Connor Residence, Night

Dos looked at the mansion before her.It wasn't exactly a big mansion, but it was two stories and had a full-sized pool in the back yard. In the end, it was in the perfect location for the coming invasion. Dos pressed the button by the gate, and, after a moment, it beeped admitting her.

The woman picked up a grey colored case and walked up to the door which was answered by a young man with spiky red hair and green eyes. He wore a long, no sleeved brown shirt, glasses, and white pants.

"You were not followed, were you?" The young man asked firmly.

"I was not Adrian." Dos replied.

"Then come on it." Adrian nodded nodded. "Your fellow Xyz agent is in the study."

Adrian walked away while Dos walked through the warm feeling home, but images were deceiving. She walked up the stairs and opened the first door on his left entering a cozy room with a fireplace, comfy chair, and shelf filled with stories.

"I've been seeing you with more frequency these days Dos" Shane stated casually. "Is there something you aren't telling me?"

"I couldn't tell you before, but the time of the invasion is soon." Dos replied. "On the day of the WDC finales, we will be expected to do our part." She sat the case on the desk. "Mr. Kaiba wishes you to come to the fusion dimension with your new partner in this case."

"I see." Shane nodded. "Yuma and Lance are holding a meeting after school today, so I can use it as my chance to give them a proper excuse."

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I must return to Vetrix." Dos walked to the door.

Once she was gone, the Malicevorous user took Number 96 causing Dark Mist to suddenly become visible next to him.

"So, you're Dark Mist?" Shane stated. "I believe your part of what Lance and Yuma want to talk about at today's meeting."

Dark Mist said, "What they say would have been true if it weren't for my cleansing. Now, my goals are to prove my strength. Prove myself the ultimate Number. If you can accept that, I'll serve you and any cause of yours to the best of my abilities."

"Your goals align with mine in some regard, and you certainly seem more in control of yourself than Tori led me to believe." Shane nodded. "Just keep yourself hidden while I attend my last day at Heartland Academy."

Dark Mist vanished, and Shane put the card in his extra deck.

Heartland Academy, Morning…

Lance waked into class and was approached by Shane who seemed rather sad. "Hey Shane, is everything okay?"

Shane looked at the ground. "Master Hogan, I'm not going to be able to learn from you anymore. My butler noticed my increased interest in learning how to duel, so he's taking me around the world to learn from other duelist."

Lance was surprised. "Wow, that's a big opportunity."

Shane looked at him hopefully. "You're not mad?"

Lance rubbed his head. "I enjoyed helping you, and our group is going to miss you; however, an opportunity like this doesn't come around for many our age. Your guardian must really care about your skills. Do you not want to go?"

Shane shook his head. "I was just afraid my departure would make you sad. After all, yesterday you said there was this important meeting today."

Lance nodded. "You're still welcome to attend, but you should get out there. Expand your horizons and learn how to duel."

"Thank you, Master Hogan." Shane smiled. "I'll attend and tell everyone of my planned departure tomorrow." He chuckled. "After you and Mr. Tsukumo are done informing us of this important threat naturally. Don't tell anyone until then. I don't want to bum anyone out."

Lance walked to his seat. "I won't say a word."

Classroom, After School…

Thanks to Mr. Kay, Yuma and Lance got permission to use an empty classroom. They now stood before Caswell, Cat, Tori, Nelson, Shane, Rio, and Shark who stood in the back of the room.

"Let's not beat around the bush." Lance cleared his throat. "Numbers are powerful Xyz monsters that are part of a being's memory. His name is Astral. Yesterday, Tori saw what is known as Number 96. That is what Astral looks like except blue and kinder."

Yuma continued. "Lance and I are able to wield these cards because of our pendants. They connect us to Astral and keep us from going crazy with desire. Any of you who've seen us combat Numbers can attest to this."

Lance picked back up. "In fact, Shark, Rio, and Nelson have each been controlled by these Numbers. Almost all of you have dueled against a Number at some point. Some more than others. These Numbers draw Hunters such as Kite Tenjo and Shay Obsidian.

They are in a league of their own. Both Yuma and I lost to them, and it was only by luck that we retained our Numbers and souls. Since then, we have gone through upgrades and training to give us a chance against them."

"The only other thing we know for certain is that Number 96 is different from any other Number we've collected. He seems capable of acting on his own and is out there. We have no idea where he is." Yuma continued.

"Astral needs these Numbers to restore his memory. Now that you are aware of these Numbers, and what Yuma and I know, we're here to declare the Number Investigation Club. Basically, we'll be counting on you guys to help us as you have been." Lance finished.

Rio stood up. "I already agreed to join, so I'm in."

Tori followed suit. "Someone's got to be there to pull you idiots out of trouble, so I'm in."

Caswell stood up. "Now that I know the full story, I'll be happy to lend my skills to your club."

Nelson was next. "I'm happy to help my friends."

Cat was the last to stand. "I'd like to join as well."

Yuma looked to the Shark user. "What about you Shark?"

Shark walked out the door. "You can have your little club but count me out." The door opened. "That said, if you need my help Lance, I'll be there."

Rio giggled. "Because he's your best friend."

Shark turned around and angrily declared, "He is not. Stop saying that."

"Never!" Rio declared.

Shark put his hands in his pockets and grumbled to himself as he left the classroom.

Caswell looked at Shane. "Looks like you're the last one Shane."

Shane stood up with a sad smile. "I'm sorry to say that I'll be unable to join."

"Why?" Nelson asked.

Shane replied, "My guardian has noticed my increased interest in learning how to duel, so he's taking me on a trip around the world to learn from all sorts of duelist."

"Good for you Shane." Tori stated.

Caswell nodded. "That is an opportunity."

"Nelson smiled. "We'll miss you, but this is something you should do."

Shane stood up and bowed. "Thank you all. I know this is rather sudden, but I leave tomorrow." He walked out to the isle. "So, I should get packing."

Outside the Academy

Lance was walking out with Tori and Yuma when his duel gazer went off, and he saw it was Rio. 'I know we just disbanded, but I need to talk. Come to the roof. Don't let anyone know.'

Tori turned to him. "Is something wrong?"

Lance pocketed his duel gazer. "It was my mom. She wanted to confirm what time I'd be home." He pocketed his device. "You guys go on ahead. I'm going to take a walk before heading off."

The multi-deck user stuck his hands in his pockets before walking off.

Yuma nodded. "See you later Lance."

Roof

Lance found Rio looking out at the school yard. "This is familiar."

Rio looked at him. "Thanks for coming."

Lance joined her. "What's up?"

"I'm sorry if I'm out of line, but you spoke of being a coward yesterday. I was wondering, did that affect your dueling?" Rio asked.

Lance nodded. "I always worried whether or not I was making the right move, and often made the wrong move because of it." He leaned against the railing. "Although, I must confess that I'm confused why you're bringing this up. From what I saw, you're an amazing duelist."

"You're a rare case." Rio sighed. "I don't know. Maybe it has to do with that dark magic, but that's not the point. I've been involved in many duels, yet I always choke when it matters. Reginald is a prime example.

Over the years, we've had 99 duels, yet I've never won one. Never even got close. Now, I'm a member of your club, and I want to give my best as I would for any club. As it stands now, I'm not certain how to move forward. That's why I was hoping you could help me."

"Trust in your deck, your instincts, and your skill." Lance stated.

Rio looked at him. "What?"

"You have to believe in yourself, your deck, and your skills. You can't just say you're going to win. You must believe. Believe with every fiber of your being. Will that always lead to victory? No, but it'll help.

If you can't believe in yourself, then I'll do it for you. You can sell yourself short all you want, but I've seen how well you duel. I know for a fact you won't let us down." He smiled. "Always give it your all, and you'll have nothing to regret."

"Is that all?" Rio contemplated.

Lance shrugged. "I can't guarantee it'll work but getting caught up with what may happen only divides your focus. In the end, you'll miss what's right in front of you to the point you'll make mistakes. As Yuma says, you got too high five the sky."

Rio smiled. "I think you just helped me in a big way."

She started to walk away, but Zeera's words began to play through Lance's head. 'This Rio girl sounds very pretty, and she doesn't have a crush on Yuma.' He pondered that. "I mean, she is pretty, but she's more than that. She's unlike any girl I've meet because she's so much more." Rio reached the door back in when Lance shouted. "Wouldyouliketogeticecream!?"

Rio turned to him. "What was that?"

Lance gulped and walked over to her. "It's just, I only know so much about you and was wondering if we could grab an ice cream. You know, talk while we have something cold."

"I'd like that." Rio smiled. "Beats going home to Reginald's crabby attitude."

Lance nodded. "Great. I'll buy."

Park, Some Time Later…

Lance and Rio walked along the path with Rio telling him a story from when she and Shark were kids. Each held an ice cream cone. Lance had strawberry while Rio had chocolate.

"Reginald took me to this theme park where I won both those rings you've seen him wear." She showed him one of the rings which now sat on her finger. "You can probably guess, but he refused to wear his ring. That made me so mad." Lance chuckled. "Hey, why are you laughing?"

"I'm sorry. I don't mean anything by it." Lance collected himself. "I'm just imagining a little Rio all mad and storming off. It sounds cute."

Rio blushed slightly before clearing her throat. "Alright, I told you a story, so it's your turn."

"Alright, this story starts when my bully chased me up a tree. As usual, she got bored and left. I was stuck in the tree because I was too terrified to climb down. Then a man by the name of Nistro happened to walk by.

He got me down in no time. Man, I thought he was the coolest after my big brother. I wanted him as my teacher, and this was around the time my shift in personality was starting. As you can imagine, I wasn't about to take no for an answer."

"What did you do?" Rio asked.

"Well, I may not have the energy Yuma does, but I followed him all over the city until collapsing around evening. As I was a little kid, my mom wasn't happy that I'd been gone all day. In the end, the fact that I didn't give up got me my chance." Lance replied.

"You saw Nistro as your teacher and worked to make it happen" Rio stated.

Lance nodded. "Looking back on it, with a little less confidence, I'm starting to realize that anything worth having is that which you will fight to get or keep."

Rio's duel gazer went off. "Hello Reginald."

"Rio, where are you?" Shark asked concerned.

"I'm taking a walk and enjoying some ice cream." Rio stated as if it were obvious.

"Get home now. You know I…" Shark was cut off as Rio hung up.

She sighed. "I swear, sometimes he can be so annoying." She turned to Lance. "I should get home before he starts searching every park in Heartland."

Lance nodded. "I had a nice time."

"Me to." She hugged him. "Thanks Lance."

She pulled away and walked off leaving Lance blushing. "That hug felt nice and warm. It felt great hanging out with Rio. I mean, it's great hanging with Yuma, Tori, or any of our other friends. It was just a different kind of great."

Rio was having similar thought. "You know, there may just be something special about Lance. He's a great guy, and he sees me as more than a pretty face. More than that, he's accepting that I am more than that. For some reason, it all felt somewhat familiar."

Hogan Residence, 1 Week Later…

Lance walked into the kitchen and grabbed an apple from the fridge as Zack entered.

He looked at Lance worriedly. "Lance, we all have our ways of grieving, and I'm not out to stop you. It's just… you know they wouldn't want you spending all day at the graves, nor would they want your father working to solve the case all day, or you mother locking herself in her room."

"I know grandpa, but I can't help it. I don't think any of us can." Lance managed a weak smile. "It's pathetic, right? None of us can move on. I know they're out there. They must be. It's just…"

Zack put a hand on his shoulder. "It's not pathetic. It proves we remember them. I just wish the four of us would spend the day remembering them better. Maybe doing the things they loved together instead of separating for the day. I know that sounds selfish."

Lance shook his head. "No, it sounds reasonable, but we all have our own ways of feeling close to them. We're still close. We're still a family. It's just this day. It cast a melancholy that only the silver lining of tomorrow can fix."

"You may be right about that." Zack patted his shoulder. "Anyways, I've kept you long enough. You should get going."

This conversation was just another tradition of the day.

Heartland Academy

Rio had met Yuma at the gate who was shockingly early without Lance. Since he was early, the Dragunity user found this a good time to pick Yuma's mind on what 'High Fiving the Sky' meant.

"So, what exactly is 'High Fiving the Sky'? Lance told me that was something you say, and I've heard it a few times during duel period along with 'Feeling the Flow'." Rio questioned.

"They are what my father taught me." Yuma explained. "He was fun, hated sitting around, and loves adventure. He's everything I want to be, so I live by what he taught me. It's about possibilities and dreams." He chuckled. "I'm not exactly the greatest at explaining this."

"No." Rio shook her head. "Thank you, Yuma. You're starting to help me understand, but your mottos sound like they're different for each person because no one is the same. That just means I have to find my own flow and way of reaching the sky."

Yuma put his hands behind his head. "You certainly got the right spirit Rio." They then saw Tori at the entrance. "Hey Tori, so I take it Lance really didn't come?"

Tori shook her head. "He's not here."

Rio looked at them confused. "What are you guys talking about?"

"It's his annual thing." Tori sighed sadly. "It's nothing to be concerned about."

Yuma nodded solemnly. "He's got special permission from the school to miss this day every year, and he'll be back tomorrow."

Tori and Yuma then hurried inside leaving Rio alone. "Now I am worried." She spotted Shark among the crowd. "I'm not one for skipping class, but the rumors I hear about my brother tell a different story."

"Hey Reginald, wait up!" Shark immediately took off running through the crowd. "Does he have to run every time?"

She ran after him.

Cemetary

Lance stood before two gravestones which had the names Zach Hogan and Talia Hogan written on them. It also had the year they were born to when they died, but Lance always ignored those.

"Hey guys, it's been quite the year. Really, more like the past few months. I've made many friends since I last talked with you two. There's Lulu Obsidian, and her deck is insane. Though I haven't seen her since the first day we met. Her brothers are working against Yuma and me.

I'll get to that eventually. For now, let's focus on friends I've seen more consistently. There was Shane Conner who was my student in duel monsters, but he's left to train. He was shy but determined to do better. There's also Caswell. I know I've told you about him before.

He's not that annoying guy I thought he was. Honestly, he's a good guy and a great duelist. Then, there's Cat who has a crush on Yuma. Next, Nelson Andrews. He was a T.V. star who had some down to earth dreams. He just wanted to be a normal kid.

He's eHa kind and an amazing duelist. Oh, Shark's my friend now as well as my official rival. A big change, right? I'm glad he's changed because I know he's got my back. Finally, there's his sister, Rio. It feels great hanging out with her. She's not like other girls my age.

She's so capable and a skilled duelist. Tori's recently started learning from mom. She's getting better every day while Yuma is shooting up in skill these days." He closed his eyes and smiled. "I guess it's time to start at the beginning with what changed things. It's quite the tale…"

Some Time Later…

Shark had been riding around for about an hour looking for Lance. No, it wasn't because the guy was his best friend. Nope. He was just worried what Rio would do if he didn't do this for her. Never mind the fact that she hadn't threatened him with anything.

He was driving past the cemetery only to notice Lance in there. Shark stopped at the light while thinking why Lance would be there. Eventually, the name on two stones came to mind. The names he saw when he went there.

"Zach and Talia Hogan." The Shark recognized those names from his own research into Lance. "His siblings who vanished. I think it's clear what's up." He drove on. "I should get back to school."

Shark ended up driving back around to the cemetery. He sighed and got off his bike before walking through the gate. Lance noticed him and immediately stopped his story.

Shark said, "You're coming with me."

The Shark user walked back through the gate. Lance was bewildered as to why Shark was here to the point that he didn't even question him. The Heroic duelist just stood up and followed the Shark duelist as they walked along the sidewalk.

Music Store: Back Room, Some Time Later…

The bewilderment had turned to confusion as Lance sat in a sound room with Shark. Both were holding guitars plugged into amps.

"Okay, what in the heck are we doing here? What in the world are you currently doing outside of school? Why are in this room with guitars?" Lance asked.

"We're here because spending your day at a graveyard will achieve nothing, so you are going to spend your time learning a skill. Learning something that could make your loved ones proud." Shark explained.

Lance looked at Shark. "Is this what you did after losing your parents?"

Shark closed his eyes. "So, you did your research as well?"

Lance nodded. "It's what led me to realize I hadn't been a good rival or friend."

The Shark duelist sighed. "This is what I picked up after Rio's accident, and being kicked out of the dueling circuit. Clearly, it didn't entertain all my time considering what I would do; however, dueling can fill the rest of your time. That's something I learned after you came around."

Lance said, "You know, you and I may have suffered different loses, but I actually feel closer to you after hearing that." He looked at the music book before him. "So, are you on good terms with the owner or something because I don't recall instrument stores doing things like this?"

"They said I needed a hobby and taught me how to play. Now, I learn on my own." Shark explained. "Anyways, are we going to get started or are you going to continue playing 20 questions?"

Lance chuckled. "Let's get to it."

Shark began teaching Lance the basics. To their surprise, Lance was a quick learner. Maybe a little gifted at the guitar because he began picking up how to play rather quickly. Shark turned out to be a surprisingly patient teacher whenever he did mess up.

Outside the Shop, Evening…
Lance now held a guitar case containing his new guitar. "Huh, I didn't realize so much time had passed." He looked to Shark. "Sorry about that."

'I've skipped so much school anyways." Shark shrugged. "One more day won't make a difference."

Lance nodded. "Then I'll just say thanks for everything Shark."

"Whatever." Shark stuck his hands in his pockets and walked off. "See you around Lance."

Lance smiled and walked off on his own way feeling much better than he usually did when this day rolled around. Hey, he picked up a neat hobby. Shark got on his bike and took out his duel gazer only to find messages from Rio. He decided that going home could wait.