Heartland Academy: Gym

Shark, Yuma, Tori, and Lance were walking along the hallway.

Shark sighed. "I still can't believe Rio joined the gymnastic club."

Lance rolled his eyes. "You know Shark, you're the reason Nelson, Cat, and Caswell took off. I mean, can't you be happy for your sister instead of complaining?"

Shark crossed his arms. "I didn't ask any of you to accompany me."

"You didn't, but Rio wanted us to come watch a bit of the training." Tori stated.

The group eventually entered the gym where they saw various students doing routines.

Yuma smile. "Wow, I'm impressed."

Shark scoffed. "I've seen better."

"Reginald, if you're going to be a downer, you might as well not have come." Rio stated from atop a high box.

She back flipped off it landing before the group in a gymnastic uniform that showed her legs. Lance blushed upon seeing her and was not about to complain.

Shark certainly was. "I still think it was a bad idea for you to join this club."

"You're just bothered by the uniforms." She crossed her arms. "At least I'm doing something productive after school. That's more than I can say for your lazy butt."

"I'll have you know that none of these club's appeal to me." Shark firmly said. "Especially gymnastics."

"I'm serious Reginald. You need to make productive use of your time." Rio looked at Lance and got an idea. "That's why you and Lance are forming a two-man guitar group."

"Wait, what?" Lance asked.

Shark said, "I have to agree."

Rio crossed her arms. "I won't hear you argue with me on this Reginald. You told me how much you enjoyed playing guitar with him, so you're forming a guitar duo. If you do this, I will never again bring up the onions."

Shark grumbled to himself as he crossed his arms.

"I'm not certain how I feel about doing this." Lance stated. "Guitar is fun, but I'm not certain I want to take it beyond a hobby."

Rio stood before him. "Come on Lance, my brother needs an afterschool activity, yet he refuses to join anything. This is the only way he'll have something to do other than be a pain in my butt." She clasped her hands together. "Please, do it for me?"

"I can't resist her." Lance sighed. "Alright, I guess Shark and I are a guitar duo."

Rio smiled before turning to Shark. "Don't you dare skip out Reginald."

"Yeah, whatever." Shark stated.

A boy around Yuma's age with purple hair and yellow eyes was walking near the group. He wore a blue male gymnastic uniform.

"I'm done with all of this." He seemed rather angry. "I have more important duties calling my name anyways." He pushed passed Yuma. "Watch where you're going!"

Yuma glared at him. "You got a problem with me?"

"Buzz off Tsukumo." Taiki stated firmly. "I'm not in the mood."

"Geez, who was that guy anyways, and what was his problem?" Yuma questioned.

"That's Taiki Kimura, and he's the ace of the Gymnastics Club." Rio looked at the door worriedly. "On the day I joined, he did some of his routines only to end up injuring himself on a complex maneuver. Even though he's healed, he hasn't practiced."

"Seems as though the poor guy is having a tough time." Tori stated sympathetically.

"I've heard he's been considering quitting." Rio stated.

Heartland Streets

The entire group, now with Rio who was in her normal clothes, were walking together.

"I wonder if Taiki really is giving up on Gymnastics?" Lance questioned. "From what I remember, around the beginning of the year, the guy was passionate about the whole thing. Especially about recruiting me into the club."

"Hey, there he is." Tori pointed near the river where Taiki seemed peaceful. "Now you can ask him yourself."

Before anyone else could react, Yuma ran on down to him. "Hey, Taiki can we chat?"

"Tsukumo." Taiki scowled at Yuma. "You here to finish our fight?"

"In a way." Yuma showed his D-pad. "Just with our decks instead of words."

The rest of the group stopped behind Yuma as Taiki stood up. "Are you challenging me to a duel?" He walked past Yuma. "Ha, you wouldn't last against my new deck, so don't screw with me!"

"What are you running away from?" Yuma asked with a smirk.

"Care to speak up?" Taiki stopped. "I don't think I'm hearing you Tsukumo."

"Are you running away?" Yuma asked once more. "Perhaps you're scared of losing to me."

"As if I would lose to someone like you." Taiki retrieved his duel gear. "I've trained to be a better duelist than you could possibly imagine."

"We'll see about that." Yuma smiled triumphantly. "Show me your skills."

The rest of the group backed away as the duelists faced off.

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Yuma 4000/Taiki 4000)

Astral appeared behind Yuma. "I don't feel any Numbers on this one Yuma, so I think it's a good opportunity to see just how far you've come. Consider me an observer only."

Yuma smiled. "That's fine by me Astral."

Lance noticed something odd with Taiki's duel disk. "Hey, is it just my imagination or does his duel disk have one to many monster zones?"

The others took notice of this as well.

"Now that you mention is, I do count 6 monster zones." Tori stated.

Shark nodded. "What's more, everything is still working as if nothing is wrong."

"What's going on?" Rio asked.

"Yeah, what's the big idea Taiki?" Yuma asked confused.

"You'll come to understand as we duel." Taiki stated. "Since I control no monsters in the sixth zone, also known as the Extra Monster Zone, I can special summon Mathmech Sigma(LV 4/1000/1500)."

A red and white mech appeared wielding a blade. "The caveat is that I must banish this monster when he leaves the field, and I can only special summon Cyberse monsters from my Extra Deck this turn."

"Cyberse?" Yuma questioned. "Is that what that monster is?"

"That is correct." Taiki stated. "My new employer gifted this deck to me. Now, I normal summon Balancer Lord(LV 4/1700/1200)." A white armored individual with a shield and sword appeared. "I then set a card."

"He summoned two monsters but didn't overlay them." Yuma contemplated. "What is he planning?"

"Taiki effectively set up his field with a wall using cards I've never seen before." Shark crossed his arms. "I wonder if Yuma can keep up."

Yuma drew "Alright, get ready because I'm feeling the flow! Since you control a monster, and I do not, I can special summon Level Warrior(LV 4/300/600) as a level four monster." A warrior in a red jump suit, with a cape, appeared.

"I'll then summon Junk Synchron(LV 3/1300/500)." A small warrior in rusty orange armor appeared. "He will be used to give my warrior a tune up to Synchro for 7. Synchro Summon Lightning Warrior(LV 7/2400/1200)."

A warrior decked out in silver armor appeared. "I'll equip Lightning Warrior(LV 7/3600/1200 effect) with Magnum Shield. Since my warrior is in attack mode, he gains ATK equal to his DEF. He will attack Sigma.

"I activate Half Unbreak." Taiki countered. "This card not only prevents the destruction of my monster, but for the rest of the turn, all damage I take is halved (Yuma 4000/Taiki 2700)."

"Since my warrior didn't destroy his monster, I can't activate his effect to do additional damage." Yuma thought impressed.

"It was still a great turn Yuma!" Tori shouted.

Lance nodded. "Trust in your deck and your instincts."

"I set one card." Yuma stated.

Taiki drew and smiled. "Alright, this is just what I need." His smile fell when he noticed Yuma's set card. "Hold on, that card is likely a trap." He nodded. "I summon Dribrave(LV 4/1500/1000)." A flaming monster in black armor appeared. "I set one card."

"He looked like he was gearing up for a big move, but then he went with this." Shark shook his head. "Seems to me like he has coward out."

Yuma narrowed his eyes before drawing. "I activate Junk Barrage and equip it to my Lightning Warrior. Now, when he destroys one of your monsters, you'll take half their attack as life point damage. I'll then normal summon Speed Warrior(LV 2/900/400)." A warrior decked out in gray armor appeared. "Lightning Warrior will destroy your monster."

"I activate my face down quick-play Cynet Crosswipe." Taiki declared. "With this, I tribute one Cyberse monster and in turn get to destroy one card on the field. I tribute my Sigma to destroy your Lightning Warrior."

"Not bad, but I still have my Speed Warrior who will attack Dribrave." Yuma declared. "Since Speed Warrior was normal summoned, everyone of my Battle Phases will see his ATK double." Speed Warrior(LV 2/1800/400) (Yuma 4000/Taiki 2500)."

"Damn it." Taiki gulped. "If I had gone on the offensive, this duel would have ended in my favor already. If I can't improve, I'll lose out on my new job."

Yuma continued. "I'll set one card." Speed Warrior(LV 2/900/400). "You're running out of chances Taiki. I haven't been going easy, and it's only a matter of time before this duel ends. What will you do?"

Taiki was shaking as he stared at his deck.

"Look at him." Shark sighed. "This guy is pathetic. He's lost the will to continue and is wasting the potential of his cards. He's not even able to bring himself to draw."

"If he doesn't draw, he automatically loses." Tori stated.

Lance spoke up. "Is this what you've come to Taiki?" The gymnast looked at him. "Where's the passion gone? You were by far the loudest and most convincing guy when it came to recruiting me. In the end, I may have declined, but clearly you had some impact on Rio."

Rio nodded. "It's true Taiki. You may have been unable to beat me, but your passion for gymnastic is what drew me to your club."

Lance crossed his arms. "Are you going to let whatever injury you received stop you from pursuing your dreams, or will you rise above this? If you aren't prepared to give it your all, maybe giving up on everything is the right call."

Taiki's eyes widened before the flame within came roaring back. "You're right you two. In that accident, I took my eyes off my dreams." He drew. "No more." He focused on Yuma. "Get ready Tsukumo because I'm winning this duel."

"That's the spirit." Yuma chuckled. "Show me what you got."

"You got it!" Taiki drew. "I activate Card of Sanctity allowing us to draw until we hold six cards in our hand. I summon Tin Goldfish9LV 4/800/2000)." A colorful, metal goldfish appeared.

"When he's normal summoned, I can special summon a level four monster form my hand. I choose Mathmech Nabla(LV 4/1000/1500)." A black with gold trim monster appeared. "Now Nabla will give Balancer Lord and Tin Goldfish a tune up to Synchro fir 12."

"Whoa, he has a Level 12 Synchro monster!" Tori exclaimed amazed.

"Well, this is bound to be good." Lance stated.

Taiki held up his arm. "Synchro summon Geomathmech Final Sigma(LV 12/3000/0)." A colossal white and red armored monster wielding a flaming blade appeared.

Taiki had played it in his Extra Monster Zone.

"Whoa, that's something else!" Yuma exclaimed.

"Just wait until you see what he can do." Taiki declared. "Final Sigma attack Yuma's Speed Warrior. Since Sigma is in the extra monster zone, and he's battling a monster of yours, the damage he shall deal will be doubled."

"That's not good." Yuma held out his hand. "I activate my face down Half Unbreak allowing me to target Speed Warrior and protect him from destruction for the turn. On top of that, any damage I take from battles involving him this turn is halved (Yuma 1450/Taiki 2500)!"

"Nice try Taiki, but I won't go down that easy." Yuma declared.

"I will admit that was impressive Yuma, but I still have my Mathmech Nabla in my grave." Taiki declared. "If he's sent to the grave, I can target a monster in my Extra Deck Zone and allow him to make a second attack. Go one more time Final Sigma!"

"Looks like I have some work ahead of me if I want to be ready for the WDC." Yuma thought.

The attack blew Yuma on his back (Yuma 0/Taiki 2500).

Taiki approached him. "My fire has been reignited, but you've never lost yours Yuma. No matter how many times you lose a duel, you keep getting back up. What is your secret? How do you stay positive even with the threat of loss constantly over your head?"

Yuma hopped to his feet with a smile. "It's as you've said, I've lost plenty of duels, but I never give up because I love to duel. That's the spirit of feeling the flow. To challenge yourself and never give up even if the odds are stacked against you."

This caused Lance, Tori, Rio, and even Shark, though it was small, to smile.

"Feeling the flow…" Taiki nodded. "I love gymnastics as much as you love dueling, so I'm not losing to anyone." He clenched his fist with a smiled. "From here on out, I'll never give up no atter what."

"Well said." A familiar voice stated.

This got everyone's attention as they turned to see a Nistro walking on down.

"Nistro." Lance stated. "What are you doing here?"

"I came here to collect my fellow Number Hunter." Nistro replied. "He and I work for the same man." He crossed his arms. "I'm also the guy that taught Taiki everything he knows about dueling."

"Nistro Sensei, you know Lance Hogan? Taiki asked.

"I don't go advertising it, but like you, he's a student of mine." Nistro looked at Lance. "Him and the kid you just dueled are also Number Hunters like us. Opposing Number Hunters." He smirked. "Considering they helped you, I think we can let them off the hook until the WDC."

"I see." Taiki nodded before looking at everyone. "Here this Yuma and Lance. You helped me, and I am grateful; however, your Numbers will be mine. From here on out, I'm challenging myself and never giving up."

"Good." Nistro nodded. "Come on, kid. Our employer wants us in preparation for the tournament."

"Right." Taiki stated.

The pair ran off leaving the group feeling rather conflicted. Regardless, they had to make certain their decks and skills were up to the coming task.

Hogan Residence, Evening…

Tori sat at the kitchen table looking through her deck.

"Tori, there's nothing more I can teach you." Zeera passed a small stack of cards to her student. "The only thing I can do is help you improve your deck." Tori sighed as she accepted the stack. "Is this about your loss to that Number Hunter."

Tori took a deep breath. "I just wonder if I should stop dueling. It just seems like every day more and more powerful duelist are showing up to confront Lance and Yuma. If I can't stand with them, what's the point? What's the point if I'm only going to get in the way?"

"Would you be satisfied if your dream of keeping up with Lance and Yuma went unfulfilled?" Zeera asked seriously. "Look, I'm not going to pretend losing your soul, for a time, is something minor. That's the thing. The more serious a block, the stronger you become."

Tori crossed her arms. "If I did give up, everyone else would have to duel in my place. I'd be stuck on the side lines without the will to fight alongside them."

Zeera nodded. "Maybe you never will be able to beat these powerful duelists, but that doesn't mean there isn't anything you can do for the boys. The thing is, you will never know how far you could have gone, what you could have done, if you gave up now."

"Thank you, Mrs. Hogan." Tori smiled. "I don't think I'm ready to give up."

"Well then, how about you pick up another summoning method and learn from an old pro." Zack entered the kitchen. "I've observed you training with my daughter, and I think you can handle my training."

"Do you really mean it sir?" Tori asked hopefully.

"Follow me and we'll get started right away." Zack walked back into the living room. "If you apply yourself, like you have with Zeera, I'm certain you'll pick up what I can teach you."

Heartland Academy: 1st Year Room, Days Later…

Nelson walked into class and found Cat, Tori, and Caswell already inside. "Hey guys, can you believe tomorrow's the big day?" He took out his heart container. "You've all applied for the World Duel Carnival, right?"

Caswell nodded and removed his heart container. "There's no way I'm missing out on a chance like this. Immortalized as a champion, lifetime pass to Heartland, and any wish granted by Mr. Heartland." He shook his head. "That is too big an opportunity to skip out on."

"I know what I'd wish for." Cat blushed. "A date with Yuma."

"I'm not letting that happen." Tori thought firmly.

"I already know my brother's competing, but what about Shark and Rio?" Nelson asked excitedly. "For that matter, what of Yuma, and Lance?"

Tori giggled. "You sound as excited as Yuma and Lance." She nodded. "Don't worry, they both got their heart containers."

"I have no idea about Shark." Caswell stated. "Maybe Lance knows since they've been jamming together lately."

Lance and Yuma, jovial over what was to come, entered.

Lance nodded. "You better believe Shark's signed up. Rio and I made sure of that."

Yuma was trying so hard to contain his excitement. "I just can't wait to be crowned the champion."

"Dream on Yuma." Lance pointed to himself. "If anyone's being crowned champ, it's me."

"You may have always won in the past Lance, but that's over." Yuma retorted. "The days of me losing are long gone."

Lance smirked. "You seem to forget that I've improved as well. Even picked up a few new cards to further improve both my decks. In terms you can understand, I'm going to win easily."

"We'll see." Yuma returned.

Streets of Heartland

Shark was riding his motorcycle. "I never thought I'd be able to compete in a tournament again, but this one is different. Everyone is welcome. If I win, I'll ask for a clean slate on my record. To do that, I'll have to take down the ones that…"

He suddenly came to a stop as a card was thrown at him. He saw that it was Mirror Force and looked at the building under construction nearby before narrowing his eyes. Shark then ran to the building and up the stairs.

He looked around until a familiar, male voice spoke. "Long time no see Reginald."

Shark turned and saw the last person he ever wanted to see again. This person had a long, cross-like scar running down the right side of this face, large, spiky layered dark red and yellow hair, and dark red eyes. He wore formal, medieval-style attire that consists of a long flowing coat with white pants, boots, and a shirt which feature a curly, high-class pattern.

"I'm sorry." The young man stated. "Everyone calls you Shark these days, don't they?"

"What do you want Quatro?" Shark held up the card. "What's this card all about?"

"Well, seems as though someone hasn't let go of their burden." Quatro stated.

"What are you talking about?" Shark asked.

"Come now Shark, you must have some brains." Quatro stated. "Such a pity you were disqualified, but one must ask why my deck suddenly toppled over? To answer that, one would ask why you'd look at my deck? Poor Rio. She only wanted you to win. Is it sinking in yet?"

Shark looked around as he thought about it. "You… You set me up." He grits his teeth and clenches his fist in anger. "So, it wasn't enough for you to injure my sister. You also had to get me disqualified. I'll take you on right here and now Quatro."

Quatro smiled. "As fun as that sounds, I'm not interested in fighting you now." He turned away from Shark. "Oh no, you and I will meet in the World Duel Carnival."

"If that's where you want to settle things, then I'll see you there." Shark firmly stated.

Quatro laughed as he walked away.

Hotel: Top Floor

Dos leaned against a nearby wall with her arms crossed as two young men stood on either side of what looked a child. This young boy had blond hair, some of it in a braid, resting over his right shoulder. He was outfitted in light greenish clothing. The child was laughing at cartoons.

Just then, the door opened and Quatro walked in. "Reginald has been motivated."

The boy said, "I knew you wouldn't let me down."

"Does he really matter?" Quatro asked. "He's but an empty shell trying to grasp onto his former glory."

"Perhaps, but he still has a part to play." The boy replied. "All will become clear once I've collected the Numbers. You four will see."

"Very well." Quatro maliciously smiled. "I'll enjoy putting Shark through the ringer again."

"I'm content with that; however, Lance Hogan is mine." Dos stated. "You three lay a finger on him, and you will deal with me."

"Of course, Dos." The boy laughed at the cartoons. "Your brothers will respect your wishes."

Heartland Tower: Monitor Room

Nistro was at the railing of their elevated platform looking out at the monitors with excitement as duelist started to arrive. Mr. Heartland himself sat on what some could perceive as a throne watching the people with a content smile. Taiki and a woman stood nearby.

The woman had had shoulder-length black hair with lighter purple highlights. Her attire consists of a pink blouse with a purple undershirt, a white business suit, and purple tights with black spike high heels.

"Will you just look at them all." Nistro smiled. "This tournament is going to be fun."

"Hm, don't forget what this tournament is about Nistro." The lady in a suit stated.

"I agree that we shouldn't take off eyes off the prize, Dextra." Taiki smiled. "That said, Nistro Sensei works best when he's all fired up."

"That's enough you three." Mr. Heartland stated. "If this is going to work, then we must work together. Not come undone." At that moment, Kite, Shay, and Orbital road up the elevator. "Ah, Kite and Shay. I've been waiting for you two."

"Why did you call us here Heartland?" Kite questioned. "We are busy."

"I know, but I thought you two would like to behold the spectacle that is the World Duel Carnival." Mr. Heartland directed their attention to the monitors. "Look at them all. A great Number of people just ripe for you five to search through."

"Only so many of them are strong enough to pose any challenge to Kite or I." Shay stated.

"Those they can't beat will be taken down by me." Nistro informed.

"We got things under control, Nistro." Kite stated.

"We do not need your help." Shay informed. "Now, this has been rather fascinating, but Kite and I were in the middle of an important project."

"Of course, you two." Mr. Heartland nodded. "Don't let us hold you up."

Heartland Bridge, Evening…

Tori, Yuma, and Lance stood on a bridge staring out at the water with Astral floating behind them.

"You know, the four of us have come a long way since we set out on this mission." Lance stated.

Yuma nodded. "Yeah, we've met many great duelists."

Tori smiled. "Gained many friends, and it's all thanks to Astral."

"Thanks to me?" Astral questioned. "What does she mean by that?"

"Do you really need to ask?" Lance questioned as he leaned against the railing.

Yuma smiled and did the same. "It's because of the bond we've formed with you that we've formed bonds with so many other people."

"It's because of you that I've become a better duelist than before." Lance looked at the ground. "Something I naively thought impossible."

"I think, it's because of you that the three of us are ready to duel in the big leagues." Yuma stated. "That we can enter this tournament ready to duel anyone."

Tori looked around. "I may not be able to see you Astral, but I will do my best to help Yuma and Lance."

Astral smiled and stared out over the water. "Observation Number 10: Bonds can help duelist mature and grow to become even better than before. Observation Number 11: I have formed bonds of my own even if many cannot see me."

Lance tapped the railing. "We best get home and prepare for tomorrow." He looked at his oldest friends. "Ensure your decks are ready because this tournament isn't going to be easy."

Yuma and Tori nodded. "We got it."

The three friends parted ways.

Outside Heartland Tower, Next Day…

Most of the group had been scattered with only Yuma, Lance, Tori, and Rio managing to stay together in the massive crowd of gathered duelist. It was a real spectacle with parades, fireworks, litterbots playing instruments, and jets creating hearts in the sky.

Mr. Heartland appeared to all, within augmented reality, as a huge hologram. "Welcome duelists to Heartland City and the World Duel Carnival. Here are the rules. The field of play is the entire city. The first phase shall last 3 days. If you are challenged to a duel, you must accept.

That is unless you already have a completed hear container. How do you accept a challenge? Simple. You wager heart pieces. Lose all your heart pieces and you lose your spot. Assemble all five pieces to win a spot in the finals. Let the duels begin!"

People began to disperse.

"Looks like that's our cue." Lance smiled. "Don't worry because I have no intention of challenging any friends until the finals."

Rio nodded. "I hope to see every one of you there."

"Count on it." Tori walked off. "I'm at least shooting for that."

Yuma ran off yelling. "Yeah, I am feeling the flow!"

The Syllable duelists stopped as he was hit by a soccer ball. The World Duel Carnival was officially underway.

Total Numbers: 43

Lance's Numbers: 12, 16, 19, 21, 52, 54, 57, 61, 83, 86

Yuma's Numbers: 11, 13, 17, 28, 31, 34, 39, 50, 85,

Kite's Numbers: 10, 14, 20, 30, 38, 53, 56, 62, 90, 92, 95

Shun's Numbers: 24, 55, 59, 67, 68, 70, 72, 74, 87, 89, 91

Dos' Numbers: 23, 78