Chapter 4: ZEXAL Era
Even further into the future is a city called Heartland City. Here, small Litterbots roamed free and Augmented Reality Duels hit the world by storm and this is where we meet our fourth hero: Yuma Tsukumo. One day in a duel against former bully Reginald 'Shark' Kastle, Yuma was encountered by a mysterious door.
(Flashback)
"Whoever can open this door will gain a great new power. But know that with such a reward comes great risk. You would lose that which is most valuable to you." The Door spoke to Yuma
Though hesitant and worried what might happen, Yuma unlocked the door and freed a duel spirt named Astral.
"Huh? Who are you? Say something!" Yuma asked the unknown spirit.
"Astral." He spoke, giving him his name.
"I Xyz summon Number 39: Utopia!"
With the combined power of the Number card Utopia and the spell card Double or Nothing, Yuma and Astral defeated and freed him from the influence of Number 17: Leviathan Dragon.
"You're a good duelist. I'll see you around." Shark told him as he left.
But that was the first step in Yuma's adventure. They had to face many foes and reclaim all of Astral's memories, but there were who wishes to use the Numbers for their own selfish gains, such as the Vetirx family who had entered the World Duel Carinval to get revenge on Dr. Faker, but Yuma and Astral defeated Vetrix with the power of ZEXAL.
(Flashback: WDC Finals)
"Heraldry Crest, attack Yuma and Astral and win me this duel!" Vetrix commanded
"Now go, Utopia Ray! Rising Sun Triple Chaos Slash!
Then they faced Dr. Faker, who wished to destroy Astral World with the Numbers. Yuma teamed up with Shark and Kite the number hunter to defeat him.
(Flashback: Yuma, Shark, and Kite vs Dr. Faker)
"Fix your fearful eyes on Heart-eartH's true form: Number 92: Heart-eartH Dragon!"
"Neo Galaxy-Eyes, attack with Ultimate Photon Stream of Destruction!" Kite commanded as Neo Galaxy-Eyes destroyed Heart-eartH Dragon. Dr. Faker screams from the attack and he is sent crashing into the floor. "Set Hart free now. Release him!"
"I can't! You think you're helping Hart, but you're only putting him in greater danger! Your brother cannot hope to survive unless Astral World is destroyed once and for all!"
But as they were on the verge of victory, a mysterious new enemy arrived and took over Dr. Faker's body forcing him to duel.
"Now Heart-eartH Dragon, attack Neo Galaxy-Eyes! Dragon Cannon Blast!" The Barian commanded through Faker.
"Get Set, Utopia Ray! Attack Heart-eartH Dragon with Rising Sun Ultimate Slash!" Yuma and Astral spoke in unison as Utopia Ray destroyed Heart-eartH Dragon. Vector screamed as he lost the duel and he was purged from Dr. Faker's body.
However, that didn't stop Barian World, the polar opposite to Astral World. Wave after wave, they sent brainwashed people to collect the Numbers, but failed. Then Yuma and his friends came face to face with Vector once more.
(Flashback: Yuma vs Vector)
"GO BARIAN BATTLEMORPH!"
"Vector?! So you disguised yourself as Ray!? What did you do with him, Vector!? Where's the real Ray?" Yuma interrogated.
"The real Ray? You mean you still don't get it? I'm Vector and I'm your little friend Ray too." Vector admitted.
"No way!" Yuma was in total shock.
"I activate Rank-Up Magic Barian's Force! I Rank-Up Masquerade into a Chaos Xyz Monster! I overlay Rank 4 Masquerade! With it, I rebuild the Overlay Network. Chaos Xyz Evolution! Appear, Chaos Number 104: Umbral Horror Masquerade!"
"Go! Utopia Ray Victory! Destroy Umbral Horror Masquerade and end this duel! Rising Sun Double Victory Slash!" Yuma commanded as Utopia Ray Victory destroyed Umbral Horror Masquerade. Vector screamed as he tumbled on the ground.
But Vector was far from finished. He awoke an ancient evil deity Astral defeated years ago named Don Thousand, who once ruined all off the Barian's lives. To break Don Thousand's seal, Vector and the other Barian Emperors had to collect the Mythyrian Numbers and free Don Thousand, but Yuma and Astral weren't going to let that happen. They went across the globe and collected the Mythyrian Numbers at each of the seven ancient temples. They even encountered Astral's evil clone, Number 96.
(Flashback: Astral vs Number 96)
"No way!" Yuma gasped.
"It is Number 96!" Astral identified the malevolent Number.
"Here's the Number." Number 96 spoke as he revealed the card he possessed. "Shall we start?"
"Go, Utopia Ray!"
"Attack Dark Mist!"
"This duel isn't over by a longshot! I activate the trap Chaos Return! This card stops your attack!" The trap blocked Utopia Ray's attack. "I discard one card to activate a spell from the Graveyard. I choose to activate Rank-Up-Magic Barian's Force! And now I overlay Rank 2 Dark Mist! With this one monster, I rebuild the Overlay Network! Go, Chaos Xyz Evolution! Appear, Chaos Number 96! Dark Storm!" Dark Storm is summoned.
"Oh, man... What did that Barian card I gave him do?" Vector asked himself.
"My trap Chaos Return's other effect activates! Remember how I stopped Utopia Ray's attack? Well, that was only temporary, because it has to attack now!" 96 told him.
"I don't think Astral expected this." Rio commented.
"Dark Storm's special ability activates! Bad news, Astral... When it's destroyed in battle, both players take the battle damage!" 96 informed Astral.
"Both of us?" Astral gasped as Utopia Ray destroys Dark Storm. The explosion sends both Astral and Dark Mist flying.
"It's a draw." Yuma noted.
However, even with the Numbers in Yuma and Astral's hands, Number 96 wanted more, so he began merciless attacks on Earth, Astral World and Barian World until he decided to settle things with Astral and Yuma once and for all.
(Flashback: Yuma/Astral vs Number 96)
"Yuma, this is the end!"
"I activate Sleipnir Mail's special ability! When Utopia Ray is destroyed, we can summon Utopia from the Graveyard." Yuma spoke as Utopia is resurrected.
"This can't be!" 96 yelled with complete fear.
"Trust me, Number 96, it is. Go! Utopia, finish him off!" Number 96 screams in defeat.
But Number 96 wasn't ready to call it quits just yet.
"Astral!" Number 96 screamed.
Number 96 tried one last desperate attempt to destroy Astral, but he was thwarted by Astral as he destroyed him. As for Astral, he perished when he destroyed Number 96, leaving Yuma heartbroken, but Yuma needed to get Astral back, so he traveled to Astral World to get his friend back while meeting the selfish guardian of Astral World, Eliphas.
"I summon the all-mighty New Order 13: Etheric Amon!" Eliphas chanted as his mightiest monster appeared.
"Go, Shining Draw! Utopia Roots! Finish this with Rising Sun Roots Slash!"
And with that Yuma saved his friend, but this was only the start of the final events that were to come. Yuma and Astral had to face the Fearsome Four, led by Mr. Heartland. And each of the members had fake Numbers.
(Flashback: Yuma vs Mr. Heartland)
"Infection Buzz King, attack!" Mr. Heartland commanded.
"All right, Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon, attack Heartland directly! Go, Photon Stream of Destruction!" the galactic drake fired its massive light beam at Mr. Heartland. He screams as he is defeated.
But their hard-earned victory was short lived when Yuma and his friends learned a shocking truth.
"Shark, what are you doing with the Barians!?" Yuma interrogated.
"'Shark'? It feels like a long time since anybody called me by that name. But I'm not Shark or Reginald anymore. My name is Nash! Nash the Barian!" Shark admitted.
"Stop playing games with us already, Shark. There's no way you're a Barian. You wouldn't lie to me. So what's really going on here?" Yuma asked. "Say something!"
"I'll do much more than just say something – I'll show you what I really am! Go Barian Battle Morph!" Shark shouted as his Barian charm glowed.
"Go Barian Battle Morph!" The other six Emperors shout in unison as they transformed.
"We are the seven Barian Emperors. Mizar, the one true Galaxy-Eyes master. Girag, the ultimate Barian Warrior. Alito, the Barian who battles with fists of fury. Vector... need I say more? Marin, the name that brings chills to everyone's heart. Dumon, my faithful friend, but your greatest enemy. And I am Nash, leader of the seven Barian Emperors." Nash revealed their true colors.
All of Yuma's friends stood their ground against the Emperors, but one by one, they fell apart. Meanwhile, Kite went in search for last Number, Number 100: Numeron Dragon. But for that to happen, Kite had to defeat his archrival Mizar, who had his own Galaxy-Eyes, Number 107: Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon. The battle was hard, but Kite managed to defeat Mizar by using a new Galaxy-Eyes, Number 62: Galaxy-Eyes Prime Photon Dragon, a number he created from the energy within the stone tablets that surrounded them.
(Flashback: Kite vs Mizar)
"Galaxy-Eyes Prime Photon Dragon attack Neo Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon! Eternity Photon Stream!" Prime Photon destroyed Neo Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon thus defeating Mizar.
Kite has managed to claim victory, proving that he is the true Galaxy-Eyes master, but at the cost of his life. In his final moments, he gave Mizar Number 100: Numeron Dragon. Meanwhile, Vector wanted to put the past behind him and the best way for him to do that is to destroy Nash.
"I activate Chaos Caller! This allows me to summon 3 powerful Chaos Numbers by negating their special abilities! Let the party begin! First to arrive is Chaos Number 104: Umbral Horror Masquerade! Our next guest is a brand new friend of mine: Chaos Number 102! Archfiend Seraph! And last, but certainly not least, someone else I think you know. Arriving in style, please welcome Chaos Number 103: Ragnafinity!" Vector's three Chaos Numbers appear alongside King Overfiend.
I activate the spell Split Defender! With Split Defender, I get control of one of your monsters! Which one are you handing over, Vector?
"King Overfiend." Vector growled.
"King Overfiend, attack Masquerade!" King Overfiend destroys Masquerade with a single swipe of its scythe.
By destroying Umbral Horror Masquerade with King Overfiend, Vector's true memories were revealed to him. He was once a kind and cheerful prince of the kingdom of Ostrania, but Don Thousand manipulated him to become a tyrant. Not wanting that weak side of him get to him, Vector summoned the card strong enough to destroy Nash.
"Now rise! Chaos Number 5! Chaos Chimera Dragon! You don't stand a chance now, and really, you never-"
"You're the one who doesn't stand a chance." Nash interrupted.
"I wasn't finished." Vector spoke.
"That's where you're wrong, Vector, you are finished, thanks to this!" Nash replied as he revealed Rank-Up-Magic Quick Chaos.
"No! Not that Rank-Up-Magic card!" Vector yelled in horror.
"Rank-Up-Magic Quick Chaos ranks up my Number into a Chaos Number. Say goodbye to Abyss Splash and say hello to Chaos Number 73! Rise from the depths, Abyss Supra Splash! This attack is for every Emperor you betrayed. Goodbye, Vector." Abyss Supra Splash destroyed Chimera Dragon with a single blast.
With Vector defeated, Don Thousand began his plan to collect the Numeron Code and rule the world. His first order of business is to absorb Vector.
"Wait! I beg your forgiveness!" Vector pleaded.
"Vector!" Yuma yelled as he grabs Vector's hand.
"I'll stick by your side because helping a friend is the Ray Way!"
Yuma's tears fell on Vector's cheek, then Vector remembered all the times had with Yuma as Ray Shadows, he didn't want his friend to suffer like him.
"Yuma, our worlds need more of you and less of me." Vector told him.
"Hang on, what are you saying?" Yuma asked.
"I'm saying goodbye." Vector replied one final time as he lets Yuma's hand go, allowing himself to be absorbed by Don Thousand.
"Why did you let go?!" Yuma yelled.
After defeating Mizar by using his own cards against him, Don Thousand then challenged Yuma and Nash to a duel, but he was controlling the duel in his favor by using the power of the Numeron Code. Luckily, Eliphas gave up his life so the duel can be back to normal. With Utopia, Abyss Splash and Numeron Dragon, Yuma created the ultimate comeback.
(Flashback: Yuma and Nash vs Don Thousand)
"Utopia, take down Don Thousand and his Numerronius Numerronia with Rising Sun Hyper Force Slash!" Yuma and Astral shouted in unison as Utopia destroyed Numerronius Numerronia. Don Thousand screamed in agony as he is defeated.
But Don Thousand had one last surprise. With all of Don Thousand's power transferred to him, Nash challenged Yuma to a duel to decide the fate of the three worlds.
(Flashback: Yuma vs Nash)
"Let's duel!"
"I Xyz summon Chaos Xyz Barian Hope!" Nash had Xyz summoned a monster that utilized the power of all seven Barian Emperors.
"Go! Rank-Up Xyz Evolution! Shatter the boundaries of reality! Arise anew, Number 39: Utopia Beyond!" Yuma in his ZEXAL III form shouted as Utopia Ranked up into Utopia Beyond.
The two fought endlessly until Yuma found a way to defeat Nash's plan. He intends to make the duel last forever, but even that plan wasn't enough.
"Let's keep this duel rolling because no one has won yet." Yuma said.
"Actually, Yuma, this duel's over. You've won." Nash spoke.
"Huh? Say what?!" Yuma asked.
"Glory of the Seven Emperors has one final effect. My life points become equal to the change in your life points. Since your life points didn't change, my Life Points drop to zero."
"Shark!" Yuma yelled as Nash's Life Points were reduced to zero.
'I lost, but I never knew losing could feel so good.' Shark's thoughts echo in his head as he crashed to the floor.
With Nash defeated, all of the Numbers in his possession were transferred to Astral. But parting ways with their friend was heartbreaking.
"Thanks for teaching me to feel the flow. You were great duelists... but even better friends. Good-bye." Shark said his farewells as he faded away, leaving Yuma crying a proverbial flood of tears.
Although Shark was gone, all of Yuma's friends that have fell to the Barians returned, but now that Astral has all the Numbers as well as the Numeron Code, Astral could complete his mission of destroying Barian World. Yuma had to stop him.
"I thought you were done with that nonsense!" Yuma shouts.
"Barian World is the enemy of Astral World. It must be extinguished." Astral spoke.
"Haven't you learned anything at all, Astral!? You don't have to fight anymore." Yuma argued. "Your two worlds can be at peace."
"Peace may have been your goal. It is not mine. Mine remains the destruction of Barian World." Astral reminded him.
"Dream on, Astral, because that ain't happening!" Yuma reiterated.
"You disapprove?" Astral questioned.
"You may be my friend, but I can't let you do this."
"And how do you plan to stop me, Yuma? Do you dare challenge me to a duel?"
"You bet!"
"You must realize the foolishness of your endeavor. Since I possess all the Number Cards, you cannot win. Do you still wish to duel?"
"More than ever."
"Very well, but when I win, I will do more than destroy Barian World. I will use the Numeron Code to erase your memories. It will be as if we never met. Agreed?"
"Agreed."
The stakes were very high and Yuma had to prepare for the fight for Barian World and his memories. All of Yuma's friends offered to give them their best cards to Yuma, but he told them he didn't want their help. He had to do this on his own. Astral even summoned all of the Utopias to defeat Yuma, but he dodged every attack then got ready to make his comeback.
(Flashback: Yuma vs Astral)
"A truly powerful Duelist can shape the outcome of a Duel. He can even generate the very cards he needs to draw! Go, Shining Draw!" Yuma shouts as he performs a Shining Draw.
"Yuma, you can Shining Draw?" Astral asked in total surprise.
"And guess what I drew? The trap Halfway to Forever! I can Xyz Summon using two monsters in my graveyard. Get set to get decked. I overlay Gagaga Cowboy and Gagaga Samurai to Xyz Summon. Forge the path of destiny. Future Number Zero! Utopic Future." Yuma's own Number emerges.
"I activate Hyper Rank-Up-Magic Ultimate Force! I will rank up Utopia into its highest form of existence. Hyper Xyz Evolution! Witness the pinnacle of prominence. Number 99: Utopic Dragon!" Astral's strongest Number in existence appears with a roar.
"I play the trap Memories of Courage! Utopic Future gains 500 attack points for every Number in our graveyards. Since there are eight Numbers, Utopic Future powers up to a whopping 4000 attack points!" Utopic Future's attack points rose to 4000. With this attack, Yuma was about to finish the duel and change the world for the better.
'This is it. If my next attack succeeds, I win.' Yuma's thoughts echo in his head. "Let's do this. Attack Astral directly!"
"That will not work. I activate the trap the Door of Destiny." Astral activated his Trap.
"The Door of Destiny?" Yuma appeared in front of the door that began his journey in the first place. "That's the door that started it all!"
"We have come full circle, Yuma. The door has not only stopped your attack, but you will take 500 points of damage for every Number that I banish from my graveyard. Therefore, if you fail to destroy this door right now, Yuma, you will lose this duel." Astral explained.
"Destroy the door? I can't do that." Yuma was hesitant. "How can I destroy something that represents everything that happened between us?"
"Because, Yuma, it is your destiny."
"Whoever can open this door will gain a great new power. But know that with such a reward comes great risk. You would lose that which is most valuable to you." The door spoke.
"But then, that means... What's valuable to me is you. It's you, Astral. Right now, it's you. I have to lose you too?" Yuma asked.
"You will never lose me, Yuma. Play your card. Play it, Yuma, for your future." Astral told him.
"But if I do, if I beat you, you'll be gone from my life forever."
"But how can I be gone when I live on in your heart?"
"Astral. I'll do it. I activate the spell Double or Nothing! Utopic Future doubles its attack points and can attack again. This is it, my final move! Utopic Future attack! Rising Sun Future Slash!" Utopic Future destroyed the Door of Destiny, and Astral lost.
Yuma won the duel and gained the courage to move on with his life, but now it was time for Astral and Yuma to part ways. Even he would miss Astral, but he would still be around in their hearts. And so. Astral touched the Numeron Code and it became a complete card. Yuma would miss his friend the most, but he would still cherish the moments they had together.
"Final observation: Even galaxies apart, friendship is forever."
Everything went back to normal for Yuma and all of the Barian Emperors were now students at Yuma's school. Everything was great. At least, it would be great, but the chaos power returned to attack Astral World, and Yuma, Astral and all of their friends all got ready to battle the chaos. 6 months later, one little duel would change the life of Yuma Tsukumo forever.
Yuma gazes in the night sky on the roof of his house. "Six months. Six months and not a single word. We've had a lot of fun over the course of our adventure, Astral." Yuma spoke. "We've had good times, and bad times. Through thick and thin, we dueled together and we never gave up. And deep down, you must be thinking the same thing, Astral. You may be miles away in Astral World, but no matter how far apart we are, we'll always be together in our hearts. Why? Because we're friends. And friends always stick together, no matter what happens." Yuma then gazed at the Emperor's Key hanging around his neck. "Astral, if you can hear me, you must know how important tomorrow is."
Yuma turned back to face the night sky. Meanwhile in Astral World, Astral was viewing his world and was starting to feel a little homesick. Eliphas and Enna arrived.
"Care to tell me what is wrong, Astral?" Enna asked.
"There is nothing wrong. It has been six months since we battled the chaos that struck Astral World." Astral replied."Yuma is a good friend of mine. The day I arrived in the Human World was the day my search for the Numbers began. Whenever I duel, I get this feeling in my heart that he is dueling alongside me."
"If you wish to see him, then you may go." Eliphas spoke.
"You would allow me to see him?"
"Astral, your mission to gather the Numbers is long finished. Since then, you're a free denizen of Astral World and you may go wherever you may desire. I shall watch over Astral World in your stead and will inform you of any incoming threats." Eliphas told him.
Astral looks at Earth for a few minutes then smiles at Eliphas. "Thank you, Eliphas. I shall not fail you." Astral became a blue comet and flew to Earth. Knowing Yuma, there's a certain place he'd visit.
Meanwhile, back on Earth, Yuma and Tori were visiting the docks. "So, remind me again why we're at the docks, Yuma." Tori asked.
"I'm just revisiting all the places me and Astral battled the Barians some months ago. And here is where our battle began." Yuma clarified.
"I think I know this part of the docks. This is where you had your duel with Alito." Tori confirmed. "I'll be honest; he was always ready for a duel, even when it was against you."
"Yeah." Yuma chuckled. "He may be a Barian, but he knew how to duel like a pro."
Tori then noticed someone ahead. "Speaking of pros, is that who I think it is?" Yuma turns his head and he sees who Tori just so happens to be pointing to. They Shark and Rio Kastle there as well.
"Yuma! Tori!" Rio greeted.
"It's Shark and Rio!" Tori and Rio shared a friendly hug and Yuma and Shark shared a fist bump.
"So why are you and Rio here, Shark?" Yuma asked.
"Same thing as you, Yuma. I came here to look over the places where the Barian Emperors battled you and your friends. You didn't forget, did you?" Shark replied.
"No." Yuma sighed as he lowered his head a bit.
"But at least you two are back." Tori said.
"And it's wonderful to be home." Rio smiled.
"So what about the others? Are they coming?" Yuma asked about the other Emperors.
"Dumon said he had something important to do. Girag went on a nature hike with Ponta and Alito said he was going to have some down time at the school gym." Shark clarified.
"Right… What about Vector and Mizar?" Yuma asked. His answer came when he heard a voice.
"Incoming!"
Yuma, Shark, Rio and Tori dodges and they see Vector and Mizar, who came in by a rough landing.
"That's the last time I follow your lead, Vector!" Mizar growled.
"Aw come on, Mizar! You've got to at least trust in the Ray Way." Vector grinned as he got up.
"Whoa! It's Mizar and Vector!" Yuma smiled as he saw them.
"Long time no see, Yuma." Vector greeted Yuma with a tight yet friendly hug. Yuma struggled for breath.
"Vector! Can't… breathe…!" Yuma wheezed.
"Oh." Vector let Yuma go so he can get some of his air back. "Sorry, Yuma."
"So um Mizar, what happened to you?" Rio asked the Galaxy-Eyes user.
"Ask Vector. He wanted me to come to the docks with him to meet Yuma. I declined, but he said that Kite would come here. He told me to follow him and I got hurt! A lot!" Mizar explained.
"I guess I didn't teach you the Ray Way." Vector spoke, earning a cold glare from Mizar. Vector sheepishly smiles at him.
"No way! Even Kite's coming?" Yuma asked in surprise.
His answer came when they all see a young man flying with a robot on his back. He jumped down with the robot that supported him. The boy landed perfectly on his feet while the robot crashed on his back.
"Hey! Kite!" Yuma greeted.
"Hello, Yuma. Long time no see." Kite stoically greeted. The two friendly rivals shake each other's hands.
"Hello, Kite. It's been a while. Glad to see your wounds have healed." Mizar greeted the true Galaxy-Eyes master.
"I should be thanking you, Mizar. Had I not beat you on the moon, Yuma and Shark wouldn't have been able to beat Don Thousand with Numeron Dragon." Kite replied as he and Mizar share a firm handshake.
"So you're here to reminisce too?" Yuma asked.
"I didn't come all the way here for a stroll down Memory Lane." Kite replied.
"So why are you here?" Yuma asked.
"I'll make this brief. Over the last six months, my father and Vetrix detected some strange distortions across Heartland City and I need a favor from you."
"What kind of favor?" Yuma asked. It was with a serious gaze in his eyes that the Photon Duelist gave him his request.
"Yuma, I need you to duel me, here and now!"
"A Duel? But why?" Yuma asked.
"As I told you, I need data. We thought the power of ZEXAL was the cause of your Shining Draws, but we were wrong. It was Astral. I need him here so that I can gather data. So I suggest you call him here right now." Kite requested.
"As much as I'd like that…" Before Yuma could continue, a blue comet flew to Yuma and his friends and it revealed Astral.
"Forgive me if I troubled you all for my absence." Everyone had surprised reactions seeing Astral, Yuma the most.
"ASTRAL!" Yuma yelled with complete joy as he tackles Astral into a hug.
"It is nice to see you again as well, Yuma." Astral greeted.
"Just in time. Astral, if it's no problem, I'd like to duel you and Yuma." Kite requested.
"A duel? Here?"
"If that's alright with you, Astral." Yuma told the spirit.
"Very well. We accept your challenge, Kite." Astral accepted.
"Good to know." Kite smirked.
"Alright, let's go!" Yuma shouts as he threw his D-pad into the air and prepared his Duel Disk.
"Get set to get decked, Kite! Duel Disk, go!"
"The only one getting decked here will be you! Go, Photon Transformation!" Kite's black clothes changed to white as he got ready for the duel.
"Duel Gazer, let's roll!" Yuma put on his yellow and white Duel Gazer with a green lens. Kite's eye gained a blue tattoo over it changing the iris to red.
"Augmented Reality Vision link established." A female computerized voice announced as the AR Vision activated, creating a virtual field around everyone, competitor and spectator alike.
"Y-Y-You got this, M-Master Kite! Show Yuma who's number one!" Orbital stuttered his cheer to his master.
"Go get him, Yuma!" Vector cheered.
"You got this, Yuma and Astral!" Tori cheered for both Yuma and Astral.
The two rivals glared at each other with smiles, then said two words that began the duel.
"Let's duel!"
A few turns have passed since the duel began. Yuma had Gogogo Golem (4/1800/1500) and Gogogo Giant (4/2000/0), both in defense mode and two cards facedown while Kite's field is bare.
"Wow, this duel has been left and right!" Rio commented.
"Well, I haven't seen them duel in a while." Tori said.
"I wonder who won their last duel." Vector spoke up.
"As I recall, Kite won last time, but I think this time, Yuma might have an advantage." Shark answered for Tori.
"Don't get too self-assured, Shark. Kite still hasn't made his move yet." Mizar said.
"I gotta hand it to you, Yuma. You've improved these last six months." Kite commented.
"Dueling with a spirit from another universe by your side will do that to you. And you're no slouch either." Yuma smiled.
"You may have improved, Yuma, but you're facing a true Galaxy-Eyes master!" Kite draws his card. He smiles once he looks at it.
Since I have no monsters out at this time, I'm allowed to summon this card! Photon Thrasher!
Photon Thrasher emerges from a slashed black foreground as it wields its oversized blade (4/2100/0).
"And then I'll summon Photon Chargeman!" Kite's second monster was a muscular, blue-skinned monster in white armor that punched the air before making a battle stance (4/1000/1000)
"Whoa! He's got two monsters already!" Vector said.
"But who knows what Kite's strategy is." Mizar replied.
"Careful, Astral. Knowing Kite, he may have a way to summon his top monster." Yuma warned Astral.
"You're right to be worried. And here's how! I overlay Level 4 Photon Thrasher and Photon Chargeman!" Kite's two monsters turn into yellow streaks of energy that flew into a small swirling red portal. "With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network and Xyz Summon Starliege Lord Galaxion!" The black and white armored Warrior emerges from the Overlay Network, glowing swords in hand (4/2000/2100/OLU: 2).
"Why do you have that card out? I was sure you'd summon Galaxy-Eyes." Yuma wondered.
"Why tell you when I can show you! I activate Starliege Lord Galxion's ability! By using two Overlay Units, I can summon my greatest monster!" Kite commanded as Galaxion's two Overlay Units entered its swords (OLU: 2→0).
"Wait, you're not gonna summon that card!" Yuma guessed.
"That's right!" Kite said as a red shuriken with a blue jewel in the center materialized. "Now bear witness a monster more savage than a supernova! With a cataclysmic force stronger than ten black holes put together! A cosmic scourge that vaporizes anything in its path: Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon!" Kite threw the shuriken into the air, galactic energy gathering into the jewel. The energy forms into the Dragon made of Galaxies. It roared at Yuma in glory (8/3000/2500).
"Seems Kite has a strong advantage over Yuma." Mizar commented.
"Don't be so sure, Mizar. Yuma may have a backup plan." Shark said.
"Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon, Attack Yuma's Gogogo Golem! Photon Stream of Destruction!" Kite commanded his dragon to attack.
"Sorry Kite, but Gogogo Golem isn't going anywhere, because his special ability allows him to survive once per turn while in defense."
"That's where you're wrong. I activate two spell cards!" Kite activated two spell cards. "First is Galaxy Burst! By cutting my Photon Dragon's attack points in half, I can negate your golem's abilities." Gogogo Golem's body is coated in electricity that appears to have shut off the golem's abilities (8/3000→1500/2500).
"Aw nuts! But wait, that means your dragon's attack points are the same as my golem's defense points. It won't be able to destroy it." Yuma pointed out.
"Wrong again, Yuma. It will destroy it, thanks to my second spell: Photon Trident. Not only does my Photon Dragon gain 700 attack points, but if its attack points are greater than your golem's defense points, then the difference is dealt to you as damage." Kite's second spell activated.
"Say what?!" A glowing trident forms durong Galaxy-Eyes' attack. The beam destroys Gogogo Golem, dealing 700 points of damage to Yuma.
"I may have lost my golem, but I still have my face-downs." Yuma said.
"You won't have them for long. Not once I activate Photon Trident's other effect. Since my dragon successfully dealt you damage, I can destroy one of your spell or trap cards!" Kite pointed out.
"Oh no!" Yuma shouted in complete shock.
"It appears that Kite was prepared for our strategy." Astral spoke A glowing trident materializes and Kite thrusts it at Yuma's field. It pierces one of Yuma's face-down cards, revealed as Puzzle Reborn)
"Oh Come on! I need that card!" Yuma whined.
"Well, all is fair in love and war, Yuma. Galaxion, destroy Gogogo Giant!" Galaxion destroys Gogogo Giant with a pair of slashes.
"Great, now I have no monsters on the field!" Yuma complained.
"We're not though yet, Yuma. There may still be a chance for us. Use the card Kite didn't destroy." Astral suggested.
"What card? I was sure that he..." Yuma then noticed the remaining face-down card on his field. "Oh, that's right! Thanks for the reminder, Astral. I activate the trap Guard Go! I should thank you, Kite, for destroying my giant."
"Why are you thanking me?" Kite asked.
"Because by destroying my Gogogo Giant, you allowed me to use this trap card to bring it back!" Yuma told them as Guard Go brought Gogogo Giant back in an offensive stance (4/2000/0)
"So what? I can destroy that heap of rubble again." Kite scoffed.
"Guess again." Yuma continued, earning a surprised look from his opponent. "Guard Go has another effect. I get to summon another monster from my hand, like Gagaga Magician!" Gagaga Magician appears with its chain floating and a stoic gaze in its eyes as it stood beside the stone giant (4/1500/1100).
"Ironic, isn't it? Your attempt to clear my field has helped set me up for the ultimate comeback." Yuma smirked.
"Impressive, Yuma. Let's see if that comeback of yours can take down my dragon. Your turn." Kite places a card face-down to end his turn.
"Yuma, the time has come." Astral told Yuma.
"Yeah! Hope you're ready to lose, Kite, because I am feeling the flow!" Yuma raised his hand high as it begins to glow.
"A true duelist can shape the outcome of a duel! He can even generate the card he needs to draw!" He places his hand on the top card of his deck. "Go, Shining Draw!" He draws his card with a light trail following.
"Orbital, you're getting all of this right?" Kite asked his robot.
"E-E-Every second, M-M-Master K-Kite." Orbital reported through his stutter.
Yuma looks at his card, revealed as Light Wing Shield. He smiles, knowing he drew the perfect card. "Astral, did you remember to bring you know what?" Yuma asked.
"I can never leave Astral World without it." Astral responds with a smile.
"Then let's invite him over! I overlay Level 4 Gogogo Giant and Gagaga Magician!" Both monsters turn into forms of energy that flew into a small galaxy on the ground. "With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network! I Xyz Summon Number 39: Utopia!" A red "39" flashed in the sky as Yuma's best monster, clad in its signature white and gold armor with its Number on its left shoulder appeared and stared at Galaxy-Eyes (4/2500/2000/OLU: 2).
"Hey, Utopia. Welcome back to Team Yuma." Yuma told Utopia. The armored Warrior turned its masked head and glanced at its master. Though it can't express it, it felt like it's been too long since Yuma fought alongside Utopia.
"Go, Yuma!" Tori cheered with joy.
"Hate to ruin your pride. Yuma, but my Photon Dragon has more attack points." Kite smirked "Although, you are welcome destroy Starliege with Utopia."
"Yeah. Lucky for me, I always have a plan!" Yuma said. "And it starts with the spell Utopia Sword! This gives Utopia an extra 800 attack points!" A samurai sword emerges from the card as Utopia takes hold of the weapon (4/2500→3300/2000).
"And next, I activate Xyz Unit! This gives Utopia 200 attack points for each of its Rank." Yuma played another Equip Spell.
"No way! Put that together and that makes 4100 attack points!" Shark spoke as a yellow aura enveloped around Utopia, raising its power (4/3300→4100/2000)
"Just enough for Yuma to win the duel!"
"Go get him, Yuma!" Vector and Tori cheered.
"Not bad, Yuma. But there's just one problem: if you attack Galaxy-Eyes, then both of our monsters are banished. Not only that, for every Overlay Unit your Xyz monster loses, it gains 500 attack points once they return." Kite pointed out.
"I'm well aware of that, which is why I banish Breakthrough Skill from my graveyard to activate its effect!" Yuma declared as the aforementioned Trap emerged from the Graveyard.
"What?!"
"Thanks to Breakthrough Skill, your Photon Dragon's special abilities are shut down!" Yuma explained as Galaxy-Eyes roars in agony as a crimson aura causes it to lose its glow.
"Shall we, Yuma?" Astral asked.
"Yeah!" Yuma nods with a smile
"Utopia, attack Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon!" Both Yuma and Astral command Utopia to attack. The Warrior raised the sword high as it flew high in the air.
"I'm afraid I can't let you do that. I activate the Trap Lumenize!" Kite activated his Trap
"Not that!" Yuma yelped.
"Yes, Yuma. Lumenize not only stops your attack, but my Photon Dragon gains Utopia's attack points. All 4100 of them." Kite explained as a luminous barrier blocked Utopia's attack. Photon Dragon roars loudly as its glow returns (8/3000→7100/2500).
"That monster's power is beyond anything I've seen before!" Mizar commented in surprise.
"Face it, Yuma. You're done." Kite smirked. But what Yuma said afterwards left Kite clueless.
"Not just yet."
"Huh?"
"I activate the spell Double or Nothing! This card not only doubles Utopia's attack points, but it gives it the power to attack again!" Yuma explained as a red aura surrounds Utopia, raising its power (4/4100→8200/2000).
"And there's more. I activate Light Wing Shield! Thanks to this, if my monster's attack is negated, then Utopia's attack points double once more!" Utopia's wings open and glow with a luminescent light that expands outward, making its power skyrocket (4/8200→16400/2000).
"16,400 attack points?!" Kite gasped in complete horror.
"More than enough to wipe out the last of your life points!" Yuma said. "Let's finish this, Utopia. Destroy Galaxy-Eyes! Rising Sun Light Wing Slash!"
"So that's how it's gonna be, huh? Fine, two can play at that game." Kite growled. "Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon, intercept that attack with Photon Stream of Destruction!"
Kite's dragon fired a luminescent beam at Utopia, which collided upon contact. Then at the point where the attacks collide, a strange white light began appearing from within. The light began to expand as it left its witnesses completely shocked.
"Huh? What's going on!?" Yuma asked.
"M-M-Maser Kite! The energy l-levels are of-of-off the charts! The colliding atta-tacks have triggered an unknown phenomenon-non! That li-light is expanding and e-e-everything into it-it is dis-dis-disappearing!" Orbital stuttered in alarm.
"No way!" Kite shouted. "But where is it disappearing to?!"
"No idea, but I think we better hightail it outta here before things get really bad!" Yuma shouted.
"That's something we agree on, Yuma!" Shark yelled. "This light could spell trouble for all of us!"
"This light... could it be?"Astral wondered.
The light expands and absorbs Galaxy-Eyes and Utopia, along with Kite and Orbital.
"Kite! Orbital!" Tori yelled.
"Forget about them! We need to bail out of here now!" Shark snapped.
"Shark is right! At this rate, it could very much swallow us as well!" Mizar agreed.
The rest of them make a run for it, but the light quickly caught up with them. "We can't shake it!" Yuma yelled.
"That is precisely the point!" Astral informed them. "There is no way to outrun this light!"
"What?! What do you mean by that, Astral?!" Yuma screamed.
"Listen to me! This light that is chasing us, it is actually…" Astral began before he is cut off by Rio's wails and Shark's struggling to escape as it engulfed them.
"Shark! Rio!" Yuma yelled as he, Astral and Tori became the light's next three victims. The light expanded across all of Heartland City, eventually swallowing everything on Earth.
Even Heartland couldn't escape the light.