I do need to resume with this at some point. Interestingly, I've started writing for this chapter on Valentine's Day, so Happy Valentine's Day to you all. For the sake of making things interesting, I will be adding something else going forward.

Previously

"Asuka, betrayed by her former comrades and exiled from the world of Shinobi, starts a new life in the small city of Usaka alongside her friend and former rival, Homura, the latter having lost her team to a massacre. In Usaka, the two girls met their new friend, Akiru Hirasu, and his sister, Kotori. On their first day in a civilian school, the two former Shinobi and their new friends are pulled into another world, where the young man gains a new card, and a new power. This is their story."

Chapter Four

The Dragon Sanctuary

Dumon led the trio to a small partially collapsed structure, where they could take shelter for the night, and they all sat down, where the Emperor began to explain to them what had just happened. "Akiru has entered his Barian form, thus gaining access to the use of Barian cards, and his personal Xyz monster formed within his heart. In this case, a Number Over One Hundred." Akiru's new golden eyes settled on the Emperor, as his faceguard retracted, revealing his now pale face. "You said my father was one of the other Emperors?"

Dumon nodded. "He rules over the Draconic Region, and is the keeper of the Dragon Sanctuary, which is where we're headed. Mizar has taken your sister there. She is quite safe." Akiru sighed in relief, while Homura, who had grown impatient, finally spoke up. "You seem a lot more civilized than when I last saw you." Dumon sighed to himself, and replied, "Once I regained my memories." Both Homura and Akiru stared in shock while Asuka looked at Homura in concern.

The Emperor continued. "We the seven Emperors have all lived at least two lifetimes, some living three, because we had to be reborn." Facing Homura directly, he said, "Upon being reborn, I was stripped of my past memories, and only regained them when I was pulled into Barian World forcefully, as the three of you were." Homura sighed, and said, "That doesn't excuse what you did to me, Dad." The young man glanced at the tan-skinned girl in surprise, then looked at Dumon again. After a brief silence, he said, "I... don't see the resemblance."

Without even looking, Homura punched his arm, then hissed in pain because of how hard it was. "My God, what are you made of now?!" The newborn Barian replied in shock, "How the hell should I know?" Dumon interrupted them. "We'll have to sort that out later. Your attacker confirmed what the other Emperors and I had already determined, that you've all been targeted by our enemies." The young man faced him again. "Enemies? That guy wasn't working alone?" The Emperor shook his head. "He's part of a rebellion to seize the thrones of Barian World."

Akiru cocked his head. "I mean, this place we're in could use some improvements, but..." Dumon chuckled. "It's not that. From what we understand, they don't agree with a world founded on a desire for peace, and so they want to build a new world in which the weak and innocent serve under them." The young man rolled his eyes, replying, "Terrorists, huh?" The Emperor shrugged. "They're not very bright, fortunately for us, but they're not without resources." Homura cleared her throat, causing both Barians to look at her. Facing Akiru, she asked, "You're not gonna ask about our history, huh?"

Akiru replied, "I'm guessing he kicked you out for something stupid, you're still sore about it, and now he wants to make amends." The Emperor chuckled at Akiru's words. "Perceptive, just like your father." The tan-skinned girl sighed as she held her head. "This has been a hell of a day..." Without missing a beat, the young man deadpanned, "How do you think I feel?" Without opening her eyes, the tan-skinned girl replied, "I'd hit you again, but we both know what would happen." Akiru replied, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were jealous."

Homura rolled her eyes at him, then faced Dumon again, who was trying to hold in laughter. Narrowing her eyes suspiciously, she asked, "What's so funny?" Her father replied, "If I didn't know any better, I would assume you had romantic feelings for him." Blushing slightly, Homura yelled at him, "We are not a couple! He isn't even my type!" The young man ignored the last part, and glanced at Asuka, who had been silent during the entire conversation. "Could she be any more Tsundere?" Asuka cocked her head in confusion. "What's that?"

Akiru replied, "A Tsundere is a person with a gruff exterior, but a soft spot for some people. A common sign of it is denying that they have feelings for someone they actually have feelings for." Glancing back at Homura, who he could picture tic marks on her, shouted out, "Don't be so stupid!", he added, "That's another sign of it." The tan-skinned girl looked at him in anger. "Stay out of this!" Akiru raised an eyebrow, and said, "I got pulled in from the very beginning, so it's too late for that, and we both know what will happen if you try to hit me again," adding on that last part as Homura got up menacingly.

Growling to herself, Homura told him, "You win this round, smartass." Dumon faced Akiru, and said, "It may be wise for the two of you to leave us alone. As you already demonstrated, albeit accidentally, she cannot physically harm me." The tan-skinned girl growled at him in response, with Akiru nodding for Asuka to follow him. "If we hear a loud sound from over here that isn't Homura's yelling, then we'll know something's up." The tanned brunette crossed her arms over her chest, an annoyed expression on her face.

The yellow-eyed brunette shrugged and followed Akiru. As they took a seat on a nearby boulder, Akiru started fiddling with his newly grown hair, the blue tresses splayed out behind him on the boulder. Asuka reached into her shirt, much to Akiru's chagrin. "Could you please not scratch an itch in your chest right next to me?" The brunette replied, "That's not what I'm doing." She pulled out a box from within her cleavage, and Akiru stared at it in shock. Facing her, he asked, "How the hell did you fit that in there?" She replied, "I used to hide my Shinobi scroll in there."

With a deadpan expression, Akiru replied, "It sounds like Shinobi are a bunch of thirsty perverts." Asuka shrugged. "One person on my team was. I was her favorite target." The young man replied, "Okay, changing the topic for the sake of both of our sanities." The brunette laughed at that, and she opened the box, revealing a couple sushi rolls. The newborn Barian's mouthguard formed over his face in response. The girl cocked her head in confusion. "Don't you like sushi?" Akiru nervously chuckled in response. "I'm not too keen on it, to be honest. I'm more of a ramen person myself."

Asuka smiled in understanding and said, "More for me, then." Without another word, she proceeded to eat one of the sushi rolls in a manner that made Akiru's eyes widen in shock. As she took notice, she asked with her mouth full, "What?" The young man looked at her and asked, "Who taught you to eat sushi rolls like that?" With complete innocence, Asuka replied, "Grandpa." Akiru remained still for a moment, before eventually facepalming and asking, "What kind of Grandpa teaches his granddaughter to eat her sushi rolls by deepthroating them?!" Stopping in the middle of a bite, Asuka asked, "What's deepthroating?"

As the young man looked at her, he asked, "Do you know what a girl does to a guy for foreplay?" Asuka blushed in response. Without missing a beat, the young man replied, "It's basically that, but all the way in." The brunette looked away in embarrassment. "I'm sorry..." Sighing to himself, Akiru asked, "Your Grandpa sounds like a very dirty old man." She replied, "You have no idea..." Looking out, the young man asked, "So how did he feel when you got kicked out?" Asuka replied, "He was disappointed, but wished me good luck at the train station when I left Asakusa."

As the two were talking where they were, Dumon patiently listened as Homura ranted at him about everything he had put her through, before she eventually sat down, holding her head in her hand. He waited a moment, then said, "When I was brought back to Barian World, my past memories were fully restored to me. As a result, I understood just how badly I had failed you, both as a teacher and as a father." The tan-skinned girl looked at him, waiting for him to continue. "I realize it isn't much, but I did manage to save the life of one of your team members." Her eyes widened in response. "One of them is alive?"

Her father replied, "The one called Yomi. She's being kept in a comfortable home at the capital city of Barian, called Sanctuary." Homura sighed in relief. "I'm glad she's okay." He answered, "I do admire her polite attitude, though I could do without her obsession with bean sprouts." Without missing a beat, the tan-skinned girl replied, "You're not the only one." Dumon chuckled and said, "So her obsession upsets you as well." Homura faced him. "She often tried to force-feed them to us." The Emperor nodded and replied, "She certainly has an interesting character." His daughter deadpanned, "You have no idea."

Facing her again, with his mask vanishing, Dumon handed her a card, and Homura immediately knew what it was. "Is that-?" He nodded. "Your Number Over One Hundred. However, you must attain your Barian form before you can use it, as Akiru demonstrated." The former renegade looked thoughtful. "I'm guessing I can't just enter it through sheer will right now." Dumon nodded. "It will only happen during a Duel inside a Varia Sphere Field, and only if you're truly ready." Looking at the card, she asked, "Is Asuka one of the other heirs?" Her father sighed, replying, "She does have that aura, but only her Barian parent can identify her if she is."

As the tan-skinned girl thought that over, a familiar face appeared nearby. Facing them, Corwan called out, "I found you again!" Homura narrowed her eyes at him. "Don't you anything better to do?" Dumon immediately stood up, his mask reforming, and his Duel Disk appearing on his arm. Corwan glared at him. "Wait your turn, Dumon." The Emperor coolly replied, "I will not abandon her, rebel." Activating her own Duel Disk, the tan-skinned girl stood beside her father, replying, "It's two against one." The rebel replied, "And yet I sense you don't have much skill. We'll see how long you last." With that, he tossed up a Varia Sphere Cube, activating the field.

Asuka and Akiru both ran back over upon seeing it, the latter spotting Corwan immediately. Grinning under his mouthguard and raising his hands up, he called out, "Gay guy!" Corwan glared at him, shouting in reply, "I AM NOT GAY!" Upon seeing them as well, Homura chimed in, "Hi, guys. You're just in time." With an amused tone, Akiru replied, "Have fun." Readying his own Duel Disk, Corwan called out, "It's time to begin!" All three drew their starting hands, and the Duel began.

(Dumon: 4000)

(Homura: 4000)

(Corwan: 8000)

Homura was confused for a second, then remembered. "Right, in this kind of Duel, the player by himself has double Life Points." Dumon replied, "It's only fair. I'll start us off! I Draw!" Looking over his hand, the Emperor made his choice. "I'll start off by activating the Continuous Spell Card, Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen!" As the card appeared in front of him, Dumon explained. "Now, once per turn, if I control no monsters, I can Summon a Fairy-type monster from my hand for free." Akiru chuckled upon hearing that. "You wouldn't happen to be running an Agent deck, would you?" Dumon faced him with a confused expression. "Agent?" The newborn Barian sighed. "I'll explain later."

The Emperor maintained his gaze on him for a moment, before facing his opponent. "I'll use Valhalla's effect to Summon from my hand Star Seraph Sage!"

(Star Seraph Sage appeared: a level 4 monster with 1600 ATK)

Akiru cocked his head in confusion. "I've never heard of that archetype." Without facing him, Dumon replied, "Only I have it. Continuing my turn, I will Summon Star Seraph Scout!"

(Star Seraph Scout appeared: a level 4 monster with 1200 ATK)

Homura couldn't help but smile. "You can Xyz Summon now." Dumon chuckled. "Not quite yet. Since I Summoned Star Seraph Scout normally, I can utilize its effect to Summon another Star Seraph monster from my hand. I choose Star Seraph Sword!"

(Star Seraph Sword appeared: a level 4 monster with 1400 ATK)

Asuka looked at Akiru. "Are there Xyz monsters that need three Overlay Units to Summon?" He nodded. "There are. They're not as common as the ones that need two, but they're usually more powerful." The Emperor chimed in, "And the monster I am about to Summon is no exception. I Overlay level 4 Star Seraph Sage, Scout, and Sword!" As the three monsters rose up, Dumon continued. "With these three monsters, I build the Overlay Network, and Xyz Summon a monster that will help end this Duel promptly." As he spoke, a familiar galaxy portal appeared in front of him, Akiru watching with interest.

Dumon called out, "Appear, Number 102: Star Seraph Sentry!" As he called out the monster's name, the Number's sealed form rose, in the form of a spinning top, before transforming into a giant golden archer with golden wings, the Number 102 glistening on the archer's right wing.

(Number 102: Star Seraph Sentry appeared: a Rank 4 Xyz monster with 2500 ATK and 3 Overlay Units)

Akiru looked at it with interest. "So that's his Number Over One Hundred." Asuka crossed her arms with a pout. "I was hoping it was a knight." The young man faced her. "Why?" The yellow-eyed brunette replied, "Because you have a dragon." Akiru deadpanned, "I don't think that's how it works." Homura in the meantime looked it over and said, "I was half expecting a samurai." Her father laughed. Corwan sighed to himself. "Of course you Summoned it in one turn." The young man retorted, "He is an Emperor, you know." Without even looking at him, Corwan replied, "Shut up."

Dumon continued. "I will Set one card Face-Down, and end my turn." Homura drew her card, and grinned to herself. "I'll start off by Summoning Noble Knight Artorigus!"

(Noble Knight Artorigus appeared: a level 4 monster with 1800 ATK)

Dumon was impressed. "A Noble Knight Deck, hmm? Where did you acquire that?" The tan-skinned girl sheepishly admitted, "Akiru helped me build it." The mentioned young man chimed in, "I'm very proud of how it turned out!" Corwan groaned to himself. "Of course the boy was involved..." Homura continued. "I'll activate the ability of Noble Knight Gawayn in my hand! Since Artorigus is a Normal monster, I can Summon Gawayn from my hand in Defense Mode!"

(Noble Knight Gawayn appeared: a level 4 monster with 500 DEF)

Continuing, the tan-skinned girl said, "I'll now activate the Spell Card Double Summon, which will let me Summon a monster normally a second time this turn." Akiru grinned under his mouthguard. "Make me proud, Homura." Her father grinned under his mask as he watched. The former renegade called out, "I now Summon to my field Noble Knight Joan!"

(Noble Knight Joan appeared: a level 4 monster with 1900 ATK)

The young man was not disappointed. "Nice." Homura called out, "I Overlay level 4 Noble Knight Artorigus, Gawayn, and Joan! With these three monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" As she spoke, a galaxy portal appeared in front of her as well. "I Xyz Summon Number 10: Illumiknight!" The Number's sealed form arose, appearing as a crystal-like entity with wings, before transforming into a knight on horseback brandishing a sword, the Number 10 glistening on his right shoulder.

(Number 10: Illumiknight appeared: a Rank 4 Xyz monster with 2400 ATK and 3 Overlay Units)

Akiru grinned in pride at his student's first turn, Dumon smiling under his mask. "A magnificent first turn. Clearly, you were an excellent student for Akiru." Homura replied, "Oh, I'm not done yet. I activate Illumiknight's special ability! By using one Overlay Unit, and discarding a card, I can Draw a new card!" Illumiknight absorbed the Overlay Unit into the sword as Homura discarded her card, then drew her new one. "I now activate Monster Reborn! With it, I can Summon from my Graveyard my Immortal Phoenix Gearfried!"

(Immortal Phoenix Gearfried appeared: a level 9 monster with 3000 ATK)

Akiru's grin widened. "Nice!" Asuka was confused. "How did she get Immortal Phoenix Gearfried in the Graveyard?" The young man was quick to explain. "She discarded it with Illumiknight's ability." Facing the tan-skinned girl, he replied, "You're making me proud, Gakusei*. Keep it up." Homura replied, "I aim to please, Sensei*. I'll end my turn by putting one card Face-Down!" As the card went on the field, Corwan drew his card aggressively. "I'll activate the Spell Xyz Rising. When it's activated, I reveal one Xyz monster in my Extra Deck to you, then Summon its required Summoning materials from my Deck! The monster I reveal is called Unformed Void!"

Upon hearing that, Akiru growled, slightly scaring Asuka. "Wh-What's wrong?" The young man replied, "I hate that card under normal circumstances." The yellow-eyed brunette asked in response, "Why? What does it do?" He replied, "You'll see come Dumon's next turn." Corwan spoke up. "Enough! I Summon from my Deck three Dark Blades!"

(3 Dark Blades appear: each level 4 with 1800 ATK)

Homura looked at Akiru, and asked, "Can't you at least drop a hint?" The newborn Barian answered, "Without spoiling the effect, I can safely say that you won't like it." Dumon raised an eyebrow in response. The rebel spoke up again. "I Overlay three level 4 Dark Blades! With these three monsters, I Build the Overlay Network, and Xyz Summon my Unformed Void!" His monster apppeared, taking on the shape of a rose-like object, with stems sticking out of the sides.

(Unformed Void appeared: a Rank 4 Xyz monster with 0 ATK and 3 Overlay Units)

Upon seeing the monster, Asuka burst out laughing. "No Attack Points?!" Continuing her laughter, she said, "That's just sad..." The young man replied, "Don't be fooled. Monsters like that are a pain in the ass." Homura narrowed her eyes at it in suspicion. "Let me guess: it gains Attack Points during our turns?" Corwan replied, "Close. You'll see it in action soon enough. First, however, I will activate the Spell called Night Beam, to destroy Dumon's Face-Down!" Dumon grimaced as his card was blasted. "It was the Trap Numbers Protection. It would have negated Unformed Void's effects and destroyed it upon him activating them."

Akiru sighed. "Damn it..." Corwan grinned as he said, "I end my turn." As he did, Dumon drew his card, and then Corwan called out, "I activate Unformed Void's ability! By using one Overlay Unit, it permanently gains Attack Points equal to the combined Attack Points of all Xyz monsters my opponent controls! The only catch is, I can only activate this on my opponent's turn!" Something just now occurred to Akiru. "Shit!" Asuka leaned closer and whispered, "What?" He whispered back, "That means he can use it on Homura's turn, too."

(Unformed Void's ATK: 4900)

Dumon spoke up. "How unfortunate that it won't have another chance. I activate Star Seraph Sentry's ability! By using one Overlay Unit, Unformed Void's abilities are negated, and its Attack Points are cut in half, though in this case, the Attack Points will simply drop to zero!"

(Unformed Void's ATK: 0)

Homura grinned in joy. "All right!" Dumon grinned under his mask as he ordered, "Star Seraph Sentry, destroy his Unformed Void!" As Star Seraph Sentry began to attack, Corwan sprung into action. "I activate the effect of Xyz Honest in my hand! When an Xyz monster I control battles, I can have it gain Attack Points equal to the monster it's battling!"

(Unformed Void's ATK: 2500)

Dumon sighed, but replied, "You'll avoid taking damage, but it won't save Unformed Void itself, and don't forget that Star Seraph Sentry is a Number, so it's not destroyed by Battle!" As Dumon spoke, Star Seraph Sentry blasted through Unformed Void, leaving nothing behind. Corwan grimaced. "Damn your Numbers Over One Hundred! I'll enjoy tearing them in half!" Homura chimed in. "Like you'll ever get the chance." Dumon selected a new card in his hand, and said, "I'll put this card Face-Down for later. With that in mind, it will be Homura's turn next." Facing her, he said, "Have fun."

She grinned as she drew her card. "Illumiknight, attack him directly! Shimmering Sword Slash!" The horseback knight slashed across Corwan's chest, knocking him into the sphere field's wall, groaning in pain.

(Corwan: 5600)

Homura called out, "You're not safe yet, Corwan. I still have one more monster. Immortal Phoenix Gearfried, let him have it!" The flaming warrior struck, and Corwan called out, "I activate the effect of Unformed Scarecrow in my hand! By discarding it, I take no damage from this battle!" Getting up, he looked at her and said, "Don't think your victory is assured just because you landed one attack on me. This isn't over." The tan-skinned girl replied, "I know. But right now, I like my odds. I end my turn." Corwan drew his card, and said, "I'll activate another Xyz Rising, summoning the required Summoning Materials on an Xyz monster I reveal to you."

Akiru sighed. "Here it comes." Corwan revealed the card with a grin, calling out, "From my Deck, I Summon three Twin-Sword Marauders!"

(Three Twin-Sword Marauders appear: each level 4 with 1600 ATK)

Homura grimaced, knowing what was coming. The rebel called out, "I Overlay three level 4 Twin-Sword Marauders! With these three monsters, I build the Overlay Network and Xyz Summon Crossroads Reaper!" As he spoke, a skeletal figure in a cloak holding a scythe rose from the portal, menacingly looking at Homura and Dumon.

(Crossroads Reaper appeared: a Rank 4 Xyz monster with 2700 ATK and 3 Overlay Units)

Corwan grinned as he called out, "I activate Crossroads Reaper's effect! By using one Overlay Unit, I can do one of three things, but I can only use each of the three effects once per Duel. I choose the one I used against the boy last time, cutting Dumon's Life Points in half!" The Emperor barely flinched as his Life Points dropped, eyes focused on his opponent.

(Dumon: 2000)

Homura took that opportunity to look at Akiru to gauge his reaction, which was fairly calm. 'He thinks the worst of that effect is over.' Corwan called out, "Don't think you're safe either, Homura. I activate Crossroads Curse! When Crossroads Reaper attacks this turn, the opposing monster will have its effects negated!" As Illumiknight's number crest darkened, Homura grimaced. "That means Illumiknight will be destroyed when he attacks!" Dumon growled softly. "Damn you, Corwan!" His opponent spoke up again. "I'm not finished yet, though. I'll also activate Hammer Shot, which destroys the monster with the highest Attack Points on the field. Say goodbye to your so-called Immortal Phoenix Gearfried!"

As the warrior was crushed, the tan-skinned girl growled to herself. The rebel called out, "Crossroads Reaper, attack Illumiknight!" The skeletal figure slashed through the knight, completely severing its torso, causing Homura to hit the wall of the sphere field, grimacing as lightning danced on her body.

(Homura: 3700)

The rebel sighed and spoke up. "One last thing. Due to Crossroads Curse's second effect, you're allowed to resurrect two level 4 or lower monsters from your Graveyard, but your Life Points get cut in half for each one." Homura grimaced as she chose the cards. "I Summon back Noble Knight Gawayn and Joan!" Bracing herself for the pain did nothing to alleviate it.

(Noble Knight Joan appeared: a level 4 monster with 1900 ATK)

(Homura: 1850)

(Noble Knight Gawayn appeared: a level 4 monster with 1900 ATK)

(Homura: 925)

Corwan called out, "I end my turn by placing one card Face-Down." Dumon drew his card, then said, "I activate-." Corwan interrupted. "I activate my Trap Card, Fiendish Chain!" Akiru's eyes widened. "Oh, that's not good." The chains wrapped around Star Seraph Sentry, effectively pinning it down. "For as long as Fiendish Chain remains in play, Star Seraph Sentry's effects are negated, and it can't attack!" Dumon narrowed his eyes. "You'll regret that. I'll set this card Face-Down for now, and end my turn." As Homura drew her card, she looked at her options, and thought, 'I don't have any monsters that can take out that Reaper right now...'

As she thought this, a voice entered her mind. 'Are you so sure of defeat?' Dropping to the ground, Homura gripped her head, and cried out in pain. The voice continued. 'Yours was once a burning inferno, now reduced to a mere spark. You must ignite your passion again. Now, show your foe that you are a force to be reckoned with! Accept the truth, and embrace who you really are!' With her eyes glowing red, Homura stood up, and yanked off her ponytail holder, letting her hair flow freely, as her body became enveloped in crimson flames, Asuka crying out her name in concern, while Akiru grinned under his mouthguard.

The flames aruond Homura began to vanish, showing her new form, similar to that of her father, but with red skin, and red hair reaching down to her ankles, sporting a Duel Disk shaped like a partial shield, her eyes red, before the right eye turned white, a mask forming over her face in the shape of her father's. Looking herself over, she said, "I lost myself, but now I've found myself again." Facing Corwan, she added, "Don't expect mercy." He mocklingly replied, "I expect incompetence." Dumon glared at him, but was impressed by Homura's immediate reply, "You will burn, Corwan." Continuing her turn, she called out, "I Summon Noble Knight Pellinore!"

(Noble Knight Pellinore appeared: a level 4 monster with 1900 ATK)

The young man nodded knowingly. "Three level 4 monsters..." Facing her opponent, the newly born Barian called out, "I Overlay my Noble Knight Gawayn, Joan, and Pellinore!" As she called it out, the three monsters flew into a galaxy portal, Corwan grimacing in response. "Not you, too!" She continued. "With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network, and Xyz Summon the embodiment of my soul!" Closing her eyes, she chanted, "Crimson lotus bathed in flame, blossom and spring to life!" The new monster's sealed form came out of the portal, in the shape of a burning rose.

Homura called out, "Feeling nervous yet? 'Cause you should be! I Xyz Summon Number 109: Crimson Guardian!" The new Number began to transform, taking on the form of a woman holding a sword bathed in flame, the Number 109 glowing in orange on her left shoulder, swinging her sword in front of her in challenge.

(Number 109: Crimson Guardian appeared: a Rank 4 Xyz monster with 2800 ATK and 3 Overlay Units)

Dumon smiled in pride. "Magnificent, Homura." Akiru was laughing from where he and Asuka were standing. "That is so fitting!" The red-skinned girl called out, "Crimson Guardian, attack his Crossroads Reaper! Inferno Fire Slash!" As she commanded this, the new Number lunged forward, swinging the blazing sword with so much force, it incinerated the reaper in mere seconds, Corwan feeling the heat of the flames, hissing to himself.

(Corwan: 5500)

Dumon took the oppurtunity. "I'll activate a Quick-Play Spell Card, called Chaos Rising! When a Number destroys a monster in battle, it can attack again!" Homura grinned in response, and replied, "Thank you, Father." With a smile under his mask, he said, "Make me proud." The newborn Barian replied, "With pleasure! Crimson Guardian, hit him again! Inferno Fire Slash!" This time, Corwan felt the full brunt of the attack, getting seared in the flames and being knocked into the wall, crying out as the lighting danced on his body.

(Corwan: 2700)

The Emperor faced his daughter, and said, "You're an artist. Well done." The young man held up a big piece of white cardboard with a ten written on it, both girls laughing in response to it. Corwan got up, growling. "It's not over!" Taking his turn, he drew his card. "I activate Monster Reborn, to revive Crossroads Reaper!"

(Crossroads Reaper appeared: a Rank 4 Xyz monster with 2700 ATK and no Overlay Units)

Corwan yelled out, "Crossroads Reaper, attack Star Seraph Sentry!" As Dumon braced for the attack, Homura called out, "I activate Crimson Guardian's ability! By using one Overlay Unit when a monster on our side is attacked, the attack target switches to Crimson Guardian! You'll be spared from any damage, but your Reaper won't!" The rebel's eyes widened in fear. "NO!" As the reaper was destroyed again, Akiru whistled. "That was badass." Dumon smiled under his mask again, facing Homura. "Thank you." Facing Corwan, he added, "But don't think I'll be forgetting that." Corwan sighed. "I end my turn."

Dumon closed his eyes, and said, "I think it's time I showed the newborns the power of a Barian Emperor!" Holding up the card he drew, he called out, "I activate Rank-Up-Magic Barian's Force!" The young man looked over in shock. "Rank-Up what now?" Dumon explained, "This Spell lets me use my Star Seraph Sentry to Summon what is called a Chaos Number, provided it's one Rank higher than the monster I have now!" Asuka asked, "A Chaos Number?" The young man replied, "I've never heard of them." The Emperor called out, "Using Star Seraph Sentry, I rebuild the Overlay Network! Chaos Xyz Evolution!"

As he called that out, Star Seraph Sentry flew into a portal in the sky, which exploded, revealing a new monster in its place. Dumon announced, "Say hello to Chaos Number 102: Archfiend Seraph!" The new monster stood in front of them all, brandishing a spear.

(Chaos Number 102: Archfiend Seraph appeared: a Rank 5 Xyz monster with 2900 ATK and 3 Chaos Overlay Units)

Akiru stared at it in shock while Asuka watched in amazement. Homura's reaction was to look at it for a few seconds, then ask, "Can I have one?" Dumon burst out luaghing in response, then faced her. "In time, when you're ready." Turning back to Corwan, he said, "Right now, I have more urgent matters to attend to. Inform your leaders that the Emperors will be doubling our efforts to track you all down! Archfiend Seraph, blast him away!" As his monster attacked, Corwan screamed in pain.

(Corwan: 0)

(Homura; WIN)

(Dumon: WIN)

Akiru and Asuka came over to Homura, the former asking, "How did it feel?" The Heir of Dumon replied, "Amazing." Asuka spoke up. "Are you okay?" Her friend replied, "I've never been better." Corwan got up, facing Akiru. "We'll meet again, boy! I will defeat you!" Homura chimed in, "Buddy, you can't even beat me. How are you gonna beat Akiru?" The mentioned young man snorted, saying, "Burning him literally and figuratively. Nice." Corwan vanished, and Dumon chuckled at their interaction. "It's good to see you all getting along. Now, come. We must reach the Dragon Sanctuary, and soon."

The three nodded, the young man thinking to himself, 'Hang on, Kotori. I'm almost there.'

A/N

Number 109: Crimson Guardian

Attribute: FIRE

Rank: 4

ATK: 2800

DEF: 2200

Type: Warrior/Xyz/Effect

Summoning requirements: 3 level 4 monsters

Effect: If another monster you control is targeted for an attack, you can Detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; change the attack target to this card, also, this card cannot be destroyed by Battle this turn. Your opponent takes no battle damage during the turn you activate this effect.

The second Number has been revealed. Homura has gained her Barian form. Next up, a small plot twist.