bopdog111: Little bit of a ZEXAL mood so to speak. Especially since we are now at where one of the major characters of this season is gonna make his move.
Ulrich362: True, it's going to be very interesting to say the least.
bopdog111: Originally in canon, Shark here tries to give up dueling but this time around he won't do such thing. We will still get Scorch, and Chills don't worry about them but they aren't the focus right now.
Ulrich362: No, instead the focus will be on Yuto and Shark's old friend... Kyoji.
bopdog111: Well let's see shall we?
Ulrich362: Sounds like a plan to me, enjoy the chapter.
Disclaimer: We don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL or Arc-V but we own any OCs!
Inside the Emperor's Key, Astral is floating around checking over some of the unmoving gears seeing the symbol of Number 83 on it which he generates Galaxy Queen's card allowing it to start spinning over. Looking around he starts to understand the inner workings of this ship where every time after they gather a Number, the ship's gears are moving. He wonders how exactly this ship is connected to them, probably thinking it's the reason for his memory loss although that is unlikely. Then deciding that if he can solve this puzzle, he can recover his memories but wonders why Yuma is with him, and why this was in his key. Those are questions best left answered when they gather the numbers.
Outside Yuto, Lulu, and Yuma were at a crosswalk where after Lulu wakes Yuma up, they are waiting for it to clear to the point where they are now late for school which Yuma groaned seeing time it is. "Oh, I hate being late on the crosswalk!"
"Traffic happens..." Yuto admitted seeing this frowning before the light allows pedestrians to walk. Seeing that they proceeded to walk across but he notices something widening his eyes. "Look out!"
They jumped back as someone on a bike raced past but Yuto blinked. "Shark?"
The bike parked over nearby as Yuma turned over to yell at the driver. "Hey man red means-!" He stopped when he hears who the driver was from Yuto asking. He also sees the driver despite wearing a helmet recognizes him. "Shark!" Shark stared over at them before he nodded towards Yuto, and then revved up driving off. They stared over before hearing honkings looking seeing the cars driving that they yelled running off to get out of the street. Yuto couldn't help but wonder what Shark was doing hoping he's alright ever since his duel with him.
(Theme: Take a Chance)
If life is a game
They say I can't win
I'll never amount to nothin'
Tear me down before my life begins,
I won't be afraid,
To challenge myself
They won't ever break my fire.
My dreams won't die
If I high-five the sky
Spread my wings,
Take off, it's time to fly!
Take a chance to make it all the way
Take a chance forgetting yesterday!
Take a chance with me...
Nothing will bring me down,
No retreat when I leave all my fears behind
My future's still alive inside!
Take a chance and chase my doubts away,
Believing gets me through my darkest days
Take a chance to make it all the way,
Take a chance forgetting yesterday
Take a breath, my heart will lead the way,
Take a chance, I'll take a chance in today!
"'Fraid not."
"So too!" Yuma argued towards Caswell who walked over with Tori, Bronk, and Saya as the smartest kid takes his Deck from his Duel Box checking over them with the kids. "Hey, why're you snooping at my Deck?"
"You're late, cause you failed to explain what the deal is with your Number cards." Caswell stated over towards him after looking up.
"There're not in my Deck cause it's obvious." Yuma stated over looking annoyed. "They only appear when Astral is here!" After seeing in Yuma's duel with Caswell, Yuto, and Lulu can tell that if Astral isn't there with Yuma right now, the Numbers that they collected aren't with Yuma. It be hard to explain over how it happens to Caswell without sounding like crazy people though, alongside that Yuto had found Kyoji, and heard from him he has Numbers. But now Caswell seems to be suspicious towards Yuma about these Numbers for some reason.
"Oh really?"
"Yeah, Yuto and Lulu had said that whenever Astral is here, the Numbers are there." Tori brought up vouching for Yuma.
"Well, who exactly is Astral?" Caswell questioned over before then shaking his head deciding that's not important right now. "Oh, nevermind, in the end, it's clear your only hiding your Number cards cause there your secret weapon. Admit it, you never could beat Flip without one." He had heard that Yuma defeated Flip with one of these Number cards, and from Yuma's current dueling abilities made him suspicious that the Numbers are really what makes Yuma so good a duelist, and winning due to there effect at being unable to be destroyed in battle by non-Numbers.
"Of course not, I won against him cause I'm a good duelist!" Yuma argued over at Caswell.
"Please, you never would have won that duel without your Numbers. Tell me I'm wrong." Caswell smirked at that.
"I told you that you were wrong already!" Yuma snapped. "If you need me tell you again then fine, you're wrong! Wrong, Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong!"
"Wow six wrongs..."
"I'd go seven if you wanna get technical." Bronk admitted towards Tori.
Tori then smiled hearing that. "Oh yeah, and seven's a lucky number so that's also why!"
"Yuma, you can say I'm wrong about a thousand or even a million times, but it doesn't change the fact you're a poor duelist." Caswell stated over done with anymore games now laying what he thinks is the cold hard truth that's bound to hurt but needed for him to hear. "In fact, if you really wanna prove it there's only one way to it."
"A duel, fine I'll take on anyone you want and I'll beat them without using a single Number." Yuma declared only for Lulu to frown.
"Both of you calm down." she told them.
"I am calm, I am just telling Yuma the truth of what he is. A poor duelist who depends on gimmicks to win, maybe if we see him duel Shark we have a change of tune?" Caswell suggested grinning over at Yuma for the dare while alarming everyone at who the opponent in mind is that Caswell thinks.
"Alright then, let's get hunting for Shark so I can duel him!" Yuma grinned over taking his Deck back.
"Hang on Yuma, you should probably not do this." Bronk suddenly spoke up which they looked over to him. "Word on the street is after Yuto beat him, he changed, and is hanging with some street thugs. You go to him there, you might get a duel but one you will never forget in a bad way."
Say what!? Yuto's eyes widen over what he had just heard, Shark... is hanging with some street gang now? No, that can't be right, Shark wouldn't stoop to gang level would he?
"You're wrong." he told Bronk immediately. "Shark's not with anyone like that."
"Well why are there people saying otherwise?" Bronk asked him a good question on why people are saying this stuff even though Yuto knows this isn't anything Shark does.
"Because people spread rumors about things they have no idea about." Yuto glared at Bronk. "Shark would NOT hang out with people like that... I know for a fact."
"Well why don't we see if that's true or not after school then?" Caswell suggested over towards them figuring a compromise for this type of situation where if they find Shark with those thugs, Yuma will get the duel, and know his place.
"Fine." Yuma frowned before taking his seat though he looked annoyed at Caswell.
Yuto frowned clenching his hands which Lulu notices. She knows how defensive Yuto can be about Shark, and Kyoji, they were basically brothers a long time ago before they split apart from the actions in the past. She hopes nothing bad will happen when there gonna look for Shark, and what this could entail.
Later after school...
From some directions Caswell provided all 7 of them arrived at the mall where this gang is suppose to be at a ruined area in a staircase no-one bothers going down too due to fear, and rumors surrounding it. But Cathy is also with them as seeing Yuma frustrated she wants to see if she can help, and doesn't take Yuma telling her no for an answer. They arrive at the staircase where it's suppose to be at staring down at the darkness down there.
"So this gang... is down there?" Saya shivered feeling intimidated at feeling how cold, and dark it is.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure everything is alright." Yuma mentioned despite shivering himself.
Despite that he proceeded down with them slowly following over even Caswell looks nervous. Yuma knows it's the duelist that makes the cards not the other way around, and if Shark is here, then he will prove that here. Astral appeared beside him suddenly looking around seeing there heading down a dark way. "What is going on here?"
"There are rumors that Shark is hanging out with some... less than pleasant types." Lulu explained. "It's probably nothing, but he's supposed to be here and Caswell told Yuma he only wins thanks to his Numbers so he's going to challenge Shark without using them."
"That does not sound very smart."
"Well it's a good thing I don't want your help this time." Yuma stated over annoyed at Astral as they arrived down seeing a ruined game like area entrance with some bikes. None of them look like Shark's like what Yuma, Lulu, and Yuto seen earlier this morning.
"See Yuma, Shark isn't here." Yuto pointed looking at the bikes. "They were just baseless rumors after all."
"There just bikes... who's to say he isn't in there?"
Hearing that from Caswell, Yuma turned to the entrance walking over. Seeing this Cathy widen her eyes. "Yuma, wait, that looks dangerous!" Yuma only opened the door walking in.
They see six thugs were in discussing before hearing the door opened turned seeing Yuma. A tanned black tank top dreadlock thug sneered standing up pounding his fist. "What's a shrimp like you doing here? Don't you know this is our territory?"
"Where's Shark?" Yuma questioned to the thug.
"Shark? Oh you mean the cheater?"
"Cheater?" Yuma blinked hearing that confused first time hearing of this.
A white jacket thug walked over smirking beside the tanned one. He didn't elaborate on what his buddy just said instead giving him what he wants to know. "Yeah, Shark was here but he just left. Headed down to the pier where if you hurry, you might catch him."
Yuma frowned as he turned and ran off with Cathy, Tori, and Bronk following him.
"I told you, Shark was here!" Caswell took this time to tell Yuto who stared before turning running to follow them that Caswell, and Saya along with Lulu followed over to witness in case they duel.
At the pier...
Shark stared over at the ocean sea taking in the basking light of the sunset. He had done a lot of thinking after Yuto had defeated him in that match. It been a while since he had lost a duel especially after the time he was disqualified on both accounts on that Kyoji stole the Deck, and now he had seemingly cheated at the National Circuit. So he decided to try getting stronger thinking he is getting soft on anyone after Yuto defeated him, he first started with that trouble gang he had heard about, and although he was suspicious of both of there members, he didn't pay much attention. In the end, he defeated them with ease, and realizes that Yuto really had grown stronger so he is here to think.
Surprised Shark turned around seeing the small crowd of students that had been looking for him Yuto among them. He narrowed his eyes over. "Hmph... what are you all doing here?"
"That should be obvious, I came to duel you Shark!" Yuma declared.
Shark blinked over from this. "You, duel me?" He raised an eyebrow suspicious over at him. "You got your buddy's Deck back, what more do you want from me?"
"Yuma wants to prove he's an actually skilled duelist and doesn't need to rely on his Numbers." Caswell explained.
"Ha? Something as stupid as that?" Shark turned away annoyed. "I'm outta here..." He moved to try walking off. Suddenly pausing he senses something nearby but before he can investigate Yuma got in front of his line of vision.
"Hang on Shark, I want to duel you! That's what friends do they hang out with each other!"
Off-guard from what Yuma said, Shark growled over snapping. "We are not friends Yuma, what makes you think of that?"
"What makes me think of it? Cause, you, and Yuto dueled." Shark blinked hearing that before Yuma stated over towards him. "Anybody who I duel is my friend, and as Yuto dueled you, you're his friend, and whoever his friends are, are my friends as well! And right now, we want you to stop hanging with those thugs!"
"Thugs, what thugs?" Shark questioned hearing that confused. Then remembering over he looked agitated over. "Are you telling me you made Yuto head down to Scorch, and Chills?"
"So you do know those two! You are hanging out with them aren't you!?" Caswell asked only to flinch and hide behind Bronk when Shark turned to glare at him. "Ho... how else would you know their names?"
Shark growled over before looking at Yuto. "Yuto, why exactly did you head down there? Haven't you heard about them?"
"I went there to prove you weren't hanging out with them Shark, I know you're not that kind of person and you never have been." Yuto answered.
Shark stared before tching turning away. "Well you're correct about it like always, those guys were lame. After our duel, I went down there to see if there really as tough as I heard... was disappointed really, they weren't worth my time." From that they know that Yuto was correct that Shark wouldn't stoop that low, and that the rumors told about him with them were false. In fact only there to duel stronger opponents.
"That makes a lot more sense than you hanging out with a bunch of thugs." Bronk admitted hearing that.
"Now what's this about dueling me?" Shark turned back to Yuma.
"Yeah, I want to duel you so that we can really have a chance to be friends. Alongside that even without Numbers, I can win duels." Yuma stated over grinning to Shark. "So Shark what you say?"
Shark stared over at him alongside seeing Yuma offering his hand towards him. He doesn't understand Yuma really... sure there was talk that Yuma had dueled, and won against one of the most cunning strategies in the school, but didn't really pay attention alongside that Yuma is one of the most poorest duelists in it. So he isn't really sure if Yuma is worth his time or not.
Suddenly Astral sensed something quickly cautioning Yuma. "Yuma, something's here!"
"Huh, what do you mean something's here?" Yuma asked turning to Astral.
Suddenly something shot, and wrapped around him, and pulling him up making him scream out much to the shock of everyone who called his name. Yuma finds himself wrapped in some kind of spider web connected at the web as he struggled into it. "Hey! What's going on!? Where'd this web come from!?"
"I think the better question is who formed it." Astral admitted staring looking worried about this wondering what is going on.
"That be my doing." came the answer as someone stepped on a ledge above the web.
"Kyoji!" Yuto cried seeing him as Shark's eyes widened.
"What are you doing here?" he questioned.
The person named Kyoji turned over seeing both his closest friends are with the group of students. Narrowing his eyes he dropped down to a storehouse that the web is connected too staring down at them. "Well well Reginald... it's been a long time hasn't it?"
"Yeah it had been, Kyoji." Shark stared over at him glaring. "You disappeared soon after you stole that Deck!"
"That was years ago, a thing of the past." Kyoji shrugged before turning over towards Yuma. "Now my prize is with this kid here." He then to the shock of everyone turned to Astral who blinked. "Or rather the Original Number that's with him."
"You can see Astral?" Yuto questioned. "How?"
"Wait... Astral really is real?" Caswell blinked from that as from this he, Bronk, Tori, and Cathy now have definite proof that Astral really is someone that is real.
"Of course he is real. You can't see him as you lack the ability too." Kyoji turned back over. "Now then, old friends, I'm afraid my time here is limited, I have to get the Original Number, and the Numbers this kid has."
"Hey wait, this is pretty cheap taking them when I'm down!" Yuma yelled over at Kyoji who only looked over. "Who are you anyway!?"
"Well since, you've asked best as well tell you." Kyoji stated over before then introducing himself in a polite bow. "My name is Kyoji Yagumo. And I am here for you Yuma Tsukumo, for you see you have something I need. The Numbers in your possession, and the Original Number."
"Well I'm sorry there not for you to have!"
"You seem to mistake this as a negotiation, that was not a request." Kyoji stated over moving to start taking them.
"Hold on Kyoji, your not going anywhere!"
"And just what are you going to do about it Reginald?" Kyoji turned over towards Shark.
"Well... how about you duel me then! You let him go if I win!" Shark challenged at Kyoji.
Yuto's eyes widened seeing Shark was about to duel Kyoji.
"Of course, there's no way Shark's going to lose this match so Yuma's fine." Caswell smiled only to notice both Shark and Yuto were frowning.
"I don't think it's going to be that easy." Yuto frowned. "Shark, are you sure about this?"
"Of course, I might've never beat Kyoji at this point but this time it's gonna be different." Shark answered as stairs made of webs appeared that Kyoji proceeded to step down. "And if Yuma really is my friend like he is, then a friend's gotta help them out when they need it." When Kyoji stepped on the ground the web staircase vanished.
"Shark..." Yuma whispered hearing Shark call him his friend.
"Are you still using the same cards?" Shark asked Kyoji.
"I have changed since we last encounter each other. Although Reginald, I had heard about you cheated in the Nationals but Yuto cleared you had done so, although I knew it's something you can't do."
"But in the end I fallen down the same path you did cause I had something worth fighting for." Shark told him simply alright with discussing things before they start dueling. "It had quickly reminded me what I'm dueling for, and always making sure that I don't sink to your level. You gone too far back then."
"We've both been disgraced Reginald. Even though you took the blame for the Deck Theft it was still my actions that done that to you." Kyoji said to him crossing his arms looking out to see the sunset. "But there is a major difference between us. You had stayed at the bottom of the food chain while I climbed my way back up without your help. And I have a goal why."
"You also have something worth fighting for?"
Kyoji shrugged from that. "Something like that Reginald. This world is messed up, and frankly needs a bit of chaos. This world deserves it for being the hellhole it always is having no value for existing." Which of course alarmed everyone present while Shark just narrowed his eyes.
"So what, you want to destroy the world is that it?" Shark questioned. "Sorry, but we both know I have reasons not to let that happen."
"Of course, I had heard about your sister." Kyoji turned back towards him. "It's not too late though, Reginald. Both us, and Yuto can team up to gather the Numbers, and rid the Universe of this blasted world. You must of hated this world the way it is. I know you do."
"...Your right, I do hate this world." Shark admitted to him shaking his head admitting that he does indeed hate this world from how it was onto them as they looked at him. "Back then I couldn't protect Rio at needed times. I tried to win that tournament but gotten disqualified when I got so close to it. And the bitter sting of defeat by Yuto had reminded me of how weak I was."
"Then how bout it? Would you lend us a hand?" Kyoji offered a hand that perhaps they can avoid dueling him cause he would destroy him, and wishes for Shark, and Yuto to join up with him for this.
Shark stared over for a few seconds, and then turned to Yuto who looked at him. Then he turned back to Kyoji's offered hand before chuckling closing his eyes raising his hand. "A hand, eh?"
SMACK!
Shark smacked his hand away with Kyoji's arm turned to the side looking unfazed as Shark glared over to him. "You are right that I hate this world, and the way it functions. But your wrong that this world deserves to be destroyed. There are still people who can change the world how it is for the better or for the worst! And I don't know how the Numbers will help you, but I'll tell you, you won't succeed!"
"You tell him Shark, this nut has no idea what-" Yuma started only for more webbing to cover his mouth so he couldn't talk.
Kyoji stared a for second before closing his eyes lowering his arm. "So be it. It appears you've been in the bottom for far too long Reginald. In that case, I'll make you regret not siding with me." He stepped back to ready the duel before he then turned to Yuto. "Of course, I have yet to hear your response Yuto. I warned you before, if you get in my way, I won't show any mercy. But if your interested yourself, you can be spared. So what do you say?"
Yuto met his eyes. "I'd never agree to something as insane as destroying the world... What happened to you Kyoji?"
"Just gotten guidance, and needed a new hobby." Kyoji shrugged before he turned to Shark. "Well then, old friends it's time we begin this inevitable battle here."
"Then what are we waiting for!?" Shark readied activating his Duel Disk. "Duel Disk go!" Kyoji activated his own Duel Disk shaped like an other world Spider at this. "And Duel Gazer let's roll!" While Shark places on his Duel Gazer, Kyoji's left eye glowed red as a black mark passes through it as they prepare themselves.
"Duel Interface Set. Augmented Realty Vision Link Established." the computer stated as everyone's Duel Gazer's glowed alongside Kyoji's eye.
"LET'S DUEL!"
(Dueling Theme: Serpentine by Disturbed)
Shark: 4000
Hand: 5
Field: Nothing
Kyoji: 4000
Hand: 5
Field: Nothing
Let the duel commence!
Kyoji 1st Turn:
"Is everyone else worried, that Shark said he never beat this guy?" Bronk asked at everyone else worried from what he had heard alongside scared of this guy wanting to destroy Earth using the Numbers.
"Kyoji was always the best of the three of us." Yuto admitted as he turned to the others. "And I was the weakest... but I beat Shark so anything's possible."
They looked over before Kyoji takes his hand. "I'll be first for us." Shark nodded over which Kyoji takes a card. "And I start by summoning Mother Spider Splitter!"
A web appeared before materializing was a giant Spider that's brown in body, and also purple with yellow eyes at it's abdomen readying over with fangs.
(Attack Position)
Mother Spider Splitter
DARK
Level 5
Insect/Effect
ATK: 0
DEF: 2300
If you control no monsters, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). You can Tribute this card; you cannot Special Summon from the Extra Deck for the rest of this turn, except Xyz Monsters, also Special Summon up to 3 "Baby Spider" from your hand and/or Deck, and if you do, they become Level 5, but cannot be used as material for an Xyz Summon, except the Xyz Summon of a DARK monster. You can only use this effect of "Mother Spider Splitter" once per turn.
"As I don't posses a monster on the field, I can summon this monster from my hand." Kyoji explained over to them.
"No attack points, which means it has a powerful ability." Shark frowned.
"She can create new babies. By Tributing her, I can summon 3 Baby Spiders from my Deck, all becoming Level 5." Kyoji confirmed holding 3 cards from her Deck as the Mother Spider released three eggs before vanishing which three small spiders hatched from the eggs which are smaller versions of there mother but also has red eyes around there bodies.
(Attack Position) x3
Baby Spider
DARK
Level 3
Insect/Effect
ATK: 0
DEF: 0
You can Tribute 1 DARK monster; increase the Levels of all "Baby Spiders" you currently control by the Level of that Tributed monster. You can pay half your LP, banish this card from your GY, and detach 1 material from your DARK Xyz Monster, then target 1 DARK monster in your GY; Special Summon it. You can only use each effect of "Baby Spider" once per turn.
Baby Spider: (LV: 3 + 2 = 5) x3
"Three level five monsters?" Tori asked nervously.
"This is not good." Caswell panicked.
"Three is too many for me. I only just need two!" Kyoji called as two of the Baby Spiders glowed purple flying into the Overlay Network forming together as they watched.
"Greedy Cerberus of Hell! Rise from the darkened fires of hellfire, and give despair onto all who oppose! Xyz Summon! Number 14: Greedy Sarameya!"
A blue 14 appeared as a ball of fur with three tails appeared with orange foxfire around. Then it unfolded over where it formed into a three headed wolf like monster having blue heads while it's whole body seemed to be made of orange foxfire with blue limbs, and a blue 14 on it's tail as howled staring ahead.
(Attack Position)
Number 14: Greedy Sarameya
DARK
Level 5
Beast/Effect/Xyz
ATK: 2500
DEF: 1500
2 Level 5 monsters
Cannot be destroyed by battle, except with "Number" monsters. Your opponent takes any effect damage you would have taken from their card effects, instead. When this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; destroy all monsters on the field whose current ATK is less than or equal to the original ATK of the destroyed monster in the Graveyard.
(ORU: 2)
"A Number!" Bronk cried in shock.
Shark grunted over before looking at Kyoji. The boy shrugged over. "If you don't have the courage to use them, and make there power your own by bending them to your will, then you are not worthy to use the Numbers."
"That's big talk Kyoji, let's see if you can back it up." Shark challenged.
"Indeed." Kyoji takes a card setting it down. "I place 1 card face-down. Your turn Reginald." A face-down appeared now giving Shark a chance to go. Baby Spider's Level changed back to Level 3 at the end of the turn.
Kyoji's Hand: 3/Field: Number 14: Greedy Sarameya (Attack Position/ORU: 2), Baby Spider (Attack Position), One Set Card
Shark 1st Turn:
Shark drew his card before looking and nodding. "Alright, I'll start by activating the spell card Water Hazard!"
(face-up)
Water Hazard
Continuous Spell Card
Once per turn: You can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower WATER monster from your hand. You must control no monsters to activate and to resolve this effect.
"Since I have no monsters in play I can automatically bring out a level four or lower Water Monster from my hand and I choose Hammer Shark!"
A shark with a hammer for a head appeared.
(Attack Position)
Hammer Shark
WATER
Level 3
Fish/Effect
ATK: 1700
DEF: 1500
Once per turn: You can reduce the Level of this card by 1, and if you do, Special Summon 1 Level 3 or lower WATER monster from your hand.
"Then I'll use Hammer Shark's ability to lower his level by one and summon my Left-Hand Shark to the field!" A shark that seem to resemble a left hand rose up growling.
Hammer Shark: (LV: 4 - 1 = 3)
(Defense Position)
Left-Hand Shark
WATER
Level 3
Fish/Effect
ATK: 1300
DEF: 1500
If this card is Special Summoned from the GY: This card's Level becomes 4. You can only use each of the following effects of "Left-Hand Shark" once per turn. If you control "Right-Hand Shark", and this card is in your hand or GY: You can Special Summon this card, but banish it when it leaves the field. An Xyz Monster that was Summoned using only WATER monsters as material, including this card on the field, gains this effect.
● This card cannot be destroyed by card effects.
"Hmm..." Kyoji watched on seeing Shark summoned two monsters real easily.
"Now I set one card and Overlay Hammer Shark and Left-Hand Shark!" Shark called as his monsters flew into the Overlay Network. "Kyoji, say hello to my Black Ray Lancer!" From that raising was a large black finned monster wielding a trident readying on the field.
(Attack Position)
(Gains effect of Left-Hand Shark)
Black Ray Lancer
DARK
Rank 3
Beast-Warrior/Xyz/Effect
ATK: 2100
DEF: 600
2 Level 3 WATER monsters
Once per turn: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card to target 1 face-up monster on the field; negate that target's effects until the End Phase.
(ORU: 2)
"Of course, that monster." Kyoji stared up at the card staring ahead. "You always use it against hard to battle monsters."
"You remember what he does then you remember his ability to negate Greedy Sarameya's effects!" Shark smirked as Black Ray Lancer takes an Overlay Unit in it's trident.
Black Ray Lancer: (ORU: 2 - 1)
Black Ray Lancer generated a water storm blasting over Greedy Sarameya who howled loud feeling it's effects being negated powering it down.
Greedy Sarameya: (Effects Negated)
"A Number can only be destroyed by a Number... however it's only just a card effect, now it can be destroyed like any other monster!" Shark smirked to Kyoji who narrowed his eyes over.
"Oh dear me." Astral widen his eyes seeing that Shark does have a card to use against Number Users upon hearing that. It was correct, the effect of the Number's greatest strength as in fact the part where they can only be destroyed by a Number, but if it's negated then that be no issue.
"I'm not done, I summon Right-Hand Shark!" Shark called playing another monster that is a right-hand version of Left-Hand Shark.
(Attack Position)
Right-Hand Shark
WATER
Fish/Effect
Level 4
ATK: 1500
DEF: 1300
When this card is Normal Summoned: You can add 1 "Left-Hand Shark" from your Deck to your hand. If this card is in your GY and you control no monsters: You can Special Summon this card, but banish it when it leaves the field. An Xyz Monster that was Summoned using only WATER monsters as material, including this card on the field, gains this effect.
● This card cannot be destroyed by battle.
You can only use each effect of "Right-Hand Shark" once per turn.
"And with this monster in play, I can bring Left-Hand Shark back from the graveyard and treat it as a level four monster."
Left-Hand Shark reappeared next to its counterpart.
Left-Hand Shark: (LV: 3 + 1 = 4/Banished when leaves the field)
"2 Xyz Summons in a turn, of course I'd expected nothing less." Kyoji voiced over. "I'd be disappointed if you think I'm not worthy for what your Deck can do like that."
Shark frowned. "I Overlay Right-Hand Shark and Left-Hand Shark!"
The two Shark's flew into the Overlay Network.
"Howl, unknown roar! Rise from the darkness of the abyss! Xyz Summon! Bahamut Shark!" A blue scaled bipedal shark rose up growling over against Kyoji.
(Attack Position)
(Gains effect of Right-Hand Shark)
Bahamut Shark
WATER
Rank 4
Sea-Serpent/Xyz/Effect
ATK: 2600
DEF: 2100
2 Level 4 WATER monsters
Once per turn: You can detach 1 material from this card; Special Summon 1 Rank 3 or lower WATER Xyz Monster from your Extra Deck. This card cannot attack for the rest of this turn.
(ORU: 2)
"And you remember the special abilities my Left and Right Hand Sharks give my Xyz Monsters right?"
"Just Right-Hand Shark as you had used Left-Hand Shark earlier." Kyoji reminded over that as Shark Xyz Summoned with Left-Hand earlier it can't give Bahamut Shark the effect to not be destroyed by effects.
'"True, but Black Ray Lancer can attack your Baby Spider!" Shark called.
Black Ray Lancer charged in over towards Baby Spider which looked up before Black Ray Lancer destroyed it with a slash of it's trident while Kyoji watched over. (Kyoji: 1900/Hand: 3)
"That guy doesn't look to be very good. Why'd he leave a weak monster like that in Attack Position?" Bronk wondered what Kyoji's plan is not seeing the point in what he's doing.
"Don't underestimate Kyoji, he's always been the best duelist of the three of us." Yuto told him. "Whatever he's planning, it can't be good."
Shark frowned since he knew Yuto was right. "Bahamut Shark attack Greedy Sarameya!"
Bahamut Shark charged in roaring over attacking over at Greedy Sarameya grabbing the weakened Number, and slammed it down onto the field biting hard. It destroyed it easily as without it's protection effect, it's helpless against Bahamut Shark while Kyoji stared on with narrowed eyes. (Kyoji: 1800/Hand: 3)
Shark frowned seeing that. "Now that my Battle Phase is over, I'll use Bahamut Shark's ability to use an Overlay Unit and bring out my Aero Shark in attack position, and while this effect means I can't declare an attack with my Bahamut Shark for the rest of the turn, I already attacked so there's no downside at all."
Bahamut Shark: (ORU: 2 - 1)
The monster he used to defeat Bronk before appeared on his field.
(Attack Position)
Submersible Carrier Aero Shark
WATER
Rank 3
Fish/Xyz/Effect
ATK: 1900
DEF: 1000
2 Level 3 monsters
Once per turn: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; inflict 100 damage to your opponent for each of your banished monsters.
"That ends my turn."
Shark's Hand: 1/Field: Bahamut Shark (Attack Position/ORU: 1/Gains effect of Right-Hand Shark), Black Ray Lancer (Attack Position/ORU: 1/Gains effect of Left-Hand Shark), Submersible Carrier Aero Shark (Attack Position/ORU: 1), Water Hazard (face-up), One Set Card
Shark: 4000
Hand: 5
Field: Bahamut Shark (Attack Position/ORU: 1/Gains effect of Right-Hand Shark), Black Ray Lancer (Attack Position/ORU: 1/Gains effect of Left-Hand Shark), Submersible Carrier Aero Shark (Attack Position/ORU: 1), Water Hazard (face-up), One Set Card
Kyoji: 1800
Hand: 3
Field: One Set Card
Kyoji 2nd Turn:
"Hmm..." Kyoji stared over before he then drew. "It's my turn, I draw!" He checked over seeing his drawn card, and looked over. "And I start by summoning Tristan, Knight of the Underworld!" At that a darkened zombie knight rose up on the field wielding a large shield, and a spear.
(Attack Position)
Tristan, Knight of the Underworld
DARK
Level 4
Zombie/Effect
ATK: 1800
DEF: 0
When this card is Normal Summoned: You can target 1 Zombie monster with 0 DEF in your GY; add it to your hand. Gains 300 ATK if you control another Zombie monster(s).
"And I activate the effect of Isolde, Belle of the Underworld in my hand." Kyoji reveals another card in his hand. "I summon this card if I have Tristan on the field!" Raising was a human woman having a purple sleeveless top on that shows her abdomen, purple tattoos on her arms, and purple energy as her lower waist as she grinned with purple eyes, and white/black hair.
(Attack Position)
Isolde, Belle of the Underworld
DARK
Level 4
Zombie/Effect
ATK: 1000
DEF: 0
If you control "Tristan, Knight of the Underworld", you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). Cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. You can target up to 2 Zombie monsters you control and declare a Level from 5 to 8; they become that Level until the end of this turn, also you cannot Special Summon monsters for the rest of this turn, except Zombie monsters. You can only use this effect of "Isolde, Belle of the Underworld" once per turn.
"What the? You never used cards like those." Shark frowned.
Tristan, Knight of the Underworld: (ATK: 1800 + 300 = 2100)
"As I said before, I rose to the top of the food chain. That includes making changes, and forming new strategies." Kyoji reminded before then raising his arm. "Such as Isolde's ability to prove that I raise up as I raise both her, and Lancelot's levels together to 8!"
Isolde meditated before she, and Tristan grew in size.
Tristan, Knight of the Underworld: (LV: 4 + 4 = 8)
Isolde, Belle of the Underworld:(LV: 4 + 4 = 8)
"Two level eight monsters? This isn't good." Caswell panicked.
"Now I Overlay Level 8 Tristan, and Isolde!" the two glowed purple flying into the Overlay Network before it materialized his next monster.
"Lustful Knight of Hell! Raise from the grave, and show everyone the real meaning of nothingness! Xyz Summon! Number 23: Lancelot, Dark Knight of the Underworld!"
A crest like gem appeared before forming into a large silver armored knight with a large blue torn scarf around it's body alongside holding a long bladed rapier in it's right hand. A purple 23 is evident on it's right side.
(Attack Position)
Number 23: Lancelot, Dark Knight of the Underworld
DARK
Rank 8
Zombie/Effect/Xyz
ATK: 2000
DEF: 1500
2 Level 8 monsters
Cannot be destroyed by battle, except with "Number" monsters. This card can attack your opponent directly while it has Xyz Material. When this card inflicts battle damage to your opponent: You can target 1 face-up monster your opponent controls; destroy it. Once per turn, during either player's turn, when a Spell/Trap Card, or another monster's effect, is activated: Detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; negate the activation.
(ORU: 2)
"All that for a monster that's weaker than two of Shark's cards?" Tori blinked. "Why wouldn't he summon something stronger?"
"Why?" Tori flinched when Kyoji turned over towards her. "Well that be a fair question. The answer is simple," He turned back to the duel. "this monster had special powers you never encountered. Like this for example... Lancelot attack Reginald directly!" Lancelot charged in passing by Shark's 3 Xyz Monsters who looked surprised turning over as Lancelot did a thrust over at Shark.
"I play the trap Poseidon Wave!" Shark countered activating one of his signature trap cards.
Poseidon Wave
Normal Trap Card
When an opponent's monster declares an attack: Target the attacking monster; negate the attack, and if you do, inflict 800 damage to your opponent for each Fish, Sea Serpent, or Aqua-Type monster you control.
"Not only does this stop your attack but since I have two Sea-Serpent, Fish, or Aqua monsters in play you take 1600 points of damage!"
"Not good enough! Lancelot's ability activates!" Kyoji countered over as Lancelot takes a unit in it's rapier. (ORU: 2 - 1) "I use an Overlay Unit to stop Poseidon Wave from taking effect!" Lancelot generated a dark purple wave which cancelled out the trap.
Shark's eyes widened as his trap dulled and the attack hit him.
(Shark: 2000/Hand: 1)
"Shark!" Yuto looked worried, and protective of one of his closest friends seeing the attack looked hard as Lancelot jumped back to Kyoji's side.
"Poseidon Wave is one of your signature trap cards, Reginald. So why wouldn't I have a counter to it by now?" Kyoji asked Shark as he had expected Shark to use Poseidon Wave at that instance.
"I expected my trap to fail, but now I know what your Number can do." Shark smirked. "A small hit to ensure I win on my next turn."
"Well then maybe it be good for you to know the other thing." Kyoji closed his eyes before opening then. "When it deals damage in battle, one monster on your field is destroyed."
"What!?" Shark questioned in shock hearing that.
"Obviously Black Ray Lancer is the biggest threat but due to Left-Hand Shark from earlier, it can't be destroyed. So I'll get rid of the other biggest threat. Bahamut Shark!" Lancelot charged in too fast that Bahamut Shark barely had any time to react before it thrusted it's rapier into it's heart.
Bahmut Shark cried out shattering from the blow. Shark raised an arm grunting over Astral watched in shock from seeing what Kyoji can do. "That Number... it was like it was made to counter Shark's strategies. How is that possible though, Numbers take the form of desires there holders have."
"Funny you mentioned that, Original Number." Kyoji spoke up. "You see Lancelot, and any others I have are special. Even though I wield them, there blank most of the time."
"Blank? What do you mean blank?" Lulu asked him.
"This here." Kyoji takes out a card showing it's an Xyz Monster but it's effect, name, and anything else are blank. But Astral can definitely sense it's a Number card despite not baring the Number name. "As he had explained the Numbers take the form of the desires any human who comes into contact with. You probably remember that child actor after one of my subordinates given him Number 83 which then takes the form of his mother."
"You're the one who gave Nelson a Number Card? Just who are you?" Cathy asked him.
"He can answer that after I win, are you playing anything else Kyoji?" Shark questioned.
"Hmm..." Kyoji pockets the Number card not pleased that Shark interrupted to continue the match but has no trouble. "Very well then. I place 1 card down, and end my turn."
Kyoji's Hand: 1/Field: Number 23: Lancelot, Dark Knight of the Underworld (Attack Position/ORU: 1), Two Set Cards
Shark 2nd Turn:
Shark drew his card. "Black Ray Lancer, negate Lancelot's effects!"
Black Ray Lancer: (ORU: 1 - 0)
"Wouldn't matter anyway but Lancelot's effect activates!" Lancelot takes it's other unit cancelling Black Ray Lancer's effects.
Number 23: Lancelot, Dark Knight of the Underworld: (ORU: 1 - 0)
"But now that Lancelot has no more Overlay Units, it can't attack directly anymore." Kyoji spoke over towards Shark for some positivity on his side.
"That's not why I used that ability, I activate Armored Xyz!"
Armored Xyz
Normal Spell Card
Target 1 face-up monster you control and 1 Xyz Monster in your GY; equip that monster from your GY to that monster on the field as an Equip Spell with these effects.
● Change the equipped monster's ATK to this card's ATK.
● The equipped monster gains this card's Attribute.
● At the end of the Damage Step, if the equipped monster attacked: You can send this card to the GY; that attacking monster can make a second attack in a row.
"I target the Bahamut Shark you destroyed and equip it to my Aero Shark!"
Bahamut Shark reappeared before turning into a sort of armored that formed around Aero Shark
Submersible Carrier Aero Shark: (ATK: 2600)
"Now, Aero Shark attack Lancelot!"
Aero Shark roared over charging over at Lancelot who braced itself being hit. Due to it's protection effect, it wasn't destroyed as Kyoji stared on unaffected by the damage he was hit by. (Kyoji: 1200/Hand: 1)
"I set one card facedown and end my turn." Shark told him.
"Admittedly Reginald, I had almost forgotten of the Armored Xyz cards you use. They are what make you, you." Kyoji admitted before he softly smiled. "It feels good to face them once more like the old days, do you remember Reginald, of the times we both, and Yuto dueled together? And that you managed to use your monsters even if there gone?"
From that flashes appeared in Shark, and Yuto's eyes where they a little younger alongside Kyoji's who's hair is down, and smooth were dueling for fun, and through all the times Shark often uses the Armored Xyz cards against them which wins against Yuto but Kyoji manages to work his way past them. This moment at facing them again after so long sends nostalgia towards Kyoji's mind.
Hearing that Shark frowned and clenched his fists. Kyoji was even stronger, and was somehow able to master the Numbers and grow as a duelist and Yuto too... his new Rank-Up-Magic cards made him even stronger but he hadn't grown at all... he was using the same old strategies and no matter how good they are he's falling behind.
Shark's Hand: 0/Field: Submersible Carrier Aero Shark (Attack Position/ATK: 2600/Equipped with Bahamut Shark), Black Ray Lancer (Attack Position), Bahamut Shark (Equipped to Submersible Carrier Aero Shark), Water Hazard (face-up), One Set Card
Shark: 2000
Hand: 0
Field: Bahamut Shark (Attack Position/ORU: 1/Gains effect of Right-Hand Shark), Black Ray Lancer (Attack Position/ORU: 1/Gains effect of Left-Hand Shark), Submersible Carrier Aero Shark (Attack Position/ORU: 1), Water Hazard (face-up), One Set Card
Kyoji: 1200
Hand: 1
Field: Number 23: Lancelot, Dark Knight of the Underworld (Attack Position), Two Set Cards
Kyoji 3rd Turn:
"Sorry didn't mean to waste time, I just felt nostalgic over. My turn, draw." Kyoji drew checking his hand. Then he looked at his field, "I start by summoning Rainbow Spider!" A small arachnid spider rose up screeching over.
(Attack Position)
Rainbow Spider
DARK
Level 4
Insect/Effect
ATK: 1700
DEF: 500
You can Tribute 1 Xyz Monster you control or this card; you cannot Special Summon from the Extra Deck for the rest of this turn, except Xyz Monsters, also Special Summon up to 3 "Baby Spider" in your GY, or banishment, and if you do, there Levels becomes the Rank of the Tributed Xyz Monster, but cannot be used as material for an Xyz Summon, except the Xyz Summon of a DARK monster. You can only use this effect of "Rainbow Spider" per turn.
"With it, I Tribute Lancelot to summon two Baby Spiders from the graveyard with a Level equal to Lancelot's rank!" Lancelot vanished as Kyoji places 2 Baby Spiders back on the field.
Baby Spider: (Attack Position/LV: 3 + 5 = 8) x2
"Then I use one of my Baby Spider's abilities! By Tributing a DARK monster on my field, there Levels go up by the Level of that monster." Rainbow Spider vanished as the two Baby Spiders grew in size.
Baby Spider: (LV: 8 + 4 = 12) x 2
Shark's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Now I overlay both Baby Spiders to summon the fault of humanity!" Both Baby Spiders glowed flying into the Overlay Network with everyone shocked.
"All Deadly Sins taken physical form! Reveal yourself to show the true Lust, Greed, Wrath, Sloth, Gluttony, Pride, and Envy to everyone on this cursed world! Bring the Sins of Humanity afoot, and destroy humanity! Xyz Summon!" Kyoji shows the card placing it down. "Number 77: The Seven Sins!"
Emerging from the Overlay Network was a large purple/black/yellow spider having red eyes, and gems all around it's body with eight legs chittering over.
(Attack Position)
Number 77: The Seven Sins
DARK
Rank 12
Fiend/Effect/Xyz
ATK: 4000
DEF: 3000
2 Level 12 monsters
Cannot be destroyed by battle, except with "Number" monsters. You can also Xyz Summon this card by using a Rank 10 or 11 DARK Xyz Monster you control as material. (Transfer its materials to this card.) If Summoned this way, the following effect cannot be activated this turn. Once per turn: You can detach 2 materials from this card; banish as many Special Summoned monsters your opponent controls as possible, then attach 1 of those banished monsters to this card as material. If this face-up card on the field would be destroyed by battle or card effect, you can detach 1 material from this card instead.
(ORU: 2)
"A Number with 4000 attack points!" Astral gasped astonished seeing how powerful, and intimidating this Number looks. "This... this must be Kyoji's most powerful Number in his possession!" With the appearance, power, and possibly abilities to boot to prove that.
Shark frowned seeing that.
"I now activate the effect of the Seven Sins!" Kyoji called as Seven Sins trapped both Black Ray Lancer, and Aero Shark in webs while taking it's Overlay Units in it's abdomen. (ORU: 2 - 1 - 0) "I use two Overlay Units, and that way all monsters that are Special Summoned on your field are banished!"
Both of Shark's monsters shattered.
"No way!" Caswell panicked.
"Afterward, one of the monsters that was banished become Seven Sins' Overlay Unit!" Black Ray Lancer emerged from where it was flying before turning to an Overlay Unit.
Number 77: The Seven Sins: (ORU: 0 - 1)
"Well old friend it looks like, it's the end here." Kyoji spoke with closed eyes before looking at Shark. "I'll await you in hell later on Reginald... Seven Sins attack!"
Seven Sins charged up a web attack over towards Shark. Of course, Shark still has one secret weapon... a card that he hadn't use in a long time but for this match he had included in his Deck to help out when the time is right. Now is the time, and possibly bring Kyoji back to how he knows him.
"I'm not going to hell Kyoji, I play a trap, The Paths of Destiny!" Shark called.
The Paths of Destiny
Normal Trap Card
Both players toss a coin once. If a player's result is Heads, they gain 2000 Life Points, and if their result is Tails, they take 2000 damage.
"We both flip a coin, heads we gain 2000 life points, but tails means we take 2000 points of damage."
"What?" Kyoji blinked shocked seeing it. That card... wasn't it...
Flashback...
A younger Kyoji with his hair down walked over smiling towards a younger Shark who was pouting looking at the ground sitting down. Yuto wasn't there right now so it's just them, and they engaged in a friendly duel. "I beat you again Reginald, you still have a long way to go to get too my level."
"I'll never get to your level Kyoji... I mean, you're good enough to be the national champion easily." the younger Shark frowned.
"Oh don't act like that." the younger Kyoji smiled over towards him. "I know that maybe one day you'll reach it like I do... In fact here." He reaches in his Deck taking out a card handing to to the younger Shark who takes it confused seeing it's The Path of Destiny, Kyoji's favorite card.
"Huh, are you really giving this to me?" the younger Shark asked in shock.
"Yeah. I believe that we can take our destiny, and we let a path guide us." the younger Kyoji explained smiling to him. "The Path of Destiny here lets us explore two different paths. A path of an easy life, and a path of a hard life. I take the hard path to see you succeed, and one day reach my level."
The younger Shark looked at the card before nodding. "One day... I'll beat you Kyoji." The younger Kyoji nodded smiling over in memories.
Flashback End...
"After all these years... despite what I had done back then... you kept that card?" Kyoji was staring at the card in shock seeing Shark still had it despite everything that had happened, and what he's doing now.
"Of course." Shark nodded.
Kyoji stared shocked before he then smiled over closing his eyes as both coins appeared flipping over before they both landed on Tails together.
"They're both Tails, but that means..." Bronk started as both coins exploded damaging Shark and Kyoji.
Shark: 0000
Hand: 0
Field: Water Hazard (face-up)
Kyoji: 0000
Hand: 1
Field: Number 77: The Seven Sins (Attack Position/ORU: 1), Two Set Cards
DRAW!
"Wait... this match is a tie?" Bronk questioned shocked from this kind of outcome.
Kyoji stared before closing his eyes snapping his fingers which the web came undone on Yuma, and pulled him over landing him against the ground painfully over as the webs dissolved around him while he groaned. "Ow..."
"Yuma!" Cathy and Tori cried as they ran to him.
He slowly raised up rubbing his head before Kyoji spoke over towards him. "Well it's your lucky day kid, you, and the Original Number may be avoided from me this time but this will hardly be the only time. Sleep with one eye opened." He then turned towards Shark, and Yuto. "And you two old friends, consider me impress. You both gotten some new tricks like I have, I am eager for more later on. Although, I will warn you two that once the rest of my Numbers are unlocked, you will not be lucky as today."
"Kyoji..." Yuto frowned.
"Hold on, what exactly do you mean by that?" Astral questioned to get some answers which Kyoji turned over. "You said before that the Numbers you have are blanked, and used Galaxy Queen as an example on it. So what exactly do you mean that your Numbers are blank!?"
"Ah yes, I was getting to that." Kyoji spoke pulling out his Number like before. "It be a bit complicated but I trust you understand. As I'm sure you remember what I explained earlier, the child actor had formed Number 83 out of his mother... the Numbers take shape of the desires of any human who comes into contact with them. I however am an exception to that."
"What do you mean you're an exception?" Yuma questioned. "Are you saying you don't have any desires? You said you plan on destroying the world, that sounds like a desire to me."
"Yes exactly, I have no desire of any kind." Kyoji spoke confirming this. "Like for example Lancelot, previously it was blank but I molded it to my needs in that duel. So Reginald, you had assisted me in forming Lancelot, and given me a new card to use."
Shark flinched at that but stared at him. "So what's your end game?"
"I'm sorry that's all the information you will get from me." Kyoji stepped back to the edge of the dock before spider legs sprout from his back. "This won't be the last time we will meet Reginald, Yuto... I'll be seeing you next time." He turned before jumping flying off with the spider legs.
Shark stared at Kyoji leaving before frowning. 'Next time... I'll defeat you Kyoji.'
"Are you okay Yuma?"
"Yeah I'm fine..." Yuma rubbed his head before looking over. "But that guy... you two know him Yuto?"
"Yeah, we do... I'll explain everything tomorrow but... I need to think, sorry you guys." Yuto apologized walking off on his own.
"I also need some time to think." Shark then turned to Yuma. "But Yuma, come back here tomorrow, and I'll give you that duel." He walked over to head to the bike to ride off.
Yuma looked at Shark and smiled. "Right."
"Lulu...?" Saya turned towards Lulu with a worried frown. "I don't think, I'm going to like what Yuto will tell us about Kyoji."
"Me either... I think... things are a lot more complicated than we thought." Lulu frowned.
Ulrich362: Destroying the world... as if there weren't enough things for Yuma, Yuto, and the others to worry about.
bopdog111: We are trying to keep Kyoji in character even though we don't have much experience with the guy. You all can help us out if you like.
Ulrich362: True, any feedback on him is greatly appreciated. That said what's next?
bopdog111: Either a filler or seeing Scorch and Chills have a match against people different then Yuma and Shark.
Ulrich362: Why not both, and let the true Rank-Up master take them down?
bopdog111: Oh interesting. Okay we will do both in that case as Shark isn't among that gang here this time around.
Ulrich362: See you in the next chapter.
bopdog111: Be sure to review!
