At least this way we'll get rid of his special summon monsters." Yuma argued. "Face it, Prime is our best move."
Astral looked away and didn't say anything.
Yuma looked at Kaze. "I summon Dododo Witch(LV 4/1200/1500)."A warrior in all black with a mask and metal armor appeared. "Her ability allows me to special summon a Dododo monster from my hand in ATK or face down DEF mode. I choose Dododo Bot(LV 4/1800/1900)."
A red and white machine with a large blade and shield appeared. "I then special summon Kagetokage(LV 4/1100/1500)." A shadow lizard appeared in the ground. "I can do this since I normal summoned a Level 4 monster. Now, I construct the overlay network with Bot and Witch.
Xyz summon Number 39: Utopia(R 4/O 2/2500/2000)." The gold and white warrior with twin swords appeared. "I then reconstruct the overlay network with Utopia to summon Number 39: Utopia Prime(R 4/O 3/2510/2000) in defense mode." A smaller Utopia appeared.
Kaze looked at the Number. "I figured more Numbers than 11 existed, but I wonder if it's more than 39."
"Now, Kagetokage will attack Big Eye (Yuma 200/Kaze 3200)." Yuma declared.
Caswell and Shane were shocked while Astral began to fade something fierce.
"Is Mr. Tsukumo serious?" Shane asked.
Caswell shouted. "Yuma, what are you thinking!?"
"I have to agree with them." Kaze laughed. "That was an idiotic move."
Yuma smiled. "It may have cost me, but it's about to cost you more. I activate Prime's ability. Since our life points are now 3000 apart, I can detach all of Prime's units. This makes my life points 10. In return, I can banish every special summoned monster on your field.
You are then dealt 300 life points apiece. Last I counted, you control 2 which means you're left with only Dark Magician Girl. That's not all because I can banish Damage Diet to halve the effect damage I'm about to take (Yuma 95/Kaze 2900). I'll end my turn with a face down."
Dark Magician Girl(LV 6/2600/1700 effect)
Kaze laughed. "That was a risky move kid, and it's paid off less that you thought. Magician's Defense halves all damage I take provided I control a Spellcaster. What were you thinking with Damage Diet? What good is less than 100 life points against my monsters?
You're just a fool and a reminder of what I used to be. Now, I activate Magical Dimension allowing me to tribute Dark Magician Girl and special summon a spellcaster from my hand. I summon my last Dark Magician(LV 7/2500/2100)." The green robbed magician appeared.
"I then get to destroy a monster on your field and Prime is the only target. I follow up with the last card in my hand Dark Magic Attack. This destroys every card in your back row provided I control a Dark Magician." Kaze declared.
Yuma froze up. "No! Astral, I should have listened to you." He fell to his knees. "I failed you once more."
Astral looked at the ground. "Yuma, you tried. That is more than I can say for myself. I'm sorry. I should have helped you more rather than be paralyzed by fear. If anyone is to blame it is I."
"Now, Dark Magician wipe out Yuma's life points (Yuma 0/Kaze 2900)." Kaze declared.
Roku hung his head. "This isn't going to help Yuma in the slightest. He's already been crushed, but he hasn't been built back up. Yuma my boy, I'm sorry. I failed you as a master."
Yuma hit the ground only for Shane and Caswell to run in with their D-pads and Gazer's activated before the duel could end.
Intrusion Penalty
Yuma: 0
Caswell & Shane: 2000 each
Kaze:2900
Kaze looked at his D-Pad before looking at the two boys. "Oh, you two want to step up?" He laughed. "Don't be ridiculous. Yuma has already lost, so I have no reason to duel."
Caswell smirked. "That's where you're wrong Kaze. Shane and I have officially inserted on Yuma's side before the augmented reality dispersed. If this duel continues, Yuma can still win. Per your words, if Yuma somehow wins, the sanctuary is safe."
Shane nodded. "Unless you want to go back on a duelist's word, you'll have to face us."
Yuma sat up and frantically looked around only to see Astral kneeling on the ground and flickering in and out. He also noticed Shane and Caswell with their D-pads out.
Yuma got to his knees. "Astral!"
Astral was being surrounded by light. "I'll be fine, so long as your friends win Yuma." Those lights turned into a blue cocoon around Astral. "You must believe in them. Believe they can win."
Yuma stood up. "Astral…"
Astral's voice, ever so quiet, said, "Believe… Yuma…"
He was then silent while Yuma stared at the blue egg in shock. Caswell and Shane faced off with Kaze and Roku watched helplessly from the sidelines.
Roof of the Hospital
Lance and a possessed Rio faced off in a dark sphere above the hospital.
D-pad go
Duel Gazer on
Augmented vision link established
(Lance 4000/Rio 4000)
"Alright, I'll be kicking things off." Lance declared. "I'm opening up with Heroic Challenger-Chain Scythe(LV 4/1600/300)." A warrior in gray and black armor wielding a chain scythe appeared. "His effect allows me to add a Heroic Challenger to my hand. I'll then set one card."
"My move." Rio drew. "I summon Dragunity Pilum(LV 3/1400/1000)." A green dragon in black armor appeared. "When he's normal summoned, I can special summon a Winged Beast from my hand and equip this monster to it.
I choose Dragunity Militum(LV 4/1700/1200)." A winged beast in white robes appeared. "Once per turn, this card allows me to target a Dragunity in my spell/trap zone. Then, I can special summon that targeted monster. I target Dragunity Pilum.
"Oh boy, this may just be a little challenging if this first combo is anything to go by." Lance thought.
Rio continued. "I then activate Level Wave allowing me to target two monsters I control and declare a level from 1 to 8. Those targeted monsters than become that level. I'll target Pilum and Militum making them level 5. I now overlay my two monsters.
Xyz Summon Number 12: Crimson Armor Shadow Ninja(R 5/O 2/2400/1700)." A ninja in black and blazing red armor appeared. "I detach one overlay unit from him allowing me to reconstruct the overlay network."
Number 12: Crimson Armor Shadow Ninja(R 5/O 1/2400/1700. Rank-up: Number 21:Frozen Lady Justice(R 6/O 2/2500/500 effect)." A female with snow white hair and rapier appeared. "She gains 1000 ATK for each overlay unit. Frozen Lady will attack Chain Scythe."
"I activate my my face down Undying Heroic Spirit." Lance declared. "This trap, once per turn when I'm about to receive damage, allows me to draw a card. If it's a Heroic Challenger, I can lessen the damage I take by the attack of the monster.
Lance drew and revealed Heroic Challenger-Chain Mail(LV 4/300/1800). "I drew Heroic Challenger-Chain Mail which meaning the damage I take is decreased by 200 (Lance 3400/Rio 4000)."
"I set two cards." Rio declared.
Lance drew, but before he could go, Shark ran onto the scene. "Lance, what happened to Rio, what is going on with the sphere, and why are you two dueling?"
Lance turned to Shark. "Believe what you want man, but Rio and this sphere are the result of some tainted dark magic. For some reason she wants to duel me. I brought her up to this roof because she laid waste to people on the second floor with that magic."
Rio nodded with a blank expression. "That is right brother. He speaks the truth."
"I can't deny what's right in front of me, and I know Lance wouldn't have done this. Whoever did this going to wish they reconsidered." Shark ran up to the sphere. "I'm putting a stop to this."
Lance saw Shark's hand move towards the sphere. "Wait, we have no idea what…"
It was too late as Shark punched the sphere only to be shocked by black colored lighting which launched him onto his back. He struggled to sit up.
"Listen Shark, the only way this dark magic will dispel is through my victory. Please, calm down and don't hurt yourself trying to get in." Lance begged.
Shark got to his knee. "I see that now, but Lance…" Lance looked at him. "If you hurt my sister, I won't forgive you."
"I'll do my best." Lance stated before turning his attention to the duel. "Alright Rio, it's time to show you what my deck can really do. Since you control a monster, and I don't, I can special summon Heroic Challenger-Assault Halberd(LV 4/1800/200)."
A warrior in purple armor and wielding a halberd appeared. "I then normal summon Heroic Challenger-Spartan(LV 4/1600/1000)." A warrior decked out in gold and white armor with a red cape, spear, and shield appeared.
"Now I build the overlay network with my two level four monsters to Xyz summon Heroic Champion-Atlantis(R 4/O 2/2000/1000)." A warrior in ocean blue armor and wielding a trident appeared. "I activate his ability.
By removing an overlay unit, and at the cost of all other monsters I control being unable to ATK, I can have a monster of my choosing ATK you directly. Atlantis is my only monster, so he will attack you directly (Lance 3400/Rio 2000). I set a card."
Shark grit his teeth. "What happened Rio? Where did you get that Number Card?"
His first duel with Yuma had been fuzzy, but upon looking back, he remembered the beginning and losing. Something had happened in between. He couldn't recall what, but these Numbers were familiar to him.
Rio drew. "I activate my face down Back to the Front allowing me to target a monster in my grave and special summon him. I choose Dragunity Militum(LV 4/1700/1200)." I'll then activate Dust Tornado which can destroy your Undying Heroic Spirit."
"There went my trap." Lance thought.
"My turn does not end there." Rio declared plainly. "I summon Dragunity Javelin(LV 2/1200/800)." A small, yellow dragon appeared. "Javelin will give Militum a tune up to Synchro for 6. Knight whose power grown from sent equip cards descend.
Synchro summon Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana(LV 6/1900/1200)." A red, length dragon appeared. "When this card is Synchro summoned, I can equip a Dragon Dragunity from my grave to this monster. I choose Dragunity Javelin.
Then, I send this equip spell to the grave to double Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana(LV 6/3800/1200 effect)'s ATK until the end of the turn. Go Vajrayana and destroy Atlantis with Equip Cannon (Lance 1600/Rio 2000). I end my turn."
Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana(LV 6/1900/1200)
"You've beaten me before, so you should have no trouble winning here." Shark thought. "You must have some sort of plan. Damn it! Even knowing that, I can't stop worrying."
Lance drew. "I summon Heroic Challenger-Ambush Soldier(LV 1/0/0)." A warrior in stealthy, light armor appeared. "I then activate his ability allowing me to tribute him and special summon two Heroic Challenger monsters from my grave.
I choose Heroic Challenger-Assault Halberd(LV 4/1800/200) and Heroic Challenger-Spartan(LV 4/1600/1000). Now, I construct the overlay network to Xyz summon Heroic Champion-Excalibur(R 4/O 2/2000/2000)." The silver and red warrior appeared.
"I'm not stopping there." Lance smiled. "Oh no, I intend on ending things this turn. I activate Rank-Up-Magic King's Legacy. For this, I must target a Heroic Champion-Excalibur I control and rebuild the overlay network with that very monster.
Allow me to introduce Heroic King-Arthur Pendragon(Rank 8/O 3/3500/3000)." A young man with flowing blond hair and adorned in silver and red armor appeared wielding the true Excalibur.
Shark was shocked. "When did Lance get a monster like that? He must have stepped his deck up sometime after our duel."
"I activate King's ability. By detaching one overlay unit, I can negate the effects of a monster on the field." Lance smiled. "Then, I gain life points and my monster gains ATK equal to half that targeted monster's ATK. Vajrayana is the only target (Lance 2550/Rio 2000)."
Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana(LV 6/950/1200 effect)
Heroic King-Arthur Pendragon(R 8/O 2/3950/3000).
"I then activate Back-Up Rider granting Heroic King-Arthur Pendragon(R 8/O 2/5450/3000) 1500 more ATK until the end of the turn. Now my king shall destroy Vajrayana with Holy Slash!" Excalibur cut Vajrayana right down the middle (Lance 2550/Rio 0)."
The sphere disappeared, and Lance sprinted forward not a moment later as the darkness left Rio. She would have collapsed on the ground, but Lance slid to his knees catching her. Shark was already running over as Rio opened her eyes. For a moment, the siblings stared at each other.
"Rio." Shark took his sister in his arms. "Are you okay? You're not hurt? Can you see?"
"I'm fine Reginald." Rio assured. "Perfectly healthy even." She turned her head away from him. "Of course, I'd be even better if my brother had been the one to save me." She looked at Lance before smirking at her brother. "Looks like your friend is more reliable than you."
Shark looked away from her. "I rushed over here as soon as the nurse called. Also, he's not my friend."
Suddenly, everything felt exactly as it had before the accident for the twins.
Lance decided to speak up. "Rio, do you remember what just happened?"
Rio looked at Lance. "Yeah, and I need to thank…"
Lance shook his head. "No, it's fine. I may need to ask you exactly what happened before I came onto the scene, but that's unimportant right now. What want to know is if you're okay?"
Rio nodded with a smile. "I'm fine. Just a little tired."
"Your muscles are fine, and your sights intact?" Lance asked.
Rio nodded.
Lance nodded back before looking at Shark. "My father's likely down there, so I'll get his help in this. Rio will be cleared to leave, and I'll pin the blame on someone else with dark magic." He shrugged. "It shouldn't be too much trouble convincing him."
Shark nodded only for Rio to slap his arm. "Shark tell your best friend thank you. He's doing us a big favor and you're being rude."
"I already said he's not my friend, and he's most certainly not my best friend." Shark firmly stated.
Rio smirked. "That's not what you've been telling me every time you came to visit."
Lance smiled as he was reminded of how he acted with his older siblings. Of course, he'd been more childish at the time. Unfortunately, He had to intrude since the police would likely start to wonder what happened and come to check it out with the sphere gone.
Lance said, "You two can continue to get reacquainted as we make our way down."
They walked to the open door and hadn't noticed the black haze which now vanished.
Across the Street from the Hospital
Toshiro ate a single hamburger as his treat and had just finished when Dark Mist decided to speak. "Let us be off Toshiro. I have gathered what I need."
Toshiro obediently stood up and walked off.
Duel Sanctuary
Yuma turned away from Astral's cocoon and looked to Shane and Caswell. "Thank you, guys. Please, do what I couldn't. Take him down."
Caswell nodded. "Don't worry Yuma, we got this."
Shane nodded. "I may still be rough at this game, but I won't let that slow me down. Master Hogan would tell me to duel if he were here, so I will."
Yuma looked at Astral's cocoon once more before walking to Roku's side.
At this point, Kaze decided to speak. "You know, a petty man would hold skirting around the duel's terms against you, but I only have a grudge against this sanctuary. That is why, I will continue this duel under the outlined terms. You two are up."
Caswell: 2000
Shane: 2000
Kaze:2600
Kaze's Field:
Dark Magician(LV 7/2500/2100)
Magician's Defense and 1 face down
"Alright, I'll go before Shane." Caswell drew.
"I play the face down Black Illusion." Kaze interjected. "For this turn, all dark Spellcasters with 2000 or more ATK can't be destroyed by battle, won't have their effects negated, and are unaffected by my opponent's card effects."
"I won't be able to do much to your life points, but you don't have any tools to stop me from setting my field up." Caswell drew. "I activate Wind-Up Factory allowing me to add a level four or lower Wind-Up monster to my hand every time the effect of a Wind-Up monster is used.
I summon Wind-Up Soldier(LV 4/1800/1200)." A blue and green machine soldier appeared. "Since I summoned a Wind-Up monster, I can special summon Wind-Up Shark(LV 4/1500/1300)." A toy like machine blue shark appeared.
"Now I activate their abilities. Wind-Up Soldier moves up a level and gains 400 more ATK while Wind Up-Shark will increase his own level granting me two level 5 monsters. My Wind-Up Factory grants me two Wind-Up monsters.
Now I construct the overlay network to Xyz summon Wind-Up Arsenal Zenmaioh(R 5/O 2/2600/1900)." A large, red, white, and blue machine with a drill for a left arm and a blaster on the left appeared. "He will attack Dark Magician (Kaze 2550). I'm now set two cards."
"It's my turn." Shane drew. "I've seen what Kaze is capable of, so I need to go big or we'll lose." He nodded. "I summon Malicevorous Skewer(LV 2/300/300)." A fiend in purple armor and wielding a skewer like a weapon appeared.
"When he's normal summoned, I can special summon a Malicevorous monster from my hand. I choose Malicevorous Cup(LV 2/600/400)." A small fiend in purple armor wielding a clear glass the size of its body appeared. "I then activate Cup's ability.
By discarding one card, I can increase the level of two Malicevorous monsters on the field by one or two. My only two will gain two levels. I then activate Double Malice which doubles the level of all monsters on my field.
That's two level 8's which I will use to construct the overlay network and Xyz summon Aegaion the Sea Castrum(R 8/O 2/ ?/3000)." A mechanized, levitating fortress appeared above Shane, and this thing was truly monstrous.
Despite the situation at hand, Yuma couldn't help by be surprised. "I did not expect Shane to have Rank 8 Xyz monsters."
Roku smiled. "Those boys might just win this."
Caswell smiled. "Alright Shane, show Kaze and I what that thing can do."
Shane nodded. "My Aegaion's has two abilities, and the first does not require units to use. I now get to banish a monster at random from your extra deck, Xyz or Fusion, and make Aegaion's ATK equal to the banished monster's attack."
5 cards appeared before Shane. "I'll choose the one on the far left which means Aegaion the Sea Castrum/R 8/O 2/ 3000/3000) now has an attack equal to the monster banished. From the looks of things, I hit a monster with 3000 attack."
Shane smirked. "You hit Dark Magician the Dragon Knight. A Fusion."
Shane said, "Well, I'm not putting this to waste. Aegaion attack Dark Magician (Kaze 2300). I end my turn with a face down."
"Those were some valiant efforts, but it's my turn now." Kaze drew. "I activate Card Sanctuary. We each get to draw until we have 6 cards in hands. A boon for you, but a whole new game for me.
One of the monster I drew was Palladium Oracle Mahad(LV 7/2500/2100). By drawing and revealing it, I can special summon it." A spellcaster in white robes under red armor appeared. "I then activate Dark Magic Veil.
By paying 1000 life points, I can special summon a Dark Magician(LV 7/2500/2100) from my grave (Kaze 1300)." The purple robbed, and haired magician appeared. "I then activate Thousand Knives. Since I control a Dark Magician, I can destroy Aegaion."
"I'll stop you right there." Caswell interjected. "Since you targeted an Xyz monster, I can activate my Xyz Reflect. This negates that card, destroys it, and normally deals 800 life points (Kaze 900)."
"Very well, then I shall activate Magic Formula. This can only be equipped to a Dark Magician or Dark Magician Girl. Since I have Dark Magician, he gains 700 ATK." Dark Magician(LV 7/3200/2100 effect). "I'll use him to take down Aegaion."
"I activate Malice Shield." Shane countered. "This trap allows me to shift Aegaion to defense mode, and this turn he cannot be destroyed for any reason."
"I set two cards and end my turn." Kaze stated.
Caswell: 2000
Shane: 2000
Kaze: 900
Caswell drew. "I summon Wind-Up Juggler(LV 4/1700/1000)." A light green and white machine monster appeared. "I'll equip Wind-Up Arsenal Zenmaioh(R 5/O 2/3600/1900 effect) with Xyz Unit increasing his ATK by 200 x Rank. Juggler will attack Dark Magician (Caswell 500)."
"Why would you…" Kaze began only for Dark Magician to blow up.
"Jugglers' effect which can only be used once while it's on the field. When he battles my opponent's monster, regardless of outcome, that monster is destroyed." Caswell declared. "Since a Wind-Up monster's effect was activated, I get to add another Wind-Up Monster to my hand."
"I'll admit that wasn't bad, but my Magical Formula has the added effect of granting me 1000 more life points if it's sent to the grave Kaze (1900)." Kaze explained.
"My turn isn't finished." Caswell declared. "I activate my face down Overwind. This trap will double Wind-Up Arsenal Zenmaioh(R 5/O 2/7200/3800 effect)'s ATK and DEF. With his ATK already at 3600, he now has 7200 ATK. I'll use all of it on Mahad."
"I activate Nutrient Z (Kaze 5900). When I'm about to take more than 2000 life points in damage, I gain 4000 life points before damage calculation Kaze (4900-2550). That's not all, I activate Dark Horizon.
When I take battle or effect damage, I can special summon a Dark Spellcaster with ATK equal to or less than the damage I took. I'll summon Magician's Robe(LV 2/700/2000) in defense mode." The purple robes of Dark Magician appeared.
Yuma was shocked. "This guy just won't go down."
Roku nodded. "My grandson is a true prodigy, but this duel is not over yet. Shane and Caswell have not given up, so we shouldn't either."
Yuma nodded. "You can take him down guys!"
"I set one card and Arsenal returns to my extra deck." Caswell looked to Shane. "The field's set up for you to do some real damage."
Shane nodded. "You can count on me Mr. Francis." He drew. "I summon Malicevorous Bowl(LV 2/100/600)." A small, purple armored fiend carrying a large bowl like a shield appeared.
"Since I control a Malicevorous monster, I can special summon Malicevorous Plate(LV 2/300/300)." A small, purple armored fiend appeared carrying a plate like a shield. "I now activate a second Double Malice doubling my Malicevorous monsters levels.
With my two Level 4 monsters, I can build the overlay network to Xyz summon Lavalval Chain(R 4/O 2/1800/1000)." A fiery sea serpent appeared. "I'll then equip Aegaion with Snatch Claw which will allow me to special summon any monster he destroys to my field.
Your Magician's Robe(LV 2/700/2000) will be attacked by that very monster allowing me to special summon him to my field in ATK mode. Now Chain and Robe shall ATK you directly, and with no Spellcasters, you take all the damage (Kaze 50). I end my turn."
Caswell: 500
Shane: 2000
Kaze: 50
Kaze smiled. "Perfect. With this card, I've won." Kaze chuckled. "I summon Chocolate Magician Girl(LV 4/1600/1000)." A female with light blue hair and dark blue outfit appeared. "It'll attack Caswell directly (Caswell 0)."
Caswell was blown back by the attack.
"Mr. Francis!" Shane shouted worriedly.
Caswell got to his elbows. "I'm fine. Just be careful Shane. That magician likely has an effect like Lemon Magician Girl."
Shane took deep breath. "Don't worry, I won't lose. I equip Aegerion with Metalmorph granting him 300 more ATK. He'll also gain ATK equal to half the ATK of any monster he battles until the end of damage calculations."
Aegaion the Sea Castrum/R 8/O 2/ 3300/3000 effect).
"No, this cannot be!" Kaze was shocked. "I can't lose."
"You just have." Shane declared. "Aegerion attack Chocolate Magician girl (Shane 2000/Kaze 0)."
Kaze was blasted onto his back, and the blue egg containing Astral glowed a brilliant blue before dissipating.
Yuma ran over to him. "Astral, are you okay?"
Astral held out his hand and collected Number 11. "I am fine now Yuma." The card went inside of him. "From here on out, let us promise to duel to the very end together. Failure to do that is what led to us losing."
Yuma nodded. "Yeah."
Caswell and Shane looked at Yuma as they usually do whenever he starts talking to himself.
Caswell approached Shane and held out his hand. "You played very well."
Shane shook the hand. "Thanks Mr. Francis, but I couldn't have won without you." He let go and looked at Kaze. "I think that guy could even beat that butler we dueled a few days ago."
Caswell nodded. "You might be right about that."
Roku approached Kaze who seemed rather calm as he was on his hands and knees. "How? How could I have lost to anyone but my grandfather?"
"You lost because those three are friends. They were there to pick up the slack for one another." Roku sighed. "In the end, that was my failing as your guardian and grandfather. I let my want to stay out of the public eye influence your development.
You couldn't make friends, and I wasn't enough support. I'm sorry Kaze. Your development into a great man was stunted by my selfish desires." He put a hand on Kaze's shoulder. "If you would like to start over, I promise I'll be better."
Kaze stood up and shook his head as he looked at Yuma, Shane, and Caswell. "I'm sorry Grandfather, but I think I need to take another journey. This time of reflection." He turned to the stairs. "If I were to come back…"
"Come back any time Kaze." Roku nodded. "I'll be waiting to welcome you with open arms."
Kaze nodded before walking down the stairs.
Roku watched him leave before approaching Yuma, Caswell, and Shane. "Caswell and Shane, you two have not had as direct a schooling from me, but you both seemed to have learned what you needed." He then looked at Yuma. "Yuma my boy, your training is incomplete."
Yuma and Astral looked at one another before nodding.
Yuma then turned to the old man. "I agree Master Roku, so I'm hoping it's okay if I remain here to learn from you?"
Roku smiled. "I am glad to hear you want more lessons from me."
Caswell and Shane looked to each other before nodding.
"We've come this far, so we might as well learn what more we can." Caswell stated.
Shane asked, "Master Roku, would it be alright if we remained as well? We to wish to learn more and we want to help Mr. Tsukumo."
Roku nodded. "Of course, but you three deserve some rest. We'll get started bright and early tomorrow."
1:You will see eventually and thank you