Nistro: Slam him Hammer Bounzer! Take that duelist down!
His monster swung its hammer at his opponent, sending a wave of energy at him that knocked him on his back.
Nistro: Get up! I'm not done with you yet!
Duelist: I'll never cheat in a duel again Nistro. I learned my lesson, I swear. Please just let me go.
Nistro: Not until you pay punk. In full.
Dextra: That's enough Nistro, back off. Don't forget about our real mission which is to track down number cards.
Nistro: You're getting off easy this time punk, but don't let me see your face around here again.
His opponent got to his feet and ran off as fast as he could.
Nistro: Pathetic slime.
Troy: While I agree that cheaters need to be punished, I think you might go a bit overboard at times Nistro.
Nistro: And so what if I do? You got a problem with that Troy?
Dextra: That's enough out of both of you. Let's get back to work.
Meanwhile in the park, Flip was asleep in a tree, but turned to the side and fell off, waking up upon landing on a trash can.
Flip: The tournament! Last thing I remember, I was checking out the opening ceremonies of the Duel Carnival with Yuma and the gang. I wanted to find a spot where I could hide so I could spy on the other duelists and get an edge in my matches, but I must've fallen asleep. I'll have to bust a move if I want to win all the Heart Pieces I need to make the finals. Then again, I'm starting really late, so a lot of the weaker duelists have probably dropped out by now, which means there's a bigger chance of me losing. It's gonna be much harder to collect pieces now. I'll never win this thing, unless I can pull a flip flop.
A while later, Yuma and Tori were walking through town and Yuma was putting the pieces he'd already collected into place.
Yuma: Alright, four pieces down, one to go.
Tori: All you have to do is win one more duel and you'll make it to the finals.
Yuma: Just look Astral.
He looked around, but Astral was nowhere to be seen.
Tori: Is something wrong Yuma?
Yuma: Astral isn't around.
Tori: Isn't he always nearby?
Yuma: Oh well. It might be nice to have a duel without his commentary track for once.
Astral was currently inside the pocket dimension inside the Emperor's Key, pondering the number cards.
Astral: These numbers are fragments of my memories, and with the help of Yuma, I have been able to reclaim many of them. There is however one number that has left me with more questions than answers.
He then thought about the number card that now belonged to Troy.
Astral: And that is something else that has been bothering me. If what Troy said is true and he sees visions when he collects number cards, that means he holds a connection to them like me. Moreover, he is one of the few duelists who can use number cards without being affected by them, even before joining Kite. Troy is a skilled duelist, and with Kite and Number 96 as his allies, he has become a terrifying foe indeed.
Back in the real world, Yuma and Tori came upon their classmate Spencer, who seemed to be looking for something.
Yuma: What are you up to Spencer?
Spencer: I'm looking for someone. Have you guys seen Flip?
Yuma: Not since yesterday.
Spencer: He ripped me off. He made a deal with me to trade Heart Pieces.
Yuma: You swapped Heart Pieces with Flip?
Spencer: Yeah. It would've taken forever to collect the Heart Pieces I needed if I dueled for them all. But it wasn't until later that I found out all the pieces he gave me where fake. They were made from candy.
Yuma & Tori: What?!
Spencer: At first I thought Flip just got something sticky on them, but then they melted in my pocket.
Tori: It serves you right for trying to cheat your way into the finals.
Spencer: You're right. But will you please help me get my pieces back from Flip?
Yuma: Sure Spencer.
Unfortunately, Flip had been pulling this scam all over town, and his other victims were just realizing they'd been tricked.
Kid: Wait till I get my hands on him.
Nistro, Dextra, and Troy appeared in front of him.
Nistro: What happened?
Kid: This guy tricked me into giving him my Heart Piece, and he gave me a fake one made of candy.
Dextra: What did he look like?
The kid gave a description and Troy couldn't help but face-palm when he realized who was behind it.
Troy: Why am I not surprised that he would be the one behind this?
Dextra: You know who it is Troy?
Troy: Yes. I go to school with him. His name is Flip, and he's notorious for pulling scams like this, but I can't believe he'd actually pull something like this. Actually, I totally believe it.
Meanwhile, Flip was sitting on a rooftop looking over the city.
Flip: This candy piece scam is working out great for me. I already have four Heart Pieces that fit, so I only need one more to make the finals. I guess using one piece of candy to complete it won't hurt. I'm sure no one will find out.
While he was doing this, Tori and Yuma were running through town trying to find him.
Yuma: We'd better find Flip before he scams more kids.
Tori: Yeah, if he gets enough real pieces, he'll get into the finals.
Flip ran up to the Heartland Tower entrance where Dextra, Nistro, and Troy were waiting, but Flip hadn't seen Troy yet.
Flip: I've got my pieces! All five of them.
Nistro: Bingo.
Flip: My Heart Piece is complete.
Nistro: My my, that's impressive. I didn't take you very long.
Flip: Am I the first duelist to make the finals? Amazing!
Nistro: Unless that's made out of candy.
Flip: I don't understand. Are you suggesting this Heart Piece could be a fake? I would never pull a trick like that sir.
Nistro: Prove it isn't candy by tasting it then.
Flip: Okay, I'll show you it's real then. This tastes good. What?! It's candy!
Nistro: Knock it off! I know you're the one who's been handing out fake Heart Pieces!
Flip fell on his back causing his hat falling off, revealing his bag of phony pieces.
Nistro: Now what do we have here?
Flip: I've been framed! I swear sir, someone planted those pieces in my hat.
He backed away from Nistro, only to bump into Troy.
Flip: Troy! You've got to help me! Tell these people I'm innocent.
Troy: Well, I could do that, but that would make me a liar just like you, wouldn't it Flip?
Flip: What are you talking about? I'm one of the most honest people you know.
Troy: Hardly. We know you've been taking other people's Heart Pieces in exchange for fake ones made of candy, so why don't you just make this easy on yourself and come quietly Flip? This is your only chance.
Flip: I have no idea what you're talking about!
Troy: Well, you had your chance Flip. Nistro, he's all yours.
Nistro: With pleasure.
Yuma and Tori ran up to the gate and saw Nistro holding Flip by the collar.
Yuma: Flip!
Flip: Yuma, help me!
Yuma: Hold on, what are you planning to do with Flip?
Troy: That's none of your business Yuma.
Dextra: You know him, Troy?
Troy: We go to school with each other. I called him my friend for a while, but then he went and stabbed me in the back.
Yuma: I wanna know what you're gonna do with Flip!
Nistro: This cheat made fake Heart Pieces, and now he's gonna pay with his deck, and he'll be banned from competing in this and all future Duel Carnivals. Plus, I'm kicking him out of Heartland City, and he can never duel here again!
Yuma: Flip was wrong, but isn't this a little extreme?
Troy: We gave him a chance to come clean and make it easier on himself, but he continued to deny cheating. And if Flip is prepared to break the rules, then he should be prepared to face the consequences.
Yuma: I can't deny that Flip made a big mistake and deserves to be punished, but you can't just ban him forever. How about we settle this honorably with a duel? If I win, you agree to give Flip a second chance.
Nistro: You duel me? Get real, I'm way better than you.
Yuma: That's what you think. I could beat you and her together.
Dextra: Fine then. A 2 on 1 duel. You'll duel Nistro and me together, and if you beat either one of us, then you win the match, and your friend gets his second chance. But if you lose, then you get the exact same punishment as him.
Nistro: Well kid, you still wanna duel?
Yuma just looked on in anger not saying anything.
Nistro: I knew you'd back down once the stakes were high enough. You're all talk.
Yuma: Stop right there. I'll duel both of you.
Nistro: What?
Flip: You will?
Troy: You're telling me you would really stick your neck out like this for Flip? This has nothing to do with you Yuma. All you have to do is just turn around and walk away.
Yuma: Flip's my friend, and I never turn my back on a friend.
Troy: You really are hopeless. Well then, in the interest of a fair duel, I'll join you.
Nistro: What are you doing Troy?!
Troy: I guess it can't be helped. My parents taught me to take on my opponents fairly, but I'll take a handicap and won't use my number cards.
Yuma: Thanks Troy.
Troy: Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not doing this for you, I'm doing it for my parents. I swore to myself I'd always remember and honor their lessons. We may be on the same side, but don't expect me to come to your rescue when things get tough.
Augmented Reality Vision Link Established
All: Let's duel!
Troy: 4000 LP
Yuma: 4000 LP
Dextra: 4000 LP
Nistro: 4000 LP
Meanwhile, Astral was still pondering things inside the Emperor's Key when he sensed Yuma was dueling.
Astral: I must go to him.
96: Leaving so soon Astral? And I only just arrived.
Astral: Number 96. How are you here? You should be with Troy.
Astral: Your little friend Yuma is in a tag duel with Troy, which is why I am here. I want to strike a deal.
Astral: I am not interested in any deal to be made with you.
96: Why not hear me out? Why not leave Yuma and join me and Troy?
Astral: What?
96: Surely you see who the better duelist is between the two of them. Sooner or later, Yuma will lose, and what will happen to you then? On the other hand, if you were to join Troy, then you'd be partnered with a truly talented duelist, and wouldn't have to fear for your existence every time your partner begins a duel.
Astral: I would never leave Yuma to be partnered with the likes of you.
96: That's a shame, because I don't think our friends feel the same way.
Astral: What friends?
He got his answer when the number cards began to glow. Back in the real world, the duel was just getting started.
Dextra: We should end this duel quickly Nistro.
Nistro: No problem.
Flip: You mean Astral isn't here? Even with Troy helping him, Yuma can't beat them.
Tori: You'd better start cheering for Yuma, or you'll have to deal with me.
Flip: You can do it Yuma!
Yuma: Don't worry Flip, I have the perfect cards and strategy. It's my move, and I set a monster face-down. I'll play another card face-down and end my turn.
Nistro: For someone who talks a big game, you don't seem to have the cards to back it up.
Yuma: You wish. I'm just getting ready to pounce when the time is right.
Dextra: It's my turn, I draw. And I summon Morpho Butterspy.
Level 4/Dark/Warrior
ATK 1200/DEF 1600
Dextra: Next, I'll place two cards face-down and end my turn.
Troy: Then it's my move, I draw. And I send Mystic Piper from my hand to the graveyard so I can Special Summon my Big One Warrior.
Level 1/Light/Warrior
ATK 100/DEF 600
Troy: Next I summon the monster Kinka-byo.
Level 1/Dark/Beast
ATK 400/DEF 200
Troy: And now, due to its special ability, I can summon back Mystic Piper from my graveyard.
Level 1/Light/Spellcaster
ATK&DEF 0
Nistro: Three monsters at once, not bad.
Troy: I activate Mystic Piper's special ability. By sacrificing itself, I can draw one card, and if the card I draw is a monster card, I can draw again. And the card I drew is my Cyber Dinosaur, meaning I can draw again. Now I overlay Kinka-byo with Big One Warrior. With these two monsters, I build the overlay network, and xyz summon Slacker Magician in defense mode.
Rank 1/Light/Spellcaster
ATK 200/DEF 2100
Troy: I'll place two cards face-down and end my turn.
Nistro: I hope you're ready, because here I go! And I summon Hammer Bounzer in attack mode.
Level 6/Earth/Warrior
ATK 2300/DEF 2000
Yuma: How did you summon a level 6 monster without a sacrifice?
Nistro: When there are cards on your field, but none on mine, I'm allowed to special summon Hammer Bounzer from my hand.
Troy: And I'm glad you did, because now I can summon my Cyber Dinosaur.
Level 7/Light/Machine
ATK 2500/DEF 1900
Troy: I can special summon Cyber Dinosaur from my hand when my opponent special summons a monster from theirs.
Dextra: Not a bad move.
Nistro: I'll turn things over to you Yuma. Now let's see if you have the courage to strike!
Yuma: I draw. And I'll flip my face-down monster into face-up attack mode. Rev it up, Rai Rider!
Level 3/Light/Thunder
ATK 1200/DEF 1400
Nistro: Only 1200 attack points. If that's your best monster, this duel will be over quick.
Yuma: Don't be so sure. I summon Tasuke Knight in attack mode.
Level 4/Light/Warrior
ATK 1700/DEF 100
Yuma: If I use Tasuke Knight to attack Morpho Butterspy, I can attack directly with Rai Rider for some big damage. Go Tasuke Knight, attack with Power Push!
Dextra: I activate the trap card Butterflyoke. This card will force your monster into defense mode, and then equip itself onto it.
Nistro: Looks like you're right back to where you started genius.
Yuma: Oh yeah, well just wait till my next turn.
Flip: Yuma's a total mess without Astral around to help him battle! Where is he! Someone send out an Astral alert!
96: Your destiny lies with us. Don't let a fool like Yuma be the death of you. Join us Astral!
He launched his tendrils at Astral. Astral closed his eyes and crossed his arms in front of him, but the tendrils were cut to pieces before they touched him.
96: What?!
Astral turned to the side and saw a familiar monster standing by him.
Astral: Utopia?
96: Number 39, so you refuse to join us willingly. Then I suppose I shall make you submit by force!
A cloud of darkness appeared and his duel form emerged from it.
Astral: What? How is your number self here?
96: Troy chose to partake in this duel without using his numbers, meaning they and I are free to do as we please for the time being.
Back in the real world, Dextra was beginning her turn.
Dextra: I draw. And I summon Swallowtail Butterspy in attack mode.
Level 4/Dark/Warrior
ATK 1800/DEF 1200
Dextra: Now I'll use the other effect of my Butterflyoke trap card, letting me switch your Tasuke Knight to attack mode.
Yuma: It's obvious you're going to attack it with your Swallowtail, but since your monster only has 100 more attack points than mine, I'll hardly take any damage.
Dextra: Not once I activate Morpho's special ability. Since your monster changed battle modes, I can reduce its attack points by 1000.
Tasuke Knight: 1700-700 ATK
Yuma: Oh man.
Dextra: Morpho Butterspy, take out Tasuke Knight with Blue Scale Stream!
Yuma: 3500 LP
Dextra: Now I activate Swallowtail's special ability, meaning your Rai Rider loses attack points equal to the amount of damage you just took.
Rai Rider: 1200-700 ATK
Flip: Call a mechanic, because that biker is breakin' down.
Dextra: Now Swallowtail, attack Rai Rider with Vivid Scale Stream!
Yuma: 2400 LP
Tori: Yuma!
Flip: We're gonna get tossed if he loses. Guess I should start packing my suitcase.
Nistro: You're running out of life points fast Yuma, and you still haven't scored a single hit against either of us, just give it up.
Yuma: No way. I was just warming up, and the real duel is beginning now, and I've got some surprises for ya.
Nistro: Oh really?
Yuma: I activate Rai Rider's special ability from the graveyard. Since your monster battled it, it can't attack on your next turn,.
Nistro: What difference does it make? Your field is totally empty. That special ability is totally useless right now.
Dextra: I set one card face-down and end my turn. He can't last much longer Nistro, finish him.
Troy: I think you're forgetting about someone. And if you're done with your turn Dextra, I'll take mine, so I draw.
Flip: Come on Troy!
Troy: Be quiet. Remember, there's nothing stopping me from backing out of this duel and leaving Yuma to fend for himself. I need to analyze the situation. Dextra has to wait a few turns before she can do anything, so she's not a big threat. Nistro however, is. His turn is next, and I'm sure he's going to go for Yuma since he doesn't have anything defending him. I need to get rid of his Hammer Bounzer. I summon Fusilier Dragon the Dual-Mode Beast in attack mode. This card can be summoned without sacrificing by cutting his attack and defense in half. And next, I'll overlay him with my Cyber Dinosaur in order to build the overlay network and xyz summon Gaia Dragon the Thunder Charger.
Rank 7/Wind/Dragon
ATK 2600/DEF 2100
Troy: Now, attack Nistro's Hammer Bounzer!
Dextra: Not so fast Troy, I play the Cursed Ring trap card. This card will equip itself onto your monster, preventing it from being able to destroy any monsters in battle.
Troy: Even if it can't destroy monsters in battle, you still take the damage, and thanks to my Wicked Trample trap card, any battle damage you take outside of a direct attack is doubled.
Nistro: 3400 LP
Nistro: That weak amount of damage isn't enough to make me even flinch.
Troy: I end my turn.
Nistro: My turn, I draw. And I summon Blade Bounzer.
Level 4/Earth/Warrior
ATK 1800/DEF 1400
Nistro: Now Hammer Bounzer, attack Yuma directly! And don't even think about trying to spring a trap card, because since there are no spells or traps on my field, you can't use any spells or traps when Hammer Bounzer attacks. You're totally at my mercy Yuma, and I'm not in a forgiving mood. Now Hammer Bounzer, attack with Knuckle Knockdown!
His monster rushed Yuma and brought its hammers down, setting off an explosion.
Tori: Yuma!
Flip: He's almost done for.
Nistro: That loser is out of his league. One shot from Blade Bounzer and this duel is over.
Yuma: 1600 LP
Nistro: What? You should only have 100 life points left.
More of the dust cleared, revealing a monster card on Yuma's side of the field.
Level 4/Earth/Warrior
ATK 1500/DEF 2000
Troy: I see. Before Nistro's attack hit, you used the effect of your Gagaga Gardna, letting you summon him in attack mode, and then when the attack landed, you used Gardna's other ability, allowing you to discard a card to prevent him from being destroyed in battle. Not a bad move I suppose.
Nistro: But even with that ability, you'll still take damage, and since my Blade Bounzer has 300 more attack points than your Gardna, it's no contest. Blade Bounzer, attack with Straight Slash!
Yuma: I activate Gagaga Gardna's special ability. By discarding one card, it won't be destroyed in battle.
Nistro: Maybe so, but you still take the damage.
Yuma: 1300 LP
Tori: Yuma!
Flip: He lost another 300 life points.
Yuma: Yeah, but I can still fight, and so can Gagaga Gardna.
Nistro: We'll see about that. I activate Blade Bounzer's special ability. By discarding a card, my monster can attack again.
Flip: Not good. Nistro has four more cards, meaning he can attack four more times.
Nistro: Go Blade Bounzer, attack Gagaga Gardna with Straight Slash!
Yuma: I activate my monster's special ability again, so by discarding another card, Gardna won't be destroyed.
Nistro: Maybe so, but you'll still take the damage.
Yuma: 1000 LP
Nistro: You've run out of cards to discard, which means your Gagaga Gardna can't use its special ability again. It was a total rout. You choked, and now you're out of the carnival. Strike him again Blade Bounzer! Go Straight Slash!
So I should probably point out that I used the anime version of Mystic Piper which doesn't care about levels. Anyway, I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far.