It was the day of the World Duel Carnival finals, and Kari was heading to Yuma's room to get him out the door before he was late.
Kari: Hey Yuma, the final round of the World Duel Carnival is today! They've started the fireworks and it looks like they're going to be getting underway any second! Do you hear me? You'd better bust a move mister.
She climbed into his room only to find that he wasn't there. She went back downstairs and found her grandma.
Kari: Grandma, have you seen Yuma?
Hikaru: He was so worried about being late that he decided to camp out in front of Heartland all night.
Kari: Well, Yuma certainly does duel with heart. I just wish he'd use his head as well.
Hikaru: I'm sure Yuma will make us all very proud. Or at least not embarrass us too badly.
Lillybot: I'm just happy he's gone so I can clean his room. What a slob.
At the Heartland gate, Yuma's friends arrived and saw he was still asleep. Tori walked over and shook him awake.
Yuma: Huh?
Tori: Don't tell me you camped out here all night Yuma.
Yuma: Sorry Mr. Kay, did I dose through class again?
Flip: Yuma's only half-awake guys.
Caswell: You might be right Flip, but I can't tell which half is awake.
Cathy: He was catnapping.
Bronk: Shake those cobwebs out of your head, you're right outside Heartland. The World Duel Carnival finals are gonna start any minute now.
Yuma: The Duel Carnival finals? Oh yeah! I'm dueling with the big dogs now.
Tori: Just try not to bite off more than you can chew.
Yuma: I figured if I slept by the entrance, you guys would see me and wake me up.
Tori: If your dueling strategy is that lame, you'll be the first one eliminated.
Bronk: Yuma, you better hurry. They're kickin' off the finals any minute now.
Yuma: That's right! Get moving guys, you're making me late!
Tori: And you're making me angry.
They rushed into the main arena and found themselves in awe by the sheer size of the place.
Bronk: Jumping jumbo jets, this place is enormous! Check out all those video screens. This is like a couch potato's dream come true!
Yuma: No way! This place is almost big enough to fit all my fans inside!
Astral: I must say, this is one of the most over the top field spells I have ever seen.
Yuma: This is real, not virtual. And pretty soon, I'll be competing here for real.
Heartland: Hello, dueling fans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the World Duel Carnival finals! Today we'll be starting with the skyscape section. The duels will be held all across the city with the aid of the Duel Coaster!
Flip and Cathy: The Duel Coaster?
Caswell: Yeah, it's a first. You have to duel while riding a roller coaster.
Tori: How would that even work?
Bronk: Beats me. But it sure looks like fun. You ready to roll Yuma?
Yuma: You bet. I'm ready for anything. Whatever happens, I'm just gonna have fun and feel the flow.
Tori: That's great, but shouldn't you be feeling the flow down there?
Yuma: Gah! You're right, I'd better get down before they start without me!
He turned around and took off down the steps.
Tori: Bye Yuma! Good luck!
Yuma made it down to the main area and walked up to join the other finalists.
Heartland: It's the moment you dueling fans have been waiting for! Our 24 finalists are ready to use all their knowledge and skills in the ultimate test of dueling agility! But only one will emerge as our first World Duel Champion!
Yuma: That duel coaster looks like the most awesome thrill machine of all time!
Dextra: That's not some kiddie coaster in an amusement park. It'll be the riskiest ride you ever took.
Yuma: Dextra? You're here?
Nistro: She's right, that coaster is dangerous. All the duelists on board are gonna be playing for keeps. So, you think you're up to the challenge?
Yuma: I'm ready for anything.
Yuma then felt someone tap on his shoulder. When he turned around, Troy was standing behind him.
Yuma: Hey Troy, how ya been?
Troy: I'm only going to say this once Yuma, stay away from Vetrix. He's my opponent, got it?
Yuma: Vetrix? You mean the guy from the party wearing the metal mask?
Troy: Yeah. I owe him some payback, so stay away from him, understand?
Yuma: Payback for what?
Troy: That's none of your business Yuma. If you know what's good for you, you'll stay away from him.
Troy turned around and walked away.
Yuma: What was that about?
Dextra: I probably shouldn't tell you this, but Vetrix attacked Troy's sister.
Yuma: Vetrix did that?! So Troy wants to make Vetrix pay for what he's done.
Nistro: Yeah, the kid's been pushing himself to the extreme since it happened, snatching up every number card he could find.
Astral: If that is true, Troy will be a fearsome opponent indeed.
Orbital: Please Master Kite, promise me you'll be careful today.
Kite: Now Orbital. Freeze time immediately.
Orbital: Huh?
Kite: I need to find out which duelists have numbers.
Orbital: But that could give away everything. Won't those with numbers learn about each other this way?
Kite: A tenth of a second will be enough. Do it Orbital.
Orbital: Okay, you're the boss.
A red light flashed from Orbital's optic and time froze.
Orbital: Temporal stasis field complete.
Kite: Now I can ID all the numbers here. Got it.
The field disappeared and time went back to normal.
Astral: What was that?
Number 96: Looks like Kite is scoping out the competition before the duels even start.
Kite turned to the side and saw Quinton, the look on the man's face showing he knew what Kite did.
Orbital: See? I told you they'd notice.
Kite: Scram, or I'll have your memory wiped.
Orbital: Yipe! You don't have to threaten me twice! Ta-ta!
Yuma: This is so cool. These really are the greatest duelists in the world. I can't wait to beat 'em all!
Astral: Remember, we will be facing many unfamiliar opponents whose style and strategies we know nothing about. During our duels, we must be prepared for anything.
Yuma: Why should we be worrying? They're the ones who have to duel me.
Wolfsbane: There he is.
Dr. Faker: Finally, all the world's best duelists together at last, with all their numbers ready for Kite to take and bring to me.
Heartland: The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here! Finalists, take your places in the coaster cars, link your duel tabs to central coaster computer, and get ready to battle!
AUGMENTED REALITY VISION LINK ESTABLISHED
Heartland: And now it's time to put all the duel coaster cars into gear. The Heart Pieces you collected in the preliminary round will act as the ignition key for your individual coaster car. Just place it in the ignition pad and you'll be ready to roll!
Everyone took out their Heart Piece and placed it in the ignition pad. When they did, a map of the course showed up on their screens, but there where icons with the letters s and t scattered along the map.
Nistro: What are these for?
Kite: Spell and trap markers. I wonder what'll happen if we run across them on the track.
Yuma reached into his pocket for his Heart Piece, but couldn't find it.
Yuma: Oh no, it's gone! If I don't find it, I can't compete!
Up in the stands, Yuma's friends could see Yuma having his freak out.
Flip: What's up with Yuma?
Bronk: Maybe he wanted a blue car?
Cathy: Or the pressure got to him and he's losing it.
At his house, his sister and grandmother were watching him on the tv.
Kari: Give me a break Yuma, this is no time to be goofing around.
Hikaru: I don't think that's it. I think he's seriously upset about something.
Lillybot: Yuma's room is no longer uninhabitable. Found this heart under green furry cheese.
Kari and Hikaru turned to see what Lillybot was talking about and saw why Yuma was in such a panic.
Kari: Isn't that?
Hikaru: His Heart Piece!
Yuma: I'm a goner, I'll never find it in time.
Just then, Tori appeared on the screen in front of him.
Tori: Yuma, your sister Kari just called me. She said she found your Heart Piece in your room.
Yuma: I must've forgot to grab it before I left the house last night.
Tori: She's already left and is on her way over.
Yuma: Thanks Tori. I've gotta go get it.
Tori: Don't move. If you leave, you may be disqualified. We'll get it to you.
Meanwhile, everyone else was rushing to meet Yuma's sister.
Bronk: You guys know the drill?
Everyone: Yeah.
Bronk: Then let's get to it.
Heartland: It's show time everyone! The greatest duel of all time will now get under way. Begin on my mark!
Yuma: They're starting? Hang on, I wanna call a time out!
Heartland: Ten seconds to go. 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, go!
All the other finalists took off, leaving Yuma at the start.
Heartland: Uh oh folks. It looks like Yuma Tsukomo's coaster car is a no go.
Yuma: I'm stuck! Kari, you'd better get that Heart Piece here fast.
Meanwhile, Kari had just made it to the Heartland Gate and passed it off to Caswell, who gave it to everyone else until Bronk passed it to Tori at the arena.
Tori: I'm coming Yuma!
Yuma: Tori!
Tori: I've got the Heart Piece!
She ran to give it to Yuma, but she tripped at the last second and fell into the car, the Heart Piece landing in the ignition pad, causing the coaster to take off with her inside.
Yuma: Well, I guess this means you get to be there in person to watch me win.
Astral: Correction, when we win.
Heartland: The Duel Carnival finals have begun with a huge surprise. Yuma's coaster car was out of commission, but now he's back in action, and he has a co-pilot. That may be stretching the rules a bit, but since I'm running this competition, I'm going to make an exception and allow Yuma's friend to tag along.
Yuma: We're picking up a lot of speed, and I'm feeling the flow!
Tori: I think you should slow it down a bit.
Yuma: Why should I do that? I've already fallen behind everyone else, and I've got to make tracks if I want to catch up. But when I do, I'm not sure how the rules work.
Astral: Yuma, look up ahead. There is a duel in progress, and the competitors are battling on the same lane.
Yuma looked ahead of them and saw Nistro in a duel with a cowboy duelist.
Nistro: What's the deal with this clown? I better teach him a lesson for trying to take me down. I draw! I summon Heroic Challenger Spartan in attack mode!
Level 4/Earth/Warrior
ATK 1600/DEF 1000
Nistro: And now I play the spell Riryoku! This will halve your Battlestorm's attack this turn and give the points he lost to my Spartan.
Battlestorm: 1800-900 ATK
Spartan: 1600-2500 ATK
Nistro: Now my Spartan, attack with Straight Javelin!
His monster threw its spear at Battlestorm, piercing him through the chest and destroying him.
Cowboy: 0 LP
Nistro's opponent was ejected from the coaster and his car was moved to a lower track. Fortunately for him, his seat was equipped with a parachute, so he was unharmed.
Astral: It would appear the price for losing in these finals is rather extreme.
Yuma: Yeah.
Nistro: These finals just started, and I already downed my first duelist.
Astral: I see. You can challenge someone to a duel if you are on the same track.
Yuma: Right. And if I spot a duelist on a different track, I can change lanes and take 'em on.
Ahead of him, Shark was taking on one of the other finalists and had just summoned his Jawsman.
Shark: Jawsman, take out his Master of Flaming Dragon Swords with Shark Scream!
Finalist: Dasvidaniya.
Finalist: 0 LP
Bronk: Shark isn't messing around.
Cathy: I wonder what's keeping Yuma.
Quattro: So Shark's on the hunt huh? Well so am I!
Shark: I'll crush you Quattro! You're not gonna escape from me!
Quattro: I've got other fish to fry before you Shark. It's time to mix it up with Gimmick Puppet Egg Head!
Level 4/Earth/Machine
ATK 1600/DEF 1200
Quattro: Attack him directly!
Finalist: 0 LP
Quinton: My brother, always eager to strike first. At this rate, he'll be taking a parachute ride just like all the other losers. He should take some time to learn a few things. That might save his skin down the road.
Quinton looked down at his screen and saw a spell marker ahead of him. He changed lanes to investigate it, but as he did, one of the finalists appeared behind him.
Finalist: Go Vylon Disigma, and attack him directly!
Quinton: Challenging me was a mistake, and it's going to burn you in the end. I play the trap Infernal Sun! When you declare a direct attack with a monster that has 2000 or more attack points, this trap inflicts 800 points of damage to you for every card in your hand, and you're holding five.
A black sphere launched from his trap, reducing his opponent's life points to 0 and knocking him out of the finals. Quinton turned his attention back to the track and saw he was coming up on the spell marker. He ran over it and the card that was set turned face-up revealing Dian Keto the Cure Master.
Quinton: 5000 LP
Quinton: I see. These spell markers indicate locations where you can restore your life points. Useful information to have.
Vetrix: Very clever Quinton. Quattro and Shark are eager to win right away, but Quinton uses his brains, just like me.
Troy: Vetrix!
Vetrix: Well, long time no see Troy. How's your sister?
Troy: I'm going to make you pay for what you did!
Before Troy could reach Vetrix, one of the other finalists changed lanes and moved between them.
Finalist: Let's duel kid.
Troy: If you're going to get in my way, I'll stomp you flat!
Meanwhile, Yuma was steadily catching up to everyone else, and he was eager to duel.
Yuma: This place is a dueltopia. I can't wait to get in on the action.
Astral: I predict you will soon see plenty of action. Look ahead of you.
Yuma did that and saw three cars in front of them. He sped up, but they let him pass right by them.
Yuma: That's weird. Why didn't any of them challenge me?
He didn't realize it, but the duelists he passed were the Triad of Terror.
Wolfsbane: It was thoughtful of him to leave late, that way we didn't have to lure him away from everyone else before we pounce.
Jackal: Demolishing that kid will be a piece of cake.
Coyote: And the cash we get will be the icing.
Vetrix had pulled onto a nearby rail and began watching them.
Vetrix: It's perfect. Those mercenaries will push Yuma to his limits, and then I'll be able to find out how good he really is.
Wolfsbane: Okay, it's time to make our move. Fang formation!
They switched lanes and advanced on Yuma from all lanes.
Tori: We've got company.
Yuma: What are they up to?
Astral: They are staging a joint attack. It appears you have been ambushed, and they have surrounded your car so you cannot escape to another lane.
Wolfsbane sped up and rammed into the back of Yuma's car.
Yuma: Watch it! These aren't bumper cars!
He sped up to try and escape them, but they stayed on his tail.
Astral: What is that t mark up ahead?
Yuma looked in front of them and saw a face-down card on the rail. When he got close, the card flipped up and cannons appeared, firing energy blasts at him.
Yuma: 3000 LP
Astral: That was the trap Secret Barrel, which inflicts 200 points of damage for every card in your hand and on your field.
Yuma: Thanks for telling me something I already know. This is just wonderful. I have to duel three low-lifes and avoid trippin' traps.
Jackal: He blundered right into that trap, and now he's weaker.
Coyote: I wonder how this clown made it into the finals in the first place.
Wolfsbane: It should be a cinch to take care of this quickly and get the money we were promised. You can't run kid, we're all going to duel you.
Yuma: At once?
Wolfsbane: Form up. Assault formation!
Yuma: Three on one?
Wolfsbane: Yes, you'll face a whole trio of monsters, led by Magnet Eagle Delta!
Level 4/Wind/Rock
ATK 1200/DEF 1400
Jackal: And my Magnet Saucer will be his wingman.
Coyote: With another Magnet Saucer to complete the threesome!
Level 3/Wind/Rock
ATK 1400/DEF 200
Yuma: We've got a whole air force against us.
Tori: And we're sitting ducks down here.
Astral: You are badly outnumbered Yuma. You must fight wisely, or else your first battle in the World Duel Carnival Finals will be your last.
Vetrix: This will be entertaining. Now we'll see if Yuma has what it takes to beat a triple threat. Ahahahahaha!
To be continued...