Yugioh Zexal: Feeling the Ultimate Flow

by Star-Eyes Pendulum Dragon

On the day that Yuma and Shark dueled for the first time was meant to start Yuma and Astral's journey that would separate them someday. However, what if a number card came into the possession of someone that would change the fates of themselves, Shark, Yuma and Astral. Watch as Yuma, Astral, Rio and Shark have a journey that would lead them to the unknown. YumaXRio.

19. Chapter 19

Good day everyone, I'm sorry that this chapter took so long to update. I got busy with my other stories, including my newest one. At least now I've managed to do this chapter. Now, to get onto the reviews.

Alb410: Really? Well, like you said, there's thousands of cards and I can't keep track of them. And sometimes old cards are more simple and best to use.

AcidicObscure: Wait no longer, it is finally here.

Utopy: Most likely to happen, and it will be after the anime's events.

HansenHan: I'm surprised to see that you read this story of mine. Still, I hope you enjoy this one and my Date a Live one.

FrozenLuinor14: You just leave all the planning to me, I've got it.

kcufad: I see. Well, hopefully I can continue to do good.

Blackdragonreaper22: And how exactly am I gonna do that? Paradox came from Yusei's time, and in this world, Yuma's time is way passed Yusei's.

IsseixAtalanta777: Why would I do that?

Guest (One that's badmouthing me): You can't do anything to me, except throw insults. And all that does is make writers stop being writers. Take your crap and take a hike.

Guest (2): Those episodes will have some changes, and Kite will still duel those two opponents alone.

FrozenLuinor14: How would I make that happen exactly?

Tara Mccann: Wait no longer, here it is.

That's all the reviews for now. Now this chapter most likely won't make up for the long wait, but I tried everything I could to make it a bit interesting. And if any of you are disappointed, throw whatever insults you want at me.

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Chapter 19: A soccer game like no other.

(Play Yugioh Zexal OST 01 The New Legend of Duels)

Yuma groaned a little as he rubbed his face with the right hand to dull the pain, before staring at the unknown boy across him. He was still a bit in pain from getting hit by that soccer ball earlier, and now this guy came in out of nowhere and declared they were gonna duel. The Syllables Duelist was honestly happy to get his first World Duel Carnival Duel right away, he just wasn't happy how he got challenged.

From behind Yuma; Rio, Tori, Cathy, Caswell and Kairi all stood together with the Ice Queen keeping her younger look-like close by. Even people that had seen the opening sequence had gathered around the two Duelist, all eager to watch perhaps the opening duel of this grand tournament. Astral and Enna were watching from up above with their son sleeping in its mother's arms.

"You sure know how to issue a challenge! Kicking a ball at someone's face!" Yuma exclaimed with an annoyed frown, yet that didn't wipe off the smirk that this mysterious young man had. "Not just anyone. This ball chose you as my opponent. Now, let's duel!" The boy exclaimed with a confident voice. Yuma glanced down at the boys' soccer ball, then blinked at seeing it was one made of Duel Monster cards.

"The heck's with that ball?" The Syllables Duelist questioned, unable to recall ever seeing a ball like that before. "This is my partner". The boy told Yuma, kicking the ball from the ground up and caught it with his right hand. "Now you're in real trouble. Because if you think I have skills when it comes to kicking it, just wait until you see the moves I make on the duel field!" He added, thrusting his right hand forward.

Astral slightly widen his eyes in fascination at the Duel Monster cards soccer ball, while Yuma blinked. "A ball of cards?" The 13-year-old boy said in surprise, mentally wondering exactly how this guy made a ball like that. "Now...!" The boy began, swiping his right hand back. "Put up your Heart Piece and let's go!" He exclaimed, thrusting his left hand forward with a Heart Piece in hand. One that was different from Yuma's, one that would work for his Heart Piece collection.

Yuma cracked a smirk at the boy's straightforwardness. "Alright, I'm looking forward to it!" The Syllables Duelist exclaimed, throwing his right hand out with his own Heart Piece in hand. "I'll take you on!" He declared, officially wagering his Heart Piece for this duel. He quickly opened his right hand, then closed it over the Heart Piece. Yuma reared his right hand up and pointed at himself with the thumb.

"I'm Yuma Tsukumo, and you are?" Yuma asked the boy for his identity, introducing himself at the same time. The boy smirked, rearing his left hand back and put his Duel Monsters soccer ball down. "The name is Striker". The boy named Striker, introduced himself as he brought out a standard D-Pad and placed it on his left forearm.

Caswell blinked at hearing Striker's name; it sounds familiar as if he's heard it somewhere before. "Did he say Striker?" The Class Representative questioned, grabbing the four females' attention before they all looked at him. "You know him?" Tori asked with a curious voice, wondering if Caswell had met this boy before. "Maybe". Caswell answered with an unsure voice, bringing up his right hand and looked down in thought.

Around Yuma and Striker, the citizens all began to make sounds of excitement. "It's about to start!" A random teenage boy exclaimed in excitement, a feeling all the other people shared for the World Duel Carnival's first duel. Striker's D-Pad then activated with its Monster Zone slots coming out. "Time to kick this carnival off!" The teenage boy exclaimed with a voice full of energy and life.

"Haha! I'm in full agreement! Time to feel the flow!" Yuma exclaimed, placing his right hand behind him, before swiping it out to the side and revealed that he was holding his advanced Duel Disk. He then placed his Duel Disk on his left forearm. Yuma then thrust his left hand up as his Duel Disk released a crimson bright light.

The world around Yuma and everyone else changed to a red virtual world with red virtual cards flying around them all. The cards then transformed into crimson red beams that gathered inside of Yuma's Duel Disk. Once all the cards were gathered, the world around them returned to normal. Yuma's Duel-Eye Tattoo appeared over his left eye, before he brought out his headset and placed it on, before it activated with a holographic screen briefly appearing over the eye.

"AR Vision – link established!" The computer voice stated as the AR Vision activated around them, followed by two holographic screens appearing that showed Yuma and Striker images with their Life Points and with something new. A Heart Piece system that showed how many Heart Pieces they had. "Now let's Duel!" Both teenage boys cried out with Striker's D-Gazer flashing for a brief moment.

Yuma Life Points 4000/ Number of cards in hand: 5/ Heart Pieces: 1.

Striker Life Points 4000/ Number of cards in hand: 5/ Heart Pieces: 1.

(Music end/ Now play Yugioh Zexal OST 10 Duel Target Lock On!)

All the people watching the Duel between Yuma and Striker had equipped their Duel-Gazers on to watch, and that included Rio, Kairi, Caswell, Cathy and Tori. The little girl was using the crimson Duel-Gazer Yuma used earlier, having been given it by her "father" after the World Duel Carnival opening ended.

"The first move is mine!" Yuma called out, holding his right hand at the edge of the Duel Disk, before a single crimson virtual card came out of the glowing orb and into between his index and middle fingers. "I draw!" The teenager added, drawing his card in a dramatic fashion by swiping his right hand out to the side. The virtual card then disappeared, before a holographic lens appeared in front of Yuma's left eye to show his starting hand of six cards.

The Syllables Duelist gave a small grin, before throwing his right hand out. "I'll throw one face-down card..." He began, a face-down card appearing in front of him as he spoke. "Then I'll set a monster in face-down DEF Position!" Yuma continued, right before another face-down card in sideways position appeared in front of the other face-down card. "That's it for me this turn. You're up!" The Syllables Duelist finished, declaring his turn over.

Striker Life Points 4000/ Number of cards in hand: 5.

Astral hummed to himself, before floating over to Yuma's right side and looked at his partner with a curious face. "So, you're not dueling with your usual deck, but with your Synchro one, correct?" He asked the teenage boy, which Yuma gave a nod of his head. Earlier this morning he had changed decks inside the advanced Duel Disk, wanting to try out his newly created in this tournament. Well, more like to use it from time to time since his main deck was still the Xyz one.

"You call that a move? Let me show you one that'll leave you speechless. Here we go, I draw!" Striker exclaimed, drawing the top card of his deck in a dramatic fashion. Almost instantly, he flipped the card over and held it out. "Just what I was hoping! It's the Field-Spell card know as, Stadium of Dreams!" The teenage boy exclaimed, right before the Spell card began glowing as it activated.

The field around Yuma and Striker glowed brightly, then changed into an actual stadium for a soccer game. The AR Vision kicked in and helped the stadium further spread, transforming the field further into a stadium. All the people watching were now in the transformed stadium's stands, cheering loudly. Even a monitor with the World Duel Carnival screen was created from the AR Vision.

The loud sounds awoke Epifanio from his slumber as he began crying out in dismay. Enna smiled down at her crying child, before she began humming a soft tone to help calm him down. Yuma and Astral looked with wide eyes as the field around them continued to change with both Duelists now in front of two separate goals. Then to Yuma's further surprise, his outfit transformed as well.

He was now wearing a red, orange and white soccer uniform like Striker's, only his Emperor's Key remained, and the wristbands were gone. "Seriously!? Are you kidding me!?" The Syllables Duelist exclaimed, grabbing his soccer shirt and pulled on it a bit. "This is a rather interesting turn of events". Astral remarked, fascinated at how this Field-Spell changed the field in so many ways.

Yuma's clothes weren't the only ones that changed. Rio, Tori and Kairi all underwent a change as their clothes transformed into identical cheer girl outfits. The only difference between the three were the main colours. Kotori's one was pink, Rio's was blue and Kairi had red. All three girls looked down at their cheer girl uniforms and blinked as pom poms materialized in their hands. "Well, this is a first". Rio remarked, having never worn anything like this before. Tori nodded in agreement, while Kairi just smiled cheerfully. Enna blinked down at them for a moment, before returning her attention to Epifanio.

Caswell and Cat's clothes were transformed into uniforms, complete with headsets, and were acting commentators for this "soccer" match. Both were seated beside one another in a commentary box on the sidelines of the field with a small screen resting on a narrow desk in front of them. Caswell appeared to be puzzled by the whole change, while Cat was excited. "So cool! It's like we're at a soccer game!" The cat-like girl exclaimed with an excited voice, right before Caswell stood up from his seat with an eager grin.

"Indeed, it is. And it looks like we're gonna be the ones calling it in front of all these fine people!" The blue-haired boy remarked, then turned his gaze over to Yuma and the girls. "And if their cheers are any sign, I'd say that the Stadium of Dreams is their dream come true!" He added, right as the whole crowd cheered in excitement.

Yuma was finding this a little hard to believe. "Amazing!" He exclaimed, then turned his head as he looked at all the spectators of this "soccer" match. "That's not all! The Field-Spell, Stadium of Dreams can switch a face-down Defense Monster to face-up DEF Mode!" Striker told the Syllables Duelist, bringing up his right fist and gripped it a bit.

Yuma's sideways face-down card flipped over, revealing itself to be Shield Warrior's card. The card began glowing, before Shield Warrior emerged from the glow, taking a defensive position. Stadium of Dreams' power seems to affect the monsters too because Shield Warrior's armour transformed into an orange soccer uniform like Yuma's, he still kept the helmet, spear and shield though.

Shield Warrior DEF: 1600/ Level: 3.

(Music end/ Now play Yugioh Zexal OST 11 AR Duel!)

"Well, there goes any hope of face-down monsters or Flip Effects". Yuma remarked, though wasn't too bothered by that. "But I'm not finished". Striker stated, taking a card from his hand with the right hand and then reared it back. "Next I Summon Wing Captain!" He declared, swiping his right hand forward and held the card it, right before it lightly gleamed.

The stadium's monitor showed Striker's monster; a mechanical orange warrior wearing a blue soccer uniform like Striker with its Level, ATK and DEF stats. "Now, Captain, attack!" Striker exclaimed, right as a humanoid shape light appeared, seemingly running forward. The light cleared to reveal Winged Captain, headed straight for Shield Warrior.

Wing Captain ATK: 1100/ Level: 4.

"He's attacking with a monster that has lower ATK than Shield Warrior's DEF? I smell a trick". Yuma said with slightly narrowed eyes, fully aware that this isn't a mistake move. "You're right about that! I activate the Spell card; Perfect Pass!" Striker exclaimed, holding out another card only a Spell card this time with the card giving off a small gleam.

He then started running himself for some reason. "Take it, Wing Captain!" Striker called out, right before a white ball of energy appeared in front of him and he kicked it hard with his right leg. "And take it to Shield Warrior! Because now since your warrior's DEF Points are greater than Wing Captain's ATK Points, my captain's attack points double!" The teenage boy explained as Wing Captain took the ball and began kicking as he ran, right before he gleamed a light blue colour. Then, the Warrior-Type Monster grew a copy of itself that ran right beside it.

Wing Captain ATK: 1100 X 2 = 2200.

Yuma let out a small grunt at this, yet remained silent because there was nothing he could do right now. Shield Warrior narrowed its eyes, before bracing itself and held its shield up. "Oh, and just to let you know; Perfect Pass negates your monster's effect!" Striker informed Yuma, throwing his right hand forward as he spoke. 'Not that Shield Warrior has an effect to use right now'. The Syllables Duelist thought to himself, then smirked a little.

"Go, Wing Captain! Ultra Bullet Shot!" Striker exclaimed, right before both copies of Wing Captain kicked the ball of light hard at the same time. The ball struck Shield Warrior's shield and destroyed in instantly, before hitting the Warrior-Type in the stomach. Shield Warrior cried out in pain, before dispersing into sparkles with the ball of light continuing on.

It headed straight for Yuma, who widened his eyes in surprise, before catching the ball with both hands. Yuma grunted, trying with all his strength to stop the ball, but failed because of the force behind the kick and got blasted off his feet and went straight into the goal. (2200 - 1600 = 600)

The crowd all cheered at this, the monitor showing the Life Points of both Duelists with the word "Goal" appearing 3 times, right before Yuma's points went down.

Yuma Life Points: 4000 - 600 = 3400.

Yuma, now sitting down on the ground with the now normal soccer ball lying a bit away, held his stomach in pain with the right hand. "Piercing damage? Did that Spell card give Wing Captain the power to inflict damage even when battling a monster in DEF Mode?" The Syllables Duelist questioned, opening both eyes to look towards Striker for an explanation, ignoring the confetti raining down on the field.

"It's actually Wing Captain's special ability. As long as Stadium of Dreams is in play, he can deal damage in the difference between his ATK and an opposing monster's DEF". Striker informed Yuma, his Wing Captain running forward and pointing up at the air with its right hand's index finger, as if he was a winner of a soccer game.

"Damn it...! This guy might be stronger than I thought...!" Yuma exclaimed, getting back up on his feet fully. Astral remained silent, watching with both arms crossed since he didn't feel like Yuma needed his help with this Duel.

(Music end)

---

(Opening song: Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal BRAVING)

"As I get closer, I stretch my hand out".

Yuma ran through a street of Heartland City with the camera showing his lower half first, before changing over to show his determined face. Yuma's face was full of determination as he continued to run, before the camera changed to a sort of black world with a large red "A" next to a yellow "X" and red "L", a small shine gleaming off it.

"towards that shining light leading towards tomorrow".

The camera changed back to show Yuma running, only now a little bit behind and showing his back as he continued to run. The screen changed, now showing Yuma's Emperor's Key around his neck, swaying as he ran with a small light coming off of it. It changed back to the black world, this time showing a large red "Z" next to a large "E".

"I dream of a world that expands from my feet."

The screen changed back to Yuma running through the street from the side with a lake in the background. Then from out of nowhere, Rio ran up from behind and began running beside her boyfriend. The camera then zoomed in, right as a familiar partner to Yuma flew in with a smirk, then changed and showed beautiful silver hair blowing in the breeze.

The screen changed back to Yuma, right as he smirked and looked at his right to look at Astral right as he flew in to beside Yuma. It changed over to Rio, right before Enna flew in beside her partner on Rio's left with the Ice Queen looking at the silver-haired female with a bright smile.

The camera zoomed out to show all four of them, right before the world around them changed to a light blue colour. The view spun around a bit, before zooming in on Yuma's face. He then gave a look of resolve, before crying out, right as a bright white light appeared and covered the screen.

It then suddenly changed back to the black world with a large dark coloured "X" falling and spinning, then stopped. Then, four more large letters that were "Z", "E" "A" and "L" came in from the sides and came together with the X, forming the word "Zexal". The whole world then gleamed with the "Z", "E" "A" and "L" becoming crimson red, while the X was a golden colour, before writing appeared above and below.

With a flash of energy and the background turning bright white, the writing became visible to reveal the title "Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal Feeling the Ultimate Flow". It then changed with the background light green with the "Yu-Gi-Oh!" and "Feeling the Ultimate Flow" writing gone, leaving the Zexal part alone, only now it seemed different somehow. The camera then zoomed in close, revealing that the word "Zexal" was now made of Duel Monster cards, right before the cards all began glowing and turned bright white, then burst apart.

"I haven't a clue of where things like dreams and hopes are at."

Glowing cards raining down from above, Yuma and Astral were in the middle of Heartland City beside one another. The human boy looked ready for battle, while his partner kept his cool, calculated expression with both arms crossed. To the side, Rio and Enna stood with both of them looking away with forlorn looks in the eyes, all the four of them aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

"Even if I run looking for it, I still can't seem to find it."

Yuma, fully armed with his Duel Disk, D-Eye Tatoo and headset equipped, cried out with a look of resolve as he spun around in the air, Astral floating right behind his partner. Coming right up to the camera, Yuma brought up his right hand and reached out to his Duel Disk, right before a single crimson virtual card came out of the device's glowing orb right to the edge.

Yuma then drew the virtual card in a dramatic fashion with Astral throwing his left hand forward and the right out. The camera zoomed out, right as the background turned into a glowing light blue. Then with flashes of golden light, monsters of the two partners' deck appeared. Number 39 Utopia, Gagaga Magician, Gogogo Golem, Utopic Onomatopoeia, Zubba Knight, Rainbow Kuriboh, Zubaba General, Dark Rebelion Xyz Dragon, Acorno, Pinecono and Number 17 Leviathan Dragon, all battle ready and some in poses.

Gogogo Golem's eye gleamed while Utopia ready himself, before the Rock-Type Monster charged forward with its eye right in the screen, before disappearing from sight. Utopia flew forward with Gagaga Magician leaping up. The Xyz Monster came right up to the camera with its face up close, before flying upwards and away with Gagaga Magician coming right up.

The Spellcaster-Type Monster gave a serious look as he reared his left hand up, then widened his visible eye as he threw the left hand out and then flew away.

"I wonder if I have fallen into a gap of truth and lies."

The world change with Rainbow Kuriboh coming into view, giving a small rainbow glow by the crest on its head. The Fiend-Type monster looked to the left as the camera zoomed down below where Tray stood. Rainbow Kuriboh disappeared from view, right before Tray lifted his head up and gave a smile, holding up a card with his left hand that had a sort of green crest on the back.

The camera zoomed in on the crest, before it began gleaming and seemed to reach out. Tray faded away, the screen now zooming in on Quattro, who gave a devilish grin as he held up a card with his right hand, having a crest of his own only it was purple. The screen zoomed in on Quattro's crest, right before it started gleaming as well and reached out.

Quattro faded away and the screen zoomed in on Quinten. He turned and gave a cold look at the camera, then held up a single card with his right hand just as a blue crest appeared on his forehead. The screen zoomed on Quinten's crest, it began gleaming and reached out too.

"Even so, our grand tale has yet to begin."

Quintin's crest faded away, the screen now zooming in on Vetrix, who was sitting down on a throne. The screen stopped right in front of the "child's" grinning face, right before the eye of his mask began glowing a bright golden colour. The light blinded the screen, before suddenly clearing to reveal the inside of Yuma's Emperor Key, where Yuma, Rio, Astral and Enna all floated together with the two humans equipped with their Duel gear on, both their keys shining their own colours.

The screen changed, now showing both Kite and Luna in their transformation forms and Duel Disks on. The two siblings spun around with a single card in hand. Kite and Luna went back-to-back as the male held out Number 62: Galaxy-Eyes Prime Photon Dragon with the right hand, while Luna held out Moon Goddess Dragon Selene's card with the left hand.

A bright flash covered the screen from view for a moment, before clearing to reveal both Number 62: Galaxy-Eyes Prime Photon Dragon and Moon Goddess Dragon Selene with both dragons howling together, a cosmic galaxy as the background.

"Let's move on towards tomorrow, even if our road begins to fall apart."

The screen changed to show inside of his room in Heartland Tower, Hart gazing down at Heartland City with his back to the camera. The boy's mind flashed back to an image of Kite smiling at him full of brotherly love, before it changed to Luna giving a small full of love like that of a mother. It changed back to Hart, who slightly turned his head right without any change whatsoever to his expression.

"I will jump forward, before all my strength completely drains."

In a dark corner of Heartland docks on a stormy night full of rain, Shark walked alone, ignoring the rain. The camera zoomed in on his face as he stopped walking, before he looked over his right shoulder, where Luna stood a few feet away with her back to him, completely drenched.

The screen suddenly changed to a water world, where Shark floated with Number 37: Hope Wyvern Dragon Spider Shark in front of him, both facing Tray with a shadow covered shark-like monster a few feet away.

The screen changed once more, this time showing a random location with the AR Vision activated. Yuma and Kite stood beside one another, white smoke around them as they dueled together against an unknown opponent. Kite held a single card up with his right hand, while Yuma reached up to draw a virtual card.

It changed once more, this time showing an alleyway that was on fire. Inside the middle of this wildfire, Rio stood across Quattro with both of them equipped with their Duel gear, glaring at one another right before Number 21: Frozen Lady Justice appeared behind Rio, while a shadowy monster rose up from behind Quattro.

The screen changed again, this time show Astral and Enna floating in front of Yuma and Rio protectively with both humans equipped with their Duel gear, dueling together in a tag duel. Astral and Enna's son, Epifanio then appeared in front of his parents and let out a fierce cry as he started to shine brightly.

"The closer I get, the further it becomes,"

With the sunset in the distance, Yuma and Astral dueled against Quinton together at the circular plaza. Quinton held two cards with his right hand, while the Syllables Duelist drew a virtual card from his Duel Disk with Astral floating right behind him. The screen then changed to show Yuma, Rio, Astral and Enna looking upwards towards five opponents, one of them Striker while the other four were covered in shadows.

"that truth that I must seize."

Quattro appeared with an evil grin equipped with his Duel Disk and Duel-Eye Tatoo. He swiped his right hand upwards, holding three cards and laughed out crazily as three monsters covered in shadows appeared behind him in the background.

The screen changed to show a close-up image of Shark's right eye. The Kastle boy widened his right eye in rage, before crying out with the camera zooming out, showing him already equipped with his fully activated D-Pad with five cards in hand, right before he drew a new card from the deck in a dramatic style in the air. Then, Number 37: Hope Wyvern Dragon Spider Shark appeared out of nowhere beside its duelist and roared out.

"It's to find hope that we desire from a future unseen."

With Heartland City as the background, Doctor Faker's forces were shown one by one. First Nistro, then Dextra, holding up a card with her right hand, and finally Mr. Heartland wearing a white costume in his right hand. The camera continued going upwards, until a large hologram of Dr. Faker was shown in the distance, towering over the city. A ghostly image of Dr. Faker's eyes appeared on the screen's upper part, showing the madness inside his eyes.

The screen changed once more, this time showing an unknown girl. She has red and orange hair and appeared to be around the same age as Tori. Her attire is a pink and white shirt, which reaches below her waist, black compression shorts and a pair of boots in the same colors as her shirt.

The unknown grinned with confidence as she reached down and then threw her left hand up, now holding a large pinkish red and white cannon. She aimed the blaster forward, then fired with the force throwing her left arm back and glowing cards appearing out of nowhere from the cannon shot released.

"With a heart stronger than anyone else,"

"I'll learn to keep running up."

The screen changed back to Yuma, Rio, Astral and Enna together going forward at Heartland Street; all four of them smiling as they were joined by Tori, Bronk, Caswell, Flip, Lillybot, Alpha, Taiki and Kairi with the child carrying Epifanio in her arms, followed by Cathy jumping in out of nowhere and gave a joyous cry like a cat.

Yuma then jumped into the air and thrust his right fist up with a face full of resolve with all of his friends watching him with supportive smiles. Then, both Rio and Tori jumped into the air and went back-to-back with one another with a cheery background full of roses. Cathy came in out of nowhere and bumped into Tori, before Enna, the mystery girl, Kari, Yuma's grandmother, Lillybot, Summer and Jen then joined all of them, before finally Kairi came in and jumped into Rio's hands, still carrying Epifanio.

"With the strength to win any battle, despite just how weak I am,"

In a dessert-like field with the orange sky; Yuma and Astral were beside one another with the human boy already fully Duel equipped. Yuma draw a virtual card, before the camera shifted over to behind the two partners, showing that they were facing a Photon Transformed Kite that stood a few feet away. The Galaxy-Eyes Duelist reached for his deck, then drew with a roar and then gave a confident face at his two opponents.

The screen changed with the background now split into two colours, blue and red. Yuma threw up his right hand, while Astral did the same with his left, before both partners suddenly gained a bright golden light around themselves that briefly covered the screen. The gold glow quickly cleared to reveal Yuma and Astral's combined Zexal form with the screen zoomed in on the face.

Zexal's D-Gazer gleamed, right before the camera zoomed in, then out as Zexal brought up both hands and moved to draw a card. Zexal draw his card with a cry and spun around a bit while the background changed into a white clear world. He stopped spinning with the left fist slightly up, and right arm fully held out upwards with a white light surrounding the hand, still crying out.

A light appeared behind Zexal, taking a humanoid shape before clearing to reveal Number 39: Utopia Beyond behind its duelist, gazing down at the combined form of Yuma and Astral with a golden aura around it, its right arm blades a bit away in front of Zexal, as if it were a shield for him.

"My purpose is to find,"

The screen changed to a blue world like inside the Emperor and Empress's keys with blue lights floating upwards with ruins. Sparks appeared and came together, forming Zubaba General with the Xyz Monster's back to the screen. Zubaba General's cape blew, before he suddenly turned around and swung his blade at the camera, right before it passed him.

"with these invaluable friends of mine,"

Three more sparks of light came together and formed Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon, Gagaga Cowboy and Gauntlet Launcher with all three Xyz Monsters together. Zexal flew in out of nowhere with a gold aura and flew past the three Xyz Monsters, Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon, Gagaga Cowboy and Gauntlet Launcher watching him go.

Gauntlet Launcher and Gagaga Cowboy left the screen's sight, while Dark Rebellion turned its gaze directly at the camera, then roared with electricity briefly coming out of its fangs, before flying away to the side. Gagaga Girl came in from behind Dark Rebellion and spun around a bit, the camera zooming in on her face, before passing through the ribbon on her back.

"The future of the world expanding from my feet with my own eyes."

With a tower that had two separate staircases to the sides; Number 47: Nightmare Shark erupted from underneath the ground, kicking up a bit of rubble. The background turned into a bright light as Nightmare Shark disappeared from sight, before Kite appeared from out of nowhere in the floating rubble. Kite threw his right arm out like he was giving an order, before the screen zoomed in on his grinning face, right to his left eye and went inside it.

The screen changed back to the blue world, right before Number 62: Galaxy-Eyes Prime Photon Dragon and Number 39: Utopia Beyond flew in from the side. The two opponents flew around each other a bit, before Galaxy-Eyes Prime Photon Dragon's eyes gleam with power and formed an orb of energy in front of itself, then unleashed its Eternity Photon Stream forward at Utopia Beyond.

Utopia Beyond ascended into the air, before diving down directly to Prime Photon Dragon's stream attack, before throwing both arms out as the metal parts of its armoured wings gleamed with power, before forming into a single gold glowing blade of light. Utopia Beyond took the gold glowing blade of light with its right hand, then dived forward and unleashed its Hope Sword Beyond Slash down on the stream attack, blocking the screen's view with light.

The screen changed one last time to outer space, where Yuma and Astral floated beside one another. Yuma thrust his right hand out, while Astral did the same with his left, both partners grinning as the screen zoomed away, right before a gold light suddenly erupt from their fists.

The light cleared to reveal the two partners beside one another, posing with the "World Duel Carnival" logo behind them. Gold lights were also erupting from their legs, and their Zexal form was acting like a reaction for them both below, giving it a majestic sight.

(Opening end)

---

(Play Yugioh Zexal OST 18 Worthy Rival)

All around Heartland City, duels have started taking place shortly after Yuma and Striker's duel had begun. Duelists were all dueling with their Heart Pieces on the line, every single one of them dueling to make it to the World Duel Carnival finals. Among the many duelists fighting were Yuma's friends and rivals.

In the plaza area, Taiki stood across a teenage boy around his age, both engaged in a Duel. The AR Vision was activated around them with spectators watching the duel taking place. Both Taiki and his opponent had their Duel gear equipped, and both holding four cards. Taiki's opponent's appearance is an average-sized teenager with a slim figure. His most prominent feature is his hair, which is black on the left half and white on the other, giving him a unique look.

He wore a white shirt with a black leather coat covering the shoulders and a casual burgundy tie, black trousers, and a pair of black boots. This young man had a black D-Gazer on his left eye, and a blue D-pad as well. Taiki's opponent currently had the Xyz Monster Sword Breaker on his field with two overlay units, while Taiki had Evilswarm Mandragora and Evilswarm Evilswarm Heliotrope. And currently, it was Taiki's turn.

Taiki Life Points: 4000/ Number of cards in hand: 4.

Evilswarm Heliotrope ATK: 1950/ Level: 4.

Evilswarm Mandragora ATK: 1550/ Level: 4.

Ginger Life Points: 4000/ Number of cards in hand: 4.

Sword Breaker ATK: 2700/ Rank: 6/ Overlay units: 2.

Taiki threw his right hand up into the air, looking straight upwards. "I overlay Level 4 Evilswarm Heliotrope and Evilswarm Mandragora!" The gymnastic declared, right before both Evilswarm monsters transformed into purplish dark lights, then they ascended into the air. A red, swirling-like portal then appeared on the ground in front of Taiki, who held his right hand out, seemingly reaching out to it. "With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network! Xyz Summon!" He added, right before both lights descended into the Xyz portal and caused an explosion of energy.

"Appear! Rank 4! Evilswarm Bahamut!" Taiki cried out, swiping his right hand out with a single card in hand that left a black trail of energy. The Xyz Monster; Evilswarm Bahamut emerged from the explosion of energy and flew into the air, then cried out as two purplish overlay units flew around it.

Evilswarm Bahamut ATK: 2350/ Rank: 4/ Overlay units: 2.

The spectators all cheered for Taiki and his new Xyz Monster. Among them was Taiki's girlfriend; Summer, watching her boyfriend with a supporting smile. With the gymnastic duelist, he was grinned with confidence, full of spirit to take on this tournament with everything he's got.

---

(Heartland park)

At the park, Shark was in a duel himself as he's already found an opponent to face. Unlike with Taiki's duel, this one didn't have any spectators to watch. Shark was facing a female that appeared to be 2 years older than him, fully geared with his D-Gazer and D-pad. Shark's opponent has peach skin, blazing-like crimson hair, which is done up in a pair of twin pigtails. She has imposing ruby eyes and cherry-colored lips.

For clothing, she wore a white sailor suit with a yellow tie, black stockings and brown shoes. She had a rather blazing designed D-Gazer on her left eye, and a flame themed D-Pad with the Monster Zones in the shape of raging fires.

Shark had Double Shark and Right-Hand Shark on his field, while the blazing hair coloured girl had the Xyz Monster; Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Tiger King, the Spell; Fire Formation - Tenki, and a face-down card on her field. The girl had four cards in her hand, same with Shark and right now, it was the Kastle male sibling's turn.

Shark Life Points: 4000/ Number of cards in hand: 5.

Double Shark ATK: 1200/ Level: 4.

Right-Hand Shark ATK: 1500/ Level: 4.

Kiyomi Life Points: 4000/ Number of cards in hand: 4.

Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Tiger King ATK: 2200 + 100 = 2300.

Shark swiped his right hand out to the side in a dramatic style. "Using the Level 4 Double Shark and Right-Hand Shark, I build the Overlay Network!" The Kastle boy exclaimed, right before both Double Shark and Right-Hand Shark transformed into bright blue lights that shot up into the air. The lights danced around one another, while a red swirling Xyz portal appeared on the ground in front of Shark.

"Howl, unknown roar! Rise from the darkness of the abyss! Xyz Summon! Bahamut Shark!" Shark chanted, throwing his right hand forward with Behamut Shark's card in hand, right both blue lights flew down and entered the Xyz portal. A geyser of water suddenly shot out of the portal, then quickly cleared to reveal Behamut Shark with two blue overlay units circling around it.

Behamut Shark spun around, then roared out and released a powerful gust of wind.

Behamut Shark ATK: 2600/ Rank: 4/ Overlay units: 2.

Despite getting the advantage of the duel, Shark kept a serious frown on his face. He may be participating in the Duel Carnival now, but that was until he found Quattro and gets his revenge. Once he's done that, Shark's quitting no matter how far he's gotten.

---

(In a random alleyway)

Deep in an alleyway, Luna stood across a girl that was one year older than her with both females in a middle of a duel. The 15-year-old girl has orange eyes with short light brown hair fastened with two red clips on either side of her head. She wore a beige vest with an orange sweater and a brown pleated skirt with a white petticoat. She also wears a pair of light brown boots with deep blue kneesocks.

Both Luna and her opponent had their D-pads on. The girl's one was an orange coloured standard one with a lyric note on the Duel Monster Zones. And like most Duelists, she had a D-Gazer on with it being orange and had a lyric note on it as well. Luna had her D-Eye Tatoo activated, plus under her Moon transformation. And watching a little bit behind the Moon Duelist was Orbital 8, waiting for her mistress's inevitable victory.

Luna had Moon Cursed Witch and Moon Priestess on her field, while the 15-year-old girl had Maestroke the Symphony Djinn with the Xyz Monster currently with two Overlay Units. Luna had 4 cards in hand, while the girl had 3 cards in hand. And it was currently Luna's turn.

Luna Life Points: 4000/ Number of cards in hand: 5.

Moon Priestess ATK: 1500/ Level: 4.

Moon Cursed Witch ATK: 1000/ Level: 4.

Emilia Life Points: 4000/ Number of cards in hand: 5.

Maestroke the Symphony Djinn DEF: 2300/ Rank: 4/ Overlay units: 2.

Luna swiped her right hand in front of her. "Now, I Overlay my Level 4 Moon Priestess and Moon Cursed Witch!" The Moon Duelist exclaimed, before her two monsters transformed into bright yellow lights that flew into the air. A red Xyz portal appeared in front of Luna, blowing her hair and skirt in the breeze. "With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" Luna called out as the two yellow flights flew into the portal, causing a bright light to appear from within.

"I Xyz Summon Moon Instant Trapping Dragon!" Luna called out, swiping her right hand out and holding Moon Instant Trapping Dragon's card with the thumb, index and middle fingers. The Xyz Monster emerged from the bright light and flew down in front of Luna, two yellow overlay units circling around the female dragon.

Moon Instant Trapping Dragon ATK: 2300/ Rank: 4/ Overlay units: 2.

---

(Back with Yuma's duel)

Many duelists have followed in Yuma and Striker's example and started dueling for the World Duel Carnival finals. Yuma knew that within his heart, so he had no time to waste and get back to dueling.

Wing Captain returned to Striker's side of the field with the soccer duelist grinning with confidence. The Syllables Duelist had a small smirk, while Astral floated close by with a naturel look. The audience watching this "soccer duel" cheered loudly, enjoying it greatly already.

Yuma Life Points: 3400/ Number of cards in hand: 4.

Striker Life Points: 4000/ Number of cards in hand: 3.

Wing Captain ATK: 1100/ Level: 4.

"I'm ending my turn with a face-down. Your draw Yuma, if you dare!" Striker exclaimed, taking a card from the three in his hand and held it out to the side, before inserting into his D-pad. A face-down card then materialized in front of Striker, right behind Wing Captain.

(Music end/ Now play Yugioh 5D's OST 19 Yuusei Battle)

Yuma Life Points: 3400/ Number of cards in hand: 4.

"Fight on Yuma! We're here, cheering you on!" Rio called out to her boyfriend, before she, Tori and Kairi all cheered for Yuma and waved their pom poms around. "This broadcaster's here with you too!" Caswell called out to Yuma with a supporting smile as well. "Hear that Yuma?! We all believe in you!" Cat called out to the Syllables Duelist, standing up from her seat as she spoke.

Yuma looked at all his friends with a surprised face for a moment, then turned to face Striker with a confident smirk. "If they believe in me, then I can't let them down". The Syllables Duelist stated, influenced by his friends' support to duel and win. Astral glanced over to his wife and son, where he saw a smiling Enna holding their wide-awake child with Epifano watching in curiosity.

"My turn now!" Yuma called out, holding his right hand at the edge of the Duel Disk, before a single crimson virtual card came out of the glowing orb and into between his index and middle fingers. "I draw!" The teenager added, drawing his card in a dramatic fashion by swiping his right hand out to the side. The virtual card then disappeared, before a holographic lens appeared in front of Yuma's left eye to show his starting hand of 5 cards.

Yuma took a quick look the five virtual cards, before he then acted. "I'll start off with this!" He exclaimed, rearing his right hand up as the five virtual cards disappeared, before a single one materialized between the index and middle fingers. "If you're the only one with monsters, I'm allowed to Special Summon this from my hand! Come, Junk Forward!" Yuma exclaimed as a virtual screen appeared above his Duel Disk, then he swiped the card into it.

A portal appeared in front of Yuma, right before Junk Forward leaped out from inside it and landed a few feet in front of Yuma and Astral. The Warrior-Type monster then got a soccer uniform of his own thanks to Stadium of Dreams' effect.

Junk Forward ATK: 900/ Level: 3.

"Next I'll play the Spell card; Synchro Overtake!" Yuma called out, holding up his right hand right as a virtual card appeared and he took hold of it. "Here's how this card works. First, I reveal a Synchro Monster in my Extra deck, like my Drill Warrior...!" The Syllables Duelist began to explain, right as another crimson virtual card appeared in his fingers' grip right next to Synchro Overtake's card, Drill Warrior's card.

'This guy uses Synchro monsters?' Striker thought to himself in surprise, having been under the impression that Yuma was an Xyz user just like him. "Then I can either add or Summon one of the Synchro Materials mentioned on the Synchro monster's card from my deck or grave". Yuma finished explaining, right before both virtual cards disappeared. Then a virtual card of Drill Synchron appeared in between his right hand's fingers just like how he held Synchro Overtake's card.

"And I choose to Special Summon Drill Synchron!" The teenage boy exclaimed, right before Drill Synchron's card disappeared. A portal appeared on the ground, before the Machine-Type Tuner monster emerged from within it with a small flash, then gained a soccer uniform of its own.

Drill Synchron ATK: 800/ Level: 3.

"But he won't be around because Drill Synchron's giving Level 3 Junk Forward a tune up!" Yuma cried out, then threw his right arm into the air. Junk Forward and Drill Synchro leaped into the air together, before the Machine-Type Tuner monster began to glow a bright light. Drill Synchron then transformed into 3 green rings that went around Junk Forward and began scanning him with the Warrior-Type monster turning orange transparent.

3 + 3 = 6.

"Gathering power will turn into a spear that pierces the earth! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Break it apart, Drill Warrior!" Yuma chanted, right as a thin beam appeared in between the lights and rings. Then suddenly, it transformed into a massive one that absorbed both rings and lights.

The Synchro Monster; Drill Warrior flew out of the beam and into the air. Once high enough, Drill Warrior thrust its left hand up and then gripped it into a fist with a small spark of light coming out. The Synchro Monster lowered its left hand, then thrust its drill forward in a sort of pose. Then with a flash, Drill Warrior got a soccer uniform of its own.

Drill Warrior ATK: 2400/ Level: 6.

The audience erupted in cheers at seeing the Synchro Monster with Rio, Tori and Kairi all cheering as they waved their pom poms. Enna watched with a small smile, while Epifanio stared up at Drill Warrior in wonder.

Striker was also staring up at the Synchro Monster, just as Drill Warrior floated down from above to in front of Yuma, facing Wing Captain. 'Of all the things I was expecting in this tournament, facing famed Synchro Monsters wasn't one of them. How'd this guy even get cards like those anyway?' The teenage boy questioned inside his mind, then glanced down at the face-down in front of him.

'It doesn't really matter though. He'll attack and destroy Wing Captain with this attack, but next turn I'll be ready to counterattack'. Striker mentally added, then gave a smirk directly at Drill Warrior. However, things weren't going to go the way that Striker was expecting, and Yuma's about to prove that.

"By cutting Drill Warrior's ATK Points in half, he's allowed to turn his brutalizing drill bits on you!" Yuma explained with a confident smirk on his face, much to Striker's surprise at hearing this. "What!?" Striker shouted out in surprise, right before Drill Warrior shot forward like a bullet.

Drill Warrior ATK: 2400 - 1200 = 1200.

"Great idea! Even with the advantage in ATK Points, there's still a good chance of danger with that face-down card. This way, Yuma's going straight for Striker's Life Points!" Caswell commented from the commentary booth, approving of this tactic.

A soccer ball then materialized on the ground in front of Drill Warrior and seemed to be moving on its own as the Synchro Monster kept gliding through the air. "Let's see how you like getting hit by a soccer ball! Drill Warrior, let him have a taste of his own medicine!" Yuma commanded the Warrior-Type Synchro Monster. Drill Warrior gave a cry, before rearing its right leg back and then kicked the soccer ball with full force.

The energy covered soccer ball passed right through Wing Captain onto Striker. The teenage boy brought up his hands and caught the ball with them with a grunt, trying to stop it, yet failed. Just like with Yuma, he was blasted off of his feet with a cry with the ball going straight into the goal net. The crowd burst into cheers with the monitor showing both Duelists' Life Points still, right before Striker's went down.

Striker Life Points: 4000 - 1200 = 2800.

Drill Warrior ATK: 1200 + 1200 = 2400.

Confetti began raining down on the field once more. Striker groaned, pushing himself off of the ground with both hands and looked straight towards Yuma, right as Drill Warrior returned to his side. "He scored a goal on me". He said in disbelief, unable to believe that Yuma got a hit on his Life Points.

"Go Yuma go! Go Yuma go! Yeah!" Rio, Tori and Kairi all cheered for the Syllables Duelist with bright smiles, overjoyed he's turned the tables on Striker. "Nice work out there, Yuma!" Caswell remarked with a wide smile displayed, which Cat gave a nod of agreement at. "That's 1200 points down, just 2800 left! You can do it, Yuma!" The cat-like girl cried out, glad to see Yuma taking control of this duel. Enna watched silently, while Epifanio gave a big cry for a cheer.

Striker pushed himself back on his feet, glaring right towards Yuma. "Alright! You found a way to bypass my monsters to attack directly, big deal!" He exclaimed with an annoyed voice, refusing to accept defeat just from one lucky hit. "We'll see if it's a big deal or not". Yuma shot back, before holding up his right hand with a virtual card appearing and he took hold of it. "I'll throw one card face-down and end my turn!" The Syllables Duelist declared, right before the virtual card disappeared and a face-down card appeared beside the one on his field.

(Music end)

Striker Life Points: 2800/ Number of cards in hand: 2.

"Observation number 15: soccer is a thinking game. And while you've learned to be on your feet most of the time, I don't think this game is for you Yuma". Astral remarked, still watching with both arms crossed. "I never said that I had any interest in being a soccer player". Yuma remarked with comical half lidded eyes, not really into sports that much because he's more of a Duelist and explorer like his dad.

"It's my turn now!" The teenage boy exclaimed, placing his left hand on the top card of his deck. "I draw!" Striker added, drawing the top card in a dramatic fashion by throwing his hand out. "I activate the Spell card; Pot of Greed!" He called out, flipping the card he drew over and held it out. The Spell card gleamed, before the pot itself appeared in front of Striker, chuckling.

(Play Yugioh Zexal OST 27 Brilliant Strategy)

"This Spell card lets me draw 2 new cards". Striker explained the Spell card's effect, drawing two more cards with the pot shattering. Striker brought the two new cards up, then gave a pleased grin at seeing them. "First up, I'm Summoning out Top Scorer!" The teenage boy exclaimed, holding out one of the two cards for Yuma to see and held the other down with his ring and pinkie finger.

Top Scorer's card began lightly glowing, before the monster itself appeared from a light on the field. It was just like Wing Captain, except it was yellow and didn't have wings, plus had a soccer uniform itself.

Top Scorer ATK: 2000/ Level: 5.

"That thing's got a special ability that lets you play it without a sacrifice, don't it?" Yuma questioned with a small frown, which Striker gave a smirk in reply. "You guessed right, because with Stadium of Dreams out, I can Summon this card without tributing a monster". Striker explained to the Syllables Duelist, which Yuma gave a shrug of his shoulders since he wasn't really bothered by that.

"But that's not all!" Striker suddenly called out, catching Yuma's full attention. The teenage boy then brought up the second card he drew and held it out, revealing it to be the Equip Spell card; Lightning Blade. "I equip Top Scorer with the Equip-Spell, Lightning Blade!" The teenage boy exclaimed, right as the card transformed into a bright yellow light that shot forward. It flew around and entered Top Scorer's open right hand, before transforming into Lightning Blade. The Warrior-Type Monster took hold of the weapon with its right hand, then gripped it with the left as well.

Top Scorer ATK: 2000 + 800 = 2800.

"2800 ATK Points, huh?" Yuma remarked with slightly wide eyes, yet didn't panic. "Striker may have increased his monster's ATK power, but by removing Shield Warrior from the Graveyard, you'll be able to save Drill Warrior from destruction". Astral commented, fully aware of what Yuma's strategy was to protect his Life Points.

Striker chuckled to himself, staring at Yuma with an all-knowing grin. "If you think I don't know about your monster's special ability from the Graveyard, then you're dead wrong!" He exclaimed, before taking a card from the two in his hand and held it out. "I play this; Called by the Grave!" Striker called out, right as the card he was holding began glowing.

Called by the Grave's card materialized on the field in front of Striker, the sight of it made Astral slightly widen his eyes in alarm. "This may prove a problem". He remarked, aware of how rare that card is and what it can do. "Called by the Grave lets me pick a monster from your Graveyard and banish it! And the best part is that its effects are negated and monsters on the field with the same original name can't play their effects!" Striker explained the Spell card's effect, then pointed towards Yuma with his left hand's index finger.

"And the card I choose is your Shield Warrior!" The teenage boy declared his choice. A black portal appeared in front of Yuma, right before Shield Warrior's card appeared above it and then fell into the abyss inside. With its job done, the black portal then disappeared, leaving a frowning Yuma and slightly narrowed eyed Astral. "Looks like he's got more in store than I thought". The Syllables Duelist remarked, honestly a bit impressed with Striker's move.

Striker then pointed forward with his right hand. "Now go ahead and strike away, Top Scorer! Attack Drill Warrior!" The teenage boy commanded his Warrior-Type Monster, a command Top Scorer obeyed as it took off running. A soccer ball appeared in front of it and Top Scorer began kicking it as he ran, before he kicked it up off the ground. Top Scorer spun around quickly, then kicked the soccer ball as hard as it could, launching it forward with white energy surrounding it.

The energy covered soccer ball struck Drill Warrior right in the stomach, getting it to cry out in pain, before he dispersed into sparks, while the soccer ball continued on. (2800 - 2400 = 400)

Yuma Life Points: 3400 - 400 = 3000.

"And with your defense now in disarray, I'll take shot number 2! Wing Captain, attack!" Striker commanded once more, right as the ball of energy came up to Wing Captain and he kicked it to Yuma. But the Syllables Duelist wasn't gonna take this attack. "You forgot that I still have cards to play! Like this one! The Trap; Synchro Spirits!" Yuma cried out, throwing his right hand forward as one of the face-down cards in front of him lifted itself up and began glowing.

"First, Synchro Spirits banishes Drill Warrior from my Graveyard...!" Yuma began explaining, a virtual card of Drill Warrior appearing in front of him before quickly disappearing. "I'm allowed to Summon the monsters that were used to Synchro Summon it! So, welcome back Drill Synchron and Junk Forward!" The Syllables Duelist finished, right as two portals appeared in front of him and both Drill Synchron and Junk Forward came out of them in defensive stances, quickly getting back soccer uniforms.

Junk Forward DEF: 1500/ Level: 3.

Drill Synchron DEF: 300/ Level: 3.

Striker scoffed, not the least bit bothered since he could still do some damage. "Big deal! Wing Captain can still deal damage! Attack Drill Synchron!" The teenage boy commanded, pointing directly at the Machine-Type Tuner Monster now. The ball redirected itself and struck Drill Synchro, destroying the Machine-Type monster and released a shockwave that hit Yuma and made him grunt a little. (1100 - 300 = 800)

Yuma Life Points: 3000 - 800 = 2200.

"Yuma!" Tori exclaimed in concern for her childhood friend. Rio placed her left pom pom on Tori's shoulder, grabbing her attention as she looked at the older female. "Don't worry about him. Yuma's still got a few moves up his sleeve and besides, he's got more than half his original Life Points". The Ice Queen reassured her best friend, while Kairi continued cheering Yuma on.

"This Duel is going at a slow and steady pace". Enna remarked with a small smile, before looking down at her son and saw Epifanio watching in interest. "It must be easier for you to understand a rather simple duel such as this, my dear". She said to her child, which hers and Astral's son gave a soft cry in response.

Cat covered her face and turned away from the sight. "I can't watch this!" She exclaimed, unable to bring herself watching Yuma losing. Striker smirked at Yuma, then chuckled confidently. "You thought you were safe with an extra defense, but my Wing Captain can shred through all the defensives you've got! I end my turn here, so take your best shot!" The teenage boy told his opponent, feeling very confident of his chances of victory.

(Music end)

Yuma Life Points: 2200/ Number of cards in hand: 2.

"I'll say this; the guy's both a great player and strategist. It's like he's playing this like it is a real soccer game". Yuma remarked, making no move to draw just yet. "I wouldn't know because I've never seen a real soccer game before". Astral told his partner, something that made the teenage boy sweat drop a little. "I've gotta let you see more stuff on the TV". Yuma said to himself, then looked towards Striker.

"But Yuma, don't you think it's time you stopped playing around and get serious. From what I've seen so far, this duel has reached the point where you can win it easy". Astral advised to his partner, something that Yuma didn't give an answer. Astral was right because Yuma has been more focused on having fun in this duel instead of going all out. If he had been serious, Striker would have lower Life Points now than he does, but Yuma just wanted to enjoy himself with the World Duel Carnival since he's waited so long for it.

"You may have a point, but still..." The Syllables Duelist said with an uncertain voice, still wanting to just play around with this Duel. "No matter how long you think, it's useless". Striker suddenly spoke, grabbing Yuma's attention as he looked at his opponent and saw Striker grinning with confidence. "My sick skills have you completely covered". The teenage boy continued, before pointing right at Yuma with his right hand's index finger. "And there's not a thing you can do about it, Yuma!" He added, words that made Yuma frown at him.

(Play Yugioh Zexal OST 43 Dear Duelists)

All of a sudden, the crowd erupted in excited cheers that made both Yuma and Striker blink in surprise. The soccer duelist turned to look at the audience, but saw two people approaching that made him gasp in surprise. He wasn't the only one surprised, so were Rio and Caswell.

The ones that had got such reactions were two adult men that looked to be around the same age as one another. One of them had red long shaggy hair with orange sides. He wore a white shirt, cream jacket with a long blue scarf and a blue D-Gazer on the left eye. He also wore blue tailored pants with white short shoes.

The other young man had short, blond, spiky hair that was combed forward, reaching a long peak at the front. He had black sunglasses that he wore above his forehead, a silver chain around his neck with dog tags and a navy muscle singlet. He also wore black track pants with black runners. He was also seriously jacked and had a blue D-Gazer on his left eye.

Cat blinked at seeing those two unknown men, while Caswell gasped in surprise. "Oh my! It's Dempsey and Donovan! The quick kicking brothers who play for Heartland United!" The class representative exclaimed in shock, recognizing who those two men are. "But why are they here?" Cat questioned, also aware of who those two are and wondered why they're here.

"Wait just a minute! Now I know why Striker's name was so familiar!" Caswell exclaimed, right as Striker turned away from Dempsey and Donovan, almost as if he were ashamed. "It's because he's related to Dempsey and Donovan! He's their kid brother! And third son to world class coach Keller Crossit! Talk about a family with some serious soccer skills! Together, they won more championships than anyone out there!" The blue-haired boy explained, unintentionally speaking through the speaker about Striker's family background.

Yuma, having heard every word that Caswell spoke, frowned in confusion and pointed at Striker with his right hand's index. "For real? You're that famous soccer player?" He questioned his opponent, honestly surprised at this revelation. Yet Striker grew angered at his identity being revealed. "So what!? I don't care about my older brothers!" Striker exclaimed, words that completely shocked Kairi as she let out a gasp.

Striker turned his enraged gaze over to his older brothers that were silently watching him. "Team play"? What a joke! The three of us end up getting in each other's way while we try to play at once! That's why I chose Dueling! Duels are the best battles! Because when you're on the field, you're the only person you can trust!" The teenage boy exclaimed strongly, swiping his right hand out to the side, then held it up as a fist.

"Watch closely! I'm gonna become Duel Champion with my own power!" Striker shouted out at his brothers that said nothing in response to him. Yuma, on the other hand, had something to say though. "You're wrong about that, Striker!" The Syllables Duelist told his opponent, grabbing Striker's attention as he turned to look at Yuma. "Dueling is also about team plays!" The 13-year-old boy exclaimed strongly, firmly believing Dueling to be about team play just like in soccer.

Astral blinked at his partner's words. "Team plays?" He questioned, surprisingly finding that easily acceptable. "Even now, you aren't alone. You're out there fighting alongside your friends, aren't you?" Yuma questioned Striker, much to his confusion. "My friends?" Striker questioned his opponent, wondering what he meant by that.

"Right! Wing Captain! Top Scorer... Those Monsters are your friends, aren't they?" Yuma questioned Striker, much to his shock as he widened both eyes and gasped. Yuma's words had even caught the attention of Striker's brothers as they looked over to him and watched. "I always believe in the Monsters I fight alongside. Me and my monsters are a single team!" The Syllables Duelist told his opponent, grinning widely as he spoke. All of Yuma's friends, even Striker's brothers, smiled in approval at his words as they all agreed with him.

(Music end)

"A team... you said?" Striker questioned with a stunned voice, honestly shocked by Yuma's words. "I'll show you, with my next move". Yuma told his opponent, then raised his right hand and gripped it into a fist. "So, you're finally gonna duel for real now". Astral remarked, both arms crossed as he gazed at his partner.

"You're darn right! Earlier, I was just playing around, but now I've got a good reason to duel seriously! Now, watch and learn!" Yuma called out, holding his right hand at the edge of the Duel Disk, before a single crimson virtual card came out of the glowing orb and into between his index and middle fingers.

(Play Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal - Take a Chance)

"I draw!" The teenage boy exclaimed, drawing his card in a dramatic fashion by swiping his right hand out to the side. The virtual card then disappeared, before a holographic lens appeared in front of Yuma's left eye to show his starting hand of three cards. Immediately, a virtual card appeared in Yuma's right hand and he held it out, revealing the card to be Assault Synchron.

"Say hello to my little friend, Assault Synchron!" The Syllables Duelist exclaimed, right before Assault Synchron's card disappeared. A larger copy of the Tuner monster's card then materialized in front of Yuma, next to Junk Forward, before it began glowing. Assault Synchron rose up from the glow, glaring at Striker and his monsters.

Assault Synchron ATK: 700/ Level: 2.

"But he won't be around for long. Level 2 Assault Synchron tunes with Level 3 Junk Forward!" Yuma declared, throwing his right hand up into the air. Junk Forward and Assault Synchro leaped into the air together, before the Machine-Type Tuner monster began to glow a bright light. Assault Synchron then transformed into 2 green rings that went around Junk Forward and began scanning him with the Warrior-Type monster with him turning orange transparent.

3 + 2 = 5.

Then, a thin beam appeared in between the lights and rings. Then suddenly, it transformed into a massive one that absorbed both rings and lights. "I Synchro Summon! Level 5! Junk Speeder!" Yuma cried out to the heavens, right as something emerged from the poral. It was the Synchro Monster; Junk Speeder.

The Warrior-Type monster spun around as fast as a tornado, creating a small typhoon around itself. Then, something sliced it down from inside, then sliced it again from the side. The typhoon cleared to reveal Junk Speeder, who gave a pose with its left foot out in a kick with its scarf blowing widely.

Junk Speeder ATK: 1800/ Level: 5.

The crowd went wild for Junk Speeder as it came floating down to in front of Yuma and Astral, armour transforming into an orange soccer uniform, yet kept its scarf. "Ha! Am I supposed to be impressed by that monster?" Striker questioned with an arrogant smirk on his face, not the least bit intimidated by Junk Speeder. "Yes, you are! And here's why! Junk Speeder's special ability activates!" Yuma cried out, raising his left forearm right as the Duel Disk's orb began gleaming a bright light.

"When this card is successfully Synchro Summoned, we're allowed to Summon as many Synchron Tuner monsters from the deck in DEF Mode so long as they're all different Levels to each other!" Astral explained the Synchro Monster's special ability, right as four virtual cards shot out of the orb and flew into the air in front of Yuma. The Syllables Duelist held his right hand up, then swiped it and grabbed hold of all four virtual cards.

Yuma turned his right hand over, showing Striker what they all were. They were the Tuner Monsters; Unknown Synchron, Satellite Synchron, Bri Synchron and finally, Wheel Synchron. "Through Junk Speeder's special ability, I Summon Unknown Synchron, Satellite Synchron, Bri Synchron and Wheel Synchron!" The Syllables Duelist declared, before all four virtual cards disappeared and four larger copies appeared on Yuma's field.

All four cards began glowing a bright colour, before the monsters emerged from within them. All Synchron Monsters took defensive positions, protecting their Duelist. Out of all of them, Bri Synchron was the only one that got a soccer uniform though.

Wheel Synchron DEF: 1000/ Level: 5.

Bri Synchron DEF: 1100/ Level: 4.

Satellite Synchron DEF: 100/ Level: 2.

Unknown Synchron DEF: 0/ Level: 1.

"So, you set up a big defensive. So, what". Striker scoffed, seeing this as nothing more than Yuma being on the defensive. "Oh yeah?" Yuma said with a confident smirk, before throwing his right fist forward. "Level 2 Satellite Synchron tunes with Level 5 Wheel Synchron!" The teenage boy cried out, right before both monsters ascended into the air.

Striker widened his eyes in surprise at seeing this move. "Hold up, you can't do that! You can't use two Tuner Monsters in a Synchro Summon!" The teenage boy cried out, fully aware of how Synchro Summoning works and that it wasn't allowed to only use Tuners. "Normally that would be the case, but Wheel Synchron has an ability to work around that. When this monster is used as Synchro Material, it's treated as a none-Tuner monster!" Yuma explained Wheel Synchron's special ability, much to Striker's surprise at learning this.

Satellite Synchron began to glow a bright light, before transforming into 2 green rings that went around Wheel Synchron and began scanning the Machine-Type monster with it turning orange transparent.

2 + 5 = 7.

Then, a thin beam appeared in between the lights and rings. Then suddenly, it transformed into a massive one that absorbed both rings and lights. "I Synchro Summon! Level 7! Signal Warrior!" Yuma cried out, right as a red and white motorcycle shot out of the beam and into the air. Then, it transformed into a robot warrior with glowing blue eyes. Signal Warrior spun around, then punched the air with its right fist, making a dramatic entrance.

Signal Warrior ATK: 2400/ Level: 7.

(Music end)

Signal Warrior floated down next to Junk Speeder, both Synchro Monsters facing Striker's two monsters. "Time to brawl! Signal Warrior, attack Wing Captain!" Yuma commanded, pointing right towards Striker's Wing Captain with his right hand's index finger. Signal Warrior nodded, before he took off forward, heading towards Wing Captain.

"Finally! I was waiting for this!" Striker called out with a massive grin, before rearing his left arm in. "I activate this! My Magical Arm Shield!" The teenage boy cried out, throwing his left arm to the side as the sole face-down card on Striker's field lifted itself up. "This Trap only works if I control a monster and one of yours is attacking! Magical Arm Shield takes control of one of your monsters, then redirects your attack over to it!" Striker explained his Trap card's effect to Yuma, something he gave a small whistle at.

"Nice Trap card, but it won't compare to this! I activate my Trap card; Dark Bribe!" Yuma exclaimed, right as his face-down card appeared and flipped over, then started glowing a bright light. "Dark Bribe negates your Magical Arm Shield!" The Syllables Duelist explained Dark Bribe's effect, right as a dark aura appeared over Magical Arm Shield's card, right before it shattered, much to Striker's annoyance.

(Play Zexal Sound Duel 5: A Standoff Between Two Great Rivals)

"But in exchange, you get to draw a new card". Yuma informed Striker, which he gave a scoff as he drew another card from his deck. "Now that your Trap's out of the way, Signal Warrior is free to attack without concern!" The Syllables Duelist added, right as a soccer ball materialized in front of Signal Warrior and moved on its own to stay in front of the Synchro Monster.

Signal Warrior reared its right leg back, before swinging it forward hard and kicked the soccer ball hard. It shot through the air, then slammed right into Wing Captain's stomach, the Warrior-Type monster crying out in pain, before bursting into sparkles with the soccer ball continuing onwards. (2400 - 1100 = 1300)

The ball continued onto Striker, which he quickly held out both hands to catch it. He managed to grab hold of it, yet wasn't strong enough to stop it completely and was blown off his feet with a cry, right into the soccer net.

Striker Life Points: 2800 - 1300 = 1500.

'Goal!' The Ai voice cried out, crowd going wild as the monitor showed the change in Striker's Life Points. Striker fell onto the ground on his knees and hands, the ball rolling away, yet he paid it no mind. "Three cheers for Yuma!" Tori cheered as she, Rio and Kairi all cheered for Yuma, waving their pom poms up into the air. "What a dazzling display!" Caswell remarked with a wide smile, holding up his right clenched hand. "You can say that again. In fact, I'll say it for you. What a dazzling display". Cat commented, overjoyed that Yuma's taken the lead.

Signal Warrior returned to Yuma's field, right as Striker climbed back up on his feet, glaring at Yuma with narrowed eyes. "You've had that Trap card set ever since the Duel started, but now you played it?" The teenage boy said with an accusing tone, something that Yuma didn't defend himself from. "I was keeping it for something big. Turns out saving it was a smart idea because if I used it earlier, I'd have been in big trouble. But enough about a hypothetical scenarios, we still got a duel to settle!" Yuma exclaimed with a smirk, before pointing towards Top Scorer now.

"Junk Speeder, attack Top Scorer!" The Syllables Duelist commanded his second Synchro monster, a command Junk Speeder was more than happy to obey. Junk Speeder took off, headed for Top Scorer, something that Striker gave a frown at. "You're attacking with a weaker monster? Why?" The teenage boy questioned his opponent, wondering why he's attacking when his monster was stronger.

"This is why! When an attack is declared involving the Synchro Summoned Junk Speeder that was Summoned this turn and an opponent's monster, Junk Speeder's ATK becomes double its original ATK this turn!" Yuma told Striker, much to his surprise at learning this. A white aura then appeared over Junk Speeder, right as it powered up.

Junk Speeder ATK: 1800 + 1800 = 3600.

Another soccer ball materialized in the ground in front of Junk Speeder, moving on its own to stay in front of the Synchro Monster. Small gusts of wind gathered around its right leg, right before Junk Speeded kicked the soccer ball with it and launched it at Top Soccer. The soccer ball was fast as lightning, slamming into Top Scorer, blasting through him with the Warrior-Type monster's blade shattering, before turning into sparkles. (3600 - 2800 = 800)

The soccer ball continued on to Striker, too fast for him to catch, and blasted him off his feet and into the goal again.

Striker Life Points: 1500 - 800 = 700.

"Yuma's in the lead now by a huge difference!" Cat commented with a wide smile on her face. "2300 points of damage on one turn has put Striker in a difficult situation, he doesn't even have any monsters left on his field!" Caswell said with a grin, impressed with how Yuma's turned this duel around in one single turn. The cheer squad of Rio, Tori and Kairi all laughed in joy for Yuma, before throwing their right hand up into the air as confetti fell around them. "Keep it up, Yuma!" Rio cheered for her boyfriend, certain he'll win the duel next turn.

"Did ya see that? That was my team playing!" Yuma called out with a grin, raising his right hand as two virtual cards appeared, and he took hold of them with the index and middle fingers. "I set 2 cards face-down and end my turn!" The Syllables Duelist exclaimed, right as the virtual cards disappeared and two face-down cards appeared in front of him and Astral.

(Music end)

Junk Speeder ATK: 3600 - 1800 = 1800.

Striker Life Points: 700/ Number of cards in hand: 2.

Striker, back on his feet, gritted his teeth at Yuma for what he's saying and him making a comeback. He then grinned and pointed at Yuma with his right hand's index finger. "Let's not get cocky now, Yuma Tsukumo!" The teenage boy exclaimed, before turning his right hand into a fist and held it up. "Wing Captain and Top Scorer were nothing more than throw-away monsters, I've got stronger ones to replace them soon! Destroying those worthless cards gains you nothing!" He added, throwing the right hand outwards.

Both Yuma and Astral narrowed their eyes at Striker as his words struck a nerve in them. "You're still going on about that?" The Syllables Duelist questioned, then held up his right fist with an annoyed frown. "You need to believe in your monsters, your friends!" He told Striker, yet all that did was tick Striker off. "Useless guys like them aren't my friends!" He snapped at Yuma, mind flashing back to the day he quit soccer.

It happened on a soccer match; him and his team weren't in synch and were easy pickings for the other team. Striker blamed his teammates that they're losing, no care for his older brothers watching. Striker tried to win the game on his own, ignoring his teammates and going for a goal by himself. He failed badly however as an opponent player came in and ruined his attempt at scoring.

The opposing team found Striker to be a terrible soccer player compared to his brothers and openly said it out loud, much to his anger. One of Striker's teammates tried to help Striker up when he had been tripped, but he rejected the help. He blamed his teammates for them losing, something that Dempsey and Donovan didn't approve of and refused to remain silent about.

The two older brothers told Striker he was the reason him and his team lost because he kept trying to do it alone instead of with his team. They told their brother if he couldn't understand, then he should leave. Striker was shocked by his brothers' words, but didn't protest and left both the field and soccer that day. "I threw away soccer on that day. And I swore to myself. I swore to settle things with my brothers one day. And I've chosen Dueling to accomplish that goal! I'll become the best in the world of Dueling!" The teenage boy exclaimed, holding both arms out with his chest puffed out.

Astral slightly widened his eyes, then narrowed them at Striker. "...What a hypocrite..." The Mohawk hairstyle male stated, while Yuma just smiled at Striker. "Be honest with yourself, Striker". The Syllables Duelist told his opponent, much to Striker's shock at what he said. "You know it deep down, don't you? You wouldn't have built such a strong Soccer Deck if you didn't, after all". Yuma added, holding his right hand out to the side as he spoke.

(Play Zexal Sound Duel 4: Duel of the souls)

At Yuma's words, Striker turned his gaze over to his deck and stared at it. "That's your all-star team right there, bro! Striker, you really love soccer, don't you?" Yuma said with certainty, much to Striker's mental shock, even breaking a single bit of sweat. "Shut it! I don't care about soccer!" Striker exclaimed in denial, throwing his right hand to the side. "It's fine! Just like what you like! I like Dueling! So fight alongside your friends until the very end!" Yuma told his opponent, holding up his right fist a little.

Striker blinked at Yuma, staring at him as if he had a second head. "My friends? Team?" He muttered to himself, then looked at his Duel Disk and hand of two cards. "I... You guys... I..." The teenage boy stuttered, confused on what he truly feels and what he sees his monsters as. "My turn! Draw!" Striker exclaimed, drawing the top card of his deck in a dramatic fashion.

"At this moment, Signal Warrior's special ability activates!" Yuma cried out, catching Striker's attention as he blinked at his opponent. "During the Standby Phase; Signal Warrior grants itself and all face-up cards in the Field Zone a Signal counter!" The Syllables Duelist explained Signal Warrior's special ability, right as Signal Warrior and Stadium of Dreams grew white auras that quickly disappeared after a moment.

Signal Warrior counters: 0 + 1 = 1.

Stadium of Dreams counters: 0 + 1 = 1.

'What's he planning?' Striker mentally questioned, adding the new card to his left hand. The teenage boy then looked at his Duel Disk's screen that showed both his and Yuma's fields, before tapping on Signal Warrior's card. The screen brought up Signal Warrior's card, allowing him to see what the Synchro Monster's abilities were.

Striker gave a frown at what he saw. 'I gotta take that monster out now, or else I'll lose next turn. But with its ability of being unable to be destroyed, that won't be easy'. The teenage boy thought to himself, then looked at his hand, the card he drew to be exact. 'I'll have to bet it all on this turn. If not, then I'll lose next turn. Here goes everything'. Striker added, before gabbing hold of one of the three cards.

He took it and held it out for Yuma to see. "I activate Monster Reborn!" Striker declared, right as the Spell card began to glow a bright white light. "With Monster Reborn's power, I revive Top Scorer!" The teenage boy called out, right before Top Scorer's card materialized in front of him and began gleaming a bright light. Then, the Warrior-Type monster emerged from the light.

Top Scorer ATK: 2000/ Level: 5.

"Now, I Summon Defending Sweeper!" Striker exclaimed, taking another card from his held and threw it down on a Monster Zone. The stadium's monitor changed to show Striker's new monster; Defending Sweeper plus its Level, ATK and DEF. Said monster then appeared, much like Wing Captain and Top Scorer, only built more for defense than attack.

Defending Sweeper ATK: 100/ Level: 4.

"If there's a Stadium of Dreams on my field, this Monster's level becomes five!" Striker explained to his opponent, right as Defending Sweeper's level went up.

Defending Sweeper Level: 4 + 1 = 5.

"Now..." Striker began, taking the last card in his hand and held it up into the air. "I activate the Spell card; Card of Sanctity!" The teenage boy concluded, before slotting the Spell card into his Duel Disk. A larger copy of the Spell card then materialized in front of Striker, before it started gleaming. "This Spell card forces us to draw until we both have six cards in our hand". He explained Card of Sanctity's effect to Yuma, something he gave a small chuckle at.

"Smart move. He played both Monster Reborn and Defending Sweeper first so that he can get a new hand of six cards. Card of Sanctity is truly a game changing move". Astral commented, right as Striker started drawing cards from his deck. Six virtual cards shot out of the orb of Yuma's Duel Disk and flew into the air in front of Yuma. The Syllables Duelist gave them all a quick look, before they all disappeared from sight.

Just then, Striker drew his sixth card in a dramatic fashion by throwing his right hand out. He turned the card around to look at it, then widened both eyes with newfound belief. "I believe in you!" Striker suddenly exclaimed, catching Yuma and Astral off guard as they both blinked. "Now I activate the Spell card; All for One!" The teenage boy called out, holding the sixth card out for Yuma to see.

"C'mon! You actually had a card like that from the start!" Yuma exclaimed with a wide grin, finding the irony a bit funny. "This is no time to be happy". Astral told his partner, grabbing Yuma's attention as he looked over to him. "All for One's effect is that if you control two monsters with the same Level and Type, it'll allow you Summon one monster from your Graveyard with the same type". Astral explained All for One's effect, much to Yuma's alarm at hearing this. 'And he only has one monster in his Graveyard'. The Syllables Duelist thought, a good idea on what monster Striker is bringing back.

"I'll bring back Wing Captain!" Striker exclaimed, throwing his right hand forward with the index finger and thumb out. A white light appeared on Striker's field, before Wing Captain rose up from within it with a cry, successfully revived.

Wing Captain ATK: 1100/ Level: 4.

Wing Captain turned to look at its Duelist with Striker looking up at the monster's face, before they both nodded, and Wing Captain faced forward again. "The Monster Special Summoned with this effect increases its Level by one!" Striker informed Striker, right as Wing Captain powered up.

Wing Captain Level: 4 + 1 = 5.

"Now he's got three Level Five Monsters!" Yuma stated with eyes narrowed, aware of what Striker was up to. "I Overlay Level 5 Defending Sweeper, Top Scorer and Wing Captain!" Striker declared as all three of his monsters transformed into orange lights, before they all ascended into the air and danced around one another. A red Xyz portal then appeared right above Striker's goal, something he didn't turn to look at. "I build the Overlay Network with these three monsters!" The teenage boy called out, all three orange lights going straight into the portal.

"Xyz Summon!" Striker exclaimed, right before the red Xyz portal transformed into a bright white light. "It's your turn, Playmaker!" The teenage boy exclaimed, throwing out his right hand with an Xyz Monster card in hand.

From the light emerged the Xyz Monster; Playmaker. The Warrior-Type monster ascended into the air and spun around with a cry, three orange overlay units circling around it. Playmaker then descended right down and slammed into the ground, kicking up a bit of dust. The Xyz Monster stood up on its feet fully and faced both of Yuma's Synchro Monsters with the crowd cheering for Playmaker.

Playmaker ATK: 2600/ Rank: 5/ Overlay units: 3.

"It's got 2600 Attack Points?!" Cat exclaimed in alarm at seeing Striker's monster surpass Yuma's monsters in ATK Points. "Oh no, that's enough to eliminate Yuma from the Duel Carnival!" Caswell stated, now worried for his friend's chances. Even Tori and Kairi were worried for Yuma, yet Rio kept calm and watched.

(Music end)

"Now, before I get to attacking, there's still a few things left to do". Striker stated, before taking a card from his hand of five cards and held it out. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell; Forbidden Chalice!" The teenage boy declared, right as the card began glowing a white light. Then out of nowhere, a white aura appeared over Signal Warrior, getting Yuma to look over to it with slightly wide eyes.

"Forbidden Chalice gives your monster 400 ATK Points, but it loses its effects". Striker explained Forbidden Chalice's effect, right as Signal Warrior both powered up and powered down.

Signal Warrior ATK Points: 2400 + 400 = 2800.

"With Signal Warrior's effects negated, he's no longer protected from destruction". Astral commented, keeping his cool despite this turn of events. "But Signal Warrior now has more ATK Points than Playmaker". Yuma stated, reminding his partner of the difference in ATK Points. "Not for long though! Now I equip Playmaker with the Equip Spell; Big Bang Shot!" Striker exclaimed, holding out another Spell card.

A red aura appeared over Playmaker's right foot, before transforming into flames. "Big Bang Shot not only gives the equip Monster 400 more ATK Points, but even grants the power of piercing battle damage!" Striker explained his Equip Spell card's effect with a wide grin, right as Playmaker powered up.

Playmaker ATK: 2600 + 400 = 3000.

"Oh no! Now Striker can wipe out the rest of Yuma's Life Points!" Tori called out in concern for her childhood friend. "It's worse than that, Tori. Playmaker has an ability that'll allow it to attack again and again by using its overlay units". Rio told her best friend with a serious frown, increasing Tori's concerns for Yuma. "Don't worry. Everything is gonna be alright". Kairi told the green-haired female, continuing to watch the duel without concern.

"How do you like that, Yuma? Your extra defense has actually backfired on you, now that I can deal piercing damage". Striker said with a confident smirk, one that Yuma returned instantly. "It's a good thing I've got something called an insurance policy!" The Syllables Duelist exclaimed, before throwing his right hand out. "Reveal Trap card; Synchro Barrier!" Yuma called out, one of his face-down cards turning over and began gleaming a bright light.

(Play Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Unleash Force)

"By releasing a Synchro Monster like my Signal Warrior..." Yuma began to explain, right as Signal Warrior suddenly burst into white energy. "I don't take any damage for the rest of this turn!" He finished explaining, right as the white energy transformed into a barrier around the Syllables Duelist.

Tori breathed out in relief, while Striker frowned in annoyance. "Not bad, had one last defense in case your DEF Monsters couldn't protect you. You've got one last turn left, but I'm not gonna make it easy for you". Striker told his opponent, before taking another card from his hand and held it out. "I activate Mystical Space Typhoon!" He called out, then slotted it into his Duel Disk.

A larger copy of Mystical Space Typhoon appeared on Striker's field, before it began gleaming. "With this card, your final face-down is destroyed!" The teenage boy explained his Spell card's effect, right before Yuma's second face-down card burst apart.

"And that's not all!" Striker stated, then pointed towards Junk Speeder with his right hand's index finger. "Playmaker, attack Junk Speeder! Overhead Drive Shoot!" The teenage boy commanded his Xyz Monster. Playmaker's visor gave a small sparkle, before the Xyz Monster leaped into the air flipped over. A glowing white soccer ball shot up towards the Xyz Monster, which Playmaker kicked it hard with its left leg with a cry.

The glowing white soccer ball shot out like a meteor and slammed right into Junk Speeder's stomach. The Synchro Monster cried out in pain, before bursting into sparkles with the shockwaves hitting the barrier around Yuma, yet didn't break through. "You sacrificed your own monster to protect yourself from losing". Striker said with a small frown, something that Yuma had a comeback for.

"My friend gave himself up to protect and give me a chance to win this duel and to make our goal a reality! I won't let the sacrifices of my friends go to waste!" Yuma told his opponent, sparing a quick glance over to Rio, before facing Striker again. Striker wordlessly stared at Yuma for a moment or two, before raising his right fist. "I'm not done just yet! I activate Playmaker's special ability!" The teenage boy exclaimed, right as another glowing white ball came up and bounced off of Playmaker's chest.

The glowing ball came down and Playmaker placed its left foot down on it, before the Xyz Monster absorbed one of its overlay units into its foot. "By using an Overlay Unit, he can attack your monster with the highest ATK Points!" Striker explained his Xyz Monster's special ability.

Playmaker overlay unit: 3 - 1 = 2.

Playmaker then started running and kicking the ball as he go, this time heading for Bri Synchron. It then kicked the ball up and jumped as well, flew into the air and redid the same attack as before, kicking the ball hard towards Bri Synchron. The ball blasted right through Bri Synchron and slammed into the barrier, but failed to break through.

"Now for the third strike!" Striker exclaimed with a grin, right as the white glowing ball bounced off Playmaker's chest and came down to the ground. Playmaker planted its left foot on the soccer ball, before absorbing another overlay unit.

Playmaker overlay unit: 2 - 1 = 1.

Playmaker kicked the ball up and leaped into the air, once again redoing its attack and kicking the ball at Unknown Synchron. It struck and the Machine-Type monster was destroyed. Playmaker's soccer ball slammed into the barrier, but was bounced off this time. "If it wasn't for that Trap card, I'd have won the duel twice by now. Now you don't have anything on your field! This ends on the next turn!" Striker exclaimed, pointing at Yuma with his right hand's index finger.

The Syllables Duelist just continued to grin with confidence, despite the situation right now. "You're right, it will end next turn! On my turn!" Yuma told his opponent, much to Striker's bewilderment at hearing this. Yuma then swiped his right hand in front of himself, right before six red virtual cards appeared in front of him. "After all, I've got a brand new hand of cards to use and trust me, these cards will count". He added, words that made Striker break into a sweat.

---

(Meanwhile with Taiki)

Back in the plaza where Taiki's duel is; things are just about to get wrapped up. Right now, there was only one monster on the field, and it was the Xyz Monster; Evilswarm Ouroboros on Taiki's field. Taiki had 2 cards in his hand, while his opponent, Ginger had 3 and no monsters on his field. The audience surrounding the two Duelists was cheering wildly, Summer quietly watching as her boyfriend was about to obtain victory.

Taiki Life Points: 2000/ Number of cards in hand: 2.

Evilswarm Ouroboros ATK: 2750/ Overlay Units: 2/ Rank: 4.

Ginger Life Points: 1500/ Number of cards in hand: 3.

Taiki threw his right fist forward, punching the air with it. "Go, Evilswarm Ouroboros! Attack Ginger directly and end this duel!" The gymnastic male ordered his ace monster. The three headed dragon cried out in response, before all three heads let out breath attacks. The breath attacks came down, striking the ground in front of Ginger, creating an explosion that blasted the black and white-haired off his feet and into the air. "AAAAAHHHHH!" Ginger cried out, right as his Life Points went down.

Ginger Life Points: 1500 - 2750 = 0.

Winner: Taiki!

Ginger crashed down on the ground on his back, but was thankfully unharmed. A screen materialized in the air, showing a picture of Taiki with the words 'Win' underneath it. The screen, along with Taiki's ace monster dispersed into particles as the AR – Vision deactivated around them. The crowd of people all erupted in cheers for Taiki, while Summer gave a joyful smile before proceeding to run towards her boyfriend.

Taiki took off his D-Gazer, then let out a sigh with a small smile on his face. He then brought up his left arm and stared down at his slotted in deck. 'This deck is pretty good, if I say so myself. With this deck, I'll face Yuma again and win the right way'. The gymnastic thought to himself, determined to duel his friend again and win.

"Taiki!" Summer called out to her boyfriend, catching Taiki's attention. He turned, then let out a small cry of surprise as Summer jumped at her boyfriend and wrapped both arms around his neck. "Summer!" The teenage boy exclaimed with flushed cheeks of embarrassment, wrapping both arms around her waist. Summer just gave a joyous laugh, keeping her hands where they are despite the fact they're out in the open and everyone could see them.

---

(With Shark)

At the park; Shark was wrapping up his Duel against Kiyomi, and unlike Taiki's duel, this one was more one-sided. Right now, the Water Duelist had one card in hand and two Xyz Monsters; Bahamut Shark and a new monster called Valiant Shark Lancer. Valiant Shark Lancer was much like Black Ray Lancer, only more upgraded and bigger obviously. It wielded a lance as well, only it was more upgraded as well.

Shark Life Points: 3000/ Number of cards in hand: 1.

Bahamut Shark ATK: 2600/ Overlay Units: 0/ Rank: 4.

Valiant Shark Lancer ATK: 2500/ Overlay Units: 1/ Rank: 5.

Kiyomi Life Points: 1000/ Number of cards in hand: 3.

"Go, Valiant Shark Lancer! Attack this chump directly and end this!" Shark commanded, throwing his right hand forward before swiping it up into the air. Valiant Shark Lancer's eyes flashed for a moment, before it spun its lance around masterfully. Yellow energy appeared around the lance, before the Xyz Monster took hold of it and pointed the tip down at Kiyomi, firing a yellow beam.

The yellow beam struck the ground in front of Kiyomi, exploding on impact and sent Kiyomi flying from the ground with a cry.

Kiyomi Life Points: 1000 - 2500 = 0.

Winner: Shark!

Shark then took off running forward, before leaping into the air and caught the air born Kiyomi in a princess carry. The crimson hair coloured female widened both eyes in surprise, then blushed at being carried like a princess. Shark didn't turn to look at Kiyomi, the only reason he's done this was to avoid her getting hurt by accident.

The Water Duelist landed on his feet in a perfect landing, not the least bit affected by the added weight. A screen materialized in the air, showing a picture of Shark with the words 'Win' underneath it. The screen, along with Shark's monsters dispersed into particles as the AR – Vision deactivated around them.

Shark knelt down on his right knee, then placed Kiyomi down gently. The crimson-haired female was blushing in embarrassment and was looking away to avoid eye contact with Shark, while he, on the other hand, looked at her with an expressionless face. "I won. Now, my prize". The teenage boy told his opponent, snapping Kiyomi out of her daze. She quickly turned to face Shark, then nodded to him.

"R-Right". She responded, before going through her outfit to get her Heart Piece. Shark stood up on his feet, then crossed both arms as he patiently waited. He had no real desire to duel for Heart Pieces, but to find Quattro and get his revenge. But until then, he'll keep dueling for Heart Pieces and search for information on the one that hurt his sister.

---

(With Luna)

Meanwhile with the Moon Duelist, she was finishing her Duel as well. Her opponent: Emilia, only had one monster on her field, but it was a Number Xyz Monster. Number 22: Zombiestein to be exact. It was a large Zombie-Type Xyz Monster that towered over both Duelists. Luna had Number 23: Lancelot, Dark Knight of the Underworld on her field, facing her opponent's Number all by itself. And Orbital 8 still quietly watched her mistress from a few feet away.

Luna Life Points: 1500/ Number of cards in hand: 0.

Number 23: Lancelot, Dark Knight of the Underworld ATK: 2000/ Overlay Units: 2/ Rank: 8.

Emilia Life Points: 2000/ Number of cards in hand: 2.

Number 22: Zombiestein ATK: 4500/ Overlay Units: 1/ Rank: 8.

The odds were currently against Luna, but that didn't matter as she had everything she needed to win now. "Lancelot, Dark Knight of the Underworld can attack directly". The Moon Duelist informed her opponent, before throwing her right hand out to the side. "Go, my dark knight! Strike down the rest of her Life Points!" Luna commanded her Number Xyz Monster, hair and skirt blowing a bit.

Lancelot let out a cry, before charging forward and passed by Zombiestein, stopping right in front of Emilia. The female looked up at the Xyz Monster with wide eyes of fear, right before Lancelot stabbed its sword into the ground in front of Emilia. It released a powerful shockwave that slammed right into the female, pushing her off her feet and down onto the ground, knocking her unconscious.

Emilia Life Points: 2000 - 2000 = 0.

Winner: Luna!

A screen materialized in the air, showing a picture of Luna with the words 'Win' underneath it. The screen, along with the monsters dispersed into particles as the AR – Vision deactivated around them. Even Luna's moon transformation deactivated, and her outfit returned to normal, yet the Duel-Eye Tatoo remained. "Now for my prize!" Luna called out, throwing out her right hand and released her energy hand.

It came right towards Emilia and struck her on the chest, creating a bright light on impact. Emilia groaned in pain, right before a red 22 appeared on the back of her right hand, before disappearing. The energy hand was then retracted from Emilia, now holding a sphere of energy in hand. It returned to Luna with the sphere of energy in her right hand now.

The Moon Duelist gazed down at the sphere of energy, before crushing it with her hand. The sphere dispersed, revealing a glowing card in hand, which quickly died down to reveal Luna's prize; Number 22: Zombiestein. With the card in her hand now, Luna took a good look at it and saw, to her confusion, a rather odd part of its effect. 'Can't attack female monsters? What the heck?' Luna questioned inside her mind, weirded out by this unusual part of Zombiestein's effect.

Giving a shrug of her shoulders, Luna put Zombiestein away and then looked towards her defeated opponent. Emilia was unconscious and was already seemingly aging because of her soul stolen. Luna gave a sad sigh with both eyes closed at seeing this, before looking at Orbital 8 over her right shoulder. "Call an ambulance and tell them to come pick her up". The Moon Duelist told her robot companion, which Orbital 8 nodded to her.

"U-Understood, Mistress". Orbital 8 replied to Luna, getting a pleased smile from the Moon Duelist. Luna then looked upwards towards the sky, wondering how her brother was doing right now.

---

(Back with Yuma/ Play Yu Gi Oh! 5D's Sound Duel 3 Disc 1 28. Bonds of the Three)

The crowd cheered in excitement from this rather exciting duel. Yuma and Striker paid the audience no mind and focused on each other, the Syllables Duelist waiting for his opponent to end his turn. "I'll set one card face-down and end my turn!" Striker declared, slotting a card into his Duel Disk's Spell and Trap zones. A face-down card appeared in front of Striker, before it quickly disappeared.

Yuma Life Points: 2200/ Number of cards in hand: 6.

"Yuma..." Tori said in concern for her childhood. Despite the distance between them, Yuma heard her as he turned and gave the green-haired female a reassuring smile. "Don't you worry, Tori". The Syllables Duelist told Tori, before looking towards Striker and raised his right hand. "Fighting against such a strong opponent is great! The Duel Carnival is the best!" Yuma exclaimed, enjoying himself a great deal already.

Striker stared at his opponent with a frown. "You still think you can win? I've got a monster with 3000 ATK Points, a Field Spell that keeps your monsters from being face-down and a face-down card you've got no idea about. And to top it all off, you've got nothing on your field". The teenage boy reminded Yuma of how serious of a situation he's in right now.

Despite the reminder, Yuma kept grinning with confidence. "I will win because I'll believe in my friends until the very end!" The Syllables Duelist told Striker, words that made him crack a smile as he could tell Yuma meant every word he said. "My turn now! I draw!" Yuma exclaimed, drawing a virtual card from his Duel Disk in a dramatic fashion. The card disappeared, before Yuma threw his right hand forward and another virtual card appeared in front of it.

"I'll start off by activating the Continuous Spell card; Synchro Dilemma!" The Syllables Duelist called out, right before the virtual card disappeared. A large copy of Synchro Dilemma's card then materialized on Yuma's side of the field, before it began glowing. "This Spell card has two effects, but I'll just be needing the first one". Yuma informed Striker, before Astral began explaining the Spell's effects.

"By sending 1 Synchron monster from the hand or field to the Graveyard, Synchro Dilemma allows us to Special Summon one monster from our hand!" Astral explain, both him and Yuma throwing their right hands out dramatically to the side. "I discard the Tuner Monster; Junk Synchron!" Yuma declared, a red virtual card of Junk Synchro appearing in front of him, before quickly disappearing.

"Now through Synchron Dilemma's effect, I Summon Junk Collector!" Yuma called out, right as a monster card materialized on his field. The card started gleaming, before Junk Collector rose up from the glow. The Warrior-Type monster then let out a cry, then took its weapon into both hands and took a stance with it.

Junk Collector ATK: 1000/ Level: 5.

"But he won't be around for long, because I'm activating his special ability!" Yuma declared, right before Junk Collector burst into yellow sparkles. "By banishing this card and one Trap card from my Graveyard; I'm allowed to activate that Trap's effect!" The Syllables Duelist explained his monster's effect, right before a black portal appeared on his field.

Yuma held up his right hand, then a virtual card of Descending Lost Star appeared above the palm. "I banish Descending Lost Star from my Graveyard!" Yuma made his choice, right as the virtual card disappeared and a larger copy of the Trap appeared on his field. 'That Trap must have been the one I destroyed with Mystical Space Typhoon...' Striker said inside his mind, certain that was the face-down card he destroyed on his last turn.

"Descending Lost Star's effect allows us to Summon back a Synchro Monster from our Graveyard in DEF Mode, but its DEF Points go down to 0 and its Level decreases by 1". Astral explained the Trap card's effect on behalf of his partner, crossing both arms as he spoke. Descending Lost Star's card burst into sparkles, before they and the ones left behind were absorbed into the black porta.

"Revive! Signal Warrior!" Yuma cried out, throwing his right hand forward as he spoke. Signal Warrior rose up from the black aura with a dark coloured aura surrounding itself, before taking a defensive stance with the black portal disappearing.

Signal Warrior DEF: 1000 - 1000 = 0/ Level: 7 - 1 = 6.

"The monster Summoned by Descending Lost Star's effect also loses its effects and it cannot change battle positions. But that's just fine, and here's why!" Yuma exclaimed, bringing up his right hand as a virtual card appeared between the index and middle fingers. "I Summon the Tuner Monster; Stardust Synchron!" The Syllables Duelist called out, right before the virtual card disappeared.

A large copy of Stardust Synchron's card then materialized on the field, before it began gleaming a bright light. A small, robot version of Stardust Dragon then emerged from the light, staring at Playmaker with big eyes.

Stardust Synchron ATK: 1500/ Level: 4.

(Music end)

Striker frowned at seeing the Tuner Monster, realizing what Yuma was up to. 'A Level 4 Tuner monster and a Level 6 monster... He's going for a Level 10 Synchro Monster'. The teenage boy thought to himself, then glanced down at his D-pad as it showed the field, right at his face-down card. 'But the monster he attacks me, I'll be ready with my Magic Cylinder Trap card'. He added, growing a smirk since he's confident of his victory.

(Play 1 01 ＢＥＬＩＥＶＥ ＩＮ ＮＥＸＵＳ （ＴＶサイズ）)

"Level 4 Stardust Synchron gives Level 6 Signal Warrior a tune up!" Yuma exclaimed, throwing his right fist up into the air. Signal Warrior took flight, while Stardust Synchron transformed into 3 green rings that chased after the Synchro Monster. The four greens rings circled around Signal Warrior and began scanning the Warrior-Type monster, all the while Signal turned orange transparent with 6 stars appearing in a lined-up position inside the Synchro Monster's body.

6 + 4 = 10.

A thin, bright beam then appeared in between the rings and lights, before enlarging into a large one that consumed both the rings and lights. The large beam than slammed into the ground behind Yuma's goal post, before he threw his right hand to the side. "I Synchro Summon! Level 10! Satellite Warrior!" Yuma cried out to the heavens, right as the beam disappeared to reveal the massive form of Satellite Warrior. The Warrior-Type Synchro Monster let out a fierce cry, slightly raising its arms releasing a small gale of wind.

Satellite Warrior ATK: 2500/ Level: 10.

The crowd went wild at seeing Satellite Warrior, while Striker broke into a single bit of sweat at the sight of it. 'Calm down! It's only got 2500 points, you're still in this!' The teenage boy snapped at himself, trying to keep his cool.

"I activate Satellite's Warrior's special ability! When this card is Synchro Summoned, for every Synchro Monster in my graveyard, I can destroy a card on your field!" Yuma explained, throwing his right hand forward. Striker gasped upon hearing this, before looking up towards Satellite Warrior.

Yuma brought up his left arm, turned the hand and then threw it to the side with virtual cards of Signal Warrior and Junk Speeder appearing in front of him. "I've got two Synchro monsters in my Graveyard, so that's two cards going! Satellite Warrior, take out Playmaker and Striker's face-down card!" The Syllables Duelist exclaimed, throwing his right hand down.

Satellite Warrior released a battle cry, before it fired two beams from the propellers on its back towards Playmaker and Striker's face-down card. Both beams struck Playmaker and the face-down card, exploding on contact. Striker let out a loud gasp as smoke covered his side of the field, but quickly cleared to reveal an empty field. "Y-You gotta be kidding me..." He whispered in disbelief at how his best monster and final defense got destroyed so easily.

"And now, for every card destroyed by this effect, Satellite Warrior gains 1000 ATK Points! Since he destroyed two cards, he gains 2000 ATK Points!" Yuma explained as a golden aura engulfed Satellite Warrior, powering it up.

Satellite Warrior ATK Points: 2500 + 2000 = 4500.

Striker took a step back at seeing Satellite Warrior's ATK Points. "4500 points!?" He exclaimed in surprise, a single trace of sweat going down the right side of his face. "All right Yuma, way to feel the flow!" Tori cried out in joy for her childhood friend, while Rio and Kairi just smiled. "Satellite Warrior, let him have it! Attack Striker directly!" Yuma cried out, punching the air with his right fist.

A soccer ball materialized in the air right in the middle of the field. Satellite Warrior gave out a fierce cry, before firing two more beams from the propellers on its back that went and struck the soccer ball. It was launched towards Striker like a meteor and crashed into the ground in front of him, creating a powerful shockwave that blasted Striker off of his feet. The teenage boy cried out as he crashed into the goal post's net, then tore right through it and slammed down on his back.

Striker Life Points: 700 - 4500 = 0.

Winner: Yuma!

"GOAL!" Cat shouted out with both eyes closed, then opened them and gave a joyous look while Caswell held his arms up in celebration. "Team Yuma made a complete turnaround in the very last moment!" The cat girl added, slightly waving both hands up and down before throwing them wildly up into the air. "He did it!" Caswell cried out in joy, both eyes closed in a joyful way.

"Yuma won!" Rio, Kairi and Tori all cheered for the Syllables Duelist, the three of them smiling in joy for Yuma's first victory of the World Duel Carnival. Enna gave a small smile, before looking down at her son and saw Epifanio smiling towards Yuma and his father. "You're starting to grow your own self-awareness, my love. I'd personally wouldn't mind if you'd take your time". The silver-haired woman whispered to her son, before nuzzling her face against him.

"You did it, Yuma. You won". Astral stated, right as a screen materialized in the air, showing a picture of Yuma with the words 'Win' underneath it. "Yeah, but I couldn't have done it without my teammate. Thanks, Astral". Yuma responded, right as the screen, along with the monsters dispersed into particles as the AR – Vision deactivated around them. Yuma's Duel Disk deactivated, before his Duel-Eye Tattoo disappeared.

(Music end)

The Stadium of Dreams slowly dispersed as well with everyone's clothes returning to normal. Rio, Tori and Kairi glanced down at themselves as their cheer girl uniforms disappeared and they were back in their normal clothes. Striker groaned as he sat up from the ground, then closed both eyes as he took off his D-Gazer.

Yuma, followed by his girlfriend and friends, walked up and stopped 5 feet in front of Striker. The Syllables Duelist gazed down at his defeated opponent, before blinking when Striker suddenly started laughing with a joyous face. "Well, looks like you're happy". Yuma stated with a small smile, crossing both arms. Striker ceased his laughing and gazed down with a wide smile.

"It's been so long since I got so consumed while playing soccer. Soccer really is fun!" The teenage boy exclaimed with a happy voice, something that Rio gave a small smile at. Caswell, Cat and Tori weren't so happy though. "Soccer is...?" The class representative questioned with an irritated sweat drop, while both females just smiled nervously.

Yuma gave a chuckle at Striker. "Isn't it?" He said with a grin, having enjoyed himself with this soccer themed Duel. "Yeah!" Striker responded, before climbing up onto his feet and faced Yuma with a grin. "I really do love soccer the best! It was you who brought me back to my senses!" The teenage boy told his opponent, truly grateful to him since this duel reminded him what he truly loved.

The sounds of footsteps caught Striker's attention, before he looked over to his left and saw both his older brothers; Dempsey and Donovan had walked over with them smiling at their brother. "If you feel that way, why don't you come back and give it another shot, Striker?" Dempsey said to his kid brother, before Denovan continued where he left off. "Come back to our field!" The blond-haired man exclaimed with passion in his voice.

"Brother!" Striker cried out in surprise at Denovan's words. "I think you finally understand what we were trying to tell you back then". Denovan said to Striker, words that filled him with guilt as he looked away to the side. "What you told me back then...? That soccer isn't a one man show?" The teenage boy said, before closing both eyes and opened them to give his brothers a promising smile. "Right!" Striker added with a nod, finally understanding what his brothers have been trying to tell him.

Dempsey and Donovan returned the nod to their younger sibling, both proud of him. "Good for you, Striker". Yuma said to his new friend, catching Striker's attention as he looked back at the Syllables Duelist. "Yeah! I need to hurry and catch up to my brothers!" The teenage boy stated, before holding up his right hand for Yuma to take. "I'm gonna give soccer my all!" He exclaimed with spirit, right as Yuma raised his right hand and took hold of Striker's hand in a good show of sportsmanship.

"Me too! I'm gonna give it my all to become a Duel Champion!" Yuma exclaimed with a confident grin, before he blinked upon feeling something in his right hand. He and Striker let go of each other's hands, before Yuma looked to see a Heart Piece was the cause of that feeling he felt. "This belongs to you". Striker told the Syllables Duelist, right before Yuma grew a bright smirk.

The Syllables Duelist brought out his Heart Piece and joined his new one, placing right at the bottom. "Alright! I got my first Heart Piece! I'll win my next fight as well! I don't care who the opponent is! Bring it on!" Yuma exclaimed, spinning around before holding his Heart Piece up into the air. "I'm feeling the flow!" He cried out to the heavens with excitement to face his new opponent. Everyone watched the Syllables Duelist with a smile, the warmest smiles displayed on the faces of Rio, Kairi, Astral, Enna and Epifanio.

The World Duel Carnival has just started and already things were off to a blast for Yuma, Rio and everyone.

---

(Ending song: Longing Freesia)

The screen was covered by white rose petals, before they were blown away to reveal Rio in a red world, clothed in her normal outfit, with her eyes closed. She opens them, then grew an expression of wonder as she held up her hands right as the white petals began to fall around her. Her hair flew from the breeze, yet Rio didn't move an inch and kept her hands out, as if she was waiting for some rose petals to fall into her hands.

"Someone gave me some water."

"So I was able to paint a rainbow with ease."

The screen changed to a random part of Heartland City, where Rio was slowly walking down a street with her back to the camera. The screen slowly moved upwards as Rio walked, eventually Heartland Tower came into view.

"I want to become someone perfect."

"But it's very difficult."

The screen changed, showing the left side of Rio's face with the sky as the background. The Ice Queen wordlessly stared forward, the wind blowing her hair and clouds moving in the sky. Then, a single rose petal fell from the sky, yet Rio ignored it and instead closed her eyes.

"Even with me suffering,"

The screen changed to show Yuma standing in a white world, holding his left arm out with the Duel Disk on. The advanced Duel Disk then released a crimson bright light, before the world around Yuma changed to a red virtual world with red virtual cards flying around him. The cards quickly then transformed into crimson red beams that gathered inside of Yuma's Duel Disk.

The screen then changed once more to a blue world; where Astral stood with both arms crossed, facing forward with a deadly serious expression. It then quickly changed to show Enna in the blue world, displaying a worried face as she held her crying son in her arms.

"I can't seem to grasp victory."

In a purple hexagon world leading to a bright white light; Yuma and Rio stood ten feet away with Yuma's back to the Ice Queen. The Syllables Duelist, Duel-Eye Tatoo, headset and Duel Disk on, began walking away from Rio, who watched him with eyes full of concern as it felt like he's leaving her behind.

"I want to bloom!"

Yuma then seemingly blurred through the camera, right as Rio cried out in concern and threw her left hand out, reaching out for the boy she loved. The world seemed to be moving as well, turning to its right side as it headed to the bright white light at the end.

"I must be having some kind of weird dream."

"But If I must fulfil this,"

"Then I don't mind being laughed at for it."

The screen changed, now showing a random part of Heartland City. The camera started zooming out, showing Astral and Enna floating in the air next to one another, before they both spun around to face the camera. Yuma and Rio then came into sight, both facing forward for a moment or two, before they both turned around to face the camera with serious frowns, their pendants swaying a bit from the movement.

The screen changed, this time showing Yuma and Rio's friends, all dressed in their school uniforms, with Heartland Academy in the background. The camera began zooming back as Cat turned around, then gave a cat pose. Caswell turned around, placed his right hand on the hip and held up the left hand. Tori, Bronk and Flip turned to face the camera, before Bronk smirked and held up his right fist, while Flip jumped into the air with a bright smile and Tori just gave a gentle smile.

"Since it's because your limits are decided on your own."

"I'll show it, overcoming it to tomorrow."

The screen changed to another part of Heartland City and began zooming back. Kite and a cloaked Luna came into view across one another, before the Photon Duelist turned around and held up his ace monster; Number 62: Galaxy-Eyes Prime Photon Dragon's card. Hart came into view right as Luna grabbed hold of her cloak and threw it away, right before the young boy turned to look at the camera. The camera continued to zoom back, eventually revealing a large hologram of Doctor Faker looming over Heartland City. He laughed evilly, holding up both hands as he did so.

The screen changed, now showing ruins with the three brothers; Tray, Quattro and Quinton with Vetrix, super-size, behind the ruin's platform, facing a different direction. Quattro was the only brother standing on solid ground, while Tray and Quinton were floating slightly above the ground with Quinton's hair blowing. Vetrix turned around and gave a dark grin at the camera.

"Ah, I'm aiming for the big blue sky."

"For all of its glory."

"The Freesia of Desire."

The screen changed to a lovely afternoon Heartland City. Yuma, Rio and Kairi all walked beside one another with the little girl holding her parents' hands with both of hers. Yuma and Rio were smiling down at the little girl in between them, while Kairi had a great big smile with both eyes closed. And following behind the happy family was Shark, both hands in his pockets as he followed, a sour face watching his sister and her "family".

It changed once more, this time to a plaza area where Shark and Rio were having another one of their sibling squabble duels. Yuma stood on the sidelines, Kairi riding on his shoulders as both of them cried out in surprise, watching Rio getting blasted off her feet and sent crashing onto the ground in defeat. Shark stood a few feet away from his siter, holding his right hand out and left, Duel Disk equipped forearm, up with his ace monster; Number 37: Hope Wyvern Dragon Spider Shark floating above him.

It changed once more; this time showing Yuma, Rio and Shark all together. Kairi was straddling Shark's back in a piggyback ride, laughing with both eyes closed as she wrapped both arms around Shark's neck, while he looked at the girl over his shoulder with a comical annoyed face. Yuma was outright laughing with both eyes closed and his hands folded behind the head, while Rio held up her right hand to her face as she giggled at the sight of her brother.

The camera zoomed in on Rio, before spinning around, then changed.

"All of those countless flower petals".

"They came at the expense of".

"me being able to reach those heights."

Heartland City has been reduced to a former shell of itself, almost completely destroyed with all of the buildings either ruined or almost destroyed. It was as if some unknown force had come and invaded this once cheerful city. In the middle of the ruined city; Rio stood atop rooftop all alone, her hair and uniform's tails blowing in the breeze. She had a devastated face at what's happened to her home.

The camera then zoomed back, then shifted around and zoomed forward, quickly revealing Quattro standing atop another rooftop, Duel Disk equipped, with his back to the screen. He spun around and draw a card with a crazy grin, holding five cards with his left hand, staring right towards Rio.

Then, Quattro's strongest monster; Number 88: Gimmick Puppet of Leo appeared behind its master, seated on its throne. Leo then rose up from its throne, took its blade into a stance and then charged towards Rio, intending to bring its blade down on her.

"Ah, even though I lost my way today,"

"I still yearn for it."

"That freesia of Desire."

But from out of nowhere, a giant monster that matched Gimmick Puppet of Leo in size appeared in Leo's path and stopped its blade with both of its arms. Both monsters gleamed, before the camera shifted past them to the rooftop that Rio was standing on, only now Yuma, in full Duel gear, stood in front of his girlfriend in a protective manner, holding a single virtual card with his right hand, while Rio hid behind her boyfriend in a bit of fright.

Astral and Enna were floating besides their partners, facing Quattro and his monster as well. The camera zoomed in on the teenage couple, showing Yuma had a serious frown on his face while Rio was gazing at her boyfriend with great worry.

Rose petals then appeared and covered the screen's view for a moment, before clearing to reveal Rio in the red world from before, down on her knees, eyes closed and smiling a peaceful smile as she held a bouquet of roses in her hands with both hands, seemingly at peace.

(Ending song end)

---

And done, chapter 19 finished. I apologize if this chapter wasn't what you were all expecting, but there wasn't many changes I could make, no matter what I look up or think for Striker's deck. Maybe next chapter will be easier to add some changes, and quicker to make. With this chapter done, I'll now get to my VRAINS story's next chapter since it's been too long for that one.

Be warned; it won't have any dueling, just some other stuff, but I'll try to make it enjoyable. Good night everyone, and let us all hope next chapter is easier to do.