Question for Lance

From B-baller125: Which Dragon do you like the most (Dark Rebellion, Odd Eyes, Clear Wing, Starve Venom, or one of the other two)

Lance: That's not an easy question to answer. Link was rather fond of Odd-Eyes since it was my brother's dragon, Lance was rather fond of Dark Rebellion since it was his first dragon before everything, and Draco was personally fond of Clear Wing despite his close bond with Odd-Eyes. Personally, I'd have to say Odd-Eyes since it has various forms in almost all the summoning methods.

Inside Heartland Tower, Night…

Rio, Nelson, and Vega entered the tower to see the various, formal attire guest wore, overheard the conversations people were having, and the litterbots playing music in the background. The inside of the bottom floor of the tower had been beautifully decorated.

Nelson was scooping out the place for any signs of their current problems. That being Vetrix, Quatro, and Dos or Organization, Lulu, Hart, and especially his brother; however, none of them seemed to be here. Just as Lance, Shark, and Taiki were also missing.

"I see no signs of our enemies, but I think I'm catching glimpses of our allies at least." Nelson stated. "Kite and Shay are talking with that Quinton guy. Trey and Yuto are there as well."

Vega was busy looking for his father and uncle.

With Kite, Shay, Yuto, Trey, and Quinton

Kite and Shay approached the brothers, but their attention was mainly focused on Quinton while Yuto stood back content to let them question the brothers since they did have more of a history. Shay grabbed Quinton/Ryoken's coat pulling him close.

Quinton grabbed the hands and pried them off his coat. "Now Shay, I know you can be rather protective, but I thought you were taught better than to resort to such means as your first resort.

"Someone I once looked up to did teach me that, but if she were here, you'd best believe I'd be doing the same thing I am now. After all, she went down the same road as you." Shay replied angrily. "Lance says you're on our side, but I don't trust you or your brother."

"Where was the loyalty to your former pupils Quinton?" Kite questioned better in control of himself than Shay. "You were the one to abduct Hart and were involved in Lulu's capture. You're also responsible for them falling under a Barian's control. Zach's control."

"Kite… Shay." Trey stated. "We know what we did was wrong. We…"

Quinton/Ryoken put a hand on his shoulder. "What Trey is saying for me is something I should say myself. We let Vetrix dictate our actions, and for that I apologize. Rest assured we have seen the error of our ways. We will help you get them back."

"Staying here isn't going to help us achieve anything more on getting Hart and Lulu back. I also don't think Shay or Kite will let this go quickly, so it may be time to slip away. I wonder if Lance is here already."

Yuto wasn't entirely sure that everything Lance told him, and the others was true. Even with Yuven and Yugo, not to mention those who look like Lulu, existing, it was hard to belief that he was once some guy named Zarc.

That said, learning such information had made him want to get to know Lance, so maybe there was something to the whole theory the multi-deck user put forth. Even without such knowledge and feeling, he had to admit Lance was an interesting guy. Yuto slipped away.

Balcony

Quatro had his hands on the railing as he stared at the moon above while Taiki stood behind him with his arms crossed. "Quatro, you are aware that to face your past you actually have to face it rather than avoid it all night."

"I'm aware; however, my father and sister aren't here yet. Neither Shark nor Rio seem to have arrived either." Quatro stated. "Just give me some time, and I'll be certain to confront them."

"Interesting words Quatro." The Jurrac and Gimmick users turned to see Shark standing there with a guitar on his back. "If I didn't know the snake you were, I'd almost call that genuine."

"Shark, you're here!" Quatro shouted.

"Lance and I arrived rather early to blend in with the crowd; however, that's unimportant." Shark stepped forward. "Now that you're here, I can tell you of a conclusion I've reached since we last dueled. To be frank, I despise you for what you did to my sister and I.

You caused Rio to lose months of her life, and through that you made me desperate to get a win before setting me up to be kicked out of the dueling leagues. That said, I realize I'm where I'm at because of what you did. I'd have never become a better duelist or met the people I have.

I've risen from the bottom to become better than I was. Now, I can't stand you, but I realize holding onto my anger is only going to be a detriment moving forward. Both to me and those around me. There are more pressing issues than you, so I forgive you."

"You forgive me…" Quatro stated shocked.

"Yeah, I forgive you." Shark turned from Quatro. "Make no mistake. If we meet in the following rounds of the WDC, I'll defeat you." He started to walk back in. "That's a promise because I ultimately want to face Lance in the finals."

"He forgave me." Quatro looked at the ground before looking at Shark's back. "Shark!" Shark stopped, but he didn't look back. "I'm… I'm so sorry about everything. I never should have followed Vetrix's orders. He gave me a card without telling me what harm it could do.

That card caused that fire during our duel. I felt terrible about what happened and rescued Rio from the blaze; however, Vetrix's design for me had been done. After that night, my mind created who I was to cope with it. I became sadistic to mask the wrong I did.

It led me down a dark path where I hurt other. In the end, my father didn't force me to play the card. Now, I'm trying to be a different person, but it's a hard road. One that I don't want to stray from. One that I won't stray from. I just… I'm sorry."

Shark still didn't look back. "Words are only going to get your so far Quatro." He started walking again. "Taiki, keep an eye on him. If his words prove to be false, it's your responsibility to stop him."

Shark walked back inside and disappeared within the crowds of people. Quatro closed his eyes only to open them as he felt a hand on his back.

The Gimmick use looked back to see Taiki smiling. "The first step to forgiveness is the apology. Now you can work to prove that you are changing, and rest assured I'll be here cheering you on."

Quatro sighed. "Yes, I will continue to show not only Shark, but everyone I hurt, that Quatro has changed. That is a promise."

Gardens

Aster had his hands in his pockets as he stared at the nearby lake and various flowers illuminated by strung up lights.

Bastion approached him. "Why the serious look Aster?"

Aster closed his eyes. "This dimension reminds me a lot of the Fusion Dimension; however, it is not a fabrication brought on by some madmen." He looked at Bastion. "This world is real Bastion. Real and untouched by people like Leo Akaba, Paradox, or Seto Kaiba."

"That may be, but they have their own problems." Bastion stated. "I know our world hasn't been an easy one to live with, but it does not mean we are the only ones who've suffered."

"I know that, but in the end our dimension is just going to add to their problems." Aster stated. "Other innocents will be forced to go through things like we were if Academia has its way."

"Then we won't let Academia have its way." Yusei stated as he approached them with Yusaku and Sam. "My friends and I rose up to oppose other destructive forces. Even if that may not be possible this time, other dimensions exist meaning people will rise to challenge Academia."

"What if we are not enough?" Aster questioned.

"Sometimes you just need hope Aster Phoenix." Sam stated. "Learning what we have about Academia from you two and Lance has affirmed that this coming war will lead to destruction. Even if things can't be as they were before, we can work to make something new."

Yusaku crossed his arms. "If your mind is focused on losing, you may as well not fight at all. I'm not saying never consider the possibility of losing but balance it with the resolve to win."

Aster clenched his fist, so Bastion put a hand on his shoulder. "I know things have not been easy, but we must trust that one day they will be better."

Aster shook him off and walked back to the tower. "I'll trust things can be better once Lance proves he's strong enough." He put his hands in his pockets. "If you'll excuse me, I need some time alone."

Main Room: With Tori

Tori had been at this event since it began. She could have come with any of the others, but the situation between their group was rather tense as well as changing given the new elements introduced. Most of all, she wanted to come alone for her own reasons.

She still considered Nelson, Lance, and Rio her friends, but she didn't want to depend on them as much as she had in the past. To stand on their levels as a duelist, she wanted to show a little more independence. To garner respect as a duelist and confidence for the problems of the future.

Shane walked into the room and immediately noticed Tori was alone which was rather perfect all things considered. The Malicevorous user approached his former classmate while putting up his former act.

"Hello Ms. Meadows." Tori turned to Shane and smiled politely. "It is nice to see you again."

"Shane!" Tori nodded. "It's good to see you as well."

"It is a shame that I could not meet with you or the others sooner, but I was rather concerned with making it into the finals of this tournament." Shane stated. "I hope you understand."

"You must have wanted to show that your training was effective without relying on us." Tori stated. "You probably wanted to make Lance proud as well even for the short time he was your master."

"Exactly." Shane stated. "Master Hogan gave me a great deal of confidence, so I wanted to make it this far without the potential for him helping. I had to show that both his training and my guardian's kindness were well placed."

"I understand." Tori stated. "I think everyone else does as well despite everything that has happened."

"Really?" Shane asked. "What you just said makes it sound like I didn't miss something as simple as any old duel. Makes me feel bad I wasn't around, and I don't even know what I've missed."

"There's a great deal to tell, and now isn't a good time." Tori stated. "I'll call you later to tell you everything."

"Understood." Shane stated.

From there, they spoke about other topics. Shane was extremely patient, so he could wait to gain the information for Reiji.

With Lance, Shark, and Kari

Lance stood beside Kari who was dressed in her normal attire even though she was not a competitor like Yusei. She was currently working on her D-pad as the multi-deck user scoped out the scene.

"I almost got it!" Kari declared.

"Really?" Lance stated.

"Who do you think you are questioning little brother?" Kari smirked. "Granted, they got some tough defenses, but gaining control for a citywide performance is easy enough."

Lance nodded. "Sorry Kari, but this is an important first step in getting the people on our side."

"No harm done." She looked at him. "You should find Shark and get ready because I'm not certain how long they'll let this go on for before snatching back control."

"No need because I'm here." Shark stated as he joined them.

"Alright, let's plug our guitars into our D-pads and get set to play." Lance stated.

They ejected cords from their disk and hooked up their instruments as Kari put the finishing touches on her bid for control of the cameras and lights.

Yuto had stepped out of the crowd to notice Lance with Shark and Kari. "What are they up to?"

The Phantom Knight user approached as Kari put the finishing touches on things. "I hope you two have actually practiced because you're on soon."

"I can't believe I let Lance talk me into helping him with this." Shark thought. "Well, I'm here now, so I might as well play." He noticed Yuto who had stopped near them unsure of himself. "What are you doing here Yuto?"

"No time to discuss." Lance stated quickly adapting. "Yuto, can you play the guitar?"

"Not as well as the drums. Uh, why would you ask me that?" Yuto looked at them and Kari. "What's going on?"

"Kari, give me a handheld microphone." Lance passed his guitar and empty D-pad to Yuto. "Follow Shark's lead. Shark, keep Yuto on task, and I'll take over vocals solo."

Yuto considered trying to slip away, but that would prove difficult considering the lights just turned off. He decided to go along with what was happened while resolving to to do his best as not to ruin whatever this was.

The entire room suddenly went dark as cameras rearranged themselves into position. This elicited whispers among the crowd as they discussed what was happening. Then, certain lights turn on before focusing on Lance, Shark, and Yuto.

Second Floor

Organization had been content to stay out of sight with Lloyd, Lulu, and Hart on the second floor. He had the intent of playing with the others, but it would be better having them anticipate. Then the shift happened putting Lance, Shark, and Yuto on center stage.

"Interesting." Organization leaned against a nearby pillar as he crossed his arms. "Pay attention you three because we're about to see a show."

Hallway

All things considered, Nistro, Dextra, and Kala had decided to stick together. There was no telling if Organization still wanted them. That and Kite had ordered it. Not that Nistro had intended to follow such orders, but the girls seemed content enough.

From the doorway into the main room, they noticed the lights going off. Fearing the worst, and with newfound respect on Dextra and Kala's part, the three of them nodded before proceeding into the room. Once they got a good line of sight, it was revealed to be the three boys.

"So, this is what he had in mind." Nistro crossed his arms. "Not bad kid."

"What are you talking about Nistro?" Dextra asked.

"Isn't it obvious Dextra?" Kala replied in his steed. "Lance is going to put on a show to begin garnering attention towards our cause. If they can play well, this will be a small step in gaining support. Those with fame are rather persuasive."

With Yusho

"Interesting." Yusho recognized Lance from there duel. "There's no way he could know my intentions to open a Dueltaining School, and he shouldn't even know I've attended this party. Go on Lance and show me your entertainer's blood."

With Rio, Vega, and Nelson

"Hey mom, I see dad!" Vega shouted happily. "He's with uncle and some guy!"

Rio and Nelson had seen them as well.

"I see him Vega." Rio stated. "I didn't think those two had practiced like I asked them to. I just hoped the two of them would hang out more. Guess they did both."

Nelson said, "I didn't think Lance could get Shark of all people to agree to something like this. They must be closer than I thought."

With Quatro, Trey, Kite, and Shay

Quatro(Revolver) had been made aware of everything that had happened from not only Trey, but Yusaku as well. That said, none of them knew this part in Lance's plan, but all four of them were content to let this play out.

That said, Shay did sigh upon seeing Yuto up there. "You do have a way of finding yourself in situations like this, right Yuto?"

With Aster

Aster stood off by himself and considering he wanted to see Lance's strength, this upcoming performance was uninteresting to him.

With Yusaku, Sam, Bastion, and Yusei

The group had walked into the room together just in time for the lights to shine down on Shark, Lance, and Yuto. They noticed that this little stunt had everyone's attention, and they were content to watch with them.

Heartland City

Holograms of Lance, Shark, and Yuto appeared throughout the city first drawing the attention of those wearing duel gazes. Those people drew in the attention of those around them getting them to put their gazers on as well.

Main Room

Lance held the microphone up and spoke. "Hello people of this room and Heartland City! My name is Lance, he's Shark, and that's Yuto. Together we are Number Hunters, and we will perform for you."

Clearly many in the crowd were confused since they weren't told there'd be a show.

99%

(99% - Yu-Gi-Oh! GX (FULL ENGLISH COVER))

Shark began strumming his guitar and Yuto picked up on the tune as he began to play. Compared to the Shark duelist, The Phantom Knights user lacked, but it was good enough. Lance started to sing:

I see you hiding all alone

Crying oh, so softly

Eyes looking down

Feeling low

Rethinking all those memories

Sadness comes upon you

And casts a frown

But things are more than they seem

When darkness turns to daybreak

Go out and see for your sake

The people of this world may share with you your pain

But when a wall surrounds them

Discourages, and downs them

They get up

So why don't you do the same?

The crowd was starting to cheer, and Lance smiled as he felt a thrill while performing.

Though you might think you'll suffocate

Never run away from what you fear

Just give your all, and don't wait

I wanna take you with me

Away from where it's windy

But now, it seems this cold I've come to face is at my core

Don't count away the seconds

And judge what hasn't happened

We'll go on

To where no one's been before

Lance looked back at Shark and Yuto. Despite their reluctance to play, for different reasons, the pair were getting into it and giving it their all.

You bear the weight

And think it's yours to tow

But don't try to face your worries on your own

I'll carry the fears that may try to knock you down

And never let you go

When darkness turns to daybreak

I'll go on out for my sake

To see you

I wanna take you with me

Away from where it's windy

But still, it seems this cold I've come to face is at my core

Don't worry on that presage

Of ninety-nine percentage

I'll show you

What tomorrow has in store

The song ended with the crowd cheering and clapping for the performance. Lance looked back and shared a smiled with Yuto. Even Shark was giving a small smile which quickly turned to his usual look the moment he noticed the other boys look at him.

The lights turned on and Kari said, "They've taken back control."

Not a moment later, the doors at the top of the stairs opened as Heartland himself steeped into the room. "What a marvelous performance by the recently debuting band, Number Hunters. Quite the impressive display of music that puts you in the mood for a party, right people?"

Everyone cheered to that. "That said, we aren't here for some good music because this is all one grand tournament. Without further ado, allow me to announce that the World Duel Carnival's next round starts tomorrow.

12 of our 27 finalists will compete for a place in the true final of this tournament. Duelist will be chosen at random to compete in a facility where you lovely people will get to watch from the comfort of your homes as one duelist emerges earning a place among the other 15."

Suddenly, the lights went dark once more drawing everyone's attention back to Lance, Shark, and Yuto.

Lance looked at Kari. "Kari?"

"It's not me." Kari stated. "I've still been locked out."

Fortunately, no one would have to wait for an answer as a familiar laugh rang out. The lights shined down on Vetrix and Dos as they walked the red carpet together.

From where Organization stood, hidden from the crowd, he opened a portal. "Change of plans. Lloyd, take Hart and Lulu through the portal to the warehouse."

"As you wish." Lloyd stated.

The three of them slipped away leaving Organization to wait for his moment to show himself.

Vetrix chuckled. "I think you were rather eager to interrupt those boys' performance Heartland. I will admit, as good as they sound, it is rather important to announce the next round of this tournament. Wouldn't you agree Dos?"

Dos glared at Lance before nodding. "Agreed, Vetrix."

The pair walked up the stairs together before stopping halfway to Heartland. "On that note, I'll keep this brief." He turned to the crowd. "I am Vetrix and this is Dos. Our intention is to crush every competitor in this little tournament, and I am a man of my word."

"Tough talk coming from someone that couldn't beat Shark and I." Yuto stated.

Lance chimed in. "Even with a partner, you couldn't beat Rio and I in a duel either."

"You're a hack and a pipsqueak barely worth any consideration since there are multiple people in this room that can wipe the floor with you." Shark stated.

Vetrix grit his teeth while Dos spoke up. "Do not insult Vetrix."

Organization stepped out from his hiding place, dressed in his black cloak with the hood up, and walked past Heartland. "Why shouldn't we?" He stopped on the stairs. "Sounds to me that boy speaks with an undeserved arrogance. After all, 26 others made it to this point."

Quatro, Quinton, and Trey began trying to make their way over to Vetrix to give him a piece of their minds. Shay and Kite were doing the same intending to confront Organization for taking their siblings.

Vetrix regained his composure and laughed. "I suppose we'll just have to see, won't we?"

"I suppose we will." Organization stated.

The lights on Vetrix were turned off casting the room in darkness. When the lights came back on, Vetrix, Dos, and Organization had vanished. This left those approaching without targets as well as left people in the crowd talking.

Lance looked at Shark, Yuto, and Kari. "We've made our point, and clearly we got duels left to prepare for." He turned towards the exit. "I suggest we pull out and leave the people talking."

The others agreed and their departure made many of their allies do the same.

With Yusho

"This dimension's tournament seems to hold more than I knew." Yusho thought as he slipped away. "Now, I definitely should be around just in case they have need of my skills. Something tells me, even though this isn't the work of the Fusion Dimension, that they'll need help."