Heartland City, Evening…
Mr. Heartland appeared before everyone in the city. "Greetings magnificent duelists. The sun is setting on the 2nd day of the World Duel Carnival. Tomorrow, the battle for heart pieces continues. For now, rest your decks and gather your strength."
Kite flew through the image with Shay coming up beside him.
Heartland Tower
Kite, Shay, and Orbital walked the halls together. The two brothers were really starting to show the negative impact their Photon Modes had on them.
Orbital came to walk in front of them. "Masters Kite and Shay, I know how important finding Numbers are to you, but you need to ease up with the Photon Modes. If you keep this up…"
Both looked at Orbital fiercely.
Kite replied. "Your concern is noted. Now get back to tracking down Numbers."
Shay stumbled forward as his vision went blurry for a moment. He recovered, placed a hand over his left eye, and shook his head.
Kite looked at him concerned. "Shay, are you okay?"
Shay took a deep breath and stood tall. "I'll be fine once we've seen Hart and Lulu." He looked at Kite giving him a smile. "We both know they are who matters."
Kite closed his eyes and gave his brother a pat on the back while saying nothing else.
Top of the Tower
Lulu sat in her wheelchair next to Hart as he looked out the window. She reached out her hand and ran it through his hair; however, he didn't seem to pay it any mind. Her attention was soon drawn to the elevator as Shay and Kite entered with genuine smiles.
"How are you feeling today you two?" Shay asked.
Hart simply said, "Brothers…"
Lulu nodded now seeming a little pale with the lights on, but she chuckled. "It's definitely not one of my worst day."
They both kneeled before their sibling, Kite before Lulu and Shay before Hart. This allowed the two of them to get a good look at their older sibling's exhaustion. The two oldest just couldn't hide it given their current state.
Kite nodded. "You two just need to hang in there. Soon, you will be all better."
Shay nodded as well. "Can you do that for us?"
They each patted their siblings' shoulders before getting up to leave only for Kite to fall to his knee and Shay to collapse onto the ground.
"Brothers…" Hart shouted worriedly.
"Are you two okay?" Lulu asked.
Shay was panting as he got to his feet and chuckled. "Kite and I spared earlier."
Kite nodded. "Just got a little intense is all."
Kite helped Shay to his feet and moved to the elevator before it took them down.
Hallway
Kite was helping Shay down the hall. "I'm sorry Kite. I tried to hold it together for them."
Kite smiled at him. "Don't worry Shay. I didn't do much better myself."
Top of the Tower
Lulu noticed that Hart was unnaturally still after seeing that, so she pushed her wheelchair forward. "Hart, are you…"
Hart said, "I must go…"
Suddenly, his energy surged causing the energy inside of Lulu to do the same. Lulu screamed out in pain while Hart's was more an extension of power. People observing the two were utterly shocked.
Streets of Heartland
Yuma, Tori, and Lance were walking together.
Tori had an abundance of sweets which she was overjoyed at. "Thanks for buying me all these sweets Yuma, but how come you didn't get any for yourself?"
Yuma had his hand in his pockets and was grouchy. "I thought you were going to share."
"Come on Yuma, you know Tori loves sweets." Lance rolled his eyes. "You should have thought ahead like I did." He tossed his best friend a chocolate bar. "Just like I knew you'd make the wrong assumption."
Yuma smiled. "Alright, you're the best Lance!"
He took a bite only for the people around them to draw their attention to the street where they saw Hart and Lulu. It was almost as if they suddenly appeared.
"Hart, what did you do!?" Lulu asked.
She wasn't freaked out by Hart's powers rather by the place they'd ended up. Hart started to move forward.
"That's Lulu!" Lance shouted.
Yuma nodded. "Yeah, I recognize her from that photo. Same as the kid. Their Kite and Shay's siblings!"
"Stay here!" Lance shouted.
He ran into the street only for Yuma to follow him.
"Yuma!" Tori worriedly shouted. "Lance!"
Lulu looked at Lance and genuinely smiled. "Lance, it's you!"
"Yeah, I could say the same." Lance frantically looked around. "What are you two…" He stopped as he heard a truck, and everyone looked at the oncoming vehicle. "No time!"
He picked up Hart, threw him on the wheelchair, and pushed it out of the way before kicking Yuma to a point that he'd be just clear of the semi currently bearing down on them. Unfortunately, this left Lance undefended as the truck barred down on him.
At the last possible second, his pendant activated throwing up a white barrier as the truck tried to avoid him. The truck crashed kicking up dust and debris as Yuma, Tori, and Lulu, with Hart, came up to the scene.
Lance was panting and looking at himself with wide eyes. "I'm… I'm alive." He picked up his pendant. "I am glad I never take this thing off."
Hart looked at Astral. "You look like you're cold."
Yuma looked from Hart to Astral. "Can he see you him as well?"
"Yes, I can." Hart stated. "Who is he?"
"My name is Astral." Astral replied.
Lance shook his head as the police started to arrive. "I know my dad is an officer, but this whole situation is a little more complicated. I also don't think he'll be arriving with the troops on this one, so let's get out of here. We can figure this all out later."
"That's probably a good idea." Lulu stated.
Yuma grabbed the wheelchair. "I'm so going to regret this later!"
"Probably." Tori stated.
Lance, now over his near death, shouted. "Just run already!"
So, the entire group ran from the scene.
Heartland Tower: Monitor Room
Dextra, Kala, and Nistro were looking a screen currently displaying Hart's room.
"So, what do we think cased this? A monster? Band of mercenaries perhaps?" Nistro sarcastically asked.
"You know perfectly well it was subjects 0 and 1." Dextra stated. "If Heartland finds out they're out there…"
"…Shay and Kite may lose any rights they had to visit them." Kala finished.
Nistro smiled. "Relax, Heartland won't find a thing out. Neither will Shay and Kite. We'll have the kids back by morning."
Hogan Residence
Lance walked down the stairs to find everyone in the living room.
He walked into the kitchen. "My families currently out doing who knows what, so at least we have the place to ourselves while we try to sort through this." He opened the fridge. "Sorry Lulu, but we don't have any meals prepared. If you and Hart are hungry, we got apples."
Lulu nodded. "Thank you, Lance. That will do just fine."
He grabbed five apples, tossed one each to Yuma and Tori, gave two to Lulu for her and Hart, and kept one for himself. Lulu held out an apple to Hart causing him to look at her in confusion.
Lulu smiled kindly. "It's an apple Hart." She took a bit of her own. "You eat it like this." Hart bit into his apple and chewed. "That's it Hart."
Hart really began to dig into the apple causing everyone to smile. Even though the three middle schoolers didn't really understand, the moment between brother and sister was heartwarming.
Once Hart finished the apple, in a mere minute, he looked at Lace. "Can I have another?"
Lance grabbed another one from the fridge and gave it to him with a smile. "Sure, thing little guy. We got plenty." He chuckled. "Yuma and I often argue which is the better duel fuel."
"It's clearly rice balls." Yuma declared.
Lance bit his own apple. "No way. Apples are superior in every way."
"Will you two knock it off!" Tori shouted.
Lulu laughed genuinely before nodding. "I haven't said it yet, but I'm really grateful to you and your friends Lance. You've all been so kind."
Lance nodded. "We couldn't leave you Lulu."
Lulu nodded before looking at Hart who seemed exceptionally tired. "Is there somewhere Hart can sleep."
She yawned and rubbed her eyes.
Lance nodded. "You can both use my room. You two are brother and sister, right? So, sharing the same bed shouldn't be an issue?"
Lulu nodded. "It won't be. I often fall asleep with Hart when reading him stories anyways."
Tori smiled. "That's so sweet."
Lance's Room
Lulu and Hart were fast asleep.
Living Room
The four friends were gathered around discussing things.
"So, what do you think happened?" Tori asked. "Why were they in the middle of the street?"
"I have no idea, and it doesn't seem like they want to talk about it." Yuma stated.
Lance sighed. "We have no right to pressure them. I at least know where they live, so we can take them back there in the morning."
"That probably is the best course of action, but I'd be lying if I said I wanted to face off with Kite and Shay again. They'll see you two, initiate a duel, and I'll have to jump in." Tori shook her head. "I know I need to…"
Yuma fell back onto the couch. "It's alright Tori. We'll worry about some duel when and if it comes."
"All things considered; they may let the three of us go without taking our Numbers this time." Lance stated. "I'm not sure though."
"What I'm curious about is why Hart could see me, but not Lulu." Astral stated. "I get this feeling from them. It's strange, yet so familiar. Maybe they have a clue where I'm from."
"Hart!" Lulu shouted getting everyone's attention.
They all looked at one another before booking it upstairs.
Lance's Room
They burst into the room to find Lulu finishing helping herself into the wheelchair and the window thrown wide open.
She looked at Lance with tears in her eyes. "He climbed out the window! Lance, I don't know where he's going!"
"Damn, we'll just have to track him down then." Yuma stated.
Lance grabbed her wheelchair. "We will, but we can't take risk Lulu. Your brothers don't want you to hurt yourself just as much as I imagine they don't want Hart to hurt himself."
Lulu nodded. "We need to be fast, but careful at the same time."
"Come on, let's get moving!" Tori shouted.
Park: With Rio
Rio had just made it to the ice cream stand before it closed and was now on her way home with a smile on her face. "This tournament is great. Because there's so much dueling going on, there's no way Reginald should be home. This means he can't grill me for being out."
Her thoughts were stopped by a familiar, red whip ensnaring her right arm and vanishing. Unlike the whip, the user wasn't someone she knew. It was in fact Vetrix who stepped out before her laughing.
"Rio Kastle." Vetrix stated. "I will be taking your Number and you will be coming with me."
"You'll have to beat me in a duel before that ever happens." Rio firmly replied.
Vetrix nodded. "I'm quite aware."
Harbor: With Shark
Shark had his hands in his pocket as he stared out over the ocean thinking over what Lance had said to him. "Seriously man, chill it with the revenge a little. All you're going to do is worry Rio. Honestly, I'm already starting to worry about you."
Shark sighed. "Is that true? I've made no secret of my hate for Quatro, but does it really cause Rio to worry?"
"You seem to be thinking awfully hard Shark." Trey stated.
Shark looked at him and narrowed his eyes. "You were with Quatro earlier."
Trey shot his duel anchor at Shark before he could fully register things catching him. "I was, and since he could not claim your Numbers, I will take up the cause. That's not all. Once I beat you, you'll be meeting with my father."
"If you think you can beat me, then you have another thing coming." Shark stated firmly. "I'll show you what happens when you mess with a Shark."
Heartland Academy: With Nelson
Nelson jumped over the wall intent on cutting through the academy as he booked it on home. "I let my last duel run on and now mom's going to yell at me for being late!" He was stopped by a red whip catching his arm. "Oh, boy!"
Quatro chuckled. "You may not be who I wished to spoil, but it will not stop me from giving my fan service. You should feel honored."
"This is… Quatro. I've heard of him. Especially recently from Yuma and Lance." Nelson stared him down. "Don't expect me to buckle under the weight of this match Quatro."
Quatro laughed. "Yes, hold onto that attitude. It will only make tearing you down more satisfying."
Heartland City Rooftop: With Organization
Organization was surveying the city when he suddenly felt a presence close by. One very much like that he could feel with Yuma and Lance only this one was one entity. Not an entity near other people.
"An Astral World Being." Organization turned to face Dos who shot out her red whip, but Organization dodged it. "I believe you will find that I'm no normal enemy, but the same could be said of you, right Astral Being?"
"So, the Barian can sense what I am. Quite the surprise since your kind isn't known for that." Dos stated.
"I'm a special case among them." Organization informed. "That said, I merely dodged your whip to prove such a point, but don't think that a denial of your challenge. I can sense the two Numbers in your possession, and I want them."
"I can sense the many in your possession." Dos stated. "For my family, Astral World, and the Lancers, I will claim them."
"Well then, let's get down to business and stop wasting time." Organization stated.
Heartland City
Four duels were about to get underway, but something was already happening just by these duelists coming together. There was magic and power in the air. Crest, Astral, and Barian all singing their own song.
Hogan Residence
Lance, pushing Lulu in her wheelchair out if the house with Yuma and Tori running out ahead of them.
"Hart, where are you!?" Yuma shouted.
Lulu shouted. "Please, if you're nearby, come out!"
Suddenly, Lance's pendant began to glow a brilliant white and he got flashes of the locations where duels were about to break out. Shark vs Trey, Rio vs Vetrix, Nelson vs Quatro, and Organization vs Dos.
"They have to attack now of all time." Lance declared.
Tori looked at him. "What's wrong Lance?"
Lance looked at Lulu and sighed. "Lulu, I'm sorry, but I have to go." He looked at Yuma and Tori. "Shark and Nelson are dueling Trey and Quatro respectfully, and Rio is currently engaged in a duel with someone dressed like them."
"Really!?" Yuma questioned. "Now of all times!?"
Lulu looked at him with a sincere smile. "It's alright, I can tell this is something important."
Lance nodded. "Yuma, you and Tori go with Lulu to look for Hart. I'll call on some of our other friends, and we'll deal with the duels."
"Sounds like a plan." Tori stated.
Lance ran off and began calling multiple numbers through his duel gazer. Soon, he managed to get through to Zeera, Crow, Caswell, Cat, and Lloyd. Shane hadn't picked up.
"Sorry if some of you are busy, but something big seems to be going down throughout the city. Those people in medieval clothing are making moves against Shark, Rio, and Nelson. In addition, a duel is breaking out between one of them and Organization. We need help."
Zeera said, "I think we're all ears after that honey. What do you need?"
"I'm moving to back Rio up. Lloyd, your brother is currently at Heartland Academy. Cat and Caswell, go to Shark. Mom, you and dad should head to Organization. It's happening at the same time as the others, so it must be important."
"Thanks for informing me of this Lance." Lloyd declared. "I'll head over immediately.
Caswell said, "Cat and I will make sure Shark's okay."
"I may not be his biggest fan, but I know how much he means to Yuma as a friend." Cat agreed.
"You have been involved in this whole mess from the beginning, so we'll trust you." Crow stated. "Just be careful."
Zeera decided to throw in some light heartedness to the situation. "Now, go save your girlfriend."
Zack blushed. "Mom, not the time, and she's not my girlfriend."
He hung up before she could say anything further.
With Yuma, Tori, and Lulu
Yuma pushed Lulu as he and Tori ran through the streets looking for Hart.
"How do we find one boy in all of Heartland?" Tori asked.
"I don't know!" Yuma shouted.
Lulu closed her eyes and concentrated. "Hart…" He eyes snapped open. "Go left!"
Yuma turned and asked, "What's…"
"Just trust me." Lulu stated firmly. "I know where Hart is and where he's going." She looked at the ground sadly. "Oh Hart, it all makes sense now."
Bridge
"Hart!" Lulu shouted as the group finally caught up causing Hart to turn to them. "I know what you've been wanting to do this entire time."
Before she could say anymore, a helicopter's light shined down on them.
Nistro jumped down to the ground. "Hart and Lulu." He grinned. "You two are out past your bedtime." He then noticed Yuma. "You again."
"Nistro." Yuma stated. "What do you want with Hart and Lulu?"
"This has nothing to do with you." Nistro declared. "The less you kids know, the better."
Suddenly, a red sphere of electricity nailed the helicopter with just enough power that the people inside were able to land.
Everyone looked at Lulu who slowly rose from her wheelchair panting and sweating. "Yuma, you and Tori take Hart to the windmills. He'll take you to the specific one. I'll stay behind and buy you guys time."
"Sister…" Hart stated.
"Lulu…" Yuma and Tori stated.
"Lulu, don't be difficult." Nistro stated. "You know that the only safe place for the two of you is Heartland City."
Dextra and Kala stepped out of the downed ship.
Dextra said, "Just come back with us."
"There's no need to do anything rash Lulu." Kala added. "Your health is already questionable."
Lulu had grabbed her D-pad and gazer as she slowly moved forward. "It doesn't matter how bad my health is. My little brother wants to go to the windmills. He wants to get caramels for my brothers. I will not let you three impede him."
"Caramels?" Yuma questioned confused.
"Just go, now!" Lulu ordered.
Tori grabbed Yuma's hand forcing something into it. "You heard her Yuma." She stepped forward. "Get Hart to the windmills. I'll stay with Lulu and try to buy double the time."
Yuma grit his teeth before grabbing Hart's wrist and running.
"Damn it, you two go after them." Nistro declared. "I'll…"
Lulu suddenly screamed as her eyes went a deep red and a barrier spread out entrapping the five of them.
"What's going on?" Tori asked confused.
Lulu was pale, panting, and sweating, but she stood her ground. "Sorry about that Tori. I know there's a lot to explain, but I can't right now."
Tori looked at her before looking at the three duelists and gaining determination. "Don't worry Lulu. It's fine." Lulu looked at her surprised. "I can tell you aren't a bad person. Your circumstances are just odd. Story of the last months. Anyways, let's do this."
"No choice now." Dextra stated as she looked around. "We'll just have to beat them quickly."
"3 on 2 are odds in our favor." Kala looked at Lulu. "Even if she's one of our opponents."
"Not the usual way I like to duel." Nistro was disappointed. "I guess it can't be helped."
"If you're going to complain about it, then let's go one on one. Me and you." A figure stated suddenly appearing behind Nistro. "Then you shouldn't have a problem."
Everyone was stunned as the figure that appeared wore a brown cloak and white mask. Before anyone could ask questions, he teleported himself and Nistro out.
Rooftop Nearby
The cloaked figure let go of Nistro and jumped back. "Just who in the world are you?"
"I am Declan Akaba. Leader of the Lancers and in need of someone to test my deck on." Declan explained. "I detected Barian power here, and just so happened to come upon a ripe opportunity." He shot out a red whip catching Nistro. "So, let's go."
Nistro looked at the whip as it vanished before focusing on his opponent. "Looks like I don't have a choice." He grinned. "Alright, I'll take you on."
Inside the Sphere
Lulu was shocked. "No one should be able to enter this sphere."
"That figure did." Kala stated. "They stole Nistro."
Dextra focused on their opponents. "Nistro can handle himself. We should focus on the two in front of us and worry about that figure later."
Tori nodded finding this night was slowly gaining on the tittle for strangest night. After some of the things that had happened, since Astral appeared, that was saying something.
"The two of us will face the two of you." Tori declared. "Get ready, because we don't intend on losing."
Lulu nodded, despite her health, firmly. "That's right."
Heartland Academy: Nelson vs Quatro
D-pad go
Duel Gazer on
Augmented vision link established
(Nelson 4000/Quatro 4000)
"You can go first." Quatro stated.
Nelson was just about to go when he noticed a dark red aura emanating from the young man's deck. "What's going on?"
Rooftop Nearby
Vector stood on the roof with his arm outstretched towards Quatro. "Sorry Sirius, but I can't risk you ever getting your memories back. The Barian's must remain weak. That deck is already a little too dangerous."
Duel
"Are you going to go?" Quatro asked as if nothing were wrong.
"Gladly." Nelson declared deciding to ignore it. "I summon Superheavy Samurai Gigagloves(LV 3/100/1000)." A samurai in brown and red armor with huge, metal gloves appeared. "Since I have no spell/ traps in my grave, I can special summon Superheavy Samurai Trumpeter(LV 2/300/600)."
A small, metal samurai in red armor appeared. "I'll use him to give my Gigagloves a tune up and Synchro for 5. Synchro summon Superheavy Samurai Swordmaster Musashi(LV 5/300/2300) in defense mode."
A blue and red armored samurai appeared knelling before Nelson. "Now, my Gigagloves activates. Since he was sent to the grave, I can look at the top five cards of my deck and rearrange them into any order I wish.
That's not the only effect that activates. When Musashi is Synchro summoned, I can target a machine monster in my grave and return it to my hand. I choose to return my Superheavy Samurai Trumpeter. I'll end my turn."
"A Synchro based deck. How irritating." Quatro drew. "Get ready kid because I'm about to show you the true meaning of pain. 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 two level 8 monsters, I can 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. By detaching one overlay unit, I can destroy a special summoned monster on your field. I choose Musashi; however, you take no damage since that's a Synchro. A direct attack is a whole other story."
"Not happening." Nelson declared. "I activate Gigagloves from my grave. If I banish him, I can draw the top card of my deck. If it's a Superheavy Samurai, I can add it to my hand, and all battle damage I'd take is reduced to 0." He drew and revealed the card. "It's a monster."
Quatro grunted. "So, he had a plan to defend himself against almost anything I could have done." He looked at his opponent. "I set two cards and end my turn."
Nelson drew. "Since I have no spell/traps in my grave, I can special summon Superheavy Samurai Big Waraji(LV 5/800/1800)." A thin, yellow metal samurai appeared. "While I'm at it, why not make it two?" He smiled.
"These monsters have a unique effect in that each one can be treated as two tributes a piece for the summon of a machine type monster. I'll use that to full effect by tributing my first Waraji to summon Superheavy Samurai Big Benkei(LV 8/1000/3500) in defense mode.
A bulky metal samurai with black and red armor appeared. "Don't think this is the end because my Superheavy Samurai Trumpeter(LV 2/300/600) can be special summoned to the field. I'll use him to give my second Waraji a tune up and Synchro for 7.
Synchro summon Superheavy Samurai Stealth Ninja(LV 7/1200/2800)." A shiny black samurai with a muscular torso appeared wielding a rod. "Now Stealth Ninja will attack your puppet Grinder (Nelson 4000/Quatro 2700), and Benkei will attack you directly."
Quatro laughed. "You fell right into my trap. I activate Gimmick Box. This trap reduces all that battle damage to zero and then summons itself as a monster with an ATK equal to the damage I'd have taken."
A monstrous box appeared Gimmick Box(LV 8/3500/0). "The best part is, this ability doesn't care about ATK or DEF, so all 3500 DEF become my monster's attack. In other words, you've given me a useful tool for your destruction."
"That's a powerful trap." Nelson stared his opponent down. "I end my turn."
Quatro drew and looked at the card before freezing as he was obscured in a red light.
"I'm getting a bad feeling from this." Nelson thought worriedly.
Quatro had closed his eyes and when he opened them, a Barian emblem was on his forehead. "Get ready worm because I'm about to show you the true extent of my power!" Quatro laughed. "I activate Xyz Reborn.
With this, I can return Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder(R 8/O 1/1500/2500) to the field, but my move doesn't stop there. I activate the spell Rank-Up-Magic Barian's Force allowing me to rebuild the overlay network with 15.
Come forth Number C15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Hunter(R 9/O 2/2500/1500)." A giant, golden puppet with dark gray wings appeared. "Yes, I can feel the power of this monster. With this, Shark will fall."
Nelson took a step back in shock. "That emblem… Lance told me Cat had one… Barian's Force? A Number C monster? Just what is happening? Who is this duelist?"
"First, I must deal…" Quatro began until his crest appeared on his hand glowing brilliantly and dispelling the emblem. "What, was that?"
Nelson was utterly confused. "Hey, are you okay?"
Quatro shook his head. "I'm fine." He looked at this monster. "I have no idea what just happened, but I won't deny the power this monster has. This duel is over kid. I activate Solidarity.
Since I only control Machine monsters in my grave, all my monsters gain 800 ATK." Gimmick Box(LV 8/4300/0) and Number C15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Hunter(R 9/O 2/3300/1500). "You're finished!"
Nelson was utterly shocked. "This is insane."
"Just wait because I'm only getting started. My Hunter can destroy a monster on your field like Grinder; however, all monsters are viable for his effect of dealing damage equal to their original attack so say bye to your Benkei (Nelson 3000/Quatro 2700). Now Hunter will destroy your Stealth Ninja. That leaves you wide open for a direct attack from Gimmick Box."
"Not quite." Nelson declared. "I activate Train Construction Signal Red(LV 3/1000/1300)." An orange machine with red flashing lights appeared. "When my opponent declares an attack, I can special summon this monster.
This then redirects the attack to this monster, and he can't be destroyed by battle." He took a deep breath. "Unlike the mistake I made with Yuma, I've placed it in defense mode meaning my life points are safe."
"Defend yourself as you wish because it won't matter in the end." Quatro stated. "I set one card."
Nelson drew and smiled. "Since I have no spell/traps in my grave, I can special summon Super Heavy Samurai Thief(LV 8/1000/1000)." A green and black metal samurai built for speed appeared. "By tributing him, I can destroy a spell/trap you control and set it on my field. I choose Gimmick Box. I end my turn."
Quatro laughed. "That won't help you in the end." He drew. "First, I activate Hunter's effect destroying your Construction Signal and dealing you damage (Nelson 2000/Quatro 2700). I then activate Junk Puppet.
This allows me to ressumon Gimmick Puppet Magnet Doll(LV 8/1000/1000) from the grave to the field. Why have one when I can special summon another Gimmick Puppet Magnet Doll(LV 8/1000/1000). Now I build the overlay network with my two level 8's.
Xyz Summon Number 40: Gimmick Puppet of Strings(R 8/3000/2000)." A black puppet with green hair, wings, and a blade appeared. I then activate Xyz Effect. Since I just Xyz summoned, I can destroy a card on your field. Say goodbye to that face down Gimmick Box."
"No!" Nelson shouted.
"Yes." Quatro laughed. "Now, take him down my Giant Hunter (Nelson 0/Quatro 2700)!"
Nelson was bombarded by real damage as he was knocked back screaming. When he hit the ground, he was out could.
Quatro started to approach him. "I have no idea how that card got in my deck, but it's proven it's usefulness. Shark, you will end up just like…"
"Not another step forward creep!" Lloyd declared as he came to stand in between Quatro and Nelson.
"Oh, and who might you be?" Quatro asked.
"I'm the guy that's going to kick your ass for hurting my younger brother." Lloyd stated furiously. "You aren't taking another step forward."
"Is that so?" Quatro chuckled amused. "I've already spoiled my target rotten, but I suppose I can spare some more fan service for you. I just love my fans too much."
"Enough talk." Lloyd declared. "We're dueling now."
"Sorry, but I'm going to have to intervene." A voice declared before a figure appeared and picked up Nelson's body.
It was Vector, but he had cast an illusion to make his form that of his Barian self. He was colored gray and black with tiny pink gems found on the sides of his body and a crudely shaped Barian Emblem at the center of it.
He has purple eyes with black outlines, and bulbous spiked, gray hair with bangs curling outward around his face. He wears a dark gray short sarong decorated with pink gems around the waist and possesses a pair of black demonic wings also adorned with pink gems.
"Who are you?" Quatro asked.
"Let go of my brother!" Lloyd stated as he lunged at Vector.
Vector threw Nelson to Quatro who just managed to react catching the unconscious kid. Lloyd turned on a dime as Vector withdrew a black octahedron containing a mini red-colored sphere pulsating with electricity.
"Get back!" Vector shouted.
He threw the sphere down causing the cube to burst and the sphere to expand. Quatro jumped far back as Lloyd stopped to see just what was happening. The Obelisk was soon trapped in the sphere with Vector.
"You asked who I am." Vector addressed Quatro as he dropped the illusion no longer needing it. "You may call me Barian, and my leader wishes to see that boy rid of his power as much as yours wants them.
Do not mistake this as a full alliance for we will simply defeat your leader when the time comes. It is just more convenient for all the power to be in one place rather than with several people. Now get out of here while I deal with him."
Lloyd has been shocked at first, but he ran at the sphere field slamming his shoulder into it only to be shocked. He slowly rose to his feet as Vector/Barian spoke.
Quatro grunted. "Looks like your stealing my fun, so that's another reason not to thank you on top of everything you've just told me." He turned away from the sphere field. "Just keep him busy."
Quatro ran off and Lloyd shouted. "Get back here!" He turned to Vector. "Alright, drop the barrier now!"
Vector jumped back. "There is only one way this barrier is dropping and that's through one of us winning this duel."
"Fine, I'll take you on." Lloyd stated. "Let's make this quick."
Harbor: Shark Vs Trey
Shark and Trey were just about to get down to business when Caswell and Cat arrived.
"Shark, we heard from Lance that this duel was going down!" Cat called out.
"Need any help?" Caswell asked.
"I don't need any help from either of you." Shark firmly stated. "Stay back."
"You should listen to him." A voice stated from the roof of a warehouse. "Besides, you two will be busy dueling me."
Caswell recognized that voice even before the figure jumped off the roof landing in front of them. The man that stood before them was a tall, young man with black and light blue hair, fair complexion, and yellow eyes. His attire consisted of purple and black gi and wrappings around his arms. On his back he carried an ordinary staff.
"Kaze!" Caswell stated. "What are you doing here?"
Cat looked at Caswell. "You know him?"
Caswell nodded seriously. "It was back when Yuma sought out the guidance of Master Roku. Shane and I tagged along, and this guy, the master's grandson, showed up. He uses Dark Magicians and wrecked Yuma. Shane and I stepped in before the duel concluded and barely managed a win."
Shark looked over at them. "That guy tore through Yuma and almost beat three duelists?"
"That's insane!" Cat shouted.
Kaze chuckled. "I've only improved my deck since then." He shot out two whips ensnaring them both. "You two will see it firsthand."
"Damn it, Kaze what is the meaning of this?" Caswell asked. "The way Roku explained it; you'd lost your hatred."
"That is not what this is about." He looked back at Trey and withdrew a card. "A friend of mine gave me this card for you." He threw it to Trey. "Use it and defeat Shark."
Trey caught the card and looked at it. He was bathed in crimson light before his crest activated breaking any spells.
"What was that?" Trey asked as he shook his head.
"Don't question it." Kaze stated before running off and dragging the students with him. "Just use it to defeat Shark!"
Trey looked at the card before nodding and inserting it into his deck. "I believe we've been interrupted enough."
"I'd say so." Shark stated. "Let's get to the part where I defeat you."
"You're running full sprint into your defeat with thinking like that." Trey countered.
D-pad go
Duel Gazer on
Augmented vision link established
(Shark 4000/Trey 4000)
"I'll go first." Trey declared. "I'll start by activating my Sunken Kingdom field spell. With this, all Water monsters gain 400 ATK and Level four or lower monsters can't attack Chronomaly monsters.
I'll then 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 now overlay my Knot and Skull to Xyz summon Chronomaly Crystal Chrononaut(R 3/O 2/2100/1000)." A tall, purple figure with wings appeared. "I'll end my turn."
"He was with Quatro who had Numbers, so he must have some. Why didn't he play any; furthermore, why hasn't he played a monster that takes full advantage of his own field?" Shark drew. "I summon Friller Rabca(LV 3/1100/1500 field)." A long, brown fish appeared.
"Since a Fish monster was just summoned, I can special summon Shark Stickers(LV 3/600/1000 field)." A long, blue fish appeared. "Now I will overlay my two level 3 monsters to Xyz summon Number 47: Nightmare Shark(R 3/O 2/2400/2000 field)."
A monstrous blue shark with wings and large arms appeared. "I don't know what you're playing at, but you're a fool if you think I'll willingly walk into any trap you've got planned. I detach one overlay unit from Nightmare Shark allowing one of my monsters to attack you directly."
Trey was shocked. "So, that's 47's power."
"Go, take him down a peg (Shark 4000/Trey 1600)." Shark declared. "I'll then end my turn with a face down. You're move."
"I'll admit, that was an impressive display of your mental capacities and ability, but I am far from finished." Trey drew. "I summon another Chronomaly Gordian Knot(LV 3/300/900). Which means I can special summon Chronomaly Nebra Disk(LV 4/1800/1500)."
A stone covered in moss with a face appeared. "My Gordian Knot then changes to that same level meaning I can once again build the overlay network. Xyz summon Number 36: Chronomaly Chateau Huyuk(R 4/O 2/2000/2500)."
A large city contained in a blue sphere appeared. "By detaching one overlay unit from him, I can zero out your monster's attack allowing my Chrononaut to attack your monster (Shark 1900/Trey 1600)."
Shark grit his teeth, but he knew he was fine because he still had his face down.
Trey chuckled. "I'm not taking as many chances as you may think Shark. I activate the quickplay Heart of Stone. If a Chronomaly monster I control didn't destroy your monster, he can attack again."
"I activate Zeus's Breath." Shark countered. "This card not only negates your attack but deals you 800 life points if I control a Water Monster. Which you said it yourself, I do (Shark 1900/Trey 800)."
"Well done Shark, but Number 36 can still attack your monster." Trey declared. "It's over!" The monster was destroyed, but Trey was confused by the Life points (Shark 400/Trey 800). "What's going on?"
Shark smirked. "The material I'd detached from Nightmare was Friller Rabca which has an effect that can activate in the grave. By banishing him, I decrease the ATK of an opposing monster by 500 giving me enough to stay in the game."
Trey was genuinely impressed. "Most impressive Shark, but this duel isn't over. I end my turn."
"Yes, it is." Shark drew. "I activate the effect of Panther Shark(LV 5/1500/2000 effect) from my hand. Since you control two monsters, I'm allowed to special summon him." A yellow and purple shark appeared. "I then activate Eagle Shark(LV 5/1400/1800 effect)."
"Since I control a Panther Shark, I can special summon him." A purple and pink shark/eagle hybrid appeared. "Now I overlay my two level 5 sharks to Xyz summon Number 73: Abyss Splash(R 5/O 2/2800/1400)." A mighty aquatic warrior decked out in blue armor appeared.
"By detaching one overlay unit, I can double his attack until the end of your next turn. Downside, any damage I deal with him is halved." Shark smirked. "Not a problem when your life points are low enough. Abyss destroy Huyuk (Shark 400/Trey 0)."
Trey was blown onto his back. "I didn't draw that card."
Shark approached the downed duelist with his hands in his pockets. "Now, I'll be taking any Numbers you got. A couple of people I know are looking for them. Then, you're going to explain what it is you are doing here."
Another figure rudely interrupted as he jumped down standing in between Shark and Trey. "Sorry, but my leader dictates that failure for the Arclights is not acceptable. Now I shall be your opponent."
Shark stepped back in confusion and shock. He was staring at a young man with blue hair sectioned in three layers. Blue eyes were positioned directly beneath the bangs of the layer closest to his face. His outfit consisted of an inverse Obelisk Blue uniform.
"Your… Zane Truesdale?" Shark stated. "That's impossible. You died of old age."
"I'm not quite Zane, but I'm good enough." Zane closed his eyes. "I'm sorry for this, but your capture at the hands of the Arclight's is a necessity." He shot out a red whip of his own catching the still stunned Shark. "Now, I shall be your opponent."
Streets of Heartland: Kaze vs Caswell and Cat
Kaze came to a stop allowing the students, who had to keep up or risk being dragged along, the chance to recover from the sudden run.
"This should do." Kaze declared. "Now, we shall duel."
"Hold on Kaze!" Caswell shouted. "What are you doing? What is the meaning of this?"
Kaze replied, "You do not need to know a thing other than the fact that I am to be your opponent, and if you want to help Shark, you'll need to defeat me."
Cat looked at Caswell. "It's not like we have much of a choice."
Caswell sighed. "Yeah." He looked at Cat. "Be careful. Shane and I only beat him after Yuma weakened him. Even then, he put up a true fight. If what he says is true, his deck's going to be that much harder to contend with."
Cat nodded. "Right."
"Here's how it's going to work Kaze." Caswell declared. "Everyone draws on their first turn, you get two turns, and Cat and I have separate life points. In addition, no one may attack on their first turn."
"Very well. I will play by these rules provided I get to go first." Kaze replied. "To be fair, I'll restrict my own life points to 4000. Naturally, I won't attack someone who hasn't taken their first turn."
"Granted." Caswell informed.
D-pad go
Duel Gazer on
Augmented vision link established
(Cat and Caswell 4000 each/Kaze 4000)
"Here I go." Kaze drew. "I drew Palladium Oracle Mahad(LV 7/2500/2100)." A spellcaster in white robes under red armor appeared on the field. "Since I drew him, I can reveal him to you, and special summon him to the field.
I'll then activate both the Magician's Left Hand and Magician's Right Hand. If I control a spellcaster, the right will negate and destroy the first spell played by either of you while the left does the same to traps. With that, I'll end my turn."
"Whoa, that is some set up." Cat stated shocked.
Caswell grit his teeth. "Yeah it is." He looked at Cat. "You go before me."
Cat nodded. "Okay Cathy, you're a little limited on what you can do, but that wouldn't stop Yuma. Don't let it stop you." She drew. "Alright, you can stop spell and trap effects, but what about a Pendulum.
I set the Pendulum Scale with Scale 1 Lunalight Wolf and Scale 5 Lunalight Tiger. Just to be safe, I'll activate Lunalight Fusion allowing me to fusion summon using monsters from my hand or field."
"Right Hand's effect negates and destroys that spell." Kaze declared.
"Now, I'll pendulum summon 2 monsters." Cat continued. "Come forth Lunalight Emerald Bird(LV 4/1200/1000) and Lunalight Kaleido Chick(LV 4/1400/800)." An emerald skinned humanoid bird appeared followed by a child in a tallow bird costume.
"Now I activate Kaleido Chick's ability. By sending any monster from my deck or extra deck to the grave, she can be treated as that monster in the event of a Fusion Summon. I'm sending Lunalight Panther Dancer to the grave.
Thanks to Lunalight Wolf's Pendulum Effect, I can fusion summon without Polymerization. I combine the newly named Lunalight Panther Dancer with Lunalight Emerald Bird. Fusion Summon Lunalight Leo Dancer(LV 10/3500/3000)." A dark-skinned female with a tail and white hair appeared. "Leo Dancer will attack your Oracle (Kaze 3000)."
"When Oracle is destroyed by battle or card effect, I can special summon a Dark Magician(LV 7/2500/2100) from anywhere." A green robbed silver haired magician appeared. "I chose my deck and placed him in defense mode."
"My Leo Dancer can make a second attack." Cat declared. "While your life points are safe, your magician is not. I end my turn with a face down."
Kaze drew. "I'm setting my own Pendulum Scale with Scale 2 Acrobat Magician and Scale 8 Black Fang Magician. Now I'll pendulum summon Harmonizing Magician(LV 4/0/0)." A girl with long pink hair and white and blue clothing appeared.
"When she's pendulum summoned, I can special summon a Magician, Pendulum monster from my deck in defense position. Come on out, Timegazer Magician(LV 3/1200/600)." A magician in black robes appeared. "I'll then normal summon Timebraker Magician(LV 3/1400/0)."
A boy in a cloak with a blade appeared. "Since all three are Pendulum/Magiain Mosnters, I can use my Harmonizing Magician to tune my Timebreaker and Time Gazer together for 10. Synchro Summon Nirvana High Paladin(LV 10/3300/2500)."
A mage in silver armor with blue robes appeared. "Wait because this monster has an effect when summoned using a Pendulum summoned Pendulum Tuner. I get to add a card back to my hand from the grave. I choose Harmonizing Magician."
"A powerful Synchro monster and Pendulum monsters of his own… Fusion. Synchro, and Xyz…" Caswell stated in shock. "He's upped his skills and deck in such a short time."
"Well, my monster is still stronger!" Cat declared.
"I agree, but my Black Fang has an effect. If I destroy him in the Pendulum Zone, then I can target one of my opponents' monsters and half their attack until the end of this turn. I choose Lunalight Leo Dancer(LV 10/1750/3000)."
"No way!" Cat shouted.
"I assure you, it is most correct, and this monster isn't 10 stars just for that." Kaze declared. "Just watch. Nirvana destroy Leo Dancer (Cat 1550). When Nirvana destroys an opponent's monster, they lose half their current life points as well (Cat 775)."
"Cat!" Caswell shouted in concern.
"I'm fine Caswell." Cat replied. "Just utterly shocked at this opponent."
Caswell nodded. "It's my turn now, and I'm not going to waste it." He drew. "I activate Wind-Up Factory to use up your Right Hand for this turn. I then summon Wind-Up Soldier(LV 4/1800/1200)."
A green and silver wind up, humanoid magnet appeared. "Since I just summoned, I'm allowed to special summon Wind-Up Shark(LV 4/1500/1300) from my hand. Now I activate both their abilities increasing their levels by one."
Wind-Up Shark(LV 5/1500/1300) and Wind-Up Soldier(LV 5/2200/1200effect). "I build the overlay network with my LV 5 Shark and Soldier to summon forth 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. "Now, I activate Xyz Energy. By detaching one overlay, I can destroy your Nirvana leaving you wide open for a direct attack (Kaze 400). I'll then end my turn with two face down."
Kaze drew and smirked. "Most impressive. You've improved greatly Caswell, but so have I. I activate Card of Sanctity meaning we all draw until we are holding 6 cards each. Now I reset the Pendulum scale with Scale 8 Harmonizing Magician.
I'll Pendulum summon my remaining two Dark Magician(LV 7/2500/2100) x 2." The purple robbed and purple haired magician appeared alongside the red robbed and white-haired magician. That's not all, I activate Dark Magic Attack wiping out your backrow.
Cat opened her eyes wide. "He's unreal."
"Now, purple robed Dark Magician, wipe out Cat's life points (Cat 0)." Kaze declared.
Caswell looked back at her. "Don't worry Caswell." She got to her knees. "I'm fine. Just win this."
Caswell nodded and looked at Kaze. "So, what will you do now? Your monsters are too weak to tangle with Zenmaioh."
"I'm aware which is why I'll activate the quick play spell Magical Dimension. I tribute one of my monsters, summon another from my hand, and get to destroy one of yours. I choose to tribute the magician that has attacked to summon Dark Magician Girl(2600/1700 effect).
Due to their being two Dark Magician's in the grave, she gains 600 ATK. Her summon means your Zenmaioh's destruction." Caswell's mouth was wide open in disbelief. "Now, finish this Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl (Caswell 0/Kaze 400)."
Caswell was blown onto his back just as Cat had been.
Kaze crossed his arms. "Now, you two can either continue dueling me or stay down until Shark's lost. Which is it?"
Caswell and Cat looked at each other before nodding and standing.
"We won't give up!" Caswell declared.
Cat nodded. "That's right."
"Points for bravery." Kaze stated.