I'm kind of surprised no one asked me why Deep Shadow Ark is considered a Ninja by its own effect. It will make sense soon, for those wondering. Anyway, it's time. We've reached the last chapter of the first arc of this story. We're going to see the Heirs all gain a new power today.
Chapter Twelve
Heir's Force
Previously...
Asuka, betrayed by her former comrades, has been pulled into another world with her friend and former rival, Homura, and their new friend, Akiru, and his sister. Through trials and tribulations, the three have been revealed to the Heirs to three of the seven Barian Emperors, friends of Asuka and Homura revealed to be the other four. With all seven Emperors having claimed their Heirs, a new chapter begins in their lives. This is their story...
(Rebel Hideout, unknown location, Barian World)
The Rebel Leader scowled at the report of the Heir of Nash having awoken to her power. Facing Morris, he asked, "You said it was Corwan who engaged them?" The underling rebel replied, "Yes, my Lord. Apparently, he entered the Sea of Chaos and gained the ability to use a Chaos Xyz Monster. I would not recommend confronting him without a way to counteract that power." The Leader replied, "Corwan's actions are of no concern. However, since the Sea of Chaos can grant Chaos Xyz Monsters to whoever enters it, I may be able to gain a weapon to fight the Heirs with."
Turning towards the rest of the council, he said, "Make preparations for battle. I will go to the Sea of Chaos alone, and hopefully gain what we need to overcome the Emperors." They all nodded and saluted him. Turning to Morris, he said, "If you see Corwan again, be sure to tell him that he has our gratitude for the intel you've just provided us. Perhaps he's not as useless as I had thought." The underling rebel replied, "Yes, my Lord." The Leader adjourned the meeting and left for the Sea of Chaos, to gain his new power.
(Sanctuary, Barian Palace)
The seven Heirs sat in a circle, their Numbers placed in front of them, the Emperors watching from a distance. Within Asuka's mind, she saw the giant clipper ship that was her Number, and calmly levitated aboard, walking the deck until she found what appeared to be a female ninja in green, who bowed upon seeing her. Immediately understanding, she said, "You're the pilot of Deep Shadow Ark." The ninja softly chuckled and said, "The airship is merely a smokescreen to conceal my true form, my Lady."
Nodding in understanding, the Heir of Nash asked, "So when do I get to see your true form in action?" The ninja replied, "We are almost at the stage where it will be possible. Only one thing remains." Asuka knew right away. "We have to bond first." The ninja nodded. Looking at her again, the Heir of Nash asked, "What do I need to do?" The ninja replied, "We have already begun. Tell me, what is it you wish to use my power for?" Asuka sighed and replied, "Honestly, I never asked to be a princess. I don't know a thing about ruling a world."
Nodding in understanding, the ninja replied, "That knowledge will come with time. I believe that when the time comes, you will be a fair and compassionate ruler. Let our combined might guide you." With that, the ninja vanished and Asuka opened her eyes back in reality, her fellow Heirs having finished with their Numbers aside from Akiru, who was still in a meditative trance. Looking at her friend, she asked, "Akiru?" Homura leaned closer and gently snapped her fingers in front of his face. "Yeah, he's still in there."
Within Akiru's mind, it had taken him a while to find the location where the next Galaxy-Eyes dragon waited for him, a large asteroid with glowing blue lines in space. Looking forward, he teleported onto a circular area on the face of the asteroid, taking note of the giant blue crystal that was his Number's sealed form. Stepping forward, hair flowing behind him, Akiru spoke up. "Hello?" The crystal shattered and reassembled into his Number Over One Hundred, the Galaxy-Eyes Plasma Dragon, which let out a roar before focusing on his master, the dark blue eyes glistening in the darkness of space.
Speaking, the dragon said, "At last, you have come." Sitting cross-legged, the Heir of Mizar asked, "So what's your proper name?" The Galaxy-Eyes let out a deep laugh and said, "My proper name is Rorix. You are aware that with great power comes great responsibility, correct?" Akiru nodded. "I know. It's going to take us both to keep the other in check." Rorix nodded in agreement, and said, "Then let us begin." The dragon vanished and was absorbed into his card, Akiru holding it high before opening his eyes in the real world, everyone looking concerned at him.
"Yeah, sorry. It took me a while to find him." Mizar spoke up. "So the bonding is complete?" His son grinned under his mouth guard and looked at a guard. "Can I borrow your sword for a minute?" The guard politely handed it to him, and Akiru held it in his right hand, the blade becoming a laser, surprsing everyone. Kotori soon realized what was happening. "Wait, you can bend reality to your will now?!" Her brother replied, "Pretty much, though it's not quite as fun as teleporting." The other Heirs simply stared at him with deadpan expressions. After a brief pause, he finally asked, "What?"
Shiki closed her eyes for a moment, and summoned a scythe with the blade coming out of a skull on the staff, gently getting a feel for the weapon. Tilting her head with interest, Yumi concentrated as well, forming a sword made of ice, and got a feel for it herself. Taking note of this, Akiru looked at the others and asked, "Think we can make weapons out of thin air?" Looking amongst themselves, the remaining Heirs proceeded to concentrate, Murakumo succeeding in summoning a katana, Yozakura getting brass knuckles, which made her very happy, Asuka getting a royal sword with the Barian emblem as the hand guard, and Akiru getting a sword with a glowing blue blade.
From her own concentration, Homura got flames to appear in her hand, and sighed. "Fire is cool and all, but I was hoping for a sword." Dumon chuckled. "Not to worry. I have yet another old friend to reunite you with." Going over to a chest nearby, he opened it, and pulled out a sheathed broadsword with a red hilt, and brought it over to her. As he accepted the sword and pulled it out of its sheath, she realized something. "This sword feels kind of familiar." Her father nodded. "This sword was forged using the shards of Engetsuka." Gasping in shock, she looked over the new weapon with greater interest, gently feeling the blade.
Looking at Asuka, Akiru asked, "What's Engetsuka?" She explained, "The Shinkukage family sword, passed down from generation to generation. It was given to Homura by her grandfather as they were kicking her out of the clan." Looking over, he asked, "You forged that from a katana?" Dumon replied, "No. Engetsuka was a nodachi." Blinking in surprise, the young man said, "Whoa, I didn't think Shinobi used those." His father laughed in response. Looking at her friend, Asuka asked, "Was Engetsuka broken during the attack on you?" The red-skinned girl nodded. "That was when things took a turn for the worse."
Dumon gently put a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "In my first life, I was a knight in service to two different kingdoms, though not at the same time." Homura immediately understood. "That's what I'm going to be here, right?" He nodded. "In time. First, however, we must train so that you will be prepared for any encounter." She nodded in understanding. Asuka looked over her new sword with interest, Akiru quipped, "I wouldn't name it quite yet. Swords are named for what they accomplish in battle." Facing him, she asked, "You think my sword hasn't seen battle?" He replied, "I mean, you just formed it." Asuka nodded, saying, "Yeah, good point."
As soon as she finished saying that, a guard ran into the room. "My Lords and Lady, the rebels are approaching the city gates!" Nash sighed to himself. "You've got to be kidding me..." Akiru remarked, "Well, they have crappy timing." Turning to the young man, the High Emperor asked, "Can I count on you to help repel them?" The Heir of Mizar replied, "It would be my genuine pleasure." Asuka stood up. "I'm coming, too." Eyes glowing fiercely, she added, "I'd like to put my new powers to the test." Homura got up, holding her new sword in her hand. "I would be honored to fight them as well, My Lord." Nash grinned under his mask. "You will make a fine knight, Homura."
The other Heirs and the other Emperors all got ready for battle, and stepped out to the walls to look at the Rebels taking position at the walls. Nash called down, "Rebel forces, withdraw or be destroyed!" A voice among the Rebels called out, "Not until Barian World is made a world of chaos once again!" The High Emperor replied, "There is a reason we brought order to Barian World, so that the innocent could be at peace!" The Rebel Leader stepped forward. "Then come and prove your right to the throne, Nash!" A Duel Disk formed on his arm. Keeping calm, Nash nodded to Asuka, who followed him to the gate.
Once outside, the Rebel Leader looked her over, and said, "Oh, yes, it was you who turned the tide against Corwan when he came here." Asuka replied, "I'll do the same thing to you." The Leader chuckled, saying, "Brave words. Let's see how well you do." Turning to her father, he said, "My name is Lucin. Remember it well while you float in the void for eternity!" The Emperor and his Heir formed their Duel Disks, the latter saying, "I'll be more than happy to blast you into oblivion!" Lucin laughed manically in response.
(Nash: 4000)
(Asuka: 4000)
(Lucin: 8000)
Narrowing his eyes, the Emperor said, "Let me show you my power!" Gathering crimson energy into his hand, he gripped the top card of his deck and called out, "Chaos Draw!" Drawing the card tinted in the crimson energy, he said, "I activate the Spell Card Rank-Up-Magic - The Seventh One!" Staring down in confusion, Akiru asked, "The Seventh One?" His father simply said, "Watch closely." The High Emperor explained, "When I activate this card, I can Summon any Number Xyz Monster from my Extra Deck or Graveyard to the field without Overlaying, as long as its Number is between 101 and 107!"
Lucin gasped in shock upon hearing that. "I did not know the Emperors had such power!" Nash replied, "You'll only see it in action this once! Take to the skies, Number 101: Silent Honor Ark!" As he spoke, a massive wishbone-shaped airship rose from a portal, and took its position above its master, the Number crest on its lower hull.
(Number 101: Silent Honor Ark appeared: a Rank 4 WATER Xyz monster with 2100 ATK and no Overlay Units)
Looking over the Number, Homura remarked, "I'm not surprised it's a ship, but why didn't he Overlay for it?" Her father replied, "You'll understand very quickly." The High Emperor raised a hand as he stated, "Next, The Seventh One evolves my Number into a Chaos Number! Using Silent Honor Ark, I rebuild the Overlay Network! Chaos Xyz Evolution!" As he spoke, Silent Honor Ark was enveloped in red energy before shooting upwards into a newly formed portal, and its master declared, "You should have ran when you had the chance, Lucin! Say hello to Chaos Number 101: Silent Honor Dark!"
From the portal came a muscular dark figure wielding a spear, landing before its master and holding its weapon to the ground, a single diamond-shaped object with red flowing lines in it appearing in front of it as well.
(Chaos Number 101: Silent Honor Dark appeared: a Rank 5 WATER Xyz monster with 2800 ATK and 1 Chaos Overlay Unit)
The Heirs up above were shocked when they saw the monster, Akiru being the first to speak. "That's not an airship." His father laughed beside him. "Of course not. That's the pilot of the airship, actually." The Rebel Leader looked at it in amazement. "Fascinating." Turning towards Nash, he said, "I should have expected nothing less of the High Emperor of Barian World." Said Emperor replied, "Your first mistake was rebelling against us. I'll end my turn with one card Face-Down." Asuka called out, "My turn!" Drawing her card, she said, "I'll Summon Upstart Golden Ninja!"
(Upstart Golden Ninja appeared: a level 4 LIGHT monster with 500 ATK)
Continuing, she said, "I'll use his ability to send a Trap from my hand to the Graveyard to Summon another Ninja monster from my Deck, like Aqua Armor Ninja!"
(Aqua Armor Ninja appeared: a level 4 WATER monster with 800 ATK)
Lucin understood what was coming. "Yes, Summon it." The Heir of Nash ignored him and said, "I Overlay level four Upstart Golden Ninja and Aqua Armor Ninja!" As the two monsters became energy and spiraled into the air, she continued, "With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" As the familiar galaxy portal formed, Asuka chanted, "Vessel that travels the course in the shadows, take position and wait for my command!" Opening her eyes, she declared, "I Xyz Summon Number 108: Deep Shadow Ark!" The familiar clipper airship rose, its Number crest on its forward hull and ready for battle.
(Number 108: Deep Shadow Ark appeared: a Rank 4 EARTH Xyz monster with 2500 ATK and 2 Overlay Units)
Satisfied, Asuka said, "I end my turn." Lucin grinned as he drew his card and said, "I activate a card I'm sure you're familiar with, Lady Asuka, Xyz Rising!" Homura sighed when she saw that. "He has one of those, too?" Continuing, the Rebel Leader said, "I can reveal an Xyz Monster in my Extra Deck to you, then Summon its required Summoning Materials to the field. The monster I reveal is a personal favorite of mine, Kraken, Pawn of Chaos!" Hearing that, Akiru quipped, "If it's anything like Crossroads Reaper, this is going to be a tough fight." The Leader stated, "From my Deck, I Summon three Fiend Krakens!"
(3 Fiend Krakens appeared: each level 4 WATER monsters with 1200 ATK)
Raising an arm to the sky, Lucin declared, "I Overlay my three level four Fiend Krakens!" The three krakens became energy and spiraled upwards, a triple-ringed portal opening in front of the Rebel Leader, and he declared, "With these three monsters, I build the Overlay Network and Xyz Summon Kraken, Pawn of Chaos!" From the portal rose a massive octopus-like monster, its roar of fury sounding around the area, and its tentacles slapping in front of it.
(Kraken, Pawn of Chaos appeared: a Rank 4 DARK Xyz monster with 2600 ATK and 3 Overlay Units)
Asuka sighed. "It's stronger than Deep Shadow Ark. I'll have to wait to attack." Lucin stated, "You won't have that chance quite yet. I activate Kraken's Special Ability! By using one Overlay Unit, I can return one card on the field to its owner's hand, such as Nash's Face-Down!"
(Kraken, Pawn of Chaos's Overlay Units: 2)
As the Emperor put the card back into his hand, the Rebel declared, "Now it is the time to show you all why I am meant to rule this world! I activate Rank-Up-Magic Barian's Force!" Narrowing her eyes, the Heir of Nash asked, "He has that card, too?" Laughing manically, her opponent said, "I can use my Kraken, Pawn of Chaos to Summon a Chaos Xyz Monster!" Closing his eyes, he said, "Using Kraken, Pawn of Chaos, I rebuild the Overlay Network! Chaos Xyz Evolution!" As his monster was absorbed into a black portal, which got everyone's attention, he declared, "I unleash the gates to bring out the pure embodiment of chaos itself! Come, Chaos Xyz Cthulhu, Lord of Chaos!"
As he spoke, a massive humanoid figure came from the figure, two massive dragon-like wings appeared from behind its back, and its head was shown to resemble an octopus, but with dark red eyes focused on its enemies before it. Three diamond-shaped objects landed next to Lucin, who laughed even deeper in response.
(Chaos Xyz Cthulhu, Lord of Chaos appeared: a Rank 5 DARK Xyz monster with 3000 ATK and 3 Chaos Overlay Units)
From where he was standing, the Heir of Mizar asked no one in particular, "He Summoned Cthulhu?" The Rebel Leader stated, "There is worse news for all involved! Upon being Xyz Summoned, all other cards on the field are destroyed! Say goodbye to your precious Numbers!" Cthulhu let out a roar of fury that demolished Silent Honor Dark and tore Deep Shadow Ark to pieces.
(Nash: 5800)
(Chaos Number 101: Silent Honor Dark appeared: a Rank 5 WATER Xyz monster with 2800 ATK and no Chaos Overlay Units)
While Asuka stared in shock at her father's Life Points, the Rebel Leader was fuming at the sight of Nash's monster having returned. "How is it back?!" Grinning under his mask, Nash said, "When Silent Honor Dark is destroyed while he has any Chaos Overlay Units, he'll return to the field immediately afterwards, and I'll gain Life Points equal to his Attack Points!" Hearing that from up above, Akiru whistled. "Handy ability." Down below, Lucin sighed to himself. "Impressive, but that alone will not save you. I'll simply activate Cthulhu's second ability! By using one Chaos Overlay Unit, Silent Honor Dark's abilities will be negated for as long as Cthulhu is on the field!"
(Cthulhu's Chaos Overlay Units: 2)
The Rebel Leader then declared, "Cthulhu, attack Silent Honor Dark! Chaos Reigns!" Asuka was quick to respond. "I activate the ability of Aqua Armor Ninja in my Graveyard! While I have another Ninja in my Graveyard and my opponent declares an attack, I can Banish Aqua to negate the attack!" A veil of water caught Cthulhu by surprise, stopping the attack. Lucin lightly chuckled. "So even when backed into a corner, you can still fight. Good. Don't give up too easily. I end my turn." Nash drew his next card and lightly grimaced. "You're lucky Silent Honor Dark's abilities are negated, otherwise I would definitely absorb that thing with them."
The Rebel Leader laughed in response. Taking his turn, The Emperor said, "I'll activate Emperor's Blessing. Since an Xyz Monster is in Asuka's Graveyard, I can have it returned to the Extra Deck." As Asuka did just that, her father continued. "I'll also switch Silent Honor Dark to Defense Mode and end my turn." Looking over her options, Asuka thought, 'How can I stop that thing before it hits Dad again?" As she thought this, crimson energy formed on her hand. Looking at it, she knew what she had to do. Facing the Rebel Leader, the Heir of Nash said, "Your luck has run out." Gripping her deck, she declared, "Chaos Draw!", pulling a card coated in the same crimson energy.
Looking it over, she knew what she had to do. "First, I'll activate Monster Reborn, to bring back one of your Fiend Krakens!"
(Same as before)
Continuing, she said, "Next, I'll activate Pot of Greed, to draw two new cards!" After doing that, she finally said, "Next, I Summon Ninja Grandmaster Sasuke!"
(Ninja Grandmaster Sasuke appeared: a level 4 LIGHT monster with 1800 ATK)
Asuka then said, "You should know what's coming next, you Rebel scum! I Overlay level 4 Sasuka and Fiend Kraken!" Just like before, the two monsters spiraled upwards and the galaxy portal opened again. "With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network! Come on back, Number 108: Deep Shadow Ark!" The clipper airship rose again, this time with a vengeance.
(Same as before)
The Rebel Leader raised an eyebrow. "What good will that do you?" She replied, "Watch this. I activate the Spell Card Rank-Up-Magic Heir's Force!" As both the Rebel and the Emperor stared in shock, the rest of the Heirs felt the same crimson energy envelop their hands, and they each stared at it in amazement. Meanwhile, Asuka called out, "I can now use Deep Shadow Ark to Summon a Chaos Number of my own!" Watching with interest and a grin, Akiru said, "I can't wait to see this." The Heir of Nash declared, "Using Deep Shadow Ark, I rebuild the Overlay Network! Chaos Xyz Evolution!" As her Number was absorbed into the new portal, its master closed her eyes.
Beginning her chant, she said, "Spirit trapped within the depths of darkness, sieze your escape and annihiliate our mutual enemy!" The clipper airship reemerged, but in flames, exploding. From the explosions leapt a ninja woman clad in green, landing on the ground before her master, ready for battle, the new Number crest on her right shoulder, a pair of wazikashi strapped on her belt behind her. Asuka finished with, "Say hello to my friend, Chaos Number 108: Deep Shadow Armor Ninja!"
(Chaos Number 108: Deep Shadow Armor Ninja appeared: a Rank 5 EARTH monster with 2800 ATK and 3 Chaos Overlay Units)
Lucin started to sweat and said, "Another Chaos Number?" His female opponent declared, "Don't even try to stop me. You're already mine. The second effect of Rank-Up-Magic Heir's Force activates! When my Chaos Number is Summoned, I can absorb one of your monsters into a Chaos Overlay Unit!" Her opponent cried out, "Impossible!" Cthulhu screamed in rage as it was absorbed by the Spell's effect, then there was silence.
(Deep Shadow Armor Ninja's Chaos Overlay Units: 4)
Ready to begin, Asuka yelled out, "Deep Shadow Armor Ninja, attack him directly! Chaos Cross Slash!" The green ninja lunged forward, dual blades slicing through the rebel and sending him flying.
(Lucin: 5200)
As he got back up, Asuka stated, "Don't think you're safe yet! When Deep Shadow Armor Ninja deals battle damage, I can have her use one Chaos Overlay Unit to deal you 400 more points of damage for each card in my hand! I only have two, but that adds up to 800!" The ninja produced two kunai, and threw them with deadly accuracy, the blades cutting into his body armor.
(Lucin: 4400)
(Deep Shadow Armor Ninja's Chaos Overlay Units: 3)
Standing firm, the Heir of Nash said, "My turn is now over!" Drawing his card, the Rebel said, "I'll put this monster Face-Down and end my turn!" Drawing his own card, Nash said, "I'll put Silent Honor Dark back into Attack Mode and have him attack your Face-Down monster!" As the monster was destroyed, The Emperor said, "I"ll now activate the Spell Chaos Flare! Since I just destroyed a monster in battle, I can dish out 400 points of damage to you!" Lucin grimaced as he got hit again.
(Lucin: 4000)
Nodding to his daughter, Nash said, "He's all yours." Drawing her card, Asuka said, "It's over! Deep Shadow Armor Ninja, let him have it! Chaos Cross Slash!" Like before, the dual blades sliced through the rebel and knocked him off his feet.
(Lucin: 1200)
Ready to finish him, Asuka said, "This pointless war ends now! By using one Chaos Overlay Unit, you take 400 points of damage for each card in my hand! At three cards, it's just enough to put an end to this!" The ninja produced three kunai this time, and they all hit their mark, finishing the rebel off.
(Lucin: 0)
(Nash: WIN)
(Asuka: WIN)
Approaching the fallen Rebel Leader, Nash bound his hands together and said, "You'll pay for your crimes against the people of Barian World, Lucin." The rebel forces gathered, seeing their leader defeated, fled the area and ran off, Asuka watching them run with a neutral expression. "I hope you all learn from this." Her father stood beside her and said, "Your time in Barian has been short, but this victory will be remembered in the public archives." She nodded, her fellow Heirs running to congratulate her, all excited about the new power they all now shared.
A/N
And with that, we have reached the end of the first arc. I don't think any of you will be surprised by Asuka's Chaos Number being what it is, but I bet I caught you all off guard by bringing in Cthulhu, huh?
OC Cards
Kraken, Pawn of Chaos
Attribute: DARK
Rank: 4
ATK: 2600
DEF: 2000
Type: Aqua/Xyz/Effect
Summoning conditions: 3 level 4 monsters
Effect:
Once per turn, you can Detach 1 Xyz Material from this card, then target 1 card your opponent controls; return it to the hand. If this card is destroyed while it has Xyz Material, you can Special Summon this card, then attack 1 monster from your hand to it as Xyz Material.
CXyz Cthulhu, Lord of Chaos (The big boss fight of the first arc)
Attribute: DARK
Rank: 5
ATK: 3000
DEF: 2000
Type: Aqua/Xyz/Effect
Summoning requirements: 4 level 5 monsters
Effect:
If this card is Xyz Summoned, destroy all other cards on the field. If this card has "Kraken, Pawn of Chaos" as an Xyz Material, it gains this effect:
*Once per turn, you can Detach 1 Xyz Material from this card, then target 1 monster your opponent controls; its effects are negated while this card is face-up on the field.
Emperor's Blessing
If a player has an Xyz monster in their Graveyard, you can return that monster to the Extra Deck.
Rank-Up-Magic Heir's Force
Target 1 "Number" Xyz monster you control; Special Summon one "Number C" monster from your Extra Deck by using the targeted monster as the Xyz Material. (This is treated as an Xyz Summon. Xyz Materials attached to the targeted monster become Xyz Materials on the Summoned monster.) Then, if possible, attach 1 monster your opponent controls to the Summoned monster as Xyz Material.
Chaos Number 108: Deep Shadow Armor Ninja
Attribute: EARTH
Rank: 5
ATK: 2800
DEF: 2000
Type: Warrior/Xyz/Effect
Summoning requirements: 3 level 5 monsters
Effect:
If this card is destroyed while it has Xyz Materials, Special Summon it from the Graveyard, and if you do, attach 1 monster from your hand to it as Xyz Material. "Number 108: Deep Shadow Ark" must be in your Graveyard to activate and to resolve this effect. If this card has "Number 108: Deep Shadow Ark" as an Xyz Material, it gains this effect:
*If this card deals battle damage to your opponent, you can Detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; deal 400 damage to your opponent for each card in your hand.
Chaos Flare
If a monster you control destroys an opponent's monster by battle, deal 400 damage to your opponent.