Vile: Okay, I got in Chapter 9. This is another Duel, but it will be one chapter shorter that the last.
Yuma: It's all good with me!
Kotori: ANY Duel is all good with you, Yuma.
Yuma: *grins sheepishly*
Vile: Heh heh. A new Number premiers here, and I think I did a good job. I hope you enjoy it, folks! Disclaimer's on the first page.
39 & 13 means Love
Chapter 9
Kotori LP:4000
Cathy LP:4000
"I'll go first. Draw." Cathy said in a low tone, drawing her card. There was no room for games here. She was determined to have Yuma as her own. "I'll place a monster facedown in Defense Mode, along with two Spell or Trap Cards." All three facedowns appeared on the field. "Turn end."
'What's she up to?' Kotori thought, skeptical. "My turn. Draw!" She shouted, drawing her card. "First I'll place a card facedown, then Summon this: Mist Valley Falcon in Attack Mode, Shoukan!" Kotori's monster soared down from the sky as a female humanoid monster with white hair, a green-and-brown outfit, a sword and shield, and two brown wings.
Mist Valley Falcon: Lv.4 Winged Beast ATK:2000/DEF:1200
'Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I guess.' Kotori thought. "In order for Falcon to attack, I have to return one card on my field to my hand." Her facedown vanished from the field and went to her hand. "Falcon, attack that facedown!" Falcon leapt into the air and darted toward the facedown. The monster flipped up to be a black cat with ominous purple eyes and various scars on its body, which Falcon slashed with its sword, destroying it.
"Talk about bad luck on your part." Cathy mused. Kotori was surprised. "Since you destroyed Unlucky Black Cat in battle, its effect activates, cursing the monster that attacked it and robbing it of 1300 Attack Points." A black aura surrounded Falcon, causing her to stagger and feel weak.
Mist Valley Falcon ATK:700
"Darn it. I place one card facedown. Turn end." Kotori concluded.
Yuma watched uneasily from the sidelines. "Kotori…"
"My turn. Draw." Cathy said, drawing her card. "Razor Cat in Attack Mode, Shoukan." Cathy's monster emerged as a gray cat with long bladed claws and sharp teeth.
Razor Cat: Lv.4 EARTH Beast ATK:800/DEF:1000
"Now, Razor Cat attacks Mist Valley Falcon! And when it attacks, it gains 500 Attack Points." Razor Cat's claws gleamed.
Razor Cat ATK:1300
Razor Cat then leapt toward the weakened monster and slashed it with its claws, reducing it to digital pieces.
Kotori LP:3400
"And now, Trap Card, activate. Cat Clutter Attack! Since a Cat monster just destroyed a monster by battle, I can Summon a Level 3 or below Cat monster from my Deck. Catnipped Kitty, Special Shoukan!" This one was a blue kitten with yellow spiral markings, a tuft of red fur on the stomach, and a red bow around its neck with a little bell. It curled up in Defense Mode.
Catnipped Kitty: Lv.2 EARTH Beast ATK:0/DEF:500
"With that, turn end." Cathy stated.
"My turn. Draw!" Kotori drew her card. Her hand was somewhat promising, but if Cathy got stronger monsters on the field, things would be bad.
"Be wary, Kotori." A voice said. Kotori looked next to her and saw Astral.
"Astral?" She asked.
"Yuma asked that I assist you in this Duel and allow you to use your Number." The spirit explained. Kotori was surprised and looked at her Extra Deck. Sure enough, Number 13: Devoted Empress Love was there, right on top of her Extra Deck. Kotori looked over at Yuma, who was watching the Duel. He looked back at her, then smiled. Kotori smiled back, knowing that Yuma had her back, and winked at him before returning to the Duel. Cathy narrowed her eyes at this.
"Okay, let's see. Amethyst Robin in Attack Mode, Shoukan!" This monster was a black bird with a white chest area similar in shape to her Peridot Robin, but this one's head was made of a purple jewel.
Amethyst Robin: Lv.4 DARK Winged Beast ATK:1600/DEF:700
"Amethyst Robin, attack Razor Cat!" The bird's jewel head glowed, then it took to the sky and charged, the jewel head sticking straight out.
"Trap Card, activate. Sakuretsu Armor!" Cathy activated her facedown. "Since you are attacking me, this card destroys your monster instantly." Spirits shot out from the card, destroying the robin's body. However, it was absorbed into the jewel.
"Rgh… Amethyst Robin's effect activates. If it's destroyed by a Trap Card, I can Special Summon it back to the field during either Main Phase." Robin's body reformed from the jewel on its head. "I place one card facedown. Turn end."
"My turn. Draw!" Cathy drew her card. "Yarn-Covered Cat in Attack Mode, Shoukan!" This one was a small white cat covered with multicolored yarn, just as the name suggested.
Yarn-Covered Cat: Lv.2 EARTH Beast ATK:700/DEF:200
"Next, Magic Card, activate. Peer Pressure. If I control three monsters, two of which have the same Level and the last one having a different Level, the third monster's Level becomes the same as the other two!" Yarn-Covered Cat and Catnipped Kitty looked at Razor Cat, and the last cat nodded.
Razor Cat: Lv.2
"Uh-oh. Three Level 2 monsters." Kotori mused.
"Now… Razor Cat, Yarn-Covered Cat, and Catnipped Kitty, Overlay!" All three monsters turned fully orange, then shot up and spiraled around each other. A galaxy-like portal opened in front of her as all three monsters flew inside.
"It's coming! Be ready, Kotori!" Astral warned.
"With these three monsters, I construct the Overlay Network! Xyz Shoukan!" Cathy chanted. "Behold… Nanbazu Kyuujuu (Number 90)! Mistress Nekomusume!"
The number "90" formed and flashed in purple, and the monster's sealed form arose, taking the form of a large ball of metallic yellow, green, and red yarn. Then the yarn ball began to quickly unravel in five separate places, the strings twisting in various directions. The strings began coiling around to create a form, similar to a torso. Arms and legs coiled from the strings, coiling even more to create fingers and paw-like toes at the ends. A tail-like structure coiled from the back end of the torso. Finally, a head-like shape with cat-like ears coiled on the neck area, strings falling down the back like hair. The overall body shape suggested a female. Then, the strings changed slowly, starting at the hands and feet and moving back to the torso. The end result was a skin-tight black cat suit with sharp claws poking out from the fingers and toes, covered over by an elegant, yet slightly transparent, gold dress that had elegant patterns of the same yarn over it, stopping around two inches above the knee. Various rings adorned the monster's fingers, and a silver necklace was around its neck. The head formed into a female face with cat-like yellow eyes, a few sharp teeth, long golden-red hair, and cat ears sticking out from the head. A purple 90 glowed on the chest area of her dress as her golden-red tail swished back and forth. The cat/human hybrid curled her hands into paws as she let out a loud meow, taking a pose as her orange Overlay Units circled her.
Number 90: Mistress Nekomusume: Rank 2 EARTH Beast-Warrior/Xyz ATK:1300/DEF:1200
Cathy giggled creepily. "Beautiful… isn't she? The ruler of all of my Cat monsters… and the one who truly deserves to be beside Hope."
"What'd you say…?" A voice called out, slightly annoyed. Kotori knew that voice: it was Devoted Empress Love. An image of said monster appeared behind Kotori.
Mistress Nekomusume smirked. "You are a cheap excuse of a counterpart of Hope." She said to Number 13. "An unimaginative Number created by an unimaginative human. The only thing you can do is power his abilities, showing your absolute uselessness. I, on the other hand, can hold my own in the heat of battle. Hope and I are both capable warriors with our own powers, making us perfect for each other. You are an unneeded blemish on our lives… just as your owner is one on the lives of Cathy and Yuma." She ended her sentence with a sly giggle.
Kotori was appalled as what the Number had just said, while Number 13 was absolutely fuming. This Number was the most stuck-up creature either of them had ever seen. "Don't buy that garbage, Kotori!" Yuma called to her, which made her look at him. "That Number's just full of herself! She's all talk! Take out that half-cat brat and get Cat-chan back to normal!"
"Don't you get it, Yuma…? I am normal." Cathy said to him. "This Number helped me over come my shyness. I can finally show how much I love you."
"Kotori's the one I love, Cat-chan! That Number is manipulating you!"
"…I will not accept that, Yuma. I will defeat Kotori, and you will be mine." Cathy deadpanned.
"She's too far gone, Kotori! Get that Number out of her system!" Yuma called to Kotori, who nodded.
"I will make sure I win. I activate Mistress Nekomusume's special ability. By removing an Overlay Unit, Mistress gains 1200 Attack Points until the turn's end." Mistress followed one of her Overlay Units with her eyes, then caught it with her claws, dissipating it and making her claws grow.
Number 90: Mistress Nekomusume ATK:2500
"Now, my Mistress, attack Amethyst Robin!" Number 90 leapt toward the purple-headed robin with her claws outstretched.
"Trap Card, activate! Dust Cloud Escape! By destroying a monster I control, your attack is negated!" Amethyst Robin's body rumbled and exploded, blinding Mistress while its body was absorbed into its jewel.
"Lucky. I place one card facedown. Turn end." Cathy declared.
"My turn. Draw!" Kotori drew her card. "Since it's my Main Phase, and Amethyst Robin was destroyed by a Trap, I can bring it back to the field!" Robin's body reformed from the jewel. "Next, Galactic Glider in Attack Mode, Shoukan!" This monster was more of an ostrich-like bird, having a bluish-black body with a white neck and head.
Galactic Glider: Lv.4 LIGHT Winged Beast ATK:0/DEF1600
"Now it's time! Galactic Glider and Amethyst Robin, Overlay!" Glider turned fully yellow while Amethyst turned fully purple, and both monsters spiraled upward around each other. A galaxy portal opened in front of her as both of her monsters flew in. "With these two monsters, I construct the Overlay Network! Xyz Shoukan! Arawareyo, Nanbazu Juusan! Suki Joou Love! (Come forth, Number 13! Devoted Empress Love!)"
The number "13" formed and flashed in blue, and Empress Love's sealed form emerged. The form began to change and shift until all arrangement were made, and Empress Love filled in the armaments. She grasped her staff, her 13 glowing, and spun it around before yelling her trademark "HEE-YAH!" and taking a battle stance, her yellow Xyz Materials circling her.
Number 13: Devoted Empress Love: Rank 4 LIGHT Spellcaster/Xyz ATK:2400/DEF:1600
"So… the knockoff has taken the field…" Number 90 mused with a smirk.
Number 13 scowled. "I'm gonna knock that smirk right off your face!"
"With only 1300 Attack Points, that cat won't be too difficult to beat!" Kotori chirped.
"Don't be too sure, Kotori." Astral told her. Kotori looked at him in confusion. "That girl is employing much different tactics than when Yuma Dueled her. If that Number survives, it can use its effect and make itself stronger. Number 13 cannot use her effect while alone. You need a bigger advantage."
"But… what can I do…?" Kotori wondered.
Astral smirked. "Look in your Extra Deck." Kotori checked the Deck and saw another card that wasn't there before.
"This is… It can't be…" She breathed. Yuma smiled from the sidelines. She must've figured it out. Kotori looked over to him, and he grinned and gave a thumbs-up.
"Good luck, Kotori!" Yuma called to her.
Kotori smiled. Yuma truly had her back now. She went back to the Duel. "I activate Galactic Glider's special ability! If I ever use it for an Xyz Summon, I can Special Summon a Level 4 Winged Beast-Type monster from my Deck. Peridot Robin, Special Shoukan!" The same green-jewel-headed bird from the last Duel appeared on the field.
Peridot Robin: Lv.4 LIGHT Winged Beast ATK:1600/DEF:700
"Now, Magic Card, activate! Swallow's Nest! By releasing my Robin, I can Summon a Winged Beast with the same Level as my Robin!" Robin's body was absorbed into its jewel head. "Amber Robin, Special Shoukan!" This monster was the same style as Peridot and Amethyst Robin, but with a light blue body and an orange gem for a head.
Amber Robin: Lv.4 EARTH Winged Beast ATK:1600/DEF:700
Kotori felt a rush go through her. "Now... I Overlay my two Robins for another Xyz Shoukan!" Amber turned fully orange while Peridot turned fully yellow, and the two monsters spiraled around each other.
Cathy's eyes widened in surprise and anger as a galaxy portal opened up in front of Kotori. "You wouldn't dare!"
"Watch me!" Kotori retorted, not in the mood for games. "With this two monsters, I construct the Overlay Network! Xyz Shoukan!" She held up a card, and her eyes glistened. "...This one's for you, Yuma! Nanbazu Sanjuukyuu… Kibou Ou Hope (Number 39… Aspiring Emperor Hope)!"
The number "39" formed and flashed in red, then Hope's sealed form emerged. The wings uncoiled from around it, and his body shifted and changed. When his change was complete, Hope brandished his sword, then docked it before yelling "HOPE!", his yellow Overlay Units circling him.
Number 39: Aspiring Emperor Hope: Rank 4 LIGHT Warrior/Xyz ATK:2500/DEF:2000
Cathy and Number 90 growled at what was before them. "How dare you Summon Hope to your field...?" Number 90 hissed. "I am the only one fit to stand by his side!"
"Such arrogance is what leads to the downfall of many." A male voice rang out. Clearly, it was Hope. Yuma was able to hear it, and was surprised to hear him speak. "You are the creation of one with an innocent yet narcissistic fantasy that is doomed to be shattered. Empress, on the other hand, is different. She is the physical embodiment of the love her owner has for another. Her resemblance to myself is purely coincidental, yet flattering. You call yourself the greatest, but you will be proven wrong, and our combined power will see to that." Empress Love smiled behind her mouth guard at Hope's words. She'd be blushing if her cheeks were visible.
"He's right, Kotori!" Yuma called to her. "Show her the real power of Kattobingu!" Kotori nodded to him.
Number 90 was shocked at Hope's words. How dare he speak such lies? "Worry not, my Mistress." Cathy told her in a low tone. "We will prove our superiority." She looked over at Yuma, her eyes deadlocked on him. 'I've come too far for you, Yuma... I've made myself known to you... I'm proving my power to you...' Her dark aura began to swirl as her eyes went red. 'I will accept nothing less than your love!'
Author-Made Cards
Unlucky Black Cat
Level 3 DARK Beast
ATK:1300/DEF:0
If this card is destroyed by battle, the opposing monster loses 1300 ATK.
Razor Cat
Level 2 EARTH Beast
ATK:800/DEF:1000
If this card attacks, it gains 500 ATK during the Damage Step. If this card is attacked, the attacking monster loses 500 ATK during the Damage Step.
Yarn-Covered Cat
Level 2 EARTH Beast
ATK:700/DEF:200
If this card is destroyed by battle, Special Summon 2 "Yarn Tokens" (Level 1 EARTH Beast ATK:0/DEF:0) in Defense Position.
Galactic Glider
Level 4 LIGHT Winged Beast
ATK:0/DEF:1600
If this card is used as an Xyz Material, Special Summon 1 Level 4 Winged Beast-Type monster from your Deck.
Amethyst Robin
Level 4 DARK Winged Beast
ATK:1600/DEF:700
If this card is sent to the Graveyard by the effect of a Trap Card, Special Summon this card from the Graveyard.
Amber Robin
Level 4 EARTH Winged Beast
ATK:1600/DEF:700
If this card is sent to the Graveyard by a monster effect, Special Summon this card from the Graveyard.
Number 90: Mistress Nekomusume
Rank 2 EARTH Beast-Warrior/Xyz
ATK:1300/DEF:1200
3 Level 2 monsters
This card is treated as a "Cat" monster. Once per turn, you can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card to have this card gain 1200 ATK until the End Phase.
Peer Pressure
Normal Spell Card
If you control 3 monsters, 2 of which have the same Level and the third has a different Level, the third monster's Level becomes the same as the Level of the other two monsters.
Cat Clutter Attack
Normal Trap Card
When a "Cat" monster you control destroys a monster by battle, Special Summon 1 Level 3 or below "Cat" monster from your Deck.
Dust Cloud Escape
Normal Trap Card
When your opponent's monster declares an attack, destroy 1 monster you control to negate the attack.
Vile: Holy crud, things are getting epic!
Tokunosuke: I almost fell out of my seat from that, Ura!
Cathy: Man, you sure made one creepy Number for me, Vile.
Yuma: I had no idea Hope could even talk!
Vile: In a figurative sense, can't all Numbers? *Yuma scratches head* *chuckles* Anyway, sorry for the short delay, everyone. Had a bit of block. But I'll try and get the next chapter in soon! See ya later!
Computer Voice: Vile, logging out.