[A/N]
Before we get into the chapter proper, want to say that I managed to pull Starving Venom, and have playtested Magikey Deck with Yuri's new skill that summons chlamydosundew. In terms of win/loss, I don't think that's much better or worse than with Fusion Darkraze regardless of if you're going first. If you're going second, however, it does force interaction from your opponent. Keep in mind, that skill does lock you out of Fusion monsters if you haven't summoned Fusion Dragon.
If you don't want it to be the very first thing you do, you can even use it as a panic button of sorts if you can't set up your board. And, if your sundew is negated, you can use it as link material for cerberus. In terms of monsters from the ED that you should consider cutting, I went with 'Vepartu'. He doesn't come up very often, if at all, from my experience.
Anything else, uh…? Oh yeah, I haven't criticized RWBY in a while. It's time to put on the hater glasses again.
Let's open the game.
Duel 18
The White of Sky
Coco Adel lounged on her bed, and kicked her feet up and down as she scrolled through her social media feed.
Today was quiet. Blake hadn't come back from… wherever the hell she went during the weekends, and so Coco didn't have the incredible background noise that was the slight rustle of pages every few seconds. A few more minutes of silence and she might go crazy.
A few moments passed. Coco groaned, and clicked social media to go to her music app. But before she could, she heard voices coming from the hallway.
"No, stop, what are you doing, what are you doing, what are you doing, what are you doing!?" A young voice spoke out to someone.
"Relax, Rubes, I know what I'm doing!" Yang responded. Blake turned around, confused, when the person who was assumedly Yang tried to open the door. It was locked.
There was a knock on the door. "Blake!" Yang called out. "I'm respecting your privacy by knocking, but asserting my concern for your wellbeing by coming in anyway!" Coco blinked. She got up, unlocked the door, and opened it. Behind it was Yang, with her foot raised, and Ruby, who had wrapped her arms around Yang's neck.
"Can I help you?" Coco asked.
"We were wondering if you had seen Blake?" Yang asked in a casual voice, as if Ruby wasn't currently choking her and wasn't about to break in the door.
"...No, not since Sunday night," Coco said with a shrug. "She looked kinda frazzled, too."
"Okay, thanks!" Yang extended her leg and used her foot to close the door. "See you in class?"
"...We have a class together?" The sister managed to hear Coco say before the door clicked shut.
"Well, that's one less count of destruction of private property for me!" Yang said with a slight shrug. Ruby huffed and flipped Yang's long blonde over her head..
"I told you we could've just knocked," Ruby grumbled.
"And if Blake's roommate wasn't there to open it?" Yang asked her.
"We could've figured something out," Ruby shrugged. "Anyways, Blake has been gone… probably since our meeting with Ozpin. So, nobody has seen for the past 30 hours or so. And you said Blake sometimes disappears?"
"During Friday and weekends. She's usually back in school by Monday," Yang clarified. "You think… she got caught by Number Hunter?"
Ruby pursed her lips tightly. "Blake's a powerful Duelist, but…" She thought back to what Weiss told her yesterday, and her brow furrowed. She wondered how Blake felt about hearing about those attacks, about that dead woman.
"Something up?" Yang asked as Ruby placed a hand over her mouth.
Even if that was the case… Why would Blake react in this way?
"Just… thinking…" Ruby murmured softly. "Does Blake have a way to go off campus?" She asked Yang.
"I'm not sure. In our first year, whenever we went off-campus we usually took my bike, and we can't really do that now," Yang explained. "Where would she even go…?"
"There was another card shop on the other side of the city that I remembered about. I went there because I'm on good terms with the owner," Blake told them.
Ruby blinked. "Hey, has Blake ever told you about a card shop with an owner she's familiar with?"
Yang tilted her head up and placed a hand on her chin as she scrounged through her memories. "I think? I don't remember the name of the store, but she did tell me about some… 'Tuksun'? I think that's his name."
Ruby snapped her scroll open and typed the name into the search bar. "Yep. He runs an OTS on the outskirts of Vale." She typed the number of the store into her scroll and pressed the call button. Yang backed up against the wall as she waited for the person on the other side to pick up.
There was a click. Ruby gave Yang a thumbs up. "Hi there, Mr. Tuksun, I'm not actually calling to order any sets. I'm looking for my friend, and I was wondering if you had seen her? I think we went to your store a couple days ago, so she might sound familiar…" There was a pause as Ruby waited for a response.
"Well… she has long black hair, a cat tail and ears, yellow eyes. And, when she doesn't have her OBELISK Blue outfit, she wears a black and white outfit with purple leggings…" There was another pause, but it was much shorter than the other two. "Alright, thank you. Have a good day."
Ruby snapped her scroll shut. "Sussus amogus?" Yang asked.
"You watched too much brainrot. Stop infecting Weiss with it," Ruby snarked, but nodded. "He's definitely seen her recently. He talked a little faster after I described her, and he even stuttered, too. Total lying behavior."
"So, you think Blake went there?" Yang asked with a frown, not yet convinced. "Aside from the distance, the bus fare is gonna be hella expensive."
"What if… she doesn't need to worry about a bus fare?" Ruby proposed, which made Yang even more confused. "We have Duel Force Duel Disks, and she has the most aura out of all of us. Much more, in fact."
"Are you suggesting she used one of her monsters to fly over there?" Yang asked in an exasperated voice.
"Well, n-not fly, exactly… but yeah," Ruby said with a nod. "I think a giant dragon with rose petals for wings is a little too conspicuous."
"Gee, you think?" Yang snickered. "She probably used something smaller… like 'Spore'!" Ruby rolled her eyes, but giggled.
"Regardless of what she used, we should probably head over Tuksun's place and investigate," She said.
Yang nodded. "Cool. How?"
Ruby froze. "...Good question? When does the next bus to Vale show up?" Yang looked through her scroll.
"Uh… like, two hours." Yang said. "And, we need to take another bus to the card shop, too. So, like 3 hours in total. And that's not counting the actual travel time, and the time to get back here."
"So, a long time to get there and back…" Ruby sighed.
"And, that's ignoring curfew, too," Yang added, which ade Ruby sigh even harder.
She took out her deck, and shuffled through her cards. "Ruby, what are you doing…?" Yang asked cautiously.
"Can you go get my Duel Disk?" Ruby asked Yang.
A few minutes later, Ruby fell to her knees and gasped. Her forehead was covered in sweat, and her silver eyes glittered tiredly. Yang gently rubbed and patted Ruby's back, while 'Magikey Beast - Ansyalabolas' sniffed the girls curiously.
"You good?" Yang asked. She produced a bottle of water from her, and Ruby downed it in less than a few seconds.
"Just… tired…!" Ruby gasped. She leaned forwards, letting her head rest on 'Ansyalabolas'' snout to steady herself. Still, she managed to turn her head up slowly and pat the large demon dog. "Thanks for taking us all over here."
'Ansyalabolas' barked, the sound mixed with the souls of those burning in hell. Once Ruby turned off her Duel Disk, it disappeared, and it felt like a weight was lifted off her shoulders.
"He really is just a big, hellish Zwei," Yang said with a light smile.
"All doggos are good boys. It's in their nature." Ruby panted. "Anyways…!" She stood up shakily and stretched. "How far are we from the shop?"
"An hour away," Yang said bluntly.
"Fuuuuuuck…!" Ruby whined. "Can you carry me, please…?" She asked, reaching out with her arms. Yang huffed and turned around.
"Fine. Up you go!" Ruby let out a yelp as she was suddenly picked up off the floor. She locked her arms and legs around Yang's arms and waist, and settled her chin on her shoulder. "Are you still working out?" She asked. "You can still pick me up real easily…"
"Pfft, I never stopped lifting!" Yang laughed. "And besides…" She turned her head around slightly, so that Ruby could make eye contact with one violet orb. "I'll always have the strength to carry you."
Ruby snickered slightly, and then buried her head into Yang's bright blonde mane. "Thanks…" she murmured tiredly.
It took a few more minutes to reach the card shop. Yang put Ruby down on the floor, and while the younger girl's body still ached, she stood up straight. The store, 'Tuksun's Card Trade' looked like it was closed. The blinds were closed, and the lights inside were off.
"Closed…?" Yang muttered. "Strange. On the website it said it should be open."
"Maybe it has something to do with Blake?" Ruby asked.
"If she's here, anyways." Yang raised her fist (whether she was going to knock to punch was beyond Ruby), but as soon her knuckles touched the glass door, it began to drift open. The sisters shared a look with each other.
Ruby raised her scroll, flicked it open, and tapped a button to send their location to Pyrrha, Weiss and Ozpin. They then gave each other nods and thumbs up.
Yang pushed the door open and walked in. "Hello…?~" She straightened her back to appear taller, and kept her fists clenched to her sides. Ruby followed in closely behind her, with her red hood already over her head.
The store was eerily silent.
"This place is starting to give me the creeps…" Ruby whispered. The pair used the lights from the scrolls to see. The shop was small, filled with bookshelves of box sets. There was even a single set of Invasion: Vengeance.
"Anybody home?" Yang called out again. She reached the front desk and placed her hand on the surface. After flashing her light on it, she noticed the cash register on the floor, and a handful of books, and snack items toppled on and over it.
Yang jumped over the desk. She winced at the sound; it sounded like she stepped on a puddle. She kneeled down, and placed her fingers on that puddle. It was sticky, and when she brought it to her eyes, she saw that it was red.
"Ruby, call the cops," Yang said in a deadly serious voice. Ruby practically flinched at the sound of it.
"R-right…!" Ruby said. She brought the scroll to her ear–
And shrieked as a knife cut through the air, and impaled it against the far wall. Her eyes widened, and her breath shook as she felt a thin line of blood trickle down her cheek and the palm of her hand.
"Okay, who the fuck did that!?" Yang shouted, her eyes turning bright red. She raced over to Ruby and stood protectively in front of her. They both looked to the back of the store.
"Did we really need to antagonize them?" A male voice asked. A duo of Duelists stepped out from the back; one was a tall, gray-haired boy in dark pants and gray jacket. The other was a dark-skinned girl with green hair, wearing a white and green crop top and a white pants and brown chaps. She also had throwing knives in her hand.
Yang snarled at them. "Who the hell are you two?" She demanded to know. Ruby, while she still looked startled, stepped beside her and nodded.
"See?" They grey-haired youth said as he waved his arm at them. "We could've left and had this over and done with, but nooooooo, you just had to throw a knife at them. You've gotta be kidding me–! Ack!"
The girl struck his gut with her elbow, which made him double over, and then she looked back at the sisters. "You're not supposed to be here," She said in an intimidating voice.
"Yeah? Neither are you, fucker," Yang hissed through gritted teeth. "I'm going to ask again. What are you doing here…?"
The girl in green narrowed her eyes. "I'm not going to tell you anything," She said.
"You're not here for Tukson, are you?" The gray-haired boy then asked. His partner seethed through her nose. "Or… that cat girl with black hair?"
Ruby gasped, and Yang seethed. "What did you do to Blake?" Ruby asked them.
"Blake…?" The girl murmured softly.
"That's the girl he mentions sometimes, right?" The boy whispered to her. The girl nodded. Ruby's silver eyes shimmered when she heard that.
"We're not going to let you hurt her," She said in a measured voice, and stepped out from behind Yang. Yang placed an over her shoulder and pushed her back. "Blake's our friend. And we're going to protect her from the two of you."
The boy snickered. "Okay, big girl. You want to protect your friend?" He flicked out his wrist, which caused a red, glowing tether to fly out and wrap around her wrist. Ruby hissed as it forcibly activated her Academia Duel Disk. "Maybe if we beat 'em up a little bit, she'll show up?"
The girl rolled her eyes, but did the same to Yang. "Perhaps. Besides, they have Numbers," She commented. Yang took a step back, but the girl yanked on the tether, drawing her forwards.
"Nuh-uh-uh…! Nobody is leaving until we're done…!" The boy said in a deep growl. Both their Duel Disks, circular ones that expanded into dark blades.
"Yang!" Ruby whispered to her. The blonde looked at her, and she closed her eyes and exhaled. When she opened them, the red had returned to violet.
"Don't worry Ruby. They can't handle both of us at the same time!" She exclaimed with a cocky smirk. Ruby smiled at her confidence, which boosted her own.
"Let's show them how we Duel together!" Ruby said confidently. They dumped fists and got into battle ready stances.
At their display of camaraderie, the boy also offered his fist to his partner. She gagged, rolled her eyes, and drew.
Ruby Rose (4000 LP) & Yang Xiao Long (4000 LP)
VS
Mercury Black (4000 LP) & Emerald & No. 89 (4000 LP)
TAG DUEL!
"I'll start this game off," Mercury said as he looked through his cards. "I activate the effect of 'Infernoble Knight Ricciardetto' from my hand!" A large pyre appeared behind him which took the form of a large lance. "By banishing it, I can summon any Level 4 FIRE Warrior Monster as a Tuner from my hand. Come on out, 'Battlin' Boxer Chief Second'!" The pyre exploded, and the smoke, a short mechanical humanoid carrying a bottle of water and a small stool appeared (LV 4 Tuner / 500 ATK).
"Once per turn, 'Chief Second' lets me Normal Summon another 'Battlin' Boxer' monster. Enter the ring, 'Battlin' Boxer Uppercutter'!" The next humanoid was a leaner, taller monster in silver and yellow armor. The sides of its arms had blades attached to them, and spiky blue hair stuck out from its helmet (LV 4 / 1600 ATK).
"When 'Uppercutter' is summoned, it can add 'Battlin' Boxer Shadow' to my hand!" Mercury said with a smirk. The lean humanoid harrumphed, and threw a few practice punches at the sisters when Mercury did so.
"Now, I overlay Level 4 'Chief Second' and 'Uppercutter'! I Xyz Summon Rank 4: 'Battlin' Boxer King Dempsey'!" The two boxers crossed their arms together, and they both turned into twin spheres of fire. The monster that took their place was a red-skinned humanoid with golden boxing gloves and helmet, and multiple engines poking out from its arms and back (RK 4 / 2300 ATK / 2 OU).
"'King Dempsey's' effect activates when it's summoned. I get to add 'Infernoble Knight - Renaud' to my hand." 'King Dempsey's' engines ignited, and emitted bright blue flames. "I also activate 'King Dempsey's' second effect. I detach a unit from any Xyz Monster I have, in order to make all my 'Battlin' Boxer's' untargetable for the rest of the turn." One unit fell into the monster's flames, and 'King Dempsey' was then surrounded by a shield of fire (2 OU to 1 OU).
"Now, I activate the effect of 'Battlin' Boxer Shadow' from my hand. I detach a unit from 'King Dempsey' in order to Special Summon it from my hand." One yellow Overlay Unit darkened and eventually crumbled to dust (1 OU to 0 OU). It reignited, and the flames rose to form dark-skinned humanoid with a blue flowing scarf (LV 4 / 1800 ATK).
"What's even better is that when 'Uppercutter' is sent to the grave by a card effect, I can summon back 'Chief Second' from my graveyard!" The same fist with from 'Uppercutter' appeared, this time attached to 'Chief Second's' left fist (LV 4 / 2000 DEF).
Mercury slid that card into his Duel Disk, and then grabbed another. "Since I control a FIRE Warrior Monster, I can Special Summon 'Infernoble Knight - Renaud' from my hand, as Tuner Monster!" A black horse with a fiery mane galloped into the bookstore, who carried a knight in white and red armor with a blazing sword in his hand (LV 1 Tuner / 500 ATK).
"And, when 'Renaud' is Special Summon, I can add 'Ricciardetto' back to my hand. Next, I'll Tune my Level 1 'Renaud' to my Level 4 'Battlin' Boxer Shadow'!" Mercury snapped his fingers and pointed to the sky. The shadowy boxer jumped onto the horse, and 'Renaud' commanded the steed to gallop. They turned into a beam of green light, which illuminated Mercury's cocky, intimidating smirk. "I Synchro Summon Level 5 'Ignoble Knight of High Laundsallyn'!"
The light faded. Instead of a fiery warrior, a man covered in pitch black and red armor appeared, with a fierce scowl on his face. His red eyes shone dangerously as he rose red a black sword, and another blade of fierce red energy (LV 5 / 2100 ATK).
"When 'Laundsallyn' is summoned, I can equip '"Infernoble Arms - Durendal"' to it!" Mercury then said. The man traded in his metal blade for a thinner, smaller broadsword with a guard designed like dragon wings. "Then, I destroy 'Durendal' to add 'Infernoble Knight Oliver' to my hand!" That sword shattered immediately.
"Next, since I have a FIRE Warrior on my field, I can summon 'Fire Flint Lady'." There was short cackle and a burst of flame as a small lady in a blue kimono appeared, giggling to herself as she played with her flint and steel (LV 1 / 100 ATK). "And, I can send her to the grave to summon 'Oliver' from my hand." The lady struck her flint, which made her entire body burn away. The fire then reformed into another red and white armored knight, this time with a cape (LV 4 Tuner / 1000 ATK).
"Now, I tune my Level 4 'Oliver' to Level 5 'High Laundsallyn'!" Mercury smirk grew even wider as the knight turned into red, flaming rings and engulfed the black knight. "Here's Level 9 'Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles'!"
The combination of a dark fiery knight resulted in a blonde man with light purple highlights, wearing a black red suit over heavy black and gold armor (LV 9 / 3000 ATK). "But wait, there's more! Once per turn, 'Oliver' can equip itself to any Warrior monster from the grave!" The fiery swords that once belonged to 'Oliver' now floated around 'Charles'.
Next, a large circuit board in front of Mercury. "Now that all the steps are complete, I can set 'Emperor Charles' into the Link Arrow!" He exclaimed. The fiery knight gripped his charm tightly, and became a red stream of data. "Since 'Emperor Charles' has a card equipped to him, I can use that as Link Material, in order to summon Link-1, 'Emperor Charles the Great'!"
The circuit board exploded. 'Emperor Charles' became engulfed in flames. His suit burned away, which revealed white and gold armor hidden underneath it. The fire coiled around his back, and formed in a red flowing cape. He raised one hand, and the sword he carried burst into flames.
The knight regarded Yang and Ruby with narrowed, calculated violet eyes. He dug his sword into the ground and stood his ground to oppose them.
[Emperor Charles the Great]
[FIRE / Warrior / Link / Effect]
[3000 ATK / LINK-1]
"When 'Emperor Charles' is summoned, it takes the name and effects of the Synchro Monster, and that monster is also equipped to it as a card that gives it a 500 ATK boost." Mercury informed them ("Emperor Charles the Great" to "Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles" / 3000 ATK to 3500 ATK). 'Charles' raised one hand, and the sword of his unevolved form hand appeared in his burning gauntlet.
"Now, since I control a 'Battlin' Boxer' monster, I can summon 'Battlin' Boxer Sparrer' from my hand!" The last card in Mercury's hand was revealed; a thin boxer in green armor that had two large foam blocks attached to its arms (LV 4 / 1200 ATK). "Now, I overlay Level 4 'Chief Second' and 'Sparrer'!"
The monster yelled out, and as they rose into the sky, a galactic Overlay Network appeared in front of them. Ruby and Yang gasped as the Network exploded, and revealed a large sandbag covered in red metal and golden engravings. "Let me show you the true king of the ring!" Mercury taunted. "I give you Number 79: Burning Knuckler Nova Kaiser!"
Instead of unfolding, something inside the sandbag started to strike, making the metal dent and bulge from the inside. A gray fist that carried red and gold knuckle dusters managed to punch through. The monster kept punching, until the front of the sandbag had been completely destroyed, allowing fire to spill out like water.
A mechanical humanoid, something more akin to a mecha rather than human wearing armor, walked out from the fire. It was covered from head to toe in thick red armor with gold edges on them, and behind it were large white and yellow mechanical wings.
The monster pounded its fists together. The Number 79 glimmered as it tattooed onto the left side of its abs.
[Number 79: Burning Knuckler Nova Kaiser]
[FIRE / Warrior / Xyz / Effect]
[2300 ATK / 1600 DEF / 2 OU]
(AKA "Number 79: Battlin' Boxer Nova Kaiser")
(FIRE & DIVINE)
"Since Burning Knuckler has two Overlay Units, that means it gets an extra 400 ATK for each one!" Mercury added. The two Units that orbited around Kaiser turned into flames, which made the blue eyes, and blue lights on its knuckle dusters glow brighter (2300 ATK to 3100 ATK). "And, once per turn, Nova Kaiser is allowed to either summon a Warrior monster from my Extra Deck, or attach it to itself as a Unit. I summon back 'Uppercutter'!"
That monster reappeared, the blades on its arms gleaming brightly (LV 4 / 1600 ATK). "Now, I normal summon 'Infernoble Knight Ricciardetto'!" A blonde man with orange eyes appeared, and he carried the same lance that Mercury had used for his first move (LV 1 Tuner / 500 ATK)
"I tune Level 1 'Ricciardetto' to Level 4 'Uppercutter'! I Synchro Summon Level 5 'Angelica, Princess of Noble Arms'!" Like before, the burn rings engulfed the boxer, but instead of large knight, the monster summoned was a woman with a long brown hair, wearing a long, cream colored dress and gazing at a ring on her forefinger (LV 5 / 2400 DEF).
"When 'Angelica' is summoned, I can add 'Noble Arms Museum' to my hand, which I activate!" The card shop disappeared, and the four Duelists were transported to a wide open exhibit. Inside, the 'Infernoble Arms' were displayed inside glass boxes, and blue and black background figures mingled about, taking in the sight of the ancient swords.
"While my 'Museum' is in play, all my FIRE Warrior Monsters get 500 ATK," Mercury said. The swords gleamed, and energy was beamed directly into the monsters (Angelica: 1200 ATK to 1700 ATK, Dempsey: 2300 ATK to 2800 ATK, Charles: 3500 ATK to 4000 ATK, Number 79: 3100 ATK to 3600 ATK).
"I also activate 'Museum's' second effect! By paying 1200 LP, I can add '"Infernoble Arms - Almace"' to my hand!" His hand ignited; off to the side, blue background figures grabbed 'Almace's' container, and wheeled it Mercury (4000 LP to 2800 LP).
"Now, during the End Phase, 'Emperor Charles'' effect activates! It can equip 'Durendal' from my grave, and 'Infernoble Knight Ogier' from my deck as a card that gives it another 500 ATK boost!" 'Charles' raised his hand, and took hold of the broadsword from earlier. A small fairy with a gentle orange glow fluttered down and landed on his shoulder as well (4000 ATK to 4500 ATK).
"I end my turn," Mercury said with a proud huff.
Ruby bit her lip at the intimidating field in front of her. Even Yang looked intimidated. "Thoughts?" Ruby whispered.
"We need to get 'Charles' off the field," Yang said. "Its effect triggers when anybody equips a card, and my 'Mikanko's' technically aren't equipped with anything until the chain resolves." Ruby nodded.
"I got it. In this case, I'll go first. I draw!" Ruby said. The moment she entered her Main Phase, Mercury went on the offensive.
"Nova Kaiser will attach 'Uppercutter' from the grave to it!" He shouted. The large armored Number raised its fist to the air, and a red orb appeared over its knuckle dusters (2 OU to 3 OU / 3600 ATK to 4000 ATK). "I then activate 'King Dempsey's' effect! I detach 'Uppercutter' from Nova Kaiser, to make my 'Battlin' Boxer' monster untargetable! This also applies to Nova Kaiser!"
As soon as rings of fire appeared over the monster, Nova Kaiser slammed its fist together over the unit (3 OU to 2 OU / 4000 ATK to 3600 ATK). "And, 'Uppercutter' lets me set a 'Counter' Counter Trap from my Deck right onto the field. I set 'Flamvell Counter'!" The card appeared next behind Number 79, which made Mercury smirk. "Also, Nova Kaiser lets me activate 1 'Counter' Trap the turn it was set."
Ruby hissed in annoyance. Her heart pounded in her chest, as she planned her next move. "I activate 'Ground Xeno'! With it, I can add a Dinosaur Tuner, or a Normal Dinosaur, from my deck to my hand, and then destroy a card on my hand or field!"
"Nope, nope! No dinosaur shenanigans in my museum! By sending 'Durendal' back to my grave, 'Emperor Charles' negates that effect!" He said in a cocky voice. The broadsword turned into pure fire, and blasted a meteor that was about to crash onto the field.
Ruby licked her lips anxiously. "When a card is destroyed, I can summon 'Xeno Metorus' from my hand!" The floor of the museum erupted, and a red t-rex with silver bone armor on its face and hips rose from the lava (LV 6 Tuner / 2000 ATK).
"I activate the Continuous Spell, 'Supernatural Danger Zone'!" She said. Off the side, another exhibit opened; to goblin guards stood in front of a fenced off area. Behind them, a werewolf and the skeleton of a dinosaur hungrily stared at them.
"I summon 'Primite Dragon Ether Beryl'!" Ruby then said. A thin dragon made of rock appeared, and the pieces of red magma beneath its skin glowed gently. "When 'Ether Beryl' summoned, it can set 'Primite Lordly Lode' from my deck right onto the field." The rock dragon growled, which caused a deposit of gems and quartz to appear behind it. "I activate 'Lordly Lode'!"
"I activate 'Flamvell Counter'!" Mercury said with a huff. "I banish 'Uppercutter' to negate it!" The fiery spirit of the boxer lunged out from the graveyard and struck the mineral deposit, causing it to explode.
Ruby coughed as the smoke reached her lungs. Yang tried to run towards her, but Emerald yanked on the tether that connected them. "Not so fast," She said. Yang snarled at her.
"I'm good," Ruby reassured her. "I activate 'Ether Beryl's' effect. I tribute it to send 'Gunkan Suship' from my deck to grave. "I activate 'Xeno Meteorus'' effect! I destroy 'Submareed Tour Guide' from my hand, and then summon 'Frostosaurus'!" She said. Emerald scowled at Mercury as a large whale dinosaur opened its mouth, and allowed a large stegosaur made of ice to walk out (LV 6 / 2000 ATK).
"Aren't you taking this seriously?" Emerald hissed at the boy as he poked his ear with his pinky. "She can still do shit!"
"Now, is that my fault, or is it because she got a baller hand?" Mercury asked sarcastically. He flicked something from his nail towards Emerald's direction, which made the girl seethe even more.
"Fuck off!"
Yang and Ruby blinked, and glanced at each. "Uh… when a non-effect monster is summoned, 'Danger Zone' can target and destroy a card you control. I choose, 'Emperor Charles', the Synchro Monster." The dinosaur skeleton broke through the fence. 'Emperor Charles' flinched and moved back as the giant skeleton chomped down on his sword and swallowed. Somehow.
This also weakened the monster (4500 ATK to 4000 ATK).
"You should have negated that spell…!" Emerald hissed.
"And then what!?" Mercury snapped back at her. "That gets her a free normal monster from anywhere! At least she xeno-locked herself!"
"Anyways…!" Ruby said, ignoring the snickering from Yang. "I activate the Spell Card, 'Magikey Maftea'! Since I control a Normal Monster, I can fuse the 'Shiny Black "C" Squadder' in my Deck with 'Maginificent Magikey Mafteal' in my hand! I Fusion Summon Level 8 'Magikey Dragon - Andrabime'!"
The fence from 'Danger Zone' opened, and a large green dragon flew out with its tattered wings (LV 8 / 2800 ATK). "I activate 'Andrabime's' effect! I target 'Gunkan' in my grave, and all FIRE monsters you control are destroyed!" The green dragon reared its neck back.
"Most of them, anyways," Mercury corrected her. "Nova Kaiser is a Number, and since 'Emperor Charles' has 'Ogier' equipped to it, it can be destroyed by card effects!" He said. While true, that didn't stop 'Andrabime' from lurching forwards and blasting the field with fire. 'Angelica' and 'King Dempsey' were both destroyed.
"And, since a Monster with an attribute shared by a Normal Monster in my grave was destroyed, I get to draw a card!" Ruby said. "I tune Level 6 'Xeno Meteorus' to Level 6 'Frostosaurus', to Synchro Summon Level 12 'Trancendosaurus Glaciasaurus'!"
'Frostosaurus' roared and shook its neck as it was engulfed in green light. The ice that covered its body became thicker and sharper. A sharp horn of ice grew on the tip of its mouth, and yellow eyes turned into a gleaming shade of red. The monster roared, which caused a powerful chill to roll across the room (LV 12 / 3600 ATK).
"I set one card." During the End Phase, I can add back 'Ether Beryl', since there's a normal monster in my grave," Ruby said with a frown.
"Also, since 'Emperor Charles' effect activates! I equip 'Almace' from my hand to it, as well as 'Infernoble Knight Maugis' from my deck to it as an Equip Card!" When he did, a flaming spear appeared behind 'Emperor Charles' back (4000 ATK to 4500 ATK). "And, since a card was equipped to 'Emperor Charles', it gets to pop a card. Say bye-bye to your dinosaur!"
'Emperor Charles' pointed his sword as 'Glaciasaurus', and released an intense wave of fire. The intense flames melted the ice and the skin off of it. "When 'Glaciasaurus' is destroyed, I can shuffle back 'Frostasarus' to my deck in order to summon it back!" The ice suddenly reapplied itself to the monster, and 'Glaciasaurus' howled. (LV 12 / 3600 ATK). "And, since it was summoned from the Grave, you can't destroy it, or target it with card effects!"
'Glaciasaurus' stomped forwards, and its body was enveloped in a thick blizzard. "My turn ends here."
"Finally," Emerald sighed. She took a step forward. "I draw. Since I control no monster, I can summon 'Kashtira Ogre' from my hand!" A bulky red monster appeared on the field, carrying with it an oversized battle axe, and a container in the other hand (LV 7 / 2800 ATK).
"Oh my god, it's Shrek…" Yang murmured to herself.
"I activate my trap 'Primite Howl'!" Ruby said once the monster appeared. "I can declare 1 Normal Monster's name, and for the rest of this turn, I won't take battle damage Normal Monster this turn, and with any of my 'Primite Monsters'. I declare 'Clavkiys'!"
Everyone blinked in confusion. "...You know nobody can't battle until the blonde one gets a turn, right?" Mercury asked her.
"I know what I'm doing!" Ruby huffed.
"Aaaaanyways," Emerald continued, "Once per turn, 'Kashtira Ogre' lets me add 'Kashtira Big Bang' from my hand to the deck. Then, I activate 'Kashtiratheosis'. I target my 'Ogre', so I can summon a 'Kashtira' monster with a different type from my deck."
"I activate 'Primite Howl's' graveyard effect!" Ruby said in response. "I banish it, and then target 'Gunkan Suship'. Now, I can take control of your 'Ogre' since it has more ATK than 'Suship'!"
Emerald blinked as her monster suddenly encased in a thick sphere of quartz, and was dragged over to Ruby's field. "And now, 'Kashtiratheosis' has no target, so its effect fizzles out." Emerald hissed in annoyance.
"I think you should've negated that," Mercury said with a poor imitation of her voice. "That's what you sound like."
"Shut. I Normal Summon 'Kashtira Riseheart'," Emerald seethed. A human with long black and red hair tied into a ponytail appeared, dressed like a samurai and having a left hand filled with cosmic energy (LV 4 / 1500 ATK).
"On the turn 'Riseheart' is summoned, I can banish a 'Kashtira' card from my deck, and in order to banish the top three cards of your deck face-down. I banish 'Kashtira Unicorn'." Emerald's red eyes then turned to Yang.
'Riseheart' snarled, and pointed its palm at Yang. It fired a bolt of angry red energy at her, and struck her deck slot. "Now, 'Riseheart' becomes Level 7," Emerald continued. The man gripped his left hand tightly, which made a horrid red energy emerge from his body (LV 4 to LV 7). "I set three cards.
"During the Main Phase, Nova Kaiser will attach 'Battlin' Boxer Shadow' to itself from the graveyard," Mercury said. With a grunt, Nova Kaiser slammed its knuckles duster together, and the sparks formed into an Overlay Unit (2 OU to 3 OU / 3600 ATK to 4000 ATK).
"I end my turn," Emerald announced
"That means 'Ogre' returns to you." As Ruby spoke, the monster broke free from its prison, and stomped back to Emerald's field.
"Okay, let's end this then!" Yang said. She cracked her knuckles, and placed her fingers on her deck. "I draw!"
"I activate the Continuous Trap 'Kashtira Preparations'! This card lets me summon back 'Kashtira Unicorn' from my banishment!" Emerald exclaimed as she chained her card to his. A metal container, the same one 'Ogre' carried, dropped from the sky and hissed open. A mechanical humanoid in red armor walked out, with a sword in hand, and a crossbow attached to its arm in the other (LV 7 / 2500 ATK).
"And, like before, Nova Kaiser will attach 'Renaud' to itself as an Overlay Unit," Mercury said. Then, Nova Kaiser slammed its knuckle dusters together again, making its power grow even more (3 OU to 4 OU / 4000 ATK to 4400 ATK).
"Hey!" Yang huffed. "I activate the Spell Card 'Hidden Armory'. I mill the top card of my deck as cost, to add an Equip Spell from my deck to the grave. And, I can't Normal Summon for the rest of the turn, either."
She didn't seem to be too bothered as she milled the top card of her deck. "The card sent is 'Mikanko Kagura'. I add 'Mikanko Fire Dance' to my hand. I activate 'Preparation of Rites'! I can add a Level 6 or Lower Ritual Monster from my hand or deck to the grave, and since I have a Ritual Spell in my grave, I can add that to my hand, too!
"I add 'Ohime the Manifested Mikanko', and 'Mikanko Kagura'!" She added both cards to her hand, and flipped over the Ritual Monster she just added. "I activate the effect of 'Ohime' in my hand!"
"'Ogre's' effect activates!" Emerald interrupted. "Since you activated a monster effect, you have to excavate the top 5 cards of your deck, and I get to choose 1 to banish face-down!" Yang snarled at her.
"I've got… 'Speedroid Terrortop', 'Mikanko Spiritwalk', 'Ahsoka Pillar', 'Angelica's Angelic Ring', and 'Piri Reis Map'." Yang said. Emerald hummed, and pointed at the equip spell. 'Ogre' roared and swung its axe forwards, launching an energy beam that cut through 'Angelic Ring'.
"Anyways, I add 'Mikanko Dance - Mayowashidori', and discard it too. Then, I activate 'Mikanko Water Arabesque', and equip it onto 'Kashtira Unicorn'!" The armored monster looked around in confusion as watery tendrils appeared around it.
"Not so fast! 'Emperor Charles' destroys a card when a monster is equipped with a card! I choose… Number 79!" Mercury said, which made Emerald gasp. Even Ruby and Yang looked shocked.
"Hey!" Emerald shouted in offence.
"You're destroying your own monster?" Ruby asked.
Mercury nodded. "Yeah, you heard me," He said with a sly grin. The number began to burn up, and the Number on its abs glowed brighter. "And, when Number 79 is destroyed, it can Special Summon as many FIRE Warrior monsters from my grave as it had Overlay Units, also, I can Xyz Summon with them if I so choose!"
"I think you forgot that Andrabime also lets me draw a card, since I have a FIRE Normal monster in my grave!" Ruby said. She drew and shuffled that card into her hand.
Mercury rolled his eyes and reached into his grave to pull out 4 cards. "I summon back 'Angelica, Princess of Noble Arms'…" (LV 5 / 2400 DEF) "'Battlin' Boxer Shadow'…" (LV 4 / 1800 ATK) "'Battlin' Boxer Chief Second'…" (LV 4 / 2000 DEF) "and 'Battlin' Boxer Sparrer'!" (LV 4 / 1200 ATK).
"And now, I overlay my three Level 4 'Boxers'!" Mercury said with a widening smirk. The three monsters flew into the air, pulled in by a galactic Overlay Network that appeared on the roof. The Number's dormant form looked like two long hexagonal tubes attached to each other. They opened, and a pair of blue arms shot out.
"Number 105! Burning Knuckler Cestus the Meteor!"
Pieces of metal flew off the containers' main body, revealing blue and bright yellow armor. Two large shields sprung out as well, attached to the back of shoulders and angled backwards. Muscular, bandaged arms flexed, making them bulge out.
Cestus the Meteor launched a few powerful punches in front of it, and then held both its fists in front of its chest. The Number 105 was emblazoned onto its right shoulder.
[Number 105: Burning Knuckler Cestus the Meteor]
[FIRE / Warrior / Xyz / Effect]
[2500 ATK / 1600 DEF / 3 OU]
(AKA "Number 105: Battlin' Boxer Star Cestus")
(FIRE & DIVINE)
(2500 ATK to 3000 ATK).
"Two Numbers…" Yang hissed.
Ruby, meanwhile, let out a shuddered breath. Cestus glared down at her with gleaming red eyes. She had to keep herself from whimpering as she felt an intense wave of hate, anger, and utter contempt from its expressionless face. Yang didn't notice Ruby's sudden surge of fear.
"I activate 'Water Arabesque's' effect! I summon 'Ha-Re' from my Deck, equip 'Arabesque' to it, and return 'Unicorn' to your hand!" Yang said as she pointed at Emerald.
"Not if 'Emperor Charles' has anything to say about it!" Mercury said. The fiery knight raised his sword, and evaporated the water with a flaming swing of his sword before they could entangle 'Kashtira Unicorn'.
"I activate 'Mikanko Fire Dance'!" Yang continued. "I Special Summon 'Hu-Li the Jewel Mikanko' from my hand!" An explosion of fire appeared in front of her, and the girl with fox ears and nine tails twirled out of the smoke (LV 3 / 0 ATK). "When 'Hu-Li' has a card equipped to it, I can add a 'Mikanko' Trap from my deck to my hand!"
"'Kashtira Unicorn's' effect activates when you activate a monster effect!" Emerald responded. "I can look at your Extra Deck, and banish 1 card from it!"
Ruby shook her head. "That means she can banish a Number!" Ruby said a light smirk on her face. Even Emerald knew this, so her smile was both confident and cocky as she looked into Yang's Extra Deck and…
"What the…! Half of these vanilla Fusions!" Emerald gasped.
"Really? Let me see," Mercury murmured. As Emerald said, aside from the 'Fortress', 'Torpedo', 'Dark Knight Lancer', 'Dyna Mondo', and 'Asura King', Yang's Extra Deck had nothing but the earliest Fusion Monsters ever printed. The bad ones, too (not that there many good ones, either). Her two Numbers were not present.
"Our Numbers are always with us, yeah?" Yang commented, drawing her opponent's eyes to her.
"So, I had a thought," Ruby continued, tapping her own Extra Deck slot. "They're technically a part of our Extra Deck, in that case. So… what if our Extra Deck is already full when we walk into a Duel?"
"You're so insufferable… both of you," Emerald hissed at her.
"I dunno, I think that's kinda smart, actually," Mercury commented. He received a slap from Emerald for it.
"Whatever. I banish 'Xyz Armor Torpedo'!" 'Unicorn' snarled, and fired a crossbow bolt at Yang's Duel Disk. The card in her Extra Deck sparked, and was rendered unusable.
"Fine by me. I activate the Ritual Spell, 'Mikanko Kagura'!" Yang shouted. "I tribute 'Hu-Li' from my field, and 'Speedroid Taketomborg' from my hand to Ritual Summon 'Ohime the Manifested Mikanko'!" Her eyes turned red as the 'Taketomborg' appeared on the field, next to 'Hu-Li'. The girl raised her fans and began to dance, fire curling around her. 'Taketomborg' clumsily tried to mimic her moves, but after a few failed attempts, it simply hit The Griddy.
Their bodies transformed into green swaths of energy, and slammed into each other. A yellow sword and shield, both releasing glowing light, flew out from the green flames. A moment after, the beautiful woman flew out, a veritable goddess, dressed in sacred yellow garbs. Her eyes opened, and levelled a disappointed frown at the two opposing Duelists.
The sword and shield flew back into 'Ohime's' arms, and her long twintails floated behind her as the sun blazed behind her.
[Ohime the Manifested Mikanko]
[LIGHT / Fairy / Ritual / Effect]
[0 ATK / 0 DEF]
"And then, 'Mikanko Kagura' destroys one card and deals you 1000 damage for every Equip Spell in my grave. I have three: 'Fire Dance', 'Arabesque', and 'Mayowashidori'!" 'Ohime' raised her shimmering, golden blade, which became infused with red plasma. "I destroy 'Maugis', 'Oliver', and 'Preparations'!"
'Ohime' slashed forwards, and the wrath of the sun was upon Emerald and Mercury. They were blinded and staggered backwards. The beams of light pierced through both of 'Emperor Charles'' Equip Cards, severely weakening him (4500 ATK to 3500 ATK). And with two of his cards destroyed, Mercury was struck by a stray solar beam (2800 LP to 800 LP).
On Emerald's field, the container of 'Preparation's' was struck by a beam, which caused it to melt and explode. The smoke reached her, and the smell made her gag (4000 LP to 3000 LP).
"I activate 'Mayowashidori's' effect from the grave. It summons 'Hu-Li' back, and equip itself to her!" A rooster spirit rose out from the ground, and unfurled its wings to reveal the 'Jewel Mikanko' nestled in its glowing green feathers (LV 3 / 0 ATK).
"I enter the Battle Phase!" Yang said. "'Ohime' attacks Number 105!" The goddess raised her shield, and flew towards the large and imposing boxer. It's red eyes flashed as it raised its fist to attack.
"I don't think so!" Mercury said, which made Ruby and Yang gasp. "I activate Cestus the Meteor's effect!" One overlay flew into the shield on Cestus' left shoulder, and covered the entire monster in fire.
"For the rest of the turn, any I damage would take, you take instead! And, monsters I control can't be destroyed, either!" Yang's eyes widened. Cestus' fist became engulfed with fire, and the limb rocketed down as 'Ohime' entered its range. Number 105 struck 'Ohime' with a powerful, devastating haymaker. There was a sickening crunch as the goddess was flung from the sky, and slammed right back into Yang.
"Yang!" Ruby cried out as both she and her monster were launched backwards, and crashed into the far well of the museum. Blood trickled out of 'Ohime's' mouth as she twitched on top of Yang's body, with her eyes rolled up into the back of her head, and her shield cracked near the top. Yang herself groaned in pain as her aura flickered weakly around her (4000 LP to 1000 LP).
"I'm… okay…!" Yang heaved as she pushed 'Ohime' off of her. 'Hu-Li' ran over to them, and helped 'Ohime' up, while the rooster spirit gently cradled Yang in its feathers."Wh-when a 'Mikanko' Monster battles, 'Mayowashidori' can return a card from the field back to the hand…!" The rooster cawed, and released a burst of wind that blew away 'Emperor Charles' back into Mercury's Extra Deck.
The boy grunted. "Normally, 'Durendal' and 'Almace' would trigger here, but they can't since 'Emperor Charles' was bounced, not sent to the grave," he grumbled to himself.
"'Hu-Li' attacks 'Kashtira Ogre'!" Yang swept her hand forwards. The green dancer bent her knees and lunged. The two monsters clashed, with the larger one throwing its axe down at the small girl. Despite 'Ogre's' imposing form, 'Hu-Li' knocked its axe back, and the rooster spirit launched a massive gust of wind that sent 'Ogre' spiraling into Emerald. She gasped and choked as the monster crushed her underneath its weight (3000 LP to 200 LP).
As 'Ogre' clumsily picked itself, Mercury could see Emerald glaring daggers at him.
"...Do these guys even tolerate each other?" Yang whispered.
"I-I'm not sure…" Ruby said. She looked away from Number 105 as it glared at her. "Maybe… we could use that to our advantage?" Yang shrugged.
"I set two cards, and end my turn!" She said.
"Finally, it's my turn again!" Mercury said. "I draw, and activate the Spell Card 'Battlin' Boxing Spirits'! I send the top card of my deck to my grave, and then summon a 'Battlin' Boxing' monster from it! I summon back Number 79: Burning Knuckler Nova Kaiser!"
A portal of fire appeared in the ground, the red mechanical boxer rose into the air, like a phoenix reborn (RK 4 / 2300 ATK to 2800 ATK ). "Once per turn, Nova Kaiser can either summon back, or attach a FIRE Warrior Monster from my grave! I summon 'Infernoble Knight Oliver'!" Nova Kaiser pounded its knuckle dusters together, and the spark took the form of a proud knight (LV 4 Tuner / 1500 DEF)
"I activate the 'Mikanko Spiritwalk'!" Yang immediately said. "I target a monster you control, and Equip it onto my 'Hu-Li'! I target 'Oliver'!" She said, and Mercury frowned and glanced at Emerald. "I can also deal you 1000 damage for every Equip Card I control!" She added. Emerald crossed her arms at Mercury. So, he groaned and gestured to Number 105.
"Number 105 doesn't just reflect battle damage. It can also launch back effect damage!" He said, as the Overlay Unit flew into its shield (2 OU to 1 OU).
"Then I can just choose to not inflict the damage," Yang said. 'Oliver' transformed into a red, flaming sword that flew towards 'Hu-Li'.
"This is turning out to be a whole lot less fun than I thought it would be…" Mercury growled. "I switch 'Angelica' into attack mode. The 'Princess' rose to her feet, and her eyes turned away from the ring on her finger and towards the opposing Duelists.
"Battle! Angelica attacks 'Trancendosaurus Glaciasaurus'!" Mercury declared. The woman raised her ring, and fired a beam of fire from it. It roared in pain as the fire melted the ice (4000 LP to 2200 LP). Ruby felt a similar pain bloom on her chest.
"Nova Kaiser attacks 'Andrabime'!" Mercury shouted with a snarl. The mecha's wings released a burst of fire, propelling it towards the green dragon. It shrieked as it was socked across the face with enough force to ignite the air, and its skin. "And Cestus the Meteor attacks 'Glaciasaurus'!"
Ruby's eyes widened as the large boxer lunged at her. With a roar of pure fury, it drew back its fist. 'Glaciasarus' responded with a weak cry of its own, which became louder as mechanical fist slammed into its neck with a wet crunch (2200 LP to 1600 LP). Ruby's eyes widened, and she gagged and staggered backwards.
"Alright, runt. I end my turn here," Mercury said with a huff. "You should've let me finish you off here. Don't blame me if you get roughed too much from this point on."
"Oooh, so scary…" Yang groaned. "In case you noticed, we're the ones who got you on the ropes! One solid punch will knock both of you out!"
"That's right!" Ruby agreed in a shaky voice. "I draw!" The card she drew was probably the best card she could get at the moment.
"I summon 'Ether Beryl'!" The ragged, rocky dragon appeared on the field and growled lightly. "When 'Ether Beryl' is summoned, it can set 'Primite Lordly Lode' from my deck onto my field. I activate 'Lordly Lode'!" 'Ether Beryl' tilted its head upwards and released soft purr, which caused a deposit of quartz and stalagmites to appear behind it. "When 'Lordly Lode' is activated, I can add 'Primite Drillbeam'. Then, I activate 'Lordly Lode's' second effect! I can summon any Normal Monster from my hand, deck, or graveyard!"
The mineral deposit grew, and took the form of a humanoid wielding an ornately shaped gun. "I summon 'Clavkiys, the Magikey Skyblaster'!" The minerals shattered, and the blonde haired, gun wielding young boy skidded across the floor with an eager smile on his face (LV 4 / 1900 ATK).
"I'm not allowed to activate the effects of Special Summoned monsters, but I can still Special Summon. I Overlay Level 4 'Primite Dragon Ether Beryl' and 'Clavkiys, the Magikey Skyblaster'! I Xyz Summon Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope!"
Cestus' eyes seemed to glow even brighter as the Overlay Network and released the dormant Number. The key-shaped object unfolded, and as the wings clicked into place, Hope spun around and puffed out its chest with a cry of 'HOPE!'
The Number 39 was emblazoned on its left shoulder.
[Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope]
[LIGHT / Warrior / Xyz / Effect]
[2500 ATK / 2000 DEF / 2 OU]
(AKA "Number 39: Utopia")
(LIGHT & DIVINE)
Once the summon was successful, Yang flipped over her set card. "I activate 'Swift-Armored Xyz'!" She yelled. "I target Hope, and then I can equip an Xyz Monster from my Extra Deck to it, so long as it's one Rank lower, and it's banished once it leaves the field! I equip Number 17: Levice Dragon!"
Levice Dragon growled as it suddenly appeared behind Hope. Its legs parted, and clamped around the Number's waist. Gold became dark silver, and the two large blades at its sides were by a massive dark blue scythe with a silver blade. Its wings disappeared, Levice Dragon's sprouted from Hope's. The top half of its helmet became that monster's face as well.
Hope's lower body disappeared, and a purple dragon's tail curled out of its waist. Hope's eyes changed from red to a pale purple.
"Since Hope has a monster equipped to it by the effect of 'Swift-Armored Xyz', it gains ATK equal to Levice Dragon's, and it can't be destroyed by battle, either!" Yang began to explain. Hope twirled its scythe around, and the purple blade left a trail of energy that coiled around the monster (2500 ATK to 4500 ATK).
"I wouldn't think so. I activate 'Infinite Impermanence'! It negates the effect of your monster, and the effect of card in the Spell/Trap Zone Impermanence is activated on since it was set. Tell me, which zone did you place Number 17 on?" Emerald asked with a cocky smile.
Ruby blinked. "Shit." 'Cyber Dragon Infinity's' head popped out of the artwork, and released a bolt of lightning. Hope groaned as its core was struck, which caused it to crack and for its ATK boost to drop instantly (4500 ATK to 2500 ATK).
"...Ah! Well then, I guess move right onto the Battle Phase, then!" Ruby said. "'Trancendo–'!"
"I activate my second face-down, 'Butterspy Protection'!" Emerald then said. "I change 'Trancendosaur 'Glaciasaurus' into Defense Mode, and for the rest of the turn, any battle damage I take is halved." 'Glaciasarus' roared angrily as its ice expanded, and secured it to the ground (3600 ATK to 2700 DEF).
Ruby bit her lip. She couldn't deal any damage to Mercury without making herself lose, and she can't deal damage to Emerald at all. And the worst part of it all is that she has 'Dark Factory of Mass Production' in her hand. She could've added her two Normals to her hand, which would've allowed her to activate 'Drillbeam'. She can't do anything in this Battle Phase; 'Swift-Armored' can banish itself to Xyz Summon, Hope isn't a WATER monster, so Yang can't summon a monster.
"Finally, you did something useful," Mercury sighed. "Honestly, I was worried that I was going to have to carry through this entire Duel, like always."
"Excuse you?" Emerald hissed at him. The Number 89 became visible on her right shoulder. "You only did so much because you went first. If I had gone first, I would've zone-locked both of them by now!"
"'Kashtira' is cringe!" Yang hollered.
"Nobody asked you!" Emerald spat back. "And, you're lucky they didn't have anything to stop you!" She said to Mercury.
"Oh, like you can do better! One interruption, and all you can do is jack shit!" Mercury snarled.
Ruby winced as they argued. It reminded her of how she acted with Weiss.
"Dipshit!"
"Cocksucker!"
"Look who's talking!"
…Perhaps not as mean, but still.
Yet it fills her with trepidation regardless. Weiss is improving, but who's to say she won't fall back into earlier, perhaps more comfortable behaviors? What if Blake's secrecy drives a wedge between all of them? These Numbers… what if they end being the cause that force them all apart? Even from Yang?
Even if it was stunned, Number 39 hummed inside of her. As did… Number 17?
Ruby blinked in confusion. She felt 39 thrumming in her eye, and 17 in her scalp. She looked to Yang, who shared the same confused look. She, too, had 39 in her eye.
Yang swallowed, but shook her head. She pointed to Emerald and Mercury. "Hey, you see these guys? They're nothing like us."
"Yeah, we're better!" Mercury huffed.
"These guys don't like each other, they're probably not even friends. They don't share the bonds we have," Yang said, her hair turning from bright, gold blonde to cool blue cyan. "When they fight, they'll just spew hatred at each other. If we fight, yeah, we might not like each other at the moment, but…!"
Yang raised her arm and punched forwards, her fist over Ruby's heart. "We'll kiss and make up, and come back stronger than!" Ruby couldn't help but snicker.
"Oh, Yang…!" Ruby said. She giggled at the corny choice of words, but it was enough to make her eyes shimmer. They shimmered brightly with love and glowing Silver power. Yang's Extra Deck slot began to shine, which made Emerald and Mercury gasp.
"Wh…what the hell…?" Emerald whispered.
Mercury looked up. Number 79 floated back, and while Number 105 stood its ground, it still looked slightly unnerved.
When the light faded lightly, Ruby and Yang bumped fists. They looked forward at Emerald and Mercury with smirks.
"I activate 'Swift-Armored Xyz's' graveyard effect!" She said. "By banishing it, I can Xyz Summon! I can even use a monster that has one of my Xyz Monsters equipped to it, regardless of whoever controls it!"
"You have nothing to Xyz Summon with!" Mercury said.
"That's where you're wrong!" Ruby said. "This monster can be Xyz Summoned by using Number 39… and Number 17 equipped to it! I build the Overlay Network with King of Wishes - Hope…!"
"...And Levice Dragon!" Yang finished. Hope bellowed, and its body transformed into a bright, silver colored sphere of power. An Overlay Network appeared on the roof, though instead of gold or red, it was both at the same time. The sphere fell inside, and the Network imploded and released a shockwave of red, white, black, and yellow energy.
"Be reborn! Full Armored Hope Ray Yäger!" Ruby and Yang shouted together.
The monster that flew inside looked similar to the one that emerged, though, there were a few differences. Hope's white and gold colored scheme had changed, and turned into a deep, rusty red and metallic violet. The tail was nearly twice as long now, and the tip now had a yellow crystalline heart covered in a protective red sphere. Hope's scythe grew twice as large, and red mechanical parts attached themselves to the snath. The left eye glowed silver, while the other glowed violet.
Full Armored Hope Ray Yäger twirled its blade around, and released a deep yell of 'HOPE' as it slammed the butt of the weapon into the floor. Number 17 appeared on the scythe blade, and the Number 39 was emblazoned on the center of the heart-tipped tail.
[Full Armored Hope Ray Yäger]
[WIND / Beast-Warrior / Xyz / Effect]
[2600 ATK / 2000 / 4 OU]
(WIND & DIVINE)
"What in the…?" Emerald whispered to herself as the monster appeared on Yang's field.
"I activate 'Dark Factory of Mass Production', to return 'Gunkan Suship' and 'Shiny Black "C" Squadder' to my hand! I set one card, and end my turn!" Ruby exclaimed. Emerald bit her lip anxiously.
"What was up with that silver light?" She wondered.
"Oh, who cares! Let's just finish up and go home!" Mercury sighed in an annoyed voice. Emerald flashed him a dirty look, but nodded.
"I draw." Her red eyes gleamed as she looked at her card. The Number 89 appeared on the front of her left shoulder. "By banishing 'Kashtiratheosis', I can summon 'Tearlaments Kashtira' from my hand!" A creature akin to a mermaid appeared in front of, covered completely red armor and wielding a giant battle ax. It also moved stiffly, as if it were a puppet on strings (LV 7 / 2300 ATK).
"Once per turn, 'Kashtira Unicorn' can add 1 'Kashtira' spell from my deck to my hand!" Emerald tried to continue.
"I activate 'Primite Drillbeam'!" Ruby interrupted her. "By revealing 'Squadder' in my hand, I can negate that effect, and banish 'Unicorn'!" A collection of rocks appeared in front of her, and began to glow bright blue. A beam of light pierced through the 'Unicorn' and sent it away.
Emerald didn't look too displeased, unfortunately. "I activate 'Ogre's' effect, to add 'Kashtira Preparations' to my hand!" She said, and the Emerald swept her arm forwards. "I Overlay Level 7 'Ogre' and 'Tearlaments'! I Xyz Summon Number 89: Diablosis the Digital Mind Hacker!"
The Overlay Network exploded, and an empty suit of black and gold-trimmed armor. Soon, the helmet started to glow red. Pixels sprouted out from the holes and wriggled like tentacles, causing the armor to rupture. Large holographic wings sprouted from the back, as the pixels formed a horned demon that carried a large axe.
[Number 89: Diablosis the Digital Mind Hacker]
[DARK / Cyberse / Xyz / Effect]
[2800 ATK / 1200 DEF]
(AKA "Number 89: Diablosis the Mind Hacker")
(DARK & DIVINE)
"Once per turn, Diablosis can detach an Overlay Unit so that I can look at your Extra Deck, and Banish a monster from it!" Emerald continued. The pixels that made up its body first surged towards the Unit and absorbed. It then raced towards Yang's Extra Deck, which caused her Duel Disk to spark.
"I banish 'Dark Knight Lancer'!" Emerald declared. Yang frowned as the monster was pulled out, and absorbed by a swirling mass of pixels. "Furthermore, when your cards are banished, Diablosis will banish the top cards of your deck, equal to the amount of banished cards you already have!"
"'Ogre', then 'Unicorn', 'Riseheart', and then 'Diablosis'? That's six cards, off the top of my deck!" Yang hissed in slight annoyance.
"Now, I enter the Battle Phase!" Emerald said. Diablosis the Digital Mind Hacker attacks 'Glaciasaurus'!"
The monster let out a low groan, and raised its axe.
Only… it flew towards Hope.
"Not so fast! So long as Hope is on my field, the only monster you can attack is it!" Yang said, looking much more confident.
"Oh, whatever. We'll actually do damage like this," Mercury huffed.
"I will stab you," Emerald growled.
"None of you will be doing anything!" Ruby snarked at the pair. "When Hope Ray Yäger battles, it can detach one Overlay Unit to automatically send the opposing monster to the Grave!"
"What!?" Emerald looked up. Hope extended its scythe and swung it around wildly. Diablosis roared in a pixelated voice as it sliced in shrivels and disappeared in a burst of red pixels. "Urgh…"
"And that's not all! At the end of the Battle Phase, every time this effect is activated, or Hope destroys a monster in battle…!" Yang started.
"You take 1000 damage!" Ruby finished.
Hope raised its scythe, and the internal mechanisms inside began to shift around. The blade lowered itself, and was now up against the snath. A small sniper muzzle flipped from were the blade initially protruded from, and a scope appeared in the middle of the shaft.
"It's also a gun!" Ruby said proudly. Emerald and Mercury both stepped backwards, their face's pale as Hope aimed at Emerald, and removed the safety.
They don't have an out to this.
"Go, Hope Ray Yäger!" Ruby and Yang exclaimed simultaneously. "HOPE BURN BURST!"
Hope pulled the trigger, and fired a golden beam with silver spirals towards Emerald. The entire room was filled by a blinding, bright silver light as it neared her.
That light faded. Once Ruby and Yang's eyes recovered, they found themselves back in the library. The only thing that had indicated a confrontation even happened here were a few broken shelves.
GAME!
DNF - Target out of Range
"Oh, come on! We had them!" Yang seethed.
"They disappeared, just like that guy Yugi dueled last week…" Ruby commented. "Do you remember?"
"Yeah," Yang said with a nod. "Think they're connected somehow?"
"I don't know what to think," Ruby closed her eyes and pinched her eyelids. "My head hurts…"
"You and me both…" Yang said. She reached into her Extra Deck, and pulled out Hope Ray Yäger. "How did we even get this?"
"I guess we were… really in sync with each other, I guess?" Ruby said with a shrug. "It's kinda like how first summoned Hope against you, it just sort of happened. I'm more surprised that I know what it does, even though you summoned it."
"Speaking of which…" Yang handed the card over to her, which made Ruby blink in surprise. "It's yours, I guess? Hope is your monster."
"But the 'Full Armor' cards are yours. Uncle Qrow got them for you," She said.
"Speaking of, 'Swift-Armored Xyz' actually came in handy," Yang said. "...Almost like it was made specifically for that moment…" She added under her breath.
"Something wrong?" Yang shook her head at Ruby's concerned look.
"No, I'm fine."
Ruby frowned at her. "Anyways, you can keep it. It's not like I can easily equip an Xyz Monster onto my own, anyways," Ruby insisted. Yang bit her lip, and nodded.
"If you say so," She sighed. "Anyways, let's actually start looking for Blake. I hope nothing happened to her."
The pair continued to look through the card store, and found nothing.
Yang stood over the puddle of blood she found earlier. "I'm gonna call the cops," She said.
"Speaking of calling, I have to get a new scroll now," Ruby grumbled, as she looked at the crumbled remains of her own. "You think Dad'll help me pay for a new one?"
"Uhm…" Yang winced lightly. "Let's not, actually. I don't think he's going to be too thrilled when he learns that it's been completely decimated."
"I…" Ruby hesitated. She didn't like the idea of keeping secrets from her dad, but she also didn't want to worry him either. The cut on her cheek stung.
"I can pay for it myself, don't worry about it," Yang reassured her. Ruby gave in with a sigh.
"Okay…"
The police arrived a few minutes later. They asked Ruby and Yang a few questions, but they weren't detained (thankfully). After the fact, Ruby and Yang walked towards the bus stop, both left to stew in their thoughts.
Ruby furrowed her brows. "What is Blake hiding…?" She whispered to herself.
[Swift-Armored Xyz]
Trap Card
Target 1 monster on the field; Equip 1 Xyz Monster, from your Extra Deck or GY, to that monster, that is 1 or 2 Ranks lower than the Rank/Level of the targeted monster with the following effects:
*The equipped monster gains ATK equal to this card's ATK.
*The equipped monster cannot be destroyed by battle.
If there is a monster on the field equipped with an Xyz Monster: you can banish this card from your GY: Immediately after this effect resolves, Xyz Summon 1 Xyz Monster using monsters you control. You can also use a monster equipped with an Xyz Monster from either field.
[Full Armored Hope Ray Yäger]
[WIND / Rank 4]
[Beast-Warrior / Xyz / Effect]
[2600 ATK / 2000 DEF]
3 Level 4 LIGHT or WATER Warrior and/or Dragon monsters
(This card is always treated as a "Number C39" and "Number C17" card)
You can also Xyz Summon this monster by using 1 Rank 4 or lower monster, and an Xyz Monster equipped to that card as Xyz Material (Xyz Materials attached to the monster also become Xyz Material on the summoned monster).
[Number's Divinity]
Monsters your opponent controls cannot target other monsters you control for attacks, except this one. During the Damage Step, if this card battles an opponent's monster while it has Xyz Material: your opponent sends their monster to the GY. At the end of the Damage Step, if this card battled (Quick Effect): you can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; it can make a second attack in a row. At the end of the Battle Phase: you can inflict 1000 damage to your opponent for each monster this card destroyed by battle or was sent to the GY by this card's effect.
[Number 79: Burning Knuckler Nova Kaiser]
[FIRE / Rank 4]
[Warrior / Xyz / Effect]
2 Level 4 Warrior Monsters
[Number's Divinity]
Gains 400 ATK for every Xyz Material attached to this card. During the Main Phase: Special Summon 1 FIRE Warrior monster from your GY, or attach it to this card as Xyz Material. If this card is destroyed: you can Special Summon FIRE Warrior monster from your GY, up to the number of Xyz Materials this card had on the field. Immediately after this effect resolves, you can Xyz Summon, Link Summon, or Synchro Summon 1 FIRE Warrior monsters from your Extra Deck, using cards you control as Xyz Material. You can only activate each effect of "Number 79: Burning Knuckler Nova Kaiser" once per turn.
[Number 105: Burning Knuckler Cestus the Meteor]
[FIRE / Rank 4]
[Warrior / Xyz / Effect]
3 Level 4 Monsters
[Number's Divinity]
Once per turn, during either player's turn: you can detach one Xyz Material from this card; until the end of the turn, any damage that would be inflicted to you is dealt to your opponent instead, also, monsters you control cannot be destroyed by battle.
[Number 89: Diablosis the Digital Mind Hacker]
[DARK / Rank 7]
[Cyberse / Xyz / Effect]
2 Level 7 Monsters
[Number's Divinity]
Once per turn: you can detach 1 Material from this card; look at your opponent's Extra Deck and banish 1 card from it, face-down. At the end of the Battle Phase, if this card destroyed a monster by battle: you can target 1 card in your opponent's GY: Banish it. If a card your opponent owns and possesses is banished face-down while you control this card (except during the Damage Step): you can banish cards from the top of your opponent's deck, face-down, equal to their face-down banished cards. You can only use this effect of "Number 89: Diablosis the Digital Mind Hacker", once per turn.
Emerald and Mercury, Cinder's goons.
I don't really have any opinions on these guys. I think they're all right in concept; a girl devoted to the first person to show her "kindness", and a guy who… gets paid? I guess? He doesn't really have a motivation, other than being "top dog in Salem's new world order". Whatever that means. Emerald doesn't even know why he's here. They've worked together for who knows how long at this point, and Emerald hasn't asked him why he tags along.
Really, most of my criticisms fall on Emerald. Mercury, while entertaining I think, is ultimately boring. Emerald is frustrating, especially in Volume 8.
My big problem with her is that she's been redeemed for some reason, and the cast plays nice. To that I ask: wtf? She has a kill count, contributed to the Breach, was a match that ignited the fire that caused the fall of Beacon, invaded Haven, tried to kill them. The RWBY girls should despise her with all their hearts, and yet she joins the good guys.
Emerald has little to no character aside from being attached to Cinder, so having her suddenly join seems completely out of left field. There's also the fact that while she gets to commit atrocities, she is allowed to be redeemed, while other characters like Ironwood are actively villainized despite being in a morally nuanced situation.
(also, Ironwood getting a prosthetic is supposed to be taken as him losing a part of his humanity. I don't think I can go into detail how fucking ableist this is, especially when one of your protagonists also has a prosthetic.)
Regarding their decks, because of Emerald and Mercury's… fairly limited characterizations, I had some trouble coming up with decks. From the get go, I wanted Emerald to use 89 as a reference to her semblance, and 89 naturally synergizes with Kashtire. But, I didn't want to use pure Kashitra. I wanted her to use Yubel as well. But after further consideration, I decided it wouldn't fit.
Yubel's relationship with Jaden is significantly different from Emerald's with Cinders. Yubel is obsessed, yes, but that obsession draws from a genuine connection they had in they past, in addition to magic space lasers messing up her mind (yes, this actually happened). Emerald and Cinder simply don't have the same depth or substance as Jaden and Yubel.
In the end, I did think that pure Kashtira is acceptable. In the Vsauce lore, the Kashtira monsters are a collection of interstellar invaders, trying to take over the other worlds. It's similar enough to what Cinder wants to do, so I rolled with it.
Mercury was much harder to come up with. Aside from the fact that I also wanted his main Number to end in 9 (Cinder starts with 9 because she's the boss, Emerald and Mercury's number end in 9 because they're subordinates, also 89 is 98 reversed), and the only that fit (aesthetically, anyways) him was Nova Kaiser. I decided to give him 105 as it is also a Battlin Boxer.
As I gave him Infernoble Knights, because the Battlin Boxers themselves just aren't enough. Their main end goal is summoning c79, which Mercury doesn't have access to at the moment. I needed to supplant the deck's weak points with something competent, so I landed on Infernoble Knights, another set of FIRE Warrior monsters.
Infernoble Knights are based off Song of Roland, a series of poems about the Frankish military leader of the same name, and other figures from the Matters of France, which is a collection of French literature from long ago.
(if anyone is curious, Infernoble Knight Astolfo is also a femboy)
Rather than it being a reflection of Mercury's character, the Infernoble Knight's are a reflection of who Mercury could've become had he had a half-way decent upbringing. This is supported by the fact that the Infernoble cards are, as revealed in "The Continuing Epic of Charles", are fanfiction, or some fan-related work in general, except the swords which are presumably real relics.
And lastly, we have Hope Ray Yäger. This card is partially born from the disappointment that, aside from LeVirtue Dragon, Leviathan Dragon never got any sort of retrain or evolution. So, I decided to make a "Fusion" of Hope and Levice, the first two Numbers that ever debuted in Zexal.
The name draws from the first letters of Ruby and Yang's name. Ray is a holdover from 39's evolved from (as in a ray of hope), and Yäger is a corruption of yager (don't ask me how to pronounce either of these), which is a type of infantryman, but according to Merriam-Webster is also a type of gun.
That's all I have.
K bye.