Phantom Factor

[Navrin]

"While that is one impressive dragon, attacking us with it will still leave us with 600 ATK." Elena informed.

Click to shrink...

I believe Elena means that they'd still have life points.

Well. I certainly find Elena and Nera vastly more respectable than canon!Shark at this time. They warned people away from challenging them rather than emotionally messing with them so they would, for instance, took their opponent seriously even if they underestimated him... They also had an arguably fair duel rather than one that truly rewarded them for outnumbering their opposition as is the norm for Arc-V. Also, it seems like they're Barians, so that's interesting.

Though, really, Yuto. Going to pick a fight with almost no information, no allies, or even anyone who knows where you've gone? That's reckless even by the standards of Yuma. I'm going to guess that his dragons were feeding him information subconsciously since he seemed to make some wild leaps of logic there about Numbers being involved. Still, fairly good dueling from the three of them.

 

[Quillion9000]

I believe Elena means that they'd still have life points.

Well. I certainly find Elena and Nera vastly more respectable than canon!Shark at this time. They warned people away from challenging them rather than emotionally messing with them so they would, for instance, took their opponent seriously even if they underestimated him... They also had an arguably fair duel rather than one that truly rewarded them for outnumbering their opposition as is the norm for Arc-V. Also, it seems like they're Barians, so that's interesting.

Though, really, Yuto. Going to pick a fight with almost no information, no allies, or even anyone who knows where you've gone? That's reckless even by the standards of Yuma. I'm going to guess that his dragons were feeding him information subconsciously since he seemed to make some wild leaps of logic there about Numbers being involved. Still, fairly good dueling from the three of them.

Click to shrink...

Fixed.

Something to think on. In theory, all Over 100 Numbers should feel roughly the same. There are certainly more powerful ones with likely a somewhat stronger aura, though in a general sense their feel should be somewhat the same. What was said only referenced Nera with her Over 100 monsters, nothing said about Kyoji or Elena.

As for Yuto's thought process here, Numbers in relation to this underground duel arena were actually brought up by the twins. Until that point, Yuto just assumed this was an arena which forced people to ante up their decks. He had a desire to stop that, and this version of him is looking for a challenge as a duelist. Granted, it is reckless. That said, his only real contact he's on good terms with would be Shark.

Given up until the point it was mentioned, Yuto didn't know Numbers were involved which are the main thing their current deal is based around. His only other potential allies would be Yuma and Tori. Things during duel period soured that potential ally in Yuma for the time being while comparatively Tori is the person he's spent the least amount of time with among these three.

 

[Navrin]

As for Yuto's thought process here, Numbers in relation to this underground duel arena were actually brought up by the twins. Until that point, Yuto just assumed this was an arena which forced people to ante up their decks. He had a desire to stop that, and this version of him is looking for a challenge as a duelist. Granted, it is reckless. That said, his only real contact he's on good terms with would be Shark.

Given up until the point it was mentioned, Yuto didn't know Numbers were involved which are the main thing their current deal is based around. His only other potential allies would be Yuma and Tori. Things during duel period soured that potential ally in Yuma for the time being while comparatively Tori is the person he's spent the least amount of time with among these three.

Click to shrink...

Ah, so they were the ones to bring it up first. I think I misread a line somewhere. Thank you.

And yeah, it makes sense that he doesn't have anyone he feels comfortable asking for help. Given his complete lack of backup he could have reasonably chosen to not charge in. Even if he wanted it addressed he could have asked more people questions, tried to find allies, etc. before going in. And maybe talked with the people there before challenging them to a duel. Luckily the operation was far, far more benign than it could have been and he was able to win. If he was up against, say, Academia he'd have probably gotten himself killed or kidnapped acting like that.

 

[Quillion9000]

Heartland Academy
"Oh, Yuma…" Tori sighed as she walked onto the academy grounds.

Her expression was saddened. After yelling at the onomat user and leaving him yesterday, everything that's happened recently kept playing through her mind. She didn't understand it, no one who'd been involved on any level seemed to. Still, things were more dangerous now.

If Yuma was meant to be at the center of it by being paired up with this Astral, then she knew it wouldn't be in his nature to avoid whatever came his way. While she'd never want Yuma to change who he was as a person, improving his dueling was a necessity.

"TORI!" Yuma cried out.

The fairy user blinked in surprise as she turned to see the very boy on her mind sprinting towards her. As the onomat user stopped across from her, various students glanced at the pair as they walked by or stopped to stare. Her expression morphed into one of frustration.

"What do you want, Yuma?" Tori asked.

Even if the fairy user wanted everything to be good between them, she refused to pretend he was in the right. Standing by him at a time like this might feel good in the moment, but she'd only regret it later if someone were to hurt him.

"Tori…" Yuma didn't fully understand his friend's feelings, he was no mind reader, though he had the general idea. "Even though I didn't know it at the time, I've been lying to myself. I let my pride and ego lead me to believe no one could ever help in achieving my dream.

I conflated standing atop the dueling world with a solo journey, one where no one could possibly know better than me in dueling with my deck. That led to me letting everything build up until I let it all out on the people who never deserved it." He bowed deep. "I'm sorry I snapped at you!"

This was unexpected, though Tori knew the onomat user was genuine in his words. Still, she held off from immediately accepting. As tempting as it was to forgive him, she had to know if he'd take the steps needed to improve.

"Does this mean you're not going to be stubborn when it comes to taking advice?" Tori asked.

"I am willing and plan to speak with Yuto about his offer of help after I apologize to him." Yuma voiced sincerely. "I still want to be at the top of the dueling world, but I realized that will never happen if I'm stuck in my ways."

At that moment, Yuto walked out of the crowd. "If you're serious…" The two first years looked at him in surprise. "…my first piece of advice is that you actually read every card in your deck and extra deck." He walked by them. "Once you know what all your cards do, come find me."

"Yuto!" Yuma called out.

"I heard what you said to Tori, no need to repeat yourself." Yuto waved back at him without stopping or turning back. "Rather than an apology, let your actions speak for you. Like I said, come find me once you know what your cards do."

Yuma put a determined smile on his face. "Alright, I'll find you once I've done just that!"

Tori smiled at this development as she walked up to Yuma's side. "Hey, Yuma, what do you say we get to class since you're actually on time for once?"

Yuma saw her smile, now knowing things were alright between them. "Yeah, let's go!" Suddenly, Astral appeared which drew the onomat user's attention, and he saw the blue being was looking after the phantom knights user. "Astral?"

Tori stopped upon hearing that and looked back, still unable to see him. "Astral's back?"

"Yuto has acquired at least one Number since last I saw him." Astral commented, stunning the onomat user. "He seems perfectly in control, just as you are with the Numbers you have. Even then, I need those Numbers."

"We'll talk with him at duel period." Yuma voiced, reasoning that the two of them were back on talking terms. "Right now, Tori and I got to get to class."

"What's happening?" Tori questioned.

"I'll explain in class." Yuma voiced.

Academy Roof: Just Before Duel Period…
"Though I follow how you came to such a conclusion, what you decided was uncharacteristically stupid." Shark voiced plainly, having heard what Yuto got up to yesterday coupled with seeing the twin Numbers he acquired. "That's even with things working out in the end."

"Yuma wouldn't have been in the mood to do me any favors yesterday." Yuto defended, knowing why the shark user said that. "I've also only known him and Tori a few days now, not like I could have asked them to back me up. That's even excluding what happened between Yuma and me.

As for you, the Numbers didn't come into the equation until I'd pretty much accepted the challenge. Despite that, I had contemplated contacting you. Ultimately, I didn't want you to think I was using you given we've only known each marginally longer than I've known Yuma."

"When you put it that way, it sounds slightly less stupid yet still wasn't smart." Shark crossed his arms. "Still, I get where your head was at. It's because of that I see you need someone who has your back in anything dangerous; otherwise, you're liable to get in over your head."

Yuto recognized going to that warehouse alone was the most dangerous thing he's done. Almost any other oddity he's been involved in presented no danger to him, with Flip going off the deep end being the only other time. Even then, Yuma had stopped him.

"What I'm trying to say is, we'll extend what you asked me to include any dangerous situations that might crop up." Shark continued, uncrossing his arms. "Since we're adding to something you asked for, something I've agreed to, I don't want to hear any further excuses.

The only times it would be acceptable for you not to call is if the danger popped up suddenly or I'm indisposed. What I'm saying is, it'd do to have someone who at minimum knows you're in a potentially dangerous situation. Are we clear?"

"Yeah, I hear you." Yuto nodded. "Thanks, Shark."

Dueling Period
Yuto managed to get in a couple of duels before taking a seat on a bench. There he was approached by Yuma and Tori, with Astral appearing as well.

"Yuma, I get your passion for the game yet highly doubt it led to you learning what your cards can do in mere hours." Yuto voiced. "If you've been spending all your time reading them during class, don't do that to your education."

"That's not what this is about." Yuma voiced.

"According to Yuma, Astral sensed you had at least one Number this morning." Tori added.

"Not only that." Astral voiced. "I can sense they are not in control of you, the difference stark compared to Frip and Mr. Kay."

"Hold on, Mr. Kay?" Yuto questioned. "Yuma, you dueled our math teacher, and he acted as unhinged as Flip?"

"It sounds like you both have something to tell the other." Tori voiced, having heard from Yuma what happened with Mr. Kay.

Both boys acknowledged she was right before going on to explain what happened to them after school. Either one would tell Tori what Astral had to say on any matter. The only thing Yuto omitted in the moment was that he had Shark backing him up.

"Given recent frictions, I think it's best I keep that close to my chest." Yuto thought. "Still though, to hear of another example like Flip…"

"How is Yuto capable of acquiring Numbers?" Astral muttered. "Furthermore, to think there'd be three others who aren't controlled by them."

"At this point, all I can do is theorize how it's possible I can take Numbers and not have them control me." Yuto shook his head. "I got even less to go off of when it comes to those twins I dueled."

Tori reasoned what Astral had said, given Yuto's response, before posing a question herself. "Why didn't you think to tell Yuma and Astral this yourself?"

"Yeah, that's a good point." Yuma realized.

"Did I really owe such an explanation?" Yuto question. "To my knowledge, Astral was still gone on top of the fact Yuma and I had friction after the events of yesterday's duel period. If I'm not mistaken, it's Astral who needs the Numbers."

Yuto had pretty much decided Astral was alright, even though he still didn't trust this mission the being had been sent on. Given the phantom knights user's ability to fight Numbers, he would feel alright giving what he had to Atral and simply preparing should he need to step in.

"If Astral needs the Numbers, coupled with the want for transparency given recent events, why not let Yuto help." Tori voiced.

"I wouldn't be opposed." Yuto noted, figuring this would keep him in the loop going forward. "Dark Rebellion can destroy them himself, every Number I collect would help in this endeavor, and I have the ability to acquire them from those I defeat."

"They raise a good point." Astral admitted. "Having help would be appreciated. Given what I've heard, Yuto far out paces you as a duelist Yuma."

"That's not cool, Astral!'' Yuma snapped.

Even if he's lost to Yuto, Astral didn't have to go saying that.

"Yuma's outburst withstanding, it seems we are in agreement." Yuto voiced. "From here on out, we'll keep each other updated any time we managed to collect Numbers or something happens in relation to that. In the spirit of transparency, you should know I've been confiding in Shark."

"You've been telling Shark everything!?" Yuma questioned.

"Yuma, you haven't strove for anonymity with Astral around." Yuto reminded. "Most people just write off what you say because they can't see him and conclude you got a screw loose. Even then, you confide in Tori, and you'll likely confide in anyone else you make friends with."

"Fair point…" Yuma relented.

"I would also like to say it should make sense why I would trust him more." Yuto shrugged. "Haven't been here a month, yet that doesn't change the fact I've known Shark longer than you three. He's rough around the edges but alright once you get to know him."

Yuto had overheard how people talked about the shark user prior to his arrival. His pal was a bully, someone who would force people to ante up their decks and seemingly had a worse rep than Flip. The phantom knights user didn't disbelieve it, but that wasn't who Shark was now.

Shark didn't own up to doing it, but people had received their decks back. Anything bad people had to say about him was old news or in relation to the fact they were salty he beat them in a duel. Just as with Yuto, those rumors were being shut down.

"Once you've read through all your cards, you should try challenging Shark to a duel." Yuto stood, putting his hands in his pockets as he walked off. "Dueling him will help you understand the shark user better than my words ever could."

"It's kind of strange to think Yuto is friends with Shark." Tori noted. "Even if the two of them are stoic, they just seem different in how they approach it."

"I think I get it." Yuma smiled, as Tori and Astral looked at him. "Remember, I dueled briefly with Yuto, and from that I can tell he's got the heart of a true duelist. Him speaking on Shark's behalf like this, I think it means he's got that same heart."

Heartland Central Park: After School…
Yuto was passing the park on his way home, only to stop on a dime as he overheard something of importance.

"Number 74: Master of Blades shall end this with a direct attack! Go, Psionic Blades!"

Yuto turned to see the conclusion of a duel. A duel monster wearing blue middle eastern styled garbs summoned forth blades with psychic energy and hurled them into a young child. He was knocked off his feet and sent skidding along the ground harshly.

"You're far too weak, kid." The kid's opponent voiced, dismissively. "Get lost."

The opponent was a third year male student at Heartland, wearing the appropriate uniform. His hair was purple while his eyes were brown. The child he defeated ran away with tears falling from his eyes.

This saw the third year scoff. "I swear, not a single decent challenge to be had."

"Did you ever think that's because you're going around picking on children?" Yuto questioned, as he sent a message to Shark.

"If it isn't our academy's new Number 1, Yuto Pharos." The third year noted before shrugging. "It's not my fault they're unskilled. If they were better duelists, it simply wouldn't turn out like that."

"As their seniors in this game, we should encourage them rather than turn future duelist away." Yuto retorted.

"If this turns the children I've beaten away from the game, they were never meant to be duelists to begin with." The third year retorted.

"This likely means he's been using that Number to beat down on more than just that one kid." Yuto shook his head. "You should step up to someone your own size rather than making yourself feel big by beating down on kids."

"Is that a challenge I hear?" The third year questioned, his tone hopeful for the affirmative. "Do you want to be my next victim?"

"You're overconfident for someone who's been beating down on children." Yuto voiced.

"No, this new card of mine gives me the right level of confidence." The guy voiced. "With it, the one who shall dethrone you is Theo!"

"Let's duel!"

(Yuto 4000/Theo 4000)

"I'll make the first move!" Yuto drew. "I summon The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves(LV 3/1000/500)." Light blue energy wearing worn gloves appeared. "Since I control a The Phantom Knights monster, I can summon The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots(LV 3/200/1200)."

Blue energy contained within brown attire appeared. "Since a The Phantom Knights monster was special summoned, I can summon The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves(LV 3/1200/600)." A suit of gray armor containing blue energy appeared.

"I now construct the overlay network with level 3 Ragged Gloves, Silent Boots, and Stained Greaves. Xyz summon The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche(R 3/O 3/2100/500)." A suit of black armor with purple accents appeared.

"Three materials, only for the monster to not even break 2500 ATK?" Theo questioned, unimpressed.

"It's the effect that matters, though the baseline of most monsters I Xyz summon can always be adjusted if they use the right material." Yuto retorted. "Since Ragged Gloves was one such material for this summon, Rusty Bardiche gains 1000 ATK upon his summon."

The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche(R 3/O 3/3100/500 effect)

"As for his effect, I can detach one material to do one of two things." Yuto continued. "The only viable one now is to send any one The Phantom Knights card from my deck to the grave." The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche(R 3/O 2/3100/500 effect). "I'll then set three cards."

"My turn!" Theo drew. "Since I control no monsters, I can special summon Beast of Talwar - The Sword Summit(LV 7/2400/2150)." A green winged monster wearing blue armor appeared. "Next, I'll normal summon Fusilier Dragon, the Dual-Mode Beast(LV 7/2800/2000)."

A red and white machine dragon on treads appeared. "Since I've normal summoned him without tribute, his ATK/DEF is halved." Fusilier Dragon, the Dual-Mode Beast(LV 7/1400/1000 effect). "That hardly matters as I construct the overlay network with my two level 7 monsters."

"The ease with which he got out two Level 7 monsters for presumedly his Number…Can't really recall hearing about this guy around school, meaning he must have changed his deck to facilitate the Number born from his desires." Yuto reasoned

Theo began to laugh as a blue Number 74 appeared on his right cheek and glowed. "I Xyz Summon Number 74: Master of Blades(R 7/O 2/2700/2300)." The male figure wearing blue middle eastern styled garbs appeared.

"I'll be shutting your Number down for the time being with my first face-down, Phantom Knights' Fog Blade." Yuto interjected. "By targeting Number 74, I can no longer attack it while it can no longer attack, and its effects shall be negated."

"That trap of yours is worthless in the face of Number 74." Theo retorted. "Due to you targeting him with an effect, I can detach one material to negate it and destroy the card behind that effect. Then, I can destroy one card more. I select Rusty Bardiche.

Go, Psionic Double!" Number 74: Master of Blades(R 7/O 1/2700/2300) summoned forth two of its blades with his psychic energy before sending them thrusting through Fog Blade and Rusty Bardiche. "With your field clear of monsters, I'll attack. Go, Psionic Blades!"

Master of Blades then summoned forth more blades, sending them at the phantom knights user.

"You destroyed Rusty Bardiche, but that was after I used his effect to put The Phantom Knights of Shadow Veil(LV 4/0/300) in my grave." Yuto declared. "This trap can special summon itself as a monster, since you've declared a direct attack, in face-up defense position."

A knight comprised of blue energy appeared atop a black steed, steeling itself as the blades pierced through and destroyed him. "The only caveat to this is that Shadow Veil is now banished due to having left the field."

"Alright, I set two cards to end my turn." Theo declared.

"My move!" Yuto drew. "I'll banish Phantom Knight's Fog Blade from my grave to revive The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves(LV 3/1200/600) but it'll be banished upon leaving the field. I'll then activate The Phantom Knights of Tomb Shield(LV 3/0/0) to special summon it."

A black shield radiating blue energy appeared. "I now use my level 3 Stained Greaves and Tomb Shield to construct the overlay network once more. Xyz summon The Phantom Knights of Break Sword (R 3/O 2/2000/1000)." A black suit of armor atop a black steed appeared.

"I now detach 1 material from The Phantom Knights of Break Sword (R 3/O 1/2000/1000) to target 1 card you control and 1 card I control, both will be destroyed. I choose your face down on the left and my remaining face down."

"I'll chain the activation of my face down on the right, Xyz Block." Theo countered. "Since you've activated a monster effect, I can now detach Master of Blade's remaining overlay unit to negate your Break Sword and destroy him."

Number 74: Master of Blades(R 7/O 0/2700/2300)

"I'll utilize the effect of the Tomb Shield I detached from Break Sword." Yuto countered. "By banishing this trap, I can negate the effects of one face-up trap you control."

Since Xyz Block wouldn't be sticking around, it sparked red before shattering. Yuto's face-down Copy Knight and Theo's face-down Xyz Reborn were revealed before being shattered.

"Time to finish my board." Yuto declared. "First, I'll banish The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots from my grave to add any one Phantom Knights spell or trap I want from my deck to my hand." As the card slotted out, he snagged it. "Now, I set one trap before activating it."

"You can't activate a trap after you've just set it!" Theo declared.

"You'll find I can activate The Phantom Knights of Shade Brigandine(LV 4/0/300) the turn I set it if I have no other traps in my grave. Given I've banished what was there, I hold true to that and can special summon this trap as a monster in defense position."

A chest piece containing blue energy appeared. "Throughout this whole turn, I haven't once normal summoned, so I'll correct that now. Come forth, The Phantom Knights of Fragile Armor(LV 4/1000/2000)." Purple armor containing blue energy appeared.

Now, I use my level 4 Shade Brigandine and Fragile Armor to construct the overlay network. Cloaked in shadows and relentless in its objective, I call upon the most dangerous of dragons. Xyz summon Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon(R 4/O 2/2500/2000)."

A purple and black dragon appeared. "I now activate the effect of my dragon, detaching one overlay unit to cut the ATK of your Master of Blades in half." Dark Rebellion fired off purple lightning, which restricted Theo's monster. "Then, that lost ATK goes to my dragon."

"I don't think so." Theo retorted. "Since this is still your Main Phase, I discard Effect Veiler to target your Dark Rebellion and negate its effects until the End Phase."

"He couldn't have been clued in that Dark Rebellion can destroy Numbers, but that hardly matters when I'd have more than enough ATK between my two monsters to end it." Yuto nodded. "I end my turn."

"My draw!" Theo took the top card off his deck, only to laugh at what he got. "I'll take a mulligan on these two cards in my hand thanks to Magic Mallet. I now shuffle it and the other card in my hand back into my deck.

Then, I get to draw two new cards." Upon taking the top two cards from his shuffled deck, he grinned. "These are perfect. First, I'll activate the spell Raigeki to destroy all monsters you control."

Storm clouds gathered overhead before both of Yuto's monsters were struck by lightning, destroying them.

"None of the monsters I have within my grave share a level, so I can't use Break Swords' effect to special summon two monsters." Yuto noted to himself.

"That's not all." Theo declared. "This last card in my hand is Axe of Despair, which I'll gift to Master of Blades and grant him 1000 extra ATK." Number 74: Master of Blades(R 7/O 0/3700/2300 effect). "All that is coming your way. Go, Psionic Axe!"

The Axe of Despair was coated in Master of Blades' energy before he let it go. The weapon then flew at Yuto, hitting him head on and knocking the phantom knights user clean off his feet (Yuto 300/Theo 4000).

"With that, my turn is over." Theo declared. "At this rate, you might as well give up because everything is against you. I got a monster that can't be destroyed by battle, his ATK is over 3000, and you got roughly a handful of life points left with no field to speak of."

Just then, Shark arrived. "Yuto, stand up."

Yuto rose to one knee and looked back. "Shark?"

"If it isn't the former Number 1." Theo laughed. "You might as well stick around because this won't last much longer. I'd just love to cement my status as the new Number 1 by beating you once I'm done with Yuto."

"You're not currently looking like the guy who managed to beat me." Shark paid the third year no mind as he looked at Yuto. "Don't let some nobody wash you like this. All that'll do is embarrass the both of us."

"Can't go having that, can I?" Yuto gave a small smile at that as he stood and turned to his opponent. "You have a great deal of advantage on your side, Theo; however, my deck isn't done. No where near it." He drew. "I'm about to prove it."

"By all means, try to overcome my Number." Theo laughed, unwilling to believe he could do a thing to beat him now.

"First, I'll banish The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves from my grave to send any Phantom Knights card I want from my deck to the grave." Yuto declared. "The card I sent was my The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak, which I'll banish to use his effect.

I can now take any Phantom Knights card I want, except another Ancient Cloak, and add it to my hand." As the card slotted out, he took it to bring his current hand up to 2. "Now I banish The Phantom Knights of Fragile Armor and discard one card to draw once more.

Since you control a monster while I control none, I can special summon The Phantom Knights of Night Crown(LV 4/500/1500)." A suit of armor containing blue energy and wearing a crown appeared.

"I then summon a second The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves(LV 3/1000/500). I'll now utilize Night Crown's second effect, declaring a level of two and making my two Phantom Knights on the field that level."

The Phantom Knights of Night Crown(LV 2/500/1500 effect)
The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves(LV 2/1000/500 effect)

"With my Level 2 Night Crown and Ragged Gloves, I construct the overlay network. Xyz summon The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin (R 2/O 2/1600/0)." A skeletal warrior with a javelin appeared. "Since Ragged Gloves was used, this dark attributed Xyz gains 1000 ATK."

The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin (R 2/O 2/2600/0 effect)

"All that banishment, drawing, and expending of your hand to bring out a monster 1100 ATK shy of my Number." Theo laughed. "Even if Master of Blades had 0 ATK, you couldn't end this duel with that sorry excuse of an Xyz monster."

"Cursed Javelin is why I'll win this, though first I banish the Phantom Knights' Wing I discarded earlier this turn. Like Fog Blade, I can now revive any The Phantom Knights monster I want from grave with the understanding it'll be banished if it leaves the field.

With all the ones I've banished prior, I really only have two options; however, either are more than enough. For this duel, I 'll select my The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche(R 3/O 0/2100/500)."

"I still fail to see how you could hope to overcome my Master of Blades, let alone have any hope of victory." Theo retorted.

Shark crossed his arms. "That's because you're one of the students who care more about Yuto's flashy monsters, to the point you've ignored what his seemingly less flashy ones can do."

"Allow me to educate you with the final piece of this turn's puzzle." Yuto declared. "By detaching one overlay unit from Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin(R 2/O 1/2600/0). I target your Master of Blades, negating its effects and zeroing out its ATK until the end of this turn."

Number 74: Master of Blades(R 7/O 0/0/2300 effect)

Theo was finally shocked. "It's over for me..."

"It is." Yuto declared. "Cursed Javelin, destroy Number 74. Then, end this duel with a direct attack Rusty Bardiche."

Javelin threw its namesake at Number 74, piercing him and seeing the residual damage sending Theo skidding back (Yuto 300/Theo 1400). Rusty Bardiche then surged forward, swinging his weapon into the opposing duelist's gut and knocking him off his feet (Yuto 300/Theo 0).

"That's better." Shark nodded. "If Yuto lost to him, we'd both be jokes." As Theo lay there, Number 74 left him and entered Yuto's pendant. "After seeing that, guess I truly got no room left to doubt him." He approached the phantom knights user. "Come on, I'll give you a ride home."

"I'd appreciate it." Yuto returned, following the shark user.

Both knew they didn't have to comment on what Shark had done for the phantom knights user. The two of them merely walked off together, leaving Theo behind. Though given what they knew, even if it was the Number's doing, they'd be keeping an ear out just in case.

---

I've turned the link monster, Rusty Bardiche, into an Xyz monster.

The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche/Dark/Rank 3/Warrior/Xyz/ATK 2100/DEF 500

3 Level 3 monsters

You can detach 1 material from this card to activate one of the following effects:

• Send 1 "The Phantom Knights" card from your Deck to the GY.
• Target 1 card on the field and destroy it.

---

Numbers: 6/100

Yuma: 24, 34, 39

Yuto: 13, 31, 74

 

[Navrin]

"Yuma, you haven't strove for anonymity with Astral around." Yuto reminded. "Most people just write off what you say because they can't see him and conclude you got a screw lose.

Click to shrink...

Almost certain you want "loose" instead of "lose" here. (Loose is the opposite of tight, lose is the opposite of win)

"I then summon a second The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves(LV 3/1000/500). "I'll now utilize Night Crown's second effect, declaring a level of two and making my two Phantom Knights on the field that level."

Click to shrink...

You have three quotation marks here. You probably want to remove the middle one, or add in a fourth somewhere.

"Since Ragged Gloves was used, this dark attributed Xyz gains 1000ATK."

Click to shrink...

Do you want a space between 1000 and ATK?

Nice to see that they're patching up their relationships and growing closer.

I'm guessing the overwhelming majority of the time the people being ridden by part of Astral receive little in the way of answers and even less psychological support given Japan, which is rather unfortunate.

 

[Quillion9000]

Nice to see that they're patching up their relationships and growing closer.

I'm guessing the overwhelming majority of the time the people being ridden by part of Astral receive little in the way of answers and even less psychological support given Japan, which is rather unfortunate.

Click to shrink...

Fixed.

Yeah, things are on an upswing relation wise. As for the Astral thing...While I have changed things within this story, what I haven't changed is what generally seems to be the reaction of background characters/the duelist of the week. Most of the time, they seem to assume Yuma is a bit screwy given they just cannot see Astral. I could have changed that, though I think a psychological fanfiction is another writer's choice to make as I'm here for the card games.

 

[Navrin]

As for the Astral thing...While I have changed things within this story, what I haven't changed is what generally seems to be the reaction of background characters/the duelist of the week. Most of the time, they seem to assume Yuma is a bit screwy given they just cannot see Astral. I could have changed that, though I think a psychological fanfiction is another writer's choice to make as I'm here for the card games.

Click to shrink...

I actually meant themselves being influenced by their own Number cards. I am guessing most of them have very little context for what happened to them, nor much assistance helping them deal with things. Especially since they've probably hurt their relationships with others in the process.

 

[Quillion9000]

I actually meant themselves being influenced by their own Number cards. I am guessing most of them have very little context for what happened to them, nor much assistance helping them deal with things. Especially since they've probably hurt their relationships with others in the process.

Click to shrink...

Ah, yes. Honestly, it is a bit touch and go on who remembers what. There are instances where the people who were controlled by the Number have no idea what they were doing under its influence. Then, there are a few times where people seem aware of what was happening, though don't quite remember the Number itself in the equation.

 

[Navrin]

Ah, yes. Honestly, it is a bit touch and go on who remembers what. There are instances where the people who were controlled by the Number have no idea what they were doing under its influence. Then, there are a few times where people seem aware of what was happening, though don't quite remember the Number itself in the equation.

Click to shrink...

So long as the people around them remember them forgetting is almost certainly not going to help anything. So sucks to be the... 48? people in that unlucky position. (IIUC, 50 were lost back when the Barians were banished in the first place, Astral himself is Utopia, 100 is the Numeron Dragon, leaving 48 people to be possessed at random) Then there are the Over 100s which are completely different, of course.

 

[Quillion9000]

So long as the people around them remember them forgetting is almost certainly not going to help anything. So sucks to be the... 48? people in that unlucky position. (IIUC, 50 were lost back when the Barians were banished in the first place, Astral himself is Utopia, 100 is the Numeron Dragon, leaving 48 people to be possessed at random) Then there are the Over 100s which are completely different, of course.

Click to shrink...

Yeah, though ultimately some should end up fine in the end or were rather solitary to the point not much was noticed canon wise. Mr. Kay got off pretty easy, with the only consequence being the Yuma and his group coming back to him later in helping track down the pendant. Scorch and Chill ran away. Flip was only momentarily possessed by 17 & 39 in the show.

Now, someone like Flip in my story has it a little bit worse given he doesn't get to join the friend group and his crash out was a bit more shown off to his classmates with Number 24. Theo, a one off OC, dueled who knows how many younger children roughly. Beyond them, the potential other stories that might or might now be told of OC Number holders that might crop up.

 

[Quillion9000]

Tsukumo Residence: Night…
A few days have passed since Yuma patched things up with Tori and Yuto. Currently, the onomat user was doing as the phantom knights user said by reading through the effects contained within his deck. He's done this a few times now, though figured he should make sure he has them down.

As for Astral, the blue being was watching a television program called The Sparrow. He didn't initially understand it, but eventually became engrossed with the show. Galaxy Queen was the villain who held some side character intruders down with her powers.

Suddenly, the show's main character came charging through the glass ceiling. It was a boy, around Yuma's age, with lime-green eyes and silver hair. He wore a white spandex body suit with matching boots. He also donned a crimson mask, blue cloak, and belt with brown stripes in gold.

"I have journeyed through time and space, all to fight the forces of evil and bring justice to the galaxy." The hero declared. "I am the Sparrow!"

"How were you able to escape?" Galaxy Queen questioned. "Furious Max sealed you away in another dimension!"

The Sparrow smirked. "I escaped."

"Well, things have changed since you were sealed." Galaxy Queen declared. "Furious Max now rules over the entire galaxy."

"His reign is about to come to an end." Sparrow leapt towards her, his right fist extended. "Go, Mega Punch Surprise!" He caught sight of a figure in one of the crystals. "It can't be! Is that who I think it is?"

"Fool!" Galaxy Queen emitted power from her staff, using it to send him crashing to the ground. "Nobody can stop the Dark Emperor's curse. Now, you're my puppet just like your precious Puma."

As she laughed, Astral turned towards the onomat user. "Yuma, this Sparrow is from a different dimension, like me…"

That got Yuma to look from his cards to the blue being in confusion before remembering he didn't know much about this world. "It's just a show, Astral." He went back to looking at his cards. "None of it is real."

Astral didn't look convinced as he turned back to the TV.

Heartland Academy: After School…
"Man, I thought class would never end." As the bell rang, Yuma rushed out of his last class.

"We must now return to your house immediately." Astral voiced impatiently.

Yuma looked at him weirdly. "What for?"

"I must watch as the Sparrow's destiny continues to unfold." Astral informed to the dismay of the onomat user. "The Sparrow is from a different realm, so he may have some clues I could use to figure out my past."

"I already told you that show isn't reality." Yuma groaned.

"Hey, Yuma, have you heard?" Tori questioned as she came out of the classroom.

"Heard what?" Yuma questioned.

"The Sparrow is down by the sea port." Tori explained. "They're building a set to shoot some scenes or something." She blushed and fangirled. "Point is, we must go meat him. Sparrow could save my day any day."

"Yeah, still got to read through my deck again." Yuma tried to walk away. "Hey, have fun with…"

"You're coming with me." Tori declared, grabbing the onomat user by the back of his collar and dragging him.

Seaside Port
The port had plenty of people already there, with fangirls squealing. Tori joined in almost immediately, seeing Yuma facepalm over his friend's antics while Astral was curiously looking around for any sign of the Sparrow.

"What's the point of coming down here if we're never going to see the Sparrow?" Yuma muttered, grabbing his friend by the back of the shirt and dragging her off.

Yuma may not have wanted to come down here, but now that he was here, the onomat user wanted to at least see the guy from the show.

"Oh, I wish we could get in there to see him to!" Tori exclaimed, still in fan girl mode.

Yuma recognized this was likely why he was getting away with dragging the fairy user. From the shadows of a nearby alley, were anyone to look, one could just manage to see the silhouette of a girl wearing clips that made it look like she had cat ears.

The girl then retreated into the shadows before cats streamed out and moved with purpose. Yuma and Tori, who now walked with him, would soon pass by the back entrance which was guarded. The pair came to a sudden stop as cats rushed the guard.

While these were average cats, the sheer number of them managed to take the man down. He wasn't truly injured, no more than most people would be if they fell. The cats then ran around the immediate area to the left. As the guard stood, his attention was on them.

"I knew I shouldn't have had sushi for lunch!"

"Yuma." Tori gasped. "This is our chance."

Yuma decided to go with it. "Alright, let's make a break for it."

The two of them silently rushed by behind the guard.

The Sparrow Stage
As they walked down the hallway, Yuma was starting to regret agreeing to this since Tori was fangirling more than she ever has. "Maybe I can slip away for a bit…"

Just before he could try, both students heard a familiar voice. "You lowly minions think you can beat me? Think again!"

The pair's eyes widened in surprise.

That's him!" Tori voiced. "It's Sparrow!"

The pair rushed into the room and hid by some costumes before staring out into a throne room set. It was brightly colored with blue crystals for added customization. The Sparrow was there, practicing with his whip.

"Oh, I need to get his autograph." Tori whispered excitedly.

"Dark Emperor, Furious Max!" The Sparow pointed. "Your reign of terror has come to an end!"

"Dark Emperor, Furious Max." Astral muttered. "Could he be who I was sent here to battle?" He then noticed something behind the onomat user. "Yuma, look out! One of the lowly minions is about to grab you!"

"You mean this?" Yuma gestured to the costume. "This is just a costume."

"Costume?" Astral had no clue what that was.

"If we're going to be partners, I clearly need to put more work in on that lack of knowledge about our world." Yuma noted, a touch exasperated as he moved the costume slightly.

He ended up moving the costume into a button, seeing it lift off the ground by a hook. In the moment, with his arms around it, Yuma ended up holding on at the sudden movement. This saw him clinging on as he was taken for a ride.

"Yuma, no!" Tori called out in worry.

Sparrow heard her and turned to see what the commotion was about.

"What's this?" Astral floated up to the onomat user. "How could you not tell me about your ability to fly?"

Yuma was far too concerned with his current predicament to correct the being. "Get me off this thing!"

The onomat user was trying to hang on, but the costume started swinging which caused his deck to fall out of its holder. All of his cards landed on the floor near Sparrow, who was amazed to see them. Yuma ended up riding the costume towards a wall, crashing into and breaking it.

The commotion was enough to bring in a guard, who proceeded to reprimanded the two students. "You kids are trespassing on a closed set! We're now going to the security room where we'll be contacting your parents!"

The guard then began to escort the pair out, only for the Sparrow to suddenly land behind Yuma. "Not you. You're coming with me."

The Sparrow grabbed Yuma by the shoulder and used his whip to take them away.

The Sparrow's Dressing Room
Yuma and Astral found themselves in a dressing room surrounded by flowers and posters of the Sparrow.

Said guy's voice caught their attention as he held out Yuma's deck. "I believe this is yours."

"Nah, mine is here in this bag." Yuma checked, only to not feel his deck container within. "On second thought, those are mine." He accepted the container. "Guess I dropped it back when I was flying around."

"The heart and soul of a duelist, only for you to drop it." Astral voiced, disappointed. "Unbelievable."

Yuma ignored him. "Thanks, Sparrow!"

"No need to thank me." Sparrow replied genuinely. "Though, I do have a request."

"What is it?" Yuma asked.

"I would love to challenge you to a lavish duel." Sparrow replied.

"You're a duelist?" Yuma asked, pleasantly surprised.

"When I'm not saving the universe, dueling is my passion." The Sparrow declared.

"Alright, I accept your challenge!" Yuma declared.

"You mean it?" The Sparrow sounded like an excited kid before he coughed and corrected his voice. "I mean, are you sure you want to do this?"

"Of course." Yuma pointed his thumb at himself. "By the way, I'm Yuma Tsukumo."

"We have more important matters to address." Astral voiced. "Find out what he may know of me."

"How many times do I have to tell you that show is fake?" Yuma whispered, frustrated.

In that moment, in front of the Sparrow, a tiny spider crawled down its web. "AAAAAAAAA!" He rushed to a corner of the room where he coward. "Please, get rid of that for me!"

"Come on, don't tell me you're afraid of a spider as small as this one." Yuma voiced.

"I have a case of arachnophobia." The Sparrow stated. "Just get rid of it for me."

Yuma grabbed the spider and threw it out the window. "It's gone now."

The Sparrow looked around to confirm whether or not the spider was gone.

He couldn't see it, making him sigh in relief. "Thanks for helping me out."

Yuma noticed him blushing and looking at the floor. "I wouldn't worry about it because even heroes are allowed to be afraid of something."

"I'm only a hero on TV." The Sparrow took off his mask with a sorrowful smile. "I'm actually just some middle school kid who likes video games, pizza, and dueling. The Sparrow is the intergalactic freedom fighter while I can't even talk to girls without getting nervous.

It's all about keeping the fans interested 24/7, so I have to keep up the act at all times. I mean, let's be honest. I doubt there's anyone who would want to know the real me when they could get to know the Sparrow instead."

"That's a real bummer since I think there are plenty of people who would like to know the real you." Yuma voiced confidently.

"You think so?" The Sparrow approached and shook his hand genuinely. "Thank you! No one has ever said that to me. Okay, wait, hang on. I should properly introduce myself. My name is Nelson Andrews, it's nice to meet you."

Astral was befuddled by this. "What is a Nelson?"

"That wasn't too hard, right?" Yuma smiled. "Now, what do you say to a duel to get to know each other better?"

Nelson was ecstatic and nodded.

Just then, the door to the dressing room swung open. "There you are!" Yuma, Astral, and Nelson turned to see a purple-haired woman wearing a blue dress standing in front of the open door with a frown. "I demand to know who this boy next to you is, Nelson!"

"Mom!" Nelson knew this was bad as his mother didn't like strangers snooping around.

Yuma's eyes widened in surprise since he could practically see no resemblance between these two. "That lady is your mom?"

While Nelson's mother was glaring at the boys, Astral saw her and the image of Galaxy Queen overlapping. "She's the Galaxy Queen."

"You know you're not to speak to anyone except authorized personnel." Nelson's mother swept the few strands of her hair that were covering her eyes.

"I know Mom, but I..." Nelson tried.

"But nothing." She cut him off. "The illusion of the Sparrow would be tarnished if people found out what kind of a kid you really are." Nelson widened his eyes before he stared at the floor in sadness. "It's not just about you.

Many people are depending on you being the Sparrow. I've worked so hard for us to get this far ever since we suffered to loss of your father. You're part of something much bigger than yourself, Nelson. This is a sacrifice you have to make for me, yourself, and the rest!"

"Why would you say something that?" Yuma questioned. "Nelson's life is his own!"

Nelson's mother was irked by his feeble attempt to reason with her. "I'm afraid I must ask you to leave, and if you tell anyone you met Nelson, I will make sure you never duel in this town again." She pushed Yuma out. "Get lost and never come back!"

"Forgive me, Yuma!" Nelson ran up to the door. "I didn't mean for things to turn out this way."

"Don't worry, Nelson!" Yuma declared, determined. "You and I are going to have a duel someday. Before that, you got to stop letting other people tell you who to be."

"I can't." Nelson shook his head as he looked away. "Nelson Andrews doesn't matter, only the Sparrow does."

His words made Yuma frown in concern while Nelson's mother closed the door.

Heartland: Evening…
Yuma had walked out of the movie studio in frustration before punching a lamp-post. He hoped it would help him calm down because he wanted to stop replaying the words Nelson left him with.

"Nelson Andrews doesn't matter, only the Sparrow does."

"I can understand what losing someone can do to you, but that's all the reason why those you have left should matter more." Yuma stated, frustrated.

Even knowing what missing someone could do to you, Yuma couldn't excuse what that woman was doing. She was no mother, not even close. Memories of the good times he had with his mother started flooding in his mind, making him smile.

Astral couldn't quite fathom what this was all about, though he could at least tell Yuma was in slightly better spirits. "Yuma, why was the Sparrow referring to himself as Nelson?"

"I'm going to try explaining this one more time." Yuma sighed heavily. "The Sparrow is just a role Nelson plays in a fictional show. The space hero isn't real while Nelson is the real deal. It's as simple as that."

"So then, he does not know anything about me." Astral stated, disappointment in his voice.

"Sorry, you were constantly hitting up against a dead end." Yuma confirmed. "Still, it's not the end of the world. Yuto and I are on the case to collect these Numbers. I'm sure you'll remember who you are sooner than you think."

At that, Astral stared off into the distance with Yuma joining him. A long silence stretched between them.

…

"Yuma, would it be possible to help him?"

"Huh?" Yuma questioned, surprised since he never expected to hear something like this from the blue being.

"While he may not be the Sparrow or know anything about me, I believe I can relate to him." Astral stated.

"Really?" Yuma inquired.

"Nelson feels he does not know who he is, yet is pressured to do what is expected of him." Astral replied. "I too have no idea who I really am, yet I am under a great deal of pressure to collect the Numbers. That is why I was wondering if we could help him."

"Honestly, I don't know if we can." Yuma sighed.

"Is there truly nothing we can do?" Astral asked.

"Perhaps we've helped him already." Yuma tried his best to sound optimistic. "We're likely the first ones to see the real Nelon in a long time. Maybe he'll feel more confident in showing the world who he is now that he knows he's got at least one real friend."

Andrews Residence: Night…
Nelson was out on a balcony, starring sorrowfully at the stars above. Currently, he was dressed casually in white trousers, brown shoes, and a grey long-sleeve shirt. Stargazing was something he always loved and would usually be out here for longer.

Given what happened today, he figured it was better to turn in early. Just before he could head back in, Nelson spotted a card on the floor. He picked it up and saw it was blank. Then, his eyes went blank as a soft, feminine voice called out to him.

"Nelson, I see what you desire." The blank cards manifested, revealing Galaxy Queen. "After all, I'm your mother who loves you more than anything."

Initially, Nelson wanted to resist the hold this card had on him. Then, he heard the seemingly genuine affection, serving to remind him of simpler times as his eyes watered.

He couldn't fight the card any longer as tears fell. "Mom…"

Heartland Academy: Next Day…
In their classroom, Yuma and Tori were watching the news from the onomat user's handheld computer. Reports were coming in that the Sparrow was assailing people. The press were questioning Nelson's mother, who denied all the accusations.

"This is awful." Tori voiced. "Someone's out there trying to make Sparrow look bad."

Yuma could only stare at his handheld computer, his grip tightening on the device.

Heartland Streets: Night…
Yuma, Astral, and Tori were roaming around Heartland in search of Sparrow's whereabouts. They didn't have to wait long before a scream could be heard ahead. The group ran up some stairs where they found a man tied to a lamp post.

"What happened here?" Tori asked, as she moved to help him.

"Some oddball wearing a cape came out of nowhere and assaulted me!" The man answered.

Astral managed to spot Nelson from the corner of his eye. "Yuma, he's over there!"

Yuma looked where the being indicated, just managing to catch sight of the Sparrow's outfit as he turned a corner. The onomat user sprinted after him until they reached a dead end. Before the actor could leap up the nearby wall, Yuma grabbed and turned him around.

"Nelson, I know it's you!" Yuma declared. "Why are you doing this?"

The Sparrow forced Yuma's arm off of him but kept hold of it before flipping the onomat user into the ground. "It's better for both of us if you don't get involved with me, Yuma."

Sparrow then jumped over the wall, leaving the onomat user in utter confusion.

"Yuma!" Tori rushed into the alley, noting her friend's current state and helping him up. "What happened? Are you okay?"

Yuma ignored her questions as he stared at the wall his friend jumped over.

Heartland Academy: Next Day, Evening…
As the sun set, Yuma and Astral were on top of the roof of the school's main building.

"Nelson is acting like Flip or Mr. Kay when it came to their innermost desires." Yuma noted, having recognized a pattern and unable to believe the guy would act like this without that influence. "He musth have come across a Number sometime after I was forced out."

"If that is the case, I think you should keep the promise you made." Astral encouraged, getting Yuma to focus on him. "You pledged to face Nelson in a duel. As a duelist, you should honor that promise."

"Yeah, you're right." Yuma smirked as he looked to the sky. "Let's bring him back to his senses."

Seaside Port: Night…
An unmasked Nelson, wearing his Sparrow attire, was walking up the stairs in the throne room. He wanted to pick up his mask resting on the throne; however, he didn't expect the lights to be turned on the moment he picked it up.

He turned around to see Yuma. "Nelson, I won't let you lose yourself to your misery."

"Lose myself?" Nelson questioned. "Are you insinuating I don't know who I am, Yuma!? I warned you not to get involved with me any longer than you have. Now go. I have people to save as that's what mother expects from me."

"Your mother is the reason you ended up being this way!" Yuma yelled. "Do I have to knock some sense into you!?"

"Cease your lies or prepare for the consequences!" Nelson called out.

"I'm not going anywhere until we've dueled." Yuma grit his teeth. "Through it, I'll make you realize the truth."

"It appears Furious Max has control of you!" Nelson retorted. "Don't worry for I, the Sparrow, shall break his spell!" He put on his mask and activated his duel pad, prompting Yuma to do the same with his duel pad. "You can never stop a hero from saving others!"

"Let's duel!"

(Yuma 4000/Nelson 4000)

"Right, let's do this." Nelson drew, surrounded by a purple aura as a light-green-colored Number 83 glowed on his right wrist. "I summon Beast-Warrior Puma(LV 4/1600/1000)." A humanoid black panther appeared.

"It would appear his deck is based around characters from the show." Astral noted.

"I end my turn by playing one card face-down." The Sparrow concluded.

"My move!" Yuma drew.

Astral looked through Yuma's hand, quickly figuring it wasn't ideal though they were not without options. "There isn't much we can do with our current hand. You can summon Gogogo Golem but be cautious of his face-down."

"You got it, Astral." Yuma smirked. "I summon Gogogo Golem(LV 4/1800/1500)." A rotund, earthy golem appeared. "I'll have him attack Puma."

"You've walked into my trap!" Nelson declared. "I activate Trion Barrier. Since I have three Triple Star Trions in hand, I can force your Golem into defense. Then, I special summon all three Triple Star Trion(LV 1/100/100)!" Tiny figures wearing blue, green, and red appeared.

"Three cards at once!" Yuma exclaimed before firming his expression. "I set one card, that's it."

"My turn!" Nelson drew. "First, I'll release two Trions to summon D.D. Esper Star Sparrow(LV 10/3000/1500)." This new monster resembled him in appearance, though looked more mysterious.

"Great, that thing has 500 less ATK than Dododo Swordsman after he's been flipped, and I don't even have him in hand." Yuma groaned.

"Things only get worse from here." Nelson declared. "I activate my two Triple Star Trion(LV 1/100/100). When they're used for a Tribute summon, I can revive them to my field with their effects negated. Next, I'll play Space Ration to draw twice since I control Esper Star Sparrow."

He drew his top two cards. "With that, I overlay my three Level 1 Star Trions to build the overlay network. I Xyz Summon! Kneel before Number 83: Galaxy Queen(R 1/O 3/500/500)!"A tall woman wearing a deep-blue and violet gown appeared.

"You just summoned…your mom." Yuma voiced in dismay.

Sparrow didn't respond to that, opting to press on. "Now, I detach one overlay unit from Galaxy Queen." Number 83: Galaxy Queen(R 1/O 2/500/500). "All monsters I control can't be destroyed by battle or card effect until my next Standby Phase. Also, they deal piercing damage."

Galaxy Queen shot sparkles into the air which showed down on herself, Puma, and Star Sparrow.

"This isn't good." Yuma muttered.

"Beast-Warrior Puma, attack!" Nelson commanded.

Puma stabbed at the golem (Yuma 3900/Nelson 4000).

"Since Gogogo Golem is in defense position, he doesn't get destroyed by battle the first time!" Yuma informed.

"Then, Esper Star Sparrow shall finish what Puma started." Nelson declared. "I hope you enjoy his Mega Punch Surprise!"

Esper Star Sparrow flew across the field, fist at the ready.

"I'll protect my Golem once more with my face down Battle Rush." Yuma declared. "Not only does this trap prevent his destruction from battle, but you take any damage I would have."

As he landed a devasting punch on Gogogo Golem, the rock monster held his ground as the residual damage blew back at the actor (Yuma 3900/Nelson 2500). Nelson was knocked off his feet, ending up flat on his stomach.

"Er, you'll pay for that." Nelson voiced as he slowly rose. "No matter how you push, the Sparrow will not be beaten. This card I set shall make sure of it."

"Man, I don't think Flip or Mr. Kay were this delusional." Yuma noted, his mind turned to what happened days earlier. "It's because she's what this is all about. That Number wouldn't be messing with him like this were it not for his mom."

That gave him an idea.

Meadow's Residence
Tori's duel gazer was ringing, and upon seeing who it was, she answered it. "Do you have any idea what time it is?"

"Tori, you got to listen." Yuma voiced. "You know that scary lady who produces the Sparrow's show, she's the mom of the main actor Nelson Andrews. I'm currently in the middle of a duel with him at the set, and she needs to see this."

"Okay, Yuma." Tori may not have known what was going on, but she knew the onomat user well enough to agree. "I'll find her and see you soon."

Seaside Port
With Yuma's call having ended, Astral spoke up. "Given Esper Star Sparrow can attack directly, alongside anything else Nelson may play his next turn, what you need is Utopia."

"Good thing between my field and hand I can bring him out!" Yuma drew. "I summon Gagaga Magician(LV 4/1500/1000)!" A spellcaster in dark blue robes with maroon shoulder plates and chains wrapped loosely around his body appeared.

"Now, I overlay my level 4 Gagaga Magician and Gogogo Golem to build the overlay network. Xyz Summon Number 39: Utopia(R4/O 2/2500/2000)." A knight in shining armor with metallic angel wings appeared. "I'll attack Number 83. Go, Rising Sun Slash!"

"Not good enough because I play my Wings of Unity trap!" Nelson declared. "Since I control an Esper Star Sparrow, I can put a stop to your attack. It also lets me summon Phoenix Beast Gairuda(LV 6/2500/1200) from my Deck!" A large phoenix appeared.

"Er, that Gairuda looks like trouble." Yuma voiced.

"When Gairuda is Normal or Special Summoned, I get to draw one card!" Sparrow took the top card of his deck.

"Yuma, shore up your defenses before ending your turn." Astral voiced.

"I think I know just what to do." Yuma nodded. "Since you control at least three monsters, I can activate the continuous spell Attraffc Control. With this card in play, you can't declare an attack."

"Yuma, why must you stand in my way!?" Sparrow yelled in frustration.

"It's because I'm going to bring you back to your senses!" Yuma exclaimed. "To that end, I set one card before turning things over to you."

"It's my turn!" Nelson drew. "Since I have Esper, Gairuda, and Puma on the field, I can special summon another friend. Come on out, Ironhammer the Giant(LV 8/900/3500)!" A massive, towering robot with a bulky, industrial design appeared.

"Yuma!" Tori called out, making him turn to see his friend had arrived with Ms. Andrews. "I brought Ms. Andrews, though she's not exactly happy about it."

"What is going on?" Mrs. Andrews questioned while looking around, only to spot her son. "Nelson, what are you doing here past your bedtime?"

"Are you talking to me?" Nelson questioned coldly.

Ms. Andrews frowned. "I hardly think that's an appropriate tone to take with your mother."

"I think you may be confused as my mother is right here!" Nelson declared, gesturing to the Number.

"Nelson, have you forgotten the promises we made since it was just the two of us?" Ms. Andrews asked, hurt.

"My name isn't Nelson." The actor retorted. "I'm the one and only Sparrow!"

"I'm not playing, Nelson!" Ms. Andrews shouted.

Yuma grit his teeth, starting to think he'd been wrong to waste Tori's time on this. "Just how blind can you be?" Nelosn's mother looked at him. "Can't you see your kid has been suffering? He's so lost he actually thinks he's the Sparrow."

"That is preposterous." Ms. Andrews looked away, not wanting to believe her son was harming innocent civilians. "There is no way Nelson would…"

"It's not too late." Yuma voiced. "We can save him, but you need to be the loving mother he expects you to be."

Those words struck a chord with her.

Flashback: 7 years ago…
Nelson was sitting on the window seal of his old bedroom where he cried while holding a picture of his father giving a cheesy grin just outside his big rig.

His mother entered with a sorrowful expression as she saw her son was still in pain. "Nelson."

"Mom, why did the world have to take him away?" Nelson cried.

"Oh, Nelson." She approached her son, wrapping him in her arms and pulling him into the room. "The world can be cruel and unfair; however, you're going to be okay. Just remember, your dad loved you to no end. Often, you were all he'd ever talk about."

"Mom, promise me you won't ever leave me." Nelson hugged her. "I don't know what I would do if I lost you."

"For that to happen, you must do as I say from now on." Ms. Andrews reasoned. "It'll keep you safe, always."

"Okay, Mom." Nelson held onto her tighter. "I just wish Dad was still with us."

"I wish the same, Sweetie." Mrs. Andrews let him cry into her stomach. "What matters is we still have each other."

Seaside Port: Present…
"I didn't mean to control him like this." Ms. Andres stared at the floor sadly. "Oh, Nelson…I've failed where I only wanted to ensure your safety.

Yuma felt sorry for her, but he couldn't worry about that right now. "Listen, I'm going to win and bring him back. Then, it will be up to you on what happens next."

"Let's us continue." Sparrow declared. "I'm activating the spell, Galaxy Queen's Light. It allows me to pick one monster on my field, and all other monsters I control will become the same level. I pick my Level 10, Esper Star Sparrow!"

Beast-Warrior Puma(LV 10/1600/1000)
Phoenix Beast Gairuda(LV 10/2500/1200)
Ironhammer the Giant(LV 10/900/3500)

"Four level 10 monsters!" Tori looked from them to the onomat user. "Yuma, stay on guard!"

"Now, I overlay my level 10 Beast-Warrior Puma, Esper Star Sparrow, and Ironhammer the Giant to construct the Overlay Network." Nelson laughed darkly as the three monsters converged within the network. "A colossus of destruction descends from beyond the galaxies.

Engines of annihilation, activate and obliterate all! Xyz Summon Super Dimensional Robot Galaxy Destroyer(R 10/O 3/5000/2000)!" A massive, mechanical giant that was designed for domination on a galactic scale appeared.

"5000 ATK." Yuma was shocked. "This is going to get rough."

"If you're shocked by how powerful he looks, just see what his special ability does!" Nelson declared. "By detaching one overlay unit, my Galaxy Destroy can destroy all spell/traps you control while denying your ability to respond with those very cards. Go, Galaxy Break!"

Super Dimensional Robot Galaxy Destroyer(R 10/O 2/5000/2000) unleashed a wide, powerful red beam that annihilated Yuma's continuous spell and face-down, which was Courageous Heart.

"Nelson, that's enough!" Mrs. Andrews called out. "I'm sorry for everything. You don't have to be Sparrow. Let's just go home and get some ice cream."

"Silence!" Nelson yelled. "I must be the Sparrow because people are depending on me!" A dark aura enveloped him. "Now, I'll activate Galaxy Queen's effect. By detaching an overlay unit, my monsters are indestructible and can deal piercing damage.

Number 83: Galaxy Queen(R 1/O 1/500/500) once more shot sparkles into the air which then rained down on herself, Galaxy Destroyer, and Gairuda.

Now Galaxy Destroyer, I command you to attack Utopia!" Nelson commanded.

Galaxy Destroyer slowly lumbered towards Utopia while raising his right arm.

"I'll block that." Yuma declared. "By detaching one overlay unit, Utopia can negate your attack!" Number 39: Utopia(R4/O 1/2500/2000). "Go, Light Wing Shield!"

"I'll chain Furious Max's Curse." Nelson countered. "Whenever my opponent activates an effect, I can tribute one monster I control to negate every effect of that card until the end of the turn. I obviously tribute my Gairuda."

"Utopia!" Yuma shouted.

Utopia's wings retracted as he was afflicted by a purple aura before being obliterated (Yuma 1400/Nelson 2500). The onomat user was knocked off his feet, landing flat on his back.

"Now, Galaxy Queen shall attack you directly." Nelson declared.

Galaxy Queen pointed her staff at Yuma and fired energy, sending him skidding back (Yuma 900/Nelson 2500). With his life points this low, Astral was starting to fade in and out.

"This is not good." Yuma noted, seeing this as he slowly rose.

"Agreed." Astral stated. "Come your next turn we must aim for victory, or I fear this is the end."

"As I now head into the End Phase, I'll activate the graveyard effect of Furious Max's Curse." Nelson declared. "By banishing it, I switch the battle position of any one monster I control, and I select my Galaxy Queen."

Number 83's attire changed to white as she knelt.

"Alright, it's all or nothing now!" Yuma drew. "This is it! First, I'll activate Monster Reborn to return Number 39: Utopia(R4/O 0/2500/2000) back to my field. Then, I'll summon Ganbara Knight(LV 4/0/1800)." A red and yellow armored warrior wielding two shields appeared.

"Neither of those monsters can get over my Galaxy Destroyer!" Nelson declared.

"Not as they are, but that's where this last card comes in." Yuma declared. "I activate the spell Mini-Guts. By tributing a monster I control, such as Ganbara Knight, I can target your Galaxy Destroyer and zero out his ATK until the End Phase."

Ganbara Knight turned transparent as he flew through Super Dimensional Robot Galaxy Destroyer(R 10/O 3/0/2000 effect).

"No, this cannot be!" Nelson shouted.

"It can!" Yuma and Astral declared as one. "Utopia, destroy Galaxy Destroyer with Rising Sun Slash!"

Utopia withdrew his blade, using it to cut the massive monster down the middle. While it weathered the attack due to Galaxy Queen, Nelson still took the damage (Yuma 900/Nelson 0). He was sent flying, his mask falling off before he crashed to the ground.

"Nelson!" Mrs. Andrews called out in concern.

Astral held his right hand out, extracting the Number and regaining a piece of his memory.

Ms. Andrews walked up the stairs and stopped next to her son's defeated form. "Nelson."

She kneeled down and caressed his face, rousing the boy who stared at her in confusion. "Mom? I don't know what happened to me."

"Don't worry about that because it's over now." Ms. Andrews enveloped her son in a hug as her eyes watered. "I want you to be you, not the Sparrow."

Yuma couldn't help but think of his mom in that moment before smiling. "Ah, I'm getting all teary eyed!"

"Observation eight: The bond between a human parent and a human child is strong…very strong." Atral looked from Yuma to the mother/son pair. "The memory I've received is of my birth where I was entrusted with the future of my world…wherever and whatever it may be."

Heartland
Following his duel with Nelson, Yuma and Tori were now heading home.

"Man, I can't wait to crawl into my hammock." Yuma voiced, content with the results of tonight.

"Yuma, if you knew the truth of those attacks, why didn't you tell me sooner?" Tori asked.

"I figured finding out the truth about the Sparrow being behind them would have made you sad." Yuma returned.

"Aww." Tori blushed slightly. "You care about my feelings that much?"

"What? No way!" Yuma exclaimed. "You're just annoying when your sad."

"I'm annoying?" Tori grew angry. "You should try talking to yourself, Yuma. Besides, when have you ever seen me sad?"

"Are you serious?" Yuma questioned in dismay. "What about that time you tried to give Aston Williams that Valentines Card, only for him to turn it down?"

"Ugh, let's just go!" Tori exclaimed.

Heartland Academy: Days Later…
Yuma walked into his homeroom with Mr. Kay feeling rather cheerful. Last night, he saw the latest episode of the Sparrow where he resisted the Galaxy Queen's power to saved her with his love and helped her return to normal.

His cheerful mood quickly turned to shock as standing there next to Mr. Kay was Nelson himself wearing Heartland Academy's uniform for the first-years with a smile. His smile only grew brighter once he saw Yuma.

Nelson held up a hand in greeting. "Hey, Yuma!"

"Well, guess his mom is really putting in some effort to let him be a normal kid." Yuma before smiling himself. "Yo, Nelson!"

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I've decided to have Nelson join Heartland Academy and fulfill the 'best friend' role for Yuma given I've tossed out Bronk from that role. While you could say Tori fulfills that role here, I do think every guy needs at least one fellow guy they can connect with. While Caswell might seem like an option, I personally couldn't see him in the 'best friend' role. I also need Yuma to have at least three friends for something I'm planning.

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Changed Furious Max's Curse, as this was an equip in the anime.

Furious Max's Curse/Quick-Play

Tribute 1 monster you control; you can then target 1 card your opponent controls and negate their effects until the End Phase. You can banish this card from your GY to change the battle postion of 1 monster you control.

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Numbers: 7/100

Yuma: 24, 34, 39, 83

Yuto: 13, 31, 74