Heartland City: Hotel Room Kitchen, Morning…

Dos was preparing tea with a young boy in red and white medieval-style attire. This boy has short, pink hair which curls slightly at his neck and emerald green eyes. He has a pale orange duel gazer tattoo and a green insignia on his left hand which resembles a flower.

"Is there something on your mind Trey?" Dos asked the boy.

Trey looked away. "No, I'm fine."

Dos sighed. "It's the mask, right?"

Trey looked at her. "You never wore it before father went missing. I know, it was the last artifact he brought back, but father is here now. Maybe not as we remember, but he's back. Still, you wore it more and more to the point that we never see you without it anymore."

"Look Trey…" Dos began.

"Please, dear sister." Trey looked at her. "You haven't been yourself since father returned. Your still kind and caring, but also cold and closed off. Our time spent together isn't what I remember. Did Quatro, Quinton, and I do something wrong?"

Dos froze before sincerely apologizing. "I'm sorry Trey." She removed her mask revealing a face much like Alexis and Zeera's only her eyes were heterochromatic, one white eye and one dark blue eye.

"I did not realize how much pain obscuring my face caused." She put a hand on his shoulder. "Things have been difficult… since father returned. I don't want my former family to see me."

"I see." Trey nodded in understanding. "I'm sorry. I should have been…"

She brought him in for a hug. "It's fine Trey. As the big sister, I got to take my little brother's feelings into consideration." She pulled back with a smile. "Don't worry, I will no longer wear my mask when it's just the family."

Trey smiled. "We should finish up the tea."

Dos nodded. "Agreed."

Living Room

Quatro tossed paper into the air and threw cards at them nailing the paper to the door. "Which of my fabulous fans should I take on today?" He grinned maliciously. "So many potential targets to choose from."

"Your attitude concerns me Quatro." A male voice stated.

Quatro turned to the coach where another young man sat reading a book. He had a blue crest on his forehead with matching eyes and long, flowing silver hair. He wore long and dark clothes which fit with his hair.

"I believe you're jealous Quinton." Quatro retorted before shrugging. "Hey, it's not my fault I'm popular. Those chumps get what they deserve, and I have to make my work interesting somehow since there's never a chance I'll lose."

"Don't be so sure Quatro." Quinton closed his book. "Your arrogance will be your downfall."

Dos entered the room with Trey. "You two need to start getting along."

"Yeah, we're siblings." Trey stated. "None of us should be fighting amongst ourselves."

Quatro sneered. "You two mind your own business."

Vetrix walked down the stairs. "No, Trey and Dos are right. I approve of your confidence Quatro, but you must learn to exercise better self-control."

"Why does it matter what you think?" Quatro questioned.

Quinton closed his eyes content to let Quatro speak out against Vetrix. This behavior was noted by Dos who found it odd that the brother who loved their father most, wouldn't jump to his defense. She decided to take up the cause to look good.

"Watch it Quatro." Dos walked up to her brother. "You will show Vetrix the respect he deserves."

Quatro grunted. "Fine Dos."

Quinton spoke up. "It seems some of us will be heading out for today." He wanted to change subjects and figured getting on task would do. "I believe I observed something odd in Shark; however, I maintained my distance. As a result, I am uncertain."

"What are you talking about brother?" Dos asked.

"I saw Shark out looking for Quatro from afar." Quinton tapped the crest on her forehead. "This displayed a crimson red glow around him." He looked to Vetrix. "I am uncertain, but it is possible a Barian has made contact with him."

"Quite peculiar." Vetrix looked at Trey. "Trey, a slight change in plans for today. I want you to duel and ascertain Shark's skills. I must know what's happened to him."

Quatro and Trey set out.

Streets of Heartland

Mr. Heartland appeared in augmented reality once more. "Greetings from Heartland City. It's day 2 of the World Duel Carnival. Today, you can make your dreams come true. Just make sure you all duel with lots and lots of hearts."

Lance removed his heart container and smiled as it had three pieces. Then Yuma and Tori ran over to him. "Hey Tori! Yuma and I didn't catch you last night."

"Sorry about that. The last duel of the day, for me, was a long one." Tori took out her own container. "It was worth it because I got my fourth heart piece."

"That's great Tori." Yuma patted her back. "Now I see why you were so cheerful." The three of them stopped and watched as Caswell ran by. "Hey Caswell, what's going on?"

Caswell smiled and showed off his tablet. "Haven't you heard? Quatro's here."

Lance grit his teeth upon seeing that picture.

"Who's Quatro?" Yuma asked.

"He's a no-good duelist that brings shame to true duelist around the world." Lance angrily stated.

"Take that back!" Caswell shouted. "Quatro is an amazing duelist."

"He's rotten to the core." Lance stated. "After the shit he put Shark and Rio through, I don't trust him." He looked at Caswell. "Seriously, the guy caused Rio's accident. When you hear that, you don't put anything past the guy.

Especially when you hear the exact details of Shark's disqualification. I don't think any duelist, whose made it into the national circuit would be so careless with their decks like he was." He crossed his arms. "If I were you, I wouldn't go anywhere near the guy."

"He's one of the most honest duelists you'd ever meet." Caswell firmly stated. "He's challenged me to a duel, so I'm going."

He ran off.

"Wait, we're coming to!" Yuma yelled.

He looked at Lance who was still standing there with his arms crossed. Tori gently pushed Yuma forward and shook her head indicating that they should leave him be. So, Yuma and Tori ran on. Lance watched them before growling and running after them.

Abandoned Area

Yuma said, "This is a strange spot to have a duel."

"Quatro picked this spot." Caswell informed. "Probably wanted some place quiet to avoid his fans."

"Some place quiet where no one would interrupt him is more like it." Lance thought.

Then, Quatro and Trey started walking towards them.

"Quatro!" Caswell happily shouted.

Quatro smiled. "You must Caswell. My apologies for being late. Shall we get started?"

"Before we do, could I get your autograph?" Caswell asked hopefully.

"With pleasure." Quatro took the scroll and signed it. "I enjoy spoiling my fans." He handed the scroll back. "Now, let's duel."

Lance crossed his arms. "I don't trust this guy one bit."

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Caswell 4000/Quatro 4000)

"If it's alright with you Caswell, I'd like to go first." Quatro stated.

Caswell smiled. "Please do. I insist."

Quatro smiled. "I believe I'll start by summoning Gimmick Puppet Egg Head(LV 4/1600/1200)." A red egg with long metal limbs and green hair appeared. "By discarding one Gimmick Puppet, my Egg Head can deal you 800 life points (Caswell 3200/Quatro 4000)."

Astral appeared. "Interesting. He's placed a monster in his deck on the occasions that he goes first. That effect wouldn't be bad for later in a duel either."

"I now set one card." Quatro stated. "Alright, show me what you can do Caswell."

"Yes sir." Caswell drew. "I summon Wind-Up Soldier(LV 4/1800/1200)." A white and green wind-up warrior appeared. "When a Wind-Up monster is summoned, I can special summon Wind-Up Shark(LV 4/1500/1300)." A cartoonish, blue shark appeared.

"I activate their abilities increasing their levels by one and my soldier gains 400 ATK. I'll overlay my monsters to Xyz summon Wind-Up Arsenal Zenmaioh(R 5/O2/2600/1900)." A red, blue, and silver machine with a drill on one hand and laser on the other appeared.

"That was a strong series of plays there Caswell." Quatro praised. "You used your abilities well and summoned quite the monster."

Caswell smiled. "My turn's not over yet. I activate Zenmaioh's effect allowing me to remove an overlay unit and destroy up to two set cards on your field. I'll follow up by activating Xyz Unit granting Zenmaioh 200 more ATK x his rank." Wind-Up Arsenal Zenmaioh(R 5/O 1/3600/1900 effect). "I'll have him attack Egg Head (Caswell 3200/Quatro 2000)."

"Simply stunning Caswell." Quatro happily stated.

"I'll end my turn with two face downs." Caswell stated.

"Caswell's doing pretty well." Tori stated.

Yuma nodded. "If he keeps playing like this, he could pull an upset."

"Brother, you should just forget this duel." Trey spoke up. "I believe he doesn't have a Number or he'd have used it."

"Number cards!" Lance and Yuma shouted in surprise.

"Quatro and his brother must be Number hunters themselves." Astral stated.

"Since I can't take any Numbers from you, I'll enjoy watching you squirm instead." Quatro stated maliciously.

"What does that mean?" Caswell asked in shock.

"I already told you, I enjoy spoiling my fans." Quatro drew. "I admit you're good Caswell. Better than most chumps I faced. Unfortunately, your skills pale in comparison. I activate Junk Puppet allowing me to special summon Gimmick Puppet Egg Head(LV 4/1600/1200).

I once again activate his special ability to send a Gimmick puppet to the grave and deal you 800 life points (Caswell 2400/Quatro 2000). I then activate Gimmick Puppet Dreary Doll(LV 8/0/0) from my grave. By banishing a Gimmick puppet, I can special summon her to the field."

A female puppet with long blond hair and pink dress appeared. "Why settle for one when I can activate Inferno Reckless Summon to summon two more Gimmick Puppet Dreary Doll(LV 8/0/0) from my deck. Are you feeling the thrill yet?"

He smiled and showed his crest. "It's time to end this duel. I overlay two Gimmick Puppet Dreary Dolls to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Number 15: Gimmick puppet Giant Grinder(R 8/O 2/1500/2500)." A huge, black puppet on a throne appeared.

"I now activate my giant's special ability. By detaching one overlay unit, I can destroy a special summoned monster on your field. If it's an Xyz monster, like Zenmaioh, you take damage equal to his original ATK (Caswell 0/Quatro 2000)."

Caswell was blown onto his back.

Lance grit his teeth. "I knew he couldn't be trusted."

"Wait, I have more spoiling to do." Quatro chuckled as his crest and duel tattoo glowed. "Giant Grinder attack Caswell!"

"Like hell I'm letting that happened!" Lance shouted.

He ran onto the field and stood in front of Caswell as the attack went off.

"Lance!" Yuma and Tori shouted.

Lance didn't know what to do, but his pendent was glowing. Something was telling him to use it. The Heroic duelist gripped the pendent and a dome of light magic appeared around him and Caswell deflecting the Number's attack.

"What!?" Quatro shouted angrily. "You are ruining my spoiling of the fans. Stay of this!"

Lance ripped off his pendant and held it up with a fierce determination. "I will not!"

The dome expanded until it encompassed the area. The monster was destroyed, and the dome dissolved into beautiful particles of light that rained onto the ground before vanishing.

Caswell was on his elbows looking at Lance. "You protected me."

Lance looked back at him as he put his pendant back. "Well, yeah. We may have disagreed, but you're still my friend Caswell." He looked at Quatro. "I was merely leveling the playing field considering his crest made that last attack real."

Yuma and Caswell joined them.

"Are you okay Caswell?" Tori asked.

Caswell nodded. "I'm fine."

"Here, let me help you up." Yuma stated.

"You seem to think your something, so my next opponent shall be you!" Quatro yelled..

Before Lance could reply, Shark jumped into the area atop his motorcycle.

Lance smiled and tapped his duel gazer. "I would, but I called someone else in who has a bigger bone to pick with you than I."

"Thanks for that Lance." Shark looked at the Number hunter. "Hello Quatro. You were hard to find, but now that I have, let's duel!"

"Hello Shark. Good to see you again." Quatro smirked. "You still upset about Nationals?"

"You set me up Quatro, but I'm here to correct what you've done. It starts by beating you in a duel." Shark firmly stated. "Not just for me, but for Rio as well. She's better now, but that doesn't excuse the months you took from her."

"Since your determined, I say we duel." Quatro chuckled. "Just make sure you don't peak at my deck."

At that moment, a familiar gesture that everyone across from the Number Hunters recognized was performed by Trey. Tori ran forward, pushed Shark to the side, and put her arm directly in its way as Trey's anchor ensnared her wrist.

"Oh dear, you were not who I was attempting to get." Trey stated genuinely surprised.

As was everyone else.

Tori stood firm. "I'm completely aware, but I can tell Shark needs to duel Quatro. That's why, I will be your opponent."

"If something has changed with Shark, then this one might be a suitable target for the Number. If not, the distraction of desire will ensure my victory." Trey thought. "We'll duel, but don't expect me to go easy because you aren't registered as a target."

"Tori are you sure?" Yuma asked worriedly.

"After seeing what Quatro had, it's a safe bet that he has Numbers as well." Lance added.

"I'm here to prove that I can stand with you two." Tori smiled back at her friends. "I'm locked in anyways, so it's not like I can back down."

Yuma nodded. "Take him down Tori."

"Yeah, you have our support." Lance stated.

"We'll then, I'll leave you here brother." Quatro looked at Shark. "It's a little crowded down here." He walked over to the Shark user. "Let's take this to the street."

Shark looked at him firmly. "Works for me."

They started to walk towards the exit only for Cat to walk on into the area. "Lance, I am here to challenge you on behalf of Organization."

Everyone looked at Cat as her eyes glowed a dull red and Lance's pendant began to glow a dull white. On her forehead, a strange emblem appeared. Shark and Quatro moved passed her with Cat doing nothing to stop them.

"What's going on?" Yuma asked.

"I'm not certain, but I don't like the energy she's exuding." Astral stated. "It doesn't feel right."

"Agreed." Lance walked forward. "Seems as though I've got my own duel to attend to." Something was telling him to start recording, so he messed around with his duel gazer to make it so. "Alright Cat, you and I will duel."

Caswell looked at Yuma. "Stay here with Tori. I'll go with Lance."

Astral looked at Yuma. "I believe my connection with Lance is strong enough that I can accompany him as well. I would like to see his duel play out."

Yuma nodded. "Alright."

Once everyone was gone, Yuma moved off to the side as Tori and Trey faced off.

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Tori 4000/Trey 4000)

"I shall go first." Trey declared. "I summon Chronomaly Nebra Disk(LV 4/1800/1500)." A stone covered in moss with a face appeared. "When he's summoned, I can add a Chronomaly monster from my deck to my hand. I'll then set one card."

"Alright, it's my move." Tori drew. "I summon Musto, Oracle of Gusto(LV 4/1800/900)." A man with green hair and beard appeared. "I'll equip him with United We Stand granting Musto, Oracle of Gusto(LV 4/2600/1700 effect) 800 ATK/DEF for each monster I control.

"Impressive." Yuma thought. "Tori's playing with a lot of confidence."

"Musto will destroy your Nebra Disk (Tori 4000/Trey 3200)." Tori declared.

"I activate Stonehenge Method." Trey declared. "When a Chronomaly monster I control is destroyed, I can special summon a LV 4 or lower Chronomaly monster from my deck in face up defense mode. I choose Chronomaly Colossal Head(LV 4/800/1600)." A stone head appeared.

"I'll set one card." Tori declared.

Trey drew. "I'll normal summon Chronomaly Gordian Knot(LV 3/300/900)." Stone held together by various lengths of rope appeared. "When this monster is summoned, I can special summon a Chronomaly monster from my hand.

I choose Chronomaly Crystal Skull(LV 3/900/600)." A large skull made of crystal appeared. "I'll then overlay my Crystal Bones and Skull to Xyz Chronomaly Crystal Chrononaut(R 3/O 2/2100/1000)." A tall purple figure with wings appeared.

"I then activate Orichalcum Chain to Xyz summon using one fewer monster. Of course, this comes with a bit of a risk. If my chain is destroyed, you gain control of the monster I summon." He waved his hand with a smile. "Based on what I've seen, that won't happen.

Your just not good enough to pull off such a move. Now, I overlay Chronomaly Colossal Head to Xyz summon Number 7: Daigusto Dragon(R 4/O 1/2000/1700)." A green dragon with wind whipping around him appeared. "I'll then activate Palenque Sarcophagus.

Since I control a Chronomaly monster, I can draw two cards. I just drew a second Palenque Sarcophagus, so I'll use it to get another two cards. Now I activate Chronomaly Pyramid Eye. If this is on the field, all Chronomaly monsters I control gain 800 attack."

Chronomaly Crystal Chrononaut(R 3/O 2/2900/1000 effect). "I'll then activate Overlay Regain granting Number 7: Daigusto Dragon(R 4/O 2/2000/1700) this spell as an extra overlay unit. Now, Daigusto Dragon will attack your Musto, Oracle of the Gusto."

"Wait, your monster isn't strong enough." Tori declared.

"Your right until I activate his effect." Trey declared. "By detaching one overlay unit from Number 7: Daigusto Dragon(R 4/O 1/4000/1700 effect), I can double his ATK until the end of the Battle Phase (Tori 2600/Trey 3200). Crystal Chrononaut will attack you directly."

"Tori!" Yuma shouted worriedly.

"I'm not losing that easily." Tori declared. "The card I set was the quick-play Emergency Teleport. When this card's activated, I can special summon a Level 3 or lower Psychic monster from my hand or deck, but it will be banished at the end of the turn. I choose Pilica, Descendent of Gusto(LV 3/1000/1500)." A girl with green hair in a ponytail appeared taking the ATK."

"You survived for now." Trey stated. "I'll end my turn."

Tori drew and looked at her hand. "None of these cards can destroy that Number or stand up to Trey's field. If I don't do something this turn, I'll lose." She looked at Number 7. "I could activate Creature Swap or Mystical Space Typhoon to gain control of the Number.

That would put me in a good position to take the win, but the Number would feed off my desire, and I don't think I can control that. What about the Chronomaly? It may be too risky if Trey has something to protect it. Do I really want to risk another turn?"

Yuma noticed Tori was thinking hard about her next move. "Tori!" She looked back at him. "Don't overthink! Thinking isn't bad when you look at what Lance can do, but even he knows that sometimes you just got to go with your gut!"

"Yuma's right. I can't be concerned with what might happen. I must concern myself with what I will make happen." Tori smiled. "I summon Wynn the Wind Charmer/Wind/LV 3/500/1500)."

A young girl with green hair and a traveling cloak appeared.""I then activate Mystical Space Typhoon which allows me to destroy your Orichalcum Chain." Number 7 switched sides. "Now, Daigusto Dragon will be fighting for me."

"Tori…" Yuma was shocked. "What have I done?"

"I haven't gone all out, yet she's still done far more than I thought her capable of." Trey stated. "Hopefully, Vetrix will not be angry with different results."

Tori glowed green as a 7 appeared on her left hand.

"Tori!" Yuma worriedly shouted. "I'm sorry."

Inside Tori's Mind

Tori stood before Daigusto Dragon. "Tori, you will let me enter your mind and soul. With me as your ally, you won't only stand beside your friends…" The Number extended a claw to Tori's chest. "…You will stand over them more powerful than you could ever imagine."

Memories of all Lance and Yuma had done entered the girl's mind giving her the strength to fight back. "The strength Number 7 offers won't help me. Not if I let him control me."

"I am all that you need." Number 7 declared.

"I refuse." Tori declared firmly. "The strength you offer is not the strength I want. I have no desire to stand above them. I wish to stand beside my friends. If my power isn't enough, I will draw strength from them. From everyone around me!"

Green energy flared up cutting off the dragon's claw. Tori didn't notice that it entered her chest as the rest of the Number turned into particles of green light. Daigusto Dragon had been expelled from her mind.

Abandoned Area

Tori was left panting from the effort. "Alright, this marks the end of our duel Number Hunter!"

Trey was shocked. "She should have been controlled by the Number."

"Tori?" Yuma questioned.

"Don't worry Yuma because I'm in control." Tori smiled. "I have everything I need to win. First, I'm detaching an overlay unit from Number 7:Daigusto Dragon(R 4/O 0/4000/1700 effect) doubling his ATK until the end of the turn.

Next, I activate Creature Swap making us choose one monster we control and swapping it with the monster chosen by the other. You can take Wynn while I take your Chronomaly Crystal Chrononaut(R 3/O 2/2100/1000)."

"Since you took my Chrononaut, his ATK returns to normal." Trey grunted. "I can't believe this."

"Well believe it because this is the end." Tori declared. "Daigusto Dragon attack Wynn with Raging Tempest!" The dragon beat his might wing whipping up wing that shattered the monster before him (Tori 2600/Trey 0)."

"I severely underestimated my opponent!" Trey thought as he was blown onto his back.

Yuma jumped in the air excitedly. "Way to go Tori!"

Trey stood. "That was most impressive." He threw a heart piece to Tori who caught it. "You get this win, but the next time we duel will be different." He then showed his completed heart container. "I made it to the finals, so I'll look forward to facing you there."

"He already has a completed heart container." Yuma stated shocked and impressed.

"Of course, you can keep the Number." Trey showed his crest. "Consider it a souvenir."

The crest glowed forcing Yuma and Tori to close their eyes. When they opened their eyes, Trey was gone.

Shark vs Quatro, Same Time…

Shark faced off with Quatro.

Quatro smiled maliciously. "Shark, are you ready to lose?"

"That's a loaded question coming from someone who had to cheat to beat me before." Shark stated firmly.

"I didn't have to do anything." Quatro smirked. "I merely wanted to."

"We'll see how big you talk once I defeat you." Shark declared.

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Shark 4000/Quatro 4000)

"I'm taking the first turn." Shark declared. "I summon Friller Rabca(LV 3/700/1500)." A long, brown fish appeared. "Since a Fish monster was just summoned, I can special summon Shark Stickers(LV 3/200/1000)." A long, blue fish appeared.

"Now I overlay my two level 3 monsters to Xyz Submersible Carrier Aero Shark(R3/O 2/1900/1000)." Two sharks bound by an orange piece of equipment appeared. "Then, I activate Overlay Reward allowing me to draw two cards.

One for each overlay unit Aero Shark has. Speaking of overlays, I detach one from Aero Shark to deal 400 life points, per card in my hand. Since I have four, you take 1600 damage (Shark 4000/Quatro 2400). I'll then set one card ending my turn."

Quatro drew. "I summon Gimmick Puppet Gear Changer(LV 1/100/100)." A blue puppet with a gear for its body appeared. "Since you control a monster, and I only control Gimmick Puppet monsters, I can special summon Gimmick Puppet Magnet Doll(LV 8/1000/1000)."

Magnetic pieces appeared and joined into a puppet. "Now, I can activate Gear Changer's special ability bringing his level up to 8 like my Magnet Doll. With my monsters, I build the overlay network. Xyz summon Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder(R 8/O 2/1500/2500)."

A huge, black puppet on a throne appeared. "I activate my giant's special ability." Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder(R 8/O 1/1500/2500). "By detaching one overlay unit, I can destroy a special summoned monster on your field.

If it's an Xyz monster, like Aero Shark, you take damage equal to his original ATK (Shark 2100/Quatro 2400). Your way out of your league Shark, and unfortunately for you, this is only the beginning. Giant Grinder will attack you directly."

"I don't think so Quatro." Shark declared. "I activate Deep Sea Current. When you declare a direct attack, I can negate it and end your battle phase."

"I'll set two cards." Quatro stated.

"It's my move." Shark drew. "I activate Xyz Rebirth. With this, I can special summon not only Submersible Carrier Aero Shark(R3/O 0/1900/1000) from the grave, but also the materials used to make him."

So, welcome back Friller Rabca(LV 3/700/1500) and Shark Stickers(LV 3/200/1000). That's not where this turn ends. Far from it. I activate Underwater Snow Prison. With this, I can banish your Number and I take no damage since that's not a Water monster.

I now use my normal summon to bring out Spear Shark(LV 4/1600/1400)." A red shark with a spear for a nose appeared. "Upon being summoned, I can increase the level of all level 3 Fish monsters' by 1 granting me three level 4 monsters."

"Am I supposed to be intimidated because you can summon some other Xyz monster?" Quatro laughed. "Please Shark. Number 15 wasn't my only Number, so you're going to have to do better than this to beat me."

"I plan to." Shark declared. "See, I've recently came into some new cards, and I'm about to show you what one of them can do. I overlay my three level four monsters to Xyz summon Number 32: Shark Drake(R 4/O 3/2800/2100)." A large, red shark appeared.

Quatro was genuinely shocked. "You have a Number!"

"Not just one, but the only one you must concern yourself with is Shark Drake. Before that, my Aero Shark will attack you directly." Shark declared.

"I activate Gimmick Box(LV 8/1900/0)." A box appeared before Quatro. "This trap reduces the damage I'd take to 0. Then, it is summoned as a monster with ATK equal to the life points I'd have lost. It is worth noting he's in defense meaning Shark Drake can't hurt my life points."

"That box isn't going to save you." Shark declared. "Shark Drake will destroy your monster before activating his special ability. Once per turn, by detaching an overlay unit, I can return the monster Shark Drake destroyed to the field, in attack position, with 1000 less attack. My monster then gets to attack again (Shark 2100/Quatro 500). I'll finish with one face down."

"I'm not losing to you Shark! I refuse!" Quatro drew. "I activate Xyz Dimensional Return allowing me to special summon a banished Xyz monster at the cost of half my life points Shark 2100/Quatro 250).

At that point, this trap will become an overlay unit. Return to the field Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder(R 8/O 1/1500/2500). By detaching one overlay unit, I can destroy Shark Drake and deal you damage equal to his ATK. In other words, you're finished!"

Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder(R 8/O 0/1500/2500)

"You'd think so until I activate Aquamirror Cycle which takes my Shark Drake and adds it back to my deck. Then, I get to add 2 Water monsters from my grave to my hand." Shark countered.

"I will finish you this turn!" Quatro yelled desperately. "I activate Limiter Removal doubling Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder(R 8/O 0/3000/2500 effect) ATK on the condition that he is destroyed at the end of the turn. I then normal summon Gimmick Puppet Scissor Arms(LV 4/1200/600)." A dark purple puppet with scissors on its head appeared. "Giant Grinder will attack Aero Shark."

"I activate Friller Rabca's effect in the grave." Shark countered. "Since you're attacking a Fish monster I control, I can banish this monster weaken your monster's ATK by 500 (Shark 1500/Quatro 250)."

Quatro was stunned as he realized what this meant. "Impossible."

"It's quite possible." Shark stated. "We're both using anger, but one of us knows how to use it correctly. Unlike you, I've reigned it in to ensure my mind wouldn't be clouded. As a result, I haven't made the mistakes you have. Now attack with your monster so I can end this."

Quatro growled. "Scissor Arms attack Shark directly (Shark 300/Quatro 250)."

"With that, your Giant Grinder is history. Now, I only need to overcome your Scissor Arms." Shark drew. "I summon Big Jaws(LV 3/1800/300)." A small shark with large teeth appeared. "Big Jaws attack Scissor Arms (Shark 300/Quatro 0)."

Quatro was blown onto his back.

"This isn't the end Quatro." Shark approached him. "I know you'll complete your container, and I have every intention of doing the same. In the finals, I will defeat you before everyone. Your fans will see you for the duelist you are."

Shark then began to walk off only to stop as Quatro angrily got to his feet. "If that is your intention, mark my words. This defeat will not be forgotten. I will make you suffer like never before."

Just like with Trey, Quatro's crest glowed, and he was gone.

Lance vs Cat, Same Time…

Lance, with Astral by his side, stood across from Cat.

Cat said, "You shall fall because Organization wills it."

"We'll see about that Cat." Lance stated.

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Lance 4000/Cat 4000)

"Alright, I'm going first." Lance looked at his hand. "I summon Heroic Challenger-Halberd(LV 4/1800/300)." The warrior decked out in purple armor appeared. "Since I control a Heroic Challenger, I can special summon Heroic Challenger-Chain Mail(LV 4/300/1800)." A warrior decked out in chain mail appeared. "I then set one card."

"Those were some solid plays, but it remains to be seen how this plays out." Astral thought.

Cat drew. "I activate Double Summon allowing me to normal summon twice this turn. I'll summon Coach Captain Bearman(LV 8/1300/2700 effect)." A bear in silver armor appeared. "When he's normal summoned this way, his ATK is halved.

I'll then summon Zoodiac Whiptail(LV 4/1200/400)." A woman with snake like features appeared. "I'll activate Overlay Satellite and equip it to Bearman. He now counts as two monsters for an Xyz summon, and the spell will become an overlay unit whatever I summon."

"Interesting strategy." Astral commented.

"It is, and I don't think this is the end of it." Lance stated.

"Now, I will activate Bearman's effect allowing me to make all level 4 Beast-Warrior monsters I control level 8 until the end of the turn." Cat continued.

Zoodiac Whiptail(LV 8/1200/400 effect)

"Oh, that's bad." Lance stated. "She can Xyz summon a monster that requires 3 materials."

"Not just that, but a monster with a Rank of 8." Astral added.

"You are right." Cat declared. "I overlay my two monsters and spell to Xyz summon Coach King Giantrainer(R 8/O 3/2800/2000)." A giant warrior wearing blue armor with various sports equipment appeared. "Up to thrice per turn, I can detach one overlay unit to draw a card.

King Giantrainer(R 8/O 0/2800/2000)

For every monster, you'll lose 800 life points." Cat put her hand on her deck and drew. "I drew two monsters and one spell meaning you take 1600 points of damage (Lance 2400/Cat 4000). The caveat is that I can't attack this turn, so I'll set a card."

"She's certainly not wasting any time." Lance stated.

"Yes, but she made a mistake by not destroying your monsters." Astral stated. "With them, and your next turn, you can win."

"True." Lance stated. "Still, she put up a competent turn."

Lance drew. "Alright Cat, whatever control Organization has over you is coming to an end. I normal summon Heroic Challenger-Double Lance(LV 4/1700/900)." A warrior decked out in white and light blue armor appeared.

"Double Lance's effect allows him to be counted as two monsters for the Xyz summon of a Heroic Champion. "I now build the overlay network with Double Lance to Xyz summon Heroic Champion-Atlantis(R 4/O 1/2000/1000)." A warrior in ocean blue armor appeared.

"I won't stop there as I overlay my remaining two monsters. Xyz summon Heroic Champion-Excalibur(R 4/O 2/2000/2000). I then activate Excalibur's effect granting him double his ATK until the end of your next turn." Heroic Champion-Excalibur(R 4/O 0/4000/2000 effect).

"I'll activate Heroic Champion-Atlantis(R 4/O 0/2000/1000)'s effect. By removing an overlay unit, and at the cost of all other monsters I control being unable to attack, I can have a monster I control attack you directly. I choose Excalibur. Go Heroic Slash!"

"I activate Damage Diet." Cat countered. "This card halves all damage I take for this turn (Lance 2400/Cat 2000)."

"Looks I couldn't end things this turn." Lance stated. "I set one card."

"My move!" Cat drew. "From my hand I activate Rank-Up-Magic Barian's Force."

"Barian's Force?" Lance questioned. "I've never heard of that card."

"That card." Astral contemplated. "Something about it seems familiar, but I can't place why."

"I'm not sure how to take that, but one thing I do know is that rank ups are trouble for us." Lance commented.

"This card will rank up my monster and Xyz summon a Chaos Xyz monster." Cat continued. "I now rebuild the overlay network with Rank 8 Coach King Giantrainer. Go Chaos Xyz Evolution. Xyz summon CXyz Coach Lord Ultimatrainer(R 9/O 1/3800/2300)."

A multiarmed black monster appeared with two, pink overlay units. "If your monsters had overlay units, this card would absorb them as his own." She sneered. "fortunately for you, you ditched them before my turn."

"Looks like an unintentional boon of your cards made itself known Lance." Astral commented.

"That won't stop me from using my monster to end this duel." Cat declared. "I detach CXyz Coach Lord Ultimatrainer(R 9/O 0/3800/2300)'s overlay unit to draw a card. If it's a monster, you lose another 800 life points." She drew. "It's a monster (Lance 1600/Cat 2000). Unlike his previous form, Ultimatrainer can attack after using his ability. Attack Atlantis!"

"This is bad Lance." Astral stated. "If that face down of yours doesn't work, we lose."

"I'm aware Astral, but sometimes it all comes down to the luck of the draw." Lance stated. "Believe in me, and I won't fail."

Astral nodded. "I do believe you can do this Lance."

"I activate my face down Undying Heroic Spirit." Lance declared. "The way this works is that I can draw a card once per turn. If it's a Heroic monster, I can reduce the damage I'd take by their ATK or DEF. Anything else goes to the grave."

"So, you're going to bank everything on luck?" Cat asked. "Very well. Draw your card."

"I don't need your prompt to do that." Lance drew and smiled. "I drew a second Heroic Challenger-Chain Mail(ATK 300). It may not seem like much, but it's just enough for me to survive (Lance 100/Cat 2000)."

"So, you survive one more turn, but if you want to win, you'll have to overcome my Ultimatrainer." Cat declared. "I end my turn."

Heroic Champion-Excalibur(R 4/O 0/2000/2000)

"I'll overcome it all right." Lance drew. "It all begins with this card. I summon Heroic Challenger-Support Bow(LV 1/500/200)." A man decked out in leather armor and holding a wooden bow appeared.

"His effect allows me to target a monster on the field and make every monster I control the same level. I target Support Bow turning every monster I control to level 1. With 3 level 1 monsters I build the overlay network. Xyz Summon Number 54: Lion Heart(R 1/O 3/100/100)."

"That number doesn't compare to my monster." Cat declared.

"It more than compares because this Number's power comes from his effect." Lance declared. "Lion Heart attack Ultimatrainer. "I now detach an overlay unit from Number 54: Lion Heart(R 1/O 2/100/100). By doing so, my opponent takes all battle damage I'd have taken."

"What!?" Cat was shocked. "No!"

(Lance 100/Cat 0)

Cat was blown onto her back as the Barian crest on her forehead vanished and Lance's pendant stopped glowing. "Cat are you okay?"

"I think so." Cat rose and shook her head trying to clear it. "What happened?"

"She has no memory of what happened?" Lance tapped his duel gaze, and Cat's gazer dinged soon after. "I'm not certain how helpful it can be in the long run, but I was recording when you showed up. Look at that and your current deck. Then, we'll see if the others are okay."

1:Go Shark indeed

Martin: I have plans for this.