Alright, here's Chapter 2!
First of all, I must apologize for posting this late. I have my reasons, which I doubt anyone cares.
Anyway, yes I had will make Astral appear in this fiction. He won't have much of a role in this chapter but I will develop more of him in the coming chapters.
Also, last chapter's pole:
Invinsibility - Numbers monster will be given the effect: This card cannot be destroyed by the effect of Spell, Trap or Monster Effects. This card can only be destroyed by battle by battle with another "Number" monster.
And there you guys have it. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoy writing them.
Chapter 2: Astral
Another day of summer dawned on the Hyakuya family. Normally for a perfect and a beautiful day like this, people would either meet others or did something fun for the day. But Soma, on the other hand, was in a completely different story…
SNAP
Soma's piercing shriek tore the beautiful morning with a horrible wake up call. The scream was loud enough to wake up the dead, as well as calling back the departed. A trembling and paled Soma curled up in one corner greeting the sight of a VERY scary childhood friend, who was displaying a very sweet and innocent face. But behind laid the face of a very angry Netherworld fiend.
"C-C-C-C-C-C-CLARE!" he shrieked with a trembling voice and a twitching body. Soma was leaning against the corner of his room as he tried to find cover between the walls.
"Soma…" said the 'fiend' with a sweet and gentle tone, which contained only malice and an urge to kill, "You forgot something."
Confused, Soma shot his eyes to a corner, trying desperately to recall what he forgot. Normally, he would argue back. But he wouldn't dare to do that, judging whom he IS facing now.
"Would you like me to refresh your memory?" offered the Hannya, grinning like a mad killer wannabe. This did not go very well to the cold teen. The offer could only meant one thing. She suddenly pulled out a… VERY BIG MALLET!
SNAP
"GAH! WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?" Soma paled and gasped at the sight of the hammer. At this point, he suddenly remembered what he had forgotten.
Last night, before the duel, Soma had made an offer and a promise that he would help Clare to move her belongings. However, he was too absorbed into the duel until he had completely forgotten about his words. Soma was dueling with his mother last night and was trying his best to come up with strategies and tactics to turn tides. Moreover, he was too focused with predicting future events (in the duel) and coming up logics.
Soma was known to be a logic master by many. He could come up with hundreds of logics that could fit in one situation at an inhuman pace. First, he analyzed the conditions of the scenes or events. Then, more than hundreds of information and possibilities will flood his mind and senses. His mind will process the most logical ones while his body will justify them with reasons. It was odd for him. But it was proven to be very useful for his studies. At first he thought that it was his half blood ability. But an incident twelve years ago had proven him wrong.
In any case…
"Oh yes, one hit from my mallet of knowledge will definitely make you remember," said Clare with her gentle smirk, masking an evil grin. "Don't worry, this won't sting. But it will hurt a lot."
Oi, Oi, Oi, Oi, Oi! Soma grumbled mentally.
"Hold still," Clare at this point swung the mallet to the back.
At breakneck speed, Soma suddenly groveled before her. "I'm sorry for forgetting my promise!" he snapped at breakneck speed.
That remark was like magic. The swing instantly came to a halt. The mallet was centimeters away from him when he spoke them. Clare raised the mallet and pushed a finger to her chin. "Let's see… I will forgive you."
Soma gave a mental sigh of relief when she said that. But knowing Clare, he was ready for her next words – But on two conditions.
"But on two conditions," she said, exactly what the dark haired teen had anticipated. "One, you ride me to college every day!"
SNAP
"Wait! WHAT?" Soma gasped loudly at the new information. His mind had now processed the new information as to why Clare wanted to home stay in his house. "Which college you're talking about?"
"Why of course, your college, that Domino Dice College." Said the Japanese/American teen in an as a matter of fact tone.
Soma, dead panned and dumb folded, came to a halt. A short awkward pause later, he snapped. "WAIT, WHAT! WAT! SA MO (WHAT)!" roared the dark haired teen with both eyes widened and jaw dropped to the fullest as he commented, the last phase being spoken in Chinese.
Soma enrolled in a college unlike others. The college was one of the top colleges in Domino City, second to Central Domino Duel Academia. Moreover, those who wanted to enroll in the college must have at least seven credits as well as two distinctions at the very least. Soma was capable of entering the college at ease due to his achievements, which many had a hard time to believe this. The dark haired teen was also the top student in school… making him both famous and infamous.
He entered his mindscape of logics. The dark haired teen knew that arguing further would be a waste of breath, so he had no choice but to yield, "Alright…"
"Thank you Soma… and one more…" she paused for a minute. Soma saw this unfamiliar movement she was making. Clare's eyes were darting rapidly from one direction to another. The dark haired teen could only deduce one thing. Clare is either embarrassed or nervous about her second term. "Uh…"
"Yes?"
"N-Never mind, forget the second term," she snapped before tearing out of the room, leaving a dumb folded Soma.
Soma simply let out a sigh of relief and got himself changed for college. Moments later, "SOMA! ARE YOU DONE YET?" the sound of a concerned mother echoed through the corridors.
The dark haired teen, who was done changing replied to the call. He donned a marine blue jacket with a white uniform inside. His uniform also consists of a long blue tracks and jet-black leather shoes. He descended to the living room, concluding his rituals before going to college. Soma had his breakfast and suddenly realized the luggage sitting on one corner of the living room.
"Going somewhere again?" asked the Heterochromic in a straightforward tone.
"Why yes," answered his mother in her ever lovely sweet tone, "We will be going to your father's hometown for a year." Soma emphasized the 'we' in her speech as his mother and his father.
"A year… eh." He said displaying slight unhappiness.
Soma was no stranger to loneliness. His parents mostly leave for a honeymoon vacation or for overseas visits. The dark haired teen, despite not showing it, always felt sad for being left alone. But still, looking at the present now, Soma at least had a… It was at this moment, Soma realized one crucial matter.
SNAP
"Wait mom!" Soma gasped with his face turned as red as an apple, "That means, I… Clare… uh…"
The Hyakuya heiress knew very well what her son meant to say. She had even looked into this matter beforehand. Yula picked up her tore open the shell of a sunflower seed and crunched on the contents.
"I am fully aware son." She began calmly, "But I am very confident that you would not do 'such a thing' while we are away, for example."
SNAP
Soma instantly caught on to what she meant by those words as he suddenly have some censored thoughts. "MOM!" he chocked on to his glass of warm milk. Soma's poker face was shattered flawlessly by her words. His face grew redder than his crimson right eye. His neck shrunk under his shoulders as he tried to distract his mind from those words.
His mother chuckled at the display of embarrassments he was displaying. The woman chuckled and ran a hand to his cheek.
"Listen son, sometimes it's best to pursue after things rather than waiting." She advised. "It's for the best… otherwise…" her tone lowered as she recalled the despairs she had went through when she had lost her husband once.
Soma suddenly recalled a piece of memory he had loathed to remember. The teen hated that memory. He gulped his last drop of milk and tore off to the door. He paused and turned to his mother, "I… I'll think about it…" is all he said before leaving a delighted mother, feeling her words had successfully reached him at one point.
A few minutes later, Soma got onto his crimson-framed motorcycle. He put on his crimson helmet and waited for his housemate. About a while later, Clare arrived before him. As she did, Soma was frozen 'on the spot' at once.
Clare was now wearing the female standard issue uniform of his college. The uniform consisted of a marine blue jacket, which was buttoned to hug Clare's frame, a short white skirt with marine blue trim and a pair of leather black shoes. Clare had them on, but in addition to that, she was also wearing a pair of snow-white stockings, which covered the rest of her legs. Moreover, it fit the uniform perfectly. Her long blonde hair was tied into a tight bun as well. Soma only had one word to comment about her appearance – ASTOUNDING!
At this point, the conversation he had with his mother earlier came back to him. He blocked the thought using his developed mind barriers and faced his childhood friend.
"You reminded me of primary school," he commented with a stoic expression, which here meant, 'you look as beautiful as the first time I met you'.
"Why thank you," she replied understanding what he meant by those words as she got onto his bike. The blonde put on the helmet Soma handed her and they made one trip straight to school.
As they traveled, Clare began to ask questions about the collage. The dark haired teen face palmed mentally in annoyance. He made a brief deduction that it could be possible that her parents were the only ones who went to that school during the registration. But in any case, he answered her questions one by one. Clare began to get the picture of the destination.
A while later, both teens arrived at the collage. Soma parked his bike at the parking lot opposite from the entrance and began his long trip to class.
"Welcome Clare, to Domino Dice Collage," said the dark haired teen as he nodded towards the large area before them.
Clare took off her helmet. Soma could clearly see her astonishments as she laid eyes on her new collage. They entered through the front gates.
"Over here is the main entrance, the garden is as beautiful as one could laid eyes on, you could come down here for a walk instead of going to a park near home," explained the dark haired teen as he and his childhood friend passed through the gardens. Clare took a slight moment to marvel the smell of nature of the park offered… although there was some carbon monoxide in the air. "Then next would be the botany house on the right and the art house on the left." Soma explained as he pointed at the two small buildings on each side. "The botany house is situated here to get good observations with nature while the art class requires peace of mind in order to conduct art lessons" explained the dark haired teen.
And it makes me wonder… how is it quiet, judging by its geography… criticized Soma. True to his words, the entrance was always noisy, especially during the morning and the end of school sessions.
Clare turned to see two buildings on both sides and made mental notes about them.
They passed the two buildings and climbed the stairs. Soma then continued his tour, "This is the Collage's Plaza, where everyone gathers for assemblies. We also held school festivals here all the time." Clare looked at the grand open area before her and she could see some of the students gathered in every corner. They too wore uniforms like both Soma and she herself wore. Some of the male student only wore a white uniform. Clare also noticed one or two students wearing jet black. Soma took notice of this and explained, "The students in black are prefects, anything they see reports to the student council."
"Student council?"
"A group of school vigilantes, they work on student affairs," the dark haired teen explained. "They report any disciplinary actions to the higher ups too."
Clare nodded.
"Anyway, the plaza is like a crossroad. See the ground," Soma gestured to the ground. The semen ground had a large compass like picture, "This one acts as an indicator. Just remember, the North leads to the main campus while the South leads to the main entrance."
"What about east and west?"
"The east is where the student council building is situated." Soma turned to the five-story building in the direction in question. "The west is mostly for leisure. We have a cyber center there. The cyber center is where people could come and go to surf the web as leisure."
"Wait, we're allowed to do that?"
"And do your printed assignments there, yes." Soma nodded at his childhood friend. "Also, the library is located there." Clare nodded as she registered the… four buildings there.
"Wait, what about the other two?" she asked.
"I don't know about those, never been there before." Is all he answered. Clare did not push too much and made a mental note to check out the unknown buildings sooner or later.
The two continued the tour. They climbed another flight of stairs and entered deeper into the area. As they have reached the top, the next sight stunned Clare. The place was like on waters.
"Surprised?" asked Soma as he turned to his stunned friend.
Clare was beyond surprised; in fact, the beauty of the place stunned her.
The area was spacious and had a large stone platform on the center, with some safety grails around the ends. Under the platform was a lake! The crystal clear waters were flowing in a tranquil manner. The area reminded Clare of a fountain since the waters were flowing gently out of the each corners. Soma guided his friend across the platform, indicating that it was solid. They stood there.
"This place is usually the school attraction. It's not so unfamiliar to find duelists duel on this spot too. What do you think?" Soma asked with a little tone of pride.
"I think it's brilliant," answered Clare as she bent her knees to reach and feel the tranquil waters. They were cool and calm. "Are these-"
"Mineral waters, they're drinkable, this place has a strict rule of cleanliness, and anyone who dared to challenge the rules would be pinned down at once. I'd follow the rules if I were you, unless you could cough up a ten million dollar fine that is." Warned the Heterochromic teen.
Clare nodded.
They continued on and finally, they had come to the main building. "Welcome Clare, to the main building." Soma turned to the mansion like building. The building was painted in snow white and was humongous. "This is the main building, where our classes will be held. The building is big so I suggest you always bring along a map, you'll get lost for sure."
"Let me guess, you got lost once did you?" teased Clare narrowing her eyes.
"No," replied Soma bluntly.
"You're lying."
"I'm not and I'm not finished," said the dark haired teen, "I'm not lost once but twenty eight times." That instantly sent Clare laughing. The blond held her stomach and laughed aloud rudely. "Laugh all you want…" he grumbled.
"I'm sorry Soma, it's just too funny." She said.
"We'll see if it is funny, when you are in my shoes," grunted the dark haired teen in annoyance.
They entered the main building. Clare marveled the interior of the place. The campus was very spacious. Many students came bustling around the corridors and some were gathering around the hallways. To her left was a cafeteria while her right was the locker room. Soma then dragged his friend to the principle room. "Since you're a freshman, you ought to fill in with the principle."
"W-Wait, then-" she was cut off as Soma raised his palm.
"We'll talk after class, remember, our class starts at 9.30 am. We'll have an hour recess at noon and our school will end at half past three. Got that?"
Clare nodded in an uncertain manner.
"See you after class."
Soma bowed and left his childhood friend. He climbed the stairs to reach his homeroom class. As soon as he entered his classroom, he went straight to his desk, which is situated on the back most corner of the room, away from any forms of close communications. The back most seat of the class, according to the school, is the least favorite spot to everyone. The seat offered less means of communications and attentions. Moreover, those who sat at the back would hardly catch up in classes.
He sat with his back leaning against the chair and crossed his arms. Soma shut his eyes and meditated until his class began. His meditation was intercepted when someone approached him. Soma opened his eyes to see a man about his age.
The man had long messy jet-black hair. His eyes were completely covered by his messy hair. The teenager looked like a caveman had it not been for these appearances. The man sat in a hunched position and remained motionlessly still. Soma knew his neighbor well, in fact, he sympathized him.
"Morning," he greeted despite knowing the response he would get.
The messy haired man continued to ignore him.
Soma sighed and returned to his meditation…
As homeroom session begun, Soma's homeroom teacher entered. His teacher was an elderly man in glasses. He had long graying black hair and wore a neat black uniform of a businessman. He looked like a butler no matter how people look at it. "Good morning class," he greeted in a confident tone filled with several years of wisdom.
"Good morning Mr. Nimbus," the class greeted back.
Nimbus Nacht, Soma's teacher. He was a very smart person. The elderly man before the class was also known to be a walking library for he had memorized over billions of books. According to Stella's father, Kai Silence, the man once lived in the same inn as he did. On the other hand, he also had an orangey furred cat, which hardly leave his side. Soma could clearly see the said cat skipping along the battlements outside the window from where he is sitting. The cat seem to adore Nimbus a lot as it always hissed at anyone who dared to approach it. Soma had his suspicions about the cat and the cat seem to keep an eye on him for some reasons.
"Ah, glad for you to join us today, Mr. Hyakuya," said the elderly man gesturing at Soma, who gave a slight nod. "You too, Mr. Sanjyu." Soma gave a snort. "Well the pleasantries aside," the teacher then brought out his checklist, "Now before we begin our homeroom, I would like to make some announcements."
The class then began to pay their attentions to the announcement.
"Starting from today, two new students will be transferred into our class, now these two students as some of you know are of course two lovely ladies." The men in the class, saves Soma were now getting more interested as they paid their complete attentions to the announcement. "Now first, I would like to invite Ms. Nyx Nacht to join the class. Ms. Nacht, please join us."
At that revelation, the class began to gossip to each other. Soma simply used his logics to figure out who this person is. Based on what his teacher had told him, the first new student is called Nyx Nacht, and if his teacher is called Nimbus Nacht, that would mean that Nyx is related to the teacher.
But in any case, Soma watched the door slid open. Then a beautiful young lady entered the classroom. The entire class began to jaw drop at the marvelous sight before them, especially the boys. The new student had jet-black long hair like his neighbor. Unlike him, her hair was silky, neat and tidy. Her hair was also swept to the back, which was supported with a black and golden trimmed hair band. She had a pair of beautiful lapis violet eyes as well as the charms of a… succubus.
"Um… it's a pleasure to meet you," she greeted as she bow to the class. The class fell right into her charms.
"Mr. Nimbus, is this person…" One of the female student asked.
"Yes, she is my daughter." That revelation shocked the class. "But in any case, she won't get all the luxuries that I can guarantee you. Nyx, pick a seat." His daughter nodded and went to the back most desks. She sat at the furthest corner away from Soma and the messy haired teenager – Senjyu.
"Ahem, also, please welcome Ms. Ayazama Clare to join us too." THAT startled Soma. He accidentally fell over his seat, gaining some bewildered gazes. The second new student to join the class was none other than Soma's childhood friend. By the time she entered, everyone jaw dropped.
"Ah Soma, you're in this class too!" she exclaimed happily.
"Hello Clare," replied Soma in a bored tone as he got back to his seat. "Nice knowing you." He added sarcastically.
The class began to gossip with one another when the two supposed-to-have-met-in-class teens spoke with each other caresually. Moreover, they could have sworn that they heard Soma making a sarcastic comment. Clare was confused with the class's behavior. Nyx, the new student along with Clare was confused too but she digressed. Soma, on the other hand, showed no emotions and remained in crossed arm position.
Class went on until noon… with some gossips and murmurs. Whatever those comments are, Soma noticed that every gossips that concerned Nyx seemed to have sent the orangey furred cat outside the window hissing.
As soon as the recess bell rang, the class was dismissed for recess. Soma remained seated in meditation stance as he crossed his arms and leaned back to his chair. The person beside him merely sat in his seat. The two had a continuous and famous record of remaining seated in their seats doing completely nothing for the whole day. That record will soon be banished.
"Soma!" called a certain childhood friend. "Come show me the campus."
Soma, feeling slightly irritated and annoyed, he shot his eyes open and gave a narrow stare. "Why?" he replied lazily.
"It's obvious isn't it?" stated Clare in an as a matter of fact tone. "A freshman needs a guide right."
"Aye," added a new voice. Soma and Clare turned to see the other new student – Nyx Nacht, "I might as well need a guide to the entire campus."
"See Soma, would you please show us around?" asked Clare as she clapped her hands together.
"…Tch, just go to the Student Welfare Merchant by the entrance and get yourself a map!" growled the lazy teen. "Sure, whatever!" he added indignantly.
Soma had a very weird attitude of saying one thing at first then another at the same time. The dark haired boy may be reluctant at first but he will suddenly changed his mind at once after voicing his reluctance.
"Oh, thank you Mr…"
"Someone," replied Soma spitefully at the raven-haired freshman as he left his desk.
"What is his problem?" she criticized, feeling slightly annoyed and irritated.
"Please don't mind him, he's like that all the time." Defended Clare as she tailed the annoyed Soma. "By the way, he's Hyakuya Soma, a childhood friend of mine. I am Ayazama Clare, just call me Clare."
"Please to meet you, call me Nyx," she bowed politely as she introduced herself. The jet-black haired 'succubus' followed her new friend with the tour.
The two freshmen got a guide through the campus. Clare and Nyx insisted on getting to the cafeteria to get some snacks after they are done with the tour. Soma simply grunted for having needed to babysit them. Soma could have sworn that the two people are getting on his nerves. But knowing what was good for his 'well-being', he simply remained stoic. As soon as the tour ended, the group arrived at the cafeteria.
"My, what a school!" complimented the blonde.
"Indeed, my father said that this school was one of the best among the best," added Nyx as she took a bite from her bread.
At this point, Soma got the feeling that the two girls had completely forgotten about their tour guide. And he was right…
"So Nyx, how old are you exactly?" asked Clare curiously, much to Soma's discomforts as the conversation he and his mother had suddenly popped out of nowhere.
"Oh, I may not look like it, but I can assure you I have lived longer than the two of you, or anyone, who looked around my age." She admitted raising the blonde curiosity.
"That would be…"
"Don't ask, you won't believe me if I tell you." Said Nyx teasingly.
Soma had somehow managed to sneak away from under the two girls noses. He silently glided through the labyrinth of students and made his way to the campus square. He gave a growl like sigh and stood on one corner with his arms crossed. "Women…" he sighed.
"Women what?" called a new voice behind Soma. Soma suddenly felt a pair of hands covering his eyes. The Heterochromic then heard a very familiar voice he recognize as…
"Stella."
The hands opened up. Soma hardly gave any reaction and slowly turned to the source of the voice maliciously. As he did, the face of a certain white-haired woman who was a Heterochromic came into view – Stella Silence. "S-O-M-A!"
Slightly intimidated, Soma kept the stoic face and turned away. "What do you want Prez?"
Stella Silence was Soma's class president as well as the executive chairman of the student council. She was one of the few people in school who got as close as to talk with him like a friend. Stella was also the daughter of a certain card shop owner.
"Aw come on! You just have to loosen up a little!" she said smacking the back of the Heterochromic teen hardly. "Also, who are the two gal's you were with?"
"Who knows, probably some dumb stupid gals who were desperately wante-" at this point, Soma stopped dead. Uh-oh, he gasped mentally as he realized what he had just said.
"What's wrong?" asked the snow-white haired teen bewilderedly.
Soma gulped aloud and slowly turned to his left. The sight of a smiling blonde girl came in sight. He turned away and returned to his left to check on the girl in question. The girl was closer… again; he turned away and turned left again.
…
Her smiling face was completely in his sights. "Dumb stupid gal?" she asked with a sweet tone. Soma turned to his front. He drew in his breath…
SNAP
Soma shrieked aloud. The entire college grounds heard his scream.
As soon as after-lunch break class began, whispers and murmurs began to go around in the class. All the gossips were directed at Soma. The class was completely anxious about Soma's present condition. Earlier, before recess, Soma was completely fine. But now, Soma had two jet-black eyes, which made him looked completely like a panda, much to the class's amusement.
Soma glared daggers at the blonde sitting before him for it was the blonde's fault he ended up like this. Soma shrugged the thought aside and carried on with his class. As he did, something unexpected happened. His neighboring classmate – Sanjyu suddenly passed a note to him. Soma eyed him suspiciously and took the note:
Meet me at the Central Park after class.
Central Park… thought Soma with a narrowed glare.
As soon as class ends, the class began to pack up and head home for the day. Soma, on the other hand, packed up his bags and called Clare.
"C'mon, we're leaving," he commanded.
Clare followed him. "Coming!"
The two friends followed the long journey through the yards. As they did, the two friends stumbled upon a gang. The gang consisted of five senior students. All five of them were well built and large. Soma loathed this gang, especially their leader, who seem absent at the moment. Soma gave a sinister glare at the gang before walking pass them. Clare followed from behind care freely.
"HEY YOU!" roared one of the members.
Soma simply ignored them, but Clare stopped by and turned to them, giving a bewildered glance.
"HEY YOU! I SAID STOP!"
Soma simply walked away, dragging his childhood friend away. She yelped in surprise at that sudden move.
The dark haired teen's actions began to get on to their nerves. They gave chase. Soma merely walked on, ignoring the gang. He simply avoided any sort of insults they threw at him. Until suddenly, he stopped when he heard them calling him 'chicken hearted loser'. They got in front of the two.
"So you finally stop!" one of them said in triumph.
Clare was getting worried when she was currently encountering a gang of bullies. She was hoping that something like this would not happen, especially during her first day at her new collage. She looked over to Soma, who seemed to be unfazed. Her childhood friend merely gave a sigh and replied to the gang, "Because the lights are red…"
The gang instantly jaw-dropped and turned around. They then realized that they were standing in a middle of a road and the drivers are viciously horning at them to get out of their way. Soma sighed at the gang's idiocy as they panicked and scrambled towards the other side of the road. The gang of bullies panted as soon as they were safe. Soon, they glared daggers at the Heterochromic teen and the freshman.
"You're going to pay for that!" one of the gang member roared.
"Sure, that is if you could cross the road to get it," taunted the teen as he threw a hand on Clare's wrist, much to her surprise. "Catch us if you can! Clare move!"
Soma wheeled around and dragged his childhood friend away from the scene. Clare yelped as she got pulled away. Soma tore through the area and made a small detour to the parking lot, where he parked his bike. As soon as he got to his bike, he put on his helmet with break neck speed and motioned Clare to get on quickly. Soma started his bike and immediately left the scene.
Moments later, the two friends arrived at the Central Park. Soma took off his helmet and head straight into the park, leaving a curious Clare on the bike.
Clare got off and stared dumb folded at her friend. "Why are we here?" she asked with some slight confusion. "Soma, what's going on?"
Soma merely nodded to one direction answering Clare's question. Clare turned to the direction Soma had nodded to. Before her stood the silent messy haired classmate – Sanjyu.
"Um… if I am not mistaken, you must be Sanjyu-san, yes?" asked the blonde humbly.
The teen gave no response.
"Don't bother Clare, talking with this guy's like talking to a wall," commented the dark haired teen.
"Is it like 'playing a harp to a cow'," questioned the half Japanese blonde as she made a Eastern Idiom reference.
"Close to it…" replied Soma having some decent knowledge about these types of idioms. "In any case, why do you call me out here for?" asked the dark haired teen straightly.
The messy haired teen slowly raised his arms and in one smooth motion, swept his hair over, revealing a… mask? The mask was made of wood. The 'eyes' were round shaped red lenses with some steel rims. The mouth level of the mask had two characters, written with ink and in traditional Japanese kanji – Three, Zero, in other words, San, Zero, or better yet, Sanjyu, thirty, the wearer's own name.
"Kekekeke…" the messy haired teen made a sound that sounded like wood colliding with each other, "Duel, kekekeke."
Deadpanned, Soma glared the masked teen with annoyance. He could not believe that he came all the way out here just for a duel. Soma had anticipated that it would be some very important businesses, but turns out that it was only a challenge. The Heterochromic teen gave out a heavy and lazy sigh. He shook his head and nudged Clare to leave. That was his intention at first, until…
Soma suddenly felt a spike of negative energy being dispelled. The teen turned his head frantically to locate the source of this negative energy.
A negative energy? Soma began as he entered his mindscape of logics, Let's see… first of all, let's begin with the simple concepts of 5Ws and 1H – What, Who, When, Where, Why and How. Soma ran a finger to the side of his forehead, ignoring the environmental distractions.
First of all, WHAT is this negative energy… if I am correct, this negative energy is… negative emotions! He assumed. From what I gathered negative emotions such as hate could release an aura so strong that it could turn into a very powerful weapon… I had only picked it up until of recent. That is WHEN I entered this park. Now WHERE it came from? Around the park, that is the only logical possibility. But the question is… wait…
Soma turned around and observed the park. At this point he realized and gained his answered.
There are only three people in the park, so it could only be Sanjyu! He assumed as he gave a glare at his classmate. Now what remains is WHY is he releasing this kind of negative ener… could it be… I knew it, there could be only one reason!
Soma stood forward and pointed straight at his classmate. With a stern voice, he growled, "You hold one of the Numbers do you?" Soma accused.
This revelation instantly surprised Clare. "What! A Numbers!" Clare gasped as she turned to the messy haired teen dumb folded.
The masked teen merely made the annoying sound again. This time, it sounded as if he is laughing. "Yes… right here in my hands is one of the formidable Numbers!" The teen made some crackling sound again before pulling out a square device. "I heard from your little friend that you happened to have one! So I thought-"
"-why not have one more?" finished Soma logically as he concludes his logics. That's WHY… he wanted more power… this emotion is greed. Now one more thing… HOW did he get his hands on a Numbers? Heh, only one way to find out!
"Fine then," Soma declared, "We'll have an ante-rule duel, if you win, you can have my Numbers," he pulled out a black card with the portrait of a white and gold armored warrior. "If you lose, vice versa!"
"Terms accepted," the teen crackled as the square device suddenly opened up, revealing a wooden painted Duel Disk. "D-Gazer, SET!" the masked teen ran a finger to the red lenses of his wooden mask.
Soma merely head to his bike. He simply pushed some buttons and the bike responded as it automatically rode itself towards Sanjyu. The bike came to a halt before him and set itself up as the 'AI' of the bike announced, "DUEL MODE, SET! ENGAGING DUEL FIELD SYSTEM, OK!" The screen then transformed into a handy Duel Disk. A slot opened up. The AI then quoted, "INSERT DECK!"
Soma shoved opened up his deck holster and shoved his deck into the slot.
"REGISTRATION OK!" it said as it read the deck and shuffled it.
Soma then turned to his opponent, "I did not have my Duel Disk with me, so this will have to do for now." He said stoically as he fought the urge to say, 'Are you jealous of my cool duel disk?'
The bike was actually a gift from his father. It was a custom made bike that contained many functions a duelist who was also a racer wanted. One of the many functions of the custom made bike is that it contained a Duel Disk system, which is what Soma is using now. The bike also contained a GPS system, a remote duel field set-up system, a storage compartment and an autopilot system.
Clare marveled at how amazing the bike was while Sanjyu only crackled.
"Now begin!"
"DUEL!" The two teens declared.
Soma – 8000
Sanjyu – 8000
"Computer," Soma called out, "Activate Randomizer!"
"ENGAGED!" the screen of the bike displayed out a pie chart like image. An arrow on the center began to spin. Eventually, the arrow stopped at the portion that spelled Sanjyu's name.
"You have the vantage," declared Soma.
"Kekekeke, good, DRAW!" the messy haired teen pulled out his card. He revealed the card in his hand and began, "From my hand I summon Karakuri Muso – Haipa (Level 4/Earth/Machine/Effect/2100/1100) in attack mode!" a wooden made android appeared. The android looked like a fat spearman and stood in a stance pointing its trident like spear at Soma.
"Karakuri… Haipa… Eight One Eight…" Soma then gained some faint ideas about HOW Sanjyu's mind is working.
"I now activate Karakuri Cash Cache!" With the card in play, a large mechanical warehouse appeared behind the masked teen. "With this card, I select 1 'Karakuri' monster I control and change it's battle position. Then I am able to add 1 Level 4 or lower 'Karakuri' monster from my deck to my hand." As the masked teen said it, a card eject from his deck. He pulled the card out and revealed it to his opponent, "I add Karakuri Merchant – Inashichi."
One Seven Seven… thought Soma thoroughly. So… all Karakuri monsters comes with three numbers… the third number is equals to the multiplication of the first and second number eh… Come to think of it… this guy really liked numbers does he? After all, the 'Karakuri's seem to have numbers in them…
"I set two cards and end my turn."
Two? Thought Soma stoically. Soma then remembered on of his mother's lessons. Setting two facedown cards has the possibilities of protecting your reversal card from being destroyed. Soma took full note of the situations before conducting his turn.
"Alright… draw." Soma pulled his next card and revealed it. He then ran through the card in his hand. "I activate Reinforcement of Army," a green-framed card that has the portrait of an army charging appeared to the field. "With this card, I can now add a level 4 or lower Warrior type monster from my deck to my hand. I add Level Warrior from my deck to my hand." A card ejected from his deck to his hand. Soma pulled it and revealed the card to his opponent. "Now with that done, from my hand I summon Twin-Sword Marauder (Level 4/Dark/Warrior/Effect/1600/1000). A veiled warrior with shoulder guards and sword arms appeared to the field. "Go on, attack!" The warrior acknowledged the command and darted forward to the spearman like wooden android. "At this point, Twin-Sword Marauder's effect activates! When this card battles with a defense position monster, it inflicts piercing damage to my opponent!"
The warrior pulled on of his bladed arms back and thrust forth at full strength. This instantly broke through the wooden android's defense (100).
Soma – 8000
Sanjyu – 7500
"At this point, Twin-Sword Marauder's effect activates, when this card attacks a defense position monster, this card can attack once more! GO!" Right on cue, the warrior repeated its attack with its other arm. The blades swung past Sanjyu in a mock slash.
Soma – 8000
Sanjyu – 5900
Clare, who stayed in one corner as an audience, watched in amazement at how is Soma doing so far. She could not believe that Soma is actually winning. She cheered him.
Slightly flattered, Soma continued his turn, "I set a face-down and end my turn." He gave a mental sigh and commented mentally, So far so good… but I doubt that this duel would be this easy. In any case, let's see what else he has in store… especially his Numbers.
"Kekekeke… good. Very good." The masked teen simply sneered as he pulled his next card. "Now that all is needed, I shall begin my assault!" that comment easily snapped Soma onto his guard. "I shall begin with this! From my hand, I summon Karakuri Komachi – Ninishi (Level 3/Earth/Machine/Tuner/0/1900)!" this time, a female version of those wooden android appeared. It had a hairstyle like those Japanese Geishas and wore a green kimono with pinks gear pattern and the traditional Japanese kanji for Two Two Four.
Tuner monster! I got a bad feeling about this… thought Soma as he glared the android as it played around like a little girl. Or maybe not…
"Ninishi's effect activate, when this card is on the field, once per turn, I can normal summon a Karakuri monster in addition to my Normal Summon or Set." Explained the masked teen. "Now that I have summoned her, I can summon another Karakuri monster to the field. I summon Karakuri Bushi – Muzanichiha (Level 4/Earth/Machine/Effect/1800/600)!" A samurai like wooden android appeared. It drew its blade and stood in a samurai stance prepared for battle. Soma could read Six Three Eighteen on the wooden barrels of the android's right arm. On the other hand, he took back his opinion about that feminine machine.
Maybe I should.
"With these monsters, I now commence Synchro Summon! Level 3 Tuner monster Karakuri Ninishi and Level 4 Karakuri Muzanichiha tuning!" The geisha like android moved forward with a dance and released three green halo hoops from the three green lenses on its face. The samurai went through the circles and turned into a green jet of light. As the light died down, a gigantic android in a heavily reinforced armor appeared to the field. The android resembled a Japanese general and it held a red war fan in its right hand.
"Meet Karakuri Shogun – Burei (Level 7/Earth/Machine/Synchro/Effect/2600/1900)!" Declared the masked teen.
Synchro Summon… talk about fighting mom again… grunted Soma mentally.
"Burei's effect, activate! When this card is Synchro Summoned, I can search my deck and special summon a Karakuri monster to the field!" at that declaration, Soma tensed up as he had got the major play style of the deck. The deck focuses on swarming the opponent with strong monsters in one turn, just like his mother's deck. But in this case, if he is not mistaken, swarming the opponent with strong synchro monsters. "With Burei's effect, I special summon Karakuri Komachi – Ninishi (Level 3/Earth/Machine/Tuner/0/1900) in defense position!" the same female like wooden android appeared to the field.
"Tch, de javu." He grunted with a stoic expression.
"Now go! I summon, Karakuri Ninja – Kuiku (Level 4/Earth/Machine/Effect/1700/1500)!" A large cloud of smog suddenly puffed out from the ground. As the smoke cleared, a ninja like wooden android holding a steel dagger in each hand appeared. "Now go forth my monsters! Kuiku, attack!" the masked figure crackled annoyingly as he gave the command. The ninja like android disappeared and suddenly reappeared behind the marauder on Soma's field. It backstabbed the marauder (1600). The marauder instantly shattered.
Soma – 7900
Sanjyu – 5900
"Now, Kuiku's effect activates! When this card successfully destroys a monster in battle, I can special summon a Level 4 or lower Karakuri monster from my graveyard to the field! However, that monster will be placed in defense position!" As on cue, one of the monster card in his graveyard slot ejected. "Now with this effect, I special summon Karakuri Komachi – Ninishi (Level 3/Earth/Machine/Tuner/0/1900) in defense position!" The ever-familiar feminine android returned to the field.
This is starting to get very ugly! Grunted the dark haired teen mentally.
"Now that your field is empty, go forth! Karakuri Shogun – Burei! Burei Bonba!" The Japanese general like android charged forth and swept its war fan at Soma. As the war fan passed through him like a hologram, Soma's Life Points fell.
Soma – 5300
Sanjyu – 5900
"Wait up, I'm not finished!" announced the masked teen, "I activate my face-down trap, Urgent Tuning! This card allows me to Synchro Summon during my battle phase!" This instantly sent Soma cursing mentally. "I tune my second Level 3 Ninishi (The one whose effect is used during the turn) and Level 4 Kuiku! To bring forth my second Karakuri Shogun – Burei (Level 7/Earth/Machine/Synchro/Effect/2600/1900)!" A second familiar wooden android appeared. "Now you know what does this means? Burei's effect activates! This card allows me to special summon a Karakuri monster from my deck! Come forth Karakuri Ninja – Kuiki (Level 4/Earth/Machine/Effect/1700/1500)!" A familiar smoke puffed out of the ground and revealed another ninja like wooden android.
"Shoot," growled Soma passively.
"You'll shoot right after this! Karakuri Shogun – Burei, go forth! Burei Bonba!" The second general like android swung its war fan at Soma.
Soma – 2700
Sanjyu – 5900
"Oh no, Soma!" Clared gasped as she witnessed the sudden reversal.
"Go forth, Karakuri Ninja – Kuiku! Direct attack!" the masked teen crackled. The ninja like android moved in a zigzagging pattern before making a charge at Soma. The dark haired teen at this point activated his facedown card.
"Activation, Ultimate Offering! I can only activate this card during my Main Phase or my opponent's Battle Phase! With this card, I can pay 500 Life Points to Normal Summon or Set 1 extra monster!" Soma explained. "With this card's effect, I pay 500 Life Points-"
Soma – 2200
Sanjyu – 5900
"And set one monster!" Soma set a card on to his field.
"More defense for you, and more monster for me! Kuiku!" the ninja leapt into the air and darted straight at the face down monster. As the ninja was about five or four feet away, the face down flipped, revealing a wall of feathers (1900). The feathers deflected the ninja. "WHAT?" the once crackling masked teen was shocked to see the monster in defensive.
Soma – 2200
Sanjyu - 5700
The monster revealed itself to be a curly blonde man in blue attires. "Honest (Level 4/Light/Fairy/Effect/1100/1900), with his defense, I doubt you won't say otherwise." Remarked the dark haired teen as he let out a sigh of relief mentally. Thanks Clare, you saved me… he thought mentally as he recalled the events in which she gave him some of her spare cards last night.
"Lucky you indeed, but let's see how lucky you could be, after this." The masked teen then crackled and come up with another strategy, "With Ninishi's effect, I summon another Karakuri monster in addition to my normal summon. I summon Karakuri Merchant – Inashichi (Level 2/Earth/Machine/Effect/500/1500)!" An android with a straw hat appeared. It raised a pole, carrying a rectangular basket on each end, over its shoulders. The lid on the basket had the kanji for – One Seven Seven. No matter how Soma looked at the 'One' on the basket, he couldn't help but to notice the pun and the altered character.
In any case…
"Inashichi's effect activates! When this card is Normal Summoned, I can add one Karakuri card from my deck to my hand." As he had said so, a card ejected from his deck. He pulled the card out and revealed it to Soma, "I add Karakuri Strategist – Nishipachi." He declared. "But too bad for me, I cannot normal summon anymore. So, instead, I will use Burei's effect. With their effect, I can change the position of a monster on the field. So I change Karakuri Komachi – Ninishi's position to attack position." He declared and the geisha like android began its dance. "I end my turn just like this!" declared the masked teen.
"So, you want to confuse me so that you can cloud my judgments? Because if you are… it's working." Soma admitted as he could hardly take his eyes away from the happily dancing geisha android.
"Kekeke, great to know!"
""For you maybe," Soma pulled his next card. He revealed his card and turned to the others three cards in his hand. He then read every card description in his hand carefully, in case he made a brutal mistake, after all, he is now cornered. As he read on, he suddenly saw a miracle. The card he drew was known as Asura Priest. The only problem is, Asura Priest doesn't have enough attack points (1700). "Darn."
"What's wrong? Kekekeke. Are you giving up?" taunted the masked figure.
Arrogant aren't you, growled the dark haired teen mentally. Tch, in any case, how am I going to raise Asura Priest's attack points? Right now I only Honest on my field and Ultimate Offering in play… in my hands… Level Warrior, Emergency Provisions and Raigeki Break… It's not enough!
How naïve is this boy? His chance of victory is just before him, yet he still cannot see it.
Soma jumped slightly as he heard those words echoing into his ears. The voice was slightly masculine and had a cool tone to it. It couldn't have been Clare speaking and neither could it be Sanjyu. He wheeled around to find the source of the sound. His opponent and childhood friend watched him bewildered.
"Soma, what's wrong?" asked the blonde.
"Did you hear something?" asked the Heterochromic teen gaining a series of shakes from Clare.
Hm? So he could hear me…
Soma looked around again. He shook his head assuming that it was only a trick of being pressured. The teen inhaled a deep breath, refreshing his thoughts. However…
Use Honest's effect!
"Ugh… again." He grunted. But took those words into account. Honest's effect… He read the card description. As he did, he was astonished and gave a faint smirk. I see, so that's how I do it! Thanks, whoever you are!
"Alright then, I use Honest's effect. During the Main Phase, I can return this card back to my hand!" Soma explained as the winged man vanished. Soma retrieved the card and continued. Now from my hand, I summon Asura Priest (Level 4/Light/Fairy/Spirit/1700/1200)!" As Soma declared, a four faced bronze and grey skinned idol appeared. The idol had eight hands total and all of them were making praying gestures.
"Spirit monster? That is new." Said Clare as she witnessed the monster.
"Asura Priest, battle! Attack Karakuri Shogun – Burei, Shuuen no Tenken (Dagger of Demise)!" Soma declared as the idol darted forth.
"Kekekeke! Are you nuts? Burei's attack points are 2600 while yours are 900 points less (1700), how are you going to destroy Burei? Burei return fire!" the masked figure commanded. The general like android raised its war fan and prepared itself for battle. As the two monsters were inches away, Soma immediately went for his plan.
"I activate the effect of Honest!" Soma declared as he picked out the card and revealed it to his opponent. "During battle calculations only, I can activate this effect: When a Light attribute monster I control attacks or is attacked, I can discard this card from my hand and that monster gain attack points equals to the monster it battles!" That description shocked his opponent.
The idol suddenly grew a pair of wings and its attack points sky rocketed (4300).
"4300!" the masked figure roared.
"Carry on, Asura! Shin Shuuen no Tenken (True Daggers of Demise!) " Soma declared as the idol carried on with its attack. It struck two of its arms holding the android in place. Then, three pairs of its arms locked into combat with the android as it sent waves of pummels at the general. The wooden frame began to cave in. The frame then looked battered and eventually, the android fell and detonated.
Soma – 2200
Sanjyu -4000
"I'm not done yet!" announced Soma, "Asura, carry on!" Soma declared as it turned its attention at another Shogun. The idol lunged in and carried out another barrage of punches at the second android. The android detonated like it's previous one.
Soma – 2200
Sanjyu – 2300
"What happened? How could that monster attack again?" gasped the masked teen.
"Simple, Asura Priest simply had the effect of attack a monster each." Explained Soma briefly. "In other words, Asura had the ability to attack every monster on my opponent's side of the field."
"TCH!"
"Seems like you had made a mistake on setting Ninishi in attack position instead of Inashichi. Therefore, the duel is mine!" said Soma as he gave the command, "Go forth, Asura. Finish!" Soma declared as the idol darted forward and shot an uppercut at the merchant like android. At this point, the merchant threw its pole at the idol. As it did, the idol crushed the object and carried on its attack on the merchant, which some how changed its position (1500).
As the merchant was destroyed with another uppercut, Sanjyu's Life Points were left unscratched.
"What happened?" Soma asked as he kept the stoic face.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Kekekeke! You see classmate, the Karakuri archetypes have the ability to change their battle positions when they are attacked. Well most of them do." Added Sanjyu as he ran a hand to his mask. "Kekekeke," his mask crackled with amusement, "I am glad my monsters are in attack mode, other wise I couldn't show my Numbers."
NUMBERS!
The voice that Soma heard earlier echoed again. But this time, its tone contained shock. Soma wheeled around to search for the source. To his irony, the source was not in visible sight. Soma relinquished the thought and carried on with his assault.
"Asura, carry on!" The idol turned to the last monster and sent a straight punch at the geisha android, which had stopped all its dances (1900). The android exploded and Soma proceeded. "I set two face down cards and end my turn. However, during my end phase, Asura returns to my hands." As Soma retrieved the card, he then sighed mentally as he felt like he had won the power struggle. Clare on the other hand was relieved but felt slightly disappointed when her friend was close to winning.
"Good." The masked figure pulled out his next card and crackled again. "Good. Very good!"
"What's good?"
"This good. I summon Karakuri Komachi – Ninishi (Level 3/Earth/Machine/Tuner/0/1900)." Much to Soma's annoyance, the third and final geisha android appeared to the field.
"You really had a geisha fetish do you…" growled Soma as he stared his opponent with narrowed eyes. "Even go as far as to having a fetish on an android." Stated the dark haired teen.
"Thanks for stating the obvious, kekekeke!" the masked teen crackled and continued, "Now, in case you don't remember what Ninishi's effect is, let me remind you. I can summon or set another Karakuri monster prior to my first summon. So with her effect, I summon Karakuri Strategist – Nishipachi (Level 3/Earth/Machine/Tuner/500/1600)!" As the card was set in play, an android in long sleeved hakama entered the field. It then sat down and laid the roll of paper in its hand open (1600). "Nishipachi's effect enables me to change the position of a monster on the field when this card is summoned or special summoned. I set this card in defense mode."
"Wait, I'm not done!" declared the masked teen, "Here activate Karakuri Trick House!" the one and only face down on his field triggered and flipped, "You see, when a Karakuri monster's battle position is changed, I can activate this card. This card allows me to destroy a card on the field! Like that right most face down card." He pointed at the face down card on Soma's left, revealing a trap card that contained the portrait of a finger pointing at a goblin like creature. The creature was zapped by lightning, which came from the finger.
"Activate quick spell card!" Soma said indignantly, "I activate Emergency Provisions! With this card, I recover 1000 Life Points for every spell or trap card I release. I release Raigeki Break and Ultimate Offering!" Soma declared. The two cards on Soma's field vaporized into gold dusts and were absorbed into his Compact Duel Disk Bike. "I had sacrificed 2 cards, that means I recover 2000 points."
Soma – 4200
Sanjyu – 2300
WHAT! WHY DO YOU DO IT! WITH ULTIMATE OFFERING, YOU COULD AT LEAST GAIN ANOTHER SUMMON!
Soma heard the surprised rant of the voice again. He simply stare his opponent and replied indirectly, "I got a feeling that you are about to bring out your Numbers. If I'm not mistaken, that Number… has an attack points ranged between the 2000s and 3000s."
"Your point is?"
"My point is, if I sacrifice only one card, I gain 1000 Life Points, making my Life Points 3200. I would be lucky if that card has less than 2600 attack points. But somehow, my gut instincts told me that that Numbers you have in your hands… have more than 2600 attack points…" assumed Soma as he focused on his instincts. "I'm not much of an oracle or a duelist. But I could tell for sure."
"Then you are correct." Said the masked teen, much to the surprise of Clare. "Had you not sacrifice Ultimate offering, that card would become a waste of space. Because I will show you my Numbers!" He then reorganized the field. As he did, the two monsters began to turn into wisps of light. "With these 2 monsters, I construct the overlay network for an Xyz Summon!" as the two wisps of light entered a portal, which appeared out of the ground, the masked teen brought out a card from his extra deck and roared, "Xyz Summon! Come forth No. 30 Acid Golem of Destruction (Rank 3/Water/Rock/Xyz/Effect/3000/3000)!"
"Xyz Summon!" gasped Clare as she witnessed the monster's appearance.
At first, a cluster of beautiful violet and magenta crystals raised itself out of the portal. At first, Soma was dumb folded when he saw the 'intimidating' monster. As a moment passed, the crystals let out a glint of light like a flash bomb. Soma shielded his eyes and to his horror, a putrid smell began to emit out of the air. The air was thick with irritant smog. The dark haired teen then looked at the severely deformed golem before him. The golem's body was releasing a heavy putrid smell of acid. It had a corroding right torso, as its rib cage was visible. On its right shin was a Number – 30.
"3000. I knew it." Said Soma in an as a matter of fact tone, resuming his stoic expression.
"Good, glad you catch on." Said the masked teen, "Now go on! Acid Golem of Destruction, attack!" The golem's viciously gritted teeth opened up to pour a stream of purplish irritant. Soma stared straight at the wave as it passed through him like he had expected.
Soma – 1200
Sanjyu – 2300
"Tch!" the masked teen grunted. Soma then realized the negative energy increasing. Sanjyu's emotions were starting to grow more malicious. This feeling was almost like… the desire to destroy. Soma instantly snapped himself out of this alluring emotion. Even though, he was not the person controlling the monster, he could feel its alluring power and suddenly gained the desires to destroy. "Kekekeke…. KEKEKEKEKEKEKE!" the masked figure suddenly crackled insanely. "Destroy… Destroy… DesTROY DESTROY EVERYTHING!" Sanjyu snapped.
"W-What happened to him?" Clare gasped as she fell to her back, watching the sudden change of her classmate.
"So this is what a Number can do to a person…" assumed Soma, "What have I gotten myself into?" he sighed stoically.
Seems like you have gotten yourself into the worst possibilities. Said the unknown voice again. Soma gave another sigh and roared.
"Come out at once! It's rude to talk about people behind their back!" he demanded.
At first, there was a silence. Then an inhuman figure began to descend before him. Soma was slightly startled by the being's entrance, but remain unfazed. He then analyzed the unknown figure before him. The figure was entirely spiritual since Soma could see through his transparent pale turquoise body. He has a gravity defying hairstyle as well as a pair of Heterochromic eyes. His right eye was metallic silver, like Soma's, but his left eye was topaz gold.
Is he a duel spirit? Because if he is, I won't be too surprise. Thought Soma as he fixed his eyes on the spiritual being.
"Who are you?" asked Soma as he continued to glare the being.
The spiritual being lowered his gaze at Soma. He paused for a minute to observe the Heterochromic teen before continuing. I am Astral. I come from the Planet Astral.
Who is he? The king of the Planet Astral? Thought Soma sarcastically. Basically, since his name is called Astral and came from a Planet called Planet Astral, then he thought perhaps he was the king of that planet… its logic after all. Then again… he's not wearing anything… he added. In any case…
"Astral, you say." He began, "Whoever or whatever you are, I thank you for your help earlier. But now, I need your help again. Especially with his condition like this." Soma said, nodding at his opponent.
I'd still help you even if you don't ask. Seems like you're the person I am searching for after all.
"What?" asked Soma as he turned to the spiritual being named Astral. "Searching for me…" at this point, Soma realized who this spiritual being is. The being was sent by the mysterious voice in that mysterious realm to help guide him. "Well, if you are 'that' person, then I suppose I would need your help." He quoted with some reluctance in his tone. "Alright… mind teaching me? Especially that Xyz Summon."
Astral looked at the teen emotionlessly and answered, Fine then…
Soma listened to every thing Astral had to say. Apparently, it turned out that Xyz Summon required 2 or more monsters with the same level present on the field. Soma then checked the black framed card and read its description. The card requires 2 Level 4 monsters. He was relieved to find this information as he already had all the materials needed to summon it.
So you too bear a Number.
"Yes, that stone tablet borrowed me this card." Explained the dark haired teen. "In any case, carrying on!" Soma declared as he drew his next card and revealed it. Beckoning Light. The teen closed his eyes and prayed for the best.
Special Summon Level Warrior.
"Alright… I special summon Level Warrior (Level 3/Light/Warrior/Effect/300/600)." Soma did as he was told and brought out the card he added during his first turn. A hero like warrior appeared to the field. The stars on his body glowed as it was summoned, "When I control no monsters while my opponent do, I can special summon this card from my hands to the field as a Level 4 monster!" Soma continued, "Next, I summon Asura Priest (Level 4/Light/Fairy/Spirit/1700/1200)!" The same multi handed idol reappeared to the field.
"Alright, now to do the obvious! With these 2 monsters, I construct the overlay network to perform an Xyz Summon!" Soma declared as he tried to mimic his opponent's summoning chant. As the two wisps entered the portal, a glint of metal like object surfaced. The object opened up and began to transform into a knight in bright white and gold armor. "No. 39 Aspiring Emperor Hope (Rank 4/Light/Warrior/Xyz/Effect/2500/2000)!"
"Wow, a knight in shiny armor!" gasped Clare as she marveled the Xyz monster on Soma's field.
Knight in shiny armor again? Groaned Soma as he rolled his eyes away. "Not much I could do, I end my turn by placing one card face down, turn end!" he declared.
The masked teen stood there crackling crazily as he saw his opportunity. But first he proceeded with the usual. "I draw and at this point, the effect of Acid Golem comes in! Once during my standby phase, I must send one Overlay Unit to the graveyard." As he did this, the golem began consuming one of the wisps that circled it. "Either I do this, or take 2000 points of damage!" he added, much to Soma's interests. "Now, go forth and attack! Acid Golem of Destruction! Acid Sludge!"
The golem did as it was commanded. It held in its breath and poured out a stream of acid at the knight.
Soma! Use Hope's effect now! Send one Overlay Unit to the Graveyard.
"What!" Soma gasped as he glanced the spiritual being and then to Hope. "If you say so then, I use Hope's effect. I send one Overlay Unit to the Graveyard!" As one of the wisps was consumed into the ruby like crystal on the knight's armor, the wings of the knight began to split into multiple gold fragments. The wings then formed itself again as a shield. The stream of acid was deflected at once, leaving the knight unscathed.
"TCH! DARN IT! DARN IT ALL!"
"I'll take it that you have end your turn." Said Soma as he conducted his draw. He revealed the card and narrowed his eyes. The trap card contained the portrait of a horned beast with sharp teeth holding an iron-spiked club. Behind the beast was another similar one. Both beasts released a similar aura.
Soma, you know what to do.
Soma closed his eyes and nodded before continuing, "I activate the effect of Beckoning Light. With this card, I discard all the cards in my hands to the graveyard and bring back as many Light attribute monsters I have in my graveyard. With this effect, I return Honest to my hand."
The maddened teen ceased to a halt as he realized what this all meant. He shook his head savagely and shrieked.
"It's the end now… Aspiring Emperor Hope! GO! Hope Sword Slash!" Soma commanded. The knight hurled its sword to the air and flew forward to conduct the attack (2500). That attack came to a pause when Soma played the effect of Honest. With Honest's effect, the knight gained the golem's attack points (3000). Thus, with one slash, the golem was cut in half.
The golem's opened body caused some of the acids within its body to ooze out continuously. The acid eventually falls onto the masked teen. If it would be a psychic duel… the outcome would have been unforgettable…
Soma – 1200 WIN
Sanjyu – 0 LOSE
Soma gave a sigh in relief. He quickly walked up to the masked teen and quickly snatched the card away before the teen recovered from the shock of the duel. As he did, the masked teen snapped back to reality and turned to Soma.
"…S-S-Soma… what? What happened?" he asked as he ran a hand to his masked forehead. "W-Why am I here?"
"You… don't remember?" asked the dark haired teen as he lowered his gaze at the masked teen.
"No… I… last I remember is… I was in class… then out to the restroom… then…"
"Look Sanjyu, you can tell me next time, get some rest, you looked tired." Advised the teen sounding mildly concerned. "Can you walk?"
The masked teen nodded faintly and turned. "I-I-I'll… se-see you at school…"
Soma watched as the teen disappeared at a turning. As he gave a slightly relieved sigh, he was suddenly weighted down when a pair of arms grabbed onto him.
"Soma! You won!" his blonde childhood friend cheered.
"Clare," he called with a slight smirk on his face. "Sorry to have made a detour…" he said as he broke his friend's embrace.
"It's ok, at least I get to see something cool!" she admitted. "You were awesome!"
"I wasn't. But he is the one's awesome." Stated the dark haired teen as he pointed at Astral who had his arms crossed as he glided in front of the teen. Clare gave confused stare at her friend when she looked at where he was pointing. Apparently, she could not see the being before her.
"Soma, are you alright? Are you seeing things?" asked Clare as she ran a hand on his forehead.
Soma, seems like you are the only one who could see me. Stated Astral as he observed him and his friend.
The dark haired teen deadpanned at that remark. "I see…" he mumbled before turning his attention to his childhood friend who was clinging to him, "It's nothing Clare… let's go home…"
"Yes!" Clare broke her contacts with Soma and went for the bike. As she left for it, Soma turned to the spiritual being.
"We got lots to talks, come with me would you?" His questions were answered with a straight nod form the Heterochromic spirit. "Alright… and by the way. I'm Hyakuya Soma. Call me Soma."
I know and I already did, Soma.
END CHAPTER 2
Yes, this is all for now. And as for the ending... it was a little rushed. I wouldn't want to keep you guys waiting you know...
Anyway, I got some things to say about Soma's duel.
Remember he found the pun about Inashichi. Yes, technically, if you notice the words carefully, you can find that there are three sevens in its name. This makes him believe that Inashichi is a lucky number for 177 (777). Also, another pun he found about it is that the 1 in its name is close to the kanji 'sale'. Therefore fitting it's name as a 'lucky merchant'. I hope my explanations help out, I think it was rather mixed-up but I guess it will work.
Also, I planned on an early SomaXClare shipping so that I can have many method to tease their relationships.
Now onto another topic... Nimbus Nacht and Nyx Nacht are actually an OC for my Fire Emblem fiction (which I haven't posted it yet.)
NOW, how about a guessing game? To you Fire Emblem Fans.
If you want to know who Nyx's mother is, then I'll give you a clue - her eyes. She had her mother's eyes. There is already another clue in this fiction. If you are able to tell who her mother is, PM me. I'll be waiting.
Anyway, I'll see you readers later in another chapter.