Chapter 4

"If we want to know more about the Numbers, then we should talk to Shark since he did possess a Number before Yumi defeated him thanks to Number 96 using her, no doubt," Tori said as she began to look up some information on the Shark Duelist since besides from the fact Shark is a skilled duelist, there wasn't much about him from the school's rumor mill so she had to rely on the internet and was shocked when she saw Sharks image appeared with a head title from a newspaper a couple of months ago.

image: "Rising Duelist Disqualified in Scandal – The Fall of Reginald Kastle."

She clicked on the article, her curiosity outweighing the unease creeping up her spine. The piece detailed an incident during a high-profile duel in which Shark had been accused of cheating—a claim that led to his disqualification. However, the article mentioned nothing about the circumstances that followed, leaving a gap in his story.

"Cheating?" Tori whispered to herself, frowning. That didn't match the impression she had of Shark during his duels. Despite his aggressive tactics, he didn't seem like someone who would resort to such a thing.

Her fingers flew across the keyboard as she searched for more. Another article popped up, this one speculating on a confrontation with a rival that had escalated into violence. The photo attached showed Shark looking grim, his face partially shadowed as if caught between anger and regret.

"Astral, what do you make of this?" she asked, glancing at the glowing blue figure hovering nearby.

Astral, ever calm and analytical, studied the screen. "It appears this individual has faced significant challenges, both personal and external. His encounter with a Number may have amplified his darker emotions, driving him to act irrationally. However, there is more to his story than these fragments reveal."

Tori leaned back in her chair, biting her lip. She knew Astral was right. Shark's demeanor during their encounters hinted at someone carrying a heavy burden. If the Numbers preyed on emotional instability, as Astral had explained, then Shark must have been a perfect target. But what kind of pain had he been hiding to fall prey to their influence?

"I have to talk to him," Tori said firmly. "If he's dealt with a Number before, he might know something that could help us stop more people from being corrupted. But… if he's still under its influence…"

She trailed off, the thought of confronting a possibly dangerous Shark making her stomach twist.

"Do not let fear cloud your judgment," Astral advised. "Understanding the Numbers requires us to face their effects on both the world and individuals. If Reginald Kastle can provide insight into this, it is worth the risk."

Nodding, Tori returned her focus to her screen, determined to find out where Shark had been since the scandal. A few more clicks led her to a forum discussing local dueling hotspots, and one comment caught her attention:

"Saw Shark dueling down by the docks a few nights ago. Guy's as intense as ever—wouldn't want to face him in a match."

"The docks," Tori murmured. It wasn't much, but it was a lead. Grabbing her bag, she stood up, her resolve hardening. "Then that's where I'll start."

As she headed out the door, Astral followed, his light casting a faint glow in the dim hallway.

"Be cautious, Tori," he said. "This path may lead to answers, but it may also reveal truths you are not ready to face."

"I'll be ready," Tori replied, though the tightness in her chest told her otherwise.

Still, she couldn't back down now. If Shark held the key to understanding the Numbers, then she had to find him—no matter what.

Unaware that Shark is in with a bad group of people.

However, someone was already making their move to thwart Tori from gaining information about Yumi.

Yumi Tsukuma sat across from Scorch and Chills, her arms crossed, exuding an air of calm confidence. The dimly lit back room of the bar seemed to shrink under the weight of her calculated presence. Scorch's smirk grew as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, while Chills tapped his fingers idly on the armrest of his chair.

"So," Chills began, his voice dripping with curiosity, "why are you so eager to sell this brat out? And what's the deal with these Numbers you're so interested in?"

Yumi tilted her head, her crimson eyes narrowing. "The Numbers are more than just cards—they're weapons of power," she said, her voice cold and deliberate. "Tori Meadows doesn't understand that. She's collecting them because some wandering spirit told her to. A spirit that can't even remember who it is or why it's here." She scoffed, leaning back in her chair. "It's pathetic, really. She's squandering their potential."

Chills chuckled. "So you're saying this kid is sitting on all that power and doesn't even know what to do with it?"

"Exactly," Yumi replied. "She's a fool. Fools are meant to be used. Tori thinks she's saving the world or something noble like that. But I see the bigger picture. The Numbers don't just choose anyone—they choose those with ambition. Those who know how to wield their strength."

Scorch nodded, his grin widening. "And that's you, huh? The girl who knows how to play the game."

Yumi's lips curled into a sly smile. "Precisely. But Tori's getting too close. Her curiosity is a problem. She'll keep digging, and if she finds out too much, she could disrupt everything. That's where you two come in."

Chills leaned forward, his interest piqued. "And framing Shark for your little plan? What's that about?"

Yumi's smirk deepened. "Reginald Kastle's track record makes him the perfect scapegoat. He's part of your gang, isn't he? The Pack's resident duelist. He's no stranger to trouble. With his history of disqualifications and rumors about his temper, it won't take much for people to believe he'd stoop to stealing a deck."

Scorch rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "And this legendary deck? You're saying it's nothing special?"

Yumi shrugged. "It's just an old duelist's deck. Its value is in nostalgia, not power. But it's rare enough to draw attention, and that's what matters. The plan is simple: you steal the deck and leave enough breadcrumbs to make it look like Shark was behind it. Tori will come running to him, thinking he has answers. By the time she realizes the truth, it'll be too late."

Chills nodded slowly, the pieces of the plan clicking into place. "So framing Shark kills two birds with one stone. He takes the fall, and Tori loses her lead."

"Exactly," Yumi said. "And once Shark is out of the way, I'll deal with Tori myself. She's no match for me, not when I have Number 96 by my side."

Scorch let out a low chuckle. "You've got it all figured out, huh? Ambitious, I'll give you that."

Yumi stood, placing a single card facedown on the table as a token of her commitment. "Ambition is the only way to win in this game. Just make sure you hold up your end of the deal. The Pack gets what they want, I get what I want, and Tori and Shark get what they deserve."

As she turned to leave, Chills called out, "One last thing. What happens if Tori or Shark surprises you? You sure you can handle it?"

Yumi glanced over her shoulder, her expression unreadable. "They won't. The game is already in my hands."

With that, she strode out of the room, her heels clicking against the floor as Scorch and Chills exchanged amused glances.

"Dangerous one, isn't she?" Scorch muttered.

Chills smirked. "Dangerous? Sure. But smart. Let's see if her plan holds together or if it all comes crashing down."

Yumi smirked as she walked out of said gang and spoke to Number 96, who appeared at her side.

"You already know Tori will go to Shark since he was the last person to duel us, correct?"

"Of course, though Shark's pride was severely damaged when I kicked his ass in that duel; however, since Tori is Astral's duelist, no doubt she will want information about you since she believes you are controlling me, so Tori will be the gullible goody two shoes and search for Shark to get him to spill," Yumi said as she saw a cat passing by and picked up the small stray before rubbing its head and giving it some food.

"And since Shark is part of this Pack, then that means you'll know Shark will want revenge on you to show he can defeat the Number cards, don't you?" Dark Mist asked, to which Yumi replied with a smirk and nod.

"Of course. I'm counting on Tori, being the gullible fool she is, to try to help him. Unfortunately for them, Scorch and Chills will be their opponents. Tori will do whatever it takes to save Shark and join their duel, which is why whoever loses will not only give us new Numbers but we'll be able to make our entrance since we also have to deal with that psycho called the Number Hunter, who's going after the Numbers as well." Yumi said before the cat meowed a bit, wanting some more chin scratches.

"Don't worry, little one. You'll get more love in a moment." Yumi said before giving the stray more love while Number 96 tilted his head, his tone shifting to one of curiosity.

"And the Number Hunter? You haven't forgotten about him, have you? He's been targeting duels with Numbers lately. He could be a problem since they seem to know about our existence, meaning that they'll target us eventually."

Yumi's smirk didn't falter. "Oh, I haven't forgotten them. In fact, I'm counting on their interference since once Tori and Shark are taken out of the picture, we'll deal with them ourselves. The 'hunter' won't know what hit them since they'll be the ones who are hunted."

Number 96 let out a low, menacing chuckle. "A bold plan, partner. Let's hope Tori's gullibility and Shark's pride work in our favor. It's all so… deliciously chaotic."

Yumi gently placed the cat down, watching as it wandered off into the shadows. She straightened up, brushing her hands off.

"They will. Scorch and Chills won't fail, and by the time this is over, we'll have everything we need—more Numbers, fewer obstacles, and the satisfaction of knowing Astral and his little champion are one step closer to their downfall and even better, if Scorch and Chills do defeat Tori then we'll be able to steal Number 39 and claim Astrals power for ourselves." Yumi said while Number 96 smiled at his partner.

"You truly are my partner, your Majesty."

"Heh. Flattery will get you everywhere. Let's get some seats for the main event, which will come soon," Yumi said, skipping with a smile. She was excited to see the upcoming duel.

Meanwhile, back in the duel with Tori, she was having trouble facing Shark since this was her first time facing Shark in a duel.

The moonlit docks were eerily quiet except for the hum of the duel disks and the sound of crashing waves. Tori Meadows stood firm despite her life points being halved to 2000. Across from her, Reginald Kastle—Shark—grinned, his life points untouched at 4000. On his field, the menacing Submersible Aero Shark floated, its mechanical fins slicing through the air, waiting to strike again and one card facedown.

Tori glanced at her hand and field. She had Shining Angel in defense position, glowing faintly, and two set cards in her Spell/Trap zone. She felt the pressure of Shark's overwhelming presence but refused to back down.

"I don't know why you hate the Numbers so much," Tori said, gripping her cards tightly. "But I'm not going to let you push me around."

Shark smirked, pointing at her. "You don't get it, Tori. This isn't just about you. Numbers are a stain on the game. They give weak duelists a false sense of strength. Yumi proved that. Now it's my turn to crush another Number and show who's really strong."

He gestured toward his Submersible Aero Shark. "Now stop stalling. Summon Utopia already. I didn't come here for a warm-up."

Tori hesitated, glancing at the Number 39: Utopia card in her Extra Deck. She'd been holding it back, trying to outplay Shark without relying on her Number. But now, with her resources running low, she had no other choice.

"Fine," Tori said, her voice steady. "If you want to face Utopia, then I'll show you its true power!"

Tori drew her next card. "I activate my Trap Card: Call of the Haunted! This card lets me bring back my Hecatrice from the Graveyard!" A radiant fairy with wings of light appeared on her field, spreading a warm glow.

"Next, I'll summon The Agent of Creation – Venus from my hand!" A majestic fairy descended onto her field, her staff glowing with celestial energy.

"Now I activate Venus's effect! By paying 500 life points, I can summon a Mystical Shine Ball from my deck!" Tori's life points dropped to 1500 as a glowing orb appeared on her field.

"Tori..." Astral said with concern before Tori smiled back at Astral to reassure him that she had a plan.

She activated the effect twice more, summoning two additional Mystical Shine Balls and reducing her life points to 500. The trio of orbs floated alongside her other fairies, filling her field with light.

"I overlay my three Level 2 Mystical Shine Balls! With these monsters, I construct the Overlay Network!" A swirling vortex appeared on the ground as the orbs merged into the light. "Come forth, Gachi Gachi Gantetsu!"

A stone guardian emerged, its sturdy frame glowing with energy.

Gachi Gachi Gantetsu

ATK: 500

DEF: 1800

Overlay Units: 3

"Now I'll overlay my Level 4 Hecatrice and The Agent of Creation – Venus! With these two monsters, I construct the Overlay Network again!" Another vortex appeared, and the two fairies were drawn in. "Come forth, Number 39: Utopia!"

The shining knight appeared, his armor gleaming gold as he hovered above the field.

Number 39: Utopia

ATK: 2500

DEF: 2000

Overlay Units: 2

Shark's grin widened as he faced the Number. "Finally. That's more like it. Now let's see if it's as strong as you think."

"Well, that'll make you shake with fear since Gachi's ability allows all face-up monsters, including himself, to gain an additional two hundred attack and defense points depending on the Number of his overlay units. Since he has three, that means Gachi and Utopia gain six hundred attack points!" Tori declared that both Gachi's and Utopia's power and defense rose higher.

Gachi Gachi Gantetsu: DEF: 1800 plus 600=2400

Utopia: ATK: 2500 plus 600=3100

"And now, I'll use my facedown Overlay Heal, which allows me to gain five hundred life points for each overlay unit all of my XYZ monsters have on my side of the field, which means I'm regaining 2500 life points," Tori said as the Overlay Units glowed and showered her in light as her life points were restored.

Tori Meadows: 500 plus 2500=3000

"And now, Utopia! Attack Aero Shark!" Tori shouted as Utopia summoned his sword and charged at Submersible Aero Shark, but Shark smiled.

"Thanks for that, since I can activate Friller Rabac's ability in the graveyard!"

"What's that do?!"

"By banishing him from my graveyard, I can stop your attack and end the Battle Phase," Shark said. Tori growled at this but ended her turn, which made Shark smile as he drew his next card.

"My turn. And first, I activate Aqua Jet! This card boosts my Submersible Aero Shark's attack by 1000 points!" A surge of water surrounded his Shark, empowering it. (ATK: 1900 2900)

"Now, Aero Shark, attack Gachi Gachi Gantetsu!" Shark commanded.

The mechanical Shark charged forward, its fins slicing through the air. Tori's expression remained calm. "I activate Gachi's effect! By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can save him from your attack!"

One of Gachi's Overlay Units vanished, forming a shield of iron that blocked Aero Shark's strike.

Shark chuckled. "I was expecting that. But you can only do that two more times, and that also means that for each overlay unit that drops, Gachi's defense and Utopia's will fall."

Tori was shocked that Shark saw through her plan before He activated a Continuous Trap called Shark Frenzy. This trap allows a Water Monster to attack again until the target is destroyed, and he chooses Gachi Gachi Gantetsu.

'Decision time! If I use Gachi's ability, then I can save him two more times. Still, Utopia's power boost will fall, and I'll be forced to use Fairy Wall, which allows me to banish a Fairy Monster from my Graveyard to save one of my monsters, but I was hoping to use it for Utopia.' Tori said in her mind as Aero Shark attacked again before Tori had no choice but to let Gachi be destroyed.

'Sorry, Gachi, but thanks for everything,' Tori said to the giant. The giant nodded and let himself be destroyed before Shark smiled at this.

"Thanks. Now, I can use the XYZ Gift, which allows me to use Aero Shark as an Overlay Unit for another XYZ monster with the same rank as him. So, I overlay Aero Shark and rebuild the Overlay Network to summon Black Ray Lancer!"

The massive lancer monster appeared and twirled, ready to engage Utopia.

"And now I activate Black Ray Lancer's effect by using one Overlay Unit; I can nullify all of Utopia's abilities, including his protection from not being destroyed by any mother that isn't a number."

"What?! That's possible?" Tori asked Astral in shock before, and Astral nodded.

"Shark is correct since Utopia's Number protection is an ability, meaning it can be nullified as well. This is not good."

"It is, and once I defeat you, I'll go after Yumi, so I activate Needle Sunfish from my Graveyard, which allows me to weaken Utopia by another 500 attack points! And now, Black Ray Lancer! Attack with Shimmering Spear Strike!" Shark declared. Tori was about to use her Fairy Wall, but Shark was ready, as he used a Mystical Space Typhoon from his hand to destroy it.

Tori was scared since her only defense was gone. Black Ray Lancer destroyed Utopia before Shark used Shark Frenzy to attack again, which made Tori suffer further assaults from Black Ray Lancer, resulting in inner defeat.

Shark smiled at this as Tori was about to cry until Shark approached her and spoke to her.

You're not cut out for this, Tori," Shark said, his tone a mix of scorn and pity. "Chasing after Yumi and her Numbers? It's a fool's errand. But I'll tell you something because you've got guts for standing up to me."

Tori looked up, her eyes wide. "You'll tell me the truth?"

Shark nodded slowly. "Yeah, Yumi beat me. But she wasn't some puppet controlled by Number 96. That's just what she wants you to think, but Yumi and her Number work together like a well-oiled machine. She's ruthless, Tori. You're not prepared to face her."

Tori's lips quivered. "Then why did you let everyone at school think you won? Why lie?"

Shark stood up, turning his back to her. "Because she told me to say that since she wants everyone to think she's that same shy kid at school who can't win a duel. But I've seen that look in her eyes, and I know she's hiding her real strength under her act. I'll take her down myself, but I need more power first. Is that legendary deck on display at the museum? I'll take it to finish my deck."

"Wait! You're planning to steal it!? But if you get caught, then that means you'll go to jail!"

"I need one card in that deck to be ready for her, so don't get in my way," Shark said before turning around to head to his ride. Tori got on her feet and shouted.

"No way! Im not going to let you throw away your life like this! Rio wouldn't want to see her brother in jail while she's in the hospital!" Tori shouted, which made Shark pause in his tracks before turning back to Tori with a glare.

"What did you say? How do you know Rio?"

Tori hesitated for a moment, Shark's glare cutting through her confidence. She gripped her duel disk tightly, meeting his intense gaze.

"I… I overheard some things at school," Tori admitted, her voice trembling but resolute. "About what happened to her, about the accident. People talk, Shark, and it's not hard to piece together that you're doing all of this because of her. But stealing that deck isn't going to help her or you!"

Shark's expression darkened, and his fists clenched. "You don't know anything about Rio or what I've been through. Don't pretend you understand."

"Maybe I don't," Tori said, stepping closer. "But I do know that Rio wouldn't want this for you. She wouldn't want you throwing your life away over revenge or some legendary deck! You're better than this, Shark. You're not a thief."

Shark's glare softened for a moment as her words hit home, but his resolve quickly returned. "You don't know what it's like to feel powerless, to watch someone you care about suffer while you stand there helpless. That deck has the card I need to make sure I never lose again. To anyone. Especially not Yumi."

Tori shook her head. "You don't need that deck to prove your strength! You're already one of the strongest duelists I've ever faced. But if you do this—if you go down this path—you'll lose everything. Not just your freedom, but your chance to really help Rio when she needs you most."

Shark's jaw tightened, and he turned his back to her again. "Stay out of this, Tori. This is my fight, and I'll do whatever it takes. Don't follow me, and don't get in my way."

Before Tori could respond, Shark climbed into his waiting motorbike and sped off into the night, leaving her standing alone on the docks, the sound of the waves crashing around her.

Astral floated beside her, his expression troubled. "Tori, his determination is admirable, but his actions are reckless. If he proceeds with this plan, it could lead to severe consequences."

Tori nodded, her heart heavy. "I know, Astral. I can't let him do this. He's trying to stop Yumi and protect his sister, but he's going about it all wrong. If he steals that deck, it'll only make things worse."

She clenched her fists, her resolve hardening. "I need to stop Shark before it's too late. And if I can't convince him with words, then I'll challenge him again and prove that he doesn't need to resort to this."

Astral's eyes glowed faintly as he observed her determination. "A wise choice, Tori. But we must act quickly. If Yumi is involved in this, then Shark's actions might already be part of her plan."

Tori's eyes widened. "You think Yumi set him up for this?"

Astral nodded gravely. "It is a possibility. The Numbers draw out the desires and weaknesses of those who seek them. Yumi may be using Shark's desperation to further her own goals."

Tori's resolve burned brighter. "Then we'll stop her too. I won't let her or Number 96 hurt anyone else."

As Tori turned to leave the docks, her mind raced with plans. She didn't have all the answers, but one thing was clear—she wouldn't let Shark go down this dark path alone. She would protect him, even if it meant facing Yumi and her ruthless strategies head-on.

The moonlight reflected on the waves as Tori disappeared into the night, her heart set on saving a friend before it was too late.

And scene!

Let me know what you think since Part 2 is where it gets fun! Fairies, Sharks, and Dinosaurs? Oh My!

Yumi will also be a deadly opponent since she will be collecting them to gain power. She will never be weak like she was before, which is why Kite and the other Number Hunter will make Yumi fear that moment again, allowing her to awaken a darker power.

Chaos XYZ.

So stay tuned!