Aurasoul: Hey everyone! Welcome to another chapter of Yugioh Zexal!
Astrana: I'm surprised you're not in hiding.
Aurasoul: Yeah well I will be once I finish with this chapter cause again still a bit ahead.
Astrana: Truly ahead of your time.
Aurasoul: Oh if only. I don't own Zexal only my OCs but Antares and Sirius belong to Barian-chan, Shane to Shane Kor, Bakura to 0713MM, and Barian-chan and I share Lyra and also a shout out to MM for helping me with my work so now enjoy the show!
Chapter 33
Darka was the first to step out seeing the familiar red planet she hadn't seen in years.
"Barian World…" She whispered.
"So this is the land in which she created…" Astrana remarked.
"Despite it's conditions it's still as lovely as I remembered." Darka smiled sadly.
"Darka?" Astrana looked at her partner confused and worried.
Soon the others followed before the network closed behind them. "So this is the Barian World." Yuma remarked. "But where are IV and Shark?"
"Something tells me they might be over there." Antares replied, pointing to what could be a ruined stadium.
"That place…" Yuma grew wide eyed.
"Come on, let's go." Hotaru spoke. They all hurried over to the ruins and upon reaching they could hear IV's furious shouting.
"You're going to pay for what you did to Manami!" He yelled.
"Oh my! I'm sooooooo terrified!" Vector sneered. "You're just a pathetic and weak human! You have nothing on me!"
"Why don't you talk through your cards more than your filthy mouth?!" IV growled as he activated his duel disk.
"So be it!" Vector grinned maliciously as he too activated his duel disk.
"DUEL!"
"They started." Kaito frowned.
"But where's Shark?" Yuma wondered, looking around.
"He's over there." Rio pointed to where Shark was. On the sidelines, his arms crossed as he watched the duel begin.
"He didn't want to duel Vector too?" Kotori remarked, surprised.
"IV probably nearly bit his head off and told him to stay out of it." III muttered.
"Sounds like him." Hotaru sighed.
"Shark!" Yuma called, rushing to him.
"What is it Yuma?" Shark asked as he looked up to said boy running towards him.
Though happy he answered by his old name, Yuma looked confused.
"Why aren't you dueling with IV?" He questioned.
"Oh trust me, I wanted to." Shark admitted. "I even told him that'd make our job easier. But IV insisted that this is something he has to do."
"III called it." Hotaru remarked, as the others came to Shark. "And it's no surprise. Manami was practically like his little sister. He might as well feel like this is his own fight."
"I know." Shark remarked. "But…" Smiles. "Just because I'm not in the fight, doesn't mean that some of my cards aren't." They looked at him surprised, looking to IV.
"Wait you mean?" Hotaru began, surprised looking at IV.
"You'll see." Shark remarked.
"Even so it won't be easy." Darka frowned. "Vector has Don Thousand's power even with most of it sealed along with the power he no doubt took back from Blackmist he may have his crest but…"
"Ah don't worry Darka it's IV he'll be fine." Yuma assured her with a smile.
"Ready IV?" Vector grinned as he drew his 6th card. (Vector's hand: 6 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 5 cards. IV's LP: 4000.)
"Of course I'm ready." IV remarked. "Now make your move."
"As you wish!" Vector's grin widened as he grabbed 3 cards from his hand. "I set 2 cards and 1 monster to end my turn." (Vector's hand: 3 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 5 cards. IV's LP: 4000.) "Go on IV! It's your turn now!"
"Just a set monster and 2 face-downs?" Shane wondered.
"He's obviously planning something." Sirius frowned.
"IV has to tread lightly." Antares nodded.
"But that isn't his style." Hotaru said with a weak smirk.
"If that's all you got, then I'll crush you!" IV vowed. "I draw!" (Vector's hand: 3 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 6 cards. IV's LP: 4000.) IV looked at his hand and smiled. "I discard my Gimmick Puppet Dreary Doll from my hand to Special Summon Gimmick Puppet Bisque Doll from my hand!" A red-haired and black clothed doll appeared onto IV's field. (Gimmick Puppet Bisque Doll, Level 8 DARK Machine-type monster, ATK/DEF: 1000. Vector's hand: 3 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 4 cards. IV's LP: 4000.) IV then grabbed another card from his hand. "Next up, since I control a Gimmick Puppet monster while you control a monster, I can Special Summon Gimmick Puppet Magnet Doll from my hand." A magnetic doll appeared next to Bisque Doll. (Gimmick Puppet Magnet Doll, Level 8 DARK Machine-type monster, ATK/DEF: 1000. Vector's hand: 3 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 3 cards. IV's LP: 4000.)
"2 Level 8 monsters." V remarked.
"It's coming." Sirius replied.
"I overlay my Level 8 Gimmick Puppet Bisque Doll and Magnet Doll!" Both monsters turned into dark energy streams that soared into the overlay network before it exploded.
"Appear, Numbers 15! The envoy from Hell who pulls the strings of fate. Once more, lift the curtain to the stage in the depths of the deepest, blackest darkness! Gimmick Puppet Giant Killer!" Out of the overlay network came forth a massive machine puppet being lifted up by strings. (Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Killer, Rank 8 DARK Machine-type Xyz monster, ATK/DEF: 1500/2500. Vector's hand: 3 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 3 cards. IV's LP: 4000.)
"So he Summoned Number 15. A good choice." Durbe remarked.
"Battle!" IV declared. "Giant Killer, attack!" The massive machine unleashed an attack from its cannon chest; thus shattering Vector's set monster. Despite this, Vector laughed.
"I thank you for that." Vector grinned. "Because the monster you just destroyed was none other than Reeshadoll Wendi! When she's flipped face-up, I can Special Summon 1 Shaddoll monster from my Deck in either face-up or face-down Defense Position." A card ejected out of his Deck and he placed it on his duel disk. "I choose Shaddoll Beast to be Special Summoned face-down!"
"Shaddoll? Not the Umbral Horror?" Misael frowned.
"I have a bad feeling about this." Alito stiffened.
"And I thank you, Vector." IV grinned.
"Huh? And why's that?" Vector demanded.
"Heh. Thanks to you Special Summoning a monster, I can now activate Number 15's effect." IV explained. "By using 1 Xyz Material, I can destroy your Special Summoned monster."
"Humph." Vector grunted as Giant Killer absorbed the set Shaddoll Beast before it shattered. "No matter. When Shaddoll Beast is sent to the GY via an effect, I get to draw 1 card."
"Fine." IV remarked as he grabbed 2 cards from his hand. "I set 2 cards to end my turn. (Vector's hand: 4 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 1 card. IV's LP: 4000.) "It's your move, psychotic freak."
"Yes it is. I draw!" Vector declared as he did so. (Vector's hand: 5 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 1 card. IV's LP: 4000.) Vector looked at the card he drew and if he had a mouth right about now, he'd be smiling. "What do we have here? A nice card just for me? Yup! I believe so!"
"This doesn't seem well." Astrana frowned.
"I activate Shaddoll Fusion!" Vector grinned. The spell card appeared onto his field. "Thanks to this, I can Fusion Summon a Shaddoll monster using monsters from my hand, and/or field. However, should my opponent control a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, I can use monsters from my Deck instead!"
"From his Deck?!" Yuma and Alito gaped.
"I fuse Shaddoll Squamata and Naelshaddoll Ariel from my Deck!" Vector grinned as he sent both monsters from his Deck to the GY. Afterwards, a Fusion Portal appeared above the field. "Cursed knights armor and tainted ritualist become the eternal darkness that becomes my demonic power! Fusion Summon! Descend now! Level 9! El Shaddoll Anoyatyllis!" Out of the Fusion Portal came forth a female demon covered in ice, with strings extending outwards from its body. (El Shaddoll Anoyatyllis, Level 9 WATER Fiend-type Fusion monster, ATK/DEF: 2700/2000. Vector's hand: 4 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 1 card. IV's LP: 4000.)
"Thanks to this card's power, neither of us can Special Summon monsters from either our hands or GYs with Spell/Trap cards." Vector explained. "But that's not all! Naelshaddoll Ariel and Shaddoll Squamata's effect activate! See, Squamata lets me send 1 Shaddoll card from my Deck to the GY. So I choose Shaddoll Falco for this." A card ejected out of his Deck; thus sending it to his GY. "After that, Noelshaddoll Ariel's effect kicks in! Now I banish your Bisque and Dreary Dolls from your GY! Can't have you give yourself more monsters or protection, now can we?"
"He's playing the field and the GY." Antares frowned.
"One of Shaddolls specialties." Darka grimaced.
"Tch….! So what?" IV shot back. "I can still fight!"
"Perhaps." Vector admitted. "But you will fail to beat me in the end! Due to Falco's effect when it's sent to the GY via an effect, I can Special Summon it face-down!" The monster appeared onto Vector's field face-down.
"Now for battle." Vector grinned. "Battle! El Shaddoll Anoyatyllis, attack Giant Killer!" The ice fiend monster launched an icy string attack at Number 15. "I'm well aware that Number monsters can only be destroyed by other Number monsters, but you'll still take the damage!" The attack connected, making IV groan as his LP decreased. (IV's LP: 4000 - 1200 = 2800. Vector's hand: 4 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 1 card. IV's LP: 2800.)
"IV!" V and III gasped.
"I'm fine you 2!" IV told them.
"Really now?" Vector laughed as he gestured to one of his two face-downs. "Not for long you won't! I activate the Continuous Trap, Shaddoll Core! Thanks to its effect, it's not only Summoned to my field as a monster, but I can treat its attribute as any attribute that I desire!" A brown-furred beast-like creature appeared onto Vector's field. (Shaddoll Core, Level 9 DARK Spellcaster-type monster, ATK/DEF: 1450/1950. Vector's hand: 4 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 1 card. IV's LP: 2800.)
"Level 9." Astrana frowned.
"He now has 2 Level 9 monsters." Astral remarked. Vector glanced at Astral and Astrana, then sneered.
"If you 2 seriously think my Battle Phase is over, or if I'm gonna Xyz Summon using those 2 Level 9's, then you'd be 100% wrong!" Vector revealed. "See, I still have 1 more set card to play. Care to guess what it is? Well come on! Any takers?" Darka grew wide eyed.
"It couldn't be…!" She gasped.
"I activate El Shaddoll Fusion!" Vector grinned. "Now I fuse Shaddoll Core on my field with Qadshaddoll Keios in my hand!" The 2 monsters flew up into the Fusion Portal above Vector's field. "Core of the shadows and tortured dark angel puppet be reborn as an eternal darkness that becomes my demonic power! Fusion Summon! Come forth! Level 6! El Shaddoll Apkallone!" Out of the Fusion Portal came forth a corrupted version of Evigishki Mind Angus. (El Shaddoll Apkallone, Level 6 DARK Spellcaster-type Fusion monster, ATK/DEF: 2500/2000. Vector's hand: 3 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 1 card. IV's LP: 2800.)
"Qadshaddoll Keios and Core's effects activate, in addition to Apkallone's!" Vector announced. "Due to Keios, I send Shaddoll Beast in my hand to the GY to increase the ATK/DEF of all my monsters by 500 until the end of this turn. So Apkollone has 3000 ATK and 2500. Anoyatyliis's ATK/DEF are 3200/2500, but her stats don't matter since she already attacked. It's Apkallone's ATK I care about! As for Core, since he was sent to the GY via an effect, I can add 1 Shaddoll Spell/Trap from my GY to my hand, except himself. I choose Shaddoll Fusion. Also, Apkallone's effect negates the effects of Number 15: Giant Killer! Ha!" Number 15 greyed out as Vector drew a card from his Deck via Shaddoll Beast's effect. (Vector's hand: 4 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 1 card. IV's LP: 2800.)
"Oh no! Now regular monsters can destroy Number 15!" III gaped.
"That's right!" Vector laughed as he thrusted his right hand forward. "Battle! Apkallone, attack Number 15: Giant Killer!" The corrupted Evigishki Mind Angus unleashed an attack from its Gishki Aquamirror; thus the mirror's light shattered the giant machine puppet. IV cried out as the shockwave launched him backwards; landing on his back further from his starting position. (IV's LP: 2800 - 1500 = 1300. Vector's hand: 4 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 1 card. IV's LP: 1300.)
"Ha! Just look at you!" Vector taunted. "I haven't even Summoned a Number monster yet! Man! You humans really are weak!"
"IV!" Yuma gasped.
"Give up you weakling!" Vector sneered.
"Urk…! I will not….!" IV spoke softly as he stood up to face Vector. His facial expression filled with nothing but determination. "I will defeat you! For Manami's sake! And for Ryoga's sake!"
"Ha! Even if you beat me, it won't matter!" Vector laughed darkly. "Alas, I think you've suffered enough for now. So I end my turn with 2 set cards." (Vector's hand: 2 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 1 card. IV's LP: 1300.) At that, IV smiled.
"Now that it's your End Phase, I activate the Trap, Puppet Parade!" IV revealed as said set card flipped face-up. "Due to this Trap, since you control more monsters than me, I can Special Summon Gimmick Puppet monsters from my Deck up to the difference. Since the difference is 3, I can Special Summon up to 3 Gimmick Puppet monsters from my Deck. But! If you have at least 2000 more LP than me, which you do, I can instantly set 1 Rank-Up-Magic Normal Spell directly from my Deck!"
"Uh-oh…" Vector gulped.
"A Rank Up Magic Spell?!" Girag gaped.
"I knew it." Hotaru sighed with a smirk.
"Shark you actually?" Yuma gaped. Shark turned to Yuma and nodded.
"Yup." Shark replied.
"As for the 3 monsters, I shall Special Summon Gimmick Puppet Terror Baby, Gimmick Puppet Gear Changer, and Gimmick Puppet Humpty Dumpty!" All 3 emerged onto IV's field. (Gimmick Puppet Terror Baby, Level 4 DARK Machine-type monster, ATK/DEF: 500/0. Gimmick Gear Changer, Level 1 EARTH Machine-type monster, ATK/DEF: 100. Gimmick Puppet Humpty Dumpty, Level 4 DARK Machine-type monster, ATK/DEF: 0/100. Vector's hand: 2 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 1 card. IV's LP: 1300.) Afterwards, IV placed his right hand on top of his Deck. "It's my turn Vector! I draw!" (Vector's hand: 2 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 2 cards. IV's LP: 1300.) IV looked at the card he drew, then he gestured to his newly set card thanks to his Puppet Parade Trap.
"I activate Rank-Up-Magic: The Seventh One!" IV announced as the set card revealed itself.
"Like I thought!" Hotaru gaped.
"You actually gave him the Seventh One." Rio remarked to her brother. Shark glanced at Rio and nodded.
"Yes I did." Shark remarked. "I may not like it, but I trust IV to use it."
"Kuh….! I didn't expect that bastard to give you his Over-Hundred Number…..!" Vector clenched his fists.
"Then you know what's coming!" IV grinned. "From my Extra Deck, I Special Summon Number 101: Silent Honors Ark Knight!"
"Number 101?!" Yuma gaped.
"So this is your Over-Hundred Number." Darka remarked, as the ship-like monster appeared onto the field. IV clenched his right hand into a fist and raised his right arm upwards.
"You should know what's coming next, Vector." IV grinned. "Due to the Seventh One's effect, I rebuild the overlay network with Silent Honors Ark Knight!" They all watched, stunned as Ark Knight went into the Overlay Network. "Appear Number: C101! Guardian of the souls that have yet to mature, become the dark knight and crush the light! Silent Honors Dark Knight!" Out of the Overlay Network came forth the dark-armored knight. (Number C101: Silent Honors Dark Knight, Rank 5 WATER Aqua-type Xyz monster, ATK/DEF: 2800/1500. Xyz Material(s): 1. Vector's hand: 2 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 2 cards. IV's LP: 1300.)
"A black knight…" Hotaru muttered.
"Humph! Big deal!" Vector laughed. "You may have more monsters than me, but that doesn't matter!"
"Think again dumbass." IV smirked.
"Huh?" Vector wondered aloud. He took a look at IV's 2 Level 4s, then it dawned on him. "No! Not a Rank 4 Xyz!"
"Yes a Rank 4 Xyz!" IV grinned. "And with the help of this Rank 4, I shall be victorious! I overlay my Level 4 Gimmick Puppet Humpty Dumpty and Terror Baby!" Both monsters turned into dark energy streams before the portal exploded. "Malicious puppets formed from the strings of grief and pain strike fear from the deepest of darkness! Xyz Summon! Rise! Rank 4! Gimmick Puppet Gigantes Doll!" A doll with multiple colors and different schemes from other Gimmick Puppets emerged onto IV's field. (Gimmick Puppet Gigantes Doll, Rank 4 DARK Machine-type Xyz monster, ATK/DEF: 0/2000. Xyz Materials: 2. Vector's hand: 2 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 2 cards. IV's LP: 1300.)
"Aaah!" Alito and Yuma yelped, shocked by the monster's appearance.
"A new Gimmick Puppet Xyz." Astral remarked.
"No doubt encased with IV's sorrow for what happened to Manami." Astrana added sadly.
"As creepy as your new monster is, it has no ATK." Vector remarked. "So whatever you plan to do with it won't help you!" At those words, IV's lips formed a smile.
"You sure about that?"
"What?" Vector questioned.
"Let me show how powerful "humans" can be!" IV revealed. "I activate Gimmick Puppet Gigantes Doll's effect! By using both of its overlay units, I can target 2 monsters you control and take control of them!"
"What?!" Vector gaped as both his Fusion monsters went from his field to IV's field. "My Fusion monsters!"
"The major downside is that I cannot Special Summon any monsters, except Gimmick Puppet monsters, also, I cannot attack with any monsters, except Xyz monsters." IV explained as he grinned. "But considering I brought Number C101 out beforehand, that downside doesn't really apply to me, now does it?"
"Damn you….!" Vector growled before he chuckled. "So what? I still have my Shaddoll Falco set on my field! Attacking him would allow me to revive a Shaddoll monster from my GY in face-down Defense Position!"
"Why do I get the feeling that won't matter with your Chaos Number." Hotaru deadpanned, glancing at Shark.
"IV may be a hothead, but he can still think straight despite that." Shark retorted. "He's going to ensure he wins. Just watch."
"I activate Gigantes Doll's 2nd effect!" IV revealed. "By Tributing it, all monsters I control become Level 8 until the end of this turn! But that's not going to matter!" All 3 of IV's remaining monsters glowed as there Levels became 8.
"3 Level 8 monsters…." Vector spoke before his purple eyes widened. "No…..! You can't be Summoning that…!"
"Seems you've figured it out." IV remarked as he clenched his right hand and raised his right arm upward. "I overlay my Level 8 Gimmick Gear Changer with El Shaddolls Apkallone and Anoyatyliis!" All 3 monsters turned into orange, blue, and dark streams of energy that went into the Overlay Network, which then exploded. "Come forth Number 88! The King of the strings of fate unleash your rage toward the demons! Xyz Summon! Descend now! Number 88: Gimmick Puppet - Destiny Leo!" Out of the portal came a lion sitting on what appeared to be a throne. (Number 88: Gimmick Puppet - Destiny Leo, Rank 8 DARK Machine-type Xyz monster, ATK/DEF: 3200/2300. Xyz Materials: 3. Vector's hand: 2 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 2 cards. IV's LP: 1300.)
"IV's true trump card is finally here." V remarked.
"With this, if IV uses all of Destiny Leo's Overlay Units, then he can win." Astral said.
"That'd require him to sit around for 3 turns Astral." Shark pointed out. "And I don't think IV intends to wait that long."
"And that isn't his style." Hotaru sighed. IV closed his eyes and placed his right hand to his chest.
I can do this! IV thought. He opened his eyes and gestured to Number 88.
"I activate Number 88's effect!" IV announced. "By using 1 overlay unit, Leo gains a Destiny Counter!"
"And cost yourself your Battle Phase?! How sad!" Vector sneered.
"It's not." IV grinned as he pulled a card from his hand. "I activate Xyz Giff! Since I have at least 2 Xyz monsters, I can detach 2 Xyz Materials to draw 2 cards! I detach 2 materials from Leo!" Both materials detached from the Xyz monster; thus allowing IV to draw 2 cards. He looked at the 2 cards and nodded. "It's over you bastard!"
"Really?" Vector sneered. "Without a Battle Phase, how do you plan to win?"
"I don't need a Battle Phase to kick your ass!" IV shot back.
"What's he mean?" Alito wondered aloud.
"The card he drew..." III wondered.
"I activate Rank-Up-Magic Argent Chaos Force!" IV announced.
"Argent Chaos?!" Durbe gasped.
"An artificial Rank Up Magic." Darka mused.
"A card I made to counter the Barians." V explained.
"You should know what this does!" IV grinned. "It allows me to rank up my Number 88 into a Chaos Number!"
"He's going to make Number 88 a Chaos Number…!" Sirius stared, stunned.
"I rebuild the overlay network with Number 88: Gimmick Puppet - Destiny Leo!" Said monster flew into the now dark purple portal, which not only exploded, but IV's crest glowed a bright purple; thus making him wince. "Appear Chaos Numbers 88! Roar, wild soul. Awaken the anger, that lays everything to ruin! Gimmick Puppet - Disaster Leo!" Out of the portal came forth a flaming lion standing on top of a massive bomb. (Number C88: Gimmick Puppet - Disaster Leo, Rank 9 DARK Machine-type monster, ATK/DEF: 3500/2500. Xyz Material(s): 1. Vector's hand: 2 cards. Vector's LP: 4000. IV's hand: 2 cards. IV's LP: 1300.)
"It's huge!" Yuma gaped.
"So that is Chaos Number 88." Astral gasped.
"What the hell is that?!" Vector gaped as he stepped back in surprise.
"This card will make sure you pay for what you've done, Vector!" IV yelled.
"Oh really now?" Vector mocked. "Last I checked, you skipped your own Battle Phase!"
"And I already told you that I don't need a Battle Phase to win!" IV retorted hotly.
"Now I get it. Disaster Leo's effect." Hotaru frowned.
"I activate Disaster Leo's effect!" IV grinned. "By using 1 overlay unit, you take 4000 points of damage!" At that, Vector's purple eyes widened.
"4-4-4000 points of damage?!" Vector stammered in complete and utter shock.
"With an effect like that, it's IV's win!" III smiled.
"This is for the suffering you have caused Vector." IV spoke. "The pain that Manami and Ryoga have been put through and even to do what you did to Manami in cold blood! This is where you'll pay!" The flames from Disaster Leo's mouth flew towards Vector, who had a panicked look on his face as he activated one of his set cards as soon as the flames exploded on Vector's side of the field.
"He did it!" Yuma gasped.
Is it really over…? Hotaru thought, shocked.
"It's over." IV spoke, almost out of breath. "I-" He stopped when he heard dark laughter from within the explosion.
"I have to admit that you're not half bad." Vector grinned as the smoke cleared. "But it seems that you failed to drop my LP to 0! I activated the Trap Damage Diet to halve that effect damage!" (Vector's LP: 4000 - 2000 = 2000. Vector's hand: 2 cards. Vector's LP: 2000. IV's hand: 2 cards. IV's LP: 1300.) At that, IV's lips formed a sly smile and he began to laugh.
"What's so funny?!" Vector demanded. "Your effect damage failed!"
"Ha! That wasn't my aim at all!" IV grinned.
"It wasn't?" Vector repeated.
"What does he mean by that?" Kotori wondered, confused.
Once I end my turn, I win. IV thought.
"I end my-" IV began, but then Vector interrupted; fury within his voice.
"I won't let you end your turn yet, IV!" Vector snarled. "I cannot believe you've forced me to play this card! I activate…...Super Polymerization!"
"Super Polymerization?!" Darka stood, shocked.
"IV!" III cried out.
"At the cost of discarding 1 card, I can Fusion Summon 1 Fusion monster from my Extra Deck by using monsters from either side of the field!" Vector explained as he discarded 1 card from his hand. "I shall fuse my set Shaddoll Falco with your Number C88: Gimmick Puppet - Disaster Leo!"
"To think he had a card like that...!" Astral gasped.
"I should've known…!" Hotaru hissed. IV watched in utmost horror as his Disaster Leo and Shaddoll Falco flew into the Fusion Portal above Vector. "Faithful bird puppet and enraged lion of chaos be reborn as an eternal darkness that becomes my demonic power! Fusion Summon! Come forth! Level 5! El Shaddoll Winda!" Out of the Fusion Portal came forth a corrupted Ritual Beast Tamer Wen. (El Shaddoll Winda, Level 5 DARK Spellcaster-type monster, ATK/DEF: 2200/800. Vector's hand: 1 card. Vector's LP: 2000. IV's hand: 2 cards. IV's LP: 1300.)
"Not only has he Summoned a new Fusion monster, but now IV is just down to Number C101: Silent Honors Dark Knight on his field." Rio frowned.
"Dark Knight may have higher Attack power, but if Vector tries anything." Misael began.
"It's all over." Shane finished with a scowl.
"I end my turn." IV scoffed. (Vector's hand: 1 card. Vector's LP: 2000. IV's hand: 2 cards. IV's LP: 1300.)
"Then it's my turn!" Vector grinned. "Draw!" (Vector's hand: 2 cards. Vector's LP: 2000. IV's hand: 2 cards. IV's LP: 1300.) Vector looked at his hand and grins. "Perfect."
"That look…" Sirius paled.
"IV…!" Hotaru grimaced.
"I banish Qadshaddoll Keios and Shaddoll Falco from my GY in order to Special Summon from my hand Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning." Vector continued. A warrior wearing blue and gold armor appeared onto Vector's field. (Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning, Level 8 LIGHT Warrior-type monster, ATK/DEF: 3000/2500. Vector's hand: 1 card. Vector's LP: 2000. IV's hand: 2 cards. IV's LP: 1300.)
"Black Luster Soldier?!" Yuma gaped.
"This isn't good." Darka paled.
"Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning has 2 effects." Astral noted. "The question is, which one will Vector go for?"
"With an attack of 3000, he could use the effect that allows him to attack again once he destroys Dark Knight." Astrana frowned. "But then there is Dark Knight's effect to think about and he could banish it instead…"
"Battle!" Vector declared. "Black Luster Soldier, attack Silent Honors Dark Knight!"
"You do know that Numbers can only be destroyed by other Numbers, right?" IV inquired.
"Oh I'm aware." Vector retorted. "But I activate my last face-down, Lost Wind! This negates Silent Honor Dark Knight's effects and halve its ATK!" Silent Honors Dark Knight glowed red as its ATK fell to 1400. Now instead of taking 200 damage, you're taking 1600 damage! Goodbye IV!" Black Luster Soldier swung its sword across C101's chest; thus destroying it and causing an explosion on IV's field. "Ha! I've won!"
"Do not underestimate IV, Vector." Shark warned.
"Ha! What can he possibly do to survive?" Vector mocked. "I don't care what his face-down card is!"
"You sure about that?" Durbe questioned.
"What?" Vector questioned. As soon as the smoke cleared, IV's face-down card was revealed to be Half Unbreak. "Gah! Damn you! Fine! El Shaddoll Winda, attack C101!" The dark spellcaster did just that; thus causing a shockwave that made IV skid backwards and he fell to one knee. (IV's LP: 1300 - 800 - 400 = 100. Vector's hand: 1 card. Vector's LP: 2000. IV's hand: 2 cards. IV's LP: 100.) "So you managed to survive 100 LP, huh? Fine! I set 1 card and end my turn!" (Vector's hand: 0 cards. Vector's LP: 2000. IV's hand: 2 cards. IV's LP: 100.)
"He managed to survive." Antares sighed.
"But he only has 100 LP." Kaito frowned.
"You might as well quit now IV!" Vector mocked. "Thanks to Winda, both of us can only Special Summon monster(s) once per turn!"
"I'm…...not quitting!" IV shot back, surprising Vector. "If I gave up now, then I'd be a failure!"
"IV…." V frowned.
"Says the guy with only 100 LP!" Vector laughed.
"I'll succeed!" IV vowed. "I'll beat you! I draw!" (Vector's hand: 0 cards. Vector's LP: 2000. IV's hand: 3 cards. IV's LP: 100.)
"I've already told you!" Vector scowled. "Even if you win, nothing changes! Your victory will be an empty one!"
"Not true!" IV shot back. "If I beat you, then Manami will be avenged!"
"Ha! Ridiculous!" Vector mocked. "If anyone should be avenging her, it should be Nasch or Merag! Not someone like you!"
"He has just as much a right!" Hotaru snapped. "Manami was like his little sister and he cherished her dearly! He has every right to the chance to avenge her just as much as those 2!"
"Ha! Regardless, it's completely and utterly useless!" Vector sneered. "All that fool can do now is defend with a Number that's not even his!"
"He's not wrong and using that Over-Hundred Number must be taking a toll onto IV." Shane grimaced.
"It is." Shark frowned. "I knew letting him borrow my Over-Hundred Number would be risky, but considering that he'd do literally anything for Mana… I felt compelled to allow him to use it." IV's breath began to speed up.
The longer I keep C101 on my field, the more energy it drains from me and my crest. IV thought. I have to win this turn if I want this pain to stop.
The moment he tries to get rid of my El Shaddoll Winda, I'll activate my set card. Vector thought. Hotaru clutched her hands tightly.
If only I went sooner if only I was faster…! She thought. Will I have to stand aside once again…?! IV grabbed a card from his hand.
"I activate the Spell, Junk Puppet." IV began. "I can bring back 1 Gimmick Puppet monster from my GY. So return! Number C88: Gimmick Puppet - Disaster Leo!" The flaming lion sitting on top of the detonator re-emerged onto IV's field.
"That's fine!" Vector retorted. "Because now Lost Wind's 2nd effect activates! When you Special Summon a monster(s), I can set this card from my GY to my field. But if I use it after it has re-set itself, Lost Wind is then banished."
"And I've used my 1 Special Summon this turn." IV remarked. "However! I still plan to win!"
"Oh really?" Vector mocked. "Then go ahead and attack me if you dare!"
"Then consider it done!" IV shot back. "Battle! Disaster Leo, attack Winda!" The flaming lion unleashed a barrage of flames towards Winda, aiming to destroy her and deal 1300 damage to Vector. The flames connected and caused an explosion on Vector's side of the field.
"Did he get him?" Alito wondered aloud.
"I can't see with the smoke, but surely." Girag grunted.
"No…" Hotaru paled.
"Ahahaha! Man! You almost had me there IV!" Vector grinned as the smoke cleared, his 2000 LP untouched. "But thanks to El Shaddoll Fusion, I've gotten a new Fusion monster for you to contend with! Meet El Shaddoll Construct!" Out of the Fusion Portal came forth a fairy-like monster that had several purple strings extending from its body. (El Shaddoll Construct, Level 8 LIGHT Fairy-type Fusion monster, ATK/DEF: 2800/2500. Vector's hand: 0 cards. Vector's LP: 2000. IV's hand: 2 cards. IV's LP: 100.)
"He managed to counter it!" III gasped.
"And that Fusion monster…" Darka frowned.
"First of all, El Shaddoll Construct's effect allows me to send 1 Shaddoll card from my Deck to the GY." Vector explained. "So I'll be sending Shaddoll Core to my GY. After that, Core and Winda's effects activate! They allow me to retrieve Shaddoll Fusion and El Shaddoll Fusion straight to my hand!" 2 cards ejected out of Vector's duel disk; thus he added them to his hand.
"In that case, I will activate Gimmick Vengeance!" IV announced. "Now you take damage equal to Disaster Leo's ATK!" A beam of energy shot out of IV's spell and straight towards Vector.
"I would be taking 3500 damage, if it wasn't for Damage Diet's GY effect!" Vector countered. "By banishing it, I only take half the damage!" The beam still connected; thus making an explosion on Vector's side of the field and said sadist Barian cried out as he was launched backward; landing on his back. (Vector's LP: 2000 - 1750 = 250. Vector's hand: 2 cards. Vector's LP: 250. IV's hand: 1 card. IV's LP: 100.)
To think a mere human could push me this far…..! Vector thought angrily as he stood back up.
"You've just made a grave error, Vector." IV smiled. "Because without Winda, I can Special Summon as many times as I want."
"Ugh…..! Perhaps….." Vector begrudgingly admitted. "But I highly doubt that the last card in your hand is a monster." He then chuckled darkly. "And even if it is, what good will it do you?" IV looked at the last card in his hand, then back at Vector and his field.
"It is a monster, Vector." IV told him. "A monster that'll lead to my victory!"
"I've already told you that beating me doesn't change anything!" Vector snapped, irritation in his voice.
"You're right. But you'll be all softened up for Hotaru to bring you back to your senses." IV grinned.
"Thomas…!" Hotaru gaped.
"I Tribute Number C101 in order to Special Summon Gimmick Puppet Nightmare from my hand!" IV announced. A red-skinned machine monster appeared onto IV's field. (Gimmick Puppet Nightmare, Level 8 DARK Machine-type monster, ATK/DEF: 1000/2000. Vector's hand: 2 cards. Vector's LP: 250. IV's hand: 0 cards. IV's LP: 100.)
"Due to Nightmare's effect, it treats itself as 2 Xyz Materials for an Xyz Summon." IV explained as he raised his right arm upward. "I now overlay my Level 8 Gimmick Puppet Nightmare!" The singular monster turned into a dark energy stream and soared into the Overlay Network Portal, which exploded. "Xyz Summon! Appear Number 40! The angel strings shall descend upon the fate of the skies! Gimmick Puppet - Heaven's Strings!" Out of the portal came forth a humanoid machine with long blue hair that covered one of its left eye. (Number 40: Gimmick Puppet - Heaven's Strings, Rank 8 DARK Machine-type Xyz monster, ATK/DEF: 3000/2000. Xyz Material(s): 1. Vector's hand: 2 cards. Vector's LP: 250. IV's hand: 0 cards. IV's LP: 100.)
"Whoa!"
"Rank-Up-Magic Argent Chaos Force's effect in my GY!" IV revealed. "Once per Duel, if I Special Summon a Rank 5 or higher Xyz monster, I can add it back to my hand!" The card ejected out of IV's duel disk; thus he took it. Afterwards, he thrusted his right hand forward. "Heaven's Strings' effect! By using 1 Xyz Material, he can place a String Counter on each face-up monster on the field!"
"Each face-up monster?!" Vector repeated, surprised.
"Even itself?!" Alito gaped.
"Except for itself." Durbe corrected. "Not like that'd matter even if a String Counter could be placed on itself."
"Durbe is right!" IV grinned as he revealed Argent Chaos Force. "This is my final card! And the one the card that will end you! I activate Rank-Up-Magic Argent Chaos Force! By doing this, I rebuild the Overlay Network with Number 40! Chaos Xyz Change! Appear, Chaos Numbers 40! Using the fruits of human wisdom, I revive the devil! Gimmick Puppet - Devil's Strings!" Out of the portal came forth a dark armored machine with yellowish-orange hair, and like its previous form, its left eye was covered by its hair. (Number C40 Gimmick Puppet - Devil's Strings, Rank 9 DARK Machine-type monster, ATK/DEF: 3300/2000. Xyz Material(s): 1. Vector's hand: 2 cards. Vector's LP: 250. IV's hand: 0 cards. IV's LP: 100.)
"So that's your 2nd Chaos Number…" Vector mused.
"And the last thing you'll ever see before you're pummeled!" IV grinned. "Devil String's effect! Upon its Special Summon, it destroys all monsters with String Counters! Then! You take damage equal to the monster with the highest ATK among those destroyed monsters!"
"The one with the highest ATK is Disaster Leo, which has 3500 ATK." Astral remarked.
"Vector only has 250 LP; and with this effect." Astrana smiled.
"IV wins!" Yuma grinned.
"Even with Damage Diet's effect still active for this turn, Vector can't save himself." Durbe added. "1750 damage is still higher than 250." Vector clenched his fists as both monsters shattered.
"Damn you…..!" Vector growled as several beams of energy came down onto Vector; thus creating several explosions. Vector went flying backwards and landed on his back. Despite the beating he took, he managed to stay in his Barian form. (Vector's LP: 250 - 1750 = 0.) "How could I lose…. To a mere human?!..."
"I beat him…" IV panted, before kneeling with a wince.
Looks like I took more strain from Ryoga's Over-Hundred Number than I thought… Then again, he is the King. It's no wonder…
"Damn you…!" They all looked up shocked to see Vector standing as a familiar dark shape began to take form, behind him.
"That monster!" Rio gasped.
"IV get out of there!" Shark yelled.
"Damn you IV!" Vector yelled. "Kill him Chaos Marionetter!" The dark shape took the form of a grotesque red fiend creature appearing with a cry before launching its tentacles toward IV.
"IV!" III and V yelled.
"Shit can't move…!" IV winced. Ningyo…! But before the tentacles could reach him IV suddenly saw a small light to his shock before the creature shrieked in pain he looked up with a gasp as did the rest to see a scythe the blade pierced the ground after having just cut High Manipulator's tentacles while it shrieked in pain before disappearing. "What?!" Vector snarled.
"You shouldn't be a sore loser Vector." They all looked to see Hotaru walking up balls of light circling her as she picked up her scythe. "It just makes your loss more pathetic." She frowned.
"Hotaru…!" Vector snarled.
"Firefly…" IV gasped. Hotaru faced IV before smiling softly and walked to move down and gently bump her forehead with his. "Thank you Thomas I'm truly grateful Mimi found a great brother in you." She thanked.
Mimi? Does she mean Manami? IV thought.
Hotaru gently patted IV's scarred cheek before she moved away from him and glared at Vector letting her scythe disappear in black flames. "It's time we finish this Vector." She spoke. Vector scoffed looking at the small lights around them.
"Fireflies. Hmph you truly live up to your nickname huh Fire?" He mocked amusedly.
"I've been called firefly nearly my whole first life. I always knew it was gonna catch up to me in this one." She scoffed, getting her cigarette box out.
"Hmph well I know what you're gonna try to do and you can stop while you're ahead. I'm not the same prince you know." Vector sneered.
"You're right you're not." She remarked idly, cigarette in mouth now as she lit it. "You're just a puppet to a dark god and nothing more. A far cry to the ruler I held dear."
"What was that?!" He snapped, as she blew smoke.
"That's why I'll gladly burn your strings and that god too if I can." She smirked. "So care to join in Shark?"
"You're asking?" Shark questioned.
"I know you want a crack at him so come here or I'll change my mind." She scoffed, blowing smoke.
"Hmph whether you did or not I'd still participate." Shark scoffed, coming over to her side. "No matter how much you hate me."
At this she raised an eyebrow. "Who the hell said I hated you?" She questioned.
"Are you saying you don't?" He questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"Of course not you moron." She sighed, shaking her head. "Honestly there you go jumping the gun too soon, makes me glad Mimi held the trigger better."
'Oi what do you-" Before Shark could retort, Hotaru nonchalantly poked his forehead and before he could snap images came to his mind.
Hotaru was walking on a stone path with 2 bouquets of daffodils in her hands before she reached where 2 graves laid, she saw Manami there kneeling down and clasping her hands in prayer and bouquets of forget-me-nots on the graves. Hotaru walked to kneel next to her and laid the daffodils with the forget-me-nots making Manami open her eyes. "Fire." She spoke softly. "I never expected you to come here yourself."
"The kids told me you'd be here so I decided to come." Hotaru replied. "Besides, I figured I'd see them sometime."
"And here I thought you hated Nasch and Merag." Manami said with a weak smile.
"No, I respect Merag, especially what she had done, as for Nasch." Hotaru smirked. "I respect him as a king just mad at him as a father."
Manami blinked shocked before she covered her mouth to muffle her chuckles. "Harsh yet truthful as always." She stated with a knowing smile.
"Heh though I bet he and I would have got along in the end I heard many stories about him from Sirius." Hotaru replied with a small smile. "Despite seeming harsh he was a king to the people, that is something you have to admire."
Manami smiled as she looked to the graves. "I know for a fact you would like Merag you 2 would get into so much trouble with schemes." She smiled.
"Ha! I like her already." Hotaru smirked.
"And Nasch… You 2 share the loyalty for the people you wish to protect." Manami spoke softly, tugging on her blue beaded necklace "You're both stubborn, brave, and value your people."
Hotaru looked at Manami rubbing her wing with a light smile. "Yeah I feel like I would like that guy." She said with a close eyed smile.
Shark grew wide eyed as the memory vanished looking at Hotaru who blew more smoke before he smirked. "If anything you're more stubborn than me." He replied.
"Haha!" She barked a laugh. "Ah I aint gonna deny that now then let's get started Shark."
"Right." Shark agreed.
"Ryoga." IV spoke, holding out Shark's Over-Hundred Number and the Seventh One. "Here in the end they are best with you."
Shark looked at IV before taking back his cards. "Thank you IV and thank you for fighting for Manami." He said.
IV looked surprised but smiled and nodded as he moved back while Shark stepped to stand with Hotaru and Vector grunted.
"Alright then it's about time I put an end to both of you once and for all!" Vector yelled.
"Yet you couldn't beat a regular human." Shark smirked. "I would count Yuma in that equation, but he classifies as "not regular" because he has Astral."
"Shut up! None of that will matter once I consume you and the rest of the lot and take your powers." Vector snapped.
"Whatever you say, Vector." Shark shrugged.
"Enough talk, it's time to start this battle." Hotaru said, blowing smoke. "Hope you're prepared Vector you won't get an ounce of mercy from either of us."
"Fine by me, Firefly!" Vector grinned darkly. "I don't give mercy to anyone. Especially not to a traitor like you!"
Shingetsu-sama, know that no matter what… Hotaru thought, before frowning, activating her duel disk and D-Gazer. "Let's do this Shark!"
"Right." Shark nodded, activating his duel disk. Vector did the same.
"DUEL!"
Aurasoul: And that is that!
Hotaru: So me and Shark against Vector huh?
Aurasoul: Oh yeah its gonna be hectic, so until then everyone please read and review!