Summary: Now that Declan's interrogation was over, Aoi and her group decide to go home and finally rest for once.
However neither Yuma nor Don Thousand share the same luck, for they are each forced to bring out everything they have in their disposal and beat the other individual in this ever-high duel of risks...!
"I won't let you do as you please with Heartland City!"
Episode 5 - Freedom's Assistant
...
"DUEL!"
"DUEL!"
Yuma's LP: 4000
Don Thousand's LP: 4000
Dr. Faker immediately told Kite, "You stay here, Kite; I'll regulate the generator!" before turning around and scampering away into the tower. Kite only kept watching in silence.
Yuma then reached for his Duel Gazer and put it on, only for Kite to suddenly speak up, "You won't need that anymore."
"Huh?"
"This Heartland City uses a different dueling system now", explained Kite, still leaning against the wall as he showed the boy his alternate Duel Disk. "Any monsters you summon also become real, thanks to the updated Solid Vision system we had to use during Academia."
"No way...", stated Yuma before looking down on his current Duel Disk. He knew this duelI system could cause trouble eventually, but for now this duel was most important.
So for now...
"I'll go first!", started Yuma as he looked at his hand.
Turn 1, Yuma's Turn, 5 Cards in hand, 4000 LP
Alright, don't panic, Yuma; Just play the right cards! "I set both a monster and two cards facedown and end my turn!"
Yuma's hand size: 2 cards
"That's it?", asked Bronk. "Yuma should know better than that if he serious with this!"
But Yuma didn't seem as scared as everyone thought he would be. He seemed ready, in fact.
-(YuGiOh Arc V Sound Duel 4: OST 82)-
The black alien noted this too, but it didn't deter him.
"Hmm, you dare underestimate me?", asked Don Thousand before continuing, "My turn; I draw!"
Turn 2, Don Thousand's Turn, 6 Cards in hand, 4000 LP
"I activate the Spell Card, Terraforming!", Don Thousand began as he activated said card on the field. "I now add a Field Spell from my Deck to my hand! I add Numeron Network!"
"Numeron Network...", trailed off Yuma. He guessed correctly.
"I then activate it, before activating the Spell card, Numeron Calling!", Don Thousand continued with his third Spell card's activation. "I now get to summon 4 different 'Numeron Gate' monsters with different names from my Extra Deck!"
"So you're going to bring out...", Yuma trailed off warily.
"Yes", Don Thousand answered with a beam. "I'll be summoning four Numbers."
"4 Number cards!?", Flip asked in surprise.
"It's the same thing all over again", Tori noted.
"Appear, Numbers 1 through 4!", Don Thousand chanted, bringing out what appeared to be separate gate pieces consecutively from behind him. "Ekam, Dve, Trini, and Catvari!"
All 4 Numbers then joined together into what appeared to be a giant gate.
Number 1: Numeron Gate Ekam; Rank 1 LIGHT Machine Number XYZ Effect Monster; 1000 ATK, 100 DEF
Number 2: Numeron Gate Dve; Rank 1 LIGHT Machine Number XYZ Effect Monster; 1000 ATK, 100 DEF
Number 3: Numeron Gate Trini; Rank 1 LIGHT Machine Number XYZ Effect Monster; 1000 ATK, 100 DEF
Number 4: Numeron Gate Catvari; Rank 1 LIGHT Machine Number XYZ Effect Monster; 1000 ATK, 100 DEF
"He really did bring out 4 Number cards at once...", trailed off Bronk in fear.
Caswell tried making the situation better, "At least they have low ATK, so it's all good... right?"
Meanwhile, inside the Heartland Tower's generator room, a few electric signals began appearing, broadcasted in the many screens inside the laboratory.
"They already began XYZ summoning", noted Dr. Faker, typing away into several commands to prevent the electricity from overflowing. Both Allen and Sayaka watched intently behind him. "This is a good start, we just need a little more XYZ summoning!"
Meanwhile, back outside:
"Battle!", Don Thousand pointed at Yuma's facedown monster. "Catvari attacks first!"
The fourth Numeron Gate piece fired a laser at the hidden monster, revealing it to show a face-up Gogogo Golem kneeling with crossed arms.
Gogogo Golem; Level 4 EARTH Rock Effect Monster; 1500 DEF, 1800 DEF
Don Thousand's LP: 4000 - 3200
The alien took damage, but smiled eerily regardless. "You remember my Numeron Gate's effects, don't you?"
"Yeah", noted Yuma frustratedly.
"My Numeron Gate monsters double in ATK!"
Numeron Gate monsters' ATK: 1000 - 2000
"And now taking damage won't be an issue anymore", Don Thousand stated before outstretching his arm. "Go, Trini!"
The third gate piece replicated a laser beam just like Catvari, before shooting it towards the defending Gogogo Golem.
"No I won't let you!", Yuma shouted before revealing his facedown. "I activate the Trap, Spikeshield with Chain! My monster now gains 500 ATK!"
A horned shield was then given to the defending Gogogo Golem.
Gogogo Golem's ATK: 1500 - 2000
"That makes no difference at all", Don Thousand stated confidently, before being responded by Yuma. "Yes it does! Spikeshield with Chain gives Gogogo Golem a DEF boost equal to its ATK when it's attacked by a monster!"
"So that means it'll have more defense than the Numeron Gates' ATK again!", noted Tori.
"He plays well", Dumon noted.
Gogogo Golem's DEF: 1800 - 3800
"You...!", Don Thousand trailed off at the kid, before taking damage again, now launching him backwards.
Don Thousand's LP: 3200 - 1400
"Yuma's winning so far, and he's only defending!", Caswell was quick to notice with a smile.
Bronk added, "I've never even seen a strategy like this from him before!"
Don Thousand struggled to stand up, annoyance written in his face as clearly as day. The sight delighted the ex-Barian Emperors.
"...You may have a powerful defense set up, but my Numeron Gate pieces can still make your Golem mince meat!", stated Don Thousand as he commanded, "Go, Numeron Gate Dve!"
Numeron Gate pieces' ATK: 2000 - 4000
Gogogo Golem's DEF: 1800 - 3800
"I now activate my other Trap, Rise to Full Height!", Yuma outstretched his arm, revealing his second facedown card. "My Gogogo Golem's DEF doubles!"
"What!?", asked Don Thousand.
Gogogo Golem's DEF: 3800 - 7600
"Don Thousand's is about to take 3600 damage from DEF points alone", Mizar noted. "No way..."
"Yuma's about to win!", celebrated Flip.
"Rrrggh well I activate the Quick-play Spell, Limiter Removal!", Don Thousand intervened as he rapidly played a card. "This doubles all of my machine monsters' ATK!"
Yuma's eyes widened.
Numeron Gate pieces' ATK: 4000 - 8000
"...Due to Gogogo Golem's effect, I can prevent battle destruction once per turn!", stated Yuma as his monster glowed in an orange aura, unaffected by Dve's laser.
"That doesn't matter, my Numeron Gate monsters double in ATK again!", Don Thousand explained.
Numeron Gate pieces' ATK: 8000 - 16000
"16000 ATK! That's a high number!", Bronk shouted.
But Yuma should still survive this turn, given that Don Thousand has run out of attacks, mused Shark, Kite arriving to a similar conclusion.
"My last Numeron Gate monster attacks your Gogogo Golem!", Don Thousand pointed at Yuma's monster. "Attack, Ekam!"
The first and final Numeron Gate piece blasted a laser towards Gogogo Golem, this time destroying it effectively. Now all of Yuma's field was left empty.
-(End of OST)-
The black alien smiled upon seeing the look of contempt on Yuma's face, yet he still wasn't finished.
"Since it's now my Main Phase 2, I get to Rank-Up Numeron Gate Ekam into its Chaos counterpart!", added the black alien.
-(YuGiOh DM: God's Anger)-
Ekam then vanished into an overhead black vortex, before suddenly exploding in a black and green light, revealing an entirely new monster.
"CHAOS XYZ CHANGE!"
"Appear, Numeron Chaos Gate Sunya!", chanted Don Thousand, a more ornate version of Ekam now descending onto the field.
Number C1: Numeron Chaos Gate Sunya; Rank 2 DARK Machine Chaos Number XYZ Effect Monster; 2000 ATK, 1000 DEF
"A Chaos Number...", noted Girag with crossed arms.
At this point the electrical generators began sparking a series of stray lightning sparks, back inside the Heartland Tower.
"A really powerful XYZ monster must have descended in order for the generator to create that sort of power!", noted Dr. Faker as he kept typing away. "Just a little more and we'll be in the clear!"
"Just what is happening outside...?", asked Sayaka to herself.
"Chaos Gate Sunya's effect now activates!", Don Thousand stated with a raised arm. "All our monsters are banished!"
"What!?", shouted the crowd.
"All monsters!?", shouted a random person.
Quickly enough, Don Thousand's field was wiped clean, left just as empty as Yuma's field.
"What is he even doing?", asked Nistro, both he and Dextra watching the duel from a nearby bench. "He just left himself vulnerable for Yuma's next turn!"
"...He's doing it for a reason", noted Dextra immediately.
"And if Numeron Network is still on my field next turn, Sunya revives and deals you damage equal to the combined ATK of my banished monsters!", finished Don Thousand.
"That would be 4000!", noted Yuma with widened eyes.
"Actually, it'd be 5000, dumbass", corrected someone behind him, only to be knocked cold by Kari.
"I then set a card and end my turn", Don Thousand finalized.
Don Thousand's hand size: 2 cards
-(End of OST)-
Yuma looked at the black alien silently as he finished with his turn. Don Thousand was quick to notice this, as he now faced Yuma and asked, "Why are you silent?"
Yuma said nothing as he drew a card.
Turn 3, Yuma's Turn, 3 Cards in hand, 4000 LP
"Does Yuma seem different to any of you guys...?", asked Bronk as he turned to his friends. "He seems more serious than ever."
"Well, he is dueling to protect the world", Caswell tried explaining, the group also taking note of Yuma's serious expression. "Again. But still, it isn't fair for the responsibility to fall on his shoulders alone."
A certain someone took note of this, as he then reached the platform with the help of his powers.
Yuma turned to see who it was and widened his eyes.
"Rei!", Yuma stated, the orange-haired friend approaching him.
"Yuma", smiled the teen before reaching out in his pocket to give the boy something.
"Wait a minute", Yuma stated, looking at the card. "This is...!"
"I figured you would need it", smiled Rei before looking at Don Thousand.
"Vector", stated Don Thousand, not saying anything else.
"Don Thousand", stated the teen before smirking, and tossing a different card to the black alien.
He was quick to catch it as Rei explained to the alien, "I figured this would even things out. Plus, I don't need the card anymore."
Don Thousand's then looked at the card Vector gave him. Don Thousand's Throne.
Rei then turned to Yuma and said, "Well, beat him up for me, Yuma; We're rooting for you!"
"We?", asked Yuma, Rei nodding before pointing behind him. The rest of the Emperors acknowledged the kid as they nodded.
"We also have something to tell you, after the duel is finished", whispered Rei at Yuma's ear before jumping out the platform. The kid's eyes widened for an instant.
Yuma nodded one last time before taking Rei's card and shuffling it into the Extra Deck.
"I'll keep this card in my hand", Don Thousand stated as he revealed Rei's card. Yuma nodded in agreement.
The rest of the Barians wished to help Yuma as well, but unlike Rei they didn't have anything to balance the help by giving Don Thousand a card.
They would have to make do with cheering for the kid.
-(Paper Mario Sticker Star: Gooper Blooper)-
Yuma closed his eyes momentarily before beginning, "I start by activating Onomatopaira! I discard a card from my hand to add 2 monsters with either 'Zubaba', 'Gagaga', 'Gogogo', or 'Dododo' in their name! I add both Gagaga Magician and Zubababancho Gagagacoat!"
Upon adding the two monsters in his hand, the boy continued, "I then summon Gagaga Magician in attack position!"
Into the field appeared a black-cloaked magician with white hair covering most of his face.
Gagaga Magician; Level 4 DARK Spellcaster Effect Monster; 1500 ATK, 1000 DEF
"And since I control a Gagaga monster, I get to special summon this monster!", Yuma revealed the card in his hand before placing it on his Duel Disk. "Appear, Zubababancho Gagagacoat!"
Next to Gagaga Magician appeared a dark armored warrior with a red scarf and black cape.
Zubababancho Gagagacoat; Level 4 EARTH Warrior Effect Monster; 1800 ATK, 100 DEF
"Gagagacoat then activates its effect!", Yuma continued with an outstretched hand. "He can revive a Gogogo monster from my graveyard! Come back, Gogogo Golem!"
Back into the field appeared the giant in a defensive position.
"He summoned 3 monsters at once!", noted Bronk.
"Go Yuma!", cheered on Tori.
"I then activate the Spell card, Gagagabolt!", Yuma continued with another card. "I get to destroy a card you control as long as I control a Gagaga monster!"
"So you mean to destroy...", Don Thousand noted.
"I destroy your Numeron Network!", pointed Yuma at the Field Spell, a sudden lightning bolt destroying the card.
"Tch!"
"On the turn I use Gagagacoat's second effect, I can't special summon any monsters from the Extra Deck", Yuma explained.
The crowd was quick to grow despondent.
"Except XYZ monsters", Yuma continued, now raising his hand as he chanted. "This is the power I share with my friends; I overlay my 3 monsters!"
All monsters on Yuma's field then became rays of light that spun around each other, vanishing into an overhead portal.
"I XYZ SUMMON!", Yuma finished as he placed the XYZ monster on his Duel Disk. "Appear, Number 104!"
Above Yuma appeared a grinning humanoid with an eerie air, playing with his many metallic rings.
"I summon Rei's Number: Masquerade!"
Number 104: Masquerade; Rank 4 LIGHT Spellcaster Number XYZ Effect Monster; 2700 ATK, 1200 DEF
"And now, the number's chaos will possess you...", Don Thousand grinned before noticing otherwise. "Wait a minute!"
Yuma was surrounded in a purple-dark aura, yet his demeanor didn't change at all; He was just as serious and determined to defeat the alien.
"How is it not possessing you!", asked Don Thousand. He then looked at the key on Yuma's chest. Don't tell me it's the key's doing...!
He then continued studying the kid. No, it's not that; It's his determination! He's that determined to defeat me!
Don Thousand then looked at the cards in his hand before stating, "I activate the Trap, Numeron XYZ Revision! Since you summoned an XYZ monster to your field, I get to replace that XYZ monster with another monster from your Deck!"
Masquerade was immediately sent to the graveyard, replaced by a small, confused man with shades and suit.
XYZ Agent; Level 2 LIGHT Spellcaster Effect Monster; 900 ATK, 300 DEF
However, Yuma wasn't disappointed in the slightest. He didn't even react as Don Thousand thought he would. "I end my turn."
Yuma's hand size: 0 cards
"What is Yuma even thinking?", asked Cathy in wonder.
"I do not know how you're still so confident about defeating me, now that my turn has come, as well as your end!", Don Thousand stated before drawing dramatically. "My turn!"
Turn 4, Don Thousand's Turn, 4 Cards in Hand, 1400 LP
"At this moment, Chaos Gate Sunya returns to the field!", began the alien as the ornate gate piece manifested above him.
"But due to Numeron Network not being on the field, it's destroyed", Yuma noted.
Don Thousand nodded in agreement, Sunya vanishing immediately afterwards.
-(End of OST)-
"Great; Now Yuma's opponent's field is empty again!", celebrated Caswell.
-(Super Mario 3D Land: Final Bowser Battle)-
"...You know I'm not finished yet, right Yuma?", asked Don Thousand, the boy nodding in agreement. The watching crowd was confused at their exchange.
"Good, because I've just begun my onslaught; I activate the Spell card, Numeron Chaos Ritual!", stated Don Thousand. "This takes my destroyed Sunya and three other XYZ monsters, combined with Numeron Network, to treat them all as Level 12 monsters!"
"Level 12!?", asked Nistro with visible shock, now leaning forwards on the bench.
"A Rank 12 XYZ Monster", immediately calculated Dextra, not expressing much, but still intrigued.
"CHAOS XYZ CHANGE!", shouted the black alien, placing his desired monster on the Duel Disk. "Descend!"
"The grief of chaos is the karma of wretched men; The dreams of heaven and earth are an eternal fantasy. O hollow god, armed with endless darkness, swing your iron hammer down upon the bright light and eviscerate it!", Don Thousand began chanting as an black portal appeared high above the sky, a deadly angel of red and white descending behind the Heartland Tower. The crowd could only see as the gigantic monster produced what appeared to be a deep laughing sound.
The sky suddenly turned into a dull cyan as grey clouds gathered around the descending monster.
"Now, witness the ascension of Chaos Number 1000: Numeronius!"
Number C1000: Numeronius; Rank 12 LIGHT Fiend Chaos Number XYZ Effect Monster; ? ATK, ? DEF
"No attack...?", asked Bronk, the crowd now unsure what to do, to run or to keep watching.
By this time, the majority of the city was running with electricity again, the night-bright neon colors doing nothing to cheer the people up. The lights all reflected the gigantic Numeronius in various hues.
The electrical screens in the Heartland Tower lab were also operating again, both Sayaka and Allen now watching the duel as well as the rest of the Tenjo family.
"What is that thing??", asked Sayaka, taking a few steps back upon seeing Numeronius on the screen.
"I don't now for sure, but it's presence is giving more than enough energy for the city, possibly even too much", explained Dr. Faker as he typed away at several commands to reduce the electricity outtake.
"You're telling me that thing is outside right now??", added a shocked Allen, Hart hugging Orbital even tighter.
Yuma only looked at Numeronius' indescribable face of black and yellow, also noticing how almost everyone was scared. Tori was only worried, and Shark kept a mostly-neutral face. The blue-haired Barian turned to Yuma, who also looked at him, both teens nodding in agreement.
You know what to do.
Yuma then turned his attention back at both Don Thousand and the giant monster behind him.
-(End of OST)-
...
Before Declan could state anything else, a loud sound beeped in his pocket, the CEO raising it to reveal a walkie talkie.
"What is it, Claude?", asked Declan.
"It's the XYZ Dimension, Heartland City!", shouted the man in the other end. "Our supervisors have detected massive XYZ energy coming from a single monster!"
Declan widened his eyes at the mention of such feat, before looking at the 10 people in his office, "You stay here for now, I'll be back in a moment", before dashing out of his office.
"..."
"..."
"..."
After a few awkward moments of silence, Yuya spoke up, "...What was that all about?"
...
Declan continued running as he remembered a certain girl's words: I remember Don Thousand using an XYZ-based strategy.
There's a high chance that the large XYZ energy is coming from this 'Don Thousand' individual, mused Declan before arriving at the usual lab. Upon entering the door he ordered, "I want you to find the individual responsible for this!"
"On it, sir!", began typing one of the scientists, now connected to an interdimensional camera. Upon it turning on and showing live footage, though, everyone dropped their mouths wide open at the sight:
Near Heartland Tower floated a giant red-and-white winged monster, floating above what appeared to be a smaller, but still large, black-colored giant.
"What is that thing...?", asked one of the employees.
"It's not registered in our Duel Monsters database..."
Even Declan was agape at the giant monster, believing it to be bigger than even the Chaos Ancient Gear Giants that previously attacked the XYZ dimension.
It took just a few moments to Declan to regain his usual composure, now ordering, "Send in some troops, bring the giant here for interrogation upon the duel's conclusion!"
"Yes sir!", typed in his employees before typing some more commands into screens.
Declan then focused on who the giant was fighting against, appearing to be an average-looking kid. He was quick to note that the kid wasn't scared at all.
"...Identify who the giant is fighting against."
...
-(YuGiOh 5Ds: Unleash Force)-
Yuma looked up at the giant monster before him, Numeronius ringing out what appeared to be deep laughs.
"I'm afraid this is the end for you", smiled Don Thousand. "In reality, I thought you were going to offer more of a challenge, but I guess I thought wrong."
Yuma kept silent as his remark.
"...Numeronius, attack the XYZ Agent on Yuma's field and end this duel!", Don Thousand ordered, the giant monster beginning to form a violet laser blast between its wings.
"Yuma's about to lose!", shouted Caswell, the rest of the crowd now beginning to panic.
"This is the en-!"
"I activate the effect of Tasuke Knight from my graveyard!", suddenly spoke up Yuma with an outstretched arm, pointing at the ground in front of him. "When I'm being attacked while I control no cards in my hand, I get to special summon this guy and end the Battle Phase!"
Tasuke Knight; Level 4 LIGHT Warrior Effect Monster; 1700 ATK, 100 DEF
"What!?", asked Don Thousand, before looking up to see the violet laser dissolving.
"Thanks for the help, Tasuke Knight!", thanked Yuma.
"Jjjrrr, well I end my turn!", finished Don Thousand.
Don Thousand's hand size: 4 cards
Hopefully this next card turns this around!, Yuma thought as he looked at the top card of his Deck. "My turn; I Draw!"
Turn 5, Yuma's Turn, 1 Card in hand, 4000 LP
The boy then looked at the card he just drew, this won't turn the duel around just yet, but it'll be useful! "I summon Cardcar D in attack position!"
Into the field skidded a hot-blue car with a red 'd' in its hood.
Cardcar D; Level 2 EARTH Machine Effect Monster; 800 ATK, 400 DEF
"I then change both XYZ Agent and Tasuke Knight into defense position!", Yuma stated as his monsters changed stance. "And then I activate Cardcar D's effect! I get to tribute it to draw 2 cards!"
Yuma's hand size: 2 cards
"But as a cost, it now becomes the End Phase", Yuma finished as he looked at the cards in his hand.
Turn 6, Don Thousand's Turn, 4 Cards in hand, 1400 LP
"So now it's my turn", noted Don Thousand as he began his turn. "I draw!"
Don Thousand's hand size: 5 cards
The black alien then looked at his hand momentarily before continuing, "Battle! Numeronius, attack Yuma's Tasuke Knight!"
The red-and-white angel shot another laser blast towards Tasuke Knight, this time destroying it. Both and XYZ Agent were thrown off the stage from the blast's wind, although they were both caught by a rather surprising individual.
Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon; Rank 8 LIGHT Dragon XYZ Effect Monster: 3000 ATK, 2500 DEF
"Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon!", Yuma smiled upon seeing dragon holding him. He then re-evaluated his decision upon studying the dragon, "No wait, this dragon looks different..."
"Yuma!", called out Kite from Cipher Dragon's neck, the dragon now leaving both Yuma and his monster back on the floating platform. "Just focus on the duel right now!"
"Got it!", shouted Yuma before turning to face Don Thousand again. Maybe it was just his imagination.
"I now activate Numeronius' effect!", stated Don Thousand as his monster roared, soaring to the sky before floating a good distance above the city. The sky was a dark cyan, highlighted by the occasional neon. "After the Battle Phase, I destroy as many other monsters on the field as possible!"
"Tch!", Yuma clicked his teeth.
"Holy Eradication!", Don Thousand chanted as his monster shot numerous light bursts in the shape of feathers, piercing through XYZ agent and destroying it.
"XYZ Agent!", Yuma shouted, shielding himself from another wind blast.
"And after that, I get to revive a monster from your graveyard to my field!", Don Thousand continued before pointing, "And I think I'll chose Vector's Number!"
"What!?", asked Rei.
"Come to my field, Masquerade!", Don Thousand outstretched his arm as the spellcaster number revived in defense position.
"He took Rei's number...", noted Tori as she looked at both their fields. Yuma's was left empty again.
"I then activate Overlay Regen, and give an overlay unit to Vector's Masquerade!", Don Thousand continued, a ball of light now circulating the defending spellcaster. "I now end my turn!"
Don Thousand's hand size: 4 cards
-(End of OST)-
"I meant to give Yuma my number to help him out, but I instead worsened this for him", Rei noted with exaggerated sadness, everyone now looking at him. "He's done for!"
"Rei!", Yuma shouted in surprise.
The orange-haired kid then looked up to reveal a grin. "Just kidding~. You know what to do, right Yuma? I know you can turn this around!"
Yuma nodded at his Barian friend's words before focusing back on this duel. "Astral would agree with me if he was here, that the formula for victory is now in my hands!"
"Hoh?", asked an intrigued Don Thousand, Shark crossing his arms in satisfaction.
"Just watch me!", Yuma stated before stating. "I draw!"
Turn 7, Yuma's Turn, 3 Cards in hand, 4000 LP
"Remember that as long as Masquerade is on my field, I can negate any monster effect you try to pull off during the Battle Phase, and Numeronius lets me destroy a monster you control wherever I want", Don Thousand pointed out at the kid facing him. "Do you still believe you can win even after that?"
Yuma then shook his head, "Actually, I know I'll win!"
"What?"
"I activate Gagagarevenge, and revive a Gagaga monster in my graveyard!", began Yuma as he revived a defensive Zubababancho, crouched down with crossed arms.
"I won't let you XYZ summon, Numeronius can once per turn destroy a monster you control!", Don Thousand intervened as his monster produced a short crimson blast, destroying the recently-revived Gagacoat.
"And now that that's out of the way, I activate Monster Reborn!", Yuma continued with a smile. "Come back again, Gagagacoat!"
Gagagacoat appeared on the field once again.
"And Numeronius' destruction effect is only once per turn", stated Don Thousand frustratingly. "To think you would mock me by reviving the monster I just destroyed."
"I then use Gagagacoat's effect, and revive a Gogogo monster!", Yuma continued, a familiar monster appearing besides Gagagacoat. "Come back, Gogogo Golem!"
The rocky Gogogo monster reappeared next to Gagagacoat.
"I then overlay both Level 4 monsters, and build the overlay network!", Yuma chanted as his monsters vanished into more light rays, disappearing into a second black portal. "XYZ Summon!"
Into the field appeared a black-haired cowboy in defense position. "Appear, Gagaga Cowboy!"
Gagaga Cowboy; Rank 4 EARTH Warrior XYZ Effect Monster; 1500 ATK, 2400 DEF
"I now activate Gagaga Cowboy's defense position effect!", Yuma pointed with an outstretched hand. "Once per turn, I get to inflict you 800 points of damage!"
Gagaga Cowboy raised his gun and shot a few light blasts, passing through Numeronius and hitting the black alien.
"Tch!"
Don Thousand's LP: 1400 - 600
"I then activate the Spell card, XYZ Treasure!", Yuma continued as he activated a Spell card into his Duel Disk. "I now draw a card for each XYZ monster on our fields!"
"And since there's three XYZ monsters on the field...", began Caswell.
"He gets to draw 3 cards!", finished Bronk.
"Draw!", shouted Yuma.
Yuma's hand size: 3 cards
"I then normal summon Dododo Witch, followed by Kagetokage and its special ability!", Yuma continued, summoning both a female warrior in a horned helmet and staff and a red-eyed dark lizard.
Dododo Witch; Level 4 EARTH Warrior Effect Monster; 1200 ATK, 1600 DEF
Kagetokage; Level 4 DARK Reptile Effect Monster; 1100 ATK, 1500 DEF
"Two more Level 4 monsters", Shark noted.
"Another XYZ summon!", added Girag.
"I now overlay both of my Level 4 monsters into the overlay network, and XYZ SUMMON!", Yuma chanted once again with an outstretched arm as his monsters disappeared into a black portal, before exploding to reveal a dark-clothed samurai. "Slash on in, Gagaga Samurai!"
Gagaga Samurai; Rank 4 EARTH Warrior XYZ Effect Monster; 1900 ATK, 1600 DEF
"Go and summon all the XYZ monsters you want, none will make a difference!", Don Thousand boomed with a condescending expression.
The black alien didn't know how wrong he was. Yuma looked at the cards in his hand before continuing, "Battle! I now attack Masquerade with Gagaga Samurai!"
Bronk was quick to protest, "But Masquerade's a Number card, Gagaga Samurai can't-!"
Yuma's monster was quick to slice the magician in two, creating a short gust of wind on the field.
Almost everyone was surprised, even Don Thousand had widened eyes.
However, Yuma's eyes only narrowed in expectation. His guess was right.
"So it's like I thought", Yuma noted as he looked at the Masquerade back in his graveyard. "The Number cards are weaker now. They can be destroyed by anything."
"Say what now??", asked Alito in bewilderment.
"No way...", trailed off Rio as she looked at her Ragnazero card.
"So now Numbers are fair game, as well", noted Flip as he recalled how scary they once were.
Ever since Astral left this world, most of the Numbers began disappearing, Yuma noted as he recalled the days following after his duel against Astral. But it wasn't just that, their power began disappearing too.
He then recalled one certain dream he had after Astral's duel, when he woke up in front of the Door. What was curious is that it didn't speak at all, and its eyes were dull, empty of their once-bright splendor.
Yuma approached the door as the dark sky kept growing gloomier, the ornate being not speaking up at all.
"...What happened?", asked the boy as he touched the door. It didn't respond at all. Instead, it slowly began opening itself as light poured out from its crevices.
Yuma fell on his back as he saw appeared to be Duel Monster cards flying out from above the door, shooting off into various directions. Yuma immediately recognized what they were.
"It's the Number cards!", Yuma noted.
"Destiny...", suddenly began speaking the door as a crack suddenly manifested in it, cracking the ornate being in half. "Destiny will now change its course, and restart anew. Use your great power to bring balance to everyone..."
"What's even happening!", asked Yuma as he stood up, trying to run inside the door to recover the Numbers. However the door began collapsing, preventing the boy from entering any further.
However, the kid saw one last thing before waking up.
He saw what appeared to be a visage of a blue-haired girl inside the door.
...
After given permission by Declan to leave, the interrogated group was now outside the LEO Corporation building.
Aoi looked at her mechanical arm one last time before covering it with her dark uniform sleeve.
"I also have some gloves if you want to wear them", Akira spoke up as he offered her sister a pair of thin-white garments. She accepted them as she began putting them on.
"Thanks, big brother", Aoi thanked as she looked at her covered hands again. Now no one will be suspicious of her artificial arm.
"And what are you going to do now?", Jaden asked Z-ONE as he walked beside him.
"...I need to go back to Neo-Domino City, as I'm convinced it's one of the dimensions that have merged here", explained the cyborg as he looked into the bright blue-sky of Paradise City. He's never taken notice of the sky before, but not being being burdened with humanity's future on his shoulders helped him appreciate its beautiful blue color. "I already contacted one of my companions on the way out, so now it's just a matter of time before-"
Suddenly, in front of the four people arrived what appeared to be a dark-blue colored Duel Runner, with only one giant wheel in its back.
Out of the vehicle stood up a visored man in an equally cobalt-blue driver suit.
"Wait, I've seen him before somewhere", Jaden mused, Aoi mentally agreeing with his statement.
"Antimony", stated Z-ONE.
The man took off his helmet to reveal a blue-haired man with piercing red eyes, turning to look at the cyborg in front of him. "So you took Yusei's form."
"It's the only form I remember well...", stated Z-ONE as he melancholically looked down.
Yusei?, asked Jaden before turning to look at Z-ONE again. Come to think of it, the cyborg did look like him. He didn't seem to notice at first.
"I see", Antinomy said, before turning to look at both Jaden and Aoi. "You two", the driver began as he pointed at them. "Things around here are about to change drastically, from what I can tell. There's a lot I don't know about what will happen next, in fact, but I know this for sure. Whatever you guys decide to do, I trust that it will be the correct decision."
He then put his visor back on as Z-ONE sat on the back part of his Duel Runner. Antimony then sat back into his Duel Runner next before continuing, "Take care you two. See you both later."
He then sped off as he left Jaden and the Zaizen siblings at the building.
"...I didn't even get their phone numbers", noted Jaden as he looked at his own phone.
"Would phone numbers even register each other if they come from different dimensions?", asked Aoi at the ex-Duel Academy student.
"Probably not", Akira crossed his arms with a sigh.
"Well, now that that's out the way, I'll probably go back to exploring the world", Jaden said as he put his phone back on his pocket. He then added, "Wait no, I still have one more thing to do."
"What is it?", asked the brunette while looking at him.
"...Remember Darkness?", asked the red-jacket duelist, the girl softly widening her eyes.
"You said that he agreed to be an ally against the AI forces that have resurged", stated the girl. "As long as he agreed to find a purpose in life, anyway."
Jaden nodded before turning to Akira, "What are you going to do with the AI I captured?"
"...Apparently, the AI in custody has been corrupted by Lightning's programming", explained Akira. "We'll try to program him back into his previous form. If that doesn't work, we'll wait for another benevolent Ignis to appear and help us."
"I don't think they'll trust SOL Technologies after what you guys tried doing to them", Aoi responded.
Her older brother simply nodded in response, "I know, but we'll have to find a way."
Jaden looked at the two siblings before asking, "Hey, Akira, do you need any help with capturing the rest of the Ignis? I can be of good use right now."
The older brother turned to look at him, "Really?"
"And I'm not the only one; Darkness is willing to help us this time too", noted Jaden with crossed arms.
"I see", Akira said before closing his eyes. "Well if that's the case, I accept. We'll need all the help we can get against Lightning and his group, especially with the continued absence of Playmaker."
"You mean Yusaku is still gone?", asked Aoi, the older brother silently nodding at her question.
Jaden didn't know who they were talking about, so he instead waited a few moments before asking. "Soo... how are we to contact each other when you need me?"
"I'll have to figure something out", Akira mused before stating, "Declan did want something with the VRAINS system, perhaps I can use that to my advantage and ask him then, but until then I can't do much in terms of communicating."
"I see", Jaden stated.
"Well, what if he were to stay in Den City for a while?", asked Aoi at her brother. "Think about it, that way when we need him he'll be closer and easier to contact."
"Hmm, I do see your point", noted Akira with a hand on his chin. He then took notice of the black limousine approaching them from the corner. "In any case, we have to go, our ride home is here."
Now in front of the three individuals stopped a sleek black limousine, one of the servants exiting the car and opening it for the rest to come in.
"Sorry for the tardiness, Mr. Zaizen; It took us a while to get used to the different road map", apologized the servant.
"And the fact that we're in different dimensions is no small thing, either", Jaden added.
"That is fine, we aren't in as big as a hurry as before", stated Akira as he motioned the rest to enter the car. Upon everyone doing so, the limousine was quick to start back up, and begin leaving LEO's general area.
...
"So you destroyed a Number card, didn't you?", asked Don Thousand at the kid to make sure. Upon his confirmation, the black alien wasn't quick in returning to his usual indifferent expression. "Big deal!"
Yuma nodded before finishing, "I now set a card and end my turn!"
Yuma's hand size: 0 cards
-(YuGiOh ARC-V: Danger!!)-
"Yuma's been holding up against that Don Thousand fellow, even though he doesn't have Utopia anymore in his Deck!", noted Bronk as he studied both fields. The mass panic caused by Numeronia died down by this point, but looking at the giant monster was still greatly unsettling.
"It's now...", Don Thousand said before forcefully drawing a card. "My turn!"
Turn 8, Don Thousand's Turn, 5 Cards in hand, 600 LP
"I begin with the Spell card, Numeron Storm!", Don Thousand stated as he activated said card on his Duel Disk. "Since I control a Numeronius monster, I get to destroy all Spell and Trap cards you control!"
"Say what!?", asked Flip.
"And deal you 1000 damage in tandem!", finished the black alien before pointing at Yuma's facedown card. "Go, Numeronius!"
The red-and-white angel launched a red lighting strike towards Yuma's card.
"Well I activate the Trap card, Gagagaguard!", Yuma responded as he flipped his card face-up. "Since I control two Gagaga monsters, all my monsters are protected from battle and card destruction!"
Before the lightning could even touch the card, it vanished from existence as the ray of red light bounced off the ground before doing the same.
"Regardless, that is one less matter for me to worry about", Don Thousand lowered with a smirk.
"At least Yuma's monsters are safe", Cathy stated worriedly.
"But he left Gagaga Samurai in attack position", noted Caswell. "If Yuma doesn't do something about it, he'll lose this turn!"
"Battle!", Don Thousand commanded before pointing, "End this duel, Numeronius!"
Numeronius once again produced a red blast in its wings, before throwing it towards Gagaga Samurai.
"Yuma's gonna lose this duel!", Nistro shouted. Dextra silently narrowed her eyes.
She noticed that Yuma didn't say anything as he instead got out a Trap card from his graveyard and put it in his pocket.
I knew it.
"BOOM!"
-(End of OST)-
All of Yuma's field erupted into a short blast as smoke flew everywhere again. Fast winds were quick to blow everywhere afterwards.
"Yuma's sure to lose now!", Flip stated as he flew away, only to be held by Caswell.
"He's done for!", Cathy shouted, Tori trying to get near as she shouted, "Yuma!"
For a few instants everyone remained silent as they tried to not fly away from the blast's winds. It took everyone a few moments to find their bearings before focusing on the field, searching for a sign of the kid.
"Yuma... is he?", asked Caswell. He couldn't bear to complete his question.
The first one on the field to be clear of the smoke was a smirking Don Thousand.
"...I admit that you held your own as long as you could", explained Don Thousand at the probable remains of his opponent. "But without Astral your power is simply not the..."
His eyes then widened as he was the first to see Yuma. The black alien was quick to quiet down as he lowered his Duel Disk.
"Impossible...!", Don Thousand trailed off. "You're...!"
As the rest of the smoke cleared there stood a struggling Yuma, holding on to Gagaga Cowboy's cape. His LP remained unscathed.
"You're right... I'm not the same as without Astral", Yuma noted as he stood up, Don Thousand's aghast expression unchanged. "But that just proves I'm a person of my own right!"
"It's Yuma!", Caswell pointed while facing to the rest. "Yuma's still in this!"
"But how!?", asked Rio, the rest of the Barians also confused.
"How are you still alive!", shouted Don Thousand. Yuma once again didn't say anything for a few moments, instead wiping off some dust in his cheek.
"...Do you remember one of the Trap cards Yuma sent to the graveyard?", suddenly asked Dextra at Nistro, the young woman turning to face him.
"Well, there's Spikeshield with Chain, Rise to Full Height, and the Gagagaguard he sent to the graveyard... wait, you mean to tell me that Gagagaguard had another effect?"
Dextra nodded slowly, "That could be a possibility, but I'm not referring to that."
At that Nistro scratched his head, "Well sorry, but I'm not exactly picking up what you're putting down."
Dextra then pointed at Yuma, "I'm sure he'll explain soon enough."
Nistro then agreed to stay silent and hear what the kid had to say.
...
Now arriving in Den City, Aoi looked out the window to see the familiar buildings and roads laid beside her. It felt good coming back home...
"By the way, Aoi", Jaden spoke up, pulling the girl out of her thoughts to face the ex-Duel Academy student beside her. Akira was sitting across them. "Do you still plan to help others?"
"Well, yeah, but I feel like not much help is needed in the first place, since everyone is still getting used to the new situation", explained the girl before looking down. "Besides, I kinda want to get used to my normal life first before doing more saving."
At least she'll be safe, mused Akira with a small smile.
"I see; Well, there's one more thing I want to show you", Jaden said before reaching into his backpack, the brunette watching him with curiosity. He pulled out what appeared to be a Deck of cards.
"I believe this is yours", stated Jaden as he gave Aoi the stack of cards. The girl eyed it before flipping it and studying the cards. "Wait, these are my Marincess monsters!"
The ex-Duel Academy student nodded in agreement with a smile as he zipped up his backpack.
"Thank you, Jaden", stated Aoi before remembering something. "Wait, have you seen my entire Deck?"
"No, why?"
"Here", the girl stated as she got out a specific card from her Extra Deck, handing it to the red-jacket duelist beside her.
"Lemme see...", Jaden trailed off as he began reading the card. "Wait, no way!"
Elemental HERO Marincess Neos; Level 7 WATER Warrior Fusion Effect Monster; 2500 ATK, 2000 DEF
Surprise surprise, smirked Yubel from inside Jaden's consciousness.
"Are you for real? This is one sweet card!", Jaden smiled as he studied the monster. It was an alternate version of Neos, yes, but it felt as if there was a new spark to it that separated this monster from the rest.
"It's like a representation of the bond we have. I used it in my last duel against Darkness and Don Thousand", noted Aoi as Jaden gave the card back to her. The girl took it as she organized it back into her Deck while stating, "They weren't exactly easy to duel against, especially since I had a lot of pressure on my shoulders."
Jaden's smiled faded a little as he recalled his duel against Darkness, and about how being with others helped dealing with the darkness in one's heart.
"Hey, at least you won't have to do it all alone again, like you may have felt before", Jaden reassured as Aoi looked at him. "Next time, we'll fight together for real, got it?"
The girl's eyes watered as she nodded silently, taking some time to wipe off the small tears in her eyes. "Yeah, that's a promise."
Akira watched the exchange silently as he too had a soft smile on his face. It made him glad seeing that his sister had reliable friends that helped her smile again.
Aoi then decided to change topics, and instead focus on looking at her Marincess Deck again. However, this time her eyes widened as she came across a particular card.
"Hey wait a minute..."
"What happened?", asked Jaden beside her.
The girl handed him yet another card, although this one was was never used, more namely never even seen before:
On the card art appeared to be a blue-and-pink-haired girl with a frilly-pink dress, yet her eyes were dichromatic diamonds of pink and blue with an added tuft of red hair. The upper part of her costume was a blue hero suit with a crystal heart in the center, and she was wearing a red eye-mask on her face.
"And what is this monster?", asked Jaden.
Elemental HERO Marincess Assistant; Level 4 WATER Cyberse Effect Monster; 1600 ATK, 400 DEF
Author's Note: Finally done with this chapter! Sorry for the long wait everyone, school's being a pain right now and I might need to take a break for a while. Hopefully you guys understand!
Edit: Yes I deleted this chapter a little after uploading it, but because I had a few things to fix for this chapter. Sorry for anyone who was confused.