Museum Entrance: Lance & Kite vs Dos & Trey

Lance and Kite faced off with Dos and Trey while Rio, with Vega on her back, stood off to the side. Both were worried for Lance since anger wasn't something either associated with him. At least, not to this level. For Vega, it felt wrong while Rio had just never seen him this angry.

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Lance & Kite 4000 each/Dos & Trey 4000 each)

"You shouldn't have come Lance." Dos declared without emotion as the crest on her forehead glowed a brilliant white. "Because you stuck your nose in battles that do not concern you, you will be decimated." She extended her hand. "Say farewell to everything you may have gained."

The white crest shot forward shocking Zack, but his pendant attempted to rise to the challenge as it cast a barrier around him.

This shocked Kite. "What is going on?"

"That pitiful trinket of your family is nothing compared to the power I wield." Dos stated as her crest glowed ever brighter until it smashed clear through the barrier and slammed into Lance entering his body. Lance's eyes glazed over as he fell to his knees without a sound.

"Dad!/Lance!" Vega and Rio shouted worriedly.

Zack's Mind

Zack didn't hear them as his pendant seemingly disappeared and he fell into a sea of white light. Images of his past were displayed around him until they broke apart. Eventually, he was tossed out into endless darkness.

That to, gave way as he was reverted to the age of a young boy sitting before the graves of his siblings. Unlike reality, the graveyard was much smaller with only head stones and the gate out nearby.

Lance's clothes were dirty, and he had several bandages all over his body. Evidence of the bullying/signs of love Anna had done to him. Tears began to stream down his face as he pulled his knees up and buried his head in between them.

"Talia… Zach… I don't know what to do." Lance cried. "Please come back. Tell me what I should do." He begged. "Mom is devasted, Dad's always busy, and Grandpa isn't the same. Please, I don't want to be alone."

Museum Entrance

Lance stood up giving Rio some relief until she noticed his glazed over eyes. "Lance, are you okay?"

Lance ignored her. "I-I'm all alone…. I've always been alone… I'm too weak. Talia… Zach… please come back. I can't do this without you."

Vega was scared. "Mom, what happened to dad?"

Rio looked at Lance before angrily turning on Dos. "What did you do?"

Kite looked from Lance to their opponents with seemingly no interest.

Dos merely said, "I prayed upon Zack's rage and lack of focus on his objective to revert him to his former, weak self. I stripped him of every memory and experience he ever gained while drowning out anyone close to his heart. I locked everything behind my crest. He's harmless."

"Great, now I have a worthless partner." Kite scoffed. "It's not like I ever needed him in the first place. For all I care, he can go first, and I'll still wipe you both out myself."

Trey frowned as he honestly felt some level of sympathy for Lance; however, he wouldn't let that get in the way of his family. "Very well, he can go first then."

Dos nodded and held out her hand. "Yes, by all means make your move."

Rio was shocked before she immediately tried to reach. "It's not true Lance! You're not alone! You have so many people who care for, and I'm just one of them!"

Vega joined her. "Yeah, mom and I are right here! Please, don't ignore us!"

Lance had only heard Dos and looked at his duel disk before drawing five cards.

"I can't… What am I even doing here? Did Anna trick me into coming here?" Zack questioned before turning around and sitting down. "I… I don't know what I'm doing. I'm not a duelist. I'm just a pathetic son and grandson that can't fill my missing siblings' shoes."

Kite grit his teeth. "Either draw your sixth card or end your turn. I don't have all day."

Lance looked at Kite, able to see and hear him, only to tear up at his words. He never was good with confrontation, so he just did the first thing the man said. He drew a card.

"I-I set one card face down." Lance curled up. "I don't… I just…"

"End your turn already." Kite declared angrily.

Lance whimpered and covered his ears. "I end my turn!"

Rio grit her teeth. "Stop getting angry at him Kite!" Kite looked at her. "Lance is fighting by your side even though he doesn't know who you are. He could just as easily forfeit or run, yet he's not. There's something to his character there, and you yelling at him isn't helping."

Kite scoffed. "I will not help dead weight." He looked at Lance. "To think this was the duelist that gave Shay trouble. It's pathetic." He looked at the Arclights. "Get on with the duel already, so I can end this. I will not allow my siblings to remain in your captivity."

"In a way, your siblings are your only reason for fighting, right Kite?" Dos asked. "You're nothing but a reluctant warrior forced into a conflict far beyond your expectations. The truth is you're desperate.

A far cry from the duelist Quinton and I first taught. In the end, I can see that you let your desperation leak into Shay as well. With the loss of the only real duelist on your team, you've already lost Kite."

"Are you going to continue stalling?" Kite asked. "If so, you might as well give up Victoria."

"Trey, you're up next." Dos stated. "Show them why this duel is already over."

"Yes sister." Trey drew and his eyes went wide. "This is… This is that card Zane Truesdale gave me." He looked at Lance before taking a deep breath. "This duel is ending far sooner than either of you think.

I activate the field spell Chronomaly City Babylon." The entrance changed into an ancient stone circle in the sky. "Since I control a field spell, I can special summon Chronomaly Tula Guardian(LV 5/1800/900)."

A large, dark stoned golem appeared. "Since I control a Chronomaly monster, I can special summon Chronomaly Moai(LV 5/1800/1600) in defense mode." A giant, stone head appeared. "Wait, there is more.

I normal summon Chronomaly Golden Jet(LV 4/1300/1400)." A golden jet joined Trey's monsters. "Once per turn, I can use him to raise the levels of all Chronomaly monsters I currently control by one."

Dos looked over at her brother in shock. "Are you summoning that Number now?"

"Have faith dear sister." Trey stated. "I assure you that the Number I intend to summon will bring this duel to a close far sooner than we intended."

Dos nodded. "I can see you have a plan, so show me it's conclusion."

Trey nodded back before refocusing on what he was doing. "I now overlay my level 6 Moai and Guardian to Xyz summon Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis(R 6/O 2/2600/3000)." A hulking, giant golem appeared.

Lance looked at the monster, went wide eyes, and immediately turned away from it. "What am I doing here? Why… Why am I even dueling?"

"If you think this is terrifying, then you haven't seen nothing." Trey declared. "I activate Rank-Up-Magic Barian's Force allowing me to rebuild the overlay network with Atlandis and Xyz summon a Chaos monster 1 rank higher.

Xyz summon Number C6: Chronomaly Chaos Atlandis(R 7/O 3/3300/3300)." The golem grew larger and turned into hot magma. "This monster will spell the end for both of you, and your Numbers will be ours."

Orbital's sensors were going crazy. "Master Kite, that Number has readings in the clear reverse from when Yuma Tsukumo summoned that Shining Number. They are off the charts."

Kite stared at the monster. "Barian… Rank-Up-Magic…Chaos…"

"If you think it's mere presence is something to be weary of, just wait until I activate his effect." Trey declared. "Since Number 6 is one of its overlay units, I can detach all three overlay units to make one of your life points 100. I will do that and make Lance the target."

Lance slowly stood and turned around in fear as the monster hit him. Due to the power of the crest, the attack was both real and devastating. He screamed in pain as he was knocked off his feet and impacted with the ground hard (Lance 100).

"Lance!/Dad!" Rio and Vega shouted.

Rio ran over and Vega hopped off her back before they knelt at his side.

With Crow and Zeera

Crow, with Zeera sitting behind him, was guiding the bike back home. The whole ride, thus far, had been a silent affair as the parents had a lot to think about concerning their recently found children. All thought was interrupted as they both heard a dragon's roar.

Crow stopped the bike and turned to his wife as her deck box glowed green and white. "Zeera, what's going on?"

A moment later, a green and white light escaped from the box before zooming through the night.

Zeera stared after it. "It's Lance… he's in trouble. Clear Wing has gone to aid him."

"Lance is in trouble?" Crow stated worried. "Is he still at the park?"

Zeera shook her head. "I don't know, but we should check their first."

Crow nodded. "Right."

He sped off in that direction.

Zack's Mind

The child version of Zack continued to cry before the grave; however, while he wouldn't acknowledge it, three spheres appeared outside the graveyard. Green, black, and purple. Those spheres soon took on form becoming human figures. Of course, they weren't human.

The first was a girl with the same color scheme as Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon. She was pale, had long, dark purple hair, and matching eyes. Her attire consisted of a sleeveless black shirt and matching pants with armor over top and her arms. This was Dark.

The second was a woman with the same color scheme as Starving Venom Fusion Dragon. Her short hair was the color of purple poison with matching eyes. Her attire consisted of Duel Academy uniform with built in armor.

The third was a boy with the same color scheme as Clear Wing Synchro Dragon. His white with green streaked hair was long and kept in a ponytail and his eyes were heterochromatic. One white and one light green. His attire consisted of a track suit with built in armor.

"I can't believe his own sister would do this to him." Dark stated clearly angry and worried. "Clear! Venom! We have to fix this before he loses."

Clear smiled. "Aw, you do care." He hugged the girl. "Here I thought you could only care about Draco."

Dark punched Clear away. "Of course, I care about him idiot."

Venom sighed and spoke with no emotion. "As much as I enjoy seeing you two interact, I don't think we have the ability to break the crest. While our bounds with who Lance was are strong, they aren't strong enough to reach him; otherwise, he'd have noticed us by now."

Dark looked at her. "Okay, then what do you suggest we do?"

"We must summon Odd." Venom stated. "He was Draco's first dragon, so his link with Lance is the strongest. Even if he is not enough, together we can help him. Our power is strongest together."

"That lazy bum." Dark stated angrily. "He should have been here from the beginning."

"Come on, you know that's not fair Dark." Clear reasoned. "Odd-Eyes is honoring the last request Draco made. If we do this, Odd can take a more active role in watching over Lance. He may not be able to grant him the card, but at least he'll be around."

"Fine." Dark sighed. "Let's just summon him before I change my mind."

The three-dragons stood in a triangle and began channeling their power.

Museum Entrance

"Lance!" Rio gently shook him. "Come on, wake up."

Vega was starting to tear up. "Dad, you're alright." He sniffled. "I just found you… mom was with you. Nothing bad should be happening."

Lance opened his glazed over eyes and looked at the celling past them while laid flat out on his back. "What have I gotten myself into?"

"With that, I'll end my turn." Trey declared.

"Number C6… that monster is powerful, but only if it has all its overlay units and the original Number it comes from." Kite drew. "With no protection to speak of, your monster is far too easy to destroy. I activate Galaxy Storm. This spell allows me to destroy Xyz monsters without units.

Number C6 fits that bill. With that out of the way, I summon Photon Advancer(LV 4/1000/1000)." A warrior decked out in white, gold, and red armor appeared. "When I control a Photon monster, I can special summon Photon Vanisher(LV 4/2000/0)."

A warrior in silver and glowing blue armor appeared wielding a gun. "When he is special summoned, I can add Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon from my deck to my hand. Now that I control another Photon monster, Advancer gains 1000 ATK points.

By tributting both of my monsters with at least 2000ATK, I can special summon Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon(LV 8/3000/2500)." A purple and galaxy blue dragon appeared. "I then set one card ending my turn."

"I won't deny that was a good move Kite, but you're far out of your league." Dos drew. "I activate Melody of Awakening Dragon. By discarding one card, I can add two dragons, with 3000 or more ATK and 2500 or less DEF, from my deck to my hand.

Now I will special summon one of them by revealing the other. I reveal to you a Blue-Eyes White Dragon to Special summon Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon(LV 8/3000/2500)." A glowing white dragon with blue eyes appeared.

"I then activate Trade-In allowing me to discard the Blue-Eyes I showed you and draw two cards. With that, the field and grave are set. I activate Dragon's Mirror allowing me to fusion summon by banishing monsters on the field or grave.

By banishing the two Blue-Eyes in my grave, due to Trade-In and Melody, and my Alternative White Dragon, I can fusion summon Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon(4500/3800)." A much more ferocious white dragon with blue gems all over its body appeared.

"Unlike the normal Ultimate Dragon, this one has an effect. I can destroy any card on my opponent's field, but why stop at one. When Alternative White Dragon is used, I can destroy up to 3 cards on my opponents' field.

With this effect, I will wipe out Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon, Kite's face down, and Lance's face down. In turn, I am merely prevented from attacking. Not a problem since this is the first turn." All three cards were wiped out and Kite grit his teeth. "I'll then set one card."

Lance: 100

Kite: 4000

Rio: 2000(Intrusion Penalty)

Trey: 4000

Dos: 4000

Everyone looked at Rio who now stood beside the still down Lance and Vega who knelt by his father's side. Vega looked up at his mother hopefully.

"Vega, stay by Lance." Rio walked forward. "I'll take care of them."

Kite scoffed. "You really think I need…"

Rio looked at him with anger. "Everything isn't about you." She stared down Dos. "I'm in this because of Lance. His own sister did something to him, and I'm determined to help him the only way I seemingly can. By winning this duel."

She drew her hand. "The way I see it, you all may love your siblings, but you aren't being the best people for them. An older sibling looks out for their younger sibling, that's true; however, you must also set an example for them.

When that example goes off the rails, it's up to the younger sibling to bring their older sibling back to the right path. Since none of you want to do that, I'll have to do it myself. Get ready because I'm determined to end this."

She drew. "I activate Resonator Destruction. Now, every time I use a Resonator monster in a Synchro summon, I can destroy any card on my opponent's field. I summon Red Sprinter(LV 4/1700/1200)." A bipedal, flaming fiend appeared.

"His effect allows me to special summon a level 3 or lower fiend type Tuner from my hand or grave. Come forth Red Resonator(LV 2/600/200)." A fiery fiend appeared. "When this monster is special summon, I can target a face up monster on the field and gain LP equal to their ATK."

"That means…" Trey began.

Rio smirked. "I can target Dos' Ultimate Dragon and gain 4500 LP (Rio 6500). My turn does not end their because my spell activates allowing me to destroy your dragon. Now Resonator will give Sprinter a tune up allowing me to Synchro for 6.

Synchro summon Red Rising Dragon(Level 6/2100/1600)." A mighty dragon made of red flames appeared. "His effect allows me to target Red Resonator(LV 2/600/200) in my grave and special summon him.

His effect can only activate once per turn. That's not why I need him. I tune Red Rising Dragon with Red Resonator. Synchro summon Red Dragon Archfiend(LV 8/3000/2000)." A black and red dragon appeared. "Red Dragon Archfiend attack Dos directly."

"I activate my face down Mirror Force." Dos countered. "This destroys all ATK position monsters on my opponent's field because you launched that attack."

"Very well, then I will set two cards and end my turn." Rio declared.

Vega looked at Lance worriedly. "That means it's…"

Lance finally started to get to his feet and stumbled; however, this was not an indication of him returning to normalcy like Vega or Rio thought. In fact, he started panting heavily and fell to one knee. At this moment, he just wanted to fall into unconsciousness to escape everything.

Lance's Mind

The triangle created by Clear, Dark, and Venom glowed a brilliant red before dying down to reveal a man with clothing in the color of Odd-Eyes pendulum dragon. He also had short red hair and matching eyes. The style of his clothing was pants, no sleeved shirt, trench coat, and fedora.

"Thank goodness you're here Odd." Clear stated.

Odd turned away from them. "Before you speak, I've become aware of everything." He looked back at them. "Leave Lance to me. The rest of you should go back and rest as you've done more than enough."

Clear nodded. "Of course."

"Whatever." Venom stated.

"Just be careful what you say." Dark stated. "After all, not telling him anything was your idea."

Just like that, they all vanished leaving Odd-Eyes to nod. "I know."

Odd watched as his fellow dragons left before turning to Lance. The boy still had tears in his eyes, but this was the first being he had noticed as being there. It was as if the very core of his being couldn't ignore him. Odd walked over.

Museum Entrance

"I-I'm so confused." Lance stated as his vision began to blur. "What… What is this? Why am I dueling?"

"Dad…" Vega wiped his eyes before standing with a determined look. "No, it's not my dad's turn." He walked forward to stand beside Rio and inserted his deck into his D-pad. "I will be going next."

He activated his gear (Vega 2000 Intrusion Penalty). Electricity surged through his body, but he endured it.

"Vega!" Rio worriedly shouted before staring at him sternly. "You shouldn't…"

Vega shook his head and focused on his opponents. "If dad weren't affected by… that lady… he'd be here dueling. He'd stand up to them. I know this for a fact. Since dad is reduced to this, I will duel for him and with you. I to want to help in any way I can to free dad."

Rio was warmed by those words. "Just be careful and show us what you're capable of."

After what Rio said, and did, Kite had no words or negative thoughts. He was surprised at how much her words could cut… just like when they dueled before the WDC. Despite common sense telling him this kid wouldn't be much help. He held back from saying so.

Vega drew his starting hand. "Get ready because I'm entering this duel in a big way." He then drew his sixth card. "Especially since your fields are almost cleared out. I summon Masked Dragon(LV 3/1400/1100)." A beige and red dragon appeared.

"I'll then release Masked Dragon to special summon Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon(LV 10/2800/2400)." A shiny, huge black dragon appeared. "His effect, allows me to special summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon(LV 7/2400/2000) from my hand."

A black dragon with eyes of red appeared. "Now, I activate Inferno Fire Blast. In exchange for not attacking with him, I can deal my opponent damage equal to Red-Eyes ATK. The person I choose to take that damage is (Trey 1600).

If you think I'm stopping there, then think again because I activate Claw of Hermos and target Red-Eyes Black Dragon allowing me to Fusion summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon Sword(LV 7/2400/2000)."

A black sword appeared in the dragon's place. "This fusion monster can act as an equip spell for any monster I choose. Let's go Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon(LV 10/4800/3400 effect). This spell grants my monster 1000 ATK.

In addition, he gains 500ATK/DEF x the number of Dragons in my grave. I count two for a total of 4800 ATK. With that, I attack Dos directly with Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon (Dos 0). I end my turn with a face down."

Dos had withstood the attack, but immediately fell to one knee.

"Sister, are you okay?" Trey asked.

Dos looked at Trey and smiled. "I'm fine Trey." She stared at the duelists before looking back at him. "We're retreating Trey. This duel is a lost cause."

Trey looked back at his sister before turning back to the duel and shaking his head. "No sister. I want to continue this duel and see it through to the end. Whatever end that may be."

Lance could at least tell it was his turn, so he drew. "I just want everything to end." He looked at his hand and decided to act before the blond guy could yell at him. "Uhm… I guess I set five cards and end my turn "

Trey was determined as he drew. "This duel's end starts with Palenque Sarcophagus allowing me to draw two cards if I control a Chronomaly monster. Since you were so focused on my sister, Golden Jet is still on the field. I activate a second Palenque Sarcophagus to draw again.

My next order of business will be to wipe out all your spell and trap cards with Chronomaly Destruction. By destroying all Chronomaly cards on my field, Jet and Babylon, I can destroy all spell/traps my opponent controls. With those out of the way, it's time to really begin.

Since you control a monster, and I control none, I can special summon Chronomaly Crystal Bones(LV 3/1300/400)." A humanoid shape made of bones appeared. "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 Winged Sphinx(LV 5/1600/1900)." A silver sphinx appeared.

"I'll now overlay Crystal Bones and Skull to Xyz summon Chronomaly Crystal Chrononaut(R 3/O 2/2100/1000)." A tall purple figure with wings appeared. "Now, it's time to battle. First Chrononaut will attack Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon."

Vega was confused. "Your monster is to weak."

"I'm aware which is why I detach one overlay unit from Chrononaut making him indestructible from battle and any damage I take is instead dealt to my opponent (Vega 0)." Trey declared.

Vega screamed out in pain as he was hurled back.

Rio looked after him in shock. "Vega!"

"Now, Winged Sphinx attack Lance directly." Trey declared.

Vega rolled to his stomach and got on his elbows. "Dad, I'm sorry!"

Rio grit her teeth. "Lance…"

Kite observed this with mild interest which was different than the indifference he had shown before. He was curious why those two were so concerned for Lance that they'd just jump into the duel at will. Was there really something more to him than the weak duelist he'd seen?

Lance's Mind

Lance looked at Odd with confusion and fear. "Who are you?"

Odd stopped at the gate of the graveyard and leaned against it with a warm smile. "My name is Odd, and you could say I'm an old friend of yours. Long ago, the two of us knew each other until one day something terrible happened to you; however, that is unimportant in the moment."

Lance stared at him before looking at the ground. "If something terrible did happen to me, and I don't remember, then I think I'm lucky."

"It's actually rather unfortunate." Odd stated getting his attention. "It's through adversity that we either grow stronger or crumble. You once faced much adversity, yet always rose up stronger than before. The same can be said for now. This moment, this place, is just such a time."

Lance sighed. "It's so easy to give up and let whatever's happening happen. Maybe it'll be for the best."

Odd nodded. "Possibly. Who knows? Someone else could rise to the challenge after you fail; however, you are stronger than you know. The only thing holding you back from realizing your potential is your mental blocks. It's true, life can be hard.

You will likely be faced with great adversities time and time again. How you respond to such adversity is ultimately your choice. So, are you going to continue to wallow here or rise to the challenge? What's important to you? Those you love or seclusion? The past or the present?"

Lance turned to the graves. "How could I ever forget them… Who she and he were?"

Odd replied. "You don't have to forget who they were or give up what you want. Maybe you'll have to make a tough choice. Maybe everything will work out. You'll never know if you stay trapped in the past.

Even if it comes to that choice, I think you're strong enough to make it." Lance closed his eyes before turning only to notice that Odd was gone, but his voice remained. "When you reach your lowest point, yell Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon to the heavens. I will answer."

The voice silenced, and Lance looked at the ground before looking at the graves over his shoulder. He turned back to the gate, clenched his fist, and started running. As he did, he began to slowly become his current age until he vanished into a brilliant, white light.

Museum Entrance

Chronomaly Winged Sphinx flew at Lance ready to reduce his remaining life points as the young man looked at the ground.

Zack then brought his head up revealing that his eyes were back to normal. "I activate the effect of The Phantom Knights of Shadow Veil(LV 4/0/300) from my grave. When my opponent declares a direct attack, I can special summon this trap as a monster in defense mode."

Blue energy in armor sat atop a black horse appears in front of Lance taking the attack of the Sphinx head on before being destroyed. Everyone was stunned.

"He actually broke free." Dos thought.

"So, there is fight in him." Kite thought.

Trey thought. "His deck… it's traps are meant to be in the grave?"

Rio happily said, "Lance, you're okay."

Vega smiled. "I thought…"

Lance walked back to Kite's side. "Sorry about that Vega. I just got a little lost and needed some help finding my way back. With that last attack a failure, Trey's turn ends." He looked at Kite. "Mind ending this or are you going to make Rio and Vega do all the work."

Kite scoffed. "You're one to talk." He drew. "I activate Galaxy Zero allowing me to special summon a Galaxy or Photon monster from my grave in attack mode; however, their ATK is made 0, it cannot attack, and its effects can't be activated.

I will return Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon(LB 8/0/2500) to the field before normal summoning Galaxy Knight(LV 8/1800/2600 effect). Since I control a Galaxy monster, I don't need any tributes, but he loses 1000 ATK.

That's fine because I'm going to use him and Photon Dragon to build the overlay network. Xyz summon Number 62: Galaxy-Eyes Prime Photon Dragon(R 8/O 2/4000/3000)." A larger galaxy and light blue dragon appeared. "He'll destroy Winged Sphinx (Trey 0)."

Lance: 100

Kite: 4000

Rio: 6500

Vega: 0

Trey:0

Dos: 0

Trey was knocked back, but Dos jumped into action, literally, catching the young boy and taking the brunt of the damage upon landing. Rio and Vega ran over to Lance and hugged him while Kite stepped forward to confront the Arclights.

"Now, you've been defeat, so tell me Dos, are my siblings really not here?" Kite asked firmly.

Dos looked at him. "I already told you Kite. Something happened to Reginald Kastle that caused himself and the others to radiate a crimson glow. It was bright, we adverted our eyes, and when we look back, they were gone."

Kite prepared his photon hand. "That answers that, but your Numbers are now mine."

Dos touched her crest and sent it out at Kite knocking him away.

"Master Kite!" Orbital shouted worriedly.

Lance, Rio, and Vega all looked over at the Number Hunter who was just getting back to his feet.

"Don't bother trying again Kite." Dos stated as she helped her brother stand and let him lean on her. "The crest we bare protect the Number in our possession." A portal opened behind them. "Looks like father is ready to receive us."

Lance ran forward. "Talia!"

Before he could reach them, Dos and Trey were gone as was the portal.

"Where are you Hart and Lulu?" Kite questioned.

Lance firmly clenched his hands as he looked at where the portal had been. "I was lost to my anger Talia, but I see things clearly now. I have no idea what's happened to you, but I will find out. I will bring you home."

Rio and Vega, who jumped onto Lance's back, approached him. Vega, once on his back, began to drift off into a peaceful sleep, but Rio rested a hand on his shoulder as a sign of comfort. Lance smiled and nodded back to her gratefully.

The multi-deck user then looked at the ceiling as Odd's last words came to mind. "When you reach your lowest point, yell Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon to the heavens. I will answer."