Aurasoul: Hey everyone! Welcome to another chapter of Yugioh Zexal sorry for the long wait I've been busy with class and work.
Astrana: So this will be Shark's duel, correct?
Aurasoul: Yup and its another long one too so I don't own Zexal only my OCs but I share Lyra with Durbe the Barian who owns Sirius and Antares and Shane Kor owns Shane so please enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 19
Semimaru was so close to winning! Just a little more and he'd, of gotten rid of Astrana"!
Heartland was in the throne room where Vector sat as they rewatched the duel on a Baria Crystal. "It's so frustrating! But we'll definitely win next time indeed"! Heartland said.
"Hey you fly bastard", Vector spoke from the throne.
"You've done nothing but run your mouth failure will not be tolerated again"!
Vector's eyes glowed as the Baria Crystals shattered making Heartland gasp. "Yes! I-I understand, Lord Vector"! He quickly said.
"I already have our next assassin lined up! He's incredibly strong I assure you! But he is rather moody… He's really fussy over the whole seniority thing and I'm younger"...
"Are you messing with me"?! Vector demanded, his fist glowing.
Heartland choked as he was lifted in the air by Vector's power. "I-I am sorry! But he truly is strong"! Heartland quickly choked out.
"M-my senpai runs the strongest water attribute deck"!
"Water attribute"? Vector said, his fist stopped glowing, causing Heartland to fall to the ground coughing.
"Just like Ryoga Kamishiro and Manami Shinori. He also uses a water attribute deck, right"?
Vector's eyes narrowed as he remembered the two. "I wonder why I get this nasty feeling in my chest whenever I think of those two", he grunted, before growing wide eyed.
"That's it! Ok Heartland! Then send your Senpai with your Number to take down Ryoga and Manami"!
"As you wish"! Heartland bowed.
In the hospital Manami was putting the new flowers in a vase as Shark stood next to Rio who laid unconscious. "The duel in the Undersea Temple… Where I saw that legend"... He thought.
"Those had to have been my memories… Just who am I?.. Are we? Rio we were always together. In this world, could we"?
He opened his pendant to show a picture of him and Rio when they were younger along with their parents. "I know that place all too well", he thought.
"We were… Our memories"...
"Shark"?
Shark turned to see Manami looking at him worried before she saw the picture. "Are those your parents?'' she asked.
"Yeah they died in a car accident when me and Rio were pretty young", he said softly.
"I see they look lovely,'' she said with a soft smile.
"Heh thanks… Listen Manami I need to go somewhere and", he began with a frown.
"And you want to go alone, I get it I'll stay here with Rio and I'll call you if anything happens", she assured.
He gave a thankful smile as he hugged her to her surprise but she hugged back. "Thanks Manami I'm really grateful you're here", he said softly.
"Especially with what happened to Darka".
"Hey come on of course I'd be here I am a little torn up on Darka but I know she's alive so that's a plus besides I love you both to bits", she said with a gentle smile kissing his cheek.
"I promise you that I'll stay by your side supporting and protecting you both I swear".
"... Thank you", he whispered.
"Come now kids don't be shy dig in and eat your fill".
Astrana blinked sitting next to III in the Tsukumo house as Haru served them breakfast Kotori and the guardians there as well as Yuma ate. "Thank you very much ma'am", III smiled, holding a rice ball.
"For bothering to let me stay here and invite me to breakfast on top of it".
"Same here thank you", Astrana said shyly.
"But III why are you wearing one of our uniforms"? Kotori asked curiously.
"Ah that's cuz Yuma lent it to me since I forgot to bring a change of clothes", III smiled.
"You can crash here as long as ya need III", Yuma grinned, eating a rice ball.
Astrana took a rice ball taking a small bite Astral closely watching her still worried for his sister. "Are you alright Astrana dear? Do you not like the food"? Haru asked worried.
"Oh n-no it's all delicious Ms. Tsukumo"! Astrana said quickly.
"Call me Haru dear and there's no need to be nervous", Haru smiled gently.
"Y-yes", Astrana nodded.
"Though she's used her human form more often than her Astral being form she's still a little nervous around other humans that aren't Yuma and the others", Sirius thought.
"It's ok Astrana you're fine here", III assured with a gentle smile, rubbing Astrana's back.
She gave III a small smile as she continued to eat making the others smile. "Though I'm surprised Darka hasn't come over lately she usually visits around this time", Akari remarked.
They all flinched at this Antares quickly speaking up. "Ah well Darka-chan caught a very bad cold and her parents don't want her leaving her bed anytime soon and she doesn't want anybody visiting her or they'll get sick", he quickly said.
"Huh guess that makes sense", Akari remarked.
"Oh the poor thing I should make something for her so you can bring it to her", Haru said.
"She'll appreciate it", Astrana said with a small smile.
"Though right now we should be focusing on Heartland we can't relax when he might strike again", Shane frowned.
"Knowing that jerk he will definitely try something", Yuma agreed.
"I think we should let Shark and Kaito know along with Manami-chan and Hotaru-neesan", III said.
"Kaito is hard to contact with since he and Hotaru are finding a way to get to Astral World though they'll find out soon enough", Yuma said.
"As for Ryoga and Manami they're in the hospital I'm sure", Sirius frowned.
"Those two have been staying by Rio-san's side since she lost conscious".
"Then after we're done eating we should all go visit them", III smiled.
"That sounds like the best idea", Astral nodded.
The group began walking heading to the hospital as rain began to fall. "Ah it's raining", Kotori remarked.
"Well then I'm gonna Kattobingu by running ahead", Yuma grinned, running off.
"Yuma you should be careful", Astral warned.
"He's right you know you'll slip and fall if you run", Astrana sighed, as she followed them.
"Ah you guys worry too much", Yuma pouted.
"We don't worry enough", Astrana said amused.
"Indeed", Astral chuckled.
"Oi"! Yuma groaned making the two chuckle.
Kotori, III, and the guardians watched the three as they slowly followed. "Astrana-chan seems to be doing well but", Lyra began with a frown.
"Yeah we should still keep a close eye on her in case she might break again", Shane frowned.
"It makes sense I mean she and Darka are so very close", Kotori said sadly.
"Even though she says she's better the signs are still there", III frowned.
"It'll take time for her to fully recover from the shock of what happened to Darka-chan".
"Well that's where we come in right"? Antares asked with a smile.
"Yeah we'll make sure to help and support her", Kotori agreed with a smile.
A long figure walked down the hall of the hospital water dripping from him as he walked as the robotic voice of the hospital spoke. "You've reached your emergency nursing center", it said.
A nurse walked and saw the figure as he walked. "Where are you heading?'' she questioned, making him stop.
"That area is for authorized staff only the general public area is"...
Then she noticed the water on the floor. "Hey the floor here is soaked with water! Hold it you"! She scowled, walking to him.
"We can't have this! Just what are you"-
"Huh? Don't you know your place"? The figure spoke, turning to face her.
"Watch your damn mouth"!
Tentacles shot out from the figure's sleeves piercing the women making her gasp as she fell. "Tch seriously that's all you got"? The figure scoffed, before walking off.
Manami sat by Rio's side a frown on her face. "Rio you and Shark we're connected to the memories I saw in the ruins and not only those but the ones I saw in Mach's ruins", she thought.
She remembered the memories then making her place her face on her hand with a slight panicked look. "Shark, Rio who are we? What are you two to me really"? She thought.
"/Lady Manami/"!
Manami gasped and looked up to see Mach's spirit once again appearing next to her. "Mach? What are you"? She began.
"/Watch yourself someone with dark intent is coming here/", Mach warned.
"What"? She said shocked.
Then she saw water coming under the door from the other side making her stand in shock while Mach disappeared as the door opened to show the figure as he walked in with a smirk at once Manami was on the defensive. "Who are you?'' she demanded.
"Hmph and here I thought she was all alone but with this it makes my job a little easier,'' he smirked.
Then he launched his tentacles making her gasp as she saw them heading for Rio. "Rio"! She yelled.
Quickly Manami shielded Rio and gasped in pain as the tentacles stung her neck as the door opened showing the others as they gasped. "Manami"! Yuma gasped.
"Guys", Manami winced, before sliding down to the floor gasping in pain.
"What did you do to Manami"?! Astrana demanded angrily.
"You're… Astrana, Yuma Tsukumo, and Astral, I presume?'' The figure smirked.
"How do you know who we are"? Yuma questioned.
"Unless"! Astral frowned.
"He's a Barian", Astrana growled.
"After I beaten the shark bastard you'll be next", the figure said.
"So fill free to shiver while you wait".
He then became water in a jellyfish and disappeared. "He's gone"! Yuma gasped.
"Manami-chan"! Lyra gasped, rushing to Manami's side.
The others followed as Antares sat her up and saw the mark on her neck. "He hit her neck looks like he stung it", he said.
"He poisoned her then"? Sirius questioned with a frown.
"He said 'shark bastard' then he must mean"! III gasped.
"He's going after Shark"! Yuma gasped.
"S-Shark", Manami choked out in pain.
Shark rode on his bike as the rain fell unknown of the others calling him Antares holding Manami as Yuma scowled. "Shark's not answering"! He scowled.
"Why"?!
"S-Shark", Manami winced.
"Even when she's poisoned she's worried about Ryoga", Sirius sighed.
"Gotta admire that loyalty", Shane said with a strained smile.
"Yuma we should split up in order to look for Shark", Astral said.
"Astral's right we'll have a better chance on finding him if we do", III nodded.
"Then I'll have Tetsuo-kun and the others know"! Kotori said, getting out her D-Gazer.
"And I'll tell my brothers", III said, lifting his wrist that had on his bracelet.
"What's wrong III"?
They all looked up and gasped seeing who was in front of them.
"That's right on that day,'' Shark thought as he drove.
"On that day it was raining like this".
Flashback…
A young Shark was happily looking at his cards sitting in the back of his parents' car. "Ryoga", a young Rio spoke to him, making him look up to face her.
"Teach me how to duel again when we get back ok"?
"Sure but you'll start crying again in no time"! Shark smiled amused.
Rio pouted at that. "Rio's not gonna cry this time"! She said.
"You sure will"! He countered.
"I won't cry I said I won't cry and I mean it"!
"Yeah right"!
"There now you two! Behave yourselves! '' Their mother said yet had an amused smile on her face.
As their father drove he gasped as another car came coming in a rush making them all gasp as it crashed with them in an explosion.
Shark slowly opened his eyes seeing he was in a hospital as he looked to his side to see Rio still unconscious in her own bed as he heard the doctors talking. "How are their parents"?
"It was no use we lost them just moments ago".
"I see"...
End of flashback…
"That's right… Ever since then Rio and I have been alone", he thought.
"Therefore that place"...
He then continued on driving.
"He's isn't home, or at school, and no one's seen him around the city and we still can't get in touch with him".
The group along with Lizzie, Koru, and Harumi stood under a spot from the rain as Tetsuo frowned. "And it's Shark's fault Manami is in the shape she's in", he said.
"Come now Tetsuo it's not like it's Shark's fault Manami got poisoned he couldn't have saw this coming none of us would", Koru frowned.
"Ya know the twist is, we could really use Darka right about now", Tokonuske began.
He then gasped quickly looking at Harumi, who had a guilty look in her crimson red eyes. "And it's my fault she's not here,'' she said sadly.
"Harumi you know that's not true", Cathy frowned.
"I can't help but wonder because of me and Blackmist, Darka is gone and Blackmist is practically comatose and it's all my fault", Harumi whimpered.
They all looked at Harumi sadly as the rain continued to pour down.
The rain had already stopped with the sun beginning to come out as Shark stopped in front of a rundown looking mansion. "Haven't been here… Since that accident", he thought.
"The place where me and Rio spent our time when we were young. Right our memories have to be here".
He walked inside opening another pair of doors to be what looked to be the main room looking completely abandoned from years of neglect as he looked at it the place lit up by his memories.
Flashback…
"Give it back Rio"!
A young Shark was chasing a young Rio who was holding what looked to be a deck of cards. "Those are the important cards I got from dad"! Shark yelled.
"No way! It's not fair that only you get them Ryoga"! Rio yelled back, as she ran.
"Rio"! He scowled, chasing after her.
Rio ranaway from her brother holding the cards moving behind the armor but Shark managed to grab the cards. "Give 'em back already"! He yelled as he pulled.
They then lost their grip dropping the cards hitting the armor as it shook and began to fall Shark saw this and gasped seeing it was going to fall on Rio. "Rio"! He yelled.
She was shaking in fear as it shook and began to fall. "Look out"! He yelled, quickly pushing her out of the way.
He then gasped as the armor fell toward him.
*CRASH*
"Waaaah"!
"Ryoga"!
Shark and Rio's father kneeled in front of Shark carefully holding him as Rio cried. "What's wrong? Are you ok?'' His father asked him, as his mother rushed over to them.
"Dear"! She gasped shocked.
"Mama"! Rio cried, running to their mother.
"It'll be ok Rio", their mother said gently, holding Rio.
"It'll be ok".
"I'm sorry… I got the cards you gave me all dirty", Shark apologized to their father.
"Dummy! You don't need to worry about that"! Their father said.
"Dear we need to treat his wound", their mother said.
End of flashback…
Shark clutched his shoulder. "Right, there's no doubt about it. That's my wound it still tingles", he thought.
"Those are our memories… Our precious"...
He then gave a strained smile. "Right… I'm no Barian", he told himself.
Then suddenly he heard laughing echoing the room making him turn with a scowl. "Who's there"?! He called.
Then a water like figure appeared as it's tentacles lashed out at Shark as he quickly moved dodging them. "So you're Ryoga Kamishiro"? The figure asked with a glow in his eyes.
"You're"... Shark began.
Quickly Shark jumped through the window breaking it as he did. "You won't get away"! The figure yelled, launching his tentacles.
Shark gasped as the tentacles grabbed him and stung his neck as he fell to the ground with a wince. "What the hell did you do to me you bastard"?! He demanded angrily, seeing the figure forming next to the fountain.
"'You bastard'? Who do you think you are? Learn your place"! The figure yelled as he took his shape.
"Huh? The hell you're talking about"? Shark grunted, as he slowly stood up touching where he was hit on his neck.
"Watch the way you speak to others! A lowly human addressing a great Barian that way"! The figure said angrily.
"You're a Barian"?! Shark said shocked.
"That's right, my name is Kurage and I hear you like to boast about being the strongest of the Water Attribute", the Barian spoke.
"As your better, I'll teach you a thing or two about what's better than a shark in the Water Attribute".
"Don't screw with me"! Shark yelled before he winced staggering.
"Shit what's this? My strength".
"Hmm? Have I seen your face before"? Kurage wondered, before he smirked.
"Forget it. How do you like the taste of my poison"?
"Poison"?! Shark questioned.
"Yeah it's only a matter of time before my poison eats away your entire body so I'll have you duel me now"! Kurage smirked.
"L-like I'd play around with some weakling like you"! Shark growled.
"It's about time you stop pushing yourself to hold together", Kurage remarked but smirked.
"But how about that other Water Attribute girl Manami"?
"Mana"?! Shark said confused, before he gasped in realization.
"You didn't"!
"Yeah though originally I was planning to poison your lil sister a little birdie told me but that girl shielded your sister and took the poison instead though it doesn't matter to me since she was my other target anyway", Kurage laughed.
"Manami you"... Shark thought shocked.
"There's only one way to cure that poison you'll have to beat me in this duel! So you have no choice but to duel me"! Kurage smirked.
"Shit"! Shark hissed.
"Hold it"!
Shark gasped as the two looked up Shark gasped seeing a familiar face standing at the roof of the mansion. "Y-you're"! Shark began.
"What's wrong? Have you forgotten Ryoga"? IV smirked, jumping off.
"The face of your number one fan"?!
"IV"! Shark gasped, as IV landing in front of him.
"And you're… Tron's son if I recall", Kurage remarked.
"Tch man you're getting sloppy", IV smirked.
"Poison? Do you generally let yourself get stung? Though I guess he's got some skill".
Kurage gaped shocked at IV's words as Shark frowned. "Why are you here"?! Shark demanded.
"I was asked to come here III told me to look after you", IV smirked.
"Who said I needed your help"?! Shark said annoyed.
"I don't really care about you", IV began, his face becoming solemn.
"But I do care about Manami".
"Mana"? Shark said surprised.
Manami panted whimpering in pain on Antares's back as he carried her and the others quickly ran. "S-Shark", she winced.
"Manami-chan stay strong,'' Lyra said softly.
"Seeing the one who is a dear little sister to me, my dear Ningyō (A/N: Ningyo means doll in japanese), in such pain leaves a bad taste in my mouth and pissed off with the one who caused her that pain. That's why", IV said, now smirking again.
"I'll use my fanservice to beat the hell outta this guy in an instant! You can sit back and watch".
"Stop running your mouth"! Shark yelled annoyed.
"You bastards dare mock me"!?
They looked seeing Kurage who had spoken up looking angered. "Stop screwing around! Who da hell do ya think you are"?! Kurage yelled angrily.
"Come at me at the same time ya damn bastards"!
"Oh? How about it Ryoga"? IV asked with a smirk.
"Feel like taking that Barian bastard on"?
"Manami…! I'll save Manami"! Shark winced.
"Good it seems we're all in agreement", Kurage smirked.
"But there's a teeny tiny condition".
"Condition"? IV questioned.
"You two look like you're ten years my junior a superior should always stand above his juniors", Kurage said, as the glow of the Barian appeared beneath them.
"Your Senpai's Life Points will be 8000 while you two juniors get to have 2000 Life Points a piece".
"For someone calling himself 'senpai' you're a pretty stingy bastard", IV scoffed.
"Fine then not a bad handicap".
"You youngsters are pretty cheeky before the duel is decided though", Kurage began, changing to his other form.
"The poison'll finish ya and you'll wash up on the beach".
"So that's your true form? Let's go"! Shark yelled.
"Duel disk set! D-Gazer set"!
"Duel"!
"Darn, where the heck did Shark go"?! Yuma yelled, as they ran.
"How's Manami"? Astral asked Antares.
"Not looking so good", Antares frowned, looking at Manami.
Manami choked out in pain panting heavily covered in a light sheen of sweat. "Just where could he have gone"? Astrana frowned.
"Everyone my big brother just called", III spoke, looking up from his bracelet.
"Shark's in grave danger"!
"I'll start things off! My turn draw"! Shark yelled with a thought.
I have to save Manami no matter the cost".
He then lifted one card. "I summon Saber Shark"! He yelled.
In a torrent of water Saber Shark appeared on the field with a growl.
Saber Shark
Level: 4
Atk Points: 1600
Def Points: 1200
"In a tag duel none of us can attack during our first turns I set a card and end my turn", Shark finished.
"That isn't like you", IV remarked with a smirk.
"You seem awfully cautious all of a sudden".
"I can't lose this duel! I have to win no matter what", Shark frowned.
IV only frowned watching Shark as Kurage smirked. "Come let's go it's my turn draw"! He yelled.
"I summon Death Chironex"!
The jellyfish monster swam up onto the field.
Death Chironex
Level: 4
Atk Points: 800
Def Points: 800
"Now when I control a water attribute monster, I can special summon Silence Sea Nettle"! Kurage said, as the second jellyfish monster appeared on the field.
Silence Sea Nettle
Level: 4
Atk Points: 800
Def Points: 1300
"Your senpai's gonna be serious now keep your eyes open", Kurage smirked.
"I Overlay my level four Death Chironex and Silence Sea Nettle"!
The two monsters became blue mists as they went into the Overlay Network. "I use these two monsters to build the Overlay Network! Xyz summon"! Kurage yelled.
"Show yourself Number 4! The transparent warrior who drifts through chaos. Sting everything in this world that lay before you! O, great senpai! Enter the fray! Stealth Kuragen the Deadly Poisonous Jellyfish"!
And the Number appeared on the field with a low moan and growl.
Number 4: Stealth Kuragen the Deadly Poisonous Jellyfish
Rank: 4
Atk Points: 1900
Def Points: 1500
"Number 4?! The number four's my thing! It's a special numeral"! IV yelled.
"And what's sadder, Number 4 is a jellyfish of all things"! (A/N: Now is not the time IV)
"Are you mocking jellyfish"? Kurage demanded angrily.
"The jellyfish is the supreme lifeform of water it's an immortal creature that stings whatever it touches filling it with deadly poison".
Shark winced in pain from the poison making Kurage smirked as IV looked at Shark before smirking at Kurage. "So you say so let's see if you got some bite to that bark", he said.
"What shall I do? I think how your punk friend is doin' says it all", Kurage smirked.
"S-shut up you damn jellyfish"! Shark growled in pain.
"Fine then let's finish this up"! Kurage smirked.
"I activate Stealth Kuragen's effect! Once per turn during any player's turn I can destroy one water attribute monster on the field I'll target Saber Shark"!
Stealth Kurage launched it's stingers at Saber Shark making it flail as it was destroyed. "And to top things off Saber Shark's attack power is inflicted as damage to an opponent player"! Kurage smirked.
"Poison Styx"!
Stealth Kuragen launched the water blast hitting Shark as he was sent flying by the attack. "AAAHH"! He yelled, as he crashed to the ground.
Shark's LPs: 2000 - 400
IV gasped for a moment before he frowned looking up. "Tch that didn't hurt you that much, right Ryoga?'' he asked.
"That should be obvious"! Shark snapped, as he sat up.
"What a bunch of fake courage I set one card and end my turn", Kurage finished.
"Let me show you my fanservice now you freaking jellyfish bastard! My turn draw"! IV smirked.
"I summon Gimmick Puppet Des Troy"!
The puppet monster appeared with the sound of thousands screams and wails.
Gimmick Puppet Des Troy
Level: 4
Atk Points: 1200
Def Points: 2000
"And then I activate the spell card Precious Cards of Puppets"! IV said.
"This card destroys one Gimmick Puppet monster on the field! I target Des Troy"!
In red static Des Troy was destroyed on the field. "And then I draw one card", IV said.
"Then when Des Troy is destroyed by a card effect I can special summon two Gimmick Puppet monsters from my hand, provided they have 1000 or less attack points! Show yourselves, Gimmick Puppet Night Joker! And Necro Doll"!
Des Troy appeared opening it's carrier to allow the two GImmick Puppet monsters to appear on the field with chuckles.
Gimmick Puppet Night Joker
Level: 8
Atk Points: 800
Def Points: 1600
Gimmick Puppet Necro Doll
Level: 8
Atk Points: 0
Def Points: 0
"Now let's go! I Overlay my level eight Night Joker and Necro Doll"! IV yelled, as the two monsters became purple mists Necro Doll chuckling still as they went in the Overlay Network.
"I use these two monsters to build the Overlay Network! Xyz Summon! Show yourself Number 15! The envoy from Hell who pulls the strings of fate! Open the curtains once more on the stage in the deepest darkness! Gimmick Puppet Giant Killer"!
And the puppet Number Xyz monster appeared onto the field.
Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Killer
Rank: 8
Atk Points: 1500
Def Points: 2500
"That Number is"! Shark gasped.
Suddenly the doors of the manor were swung open by Yuma and III as they walked out with gasps. "Shark"! Yuma yelled.
Shark winced as he began to stand wincing in pain. "Shark you've been poisoned too", Yuma gasped.
Manami winced slowly opening her eyes seeing Shark as IV went on. "I activate Giant Killer's effect"! He yelled.
By using one Overlay Unit I can destroy all other Xyz monsters on the field"!
Giant Killer launched red strings from it's hands grabbing onto Stealth Kuragen and pulling it to the gears on its chest for it to be grinded by the gears. "And then you'll chew on the destroyed monster's attack power as damage"! IV yelled, as Giant Killer brought out its chest cannon.
"Stealth Kuragen's attack power was 1900! Accept my fanservice! Destruction Cannon"!
The cannon fired launching the blast at Kurage as he was sent flying crashing along with smoke from the blast.
Kurage's LPs: 8000 - 6100
"Yes"! Yuma grinned.
"It's the Giant Killer he got from Yuma and Astral", III smiled.
"Things shine their brightest in the hands of their original owner you know", IV smirked.
Then they suddenly heard Kurage laugh as the smoke cleared and Kurage stood. "Shine the brightest? Don' try gettin' all high and mighty with me punk"! He yelled, two monsters on his field.
"You punk bastards who are ten years my junior have no right to get all uppity with me"!
"What"?! IV gasped.
"What's going on? He has two monsters all of a sudden"! III said shocked.
"What the heck"?! Yuma frowned.
"This is bad", Antares frowned, as he looked at Manami.
"You jellyfish bastard"! IV said angrily.
"It's not bastard it's senpai"! Kurage yelled, but smirked.
"I'll thoroughly show you punks the strongest most legendary of jellyfish to ever exist"!
Stealth Kragen Ephyra
Rank: 4
Atk Points: 1900
Def Points: 1500
"Just what the hell is going on here?!" IV yelled.
"I know I destroyed his jellyfish Number! But they've split in two!"
"But why?!" Yuma demanded.
"I activated the effect of Stealth Kragen the Deadly Poisonous Jellyfish!" Kurage smirked.
"When it's destroyed, depending on the number of Overlay Units attached to it, I can Special Summon a 'Stealth Kragen' monster from the Extra Deck or Graveyard equal to the number of the units attached. Stealth Kragen had two Overlay Units thus I Special Summoned two Stealth Kragen Ephyras."
"Tch an effect like that?" IV scowled.
"And when Stealth Kragen Ephyra is Special Summoned through this effect it adds the destroyed Stealth Kragen as its Overlay Units and these Stealth Kragen Ephyras have the same effect", Kurage said.
"You probably don't know this but among some jellyfish there is a higher ranking one that can split in two regenerating themselves from the original one. Another higher class, when it gets too old, can become young again and you should not be surprised these Senpai have no hearts or brains or anything like that!"
"Don't go boasting about not having a brain you idiot!" IV yelled.
Kurage looked at IV darkly. "I'll ask you again who the hell do you think you are?!" He yelled angrily.
"Little punk!"
"Still, that jellyfish monster has a troubling effect." IV thought with a frown.
"If I don't hurry and deplete his LP…!"
IV glanced at Manami who was breathing heavily in pain before he frowned. "I activate Giant Killer's effect!" He yelled.
"By using one Overlay Unit, I can destroy all other Xyz monsters on the field other than Giant Killer! Break apart, you jellyfish bastard!"
Giant Killer launched red threads on both Ephyras pulling them toward it and destroying them with its grinder. "And the opposing player takes damage equal to the total attack points of the destroyed monsters!" IV added. "Destruction Cannon!"
Giant Killer brought out its cannon and launched the blast toward Kurage hitting him in an explosion. "RAAAAH!" He cried out, crashing to the ground.
Kurage's LPs: 6100 - 2300
"How's that! I brought his LPs down by 3800 points." IV smirked.
"Impressive as always." Astrana smiled.
"Though he's still a show off." Antares grinned.
"But now I activate Ephyra's effect!" Kurage yelled.
"I'll revive Number 4: Stealth Kragen the Deadly Poisonous Jellyfish!"
The jellyfish Number reappeared with a groan.
Number 4: Stealth Kuragen the Deadly Poisonous Jellyfish
Rank: 4
Atk Points: 1900
Def Points: 1500
"And I'll Special Summon a third Stealth Kragen Ephyra!" Kurage added.
And another Ephyra appeared on the field next to Kuragen.
Stealth Kragen Ephyra
Rank: 4
Atk Points: 1900
Def Points: 1500
"What now? I'll fill this whole world with jellyfish!" Kurage taunted.
"I set one card face-down and end my turn." IV finished.
"No matter how many times they destroy Kurage's monsters they will only be resurrected once more." Astral frowned.
"But they have to do something otherwise." Lyra began, looking at Manami worried.
"I can't allow myself to lose this duel!" Shark thought with a frown.
"I'll save Manami no matter what!"
Manami choked out in pain her face becoming even more pale. "This is bad she's getting worse." Sirius frowned, placing a hand on her forehead.
"And the two of them are in trouble before they can even finish this thing." Yuma scowled. "This is low, Kurage! Fight this match fair and square!"
Kurage only laughed at Yuma's words as Shark panted. "Tch, Ryoga! You may be worn out, but Manami's about to die!" IV yelled.
"That's the one rule we can't change! So the only thing you can do is win! No matter what the situation!"
"I don't need anyone to tell me that!" Shark snapped.
"Like hell I'll lose to some jellyfish bastard!"
"Shark!" Yuma gasped.
"But this guy is admittedly formidable." Shark thought.
"There's no telling how long my body will hold out…"
At that Shark's vision began to blur for a moment. "And if I destroy those jellyfish monsters, they'll just keep coming back", he thought.
"If I don't defeat him and reduce his LP all at once… If that's the case…"
He then gasped recalling a certain Number. "Abyss Splash… If I use that Number then maybe…" He thought, placing a hand on his deck.
"My turn, draw!"
He looked at his card and gave a frown. "I set a monster in face-down defense position!" He spoke.
"Face-down? What's wrong with you Ryoga?! Where'd that vigor from before go"?! IV demanded.
"You can attack him this turn you know! Even if the jellyfish bastard keeps reviving his monsters, I'll still keep smashing them with my fists!"
Kurage chuckled amused at the two. "What's wrong? Fighting amongst yourselves? How unsightly." He smirked.
"I activate the continuous trap Ebb Tide! This card, when a player sets a monster in face-down defense position, flips it face-up! And you can't activate it's Reverse Effects!"
Shark frowned as Skull Kraken was flipped face up.
Skull Kraken
Level: 3
Atk Points: 600
Def Points: 1600
"What's this? You gave up on the Water Attribute and used a Dark Attribute?" Kurage remarked with a smirk.
"Are you that, scared of Stealth Kragen's effect? Hey junior you're pretty simpleminded."
"It's frustrating but he's right." IV agreed grimly.
"Just what are you trying to do Ryoga?!"
"Shut up! I end my turn!" Shark panted, thinking.
"Tch! I'm starting to lose my vision… But I have to endure it for now! Until I get the chance to beat him!"
"You don't even know when to die you shark bastard." Kurage scowled.
"My turn draw! I'll put you out of your misery! I activate the Magic Card, Jelly Rain! All monsters on the field become Water Attribute!"
"What?!" Shark and IV yelled shocked.
"Now your monsters won't be able to fend off the jellyfishes' poison." Kurage smirked.
Rain fell down on Giant Killer and Skull Kraken changing their Dark Attributes to Water Attributes. "Now Ill finish you both." Kurage smirked.
"I'll start with Tron's stupid son! I activate the effect of Number 4 Stealth Kuragen! Once per turn it can destroy one Water Attribute monster on the field and my opponent takes damage equal to its attack points!"
Stealth Kuragen launched its tentacles to hit Giant Killer and destroy it in an explosion. "Now take Giant Killer's 1500 attack points as damage!" Kurage yelled.
Stealth Kuragen launched Poison Styx hitting IV as he cried out and was slammed down on the floor.
IV's LPs: 2000 - 500
IV winced in pain as Kurage smirked at Shark. "And you're next shark fin bastard!" He yelled.
"I activate Stealth Kragen Ephyra's effect! It destroys Skull Kraken and deals you its 600 attack points as damage!"
"Shark only has 400 LPs!" Lyra gasped.
"If this effect hits." Astral frowned.
"Shark!" Yuma yelled.
"Trap, activate! Strings Shade!" IV yelled, as he stood up.
"It negates the effects of all monsters on the field!"
The card launched red strings to bind Ephyra's tentacles stopping its effect much to Shark's surprise. "IV, you…!" He began.
"Tch! Then I'll just battle! Shark fin bastard I'll rip you a new one!" Kurage yelled.
"I use Number 4 Stealth Kragen to attack Skull Kraken! Tentacle Surge!"
Stealth Kragen glowed blue as it launched its tentacles hitting Skull Kraken as it was destroyed. "This isn't good! Ryoga's field is empty!" IV frowned.
"Stealth Kragen Ephyra, Direct Attack!" Kurage yelled.
"Ryoga!" IV gasped.
"Trap, activate! Deep Current!" Shark yelled.
"It negates one of the opponent's direct attacks and ends the battle!"
A spiral of water rose up blocking Ephyra from Shark causing it to be pushed back. "You're one tenacious bastard." Kurage scowled.
"I set two cards face down and end my turn!"
Shark then suddenly gasped shaking in pain as he fell to the ground unable to move. "Ryoga!" IV gasped.
"Shark!" Yuma and Astrana yelled.
Manami winced slowly opening her eyes her vision blurred yet seeing what was in front of her. "Sh-Shark…" She choked.
"Shark you have to stand up! For Manami's sake!" Astrana yelled.
Shark winced weakly. "My body won't listen to me…" He thought.
"Manami… I won't be able to save you?"
"Ryoga…" IV frowned, before he scowled.
"Why are you falling down so pathetically?! Hey you jellyfish bastard! You're going to get a good taste of my fanservice this time! My turn draw!"
"T-Thomas…?" Manami choked weakly.
"When I have 2000 or less Life, I can activate the Magic Card, Gimmick Puppet Ritual!" IV yelled.
"I can Special Summon one Gimmick Puppet monster from my Graveyard! Revive, Gimmick Puppet Giant Killer!"
Red strings were launched in the Graveyard to pull out Giant Killer back to the field. "Hmph even if you revive that monster, you can't defeat my monster!" Kurage smirked.
"Don't get ahead of yourself jellyfish bastard." IV frowned.
"By releasing the Xyz monster on my field I can Special Summon Gimmick Puppet Nightmare to the field!"
Giant Killer glowed before was tributed for the nightmarish looking Gimmick Puppet monster.
Gimmick Puppet Nightmare
Level: 8
Atk Points: 1000
Def Points: 2000
"Thanks to this effect the Special Summoned Nightmare can be used as two Xyz Material!" IV went on.
"Which means he now has the materials of two level 8 monsters." Astrana smirked.
"Go brother!" III cheered.
"IV…" Shark spoke weakly.
"I Overlay the level 8 Dark Attribute Gimmick Puppet Nightmare!" IV yelled, as it became two dark purple mists and flew in the Overlay Network. "I use this monster treated as two to build the Overlay Network! Xyz Summon! Show yourself Number 40! Gimmick Puppet Heaven's Strings!"
And the second Gimmick Puppet Number appeared onto the field its wing opened and blade in hand.
Number 40: Gimmick Puppet Heaven's Strings
Rank: 8
Atk Points: 3000
Def Points: 2000
"Heaven's Strings…" Manami whispered.
"Heaven's Strings has 3000 Atk points IV can win this." Shane remarked.
"Plus if he uses his monster's effect too." Antares added.
"No you don't! I activate the Continuous Trap, Jelly Bind!" Kurage yelled.
"When I have a Water Attribute monster on my field I can target one of the opponent's monsters and activate it! I'll target Heaven's Strings! The targeted Monster can't attack or use it's Monster Effects!"
Tentacles sprouted from under Heaven's Strings wrapping tightly around it. "What'd you say?!" IV yelled shocked.
"Now your monster's truly become a useless puppet." Kurage smirked.
"Tch! I set one card facedown and end my turn." IV scowled.
"Now then shark fin bastard! It's your turn! What's wrong?" Kurage smirked.
Shark winced turning to his side as Kurage chuckled. "Oh yeah! It seems the jellyfish's poison's gone through his entire body so he probably can't stand anymore", Kurage smirked, as Shark started to stand but fell once more.
"Ryoga!" IV gasped.
"You're done for!" Kurage chuckled.
"You and that Water Attribute girl too. Jellyfish beats Shark!"
"Shark!" Yuma yelled.
"Ryoga…" IV thought before he scowled.
"I see now! So you're not even a man! You're a useless guy who can't even save his girlfriend! Stand up Ryoga!"
"IV! Why you! How the heck can you know how Shark feels about Manami?!" Yuma yelled angrily.
"I'm well are!" IV yelled, making Yuma gasped.
"I understand completely I'm his number one fan, after all and also Manami's brother figure. I was the one who incriminated Ryoga and hurt his little sister and Manami loves both Ryoga and Rio more than anything and by hurting them I hurt her. And that itself is an unforgivable act
because of that I'll be carrying the scars on my face and pain in my heart for the rest of my life. So I understand completely, he's the kind of guy who fights caring more about what happens to his sister and girlfriend rather than himself."
"Big brother IV…" III frowned sadly.
"And it's not just that…" IV added softly.
"I have to thank him, Yuma, and Darka for getting in the way. Thanks to them, I got my family back."
"Thomas…" Astrana spoke softly.
"IV… You…" Yuma spoke.
"So get up Ryoga!" IV snapped.
"You fought for Manami and your family all this time! A man like that would never give up on his girlfriend like that! That's who Ryoga is!"
Manami let a few tears fall hearing IV's words a weak smile on her face. "STAND UP RYOGA!" IV yelled.
"Really… I don't know much about you, but you're one nosy guy, don't know how Mana puts up with you…"
They all gasped with smiles as Shark slowly stood up much to Kurage's shock. "I-Impossible!" Kurage gaped.
"I'm not gonna sit and lie down quietly just yet!" Shark snapped.
"You bastard…" Kurage growled.
"Hmph well if that's the case then let's finish this duel so you and Ningyō can take a nap." IV scoffed.
"I'll take you up on that offer." Shark smirked, before glancing at Manami who looked back and they both gently smiled. "Manami, I'll make sure to save you."
"Shark…" Manami whispered.
"My turn draw!" Shark yelled.
"I activate the Continuous Spell, Amulet of the Water Deity! Water Attribute monsters I control on the field can't be targeted by my opponent's Magic, Trap, or Monster effects!"
"Which means they won't be targeted by those jellyfishes." Antares grinned.
"Nicely done." Sirius smirked.
"A shark never let its prey get away once it's caught! Not until it chews it out!" Shark yelled.
"I activate the Continuous Spell, Authority of Atlantis from my hand! It can raise the levels of all Water Attribute monsters summoned during this turn by two! And during the turn I activate a normal Magic Card I can Special Summon Big Jaws from my hand!"
And in a spiral of water Big Jaws appeared with a growl.
Big Jaws
Level: 3
Atk Points: 1800
Def Points: 300
"Using the effect of Authority of Atlantis I raise the level of the Water Attribute monsters summoned during this turn by two!" Shark added, as Big Jaw's level went up to 5.
"Then I summon Panther Shark! When the opponent has two or more monsters on their field I can Summon it without release!"
Panther Shark appeared on the field next to Big Jaws in a wave of water.
Panther Shark
Level: 5
Atk Points: 1100
Def Points: 2000
"Two level 5 monsters!" Lyra gasped.
"There it is." IV smirked.
"Now here goes! I Overlay the level five Big Jaws and Panther Shark!" Shark yelled, as the two monsters became blue mists and went to the Overlay Network.
"I use these two monsters to build the Overlay Network! Xyz Summon! Come out, Number 73! The holy water drop falling into chaos! Show your power and purify all disorder! Abyss Splash the Roaring Waterfall Deity!"
In a large torrent of water Abyss Splash appeared on the field making the others gasp upon seeing the Number.
Number 73: Abyss Splash the Roaring Waterfall Deity
Rank: 5
Atk Points: 2400
Def Points: 1400
"Wh-what is that Number?!" Kurage gaped shocked.
"Number 73… Abyss Splash." Shark answered.
"It's the Number I got from those ruins. Containing my memories…"
At once Shark shook his head. "No, thats not true! I'm… Ryoga Kamishiro!" He yelled before thinking.
"Manami, I'll get you back!"
Manami looked at Abyss Splash letting another tear fall closing her eyes as Shark faced IV. "IV let's win." He spoke.
"Yeah!" IV grinned.
"Stop screwing with me you damn juniors! Why are you getting all excited?!" Kurage yelled angrily.
"Trap activate! Jelly Hole! It can be activated when the opponent Special Summons a Water Attribute Xyz monster! It binds all face up cards on the opponent's field during this turn!"
Tentacles launched from the trap card wrapping around Shark's magic cards and Abyss Splash. "Now the card effects of both Amulet of the Water Deity and the effects of Abyss Splash are negated!" Kurage yelled.
"Now you can't activate effects against your superiors! I activate the effect of Number 4: Kragen the Deadly Poisonous Jellyfish! It destroys one face up Water Attribute monster on the field once per turn, and deals damage to the opponent equal to its attack points! Smash Abyss Splash apart!"
Kragen glowed as it launched its tentacles for Abyss Splash. "You think so?" Shark remarked.
"What?" Kurage questioned.
"I activate the Quick Play Spell, Cascade Barrier!" Shark yelled.
"It negates the card effect that would destroy a Monster on my field and until the end of this turn that monster's attack power becomes 0!"
A cascade of water sprung up from the card shielding Abyss Splash from Kragen's attack and his attack power went to 0. "Then I'll once again activate Stealth Kragen Ephyra's effect! Destroy Abyss Splash and deal the opponent damage equal to its attack power!" Kurage yelled.
"The damage will be 0 but you'll lose the only monster you had on the field!"
Ephyra launched its tentacles destroying Abyss Splash in an explosion but Shark and IV only smirked knowingly at one another. "Trap activate! Angel Strings!" IV yelled.
"When I have a Gimmick Puppet Xyz monster on my field I can Special Summon one Xyz monster from the graveyard! I'll revive Abyss Splash from Ryoga's graveyard!"
Heaven's String broke free from the tentacles and launched red strings from the graveyard to pull out Abyss Splash. "They managed to work together to not only counter Kurage's move of dealing damage but to bring back Abyss Splash once again " Astral remarked impressed.
"Those two are something else." Astrana remarked with a light smile.
"And thanks to this effect, Heaven's Strings will become Abyss Splash's Overlay Units!" IV went on, as Heaven's Strings glowed and became two Overlay Units going to Abyss Splash.
"I activate Abyss Splash's effect!" Shark yelled.
"By using one Overlay Unit I can double its attack power until the end of this turn!"
Number 73: Abyss Splash the Roaring Waterfall Deity
Atk Points: 2400 - 4800
"I then use the other Overlay Unit thus, doubling its doubled attack power!" Shark went on.
Number 73: Abyss Splash the Roaring Waterfall Deity
Atk Points: 4800 - 9600
"9600 Atk points!" Kurage yelled shocked.
"Abyss Splash, attack Stealth Kragen!" Shark ordered.
"Go!" IV yelled.
"Final Fall!" Shark yelled.
Abyss Splash launched the beam attack destroying Stealth Kragen in a large explosion the shocks sending Kuragen flying. "AAAAAAHHH!" Kuragen yelled, as he was changed back to his human form.
Kuragen's LPs: 2300 - 0
Stealth Kragen glowed and flew to IV who caught it while Shark sighed in relief. "They did it!" Yuma grinned.
Shark gasped and quickly ran to Manami, IV following closely Shark took Manami from Antares gently holding her bridal style. "Mana." He whispered softly.
Manami winced before slowly opening her eyes looking up to see Shark's relieved smile. "Shark…" She whispered, before smiling gently.
"I knew you'd save me."
Shark let out a choked laugh kissing her forehead. "Honestly you reckless girl." He choked, muttering softly to her.
"Thank you for Rio…"
Manami smiled kissing his cheek before he set her down she wobbled slightly but IV caught her. "Easy Ningyō." He said with a small smile.
"Thomas." Manami smiled, looking up at him before she pouted.
"I'm not a delicate doll."
IV laughed smirking at Shark. "You two really are made for each other even though you made me work more than I should Ryoga." He smirked.
"What did you say?! You were the one who went and butted in without asking!" Shark snapped, taking Manami back from IV.
"As usual you're not the least bit charming and just won't die don't know what Manami sees in you." IV sighed playfully, shaking his head.
"Enough already you two." Manami sighed, but was smiling.
"She's says that but she's smiling." Shane chuckled.
"Haha Manami has her hands full with those two." III laughed.
"That's for sure." Yuma agreed with a grin.
"I'm so glad Manami-chan is ok." Lyra smiled relieved.
"We all are." Sirius smiled lightly.
Astrana watched IV and Shark banter and couldn't help but remember Darka having a sad smile which Astral noticed with a worried frown. Kurage staggered as he stood up with a wince. "Impossible… I can't believe…" He began to mutter.
"I lost to that shark bastard…"
Shark smiled gently at Manami who smiled back before they noticed Kurage and Shark glared at him holding Manami close but Kurage gasped as he looked at Shark. "Impossible…! You can't be…!" Kurage began shocked.
*Flashback*
Kurage was driving an open hooded car being chased by the police in the rain.
'When I botched a job and was being chased by the police…'
Kurage saw a barricade in his way making him gasp and quickly turn the wheel causing him to lose control of the car.
'That kid was in the car I ended up slamming into…'
Kurage screamed as the cars crashed in an explosion.
*End of Flashback*
"But… That can't be true, can it?!" Kurage questioned shocked.
"If it is then you can't be here."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Shark demanded.
"That's right… I remember now! Ryoga Kamishiro…" Kurage spoke fearfully.
"I learned after the accident that your entire family, including you, died! You should be dead! Dead as a doornail!"
"Eh?!" Yuma gaped shocked.
"Dead…?!" Manami paled, looking at Shark.
"Hey stop screwing around!" Shark yelled.
"How… You're supposed to be dead… So how?!" Kurage questioned, falling to his knees.
With that Kurage disappeared just like with Semimaru. "Hey!" Shark yelled, running forward.
"Shark!" Manami gasped, going after him.
But Kurage was gone as the two stood in front of the old fountain Manami looked at Shark worried. "Shark…" She began.
Shark looked at Manami then noticed something on the fountain he walked to it pulling the overgrowth that covered it and gasped Manami followed him and was shocked upon the two seeing a familiar emblem on the fountain. "But thats…!" Manami began shocked.
"That's the coat of arms I remember seeing from the memory Manami and I experienced at the ruins…" Shark thought shocked. "Impossible!"
Manami covered her mouth in shock her face pale as a sheet as she slowly backed away IV looking at the two worried. "What's wrong Ryoga, Manami?" He questioned.
"The King's coat of arms and my family's coat of arms are the same!" Shark thought.
"Guys?" Yuma called worried.
Manami dropped to her knees feeling tears erupting from her eyes making IV rush to her side worried as Shark also fell to his knees. "No way…. I'm… A Barian?!" Shark thought.
Aurasoul: And it is done!
Hotaru: Oh I have such a bad feeling this is going to be all kinds of hell.
Aurasoul: Oh you have no idea so next time will be the group meeting with Kaito, Hotaru, and V on going to Astral World but it won't be easy so until then read and review!