In this chapter we have not one, but two Duels! For those that were wondering, no that "5" at the end of the previous chapter wasn't a mistake. This chapter will give a better idea of what's going on. Please enjoy and Merry Christmas!
Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Hope of Six
Chapter 70: Demon Arc – Part 8
III and Alito tensed as Princess Cologne slowly regained consciousness. They didn't know how dangerous the doll girl would be after losing the Duel to them. Probably extremely pissed off.
Cologne opened her eyes and shook her head as she sat up. "What? What happened?" She then noticed the two Duelists standing above her, looking weary. "Who are you guys?"
The duo stared at her, dumbfounded. "Uh… don't you remember? We're the guys that just kicked your ass in our Duel." Alito reminded her.
"Duel?" Cologne asked, tilting her head in confusion. "I don't remember anything about a Duel."
"Well then, what do you remember Princess Cologne?" III asked.
Cologne seemed to think about it, and then gasped before her face paled. "Oh no! It was that scary monster, E'Rah! She was wiping out everyone and everything! She got to me and it all went dark and scary! After that… Nothing." She then looked up at the two, looking innocent and sad. Definitely a different person than she was previously. "Where am I? What happened to me? And…" She hesitated for a second, "Where's Yuma?"
III and Alito glanced at one another. If Cologne was telling the truth, then she was an unwilling pawn in whatever scheme Hiretsuna, the daughter of E'Rah, was cooking up. It also meant she was in the same boat as Luna. They owed her an explanation.
III cleared this throat. "Well, that's a bit complicated to explain."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Girag gazed upon the interesting looking location before him. It had a old castle insider a lush green forest. In front was a gate with two jack-o'-lanterns on either side with a huge priest ship riding a wave of water able the name of the attraction. ""Nature Crooz"? I could come up with something better than that." He told himself. Despite the name, from what he heard from the local employees, it sounded like a fun roller coaster ride. However, he didn't come to enjoy said a fun ride. "Somewhere in there is a Number holding wacko. And I'm the one's gonna take him down." Girag declared to himself before walking inside.
As he marched toward the entry way to the ride, he noticed that not only were there no other customers or workers present, but there were no actual coasters to get in. He looked from where the ride was supposed to be coming from, but no cars were rolling his way. "What the hell is this? A roller coaster ride with no people around, customers or employees?"
"The answer is simple, my good corny landlubber!" A proud voice shouted from somewhere nearby. Girag looked back to the darkened tunnel and saw some coaster cars approaching. Standing on top of the lead car was man dressed up as a pirate. The most unusual thing about the man was that his face appeared to be made out of corn. After the car came to a stop, the man jumped off and stood opposite of the former Barian Emperor. "This here be a setup, and you're my victim! You ain't walking away from this alive! Ain't that kick in the cob?" He said with a chuckle.
Girag blinked, not knowing what to make of the kook. "Uh.. who or what are you?"
The man still smiled. "The name's Captain Corn, boy! And today I'll be taking your soul with me Number!" He declared with taking out a D-Gazer and Duel Disk. "What say you?"
The big guy sighed. "I say… let's do this!" He replied as he also brought out his own gear.
"Duel Disk Set! D-Gazer Set!"
"AT Vision, Link Established." At this, the match began.
"DUEL!"
(Girag: 4000) (Captain Corn: 4000)
"As the Captain, I get first picking! My turn! Draw!" The corn pirate declared as he started. "I play a Field Magic card, Corn Parade!" At this, he Field around them instantly became a vas field of corn stocks. This proved a bit detrimental, as the stocks were too tall to see over.
"Hey, where did that corny pirate go?" Girag asked while searching for his opponent.
"How dare ye insult the likes of me?! You'll pay for that for certain!" Captain Corn shouted indignantly as he pulled several stocks from around him. A moment later and both Duelists could see each other once more. "Now then, I can see the muscle bound buffoon before me! Next, I Summon Cattycorn!" (EARTH; Level 4; ATK: 1500; DEF: 500) An orange plant like creature dug itself up from underground to serve it's master. "Then I Set a card facedown and end my turn. Strike me down if you've got the guts! Arr!"
Girag smiled. "I ain't afraid of some corn faced buccaneer! My turn! Draw!"
Just then, a raccoon materialized next to Girag. "Hey big guy! I'm getting a bad vibe from him! You'll beat him, right?"
The muscled Duelist nodded. "'Course I will, Ponta! No doubt about it!"
"Don't make promises ya can't keep, land lubber! You and your furry first mate will both be walking the plank when this is over!"
"I wouldn't bet on it!" Girag studied his cards and focused on his first move. "First, I Summon Baby Tanuki Ponpoko!" (EARTH; Level 2; ATK: 800; DEF: 0) A little orange raccoon holding a drum appeared on the Field. "Then I play Leaf Transformation! This Magic card will let me Special Summon a "Tanuki" Monster from my hand! I Special Summon Baby Tanuki Tantan!" (EARTH; Level 2; ATK: 0; DEF: 800) A bigger drum holding raccoon appeared next to its smaller brethren. "Now I Overlay my Level 2 Baby Tanuki Ponpoko and Baby Tanuki Tantan! With these 2 Monsters, I build the Overlay Network! Xyz Summon! Appear! Number 64! Sage who cuts through an age of chaos and confusion! Fool the world,Veteran Tanuki Sandayu!" (EARTH; Rank 2; ATK: 1000; DEF: 1000) A humanoid raccoon in heavy red samurai armor appeared as replacements for the two previous Monsters. It also had an orange metallic "64" attached on top of its helmet.
"Heh heh! I ain't got nothing to worry about from that armored ball of fur!" Captain Corn taunted.
"He's not the one you should watch out for!" Girag warned him. "I activate Sandayu's Monster Effect! Once per turn, by detaching an Overlay Unit I can Special Summon a Kagemusha Tanuki Token!" (EARTH; Level 1; ATK: ?; DEF: 0) A small yellow raccoon wearing a hat strung behind it's neck and hold a pair of differently colored bottles in each hand appeared. "While I have at least one of these Tokens on my
Field, Sandayu itself cannot be targeted for an attack! Not only that, but my Token's Attack Points become the same as the Monster on the Field with the highest Attack Points! Right now, that's your Cattycorn!" Girag pointed out before his Token's Attack Power went up to 1500. "Okay, let's see what happens now! Battle! Kagemusha Tanuki Token, attack Cattycorn!" The little raccoon leapt forward and made it's way to the target.
"Ho ho! I don't think so, me hearty! Take a look!" Captain Corn warned just before a big scarecrow rose up from beneath the field of corn and blocked the Token's attack.
"Huh? What gives?" Girag demanded.
"My Corn Parade stops the first attack on an "Plant" Monster once per turn!" His opponent revealed with obvious glee. "Care to try anything else, me bucko?"
Girag snorted. "Pfft, not right now. I Set 1 card facedown and end my turn."
"Don't sweat it. You'll get him next time." Ponta encouraged. Girag hoped he would.
"He he! Didn't do much, did ye matey? I can do better! My turn! Draw!" The corn faced pirate smirked. "This should do it! I Summon Dark Cob!" (EARTH; Level 4; ATK: 1200; DEF: 900) A black corn on the cob wearing a pirate hat erupted from the ground next to Captain Corn's first Monster. "I Overlay my Level 4 Cattycorn and Dark Cob! With these 2 corny Monsters, I also build the Overlay Network! Xyz Summon! Appear! Number 50! Dark veggie of the high seas! Let loose your cannons and blast your enemies away! Set Sail! Black Corn!" (DARK; Rank 4; ATK: 2100; DEF: 1500) A sailing ship that seemed to be made out of black colored corn appeared on the Field. A large dark purple "50" could clearly be seen on its main sails. A glowing "50" also materialized on Captain Corn's hat, right on top of the skull and crossbones symbol.
"So that's the popcorn pirate's Number?" Ponta questioned.
Girag couldn't resist a chuckle. "Yep, that's it."
Captain Corn seemed annoyed. "I don't appreciate the name calling, you stripe tailed smart mouth! This ain't no laughing matter! As for my Ace, a "Plant" Xyz Monster that has Dark Cob as an Overlay Unit gains 1000 Attack and Defense Points!" The black ship glowed darkly as it's power went up.
(Black Ship of Corn's ATK: 2100 1000 = 3100; DEF: 1500 1000 = 2500)
"My Token gets a boost too since Black Corn is the strongest Monster in play!" Girag said as his Token's Attack Points also become 3100.
The pirate chuckled this time. "I ain't worried about that annoying hairball! I activate Black Corn's Monster Effect! Once per turn, in exchange for not being able to attack this turn, my sturdy vessel destroys a Monster of yer's by detaching an Overlay Unit! I'll be blowing away your Kagemusha Tanuki Token!" A cannon popped out from the Number and launched a corn like cannonball at Girag's Token, blasting to smithereens.
(Girag: 4000 - 3100 = 900)
"That wasn't very nice!" Ponta complained. Girag agreed.
"I could've destroyed your other raccoon to stop you from getting out another Token, but this way allowed me to damage you more! I've done about all I can do for now, matey. I end my turn. Next turn, I'll completely blow you out of the water! Har Har Har!"
"He can't get away with that! You've got to take him down Sohachi!" Ponta told him, quite panicky.
Girag smiled. Ponta was the only one who called him by his original name, Sohachi Kiraku. After all, in Girag's past life they were old friends and partners. He didn't mind it at the least. "He ain't winning, Ponta. I've still got a trick or two up my sleeve! My turn! Draw!"
"Whatever's going on in that noggin of yers, it won't help ya! This Captain ain't losing to the likes of you!" Captain Corn said very arrogantly.
Girag continued to smile. "That's what you think! I've got a plan to knock you off your ship and on your ass! First, I detach Sandayu's last Overlay Unit to Special Summon another Kagemusha Tanuki Token!" A replacement for the destroyed emerged, which immediately had it's Attack Points set to 3100.
"That trick again? It failed you before, and it will fail you now!" Said the corn pirate.
"Nope! This time's gonna be a bit different!" Girag said to his opponent. "Trap card open, Tanuki Mischief! This lets me Special Summon as many "Tanuki" Monsters from my Deck as possible! I'm bringing out my other 2 copies of Baby Tanuki Tantan and 1 more copy of Baby Tanuki Ponpoko!" Copies of his first couple of Monsters popped up alongside the others their master had.
Captain Corn was not impressed. "I don't care if ya have a whole crew of hairballs! None of them can outflank Black Corn!"
"Wanna bet?" Girag said with certainty. "Battle! Kagemusha Tanuki Token, take down Black Corn!" Just like last time, the Token made it's way to it's target.
"Ya thick headed barnacle! My Corn Parade will halt your…"
"Not this time! During the turn Tanuki Mischief was used, all Effects from your face-up cards are negated! And that includes your Number's Effect to be destroyed in battle only by another Number!" Black Corn and the Kagemusha Tanuki Token's Attack Points were lowered back to 2100 as a result.
"Ye did WHAT?!" Captain Corn shouted, aghast as both Black Corn and Girag's Token blew each other apart.
"Yes! Take that you old sea corndog!" Ponta shouted back excitedly.
The pirate was truly mad now. "How dare ye?! On my next turn, I'll bury me blade right in your…!"
"You won't be doing anything with your sword!" Girag retorted. "Tanuki Mischief has one more surprise! During the Battle Phase, a "Beast" Xyz Monster gains an attack equal to how many other "Tanuki" Monsters on my Field! With 3 standing right him, Veteran Tanuki Sandayu can now attack your corny ass 4 times!"
The corn on the pirate's face turned pale white. Four direct attacks from a Monster with 1000 Attack Points… "Oh no! No!"
Girag smile big time. "Oh yeah! Veteran Tanuki Sandayu… Direct Attack times 4!" With 4 consecutive strikes from it's long bladed weapon, Captain Corn was knocked off his feet and hit a wall behind him.
(Captain Corn: 0)
The instant the evil pirate hit the ground, he exploded into a huge pile of popcorn. Both Girag and Ponta stared dumbfounded but that.
"Sohachi? Did he just…?" The raccoon spirit started to ask.
"Become popcorn? Yeah, I guess he did." Girag replied as he picked up Number 50 from the ground. "That's was pretty odd…" He paused when he saw a dark mist rise out of the popcorn pile and took the shape like a "4" before dissipating.
"A 4? I thought the pirate's Number was 50." Ponta questioned.
Girag scratched his head. "It was. I wonder what that other Number was about…" He turned his attention to the snake pile in front of his eyes. "Ah, we can figure it out later. How's about we munch on some well earned popcorn?"
The spirit smiled widely. "Yeah! Let's eat!"
With that, the pair began eating the popcorn pile with great gusto, not realizing just yet how significant that 4 actually was…
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Not too far, IV and Vector had entered a stadium with a starting track for a racing attraction. No racing cars were visible though, as well as no customers or employees. "So what's the deal here? Will we have to race to take on our resident Number holder?" IV asked.
Vector shrugged. "Probably." He then took a quick look around. "Except that there's nothing here to race with…"
As he said this, three high tech looking racing machines stormed their way in. They each stopped at different slots in the starting line. The two empty ones were red and yellow respectively. The blue one, which stopped at the first slot, has an unusual looking occupant.
The driver stood up, hands on his hips in a proud stance. He wore a white and yellow superhero costume, complete with a cape and a lightning bolt on his upper chest and belt buckle. His spiky hair was pale yellow with a darker yellow shape resembling another bolt of lightning. His eyes were pure white with no pupils or irises. "At last, my enemies have come! You have arrived at my Speed Field! Are you prepared to face your imminent doom, villains?" Said the newcomer in a pompous manner.
"And who the hell are you supposed to be?" IV demanded with a dead pan expression.
The being pointed a thumb at himself. "Who am I? Why, I am Thunder Spark! This attraction is my territory! It is here that you both will meet your ends!"
Vector was actually annoyed by the guy. "Yeah. I don't think you have any clue as to who you're up against, buddy."
Thunder Spark chuckled. "I can say the same of you, arrogant fool!"
IV growled. That guy was starting to get under his skin. "Screw you. Let's just duel already."
"Same here." Vector said in agreement.
"Ha ha! A Duel it shall be, but a Duel like you've never had before! For we shall have… a Speed Duel!" Thunder Spark proudly declared.
"Speed Duel?" IV and Vector both asked, unsure of what they were in for.
"Confused? Allow me to explain. A Speed Duel involves dueling while riding Speed Loaders." The superhero wannabe indicated the three vehicles present. "From the starting line, we will ride through different fields throughout the game to reach the goal. If one's Life Points hit 0 or their Speed Loader crashes, that player loses. The player who passes the first corner takes the first turn. And lastly, a player ahead of their opponent can Normal Summon twice during their turn. Any questions before we begin?"
"Dueling while riding on one of those things?" IV questioned with a confident smirk. "I definitely deserve some fan service for taking on a challenge like this. I'm in." He proceeded to climb into the red Speed Loader.
"Count me in too I guess." Vector added while boarding the yellow Loader.
A satisfied Thunder Spark sat back down in his vehicle. "Everything is set! Now… let us begin!"
At that instant, all three started their engines and shot forward.
"SPEED DUEL! GO!"
(IV: 4000) (Vector: 4000) (Thunder Spark: 4000)
The trio raced to the get around the first corner. When it looked Vector was about to reach it before him, Thunder Spark got an unexpected boost and sped past the former Barian Emperor. "Dammit!" Vector complained.
"Take that villains! The first turn is mine! My turn! Draw!" He inwardly praised his luck. "First off, I discard Thunder Sea Horse to add 2 more copies of it from my Deck to my hand! Now, because I am ahead of you two, I can Normal Summon twice this turn! Therefore, I Summon both my copies of Thunder Sea Horse!" (LIGHT; Level 4: ATK: 1600; DEF: 1200) Both Monsters resembled a good and Black sea horse with green eyes. "I then Set 2 cards facedown and end my turn."
At this time, the three of them blasted out of the stadium and into a forest section of the ride. "This guy is starting to get on my nerves now!" Vector complained while maneuvering around the trees.
"You and me both." IV said in agreement, his own vehicle barely managing to avoid a bunch of tangled up vines. "He seems pretty sure we're the ones that should fall instead of him." His dueling partner snorted.
"If so, then he's going to be disappointed! My turn! Draw!" Vector smirked. He had something to help kick his opponent's ego to the curb. "I may not be able to Normal Summon more than once while being behind your ass, but this should make up for it! Because I have 2 copies "Umbral Ghost" from my hand, I can Special Summon them both to my Field!" (DARK; Level 2; ATK: 200; DEF: 200) Before Vector stood a couple of hooded figures in brown and green rags. "Next I will Overlay both copies of my Level 2 Umbral Ghost! With these 2 Monsters, I build the Overlay Network! Xyz Summon! Appear, Number 65! The cursed executioner of judgment,Shredding Devil – Judge Buster!" (DARK; Level 2; ATK: 1300; DEF: 0) Vector's Number was a dark armored figure with two blades as arms and a large metallic wing behind his back on the left hand side."
"That Number most definitely reeks of your evilness!" Thunder Spark said with obvious disdain.
"Like I need your dumbass approval. I Set 1 card facedown and end my turn."
Thunder Spark took great offense from the comment. "How vulgar and insulting! Your mouth needs to be washed out with soup for such talk!"
"And you need to have some dirt put in your eye! My turn! Draw!" IV thought it was time to try out one of his new toys. "Since Gimmick Doll – Bloody Doll is in my hand, I can activate it's Monster Effect! I can reveal a "Gimmick Puppet" Xyz Monster in my Extra Deck, then I can Special Summon both Bloody Doll and a "Gimmick Puppet" Monster from my Deck with the same Level matching the Rank as the revealed Xyz Monster! I reveal Number 40: Gimmick Puppet - Heaven's Strings, a Rank 8 Monster! Therefore, I Special Summon Bloody Doll (DARK; Level 8; ATK: 400; DEF: 1400) and a Level 8 Monster called Gimmick Puppet - Magne Doll from my Deck!" (DARK; Level 8; ATK: 1000; DEF: 1000) The first Monster was a woman puppet with dark maroon hair and deep purple dress. The second was a rusty metal stick figure held together by screws.
"Ho ho! You both managed to Summon multiple Monsters at once despite me having the advantage of being able to Normal Summon twice while in front!" The electrical being praised. "Nevertheless, I will still triumph in the end!"
"Don't say that!" IV retorted before proceeding with his turn. "For my next move, I Overlay my Level 8 Bloody Doll and Magne Doll! With these 2 Monsters, I also build the Overlay Network! Xyz Summon! Great puppet of admiration! Let your strings pull you up and perform with the power of your fan service! Gimmick Puppet - Fantasix Machina!" (DARK; Rank 8; ATK: 1500; DEF: 3100) The new Monster had a strong resemblance to IV himself: A white clad warrior with the exact hair as it's controller, two red and gold blades on either arm and elaborate red cape split in two on either side.
"You must be a truly egotistical man to have a Monster made after yourself!" Thunder Spark remarked. IV smirked.
"Having an ego isn't really a bad thing! I activate Fantasix Machina's Monster Effect! Once per turn, by detaching an Overlay Unit, I can add a "Rank-Up-Magic" card from my Deck to my hand! I'll take Rank-Up-Magic Argent Chaos Force! Next, I'll Normal Summon Gimmick Puppet – Death Troy!" (DARK; Level 4; ATK: 1200; DEF: 2000) Standing next to IV's Xyz Monster was a dark grey puppet-like horse. "With that done, I Set 1 card facedown and end my turn."
Right then, the three Duelists rode through a dark canopy. Both IV and Vector tried to pass Thunder Spark to gain the Normal Summon twice advantage, but to no avail. Their opponent was more a more experienced rider than they were. "Nice try, but my riding skills are far above your own!"
"Bastard!" IV cursed, one which his dueling partner fully agreed with.
Seconds later they all emerged into the blazing sun over a burning desert with rocky pillars scattered everywhere. "Perfect!" Thunder Spark exclaimed. "Here in the Desert Field, the action will truly heat up! My turn! Draw!" 'It's time!' He thought excitedly. "As I am still in the lead, I will Normal Summon ONiThunder (LIGHT; Level 4; ATK: 900; DEF: 400) and OToThunder!" (LIGHT; Level 4; ATK: 1300; DEF: 600) The first of those Monsters was a little boy wearing blue and yellow with an electrical charge acting as both of his hands and his hair while riding a hover board. The latter was a more grown up version of the former but with longer haired and electricity extending from his hands to his elbows. "Next, by banishing my first Thunder Sea Horse, a LIGHT Monster, from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon Diana the Light Spirit from my hand!" (LIGHT; Level 4; ATK: 1700; DEF: 1000) Thunder Spark's fifth Monster was a young white haired girl wearing an fancy white dress.
'He's got 5 Monsters! What's his aim?' Vector wondered.
"Now I Overlay my Level 4 ONiThunder, OToThunder, Diana the Light Spirit, and both Thunder Sea Horse copies! With these 5 Monsters, I also build the Overlay Network! Xyz Summon! Come Forth! Number 91! Dragon of electricity! Let your energy build up and overflow! Thunder Spark Dragon!" (LIGHT; Rank 4; ATK: 2400; DEF: 2000) An electric blue serpentine dragon materialized with golden horns and a pair wings attached to its head. A purple "91" could be seen on the head's upper left hand side, a number that also glowed on Thunder Spark's left hand.
"And there's his Number." IV muttered ominously as the enemy Duelist began to give off a dark glow.
"With my Ace on the Field, I Equip it with Lightning Blaster! Now my dear villains, I shall deliver the first blow! I activate Thunder Spark Dragon's Effect! By detaching 3 Overlay Units, I can destroy…"
"I won't let ya!" Vector countered. "I activate Judge Buster's Monster Effect! During either of our turns, when a Monster my opponent controls activates it's Effect, I can detach an Overlay Unit to not only negate that Effect's activation, but also inflict 500 points of damage to my opponent's Life Points!"
(Thunder Spark: 4000 - 500 = 3500)
"Did that bruise your ego a bit?" IV taunted. To his surprise, Thunder Spark didn't seem perturbed one bit.
"It is your ego that will be crushed, villain scum! I activate my dragon's other Effect!"
"Judge Buster will stop you again!" Vector shouted, intending to use his Number's Effect again. However…
"Fool! The Monster Equipped with Lightning Blaster isn't affected by the same card Effect more than once!"
"Dammit!" Vector cursed.
"Now for Thunder Spark Dragon's greatest Effect! By detaching 5 Overlay Units, all my opponents cards on the Field are destroyed! Thunder Spark Bolt!"
"WHAT?!" The pair shouted in shock. As they felt the impact of the ensuing blast, IV and Vector temporarily veered out of control. They had almost fallen into two of the many large sand pits scattered throughout the Desert Field. With quick reflexes, they managed to save themselves just in time. Unbeknownst to them, the giant ant lions burrowed in those pits were disappointed that they didn't get the chance to snatch them with their pincers.
"Yes! That's right! Now neither of you have anything left to fight with…!"
"Not just yet! You triggered my Number Explosion Trap card!" Vector yelled. "When a "Number" Monster I control is destroyed by battle or card effect, you take damage equal to the original Attack Points of that Number!"
"I despise such underhanded tactics!" Thunder Spark protested before he grunted from the additional damage.
(Thunder Spark: 3500 - 1300 = 2200)
"Hell yeah!" IV shouted in glee. "Now for my own back up plan! When Death Troy is destroyed by a card effect, I can Special Summon 2 "Gimmick Puppet" Monsters with 1000 Attack Points or less from my hand! I'm bringing out Gimmick Puppet Shadow Feeler (DARK; Level 8; ATK: 1000; DEF: 1000) and Gimmick Puppet - Night Joker in Defense Mode!" (DARK; Level 8; ATK: 800; DEF: 1600) One Monster looked like two faceless blue puppets on their hands and knees touching their heads against a black half of another puppet of similar design. The other looked like a jester puppet holding a large sharp scythe with an orange blade.
"Pfft. No matter. It is high time you take damage as well! Battle! Thunder Spark Dragon, attack Vector directly! Bolt Shock!"
Vector groaned as he also took damage.
(Vector: 4000 - 2400 = 1600)
"Now for you!" Thunder Spark pointed at IV. "When the Monster Equipped with Lightning Blaster inflicts battle damage, I can inflict that same amount of damage to my opponent! Aka, yourself, Puppet Man!"
"Oh come on!" IV complained before his own Life Points received a big hit.
(IV: 4000 - 2400 = 1600)
"Next time, I shall vanquish both of you! For now, I end my turn."
"IV, we've gotta beat this guy before we crash and burn." Vector strongly advised while avoiding another sand pit.
"Oh, he's going down. We just need both hit him hard and fast on our next turns. Think you're up for it?" IV asked with a cocky grin.
Vector returned the grin. "I think I can manage." He then returned his attention to their enemy. "Alright you overgrown light bulb, prepare to get shorted out! My turn! Draw!" He studied his cards before making his move. "I play Glorious Numbers! This handy Magic card allows me to Special a "Number" Monster from my Graveyard if I'm not controlling any Monsters and draw another card! Return to the Field, Judge Buster!" Vector's Number returned to fight for it's master once more before he drew his next card… which made him grin confidently.
"How idiotic! Your Number can't help you now!" Thunder Spark declared.
"Not as it is… but I'm about to give him an upgrade! I play the card I just drew, Rank the Judge! If I control a DARK Xyz Monster, I can use it as Material to Xyz Summon an Xyz Monster from my Extra Deck that is 1 Rank higher! With my Rank 2 Judge Buster, I build the Overlay Network again! Chaos Xyz Change! Appear! Chaos Number 65! The demon king of judgment clad in the grudges of the many! Split-Decision Demon King – Judge Devil!" (DARK; Rank 3; ATK: 1600; DEF: 0) The upgraded form of Vector's Number wore purple and gold armor and wielded a black scythe.
"Hardly an "upgrade"! It is still far inferior to my dragon!" The electrical being pointed out.
"Just shut up already! I activate Judge Devil's Monster Effect! By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can reduce the Attack and Defense Points of your Monster by 1000!"
"Not allowed! Trap card open, Let Me Off Easy! When my opponent activates a Monster Effect, I can pay 1000 of my Life Points to negate that Effect!"
(Thunder Spark: 2200 - 1000 = 1200)
"Stopped me again, huh? Well, at the very least I got you to lower your Life Points!" Vector taunted with a smirk.
Thunder Spark narrowed his eyes before he and his adversaries sped into a rocky tunnel. 'He didn't seem upset that I negated his Monster's Effect. What is he scheming…?' While he was trying to figure it out, the three of them shot out of the tunnel and ended up riding in a river inside a new field filled with mountains. "We have entered the final field of the race! The goal is just beyond, and I can promise that you two will not make it!"
"We'll see!" Vector replied. "I've got one more trick to pull! By banishing Number Explosion from my Graveyard, I can destroy a "Number" on my opponent's Field!"
Thunder Spark was not pleased when he saw his Ace Monster disintegrated in a burst of sparks. "How dare you?!" He shouted, outraged. "You will not catch me unprepared! Continuous Trap open, Dragon Barrier! While there is a "Dragon" Monster in my Graveyard as long as this card is on the Field, all opposing Monsters cannot attack!"
'So much for a direct attack.' Vector complained in his head. "I guess you got me this time. Since there's nothing more I can do, I end my turn."
"Do you see it yet? You villains can't defeat someone like myself!" Thunder Spark boasted.
"You call us "villains"? Look who's glowing like a black light bulb!" IV stated while pointing at his darkened opponent. "I'll admit, me and Vector here didn't exactly have squeaky clean records, but we've both cleaned up our acts! You should do the same!"
"Enough of your foul talk! Get your turn over with so that I can finally vanquish the both of you!" Thunder Spark demanded with agitation.
"Fine by me! My turn! Draw!" IV knew exactly how to finish off the enemy… and he was glad Vector helped with that. "I've got something that can get the job done! First, I will Overlay my Level 8 Shadow Feeler and Night Joker! With these 2 Monsters, I build the Overlay Network! Xyz Summon! Appear in Defense Mode! Number 15! The envoy from Hell, puppet who pulls the strings of fate! Gimmick Puppet – Giant Killer!" (DARK; Rank 8; ATK: 1500; DEF: 2500) IV's Number was a sitting giant gray puppet with red hair and was being held by long strings to the device behind it's back.
"You've Summoned your own Number in Defense Mode, I see! Since you cannot attack me, defending yourself is all you can do!" Thunder Spark jabbed.
"Actually… he's not the puppet you should be concerned about!" IV said with a wicked grin. "Since I Special Summoned a "Gimmick Puppet" Xyz Monster, I can Special Summon a certain Monster in my Graveyard to your Field or mine in Defense Mode! Return for an encore on my side, Fantasix Machina!" IV's first Xyz Monster returned to action in a kneeling defense position. "Now that he's back, I'll play the card I got when I first Summoned him: Rank-Up-Magic Argent Chaos Force! It let's me to Xyz Summon a "Chaos" Xyz Monster from my Extra Deck that is 1 Rank higher than the Xyz Monster I use as Material, in this… Fantasix Machina! Chaos Xyz Change! Appear, glorious puppet of the fans! Rise up and show how merciless your performance is to the crowds! Chaos Xyz Gimmick Puppet – Fanatix Machina!" (DARK; Rank 9; ATK: 3100; DEF: 1500) The new Monster looked to be a much more malevolent version of Fantasix, with darker hair and armor, including the blades on the wrists.
"Haha! That is most definitely an improvement, but it still cannot attack me!" Said the electric being.
IV gave a chilling chuckle. "Attacking you was never my plan!"
"Huh?" Thunder Spark started to feel nervous, and he should be.
"This is my finishing move! I activate the Monster Effect of Fanatix Machina! Once per turn, I can detach an Overlay Unit to Special Summon a Monster from either of our Graveyards to your Field in Defense Mode! And because I'm such a "nice guy", I'm giving you back your Thunder Spark Dragon!" His and Vector's enemy was stunned to see his own Monster again.
"I do not understand! Why would you return my Monster to me?" Thunder Spark asked, clearly confused.
"It is so I can use my Chaos Xyz Monster's other, more brutal Effect!" IV revealed, chuckling again.
"W-What do you mean?!" Thunder Spark was now beginning to panic with fear.
"This! Because a Monster was Special Summoned to your Field, I can destroy it! String Strangle!" At once, the long strings protruding from Fanatix Machina wrapped themselves around the blue dragon and dragged it back down to the Graveyard.
"NO! Thunder Spark Dragon!" The darkened enemy Duelist shouted pitifully.
"That's not even the worst part, Thunder Spark! Since your Monster was successfully destroyed, you take damage equal to half of that Monster's original Attack Points!" IV grinned at the paled look of his opponent.
"Thunder Spark Dragon's original Attack Points were 2400! And half of that is…!"
"Yep: 1200! Which is exactly what you've got left! So now the curtain for my puppet stage drops on you!"
The three Duelists watched as Fanatix Machina sliced off the strings that pulled Thunder Spark Dragon out of sight, which sent a shockwave that rammed head on into the electric being that tried to win… but failed.
(Thunder Spark: 0)
As soon as his remaining Life Points ran out, Thunder Spark lost control of his Speed Loader and crashed into the water… which caused him to scream in agony in a storm of electricity.
IV and Vector could do nothing as they watched their defeated adversary shorting himself out. During that time, a "3" formed from a black mist that poured out of Thunder Spark's body. 'A "3"?' They both thought instantaneously. The duo couldn't focus on it at the moment as the outburst went on.
After a very intense minute, the electric bombardment ceased. Thunder Spark lay in the water, barely holding on. As the pair came closer, the being sighed deeply. "It seems this is it for me… again."
"Again?" IV asked, confused but the change of tone of the defeated Duelist's voice.
"What's that mean?" Vector questioned.
"In another time and place, I fought and lost to Yuma Tsukumo. He fought well, like you two did. Although, I recall losing my soul my defeat against him." Thunder Spark sighed again before he went on. "I do not know how and why I was brought back to fight, but regardless… I am at my end. This is where we depart. Farewell…" Thunder Spark then disappeared in a burst of electron particles, giving off a faint blue sizzle before vanishing entirely. Only his Number card was left behind, which IV picked up.
"That was pretty dramatic." Vector commented as they rode their Loaders back to the stadium. "Any clues about ghat number "3" we saw?"
"You got me." IV said. "We should meet with the others as soon as we park these things."
"Yeah." While riding back, Vector wondered of not just about the significance of that 3, but also about Thunder Spark's connection to Yuma. Somehow, he felt there was an interesting story behind it. He couldn't help but smile at that possibility as they rode on the water, their battle done… for now.
To be continued.