So, I understand that Namikaze Yo commented on how the Deck of Akiru is styled like Kite's. While he's close, it's not geared primarily towards the Galaxy-Eyes, nor is it a Photon deck. It's a personal recipe of my own creation. At any rate, the next Number is about to be revealed.
Chapter Three
Ghosts n' Stuff
(Kurokage's Cabin, 0200 Hours)
Shiki tossed and turned in her sleep, having a nightmare of being chased by a skeleton-like creature in a dark robe with a giant scythe. As it swung, she woke up in a cold sweat. Putting her head in her hands, she whimpered softly. "The same dream again... Why does this keep happening?!" Murakumo slept peacefully beside her, with Shiki glad that her sister could sleep well, unlike her. In another room, Yumi woke up with a bad feeling. Looking around, she took a glance out the window, her mind restless. 'Something does not feel right...'
Meanwhile, in Asakusa, Akiru was looking through his Numbers, 32 in all, when he sensed something. Looking into the distance, he grimaced. "Another Number is beginning to awaken..." As he thought this, a voice spoke in his mind. 'This one doesn't seem particularly powerful.' Akiru answered, "Still, we should look into it. This could spell disaster if left unchecked." Another voice spoke up. 'I agree with the Hunter. Though not very powerful, it could indeed become a threat in the future.' Akiru chuckled. "That's two against one. Unless Cipher wants to chime in."
The mentioned "Cipher" spoke up. 'It matters not to me. I merely wish to face an opponent soon.' Akiru chuckled. "Don't worry, you'll get your chance." Looking towards the location where he sensed the Number's aura, he continued, "I get the feeling that the other two would be overkill, anyway."
(The next morning)
Yumi was going through some papers when Shiki knocked on the door to get her attention. Upon seeing the expression on her sister's face, Yumi asked, "Is everything all right, Shiki?" The blond sat down across from her and said, "I keep having the same nightmare every night ever since we first got to the cabin. I'm being chased by what looks like a grim reaper, but before it can kill me, the dream ends." Yumi thought it over. "Have you been watching any of those horror movies you're so interested in?" Shiki shook her head. "No, not here. It doesn't feel right to do that."
The gray-haired girl nodded, then said, "Perhaps your mind is merely stressed. You may find meditation can help with that." Shiki sighed. "I tried that. It isn't working." Yumi grew concerned at hearing that. It was then that an idea came to her mind. "Perhaps a Duel would help." Shiki thought it over, then shrugged. "It'd be totally fun, if nothing else." Yumi smiled as the two made their way outside, the others soon following them, unaware of a sixth individual following as well. As the two took position, they activated their Duel Disks and drew their starting hands. As they stood ready, the grey-haired girl noticed the Number Hunter leaning on a nearby tree, watching.
She called out to him. "What business do you have here, Number Hunter?" Facing her, he nodded in recognition. "You were one of the girls who saw my Hunt the other day." The Gessen Leader replied, "Yes. My name is Yumi, granddaughter of Kurokage." Akiru nodded again. "The Renegade Shinobi. I've heard of him." They all stared at him in shock. "You know about Shinobi?!" Akiru nodded a third time. "Yes. Your Shinobi Council discovered that some of the Shinobi had Number Cards, and were concerned about them. They asked me to look into it."
Yumi sighed, then said, "What brings you here, then?" The Hunter replied, "Simple. One of you holds a Number." All five girls looked around at each other in shock. The grey-haired girl turned back to the Hunter, asking, "Surely we would have seen signs of one?" Akiru replied, "Not necessarily. The Number only takes hold when it's first Summoned. I think either you or the blonde is the one holding it." Yumi thought it over. 'This may explain Shiki's nightmare.' Akiru continued. "This Duel will reveal which one of you it is. I'll just watch for now." The grey-haired girl was suspicious, but chose to accept his decision. "Fair enough." The two girls faced each other, ready.
(Yumi: 4000)
(Shiki: 4000)
Yumi announced, "The first turn will be mine, and I Draw!" Looking at her card, she inwardly sighed. 'Not the finest starting hand, but I can make do with it for now.' She selected a card. "I Summon Samurai of the Ice Barrier!"
(Samurai of the Ice Barrier appeared, a level 4 monster with 1800 ATK)
Continuing her turn, Yumi said, "I will activate the ability of Prior of the Ice Barrier in my hand! While I control another Ice Barrier monster, I am able to Summon Prior of the Ice Barrier to my field in Defense Mode!"
(Prior of the Ice Barrier appeared, a level 2 monster with 400 DEF)
Akiru raised an eyebrow. "Interesting..." Yumi continued. "The catch of this effect is that I am unable to Summon any level 5 or higher monsters for the rest of this turn. I will instead place two cards Face-Down and end my turn!" Shiki gripped her top card. "Like, my turn! I Draw!" Looking at her card, she grinned. "I Set a monster Face-Down!" The Hunter looked it over. 'Hmm... Focus...' As he thought this, his right eye turned blue and his left eye turned red, getting the attention of everyone there. Shiki spoke up. "Like, what are you doing?" Akiru answered, "Just checking something. Don't mind me." Yumi faced him. "You can look at Set cards?!"
He answered, "No. I can just tell if the Number fits with the Deck style if it's in her Deck. I'm not seeing any evidence of a connection right now..." Shiki shrugged. "Like, whatever, dude. I'll Set a Card Face-Down and end my turn!" Yumi looked at the Hunter again, wondering how he was able to use his abilities, then focusing on the Duel again. "I Draw!" Looking over her options, she made a plan. "I will Summon Cryomancer of the Ice Barrier!"
(Cryomancer of the Ice Barrier appeared, a level 2 monster with 1300 ATK)
Akiru looked at it with interest. 'So she isn't going for Trishula. It can only mean one thing.' Yumi called out, "I Tune level 2 Cryomancer of the Ice Barrier with level 4 Samurai of the Ice Barrier, to Synchro Summon another of Grandfather's favorite cards! I open the seal of the Ice Barrier, unleashing a monster of true power! Come forth, Brionic, Dragon of the Ice Barrier!" A dragon with a body made of ice appeared, its roar shaking the area around them.
(Brionic, Dragon of the Ice Barrier appeared, a level 6 Synchro monster with 2300 ATK)
Shiki grinned. "I activate my Trap Card, Bottomless Trap Hole!" Yumi was surprised. "Pardon?" Shiki began to explain. "This Trap Card only activates if my opponent Summons a monster with 1500 or more Attack Points! It not only destroys it, but it's Banished instead of being sent to the Graveyard!" Yumi softly growled. "I will not allow that. I activate the Trap Card Spiritual Water Art- Aoi! With this Trap, I can Tribute a WATER monster I control, then take a look at your hand. I can then send one card from your hand straight to the Graveyard." Shiki panicked. "Oh, come on!" Yumi tributed her Grandfather's dragon, then said, "Now, reveal your hand."
Shiki did so, revealing Ghostrick or Treat, Ghostrick Mummy, Ghostrick Warwolf, and Monster Reborn. Akiru chimed in. "Ghostricks, huh? Not a common choice these days." Shiki grinned, unabashed. Yumi made her choice. "I will send Monster Reborn from your hand to the Graveyard." Shiki sighed. "I knew you were gonna pick that one..." She put it in the Graveyard, then faced Yumi. "Still, I got one of your strongest monsters off the field. That counts for something!" Akiru spoke up. "Yes, but it wasn't Banished, meaning she can just Summon it later if she's able to."
Shiki nervously scratched the back of her head. "Eh, good point..." Yumi sighed, and said, "I have already Normal Summoned, but I will leave nothing to chance. For the time being, I will have Prior of the Ice Barrier remain in Defense Mode. That is all I can do for now." Shiki drew her card with a grin, a red glow in her eyes, noticed only by Akiru. 'So, she's the one who has the Number.' "I Flip Summon my Ghostrick Yeti!"
(Ghostrick Yeti appeared: a level 3 monster with 300 ATK)
Yumi wasn't concerned. "That monster is no match for Prior of the Ice Barrier." Shiki was grinning. "Who said I was done? Now I'll show you true power!" Yumi flinched form the tone of voice. 'What was that?!' Akiru spoke up. "It's coming." As the others faced him in shock, Shiki continued. "I Summon Ghostrick Mummy!"
(Ghostrick Mummy appeared: a level 3 monster with 1500 ATK)
Yumi gasped, "I should have known..." Shiki gave the order. "Mummy, attack Prior of the Ice Barrier! I know it won't do damage, but it'll clear the way!" Yumi was quicker. "I activate my Trap, Ice Barrier!" Akiru facepalmed instantly, but let Yumi continue. "It only activates when my opponent declares an attack! It not only drops your monster's Attack Points to zero, but it also nullifies any Special Abilities!" The mummy weakly tried to punch the spellcaster, but was quickly frozen and deflected, Shiki slightly grimacing.
(Ghostrick Mummy's ATK: 0)
(Shiki: 3600)
Akiru faced Yumi. "Why did you use it then?" Yumi faced him. "To protect my only defending monster." He replied, "From one of her own pawns. You should have saved it." Yumi gave him a look, then faced Shiki again, who had a mad grin on her face. "In that case, I'll just go a step further! I Overlay Level 3 Ghhostrick Yeti and Ghostrick Mummy!" As Yumi paled, Akiru faced her. "That's why you should have saved it. The second she played another level 3, I knew she was going to Xyz Summon." Shiki interrupted. "Enough! I'd like to continue my turn, if you don't mind! With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network, and Xyz Summon your worst nightmare!"
Yumi's eyes widened when she saw the familiar galaxy portal. 'Shiki... No...' Shiki called out her chant. "Rise from the darkest depths of hell itself! Appear, Number 48: Shadow Lich!" A dark crystal appeared in front of them, before vanishing in dark smoke and forming the Number, a skeletal figure in a hook and cloak carrying a massive scythe, the Number 48 emblazoned on the blade.
(Number 48: Shadow Lich appeard: a Rank 3 Xyz monster with 1800 ATK and 2 Overlay Units)
Akiru looked it over. "1800 Attack Points..." Yumi was looking at it in concern. 'Does it have a similar ability to that Leviathan Dragon the Number Hunter claimed before?' Shiki continued. "HAHAHAHA! Let's see how you fight a Number! I end my turn!" Yumi shakily drew her card, and looked at it. 'Monster Reborn. That would help if I had some way to get past that Number.' As she thought that, a voice spoke in her mind, one with a strong feminine tone. 'Stand your ground, young one. You have everything you need.' Akiru took notice of this, and looked with interest.
Shiki then spoke up. "I activate my Number's Special Ability! By using one Overlay Unit during your turn, I can Summon a Phantom Token! Hell Summoning!" A smaller version of the Number appeared, but with no Number Crest on the blade of the scythe.
(Phantom Token appeared: a level 1 monster with 500 DEF)
Shiki continued to explain. "While this Token is in play, my Number cannot be attacked, and it gains 500 Attack Points for each Token I control!"
(Shadow Lich's ATK: 2300)
Minori spoke up. "Hey, no fair!" Akiru replied, "That ability isn't that far fetched, actually. There are other cards that have similar effects." Yumi looked over her options, and when she looked at the monster in her hand, the voice spoke again. 'If you desire the power to save your sister, you need only ask.' Yumi then noticed something glowing in her Extra Deck, Akiru noticing as well. "No way... Both of them?!" Yumi took out the glowing card, and watched as it took shape, giving her what she needed to finish this.
"I sacrifice my Prior of the Ice Barrior to Summon Dai-sojo of the Ice Barrier!"
(Dai-sojo of the Ice Barrier appeared: a level 6 monster with 1600 ATK)
Shiki laughed. "What good will that do you?" Akiru answered, "You're about to find out." Yumi chimed in. "That's exactly right. I activate Monster Reborn, to resurrect my Brionic, Dragon of the Ice Barrier!"
(Same as before)
Yozakura noticed the factor as Akiru did. "2 level 6 monsters... But she doesn't have any Xyz monsters." Akiru replied, "Are you sure about that?" Yumi closed her eyes for a moment, then muttered to herself, "Let us see if I do this correctly." Opening her eyes, she called out, "I Overlay level 6 Dai-sojo of the Ice Barrier and Brionic, Dragon of the Ice Barrier! With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" As anothe galaxy portal appeared before them, all of her sisters were shocked by this development. "Spirit of law and order, lend me your might and stand before us! Appear, Number 21: Frozen Lady Justice!" An ice shard appeared, then shattered, before reforming into a humanoid figure, a female, with armor and leggings, the Number 21 glowing on her left leg, a sword in her right hand.
(Number 21: Frozen Lady Justice appeared: a Rank 6 Xyz monster with 500 ATK and 2 Overlay Units)
(Frozen Lady Justice's ATK: 2500)
Shiki spoke up. "Wait a minute! How did its Attack Points go up?!" Yumi answered, "My Number gains 1000 Attack and Defense Points for each Overlay Unit she has! I will now activate my final card, Overlay Regen! This is a Spell Card that only works while I control an Xyz monster. It instantly attaches itself to that Xyz monster as a free Overlay Unit!"
(Frozen Lady Justice's ATK: 3500)
Yumi continued. "I will now utilize my Number's other ability! By using one Overlay Unit, Frozen Lady Justice destroys all monsters my opponent controls that are in Defense Mode!" Shiki paled in fear as her Token was destroyed, her Number losing the Attack boost.
(Shadow Lich's ATK: 1800)
Yumi gave the order. "Frozen Lady Justice, destroy Shadow Lich! Absolute Justice!" The armored Number lunged and slashed apart her target, destroying the reaper-like being, sending Shiki flying back.
(Shiki: 2900)
As she landed on the ground, she looked up, tears in her eyes. "Y-Yumi, please... End this before it comes back..." Yumi fought back a tear. "I am unable to attack again this turn, so I have to end my turn there. Please hold on for a bit longer." Shiki got up, and drew her card. The Number's influence came back, but was weaker then before. "I do not understand how you obtained one of my brethren, but it matters not. You cannot defeat us all!"
Yumi replied, "I can defeat you." The Number replied in a dark tone, "I end my turn." Yumi drew her card, then said, "I Summon Strategist of the Ice Barrier!"
(Strategist of the Ice Barrier appeared: a level 4 monster with 1600 ATK)
Yumi told the Number-possessed Shiki, "Allow me to hunt your Number, to free your soul! Strategist of the Ice Barrier, and Frozen Lady Justice, set Shiki free! Absolute Justice!" The two monsters launched their attacks, and Shiki was sent flying back, a small smile on her face, thinking to herself, 'I lost... But I never knew losing could feel so good...'
(Shiki: 0)
(Yumi: WIN)
As her sister landed on the ground, Yumi called out, "Shiki!" and ran over to her, but not before Akiru swept up the Number before it could possess the blond again. As Yumi cradled her unconscious sister, she turned to the Number Hunter. "That Number... I defeated it." Akiru answered, "Yes, you did. But I can't take the risk. I knew either you or the brunette from before had a Number, but I wasn't sure which one. Either way, it doesn't matter. I don't know if your mind can take the stress of handling two Numbers. The only reason I can is because I have Galaxy-Eyes. You don't have any significant protection against them."
Yumi sighed, knowing he was right. "Very well, but do not expect me to merely hand over my Number." The Hunter replied, "I would be insulted if you did. Still, since your Number doesn't control you or influence you in a negative way, I know it's in good hands. I'll come back for it one day, but for now, it can wait. Celebrate your well-earned victory with your sisters." He then tossed her a piece of paper. Reading the phone number on it, she faced him, confused. "When you need me, and you will, call me. Until then, Sayonara." With that, he departed, the students of Kurokage watching him leave, except for the unconscious Shiki.
(Asakusa, a few minutes later)
Akiru held Number 48 in his hand as the Galaxy-Eyes spoke in his mind. 'So the Numbers control Shinobi, as to merely influencing most humans.' Akiru replied, "This is what their council was afraid of." Another Galaxy-Eyes, his original, spoke up. 'This makes earning their trust all the more important.' Akiru nodded. "You're right, Tachyon, but we'll have to take it slowly. I wish I hadn't needed to grab the Number like that, but I couldn't risk it trying to control the granddaughter of Kurokage. Since it isn't a LIGHT monster, I can't use it in my Deck, nor would I want to anyway." He put it in the box with the others, then looked out the window. 'If Yumi had Number 21, then Asuka might have another. We'll have to wait and see...'
A/N
This chapter took me three nights to work on, and plenty of reviewing as I rechecked what I'd put in. I didn't have Akiru hunt Shiki's Number because it felt more appropriate to have Yumi face it. I'll see you guys another time.