Museum, After Lance and Rio's Duel…
Joseph was familiarizing himself with the Sentai Ranger's deck, so he could give Lance a good challenge. He just hoped the deck he gave the Heroic user was good enough to compete. After all, the Hero deck was proven powerful by its victories over the past year.
Suddenly, he got a call and brought it on screen only to smile upon seeing Lance. "Mr. Hogan, it is a pleasure." He noticed the young man was moving. "Are you on your way here? There is still an hour before our scheduled duel."
"Sorry sir, but could we reschedule the duel for this evening?" Lance asked. "Sentai Ranger business came up and needs to be dealt with."
"I understand." Joseph nodded. "This works out well because I do have some work that I can now complete. Thanks for the heads up."
Lance hung up and Joseph stood only to notice a peculiar card on the floor by his door. "Oh no, did I misplace one of the Hero deck's cards?"
He walked over and picked it up only to be cloaked in dark energy.
A deep voice spoke to him. "Yes, Joseph. Let the Number take hold."
Hogan Residence
"…Rio almost fell to the ground, but I managed to catch her." Lance finished reciting what happened on that roof of the hospital to his grandfather and mother.
His father was still back at the hospital dealing with the situation.
His mother only had one question. "Was this Rio girl cute?"
Lance slumped down in his chair. "This is exactly why I haven't told you about Cat, mom."
He slapped his hands over his mouth.
"Who is this Cat? Is she your girlfriend, and if she is, why are you hiding her from me?" Zeera asked.
"Mom, Cat is this girl that Yuma dueled. It was this whole business with false pretenses, and I wasn't even there. It was the same day I took down that creep in the alley. Plus, Tori and Cat both have a crush on Yuma. Seriously, don't you see it? I do." Lance asked.
"Of course, but Yuma can't marry both of them." Zeera stated. "This Rio girl sounds very pretty, and she doesn't have a crush on Yuma. You know full well I'd get off this topic if you had a girlfriend."
"Grandpa, a little help." Lance looked to Zack. "Any topic would be preferred."
Zack leaned forward. "Why haven't you mentioned these Numbers before?"
Lance sighed, "It's unimportant. Neither you nor mom could use them without going overboard with desire." He pulled out his pendent. "Yuma and I have something that connects us. It allows us to use the card.
As far as I can tell, this really has nothing to do with light or dark magic." He thought back to the duel with Rio. "Besides today, but every other time it's been Yuma or I combatting desire enhanced by Numbers."
Zeera looked at her son. "Lance, are these Numbers the reason you were down the past few days?"
Lance nodded. "Two duelist, whom I'd compare to you with your tournament deck, were on a whole other level of dueling. I have no doubt they'll be at the World Duel Carnival looking for Numbers. That means I'll likely meet them again because I'll be doing the same."
Zeera sighed and closed her eyes. "I don't like this Lance."
Zack said, "I support him."
Zeera looked him. "Dad!"
"Zeera, Lance seems to know what he's talking about, and while you've been worried before, you still let him be the Sentai Ranger." Zack stated.
"Mom, it's too late to turn back. I have these Numbers, and I'm one of the only people who can wield them without desire influencing me. I could give them to Yuma, but that would be abandoning a friend." Lance stated.
Zeera grumbled. "Now I'm wishing we hadn't hammered in how important friends are and stopped teaching good morality."
Zack patted her back. "You don't mean that."
Zeera crossed her arms, so Lance hugged her. "Mom, I'll be as careful as I can, but I can't stop. I need to fight. There's someone, a friend, counting on Yuma and me to do this for him because he can't."
Zeera hugged him back. "Just don't carry the weight of this by yourself anymore." They pulled away from each other. "We taught you the importance of family as well as good friends. If you have good friends that are great duelist, let them in."
Lance put his hand to his chin. "I'll need to talk to Yuma about this, but you make a good point. You don't need a Number to win."
Zeera then went into what most would call 'mom mode'. "You better keep us posted from here on out. I had a feeling you were keeping something from us. That stops now."
Lance nervously chuckled. "Yes ma'am."
Zeera stood up. "Good." She smiled. "Now, I want to hear all about these Numbers, but that can be done gradually. Right now, you have a duel to get to."
"Right." Lance ran to the front door. "Love you mom and grandpa."
"No running in the house!" Zeera shouted.
Lance opened the door. "Sorry!"
Zeera walked up to the kitchen counter, placed her hands on it, and sighed.
Zack said, "He's a tough kid Zeera. He'll be fine."
"I know, but I worry dad." Zeera stated. "I worry he'll vanish like his siblings."
Zack hugged his daughter. "I know princess. I miss Zach and Talia as well but keeping Lance out of trouble isn't the answer."
Zeera hugged him back. "I know."
Museum, Evening…
Nelson had decided to visit the museum because he had nothing else planned. Lance had apologized and said he had something to do, Caswell, Shane, and Yuma had taken off to train, and Tori had said she wanted to work on her deck.
He held nothing against that. It merely left him with a free day to do something by himself, so he figured he'd explore his new home. He'd heard great things about the museum. Apparently, some ultra-rare deck was on display, so it seemed like the perfect thing to cap off the day.
He walked onto the grounds when he noticed an odd sight. An old man stood outside with a D- pad and spectacles with the right being being tinted like a duel gazer. He also had a full head of short, silver hair and dull red eyes. His attire was a beige suit.
Nelson approached the man. "Hey, are you okay?"
The man simply smiled. "I'm wonderful. I'm just waiting for an appointment." He noticed the deck box around Nelson's waist. "Say, would you like to help me prepare? I want to make a good impression, but I'm uncertain if I'm skilled enough to compete."
"I love to duel." Nelson smiled. "My name is Nelson Andrews."
The man nodded. "I am Joseph Tanner."
They faced off.
D-pad go
Duel Gazer on
Augmented vision link established
(Nelson 4000/Joseph 4000)
"Alright, I'll go first." Nelson declared.
Joseph nodded. "As you wish."
"I'll T set a monster and back row." Nelson declared. "Your move."
Joseph drew. "Since I control no monsters, I can special summon Super Quantum Red Layer(LV 5/2000/800)." A warrior in red and gray armor appeared. "Since I control a monster with 2000 or more ATK, I can special summon Overlay Booster(LV 5/2000/0)."
A warrior in red armor appeared. "I overlay Red Layer and Booster to Xyz summon Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger(R 5/O 2/2600/2000)." A large, red machine lion appeared. "I can detach an overlay unit to destroy a monster on your field.
Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger(R 5/O 1/2600/2000). "I'll choose your face down. Then I can banish Booster to grant Magnaliger 500 more attack for every overlay unit until the end of the turn." Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger(R 5/O 1/3100/2000). "He'll attack you directly."
"I activate Battle Break." Nelson interjected. "Since you declared an attack, this card destroys your monster."
"I set one card." Joseph stated.
Nelson drew. "I summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist-Spirit(LV 3/500/200)." A humanoid, purple spirit appeared wearing white armor. "When he's normal summoned, I can special summon a Fire Fist monster from my grave, in defense mode.
The only caveat is that the monster must have 200 or less defense. Thanks to you, I have Brotherhood of the Fire Fist – Leopard(LV 3/0/200)." A woman with black hair appeared wearing black armor. "I now construct the overlay network with my two monsters.
"Xyz summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Lion Emperor(R 3/O 2/2200/200)." A bipedal lion man in white armor and wielding twin blades appeared. "By detaching one overlay unit from him, I can add a Fire monster from my grave to my hand. He'll then attack you directly."
Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Lion Emperor(R 3/O 1/2200/200)
"I activate Draining Shield to negate your attack and grant me life points equal to the attacking monster's ATK (Nelson 4000/Joseph 6200)."
"I end my turn." Nelson declared.
Joseph drew. "I activate Xyz Revenge. Since you control an Xyz monster, with a material, I can special summon one from my grave. I target Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger(R 5/O 0/2600/2000). I then get to take a material from your monster and give it to Magnaliger."
Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Lion Emperor(R 3/O 0/2200/200)
Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger(R 5/O 1/2600/2000)
By detaching an overlay unit from Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger(R 5/O 0/2600/2000) I can destroy your Emperor. I then then launch a direct attack (Nelson 1400/Joseph 6700). I end my turn."
Nelson drew. "I activate Pot of Greed to draw two more cards. I then summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist-Spirit(LV 3/500/200). When he's normal summoned, I can special summon a Fire Fist monster from my grave, in defense mode.
Once again, I have Brotherhood of the Fire Fist – Leopard(LV 3/0/200). I then activate Fire Formation-Ingen. When this card is activated, I can fuse my two Beast Warriors to bring about the monster with grace and elegance.
Fusion summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist – Swan(LV 8/2600/2200)." A white robed beast warrior in black armor appeared. When he's special summoned, I can deal you 200 life points of damage for every Fire Formation card I control (Nelson 1400/Joseph 6500).
I now move into the battle phase and activate Swan's other effect. By sending a Fire Formation card I control to the grave, I can destroy one card you control. I choose your Magnaliger. Now, I attack you directly (Nelson 1400/Joseph 3900). I end my turn with a face down."
Joseph drew. "I summon Elemental Hero Stratos(LV 4/1800/300)." A hero in blue armor with wings appeared. "His ability allows me to add a hero from my deck to my hand. I'll then activate Hero's Bond.
Since I control a Hero, I can special summon two level 4 or lower heroes. I choose Elemental Hero Sparkman(LV 4/1600/1400) and Elemental Hero Ocean(LV 4/1500/1000)." A hero in gold and blue armor appeared followed by an aquatic hero with a trident.
"Now I construct the overlay network with all three level four monsters to Xyz summon the master of negation Number 16: Shock Master(R 4/O 3/2300/1600)." A purple and white fairy appeared.
Nelson took a step back as a blue 16 appeared on Joseph's left palm. "A Number? Lance and Yuma have those. I'm going to have to step up my game to overcome their protection against battle destruction."
"Now, I detach one overlay unit from Shock Master allowing me to choose a Monster, Spell, or Trap. One of those three will become inaccessible to you until the end of your next turn. I'm banking on trap since you have a face down." Joseph declared.
Nelson was shocked. "That's a powerful ability."
"You got to start playing better young man." Joseph stated. "If you don't, this duel will be a waste of time. Now, Shock Master attack Swan with Negation Blaster. I then activate Ego Boost granting Number 16: Shock Master(R 4/O 3/3300/1600 effect) 1000 ATK."
"You sealed my trap, but monsters good to go." Nelson declared. "I activate Fire Fist-Raging Spirit. By discarding this monster, Brotherhood of the Fire Fist – Swan(LV8/5900/2200 effect) gains ATK equal to the attacking monster's ATK until the end of the turn."
(Nelson 1400/Joseph 1300)."
"Numbers can't be destroyed by battle, so I end my turn." Joseph declared.
Brotherhood of the Fire Fist – Swan(LV8/2600/2200)
Lance had parked his bike and walked around the gate only to notice Nelson dueling Joseph. "Nelson and Joseph?" He put his duel gazer on and activated it. "A Number! What the heck is going on?"
Nelson drew and smiled. "I activate Fissure. This spell destroys a monster with the lowest ATK; however, you only control Number 16. Since this is an effect, your monster's battle protection doesn't kick in."
Joseph was shocked. "Impossible."
"Nothing is impossible." Nelson declared. "Now, Swan will attack you directly for game (Nelson 1400/Joseph 0)."
Joseph stumbled and Lance's pendent briefly glowed before Number 16 flew into it like any other Number.
Nelson approached Joseph. "Are you okay?"
Joseph blinked, shook his head, and looked around. "What happened? Wait, we dueled, and you won?" He smiled. "Ah, I recall even though it is a bit fuzzy. Yes, we just dueled" He took Nelson's hand and shook it. "Thank you, young one."
"I was just as confused after my duel with Lance. Did I have a Number?" Nelson contemplated this before Joseph shook his hand causing him to chuckle. "Oh, you're welcome? Why did you challenge me to a duel anyways? You said you were preparing for someone or something."
Joseph smiled. "Ah, it was likely me preparing for a very important duel." He chuckled. "You'll have to forgive me. Seems my memory isn't what it used to be."
"Who's your opponent?" Nelson asked.
Lance joined them. "That would be me."
Nelson looked at Lance shocked. "Wait, is this what you had to take care of?"
Lance nodded. "That deck Joseph used is one of mine. More specifically, it's the Sentai Ranger. Recently, we've entered a new age where the Sentai Ranger isn't required, so Joseph wants to dedicate an exhibit to him. I'll only agree through a duel."
"That is right." Joseph chuckled. "Anyways, I may not be certain about what happened, but I am ready to duel."
"I will warn you that I made changes." Lance stated. "Had to make it more to my liking." He informed. "I hope that's okay?"
"That's quite alright." Joseph nodded. "Shall we?"
"Let's." He turned to Nelson. "You want to stay and observe?"
Nelson had questions about his duel with the old man as the Number thing was starting to bug him; however, he decided they could be brought up later.
The Fire Fist user nodded. "I'd love to watch a duel."
Everyone moved into place, and as luck would have it, Toshiro, host to Dark Mist, was passing by. Well, not completely luck. After all, earlier that day he'd enacted his little plan with that duelist at the hospital.
"What a fortunate turn of events." Dark Mist spoke to Toshiro. "Stand at the gate and act unassuming. It's not unnatural for civilians to watch a duel, and this will give me more of a chance to learn about my opponent."
Without a word, Toshiro put his duel gazer on and did his best to not look like a sleep deprived man. A sleep deprived man who had a monster in his head driving him crazy.
D-pad go
Duel Gazer on
Augmented vision link established
(Lance 4000/Joseph 4000)
"Who will go first?" Joseph asked.
"I'll go." Lance declared. "I'll start by summoning The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves(LV 3/1000/500)." Purple energy with black gloves appeared. "Since I control a Phantom Knight, I can special summon The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots(LV 3/200/1200)."
Blue energy in the shape of a human without arms and ragged brown clothing appeared. "Now, I construct the overlay network with my two level three monsters to Xyz summon The Phantom Knights of Break Sword(R 3/O 2/3000/1000 effect)."
A black armor energy being atop a matching horse and wielding a blade appeared. "Since Ragged Gloves was used to summon him, his ATK is 1000 higher than normal. I'll then set one card."
Joseph drew. "I summon Super Quantal Fairy Alphan(LV 1/0/0)." A white and green cosmic rabbit appeared. "I'll tribute him to reveal three Super Quant monsters with different names from my deck." He picked out the three monsters. "You pick one at random and I get to summon it."
"I pick the card on the left." Lance stated.
"You picked Super Quantum Blue Layer(LV 3/1200/2000)." A blue and silver suited female appeared. "That means Green and Red go to the grave. Not only that, but because Blue was summoned, I can add another Super Quant card from my deck to hand if it's not blue.
I then follow up with Twin Twister. By discarding one card, I can destroy up to two spell or traps on your field. I'll take out that back row of yours. With that out of the way, I'll end my turn."
"Considering the move, it's safe to say he's going for the turtle play." Lance smiled. "Of course, there is more to this deck than intended." He drew. "I activate Break Sword's ability. By detaching an overlay unit, I can target a monster on both our fields and destroy them.
Break Sword and Blue Layer are the only targets available. That's not all because Break Sword has an added effect which allows me to summon two Phantom Knight monsters from my grave and increase their levels by one.
Welcome back, The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves(LV 4/1000/500) and The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots(LV 4/200/1200). They won't be staying long because I'm taking this duel up a level.
I overlay my level four monsters to Xyz summon Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon(R 4/O 2/3500/2000 effect)." The mighty, black and purple dragon appeared. "I now launch a direct attack."
"I activate the Electromagnetic Turtle I discard to activate Twin Twister. By banishing him, I put an end to the battle phase." Joseph declared.
"I set one card." Lance stated.
Joseph drew. "I activate Message in a Bottle. I now target three monsters with different levels in my grave, and special summon them all to the field; however, I must Xyz summon by the end of the turn or I lose 4000 life points.
Also, their ATK becomes 0. The monsters I choose are Super Quantum Blue Layer(LV 3/0/2000), Super Quantum Green Layer(LV 4/0/1400), and Super Quantum Red Layer(LV 5/0/800).
A female in a blue and silver suit appeared followed by men in a green suit and red & silver suit. "Per Blue Layer's effect, I can add another Super Quant monster from my deck to my hand. Now I activate Super Quantal Alphan Spike.
Since I control at least three Super Quantum Mosnters with different names, your dragon is reshuffled back into the deck. You're then allowed to special summon any monster you'd like from your extra deck ignoring summoning conditions."
"I'll re-summon Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon(R 4/O 0/2500/2000)." Lance declared.
"I'll activate my Spike's ability from the grave. By banishing both it and a Super Quantal Fairy Alphan, I can activate a Super Quantal Mech Ship Magnacarrier from my deck." The museum grounds changed into a blue space.
"Here's where it gets good. I'm activating the field spell three times. By discarding three cards, one for each Layer, I can Xyz summon the corresponding Super Quantal Mech Beast." He discarded the three cards.
"Xyz summon Super Quantal Mech Beast Grampulse(R 3/O 1/1800/2800), Super Quantal Mech Beast Aeroboros(R 4/O 1/2200/2400), and Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger(R 5/O 1/2600/2000)."
Two mechanical dolphins, a green and black mechanical bird, and a red lion appeared. "I activate the final effect of my field spell. By sending it to the grave, I can use my three Beasts to Xyz summon Super Quantal Mech King Great Magnus(Rank 12/O 6/3600/3200)."
A mech formed from the three monstesr on the field. "Now I detach one overlay unit allowing me to shuffle a card on the field into the deck. I choose Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon. This leaves you open for a direct ATK."
"Not quite." Lace declared. "I activate Xyz Reborn. With this, I can target an Xyz monster in my grave and return him to the field. Come on back The Phantom Knights of Break Sword(R 3/O 1/2000/1000)."
"My Magnus will destroy Break Sword then (Lance 2400/Joseph 4000)." Joseph declared.
"Break Sword's effect activates allowing me to return two Phantom Knight monsters from the grave to the field one level higher. Welcome back, The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves(LV 4/1000/500) and The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots(LV 4/200/1200)."
"I end my turn." Joseph declared.
Lance drew. "I must confess, I had intended on showing off a different ace, but you have effectively locked me out of him. As such, you have forced my hand. I must go down a different route. I summon Predaplant Chlamydosundew(LV 2/600/200)."
A green lizard appeared. "This monster is special because he can act as a more advanced Polymerization given the right circumstances; however, as things stand, he must act as a normal Polymerization. Now I can fusion summon a Dark monster.
Of course, Chlamydosundew must be one of those materials, and I'll add Silent Boots to the equation to fusion summon Fusion summon Starving Venom Fusion Dragon(LV 8/2800/2000)."
The poisonous purple dragon rose up on Lance's field. "When Starving Venom Fusion Dragon(LV 8/6400/2000effect) is summoned through monsters on the field, he gains ATK equal to my opponent's special summoned monsters "Wait, there's more.
I'm activating the Polymerization in my hand to fuse the Ragged Gloves on the field with the Ragged Gloves in my hand. Fusion summon Predaplant Chimerafflesia(LV 7/2500/2000)." A plant with a red flower on top and Venus fly traps for arms appeared.
Starving Venom Fusion Dragon will destroy Super Quantal Mech King Great Magnus (Lance 2400/Joseph 1200). Chimerafflesia will attack you directly ending this duel (Lance 2400/Joseph 0)."
Nelson and Joseph were both equally shocked by the powerful fusion monster.
"That dragon is something else." Nelson thought.
"That was amazing." Joseph smiled. "He's gone and made that deck his own."
Lance walked over. "I am very satisfied with this deck." He held out a hand. "You will have my full support and cooperation when it comes to the exhibit."
Joseph shook the hand. "Thank you, Mr. Hogan. I promise it'll be big."
Toshiro walked away from the museum as Dark Mist spoke to him once more. "Very interesting. I'd have been shocked were he to use that deck against me. Now, I'll know a little more of what I can expect."
Museum Gate, Night…
The boys walked off the museum grounds, and Nelson thought now was the best time to talk with Lance. "So, I've been seeing these Numbers a lot recently, yet I don't remember them ever being cards before. What's the deal with them?"
Lance replied, "I've recently, and I mean recently, been thinking about that. In the end, I have an idea; however, I must run it by Yuma because this concerns him as much as me." He put a hand on Nelson's shoulder. "So, can you wait until then?"
"Alright, I can wait." Nelson waved with a smile. "I'll see you at school tomorrow. You were amazing with that new deck by the way."
Lance smiled and waved back before walking to his bike.
Streets of Heartland
Kaze had a bag over his shoulder and his bladed staff tucked away in a case attached to his back. "I feel uncertain… What do I do now that destroying the sanctuary doesn't appeal to me?" He gripped his chest with his free hand. "The darkness within is changing, and…"
Kaze stopped as he bumped into what looked like a middle schooler with fair skin and bulbous spiked hair colored orange. His attire consisted of a black fur-collared jacket over a purple shirt, dark purple shoes, and black pants with a red jeweled necklace.
Kaze looked at him briefly. "Sorry about that."
The guy smiled. "No problem. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going." He handed a black phone to Kaze. "It seems you dropped this."
The guy then walked past Kaze only for the Dark Magian user to whirl around and catch the tail end of blue particles floating into the air. Kaze blinked for a moment before the device in his hand went off.
He looked at it and tapped the screen before placing it to his ear. "Hello?"
"Hello Kaze Muto. My name is Declan Akaba and I have a proposition for you. Come to the DA restaurant across the street. They'll be expecting you." Declan stated from the other end.
The phone went dead. Kaze looked at it and tapped the screen a few times to no avail. He looked across the street to the restaurant. It had some real flair to it with plenty of window space. Kaze had passed it without a second thought on his way to the sanctuary.
Kaze raised an eyebrow. "Duel Academy? Why would that place have a restaurant? What does this Declan Akaba have to do with the Kaiba family? Surely he must know them if he's using a place owned by them for a meet up."
There was only one way he'd get an answer.
Duel Academy Restaurant(DAR)
Kaze entered the building and found a man with well-kept black hair, hazel eyes, and a bald head. His attire consisted of a black suit, he kept the jacket open, and sunglasses were around his collar.
"Hello sir." The man bowed. "My name is James Archer, and I shall be your host." He stood. "We are most appreciative that you decided to join us this evening."
Kaze said, "Let's just cut to the chase."
"As you wish." James walked out from behind the podium. "Follow me."
He walked off as an actual hostess took the butler's place. Kaze looked at the hostess before following the butler to the building's second floor which was a long hallway with beige wall and violet carpet. James stopped before a door.
"Declan is waiting for you in this room." James stated before walking off.
The moment he turned the corner, the door slid up, and Kaze stepped in. There he saw a familiar person sitting at a mahogany table with an empty seat on the other side. This person, Declan, was a thin, young man with pale skin.
He had gray hair arranged in a simple style and wore red-framed spectacles over purple eyes. Both ears were pierced with black stud earrings. Despite his status, Declan was dressed rather casually, especially when you consider who his grandfather was.
His attire consisted of a dark-blue sweater, white pants that end just above his ankles, and white shoes with a long red scarf wrapped around his shoulders with the ends trailing to the small of his back. The door closed behind Kaze, but he wasn't focused on this.
Oh no, his attention was drawn to 'Declan'. "Reiji Kaiba…"
Declan/Reiji nodded with a serious expression. "Kaze Muto. How long has it been since the grandsons of legends were in the same room?"
"We're what? 16 now?" Kaze stated. "I believe Kaiba passed away 5 years ago, so 5 years since a Muto and Kaiba have had any contact."
Declan pushed up his glasses. "That seems accurate. I regret not being there after your parent's passed, but I have been busy since Grandfather's passing."
"No doubt, you, an 11-year-old, had much to prove. Especially that you wouldn't be taken advantage of." Kaze sighed. "I understand. After all, we were not friends. Merely acquaintances through our parents and grandparents."
"That is a surprise and makes what I'm about to ask difficult." Reiji calmly stated. "I could guess our friendship strained; however, I was hoping it'd have held, so it would be easier to convince you."
Kaze raised an eyebrow. "Convincing me of what?"
Reiji gestured to the seat across from him. "Take a seat, and I shall explain." Kaze sat down. "Are you feeling parched? I could go for a drink myself."
Kaze decided to humor him. "I'll take a cream soda. No ice."
Reiji gave a small smile. "Your favorite soda if I recall."
He pushed a button as Kaze said, "Correct."
A panel soon opened in the wall and a trey slid onto the table with a glass of cream soda, no ice, and a class of orange juice with ice. Reiji took the later and sipped from in as Kaze drank down half of his.
Kaze took out the black phone. "Alright, what's this about?" He placed the phone on the table. "Who was that kid that passed this to me?" He slid it over to Reiji. "How did he suddenly vanish?"
"That young man is Ray Shadows." Reiji nodded. "That's what he prefers to be called. Officially, he is a student of Duel Academy. Unofficially, he is a member of the Xyz Defenders. Just like my butler whom you met out there."
"The Xyz Defenders?" Kaze questioned.
Reiji nodded. "It is a group I founded to protect our world which sits at the precipice of collapsing. How long we have is uncertain and shall be determined by our actions."
"Reiji, I can believe much, you know this, but you must explain." Kaze stated firmly.
Reiji sighed. "Our Earth exist parallel to many worlds. Some are much like our own while others are vastly different. Ours, sits particularly close to two other words. Barian and Astral. These worlds have been at war for a long time and Earth was ensnared long before.
People of the past have been brought into Barian World after they've died. I was warned of this war reaching Earth and shown visions of what would happen with no one to defend it. So, I took it upon myself to do this. I have been developing duelist and decks to combat what's to come.
My own deck, D/D, has vastly improved. Unfortunately, what I'm lacking are duelists. Powerful duelist. I have a couple, but the odds seem overwhelming. Especially with the information Ray has given me. That is why I ask you to join the Xyz Defenders. Help defend Earth."
Kaze looked down at his now empty glass. "Help defend earth? Like my grandfather and father before him." He looked at Reiji. "Like his grandfather and father before him." He looked down once more. "Is this what I'm meant to do?"
Kaze looked at Reiji once more. "I accept."
Reiji nodded took out a manila envelope, a blank spell card, and a new D-Pad.
"Welcome on board Kaze. Officially, you shall be a teacher at Duel Academy while unofficially a member of the Xyz Defenders. That spell card you have shall serve as a Lancer's badge. The D-pad is for the teleportation you saw Ray perform. We'll go over how it works later."
Reiji stood. "For now, strap it to your arm, and we'll be off. We must work to strengthen your deck. One more thing, this applies to all members, I don't want anyone catching onto who I am. In that vein, refer to me as Declan Akaba in public and Reiji Kaiba in private."
Kaze picked the three items up and nodded before placing the D-Pad on his arm. A moment later, both he and Reiji teleported from the room.