Museum's Main Room: Shark & Yuto vs Vetrix

Vetrix chuckled. "Since I'm taking on two of you, I will start with 8000 life points while you two can each have 4000. Sound far?"

"Heh, whatever you decide is fine by me." Shark stated. "I just want to get to the part where I take you down for coming after my sister."

Yuto said, "It's fine by me as well. I'll go first and withdraw the right to attack, so you two can have it; however, I wish to be allowed to draw on my first turn."

"Granted." Vetrix stated.

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Shark & Yuto 4000 each/Vetrix 8000)

Shark stared at his hand in confusion and some level of familiarity. "These cards… They're not mine, but the monsters are familiar. Did someone I know use these? No, I've never met someone who uses Mermails; however, it feels like I did."

Yuto drew. "I set two cards only to immediately activate them since I have no traps in my grave. The traps I set were The Phantom Knights of Shade Brigandine(LV 4/0/300). These traps become monsters in face up defense position."

Twin chest plates filled with blue energy appeared before Yuto drawing Shark's attention. "Phantom Knights? That's part of Lance's one deck."

"Now I overlay my two level 4 monsters to Xyz summon The Phantom Knights of Shadow Lance(R 4/O 2/300/600)." A black and white armored warrior atop a black dragon no bigger than a horse appeared. "I set one card."

Vetrix laughed. "What's wrong Shark? Is your deck different than you remember?"

Shark looked at him and smirked. "What's wrong Vetrix? Are you afraid?" Vetrix stopped laughing. "My deck has changed, but it won't matter because you're still going to lose."

"We shall see." Vetrix drew. "I summon Time Thief Regulator(LV 4/600/200)." A machine dog appeared. "I can tribute this card to special summon two Time Thief monsters, with different names, from my deck in defense position.

I will summon Time Thief Bezel Ship(LV 4/1000/2000) and Time Thief Winder(LV 4/1800/1300)." Golden gears attached to a black ship with red trim appeared followed by a man with silver hair, goggles, and dark purple clothing.

"When Winder is summoned, I can add a Time Thief from my deck to my hand. Next I set one card before activating Card Destruction. Now we all discard our current hands and draw until we hold the same number of cards we discarded."

Vetrix smirked. "I activate the spell Advanced Heraldry Art allowing me to special summon two Heraldic Beast monsters from my grave, and thanks to Card Destruction, I don't have a lack of targets.

I special summon Heraldic Beast Basilisk(LV 4/1000/1400)." A chicken head on a red lizards body appeared. "Followed by Heraldic Beast Leo(LV 4/2000/1000)." A white lion in gold armor appeared.

"Due to the spell, I must then construct the overlay network with the monsters summoned. So, Xyz Summon Number 8: Heraldic King Genom-Heritage(R 4/O 2/2400/1800)." A colorful monster appeared.

"Number?" Yuto questioned. "What is that?"

Shark replied, "An Xyz monster with powerful effects that can't be destroyed in battle unless you yourself have a Number."

Yuto nodded. "A little difficult to deal with but not impossible."

"Just wait for things are about to get worse." Vetrix declared. "I activate the spell I set, Heraldry Curse. This spell can only be equipped to a Heraldic monster, like Genom, allowing me to deal damage equal to 300 x the number of face up monsters."

"3 monster on his field and 2 on yours equals 5 monsters or 1500 damage (Shark & Yuto 2500 each/Vetrix 6500)." Shark stated firmly.

"Right you are Shark." Vetrix declared. "Now I overlay my two level 4 Time Thief's to Xyz summon Time Thief Redoer(R 4/O 2/2400/2000)." A man with white hair, in light purple and black clothing appeared. "Now Time Thief Redoer will attack Shark directly."

"I block that attack with my face down The Phantom Knights of Wrong Magnetring(LV 2/0/0)." Yuto declared. "When you declare an attack, I can negate it. Then this trap gets summoned as a monster to my side of the field." a red ring with a blue glow appeared.

"Genom will attack Shark directly (Shark 100)." Vetrix declared. "I then set two cards."

"I will activate the effect of my Shadow Lance." Yuto declared. "By detaching both overlay units, I can destroy two spell/trap cards my opponent controls. I will get rid of your two face downs. In addition, once my monster loses his overlay units, he gains 2000 ATK."

The Phantom Knights of Shadow Lance(R 4/O 0/2300/600 effect).

"Just you watch Vetrix because I'm not going to need any monsters from my extra deck to defeat you." Shark drew. "I summon Atlantean Dragoons(LV 4/1800/0)." An armored monster atop a serpent appeared. "I then activate Call of the Atlanteans.

This allows me to special summon three level three Sea Serpents from my grave. A requirement you helped me fill Vetrix. Come forth, Atlantean Marksman(LV 3/1400/0), Mermail Abysslinde(LV 3/1500/1200), and Legendary Atlantean Tridon(LV 3/1600/800)

A blue Humanoid fish with a trident, a mermaid with a red fish tail and long blue hair, and a blue fish monster with a white hat appeared. "Now I activate the effect of Mermail Abyssneri in my hand.

By discarding her and another Water monster, I can grant a water monster on my field a boost in ATK/DEF equal to the second monster's original ATK/DEF. The second monster I discarded was Poseidra, the Atlantean Dragon(2800/1600).

I will grant her ATK/DEF to Legendary Atlantean Tridon(LV 3/4400/2400)." Shark smirked. "One more thing Vetrix. Since I control Atlantean Dragoon, all Level 3 monsters can ATK you directly."

Vetrix took a step back in shock. "Impossible!"

Yuto smiled. "Nice combo!"

"Now Tridon, Marksman, and Abysslinde will attack Vetrix directly ending this farce of a duel (Vetrix 0)." Shark declared.

Yuto: 2500

Shark: 100

Vetrix: 0

Vextrix was knocked back, but he was quick to recover and open a portal behind him. "Well Shark, you may have won today, but I won't forget this." His rage had built up by the complications Shark presented. "You have ruined my plans and for that I will make you suffer!"

Shark stepped forward. "I think I know what you have in mind, but don't you dare think about it. If you hurt Rio, I will personally hunt you down. This little defeat will seem like a picnic compared to what I will do."

Vetrix laughed. "We will see Shark."

He then jumped into the portal and vanished.

Shark clenched his fist before sighing and looking at Yuto. "I'm leaving." He walked off. "Do what you want."

Yuto ran after him. "Wait up. I'll come with since I saw a friend on that monitor over there before the duel."

Shark said, "I don't care." He pulled out his deck as he walked and noticed that it's returned to normal. "What was that?"

Museum Hallway

Tori was happy they won while Yuma turned to Shay, smiled, and gave a thumbs up. "Without that awesome combo you pulled off, we wouldn't have won Shay."

Shay just closed his eyes and stuck his hands in his pockets.

Quatro slowly got to his feet. "Well, this is embarrassing."

"Hold yourself together Quatro." Quinton stated.

Shay suddenly felt pain shoot throughout his body causing him to fall to one knee. Tori and Yuma ran over.

"What's wrong?" Yuma asked concerned. "Are you okay?"

Shay ignored him as he forced himself to his feet and walked slowly towards the brothers. "Alright, you two are finished." He was angry. "Now, where are Hart and Lulu!?"

A portal opened behind them as Shark and Yuto arrived from the north and Lance, with a sleeping Vega on his back, Rio, Kite, and Orbital arrived from the south.

"Sorry to say this Shay, but what we've told you is the truth." Quinton grabbed Quatro. "If you want answers, talk to Shark."

"Quinton, let me go!" Quatro shouted angrily.

Quinton ignored him and jumped into the portal. It immediately closed behind him.

Shay fell to his knees and started to tear up. "Hart! Lulu!"

Before anything else could be done, Yuto and Lance's eyes met causing an immediate reaction. Yuto glowed a brilliant purple while Lance glowed green. This glow intensified and collided forcing everyone to close their eyes. When the glow died down, the group had vanished.

Heartland Academy

The entire group had been transported to the courtyard of Heartland Academy. Lance and Yuto were both unconscious, burning up, and their breathing was haggard. Vega, despite what happened, was still resting peacefully near Lance.

Yuma looked around frantically. "What just happened?"

Rio noticed Lance and was immediately by his side feeling his forehead. "I'm not sure what happened, but Lance is burning up something fierce."

Shay had noticed Yuto, which slightly distracted him from the current problem. "Yuto? What are you doing here?" He ran over and checked his friend over. "Yuto's in the same condition as Lance."

Kite and Shark observed the scene before the Galaxy duelists turned his attention to Shark. "Alright, you're coming with us. Shay, pick your friend up because we're returning to Heartland Tower." He approached Shark. "You're going to tell us where Lulu and Hart are."

Shark firmly said, "I have no idea what happened to those people, so why don't you back off?"

Orbital said, "You say that, but your hostility doesn't prove your innocence. I bet you had every intention of doing…"

"Can it you bucket of bolts!" Shark shouted. "After everything they've done, I think I have the right to be hostile towards them."

Yuma and Tori moved to stand in between them.

"Alright, let's just calm down." Tori stated.

Yuma nodded. "Yeah, duelists are all one big family guys. Look, I'm still invested in finding Lulu and Hart as well Kite, but you're not going to get anywhere snapping at the people that can help."

Tori looked at Shark. "Surely you must know how much a sibling can mean to someone, so even if you don't like Kite or Shay, you should at least be able to sympathize with them."

Rio sighed as she stood up. While she was concerned for Lance, she knew he would want some order in this situation. There was also the fact that the sooner this situation was resolved, the sooner Lance and Vega could be taken somewhere proper to rest.

Rio took a deep breath. "Whether or not you realize it, all of us were involved in a battle tonight. We may be enemies, friends, rivals, or some combination of the three; however, at the very least we should be civil."

Shark sighed. "Fine, I'll come with your group to answer any questions you have, but I expect to walk free after."

Kite nodded. "Fair enough." He looked at everyone with a glare before sighing and slightly softening. "Shay and I will keep you…"

The Galaxy user stopped as a crimson and white portal opened nearby drawing everyone's attention. Organization, with his hood up, walked out. He opened his arms wide which in turn made the portal widen fully showcasing the room he'd walked out of.

In that room, there were three, familiar figures laid out on the ground. Lloyd Andrews, Hart Tenjo, and Lulu Obsidian. Shay and Kite growled angrily as they ran at the portal only for it to instantly close.

They immediately changed tactics going to capture Organization, but he slammed his right hand on the ground releasing a wave of crimson and white energy that pushed the Number Hunters back. The Barian then stood and raised his hand to the sky shooting a beam into the air.

This display of power stopped the brothers and prevented the others, who weren't unconscious, from engaging him. Organization collected himself and observed the scene before walking over to a bush and picking up an unconscious Nelson shocking Yuma and Tori.

Organization set Nelson down and used his magic to push the boy over to the group before crossing his arms. "This one is of no use to me, so you can have him back. As for the others, not going to happen."

Kite said, "That doesn't answer anything. Just give us our siblings."

Shay said, "If you won't, then let's duel. We win, we get them back."

Organization said, "We may duel, but now. No, you'll have to wait until the finals of the WDC."

"Alright, what's going on?" Shark asked. "I remember seeing you among the other captives, so what's your game? Don't say you just wanted those three. There's no way you'd let us know you have them when you were free not to say anything."

"Wise observation Reginald Kastle." Organization stated. "Simply put, I'm interested to see what certain duelists can really do, and everything I'm doing is in pursuit of both that goal and collecting the Numbers.

That's why I want you all to come at me with everything you have. Everything I've done, giving out Numbers and decks, has suited me to some extent." He then looked at Yuma. "Just as the information I'm about to disclose. Information about your father. You're so much like him."

Yuma was shocked. "Wait, my father? What do you know of my father?"

Organization said, "I'm not the only one. In fact, you dueled an old friend of mine who knew him just as well as I did. That's not as important as the fact that your father is alive Yuma. He currently resides in Astral World." A new portal opened behind him. "Farewell until tomorrow."

"Wait!" Yuma yelled. "Tell me what you mean? Have you seen my dad?"

Shay and Kite grit their teeth before rushing forward. Organization stepped back into the portal which closed before Kite or Shay could enter. Clearly the entire group, no matter how capable they may be, were lacking information. A lot of information if tonight was any indication.

Streets of Heartland, Night…

Yuma and Tori, with Astral floating behind them, walked along together.

"That guy… what if he was serious?" Yuma contemplated aloud. "Astral World." He stood up straight. "Wait a minute." He turned to Astral. "That's where you're from, so does that mean you might know my dad?"

"I do not know for I have no memories of him." Astral stated.

Yuma turned back around. "That means one of the Numbers we don't have may have a memory of my father. Though Kite and Shay are collecting Numbers for Hart and Lulu, but Hart wants to destroy Astral World… If what he said is true."

Yuma frantically rubbed his head. "Ah, I don't know what to do! It's like no matter what things will end badly for someone!" He suddenly got an idea. "Wait a second. I know where my dad may be." He ran off. "Astral World here I come."

"Yuma, wait!" Tori shouted as she gave chase.

Heartland Tower: A Spare Room

Kite leaned against the wall while Shay put a washcloth on Yuto's head. Yuto, for his part, was still unconscious, burning up, and breathing poorly.

Shay eventually sighed and stood up. "I was able to give him some medicine, so the only thing we can do is wait."

Kite nodded and closed his eyes. "Shay stay with Yuto for now. We have no idea what Dr. Faker or Heartland may do. I'll head to the computer room and see if I can't find our siblings. There's no way I'm waiting around for that Organization to contact us or Heartland to locate him."

Shay nodded. "Right."

Top Floor

Dr. Faker arrived on the floor and looked at the empty bed before sighing and walking to the window. "Oh, Hart and Lulu… This is all my fault." He closed his eyes and rested his hands on the glass. "I should have found some other way to cure you two.

Since I didn't, your lives and those of your brothers' have been put in danger." He clenched his fist and opened his eyes determined. "Things may never be as they were, but I promise that I will find you. This isn't for my sake, but for your brothers. They deserve you two in their lives."

He pulled out a phone and called Hartland. "Dr. Faker, you called?"

"Meet me in the lab." Dr. Faker stated. "We're finding my son, daughter, and those people who took them in the first place.

"Rest assured, my men are already doing everything they can to locate Hart and Lulu." Hartland replied. "As for those who took them, there isn't much information; however, they have Numbers and likely want more. It's likely they will show up at the WDC finals."

"Very well." Faker stated. "Heartland, I want those people to pay and my children recovered."

Heartland said, "Yes sir."

Kastle Home

Vega had been put in Rio's bed while Shark had put Lance on the couch. Once Rio was done putting the boy to bed, she had tended to Lance and used his duel gazer to call his parents. After finishing with Lance, Shark beckoned her into the kitchen.

Once she entered, Shark confronted her. "First I'm glad you're okay Rio. Second, I'm not even going to try to make sense of everything that happened. I'll save that for tomorrow; however, something is on my mind. That kid, Vega, he looks like…""

"Lance and I." Rio finished with a sigh. "I know." She looked at him. "You don't think…"

"I'm not stupid Rio." Shark stated. "He looks like you two; however, he's 5 years old. You and Lance are 14 and you didn't even meet until a couple months ago. Still, seeing him and your concern for Lance… I'm not saying you're uncaring, but do you like him?"

Rio looked back on her feelings which only increased after what she saw with him in that park. Being with Lance felt familiar and right.

Rio looked at Shark and nodded with no hesitation. "I do. What are you going to do?"

Shark looked at Lance before looking at Rio. "I don't know. Normally, I'd throw him out once he's better; however, he's not a normal case. I've seen how he treats you." He turned away. "I'm not blind you know.

I had my suspicions about how you two felt; yet I held back." He nodded to Rio. "I can tell he cares for you, there's also the fact that he's been a good friend. Like Yuma. Still, don't take this as acceptance."

He turned away from his sister. "I want to see what he does. I also know you have every intention of confessing to him. I see it in your eyes Rio. Tell him. How he acts after will determine how I feel about it."

With that, he walked into the living room and sat against the wall nearby. Rio moved to the seat near the couch, just about to sit down, when the doorbell rang. Both Shark and Rio could guess who it was. They'd be right as Crow and Zeera were standing outside.

Rio opened the door and let them in. "Please come on in Mr. and Mrs. Hogan."

They entered and Zeera immediately moved to Lance's side kneeling next to him with tears of joy, and some sadness, in her eyes. "Oh Lance." She gently stroked his hair. "I don't know what happened, but mom's here."

She put her head down. "How am I going to tell him about Zach and Talia. I may not know exactly what happened, but he's been through a lot tonight." Lance reached out a hand to his mom. "Lance?"

Lance eyes blinked open. "Mom… I'm… okay… don't… cry."

He passed out once more still breathing poorly and burning.

Zeera smiled. "My big, strong boy."

Crow sighed before giving a small smile. "Thank you for taking care of our son Rio and Shark." He rubbed his eyes clearly tired as the night had been dragging on for some time now. "I hope you don't mind if I leave Zeera and Lance here while I go get a car."

Shark stood up and sighed. "It'll be easier if you two just stay here with Lance."

Crow looked at him. "Are you sure?"

Shark put his hands in his pockets. "Yeah, why not." He walked to the stairs. "Rio will get you blankets and pillows." He started walking up. "Just don't expect any breakfast."

Rio nodded to them. "Don't mind Reginald." She walked to the stairs. "I'll go get those blankets, and I'll make breakfast for everyone tomorrow."

Crow walked over to his wife, knelt beside her, and put a hand on her shoulder. "Our son has made some good friends." She looked at him. "I may not be certain what's affecting Lance, but I trust he'll be okay."

Zeera nodded at him.

Tsukumo Residence

Yuma snuck into his room through the window and began packing a bag.

Astral appeared. "Yuma, you do not even know how to get to Astral World."

"That occurred to me, but when he disappeared, dad was looking for the edge of the world." Yuma stated. "So, that's what I will do."

"What about the Numbers?" Astral questioned. "What about helping me recover my memories?"

Yuma looked at Astral. "You don't need me Astral. You can go to Lance, and the two of you can find them." He looked down at the photo sadly. "Just, come on… don't try to guilt me. I mean, he's my dad. If he's alive, I have to bring him back."

Outside

Yuma got out his window and moved to leave; however, he didn't get far because Tori had gone to his grandma and sister.

"Hey Kairi…" Yuma began.

Kairi crossed her arms. "Yuma don't even try to come up with an excuse because Tori told us everything. There's no way you're galivanting off to some other world, so go back inside."

"I can't do that Kairi, so if you'll excuse me…" Yuma jumped over the hedge and ran down the street. "Don't worry Dad. I'll find you."

"So, you're running out on the Duel Carnival?" A familiar voice stated.

Yuma skid to a halt and frantically looked around before looking at his bag with a smile. "Master Roku!"

Roku jumped to the ground. "Well, it's been quite some time Yuma; however, I didn't think you of all people would gain the look of someone who was running from something." He gave Yuma a firm stare. "What are you running from my boy?"

Some Time Later…

Tori, Kairi, and Haru had caught up as Yuma explained everything he could to Roku. "I had thought you'd be giving the Duel Carnival all you got and came down to see how it was going. Little did I know you were in such a difficult situation."

"It sounds like you understand, so I'll be going now." Yuma started to walk away.

"Not so fast." Roku turned and activated his duel disk. "If you think you're ready to do what you're about to then prove it. I hereby challenge you to a duel."

Yuma nodded. "Alright, let's do this."

Astral floated back. "I believe this is something you must do on your own Yuma, so I will not lend you any help."

D-pad go

Duel Gazer on

Augmented vision link established

(Yuma 4000/Roku 4000)

Roof Across from the Hogan Residence

A teenager stood on the roof looking at the home across the street with his usual scowl. He had standard length brown hair and golden eyes. His attire consisted of a sleeveless black shirt, with matching jeans, and a black over coat with gold trimmings and sharp edges.

He was soon joined by an identical looking figure, almost like a twin, except his eyes were a light green, his face was serious, and his attire consisted of a dark yellow shirt, dark jeans, and a dark red Slifer blazer of the Fusion Dimension.

The first figure looked back at the new arrival. "What's the word on this dimensions' tournament Jaden?"

Jaden replied. "The resistance is about. I've heard rumors of a yellow blazered guy running heroes, and he's been seen by a guy in a suit."

"Bastion Misawa and Aster Phoenix." Hao stated. "Have they made contact with anyone?"

"Hard to tell." Jaden replied.

"Considering they're not our mission, currently, we'll have to leave them." Hao stated. "For now, tell Syrus because there's a third duelist inside that house outside our parameters." He looked at Jaden. "Remember, stick to the mission. No carding."

Jaden sighed and stuck his hands in his pockets. "I understand the plan. Don't worry because I have no intention of disappointing the Professor or Chancellor."

"See that you don't." Hao stood. "Time to test what the elderly are capable of."