Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ruby likes dreaming.

The real world was fun. Very fun, sometimes. She had Yang and her dad, and her pet dog Zwei. It was all she could over ask for. Her neighbors were nice, the new people she met were almost always friendly after a few minutes of talking.

But she could do things she couldn't do in the Real World in the Dream World. She could fly in the air with her entire family. She could visit vibrant, weird planets as far as they could see. She could be a superhero, or ride dinosaurs or fight mechs. She had lucid dreams, so the possibilities were, quite literally, endless.

Almost endless, anyways. Ruby tends to avoid watching anything scary or depressing when she's about to go to sleep. Her dreams are meant to be someplace happy. Where she can enjoy and be herself for a time.

Not a black palace.

"Um… hello? Is anybody there? …Can you turn on the heater? It's cold here!" Ruby asked cautiously. She shivered slightly. As she walked down the singular path. Each torch she walked past, a black flame ignited. It was kinda cool.

In general, the palace looked neat too. Plush red carpet with gold tassels; windows that revealed a dark red sky with black masses of land floating in the background. Black walls with quartz pillars and dark purple crackles littering the otherwise smooth stone.

Aesthetically, the palace was killer. Shame it looks like it could kill her.

"'Scuse me! Anybody! Dad? Yang? M–!" Ruby paused and shook her head a moment. She has no control over this dream.

"Helloooo…?" Ruby asked again, this time looking up at the ceiling with fancy looking chandeliers. She keeps her eyes on them, mesmerized as she walks forward. As she's distracted, she accidentally bumps into a door.

"Oof! Ow…!" The girl whines. Her glittering silver eyes open as she looks up at the eye glaring down at her. "Oh, spooky…" She quips before getting up and dusting herself. Slowly, she raises her hands and pushes the black, bony door open.

Blackish, purple gas leaks out from the blackened abyss on the other side. Ruby coughs, and lifts her shirt to avoid inhaling it. It doesn't stop the gas from clouding her vision, however.

Once it dissipates, Ruby finds herself in an empty throne room. "Woah…" she gasps. Her eyes automatically lead up the black steps to and land on the blackened throne. It looked old and decrepit, even cracked in some areas.

"I'm gonna sit on it," Ruby decides. She raises one boot-clad foot, and the moment she does, she notices a pulsating mass underneath the throne. "Oh… um, I'm sorry?" Ruby's half-hearted shrug does not please the mass.

It rises, tendrils floating out from the base and converging above the seat. They solidify and harden, forming into a ghastly, humanoid figure with bone-white skin. Well, humanoid was pushing it, actually; the face looked normal enough, save for the black cracks, black sclera and crimson eyes. "A-A Grimm...?" Ruby breathed out.

The rest of the body was some sort of chimeric, monstrous fusion. Furry arms, multiple tails, feathers coming from its armpits. The feet were hooved, and multiple sharp spikes came from all over its body. Ruby stepped back.

The human face let out a shrill, monstrous cry. It sounded like… it was in pain. Like it was hurting, emotionally and physically.

"Are you okay?" Ruby asked, reaching out a hand as she began to climb up the steps. It didn't like that.

Like a wild animal, the monster bared its fangs, misshapen tusks that were now growing from its mouth. Ruby paused instantly and raised her hands in surrender. "Whoops, sorry! I didn't mean to scare you, I just…"

She didn't get to finish. With a wild, manic cry, multiple tendrils shot out from the chimera's back and latched onto Ruby's arm. She shrieked as she tumbled down the stairs and landed on the floor in a heap.

"H-hey, wait! I didn't mean to scare you, honest!" Ruby said, trying to keep her voice low to not scare the creature further. Still she pulled against the tendrils, grunting until it snapped off.

"I just want to help…! Please? Maybe we can… huh?" She then felt a familiar weight on her left arm. Looking down, she noticed her official KaibaCorp Duel Disk strapped to it. "What is this doing here…" On the deck slot, she noticed a thin tendril leading up to a human arm on the chimera.

On that arm was another Duel Disk. This one was organic, made of black flesh and supported by stark-white bone. "It can… duel…?" Ruby murmured. She feels like she shouldn't be so surprised; this was a dream, after all. But even in dreams, the Duel Disks were weightless. This thing felt like a real Disk.

Soon, a massive bulge began to grow on the chimera's body, under the head. The human face roared. The bulge popped, black liquid flying out and then flowing down the steps. A nude, female body now stood on the neck of the chimera, looking down at Ruby.

"OzMaAAaAA!" It shouted in a corrupted, echoey voice.

"Ozma? Who's that?" Ruby asked. The monster did respond. It raised its arm and yanked the tendril connecting their Disks. Ruby staggered forward, and muttered, "Oh no," as it was forcibly activated.

? ? ? VS Ruby Rose (4000 LP)
DUEL!

"'Evilswarm Zahak'!" The figure shouted, slamming a card onto her Disk. The frills twitched, and another bulge grew on the monster's back. Like the body, a three headed dragon burst free, its body covered in liquid as it fell down the steps. It immediately jumped to its feet and started chattering like a rabid animal.

ℹ️ Evilswarm Zahak (DARK)
LV 4 / 1800 ATK

"Woah… what kind of monster is that?" Ruby wondered. She would say she's never seen anything like it, but considering Duel Monsters is the game where VTubers moonlighting as jewel thieves can fight against literal Lovecraftian (like, the actual H.P. Lovecraft gods) horrors, she honestly shouldn't be surprised.

"Still, that's a cool monster," Ruby hummed to herself. She waited for a moment, but the monster did budge. In that case, if the chimera was only going to summon a monster this turn, "I guess that means I draw!"

Thankfully, she didn't get shocked for breaking the rules. "I summon 'Summoner Monk'!" She slid the card into the middle Main Monster Zone which caused the projector in front of it to shine. In front of her, an aging old man in drab white and purple robes appeared, his face partly to allow only a single red eye to shine through.

ℹ️ Summoner Monk (DARK)
LV 4 / 800 ATK

ℹ️ Summoner Monk (DARK)
800 ATK ⇒ 1600 DEF

"Summoner Monk lets me discard one Spell Card from my hand to summon a Level 4 monster from my deck! So, I'll send 'High Ritual Art' to the grave in order to summon 'Rescue Rabbit'!" Ruby continued, somewhat relieved that her opponent didn't respond.

The monk's visible eye glowed. It grabbed a gohei from its robes and started to wave in the air, creating a portal that allowed a small white and gray wearing rabbit to fall through. It blinked in confusion as it landed on the field 

ℹ️ Rescue Rabbit (EARTH)
LV 4 / 300 ATK

"I activate 'Rescue Rabbit's' effect! I can summon two Normal monsters with the same name by banishing it!" Again, there was no response, so Ruby continued. "I summon two copies of 'Dark Blade'!" The rabbit stood up on its hind legs and blew on its tiny whistle. The monster then ran away. A few seconds later, two men in black armor marched on field, both dual wielding wickedly sharp swords.

ℹ️ Dark Blade (x2) (DARK)
LV 4 / 1800 ATK

"Monsters summoned by 'Rescue Rabbit's' effect are destroyed in the End Phase," She added, almost as an afterthought. Mainly because it was. "Next, I build the Overlay Network with 'Summoner Monk' and 'Dark Blade'!" The monsters in question knelt to the ground; their bodies dissolved into dark and brown colored orbs respectively. As they flew into the air, a vortex made from multiple red stars appeared in front of Ruby, which the two monsters flew into.

"I Xyz Summon 'Magikey Spirit - Vepartu'!" Ruby exclaimed. The vortex collapsed in on itself, and then exploded outwards in a bright supernova. The new monster that took their place was a young man in blue clothing and hair, dual wielding strange pistols. The monsters used to Xyz Summon now orbited around the monster as Overlay Units.

ℹ️ Magikey Spirit - Vepartu (WATER)
Rk 4 / 2000 ATK / 2 OU

"When 'Vepartu' is summoned, I can detach one Overlay Unit to add a Level 4 or higher Normal Monster from my deck. I detach Summoner Monk, and add 'Clavykis, the Magikey Skyblaster'!" Ruby continued. One of the Overlay Units fizzled out, and Vepartu reloaded one of its guns.

ℹ️ Magikey Spirit - Vepartu (WATER)
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

"Next, I use my last 'Dark Blade' to create my circuit!" Ruby exclaimed. She tapped a button on her Duel Disk, causing an Extra Monster Zone to slide out from the second monster on the left, as well as the hologram of a large circuit board to appear in front of her. "By sending 'Dark Blade', a Normal monster, from my field to the graveyard, I can Link Summon 'Link Spider' from my Extra Deck!"

The remaining swordsman yelled; its body turned into code, and flew into the bottom-middle arrow of the circuit board. The space in the center glowed, and allowed a light blue metal spider with wheels on the ends of legs to slide out.

ℹ️ Link Spider (EARTH)
Link-1 / 1000 ATK / ↓

"'Link Spider's' effect activates. I can summon a normal monster to the zone it points to! So, I summon 'Clavykis'!" Ruby slammed her card onto designated space. 'Link Spider' shivered and began to rev its wheels, creating a large cloud of smoke. From it, a younger version of 'Vepartu', now only wielding one gun, jumped out with a smile on their face.

ℹ️ Clavykis, the Magikey Skyblaster (DARK)
LV 4 / 1900 ATK

"At this point, I enter the Battle Phase! 'Vepartu' attacks 'Evilswarm Zahak'!" Ruby exclaimed, waving her hand forward. The monster took aim at the three-headed dragon, which growled. "Fire!" At her command, 'Vepartu' fired a barrage of bullets at the target. 'Zahak' shrieked as all three of its heads were shot, each one popping like evil blueberries. Ruby grimaced as the monster exploded, leaving a dark stain on the floor.

🥊???
??? LP - 200 DMG = ??? LP

She waited to hear a Life Point counter tick down, but she heard nothing of the sort. "W-well… 'Clavykis' and 'Link Spider' attack directly!" As Ruby ordered her monsters to attack, a creeping sense of unease shot up her spine. Link Spider lunged forwards and slammed its body into the black mass, while 'Clavykis' fired from its magic pistol.

🥊???
??? LP - 2900 DMG = ??? LP

Ooze poured out from the monster's wounds. Ruby felt a pang of sympathy as it writhed in pain. Even her monsters looked somewhat nervous now, with 'Clavykis' and 'Vepartu' frowning, and 'Link Spider' squeaking softly.

"Um… I-I enter my Main Phase 2, set a card, and end my turn…" Ruby muttered without the confidence she had earlier. Her eyes widened. "W-Wait! Let me take that back, I still need to set–!"

"Draw!" The woman cried out, making Ruby squeak. "Evilswarm Mandragora!" The new monster was a small, almost cute looking plant creature with sharpened leaves and white hair. It also had an emo haircut, with how its hair covered its right eye.

ℹ️ Evilswarm Mandragora (DARK)
LV 4 / 1550 ATK

 "Evilswarm Coppelia!" That monster then disappeared, replaced by a rather large machine that looked like a corrupted train with two thick arms.

ℹ️ Evilswarm Coppelia
LV 6 / 2450 ATK

"Battle!" The train chugged forwards and raised an arm, ready to strike.

"'Vepartu's' second effect activates!" Ruby interrupted. "When it battles, and I have a Normal monster in my graveyard with the same Attribute as the other monster it's battling, I can detach an Overlay Unit and make you send it to the graveyard!"

ℹ️ Magikey Spirit - Vepartu (WATER)
1 OU ⇒ 0 OU

This time 'Vepartu' grabbed the Overlay Unit and loaded it into the chamber of its first gun. It fired, the bullet piercing through the main hull of the train. The monster exploded, but as it did, the smoke from the blast morphed into a hand, and grabbed 'Vepartu'. "H-Huh!?" Ruby cried out as her Xyz Monster yelled in agony, the gas seeping into its body through every available hole. Its eyes rolled into the back of its head as it walked over to the chimera's side of the field.

ℹ️ Magikey Spirit - Vepartu (WATER)
Ruby ⇒ ???

"D-Did that thing just Snatch Steal my monster!?" Ruby cried out. If she were Dueling someone else, say Yang, she might've thought that move was cool. But now, since she knows she could've avoided it by not ending her turn preemptively and the fact that her opponent was a writhing mass of black flesh, it was definitely not cool especially since it's still the chimera's Battle Phase.

The corrupted 'Vepartu' fired at its own comrade, striking 'Link Spider'. The hail of bullets crumpled the digital spider's body, causing it to spark and explode. Ruby yelped as the flames of the explosion singed her skin.

🥊Ruby
4000 LP - 1000 DMG = 3000 LP

"Aaah!" She hissed in pain. Pain that felt very real. "This isn't a cool dream anymore! Brain, wake up, wake up, please!" She practically begged. She pinched herself, slapped herself, but nothing happened.

"Oh… boy…" Ruby groaned. Her own monster and the chimera looked down at her, expectantly. "I, um… I…!"

She could feel her breathing getting heavier. Her lungs felt empty. She took deeper breaths, longer breaths, but none of them provided what she needed. "It's just a dream… I'm freaking out over a dream…!" Ruby bit her lip, hard enough for her teeth to puncture skin and draw blood.

She wanted to call for a mother that no longer existed.

"I…!" Ruby fingers grazed her deck. It felt warm. For a moment, all the tension, all the fear she had; it all disappeared.

"I…!" Ruby grit her teeth. "No… I won't back down! My mom might not be here… but her memory still does!" Ruby gripped the top card of her deck.

"I draw!" Without looking at the card, she slammed next to 'Clavykis'. "I summon 'Megalosmasher X'!" A pool of water formed next to her, and it soon erupted, allowing a large, aquatic dinosaur to swim in the air.

ℹ️ Megalosmasher X (WATER)
LV 4 / 2000 ATK 

"I Overlay Level 4 'Megalosmasher X' and 'Clavykis, the Magikey Skyblaster'!" Spiraling orbs of blue and purple flew into the air, but this time, they fell into a galaxy made of millions of shining, golden stars.

"Rise on up, Number 39! King of Wishes - Hope!"

The inside of Ruby's left silver eye glowed, blazing with the red light of Number 39 emblazoned inside her pupil.

From the explosion, a large mechanical device slowly rose from the floor. It looked like an ornate, fancy key. It then began to unfold, mechanical parts shifting and sliding into place. Eventually, the key then transformed into a large, humanoid warrior with white skin and golden armor; large metal wings hung from its back, and two large swords were sheathed on either side of its hips.

[Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope]
[LIGHT / Warrior / Xyz / Effect]
[2500 ATK / 2000 DEF]

ℹ️ Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope (LIGHT)
AKA "Number 39: Utopia"
LIGHT & DIVINE

"Attack 'Vepartu', Hope!" Her new monster's red eyes shined brightly as it unlatched one of the blades at its hips and flew towards the corrupted gunman. "Next, I attack Hope's effect! By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can negate that attack!" One of the orbiting spheres of energy flew into the core on Hope's chest, which caused its sword to dissolve.

ℹ️ Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope (LIGHT)
2 OU to 1 OU

"Then, I activate the Spell Card 'Double or Nothing!'! Since an attack was negated, Hope's Attack Points are doubled, and it can attack again!" Ruby exclaimed. Hope unsheathed its other sword, which began to blaze with fiery red power

ℹ️ Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope (LIGHT)
2500 ATK ⇒ 5000 ATK

"Go! Hope Sword Slash!" The shining warrior's wings extended as it raised the blade over its head. With a loud shout of "HOPE!" the monster cleaved through Ruby's monster with ease. The sword cut into the ground, which soon began to crack. Streams of light erupted from the ground, rays causing the palace to shake and crumble apart. The geysers then struck the weird Grimm monster, making it hail in rage as the beams tore through its body, ripping apart at the lump of limbs and flesh.

🥊???
??? LP - 3000 DMG = ??? LP

The monster squealed in pain. Ruby's smile faltered for a moment at the horrible sound, and it completely vanished as the monster pulled out another card.

"King of Despair - Hopeless!"

Ruby's eyes widened as a dark mirror to her own Hope deflected the attack. Gleaming dark metal reflected Hope's bright light, coating Hopeless in shadow. It too had giant, metal wings, but the armor which they sprouted from was black and silver; tattered cloth hung from the monster's waist, billowing in the invisible wind.

"What's going… on?" Ruby whispered.

With a demented roar, 98 knocked back 39, knocking the curved blade of the golden warrior's hand. "No!" Ruby cried.

She wailed in pain as the King of Despair cut down the King of Wishes, stabbing it through the green core. Ruby felt blood gushing from her chest.

The palace collapsed on top of her shortly thereafter.

"No!"

Ruby sat up straight on her bed, her chest heaving as she struggled to take in air. She was sweating; a thick sheen coating her forehead and a dropping from her brow. She placed a hand on her chin to try and calm herself down.

"M-My head…" The girl moaned in pain, feeling a dull throbbing coming from the front of her head so close to her eye. "Argh, that dream was so weird…" She grumbled. Ruby turned her head to the–

"Oh, no! I'm gonna be late!" Ruby cried in a panic. She jumped out of her bed and raided her drawers to find a suitable outfit.

She couldn't believe this was happening. Ruby had been accepted into the one of the greatest Duel Schools of all time, and she was going to be late for orientation. "They're gonna expel me the moment I walk in class!" She wails as she quickly picks up one of throws off her sleepwear and pulls on the cleanest looking sweater off the floor.

Now in a hoodie made for winter, not the August heat, Ruby jumps down the stairs. "Yang! Yang!" She yelled. Strangely, she heard no response.

"Yang! What are you doing! Why didn't you wake me up!" She asked, barging into her older sister's room. "Wha– YANG!"

She's asleep. No wonder they're late.

One trip to McDonalds for breakfast later, Ruby clings to Yang's waist, her helmet protecting the smaller girl from a face full of her older sister's long blonde hair.

Yang had haphazardly put on her modified RA Yellow uniform; a sleeveless white shirt with a yellow collar, matching gloves with flared cuffs that reached her shoulders, and a yellow skirt. She also had black shorts under her skirt, and wore a brown jacket over the shirt, which was slightly unbuttoned to show off her cleavage.

"You're panicking as much anymore!" Yang chirped.

"Well, it's partly because I can think straight now," Ruby whined slightly as she slotted her hashbrown underneath the helmet and took a small bite. "Plus, the Hello Kitty merch is nice," She added, raising the penguin mascot wearing OBELISK's headdress. "I don't even like Hello Kitty."

"Slander," Yang said with an exaggerated roll of her eyes, which she probably shouldn't be doing since she's driving. "Anyways, we're almost there." Ruby blinked and looked at where Yang was pointing to.

It was a highway exit, one which led to Beacon Academy. Ruby could barely believe her eyes. It's a dream come true.

Ever since she first picked up a deck, Ruby fell in love with the game of Duel Monsters. Not even her imagination was as imaginative. Mechas, demons, waifus, funny animals and clowns all existing in the same pile of cards, all in the same game, each with their own ways of interacting with each other?

Sign her the heck up!

"Excited?" Yang asked. She could feel Ruby's hand shaking on her shoulders.

"Yeah, obviously!" Ruby said with a big grin hidden behind her helmet. "Beacon's a place where brilliant minds converge for one thing, and one thing only: to Duel! I'm going to see so many strategies I've never seen before!" She giggled gleefully. After a point, it started to sound almost maniacal.

"That's not the only reason, y'know," Yang gently reminded her.

"Yeah, I know," Ruby said more despondently. Because of the Grimm, those obnoxious monstrous rats and vultures they were, Duelists were heavily encouraged to join the Duel Force and defended the last cities on Remnant with their monsters.

"'Kay. Just reminding you, because those who want to be on the Duel Force are probably going to be grumps!" She joked, making Ruby smile again.

"So, have you thought of joining?" Ruby asked cautiously.

"I mean, I definitely want to mess around with the Solid Vision projectors those guys get! Imagine getting to hear, touch, and even smell your own monsters!" Yang said. Her words were followed by a concerning giggle.

"Yang, that's weird! Stop being weird!" Ruby pouted.

"Oh, hush you! You act like you don't have your own quirks!" Yang said, swerving on the street and making Ruby wail in a panic.

A few minutes later, Yang drove off the highway and onto the nearest parking lot. Ruby quickly jumped off from the bike and tossed the helmet to Yang. "See, I told you we were gonna get here on time. You even have time to spare."

"...Well, yeah, buuut I felt like you went a bit too fast, y'know?" Ruby said with a shrug.

"Well, I still got you to school on time, didn't I?" Ruby nodded. "Then all's well that ends well!"

"I mean, I guess…" Ruby turned around and looked at the main campus of Beacon, her eyes drawn to the large, castle-like structure looming over her. For a moment, she felt a tad bit intimidated. "So, you're going to get my stuff for my dorm room now, right?"

"That's the plan. I'll be back by the time orientation is over to help you decorate your room. It'll be fun! I wonder who your roommate will be." Yang said excitedly.

"Hopefully they're not too intense…" Ruby said with a slight sigh. She loved Yang, but sometimes, she was just a bit too much, y'know.

"Even if they are, I hope you can at least be friends with them. Anyways…" Yang pointed to a building on the right side of the castle. "That's where orientation is going to be held. Still, you got ten minutes before it starts. Why don't you explore the campus? Meet some new people?"

"Okay, well…" Ruby bit her lip anxiously (for some reason it stung), but eventually she nodded. "Sure! It's the first day of school! I'll definitely make some new friends…! Definitely!"

"That's the spirit!" Yang revved her bike and gave Ruby a thumbs up. "Have fun, okay! I'll see you later!"

"Bye, Yang!" Ruby got on her toes and waved goodbye as her older sister drove away, leaving behind a cloud of dust. "It's happening! Today's the biggest night of your life! Mom's definitely smiling down on you from heaven!" Ruby spun on her wheel, and with a determined expression on her face, walked towards the Beacon Academy campus.

The school is a lot larger than she thought it would be. Following the trails of concrete led Ruby all over the castle, both inside and out. In the past, the Beacon Academy was a castle that was used as the base of operations for the old King of Vale in the Great War. As such, the campus was also part museum.

There were many incoming students, much like herself, wandering the halls, reading the text blurbs that appeared on holographic screens in front.

"So cool…!" Ruby breathed out. There were statues of famous Duel Monsters, carvings and paintings of days long passed. She was especially drawn to an odd mural, depicting a fight between two armored figures in some sort of warped library.

She could stare at this painting for hours.

But, she heard a commotion from outside. "Huh?" Ruby turned around, and saw other students walking outside, some faster than others. Her curiosity peaked, she followed them outside.

In front of the museum, there was a crowd surrounding a pair of girls. One of them was a faunus, dark brown hair and bunny ears sprouting from where her normal ears should be. And standing in front of her was–

"No way…! That's Weiss Schnee!" A blonde boy exclaimed.

"Huh? Weiss…?" Ruby breathed. She heard of the Schnee Dust Company before, obviously. They effectively had a monopoly on Dust, a pseudo (definitely-not-magical-in-anyway) energy propellant that gave Duel Monsters life through the Solid Vision projectors in each Duel Force members' Disk.

Also, SDC has had multiple lawsuits levied against it regarding its treatment of its workers, especially faunus workers. Ruby likes to see the best in everyone, but considering there's at least one class action lawsuit every few months… ehhhhh…

"Do you really expect me to believe that this card is yours?" Weiss said loudly, in a prissy voice to boot. She waved said card in her hand, revealing it to be 'Nibiru, the Primal Being'.

"Holy crap, that's one of the better hand traps in the game!" A random onlooker gasped.

"Y-yes! It is mine! That's my card sleeve! I bought it with my own money. I still have the receipt! The faunus said, her worried voice carrying a slight accent. Weiss scoffed at her.

"Please. As if someone like you could ever pay for this!" She exclaimed. "'Nibiru' is an exceptionally powerful monster, not only in Duels, but for the Duel Force as well. Copies can go upwards to thousands of Liens per copy. A playset is even more costly."

"But it's true!" The faunus exclaimed.

"That's a lie and you know!" Weiss shot back, making the bunny girl flinch. "I saw you rifling through my bags earlier! And, I just happened to be missing a copy of 'Nibiru' from one of my bags!"

The crowd gasped at the comment. They started whispering. "No way," they said. "Somebody really tried to steal from a Schnee?" Another added. "I knew she didn't belong here," another, more disdainful voice said.

The rabbit faunus looked around, feeling way too many eyes on her. She froze like a deer in headlights. Worst of all, Weiss looked pleased with herself. She did turn the crowd against the girl.

"You know theft of another's card is punishable by expulsion, correct? A Duelist's cards are sacred, and their deck moreso," Weiss said, her face growing a fierce scowl.

"B-But i-it's not yours!" The faunus reiterated. "I spent a fortune on that card! You can't just take it!"

"Disgusting…" Weiss growled, making the faunus flinch. She was definitely glaring at the faunus' ears now. "You are a disgrace to every student who worked hard to enter this esteemed academy." The whispering started to get louder.

"No, you are!" Weiss froze, and the whispering had stopped completely. Slowly, she turned around, and noticed a small girl in red clothing. Ruby.

Instantly, all eyes were on her. Ruby's face became as red as her hoodie.

"...I seem to have misheard you," Weiss muttered. A dark scowl grew on her face as she glared at Ruby. "Can you repeat what you just said?"

"Um…" Ruby deflated somewhat at the massive number of eyes on her. Still, she didn't take her eyes off Weiss for a second. "I said, you're the disgrace! You're taking that girl's expensive card! What you claim that girl did, you're doing yourself!"

Weiss felt her eye twitch. "Are you going to defend this criminal? Look at her," Weiss growled, pointing her finger to the panicking faunus. "Do you not see the guilt in her eyes? She knows that she's been caught, and she knows that she'll be punished for it. Why do you insist on defending her?"

"Because I hate jerks. And right now, you're being a massive jerk for no reason at all!" Ruby exclaimed. Weiss took a step back upon hearing her words. She scowled, her grip tightening on the faunus' card.

"Fine." Weiss crossed her arms. "We'll settle this soon, after orientation. Until then, I'll be holding onto this." Weiss pulled out her deck box, and slid 'Nibiru' inside of it. She then began to walk away.

"This isn't good," Ruby muttered. Yang always told her that rich people liked to delay lawsuits against them because normal people didn't have the money to pay for a lawyer for a long time. This might not be a lawsuit, Ruby suspects Weiss might not be doing something similar; unnecessarily delaying the conflict so that she could hold onto that card for as long as possible.

Ruby can't let that happen. For all she knows, Weiss might be petty enough to "accidentally" destroy the card, if she couldn't have it.

"What's the matter? Chicken?" Ruby taunted.

Weiss froze. A long, excited "oooooooo!" came from the onlooking crowd.

"What are you doing?" The faunus girl whispered to Ruby.

"I'm getting your card back, what does it look like?" Ruby stated in a slightly confused manner.

"But you're painting a massive target on your back!" The rabbit argued, practically begging. "Please, take it back! She can have my card for all I care, just don't tease her anymore!"

"No way, no how, not a chance!" Ruby exclaimed. "I'm gonna get your card back, no matter what."

As soon as she said that, her blood froze as she heard a prim, proper giggle coming from Weiss. Her back was still turned to Ruby.

"I know I definitely didn't hear that," Weiss said very, very slowly. She turned around so that one freezing eye glared at Ruby over her shoulder. "What. The fuck. Did you call me?"

Ruby gulped. Still, she didn't relent "Sorry, what was that? All I hear is clucking and ba-cawing!" Ruby teased further. Yang talked to her about this multiple times, about how some students' egos are so big that even calling them a mildly offensive name gets them ready to duel on the spot.

And, it seems Weiss took the bait.

"I'm going to enjoy this," she growled. She turned around and snapped her fingers. A bracelet on her arm glowed, causing a custom made, sharp, ice-themed Duel Disk to appear on her arm. She slammed her deck inside with an audible snarl.

"If I let you!" Ruby said. She tossed her backpack over her shoulder and slid her mass produced KaibaCorp Duel Disk on her left arm, sliding her deck in afterwards. The crowd began to spread, giving them space for the holograms to appear. "If I win, I get that girl's card back! Deal?"

"Fine. But if I win…" Weiss pointed to the cards in Ruby's deck slot. "Your entire collection is mine!"

"Sounds good to me!" Ruby agreed, but not without flinching, to Weiss' terms.

"Please be careful…" The rabbit faunus pleaded. Ruby looked around and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry. Just sit tight and enjoy the show!" Ruby reassured her. She then turned back to Weiss as their decks ejected their first five cards.

Weiss Schnee (4000 LP) VS Ruby Rose (4000 LP)
DUEL!

"As you are the challenger; per the rules outlined in the Duelist Handbook, I'll begin!" Weiss explained. "I begin by activating 'Sakitama's' effect! By revealing it, I can summon it automatically!" A yellow orb made of flames appeared. As it woke, it bore a wide smile and made the joyful sounds of a baby.

ℹ️ Sakitama (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 400 ATK / Spirit 

"Next, I summon 'Star Seraph Scepter'." This time, a large staff appeared next to a ball of flames, one with a blue orb at the tip and yellow energy flowing inside.

ℹ️ Star Seraph Scepter (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1800 ATK

"When 'Scepter' is summoned, I can then add a 'Star Seraph' monster from my deck to my hand. I choose 'Sovereignty.'" Once Weiss replenished her hand, she reached into her Extra Deck to pull out a card from it. "I Overlay my Level 4 'Sakitama' and 'Scepter'! I Xyz Summon the Rank 4 monster 'Starring Knight'!" Her new monster was a humanoid monster wearing golden armor lined in a shiny pink metal. Long silver hair flowed behind it as it brandished its silver blade and feathered shield.

ℹ️ Starring Knight (LIGHT)
Rk 4 / 1800 ATK / 2 OU

"'Starring Knight's' effect activates! By detaching 'Sakitama,' it can special summon one LIGHT attribute monster from my hand. The card I summon is 'Diviner of the Herald'!" Ruby grimaced as a woman in a light purple dress and rainbow colored wings appeared on the field.

ℹ️ Starring Knight (LIGHT)
2 OU to 1 OU

ℹ️ Diviner of the Herald (LIGHT)
LV 2 / 400 ATK / Tuner

"When 'Diviner' is summoned, I can send one Fairy monster from my deck to the Graveyard to raise my 'Diviner's' Level by the level of the sent monsters. I send 'Trias Hierarchia', a Level 9 Monster, meaning 'Diviner' is now Level 11!" The monster's wings flared, glowing brighter and growing larger.

ℹ️ Diviner of the Herald (LIGHT)
LV 2 ⇒ LV 11

"I set one card. That shall end my turn," Weiss declared. Ruby nodded. "At this time, 'Diviner's' Level returns to normal." The monster's wings shrunk significantly, returning to their normal size.

ℹ️ Diviner of the Herald (LIGHT)
LV 11 ⇒ LV 2

Well, that was a large nothingburger of a turn. With Weiss' earlier gloating, she assumed that the cards she would pull would be much more intimidating than that. It doesn't even look like she has a negate on her board.

Is Weiss… looking down at her? Does she really think that she doesn't have to take Ruby seriously in order to win?

"Oh, I'll show you! I draw!" Ruby exclaimed. "I activate the Spell Card 'Unexpected Dai'! Since I control no monsters, this card lets me summon a Level 4 or lower Normal monster from my Deck! I summon 'Clavykis, the Magikey Skyblaster!'" A large black box appeared in front of Ruby. Soon, it began to dissolve in many small pixels, revealing a blonde-haired youth wielding a magic gun.

ℹ️ Clavykis, the Magikey Skyblaster (DARK)
LV 4 / 1900 ATK

"I then activate the effect of my 'Magnificent Magikey Mafteal' from my hand! By revealing it, I'm allowed an extra Normal Summon of a 'Magikey' Monster!" Ruby exclaimed. The card in question glowed, and above her, a blue-skinned, djinn-like demon appeared over her head and flexed its arms and pecs. Weiss groaned at the sight of its boasting.

"I activate 'White Elephant's Gift'! By sending 'Clavykis', a Normal Monster, to the graveyard, I can draw two cards!" Ruby said, her monster disappeared as she did so. "Now, I summon 'Magnificent Magikey Mafteal!'" The monster from earlier appeared in full this time, revealing itself to be a humanized version of 'Clavykis'' gun.

ℹ️ Magnificent Magikey Mafteal (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1500 ATK / Tuner

"When 'Mafteal' is summoned, I can revive a Normal or 'Magikey' monster from my grave! So come back, 'Clavykis'!" 'Mafteal' shot a bullet out from its gunhead, which landed on the floor to make a portal for the earlier monster to jump out of.

ℹ️ Clavykis, the Magikey Skyblaster (DARK)
LV 4 / 1900 ATK

"Next, since I control a non-Effect monster, I can summon 'Ringowurm, the Dragon Guarding the Hundred Apples!'" A shining tree sprouted from the ground, and around it, a small yellow lizard with wide, leathery wrapped its long body the trunk.

ℹ️ Ringowurm, the Dragon Guarding the Hundred Apples (LIGHT)
LV 2 / 100 ATK / Tuner

"I also Normal Summon 'Elementsaber Molehu'!" She added, allowing a scythe wielding, grizzled man with dark blue hair and purple armor to appear next to the slim dragon (LV 4 / 1900 ATK).

ℹ️ Elementsaber Molehu (DARK)
LV 4 / 1900 ATK

"Molehu's effect activates! I can send 'Elementsaber Lapauila' from my hand to the graveyard in order to switch 'Starring Knight' into defense mode!" As Ruby discarded her monsters, 'Molehu' raised his blade, which began to spark with electricity. He swung, striking 'Starring Knight's' chest and forcing it onto its knees.

ℹ️ Starring Knight (LIGHT)
1900 ATK ⇒ 1000 DEF

"Now, it's the Battle Phase! 'Mafteal' attacks 'Starring Knight'!" The djinn grinned widely and took in a deep breath, and began to charge a ball of energy at the gun chamber on its head.

"Before you do," Weiss interrupted. "I activate my 'Hierarchia's' effect from my graveyard. I can tribute my 'Starring Knight' and my 'Diviner of the Herald' in order to special summon it from my grave."

"Oh," Ruby muttered, deflated. The two monsters vanished from the field, and what replaced them was a large, angelic machine with six hands, six wings, and with a massive rocket thruster at the bottom of its body.

ℹ️ Trias Hierarchia (LIGHT)
LV 9 / 2900 DEF

"In addition, since I summoned 'Hierarchia' using two monsters as tributes, I can destroy one card you control. I choose your 'Ringowurm.'" The eyes of the metal angel glowed and fired beams of heavenly light at the tree, burning it down and slaying the dragon.

"Also, as my 'Diviner' was tributed, I get to special summon a Level 2 or lower Fairy monster, like 'Light Law Medium,' from my deck to my hand," Weiss said. Next to the giant angel, a much smaller girl with light-blue skin and long purple hair appeared, kneeling on the floor.

ℹ️ Light Law Medium (LIGHT)
LV 2 / 300 DEF

"Oh… shoot!" Ruby cursed. "Well, that's no problem!"

"Is it really? I think I see you shaking, little girl," Weiss taunted a smug smirk crossing her pale face. Ruby frowned. And then she smiled.

"I'm shaking from excitement, because I got you…!" Ruby teased, making Weiss blink in confusion. "I guess I won't enter the Battle Phase right now. No biggie, cuz I can just activate the Spell Card 'Magikey Maftea'!" She exclaimed. As she slid into her deck slot, 'Mafteal' began to change, morphing into 'Clavykis'' signature gun. "Now, I can Fusion or Ritual Summon a 'Magikey' monster."

"Y-you tricked me?" Weiss breathed out in shock. She could barely believe it. She was outplayed? Impossible!

"Yuppers!" Ruby said. Weiss couldn't believe how embarrassed she was. She was outplayed by a person who says "yuppers". "And here's the kicker! Since I control a Normal monster, I can also send Normal monsters from my deck to the graveyard to fulfill the summoning requirements!"

"That means…"

"That means I can fuse the 'Mafteal' on my field and the 'Alexandrite Dragon' in my deck to fusion summon 'Magikey Dragon - Andrabime'!" Weiss scowled as a dragon with precious gems for scales appeared and flew into the chamber of the gun monsters. It fired, releasing a large green dragon with curved horns and a long prehensile tail.

ℹ️ Magikey Dragon - Andrabime (WIND)
LV 8 / 2800 ATK

"Impressive beast," Weiss grumbled begrudgingly. "But, it's still not as strong as 'Hierarchia'. You can't get past it."

"Well, that's because I haven't activated my monster's effect yet!" Ruby smirked. "Once per turn, 'Andrabime' can target one Normal monster in my graveyard, 'Alexandrite Dragon', and then, it wipes your field of every monster that shares 'Alexandrite Dragon's' attribute."

"'Alexandrite' is a LIGHT Attribute, which means–!" Weiss realized.

"Your scary angels go bye-bye! Give 'em what for, 'Andrabime'!" Ruby's new dragon roared as it opened its mouth. It began to charge a bright flame into its maw.

"Oh, you insufferable dolt!" Weiss cried out. She yelled in surprise, as 'Andrabime' doused her monster in fire, causing 'Hierarchia' to melt and explode, and 'Light Law Medium' to disintegrate.

"I should add that when a monster is destroyed, 'Andrabime's' other effect lets me draw a card!" Ruby said excitedly. She got this in the bag. "Now, I finally enter the Battle Phase, and–!"

"I activate Waboku!" Weiss cried out, her voice significantly angrier than before. Ruby blinked as a shield of energy wrapped around Weiss' body.

"Oh…" She said in a disappointed voice. 'Waboku' prevents her from dealing battle damage. "I-in that case, I'll Overlay my 'Clavykis' and 'Molehu' in order to summon 'Magikey Spirit - Vepartu,'" Ruby murmured half-heartedly.

[Magikey Spirit - Vepartu]
[WATER / Sea Serpent / Xyz / Effect]
[2000 ATK / 2000 DEF / 2 OU]

 "I'll detach 'Molehu' to activate 'Vepartu's on summon effect, which will let me add a 'Megalosmasher X' to my hand."

ℹ️ Magikey Spirit - Vepartu (WATER)
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

"I set two cards and end my turn."

"Finally," Weiss breathed out in relief. She took a moment to adjust her hair and dust off her dress. "It seems you have more skill than I anticipated. Congratulations, you actually managed to surprise me."

"Um… thanks, I guess?" Ruby murmured. "I still think you're a jerk."

"Do I look like I care?" Weiss sneered, making Ruby shrivel up slightly. "As you have shown your worth, I will have no issues crushing you like the ant you are. I draw." Without looking at the card, Weiss gestured to her field. "I activate 'Starring Knight's' effect from my Graveyard. I revive it, and attach 'Diviner of the Herald' as material."

"What!?" Ruby exclaimed. She watched as a dark portal appeared in front of her opponent, revealing the gold knight. "Does it at least banish itself when it leaves the field?"

ℹ️ Starring Knight (LIGHT)
Rk 4 / 1800 ATK / 1 OU

"No," Weiss growls flatly. "Once again, I activate 'Starring Knight's' effect. By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can special summon a LIGHT monster from my hand. I summon 'Star Seraph Scale'!" The Overlay Unit flew into the sword (1 OU to 0 OU), and it fired a beam into the ground, creating a set of scales made of gold and light (LV 4 / 1500 ATK).

ℹ️ Starring Knight (LIGHT)
1 OU ⇒ 0 OU

ℹ️ Star Seraph Scale (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1500 ATK

"What an odd-looking monster…" Ruby breathed in wonder.

"At this point, 'Star Seraph Sovereignty's' effect activates when 'Scale' is summoned. I can summon it, then draw a card. If that card is a Star Seraph monster, then I'm allowed to Special Summon it!" Weiss slammed her card into the reader, which created the hologram of a golden chair next to the set of glowing scales.

ℹ️ Star Seraph Sovereignty (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 2000 DEF

"Now, I draw!" Weiss yelled. She glanced at her new card, and smirked. "I summon 'Star Seraph Scripture'," She said, summoning a light blue rectangle with a golden spine that opened in the middle, revealing glowing pages.

ℹ️ Star Seraph Scripture (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1800 ATK

"I activate 'Scripture's' effect. By sending 'Starring Knight' from my field to the Graveyard, I can summon forth 'Star Seraph Scepter' from my graveyard!" Again, the large staff appeared, this time glowing even brighter.

ℹ️ Star Seraph Scepter (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1800 ATK

Ruby gulped. Weiss went from having no cards to having summoned five monsters with only a few moves. And by the looks of Weiss' elated expression, she wasn't done. "I then activate 'Scepter's' effect to add 'Star Seraph Saber' to my hand," She said with little fanfare.

"Now, I will begin the path to your loss," She said calmly as Ruby breathed. "I overlay 'Star Seraph Scepter', 'Star Seraph Scales', and 'Star Seraph Sovereignty' to build the Overlay Network!" She exclaimed, raising a hand to the air. Three orbs of light flew into the sky, and came crashing back down to a bright yellow galactic spiral.

"I Xyz Summon Number 102! Holy Lightning - Glorious Halo!"

Ruby was blinded when the Overlay Network imploded. When the vision returned, she was met with the sight of a large golden ring with a needle floating underneath it. As the needle began to bend, the halo began to break apart and rebuild itself, transforming into a giant glowing soldier wielding an equally massive bow.

[Number 102: Holy Lightning - Glorious Halo]
[Light / Fairy / Xyz / Effect]
[2500 ATK / 2000 DEF]

ℹ️ Number 102: Holy Lightning - Glorious Halo
AKA "Number 102: Star Seraph Sentry"
LIGHT & DIVINE

"A N-Number…" Ruby breathed in surprise.

"Wh-what is that...?" The rabbit faunus gasped.

"Number card?" Somebody in the crowd whispered. "I've never seen anything like it!"

"It looks so powerful! Where can I get one?"

"How come she gets a one-of-a-kind card like that!?"

"Okay, here me out guys..."

Weiss smirked as her newest monster drew in the eyes of the crowd. She puffed out her chest, the praise increasing the size of her already massive ego. "If you think that's impressive, then watch this!" She pointed to one of the Overlay Units orbiting around Number 102. "As my Glorious Halo was summoned using 'Scepter' as material, I can destroy one monster you control, and draw 1 card."

"Oh no," Ruby muttered with wide eyes.

"Of course, that's not all. As Number 102 is considered a 'Star Seraph' monster, I can summon my second 'Sovereignty' from my hand as well, and draw an additional card!" Another golden chair appeared next to the angelic book and the humanoid monster.

ℹ️ Star Seraph Sovereignty (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 2000 DEF

"Glorious Halo! Eradicate 'Andrabime'!" The monster's face glowed; it pulled back on its bow and fired. A golden arrow pierced through the monster causing it to explode.

"Nooo…!" Ruby hissed in annoyance.

"I'm afraid I'm not done," Weiss interrupted. "'Scale' also grants my Halo an additional ability. As I summoned my 'Sovereignty', and 102 still has Overlay Units, I gain an additional draw." She said, smugly.

"Th-that's insane! You've already drawn so many times this turn!" Ruby cried out. Weiss smirked at her.

"Don't worry. I'm almost done. Since I've yet to use my Normal Summon, I'll go ahead and summon my 'Star Seraph Saber'!" Weiss said. Another angel made of metal appeared, this time taking the form of a large claymore.

ℹ️ Star Seraph Saber (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 2000 ATK

"I build the Overlay Network once more, this time Overlaying my Level 4 'Saber', 'Sovereignty', and 'Scriptures'! I Xyz Summon 'Vylon Disigma'!" Another mechanical fairy appeared, this time with blackened metal adorning its lower body. Long claws extended from the main body as wide wings of gold and black steel flared out from the back.

ℹ️ Vylon Disigma (LIGHT)
Rk 4 / 2500 ATK / 3 OU

"I then activate 'Disigma's' effect! By detaching a unit, I can equip 'Vepartu' onto it!" Weiss shouted.

ℹ️ Vylon Disigma (LIGHT)
3 OU ⇒ 2 OU 

The Unit containing 'Saber' disappeared and the long arms extended to grab the enhanced gunman.

"Nope! I activate 'Magikey Battle'! I can shuffle my 'Mafteal' back into my deck, but that's not all! Since I chained it to 'Disigma's' effect, 'Vepartu' is immune to it!" Ruby quickly explained. 'Vepartu' fired at the darkened angel's arms, causing them to fly back.

"Very well. I enter my Battle Phase!" Weiss raised her hand and pointed at Ruby's sole monster. "Number 102: Holy Lightning - Glorious Halo attack, 'Magikey Spirit - Vepartu'!" The large, angelic warrior created an arrow made of pure light on its hand, and drew back on its bow.

"That means I can get rid of it!" Ruby exclaimed with joy. "I activate 'Vepartu's' second effect! By detaching 'Clavykis', and since 'Alexandrite Dragon' is a LIGHT monster just like 102, I can make you send it to the graveyard!"

ℹ️ Magikey Spirit - Vepartu (WATER)
1 OU ⇒ 0 OU

Her monster pointed its guns at the angel and fired. As the bullets crashed into its metal skin, they exploded, covering Weiss' field in dust and soot.

ℹ️ Number 102: Holy Lightning - Glorious Halo
3 OU ⇒ 2 OU 

For a moment Ruby smiled. But then, she noticed a light shimmering inside the clouds. She blinked, and the next thing she knew, an arrow pierced through her monster's chest. "H-huh?" She stuttered.

"I activated Halo's effect," Weiss stated as the dust settled. "When a monster activates its effect, it can detach one of its Overlay Units to halve its ATK."

ℹ️ Magikey Spirit - Vepartu (WATER)
2000 ATK to 1000 ATK

"B-but why how would that help? Even if its ATK is halved, Number 102 should still be in the graveyard!" Ruby cried out.

"Incorrect, as usual," Weiss gloated. "You see, any monster whose Current ATK is different from their Original ATK are not allowed to activate or resolve their effects."

"Ooooooh… oh no," Ruby blinked. Weiss smirked.

"Glorious Halo! LIGHTNING CLUSTER!" Glorious Halo summoned another arrow and shot 'Vepartu' again with it. The monster exploded, dealing massive damage to Ruby.

🥊Ruby
4000 LP - 1500 DMG = 2500 LP

"Would you look at that? Just enough for me to win," Weiss smirked. "'Disigma', end this!" The monster started to charge a sphere of energy.

Ruby grit her teeth as she saw the orb grow and grow in size, eventually becoming larger than her. "Fire!" Weiss shouted.

Ruby's eyes glittered brightly. "I activate–!"

However, both their Duel Disks shut off suddenly. The holograms of their monsters disappeared. "Eh?" Ruby blinked. She tapped the button to activate her Trap, but nothing happened. Number 102 lingered for a moment, but even it disappeared as well.

"So, there is where all of you have dawdled off too." Ruby and Weiss both got shivers up their spine. They and the crowd all turned around to see the Vice-Headmistress, Glynda, glaring at them. "I was wondering why there was a large section of empty seats in the amphitheater."

Ruby blinked. "Oh…" Orientation had already started, hadn't it? Even though she's not looking at her, she could feel Weiss' ice cold stare on the back of her head.

"Who started this?" Glynda asked.

"She did," Weiss and Ruby spoke in unison, pointing at each other.

DNF - No Victor

[Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope]
[LIGHT / Rank 4]
[Warrior / Xyz / Effect]
[2500 ATK / 2000 DEF]

2 Level 4 Monsters
(This card's name is also always treated as "Number 39: Utopia".)
While this Xyz Summoned card from the Extra Deck has Xyz Material, it's attribute is also always treated as DIVINE, and your opponent cannot remove this card from the field (by battle or card effect), except by "Number" Xyz monsters, DIVINE monsters, or cards empowered by the Numeron Code, also, your opponent cannot tribute this card. This effect cannot be negated. (From this point on, this effect will simply be referred to as [Numbers' Divinity].) When a monster declares an attack, or a card or effect is activated that targets a monster you control: you can detach one material from this card; negate that attack or effect. If an opponent's monster declares an attack or activates an effect, or a card or effect is activated that targets a monster you control while this card has no material: you can destroy this card, and if you do, inflict 1000 damage to both players and negate that attack or effect.

[Number 102: Holy Lightning - Glorious Halo]
[LIGHT / Rank 4]
[Fairy / Xyz / Effect]
[2500 ATK / 2000 DEF]

3 Level 4 LIGHT Monsters
(This card's name is also always treated as "Number 102: Star Seraph Sentry".)
[Numbers' Divinity].
Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card, then target 1 monster your opponent controls; halve the target's ATK. If this face-up card on the field would be destroyed, you can detach all of its Xyz Material instead. If you do, all monsters your opponent controls lose 250 ATK for each material detached this way. Monsters your opponent controls whose Current ATK is not equal to their Original ATK cannot activate or resolve their effects.

[Star Seraph Scripture]
[LIGHT / Level 4]
[Fairy / Effect]
[1600 ATK / 1400 DEF]

During the Main Phase, you can send one card from your hand or field to the GY: Special Summon 1 "Star Seraph" monster from your hand or GY. If this card is in your GY: you can target 1 "Star Seraph" card in your GY or face-up banishment; shuffle this card back into the deck, and if you do, add the target to your hand.

[Star Seraph Saber]
[LIGHT / Level 4]
[Fairy / Effect]
[1900 ATK / 1000 DEF]

If this card is in your GY (Quick Effect): You can banish this card from your GY, then target one monster your opponent controls; it loses 500 ATK. An Xyz Monster that was summoned using 3 or more monsters, including this card on the field, as Xyz Material gains this effect.
· Once per turn, you can detach all Xyz Material from this card (min. 2): draw 1 card for each monster your opponent controls whose Current ATK is lower than their Original ATK, then shuffle cards from your hand back into the Deck equal to the number of Xyz Material detached to activate this effect.

Chapter Text

Ruby was sitting as straight as her back would allow her to go. And why wouldn't she? She's always been a good student, a good listener, a good order-follower. She's never gotten in trouble before.

And never, ever has she been sent to the principal's office. On the first day of school, no less!

Ruby let out a squeak of embarrassment. Dear lord, even thinking about it caused goosebumps to rise! What made everything worse was that she was sitting right next to Weiss. The SDC heiress was glaring at her from the corner of her eye. Weiss looked like she wanted 102 to pierce an arrow through her head. Which was completely understandable, 'Nibiru' is an extremely powerful card.

Speaking of the hand trap, the card in question had been confiscated by Glynda. Its owner, the rabbit faunus now known to Ruby as Velvet Scarlatina, was sitting to her left. She's a new student, just like Weiss and Ruby.

Ruby idly drummed her fingers against her thighs as she anxiously waited for Ozpin, the headmaster, to call them in. The wait made the already oppressive atmosphere heavier.

"H-hey…" Ruby turned her head to the left slightly to see Velvet in the corner of her vision. The poor girl looked like she was going to cry. Her warm brown eyes were hidden by a tress of chocolate colored hair.

"Yeah, what's up?" She whispered back. Beside her, Weiss rolled her eyes and looked away.

"Y-you didn't have to do… any of that, y'know? It's just a hand trap. Not the most important card in my deck," Velvet murmured half-heartedly. Ruby's anxious expression softened into a sympathetic one.

"So? I can't stand jerks," Ruby stated bluntly.

"I'm right here, you know," Weiss grumbled.

Ruby shook her head and ignored Weiss' snarky comment. "Nobody else was standing for you, so I had to help."

Velvet blinked at her words. She turned her head to look at Ruby fully. "...Still, now you're in trouble too."

"At least it was because I was helping someone, and not because I was a jerk myself," Ruby said with a slight shrug. Velvet blinked owlishly at the comment.

"I… Um…" She stuttered, unsure of how to take such kindhearted words. "Th-thank you… You have no idea how much it means to hear that…"

Ruby nodded. "Don't mention it." She went silent for a moment, and Ruby looked away. She pursed her lips and started to tap her feet against the floor. "D-do you mind if we… y'know… compare schedules…?" Ruby asked hesitantly. She gave herself a mental pat on the back once she realized she didn't stutter.

This whole "interacting with people whom you've never met" wasn't so hard after all!

"Oh, uh, sure!" Velvet nodded.

Next to them, Weiss bit her lip.

"Number 102…"

In Ozpin's office, he and his right-hand, Glynda, watched a replay of Ruby and Weiss' interrupted Duel with concerned looks on their faces.

"I was aware that the Schnee family happened upon a powerful card years ago…" Glynda began, using her riding crop to massage her temple. "But for that card to be a Number…"

"And not just a Number… an Over-Hundred Number…" Ozpin continued. He placed his elbows on his desk and tented his fingers. "A powerful floodgate at that. Any field spell that boosts power immediately shuts off a multitude of decks and strategies."

Glynda nodded. "A playset of 'Terraforming', 'Metaverse', and a handful of many early Field Spells, and suddenly, your opponent has no way to oppose you." Glynda frowned as she watched 102's arrow fly, and pierce through 'Vepartu'. "Perhaps it can even rival Shock Master in power."

The sound of a book slamming shut pierced through the silence. "Feh… you must be joking if you think that twink angel can match Number 16 in power."

Standing up from his seat, the owner of Beacon, of Haven, of Shade and of Atlas Academy, and the CEO of KaibaCorp, Seto Kaiba, approached Ozpin's desk.

"On the surface, 102 may seem impressive, but it pales in comparison to 16's effect," Kaiba claimed, crossing his arms over his chest." 16 requires less set up, and does not care for ATK. All you need to do is claim a card type, and they're out of the picture for two turns. It even stops hand traps from activating."

"You are correct in that regard…" Ozpin nodded, but then he frowned. "That's simply another reason why we must reclaim Number 16…"

"Don't tell you still have Amber in cryo-stasis," Kaiba sighed. Glynda her head snapped when she heard Kaiba's insensitive comment. While the glare caused her students to freeze, it didn't even make KaibaCorp's president flinch.

"Kaiba…" Ozpin sighed, raising the glasses and pinching the bridge of his nose. "Amber was Glynda's student."

"And look how much good that did her," Kaiba snarked. Glynda looked like she wanted to skewer him right then and there. "What are you teaching the kids here? How to make GOAT Format decks playable again?"

"Whose side are you on?" Glynda asked him hotly, slapping her riding crop against his chest.. "You're only stirring conflict, which fuels the Grimm."

"The side lets my brother come out alive in the end," Kaiba cooly sneered. Glynda's expression sobered slightly, but she still looked infuriated at him. "And if that means I have to replace you, then I will."

"Glynda…" Ozpin said in a tired voice. With a loud huff, she backed away from the CEO. Like it or not, they have to work with him.

"Don't think that you're off the hook either, Ozpin," Kaiba continued, turning his gaze at the weathered soul. "It was your agent that failed to rescue Amber in time, which left us with one less floodgate to work with."

"Kaiba, what is the point of all this?" Ozpin asked. Kaiba raised an eyebrow, which prompted the headmaster to elaborate. "We understand that we failed. We understand that we've made a mistake–"

"Simply calling it a 'mistake' is an understatement," Kaiba growled under his breath.

Ozpin frowned, then continued. "We are all… conflicted about this turn of events. Emotional. So, I ask again, what is the point of making us, in our already vulnerable state, more agitated?"

"The point is you need to get your act together," Kaiba answered. "You've been fighting Salem for who-cares how long. And the only time you've made any headway is when one of your own subordinates disobeyed your direct orders."

Ozpin flinched at his statement. Glynda took a sudden breath. It brought back painful memories. "In doing so, we lost a simple, more honest soul," He half-heartedly countered. "As well as all the Numbers we had collected up to that point." Ozpin added after a beat, knowing that neither he nor Kaiba would be satisfied with only an emotional explanation.

"At the very least, we have now reclaimed one…" Glynda sighed, stepping between the two. "That means we now have eight Numbers in our possession."

"Please. I'd say we have a higher chance of obtaining all Numbers by tomorrow than having the ice princess give us her Number," Kaiba snorted. "Even if she does, there's no doubt that Jacques, that snake, is keeping a close eye on her."

"All things to be concerned with in the near future, I'm afraid." Ozpin got up from his seat and cracked his back, letting out a tiny grunt as small cracks could be heard. "I believe it's time we put this topic to rest, for now. We do have a school to run, I'm afraid." He turned to Glynda. "Could you bring the girls in?"

"Yes, Ozpin," Glynda said. With a slight nod, to which Kaiba rolled his eyes at, she walked over to the door and opened it.

Weiss was the first to enter, sitting on one of the seats in front of Ozpin's desks. More timidly, Ruby and Velvet walked in after her. Velvet stiffened when she noticed Kaiba looming over them.

"Welcome!" Ozpin said somewhat cheerfully. "If I recall your names correctly, you must be Weiss Schnee, Velvet Scarlatina and… Ruby Rose."

"Y-you know who we are, sir…?" Velvet stuttered, playing with a lock of her brown hair. Weiss rolled her eyes at her statement.

"Of course they do, we go to their school," She huffed. Glynda frowned at her. She was about to open her mouth to reprimand her, but Ozpin raised his hand, which made her pause.

"I do, at the very least, glance at every application that comes to my desk, Ms. Scarlatina," Ozpin said in a soothing voice. "Now, I should assume that you three know why you are in my office today?"

"On the first day at my school, no less," Kaiba said. He made Velvet and Ruby flinch.

"I caught Ms. Scarlatina stealing a card from my bags, sir," Weiss said instantly.

"Th-that's not true!" Velvet cried.

"Yeah! She's lying sir! She was trying to take my friends–!" Ruby's voice trailed off when Kaiba glared at her.

"Are you kindergartners?" Kaiba asked. "You were not speaking first. Let Weiss finish, and then you can make your argument."

Weiss smiled smugly, and subtly glanced at a shivering Velvet and Ruby. "Mr. Kaiba, Headmaster Ozpin, Ms Goodwitch; as I was saying, I found Ms. Scarlatina low to the ground, seemingly struggling with something. I then noticed she was struggling to open my suitcase, which was locked via a combination. I confronted her about it, and as I did, Ms. Rose came along and began to slander me, claiming, without evidence, that it was I who was stealing Ms. Scarlatina's card."

"I see…" Ozpin nodded calmly. He glanced at Ruby, and then at Velvet. "Ms. Scarlatina, do you have anything you might want to add?"

"Y-yes! Everything Ms. Schnee said about me is wrong!" She answered timidly. "I was heading from the museum to the amphitheater for the opening ceremony, but I tripped on a loose patch of concrete and fell next to her bags! My deck spilled out of its box!"

Kaiba sighed. At first, Velvet thought he didn't believe her. Ruby noticed the fear growing in her eyes, and she was just about to argue on her behalf–

But Glynda stopped him. "I'll call the construction company."

"Good. And sure to buy the one that did the walkways this summer as well. My schools shouldn't even have a speck of dust misplaced," Kaiba said. Glynda nodded and walked away to make the call. Three students watched her leave, their faces ranging from surprised to dumbfounded to relieved.

"Continue," Kaiba ordered. Velvet clammed up.

"Y-yes, sir!" She squeaked. "I was scooping my cards back into the box and that's when Ms. Schnee found! She then claimed loudly that I was trying to steal her cards! Many of our classmates heard us, which caused a crowd to form around us!"

"I see…" Ozpin muttered. He placed a hand on his chin. "Ms. Rose? What do you have to say about all this?"

"W-well… I didn't see anything… but I did see Weiss yelling all sorts of mean things at Velvet! She called her a disgrace, and that she should be expelled!" Ruby explained hotly. When Velvet nodded, Weiss stiffened in her seats. Both Kaiba and Ozpin glanced in her direction. "After that, that's when I challenged her to Duel! We wagered the 'Nibiru' card and my entire collection!"

"It's true, sir…" Velvet muttered. "Everything she said is true! Ask anyone who watched, they'll tell you the same!"

Ozpin nodded slowly. "Ms Schnee… do you have anything to say in your defense?"

"I regret my words and actions, Headmaster Ozpin, Mr. Kaiba," Weiss immediately said. She surprised the other two girls when she got up to her feet and bowed deeply. "My actions today were unbecoming of a student at–!"

"You can stop sucking up to me. It won't save you," Kaiba interrupted Weiss' apology, making the girl freeze.

"I-I… huh?" Weiss muttered. She got up and looked at Kaiba before continuing. "I- No, I wasn't– My apology is genuine!"

"Really?" Kaiba asked in a condescending, almost smug tone. "I can already tell what was going to come out of your mouth," he claimed, making Weiss gasp quietly. "You were going to say that you dishonored your family name and my school, which you have, and that your actions were because of your emotions and that you were going to swear on your family's name that you were going to improve."

Weiss was silent. She opened her mouth to speak, but Kaiba had taken the wind out of her sails long before she even set the boat on the water bed.

Next to her, Ruby turned around and pointed at Weiss with an ecstatic smile, mocking her. Velvet had to hold in laugh, which made it sound like she was weezing.

"Well? Was I wrong?" Kaiba asked, smiling. Weiss remained silent as she struggled to think of what to say back. "It's the same dribble your father says whenever he gets a new lawsuit. It's not hard to assume you'd try the same."

"I-I… If my father hears about this–!" Weiss began, only to be interrupted by Kaiba again.

"What's we going to do, hm? I use his Dust to mass produce Solid Vision projectors. Had Gozaburo Kaiba not created them when he did, the world would've been overrun." Kaiba kneeled down, his burning cold eyes staring into Weiss' frigid ones. "What choice does he have? He either works with me, or the world dies. So sit back down in your chair, and stay put. Do I make myself clear?"

Weiss remained frozen on her feet. Ruby and Velvet looked at the young CEO with widened eyes. Even Ozpin was taken aback by his words.

After a moment, Weiss silently nodded and sat back down.

"Good." Kaiba stood up as well, towering over everyone. "Weiss Schnee. In two weeks time, you will undergo a Penalty Game. Wagering a single card is one thing, but wagering an entire collection prevents a student from excelling in this school, and limits the number of warriors out fighting the Grimm."

"I understand…" Weiss murmured

"Good." Kaiba says. "Now, get out of my sight."

Weiss did a double take. "But what about 'Nibiru"!?"

"I'm afraid that matter has already been resolved since before you stepped in," Ozpin said. He tapped a few buttons on his deck. Two Deck Lists appeared on the screen, which belonged to both Velvet and Weiss. Most of the cards were blacked out, aside from a playset of 'Nibiru' in Weiss' Side Deck and a single copy in Velvet's Main Deck.

"These are the Deck Lists that both of you have submitted alongside your application to Beacon," Ozpin explained. "As you can see, Velvet did not lie. She does indeed own a valid, legal copy of 'Nibiru, the Primal Being'. This is irrefutable evidence."

Weiss blinked in surprise, as did Ruby and Velvet. The girl in the red hoodie frowned.

"So you did lie about losing your own 'Nibiru'!" Ruby said, her voice laced with disgust. It made Weiss stiffen.

"No, that's not the case," Ozpin interrupted Ruby's accusation. "Ms. Schnee is missing a copy of 'Nibiru'," He said, pulling up another Deck Lists; it was Weiss' again, but without the hand trap.

"I understand that you are concerned about losing an expensive and powerful card. Rest assured, we will do everything in power to help you recover it," the Headmaster reassured Weiss.

Slowly, Weiss nodded. She silently got up from her seat, and after bowing again, she walked towards the door. Before she opened it, she turned around and glared at Ruby. When Ruby felt her gaze on the back of her neck, she turned around as well. The two glared at each other. The Number 102 burned on the back of Weiss' neck. The Number 39 blazed in Ruby's left Silver Eye.

With a huff, Weiss turns around and walks out of the room. The door shuts with a quiet click, one that sounds much louder with how silent the room was.

"Wh-what about us, sir?" Ruby asked tentatively. Ozpin glanced at Kaiba. The younger man sighed and said nothing.

"Well, seeing as you only initiated a Duel and wagered your cards for someone else's benefit, it's fitting that I let you both go with only a warning," Ozpin said. Both Velvet and Ruby sighed in relief. He then turned to Ruby and said, "Though, if you do see something like this again, I implore you to seek out Campus Security or the faculty instead of trying to handle the situation by yourself."

Ruby frowned at first, but nodded. "Right, will do, sir."

"I understand. I'll do better next time," Velvet added.

"Good. Now that we've come to an understanding, I think our meeting has concluded," Ozpin said with a wry smile. "Welcome to Beacon Academy, Velvet, Ruby. I do hope you enjoy your stay."

"R-right! Thank you for having us, Headmaster!" Velvet said, speaking for both her and Ruby, who was nodding. They both got up from their seats and left the room, leaving Kaiba and Ozpin alone.

Kaiba sighed.

"Summer… it seems your daughter is going to give me as many headaches as you did…"

"Oh, my gods, that was nerve wracking…!" Ruby exclaimed once she and Velvet had closed the door.

"I know! I thought I was going to die each time Mr. Kaiba looked at me…!" Velvet agreed in a slightly whiny voice. "I didn't know he'd be there! I thought he was handling the opening Ceremony in Shade!"

"Oooo, you guys met Kaiba?" Ruby and Velvet shrieked when they heard Yang's voice from behind them. They quickly turned around, Velvet holding out a copy of 'Grandpa Demetto', as if to defend herself with it.

"Yang, don't scare us like that!" Ruby yelled, gently pounding her fists against her older sister's bare shoulder. Yang giggled at the weak hits, her teasing smile growing wider as Velvet breathed a sigh of relief.

"Sorry, sorry! I just had to come over when I learned you got sent to the Headmaster's office!" Yang explained, her expression becoming a bit more serious. "A duel on the first day, and you skipped orientation? I didn't know you had it in you!" She joked.

"W-well, it's not like I meant to skip! I was just… h-helping out my new friend!" Ruby said, pointing a finger at Velvet. Her knees turned red, and she gave Yang a small wave.

"A friend? Already? I knew you had it in you!" Yang said cheerfully. Ruby started to laugh with her, but they soon became pleas of mercy as Yang pulled the smaller girl in for a bone-crushing hug.

"I'm proud of me too…!" Ruby exclaimed, though her voice was slightly muffled. "C-can I breathe now?"

"Huh? Oh, sure, I guess," Yang muttered. She let go of Ruby, whose face returned to its natural pale color. "So, how'd it go with Kaiba and Oz?"

"N-nothing much. We just received a warning," Velvet answered for Ruby, who was still recovering. "The, uh, other person does have to undergo a Penalty Game, however," She added.

"Weiss Schnee, right?" Both girls nodded. "Wooo, boy! There isn't a day where something interesting doesn't happen in this school…"

Ruby and Velvet glanced at each other, somewhat worried. "I-is that, like, a bad thing?" Ruby asked. To their discomfort, Yang just shrugged.

"Depends on who you ask. I find it exciting!" She said, pounding her fists together while her eyes flashed red briefly. "Oh, that reminds me, do you guys know where you're going for your Placement Test?"

"H-huh? Placement Test?" Velvet wondered.

"Oh, well, you know how the student body is divided into three Dorms; OBELISK, RA, and OSIRIS? These placement tests determine which one you're put into," Ruby explained briefly. Yang nodded, and adjusted the yellow collar of her outfit.

"Oh, I see…" Velvet murmured.

"Yup, what she said. Though, I heard you're going to go against another upperclassman instead of the teachers this time," Yang said, crossing her arms under her chest. "I wonder why that is…"

"Well, if these Duels are important, then we should probably head to them right now!" Velvet said. She turned to Yang. "Where are they being held?"

"Your test rooms should've been sent to your Scrolls already," Yang said. Ruby and Velvet both reached into their pockets for their respective devices. "Oh, and by the way, you don't want us lightly just because we're students. We have some Dragon Duel winners, and some of us have even qualified for YCSs and won multiple WCQs," She warned them, with a slight hint of smugness in her voice.

"Don't worry! It's unbecoming of a Duelist to underestimate their opponent!" Ruby said proudly, puffing out her chest.

"R-right!" Velvet added. "Well, I'm going to my Duel now! Ruby, when we're done, can we…" She stuttered, and awkwardly rubbed her arm. "Y-y'know, hang out?"

"Huh…?" Ruby blinked. After processing Velvet's statement, she nodded eagerly. "I-I mean sure! Yeah! We can!" She exclaimed eagerly.

"Great!" Velvet said. The girls stared at each other awkwardly.

They don't usually progress to this stage of friendship without assistance. Ergo: they have no idea what they're doing.

"Sooo… see you later, I guess?" Velvet muttered.

"Th-that sounds right…" Ruby nods. She gives Velvet a timid thumbs up. The girl returns the gesture just as nervously, and she runs off for her duel.

"So, what dorm do you think you're gonna get?" Yang asked.

"OBELISK Blue, definitely!" Ruby said, making Yang choke on air.

"What about me!? I'm gonna be so lonely without you in the RA dorm!" She cried playfully, her eyes filled with crocodile tears.

"Don't worry! I'm sure I'll get to my level… eventually!" Ruby smirks, making Yang shake her head.

"How cruel…" Yang whimpers, wiping away the fake tears. "Still, good luck! You're going to need it!"

"Thanks, Yang! I'll see you later!"

Ruby waves goodbye and spins on her heel, sprinting out of the main castle and towards one of the other buildings surrounding the old castle.

A short run later, Ruby pushes open a large door and enters an empty arena. She gulps at all the empty bleachers surrounding it. It looked like the ones pro duelists used in major tournaments. She shivered at the thought of that many eyes on her, criticizing her every move.

She shook her head and climbed up to the arena. As she does, somebody is already on the opposite side of the field.

"H-hello?" Ruby cautiously calls out. "Um, my name is Ruby Rose? I'm here for my Placement Test," She announces a bit louder.

The person turns around. She's a girl with long black hair, wearing an OBELISK Blue coat. Her eyes are a striking shade of amber, and she has cat ears on either side of her head. A feline tail also sways lazily behind her.

"Ruby…?" She mutters. "You're in the right place. My name is Blake. I'll be your opponent," the cat faunus announces. The girl then tilts her head to the side, and her eyes narrow. "You're also… Yang's sister, correct?"

"Oh, yes!" Ruby nods. "Are you friends?"

Blake shrugs. "I wouldn't say 'friend', exactly. But we do know each other." She reached into her coat and pulls out a standard-issued Academia Disk, though this one had blue highlights along the blade and around the center.

"I have high hopes for you. Yang told me you've beaten her on some occasions," Blake continues, sliding her deck into its slot.

"Those were all tough battles, and they took all my brain power to win!" Ruby says, activating her own Duel Disk. She could feel her blood starting to rush as both disks ejected their starting hands.

"Really?" Blake asks, a smirk crossing her otherwise placid face.

A giant coin appears; one side had a giant rose, and the other was a black flame. The coin flew into the air, and landed with a loud, echoey thud. It landed on the rose.

"Alright! I'm going first!" Ruby exclaimed.

"Don't think that will help you," Blake said calmly.

"We'll see about that!"

Ruby Rose (4000 LP) VS Blake Belladonna (4000 LP)
DUEL!

Chapter Text

Ruby Rose (4000 LP) VS Blake Belladonna (4000 LP)
DUEL!

"I activate the Continuous Spell 'Piercing the Darkness'!" Ruby began. "I then activate 'Fiendsmith's Tract'!" Ruby exclaimed, and that immediately got Blake's attention.

"'F-Fiendsmith'...?" Blake murmured. "But I didn't open any hand traps…!"

"I add my 'Magnificent Magikey Mafteal', a LIGHT Fiend monster, from my deck to my hand, and then, I discard my 'Shiny Black "C" Squadder' from my hand!" Ruby exclaimed. Blake let out a sigh of relief once the effect resolved.

"I summon my 'Mafteal'!" Ruby continued, unaware of Blake's minor heart attack. The gun djinn proudly floated towards the field, and flexed its muscles as a show of dominance.

ℹ️ Magnificent Magikey Mafteal (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1500 ATK / Tuner

"When 'Mafteal' is summoned, I can Special Summon the '"C" Squadder' I just discarded!" With a laugh, the monster opened a portal to the graveyard. Blake had to squint in order to just barely catch a glimpse of the miniscule Sentai-inspired cockroach that now stood on 'Mafteal's' nose.

ℹ️ Shiny Black "C" Squadder (EARTH)
LV 4 / 0 DEF

"Because I summoned a non-Token Normal Monster, 'Piercing the Darkness' lets me draw one card!" Ruby exclaimed. Her eyes sparkled brightly as she looked at the card she obtained. "Yes! I activate 'Magikey Maftea'! With this card, I can Ritual Summon or Fusion Summon a Magikey monster, and since I control a Normal Monster, I can use Normal Monsters from my Main Deck as Material! So, I send 'Clavykis, the Magikey Skyblaster' from my deck to the Grave in order to Ritual Summon 'Magikey Mechmusket - Batosbuster!'" A holographic, see-through 'Clavykis' appeared, which burst into bright purple flames. The 'Maftea' in its hands glowed and then grew, becoming a massive gatling gun. 'Clavykis' solidified, and fell to the ground with a powerful thud.

ℹ️ Magikey Mechmusker - Batosbuster (DARK)
LV 4 / 2200 DEF / Tuner

"Since 'Batosbuster' was summoned, I get to add a 'Magikey' card from my deck to my hand! I choose 'Magikey World' which I then activate!" An extra slot on the leftmost Main Monster Zone pops out, which Ruby slides her Field Spell inside of. The projectors on her Disk begin to hum loudly, shifting the empty, darkened arena to a glowing white hall with multiple floors, each with many doors surrounding the perimeter.

"When 'Magikey World' is activated, I can add a 'Magikey' Monster from my deck to my hand! I choose my second 'Magikey Mafteal'! 'Mafteal's' effect activates from my hand! Since I control another 'Magikey' Monster, I can Normal Summon another 'Magikey' monster this turn!" Above Ruby, a ghostly apparition of the monster appeared in front of her and laughed.

"I activate 'Magikey World's' second effect! With it, I can add a second 'Magikey Maftea' from my deck to my hand, and then place the 'Mafteal' in my hand to the bottom of the deck!" The apparition above Ruby changed as 'Mafteal' reverted back into its gun form.

"Now, I overlay my Level 4 'Mafteal' and 'Squadder', and Xyz Summon 'Magikey Spirit - Vepartu'!" The monsters transformed into twin orbs of light and dark, flying into the air and slamming into one of the many doors around them. It opened, and from it, the older, dual-wielding warrior leapt out from the other side.

[Magikey Spirit - Vepartu]
[WATER / Sea Serpent / Xyz / Effect]
[2000 ATK / 2000 DEF / 2 OU]

"'Vepartu's effect activates! When it's Xyz Summoned, I can detach 'Mafteal' to add 'Clavykis, the Magikey Skyblaster' from my Deck to my hand!" The warrior reloaded his weapon, and then pointed it to the ground.

ℹ️ Magikey Spirit - Vepartu (WATER)
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

"I Normal Summon 'Clavykis'!" Ruby shouted; 'Vepartu' fired, causing its younger version to appear next to it.

"Now, I activate 'Magikey Maftea' once more! This time, I fuse my 'Clavykis' and the 'Phantom Griffin' in my Deck in order to Fusion Summon 'Magikey Beast - Ansyalabolas'!"

With one card remaining in Ruby's hand, the gun fired with a loud bang turned around and fired at a door with a purple gem in the center. It shattered, which allowed a large, demonic wolf to jump out. It was covered in black fur, while its legs and a crest on its head was made from thick red skin. Two beady yellow eyes on its head, and multiple green eyes on its limbs and shoulder opened up. It howled, nearly throwing 'Clavykis' off its back, but the young man managed to hold on tightly to it.

ℹ️ Magikey Beast - Ansyalabolas (DARK)
LV 4 / 2200 ATK / Tuner

"Urgh…" Blake groaned, the hairs on the back of neck as the large, dog-like demon snarled at her.

Ruby smiled as her large dog appeared. "Isn't he adorable? I like to call him Zwei!" Blake blinked and looked up at the beast. It snarled, the deep guttural sound mixed with hundreds of wails and screams of butchered souls and the damned. "He wouldn't hurt a fly if he weren't in a duel!" Blake's pretty sure she can see hellfire in its beady eyes.

"Yes… he's very… cute…" Blake bemoaned.

"Anyways, when 'Ansyalabolas' is summoned, 'Magikey Maftea' returns to my hand, not that I need it right now," Ruby said with a shrug.

Ruby let out a sigh as she examined her field. Her three 'Magikey' monsters, each one depicting 'Clavykis' at a different stage of its life, all stood protectively in front of her. 'Ansyalabolas' snarled, 'Batosbuster' shifted its weight onto its other leg, and 'Vepartu' narrowed its eyes.

"I set one card, and end my turn!" Ruby declared. Blake nodded.

"Impressive board, I must say," Blake comments, eyeing Ruby's monsters carefully. "Fusion, Xyz, and Ritual… I imagine you also have Links and Synchros, hiding in your Extra Deck."

"Yep! 'Magikey's' are one of the few decks with access to every single Extra Deck summon… except Pendulum, and they don't have their own Link Monster," Ruby said with a small laugh. "But! There's no xeno-locks either, so I'm free to summon whatever monster I can!"

"Impressive. But of course, the amount of monsters on the board is only one part of the equation," Blake remarked as she drew her card once priority passed to her. "What matters, above all else, is how you respond to your opponent's actions. I wonder if you'll crumble under the weight of my willpower."

"I sure hope I don't…" Ruby mutters, adopting a defensive stance as Blake's eyes became slits once more.

"I activate the Spell Card 'One for One'," Blake continued. "By discarding a card from my hand, I can summon a Level 1 monster from my deck; I discard 'Rose Lover' to summon 'Ruddy Rose Witch'!" A small girl with red hair appeared in the center of Blake's field, one with big blue eyes wielding a staff of vines and thorns tipped with a red gem.

ℹ️ Ruddy Rose Witch (LIGHT)
LV 1 / 800 ATK / Tuner

"I then activate my 'Witch's' effect. By tributing it, I can add one 'Witch of the Black Rose' to my hand, place a Level 3 or Lower Plant monster on top of my deck, and then Normal Summon my 'Witch'!" Blake explained. As the monster waved her wand and disappeared. She was replaced by another girl with long purple hair, a black and white dress, and a staff tipped with a blue gem.

ℹ️ Witch of the Black Rose (DARK)
LV 4 / 1700 ATK / Tuner

"When 'Black Witch' is summoned, I can draw a card, however, if that card is not a monster, I send it to the grave and destroy my 'Witch'."

"And you stacked your deck with 'Ruddy Rose's' effect, that means there's no threat of you losing your monster," Ruby realized with a frown.

"You can catch on quick. Maybe there's hope for you yet," Blake snarked, which made Ruby frown deeper. "The card I drew is 'Lonefire Blossom', so 'Black Rose' remains on the field." Blake then grabbed a card from her graveyard. "Next, I activate 'Rose Lover's' effect from my graveyard. By banishing it, I can summon 'Rose Princess' from my hand." A red rose blossomed in front of her, allowing a slender woman in a red dress and flower petals on her head to appear.

ℹ️ Rose Princess (EARTH)
LV 3 / 1200 ATK

And then, Blake's pupils turned into cat-like slits. She thrust her hand forward, pointing to 'Black Rose'. "The stage has been set; I tune my Level 4 'Witch of the Black Rose' to my Level 3 'Rose Princess'!" The Spellcaster in question hummed and waved her wand in the air. Her body disappeared, leaving behind four green rings. 'Rose Princess' dissolved as well, leaving behind three green stars that flew between the gleaming rings.

"I Synchro Summon Level 7! 'Black Rose Dragon'!" Blake shouted. A beam tore through the middle, causing the foundations of Ruby's 'Magikey World' to shake. As the beam disappeared, what was left was a slender dragon with black and scales, its body covered and wings made of bright red rose petals, and a tail adorned with sharp thorns.

ℹ️ Black Rose Dragon (FIRE)
LV 7 / 2400 ATK

"As a Plant monster has been sent to the grave, I can summon 'Rose Girl' from my hand," Blake continued; a petite girl in a rose themed skirt, carrying a rose bigger than it, appeared.

ℹ️ Rose Girl (EARTH)
LV 3 / 800 ATK / Tuner

"Then, with my 'Rose Girl' and 'Black Rose Dragon', I'll Synchro Summon again!"

"A-Again!?" Ruby exclaimed, her eyes widened as another set of rings appeared from 'Rose Girl'. As 'Black Rose Dragon' dissolved, it disappeared in a shower of red petals, leaving behind glowing red stars.

"I Synchro Summon 'Ruddy Rose Dragon'!" A much larger version of 'Black Rose' appeared; its thorns were sharper, its eyes gleaming bright red. The petals almost looked like they were made of a shiny crystal. The monster howled as it appeared, its vines shooting out and stabbing into the walls of Ruby's field spell.

[Ruddy Rose Dragon]
[FIRE / Dragon / Synchro / Effect]
[3200 ATK / 2400 DEF]

"'Ruddy Rose' then banishes all cards from both our graveyards," Blake added, almost as an afterthought. It was so sudden it made Ruby blink.

"W-wait, what!?" Ruby yelled.

"There's more; as 'Black Rose Dragon' was used as Synchro Material for it's summon, 'Ruddy Rose' will nuke both our fields afterwards," Blake continued. Ruby's eyes widened.

"I-I activate 'Magikey Battle!" Ruby quickly exclaimed. "I can shuffle 'Mafteal' from my grave back into the deck! And, since I used this card in response to your effect's activation, my Magikey monsters are safe!"

"So you were prepared for this, then? Good. However, 'Battle' will not save your Spells from destruction!" Blake pointed to the sky and shouted. "Red Rose Rage!" 'Ruddy Rose' opened its jaw and breathed a large column of flames into the air. It reached the ceiling, and fiery hell began to rain down. The monster doused everything in flames, causing her field spell to crumble, and for her graveyard to be reduced to a pile of ash. At the very least, her monsters survived.

"As I have yet to use my Normal Summon, I will do so now; I summon 'Lonefire Blossom'!" A stem made of dark brown and yellow material sprouted on the floor, and the tip bloomed something that looked like a pale bomb.

ℹ️ Lonefire Blossom (FIRE)
LV 3 / 500 ATK

"By tributing 'Lonefire Blossom', I can summon a Plant Monster from my deck: 'Spore'." A white ball of fluff appeared next to the large dragon; it had big blue and a curly smile that made it look like an owo face (LV 1 Tuner / 100 ATK).

ℹ️ Spore (WIND)
LV 1 / 100 ATK / Tuner

"As I summoned a Tuner Monster, I can summon this card from my hand: 'Dark Rose Fairy'!" Next to the fuzz, a short girl in a black dress carrying a lantern appeared.

ℹ️ Dark Rose Fairy (DARK)
LV 2 / 800 ATK

Then, a circuit board appeared in front of her. "Now, by sending my 'Dark Rose Fairy' and my 'Spore' from my field to the graveyard–two monsters with different Types–I can Link Summon 'Crossrose Dragon'!" A dragon as colorful as a bouquet appeared, with purple scales, hooved feet, and many flowers blooming from its chest.

ℹ️ Crossrose Dragon (DARK)
Link-2 / 800 ATK / ← ↓

"I then activate 'Spore's' effect from my graveyard. By banishing 'Lonefire Blossom' I can summon 'Spore' back, and increase its Level by 'Blossom's'," Blake explained. A small blast appeared in the zone that 'Crossrose's' bottom arrow pointed, and suddenly 'Spore' was on the field, still smiling, but looking a little singed.

ℹ️ Spore (WIND)
LV 1 ⇒ LV 4 / 100 ATK / Tuner

"I use 'Crossrose Dragon's' effect. I'll tribute it and my 'Spore' in order to summon 'Black Rose Moonlight Dragon' from my Extra Deck!" The draconic bouquet trilled, transforming into pixelated circles that 'Spore' happily jumped into. Like it was a natural Synchro Summon, light beamed through the circle, and eventually created another black dragon made of roses; this one looked almost identical to the original 'Black Rose', but it looked shinier.

ℹ️ Black Rose Moonlight Dragon (LIGHT)
LV 7 / 2400 ATK
AKA "Black Rose Dragon"

"As 'Moonlight Dragon' was Summoned, it can send your 'Batosbuster' back to your hand!" Ruby blinked in surprise.

"Oh nooo…" There goes her negate. The crystal-like petals of the dragon began to shine brightly. With a powerful thrust of its wings, beams of light spiraled into the and then crashed into 'Batosbuster', knocking it down and making the monster disappear.

"Battle!" Blake shouted. "'Ruddy Rose Dragon' attacks 'Vepartu'!" Blake's monster opened its jaw, revealing multiple rows of sharp teeth and a mouthful of flames. With a shrill cry, 'Ruddy Rose' blasted Ruby's Xyz with fire, making the monster grunt in pain before exploding. Ruby raised her arms over her head and hissed through her teeth as the flames doused her as well.

🥊Ruby
4000 LP - 1200 DMG = 2800 LP

"'Black Rose Moonlight Dragon' attacks 'Ansyalabolas'!" The wings on 'Moonlight Dragon' began to shine again, and it opened its mouth to breathe out a beam of light. The laser went straight through the monster, destroying it.

🥊Ruby
2800 LP - 200 DMG = 2400 LP

"I set one card. That ends my turn." Blake finally concluded, allowing Ruby a moment to breathe.

"Phew… that's a relief," Ruby mumbled. She looked at her hand; only 'Maftea' and 'Batosbuster'. That certainly is not a good hand, not by a long shot. "Alright, it's my turn…! I draw!"

Ruby hesitated for a moment. Her hand remained outstretched for a second or two before she found the courage to bring to her eyes. "Oh, thank the lords of RNG!" Ruby exclaimed when she did. It made Blake snort.

"I can see you managed to draw an excellent card," Blake commented, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Yep! With this, I can definitely break through your board!" Ruby exclaimed. She was about to play it, but before she did, Blake raised a finger.

"One second," Blake said. Ruby blinked in confusion.

"What's up?" She's not going to try and shark her, is she.

"Why do you think you drew that card?" Blake asked.

"I… don't follow?" Ruby said, tilting her head.

"I suppose that question was rather vague…" Blake commented. She placed a hand over her mouth as tried to think of a way to rephrase the question. "I'm not sure why, but, many people, when they top a certain card, always find something to thank or praise," Blake said wistfully, staring at her own Deck.

"Some thank destiny, fate, perhaps even the cards themselves." Blake raised her arm vertically, so that the Duel Disk's Blade covered half of her face. "Personally, I don't believe in such… fairy tales, but, what about you?"

Ruby frowned. "No, not at all," She said. The silver glitter in her eyes dimmed. "Even if fate did exist… it doesn't favor me."

When she blinked, the glow returned. "I summon 'Rescue Rabbit'!" A pile of bushed appeared in front of her, and from, a small white and gray bunny hopped with a hard hat over it's head and a walkie-talkie around its neck hopped onto the field.

ℹ️ Rescue Rabbit (EARTH)
LV 4 / 300 ATK

"'Rescue Rabbit's' effect activates! By banishing it, I can Summon two Normal Monsters with the same name from my deck! I summon two 'Megalosmasher Xs'!" 'Rescue Rabbit' turned on its walkie-talkie and threw it into the air. The feedback from the device caused the ground to ripple like water, and from it two dinosaurs flew it from the ground, each one snapping its jaws closed around it.

ℹ️ Megalosmasher X (WATER) (x2)
LV 4 / 2000 ATK 

"Now, I activate the effect of my 'Magikey Maftea' from my hand!" Ruby continued, sliding the card into her Disk and allowing the gun to form above her. "With this, I can fuse 'Batosbuster' in my hand with the 'Gunkan Suship Shari' in my Deck! I Fusion Summon 'Magikey Beast - Ansyalabolas'!" A second cop of the demonic dog appeared. As it landed on the ground, it glared at the opposing dragons on the opposite side of the field and howled loudly.

ℹ️ Magikey Beast - Ansyalabolas (DARK)
LV 4 / 2200 ATK / Tuner

"When my 'Beast' is summoned, 'Magikey Maftea' returns to my hand. Then, I activate my 'Beasts' effect! Once per turn, I can target your 'Ruddy Rose', a FIRE Monster: since I have my 'Suship', a FIRE Monster; your Dragon is switched to Defense Mode and it loses 1000 ATK!"

'Ansyalabolas' reared back on its legs and then surged forwards, letting out an ear shattering howl. Blake flinched, her flattening on top of head as the sound waves stung her and crippled her dragon.

ℹ️ Ruddy Rose Dragon (FIRE)
3200 ATK ⇒ 1400 DEF

"Next, I activate 'Maftea' again!" Ruby exclaimed. "I'll Fusion Summon again, using my 'Ansyalabolas' on my field, and the 'Alexandrite Dragon' on my deck!" The beast began to morph, growling as it's back began to bulge out. "I Fusion Summon 'Magikey Dragon - Andrabime'!"

'Clavykis' leapt from his steeds back, which then exploded from the inside out. Instead of a mess of gore and blood, a green dragon nearly twice the size of the monster it burst from appeared. 'Clavykis' latched onto the monster's horn, and it roared loudly.

ℹ️ Magikey Dragon - Andrabime (WIND)
LV 8 / 2800 ATK

"Fine then. I activate 'Moonlight Dragon's'–!" Black began, but the dragon flapped its wings, generating a large gust of wind that temporarily knocked 'Moonlight' off balance.

"Funny thing about this card; you can't react to this monster's Fusion Summon!" Ruby smiled. She then snapped her fingers. "Next, I Overlay my 2 Level 4 'Megalosmasher Xs'!" The two aquatic dinosaurs roared as they flew into the sky, their bodies dissolving into spheres of water energy.

"I Xyz Summon 'Evolzar Dolkka'!" The Overlay Network exploded in a large blaze of fire; from the flames, a humanoid white dragon covered in blue markings, glowing blue eyes, and a terrifyingly wide grin filled with sharp teeth roared.

ℹ️  Evolzar Dolkka (FIRE)
LV 4 / 2300 ATK / 2 OU

"Now, I activate 'Andrabime's' effect! Once per turn, I can target a Normal Monster in my grave, and every monster on your field with that monster's attribute gets blown up! The monster I target is 'Alexandrite Dragon'!"

"That's a cute trick, but it won't save you! I activate 'Ruddy Rose Dragon's' effect!" Blake interrupted. The monster snarled, and began to cover itself in fire. "'Ruddy Rose' will negate that effect by tributing itself, and afterwards, I can summon 'Black Rose Dragon' from my deck!"

"Oh really! Sweet! That means I don't have to beat over 'Ruddy Rose' anymore!" Ruby exclaimed, making Blake's breath hitch. "I activate 'Evolzar Dolkka's' effect! By detaching an Overlay Unit, 'Ruddy Rose's' effect is negated!" The white dragon whipped its neck around and ate one of its Units.

ℹ️ Evolzar Dolkka (FIRE)
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

The chain resolves. 'Dolkka' roars and breathes a column of its own flames into the fireball created by 'Ruddy Rose', making it disappear. With 'Ruddy Rose's' effect fizzling out, 'Andrabime' was free to breathe its own fire at 'Moonlight Dragon' causing it to explode. "And then, since a monster you control was destroyed, and since it shares an attribute with Normal Monster in my grave, I get to draw a card!"

Ruby doesn't bother to look at the card before entering her Battle Phase. "'Andrabime'! 'Dolkka'! Attack Blake directly!" At her command, both her dragons reared back their long necks and unleashed a column of flames. The fire spiraled around each other as they rapidly approached Blake.

She tapped a button on her Duel Disk. "I activate 'Basal Rose Shoot'." Blake said calmly. "With this card, I can Special Summon a 'Rose Dragon' monster from my deck. Return, 'Black Rose Moonlight Dragon'!" Ruby gasped as a flurry of rose petals appeared in front Blake; the whirlwind condescended, forming into the shining black dragon.

ℹ️ Black Rose Moonlight Dragon (LIGHT)
LV 7 / 2400 ATK
AKA "Black Rose Dragon"

"'Moonlight Dragon's' name changes to match the name of the original 'Black Rose' whenever it's on the field or in the GY," Blake clarified before Ruby could ask why it was summoned. "In addition, as this card was summoned, I can return a monster you control back to your hand!"

Ruby hissed in annoyance at it's summon. 'Dolkka's' negation isn't once per turn, so she could potentially use it to negate the effect, however, doing so would trigger 'Crossrose's' effect in the grave, and bring back 'Ruddy Rose', and right now she doesn't have anything that could beat over that. "That's... fine!" Ruby eventually hissed.

Again, beams of light flew out from its wings and crashed into the larger dragon, making it disappear. Ruby placed her boss monster back into her Extra Deck, and frowned. 'Dolkka' has exactly 100 less ATK than 'Moonlight'. All she could do at this point is hope that Blake doesn't top deck something crazy next so she can live. Maybe her draw could help her out?

Ruby glanced at her hand. With 'Andrabime's' effect, she drew 'Ringowurm', but without any Normal Monsters on the field, it was a garnet.

"I end my turn," Ruby said, only somewhat disappointed.

"Very well. I draw," Blake said. She glanced at her card, and her lips curled into a smile.

"I summon 'Roxrose Dragon'." A six-legged dragon appeared, with curved pink claws at the ends of its feet, a neck made of pink leaves, and a back with beautiful pink roses sprouting from it.

ℹ️ Roxrose Dragon (DARK)
LV 3 / 1600 ATK / Tuner

"When 'Roxrose Dragon' is summoned, I can add any card to my hand from my deck that mentions 'Black Rose Dragon'."

"In that case, I activate 'Dolkka's' effect!" Ruby exclaimed.

ℹ️ Evolzar Dolkka (FIRE)
1 OU ⇒ 0 OU

'Roxrose' was blasted with fire, turning the monster to ashes... which was something that Blake had anticipated. "Ah, I see. You're far too trigger happy," she commented, making Ruby blink in surprise.

"Wh-what do you mean?" She asked, feeling far less confident.

"You may have altered the combo line I was going to use, but make no mistake, I can still play," Blake said. Her pupils then became slits. "Upon 'Roxrose's' destruction, 'Crossrose Dragon's' effect activates! I can banish this card, and then summon back 'Roxrose'!" A pixelated rose appeared over the zone 'Roxrose' was just on; the pixels burst, and the pink monster appeared once more, flapping its leaf-like wings in agitation.

ℹ️ Roxrose Dragon (DARK)
LV 3 / 1600 ATK / Tuner

"Now, I tune my Level 3 'Roxrose Dragon' to my Level 7 'Black Rose Moonlight Dragon'!"

"I Synchro Summon Level 10! 'Bystial Dis Pater'!"

Ruby's eyes widened as Blake's new monster appeared. It was a massive departure from her earlier cards; it wasn't elegant or beautiful, it was a disgusting, eldritch abomination of knotted flesh with four long and lanky arms, and large fleshy wings tipped with sharp talons; there was a jaw filled with teeth at the base of neck, and it's main head had multiple dark purple, slimy tongues. Multiple diamond shaped portals leading to a purple void opened and closed at random behind it, each producing tentacles with multiple yellow eyes.

The thing craned its neck down. Ruby took a step back as the red eyes on the main head glowed brightly. Both the mouths on the head and neck opened, and released an ear piercing howl.

[Bystial Dis Pater]
[DARK / Dragon / Synchro / Effect]
[3500 ATK / 3500 DEF]

"Impressive, isn't it…" Blake muttered. She looked up at the distorted dragon with an… odd look. "I activate 'Dis Pater's' first effect. I'm allowed to special summon a banished DARK or LIGHT monster… from either of our banishments."

"Wait, either!?" Ruby cried out. Blake nodded.

"I summon 'Clavykis, the Magikey Skyblaster'!" 'Dis Pater' growled, creating a diamond shaped portal next to it. Instead of a tentacle with eyeballs, Ruby's primary monster floated out, its eyes glassy and floating off the floor like a puppet on strings.

"Battle. 'Bystial Dis Pater' attacks 'Evolzar Dolkka'." Ruby looked up, arms falling to her side as one mangled claw was raised into the air, and then slammed into the ground, crushing her own dragon.

🥊Ruby
2400 LP - 1200 DMG = 1200 LP

"'Clayvkis' attacks you directly." With unnatural twitches and audible cracks, 'Dis Pater' managed to make the possessed monster raise its gun and aim it at Ruby's head. It pulled the trigger, and Ruby staggered backwards as the bullet phased through her head.

🥊Ruby
1200 LP - 1900 DMG = 0 LP

GAME!

Ruby groaned in annoyance as holograms began to turn off. "Oh, man…" Her head hung low, feeling dejected that her first complete Duel ended in an overwhelming loss. "Good game…" She said either way.

"Likewise," Blake said. She looked up, a frown on her face even as 'Dis Pater' disappeared. "You played well. Have you entered a major Duel Monsters tournament before?" She asked.

Ruby shook her head 'no'. "Most of what I learned was from my sister. Did I do good?" Ruby's eyes brightened.

"Better than I had anticipated. Like I said earlier, it's hard to come back from when your graveyard is banished," Blake complimented, a rare smile forming on her lips. "However, like I said earlier, you are a bit trigger happy with your responses…"

"A by-product of how my deck runs, I guess?" Ruby muttered with a nervous shrug and matching smile. "The only Quick Effect negate I have on theme is 'Batousbuster', but that only triggers during Battle Phase, ha ha…"

"I see…" Blake nodded, placing a hand on her chin. "Then, I'm assuming you must have plenty of going second cards in your Side Deck?"

"Yeah. If my 'Magikey's' can't get the job done, then I know they can!" Ruby said with a playful wink.

"Hm…" After a moment, Blake nodded. She can see the family resemblance now.

"So, uh, what now?" Ruby asked.

"Go to the amphitheater. You can sit anywhere you'd like. Most of the Placements Tests should have finished by now," Blake instructed the new student, taking out her scroll and looking at the instructions provided for her. "There, the closing ceremony will begin shortly. You should make it in time. As long as you don't run into any distractions."

Ruby froze up slightly at Blake's snarky comment. "Uh, yeah! Don't worry about that, I've never been distracted by anything!"

"So you say…" Blake comments wryly. "Once the closing ceremony concludes, you go to your assigned dorm room, and you'll find your new uniform there."

"R-Right," Ruby nodded with an awkward smile. "I guess I'll be off, then."

Ruby bowed stiffly at the waist, a sight which Blake smirked at. The girl spun on her heel and walked down from the arena. Once she reached the door, she slowly turned around and sheepishly glanced up at Blake. "D-do you think we could Duel again sometime?" She asked sheepishly.

Blake tilted her head at the question. "Sure. I'd like that."

"Great!" Ruby said excitedly, and then blushed slightly at her outburst. "I'll, uh, see you then?" With a little wave, Ruby walked out of the arena.

…

Blake reached into her Duel Disk and pulled out 'Bystial Dis Pater'.

"...You'd think she'd play some Level 8 Synchros, but maybe I'm lucky that she doesn't have 'Dragite' in her Extra… or 'Chaos Archfiend'."

Beacon's amphitheater was huge, Ruby realized as soon as she walked.

In the center was probably the largest arena she's ever seen. At a glance, it was unimpressive, being only a 2 kilometer floor of hardened glass. But, that's not the full story; underneath the amphitheater, and all others like it all over the world was an ARC Hologram System. Essentially, it's a massive, more powerful version of the Solid Vision projectors in the Duel Force's Duel Disks, capable of granting every card, not just the monsters, physical mass and form.

There were also a large number of seats available. She's heard that Beacon's amphitheater could possibly hold up to a couple hundred thousand people in it, but seeing the rows and rows and rows of seats was intimidating, almost overwhelming. She can't imagine Dueling in here, with thousands upon thousands eyes looking down at her.

Ruby shook her head. She's not Dueling here today. She shouldn't be nervous!

Ruby walked down the steps, looking for someone she knew. Maybe someone from her old school, or Velvet. Velvet was nice.

It shouldn't be hard to look for a pair of brown bunny ears, but most of the people had dark hair. The ears probably blended in easily with the large crowd.

"Oh, Ruby?" Or Ruby had entered first and Velvet was right behind her.

"Velvet!" Ruby said excitedly. She whirled, and greeted the faunus with a smile. "How did you do in your Duel?" She asked.

"Uh, well, fine, I guess?" Velvet shrugged nervously. "It was a hard fought battle. But, I did manage to prolong the Duel until Turn 7!"

"Really? That's impressive!" Ruby exclaimed. "Who did you face off against?"

"A 'Paleozoic' user," Velvet answered, making her new companion shiver.

"'Paleos'? Oh, those cards are creepy… and so slimy! Could you imagine what they'd feel like with Solid Vision?"

"Like real sea creatures?" Velvet commented, with a light smirk on her face. "Most of them are slimy and creepy in real life too, you know."

"Yeah, but those real, not slimy abominations made in the minds of someone at Industrial Illusions!" Ruby pouted. "Also, some sea creatures actually look cute!"

"Ah ha, if you say so!" Velvet said in a teasing voice. "What about you? How did your test go?"

"Resounding loss!" Ruby exclaimed dejectedly. "Honestly, I don't think I could've won that Duel… Pretty sure the person I Dueled against just had a better hand than me!"

"The woes of playing too many 'Garnets' gets you too, huh?" Velvet asked.

"Undoubtedly so…" Ruby nodded sagely. "A third of my starting hand were Normal Monsters! I love 'em, the art goes hard, but I wished they stayed in the Deck more often."

"Same… Anyways, we should find somewhere to sit, shouldn't we?" The bunny faunus said, pointing to the slow march of students slowly filing into the amphitheater.

"Oh, right! We should go to the front, we'll get a better view!" Ruby said. Velvet blinked in surprise.

"A better view? A better view for what?" Ruby didn't answer; instead she gently grabbed Velvet's wrists and pulled her down the steps. As she scoured the front row for good seats, she noticed a head of hair with a distinct shade of white. With a frown, she turned the other way.

"Over here seems good!" Ruby says, pointing to a pair of seats next to a boy with blonde hair and a black hoodie. "'Scuse me, is anyone sitting here?"

"Huh?" The blonde boy looked up from his cards, of which Ruby could barely get a glimpse of a DARK Level 9 monster. Based on the artwork, it looked like some sort of Spellcaster. "Oh, no, it's fine." He said, quickly stuffing his Deck back into its box.

"Great, thank you!" Ruby said. She sat next to him, while Velvet was to her right.

"What's going to happen?" Velvet asked in a hushed tone. The lights inside the amphitheater started to dim, and all the chattering behind them turned into hushed whispers. "Isn't this just going to be another speech?"

"Not entirely! You'll see soon enough, Yang told me all about it…!" Ruby said excitedly, but that only left Velvet more confused.

"I see…"

Soon, the lights and whispers stopped completely. There was a humming sound as the ARC Hologram System began to power, creating streams of light to beams of light to come out the hard glass floor.

They light shot out in unnatural directions, creating outlines of crumbled walls, destroyed fortresses, and a burnt ground; a war zone. As the Hard Light holograms began to solidify and color themselves correctly, multiple Grimm, ranging from the simple Beowulves to large Goliath's formed as well.

They were about to lunge, but they were blasted by beams of light. In the sky, 'Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' roared with all three of its heads as its powerful wingbeats kept it above the charred battleground. "Attention, Duelists from around the world!" Kaiba's voice shouted from the sound systems. A spotlight shined on top of 'Neo Blue-Eyes' middle head, revealing the man standing on top of it.

"Students of all ages," Ozpin's calm, more cool voice said. He was revealed to be on the ground, his hands resting on his cane. Ruby could feel her eye itch slightly as he walked closer to the edge.

"84 years ago, the Great War began its final confrontation. A confrontation that would decide the fate of all living beings that live in Remnant. One that would bring peace and unity…" He said, raising his right hand, which formed a simple blank card, "...or pain and division," he finished.

"This confrontation was unlike anything the world has seen before!" Kaiba carried on, his dragon lowering its head so he could walk on its head. "Instead of a battle between savages and false strength, of dishonor and cowards, this was a battle between great minds, a conversation of wills, ideals, and wits!"

He raised his personal Duel Disk into the air, and from its core a bright blue glow emerged from it. Two new monsters, 'Dragon Master Magia' and 'Divine Serpent Geh', brust from the ground, both howling as they fired beams of energy at one another.

"It was here that the first use of Duel Monsters, as well as the first Duel, was ever recorded," Ozpin spoke, his words somehow emphasized by the loud explosions both battling monsters produced from their attacks. "That knowledge they first developed has since become a beacon of Hope for the world, fighting back against the Despair that plagues us daily."

"You wish to use the knowledge… Either to defend the world, or to enrich your own lives! That, Duelists, is the ethos of Duel Monsters!" Kaiba shouted; behind him, 'Divine Serpent Geh' was thrown backwards by a fierce slam delivered by 'Dragon Master Magia'. "It's no mere game; it's a debate, to prove not your worth, not your strength, but your conviction!"

"To this end, we will provide you with the necessary tools and accommodations for you to succeed in your endeavors, whether they be selfless or selfish," Ozpin said, bringing their speech to the end.

"However, whether you succeed or you buckle underneath the weight of another's conviction, is up to you," Kaiba said, his one finality. Behind him, 'Dragon Master Magia' opened its mouth and blasted 'Divine Sepent Geh' with all its might, completely deatomizing both it and the structure.

"Now, we shall give you a taste of the conviction you will face," Ozpin said. The area in which they stood began to shift. The ARC system generated what looked to be a massive library, with books the size of buildings on golden shelves, and subtle green glow enveloping the area.

Ruby's silver eyes glittered as she read the strange text on the rims of the sides of the shelves. If she were a bit closer, maybe she could read it…

"I give you the ambassador of peace! Representing the King of Vale: Pyrrha Nikkos!" Ozpin announced. The crowd erupted in cheers as one column was lifted into the air, carrying a cloaked figure on its surface. They then threw off the cloak, revealing the Invincible Girl, dressed in an outfit that resembled a spartan warrior; the pride and joy of Mistral.

"Behold, the dark king of subjugation! Acting as the leader of Mantle: Yang Xiao Long!" Kaiba shouted. Another round of raucous applause erupted in the amphitheater as another column was raised. This time, Yang had already removed her own cloak long before the spotlight was aimed at her. Unlike Pyrrha, who seemed disinterested in the audience, Yang was actively waving and blowing kisses towards them.

"Wait… that's your sister, isn't it!?" Velvet asked in surprise. She even got the blonde boy's attention, as his head swiveled around on his shoulder.

"Really? She's participating in the Ceremonial Duel?" He said excitedly.

"Yeah! We got the letter last summer because she had the second best win-rate in the entire school last year!" Ruby said excitedly.

"I guess that means she has the best win-rate, huh?" He asked, staring up at the champion on the opposite side.

"...Of course she does, she's Pyrrha," Velvet said slowly, eyeing the blonde kid curiously.

"Oh, okay…" He muttered. There was no familiarity in his eyes. Ruby and Velvet both shared a look, and glanced back at the blonde boy.

"Does… does he know?" Velvet whispered.

Ruby shrugged in response.

Atop the pair of cylindrical shelves, Yang and Pyrrha stood across from one another. While Yang's eyes were excited; Pyrrha, meanwhile, seemed distracted. She looked straight ahead, but looked past Yang, not at her.

As Kaiba and Ozpin continued with their speech, Yang crossed her arms under her chest. "Hey."

The third-year student blinked, her gaze finally focusing on Yang. "Sorry, did you say something?"

"No," Yang shook her head. "Nervous?"

Pyrrha shrugged. "Not particularly. It's just another Duel." She turned her head to look at the crowd, anxiously waiting for the duel to begin. "Once it begins, they will disappear and we'll be the only ones left."

"Well, that's good, isn't it?" Pyrrha turns back to Yang, who now has a wide grin on her face. "That means our cards will do all the talking! And that's great! It's our first Duel together, and I want to prove to everyone just how strong I am!"

For a moment, Pyrrha said nothing in response, only smiling at Yang. The blonde girl then pounds her fist into an open palm, her eyes flashing bright red for a brief moment. "But, that means I want you to take me on with the same energy! How can it be a 'battle of ideals' if I'm the only one talking?"

"You want me to go all out…?" Pyrrha asked with a tilt of her head. Yang nodded fervently.

"Heck yeah, I do!"

The Invincible Girl pursed her lips, awkwardly shifting her weight from leg to leg. Going all out meant that she wouldn't be able to let Yang play. That's the odd thing about Duel Monsters as a game; you show your knowledge of the game mechanics and rulings by preventing others from playing it themselves.

"Hey." Pyrrha snaps her head up. Yang offers her a reassuring smile. "I'm asking for it, aren't I? If I get slammed, so be it. It gives the crowd a show, doesn't it?"

Pyrrha nods. "Okay… but just as a reminder…" She blinks, and it looks like her green eyes are starting to glow.

On the back of her left shoulder, the Number 80 begins to glow.

"You're the one who wanted this…"

[ Black Rose Moonlight Dragon ]
[LIGHT / Level 7]
[Dragon / Synchro / Effect]
[2400 ATK / 1800 DEF]

If this card is Special Summoned, or if a Level 5 or higher monster was Special Summoned to your opponent's side of the field: Target 1 Special Summoned monster on your opponent controls; return that target to the hand. You can only use this effect of 'Black Rose Moonlight Dragon' once per turn. This card's name becomes 'Black Rose Dragon' while on field or in the GY.

Chapter Text

This is it.

Yang pats her deck box and Kaiba and Ozpin contribute to the theatrics. She's already memorized their entire speech by now, considering she and Pyrrha had to practice during the back end of the summer.

She's excited. Not many people get to Duel Pyrrha, because she has a fairly hectic schedule, with her practically being a celebrity in Mistral, but also because her deck is simply that good, especially going second. If cards like 'Baronne de Fleur' hadn't been banned recently, Yang doubts she would be able to play.

I'll show Mom…

Yang narrows her eyes, and she drops her smile to adopt a more serious expression. Pyrrha does the same.

"Duelists! Ready your weapons!" Kaiba shouts. Pyrrha and Yang nod, and as the crowd's cheer begins to grow, they slide their respective decks into their Disks. The devices strapped around wrists, causing the blades to jut out and for the cards to shuffle automatically and eject five cards.

In front of them, a coin with two symbols appears. One side had a burning heart, and another with a spear running through a golden shield. It launches itself into the air, and comes crashing down with a loud thud. As the dust settles, the burning heart is visible.

"Duelists, ready?" Ozpin asks, raising his cane.

"Yes," Pyrrha says in a monotone voice.

"Right!" Yang shouts with an excited timbre.

"Begin!" Ozpin shouts. He slams his cane into the ground, causing the books from the library to fall off, their pages flying all over and surrounding the two duelists.

Yang Xiao Long (4000 LP) VS Pyrrha Nikkos (4000 LP)
DUEL!

"I summon 'Gen the Diamond Tiger'!" Yang began, slapping her card onto the reader. Hovering in front of the shelf she stood on, a tiger dressed like an ancient Mistrali warlord and carrying a gunbai fan appeared. The monster bared its fangs as it aggressively sat down on its small chair.

ℹ️ Gen the Diamond Tiger (LIGHT)
LV 3 / 800 ATK

"'Gen's' effect activates! I'll Special Summon 'Ken the Warrior Dragon' from my deck to your field!" The card is immediately ejected from Yang's Deck. As she reveals it, a holographic copy appears in Pyrrha's hand, which she places on her Disk. When she does, a bipedal dragon dressed like a Mistrali warlord in white robes appears.

ℹ️ Ken the Warrior Dragon (LIGHT)
LV 3 / 1300 ATK

The two monsters snarled at each other and howled simultaneously. "When 'Ken' is summoned by 'Gen's' effect, you can draw 2 cards, but you must discard 1," Pyrrha announces. Yang smirks playfully.

"Really? If you say so!" She says. She grabs her new cards, inspects them, and then says, "I'll send 'Mikanko Dance - Mayowashidori' to the grave, then!" As she slides the card inside, the crowd starts to chant 'TTT!' excitedly. It makes Pyrrha giggle briefly.

"Well?" The Invincible Girl asks with a cheesy smile. "Do you have 'Talents' or 'Thrust' in your hand?"

"Maybe! You'll have to find out!" Yang says with a wink. "In the meantime, I'll activate the Equip Spell 'Mikanko Fire Dance'! With this card, I can summon a 'Mikanko' monster from my hand, and equip this card to it!" Yang raises her hand and slams her card onto her disk. "I summon 'Ha-Re the Sword Mikanko'!"

A blazing pyre burns in front of Yang, next to 'Gen', and from it, a small girl with red hair and large round mouse ears, wearing a red crop top and short skirt appeared, and wielding a small dagger appeared. It bore a cocky smirk on its face as the flames coiled around its body.

ℹ️ Ha-Re the Sword Mikanko (FIRE)
LV 3 / 0 ATK

"When 'Ha-Re' is equipped with a card, it can add another 'Mikanko' Equip Spell from my deck to my hand!" The card brought its dagger to its chest and began to dance in the air, the flames flowing along its arms like ribbons. At the end of its performance, 'Ha-Re' raised her dagger to the sky, launching the flames upwards and causing them to explode brightly, revealing 'Mikanko Reflection Rondo', which Yang then added to her hand.

"I activate 'Reflection Rondo' by equipping 'Ken the Diamond Dragon'! Now, since I control a 'Mikanko' Monster, I take control of it!" Yang exclaimed. The hologram card on Pyrrha's Disk disappeared, and Yang placed the real copy on hers. A mirror appeared in front of Ken, and the dragon man walked through it, and trapped itself inside the mirror. The mirror then floated to Yang's field, positioning itself between 'Gen' and 'Ha-Re'.

ℹ️ Ken the Warrior Dragon (LIGHT)
Pyrrha ⇒ Yang

"And now, I Overlay my Level 3 'Gen' and 'Ken'!" Yang said. The mirror shatters, freeing 'Ken', and both warlords fly into the sky as twin balls of light. "I summon 'Xyz Armor Torpedo'!" A humanoid mecha is created, covered in white and orange armor; on its arms are two shark-themed rocket launchers.

ℹ️ Xyz Armor Torpedo (WATER)
RK 3 / 2500 ATK / 2 OU

"'Xyz Armor Torpedo's' effect activates!" Yang continues. Both of its Overlay Units fly into the missiles on either hand, causing them to glow.

ℹ️ Xyz Armor Torpedo (WATER)
2 OU ⇒ 0 OU

"I get to draw a card!" As Yang drew the card, her smile turned ecstatic. "Now, I build the Overlay Network again, this time with 'Xyz Armor Torpedo'!" Yang exclaims, drawing a gasp from a crowd. And one blonde in particular.

"Wait, with 'Armor Torpedo'?" He asked in confusion, drawing a glance from Ruby and Velvet. "I thought you could only Xyz Summon using monsters with Levels!"

"Well, normally that's true, but Yang's cards are special!" Ruby said, turning to Velvet as she leaned in closer. "Her 'Full Armored' cards can summon themselves using monsters of a lower rank than it! Well, except 'Torpedo', heh heh…!"

"Really? I've never heard Xyz Monster that works like that… Where did she get those cards?" Velvet asked.

"Well, my uncle bought 'em for her," Ruby said as she crossed her arms in thought. "I don't think he ever said which store sold them though."

"I summon 'Xyz Armor Fortress'!" The group looked back at Yang, seeing the Network explode and create another mecha with dark blue and gold metal. This monster, however, now wielded a large missile launcher with a shark-themed explosive already loaded inside.

ℹ️ Xyz Armor Fortress (WATER)
RK 5 / 2500 ATK / 1 OU

"Now, 'Armor Fortress'' effect activates! By detaching its Overlay Unit, I can add 1 'Armored Xyz' card from my deck to my hand!" Like before, the Unit flies into the missile head, only this time, 'Armor Fortress' fires it, revealing 'Full-Armored Xyz' as the explosion dies down.

ℹ️ Xyz Armor Fortress (WATER)
1 OU ⇒ 0 OU

Yang adds that card to her hand, and then picks up another card. "I then activate the effect of my Ritual Monster, 'Ohime the Manifested Mikanko', from my hand!" Behind her, an elegant woman in bright yellow robes appears; a halo with yellow wings floats behind her head, and long flowing hair trails behind her. "By revealing this card, 'Ohime' lets me add a 'Mikanko' card from my deck to my hand, as long as I discard a card afterwards." The woman extends a hand, and a golden blade appears above her palm. "I add 'The Great Mikanko Ceremony', and discard my 'Hu-Li the Jewel Mikanko'."

But she doesn't slide the card inside. Instead, she grabs another card. "I activate the 'Mikanko Dance - Mayowashidori' from my graveyard! With it, I can summon back my 'Hu-Li', and then equip 'Mayowashidori' to it!" A breeze begins to blow in the arena, but it quickly becomes a tornado. A girl in green robes, armed with two fans, twirls onto the field as the yellow spirit of a giant bird hovers over her.

ℹ️ Hu-Li the Jewel Mikanko (WIND)
LV 3 / 0 ATK

"That lets me activate 'Hu-Li's' effect!" Yang continues. "Since 'Hu-Li' was equipped with a card, I can add a 'Mikanko' Trap card from my deck to my hand!" Like 'Ha-Re', 'Hu-Li' began to dance, though her performance ended with waving her arms forward, eliciting a cry from the bird spirit behind her. "I add 'Mikanko Spiritwalk'!"

"I set three cards, and end my turn," Yang said, filling up all of her Spell/Trap Zones as a result.

"That's a really strong opener. Three monsters on field, and five cards in the backrow, three of which are set," Velvet commented. "And, she still has three cards in hand. Even if Pyrrha manages to wipe her field, she can still bring the duel back in her favor."

"Yeah, but her two 'Mikanko' monsters have no ATK. She didn't even put them in defense mode," The blonde guy says. "Unless your sister has a card that redirects attacks to 'Armor Fortress', I don't think she's going to win." Despite his words the smile on Ruby's face didn't leave.

"Actually, summoning them in Attack is the best move possible!" Ruby says. The blonde squawks in surprise at the bold statement. But before he could get a word in, Pyrrha draws a card, the sound echoing all over the amphitheater.

"I set one card," Pyrrha says, casually sliding said card inside the center Spell/Trap Zone.

"Wait, she's setting already?"

"You've never seen Pyrrha Duel before, have you…?" Velvet asked awkwardly.

"Was I supposed to?"

"I then summon 'Astellar of the White Forest'." A small girl, one with white hair and silver eyes appears on Pyrrha's field. She has a monocle over her right eye, and carries a book as big as her torso in both arms.

ℹ️ Astellar of the White Forest (LIGHT)
LV 2 / 0 ATK

"I activate 'Astellar's' effect. I will send my set card, the monster 'Toy Soldier' from my field to my graveyard in order to special summon a LIGHT Spellcaster Tuner from my deck. I summon 'Silvy of the White Forest'."

The girl opens her back. The set card flips over, revealing a wooden doll in orange uniform and carrying a musket. The doll is then absorbed by the book, which shakes and then creates a portal which allows a slender woman in a blue dress and white fur coat to walk out of. She is accompanied by two wolves, each with two curved horns in the middle of their foreheads.

 ℹ️ Silvy of the White Forest (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1500 ATK / Tuner

"When 'Toy Soldier' is sent to the graveyard as a Spell Card, and when 'Silvy' is summoned, both their effects activate," Pyrrha announced. "First, 'Toy Soldier' will revive itself, and second, 'Silvy' will add a 'White Forest' Card from my deck to my hand." Pyrrha glanced at Yang's backrow, and her hand.

"...Go ahead," Yang says with a nod.

"In that case, I'll add 'Beware the White Forest' from my deck, and bring back my 'Toy Soldier'." Pyrrha's Disk shuffles her deck, which ejects the card she wanted from the top, and afterwards, the same wooden doll the 'Astellar's' book absorbed earlier walked back on the field and cocked its musket. Concerningly, it sounded like a real gun was loaded.

ℹ️ Toy Solider (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1500 ATK

"When 'Toy Soldier' is summoned, I can add the Continuous Spell, 'Toy Box', from my deck to my hand," Pyrrha said, revealing the card in question. "I then activate 'Toy Box'." A yellow box with wheels appears behind the 'Soldier'. It has a large smiley face in the center, and two arms with cartoony gloved hands pop out from the side.

"I activate 'Toy Box's' effect. I will set the 'Toy Soldier' on my field, and the 'Toy Tank' in my deck as Face-Down Spell Cards." As she grabbed the cards, the arms on 'Toy Box' opened the lid, and pulled out a small red tank. It then grabbed the wooden doll and placed them both next to it, and both 'Toys' transformed into Face-Downs.

"Now, I tune my Level 4 'Silvy of the White Forest' with my Level 2 'Astellar of the White Forest'." The wolves next to the older woman howled, and all three turned into multiple green rings. "I Synchro Summon 'Rciela, Sinister Soul of the White Woods'."

Books from the shelf Pyrrha was standing on began to fall out, being pushed away by a large cloud of glowing bats. The small, furry pests converged next to Invincible Girl, forming into a taller woman with multiple torn, leathery wings sprouting from its back, wearing a black outfit and having bare, dark red legs that turned black at the near the ankles. The monster raised a glowing cyan scepter as white and red tipped hair flowed behind it.

ℹ️ Rciela, Sinister Soul of the White Woods
LV 6 / 2000 ⇒ 2500 ATK / Tuner

"'Rciela' has a continuous effect that boosts its power and the power of all my Illusion and Spellcaster Synchro Monsters by 500, and makes them indestructible by card effects." The woman smirked as her scepter glowed brightly. "In addition, when 'Rciela' is summoned, I can send my set 'Toy Tank' from my field to the graveyard in order to add a 'White Forest' card from my deck to my hand." The bat-themed monster raised its glowing scepter, and 'Toy Tank' flew from its spot on the field as it was absorbed by it ('Toy Box' waved goodbye as it left).

"Indestructible, huh? Oooh, that's gonna be annoying." Yang grumbled. "In that case, I'll chain my set 'Full-Armored Xyz'!" The blonde girl smirked. "Since I have an Xyz Monster, once this card's effect resolves, I'll be able to Xyz Summon a monster using cards I control!" Pyrrha nodded, allowing the chain to resolve.

"Now, I Overlay my Rank 5 'Xyz Armor Fortress'!" The mecha grunted and flew into the sky, its body transforming to an ocean blue sphere as it fell into the red Network. "I Xyz Summon 'Full Armored Dark Knight Lancer'!"

Yang's first boss monster made its appearance, causing the shelves she and Pyrrha stood on to shake. It was a large man in heavy black armor, with purple spikes and metal outlining its chestplate and sprouting from its shoulder pads. The armor on its shoulders, knees and feet also had large metal fins jutting out. It carried a red double-sided spear that it twirled around in its hand before slamming it into the ground.

[Full Armored Dark Knight Lancer]
[WATER / Aqua / Xyz / Effect]
[2800 ATK / 1500 DEF / 1 OU]

ℹ️ Full Armored Dark Knight Lancer (WATER)
2800 ATK ⇒ 3100 ATK

"Also, 'Dark Knight Lancer' gains 300 ATK for every Overlay Unit and Equip Card it has," Yang added.

"Very well… through 'Rciela's' effect, I add 'Elzette of the White Woods' to my hand." Pyrrha said. "Much like 'Toy Soldier', 'Toy Tank' can also summon itself from my grave if it was sent there as a Spell Card," Pyrrha added. The 'Tank' rolled into battle on its tiny treads, looking oddly pleased with itself as it settled next to the towering demon woman.

ℹ️ Toy Tank (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1000 ATK

"I activate the effect of 'Elzette' from my hand: I'll send 'Beware the White Forest' from my hand to the grave in order to Special Summon it, and then add 'Rucia of the White Forest' to my hand."

"Huh? Why would she do that?" The blonde asked next to Ruby and Velvet asked (they didn't bother to correct him); this time a small blonde with blue eyes in a puffy white sweater appeared.

ℹ️ Elzette of the White Forest (LIGHT)
LV 2 / 0 ATK

"All of my 'White Forest' spells and traps have an effect that, once per turn, allows them to set themselves onto the field if they are used to activate a monster effect," Pyrrha reminded for both Yang and the people in the audience. The card automatically slid itself out of her graveyard.

"Damn, that's a good effect," Yang murmured as 'Beware the White Forest' was placed on Pyrrha's field, face down.

"Next, as I control a 'White Forest' monster, I can summon 'Rucia of the White Forest'." A woman with white hair and cyan eyes appeared, wielding a staff that looked suspiciously similar to 'Rciela's'.

ℹ️ Rucia of the White Forest (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 800 ATK / Tuner

"I activate 'Rucia's' effect. By sending my 'Tales of the White Woods' from my hand to the graveyard, I can draw a card," Pyrrha says, but she doesn't immediately do so. "In addition, I'll choose to activate 'Astellar's' effect from the graveyard. As a Spell Card was sent to the graveyard to activate an effect, it Special Summons itself to the field." Again, the girl with the book and monocle appears, which it now adjusts before standing next between 'Rucia' and 'Rciela'.

ℹ️ Astellar of the White Forest (LIGHT)
LV 2 / 0 ATK

"Also, as 'Tales' was sent to the graveyard to activate a monster effect, it will set itself back to the field." Pyrrha draws her card and then faces the field. "Now, I tune my Level 6 'Rciela' with my Level 2 'Elzette'." Yang blinked in surprise and adjusted her stance. There's now a quiet whisper running amongst the crowd as the monsters turn into stars and rings.

"Huh? Why's everybody gone quiet?" The blonde boy asks. Ruby and Velvet, meanwhile, lean forward with excitement in their eyes.

"I Synchro Summon Level 8. 'Diabell, Queen of the White Forest'."

The crowd cheers as Pyrrha's ace comes from the blinding green light. It takes the form of a pale woman in white dress. It wears a scarf of purple cloth, and any exposed skin below it is made of what looks to be darkened tree bark. The right arm is nothing but a mess of gnarled roots with white tips, reaching the ground of the warped library, while the right arm carries a magical sigil pulsating with green and purple energy.

[Diabell, Queen of the White Forest]
[LIGHT / Illusion / Xyz / Effect]
[2500 ATK / 2000 DEF]

Yang frowned at first, but after a moment, she smirked. "I activate the effect of 'Full-Armored Xyz' from my graveyard by banishing it!" Pyrrha blinks at first, but a small smile then appears on her lips.

"In that case, I'll chain 'Diabell's' second effect. By sending my set 'Toy Soldier' from my field to the graveyard, I can summon a Synchro Tuner monster from my Extra Deck." The chain resolves there, and Pyrrha reaches into her Extra Deck to grab her new monster. "I summon 'Silvera, Wolf Tamer of the White Forest'!"

'Diabell' raises the sigil to the sky. A large burst of magic leaves ornament, which creates a pair of large wolves with curved orange horns and tails blazing with magical energy. Between them, A woman with large fur sleeves, and a tiara with large lupin ears sprouting from the gem in the center.

ℹ️ Silvera, Wolf Tamer of the White Forest (LIGHT)
LV 6 / 1900 ATK ⇒ 2400 ATK / Tuner

ℹ️ Diabell, Queen of the White Forest (LIGHT)
2500 ATK ⇒ 3000 ATK

"Like 'Rciela', 'Silvera' grants Illusion and Spellcaster Synchros 500 ATK, but she allows them to inflict double piercing battle damage instead of an immunity to destruction." The twin wolves howl, causing orange energy to engulf 'Silvera' and 'Diabell'.

Yang nods, and then smirks. "'Full-Armored Xyz lets me equip one Xyz Monster from my field or Graveyard to an Xyz Monster I control! So, I equip 'Xyz Armor Torpedo' to 'Full Armored Dark Knight Lancer'!" A black portal opens in the air, and the orange and white mecha flies out, only for it to start disassembling. Its wings attach themselves to 'Black Knight's' back, while the rocket launches go on its shoulders.

"First, since a new card has been equipped to 'Dark Knight', it gains another 300 ATK!" Yang says as her eyes slowly turn red. "Also, as 'Armor Torpedo' was equipped with 'Full-Armored Xyz', it gains 'Torpedo's' ATK!" Yang's heart pounds with excitement as her knight roars with power.

ℹ️ Full Armored Dark Knight Lancer (WATER)
3100 ATK ⇒ 5800 ATK

"Once 'Silvera' has been summoned successfully, I can switch all monsters you control to Face-Down defense mode!" Pyrrha says once the chain finally resolved.

"Since a card was equipped to the monster I control, 'Dark Knight' can attach a monster you control to itself as an Overlay Unit!" Yang responds with a fervor that makes Pyrrha step back. The 'Lancer' twirls its spear and points it at 'Diabell'; a bright red beam flies at from the tip and strikes the Illusion monster in the chest, and then its body dissolves into a yellow glowing orb that orbits around 'Black Knight'.

ℹ️ Full Armored Dark Knight Lancer (WATER)
5800 ATK ⇒ 6100 ATK

Afterwards, 'Silvera's' two wolves both howl loudly. Yang's monsters flinch in surprise as they enter a defensive stance and lower themselves to the ground. As a result, 'Fire Dance' and 'Xyz Armor Torpedo', and 'Mayowashidori' are destroyed.

"I activate 'The Grand Mikanko Ceremony'! I can summon a 'Mikanko' monster from my hand, ignoring its summoning conditions, as long as I return it to the hand during your End Phase! I summon the Ritual Monster: 'Ohime the Manifested Mikanko'!"

A bright yellow portal appears in front of Yang, shining as brightly as the sun. Slowly, the beautiful woman from earlier walks down invisible steps, placing itself between the face-downs of her two 'Mikankos'. The golden sword and shield float up from below her, and suddenly they latch onto her hands, making 'Ohime's' golden eyes flare with sacred power.

[Ohime the Manifested Mikanko]
[LIGHT / Fairy / Ritual / Effect]
[0 ATK / 0 DEF]

"Okay, seriously, do all her monsters have no attack?" The blonde next to Ruby says.

"Yes! It's part of her strategy!" Ruby groans in annoyance.

"What strategy!?"

As they argue, Pyrrha can't help but frown at the appearance of Yang's new monster. She has a few ideas of what that card could do; she's played against all sorts of strategies ranging from one-turn kills to slow control decks. There's a chance that 'Ohime' is completely immune to destruction, and that wasting her resources on trying to remove it would be foolhardy.

On the other hand, there's Yang's other monsters. Having any of her other 'Mikanko's' would be troublesome at best, but leaving 'Dark Knight' would be disastrous. Yang likely has a multitude of Equip Spells, as Yang's 'Mikanko's' clearly revolved around them. That gives 'Dark Knight' plenty of opportunities to absorb her monsters, likely on both their turns.

Pyrrha can feel her heart slowly beating faster.

"I activate 'Beware the White Woods'!" Pyrrha shouts, flipping over her face-down. "As I control a Level 6 or Higher Spellcaster or Illusion monster, I can destroy your set 'Dark Knight Lancer'!"

Yang blinks as 'Silvera' commands its wolves to howl; their loud cries create devastating sound waves that causes her card to shatter. With 'Diabell' back in her grave, Pyrrha now feels more comfortable in advancing the game.

"I activate 'Silvy's' graveyard effect! By returning 'Diabell' from my graveyard to my Extra Deck, I can revive 'Silvy' with her effects negated!" Above her, 'Diabell's' sigil pulsed. It then exploded, and the witch and its wolf companions reappeared on the field.

ℹ️ Silvy of the White Forest (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1500 ATK / Tuner

"I then activate 'Toy Tank's' effect! By tributing, I can summon a Level 6 or Lower monster from my hand, but since I control 'Toy Box', I can instead summon 'Rciela' from my graveyard!" The plastic toy tooted before disassembling, revealing an orb that quickly grew into Pyrrha's bat-themed monster.

ℹ️ Rciela, Sinister Soul of the White Woods
LV 6 / 2000 ⇒ 3000 ATK / Tuner

ℹ️ Silvera, Wolf Tamer of the White Forest (LIGHT)
2400 ATK ⇒ 2900 ATK

"Now, I-!"

"Activate 'Minkanko Spiritwalk'!" Yang interrupted, making Pyrrha gasp. "I also chain 'Ohime's' effect!" Pyrrha nodded.

"First, 'Ohime' will equip 'Mikanko Dance - Mayowashidori' from my grave to itself!" The monster let go of its weapons, and began to dance as the sword and shield floated around her. At the end, the spirit bird from earlier reappeared and draped its wings protectively over its new master.

"And lastly, 'Spiritwalk' will equip 'Astellar' to my 'Ohime'!" Pyrrha winced at that. She planned to use 'Astellar' to go into another Synchro Monster, but now that she has nothing but Tuners, she can't do that.

The girl flinched as she began to glow, eventually turning into a pair of beads that wrapped around 'Ohime's' neck. "And then, since I control a Ritual Monster, 'Spiritwalk' will deal you 500 damage for each equip spell!"

"That's 1000 points…!" The blonde realized sitting next to Ruby realized. Pyrrha's eyes widened as 'Ohime' raised her sword and blasted her with a beam of holy fire. Since these were only holograms, they didn't harm her, but Pyrrha couldn't help but flinch as it pierced through her chest.

🔥 Pyrrha
4000 LP - 1000 DMG = 3000 LP

"Wh-what…!" Somebody from the crowd shouted.

"That's incredible! She's winning?"

"That girl drew first blood! Pyrrha's Life Points went down first!"

"And on her turn as well!"

"Yeah! All right!" Yang cheered as 'Ohime' lowered its sword. "What do you think of that, huh!?" She asked.

Pyrrha swallowed thickly. She raised a hand to her chest, idly tapping the area where 'Ohime' had struck her. "This is…" She stammered. Unprecedented. Surprising. Scary, even. "Exciting…" Pyrrha eventually said. She clenched her fist tightly and realized that she was shaking.

"Well, I hope so!" Yang said as Pyrrha examined her gloved hand. "Right now, you're pushing me to my limit! You're making my heart pound and my blood course through veins! Even then, I can't feel you putting in all your effort in this Duel!" Pyrrha lowers her hand to her side as Yang continues to speak passionately.

"Where's your voice? I can't hear it! I can hear mine, but you seem to be blocking it out!" Yang's eyes turn noticeably red, and her hair burns like bright yellow flames as she thrusts her fist forward. "So, I'll shout loud enough until you can't help but shout yourself!"

Pyrrha, at Yang's declaration couldn't help but chuckle. A quiet, breathy laugh escapes past her lips. She raises her hand and taps a button on her Disk to enter the Battle Phase.

"You... can't hear it?" Pyrrha asks. "I guess I wasn't speaking loud enough then." The Number 80 begins to burn brighter on her shoulder.

"Battle! 'Silvera' attacks 'Ohime the Manifested Mikanko'!" Pyrrha says, finally shouting her command. The 'Wolf Tamer' raises its wand and swings it forward, commanding her two wolf companions to lunger. At this, Yang's smirk widens to a great smile.

"'Ohime'!" She yells. The floating woman raises her shield. The wolves claw and bite into her shield, but the Ritual Monsters do not even budge at the force paltry attempt. "So, here's the thing. Not only can 'Ohime' not be destroyed by battle, but any damage also I would've taken gets reflected back at you instead.

Pyrrha blinks. 'Ohime' pushes the wolves back and made them slam into 'Silvera'. At the same time, it raises its sword into the air. The halo over its head begins to glow brightly as the blade begins to burn.

"Go! Hinokami KAGURA!"

'Ohime' swings her blade, creating a massive pyre of fire. The Golden flames blaze past Pyrrha's monsters, spiraling in the air until it crashes into Pyrrha's Duel Disk.

🥊Pyrrha
3000 LP - 2900 DMG = 100 LP

All of the crowd's whispering goes silent.

"Now, 'Mayowashidori's' effect activates. Since 'Ohime' battled, it can return one card you control back to your hand! I choose 'Silvy'!" The giant bird spirit screeches loudly and beats its powerful wings. A torrent of wind blows books off their shelves, and launches the witch and her lupine companions off the field. Despite this setback, Pyrrha continues her assault.

"'Rciela' attacks 'Ha-re'!" With a wave of its wand, the witch commanders her wolves to tear into the Face-Down card. As it flips over, 'Ha-Re' parries the swiping claws with her dagger and retreats.

"I should also mention that my other 'Mikanko's' reduce all battle damage to 0 when they're attacked," Yang adds. Pyrrha nods in acknowledgement.

"From my grave, 'Rucia's' effect activates!" Pyrrha declares. "I return 'Silvera' to my extra deck to summon it back!" The wolves disappear, weakening 'Rciela' slightly.

ℹ️ Rciela, Sinister Soul of the White Woods (LIGHT)
3000 ATK ⇒ 2500 ATK

However, this did allow it's untransformed state to reappear on the field (LV 4 Tuner / 800 ATK).

ℹ️ Rucia of the White Forest (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 800 ATK / Tuner

"Now, 'Rucia' attacks the Face-Down 'Hu-Li'!"

The monster swings it scepter down like a sword. Much like 'Ha-Re', 'Hu-Li' blocks the attack with its fans before disappearing shortly after.

"During my Main Phase 2, I use 'Rucia' and 'Rciela' in order to Link Summon 'Silhouhatte Rabbit'!" With a nod, the two monsters brought their scepters together with an audible click. Their bodies turn to code, which then forms into a white rabbit wearing a coat and a hat with the Eye of Wdjat in the center.

ℹ️ Silhouhatte Rabbit (LIGHT)
Link-2 / 1500 ATK / ↙↘

"When 'Rabbit' is summoned, it can set 'Silhouhatte Trick' from my deck to the field, however, I cannot use this card as Link Material this turn," Pyrrha says, setting the card underneath the Monster Zone that 'Rabbit's' left arrow pointed to. "I set two more cards, and end my turn."

Yand nodded. "Then 'Ohime' returns to my hand," Yang says. 'Mayowashidori' destroys itself as the monster it's equipped to leaves the field. "And now, I draw!" Without looking at the card, she slides it into her hand and pulls out another one. "I activate 'Interrupted Kaiju Slumber'!" Pyrrha winces. Her hand hovers the card to activate one of her set cards, but she holds back.

"This card destroys every monster on the field as possible, and replaces them with two different 'Kaiju' monsters from my deck!" The ground begins to shake and crack, opening up a large crevice between their two floating shelves. "I summon 'Jizukiru, the Star Destroying Kaiju'!" A massive, angular machine bursts forth from the ground as its two arms begin charging for a devastating attack.

ℹ️  Jizukiru, the Star Destroying Kaiju (LIGHT)
LV 10 / 3300 ATK

"You get 'Kumongous, the Sticky String Kaiju'!" A large arachnid with sharp legs appears on the opposite side of the field; it's back and legs are lined with spikes, and its pointy feet stab itself into the ground as its mandibles click loudly.

ℹ️ Kumonguos, the Sticky String Kaiju (EARTH)
LV 7 / 2400 ATK

"I enter the Battle Phase!" Yang shouts.

"I-Immediately!?"

"That's right! 'Jizukiru', attack 'Kumonguous'!" The mechanical 'Kaiju's' two arms turn forward, aiming it at the much smaller spider.

"I activate 'Silvy's' effect! By returning 'Rciela' from my grave to the Extra Deck, I can summon it back!" The large wolves burst free from nowhere, and deposit their untransformed master onto the field before fleeing.

ℹ️ Silvy of the White Forest (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1500 ATK / Tuner

"As a Spellcaster Tuner was summoned, I can add 'Elzette' back to my hand." A replay occurs, and 'Jizukiru' hesitates to strike now that there's a new monster on the board.

Yang smirked. "Still, my 'Kaiju' continues its attack on yours!" The monster's mechanical face goes from orange to red as plasma begins to pool in its palms.

"I activate 'Woes of the White Woods'!" Pyrrha says at the new attack declaration. "I can now summon 'Elzette' from my hand, and immediately Synchro Summon a 'White Forest' monster!" She would have much rather preferred to use this to bring back her 'Diabell', but she can't afford to do that right now with her LP so low. The girl with the puffy sweater walks on stage.

ℹ️ Elzette of the White Forest (LIGHT)
LV 2 / 0 ATK

"I summon 'Elzette', then tune 'Silvy' to 'Elzette' to summon 'Silvera' once more!" With a loud, piercing howl, the two large wolves reappeared alongside their transformed master.

ℹ️ Silvera, Wolf Tamer of the White Forest (LIGHT)
LV 6 / 1900 ATK ⇒ 2400 ATK / Tuner

 "And, when 'Silvera' is summoned, all your monsters are forced into Face-Down defense mode!" The wolves howled again, this time making the giant machine spark and disappear, its body replaced by the back of a card.

"I guess I have to enter my Main Phase 2, then. No problem, because I'll activate my Ritual Spell! 'Mikanko Kagura'!" The green light emitted from the library turns into a dark blue that slowly fills the amphitheater. "With this card, I can Ritual Summon 'Ohime'. Afterwards, I can destroy one card you control for every equip spell in my Grave, and for every card destroyed this way, you take 1000 damage!"

"I won't let you! I activate the Counter Trap 'Mannadium Reframing'! As I control a Synchro Monster, I will negate 'Mikanko Kagura's' effect!" The card glowed, covering 'Silvera' in golden light. One of the wolves released a laser from its mouth, which shattered Yang's card.

"Damn…" Yang cursed. She thought she had Pyrrha there, but of course the Invincible Girl had a way to stop it. "I activate 'Ohime's' effect from my hand! I'll add a second 'Mikanko Ceremony' to my hand, and then discard 'Armory Call'! I activate 'The Great Mikanko Ceremony'! Return, 'Ohime the Manifested Mikanko'!" The monster's sword and shield rose up from below the shelf, and was quickly followed up by the monster itself grabbing its two armaments.

ℹ️ Ohime the Manifested Mikanko (LIGHT)
LV 6 / 0 ATK

"I activate 'Ohime's' effect!" Yang says.

"I activate 'Silhouhatte Trick'!" Pyrrha interrupts. "When activated, this card summons itself as a monster! And when it does, it can negate the effects of monsters, up to the number of Illusion monsters I control!" The shadow of the flipped card began to shift, thinning and then emerging from the floor as a humanoid with a white shirt, green vest, a cane, and a purple top hat with the Eye of Wdjat in the center.

The shadow then grabbed its top hat and pointed it at 'Ohime'. A small white pigeon flew out from and landed on 'Ohime's' shield. The goddess of the sun didn't have the heart to show it away, so she didn't resolve her effect.

"Well…! I activate 'Mayowashidori' from my graveyard! I revive 'Ha-Re' and equip it with the Spell!" This time, the bird, which Pyrrha now realized looked very much like a rooster, emerged from a darkened portal, with 'Ha-Re' riding on top of it.

"When 'Ha-Re' has a card equipped to it, I can add a 'Mikanko' Equip Spell to my hand!" The rooster spirit shrieks, and 'Ha-Re' begins to twirl its dagger while dancing.

ℹ️ Ha-Re the Sword Mikanko (FIRE)
LV 3 / 0 ATK

"I add 'Mikanko Water Arabesque'! I activate this card by equipping it to 'Ha-Re'!" Thin tendrils began to pool from underneath the 'Sword Mikanko', and soon a geyser of water shot out from below, wrapping around 'Ha-Re's' arms and forming into gauntlets.

"I activate 'Water Arabesque's' second effect! I can summon a different 'Mikanko' from my Deck, and then equip it to that new monster! I summon 'Ni-Ni the Mirror Mikanko'!" The water around 'Ha-Re's' arms began to waver, and flew off and slammed into the space next to it. Mirror came out from the splashing water, and a new monster with blue hair and feline ears made of water stepped down using the mirrors.

ℹ️ Ni-Ni the Mirror Mikanko (WATER)
LV 3 / 0 ATK

"Due to 'Water Arabesque's' effect, 'Ha-Re' returns to my hand. I end my turn," Yang says. The pigeon on 'Ohime's' shield flies away, and returns to 'Silhouhatte Trick's' hat.

"I draw," Pyrrha said. As she glanced at her new card, she glanced over at Yang and smiled at her. "You said you wanted to hear my voice, correct?"

Yanged blinked in confusion at first, but soon she nodded exuberantly. "Hell yeah! Give me everything you've got!"

"Then, I will shout to the heavens, just for you! I activate 'Toy Box's' effect!" The arms on the side reached into the opening, and pulled out 'Toy Soldier' and 'Toy Tank' again. The 'Tank' let out a loud 'noot noot!' as it placed Face-Down in the Spell/Trap Zone.

"Next, I activate the Spell 'Tales of the White Forest'! As I control an Illusion monster, I can add 'Elzette of the White Forest' from my deck to my hand! I activate 'Elzette's' effect, letting me send my 'Toy Tank' to my grave in order to summon 'Elzette' from my hand, and add 'Rucia' from my deck to my hand," Pyrrha says, bringing back the small girl with the large sweater.

ℹ️ Elzette of the White Forest (LIGHT)
LV 2 / 0 ATK

"I activate 'Ni-Ni's' effect! Since it has a card equipped to it, then I can take control of one of your monsters!" Yang interrupts. The monster begins to dance, causing tendrils of water to appear around it. "I'll take control of your 'Elzette'!"

"As 'Toy Tank' was sent to the graveyard, it can Special Summon itself back," Pyrrha says. The chain resolved, and as 'Toy Tank' rolled back onto the field.

ℹ️ Toy Tank (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1000 ATK

Then, the water tendrils snatched 'Elzette' by the foot and dragged it over to Yang's field.

ℹ️ Elzette of the White Forest (LIGHT)
Pyrrha ⇒ Yang

"I summon 'Rucia of the White Forest," Pyrrha continued; the scepter appeared in the air, and a woman emerged from the darkness to snatch it.

ℹ️ Rucia of the White Forest (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 800 ATK / Tuner

"I activate 'Rucia's' effect; I send 'Toy Soldier' to draw a card. Then, 'Toy Soldier' revives itself." Again, the 'Soldier' marches onto the field and salutes.

ℹ️ Toy Solider (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1500 ATK

"Now… I build the Overlay Network with Level 4 'Toy Soldier' and 'Silhouhatte Trick'!" Pyrrha exclaimed. She raised her arm into the air and pointed towards the sky. As the monsters transformed, an Overlay Network made from millions of glowing stars appeared in the air.

"An Xyz Summon… But, that doesn't look like a normal Network…" Yang mumbled.

The two monsters spiraled into the air, entering the Network with enough force to cause a supernova. The only thing that remained was a large stone pillar with golden towers on the side.

"Wait… that's–!" Ruby gasped upon noticing the Number on the top of the pillar.

"So… she has one too…" Weiss muttered.

Pyrrha exhaled. When she opened her eyes, orange flames ignited.

"I Xyz Summon Number 80! Madness-Draped Supreme King - Rhapsody in Berserk!"

The pillar began to unfold, towers sliding out of place and floating above the main body. Blobs of darkness leaked from the main pillar and solidified. Gold armor burst out from the darkness, as well as a long flowing cape made from purple material. The black mass covered itself with armor, and a collar popped out of the neck, where the Number 80 burned in bright red.

[Number 80: Madness-Draped Supreme King - Rhapsody in Berserk]
[DARK / Fiend / Xyz / Effect]
[0 ATK / 1200 DEF]

ℹ️ Number 80: Madness-Draped Supreme King - Rhapsody in Berserk
AKA "Number 80: Rhapsody in Berserk"
DARK & DIVINE

"Rhapsody in Berserk's effect activates!" Pyrrha shouted as the fire in her eyes died down. "By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can declare one of the three main Card Types, and then, Number 80 will banish every card of that type from your GY! I choose to banish every Spell!"

"I'm sorry, WHAT!?" Yang cried out. The Unit flew over Number 80's armored face and burst.

ℹ️ Number 80: Madness-Draped Supreme King - Rhapsody in Berserk
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

With a roar, it raised its fist and prepared to strike. "Well then, 'Ohime's'–!"

"Effect is irrelevant! When Rhapsody in Berserk activates this effect, you cannot activate any cards of the declared type, nor activate any effects that would move the declared type out of the Graveyard!" Pyrrha shouted.

"Oh shit…" Yang cursed. She raised her arms over her body as Number 80's fist slammed down and phased through. She hissed in discomfort as wave energy coursed through her body. Her hair flickered and eyes flickered until Number 80 pulled back.

"Well… there goes my interactions for this turn…" Yang grumbled as her graveyard glowed dark purple. She removed all her Spells and stuffed them into her pocket.

"Next, I tune my Level 4 'Rucia' with my Level 4 'Toy Tank'! I Synchro Summon 'Draco Berserker of the Tenyi'!" A large half-dragon, half-human hybrid appeared from the green light, with dark blue hair flowing behind it and darkened scales covering its body. The monster's eyes glowed bright red as it let out a loud roar.

ℹ️ Draco Berserker of the Tenyi (DARK)
LV 8 / 3000 ATK

"Oh, boy…" Yang said, taking a step back. "At least she didn't go for 'Diabell', then, I'll at least have a chance to make a comeback next turn!"

"There won't be a 'next turn'." Pyrrha's cold voice made Yang flinch. "I activate Rhapsody in Berserk's second effect! I can equip this card onto 'Berserker'!" The Number shone and disappeared, leaving only the gold gauntlets, leg guards, and collar. They latched onto 'Berserker's' arms, chest, and head. Pyrrha's Wyrm howled as the Number 80 blazed on its left horn and empowered it greatly, the purple cape flowing chaotically.

ℹ️ Draco Berserker of the Tenyi (DARK)
3000 ATK ⇒ 4200 ATK
DARK & DIVINE

"Battle! Draco Berserker of the Tenyi attacks 'Elzette of the White Forest'!" Pyrrha shouted. Berserker shouted loudly, it's cry discordant and distorted. It raised an armored fist and lunged at the small girl.

"Oh no," was all Yang could say before the blow landed.

🥊Yang
4000 LP - 4200 DMG = 0 LP

Books went flying as Berserker's fist crashed into Pyrrha's monster. A massive explosive filled the arena, covering the entire field in dust and ash. When all was said and done, the only thing left on the field was Pyrrha's monster. The possessed Wyrm raised its head into the sky and let out a long howl of victory.

GAME!

The Number disappeared, and so did 'Berserker' a moment later. As the pillars they stood on began to fall back to the floor, both Duelists fell to their knees. Pyrrha felt like her heart was going to burst; she could feel something crack inside as the Number 80 disappeared from the back of her shoulder.

Meanwhile, Yang's body is steaming. Trails of smoke rise from her hair, from her mouth and hands; even her Duel Disk. It was overheating, as was her entire being.

The crowd still roars at the Duel they put on.

Ozpin frowns as ARC Hologram System deactivates, leaving the Duelist on the glass floor of the Arena. While he hesitated, Kaiba snapped his fingers and pointed to Pyrrha.

"Beacon! I give you the winner of the Ceremonial Duel! Pyrrha Nikkos!" Kaiba shouted. Another round of applause echoed all over the room. At the whooping and cheering, Pyrrha manages to find the strength to pick herself up from the floor.

Pyrrha half limps, half power walks towards Yang and offers her hand. The blonde looks up, her eyes still flickering.

"Hey, good game," Pyrrha says, offering Yang a genuine smile. "I can't remember the last time somebody's pushed that far," She commends breathlessly. Yang's eyes flicker from purple to red and back before she manages a shaky smile.

"S-same…" Yang says, reaching up to take her hand. Pyrrha hauls her up to her feet, eliciting a round of cheers from the crowd. "Number…? Sounds powerful. Where'd you get one of those?" Yang asks.

"It's… a gift… from a friend," Pyrrha lies. Her gaze drifts to Ozpin for a brief moment before it snaps back to Yang. "But, even though it's my strongest card, it would be useless in the hands of a lesser Duelist."

Yang flinched slightly. "You don't say…?"

"I do think you would be able to unlock Number 80's true potential," Pyrrha quickly said upon seeing her reaction.

"Heh, thanks for the compliment," Yang murmured. She offered Pyrrha her hand, the Invincible Girl gave it a firm shake. At their shaky display of sportsmanship, the crowd roared with excitement once more.

"Students, that brings an end to your first day here at Beacon Academy," Ozpin said, turning to face the crowd and raising a hand to silence them. "I hope that, by witnessing this Duel, you have realized now what we expect from all of you."

"Your dorm room numbers have been sent to your Scrolls. Curfew will be enforced in two hours. You're dismissed," Kaiba huffed.

"Wow, your sister's an incredible Duelist!" Velvet said, once Kaiba and Ozpin left the stage. "I've never seen anyone manage to bring Pyrrha all the way down to only 100 LP… Ruby?"

When she turned her head, there was a frown on Ruby's face as she watched Pyrrha haul Yang onto her feet. "Ruby, something wrong?"

"No, nothing…" Ruby reassured the rabbit faunus with a smile. She glanced back at Yang, and then at Pyrrha.

Hey eye twitched.

[Number 80: Madness-Draped Supreme King - Rhapsody in Berserk]
[DARK / Rank 4]
[Fiend / Xyz / Summon]
[0 ATK / 1200 DEF]

(This card's name is also always treated as "Number 80: Rhapsody in Berserk".)
[Numbers' Divinity]
You can detach one material from this card, then declare one card type (Monster, Spell, or Trap); banish all cards of the declared type from your opponent's GY, face-down. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects of the declared type or cards or effects that would move the declared type out of the GY in response to this effect's activation. You can only activate this effect of "Number 80: Madness-Draped Supreme King - Rhapsody in Berserk" once per turn. (Quick Effect): target one monster you control; equip this card to that target. If this card leaves the field while it was equipped to a monster: you can discard one card; special summon this card from your GY or Banishment. A monster equipped with this card gains the following effects:
Its Original Attribute is also treated as DIVINE.
It gains 1200 ATK.
If a card(s) you control would be destroyed, or if you would be dealt 1000 or more damage, you can destroy 1 card equipped to this card instead.

Chapter Text

When Ruby opened her eyes, she was back in the dark palace.

"Wha…? What am I doing…?" She stammered. Ruby placed a hand on her chest, and felt something sticky. She shivered and pulled her hand away to wipe her own blood on the palace walls.

"Hello…? Is anybody there?" Ruby asked, her voice echoing through the empty halls. "I'm sorry for sitting on your throne… I won't do it again!" However, like last time, Ruby received no response.

Ruby continued to walk until she found a pile of rubble on the floor. Looking up, she saw a large collapsed room, with smoke steaming from the cracks between the rocks. "Oh," She blinked in realization. "This must be where I fought that…"

Before she could finish her thought. The ground began to rumble. "O-oh no, not again…!"

In the sky, darkened blood red clouds began to part, but because of the blazing light of the sun, she could only see shadowy figures hovering ominously over her. She could not make out anything of the appearance, aside from the Numbers 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, and 107 emblazoned on their bodies.

"Wait… Then where's…!" Ruby's eye itched. She turned around, and saw Glorious Lightning, its large form casting a shadow over her. One hand was outstretched, with its palm open. Weiss, now wearing a militaristic uniform with snowflake designs on the sleeves, a cap, and sunglasses, stood in the middle.

Ruby swallowed thickly and took a step back. Weiss quickly caught up with her, and when she did, grabbed Ruby's chin and pulled her close.

"Agh, hey–!" Ruby tried to say, but one glare from Weiss shut her up immediately. She let the ice cold heiress move her head around, her critical eye scanning every pore and crease on her skin.

"Wh-what are you doing…!?" She tried to say, however, Weiss silenced her by brushing her thumb against Ruby's lips.

"Yes… you'll do nicely…" Weiss spoke in an ominous tone. Over her left eye, where a thin scar normally is, there is instead a strange symbol. The same symbol that the 'Evilswarm' bore.

"I… what?"

Weiss pushed Ruby to the floor. "Yes, you'll do nicely…"

Ruby grunted her back and hit the floor. She pushed herself up with her elbows and frowned up at Weiss. "Hey! Who said you could push me around like that–!" She flinched when a riding crop whizzed past her face.

"Quiet, bad dog! Don't speak out against your master!" Weiss shouted, pointing the crop at Ruby's nose. The girl blinked, her silver eyes glowing in confusion. Next thing she knew, she could feel something soft and warm covering her body.

"Huh– wha…!? When did I put on a dog onesie!?" Ruby shouted in surprise. And, there was something else too. Around her neck. Ruby reached up and managed to latch her fingers around something leathery and smooth, with cold studs.

"I-is this… a leash!?" When Ruby shouted, Weiss narrowed her eyes and pulled. With an undignified squawk, she fell to her hands and knees and looked up at her new owner. Weiss looked severely unamused.

"Bad dog! I said you mustn't speak!" Weiss said, more forceful than last time. It made Ruby flinch and stumble backwards. She tried to speak out again, but an intense glow from Number 102 shuts her up immediately.

"Do you really think you deserve to be here?" Weiss asked ominously. Her prissy voice was mixed with something darker, something ancient, before returning to normal. "You're just a sad little puppy trying to make it big as a Duelist, with none of the skills or the deck, to back it up," she taunts.

Ruby narrows her eyes as Weiss leans down, her sclera turning black. "Don't talk about my mom's deck like that…!"

"Your mom…?"

"Your mother's deck is pathetic," Weiss growls. Ruby's eyes widened. The Number 39 in her left eye shines.

"Shut up!" Ruby shouts, raising her fist to punch Weiss.

"And now you're fighting back? How insolent!" Weiss yells. She tugs on the leash again, making Ruby choke as she lands on her knees. "Sit! Now! Bad dog! Bad dog!"

"I-I'm not a dog…!" Ruby whines. Despite that, she sits on her haunches and looks down in embarrassment. The only response she gets is an ojou-sama styled haughty chortle, with something corrupted just barely audible underneath it.

Slowly, Ruby opens her eyes. Her face is bright red. "What… the he– heck…?" She stammers sleepily. The first thing she realizes is that she's not in her own room anymore. It's much smaller, with only two beds, and a desk at the end. Behind each one, there's a small closet.

"Beacon…" Ruby mutters. She made it. She reached under the desk and pulled out a shelf from underneath. Inside was a standard issue Academia Duel Disk. The core of the Disk was bright yellow. "I made it!"

Sure, she wasn't OBELISK Blue like she wanted to be, but at the very least she's in the most populated Dorm of the school. With Velvet, Yang, and others, she could probably make her way to the top in no time flat.

"But then, who's my…" Ruby turned her head to the other bed and the ruffled blankets. There's a head with a distinct shade of white hair.

"Oh fuuuuuuu…" Ruby breathed in complete and utter shock. She shook her head and looked straight ahead. "No. Absolutely not. Not a chance." Ruby looks straight ahead and tries to ignore the blatant white elephant in the room.

It's the weekend. No classes today, but despite that, Ruby still elects to put on her new uniform. Unlike Yang, Ruby decided to order the coat instead of the sleeveless shirt. The skirt was way too short for her taste.

She leaves it buttoned, and wears her red sweater underneath. Instead of the white pants, she opts for black leggings instead. After folding the collar, Ruby looks into the mirror at the side of the dorm room and smoothes out the wrinkles. "I made it…" She said to no one in particular.

As she admired herself in the mirror, there's a soft knock coming from the door. Ruby turns out and opens it, and smiles at the sight of her sister.

"Yang!"

"Rubes!" The pair hugged each other tightly before pulling away. "Nice outfit. It suits you."

"Thanks! I worked really hard for it!" Ruby says excitedly. "What are you doing here, though? It's really early in the morning."

"Well, I need to take you to the card shop I talked about, remember?" Yang says with a playful wink.

"Wait, really!?" Ruby's eyes sparkle for a moment before she hesitates. "Wait, you said you'd only take me there if I made it to the OBELISK dorm, though."

Yang let out an amused snort. "Man, you actually believed that?" Ruby nodded. "Nah, that was just to encourage you to bring your a-game to the Placement Tests! I was going to take you there no matter what happened, even if you somehow managed to get into OSIRIS!"

"Hey, I'm not that bad at the game!" Ruby squawked. From her voice, Weiss shifted on the mattress slightly and mumbled something under her breath, making both girls freeze.

"Oh. That's the worst thing I've ever seen," Yang quips. She pats Ruby on the shoulder to urge her to come with. "C'mon, let's get out of here before Ms. Bitches-a-lot starts bitching." Normally, Ruby would chide Yang for her coarse language, but she didn't feel like it right now.

"Yeah," Ruby nodded. She gently closed the door, covering the room in darkness once more.

Weiss shivered. The Number 102 glowed warmly.

A short ride from Beacon into Vale later, Yang parks her bike next to the sidewalk. She and Ruby jump off, and the younger girl glances at the small sign next to the building. It read "Kame Game Store", and it had a sea turtle as the logo.

"This is the OTS?" Ruby asked. "Not to be rude, It looks kinda…"

"Rustic?" Yang suggested. "I know! And everything's at a great price, too! C'mon, let's go in!" She placed a hand on Ruby's and led her inside.

She pushed the door open with a soft jingle. The Game Store was a rather small store, with only shelves on the left and right walls filled with booster packs and boxes, and some other board games. In front, there was a small counter with a few select powerful singles. Cards such as 'S:P Little Knight', 'Nibiru, the Primal Being', 'Nadir Servant', 'Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring', and 'Ground Xeno' are all displayed in a custom Kame Game Store card sleeve.

"Ooooo…!" Ruby breathes, her eyes lighting up with excitement from the cards. "Yang, they're shiny!" She says excitedly.

"They are?" Yang leaned down next to see the star-studded foil that the cards had. "Shiny…!"

"If you want it, you could always buy it," A kind voice said from above them. Ruby blinked and looked up at the man now standing behind the counter.

"Hey there," A man with large, spiky black hair with a magenta sheen, and multiple dangling locks of blonde and crooked hair. "Yang, this must be your sister, right?"

"Yep! This is Ruby!" Yang said, hauling Ruby up to her feet. "Ruby, this guy owns the store. His name's Yugi Muto."

"Um, hi…" Ruby said, extending her hand.

"It's nice to meet you, Ruby," Yugi said, shaking it.

Ruby's eye twitched.

"So, have any cards caught your eye?" Yugi asked, taking a step back. Ruby nodded, and she pointed 'Ground Xeno'.

"I, uh, noticed this card mentions Normal Monsters," Ruby commented. "So, I was wondering what deck it belongs to?"

"The archetype's called 'Transcendosaurus', but those cards mainly serve as boss monsters for the Dinosaur Pile," Yugi explained. He took the card in question out so that Ruby could examine it more closely. "This card mainly serves as a combo-starter, since it destroys a card once it searchers."

"Oh, okay…" Ruby read the card more carefully, and she got an idea. "Can I see the Tuner associated with it?"

"Of course! Lemme go check if I have it in the back," Yugi said.

As he walked away, Yang placed a hand on the counter. "You never upgrade Mom's deck," She comments.

"I know, I know," She sighed, raising her arms in defeat. "The artwork looks really cool though. And, I do have Dinosaurs in my deck. They might synergize well."

Yang nodded. Yugi came out from the back of the shop afterwards. "Here's the card you'll mainly be searching for, 'Xeno Meteorus'," Yugi said, placing the card on the counter. "Not only will it Special Summon itself once 'Ground Xeno' destroys one of your cards, it can also destroy one other Dinosaur to Special Summon a level 6 Normal Dinosaur. However, it does lock you into only summoning Dragons, Sea Serpents, Wyrms, and Reptiles from the Extra Deck for the rest of the turn."

"Really?" Ruby murmured. "That's not as bad as I thought it would."

"You play a lot of those monsters?" Yugi asked.

"Not necessarily, but my stronger boss monsters, and one of my extenders, are of those types."

"Ah. I knew I should take these out as well," Yugi said. He placed another set of monsters on the counter: the Extra Deck 'Trancendosaurus' monsters, one for each Extra Deck Type. "'Transcedosaurus Gigantozowler' is actually a retrain of 'Megazowler', one of the first Dinosaurs ever printed. You can even use the original to make it!"

"Oh, wow, that's so cool!" Ruby exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Can you make the other Extra Deck monsters with the originals as well?"

"Yes, actually! You can use 'Frostosaurus' and 'Lancephornychus' for 'Glaciasaurus' and 'Drillygnathus' respectively. Though, 'Exaraptor's' unevolved form hasn't been released yet, as far as I know," Yugi said.

Off to the side, Yang placed a hand over her mouth and looked to the side. "Saurus, saurus, saur… Boy, that word's losing all meaning to me," she mutters.

Ruby and Yugi continue to chat about the 'Trancedosaurus' cards, Yang leans against one of the shelves. She looks down at her boots, her smile dropping for a moment.

Why is she so beat up about losing the match to Pyrrha…?

Yang sighed and shook her head. She's just being petty; salty that she lost a game because of a giant 'fuck-you' monster that she couldn't have predicted. That happens all the time in Duel Monsters.

Yang stiffened and scratched the back of her head. "Huh, did I use the wrong shampoo…?" She asked as an itchy sensation irritated her scalp.

She forgets about it once she hears the cash register ding. "Yang, look!" Ruby says excitedly. She now has two copies of 'Xeno Meteorus', two 'Petiteranodon', one 'Ground Xeno', one 'Glaciasarurus', and one 'Frostosaurus'.

"Are you sure you have space in your Deck for those?" Yang asked, with a raised eyebrow.

"I could always take out some of my extra Normals for them!" Ruby argued with slight huff. Yang shrugged.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," She sighed. "So, you ready to head out?"

"You're not going to buy any cards, Yang?" Yugi asked from the counter.

"Eh, maybe next time." Yugi's smile dropped slightly before nodding.

"If you say so. Either way, thanks for the business!" He says, giving the girls a slight bow of thanks.

"No problem!" Ruby said.

"Anytime, Yugi," Yang says, waving as she and Ruby turn around. "Told you he sells cards at a good price."

"He seems nice, too!" Ruby whispered. Yang ruffled Ruby's hair playfully as they pushed open the door.

Once Ruby took a step outside the store, she felt the ground rumble. "Huh…?" She muttered. Yang paused when Ruby did.

"Something wrong?" She asked. Both Ruby's eye and Yang's scalp began to itch.

"Nothing, I just thought I felt an earthqu–!" She tries to say, however, an explosion cuts her off.

Yang and Ruby looked south, and they saw a large cloud of smoke rising over the buildings. Ruby winced as she felt a burning sensation in her eye.

Yugi runs out of his shop. "What's happened!? What's going on!?" He asks. Yang is about to speak, but before she does, all three Duelists notice something coming out of the smoke.

A gigantic monster. A large marionette made from black metal rises from the smoke, lifting itself up using the nearby buildings as leverage. It has red hair, and a golden circlet around its forehead with the Number 15 in the center.

"That monster…!" Yugi gasped once he saw the Number. "You two, get back to Beacon right now!"

"Right!" Yang quickly wraps her arms around Ruby's waist and yanks her back. She lets out a squawk as Yang leads her back to her motorcycle.

"Urgh–! Yang, wait–!" Ruby says, eventually releasing her way of her older sister's grasp. Ruby stumbled to the ground.

"What are you doing, Ruby!?" Yang says, grabbing her by the shoulders and trying to drag her away. Ruby, somehow, manages to pull herself free once more.

"That monster!" Ruby said, pointing Number 15 in the distance. "That monster, there's something… off about it!" She exclaimed. When Weiss and Pyrrha summoned their Numbers, there was an aura to them, but they didn't feel oppressive. Ruby has only come face to face with a Grimm once before, a long time ago, and right now, Number 15 was letting out that same sense of unease and fear, even from miles away.

"Okay, and? I'm not putting you in danger again! We're going back to Beacon, and that's final!" Yang says loudly, her voice almost rising to a shout.

"No, you don't understand! Nobody's going to be able to beat that thing!" Ruby exclaims urgently, making Yang step back. "That… thing…! It's too strong for anybody to take down. And, even if the Duel Force gets here in time, they won't be able to save anyone if they're too focused on a monster that they can't destroy!"

Yang frowns. She looks into Ruby's shining eyes, and she can't find it in herself to argue against her. Yang bites her lip before letting out an annoyed grunt. Her scalp itches.

"Alright, fine!" Yang says. Ruby is about to cheer, but Yang interrupts her. "But, if anything happens, we're leaving immediately. Got it?"

"Fine," Ruby agrees with a nod. Yang, with a frown, tosses Ruby's helmet at her.

"C'mon then. Let's go," Yang said. She turned back to the game store. "Hey, Yugi, are you…"

But he's already gone.

Roman Torchwick sighs as he watches Number 15 walk towards him. The oversized puppet placed its hand down on the floor and revealed a crate. Cautiously, one of the goons he hired from Junior's bar approached it, cautiously eyeing the giant monster before opening it.

"Well?" Roman asks impatiently adjusting his orange-lensed glasses. One of the goons turned around and nodded.

"Boss! We've got it!" He turns around and presents the crate to Roman. "20000 Liens' worth of Dust of varying elements, just as we were promised!"

"Finally…" Roman sighed. He glanced to his side and glanced at the building Number 15 destroyed with its whip. The entire thing was caved in, aside from the left and right walls and some parts of the ceiling as well.

"Alright boys, we're done here!" Multiple other gangsters, each with their own Duel Disks, and some with more crates of Dust, turned around to face Roman. "Now, let's get out of here before anything else happens," He says with a slight huff, tapping the earpiece. He gets a scratchy, yet playful giggle in response.

The gangsters and the monsters standing by them nodded. One by one, they each made their way to the white van parked on the vacant street. Everybody in this commercial district fled once Number 15 made it's appearance.

"Finally… Now I can go back home and drink a nice, big bottle of booze once I–" He pauses when he hears a huff from his earpiece. "I mean we obviously. We can both enjoy a nice bottle of booze."

His plans would have to wait, however. Once he reaches for the handle on the passenger's side, the entire vehicle crumples, and Roman is knocked back from the force of something landing. Once he collects himself, Roman looks up to see 'Gandora-G the Dragon of Destruction' on his ruined rental.

"You've got to be…! We've got a Duelist from the Force!" Roman yells. He jumps to the side, and his hired guns all command their monsters to attack. In a fit of rage, 'Gandora-G' roars, and the lights from the many glowing orbs all over its body shoots out multiple lasers, uprooting the street in the process. Their monsters are immediately destroyed, and their Duelists were blown backwards as well.

All that's left afterwards is a crater, steaming rock and thick clouds of smoke coming from them. Roman sighs. "So much for them…!" He groans.

Above them, Number 15 raises its whip to attack 'Gandora-G', but it pauses mid-swing. Roman lets out a grunt of confusion, and taps his earpiece. "Hey, what's going on?" He whispers into it. He only gets morse code in response.

"What do you think you're doing with that Dust?" Roman turns back around. In front of him, Yugi Muto now stands on the opposite side of the street, with 'Gandora-G'. Instead of a standard, mass-produced Duel Disk, there's a tablet-like device strapped to his wrist, with his deck slotted inside and black blade with a purple border.

"Eh, a kid…?" Roman mutters. He hears more morse code from his earpiece. He puts on a smile and twirls his cane around his wrist. "It's a bit early for you to be out of school, isn't it?" Roman taunts, poking fun at Yugi's height.

"...I'm twenty-two," Yugi blankly responds. Roman frowns at his response.

"C'mon, kid! What's a little banter between fellow Duelists, eh?" Roman asks with a playful smile.

"This is no time for banter," Yugi says. He raises his Duel Disk over his chest, and 'Gandora-G' growls at the Number looming over them. "Return that crate to its rightful owner and surrender."

"Trying to play the big hero, are ya…" Roman drawled in a bored voice. "Listen kid, there's no chance you can beat me, not with this monster on my side," he says with an eerie smile, pointing up to his Number 15. "So, why don't you skedaddle on home? I'll pretend I didn't see you, and if you do the same, nothing will happen to you. How does that sound?"

"Not a chance," Yugi says defiantly. "Your Number might seem powerful, but just like any card in Duel Monsters, it has its weakness." Roman frowns at Yugi's phrasing.

"Oh, and you think you can find my monster's weakness…?" Roman asks cautiously. To his annoyance Yugi nods. "Fine then… I suppose I'll have to wipe the floor with you first! It's your funeral kid!"

'Gandora-G' and Number 15 both disappear in a flash of light. Yugi shuffles the card into his deck, meanwhile, Roman simply places his cane on the floor and places both hands on the hook. He smiles as Yugi draws his starting hand.

Yugi Muto (4000 LP / 747 AP) VS Roman Torchwick (4000 LP / ? ? ? AP)
DUEL!

"You don't have your own deck," Yugi mentions before either of them makes a move.

"Worry about your own cards, kid," Roman says, adjusting the glasses on his nose. "Listen, since I'm so nice, why don't you start first, eh? You're going to need all the help you can get."

After a moment, Yugi nods. "Fine then. I summon 'Celtic Guard of Noble Arms'!" Yugi starts. He places the card on his Duel Disk and focuses his Aura. A bright purple glow envelops him, and then rushes into the Disk itself. It feeds the device energy, and the card reader projects the monster he just placed on the field.

An elf warrior wearing green armor and dual wielding swords appears on the field, letting out a brief shout as it lands on the ground with a very audible thud.

🌟 Yugi Muto
747 AP ⇒ 726 AP

ℹ️ Celtic Guard of Noble Arms (EARTH)
 LV 4 / 2100 ATK / 21 AP

"Once per turn, 'Celtic Guard' can summon 'Celtic Guard' monster from my hand. Come forth, 'Celtic Guardian'!" Another elf warrior, a younger one with brown sleeves and only one sword appears (21 AP to 16 AP, LV 4 / 1400 ATK).

ℹ️ Celtic Guard of Noble Arms (EARTH)
 21 AP ⇒ 16 AP

ℹ️ Celtic Guardian (EARTH)
LV 4 / 1400 ATK

"Now, by tribute 'Celtic Guardian', I can summon 'Silent Swordsman' from my hand!" Yugi exclaims. The elf warrior disappears, and is replaced by a light green-skinned man wearing blue and carrying a large claymore in his hand (LV 4 / 1000 ATK / 10 AP, 726 AP to 716 AP).

🌟 Yugi Muto
726 AP ⇒ 716 AP

ℹ️ Silent Swordsman (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1000 ATK / 10 AP

"I set one card face-down," Yugi says. Once he reached the end of his turn, he used more of his Aura to maintain the physical forms of his monsters

🌟 Yugi Muto
716 AP ⇒ 708 AP

"That ends my turn. It's your move."

"Really, that's all you can muster?" Roman taunts. "You've practically used your entire hand, and for what? Two monsters and a set? I've seen better in GOAT Format!"

"If you think my field is weak, I'd like to see you try and beat it," Yugi said calmly, not rising to meet Roman's retorts in the slightest.

"Argh, fine… I draw!" He shouts, but he doesn't even make the motion with his hands.

"During each of our Standby Phases, 'Silent Swordsman' gains 500 ATK!" Yugi quickly interrupts. The monster in question glows, and Roman initially frowns at the sight of it (10 AP to 5 AP / 1000 ATK to 1500 ATK).

ℹ️ Silent Swordsman (LIGHT)
10 AP ⇒ 5 AP
1000 ATK ⇒ 1500 ATK

"Thanks for making my job easier, punk…" Roman whispers under his breath before continuing his turn. "Once per turn, I can summon 'Gimmick Puppet Babyface' from my hand if I control no monsters!" Despite his lack of a Duel Disk, Roman smirks as a toy doll the size of a small child appears in front of him, wearing a pink frilly dress.

ℹ️ Gimmick Puppet Babyface (DARK)
LV 4 / 0 ATK

"Next, 'Gimmick Puppet Humpty Dumpty' will take the stage!" Another wooden doll, this time a suit-wearing man with a big red head and a small hat appears next to the one in the dress (LV 4 / 0 ATK).

ℹ️ Gimmick Puppet Humpty Dumpty (DARK)
LV 4 / 0 ATK

"Well, that looks nothing like an egg…" Yugi quips.

"When 'Humpty Dumpty' is summoned, it can also bring along a friend to join him. So, I summon 'Gimmick Puppet Gear Changer' from my hand!" The oddest monster so far, 'Gear Changer' was nothing but a pair of blue legs and a large rotary lock with a large lever coming out of it.

ℹ️ Gimmick Puppet Gear Changer (EARTH)
LV 1 / 0 ATK

"Now, I will Overlay my Level 4 'Gimmick Puppets' together!" Roman says. Yugi squints, and notices that Roman doesn't even seem to be using his own Aura to create the Overlay Network. In fact, he doubts Roman has used his Aura at all. "I summon Rank 4, 'Gimmick Puppet Shattered Illusionist'!"

This new monster, unlike the others, was made of paper. It was a Mistrali-styled shadow puppet depicting a maiden sitting on the floor with a parasol over her head. The shadow extended, and with glowing red eyes, it took the form of a massive, clawed figure on the wall.

ℹ️ Gimmick Puppet Shattered Illusionist (DARK)
RK 4 / 2000 ATK / 2 OU

"When my dear 'Illusionist' is summoned, I can add a 'Puppet' Spell or Trap card from my deck or Graveyard to my hand," Roman explained. "I'll choose my 'Puppet Glass Figure'," He says. "I think I'll activate it right now!"

Yugi lets out a gasp as shattered glass begins to appear around him. "You see, for this spell to work, I have to send a 'Gimmick Puppet' monster from my deck to my hand to activate it. When I do, I can summon a 'Gimmick Puppet Glass Token' to your field. Aren't I so helpful?" Roman asks as a small glass figure of a man sitting in a chair appears between 'Celtic Guard' and 'Silent Swordsman'.

ℹ️ Gimmick Puppet Glass Token (DARK)
LV 1 / 1000 ATK

"Concerningly so," Yugi comments.

"Well, you'd be right. The card I sent was 'Rouge Doll', which returns itself to my hand when it's sent to the graveyard," Roman says. "Next, 'Rouge Doll's' effect activates. I can show you a 'Gimmick Puppet' Monster in my Extra Deck, and then, I can summon both this card, and a card whose Level is equal to that monster's rank from my deck. Now, take a gander at my 'Gigantes Doll', and come forth, 'Rouge Doll' and 'Terror Baby'!"

The outline of a conglomeration of multiple puppet bodies appeared over Roman, and when it disappeared, a doll in blood red dress came out of a mirror.

ℹ️ Gimmick Puppet Rouge Doll (DARK)
LV 8 / 400 ATK

Next to it, a dark blue baby in a monstrous stroller with arms instead of wheels walked onto the field and placed itself beside 'Rouge Doll'

ℹ️ Gimmick Puppet Terror Baby (DARK)
LV 4 / 500 ATK

"And now, we're approaching the finale!" Roman chortled. "'Gear Changer' activates its effect to match the Level of 'Rouge Doll'! Gear up, 'Gear Changer'!" The monster raises its head and pulls on the lever on the lock, causing it to shift and creak (LV 1 to LV 8).

ℹ️ Gimmick Puppet Gear Changer (EARTH)
LV 1 ⇒ LV 8

"Now… I overlay my Level 8 'Rouge Doll' and 'Gear Changer'!"

"This is it…!" Yugi takes a step back, as do his monsters when the galactic Overlay Network appears before them.

"Ruby?" Yang asks when her sister taps her shoulder.

"I can feel something… coming from over there," Ruby says. Instead of pointing to the cloud of smoke, where the bright light is coming from, she points to a construction site on the other side of the street.

"You've gotta be…!" Despite that, Yang pushes her body and her bike towards their new destination.

Yugi does not flinch as a massive pile of black limbs, pulsating a beating like a heart, appears in front of him. Slowly, they begin to untangle themselves. Roman shivers as the monster is summoned.

"Appear before us, Number 15!" He begins to chant, perfectly, his voice moving in time with the sudden twitches of the limbs. "The messenger of Hell, the puppet who controls the strings of fate!" Gears and strings snap into place, forming into a large black marionette sitting on a throne, with arms connected to strings.

"Bear witness to… Gimmick Puppet - Giant Killer!" Its emotionless face lets out a loud, low groan as it looms over Yugi and his monsters.

[ Number 15: Gimmick Puppet - Giant Killer ]
[Machine / Xyz / Effect]
[1500 ATK / 2500 DEF / 2 OU]

ℹ️ Number 15: Gimmick Puppet - Giant Killer (DARK)
AKA "Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder"
DARK & DIVINE

"And now… it's time to end this!" Roman shouted, his smile growing wide. "I activate Giant Killer's effect! I activate it by detaching an Overlay Unit, and targeting my 'Shattered Illusionist'!" A loud hiss came from Giant Killer's chest, and it split open, revealing a wide array of sharp buzzsaws and gears hidden inside.

ℹ️ Number 15: Gimmick Puppet - Giant Killer (DARK)
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

"Now, Giant Killer will destroy 'Illusionist', every monster you control, and then you'll take damage equal to combined ATK of those destroyed monsters!"

"That's over 4000 damage…!" Yugi breathed. Roman only smirked and raised his finger to his Giant.

"That's right! Now, watch as Number 15 makes your monsters, and your Life Points, disappear!" The Overlay Unit flew into Giant Killer's circlet, spurring the monstrous puppet to action. It raised it's hand and outstretched its fingers too–

"I activate 'Clear Kuriboh's effect!" Yugi said. Roman let out a choked sound as his monsters was suddenly encapsulated by a 'Kuriboh'-shaped bubble. "It can negate your Number's effect since it would deal damage to me!"

🌟 Yugi Muto
708 AP ⇒ 703 AP

"Oh, you little…!" Roman growled. Strings shot out from Giant Killer's fingers, but because of the bubble, they hit that and pooled on the ground uselessly. Roman adjusted his glasses, and his lips curled into a strained smile.

"Well, that's a neat trick, I suppose…" He began, voice laced with annoyance. "But you're not the only one with a few nasty surprises! Namely, I can activate Giant Killer's effect again!" Giant Killer's remaining Overlay Unit flies above its head and pops.

ℹ️ Number 15: Gimmick Puppet - Giant Killer (DARK)
1 OU ⇒ 0 OU
DARK & DIVINE ⇒ DARK

"You may, but it won't resolve! I activate 'Fiendish Chain'!" Yugi interrupts again. As the chest begins to open, multiple black and purple chains fly out from under the monster and wrap around its body, ensnaring its arms and forcing its chest shut.

"'Fiendish Chain' not only prevents your monster from attacking, but it also negates it's effects!" Yugi explained. "But that's not all! Your Number no longer has its Overlay Units, meaning on my next turn, I can destroy it!"

"No, what…!" Roman gasped. "That's…! Why didn't you use 'Fiendish Chain' to start with!?"

"Isn't it obvious? I wanted you to use all of your Number's Overlay Units, leaving it vulnerable to me and my cards!" Roman seethed at Yugi's confidence, at his strategy.

"Oh, you little…! Getting rid of my monster will be a lot trickier than you think! 'Illusionist's' effect activates! I detach a Unit to Special Summon 'Gear Changer' to your field!" The shadowy body extended to Yugi's body, and the oddly shaped monster appeared next to the glass figure.

ℹ️ Gimmick Puppet Shattered Illusionist (DARK)
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

ℹ️ Gimmick Puppet Gear Changer (EARTH)
LV 1 / 0 ATK

"Now, 'Illusionist' attacks 'Gear Changer'!" The shadow puppet's shadow became darker, and black shards of glass shot out from it that tore the monster to shreds. The explosion's shockwaves caused Yugi to skid backwards; he hissed in pain as a wave of heat pulsed through him. His Aura shined brightly to protect him, tanking the brunt of the monster's blow to save Yugi the energy to play.

🥊/🌟 Yugi Muto
4000 LP ⇒ 2000 LP
703 AP ⇒ 352 AP

"Now, since your monster was destroyed, 'Babyface's' effect activates! 'Gear Changer' returns to your field, and then, 'Babyface' will attach itself to 'Giant Killer' as an Overlay Unit!" A dark portal appeared in front of them, and as 'Gear Changer' returned to Yugi's field, 'Babyface' flew to 'Giant Killer' and began to orbit around it. The giant monster began to shake as its divinity returned to it (0 OU to 1 OU / DIVINE & DARK).

ℹ️ Number 15: Gimmick Puppet - Giant Killer (DARK)
0 OU ⇒ 1 OU
DARK ⇒ DARK & DIVINE

"That's the end of my turn…!" Roman shouted in annoyance. "'Illusionist's' effect destroys 'Gear Changer'." The monster explodes, its parts scattering all over the field. Yugi nods and grabs the top card of his deck.

"Very well… I draw!" Yugi exclaimed. "Now, 'Silent Swordsman' becomes even stronger!" Yugi's monster yells and drives its sword into the ground (1500 ATK to 2000 ATK / 5 AP to 0 AP).

ℹ️ Silent Swordsman (LIGHT)
5 AP ⇒ 0 AP
1500 ATK ⇒ 2000 ATK

"I set one card! Now, since my hand is empty, 'Celtic Guard of Noble Arms' can attack 'Terror Baby'!" The elf swordsman slides its swords against each other, causing sparks to fly, before it lunges at the monster and cuts through the stroller. Roman hisses as his Aura sparks to protect him.

🥊Roman Torchwick
4000 LP ⇒ 1900 LP

"When 'Celtic Guard' deals damage, I can draw a card for every 'Celtic Guard' monster I control!" When he glances at the card, it's as though a flip switches in his mind. "'Silent Swordsman' attacks 'Shattered Illusionist'!"

Wordlessly, the monster lunges at the shadow puppet. In retaliation, Roman's monster shoots out glass shards from its body, which 'Silent Swordsman' deflects with ease. One, whoever, manages to hit it in the shoulder. Despite that, 'Yugi's' monster still finds the strength to slash at the opposing puppet, causing both to explode.

"When 'Silent Swordsman' is destroyed, I can summon any 'Silent Swordsman' monster from my deck, ignoring its summoning conditions! Come to me, 'Silent Swordsman Zero'!" A smaller, younger, almost chibi-like version of the monster that was just destroyed appears on the field, though the sword now had a golden edge to it.

🌟 Yugi Muto
352 AP ⇒ 347 AP

ℹ️ Silent Swordsman Zero (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1000 ATK

"Really? You went and destroyed your own monster, even though it gets stronger every turn?" Roman scoffed. "Wait a waste! You're a joke of a Duelist."

"That would be you, actually," Yugi snapped back, making Roman flinch. "Or, more accurately, you and whoever is Dueling for you. I hear no voice coming from you, or your cards. You're just lashing out; there's no nuance to your Duel, to your words, only anger and rage."

"'Voice…' Oh, don't tell me the Academies have brainwashed you with that crap about 'voice' and 'willpower'... it's all pointless dribble!" Roman groaned in annoyance. He slapped his hand over his face before continuing. "Cards can't speak, and nobody can speak for me! I can see the writing on the wall, kid."

Roman looked up at the Number, watching it struggle against the chains that held its power in check. "Tides are shifting. Soon, a whole new status quo will shift the landscape of the world… and I intend to be at the top of it!"

"Is that what you think?" Yugi asked, before tapping a button to enter his Main Phase 2. "In that case, show me how much you believe in those hollow words! I activate the Continuous Spell, 'Shining Sarcophagus'!"

"'Shining'… what?" Roman gasped, taking a step back. Behind Yugi, a large and ornate box appears behind him, shimmering, shining as the lid opens just a crack to cause light to fly out of it.

🌟 Yugi Muto
347 AP ⇒ 342 AP

"Once per turn, 'Shining Sarcophagus' lets me add a card that specifically names it to my hand!" Yugi says. The lid opens further, and reveals a glowing demon made of bones and purple flesh.

🌟 Yugi Muto
342 AP ⇒ 337 AP

"I choose 'Archfiend's Advent'! Then, since I control 'Sarcophagus', I can summon 'Archfiend' without tributing!" Bolts of lightning strike the ground, each one blinding Roman until they stop, revealing a monster made of gold bone and with large dark blue wings.

🌟 Yugi Muto
337 AP ⇒ 312 AP

ℹ️ Archfiend's Advent (DARK)
LV 6 / 2500 ATK / 25 AP

"When it's summoned, 'Archfiend's Advent' can take control of one of your monsters!" Yugi's monster opened its mouth and howled. Roman scowled as the force shook Giant Killer, causing its massive throne to slide over to Yugi's field (25 AP to 20 AP)

ℹ️ Archfiend's Advent (DARK)
25 AP ⇒ 20 AP

"Bah, your funeral kid…" Roman scowled. He's seen what happens to people possessed by the Numbers, without something to contain its dark powers.

However, nothing happened to Yugi. Roman blinked in surprise, and even lowered his glasses. Yugi raised one hand, and for a moment, the Number 15 shone on the back of it. However, after hearing the low growl of a dragon, it disappeared from his hand.

"I activate my set 'Heavy Storm'! This card destroys all Spell or Trap on the field, and so it releases your Number from the chains it's bound to!" Roman cursed as a whirlwind enveloped his own monster.

🌟 Yugi Muto
312 AP ⇒ 307 AP

The chain started to rust, and from that point of weakness, Giant Killer suddenly burst to life, flexing its arms and destroying them completely.

"Is there something wrong?" Yugi comments as Roman takes a step back, in fear of his own card. "Based on your wording, you seem to believe that you were going to end up at the top this 'new status quo' you proposed. Where's that confidence now?"

"You're so annoying…!" Roman hissed in annoyance. "Who says I'm not as confident as before!? So, you may be immune to the Numbers' corruption, but that doesn't mean squat if you can't use its effect."

"Really? Then let's test that theory. I activate Gimmick Puppet - Giant Killer's effect!" The Overlay Unit flew over the monster's forehead and popped, causing the chest to hiss open.

ℹ️ Number 15: Gimmick Puppet - Giant Killer (DARK)
1 OU ⇒ 0 OU
DARK & DIVINE ⇒ DARK

"I target my 'Celtic Guard of Noble Arms'! That monster alone will deal you enough damage to end this duel."

"Nice try! But it won't work, because I discard 'Effect Veiler' to negate its effect!" Roman shouted. But nothing happened. Yugi placed a hand on his hip and smirked.

"I said… I discard 'Effect Veiler' to negate it's effect!" Roman hissed, pressing his finger against the earpiece. Instead of morse code however, he received nothing but static.

"It seems your confidence just left," Yugi smirks. "Now, Giant Killer! 'Celtic Guard'!" The elf warrior nodded and jumped into the air. The chest of the Number opened completely, revealing a chest filled with buzzsaws and gears. 'Celtic Guard' transformed into energy and flew inside the chest cavity, and from it, a large cannon sprouted and took aim at Roman.

"Oh shit…" Roman muttered.

"I'm telling you, I sensed something up here!" Ruby argued as she and Yang walked over the caution tape and entered the construction site.

"You 'sensed' something, what does that even mean?" Yang hissed quietly. Despite her concerns, she followed Ruby deeper into the unfinished facility, their boots squeaking against the floor with each step they took.

"It means… I don't think that monster is actually there on the field, or– no, that doesn't make sense…!" As Ruby stumbled over her own words, Yang couldn't help but groan and slap her own face at Ruby's lack of an explanation.

"What, so you think somebody connected their Aura to a projector far away from them?" Yang asked, and Ruby turned around and nodded.

"Yes, that's exactly what I meant!" Ruby said. "And I think that someone is right here."

"Ruby, that's not how Aura works…" Yang groaned. Granted, it's not like Ruby would know; as a second year, they barely got into the basics of learning how to infuse their Aura into their Duel Disks.

"But it's what I felt…! And that feeling is getting stronger!" Ruby said. She grabbed Yang's wrist and pulled her sister with her. "C'mon, it's close by!"

"What is…!?" Yang whispered again as they ran up a set of stairs. On the opposite side of the room they entered, on a window overlooking the Duel between Yugi and Roman. In front of the window was a small woman with pink and brown hair, wearing a coat and leotard and white pants. She had an illegally modified Duel Disk, and in the center Monster Zone was Number 15: Gimmick Puppet - Giant Killer.

"See, I told you!" Ruby shouted loudly, getting the attention of the small woman. Immediately, she snarls silently and tosses a throwing knife at Ruby's head.

"RUBY!" Yang pushed her out of the way, making the knife dig into her shoulder instead of through Ruby's skull. Her Aura flickered, keeping the knife from burying itself completely.

Ruby gasped as she and Yang fell to the floor. Yang quickly pushed herself up, her lilac eyes red with rage. "Oh, you BITCH!" She shouts, and pulls the knife out of her shoulder and throws it right back.

She misses, and the knife clatters uselessly almost five feet away from the small pink woman. She giggles behind her hand before slapping two cards onto her Duel Disk.

Two human-sized monsters appeared in front of Yang; both of them were black, puppet-like robots with a wide, twisted grins and right hands which had been replaced by a wickedly sharp scythe. Ruby let out a quiet 'eep!' as the two 'Gimmick Puppet Twilight Jokers' lunged at the pair.

One raised its arms and swung downwards, nearly cleaving Yang in half. The other moved behind her and slammed its non-scythe into her side and knocked her onto the ground. Before it could deal the killing blow, Ruby tackled the 'Puppet' into the ground, startling the other one.

It tried to help its brethren, but after hearing a loud shout, Yang's fist punched through the wooden puppet, which made it shatter. Once Ruby got off the second 'Twilight Joker', Yang kicked its skull in.

"Hey, don't do that again," Yang chided her sister, to which Ruby pouted.

"That thing was going to gut you! If I didn't do anything, you would've died!"

"I had everything taken care of!" Yang hissed, her eyes glowing slightly red. "I don't need anyone to protect me–!"

Before she could finish, they both heard the sound of an Overlay Network exploding behind them. The sister whirled around to see 'Gimmick Puppet Gigantes Doll' and two 'Gimmick Puppet Eggheads' staring down at them.

The pink woman smiled, and gave the girls a thumbs down. The two 'Eggheads'' mouths split open, and 'Gigantes Doll' raised its own scythe arm.

Ruby pushed herself in front of Yang, making the older girl shout. She raised her arms to protect her older sister.

A moment before the opposing Duelist snapped her fingers, a red blast of light followed by an earthquake got her attention. She turned back to her screen on the Duel Disk, and her face became pale.

Roman.

"Go, Giant Killer! Destruction Cannon!"

Red energy begins to pool in front of the cannon, forming into a large energy ball. Roman only has a moment to cross his arms over his chest before it shoots out. A red laser crashes into Roman 's chest, and he gasps in pain at the power of Neo's own Number.

🔥Roman Torchwick
1900 LP - 2100 DMG = 0 LP

His groan turns into a shout as his Aura finally gives in, shattering under the weight of Giant Killer's effect. He's launched backwards and crashes into a wall with enough force to cave it in, burying half his body in rubble and shattering his glasses.

GAME!

The monsters disappear from the field shortly thereafter, Yugi's fading away while Number 15 flickers and disappears suddenly. Yugi deactivated his Duel Disk and moved closer to apprehend him, but paused when he noticed a spark from underneath his clothing. He removed Roman's white coat, and found a mechanical vest underneath with multiple projectors on it.

"This must be how he summoned those monsters without a Disk," Yugi muttered. He undid the latches and pulled it off. "I can't have you running around with this, can I?" The metal sparked as he pried it off Roman's unconscious body. "I've already contacted the authorities, so they should be coming…!"

Yugi flinched when he heard glass shattering from above him. He looked up to see a pink and white woman falling rapidly towards him. Yugi activates his Duel Disk, and the blades clash, creating beams of light that fly off from the force of the impact. The smaller woman raises her legs and kicks Yugi in the side, making him stumble backwards.

The woman raises the card 'Violet Flash' and inserts it into her Disk. A bright violet flash fills his vision, and once it returns, Roman and the woman had disappeared.

"Oh great…" Yugi mumbled. "I just know Glynda's going to give me an earful for this one… Still, it looks like they didn't get away with the Dust."

As walked over to the crates to make sure they weren't damaged from the Duel, another thought crossed Yugi's mind. "He wanted to activate 'Effect Veiler'... she must've had it in her hands, so why didn't she play it?"

Looking over the edge of the window the small woman shattered, Ruby let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness! Yugi won!"

"Damn, I knew he was good, but good enough to avoid getting OTK'd twice?" Yang let out a low and somewhat shaky whistle. "I think he might even give Pyrrha a run for her money."

"Yeah. no kidding…" Ruby said with a nod. "In any case, let's get out of here."

"Right." Yang turned around and followed Ruby out of the room. As she did, she felt unsteady. Her legs were wobbly, hands twitchy. A-am I… shaking? Why? They got out of there okay… but…

Distracted, she bumped into something soft. Yang looked up and saw the frowning face of Glynda Goodwitch staring down at the two sisters.

"Her idea, not mine," Yang said instantly, pointing to Ruby, who let out a squawk of surprise.

THE RULES OF AN ACTION DUEL
These rules apply to all cards, except "Number" Xyz Monsters, DIVINE monsters, and cards empowered by the Numeron Code.

1) AP stands for Aura Points. Summoning monsters, activating cards and their effects, and taking damage deducts AP. (AP does not actually exist as an in-universe game mechanic, it's just a way for me as a writer and to allow you the reader to quickly understand how much Aura a Duelist has left. No cards interact with AP, and AP will never be mentioned by anyone). When a person's AP reaches 0, they lose the Duel. When LP is reduced to 0, AP is automatically reduced to 0. Unlike LP, AP cannot be restored. AP will never go over 1000.

2) When a monster is Normal Summoned, or Special Summons itself without starting a Chain, the user must deduct AP equal to that monster's Original ATK/100. EX: Celtic Guard of Noble Arms has 2100 ATK. Summoning it costs 21 AP.

3) To Special Summon a monster from the Extra Deck properly (except Fusion), the user must pay AP equal to the combined Levels/Ranks/Link Ratings of the Monsters used as Material, in addition to AP equal to the monster's Original ATK/100. EX: If Spright Elf (LINK-2) and Spright Blue (LV 2) are used to Xyz Summon Gigantic Spright (1600 ATK normally, but 3200 ATK in this case since a LINK-2 was used as Material), it will cost 36 AP to do so.

4) Activating a Ritual or Fusion Spell, or effects that would Ritual or Fusion summon, costs 5 AP to activate, and then deducts 5 more AP for each monster tributed or used material. EX: It costs 5 AP to activate Mikanko Kagura. Ha-Re the Sword Mikanko and Hu-Li the Jewel Mikanko are tributed to summon Ohime the Manifested Mikanko, which costs an additional 10 AP.

5) After a monster is summoned, the AP used to summon it is transferred to that Monster.

6) Activating a card's effects costs 5 AP, regardless of what it does. When a monster would activate its effect (that starts a Chain), it will instead use the AP granted to it by the summoner to do so. However, once that monster no longer has AP, it will instead use the activator's AP. EX1: Celtic Guard of Noble Arms was summoned with 21 AP. It activates its effect to summon Celtic Guardian, so it will have 16 remaining. If Celtic Guard of Noble Arms uses its effect while it has 1 AP, it will drain 4 AP from the activator to do so. EX2: Link Spider was summoned, using Clavykis the Magikey Skyblaster as Material, with 14 AP. If Link Spider uses it's effect, it will have 9 AP remaining. EX3: Magikey Beast - Anysalabolas was summoned by activating Magikey Maftea, and using Calvykis and Magnificent Magikey Mafteal as Fusion Material, so it's summoned with 15 AP. If it uses its effect to add Maftea back to the hand, it will have 10 AP remaining

7) At the end of the turn, before priority is passed to the opponent, the turn Player must deduct AP equal to the combined Levels/Ranks/Link Ratings of all monsters they control, and an additional 5 AP for each Field Spell/Continuous Spell/Trap they control. EX: A duelist has Link Spider (LINK-1), Full Armored Black Knight Lancer (Rank 7), Ruddy Rose Dragon (Level 10), Shining Sarcophagus, and Mausoleum of White, so they must pay 28 AP during the end of their turn.

8) Players that lose LP will have their AP be reduced by an equivalent amount. EX: A duelist has their LP reduced from 4000 to 2000. 2000 is half of 4000, so the Duelist will lose 50% of their AP (to avoid decimals, all values are rounded up).

[ Number 15: Gimmick Puppet - Giant Killer ]
[DARK / Rank 8]
[Machine / Xyz / Effect]
[1500 ATK / 2500 DEF]

(This card's name is also always treated as "Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder".)
2 Level 8 Monsters
[Number's Divinity]
Up to twice per turn, during the Main Phase (Quick Effect): you can detach one material from this card, then target 1 monster on either player's field; destroy that target and as many monsters your opponent controls as possible, then, inflict damage to your opponent equal to the combined ATK of all monsters destroyed by this effect. Monsters destroyed by this effect, and Xyz Materials attached to an Xyz Monster(s), do not activate their effects.

[ Gimmick Puppet Babyface ]
[DARK / Level 4]
[Machine / Effect]
[0 ATK / 0 DEF]

If you control no monsters, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). You can only Special Summon "Gimmick Puppet Babyface" once per turn this way. If a monster your opponent controls is destroyed: target that destroyed monster in the GY or Banishment; Special Summon that card to your opponent's field with its effects negated, and if you do, attach this card to a "Gimmick Puppet" Xyz Monster you control as Material (from your GY). You can only activate this effect of "Gimmick Puppet Babyface" once per turn.

[ Gimmick Puppet Shattered Illusionist ]
[DARK / Rank 4]
[Machine / Xyz / Effect]
[2000 ATK / 0 DEF]

2 Level 4 Machine Monsters, including a "Gimmick Puppet" Monster
If this card is Xyz Summoned: you can add 1 "Puppet" Spell/Trap from your deck or GY to your hand. You can detach one Xyz Material from this card to target 1 monster in either player's GY; Special Summon it to your opponent's field with its effects negated. Cards with the same name as the summoned monster are destroyed during the End Phase. You can banish this card from your GY, then target one monster you control; return it to the hand. You can only activate each effect of "Gimmick Puppet Shattered Illusionist" once per turn.

[ Puppet Glass Figure ]
Normal Spell

If you control an Xyz Monster: send 1 "Gimmick Puppet" card from your deck to the GY; Special Summon 1 "Gimmick Puppet Glass Token" (DARK / LV 1 / Illusion / 1000 ATK / 0 DEF) to your opponent's field in Attack Position with the following effects:
(Neither player's monsters are destroyed in battles involving this card.)
(This monster cannot be used as Fusion, Synchro, or Link material, also, it cannot be tributed.)

[ Violet Flash ]
Normal Spell

Apply these effects until the end of the turn. You can only activate "Violet Flash" once per turn.
(Your opponent cannot activate Spell/Traps in response to the activation of effects that would Fusion Summon a monster(s).)
(Once per turn, if you Fusion Summon a monster: you can draw 1 card.)

Chapter Text

Ruby had her face flat on the cold metal table. Yang sat beside her, arms crossed under her chest and impatiently tapping her arm.

The interrogation room was empty. They didn't even have their decks with them; they were confiscated by Glynda before either of them realized it. And the next thing they knew, they were in a police cruiser and on their way to the closest station.

Yang exhaled loudly as she tapped her arm a bit more forcefully. "That pink woman…" She mutters under her breath. "Number 80… Number 15…"

She scratched the back of her head in annoyance. She glanced at Ruby. "She said the princess had 102…"

Just how many of those things are there? Where can she get her hands on one? Why does her scalp itch?

Her thoughts vanish as the door unlocks. At first, she thought it would be their father, Taiyang, coming inside to scold them before leaning for a hug–

So she chokes on her breath when Seto Kaiba walks in, glaring at the two.

Ruby lets out a squeak as Kaiba's intense gaze lands on her.

"Isn't this familiar…" He comments with a subtle smirk on his face. Ruby doesn't say anything in response, instead, she places her hands on her laps and looks down at them. "And here I thought you would stay out of trouble after yesterday."

"S-sorry…" Was all Ruby had to say. Yang had half a mind to push Ruby behind her and glare at Kaiba, but for all she knew that would get them into further trouble.

"Where's Headmaster Ozpin…?" Yang asked instead.

"Outside, with your father and Yugi," Kaiba answered coolly. He pulled out the chair on the other side of them and sat down, crossing one leg and folding his hands on his lap.

"Yang Xiao Long." She stiffens as Kaiba slowly pronounces her name. "Your motorcycle license will be confiscated. Give it to me."

Yang's head snaps to him as she gasps. "What!?"

"I know you heard me. Give it." Kaiba repeated more forcefully.

"Mr. Kaiba, she's not the one at fault," Ruby says, rising up from her seat. "I'm the one who told Yang to drive to that building. I'm the one who convinced her to trespass into that building."

Kaiba raises an eyebrow. "Oh? Is that so?" He asked, glancing at Yang.

"Yes, it is," Ruby says with a nod, drawing his eyes away from Yang.

"So, I assume it was you who drove you and sister directly into the line of fire?" Kaiba asked, making both girls. "I assume your motorcycle was used to trespass into an unstable construction site? I assume it was you who decided to go against the direct orders of an Agent of the Duel Force?"

That last statement made both girls gasp. "Y-yugi's part of the Duel Force…?" Yang croaked

"Because I'm nice, I won't add that one to your record. You didn't know, after all." Kaiba says with a smirk, enjoying the shocked expressions on the girls' faces. "However, the fact remains that you, Ruby, are not responsible for what happened today. They blame lies solely on you," Kaiba proclaims, pointing dramatically at Yang.

Yang snarls, her eyes flickering red. She stands up and slams her hand on the table. "Listen here you–!"

"I'm an older brother myself. Everything I do is to ensure his safety," Kaiba reveals, making Yang falter. "If there was even a sliver of chance that Mokuba would be hurt, I would ignore all his protest and prioritize his safety first."

Yang hissed through her teeth. "That wound on your shoulder stings, doesn't it?" Kaiba asks with a cocky smile, and her eyes widened.

That knife almost hit Ruby in the head. Ruby almost got killed because of her.  Again.

With a shout of rage, Yang smashed her fist into a metal table, causing it to creak and bend. Ruby yelps as and scuttles backwards, while Kaiba remains as stoic as ever.

"Fuck you," She growls.

"I'd rather not," Kaiba quips. "And now, I'll have to add destruction of police property to your list of crimes. I certainly can't have students like that in my esteemed academy."

"Wait, Kaiba, please don't expel her!" Ruby says, sitting up from her seat. Her heart was beating against her ribcage. "Even if she was the one driving, I still convinced her to do so! If I didn't none of this would have happened!"

"That is true, isn't it?" Kaiba comments. "Had it not been for your interference, Yugi would not have won that Duel so quickly." Ruby's face brightens slightly.

"I'm not one to do so, but today, I believe we can come to a compromise," Kaiba says. He taps the custom Duel Disk on his arm, and his deck is ejected. He grabs thirty cards, and then throws them onto the floor, scattering them across the pieces of the broken table.

"You two will play a Penalty Game," Kaiba says, making both girls wince. "The rules are simple; you will take turns grabbing cards from the floor, and you will take note of their ATK. You must reach the value equal to that of the combined value of all Number cards you have witnessed, divided by 100."

Kaibe gets up from his seat and grabs one random card. "'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' has 3000 ATK. So, it has a value of 30," he explains quickly.

Ruby nods. "102, 80, and 15… that's 197…" She whispers under her breath.

"And if we refuse?" Yang asks hotly.

"Then Ruby will be expelled, you will be arrested," Kaiba said robotically, making both girls wince. "I suppose I don't need to explain that losing results in the same fate."

"And what happens if we go over that value?" Ruby asked, breathing a little faster than normal. "Will we lose?"

"Yes. Also, if my cards are creased, you will both be arrested," Kaiba says. Ruby flinches physically as if she's been struck.

"...Fine," She eventually says, narrowing her eyes at Kaiba. "We'll play this Penalty Game, and we'll win…!"

Kaiba smirks. "Very well."

Ruby nods, and then turns back to Yang. She looks agitated, angry at both Kaiba and herself. Ruby reaches out to place a hand on her shoulder. Yang's eyes flit towards Ruby, and then she closes her eyes and exhales.

"Right… let's do this!" Yang says, with a thumbs and a shaky smile.

"Yes!" Ruby and Yang sit down on the floor.

Ruby Rose & Yang Xiao Long VS Seto Kaiba
GAME START!

"I'll go first," Yang announces. Unlike Ruby, she's not much for strategy, so by drawing first, she hopes Ruby can adjust her draws to get closer to 197. With a shaky breath, she reaches out and flips a card over. "I've drawn 'Neo Kaiser Sea Horse'," She says, placing the card aside. "Its value is 18."

Total: 18
Remaining Cards: 29

"That means I'm next…" Ruby says. Cautiously, she reaches out and picks another random card. "'Maiden of White'..."

"That card has no ATK," Kaiba says with a smirk.

Total: 18
Remaining Cards: 28

"Well… that smarts." Yang's eyes scan the cards before grabbing one. "This is a Spell Card, 'Bingo Machine, Go!'..."

"What happens now that we've drawn a Spell?" Ruby asked.

"Then, you can use its effect," Kaiba says. He taps his Duel Disk again, and this time his Deck List appears in front of them. "'Bingo Machine, Go!' is a Spell Card that lets you reveal three 'Blue-Eyes' monsters, as well as Spell/Traps that specifically lists 'Blue-Eyes' in its text. One is then randomly added to your hand."

"In this case, I assume we can simply name three matching cards from this deck list, and it will randomly add one to our current value?"

"That would be correct as well. Here are the possible cards you can add," Kaiba says, tapping his Duel Disk again.

"Well, obviously, we gotta go for 'Chaos MAX Dragon'," Yang says. Ruby nods, and taps the corresponding button.

"Just to be safe, we should add the other two 'Blue-Eyes'." Once Ruby makes her selection, she taps the confirm button and waits. One card off to the side begins to glow, and when grabs it, she lets out a sigh of relief once she sighs a dark blue border.

Total: 58
Remaining Cards: 26

Yang grabs at random once more. "Oh, crap…!" She groans. 'Sage with Eyes of Blue' greets her eyes, a monster with no ATK.

Total: 58
Remaining Cards: 25

"It's my turn, then…" Ruby says nervously. As her eyes can the floor, she remembers that Kaiba and she both drew 'Blue-Eyes' monsters from the top left corner. She and Yang both drew lower leveled monsters near the middle. "I choose this one!"

She grabs a card that was next to the space 'MAX Dragon' was, and she was rewarded with 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon'. "Yes!"

Total: 88
Remaining Cards: 24

"Yang, grab a card from there!" Ruby says excitedly, pointing to the top left corner.

"You got it!" Yang said, her own confidence rising with Ruby's. She reaches out and grabs…

"'Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon'!" Yang says as she flips over the card.

Total: 133
Remaining Cards: 23

"We got this in the bag! We just need to get more high ATK monsters, and we'll be out of here in no time!" Yang says excitedly.

"Are you so sure about that?" Both girls look up at Kaiba, with a smirk on his face. "You may have reached a high value quicker than I expected, but that also comes as a detriment to you, doesn't it?"

"He's right!" Ruby realized. Yang blinked in confusion.

"What's wrong? Ruby?" Yang was starting to panic now, seeing her sister in distress. "I-I didn't screw up again, did I?"

"No, it's not that…" Ruby sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Kaiba's has mostly high ATK monsters, and very few low ATK ones. If we keep grabbing ones with high ATK, we'll go over for sure…"

"No problem! We just won't draw from the corner then!" Yang said.

"Yeah, but, there's also monsters with no ATK mixed in here," Ruby said, her gaze briefly going to 'Maiden of White'."

"So instead…!" Yang grabbed a card next to where she got 'Bingo Machine, Go!'. "'Prayers with Eyes of Blue'. What does discarding do in this context?"

"You can place one card you control back face down," Kaiba said. The girls nodded.

"In that case, I'll flip 'Maiden of White' back down, and add 'Master with Eyes of Blue' and 'Sage of the Blue-Eyed Dragon'!" Yang exclaimed.

Total: 136
Remaining Cards: 21

"And then 'Saga of the Blue-Eyed Dragon' activates…!" Ruby says. Once she confirms which card she wants, she flips it over to reveal 'Blue-Eyes Solid Dragon', with 2500 ATK.

Total: 161
Remaining Cards: 20

"Great! Now, all we need is one more 'Blue-Eyes', and we should be good to go!" Ruby nodded. Drawing a card with less than 700 ATK. Ruby was pretty sure she noticed one on the list they got, so all they need to do is find it, and they'll have won.

"In that case, I'll get this card!" Yang said. When she did, Kaiba smirked. Ruby's heart dropped when she noticed.

"Yang, wait–!" She tried to say, but she was already too late.

Yang had drawn 'Blue-Eyes Spirit Ultimate Dragon'. "That card has 3500 ATK," Kaiba said with an eager smirk.

Total: 196
Remaining Cards: 19

"Craaaaaaaap…" Yang breathed.

"Only 1 point left…" Kaiba said ominously. "Did you really think your strategy would work out? Did you really expect there to be a strategy to begin with?"

"B-but…! We figured out where certain cards were!" Yang argued.

"Are you so certain?" Kaiba asked with a smug voice. "Humans have a nasty tendency to find patterns when there aren't any. Why do you think the constellations exist?"

"Oh, you've gotta be…!" Yang hissed.

"We're stressed. This is a Penalty Game we can't afford to lose. That's why we mistook coincidences for patterns…!" Ruby realized. "Oooh, I'm so stupid! Why did I think that was such a good idea…!"

"Hey, hey, hey, it wasn't stupid!" Yang said, wrapping an arm around Ruby's shoulder. "It was a solid idea, and it worked out for a while. It's definitely a lot better than anything I coulda come up with."

"Yeah but…" Ruby tried to argue.

"No buts, Ruby," Yang said firmly, placing a finger over her lips to silence her. "It's like a Duel; sometimes you get the best hand possible, and other times they throw you a middle finger with a big blowout card."

"Do Duels often end with you getting arrested?" Ruby asked in a deadpan voice.

"W-well, no, but that's beside the point!" Yang huffed. "Sometimes, you just gotta draw the out."

"You say that it's a skill you can learn…" Kaiba smirked quietly at Ruby's comment, but both girls didn't pay him any mind.

"Well?" He asked, startling both of them. "I'm a very busy man. I have places to be, shareholders to annoy, and slackers to fire. Unless you want the game to end here, Ruby, draw."

Ruby swallowed thickly, but nodded. "Okay…" She reached out for the cards, and bit her lip.

"Which one…?" She muttered quietly. Yang backed away to let her focus. "I don't…"

She hesitated. Ruby bit her lip anxiously. "I can't…!" Her eye began to itch. She began to pull her hand back.

"Oh? Are you giving up?" Kaiba asked. "Perhaps I should go ahead and call the authorities now." Yang stiffened slightly, but otherwise, didn't make any attempt to impatiently tell Ruby to hurry up.

Ruby, meanwhile, looked up at Kaiba with a frown. "No, I won't…!" She said, "not when there's this much on the line!"

Ruby grabbed the card in the middle, and flipped it over.

"What…!" Kaiba whispered when he saw the artwork.

"'Silver Kuriboh'! This monster has 100 ATK!" Ruby smirked.

Total: 197

GAME!

"Alright, Ruby!" Yang cheered, startling the smaller girl by suddenly trapping her in a tight hug.

"Ah–! Yang–!" Ruby cried out, but she didn't try to push her away.

Kaiba frowned. He doesn't have 'Silver Kuriboh' in his deck, and yet, that was the card that won Ruby the Penalty Game. Kaiba glanced at Ruby's eyes, and he noticed the slight metallic, almost glowy sheen to them.

"Summer Rose…" He suddenly said, making Ruby and Yang flinch. "Your mother… is Summer Rose, is she not?"

Slowly, wordlessly, Ruby nodded. "D-do you know her?"

"No," Kaiba answered curtly. He got off his chair and belt to the ground to pick up his cards, finally at eye level with the girls. "I, too, lost my parents at a young age. I don't have many memories of them. Just snippets."

Yang and Ruby glanced at each other, watching Kaiba's hands gingerly pick up his cards and slide them back inside his Duel Disk. "What about Gozaburo Kaiba?" Yang asked.

"That man was scum. He is not my father," Kaiba growled. He picked himself off the floor and dusted himself. "My last memory with him was him falling to his death after I swiped his company from right under his nose. I savor it every day."

Ruby blinks. She's heard the stories of KaibaCorp; almost everyone has, considering how much the company has done for Remnant. Naturally, news about the former CEO being a bloody pancake on the sidewalk made national headlines. Multiple conspiracy forums had theorized (probably with a nose full of crack) that Kaiba had been the one to push him away, not accounting for the fact that Kaiba was twelve when it happened.

"Why?" Ruby asked.

"Because, my concern is with my family, and Gozaburo adamantly refused to be in it," Kaiba said simply. "Ruby, if I see you again because of your stupidity, you'll have to face another Penalty Game. Understand?"

"Yes…" She said with a nod.

Kaiba returned the gesture, and then turned to glare. "Yang, if I see Ruby again because of her stupidity, I'm going to rip your cards to shreds, ban you from every OTS on Remnant, and expel you on the spot. Do I make myself clear?"

"...Fine." She reached into her wallet afterwards, and then handed her license to Kaiba. He swiped it from between her fingers.

"Now, get lost," Kaiba said, placing Yang's license into his coat. The two girls nodded and shuffled out of the interrogation. Once the door shut, a card was ejected from Kaiba's deck; 'Silver Kuriboh'. A card he doesn't own. A card that doesn't even exist.

Yes, he has memorized the name of every card ever printed.

Soon, the card started to glow. Tiny, silver particles began to drift away from the surface and text of the card. 'Silver Kuriboh' turned back 'Maiden with Eyes of Blue'.

"So, her eyes aren't just gray…" Kaiba muttered, sliding the card back into his Deck. "I suppose I can do Yang and favor, and keep this to myself for now."

"'Gimmick Puppets'...?" Taiyang muttered. Beside him, Ozpin gripped his cane tightly.

Yugi nodded. "That's right. An archetype that supports its Number. There's only a few Decks we've seen this decade that do so."

"And most of the time, they're not made by KaibaCorp," Taiyang muttered with a sigh.

"Kaiba and I have already looked over the replay that Yugi has provided. Of the 'Gimmick Puppet' cards played by Roman, or rather his associate, barring Number 15, 'Rouge Doll', 'Shattered Illusionist', and 'Puppet Glass Figure' are cards that have not been released, nor in development," Ozpin added. He let out a tired sigh of annoyance.

"Tai, have the 'ZWs' or 'ZSs' reappeared?" The Headmaster asked. After a brief moment, Taiyang shook his head.

"No. The cards are still blank," He told them. His nails dug into his muscled biceps.

At his response, Yugi frowned. He's never met Summer Rose. All he knows is that Summer used Number 39, and was an incredibly powerful Duelist. Because of her unparalleled skill at the time, skill that supposedly rivaled the Pharaoh Atem, Ozpin made her special cards to enhance the power of Number 39.

"Don't worry. I'm sure they'll come back to us when the time is right," Yugi reassured him, placing a comforting hand on the taller man.

"Right, thanks," Taiyang sighed. He gave Yugi a shaky smile.

Yugi then glanced over his shoulder. "Huh? Ruby? Yang?" Tai stiffened and he turned around. Behind the trio, Ruby and Yang awkwardly waved her hand and scratched the back of her head respectively. Both had dopey smiles on their faces.

"Hi dad…!~" Ruby said. "Wha- what are you doing here on this fine…!" She didn't finish as Tai ran forwards and wrapped his daughters in a tight hug and made them freeze.

"Oh, thank gods you're both safe!" He said. Ruby's eyes began to water as she hugged him back. Yang blushed slightly, seeing the smile from Yugi and Ozpin, and simply patted him on the shoulder.

"Oh, uh…" Tai then pulled away, but kept his hands on their shoulders. "Sorry about the PDA. I was just worried about you two."

"Don't worry about it, Dad," Ruby said, her voice quiet. "I get it."

"Yeah," Yang said.

Tai smirked at them. He gave them one last squeeze before pulling away. "So. Breaking and entering, huh?" Immediately Yang and Ruby froze up, their faces paling.

"I believe you're also forgetting destruction of private property," Ozpin said in a teasing voice, adjusting his crooked glasses.

"W-we're not in any trouble, are we…?" Ruby asked cautiously. "I swear, it's not like criminals or anything, it's just that–!"

"Oh, come on, Ruby! You worry too much!" Tai laughed. "Really, it's not like you're living in my house anymore! What am I gonna do? Ground you?"

"If you'd like, I could remove them from the dorms," Ozpin joked from the sides, making both girls shriek in surprise.

"I… don't think that's necessary, Professor Ozpin," Yugi said with a sheepish grin. "I'm just glad you two are safe."

"You're not angry at us for not following your orders?" Ruby asked, slightly confused that Yugi didn't seem even remotely annoyed at them. And when Yugi shrugged in response to her question.

"Well, it's not like you had definitive proof as I worked for the Duel Force. Though, I'm surprised you hadn't figured it out," He commented, looking at Yang specifically.

"Hm? Why's that?"

"...You do know that all OTS are required to have a Duel Force agent employed, right?" Ruby said with a deadpan voice.

"Oh…! No wonder you're the only person working there!" Yang realized, making Yugi chuckle.

Taiyang laughed as well, for a moment. "Plus, you did help out in the long run, so that has to count for something, doesn't it?" He added.

"So long as you promise to not break into private property again, I'll let you off with only a warning," Ozpin then said, stepping next to Taiyang. "I'm sure Kaiba already gave you quite the scare in the interrogation room?"

"That he did…" Yang murmured. "So, what's goinna to happen to my bike?"

"Don't worry about it, I'll keep it in the garage and maintain it until you get your license back," Tai reassured her. "If you want to get off campus, you could always call me to drive you around!"

"Thanks, Dad," Yang and Ruby said in unison, smiling at him.

"Anytime, girls." He hugged them again.

They embraced for a few moments until Ozpin cleared his throat. "Now that everything has been settled, I believe it's time we head back to campus," He said, smiling at the girls. "We have a busy day of school ahead of us tomorrow, after all."

Yang and Ruby nodded. "Right," Ruby said with a nod. She whirled around and gave her father one more hug before kissing him on the cheek. "Okay, by Dad! Will see you during break!"

"Right! Bye Ruby, Yang! Take care of each other!" He said waving as Ozpin led them out of the building.

"Don't worry, we will!" Ruby said, waving. Yang did so as well, a small smile on her face.

But when she turned away, it turned into a frown. I already failed… she whispered to herself.

"Hey, I need to use the restroom real quick," Yang said. "Wait for me outside," She told Ruby and Ozpin. She left before either of them had a chance to react.

She could feel her eyes beginning to water. When she entered, she slammed the door shut. Turning on the faucet, she pooled water in her hands before splashing it on her face. Repeatedly, multiple times her tube top was drenched. When she looked up at her sorry reflection in the mirror, she saw Kaiba in the instead.

He smirked, so Yang punched the mirror as hard as she could, shattering it with a blank, empty stare on her face.

She buttoned up her jacket to hide the state of her top, and then went to grab paper towels from the dispenser. She yanked them out, causing the dispenser to shake, and drop a card.

"Huh?" Yang blinked. The card fell on her boot. Her scalp was burning, she needed to scratch her hair, but she ignored the sensation in favor of her curiosity. "Who left this hear…?" She leaned down to grab it. "It's… blank?"

The text boxes were empty, and the artwork was completely blank as well. The border, however, was sheer black and dotted with stars. "An Xyz Monster…? Who would leave this here?" She muttered.

Her scalp burned.

[ Silver Kuriboh ]
[LIGHT / Level 1]
[Fiend / Effect]
[100 ATK / 100 DEF]

If you control no monsters, you can Special Summon this card (from your Hand or GY). If summoned this way, banish it when it leaves the field. Once per turn, you can declare 1 Level, Type, and Attribute: this card becomes that declared Level, Type, and Attribute, then, you can change this card's name to match the name of any card in either player's GY. If a "Number" Xyz Monster you control leaves the field: you can reveal this card in your hand; Special Summon that monster from your Extra Deck, GY, or Banishment, and if you do, attach this card from your hand to it as Material (this is treated as an Xyz Summon from the Extra Deck). You cannot activate any of this card's effects unless [This last section is in decipherable, but it looks like it names two cards, based on the quotation marks].

Chapter Text

Quietly, Ruby opened the door to her dorm room and peaked her head inside. The room was dark, blinds covering the light of the setting sun outside. Ruby nodded and slowly tip-toed her way inside. She silently closed the door behind her. Maybe if she pretends to go to sleep early, she won't have to interact with Weiss.

"Where were you today?" Weiss asked, leaning against the wall behind the door. Her sudden voice made Ruby jump backwards, spilling her new cards on the floor.

"Oh, whoops!" Ruby muttered. She leaned down to pick them, and Weiss did not help her.

"I know you're not deaf," Weiss retorted. Ruby had to hold in a groan. "Where were you today?"

"Why do you care?" Ruby asked a bit more aggressively than she would have liked. "If anything, I thought you would've liked to not see my face today?"

"I ask because of this." Weiss reached behind her and pulled out a newspaper, which she slapped onto the coffee table in the center of the room. Ruby looked at the headline and cringed internally. Giant Killer was the largest picture, and slightly underneath it were Yang and Ruby's mugshots.

"O-oh, that…!" Ruby winced slightly. Weiss' ice-cold glare made it feel like she was being blasted by cold wind. "Well, uhm–"

"I see! You must be here to collect your belongings!" Weiss then said, clapping her hands together. Ruby tilted her head in confusion. "Don't worry, I've already placed everything back in their boxes. You're welcome." With a smug grin, she pointed to the back of the room where Ruby's suitcase and travel bags were.

"I, huh, wha…? No, I wasn't expelled or kicked out or anything," Ruby clarified. Weiss' look of disappointment was incredibly obvious.

"B-but you have a criminal record now!" Weiss argued, pointing to the mugshots in the newspaper. "A student of this esteemed Academy shouldn't have a criminal record! And certainly not my dorm mate. Do you know what people would think of me if they knew that I-I been fraternizing with a criminal!?"

Ruby's expression became annoyed when those words left Weiss' mouth. "Do you not realize how this will impact my Dueling career, my reputation, once I graduate?"

Please, your reputation is already rock bottom, Ruby sighed mentally. "Then, you'll be happy to know all charges have been dropped," She said instead, making Weiss blink in surprise.

"Say wha now?"

"I played a Penalty Game with Kaiba. My sister and I won, so we weren't charged with any crimes," Ruby said, raising her arms as she did.

"A Penalty Game? Oh, you've got to be–!" Weiss bit her lip and kept herself from swearing. She shook her head. "Fine, that's totally fine! I'm happy for you."

"Yeah, clearly," Ruby sarcastically said as Weiss marched to her closet.

"So, you weren't expelled or arrested," Weiss grumbled through gritted teeth as she rifled through her belongings and pulled out a towel and a nightgown. "That doesn't mean this won't affect my–" Ruby raised an eyebrow, "–OUR reputations!"

Gods, Ruby already has a headache from listening to this entitled bi– BRAT, brat whine. "This is something both our careers could be affected by. So, it's imperative that you, as my roommate, behave as a model student, just like I am?"

"Oh, so a model student accuses someone else of stealing her cards and doesn't give her the chance to argue?" Ruby sarcastically shot back, making Weiss flinch slightly.

"Th-that was an honest mistake!" Weiss huffed, her face becoming slightly red from embarrassment. Ruby nods slowly.

"Uh-huh, sure," Ruby sighs. She runs her hand through her black and red hair. She closes her eyes and takes a breath, trying to calm herself down.

"Look, I know why might not… you know, like each other, but we're going to live together for like, a year," Ruby said, the realization of that statement slowly dawning on her. Good lord. "Now, our sakes, can we at least pretend there's no bad blood between us? In the long run, I think that might–!"

Weiss slammed the door to the bathroom close. Ruby blinked. "Can you at least help me take out my stuff from my bags? Since, you know you put everything back?" There was no response.

Ruby took in another deep breath. "Goooooods…" She groaned. She doesn't normally cuss, but godDAMN does she want to call Weiss a fucking asshole to her face.

Thankfully, the next morning was not as eventful. Today was officially the first day of classes, and Ruby didn't not want to miss a single one. She put on her RA uniform as quickly as she could and made her way to the cafeteria, without Weiss.

Internally, she groaned at the size of the lines once she entered the cafeteria. It's not so long that she wouldn't get food, but long enough that she would probably choke on pancakes while she ran to class. She already almost died once yesterday, and she's determined to keep that bit of trauma banished to the back of her memories where it belonged.

"I wonder if…" She muttered to herself, scanning the tables for anybody familiar.

"Ruby!" The girl turned around slowly as she saw Velvet waving over the sea of multi-colored hair, near the wall. Ruby's eyes brightened, and she sped walk over to her baby.

"Hey, Velvet. And Yang!" Ruby smiled as she sat down. Yang, on the other side, waved at her.

"Hey." Yang sounded tired, which made Ruby frown. There were also circles under her eyes. They weren't big or that dark, but they were concerning.

"Yang, are you feeling okay?" Ruby asked. Yang just gave her a thumbs up.

"A bit off from yesterday, but some coffee should get me back on track," Yang reassured her, waving off Ruby's concerns. Ruby nodded slowly, but her frown remained.

"Speaking of yesterday, I can't believe that happened!" Velvet said, drawing Ruby's attention from her sister. "Gods, I would've shut down if that happened to me. I'm so glad you two are okay!"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, that," Ruby said, scratching the back of her head. Yang frowned. "It was kinda scary to be honest, being so close to that monster…" She shivered.

"Don't beat yourself over it," Yang said rather glumly. "It was my fault we got in that mess, anyways…"

"No, it's mine," Ruby retorted, making Yang blink. "I know Kaiba said otherwise, but really, if it weren't for you, I might have done something even dumber than what I did back in the city."

"Could you, though?" Yang asked, her head lolling to the side as she poked her breakfast. "My bike is much faster than you, y'know? Yugi probably would've finished the Duel by the time you got there."

"She's got a point there," Velvet said with a shrug as she glanced between the pair. Ruby shrugged.

"I could've taken the bus?" She suggested, but that only got a silent giggle from Velvet.

"During a crisis? Highly unlikely." Ruby shrugged.

"Well, I probably would've figured something out," She muttered while taking a seat next to her. "Anyways, first day of classes! Yay!"

"Yaaaay…" Yang muttered half-heartedly.

"Yang! You don't sound very excited," Ruby huffed in annoyance.

Yang shrugged in response. "I mean, it's just more school. Nothing much to be excited about."

"Not to me!" Ruby exclaimed, dramatically standing up from her seat. "This is special! I can see new strategies, new cards, and make new friends!"

"You can always just look them up online," Yang murmured.

"Yang…" Ruby muttered at Yang's unenthused groan. She's been acting odd ever since they got out of the precinct. She was worried about her.

Ruby didn't have a chance to ruminate on why that was, as almost a second later, Velvet let out yelp. Velvet was pulled up from her seat as somebody had pulled on her rabbit ears, dragging her onto her feet.

"Hey!" Ruby reached out for the hand that grabbed her, but it easily swatted away. Yang's eyes burned red.

"Cardin," Yang asked in an eerily calm voice. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"What's it to you?" He growled back. His OBELISK Blue uniform was crooked and dirty; it looked like didn't bother to iron it… or wash it.

His cronies, wearing RA and OSIRIS uniforms, laughed as they tugged and pulled on Velvet's rabbit ears, making the girl yelp out in pain. Nobody around them got up to help, and that made Ruby even more angry.

"Wow, these are real? So gross!" The one with the mohawk chortled

"I wonder who was desperate enough to make one!" Another said, laughing cruelly as Velvet tried to fight, flailing her arms to smack them away.

"Oh, you damn–! Let go of me!" Velvet shouted angrily, banging her fists against their chests. The weak hits only made them laugh.

"You really think somebody would do this intentionally?" Cardin laughed at the lackey's vile comment. "You know what they say about rabbits, right? Clearly–!"

Before he could even finish, Yang grabbed his shoulder, spun him around to face her, and punched him in the face. Ruby flinched at the sound of the wet crack, and nearly gagged as blood flew from his nose, streaming down Cardin's face.

He landed on his face, practically wailing as the pain of his newfound broken nose finally registered for him. The cowards they were, his lackeys immediately pulled away from Velvet. One of them even ran away.

"Oh… y-you bitch…!" Cardin growled, pushing himself onto his feet. He covered his nose with his hand, but that didn't stop blood from seeping through the gaps and dripping onto his clothing.

"Hey, why the hell you assaultin' him?" One of the lackey's said, though his voice turned into a squeak under Yang's deadly glare.

"You're already on thin ice because of last night!" Another said. "Quickly, let's report this and kick this bitch out!'

"Oh, yes…" Yang drawled, cocking her head to the side. "'Teacher, teacher! I was bullying my classmate, physically assaulting her and saying racist rhetoric at her!'" She said in a deliberately awful sounding mocking voice. She then placed her hands on her hips.

"You really want to try that? Especially when you have a room full of witnesses?" She asked slowly, quietly, enough so that the gravity of the situation filled him with dread.

"Why…!? You…!" Cardin growled. Angrily.

"Really, that outfit doesn't suit you," Yang continued. "Red is a much better, more accurate color. If you want, I can help you dye it!"

Yang pounded her fist into an open palm, making Cardin jump back. "But, I'm nothing if not kind." She raised one finger and pointed it at Cardin's nose. "8 PM. Arena 12. Best of one. Whoever loses gets lost."

Ruby's eyes widened. Her left eye itched. She's pretty sure they're playing tricks on her, but it looks like there's something… glowing underneath Yang's golden hair.

"Yang, what are you saying?" Ruby asked, her voice slightly panicked. Yang glances at her and gives her a shaky smile before turning back to Cardin.

"Boss, she almost beat Pyrrha…" One of the bullies reminded Cardin.

"Only because she couldn't read! If that Duel was in a YCS, Pyrrha would've mopped the floor with her!" Cardin said. "Fine! I know what your 'Mikanko's' can do anyways! They won't be a match for me!"

"Then it's a date," Yang muttered firmly. "Now, get the fuck out of my sight before I break your ribs."

Cardin snarled before walking away. His cronies followed after him, though they didn't look as confident as he did. Velvet let out a sigh of relief once they left the cafeteria. "Yang, thank you…"

"No problem," Yang muttered. "Guys like him make me sick…"

"Vevlet, do you have to deal with stuff like that every day?" Ruby asked, and thankfully, Velvet shook her head no.

"Most people keep to themselves and stare…" Velvet grumbled. She gingerly patted her ears, wincing slightly. "And if they don't, then they just say something hateful then leave. It's the first time I've been assaulted like that in a while."

Ruby frowned deeply at her words. "Well, at least it's not very often…" She muttered half-heartedly. Velvet nodded.

The trio ate in silence until the bell rang. Ruby let out a deep breath of as she prepared herself for her first class. She swallowed thickly and turned to Velvet. "Hey, um… d-do you want to hang out? Y'know, after class or something?" She asked nervously. Velvet let out a small giggle.

"Sure, that sounds fun," Velvet said. Ruby cheered internally. Is this what it's like to be… social? It's way easier than it looks!

"Yang, what about you… oh…" Ruby looked over her shoulder, but she found Yang already marching towards the exit.

Once Ruby entered her dorm room that night, she threw her heavy backpack onto her bed and let out a tired groan. Thankfully, Weiss wasn't here to bug her.

She took out various textbooks and notebooks, each one already with ten pages filled to the brim with notes. And that's not even mentioning the homework…!

"How did Yang deal with this…?" Ruby muttered as she got onto her bed and to continue the work she and Velvet did her homework. "Wait…" She looked at the clock on her nightstand. It was 8:12.

"Did Velvet and I really take that much time…?" She muttered to herself. "Oh, wait, Yang…" She then realized.

She reached into her pocket and pulled out her Scroll. Ruby frowned when she saw hadn't gotten any texts from her. "Should I wait, or…"

There was a knock on her door. "Huh?"

When she opened it, she was surprised to see Blake standing outside. "Oh, Blake."

"Hello, Ruby. I hope your first day of classes went well?" She asked. Slowly, Ruby nodded.

"Yes, it did… I feel a little tired, though," She admitted sheepishly. "You?"

"I'm fine. Don't worry though, you'll get used to the workload soon," Blake reassured her. She looked over Ruby's head and into the room (her ear twitched when she noticed a particular snowflake symbol on the opposite bed). "Have you seen Yang?" She then asked.

"No, sorry," Ruby murmured. "I, um…"

After a few moments of awkward silence, Blake sighed. "I know what she did this morning. To Cardin," She revealed, making Ruby flinch slightly. "He had it coming. To be honest, I'm surprised nobody has tried to teach him a lesson already."

"Is he that much of a jerk?" Ruby asked. "Was he ever a jerk to you?"

"He's tried to. Afterwards, I banished his entire field and kicked him in the crotch," Blake commented, making Ruby laugh quietly. "He hasn't picked on me since."

"Well, then you know that Yang challenged him to a Duel, right?" Blake nodded. "Well, they still haven't come back from it yet," Ruby said, which made Blake frown.

"That's… concerning…"

Ruby nodded again. As Yang's deck is partially an OTK strategy, she should have won by now, or at least in five minutes. The fact she hasn't makes her slightly worried, especially with how aggressive she was this morning.

Her eye twitched. "I know where they're Dueling. Do you want to head over there together?" Ruby asked Blake. The cat faunus nodded.

"Of course," She nodded. Just as Ruby was about to step out, she felt her eye itch.

"Something wrong?" Blake asked when she noticed Ruby pause.

"No, nothing… but just in case, I think I should bring this with me." Ruby ran back into her room and grabbed her Duel Disk.

"Expecting trouble?" Blake asked as she walked out of the room and led her down the hallway.

Ruby shrugged. "Something like that."

As they walked down the hall, Weiss peaked her head over the corner. She narrowed her eyes, and began to follow them.

Ruby could sense something wrong the closer they got. She and Blake (and Weiss) were silent as they stalked through the halls of the castle turned academy. Eerily quiet.

"You'd think there'd be somebody out here…" Ruby muttered, looking around the halls. It felt like the shadows were getting larger.

"Curfew is in half an hour," Blake said. Despite her calm facade, the hairs on her neck were starting to stand on edge. "Maybe they all left?" She mentioned. She didn't sound convinced at her own words.

Ruby shrugged. Her left eye is irritating her.

A while later, they reached Arena 12. Quietly, Ruby put her Duel Disk on. Feeling the strap snap into place around her arm made her feel somewhat in control.

Blake reached into her uniform and pulled out her Student ID. She swiped it through the smart lock on the door; the light turned green, and they permitted entry.

That allowed them to see Cardin being blown off the arena and into the wall. His blood curdling cry stopped abruptly when he slammed into the wall, cracking both it and his Duel Disk. Cards spilled out from the Deck Slot and landed haphazardly around him.

"C-Cardin…!?" Ruby gasped as his body slumped onto the ground. Blake immediately ran over and knelt down to check on him, despite her opinions of him. The bully was out cold, eyes open yet rolled into the back of his head. His uniform was scorched, and there was even a bit of blood trickling down his lips.

"He's fine…" Blake said, her voice paradoxically filled with relief and disappointment. "But, what the hell did this to him?"

Ruby gritted her teeth and turned away from Cardin. There, standing in the center of the arena was Yang, breathing heavily, her hair glowing light blue, and her eyes blood red.

The arena was also in disarray; scratches and scorch marks filled the area. Some of the seats around the arena were torn out or ripped in half. The floor was littered with craters and rubbles. It looked as if a war broke out in this room.

Yang blinked, and her eyes and hair returned to normal. She staggered, placing a hand on her head to steady herself before noticing the audience in the room. "R-Ruby…? Blake? What are two doing here…?" She asked in a strained voice.

"You hadn't returned. I wanted to check up on you," Blake said, standing up and turning away from Cardin. "What happened here?"

"What happened…?" Yang muttered, her eyes hazy and unfocused as she scanned the room. "What are you… woah, holy…! Shit…" Yang shook her head and scratched the back of her head, her brows furrowed. "We dueled… and… I-I must have won, right?" She asked herself. Then, she stood up straight and scoffed. "Serves that asshat right."

"Yang, Cardin looks like he's half dead!" Ruby said, making Yang flinch. She pointed to Cardin's unconscious body. "Sure, he's a massive di– jerk, and he should be expelled for what he said to Velvet, but this is too far!"

"It's not too far!" Yang said, louder than either Blake or Ruby had anticipated. "He touched you! He hit you! That sort of shit can't go unpunished!"

"He just slapped my hand away! He didn't beat me up!" Ruby shouted back, her silver eyes brimming with anger. "You could've just told a teacher, called a security guard or something, I don't know! Anything would've been better than this!"

"I needed to teach him a lesson!" Yang yelled angrily, her hair beginning to smolder. "I'm your older sister! It's my job to protect you! This was the second time I almost got you killed! What sort of sister am I if I can't do something as simple as keeping you safe!"

As the conversation became more heated, Blake couldn't help but cringe. She wanted to leave with Cardin; this sounded personal, deeply traumatizing, but she feared if she did, something bad would happen.

Ruby let out a choked gasp as Yang spoke. Briefly, her mind went back to the day they learned their mother wouldn't return home. Dad was devastated. Their Uncle Qrow had disappeared. All they had was each other.

Then, Yang found a photo hidden in their house's attic. Of their father with another woman that looked eerily like her. Another mother, she realized. Yang grabbed Ruby and placed her on a wagon, and together they went to go look for that other mother.

Had Qrow not appeared when he did, both would've been piles of shredded meat and bones in slowly dissolving of a Grimm.

"Yang, you were five when that happened, you didn't know any better! You were just trying to–" Ruby argued, but was cut off by Yang's burning anger and self-hatred.

"I should have known better! I shouldn't have been so fucking stupid!" Yang roared, her eyes going from lilac to crimson. "I wasn't strong enough! I'm never strong enough! If I was, maybe Mom would still be here! Maybe that other woman wouldn't have left Dad!" She yelled out, her chest heaving.

Ruby blinked. She let out a quiet gasp as a dark aura began to cover her older sister's body. Even Blake saw it. Behind Yang, the Number 17 glowed brightly on her scalp; bright enough for it to be projected onto the wall behind her.

"Yang…" Ruby murmured, tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

"If I can't protect you, what use am I!? If I'm not strong enough, then how can I protect you!?" Yang shouted, sounding as if she were on the verge of tears.

Blake opened her mouth to say something, but the words died in her mouth, she looked at the floor, conflicted. Ruby, meanwhile, set her jaw. She walked towards the Arena and jumped onto it.

"Yang… I challenge you to a Duel!" Ruby declared as she dramatically pointed at her sister. Blake, Yang, and Weiss all gasped in shock.

"Ruby, wait–!" Blake tried to say, more than exceedingly concerned about the state of the arena, but Ruby shut her up by slamming her foot onto the floor.

"Yang! I don't need you babying me all the time. I don't need your protection at every moment!" Ruby said, making Yang shake angrily. "I'm an adult, too! I can take care of myself!" Ruby extended her left arm, and her Duel Disk activated, the blade sliding into place and connecting with a satisfying click.

"Let me show you how much I've grown!" Ruby said, placing a hand over her chest. "Let me show you that you can rely on me to protect you too! That we can help each other!" The Number 39 began to glow subtly in her left eye.

"Ruby…" Yang snarled, biting her lip strong enough for it to sting. "Fine! I'll beat you if I have to! I'll show you just how much you need me! And then, you won't leave me like everyone else!"

"Ruby…!" Blake murmured, concerned for the girl. Ruby turned around and gave her a thumbs up.

"Don't worry about me…" She whispered. "I have to…" She turned around, and faced Yang, who had activated her own Duel Disk.

Despite the state of the Arena, a hologram of a coin was able to appear in the center. It tossed itself up into the air, and fell with a resounding crash. It landed on the burning heart symbol.

Both girls drew their starting hands.

Ruby Rose (4000 LP) VS Yang & No. 17 (4000 LP)
DUEL!

"I summon 'Ashoka Pillar'!" Yang shouted. In front of her, a light gray monolith appeared in front of her.

ℹ️ Ashoka Pillar (EARTH)
LV 3 / 0 ATK

"When 'Ashoka Pillar' is summoned, I can add an Equip Spell from my deck to my hand, then change 'Ashoka Pillar' to defense mode. I choose 'Mikanko Water Arabesque'!" Once the effect resolved, a dark blue aura surrounded 'Ashoka Pillar.

ℹ️ Ashoka Pillar (EARTH)
0 ATK ⇒ 2200 DEF

"Next, I equip 'Water Arabesque' onto my 'Pillar'!" Yang said. A thin ring of water began to surround the monster, eventually erupted and formed into the thin streams of liquid that surrounded it. "I activate 'Arabesque's' effect! I can Special Summon a 'Mikanko' from my deck or hand to my field and equip 'Arabesque' onto it! Afterwards, 'Ashoka Pillar' returns to my hand!"

The water began to spin rapidly around the pillar, hiding entirely within a geyser. As it died down, the stone monolith was replaced by 'Hu-Li'. She wasn't smiling.

ℹ️ Hu-Li the Jewel Mikanko (WIND)
LV 3 / 0 ATK

"When 'Hu-Li' has a card equipped to it, it can add a 'Mikanko' Trap from my deck to my hand. I choose 'Mikanko Spiritwalk'!" Ruby took a step back as 'Hu-Li' raised the green jewel in her hand, and made it glow. Yang added the card as it dimmed. "I set two cards face-down and end my turn."

Ruby nodded, as two cards appeared on either side of her equip spell. "Right, I draw!" Ruby exclaimed. She held in the urge to wince when she didn't draw any backrow removal. Her hand… wasn't the greatest, admittedly. Yang could probably end her turn almost immediately, but Yang can't win unless she gets high ATK monsters on her field.

"I summon 'Draconet'!" Ruby exclaimed. A pixelated portal appeared in front of her, and a light blue dragon-like monster made of code appeared.

ℹ️ Draconet (DARK)
LV 3 / 1200 ATK

"When 'Draconet' is summoned, I can summon a Level 2 or lower Normal Monster from my deck! I summon 'Crowned by the World Chalice'!" The small dragon let out a quiet shriek, creating another portal that a young girl with light purple hair and carrying a key-shaped staff came out of.

ℹ️ Crowned by the World Chalice (WATER)
LV 2 / 2100 DEF

"Next, since I control a Normal Monster, I can summon 'Ringowurm, the Dragon Guarding the Hundred Apples' from my hand!" Another dragon, this one organic and quadrupedal, appeared with its body grabbed around a gold tree .

ℹ️ Ringowurm, the Dragon Guarding the Hundred Apples (LIGHT)
LV 2 / 1100 DEF / Tuner

"A tuner, huh? Are you planning on Synchro Summoning? Well, you won't be able to, because I activate 'Mikanko Spiritwalk'!" Yang asked. Ruby frowned as the card on her left flipped over. "Now, 'Spiritwalk' lets me target a monster you control, and equip it onto my 'Hu-Li'! The monster I target is 'Ringowurm'!" Ruby cursed silently as the dragon and tree became bead jewels that wrapped around 'Hu-Li's' neck. The monster hid the beads by placing its fan over its neck. "Now, since 'Hu-Li' had a card equipped to it, I can add a 'Mikanko Trap' to my hand. I chose 'Mikanko Rivalry'."

"Just my luck…" Ruby groaned. "I use 'Crowned by the World Chalice' to create my circuit! I Link Summon Link Spider!" The spider with wheels on its legs rolled out of the portal, kicking up dust as it drifted and then placed itself in the Left Extra Monster Zone (LINK-1 / 1000 ATK).

ℹ️ Link Spider (EARTH)
LINK-1 / 1000 ATK / ↓

"Next, I use 'Link Spider' and 'Draconet', two monsters with different names, to Link Summon 'Cross-Sheep'!"

From the portal, a fluffy white sheep walked out and sat down on a rocking chair, humming to itself as it sat down and began to sew stuffed animals 

ℹ️ Cross-Sheep (EARTH)
LINK-2 / 700 ATK / ↙↘

"I set two cards, and end my turn."

"Way to telegraph your move, Ruby…" Yang groused, making Ruby flinch. "One of those set cards is either 'Magikey Duo', isn't it?" Ruby said nothing as Yang drew her card. "You plan on Ritual Summoning 'Batosbuster' to a Zone 'Cross-Sheep' point in order to draw and discard 2 cards from your deck."

"What about it…?" Ruby asked, her skin crawling as Yang. "Monster removal isn't exactly your main engine's strong suit."

"No, but, 'Batosbuster' isn't well equipped to handle mine," Yang replied. "Right now, you only have 'Crowned by the World Chalice' in your Grave, a WATER monster. As long as I don't summon 'Ni-Ni', I'll win."

Ruby, although she knew Yang was right, only gave her a wary smirk. "Are you so sure about that?"

Yang snarled. "I activate 'Water Arabesque's' effect! I summon 'Ha-Re the Sword Mikanko', and return 'Hu-Li' to my hand!" Again, the water rippled and roared, and as it died down, the dancer with flaming mouse ears appeared.

ℹ️ Ha-Re the Sword Mikanko (FIRE)
LV 3 / 0 ATK

"Now, 'Ha-Re' has a card equipped to it, I can add a 'Mikanko' Equip Spell to my hand. I choose 'Maywashidori'."

Ruby bit her lip anxiously. "I activate the Spell 'Cross Over'! By targeting my 'Ha-Re', a Warrior, and your 'Cross-Sheep', I can equip your monster to mine!" She reached for the button to respond but held back. As a result, her Link Monster floated into the air and became a plush sheep. It flew towards 'Ha-Re' and wrapped itself around the hilt of her dagger with a red string.

That left Ruby's field empty. "Because of 'Cross Over's' effect, 'Ha-Re' can't damage me this turn," She pointed out.

"I'm well aware," Yang drawled, "but that won't matter. I activate 'Mikanko Fire Dance' from my hand! I Special Summon 'Hu-Li' from my hand, and equip this card to it!" In a blaze of fire, 'Hu-Li' stepped onto the field, twirling its fan around its finger.

ℹ️ Hu-Li the Jewel Mikanko (WIND)
LV 3 / 0 ATK

"And, when 'Hu-Li' has a card equipped to it, I can add a 'Mikanko' Trap. This time, I'll get a second 'Spiritwalk'. Now, I summon 'Ashoka Pillar' again!" The monolith from earlier reappeared, the stone gleaming from spotlights above them.

ℹ️ Ashoka Pillar (EARTH)
LV 3 / 0 ATK

"With its effect, I add 'Fighting Spirit' to my hand, and change 'Ashoka Pillar' to defense mode." Ruby raised an eyebrow; that Equip Spell wasn't one Yang played regularly.

ℹ️ Ashoka Pillar (EARTH)
0 ATK ⇒ 2200 DEF

"Then, since I control a WIND monster, I can summon 'Speedroid Taketomborg' from my hand!" A plastic toy humanoid with thin legs and bug-like eyes appeared, taking a knee and crossing its arms over itself protectively (LV 3 / 1200 ATK).

ℹ️ Speedroid Taketomborg (WIND)
LV 3 / 1200 DEF

Once the card was summoned successfully, Yang let out a groan of pain. She clutched her head tightly. "Yang!?" Ruby cried worriedly. She began to run to her aide, but a wave of dark energy pushed her back.

"Ruby…!" Yang hissed, her nails digging into her scalp. Her eyes flicked back to lilac for a moment, before turning back to red, and then to bright cyan. "Hyaaah…! Aaaaagh! AAAAARRGH! I overlay Level 3: Ashoka Pillar and Speedroid Taketomborg!" She yelled at the top of lungs.

Ruby gasped as the monsters transformed into energy and flew into the air, only to come crashing back into an Overlay Network with millions of twinkling stars.

Blake hissed as she felt the force of the Network exploding in front of her. "What…!? What's this wind…!?" She asked, her ears flat on her head. It snapped to the left when she heard the door open, and watched as Weiss walked in.

"It's coming…" Weiss whispered.

In front of Ruby, a large cocoon-like structure appeared in front of her, one with a glowing pink core in the center, and jagged purple spikes running along the sides. The spikes began to twitch, and slowly, it uncurled itself from the cocoon. Arms shot out with large wings sprouting from bones; spiked legs landed on the floor, digging divots into the cracked floor.

"I Xyz Summon Number 17: Levice Dragon!"

Ruby looked up and saw a pair of red eyes glaring at her. A purple dragon whirled around and roared; the Number 17 emblazoned on its gray horn.

[ Number 17: Levice Dragon ]
[WATER / Dragon / Xyz / Effect]
[2000 ATK / 0 DEF / 2 OU]

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
AKA Number 17: Leviathan Dragon
WATER & DIVINE

"What…?" Ruby murmured quietly as the enormous dragon loomed over her, baring its bright white fangs. "Yang never had this monster…"

"I equip 'Fighting Spirit' onto Levice Dragon, which gives it 300 ATK for every Monster you have!" Yang shouted. Her Number roared as it encased itself in an orange glow. She then smirked. "When Levice Dragon has a card equipped to it, it gains 500 ATK for every Equip Card on the field!"

"What!?" Ruby cried out.

"'Cross-Sheep', 'Fire Dance', 'Water Arebesque', and 'Fighting Spirit'...! That's 2000 extra ATK!" Blake gasped. Ruby staggered backwards as Leviath's ATK doubled. The dragon roared and flapped its six wings, creating enough force to nearly blow her off her feet.

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
2000 ATK ⇒ 4000 ATK

"That wind…! But these are just holograms…!" Ruby breathed out, her chest heaving.

"Not anymore!" Yang said. "Battle! Levice Dragon attacks you directly! When it declares an attack, Levice Dragon's effect activates! I can detach an Overlay Unit, and to target and destroy a number of cards, equal to the amount of Equip Cards you control! I choose your set cards!" The long necked dragon reared its head back and ate one of the Overlay Units orbiting it, causing the gaps in scales to glow.

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
2 OU to 1 OU

"Crap! I activated 'Magikey Duo'!" Ruby quickly responded. "I target my 'Crowned by the World Chalice' to add it to my hand, then, I can use Ritual or Fusion Summon a 'Magikey' Monster!"

"Fine! Not like it do you any good!" Yang yelled. Ruby cringed, as the chain resolved, her eyes shone and she narrowed her eyes.

"'Crowned' returns to my hand, then, I tribute it and my 'Phantom Griffin' to Ritual Summon 'Magikey Mechmusket - Batosbuster'!" she said. Yang let out a choked sound at the mention of 'Phantom Griffin'."

"Wh-whatever! Number 17 will get a 300 ATK boost, anyways!" Yang huffed angrily.

The two monsters appeared in front of Ruby, and their spirits were ignited by light blue flame. With a loud, audible thunk, Ruby's ritual monster appeared in front of her, the barrels of its minigun spinning.

ℹ️ Magikey Mechmusket - Batosbuster (DARK)
LV 4 / 2200 DEF / Tuner

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
4000 ATK ⇒ 4300 ATK

At the same time, Levice launched orbs of energy from its mouth, lobbing them at the Trap and the Set card, which was 'Magikey Battle'. Both were blown to bits. Ruby crossed her over herself, and gasped as the shockwaves knocked her off her feet.

Before she could get blown off the arena, Ruby felt a strong arm wrap around her waist. Ruby gasped, and once the shockwave ended, opened her eyes to see 'Batosbuster' looking at her.

"Wha…?" Ruby gasped. 'Batosbuster' winked and carefully set her on the floor. He then grabbed 'Mafteal' in its minigun form and marched to the center of the field, looking up at Number 17.

"They're… not holograms…? How…?" Ruby whispered. 'Batosbuster' turned its head to her and nodded. "Oh, right! When 'Batosbuster' is successfully summoned, I can add a 'Magikey' card from my deck to my hand! I choose 'Magikey World'!"

Yang frowned. "Continue your attack Number 17! VICE STREAM!" The dragon howled and opened its released a light blue beam swirling with black electricity. The blast hit 'Batosbuster' square in the chest, causing him to explode. The coattails of Ruby's uniform swirled and as the shockwave from the blast. She raised her hand to block the wind from getting into her face and blowing her cards away.

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
4300 ATK ⇒ 4000 ATK

"...I end my turn," Yang growled in annoyance. Ruby let out a small cough as she repositioned herself into a more defensive stance. She slowly looked up at Number 17, frowning as the monster hovered over Yang's two 'Mikankos'.

That monster… I've got to destroy it! "I draw!" Ruby yelled, her arm snapping outwards in a wide arc as she did so.

"I activate the Field Spell, 'Magikey World'!" She began. The projectors on her Duel Disk went into overdrive; the shattered arena disappearing and being replaced by a large hall filled with doors. "When it's activated, I can add 'Magnificent Magikey Mafteal'! Then, I activate 'Unexpected Dai'! I can Special Summon a Normal Monster from my deck, since I control no monsters! Come out, 'Clavykis the Magikey Skyblaster'!" From a black box that dissolved into small pixels, Ruby's monster jumped out and skidded across the floor until stopped in front of her.

ℹ️ Clavykis the Magikey Skyblaster (DARK)
LV 4 / 1900 ATK

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
4000 ATK ⇒ 4300 ATK

"Now, since I control a 'Magikey' monster, I can reveal 'Mafteal' so I can get an extra Normal Summon of 'Magikey' monster! I'll use it right now to summon 'Mafteal'!" A dark blue pistol appeared in the air, and suddenly, it transformed into a dark blue djinn with gold ornaments and horns (LV 4 Tuner / 1600 ATK).

ℹ️ Magnificent Magikey Mafteal (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1600 ATK / Tuner

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
4300 ATK ⇒ 4600 ATK

"When 'Mafteal' is summoned, I can Special Summon a 'Normal' or 'Magikey' monster from my grave! Return, 'Batosbuster'!" The djinn laughed and created a portal in front of it. The minigun from the creature flew out, carrying 'Batosbuster' with it.

ℹ️ Magikey Mechmusket - Batosbuster (DARK)
LV 4 / 2000 ATK / Tuner

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
4600 ATK ⇒ 4900 ATK

"I overlay Level 4 'Mafteal' and Clavykis! I summon 'Magikey Spirit - Vepartu'!" The gun spirit and wielder clapped hands as they spiraled into the sky and into the nearest door. It opened, and from it came the older 'Clavykis' with wild, longer hair.

[Magikey Spirit - Vepartu]
[WATER / Sea Serpent / Xyz / Effect]
[2000 ATK / 2000 DEF / 2 OU]

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
4900 ATK ⇒ 4600 ATK

"When 'Vepartu' is summoned, I can detach an Overlay Unit to add a Normal Monster to my hand! I'll add 'Gunkan Suship Shari'!" 'Vepartu' reached out and grabbed one of his Overlay Units, and then used it to reload his gun.

ℹ️ Magikey Spirit - Vepartu (WATER)
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

"Battle! 'Batosbuster' attacks 'Hu-Li'!" Ruby shouts! With a nod, the young man lifts his minigun, and it begins to whir.

"Are you crazy!?" Weiss shouted from the sidelines. "The 'Mikankos' reflect damage, you dolt!"

"I know!" Ruby shouted. "And, that won't matter, because I activate 'Batosbuster's' effect! Since 'Hu-Li' and the 'Phantom Griffin' in my grave have the same Attribute, I can shuffle my 'Suship' back into my deck to negate 'Hu-Li's' effect!" She slammed the card back into her deck, and when she did, 'Batosbuster' pressed the trigger and fired.

The girls all winced at the sound of the rattling gunfire. Magical bullets flew through the air and pierced through the 'Hu-Li', causing the monster to explode. Yang let out a cough as the bullets then slammed into her, bouncing off her aura, now boosted by Levice Dragon's presence.

🥊 Yang & No. 17
4000 LP - 2000 DMG = 2000 LP

"And now, Levice Dragon becomes weaker without 'Fire Dance' on the field!" Ruby exclaimed. The dragon let out a snarl as the aura around its body weakened.

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
4600 ATK ⇒ 4100 ATK

"In addition, 'Batosbuster' will let me draw a card due to its negation effect."

She didn't bother to look at the drawn card before swiping her hand forward, silver eyes locked on Number 17. "Now! 'Vepartu'! Attack Levice Dragon!" Again, Weiss shouted.

"That's even worse!" She cried out.

"No, it's not! By detaching 'Clavykis' from 'Vepartu', Levice Dragon is sent to the graveyard!" The unit flew into the Sea Serpent's gun, supercharging the bullet inside the chamber. 'Vepartu' pulled the trigger, and a light blue orb of energy flew into the dragon's face with a loud bang.

"Levice Dragon! Strike back with Vice STREAM!" The monster roared and swung its head, knocking the bullet away with ease.

"What…?" Ruby whispered as another beam from Number 17 deatomized her monster, and then slammed into her. "Aaaaaaaah!" The explosion knocked Ruby off her feet, sending her tumbling across the crater filled floor. She landed with a thud on the floor, groaning in pain.

🥊 Ruby Rose
4000 LP - 2100 DMG = 1900 LP

"What, that's not…! Levice Dragon should've been sent to the graveyard!" Blake said as Ruby struggled to pick herself up. "'Fighting Spirit' only protects from battle destruction."

"Yes, but Levice Dragon is a Number!" Weiss said. "Number Xyz Monsters aren't standard cards. They're beyond anything this game currently has!"

"The Princess is right, Ruby," Yang said slowly as her sister dusted the dust and rubble off her coat. "As long as Levice Dragon has Overlay Units, you can't remove it from the field."

"What…? I can't remove…?" Ruby stammered, taking a step back.

"All Numbers have that protection. In essence, the only way to beat a Number is with another Number," Weiss said, albeit a bit too smugly.

"Back then, 'Vepartu's' effect wouldn't have done anything…" Ruby said, recalling her Duel with Weiss. She gripped the sole card in her hand tightly, almost bending the cardboard.

"Ruby, Yang, you need to stop this Duel," Blake said in a worried voice. "This has gone on too far. Somebody's going to get hurt!"

Ruby bit her lip. Her body's aching, yes. She's pretty sure she can feel a scrap or two bleeding on her body. And, her leggings and coat are ripping.

"N-No…!" Ruby said, taking a step forward only to stagger. She vaguely hear Blake call out to her. "That… that thing, that Number has done something to my sister… and I want it to stop."

"And how are you going to do that?" Yang asked, crossing her arms under her chest. "You've got one card in your hand. That's not enough for a comeback, now is it?"

"That's what you think…!" Despite her bravado, Ruby didn't even know if the card 'Batosbuster' drew would even let her continue to the Duel. Slowly, she raised her card to her eyes.

Ruby swallowed thickly as she activated it. "During my Main Phase 2, I activate 'Pot of Avarice'. I'll Shuffle 'Clavykis', 'Mafteal', 'Link Spider', 'Vepartu', and 'Draconet' back into my deck to draw two cards…" Ruby said. She drew.

"...I activate 'Harpie's Feather Duster'!" Ruby exclaimed, making Yang wince. A large gust of wind blew away Yang's entire backrow.

"You…!" Yang growled as the wind died down. With the Equip Cards gone, Levice Dragon let out a soft whine as it lost its power.

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
4100 ATK ⇒ 2000 ATK

"...I end my turn," Ruby said, breathing heavily. Yang growled as grabbed her deck.

"I draw. I activate 'Armory Call'. I can add one Equip Spell from my deck, but I mill the top card of deck afterwards, and I can't Normal Summon for the rest of the turn. I add 'Archfiend Staff of Despair'. Then, I equip 'Mikanko Dance - Mayowashidori' onto 'Ha-Re'," Yang said with a frustrated growl. The rooster spirit appeared around the monster, hovering over her protectively. "Now, 'Ha-Re' will let me add 'Mikanko Purification Dance' to my hand, which I also equip to her." 'Ha-Re' raised her dagger, which quickly became engulfed in flames and grew to over twice it's original size. "Then, I equip 'Staff of Despair' onto Levice Dragon!" With a card equipped to it, Levice Dragon howled into the sky.

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
2000 ATK ⇒ 3500 ATK

"Then, 'Staff of Despair's' effect activates to reduce the attack of all monsters you control by half of Levice Dragon's attack, so it 'Batosbuster' loses 1750 ATK" The dragon's jaw opened and released a gaseous purple ooze, making 'Batosbuster' stumbled.

ℹ️ Magikey Mechmusket - Batosbuster (DARK)
2000 ATK ⇒ 250 ATK

"Next, I activate Levice Dragon's second effect to attach 'Purification Dance' onto it as Xyz Material," Yang continued. The flames that caused the blade to grow were quickly sucked out, and then it dissolved and began to orbit around Number 17, causing it to orbit around the monster.

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
1 OU ⇒ 2 OU
3500 ATK ⇒ 3000 ATK

"However, I cannot activate both of Levice Dragon's effects on the same turn."

Ruby let out a sigh of relief, but she didn't let her guard down yet. "Now, Levice Dragon attacks 'Batosbuster'!"

"I shuffle a card from my hand back into my deck to have Levice Dragon's effect negated!" Ruby exclaims. The young boy adjusted his weak grip on his gun to fire at the dragon, the bullets bouncing off its scales.

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
3000 ATK ⇒ 2000 ATK

Despite that, another blast destroyed the mini-gun wielding Machine, just narrowly allowing Ruby to survive the attack.

🥊 Ruby Rose
1900 LP - 1750 DMG = 150

"Sh-shit…!" Ruby cursed as she landed flat on her back from the blow.

Yang lets out a huff of annoyance. "I set two cards face down and end my turn. It's your move, Ruby…" With her turn at an end, Levice Dragon regained its power and howled.

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
2000 ATK ⇒ 3000

"R-Right…" She groaned. Her hand reached out for the edge of the crater she was laying down in, but even that was enough to make her lightheaded. "It's my… turn…"

Ruby's chest heaved. Everything hurt. She could barely feel her own arms, much less her legs. As she tried to pick herself up, she fell back down, landing on the floor face first. Her weak aura sparked to defend herself.

"Ruby, now do you see?" Yang asked, her voice slightly distorted as Levice Dragon hovered over her. "You're too weak. You can't win. Please, just surrender. I don't want to hurt you anymore…"

Ruby's heart jumped to the back of her throat. Somewhere in her voice, she can feel the real Yang fighting, trying to take back control. "I can protect you, Ruby. Just let me. I can keep you safe, forever…"

Ruby's eyes watered. She bit her lip, and somehow, she found the strength to stand up on her two feet, despite her shaky legs. "Yang… you've done so much for me…" She said, and Yang's eyes brightened. "So… let me do this… for you…!" She grabbed the top card of her deck, and tensed up.

"I…! DRAW!" Ruby yelled. She blinked in confusion when a blinding silver light came from the card.

Somewhere, on the outskirts of the island of Patch, was a wooden lodge.

Inside the lodge's attic was a deck box. A moment of silence passed, and then, a bright beam of silver of light forced the box open.

Loyal friends needed to keep their promise.

Blake and Weiss finally managed to open their eyes as the blinding light died down. "...What happened?" Blake asked, confused. Weiss blinked as she felt an itch on the back of her neck.

"No… no, it can't be…!" Weiss breathed.

Yang let out a grunt as she saw Ruby look at her card. "What the hell was that?" She demanded to know.

Ruby, now standing straight, smirked.

"I summon 'Clavykis, the Magikey Skyblaster'!" Ruby exclaimed. Her most trusted monster appeared in front of her, cocking 'Maftea' as it landed with a thud.

ℹ️ Clavykis the Magikey Skyblaster (DARK)
LV 4 / 1900 ATK

"Then, since I control no other monsters, and 'Clavykis' is Level 4, I can summon 'ZS - Armed Sage' from my hand!"

"'Zexal… Servant…?" Yang gasped. Next to Ruby's monster, a red armored man wielding a staff, and carrying multiple glowing weapons on its back landed, it then twirled its staff around and pointed it at Yang.

ℹ️ ZS - Armed Sage (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 300 ATK

"I build the Overlay Network with Level 4 'Clavykis' and 'Armed Sage'." Ruby shouted. Twin orbs of bright yellow and purple lights flew into the air. As they did, Ruby reached into her Extra Deck. Instead of pulling out a 'Vepartu', however, silver energy from her eyes surged down her body, reaching her finger tips and flying out from them to form into a thin strip of cardboard.

"I Xyz Summon Number 39! Rise on up! King of Wishes - Hope!"

A large, key-like object emerged from the Overlay Network, forming gleaming white gold metal. A light blue core glowed brightly in the middle, pulsating, beating like a heart. The metal began to shift, unfolding and shifting into a humanoid warrior with two large swords on either side of its hips, and two large metal wings behind its pauldrons. The Number 39 was emblazoned on its left pauldron, just like it burned in her left eye.

Hope crossed its arms over its chest, and then puffed it out with a loud shout of 'HOPE'!

[ Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope ]
[LIGHT / Warrior / Xyz / Effect]
[2500 ATK / 2000 DEF / 2 OU]

ℹ️ Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope (LIGHT)
AKA "Number 39: Utopia"
LIGHT & DIVINE

"When 'Armed Sage' is used to Xyz Summon to Xyz Summon a Utopia monster, I can add a 'ZW' monster from my deck to my hand!" Ruby continued. Her deck let out a silver glow as she grabbed her card. "I activate the effect of 'ZW - Sylphid Wing', and equip it onto my Hope!"

The wings of Hope began to shift, unfolding and spreading out. White and green metal snapped onto Hope pauldrons. "When 'Sylphid Wing' is equipped to Hope, it gains 800 ATK!" There was a sound of engine humming, and afterwards, shooting out bright jets of energy shooting out from large engines.

ℹ️ Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope (LIGHT)
2500 ATK ⇒ 3300 ATK

Yang took a step back as she saw Hope's attack rise, becoming stronger than her Number 17. "What the…!? When did she get that…!?" Yang's red eyes looked at Ruby's silver eyes, and gasped at the confident smirk on her face.

"I also equip 'Reverse Breaker' onto Hope, too!" She said. Hope's long, curved sword became serrated and sharper.

"Battle! Hope attacks Levice Dragon!" Ruby shouted. The engines on Hope's shoulders roared even louder. The shining warrior grabbed its blade and flew towards Yang's dragon. "'Reverse Breaker' activates! I destroy 'Mayowashidori', and you can't use any Spell/Traps in response!"

"Shit!" Yang yelled angrily. Hope reached for its other blade and tossed it, slicing the rooster spirit in half. She seethed, and once it was destroyed, weaking her dragon as a result.

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
3000 ATK ⇒ 2500 ATK

"I activate 'Mikanko Rivarly'!" Yang yelled, but Ruby's eyes flashed. "I target Hope so I can equip a card from my deck onto it!"

"I activate Hope's effect! Since you targeted it, I can detach a unit to negate that effect!" Ruby exclaimed.

ℹ️ Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope (LIGHT)
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

To protect itself, Hope slowed down, and its wings extended to block the beam that was shot towards.

"Shiiiit! I activate 'Mikanko Promise'!" The card flips up, depicting 'Ha-Re' and 'Ni-Ni' as children, sharing a pinky-promise. "I can summon 'Ni-Ni the Mirror Mikanko' and equip 'Water Arabesque' from my graveyard onto it!" The chain resolved there, and with a splash of water the girl with watery cat ears appeared. At the same time, Levice Dragon howled.

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
2500 ATK ⇒ 3000 ATK

"When a monster is summoned, 'Sylphid Wing' permanently increases Hope's attack by 1600 points!" Ruby shouted in response.

Yang took a step back as the engines began to hum even louder. "I activate 'Ni-Ni's' effect in response, to target Hope and take control of it!" She responded.

"I activate Hope's effect!" Ruby shouted, making Yang shout angrily. 

ℹ️ Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope (LIGHT)
1 OU ⇒ 0 OU
LIGHT & DIVINE ⇒ LIGHT

"It's not once per turn!?" Yang shouted. Again, the Overlay Unit slammed into its core again, and the wings extended once more, blocking 'Ni-Ni's' water tendrils and causing them to splash harmlessly onto the gleaming metal.

And then, the engines blasted into overdrive, making the Number's power skyrocket.

ℹ️ Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope (LIGHT)
3300 ATK ⇒ 4900 ATK

"No…! Rubyyyyy!" Yang roared. "I activate Number 17's effect!"

"I activate Hope's effect one last time!" Ruby shouted.

"How!? It has no Overlay Units!"

"Because, if Hope would detach a material, 'Sylphid Wing' can send itself to the graveyard for the cost instead!" The giant metal engines glowed and then disappeared, but not before blasting Levice Dragon with a blast that made it stagger, at the cost of making Hope weaker.

ℹ️ Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope (LIGHT)
4900 ATK ⇒ 4100 ATK

With no responses available anymore, Hope flew towards the large dragon. With an enraged howl, Levice Dragon opened its mouth to snatch the sword between its jaws, making both monsters struggle. However, Hope easily broke free, freeing its weapon from Levice Dragon's jaw and bringing the sword down.

The Number roared and the blinding sword sliced down the middle of its long body. Beams of light streamed out from the cut, and after a short roar of blind rage, the monster exploded. Yang's eyes widened as the resulting explosion blasted her off her feet, slamming her into the arena with enough force for the ground to crackle and crater.

🥊 Yang & No. 17
2000 LP - 1100 DMG = 900 LP

Yang hissed in pain as she struggled to her feet. Her hair and her uniform was a mess, her aura sparking as it struggled to absorb the sheer force of the attack. "L-Levice…!" She whispered in shock.

"That ends my turn," Ruby said.

Yang hissed through her teeth as she stood in. As she did, she fell back to her knees, pain surging through her body as she struggled to maintain her composure. "I…! Draw…!" Yang said, and then immediately placed the card on the Disk. "I activate 'Axe of Fools' and equip it onto your Hope! This card gives it 1000 ATK at the cost of negating its effects."

Ruby then smiled softly. "Since you targeted a monster, I can chain Hope's second effect!" She shouted, making Yang blink. "Since Hope has no Overlay Unit, I can negate that effect, and then it will destroy itself and inflict 1000 damage to both of us!"

Yang's eyes widened as Hope's core began to glow. Energy from outside spiraled into its body, causing the body of the monster to glow brightly. "Ruby… Ruby, no, don't do this!" Yang cried out, sounding heartbroken.

Ruby didn't respond. She let out a heavy, deep sigh, and allowed her hands to go slack. "Ruby, please! I have to do this! I have to show you! I can protect you! I have to show Mom and Dad! Show Raven! PLEASE!"

"Yang…" Ruby whispered. As Hope continued to charge, Ruby slowly walked, half staggered over to her older sister. The 'Mikankos' let her pass by them. Ruby wrapped her arms around Yang, and buried her head into the crook of her neck.

"You don't have to prove anything to anyone," Ruby whispered. Yang's breath hitched.

The Number 17 on her scalp began to crack, and then, it shattered. As her eyes turned back into soft lilac, and she hugged Ruby back.

Hope exploded, engulfing both sisters in the blast.

🔥Ruby
150 LP - 1000 DMG = -850 LP

🔥Yang
900 LP - 1000 DMG = -100 LP

DRAW!

[Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope]
[LIGHT / Rank 4]
[Warrior / Xyz / Effect]
[2500 ATK / 2000 DEF]

2 Level 4 Monsters

(This card's name is also always treated as "Number 39: Utopia".)
[Number's Divinity]
When a monster declares an attack, or a card or effect is activated that targets a monster you control: you can detach one material from this card; negate that attack or effect. If an opponent's monster declares an attack or activates an effect, or a card or effect is activated that targets a monster you control while this card has no material: you can destroy this card, and if you do, inflict 1000 damage to both players and negate that attack or effect.

[ Number 17: Levice Dragon ]
[WATER / Rank 3 / Effect]
[2000 ATK / 0 DEF]

2 Level 3 Monsters

(This card's name is also always treated as "Number 17: Leviathan Dragon".)
[Number's Divinity]
While this card is equipped with an Equip Card, it gains 500 ATK for each Equip Card you control. You can only activate 1 of the following effects of "Number 17: Levice Dragon" once per turn, and only once that turn. If an attack is declared involving this card: You can detach one material from this card, then target a number of cards your opponent controls, up to the number of the Equip Cards you control; destroy them. During your Main Phase 1: you can attach one Equip Card in your Spell/Trap Zone to this card as Xyz Material.

Chapter Text

Number 98 burned in her right eye. It was enough to make her flinch.

"Cinder…?" The girl next to her asked. The delicate sound of her voice was enough to make her frown. "Are you–?"

"I'm fine," Cinder snapped at Emerald. Immediately, the girl backed away. Cinder placed a hand over her right eyes, ignoring the grating sound of Mercury's chuckling. In the back of her mind, Number 98 whispered. Its voice was gravely and harsh, yet with a hint of honey. It at least sounded like it wanted to be her friend.

Mercury and Emerald glanced at each other, then back at Cinder. They knew she had a stronger connection to Mother's Numbers than they do. Mercury's 79 and Emerald's 89 were both present in their minds, but they were barely noticeable. Mercury thought Cinder was schizophrenic when they first met– no, 'met' is too much of an overstatement.

"What do you mean…?" Cinder asked 98. A cold shiver worked its way down her spine as it spoke. Cinder narrowed her eyes.

"Come with me." Wordlessly, Mercury and Emerald follow Cinder out of the room.

The warehouse they were stationed at was filled with shipping containers. Most of them bore the logo of the Schnee Dust Company, having been stolen from their factories, refineries or from docks they were shipped to.

But right now, Cinder could care less about their upcoming plans. Vale would get its due process in time, but right now, she wants to be selfish.

Cinder walked to the back of the warehouse, and opened the door. Sitting on a desk in the back of the room was a man in a dark brown coat, muttering to himself as sparks and light came from something in between in his arms.

"Watts," Cinder said curtly. The man paused and turned around. He lifted his welding mask so that two green eyes could glare at her.

"What do you want, girl?" Arthur Watts growls. "I'm busy working on your plan."

"Mother's killer was returned," Cinder said flatly. That makes Arthur jump slightly in his seat.

"What…? Number 39 has been summoned?" Arthur asked.

"Number 98 sensed its return," Cinder explained, crossing her arms as Arthur stood up from its seat. "Not only that, 39 purged Mother's lingering will from another Number."

Arthur places his hand on his chin, stroking it gently as he thinks to himself. "That should be impossible. 39 and that Silver-Eyed Duelist shared a bond unlike any other. It should still be blank! Why would it suddenly gain the willpower to act once more?"

"I'm not sure, but it doesn't change the fact that 39 has returned. If I want to fight back… I need to practice with the 'Witch's Curse' once more," Cinder said. At that statement, Emerald gasped, Mercury scoffed, and Arthur raised an eyebrow.

"Cinder! Last time you used that card, you were out for a month!" Emerald warned her. Cinder turned her head to glare at Emerald.

"Do you think I don't remember?" Cinder asked hotly. She walked towards Emerald. Mercury sighs and shakes his head as Emerald backs away from Cinder. "Do you think I suffered a head injury! That I forgot my own weakness!?"

"No! No, I didn't!" Emerald says, panicking as her back hits the wall. Cinder looms over her, red flames coming from eyes. "I didn't mean to–!"

"Quiet!" Cinder shouts, and Emerald cringes. "I'm well aware of my own weaknesses. But now, I can't afford to simply roll over and accept my own flaws. Now that 39 has returned, I must become stronger. I must overcome any obstacle. I must return Mother to her former glory."

Cinder backs away from Emerald, finally letting the girl take in a breath. "Watts. I challenge you to a Duel," She says simply, glaring at the scientist on the other side of the room.

"A Duel…?" He asked incredulously, smirking. "Very well, girl. I accept. This is what your Mother would want, after all…" Watts adds sarcastically. Cinder growls lightly at the disrespect at his voice, but she doesn't say anything.

Mercury removes the Duel Disk on his wrist and hands to Cinder. She slides her own deck inside to activate it. On the other side, Watts taps a button on his wristwatch. It extends and unfolds, forming into the black Duel Disk with a curved blade.

"Do you really think you've grown strong enough to handle 'Witch's Curse'?" Watts asks before they begin. Cinder doesn't answer immediately, but she does smirk.

"Even if I haven't…" Cinder begins, "I have no doubt I will win either way."

Cinder Fall (4000 LP) VS Arthur Watts (4000 LP)
DUEL!

"Such arrogance… You ought to be taught a lesson in humility! I activate my Continuous Spell, 'Bug Firewall'!" Arthur begins. "I must activate this card by sending one LIGHT Level 3 Insect monster from my deck to the Graveyard. By doing so, any monsters you control in defense position are not allowed to activate their effects!" Cinder frowned, but that card didn't worry her just yet.

"Next, I will summon 'Digital Bug Cocoondenser' from my hand!" A mechanical cocoon appears in front of Watts, with two lights near the center glowing on the center of its shell.

ℹ️ Digital Bug Cocoondenser (LIGHT)
LV 3 / 0 ATK

"And now, I will activate 'Cocoondenser's' effect! By changing it to defense mode, it can revive a Level 3 Insect monster from my graveyard in defense mode! Return, 'Digital Bug Centibit'!" The cocoon began to glow.

ℹ️ Digital Bug Cocoondenser (LIGHT)
0 ATK ⇒ 2000 DEF

Its front opened, and allowed a centipede made out of microchips to crawl out.

ℹ️ Digital Bug Centibit (LIGHT)
LV 3 / 500 DEF

"I will then activate the third effect of my 'Firewall', allowing it to change the battle position of my 'Centibit'!" The mandible of the mechanical bug clicked together, and the monster reared up on its hind legs.

ℹ️ Digital Bug Centibit (LIGHT)
500 DEF ⇒ 1500 ATK 

"And now, I will activate the effect of my 'Dream Cicada' in my hand! I will move 'Centibit' back into defense mode to summon it from my hand! This will also trigger 'Centibit's' own ability, allowing it to special summon another Level 3 Insect in defense mode! Come forth, 'Oily Cicada' and 'Dream Cicada'!" Two monsters, one that was dark brown with large wings.

ℹ️ Oily Cicada (WIND)
LV 3 / 1000 DEF

The other with a dark gray body and large claws.

ℹ️ Dream Cicada (WIND)
LV 3 / 300 ATK

When both appeared, each one trilled loudly as they crawled next to each other.

"In addition, when 'Dream Cicada' is summoned, it changes a monster's battle position. I will choose 'Oily Cicada'," Arthur continued; the wings curled around 'Oily Cicada's' abdomen, and the monster began to molt.

ℹ️ Oily Cicada (WIND)
1000 DEF ⇒ 1000 ATK

"This will trigger its effect to summon another 'Oily Cicada' from my deck!" Another dark brown insect formed from the loose skin of the first one.

ℹ️ Oily Cicada (WIND)
LV 3 / 1000 ATK

"Yeesh… talk about a swarm of insects…" Mercury groaned as the trilling from Watt's insects became louder.

"Quiet. You just don't know when to admire greatness," Watts snapped at the silver haired boy. "Now then, by sending my 'Dream Cicada' and one 'Oily Cicada', two Insect monsters, to the graveyard, I will Link Summon my 'Beetrooper Armor Horn'!" The bugs trilled even louder as they turned in code, their bodies morphing into a metal beetle and a humanoid insect rider in medieval style armor (LINK-2 /1000 ATK).

ℹ️ Beetrooper Armor Horn (WIND)
LINK-2 / 1000 ATK / ↑↓

"Then, I will activate 'Armor Horn's' effect, allowing me to Normal Summon 'Digital Bug Websolder'!"

The armored beetle let out a roar, and from the ground, a spider-like creature dug itself out of the ground, shaking its head in order to get rid of the dirt.

ℹ️ Digital Bug Websolder (LIGHT)
LV 3 / 500 ATK

"Now then, I will Overlay my two Level 'Digital Bug Centibit' and 'Cocoondenser'! Arise, 'Digital Bug Scaradiator'!" From the red Overlay Network, a mechanical scarab crawled out, pushing along a large radiator with its hind legs.

ℹ️ Digital Bug Scaradiator (LIGHT)
RK 3 / 1800 ATK / 2 OU

"Now, I will detach both of its Overlay Units, and Rank-Up 'Scaradiator' into a more ruthless form!" Watts exclaimed. Both of the monster's Overlay Unit's disappeared, and then the monster transformed into a glowing ball of the light, flying into a Network on the sky. "Come forth, 'Digital Bug Corebage'!"

Watts' next monster was a mechanical butterfly; its eyes were yellow Xs, and sparks flew from the yellow circles at the tip of its wings.

ℹ️ Digital Bug Corebage (LIGHT)
RK 5 / 2200 ATK / 1 OU

"Now, I will activate the effect of my 'Websolder'! I will change 'Oily Cicada' to defense mode in order to summon 'Digital Bug Registrider' from my hand!" The second cicada curled it's wings around it.

ℹ️ Oily Cicada (WIND)
1000 ATK ⇒ 1000 DEF

which allowed a thin water strider to appear.

ℹ️ Digital Bug Registrider (LIGHT)
LV 3 / 1000 DEF

"Not only will this trigger 'Oily Cicada's' effect to let me summon another copy of itself, only this time the one I just sent to the graveyard, but this also activates 'Corebage's' effect, to take a monster from my graveyard, and either summon it or attach to an Xyz Summon I control! I will attach 'Dream Cicada' to my 'Corebage'!"

A dark portal appeared in front of the butterfly, and it shoot it it's proboscis in order to absorb the insect.

ℹ️ Digital Bug Corebage (LIGHT)
1 OU ⇒ 2 OU

Then, 'Oily Cicada' crawled out of the same portal.

ℹ️ Oily Cicada (WIND)
LV 3 / 1000 ATK

"Now, I will Overlay my two 'Digital Bugs' as well to summon another 'Scaradiator'!" Watts said. Another copy of the radiator wheeling scarab appeared.

ℹ️ Digital Bug Scaradiator (LIGHT)
RK 3 / 1800 ATK / 2 OU

Watts smirked. "I should add that a monster that was summoned with 'Registrider' as material gains 1000 ATK!" The giant fan began to glow, burning bright red (1800 ATK to 2800 ATK).

ℹ️ Digital Bug Scaradiator (LIGHT)
1800 ATK ⇒ 2800 ATK

"And lastly, I will build my final Overlay Network, using my two 'Cicadas'!" Watts declared. This time, a gold, galactic Overlay Network appeared in front of, making the man smirk triumphantly. "Pave the way to my victory! Arise, Number 20! Giga Brilli-Ant!"

A thin seed appeared from the blast, a green one with a red core in the center. The seed began to twitch, and dark purple legs burst out from the sides. What came out was a large bipedal ant with two smaller front legs. Its main body was purple, but the head was made out of silver metal, and its eyes were glimmering red gemstones. Curved blades shot out from the ant's back, pointing backwards, and the Number 20 appeared on the largest blade on the right.

Giga Brilli-Ant snapped its mandibles together and then let out a high-pitched shriek.

[ Number 20: Giga Brilli-Ant ]
[LIGHT / Insect / Xyz / Effect]
[1800 ATK / 1800 DEF / 2 OU]

ℹ️ Number 20: Giga Brilli-Ant
AKA Number 20: Giga-Brilliant
LIGHT & DIVINE

Watts chuckled as his four monsters twitched; antennae swaying, mandible clicking. They were ready to feast, and so was he. "Well, Cinder? Do you truly believe you can defeat me? I have an army of insects with me, just waiting to be fed!"

"You think those are terrifying? Then, I suppose I will have to make you fear Mother's power again…! I draw!" She glanced at the new card she drew, and her amber eyes widened. She put that one away and grabbed another card. "As I control no monsters, I can activate 'Unexpected Dai'! This card will let me summon a Normal Monster straight from my deck. Appear, 'Evilswarm Heliotrope'!"

A black box appeared in front of Cinder, and as it crumbled to pieces, it left behind a green knight. Red eyes glowed from the visor, eyes it shared with the Grimm. The monster let out an unholy howl as it gripped its sword tightly.

ℹ️ Evilswarm Heliotrope (DARK)
LV 4 / 1950 ATK

"Next, as you control more monsters than I do, I will Special Summon 'Evilswarm Mandragora' from my hand!" A small plant creature with leaves for hands and white hair covering its right eye appeared.

ℹ️ Evilswarm Mandragora (DARK)
LV 4 / 1550 ATK

Watts growled at the appearance of the creature.

"I use my Level 4 'Evilswarm Mandragora' and 'Heliotrope' to build the Overlay Network!" Two orbs of dark energy flew into the sky. Cinder grunted as let her anger, frustration, her sadness guide her actions. The Number 98 burned in her right eye, eager to be released.

"Return to us! I summon Mother's loyal servant!" Cinder cried out. She reached a hand into the sky. Black light pulsed from her eye, climbing up her arm and reaching her fingertips, creating a thin strip of cardboard. "Appear, Number 98! King of Despair - Hopeless!"

The network exploded in a blast of dark light. A large, key-like object emerged from air made from gleaming white and black metal. A light blue core glowed brightly in the middle, pulsating, beating like a heart. The metal began to shift, unfolding and shifting into a humanoid warrior with one massive sword in its hand, and two large metal wings behind its pauldrons. The Number 98 was emblazoned on its right pauldron, just like it burned in her right eye.

[ Number 98: King of Despair - Hopeless ]
[DARK / Warrior / Xyz / Effect]
[2000 ATK / 2500 DEF / 2 OU]

ℹ️ Number 98: King of Despair - Hopeless (DARK)
AKA Number 98: Antitopian
DARK & DIVINE

"There. That should keep you from messing with my plans," Cinder said as Number 98 loomed over her, the rags covering her shadows.

"Do you really believe Number 98 is all the protection you need you require?" Watts asked incredulously.

"It's more than enough to stop you," Cinder nodded, an eager smirk forming on her face. "Now, since I've yet to use my Normal Summon, I'll do so now by calling to the field 'Evilswarm Castor!" Cinder's new monster was a humanoid knight in half white and half black armor, wielding a sword with two blades.

ℹ️  Evilswarm Castor (DARK)
LV 4 / 1750 ATK

"I then activate the Continuous Spell, 'Overlay Network'!" In front of her, the galactic 'Network' appeared, slowly swirling. "I activate its first effect, which will let me summon a monster from my deck with the same Level equal to the target's with its effects negated: 'Castor'! I summon 'Evilswarm Kerykeion'!"

The green orb flew out of the 'Network' and appeared next to 'Castor'. It wore all black, aside from the splash of white on its helmet, and carried both a caduceus and a staff tipped with a mirror in each hand.

ℹ️ Evilswarm Kerykeion (DARK)
LV 4 / 1600 ATK

"Now, on the turn 'Castor' is summoned, I'm allowed an extra Normal Summon of an 'Lswarm' monster!"

Watts growled as 'Castor' raised its blade to call upon a new corrupted, Grimm-like creature. "I activate the effect of my 'Digital Bug Scaradiator'! By detaching two materials from this card, I will change 'Castor' to defense mode and negate its effects!" The materials flew into the monster's radiator, which supercharged the radiator it carried.

ℹ️ Digital Bug Scaradiator (LIGHT)
2 OU ⇒ 0 OU

"Finally! Now, I will activate Hopeless' effect!" The first Overlay Unit flies into the ragged monster's chest, causing its body to glow in an oppressive dark light. "Since you targeted a monster I control, Hopeless is able to change that effect to force 'Scaradiator' into defense mode!"

"It won't be enough, for I activate Giga Brilli-Ant's effect in response!" Watts' Number snapped its mandibles together, grabbing one orbiting Overlay Unit and eating it. "Now, Brilli-Ant will change all of your monsters into defense mode!"

The oversized ant pushed itself onto its hind legs and shrieked loudly. The sound of its voice causes all of Cinder's monsters to cringe and move back, each one taking a knee.

ℹ️ Number 98 / Castor / Kerykeion (DARK)
2000 ATK ⇒ 2500 DEF / 1750 ATK ⇒ 550 DEF / 1600 ATK ⇒ 1550 DEF

Afterwards, Hopeless raised its head and glared at 'Scaradiator'. The monster's mandible twitched, and out of fear it climbed onto the radiator (2800 ATK to 1400 DEF).

ℹ️ Digital Bug Scaradiator (LIGHT)
2800 ATK ⇒ 1400 DEF

"Do not think I'm done yet! Now, as a monster has changed battle positions, 'Corebage' will let me attach an Insect monster in my graveyard to an Insect Xyz Monster I control! In addition, I will also activate its other effect to detach a material and send your 'Kerykeion' back into your deck!"

'Corebage' flapped its large wings, launching a wave of electric wind that slammed into the black and white monster. Cinder growled, but she did not falter. Watts is currently in control of five cards. Cinder has four, and three cards left in her hand. Regardless of what happens, Watts will be left with only Brilli-Ant.

She took a deep breath, and grabbed the card she drew at the start of her turn. "I activate… Rank-Up-Magic Witch's Curse!" She raises her hand skyward, the tip of the card pointed at the ceiling. Then, it begins to glow. Black lighting shoots out from the artwork, causing the lights in the room to flicker.

It crackles through the air, curving until finally slamming into Hopeless core. The monster shouts in pain as its body becomes covered into black light. "Th-this card…!" Cinder stammers, hissing in pain as electricity travels down her arm. "This card lets me Rank-Up Hopeless into a Fiend Monster that's one Rank higher than it!"

"Cinder…!" Upon seeing Cinder in pain, Emerald tries to run towards her, but Mercury grabs her by the shoulder, keeping her at his side.

Cinder begins to buckle under the strain of tapping directly into Mother's dark powers. "Th-then…! I can destroy…! One Number Xyz… Monster…! Y-you…! Y-you controllll! Arghhh!" The activation backfires. Hopeless, either unable or unwilling to accept the chaotic power, rejects it, launching all the energy back at Cinder. Her eyes widen as she's blasted with black lightning.

Instead of being launched backwards, Cinder's eyes roll into the back of her head and she falls to her knees. As she gasps, black smoke escapes her mouth. She's motionless for a few moments before Watts breaks the silence.

"...She's not dead, is she?" He asks dryly, impatiently tapping his foot.

"Of course not!" Emerald says immediately. "As if Cinder would ever die to something as lame as misfire!"

"Didn't we have to take her to a hospital last time Witch's Curse misfired?" Mercury commented.

"That's beside the point!"

"Sh-shuuuut…! Up…!" Cinder wheezed. All eyes turn to her. She lurches forward, falling to her hands and coughing up an inky black liquid from her throat. It's not blood; it's far too thick and foul, both in its scent and aura, to be so.

Slowly, she pushes herself up onto her feet. With Witch's Curse failing to resolve, she slides that card into her graveyard. "I… am more than capable…! Of continuing! I Normal Summon 'Evilswarm O'Lantern!" A monster made of light blue rock appeared, covered in black armor and with wing like appendages sticking out from it's back.

ℹ️ Evilswarm O'Lantern (DARK)
LV 4 / 1650 ATK

"I'll do overlaying 'Castor' and 'O'Lantern'! I Xyz Summon 'Evilswarm Exciton Knight'!"

The two monsters fell into the swirling red vortex, and from it emerged a man in gleaming white, cockroach shaped armor, and large red eyes on the sides of its helmet.

ℹ️ Evilswarm Exciton Knight (LIGHT)
RK 4 / 1900 ATK / 2 OU

"As you control more cards than I have on my field or in my hand, 'Exciton Knight' can destroy all other cards in the field!" The unit fell into 'Exciton's' blade, making it glow an ugly shade of miasma.

ℹ️ Evilswarm Exciton Knight (LIGHT)
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

With a shout, it stabs the blade into the ground, and releases the built up energy. Watts' Insects all screech as they're blasted to kingdom come. As the dust settles, only 'Exciton Knight' and each Duelists' respective Numbers remain on the field.

"On the turn this effect is activated, you can longer take damage…" Cinder says. "I set one card and end my turn here."

"Feh…" Watts grunts. He raises his hands and dusts off a bit of rubble that had been blown onto his impeccable suit. "I must admit, you've grown stronger. Your Mother would be pleased to not only see you conscious, but carrying on despite your injuries." At his praise, Cinder can't help but smile to herself.

"However… such strength isn't enough! I draw!" Watts glances at the card, and smirks. "Behold, true power! I activate 'Rank-Up-Magic Bug Virus'!" Cinder takes a step back as the card appears behind Giga Brilli-Ant. The Number shrieks, and it begins to fold itself back into its dormant state.

"Now, I can use Brilli-Ant to rebuild the Overlay Network, summoning a monster that's 2 Ranks higher than it!" The seed flies into the sky, falling into the Network that formed on the ceiling. A dark green explosion shakes the foundation of the building.

"Behold, the power gifted to me by the Queen of Grimm! Come forth, Number C20: Swarm Queen Brilli-Ant!"

A four legged monstrosity lands on the floor, bearing the same purple color as Giga Brilli-Ant's exoskeleton. The blades on its back were still there, but they were more crystalline and serrated. The gems of its eyes had grown, creating a terrifying dragon-like helmet, hiding every inch of its face except for the sharp mandible that peaked out.

A long, thin abdomen covered in spikes dragged across the floor and on either side of its body, four large dragonfly wings shook violently buzzing fast enough to generate electricity. The mandibles slammed together, creating a harsh metallic sound. Two red eyes appeared in the dark eye holes of the skull, and Number C20 roared loudly as two diamond shaped crystals appeared in front of it.

[ Number C20: Swarm Queen Brilli-Ant ]
[LIGHT / Insect / Xyz / Effect]
[2400 ATK / 2400 DEF / 2 OU]

ℹ️ Number C20: Swarm Queen Brilli-Ant (LIGHT)
LIGHT & DIVINE

"Now, I will activate my glorious Queen's effect by using one Chaos Overlay Unit! This will turn all cards you control face down!" Cinder curses to herself as one of the crystals shines brightly and then dissolved. 

ℹ️ Number C20: Swarm Queen Brilli-Ant (LIGHT)
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

Brilli-Ant rises on its hind legs, and its buzzing wings begin to vibrate loudly. It roared loudly, and then blasted Cinder's field with blinding light.

"I activate 'Infestation Infection'!" Cinder shouted before the light reached her. "I will shuffle 'Evilswarm Ketos' from my hand to my deck in order to add 'Evilswarm Kerykeion' from my deck to my hand!" For a moment, her Trap Card shone before it was blasted back down by the Swarm Queen.

"Do you think that will be enough? I doubt it! Swarm Queen Brilli-Ant attacks the face-down 'Exciton Knight'!" The Chaotic Number roared as it started to gain flying towards the face-down monster. "And as you know, both 20 and its evolved form give all my monsters the ability to inflict piercing battle damage, and every monster I control gains 400 ATK for every defense mode monster you control during the Battle Phase, thanks to my Swarm Queen's second effect!"

The giant dragonfly roared, and soon its mandibles became even sharper, as did the spines on its tail. 

ℹ️ Number C20: Swarm Queen Brilli-Ant (LIGHT)
2400 ATK ⇒ 3200 ATK

The monster opened its maw. As soon as 'Exciton Knight was flipped over, it was eaten whole. Then, C20 spun backwards and slammed its barbed abdomen into Cinder's stomach. She wheezed as all the wind in her lungs is knocked out by the strike.

🥊Cinder
4000 ATK - 3200 DMG = 800 LP

She falls to her knees, clutching her stomach tightly as Swarm Queen retreats to its master's side. "Now, it doesn't matter what card you summon! Thanks to my Swarm Queen, every single monster you summon will fall victim to my glorious Queen! My turn ends here!"

Cinder snarled as priority returned to her. Her eyes flare as she stands back up. "I draw." As she did, Watts couldn't help but smirk deviously.

"You might as well surrender here, Cinder. No matter what card you draw, my Queen can simply flip it face down. You won't be able to summon any monsters from your Extra Deck at this rate!" He taunted her as C20 clicked its mandibles together.

"That's what you think," Cinder responded, smirking for the first time in the duel. The smug look made Watts frown. "For all your talk, C20 is weak. It will never surpass me or Mother's 'Lswarms'."

"And how is that?"

"By using the same trick you used against me. I activate 'Book of Moon'!" Cinder snarled. The disgraced scientist stepped back as his monster roared, only to fall back to the ground with thud and transform into a face-down.

"There. Now, I won't have to deal with your incessant blabbering. I summon 'Evilswarm Kerykeion'!" With the only thing stopping Cinder from playing the game out of the way, she was able to bring back the black knight in the white helmet.

ℹ️ Evilswarm Kerykeion (DARK)
LV 4 / 1600 ATK

"'Kerykeion's effect allows me to banish 'Heliotrope', in order to add 'Castor' back to my hand. In addition, 'Kerykeion' gains the ability to grant me an Extra Normal Summon. So, I Normal Summon the 'Castor' I just added!" The half white, half black knight returned wielding its two-pronged blade.

ℹ️  Evilswarm Castor (DARK)
LV 4 / 1750 ATK

"And now, with 'Castor's' effect, I can Normal Summon 'Steelswarm Caller'!" Cinder's new monster was a lanky, insectoid thing with black armor and orange wings. It buzzed and snarled, purple saliva leaking from its mouth as blood red eyes peaked out of its helmet.

ℹ️ Steelswarm Caller (DARK)
LV 4 / 1700 ATK

"Now, I will Overlay my Level 4 'Castor', 'Kerykeion', and 'Caller'! I Xyz Summon 'Evilswarm Ouroborus'!"

A white and light blue, three-headed dragon came from the explosion, shrieking in pain. However, the monster was soon overrun by black mud. It struggled against the rising smug, choking and thrashing about as it tried to escape. It couldn't, and so vibrant white scales were tainted, and black horns sullied the heads of the beast, turning it from a predator into an invader.

[Evilswarm Ouroborus]
[DARK / Dragon / Xyz / Effect]
[2750 ATK / 1950 DEF / 3 OU]

"Now, I will activate 'Ouroboros'' effect! This will return your face-down back to your hand, or in this case the Extra Deck'!" Watts took a step back. The corrupted dragon snarled and breathed out a toxic, noxious-smelling gas. C20 roared underneath its card.

Normally, Numbers would be immovable titans against normal monsters. However, Swarm Queen is not a Number, currently; it's a face-down. Its protection would never be able to prevent its removal in this way.

And, this left Watts' field empty.

"So much effort… for such paltry results…" Cinder said.

Watts scoffed at her words. Wordlessly, he raised his hands and placed it over his deck.

GAME!
Opponent Surrendered

Cinder frowned as the holograms deactivated. "Coward." He didn't even let her flip summon Hopeless.

"I'm a pragmatist. I know when to recognize a lost cause when I see it," Watts growled, making Cinder scowl at him. "Now, have I satiated your ego enough for today? There's work to be done."

Cinder whirled around on her feet. "Ambition is wonderful to have," Watts spoke, stroking his mustache. He sat back and returned to his work. "However, ambition without caution is not simply overconfidence; it's also stupidity."

She did not respond.

Ruby groaned. Her entire body felt like lead.

And… warm. Strangely enough.

"What…? Happened?" Ruby opened her silver eyes and found herself in the nurse's office. Slowly, to not agitate her aching bones, she pushed herself upright onto the bed she was laying. She examined the room quickly and found Yang on the other bed.

"Yang…!" Ruby's hoarse voice caused her to flinch.

"Oh… hey," Yang murmured awkwardly.

"Yeah, hey." Ruby tilted her head a bit more to the left, and gasped when she saw that Yang's left arm was in a cast. "O-Oh no, Yang, your arm–!"

"Yeah, I know…" Yang said, looking down at the sling it was in. "I deserve it."

"That's not true," Ruby huffed.

"I blew up the Arena. I almost killed Cardin…" Yang bit her lip. "I… could've killed you."

"Yang, that wasn't you." The blonde shook her slowly, making Ruby's expression soften.

"It was me." Yang sighed and laid back down, her blonde, untamed hair creating a curtain that hid her face. "Whatever that card did, it brought out the worst parts of me."

Ruby blinked. To an extent, it did feel like she was Dueling Yang last night. But, a more aggressive, more hardheaded, more hurt version. "That card… Levice Dragon? What happened to it?"

"I still have it," Yang revealed.

"And how do you feel…?"

"Like shit," Yang snorted. Ruby blinked, and she couldn't help but laugh at Yang's poor attempt at a joke.

"Aside from the… you know, big explosion," Ruby clarified.

Yang remained silently for a moment, looking at the ceiling. She pushed herself back up. "Normal, mostly? I don't feel… as angry. At myself."

"Well, that's good," Ruby sighed. She smiled at Yang. She reached over to gently tap her shoulder. "Seems like… winning stopped whatever that card was doing to you."

"Speaking of, what even happened?" Yang asked. "You never had a Number. Hell, your Extra Deck is already full. The Duel Disk shouldn't have even generated a hologram."

"That… and Pyrrha and Weiss don't seem to be, y'know, possessed or anything," Ruby added.

As they spoke, the door opened quietly. The sister became quiet as they heard footsteps. "I believe I can provide some context," Ozpin said, accompanied by Pyrrha, Blake, Weiss, and Glynda.

"Hello, Ruby and Yang," Pyrrha immediately greeted them. She wasn't wearing the spartan outfit she had during the Ceremonial Duel; instead, she wore a simple orange pull-over and black sweats. Her hair was also down. "Are you both alright?" And immediately, she winced at her own words. "Oh, sorry, I, um…!"

"It's okay, we get what you mean," Yang reassured her. "A little banged up, but we're healing, so that's good."

"That's great to hear," Blake sighed in relief. After a moment, she looked around the room. "Where's Cardin?"

"Unfortunately, the injuries he sustained are more severe," Glynda said, making Yang flinch. "We had to transfer him to a nearby hospital."

"Oh… fuck me," Yang groaned.

"...Well, serves that ingrate right for harassing that poor girl," Weiss grumbled half-heartedly. The other girls (except for Pyrrha, who tilted her head in confusion) all glared at her. Before anyone could say anything, Ozpin cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention.

"Now, I'm sure you four have a multitude of questions," Ozpin began, referring to the Red, White, Black, and Yellow girls, "and I would be happy to answer any and all you may have. But be warned…"

The girls in question all felt a cold chill as the air around Ozpin became thicker, older. "Any answers I do tell you must be kept secret, understand?" There was no verbal threat, but the way he said those words sure as hell sounded like one.

"Yes, Professor," The girls nodded.

Ozpin did the same, and took a seat in between Yang and Ruby's beds. "Now… I suppose you want to start with what exactly these Number cards are?"

"Not yet. I have a question for Pyrrha, actually," Yang said, making the redhead flinch.

"M-Me?" She stuttered.

"Yeah…? When me and Ruby were Dueling, they left the Arena a mess. We weren't even using Solid Vision." Yang started.

Beside her, Glynda nodded. "Yes. It will likely take months to repair it completely," She said.

Yang ignored her. "Why didn't Rhapsody do the same?"

"Oh, that's simple. I've had Number 80 for months now, so I've managed to reign in it more… uh… problematic tendencies," Pyrrha explained. But, that only got an eyebrow raise from the girls.

"Huh? Number 80 has tendencies? Behavioral ones?" Blake asked. "But it's cardboard. How does cardboard have a personality–!"

She yowled and jumped back as Rhapsody in Berserk's fist phased out of Pyrrha's head. At the same time, a white metal wing sprouted from Ruby's back, ready to defend the cat faunus. Thankfully, Pyrrha managed to concentrate enough to keep the fist from banging into the shield.

"Ahh… please don't refer to the Numbers as… y'know," Pyrrha shrugged awkwardly. "Number 80 doesn't like that." The girls all stared at Pyrrha as though they'd seen a ghost.

"...Excuse me the fuck?" Yang said too eloquently to verbalize her confusion.

"As I'm sure you've noticed, Number Xyz Monsters are not your standard Duel Monsters cards," Glynda began, gently pushing Pyrrha away from the other girls with her riding crop. "Not only from a gameplay perspective, but in other matters as well."

"The Numbers themselves… are spirits. I'm sure you've heard the tale of the Great War, and the monsters used to summon fight in it?" Ozpin asked. He waited until the girls all nodded, but Blake managed to put the pieces together again before everyone else.

"Oh my gods, those monsters were real…" Blake gasped.

"Well… not exactly," Ozpin said. "You see, the Great War had devastated all four kingdoms and their people, but Mistral and Mantle were not willing to let it end. So, they devised a plan. Somehow, some way, they managed to contact another plane of existence."

"And, from this alternate reality, they summoned the Numbers," Glynda continued, frowning as she spoke.

The girls were speechless. Weiss scoffed. "No, that's… N-no, no. No! Absolutely not! That's not…! You're insane! Multiple dimensions can't exist! That's…!"

"Are you sure?" Ozpin asked, almost smugly. "Ask Glorious Halo. Levice Dragon. Hope. I can guarantee that all three, if they are able to, will confirm this."

Blake stepped back. The girls with Numbers all looked at each, and then back at Ozpin. "Y-you're talking crazy, you know… that…" Yang tried to say, but her voice trailed off.

"Yang?" Ruby asked. Yang looked angry. She reached out to grab her shoulder again…

The King of Wishes urged her to hold back.

Ruby gasped. You…

Hope confirmed Ozpin's words. Its memories are fuzzy, but it can distinctly tell that this world is not its own.

Fuzzy memories… Ruby asked. Hope did not elaborate, because it couldn't. It apologized before going back into the depths of her mind.

"Well?" Ozpin asked after a few more moments of silence. Slowly, Ruby nodded. Yang did as well. Weiss, meanwhile let out a prissy scoff.

"I can't believe you two! Ozpin has to be lying!" She said.

"Didn't Halo talk to you?" Ruby asked. Weiss bit her lip and looked away.

"That's…!" She shook her head and let out a loud groan. "Okay… barring the fact that apparently multiple dimensions exist," Weiss began, practically hissing through her teeth. "Why didn't Mantle and Mistral win the war, then? These cards are practically godlike!"

"Because Vale and Vacuo did the same. The Numbers brought their own allies, of course. Because they were from a different world, their battles were different. They weren't chaotic, bloody, or violent," Ozpin continued. "They were… refined. Honorable. Our definition of fighting, competition, and war itself has changed due to the appearance of the numbers."

"The Numbers introduced the game of Duel Monsters to the world," Glynda simplified for the girls. "Had the Numbers not been summoned to this planet, it's likely the course of history could've changed significantly."

"How significantly?" Blake asked.

"I could see Ruby using a scythe to personally take down legions of Grimm," Ozpin said in a half joking manner. For some reason, that made Ruby somewhat squeamish.

"Ewww…"

"I prefer fighting with card games," Blake said almost instantly.

"I'm sure you do. It's much safer this way," Ozpin agreed.

"Okay, that's already a lot of wild information to process…" Blake murmured, massaging her temples. "Okay, so Numbers are monsters from a different world. Great, makes perfect sense. But why cards? Why battle with playing cards? Why have a game dictated in some parts by luck to settle conflicts?"

Both Glynda and Ozpin just looked at each awkwardly. "Good question," Glynda said.

Weiss raised an eyebrow. "You don't even know why?" She asked.

"Anyways, are there any other questions you have?" Ozpin asked, blatantly trying to steer the conversation away from that topic.

"Yeah," Ruby nodded. "Why did Levice Dragon possess Yang? Is this… like a common thing, was 17 just an as- just a jerk or something?"

"That, unfortunately, is a new phenomenon that not even we currently understand," Ozpin said. Glynda nodded beside him.

"Ever since the Great War, the Numbers have roamed the earth, rarely interacting with mankind. Some grow attached to people, and become bonded to that Duelist's soul. Other times, they prefer to be left to their own devices," Glynda began to explain.

"Regardless of the circumstances, those with Numbers hold great power. Power that one can lust over," He said cautiously.

Ruby blinked.

"You see, in a Duel involving Numbers, the loser's Number is forfeit to the winners. These Duels, more often than not, can become violent, as I'm sure you are aware," Ozpin said. That comment made Ruby and Yang shiver slightly. "It's possible that Number 17's previous user was harmed in some way, and to regain control, they fled and found you, Yang."

"Possessed me, you mean," Yang snarled.

"Regardless, it's likely that this 'possession' as you put it was a way for Number 17 could defend itself." Yang remained silent, and furrowed her eyebrows. Ruby assumed she was trying to talk 17, and Blake assumed the same.

"Well?" Blake asked. "Did… Levice Dragon explain anything?" After a moment, Yang sighed.

"He said his memories are blurry. The only thing they can remember before Hope cut it down is white and being constantly angry."

Ruby frowned. Just like Hope, she thought to herself. Could their Numbers' memory problems be related…?

"Professor Ozpin…" Ruby then said. Slowly, she turned towards him, frowning. "Earlier, you mentioned that Numbers are powerful. Is it possible that… At some point, somebody is going to try and take ours?"

"Yes," Ozpin said immediately. The weight of his words filled the four girls with dread. "Eventually, whether that be during your enrollment, or afterwards, you will have to Duel for your lives."

Yang let out a snarl.

Blake took a step back and gasped.

Weiss crossed her arms and scoffed.

Ruby blinked.

"But do not fret. Glynda, Pyrrha, and I will do everything in our power to protect you, and prepare for that time," He said, a genuine smile appearing on his face. "You will not have to face this journey alone, not yet. I promise you that."

The room was silent. For a few moments, maybe a few minutes even.

"Thank you," Ruby said, breaking the silence. Hope glimmered inside her, calming her beating heart and filling her with warmth.

"You're welcome. I won't let you down," Ozpin said.

"Now, I believe we should end things here for today," Glynda suggested, taking a look at the scroll in her hands. "Not only do I have a class to teach, but we've given you… perhaps too much to think about."

"Take this day to rest, all of you," Ozpin said. "None of you will need to attend classes for the next three days. Now, more than ever, is it important to rest."

"Right…" Blake sighed. Her cat ears were flat on her head. "I definitely need to… just think."

"This is an awful lot to take in," Pyrrha murmured, sympathizing with her four underclassmen. "I know it sounds scary–"

"I feel like scary is an understatement," Weiss interrupted briefly.

"–but, I will also do my best to help all of you," Pyrrha said, wincing slightly at Weiss' words. "We could have one-on-one Duels, Battle Royals, if you prefer, I could even teach you how to use my 'Toy' 'White Forest' deck, if you'd like!"

"W-well, if you insist…!" Weiss says, now smiling. Her change in demeanor was so sudden that even Pyrrha flinched a little. "I wouldn't mind having private lessons with the Invincible Girl!"

"Yeah… that sounds fun…" Blake says, however, her ear twitches as she eyes the heiress from the corner of vision. "Maybe, once Ruby and Yang are, we can all have a Battle Royal together?"

"Sounds fun! Maybe all of us can even summon our Numbers!" Ruby suggested. Yang, despite her misgivings, couldn't help but smile. The mention of a Battle Royal resonated with her competitive spirit.

"Sounds fun," Yang mutters quietly.

Blake then blinks. "Wait, I don't have a Number." She doesn't like the look the other four girls are giving her. It makes her feel like a meek mouse.

"Well, I'd say it's about time we give Ruby and Yang some space, no?" Glynda says. "They need to recover from their Duel."

"Oh, right!" Pyrrha says. "Sorry for keeping you. Once you're out and healthy, let's have that Battle Royal, then!"

"Sounds like a plan," Yang says with a thumbs. "I'm looking forward to beating all of you…!"

"As if," Weiss scoffs. She steps out of the room, her heels clicking against the floor.

Blake glares at her before sighing. "Get well, soon," she says, waving goodbye, and muttering under her breath, "I'm so screwed…"

"Bye now!" Pyrrha says. Yang swears she sounds more cheerful than she ever has in class.

Glynda simply nods at the pair and walks away. Ozpin shakes his head in amusement and follows her. "Stay safe, both of you." The door closes with a click.

"...fucking hell…" Yang groans. She falls back on the mattress. Ruby looks at her. She doesn't know what to say. What can she say?

An idea comes to mind.

"Hey, Yang?" There's a subtle twitch of Yang's fingers. "Next time, there's not going to be a draw…!"

Yang's eyes, for a brief moment, turn red. For a brief moment, she and Levice Dragon resonate with each other.

I look forward to it, mortal! Levice Dragon sounds like Yang, only a little raspier. The dragon itself appears over Yang, its mouth open in a way that looks like a smirk that it currently shares with Yang.

[ Main Deck Digital Bugs ]
The effects that main deck monsters grant to the Xyz monsters are now granted as long as they are Xyz Material, like the Zoodiacs. Also:
A monster summoned with Websolder destroys all Link Monsters.
A monster with Centibit as Material destroys Link Monsters before the Damage Step and allows that monster to attack again.
A monster with Cocoondenser negates the effects of Link Monsters when it declares an attack against one.

[ Digital Bug Scaradiator ]
[LIGHT / Rank 3]
[Insect / Xyz / Effect]
[1800 ATK / 1800 DEF]

2 Level 3 LIGHT Insect Monsters
Once per turn, during either player's turn: you can detach two Material from this card, then target one monster on the field; change its battle position, and if you do, negate its effects, OR if that card is a Link Monster, negate its effects, then destroy it. If this card destroys a monster (by battle or card effect): you can attach that destroyed monster to it as Material. You can only activate this effect once during each Phase.

[ Digital Bug Corebage ]
[LIGHT / Rank 5]
[Insect / Xyz / Effect]
[2200 ATK / 1800 DEF]

2 Level 5 LIGHT Insect monsters
You can also Xyz Summon this card by detaching 2 Xyz Material from a Rank 3 or 4 Insect Xyz Monster you control, then using that Xyz Monster as the Xyz Material (Xyz Material attached to that card also become Xyz Material on this card). Once per turn, during either player's turn: you can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card, then target one Defense Position Monster on the field or 1 Link Monster your opponent controls; shuffle it into the Deck. Once per turn, if the Battle Position of a monster(s) is changed (except during the Damage Step): you can attach 1 Insect Monster in your GY to an Insect Xyz Monster you control.

[ Bug Firewall ]
Continuous Spell

When this card is activated: send 1 Level 3 LIGHT Insect monster from your deck to your GY. Face-Up Defense Position monsters your opponent controls cannot activate their effects. Once per turn: You can change the Battle Position of one Insect monster you control. You can only control 1 "Bug Firewall".

[ Rank-Up-Magic Bug Virus ]
Quick-Play Spell

Target 1 Insect Xyz Monster you control: Special Summon, from your Extra Deck, 1 Insect Xyz Monster that is 2 Ranks higher than the targeted monster by using it as Xyz Material (This is treated as an Xyz Summon. Xyz Material attached to that card also becomes Xyz Material on the Summoned monster). After this effect resolves, equip this card to a Face-Up monster your opponent controls. A monster that has this card equipped to it gains the following effect:

If this card is in Attack Position, switch it to Defense Position. If it cannot be switched to Defense Position, banish it Face-Down.

[ Rank-Up-Magic Witch's Curse ]
Spell Card

Target 1 Xyz Monster you control: Special Summon, from your Extra Deck, 1 "Number" Fiend Xyz Monster that is 1 Rank higher than the targeted monster by using it as Xyz Material (This is treated as an Xyz Summon. Xyz Material attached to that card also becomes Xyz Material on the Summoned monster), then, you can destroy 1 "Number" Xyz Monster your opponent controls. While this card is in the GY, if a monster summoned by this effect would be removed from the field, you can banish 1 other card from your GY instead.

[ Number 20: Giga Brilli-Ant ]
[LIGHT / Rank 3]
[Insect / Xyz / Effect]
[1800 ATK / 1800 DEF]

2 Level 3 Monsters
(This card's name is also always treated as "Number 20: Giga-Brilliant")
While this Xyz Summoned card from the Extra Deck has Xyz Material, it's attribute is also always treated as DIVINE, and your opponent cannot remove this card from the field (by battle or card effect), except by "Number" Xyz monsters, DIVINE monsters, or cards empowered by the Numeron Code, also, your opponent cannot tribute this card. (Quick Effect): You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; switch all monsters your opponent controls to Defense Position. During the Battle Phase of the turn you activate this effect, all monsters you control gain 200 ATK for each Defense Position monster your opponent controls, also, they can inflict Piercing Battle Damage.

[ Number C20: Swarm Queen Brilli-Ant]
[LIGHT / Rank 5]
[Insect / Xyz / Effect]
[2400 ATK / 2400 DEF]

3 Level 5 LIGHT Insect Monsters
This card's Attribute is also always treated as DIVINE, your opponent cannot Tribute this card, also, if this card was Xyz Summoned from the Extra Deck, your opponent cannot remove this card from the field (by battle or card effect), except by "Number" Xyz monsters, DIVINE monsters, or cards empowered by the Numeron Code. This effect cannot be negated [from this point on, this effect will be referred to as "Divine Chaos"]. If this card battles a Defense Position monster, inflict Piercing Battle Damage. (Quick Effect): You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; flip all cards your opponent controls face-down. You can only activate this effect of "Number C20: Swarm Queen Brilli-Ant" once per turn. If this card was Xyz Summoned using "Number 20: Giga-Brilliant" as Material, it gains the following effect:

All monsters you control gain 400 ATK for each defense position monster your opponent controls, also, they can inflict Piercing Battle Damage. If a monster can already inflict Piercing Battle Damage, except by this effect, then that monster can inflict Double Piercing Battle Damage.

[ Number 98: King of Despair - Hopeless ]
[DARK / Rank 4]
[Warrior / Xyz / Effect]
[2000 ATK / 2500 DEF]

2 Level 4 Monsters
(This card's name is also always treated as "Number 98: Antitopian")
[Number's Divinity]
If a monster declares an attack: you can detach 1 Material from this card; switch the attacking monster to Defense Position. If a card your opponent controls targets a card you control: you can detach one Xyz Material from this card; that activated effect becomes "switch the battle position of one monster you control (if a monster can be changed to defense position, that monster's battle position must be changed)". If a card your opponent controls targets a card you control while this monster has no Xyz Material: you can banish this card face-down; negate that effect, and if you do, destroy that card, and if you do that, you can return one card in your banishment to the GY and then you take 1000 damage.

Chapter Text

In the nurse's office, Yang and Weiss sat across from each other, the former with furrowed brows and the latter with a smirk. Around them, Ruby, Blake, and Pyrrha watched the Duel with intrigue.

They weren't using their Duel Disks. While Weiss used a fancy, custom-made playmat that bore the SDC's logo, Yang had the paper playmat that Pyrrha gave her, one that came with The Crimson King's structure deck.

The only monster on Weiss' field was Number 102. Meanwhile, Yang had 'Ni-Ni', equipped with Weiss' own 'Trias Hierarchia' through 'Spiritwalk's' effect, and Number 17.

"Okay… I then equip Levice with 'Water Arebesque'. Now, Levice gains 1000 ATK, since it's equipped with a card and I control two equip cards," Yang said.

"That means Glorious Halo negates Levice's effect," Weiss responded.

"Then… Levice's ATK returns to normal…" Blake murmured.

"Which means it gains the ATK buff again," Pyrrha added.

Ruby tilted her head. "Then Glorious Halo negates Levice's effect again. And then, because its ATK returned to normal, Levice Dragon's effect will allow it to gain ATK, and then Glorious Halo will negate its effect again."

All the girls paused. "Does… does this count as an infinite loop?" Yang murmured.

"In the case of one, normally you're supposed to call a judge and have them determine what a problem card is…" Blake recalled.

"I've taken the Judge Test before, and I've passed…" Pyrrha said, "but I have no idea what the problem card would be in this case."

"Clearly, it's 'Water Arabesque'. It's the one that caused Levice to gain ATK," Weiss said. "So, it must be destroyed."

"But, it can't be it, can it? I mean, the only thing 'Water Arabesque' does is grant it destruction immunity," Blake commented, which made the heiress scoff.

"Well, yes, but it's the card that caused the loop in the first place," she huffed.

"You could also argue that Glorious Halo caused the loop," Ruby said. Weiss gave her a dirty glare, to which Ruby frowned back at her. "I mean, it's 102's passive effect that's made the game state all funky."

"Well, if that's the case, we could also argue that it's Levice Dragon's fault!" Weiss crossed her arms over her chest as she pouted. "The ATK gain only happened because it's Levice Dragon's passive effect!"

"But Levice Dragon can't be destroyed, because it's immune to destruction with 'Water Arabesque' equipped to it," Yang smirked. "So, either 102 or 'Water Arabesque' will have to be destroyed!" She crossed her own arms and let out a proud huff. The other girls glanced at her with unamused looks.

"I'm… pretty sure a judge's ruling can overcome a card's destruction immunity, Yang," Blake said in a deadpan voice.

"What about during a high stakes Duel when the Numbers take physical form, hm?" Yang retorted with a smug look on her face. "You really think a judge can destroy a Number in that case, hmmmm?"

"...That's actually a good question." Pyrrha placed a hand on her chin. "The Number's, despite their powers, are still subjected to the rules of the game."

"But in that case, wouldn't our Duel Disks destroy the problem card?" Ruby asked.

"That makes it even funnier!" Yang said. "Imagine; our lives on the line, the opponent makes an attack that would surely kill us all…!" She says with a dramatic flare, "only for the Duel Disk's to go 'illegal move' and blow up the Number!"

"That… does sound rather comical, I suppose?" Pyrrha said with a nervous shrug. "But truthfully, I wouldn't want our fates to lie in how a computer interprets an irreparable game state…"

"Also, that seems really anticlimactic…" Blake snarked. "Rather than beating the enemy through skill ingenuity, we survive by an ass pull?"

Weiss let out a haughty scoff at Blake's comment. "Really? That's what you're concerned about? I'm pretty sure your pride as a Duelist can wait to rear its ugly head until after we have survived that hypothetical encounter."

As the squabble continued, Ruby stared at the field of Numbers. "Why are we even arguing about this?" She asked. "We have Duel Disks. Why don't you guys go to a Duel Field and test it out there?" All the girls blinked.

"No, no, she's got a point," Yang said. "But… I'm still stuck in the hospital. And, Levice doesn't exactly want to separate from me."

"That's no worry. I'm sure I have a card in my collection that has an effect similar to Levice's," Pyrrha reassured them. "I'll go look for it right now. Blake, Weiss, why don't you go wait for me in Duel Field 2?"

Blake and Weiss glanced at each other for a moment.

"...Fine." Blake sighed.

"If you insist," Weiss bemoaned. The two unlikely allies both walked out of the nurse's office, with the remaining girls watching them closely as they left. Ruby and Yang both shared a glance, while Pyrrha looked confused.

"Is there something going on between them…?" She murmured.

"Not with each other, I think," Yang groaned. "This better not turn into a whole thing soon…"

Ruby watched them as they disappeared past the door.

A few minutes later, Pyrrha walked down the hall and towards the door of Duel Field 2, where Blake and Weiss were already waiting. Weiss pushed herself off the wall and approached the third-year student. "Did you have any trouble finding the card?" She asked.

"No," Pyrrha shook her head. "Like Levice, 'Maho Vailo' gains ATK for each card equipped to it," She explained, "so that should give us the ability to recreate the scenario Yang proposed."

"Great. Let's head inside, then," Blake said. She pushed the door open, and they walked towards the arena. But as they did, they found someone already inside the arena, humming to himself as he shuffled his deck. He was a blonde boy with blue eyes.

"Um, excuse me?" Pyrrha spoke up, getting the blonde's attention. His head swiveled to the approaching trio. "Is this arena occupied?"

"Oh, no, not yet!" He jumped down from the arena and walked towards them. "It's just that somebody challenged me to a Duel and they haven't… shown up yet, that's all," He explained.

"Well, since it's not in use, can we use it then?" Blake asked.

"Uh… I'm not so sure," The blonde muttered apologetically. "He could show up at any moment, y'know?" Weiss let out an annoyed huff, and she placed her hands at her hips. The sound drew his attention towards her.

"Well, they're not here now, are they? And, it's not like we're here for a full Duel. We just need to test out a ruling, nothing more," Weiss explained hotly.

"Well, if that's the case, then okay!" He said, perhaps a bit too enthusiastically than anticipated. Weiss smirked at his immediate response.

"Thank you," She said sweetly, patting his shoulder. The boy blushed slightly. "Come, Blake."

"Right," Blake said, though with a frown. Pyrrha handed her 'Maha Vailo', and the cat faunus swiped the card from her hand and followed Weiss up the arena.

As they began, Pyrrha moved to the side to watch them. They would likely spend a bit of time here, depending on where 'Maha Vailo' has ended up in her deck after being shuffled. Still, this should only last a couple minutes.

As Pyrrha waited, the boy from earlier sat down next to her. He looked a little dejected. "Something wrong?" She asked him.

The boy looked up at her. "No, not really. Just… I was going to try out this new combo I labbed out. Thing is, my partner still hasn't shown up, so I haven't been able to test."

"Oh…" Pyrrha murmured, brows furrowed. "How long have you been waiting here?"

"Eeeeh… fiveish hours?" Pyrrha's blink of surprise was emphasized by the sound of Glorious Halo emerging from the Overlay Network.

"F-five hours…?" She gasped. He nodded solemnly.

"Yeah… I wonder where Cardin went…?" Pyrrha hissed uncomfortably once he said that name. Though, considering how unsavory Yang and Ruby described him to be, maybe this boy dodged a bullet.

"If you'd like, I could help you practice your combo?" Pyrrha suggested. The boy absolutely beamed at her suggestion, smiling brightly.

"Really, you will? Thanks!" He exclaimed. But he soon frowned as he looked at the arena. Weiss was impatiently tapping her foot on the floor as Blake drew another card. She groaned, discarded one because of the hand size limit, and murmured "pass". "The arena's being used, though."

"That's no problem! We can just use the tables," Pyrrha said.

"But I like seeing the holograms the Duel Disks project…" Jaune whined quietly before he shrugged. "Still, practice is practice, so I guess I can't complain. Let's get started then!"

They didn't bring any playmats with them, so the surface of the table would have to suffice. As Pyrrha put her 'for fun' deck down she looked at Jaune and asked, "Do you want me to set up a board immediately? Or…"

"Eh, no. Let's go at it like it's a normal Duel!" He suggested. "But, uh, can I go first?" He asked somewhat sheepishly, drawing a giggle from Pyrrha.

"Sure!" She agreed. They both drew their starting hands.

Jaune Arc (4000 LP) VS Pyrrha Nikkos (4000 LP)
DUEL!

"So, how does this combo of yours work?" Pyrrha asked, setting her hand down.

"Uh, it's a bit long, I'll tell you that! Are you gonna use handtraps?"

"No, I haven't drawn any interactions," Pyrrha reassured her. "Go on! I'm interested in seeing what it is!"

"Okay then…!" Jaune nodded. "I summon 'Diviner'..." He began, placing down the Level 2 Fairy Tuner (LV 2 Tuner / 500 ATK). "'Diviner' sends 'Trias', which modulates 'Diviner' to 11…" (LV 2 Tuner to LV 11 Tuner). "Then, I tribute 'Diviner' to summon 'Trias' from the grave…" After shuffling, he placed the card he just duped and put it on the field (LV 9 / 2900 DEF). "Then, because 'Diviner' was tributed, I can summon 'Herald of the Orange Light' from my deck."

"You're summoning a 'Herald'...?" Pyrhha murmured as he placed the hand trap on his field.

"Trust me, I know what I'm doing," Jaune said proudly. "Now, I'll activate 'Runick Flashing Fire', and use it's second effect to summon 'Mugin the Runick Wings.'" He reached into his Extra Deck and pulled out a Fusion Card, one that depicted a young boy with black raven wings in red clothing (LV 3 / 2000 DEF). "Then, I'll tune 'Herald' to 'Mugin' to make 'Ib the World Chalice Justiciar'."

Jaune reached into his Extra Deck and placed a Synchro Tuner on the Extra Monster Zone; a young girl with long, light purple hair carrying an ornate-looking ax and with holographic wings hovering behind her (LV 5 Tuner / 2100 DEF). "When 'Ib' is summoned, I can add 'World Legacy Monstrosity' to my hand," Jaune continued. "I activate it, and use it to target my 'Trias'. Now, I can summon any Level 9 monster from my deck, as long as they have different original types and attributes then 'Trias' and different names from each other."

"Two Level 9s…?" Pyrrha murmured. For a brief moment, she wondered if Jaune intended to summon a Number. "But, they can't LIGHT or Fairy types." Jaune nodded.

"Thankfully, I've got a wide variety of Level 9s to choose from," Jaune said. "So, I'll summon 'Hela, Generaider Boss of Shadows' and 'Harr, Generaider Boss of Storms'." The first monster was a gray-skinned woman in a black dress, wielding a staff with a chalice at the tip (LV 9 / 2800 DEF). The other was a dark warlock covered in armor and a flowing cape made of shadows, wielding a large red trident. The monster's hood hid its face, revealing only a bright red eye on the right side.

[Harr, Generaider Boss of Storms]
[DARK / Spellcaster / Effect]
[3000 ATK / 3000 DEF]

"I should also mention that 'Hela' and 'Harr' are destroyed during the End Phase," Jaune added. "Anyways, I use 'Trias' and 'Hela' to Xyz Summon 'Jormungandr, Generaider Boss of Eternity'." He stacked the two monsters on top of each other and then reached into his Extra Deck, placing a large black lizard with red spikes running down its back on top of them (Rk 9 / 0 ATK to 2000 ATK / 2 OU).

"'Jormungandr' gains 1000 ATK for every Unit it has," Jaune told her. He then grabbed another card from his hand. "I'll activate Boss Stage here. Then, I'll activate 'Jor's' effect. By detaching 'Vala' we both get to draw a card, but afterwards, we have to attach one card from our hand or field to 'Jormungandr' as Material."

"Ah, that effect sounds troubling to deal with," Pyrrha commented as she drew. "Most floating effects don't trigger when detached from Xyz Monsters. And, since you are the one who decides what gets detached, you have control over your opponent's graveyard."

"Right! It's an awesome card!" Jaune said with a smile. He drew as well, and he beamed. "Alright! I'll attach my 'Kuji-Kiri Curse' to 'Jormungandr'."

"I suppose I'll attach my 'Upstart Goblin' to 'Jormungandr'."

Jaune took her card and placed it underneath his Xyz Monster. "'Jor' now has 3000 ATK. And, since you drew, 'Harr' can activate its effect," He continued, making Pyrrha blinked. "You now have to discard a monster from your hand."

"Hmmm…" Pyrrha murmured. "That's a risky move. Lots of monsters these days have floating effects."

"Yeah, but it could also hinder your game plan," Jaune said. "At the same time, 'Boss Stage's' effect activates, letting me summon 'Vala, Seidhr of the Generaider Bosses' from my deck."

"Fair enough. I'll discard 'Sky Striker Ace - Raye'." As Pyrrha binned the card, Jaune's eyes sparkled.

"Woah! Isn't that the limited-edition artwork based on the manga?" He asked her. Pyrrha smiled and nodded.

"Yes, it is! With a few calls, I managed to wrangle a playset of both 'Raye' and 'Roze's' alternate artworks!"

"Really? Do you have friends that are collectors?" He asked. Pyrrha blinked in confusion.

"H-huh?"

"Well, the alternate arts only had a limited run, right? Not only that, but they took up the Ultra Rare slots in the booster packs which meant you only had a…" Jaune lifted his fingers and used them for mental math, "0.12% of pulling them per box."

…Does he know?

"Uh… yes!" Pyrrha nodded, looking only a little flustered. "Some of my, er, friends own their card shops and sell singles, so they managed to snag a few extras from the boxes KaibaCorp sends them," She explained.

"That sounds neat!" Jaune exclaimed with a smile. "Now, where was I…? Oh, yeah!" He reaches into his deck and places a card depicting a woman in red robes wielding a staff similar to 'Hela's'. (LV 9 / 2500 DEF). "I'll activate 'Vala's' effect. Since she was summoned, I can summon back the 'Hela' I detached for 'Jor's' effect." He grabbed the card and placed it back on the board (LV 9 / 2900 DEF).

"And then, I'll overlay 'Harr' and 'Vala' for 'Phantom Fortress Enterblathnir'," Jaune continues, grabbing the two cards and placing them beneath another one with the artwork of a large aircraft carrier with a head and multiple 'Meach Phantom Beasts' flying around it (RK 9 / 2900 ATK). "'Enterblathnir's' effect activates. I'll detach 'Vala', then banish one card from your hand." Pyrrha blinks.

"Oh, okay…" She murmurs, placing the card off to the side. Her hand is now down to three. And Jaune still hasn't finished his combo.

"Then, I activate 'Vala's' effect by tributing 'Jor', and then summon back my 'Vala'. I'll overlay 'Vala' and 'Hela' for another 'Enterblathnir'." Jaune continued, making Pyrrha wince.

"A-another…?" She gasped.

"Yep!" Jaune nodded eagerly. "That mean's I'll get to banish another card from your hand!" He said as he immediately sent 'Vala' to the graveyard again and Pyrrha set aside another card, bringing her hand size to 2.

"Ahh…" Pyrrha winces. The combo seems fragile enough. A 'Nib' seems to be enough to stop it dead in it's tracks once the first 'Enterblathnir' is summoned, and due to 'Jormungandr's' effect, there is a chance that she could potentially draw into it.

"Then, I activate 'Vala's' effect from my graveyard," Jaune said. And then there's also extension she has to consider. "I discard 'Loptr, Shadow of the Generaider Bosses' to summon it back, but since I summoned it from the graveyard, I'll have to banish it once it leaves the field."

"I imagine that's a near non-issue, since you plan to use as Xyz Material?" Pyrrha asked. Jaune nodded, and placed the card back on his field (LV 9 / 2900 DEF).

"I activate 'Runick Slumber' and activate it's effect to summon 'Sleipnir the Runick Mane' to the EMZ," Jaune said, placing down a Fusion Monster; a white horse in red and gold armor and eight legs (LV 9 / 1500 DEF). "Then, I overlay 'Sleipnir' and 'Vala' for 'Laevaeitinn, Generaider Boss of Shadows!'"

Jaune's boss monster is a large, gortesque creature, yet one that's still a 'Fairy'. It has long blonde hair with a small pink streak in its bangs, ghoulish bale skin and wearing some sort of large metal skirt. It wields a giant sword in hand, and in the carries the red, corrupted sigil of the 'Generaider Bosses'.

[Laevaetinn, Generaider Boss of Shadow]
[FIRE / Fairy / Xyz / Effect]
[2500 ATK / 2500 ATK]

"Then, I'll use an 'Enterblathnir' and 'Ib' to summon 'S:P Little Knight'," Jaune still continues, placing the Link monster down now that the EMZ was unoccupied (LINK-2 / 1500 ATK). "And since 'Little Knight' was summoned using an Extra Deck monster, it'll banish 'Raye' from your grave!" He said. "Heh, that rhymes…"

"Yeah, it does…" Pyrrha is less focused the rhyme and more on the fact that she barely has a hand. Only two cards, none of them could get past the combination of 'Laevateinn', 'Little Knight', and whatever combination of monsters 'Boss Stage' manages to get out once she draws.

"I set a card face-down and end my turn," Jaune said.

Pyrrha nodded silently. "I draw…" She said nervously.

"In that case I'll activate 'Boss Stage's' effect!" Jaune said, but Pyrrha just shook her head.

"There's no need. I surrender," Pyrrha said, making Jaune blink.

"Eh?" Jaune blinks in confusion as Pyrrha shows him her effectively useless hand.

"I drew 'Droll & Lock Bird' this turn," She says, making Jaune wince.

"Oooh, that would've been pretty good if it was in your starting hand," He comments. Pyrrha nods in agreement. Her other two cards are 'Sky Striker Mecha Modules - Multi Role' and 'Manuevre - Afterburners'. "These… aren't exactly the best cards for board breaking." Jaune winced at her unimpressive hand.

"Jeez, now I almost feel sorry for going first… I barely even let you play," Jaune bemoaned slightly, but to ease his concerns Pyrrha simply shrugged.

"Don't be. It was a very powerful combo," Pyrrha said. "Without any resistance, I suspect it might be even let you become a world champion," She complimented him, making the boy beam with excitement.

"Really? Oh, you're just pulling my leg aren't you?" Jaune said bashfully, waving away Pyrrha's compliments.

"I'm being serious! You should be proud of this combo!" She reiterated. "Trust me when I say you're going to be a top Duelist someday!" Jaune blushed at the praise.

Only a few moments later did Blake and Weiss' Duel end as well. Pyrrha looked over her shoulder as 'Maha Vailo', equipped with 'Mikanko Water Arebesque', began to glitch out as the infinite loop took place. The spellcaster crackled, electricity coursing through it's body it tried to gain power, however, 102 to weakened, and because it's ATK returned to normal, 'Vailo' grew in strength, only for the process to repeat itself once more.

To stop the infinite loop, 'Maha Vailo' was destroyed, and by proxy 'Water Arebesque'. "Well, I guess that settles it, then," Weiss sighed. "I absolute cannot get into a Duel with Levice Dragon."

"Eh? What's a Levice Dragon…?" Jaune muttered.

"Just an inside joke, don't worry about it," Pyrrha quickly said. "Well, I suppose we'll be going now." Pyrrha stood up from her seat and scooped up her cards to join the white and black pair. "Bye now!"

"Oh, right, see ya!" Jaune waved back at her. Once she and the other girls left, Jaune leaned back, crossed his arms and nodded. "She seems nice…"

"Seriously, where did Cardin go…?"

Chapter Text

Another day, another set of notes to drill into her mind.

Blake was under no illusion that the classes at Beacon would be easy. She would know; even in her first year, the midterm season was enough to get her addicted to coffee, sadly. Who knew explaining the different conjunctions in card text would take an entire essay question? And her frustrations grew steadily.

For example; Weiss. Also, Numbers.

Blake could deal with Weiss and her bad attitude. She's a faunus. She's dealt with people trying to grab her tail, kick her out of bookstores and just be assholes towards her because her dad, according to them, mingled with a cat. It's the same song and dance whenever she leaves campus. She can deal with all that nonsense.

When Ruby dueled Yang earlier this week, she felt helpless. It's a feeling she despises to her very core. When Blake joined him on his folly, bloody crusade, it was because she didn't want anyone else to feel that way, herself especially. It felt good… for a while. Then, everything started to feel wrong. 'Bystial Dis Pater's' yells of rage no longer brought her satisfaction. Watching guards cower from the sharp thorns of her 'Rose Dragon' didn't feel empowering.

Watching his 'Bystials' rip and tear through metal and secure supplies for their less fortunate friends and family back home didn't bring her the same sense of comfort as before. The more she and the rest of the White Fang ventured further from Kua Kuana (FUCK whoever decided to call it "Menagerie"), the more… uglier it became.

She thought by coming to Beacon, Blake would be able to rest. Find her own way to help way everyone back home. And maybe… maybe even find some way to calm the ever-burning rage in Adam's heart. Maybe it's all a Numbers' doing? If one can warp Yang's protectiveness of Ruby into something darker, then perhaps the same can be said for other desires and emotions

Something to think about later. Especially with the other factoid that their lives are in danger now, and Blake's as well, by mere association. She's no stranger to life-threatening danger. Wandering the countryside with everyone else, they had come into contact with Grimm, mercenaries, and traffickers of all kinds.

But she's not dealing with mere humans anymore. These Numbers are more than just a terrible person, or a soulless monster.

Blake shook her head. "I'll have the mac & cheese, please, two of them," She told the poor, underpaid chef working at Beacon's lunchroom, who had been waiting for Blake to say her order for the past five minutes. The wrinkly lady grunted and plopped two bowls onto Blake's tray.

Her tail twitched as she walked out of the line, hearing the disgruntled whispers of the students waiting for their meal. Maybe I shouldn't have gotten existential in line… Blake sighed as she began to walk back to the nurse's office.

On the way there, her amber eyes blinked as she saw a brown pair of bunny ears walking away between the crowd of people in the cafeteria. "Isn't that…?" Blake muttered to herself. Out of curiosity, she decided to make a small detour.

As she suspected, the person she was following was Velvet Scarlatina, Ruby's friend. "Hey!" She called out to the rabbit faunus, startling her.

"Waaaah!" Velvet whirled around and held out a card in front of her, 'Grandpa Demetto'. Once she realized she wasn't in danger yet, Velvet slowly opened her eyes and breathed out a sigh of relief when she saw Blake. "Oh, it's just you, ha haaaa…" She laughed awkwardly. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

"Sorry about that…" Blake said with a shrug. Velvet, unlike Ruby, was wearing an OSIRIS Red uniform. "You have classes with Ruby, right?" She asked, and Velvet nodded. "Good. I wanted to ask if you delivered her homework to her yet?"

This time, Velvet shook her head. "I-I have it with me right now, but…" Velvet's voice trailed off as she put over her mouth. Blake's tail twitched.

"Something wrong?" The cat faunus asked.

"Yeah… I have a friend in my Arithmetic class. We went to the same high school," Velvet began to explain, looking around the room to make sure that no one else was listening. "He's been acting weird these last two days." That caused Blake's eyes to widen.

"How so?" Blake asked, her cat ears pointing straight up. Velvet noticed this, but didn't say anything about it.

"Well… he's acting less invested than normal. That's the best way to describe it," Velvet said, making Blake raise an eyebrow. "Well, he's not very emotional, and he's kind of deadpan, but you can usually tell there's a sincerity from him." She let out a sigh and looked at her feet. "That sincerity… I can feel it dwindling."

"I see…" Blake murmured slowly. "Well, we should go to Ruby and Yang first. Then, I'll help you with your friend, okay?" She suggested, making Velvet smile.

"Really? You mean it?" The rabbit asked hopefully. Blake nodded and smiled.

"Definitely. Let's go."

After bringing Yang and Ruby their food and work, Velvet led Blake down the first-years' male dorm building. "Over here. His roommate should've left by now," Velvet said. Blake followed her, eventually reaching a door at the end of the hall.

"Excuse me…?" Timidly, Velvet knocked on the door and waited for a response. "Alister? Are you in there?" Blake's ears twitched when she heard a soft grunt coming from the other side of the door, a sound so faint that had she not been a Faunus, she might not have heard. "Okay, we're coming in."

Velvet pushed the door open. Laying on their bed was a boy with short gray hair and intense yellow eyes staring at the ceiling. Their RA Yellow uniform was unbuttoned, revealing a brown shirt underneath. Interestingly, he had dark grey, almost black markings running from the bottom eyelids to the bottom of his chin.

"Alister?" Velvet murmured as the pair walked inside the room. The boy on the bed barely reacted to them. He wordlessly watched them. "Hi… I'm not bothering you, am I?" Velvet asked.

Alister shook his head. "No. You're good," he muttered. He sounded quiet, downcast. Velvet just nodded.

"Right…" She turned around to Blake. "This is Alister Nero. Alister, this is–!" She tried to say.

"Blake Belladonna," he interrupted. Blake flinched slightly at the sound of his voice.

"Oh! You two already know each other?" Velvet asked.

"No," Alister shook his head, though he kept his eyes on Blake. "I saw her at a tournament once. Managed to catch her name tag," Was all he said. He then smiled lazily at her. "Did I scare ya?"

"A-a little, yes," Blake nodded. "Sorry, but I don't remember you. Uh, did we Duel against each other at some point?" She asked, and Alister shook his head.

"I was on the other side of the venue, actually," He said, and then he pointed to his eyes and the black stripes under them. "I'm a falcon faunus, a peregrine falcon if I'm going to be specific. Instead of getting anything cool, like talons or feathers… I got these things. Makes my vision really good, and cuts back on sun glare," he explained quickly.

"Really?" Blake asked, almost impressed if it weren't for one simple fact; she's been to tournaments, yes, but not in Vale. Not anywhere near this city. Good eyesight or not, she hasn't written her name on anything during her time with the White Fang either. He shouldn't know who she is.

His face returned to that impassive, flat expression. "Makes for cool party tricks, sometimes," Alister shrugged. "So, did you girls need anything, or…?" He then asked.

Blake nodded. "Alister, you've been acting odd lately," Velvet said. "I'm getting worried."

Alister's expression didn't change. "I think I'm fine," he murmured. Blake frowned.

"Did you… meet with someone a few days ago?" She asked, to which Alister shook his head.

"Unless you mean anyone aside from Velvet or my roommate, no," Alister said. He crossed his arms and said, "Talking to people… is scary," before nodding. "I just went to class, talked to Velvet in the hallways, then came right back here."

"Fair enough," Blake said, raising her arms in defeat, unsatisfied with his answer.

"Is that all?" He asked Blake and Velvet.

"What about group chats?" Velvet asked. That got a reaction from Alister, a miniscule one, his eyes twitched. He seemed to notice, as he sat straight on the mattress, posture defensive.

"No," He said after a second. "Is that all? Or, are you going to ask if some notes were passed to me during class or something," he chuckled.

"Who passes notes these days? I don't even think that's something our parents did," Velvet muttered. She shook her head to rid herself of that thought before continuing. "So, you're absolutely sure nothing happened?"

"Positive," Alister nodded.

"Okay… if you say so," Velvet sighed. "We'll get out of your hair, then. Bye, Alister," She said as she turned around and left the room.

"It was nice meeting you, Alister," Blake said, waving at him halfheartedly as she followed Velvet out.

"You too, Belladonna," Alister says. Blake doesn't say anything as she shuts the door behind her.

"So, now what?" Velvet asked, getting Blake's attention away from Alister's words. "Clearly, somebody has to have been talking about him behind his back… but how're we supposed to figure who's doing so?"

"I've got some ideas," Blake said. "Have you ever been to the Game Room before?"

"Woah…" Velvet gasped softly as Blake pushed the glass sliding doors apart for them.

They entered a large room hidden in one of the many corners of the Beacon campus. There were some people already inside; near the entrance were a few tables set for pool and table tennis. A closet off to the side was filled with all sorts of boardgames, ranging from Battleship to Connect 4. Near the back, however, were two rows of PC monitors hooked up to towers glowing with neon RGB lights.

"Since when did this place exist…?" Velvet asked. Blake shrugged.

"Not sure; apparently, some other students got tired and set up this place in one of the empty rooms between classes," Blake started to explain as she pulled Velvet along to the back. "The school found it, shut it down, but after grades started to decline, they officially reinstated it."

Velvet blinked. "Like, did their grades actually fall, or did they stop doing work?"

"Good question," Blake unhelpfully answered. "Point is, there's PCs. And where there's PCs, there's Discord."

"Y-you're going to hack into someone's Discord…?" Velvet asked, sounding almost offended by the comment.

"No, not that," Blake reassured her. She reached one unoccupied monitor and turned it on. "A lot of people can't be bothered to remember their usernames or passwords, so they're saved onto the PC instead."

Velvet blinked. "Really…?"

Blake nodded. "So technically, it's not hacking." She turned the computer, humming to herself as typed 'Discord' into the search bar. "See, look at all these saved usernames and passwords."

"This still feels wrong…" Velvet murmured.

Blake just shrugged. "Not my problem that they saved their accounts here." Blake moved around so that Velvet could see the screen. "Even more embarrassing is that some people used their school emails… Does anyone's names look familiar here?"

Blake scrolled down the list of emails, and Velvet took a step closer to examine the names. "Nope. Not him, no, that looks like a pseudonym, that's definitely one they made as a child… wait! Hit up twice." Blake did so, and Velvet pointed to the screen.

"Who's that?" Blake asked. The email highlighted had the name 'Alya Phoenix'.

"I don't know her personally… but she's in my and Alister's class. A second-year. I've seen her take her phone out in class, sometimes," Velvet said. "And, she sits in front of us, too."

"Then… I suppose it's important to ask how good his eyesight is, then," Blake asked. She looked at Velvet expectantly.

"He said that he focuses, he can spot things up to one or two miles away," Velvet told Blake, which made the cat faunus' tail stiffen.

"Ah…" Blake shook her head. "'Alya Phoenix', hmm…?" She hit the enter key and logged into the girls Discord account. "Doesn't look like there's anything damning here…" Blake murmured as she scrolled through DMs and other channels. "Probably on another platform, then. Do you know where Alya hangs out, or any other socials she has?"

"No, not really…" Velvet shook her head. "I don't spend much time on social media."

"Good," Blake stood up and turned off the monitor. "About the social media thing, not this," She quickly clarified. "Guess the only thing to do is to look her up online and see what pops up."

"She's probably going to have her accounts private," Velvet asked, as Blake typed into the search engine once more. "And… honestly, this feels like we've been digging too much into this–"

"Found her. Everything's unprivated," Blake said. Velvet let out a small groan as Blake began to look through the posts. "Nothing, just replays, combos, and complaints, like most Beacon Students…"

"She's a faunus," Velvet said. From the photos, they learned Alya had blonde hair and red eyes. Also, coming out of her lower back was a long, leather tail with green scales with two sets of spikes running up it and her lower back. Her teeth also looked sharper.

"A crocodile, by the looks of it," Blake hummed.

"What if she's an alligator?"

"No, alligators don't have tails that wide," Blake said.

"Okay." As Blake continued to go through the photos, Velvet watched from behind. She idly tapped her fingers on the top of Blake's seat, hoping that they wouldn't get in trouble from doing this. However, after a moment of search, her eyes widened.

"Oh… no…" Velvet whispered.

Blake's ear twitched. Velvet swallowed and instinctively reached up to grab her ears defensively. "Him…" She pointed to a boy with a mohawk next to Alya, his arm wrapped around another boy; they were all smiling, though, her smile was strained.

"He pulled on my ears. Called them gross," Velvet hissed angrily. Blake placed a hand on her shoulder and looked up at her with sympathy in her eyes. "He hung out with Cardin. What's he doing with her…?"

"Not sure. It doesn't look photoshopped, or like he's forcing her to do anything…" Blake murmured. She hummed and placed a hand on her chin. "When do you have your next class with her?"

"Uh… I think in fifteen minutes." Blake nodded.

"I don't have my next class for a while. I'll follow you there and talk to Alya in the hallway. Got it?"

"Oh, okay…" Velvet nodded. "Follow me, then. It's a bit of a long walk from here, so we should go now."

Blake nodded. She shut off the monitor and followed Velvet out of the room.

Blake awkwardly waited outside the lecture hall. Thankfully, there was nobody present in the halls just yet, so she's not embarrassed yet. She crosses her arms over her chest, fingers idly tapping on her bicep as she waits.

She doesn't wait long, as only a few moments when her inner thoughts are scattered by the door opening beside her. Students, young and slightly less young, walked out, some with bored expressions and others that looked exhausted and tired. There were a few faunus in the mix, some with animal-like ears, others with odd eyes or teeth.

The one Blake was most interested in, however, had walked out with Velvet. She and Alya were muttering to each other, both with placid expressions on their faces. Alya's long tail swished against the ground audible as she walked.

"Hey," Blake said, walking up to the faunus pair. Alya blinked slightly.

"Alya, this is who I wanted you to meet," Velvet said, presenting the cat to the crocodile. "This is Blake Belladonna, a second year."

Blake offered the other faunus a nod and her hand. "It's nice to meet you." Alya flinched slightly but shook it. Her grip was strong. Blake almost hisses in pain, and she can't figure out if the strength was intentional or not.

"Hey," Alya says simply, gazing at Blake with natural slitted eyes. "You guys… wanted to talk about something?"

"That's right. See, a friend of ours has been acting off lately. They haven't been to classes since the second day of the term," Blake lied. Velvet looked at her with a bewildered expression, but Blake didn't comment on it. She was more focused on the way Alya stiffened. "So, we were asking around if you might know… what might have happened?"

Alya turned to Velvet, then Blake. She blinked before coughing into her fist. "Uh… no, not really. I don't even know who you're talking about."

"Alister Nero. The guy with markings on his face," Velvet clarified, pointing under her own eyelids. Alya didn't stiffen this time, but it's clear she's on edge.

"Him…" She murmured under her breath. "I don't know who you're talking about. I've never seen the guy before…" Alya let out a grunt and wiped her mouth with her arm. "I don't know about people talking about him. So…" She just shrugged. "Sorry."

"Oh…" Velvet muttered. "That's okay."

Blake nodded. "If you learn something, can you make sure to tell us?" She asked.

Alya nodded, but the movement was stinted. "Sure. I'll tell you." The three faunus awkwardly stood together for a moment before Alya pointed her thumb before her. "Welp… I'm going now, bye."

As Alya walked away, Blake and Velvet glanced at each other. For a moment, their combined brain cells sparked to life.

"Follow her?" Velvet asked.

"Follow her," Blake nodded. Once Alya rounded the corner, the two faunus followed after her.

After making sure nobody had been following, Alya quickly made her way towards an unoccupied Duel Field. She swipes her scroll against the reader, unlocking the door. She pushes it open and walks inside.

In the middle of the arena was Russel Thrush. With a grunt, Alya walks up the steps, her frowning deepening the closer she got it.

"Wah, who the heck are–!" Russel said once he heard the door open. Before it could audibly close, Blake shoots out her hand and keeps it open, allowing her and Velvet to squeeze inside before it could close. "Oh… it's Lizard Breath, ha ha!" Velvet opens her Scroll, turns on the camera feature, and begins recording.

"Funny…" Alya grumbles. "Look, Russel… I think we need to stop this," She says, making the human grunt.

"Eh, why?" Russel grunts. "Everybody needs to know there's a cheater in our midst! I'm not stopping 'till he's kicked out."

"Cheater…?" Blake whispers. She looks down at Velvet, and she shrugs.

"Russel!" Alya mutters briefly, but the boy doesn't let her argue.

"'Sides," He wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "I said I'd lend you the money to buy that drawing tablet, right?" Alya hisses at the contact and looks away.

"Well…!" Alya's large tail slaps against the ground, making Russel flinch.

"I know you and your family aren't that well off," Russel continues, saying nothing as Alya pushes him away. "They spent a fortune just to send you here, right? It's better this way. With my help, now you don't have to inconvenience them."

Blake's eyes become slitted. She's about to march off and pummel Russel, but Velvet holds her back. The rabbit faunus brings a finger to her lips. Blake snarls but nods.

"I guess… you're right…" Alya says defeatedly.

"And besides, the 'Alister' guy? Hah, with eyes that good, there's no way he doesn't cheat!" Russel says, clenching his fist. "It's better this way. We can't have someone like him sullying our school's good name, right?"

Alya doesn't respond immediately, which makes Russel frown. "Hey, don't give me that look. I just want this school free of blemishes! Alister just happens to be a faunus, so don't take this personally okay?"

"Easy for you to say," Alya hisses, narrowing her eyes at the boy. "You didn't go around starting rumors and group chats to slander him."

"What does that have to do with anything? He's going to cheat eventually; it's only a matter of time!" Russel huffs in annoyance. "Really, you're making this seem like a big deal than it really is."

"Who is going to do what, exactly?" Russel lets out a shriek as Blake and Velvet make themselves known, fully stepping into the room. Blake looks furious, her tail swishing dangerously and ears pinned down on her as Velvet follows behind her.

"Oh, you…!" Russel realizes when Velvet glares at him.

"We heard everything," Blake hissed, staring at both Alya and Russel with contempt. "You're a real piece of shit, you know that? Bribing Alya, slandering Alister, trying to make people turn against him when he hasn't done jack shit!"

"What are…?" Russel seethes and grabs Alya by the collar. "Did you tell them!? Tell me!?"

"I-I didn't!" Alya said, grabbing Russel's arm and squeezing. He whines and pulls his hand away. "They probably followed me or something, I dunno!"

"Why are you two being so secretive?" Velvet asked, sounding angrier than ever before. "Talking about something we shouldn't be hearing?" Russel hisses and shakes his head.

"N-no, of course not!" He tries to say. So, Velvet raises her scroll, a bored expression on her face and presses the play button. Russel's face turns red as he hears his own voice come from the scroll.

"Oh no, we've been caught…" Alya grunted, making Russel seethe.

"Oh, don't act so nonchalant! You lizard ass on the line too!" Russel said, making the crocodile faunus flinch. "Go ahead. Show that video to the Headmaster. Post that video for all I care." Russel crossed his arms and smirked. "At least, I won't go down alone, right?"

Blake grit her teeth. "You scumbag…" She began to pull out her Duel Disk, but before she did, she heard Velvet gasp. Turning around, she saw Alister walk into the room with a flat expression on his face.

"Alister! What are you doing here?" Velvet asked in disbelief.

"I wondered why you two were following her," He said, nodding his head to Alya.

"I knew it!" Russel shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at Alister. "Your eyesight is way too good! You could spy on others' hands, can't you!"

Alister shrugged. "If I felt like it, I guess I could," He muttered, which made Russel laugh.

"He's not even trying to deny it!" Russel shouted. "Ohhhh, ho ho, you are so going to get it!"

"Now, hold on a moment," Alister then said, reaching into his pockets. "Really, even if I did cheat… would it matter?" A small smirk crossed his lips as Russel raised an eyebrow.

"Surely, a dirty cheater like me would stand no chance against someone with your skill, right…?"

"O-Of course!" Russel huffed. Alya stepped away from him. "A dirty cheater like you has no chance against raw talent!"

Alister huffed. Blake's eyes widened as he took out a pair of odd-looking glasses, one with dark lens and a beak-shaped bridge. He noticed her expression for the corner of his eye and smirked. "Yeah, some people thought I would cheat. I got these when I first started school, y'know. All the way in first grade."

Blake shuddered. "Those glasses… restrict your vision, don't they." Velvet bit her lip. Slowly, Alister nodded.

Still, the falcon faunus put them on, grimacing to himself as darkness clouded his vision. Everything nearly turned pitch-black; he had to focus hard just to see Blake standing beside him, and it was starting to strain his eyes. "Let's go a round, huh? The playing field is even now."

"Alister, wait!" Blake said, placing her hand on faunus' shoulder. "You don't have to put those on! I can tell how much you hate them, how much you want to take them off. Forget about this. We can just take the video to Ozpin and explain everything…!"

Alister regarded her briefly, but shook his head. "No. That asshat didn't just insult me, he insulted my pride as a Duelist. I can't let that slide," He whispered in a deadpan voice.

"So, here's the deal," Alister said, taking a step away from Blake. "You win, I'll wear these glasses every day during class. I won't take them off until I return to my dorm room."

"And if you win…?" Russel asked. Alister shrugged.

"Do a funny dance in the middle of the cafeteria, I don't care." At his nonchalant answer, Alya bit her lip.

"Why don't you make him tell the truth instead…" She suggested. "Maybe…"

"The damage has already been done," Alister shrugged. "Nothing will change people's opinion of me. I'd rather embarrass him then go for some petty revenge, y'know."

"That… is petty revenge, though," Velvet murmured.

"Anyways!" Alister looked up at Russel. "Do we have a deal?"

"Yes, we do!" Russel took out his Duel Disk and strapped it to his arm. With a smirk, Alister walked up the stairs, expression flat. "I can't wait to kick your teeth in!"

Alister didn't respond as he put his own Duel Disk on. From the sidelines, Blake, Velvet, and Alya all watched as pushed his deck inside. Blake grit her teeth in annoyance, wishing she could do more to help than just watch idly by the sidelines.

She looked to the ground in shame as the Duel began.

Alister Nero (4000 LP) VS Russel Thrush (4000 LP)
DUEL!

"Since it's my vision that's impaired, I'll be the one going first, 'kay?" Alister said as he drew his hand. "Now…" He glanced at his hand, tapping his arm against his thigh as he struggled to read the cards. "I summon 'Time Thief Winder'!" He said. The Disk flared to life, and the monster that appeared was some sort of an old phone-like device in the shape of a dog.

ℹ️ Time Thief Regulator (DARK)
LV 4 / 600 ATK

"Alister, you summoned 'Regulator'!" Velvet called out. Russel blinked, and Alister slapped his hand against his face.

"Really…? I guess I must've misread the card…" He bemoaned.

"Ha! This is easier than I thought it would be!" Russel said.

"What are you talking about! This isn't fair!" Blake shouted angrily, clenching her fist. "Cancel this Duel! Alister's practically blind!"

"No, we're going!" Alister said. "I can work with this, anyways. I activate 'Regulator's' effect by tributing it!" The buttons on the phone pressed inwards, and the machine disappeared in a sparkle of lights.

"As if! I activate the effect of 'Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring' from my hand!" Russel said. As he discarded the card, an apparition of a small girl surrounded by pink petals appeared. The petals swiftly moved towards Alister, but he smirked.

"In that case… I chain 'PSY-Framegear Gamma' from my hand!" Alister said, raising a card in his hand. Russel gasped and took a step back. "I don't control monster, so, I can use 'Gamma' to summon itself and a 'PSY-Frame Driver' from my Hand, Deck or GY, and then negate 'Ash Blossom's' effect."

"Shit…!" The storm of petals was blocked by a green shield. With a snap of finger, green electricity fried the petals and the girl, revealing a man with green skin and a dark blue and white jumpsuit.

ℹ️ PSY-Frame Driver (LIGHT)
LV 6 / 2500 ATK

Next to it is a white and gold helmet with two large horns on either side of the head.

ℹ️ PSY-Framegear Gamma
LV 2 / 0 DEF / Tuner

"And then, with 'Regulator's' effect, I can summon 'Time Thief Winder' and 'Time Thief Adjuster' from my deck!" Alister continued. Multiple spectral clocks appeared next to the newly summoned Psychic monsters, which opened two portals. One was a female scientist with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a pink bow.

ℹ️ Time Thief Adjuster (DARK)
LV 4 / 1800 DEF

She appeared alongside a man with grey hair and a blue scarf.

ℹ️ Time Thief Winder (DARK)
LV 4 / 1800 ATK

"When 'Winder' is summoned," Alister said, pointing to the man, "I can search another 'Time Thief' monster from my deck, and when 'Adjuster' is summoned, I can mill a 'Time Thief' monster. I add another 'Adjuster', and mill 'Time Thief Bezel Ship'." His deck shuffled automatically, and he placed one card in the graveyard and revealed the other.

"Now, I build the Overlay Network with 'Time Thief Winder' and 'Time Thief Perpetua'!" The two humans smirked and activated a device built into their gloves. Multiple holographic clocks appeared around them as they transformed into twin orbs of dark energy. "I Xyz Summon 'Time Thief Redoer'!"

As the Network exploded, it somehow paused, and then began to go reverse. It imploded, and from the ashes, a tall, well-dressed man with white hair in a black and purple coat, with a large black cape that was red on the inside, a monocle over it's right eye, and a glowing light blue orb on the mechanical glove on its left hand appeared.

[Time Thief Redoer]
[DARK / Psychic / Xyz / Effect]
[2000 ATK / 2000 DEF / 2 OU]

"When a 'Time Thief' monster is summoned, I can summon 'Time Thief Adjuster' from my hand," Alister said, bringing out a second copy of the female scientist in pink.

ℹ️ Time Thief Adjuster (DARK)
LV 4 / 1800 DEF

"From my grave, 'Bezel Ship's' effect activates. I can detach one material from 'Redoer' to Special Summon it." 'Redoer' raised his hand, which caused one Overlay Unit to fall into the orb on his glove (2 OU to 1 OU). He swiped his hand, creating a portal next to that allowed a thin, silver ship with large yellow thrusters to land next to him. 

ℹ️ Time Thief Redoer (DARK)
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

ℹ️ Time Thief Bezel Ship (DARK)
LV 4 / 2000 ATK

"Now, I'll Link Summon by using 'Time Thief Adjuster' and 'PSY-Framegear Gamma'. The Link Materials required are simply two monsters, so long as they aren't Tokens." 'Adjuster' raised her gloved hand, and green electricity began to spark from underneath 'Gamma's' headpiece. Both monsters turned into code, and flew into the circuit board. "I Link Summon 'PSY-Framelord Lambda'!"

Like 'Driver', 'Lambda' was a green skin humanoid, however, it looked smaller and thinner, and didn't have as much of a wide smirk. It wore pieces of the 'Framegear' armor, most notably having 'Gamma's' mask on top of its head (LINK-2 / 1700 ATK).

ℹ️ PSY-Framelord Lambda (LIGHT)
LINK-2 / 1700 ATK / ↙↘

"Normally, the 'Framegears' can't activate their effects unless my Monster Zones are empty. However, 'Lambda' circumvents that restriction, so I can use them whenever I want," Alister explained, making Russel grit his teeth.

"I set one card, and then I enter the End Phase." Alister says. "Due to 'Gamma's' effect, 'Driver' is banished." The Psychic monster disappears, the green sparks fading away weakly. "However, since a monster was banished, and it's now my End Phase, 'Lambda's' effect activates, letting me add a 'PSY-Frame' card from my deck to my hand. I choose 'Framegear Beta'. I end my turn."

Russel lets out an annoyed grunt. "Haaa…"

"So, he can effectively use the 'Framegears' anytime he wants?" Alya whispers to Velvet, which makes the girl shake her head.

"In order for them to negate, they need to summon 'Driver'," Velvet explains quietly so that Russel couldn't hear them. "They can't bring it back from the banishment, though, so he can only use two more."

Blake lets out a silent hiss.

"Alright, it's my turn. Draw!" Russel says. Alister snaps his fingers.

"During the Standby Phase, 'Redoer' can take the top card of your Deck and attach it to itself as Material." Russel grunts, but he takes the top card and places it away. A holographic copy of the card he took appeared in Alister's hand, which he placed under 'Redoer'.

ℹ️ Time Thief Redoer (DARK)
1 OU ⇒ 2 OU

"'Machina Gearframe'...?"

"Is that all? Good. Now, I activate the Quick-Play Spell 'Urgent Schedule'! With this, I can summon a Level 4 or Lower and a Level 5 or Higher EARTH Machine my deck in defense mode, but their effects are negated. I summon 'Machina Citadel' and 'Machina Gearframe'!" Alister grunted as he heard the loud blare of a train's whistle. As the sound ends, two mechanical figures appear on Russel's field; one is a thin and orange humanoid robot with thin limbs.

ℹ️ Machine Gearframe (EARTH)
LV 4 / 0 DEF

 Next to it was a much larger, more imposing light-blue robot with four legs with tank treads, a chainsaw on the right arm, and a rail cannon on the left (LV 10 / 2500 DEF).

ℹ️ Machina Citadel (EARTH)
LV 10 / 2500 ATK

Alister grunted. "I activate the effect of 'Time Thief Bezel Ship!" He interrupted. "By tributing it, I can attach your 'Urgent Schedule' to 'Redoer' as Material!" Russel grunted. Again, he took away the card, and watched as Alister placed a hologram copy under 'Redoer'.

ℹ️ Time Thief Redoer (DARK)
2 OU ⇒ 3 OU

"And, now that I control only EARTH Machine monsters, I can bring out this monster! 'Super Express Bullet Train'!" Russel says. A portal opens up, revealing a slim and fast moving express train with two large thrusters on each side.

ℹ️ Super Express Bullet Train (EARTH)
LV 10 / 3000 ATK

"Now, I overlay my Level 10 'Citadel' and 'Bullet Train'!" Russel exclaimed, raising his hand to the sky. I Xyz Summon 'Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Gustav Max'!" As the network exploded, the harsh sound of steel-on-steel pierced the room, nearly damaging each of the faunus ears.

Alister looked up and narrowed his eyes to see through the constant darkness his glasses assaulted him with. Above him loomed a massive green train (to Blake, it rivaled the sheer size of the Numbers) that was nearly the size of the room they were in. It was big and so large, the hologram couldn't even fit completely, causing most of the upper half and the sides to awkwardly clip through the walls.

ℹ️  Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Gustav Max (EARTH)
RK 10 / 3000 ATK / 2 OU

"I activate 'Gustav Max's' effect! By detaching a Unit, I can inflict 2000 damage to you!"

"Alister!" Velvet cried out, worried. The green parts of 'Gustav Max' began to hiss as they slid apart and opened apart. A few seconds later, a large cannon barrel pointed down at the falcon faunus, and an Overlay Unit flew inside.

ℹ️ Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Gustav Max (EARTH)
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

Alister crossed his arms and yelled as the cannon fired, the bullet crashing into the ground and exploding.

🔥Alister
4000 LP - 2000 DMG = 2000 LP

"How do you like that, huh?" Russel asked as the digital smoke fizzled away. Alister grunted and pushed himself back onto his knees, smoke rising from his clothes.

"That tickled," Alister grunted.

Russel let out an annoyed grunt. "You're so annoying! I summon 'Infinitrack Harvester'!" His next machine was a large farm machine made of yellow metal and glowing with light blue lines of energy running up and down its body.

ℹ️ Infinitrack Harvester (EARTH)
LV 2 / 0 ATK

"When 'Harvester' is summoned, I can search for an 'Infinitrack' monster from my deck, 'Brutal Dozer'. And, I can then summon it by tributing 'Gearframe'!" The humanoid orange robot disappeared, and taking its place was a weaponized bulldozer made of black steel and glowing purple lights.

ℹ️ Infinitrack Brutal Dozer (EARTH)
LV 5 / 2100 DEF

"When 'Brutal Dozer' is summoned, I can also summon 'Infinitrack Trencher' from my deck!" The bulldozer surged forwards and scooped up pieces of the floor, allowing 'Trencher' to break through the ground and place itself next to 'Dozer'.

ℹ️ Infinitrack Trencher (EARTH)
LV 5 / 2400 DEF

"And now, I'll use my two 'Infinitracks' to Link Summon! This monster uses two EARTH Machines, and 'Dozer' and 'Trencher' are well worth the price! I Link Summon 'Double Headed Anger Knuckle'!" Another large train appeared on the field, one made of bronze and with two mechanical arms coming out of the sides.

ℹ️ Double Headed Anger Knuckle (EARTH)
LINK-2 / 1500 ATK / ←↓

"I activate 'Anger Knuckles' effect by discarding my 'Machina Ruinforce'!" Russel continues. "Now, I can revive my 'Machina Citadel'!" The large, armed train slams its hand into the ground, bringing back the large robot from earlier, the one used to Xyz Summon 'Gustav Max' and fuel its effect.

ℹ️ Machina Citadel (EARTH)
LV 10 / 3000 ATK

"Now, I'll activate 'Citadel's' effect! I target my 'Gustav Max', then every monster you control with less than ATK then it will be blown up!" Russel laughs. Alister eyes' widens beneath his glasses as 'Citadel' raised its gun arm, placing the barrel on 'Gustav Max's' frame.

"I activate 'Time Thief Redoer's' effect! Now, I can detach one material for each of the three main card types! Your 'Urgent Schedule' and 'Machina Gearframe'!" As 'Citadel' began to surge with power, 'Redoer' raised his hand, and the two units fell into the orb on his glove.

ℹ️ Time Thief Redoer (DARK)
3 OU ⇒ 1 OU

"Now, since I detached a Spell and Monster Card, 'Redoer' will banish itself, and let me draw a card!"

As he did, Alister glanced at the card and let out a sigh. 'Redoer' disappeared, and 'Citadel' pointed its gun forehead. 'Gustav Max' dissolved and flowed into the large gun. 'Citadel' then aimed at Alister's field and fired, releasing a massive yellow energy beam at 'Lambda'.

"Yes, alright!" Nero says as the thick cloud envelops 'Alister's' side of the field. "With that, your Life Points are wide open!"

"Alister!" Velvet cries once more as the blast covers him completely.

"Dammit! 'Lambda' was the only monster on his field!" Alya hisses as the fireball begins to die out. "Unless he has another trick up his sleeve, he's done for!"

"Please! There's no way he was anything else!" Russel jeers. "He's got nothing! No monsters to protect him anymore! So now, I'll… Wh-WHAAAAAT!?"

Blake's eyes turn to where Russel was looking at. Her eyes widen as 'Lambda's form peaks out from the veil of smoke, unharmed. Alister, meanwhile, is smirking. "The card I drew with 'Redoer's' effect… was 'PSY-Frame Multi-Threader'!" Alister reveals, discarding the card from his hand. "I can discard it to prevent 'Lambda's' destruction…!"

Russel lets out a scoff. "Also, since a 'Redoer' is a Psychic monster, 'Lambda's' effect activates, letting me add a 'PSY-Frame' Monster to my hand during the End Phase," Alister continues, smirking at his opponent's growing frustration.

"Well… So what!? You're still going to lose this turn! Want to know why? Well…!" Russel took three cards from his graveyard. "By banishing my two 'Machina Gearframes' and my 'Infinitrack Brutal Dozer' to summon 'Machina Ruinforce'!"

Alister hissed as the ground began to shake and crack. Next to 'Citadel', the ground caved, and two large claws made of black steel grabbed the edges. A large, monstrous tank pulled itself out, one covered in a ferocious black aura and illuminated by gleaming red lights. The claws had turrets underneath them, and lower arms had a sniper rifle and a serrated blade. Above those was a long cannon, which slowly lowered and pointed directly at Alister's head.

[Machina Ruinforce]
[DARK / Machine / Effect]
[4600 ATK / 4100 DEF]

"W-wait, how much attack does that thing have…!?" Alya gasped as the informational blurb disappeared. "That's enough to take him out four times over!"

"Forget that, it's enough to win a Duel on its own!" Blake said. She looked, worried as the mechanical menace rolled forwards.

"Let's end this!" Russel shouted, his declaration causing his monsters to rise and power up. "I enter the Battle Phase! 'Machina Ruinforce', attack 'PSY-Framelord Lambda'!" The oppressive aura around Ruinforce heightened as its weapons began to glow. Alister flinched but remained calm.

"In that case, I'll activate 'Honest's' effect," Alister grunted. "I discard it to increase 'Lambda's' ATK by 1500 points!"

"It won't save you! I'll show you how hopeless it is by activating 'Ruinforce's' effect! Since it's the Battle Phase, by halving my own LP, I can negate 'Honest's' effect!" As Russel shouts, an angel appeared over 'Lambda's' form, but the central cannon on top of 'Ruinforce' took aim at it and began to glow.

🔥Russel
4000 LP / 2 = 2000 LP

"And even better, this effect also halves your LP too!" The blast continues to travel through the air, piercing through Alister's chest, but he just smirks.

"Thanks," He says, making Russel raise an eyebrow. "Because now, I can do this without worrying about anything else anymore! I activate the effect of 'PSY-Framegear Beta' from my hand! Since you declared an attack, I can summon it to my field alongside a 'PSY-Frame Driver' from my Deck! Then, 'Ruinforce' is destroyed and the Battle Phase ends!"

"Wh-what!?" Russel shouted, bringing his hand to his head as his previously assured victory crumbled before his eyes.

In a flash, another piece of armor appeared, a pelvic guard with a plating for the legs and thighs.

ℹ️ PSY-Framegear Beta (LIGHT)
LV 2 / 0 DEF / Tuner

The same green-skinned man from earlier appeared as well. 

ℹ️ PSY-Frame Driver (LIGHT)
LV 6 / 2500 ATK

With a wild grin, 'Driver' blasts 'Ruinforce' with a psychic electricity, making the large machine halt its attack. As it explodes, it manages to fire its cannon at 'Honest', piercing through the monster and Alister's chest.

🔥Alister
2000 LP / 2 = 1000 LP

"Also," Alister continues, "since a Psychic Tuner was summoned, 'Multi-Threader' can revive itself!" Another bright spark of green electricity brightened the room, and the thinner monster that protected 'Lambda' earlier reappeared (LV 6 / 2500 DEF).

ℹ️ PSY-Frame Multi-Threader (LIGHT)
LV 6 / 2500 DEF 
"PSY-Frame Multi-Threader" ⇒ "PSY-Frame Driver" 

"You…!" Russel grinds his teeth in anger as he's forced to end his attack. "Argh…! When Ruinforce is destroyed, I can summon back the two 'Gearframe's' used to bring it back!" The orange, humanoid robots return, digging themselves out of the wreckage of the blackened tank.

ℹ️ Machine Gearframe (EARTH) (x2)
LV 4 / 0 DEF

"Now, I overlay my two Gearframes to Xyz Summon Gear Gigant X!"

In contrast to the imposing form of 'Ruinforce', 'Gigant' was a sillier looking machine that looked like like a superhero made out of colorful toy gears; in its just there were even small gear-shaped robots driving the mecha.

ℹ️ Gear Gigant X (EARTH)
RK 4 / 2300 ATK / 2 OU

"Now, I will use 'Gear Gigant's' effect to add a Machine monster to my hand!" The gears cheer as one of the Overlay Units falls into 'Gigant's' gear shield on its left arm.

ℹ️ Gear Gigant X (EARTH)
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

"I'll add 'Machina Unclaspare', which automatically summons itself when added to my hand!" Russel says as he slaps a card onto the card reader. Like 'Ruinforce', this monster had a dark aura and was made of black metal; it was tall and lanky, with a deadly looking sniper rifle attached to its left arm.

ℹ️ Machina Unclaspare (DARK)
LV 4 / 1800 ATK

"'Unclaspare' sends a 'Machina' card from my deck to the grave when it's summoned, so I'm binning 'Machina Overdrive', which I'm activating right now! By banishing 'Overdrive' I can shuffle my 'Gearframe', 'Gustav Max', and 'Doom Dozer' into my deck to draw a card!" Russel hissed. He glanced at the card he drew, and smirked.

"Well…! I discard 'Ancient Gear Box' and 'Machina Fortress'! Then, I can summon the 'Machina Fortress' I just discarded!" From the ground, another tank appeared, one with the same general body shape as 'Ruinforce' but with the cannon over the robot's left arm.

ℹ️ Machina Fortress (EARTH)
LV 7 / 2500 ATK

"After that, I'll use my 'Harvester' to Link Summon! I only need a non-LINK 'Infinitrack' Monster, which it fulfills easily! I Link Summon 'Infinitrack Goliath'!" This large monster had the body of an excavator; however, the shovel was on the side rather than in front of it, and it had a power drill as a right arm.

ℹ️  Infinitrack Goliath (EARTH)
LINK-1 / 1000 ATK / ↘

"Now, I banish my 'Infinitrack Trencher' to activate it's effect!" Russel continued. "Now, I can summon back my 'Infinitrack Harvester'!" The large blade of 'Trencher' made a gouge that allowed 'Harvester' to slip through.

ℹ️ Infinitrack Harvester (EARTH)
LV 2 / 2100 DEF

"And then, I activate the effect of my 'Harvester'! I can target my newly summoned 'Fortress', then, both it and my 'Havester' have their levels changed to become the total!" The smaller machine glowed, making the tank raise its arms as a show of strength (LV 2 to LV 9, LV 7 to LV 9).

ℹ️ Infinitrack Harvester (EARTH)
LV 2 ⇒ LV 9

ℹ️ Machina Fortress (EARTH)
LV 7 ⇒ LV 9

"And now, I'll Overlay my Level 9 'Harvester' and 'Fortress'! I Xyz Summon Rank 9! 'Infinitrack Earth Slicer'!" The ground shook and trembled; a massive buzzsaw cut through the floor like butter, causing rubble to fly over. The rest of the machine pushed through the gouge, a behemoth made of shiny light brown metal and embedded with light blue lights displaying multiple interlocking infinity symbols along the arm.

ℹ️ Infinitrack Earth Sliver (EARTH)
RK 9 / 3100 ATK / 2 OU

"I activate 'Earth Slicer's effect! By detaching its two materials, I can destroy your 'Lambda' and my 'Goliath'!" Russel said. 'Earth Slicer' raised its buzzsaw arm, making both Unit's collide into it (2 OU to 0 OU). It then slammed the saw into the ground and began to spin, launching boulders into both the excavator and the armor-wearing psychic.

"And then, since 'Goliath' left the field, it can attach itself to 'Earth Slicer' as Material!" Alister hissed in annoyance as a purple purple opened up, allowing a glowing yellow sphere to start orbiting around the large machine. "And, don't go thinking you can stop this with one of your 'PSY-Frames'! My 'Goliath' grants monsters destruction protection when it's an Overlay Unit!"

Alister grunted at the size of Russel's field. There's only one point of interaction, 'Citadel' board wipe being a quick effect, but in addition to that, his monsters are big. Two 3000 ATK beatsticks, one of which is indestructible, and 'Gear Gigant' was also there. It would be a pain for him to deal with. Especially since the 'PSY-Framegears' can't be summoned normally. That's the problem with running a reactionary deck. He can't really be proactive.

Thankfully, he already has a way to circumvent that one weakness. "It's the End Phase now," Russel announces. "Now, since 'Super Express Bullet Train' is in my Graveyard, I can use its effect to add an EARTH Machine monster from my deck to my hand. I chose 'Ancient Gear Box'. And now that I have, 'Ancient Gear Box' lets me add an EARTH Machine with 500 ATK or DEF to my deck. So, I'll add 'Infinitrack Trencher' to my hand."

"'Lambda's' effect also lets me add a card, a 'PSY-Framegear Alpha'," Alister adds. "In addition, 'Driver' and 'Framegear Beta' are banished as well." The monsters fizzle out, green electricity crackling from their bodies as they disappear. "Also, 'Time Thief Redoer' returns to the field!" A holographic clock appears, and 'Time Thief Redoer' returns to the field, next to 'Lambda'.

ℹ️ Time Thief Redoer (DARK)
RK 4 / 2000 ATK

"So, my turn finally ends. Not that it matters," Russel grunts. "Go on and draw, even if it won't do you much good!"

"Keep talking, it certainly won't come back to bite you in the ass," Alister grunted as he drew. "First thing's first, 'Redoer' takes the top card of your deck and attaches it to itself as material during the Standby Phase!" Again, the monster raises its hand and causes a holographic card to appear in Alister's hand. 

ℹ️ Time Thief Redoer (DARK)
0 OU ⇒ 1 OU 

"Infinite Impermanence', huh?'" He whispers.

"Now that it's the Main Phase, I activate 'Psychic Feel Zone'! Now, I can send a Psychic Tuner and a non-Psychic Tuner from my banishment into the grave in order to Special Summon a Psychic Synchro Monster from my Extra Deck! I return 'PSY-Frame Driver' and 'PSY-Framegear Beta' to summon 'PSY-Framelord Zeta'!"

Green electricity crackles in the air as the monsters appear. 'Driver' laughs maniacally as 'Beta' splits apart, light beams onto 'Driver's' body, forming into thick leather with plenty of spikes sprouting out of it. 'Driver's' laugh becomes deeper as 'Framegear' mask covers its face. 'Framelord Zeta' yells, releasing waves of psychic electricity.

ℹ️ PSY-Framelord Zeta (LIGHT)
LV 7 / 2500 ATK

"Now, 'Zeta's' effect activates!" Alister declares. "Once per turn, it targets one Attack Position Monster you control, and then, both 'Zeta' and that monster will be banished until the End Phase! The card I choose is 'Machina Citadel'!"

"You think that trick can work on me? As if! 'Machina Citadel's' effect activates. This time, I'm targeting 'Citadel' itself!" Russel laughs as his large monster begins to rev up it's chainsaw.

"In that case, I'll chain 'Redoer's' effect right now! I'll detach 'Impermanence', and since it's a Trap Card, I can return 'Citadel' to the top of your deck!" Alister responded in kind, making Russel grunt. 'Redoer' raises its hand, allowing the Overlay Unit to fall into the orb on its glove (1 OU to 0 OU).

ℹ️ Time Thief Redoer (DARK)
1 OU ⇒ 0 OU

The chain resolves. 'Redoer' snaps its fingers at 'Citadel'. The machine grunts as time begins to distort around it, moving backwards until it the monster disappears. Then, since both 'Citadel' and 'Zeta' lost their targets, both of their effects fizzled out, which meant 'Zeta' remains on the field.

"Damn it…!" Russel hissed in annoyance. "I can't even use 'Anger Knuckle's' effect now… 'Ruinforce' can only be summoned using its own effect. However…!" Russel laughs. "If you hadn't used your honest last turn… you might've been able to win! You could've boost 'Zeta' and attacked into 'Anger Knuckle' for the game! But without it, you're a sitting duck! Ha ha ha!"

"You're right… and you're wrong," Alister said, making Russel step back. "I needed 'Honest' to survive. And, it's a damn shame I didn't get to. But right now, I don't need it. Your only point of interaction is 'Citadel'. With it gone, I've won."

"Huh? And how's that?"

"It starts with 'Time Thief Power Reserve'. This Trap Card Special Summons itself from the backrow as a Level 4 monster," Alister began. He flipped over the card, and it slid from the Spell/Trap Zone to the monster zone, appearing as a 'Adjuster' riding on top of a high-tech hover-bike (LV 4 / 2500 DEF).

ℹ️ Time Thief Power Reserve (DARK)
LV 4 / 2500 DEF / Trap Card

"And then, I'll Normal Summon 'Psychic Processor'!" This monster was a large computer chip, with a solid gray body and two claw-like hands and a square face with rectangular eyes.

ℹ️ Psychic Processor (DARK)
LV 3 / 0 ATK

"'Psychic Processor' will now banish itself, which allows me to summon up to 2 Psychic, Cyberse, or Machine monster from my hand. However, I'll only need one; 'PSY-Framegear Alpha'!" The computer chip disappeared, and was replaced by a thin helmer piece with leather straps hovering all over it.

ℹ️ PSY-Framegear Alpha (LIGHT)
LV 1 / 0 DEF / Tuner

"Now, I'll tune my Level 1 'Alpha' to my Level 4 'Power Reserve' and my Level 6 'Multi-Threader'!" Alister shouts. The headpiece of 'Alpha' begins to release powerful sparks of electricity, forming into one green ring. 'Power Reserve' and 'Muilt-Threader' dissolve into starts and fly inside it as a large green beam envelopes all of them.

"I Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 11 'Psychic End Punisher'!"

Wide, leather wings spread out from the light green glow. They flap powerfully, scattering the dust in an instant. This monster, more dragon-like and demonic in nature, howls as it hovers over the field. Its body is a cruel amalgamation of flesh and machine, with high-tech armor covering its legs and attached to its two arms. It's body is covered in sharp, serrated spikes, each one releasing bolts of dark electricity.

It's green eyes shine brightly as it releases 'Punisher' howls into the air, it's own energy shooting out of its body as its mechanical parts click and slide into place.

[Psychic End Punisher]
[LIGHT / Psychic / Synchro / Effect]
[3500 ATK / 3500 DEF]

"Battle," Alister says simply. "During the Battle Phase, 'Psychic End Punisher' gains attack equal to the difference in our LP." Russel whines and grabs his head, as the monster roars, it's ATK skyrocketing to obscene heights. (3500 ATK to 4500 ATK).

ℹ️ Psychic End Punisher (LIGHT)
3500 ATK ⇒ 4500 ATK

"'Psychic End Punisher' attacks 'Anger Knuckle'!" The large monster roars and raises its arm, channeling all of its energy to form a dark green sphere of pure malice and anger. With a powerful swing, the orb crashes into the armed train, destroying it and the other monsters on Russel's field."

"This can't be happeniiiiiiiiiiiing!" Russel shouts as the blast consumes him too.

🥊Russel
2000 LP - 3000 DMG = 0 LP

GAME!

Alister sighed and finally took off his glances. He winced as light flooded into his eyes, making him wince in pain.

"Alister!" He turned around, still narrowing his eyes as Velvet ran up to him, alongside Blake and Alya.

"Heya," he grunted. The holograms disappeared, and Russel was on his knees in defeat.

"N-no…! I lost! I lost to a cheater like him…!?" He hissed in anger. He let out a shout and punched the floor.

"Hey!" He looked up and saw Blake glaring down at him. He sneered at first but then yelped as she picked him up by the collar and off the floor. Her slitted eyes blazed with fury. "The only cheater I see here is you. Alister won fair and square, while you tried to use tricks to kick him out!"

Blake tossed him into the ground, making Russel grunt. "If I ever see you pull anything like this again, will I make your life a living hell? Understand?" Russel, paralyzed by fear, only nodded. "Good. Now get out of my sight."

Russel scrambled to his feet and fled the scene. As he left the arena, Blake sighed and relaxed, pupils becoming circular once more. "We still have that video, y'know." She said, turning back to the other faunus in the room. "We could kick him out if we wanted."

"I already told you, I'm not interested," Alister grunted. He stuffed his glasses and stuffed them into his pockets, which Blake sneered at.

"You're going to keep them?" Alya asked.

"...At some point, it became habitual," Alister muttered. Both Alya and Blake recoiled at his words.

"Shit…" Alya whispered. "Dude… I'm so sorry about all this," she whispered, her tail swishing behind her anxiously. "Russel… h-he was friendly at first. Let me borrow some money. I didn't realize how he was… like that until he wanted me to kick you out."

Alister grunted. "Yeah, most asshats are like that, aren't they?" He shrugged, glancing down at his glasses.

"Russel mentioned your family had money problems?" Velvet whispered softly. Alya nodded.

"My old man… got arrested once, a while back. And, because of his record, nobody wants to hire him." Alya murmured softly, looking away as she scratched the back of her head. "He can barely keep a steady job, and all the ones he managed to find are all low paying. So… we're not exactly that well off."

"And your mom?" Blake asked.

"Not around," Alya whispered, intentionally leaving her fate vague.

"Sounds like a shit family life," Alister murmured, which got him an elbow to the side, courtesy of Velvet. He grunted in pain as Velvet chided him.

"Alister, you can't just say things like that!" She hissed.

"Well, I wasn't done!" Alister waved her off and stood back up. "But that means you care for your dad, don't you? Since you wanted to find other ways of paying for that drawing tablet." Alya glared at Alister for a moment, but chuckled.

"Yeah… I want to become an artist for Industrial Illusions. The income is more stable than trying to be a full-time Pro Duelist," She said. "Dad needs help to make ends meet. I've got to help him!"

Blake smiled at Alya's determination. She can't help but see a little bit of herself in the crocodile faunus. "I'm sure you will sometime. Alya. Just, next time… try not to kick anybody out of school, okay?"

"I'll keep that in mind," She says awkwardly. "I'm gonna go back to my dorm now. See ya."

As she leaves, the door quietly shuts behind her. "Alister, can I see your glasses?" Blake asks. He blinks but nods, handing them over Blake. She drops them, and smashes her heel into them, making them shatter.

"There," she says with a nod. "Now, you don't have to worry about them anymore," She says. She looks up at them, expecting to see a smile on Alister's face, but he just shrugs.

"Cool. Thanks for that," he says. "I never liked those, anyways."

"I can imagine…" Blake said. "Did your parents ever file a complaint to the school because of them?"

"No, the school kept turning them down because…" Velvet's voice trailed off, and she pointed to Alister's malar strips.

"We didn't grow up in a very friendly piece of Vale, to put it bluntly," He said, which made Blake clench her fist.

"I see…" She set her jaw. "Well, if something like this happens again, you two can always come to me for support, okay? I'll help you in any way I can."

"Thank you, Blake. We appreciate it!" Velvet then walked up to the cat faunus and gave her a hug. She froze, tail sticking up and arms limp at her sides, unsure of what to do. Thankfully, Velvet pulled away before she assumed she had to reciprocate.

"We'll be going now. By!" Velvet said, grabbing Alister by the arm and pulling him out of the room. He simply waved over his shoulder as the rabbit dragged him away. Blake smiled and waved as well.

Back in her dorm, Blake flinched when she felt her scroll buzz. "A text…?" She picked it up and read it.

Unknown ID:
It's Alister
Thanks for today
You're white fang, right?

Blake flinched slightly at the sudden accusation. She tried to text back an answer, an excuse, something, but Alister kept typing.

Unknown ID:
You have the same hair and eye color as Ghira
The recordings released to public of SDC raids also had you in them
One of the girls had the same body type as you
And the same face structure.

Blake, for a moment, didn't respond. She knew Alister had good eyes, but she didn't expect him to able to figure out her past with a simple glance. Is that why he smirked when they first met.

Unknown ID:
I wont tell, honest
I think what you did back then is cool.
Why'dya leave?

Blake:
Ideological differences

Unknown ID:
K
Well, its good to know
You didn't give up.
Gonna go to sleep now.

He didn't text after that. Blake set her scroll onto the mattress. She let out a sigh and took out 'Bystial Dis Pater' from her deck.

"I told you," Blake whispered, watching the foil on the card glitter as she turned the card in her hand. "We can do more than just take. I've seen that. I hope I can make you see."

She placed the card back into her deck and laid down on the mattress. "I will make you see."

Chapter Text

Ruby let out a sigh as she finally managed to set her feet against the floor of the nurse's office. She stretched for a few moments before she nodded to herself. While she still felt sore in certain areas, most of her energy had returned to her. At the very least, she won't have to worry about not having the strength to support a Duel Disk on her arm.

Beside her, Yang was also on her feet. "Oh, finally! We've been trapped in here for soooo long!" She exclaimed. Ruby snickered and lightly slapped her shoulder.

"Oh, please! It's only been a few days at most!" Ruby said with a roll of her eyes. The sister chuckled lightly as a sense of relief washed over them. "And, that means we can go to classes again!" Ruby said excitedly.

"Pfft. Nerd." Yang grabbed Ruby's hood and pulled it down over her eyes.

"Hey!"

As the girls started to bicker, the door to the room opened up with a creak. Yang and Ruby paused as Ozpin stepped in and examined the scene. "Well, it seems you've both recovered well. I'm glad to see you're both on your feet," he said with a smile.

Quickly, the girls detached from each other. Yang coughed into her fist and said, "Well, if it weren't for Ruby, one of us might be standing here right now." Yang smiled and wrapped her arm around Ruby's neck. Ruby squawked as Yang held her in a light chokehold.

"Yeah… it was gonna be me who won, not you!" Ruby said as she nudged Yang's ribs. The older girl laughed; the blow wasn't painful, but she let go of Ruby anyways.

"Oh, as if!" Yang ruffled Ruby's hair.

Ozpin smiled at them. "Well, now that you're both healthy, it's time to return to classes. You've missed much in your time here, so that's why…" Yang and Ruby watched Ozpin as he reached into his coat and pulled out two stacks of papers stapled together. "I've managed to procure you some make-up packets that will help with your grades."

Yang let out a groan as Ozpin presented them with the packets. "Thanks, Professor…" Yang grumbled as she took the papers from him.

"I also have something else for you, regarding the Numbers," Ozpin added. Both girls perked up as he produced five cards for them, all Quick-Play Spells. Yang took one and inspected it.

"Xyz Encore…?" She read the name aloud. Ruby took another copy as well.

"It's a very powerful spell. Read the effect," Ozpin told them. Ruby mumbled to herself as she did, her eyes widened.

"Wait… this is a perfect counter to the Numbers!" She exclaimed in shock. "It removes the Overlay Units, and then returns monsters to the Extra Deck!"

"Hey, you're right! Professor, can you hand us more of these?" Yang asked excitedly, though her enthusiasm faded as Ozpin shook his head.

"Unfortunately not. These cards aren't something you can find in a booster pack. For one, we don't want other Number Hunters gaining access to powerful cards like these to take your Numbers," Ozpin began.

"Yeah, them getting this card would be pretty bad for us," Ruby said with a nod as she examined the card's artwork. She wondered who took the time to draw something only meant for them.

"And second, this card was not manufactured normally. To make this, I drew energy from my own Numbers, and implanted them into these cards. It's the reason why it's Spell Speed 4," Ozpin added. Ruby read the last line of text on the card, which was 'Cards and effects cannot be activated in response to this card's activation'."

"...Spell Speed 4?" Yang murmured.

"It means it's unreactable," Ruby sighed. "How do you not know this? You're literally in the year above me!"

"Quiet, you!" Yang grumbled. Ruby squawked as her older sister placed a hand on her face and shoved her away. Ozpin chuckled at the sight and handed Ruby the other three copies.

"Here. There's one you, Yang and Weiss, but for Blake, we managed to create an extra copy for her, she does not have a Number of her own." Ruby nodded and took the cards from him and handed the last two to Yang.

"I have my next class with Weiss. I'll give it to her then," Ruby said.

"Guess I'm handing Blake's hers then," Yang said as she swiped the cards from Ruby. "Is that all?" She asked Ozpin.

"Yes, that's everything," He confirmed. "Stay safe. If you're ever in danger, be sure to call on your allies, understand?" The sisters nodded. "Good. Now, go on to classes. You can't miss any more of them."

"Right. Thanks, Professor!" Ruby said. Ruby skipped out of the nurse's office with Yang on her heels. As they walked out, Yang shivered when she felt someone's on the back of her neck. The sensation didn't go away until she closed the door.

"So, you're off to class then?" Yang asked as they left the room. Ruby spun her heel and nodded excitedly.

"Yup! I'll work on those packets once the day's over! Because right now, my most important class of the day is starting soon! Duel Skirmishes!" Ruby exclaimed excitedly. Her silver eyes are practically glowing with excitement. "It's an entire period of one-on-one Duels against our classmates! I get to see their strategies and cards, learn from them, and improve my own skills to climb the class ranks until I eventually become King of Games…! In that class only!"

Yang let out a snicker as Ruby looked away and began to scratch the back of her head. "Did you miss that class because I was about to beat you?" She taunted lightly, and in response Ruby pouted and weakly pounded her fists against Yang's arm.

"Don't try to rewrite history! I was going to win, obviously!" Ruby hissed weakly. "But yeah, I was supposed to go on Tuesday. Didn't plan on getting admitted to the nurse that day."

"In that case, you should get to class right now," Yang said. Ruby paused, so Yang pushed her forwards with a smile. "C'mon, you don't want to miss your second official Duel in school, do you?"

"Oh, right!" Ruby slipped the card Ozpin gave and waved at Yang. "I'll see you at lunch!" Ruby spun on her heel and ran down the halls, eager to reach her room to collect her Duel Disk and a notepad for her class.

Ruby went to class a few minutes later than expected, since she couldn't find her deck box. Somehow, she misplaced it and found it underneath her bed. She's not even sure how that happened, as she's pretty sure that it was in her Duel Disk, which was on her nightstand.

Once she was ready, Ruby raced down the halls of the school as fast as she could. She literally kicked in the doors, startled the students that were seated closest to exit.

"I'm here! Present!" Ruby shouted at the top of her lungs. And once she did, her face turned bright red. Everybody stared at her, and the teacher on the Arena levelled a dangerous glare in her direction.

"Some things must be hereditary…" Glynda Goodwitch exhaled. "Ruby Rose. I see you've been discharged from the nurse's office."

"Y-yup!" Ruby nodded and made her down the steps of the lecture hall. "I'm feeling a lot better now! I can Duel today!" Glynda watched the exuberant girl move down steps and sit down on an empty chair in the middle of one of the front rows.

"Is that so?" Ruby nodded eagerly at Glynda's question. The speed at which she did made her seatmates lean back. "Very well. I suppose since you weren't present on the first day, it's only fair you get a Duel, then. Come onto the field, then."

"Yes!" Ruby stood back and slapped her Duel Disk. Once she placed herself on the left side of the arena, she bounced up and down excitedly, barely able to contain her excitement. "So, who will I be going against?"

Wordlessly, Glynda raised her riding crop and pointed it at the opposite side of the field. Ruby looked at where she pointed, and gasped as she saw a pale white figure walk out of the locker rooms.

"W-weiss…?" Ruby gasped. The heiress of the SDC smirked and placed a hand on her hip.

"Surprised?" Weiss smugly asked her. "So was I. I didn't expect to be the first person to Duel today… nor did I expect my opponent to be you." Ruby frowned at Weiss' haughty words and demeanor. "Then again, I don't really mind. Now, I guess we'll finally know who was going to win that day."

Ruby narrowed her eyes. "Yeah, I guess," she groaned. While she didn't exactly want her first Duel to be against Weiss, she knew she was going to go against her eventually. Both their egos wouldn't allow for DNF to be their only result against each other.

"Are you two ready to begin?" Ruby activated her Duel Disk and smirked as the blades connected in front of her. Weiss simply raised her arm, and the bracelet around her wrist glowed; metal pieces that looked like ice jutted out and formed a Duel Disk.

"I'm ready, Professor!" Ruby exclaimed.

"Likewise," Weiss agreed.

"Very well…" Glynda sighed. She tapped a few buttons on the tablet she carried. The room darkened, and spotlights fell on the two girls. Behind them, a large screen which showcased the screen flickered to life.

"We'll be using official tournament rules," Glynda announced to Weiss and Ruby. "Public Knowledge is active. Best of one. 15 minutes to play. If time is up, the one with more LP at the end of the current Phase wins."

"Understood!" Both girls said.

"Wait, this isn't Final Destination!" Glynda turned her head to the seats. A red head who wore pink over her uniforms slowly sunk back into her seats.

With the rules explained, a coin appeared between Weiss and Ruby. it automatically flew into the air, and landed with a crash. A snowflake symbol pointed to the roof.

Weiss Schnee (4000 LP) VS Ruby Rose (4000 LP)
DUEL!

Weiss, with a cocky, airy giggle, slid a card into the Spell/Trap Zone. "Now, let me show you why I'll never lose to the likes of you. I activate 'Set Rotation'! This card allows me to set two differently named Field Spells from my deck onto both our fields." Weiss explained. The spotlights became colorful and spun around the girls as the heiress searched her deck.

"That's concerningly kind of you," Ruby said. Weiss scoffed.

"I should also mention that so long as one of these Field Spells remain set, we both can't activate any other Field Spells," Weiss added, though frowned when Ruby didn't seem to be displeased by this. "I'll set 'Star Seraph Sanctum' for me, while you get 'Gateway to Chaos'!" As Weiss took out two cards, a hard-light construct for Ruby's Field Spell automatically appeared in her Field Spell Zone.

"Now, I activate 'Star Seraph Sanctum'!" Weiss exclaimed. The arena became an opulent building sustained by marble pillars, while the floor was made of gold and silver. Ruby now stood on a velvet carpet that led to a large stained-glass pane behind Weiss, which depicted a golden halo.

"I'll also Normal Summon 'Star Seraph Scout'!" After a screech, a black construct with pale purple wings and yellow lines of energy that flowed through it appeared on the field. 

ℹ️ Star Seraph Scout (LIGHT)
Lv 4 / 1200 ATK

"When 'Scout' is summoned, I can summon another 'Star Seraph' from my hand. Also, my 'Sanctum's' effect activates, which lets me return 'Scout' to my hand to search for a 'Star Seraph' monster!" The sanctum rumbled; glass chandeliers floated down from the ceiling. Ruby swore she heard a prayer as the 'Scout' disappeared. "I add 'Star Seraph Sovereignty' to my hand, then summon 'Star Seraph Scale' from my hand!" Another metal construct appeared; this was made of gold and had two scales which hung from outstretched silver arms.

ℹ️ Star Seraph Scale (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1500 ATK

"And now, 'Scale's' and 'Sovereignty's' effects activate! Since 'Scale' was summoned by the effect of a 'Star Seraph' monster, it will let me summon a 'Star Seraph' from my hand, and then, since a 'Star Seraph' monster was summoned, 'Sovereignty' will summon itself, and allow me to draw a card! If that card is a 'Star Seraph' monster, I can summon it!" First, a chair made of bright gold appeared next to the scales.

ℹ️ Star Seraph Sovereignty (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 2000 DEF

It began to glow. Weiss drew her card and smirked.

"Appear, 'Star Seraph Scepter'!" Next to the chair, a staff made of gold and cobalt appeared.

ℹ️ Star Seraph Scepter (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1800 ATK

"And now, 'Scale' will summon back 'Star Seraph Scout'!" The bird-like construct appeared again and let out a chirp.

ℹ️ Star Seraph Scout (LIGHT)
Lv 4 / 1200 ATK

"First, 'Scepter' will let me add 'Star Seraph Sovereignty' from my deck to my hand. And now, I will Overlay my 3 Level 4 'Star Seraph Scout', 'Scepter', and 'Scale'!" Ruby gritted her teeth as those monsters disappeared into a Network made from gold stars. "I Xyz Summon Number 102! Holy Lightning - Glorious Halo!" Like before, a halo and needle appeared from the smoke and quickly morphed into a shining bowman.

[ Number 102: Holy Lightning - Glorious Halo ]
[LIGHT / Fairy / Xyz / Effect]
[2500 ATK / 2000 DEF]

ℹ️ Number 102: Holy Lightning - Glorious Halo (LIGHT)
AKA "Number 102: Star Seraph Sentry"
LIGHT & DIVINE

"Now, since Halo was summoned with 'Scepter' as material, it can destroy a card on the field, and let me draw! The card I choose… is my 'Sanctum'!" Ruby raised an eyebrow as the Number pulled back on its bow and fired an arrow of heavenly light at the glass pane behind Weiss. It, and the rest of the field, shattered, which returned them to the darkly lit school arena.

"And now, 'Sanctum's' other effect activates!" Weiss said as she drew her card. "Since it left the field, until the end of your turn, every monster you control loses 100 ATK for every 'Star Seraph' monster I summoned this turn!"

"Let's see… she summoned 'Scout' twice, then 'Scale', 'Scepter', 'Sovereignty', and Halo, so that's…" Ruby murmured to herself. She hissed. "600 Points…!"

"That's right!" Weiss said as she propped her chin up with the back of her hand. "With my Halo on the field, every one of your monsters is effectively useless!" Weiss turned her head to the side and started to laugh; the sound was not only high-pitched but also irritated Ruby's ears.

"Wow, she really is a princess…" Ruby grumbled as the laugh ended.

"I'll end my turn here! But don't worry, I'll finish you off soon enough!" Weiss said. Ruby nodded and drew.

"Alright, it's my turn!" Ruby looked at her own hand, and then at Weiss' field. "This isn't good…" She whispered to herself.

With 'Sanctum's' effect in play, everything she summons is effectively a vanilla monster. And, she doesn't have anything that can Special Summon itself, so she can't rely on Extra Deck summon either. Maybe she can–

"...wait a minute." Ruby tapped a button on her Duel Disk. Since Public Knowledge was on, she was able to navigate through a few screens in order to look at Weiss' GY and read through 'Sanctum's' effect carefully. Once she did, her eyes widened.

"Oh my gods…" She breathed out. This board… also sucked. It was undoubtedly better than the Quick Effect destruction Weiss had in their first Duel, and could potentially shut down some decks that didn't draw them out, however, Glorious Halo was the only thing it had. The Number was effectively that one Jenga piece that supported the entire tower. But even then, a weak gust of wind would knock it down.

And Ruby had the bust weak gust in her hand.

"I set one card…" Ruby said as a face-down monster appeared in front of her, "and end my turn."

Weiss blinked. "Eh?"

"I end my turn," Ruby said.

"No, but… th-that's it?" Weiss asked her opponent. "Y-you're not going to try and break my board? Summon a few Extra Deck monsters, or I dunno, maybe set some backrow!?" The heiress looked flustered, panicked even, which provided Ruby the relief she needed.

"No. I end my turn," Ruby said with a smirk. Weiss took a step back and swallowed.

"Oh, ugh… I-I see!" She placed her hands on her hip and nodded. "It seems my skills were so spectacular that you can't think clearly because of how intimidated you are! Yes, obviously!" Ruby gave Weiss a deadpan stare.

"I end my turn," She repeated.

"I heard you for the first time!" Weiss hissed. She groaned and gestured to the field. "Now… 'Sanctum's' effect wears off. I draw!" She looked at her hand, and choked on air.

Yeah, her hand sucked, Everyone in the room thought. Even Glynda shook her head in disappointment. Weiss hissed through her teeth.

"You…! I activate 'Celestial Transformation'!" Weiss quickly said. "I use it to Special Summon my second 'Sovereignty' from my hand!" A flash of light appeared next to the first golden chair, which left behind another copy,

ℹ️ Star Seraph Sovereignty (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 2000 DEF

"And now, since I summoned a monster from my hand, the ability granted to Halo by 'Scale' activates, which lets me draw!" Weiss dragged the card out of the slot, and she lifted it up to her eyes, she choked again.

Ruby snickered underneath her fist. When Weiss glared at her, she covered up the sound with a cough.

"Well… whatever! I activate 'Cestus of Dagla', and equip it onto my Halo!" The golden bow disappeared, and was replaced by two curved blades that went around the Number's hands.

ℹ️ Number 102: Holy Lightning - Glorious Halo
2500 ATK ⇒ 3000 ATK

"Now, whenever my Halo deals you damage, my LP increases by the same amount!"

Weiss grunted and swept her arm forward. "Battle! Glorious Halo attacks your face-down! Lightning BUSTER!"

The Number raised one fist, which caused lightning to seep into the blade. With a quick and fierce lunge, the electrified fist slammed into the back of the face-down, which made the card bend. 'Flamvell Guard' howled as the attack deatomized it.

As Number 102 returned to its spot on the field, Weiss growled and clenched her fist. "During the End Phase, the monster summoned by 'Celestial Transformation' is destroyed." The second 'Sovereignty' exploded without fanfare. "I end my turn."

"Right." With the effects of the Field Spell no longer an issue, she has to Duel with Weiss' Number. Ruby just has to hope Weiss still doesn't understand the Damage Step. "I draw!"

"I activate 'Primite Roar'!" Behind Ruby, a collection of crystal rock formations formed behind her. "First, I pay 2000 LP, and then declare the name 'Clavkiys, the Magikey Skyblaster'." Ruby hissed lightly as her Duel Disk sparked.

🔥Ruby
4000 LP - 2000 DMG = 2000 LP

"By doing so, not only are 'Clavykis' and my other 'Primite' monsters immune to battle destruction, since I control no monster, I can summon 'Clavykis' straight from my deck!" Weiss stepped back as the crystals shattered and the blonde, gun-wielding youth jumped out from the remains.

ℹ️ Clavkiys, the Magikey Skyblaster (DARK)
LV 4 / 1900 ATK

"Now, I summon 'Rescue Rabbit'!" Next to the boy, a white and gray rabbit stepped out and sat on 'Clavykis'' boots.

ℹ️ Rescue Rabbit (EARTH)
LV 4 / 300 ATK

"'Rescue Rabbit's' effect activates! It'll banish itself, and then summon two Level 4 or lower Normal Monsters from my Deck! I summon two 'Alexandrite Dragons'! The bunny blew on its whistle and hopped away. As it hid away, two large dragons with expensive jewels as scales flew down from the sky.

ℹ️ Alexandrite Dragon (LIGHT) (X2)
LV 4 / 2000 ATK

"I overlay my two Level 4 'Alexandrite Dragons'!" Ruby said as she pointed to the ceiling with her finger. "I Xyz Summon Rank 4! Number 39! King of Wishes - Hope!"

Weiss hissed when Ruby's two dragons fell into the Network. The class began to whisper as well; Ruby had a Number as well? How many of these things are there? Weiss didn't take notice, as she was more concerned about the white and gold warrior that let out a loud cry of 'HOPE!' as it appeared.

[ Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope ]
[LIGHT / Warrior / Xyz / Effect]
[2500 ATK / 2000 DEF]

ℹ️ Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope (LIGHT)
AKA "Number 39: Utopia"
LIGHT & DIVINE

Both Ruby and Weiss winced as their respective Numbers glared at each other. Without any orders, Hope unsheathed one its curved blades, while Halo raised its fists over its face. Ancient anger simmered beneath both their golden armors.

"Battle!" Ruby shouted. Hope bent its knees and lunged. "Number 39 attacks Number 102!"

Weiss was tempted to activate her Numbers' effect, but she hesitated. Ruby's fingers started to twitch. Hope raised its sword over its head. "I activate Hope's effect! By detaching an overlay unit, it can negate its own attack!" Ruby then exclaimed.

ℹ️ Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope (LIGHT)
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

Weiss still hesitated.

The unit slammed into Hope's blade, which caused it to fizzle out. "Now, I activate the Quick-Play Spell 'Double or Nothing'!" Ruby said as she slammed the card with enough force to make the Duel Disk emit sparks. "Since Hope's attack was negated, its ATK is doubled, and it can attack again!" Weiss still hesitated.

"Hope! Attack Halo!" Ruby shouted again. Number 39 pulled out a second sword, which surged with power as a large slot machine appeared behind it.

ℹ️ Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope (LIGHT)
2500 ATK ⇒ 5000 ATK

Weiss hissed through her teeth. "Argh…! I activate Glorious Halo's effect!" Weiss eventually relented. The cesti disappeared and were replaced by Number 102's glowing bow. Ruby looked down to see if she could still react. And once she did, she sighed.

"Hope's effect activates! That effect is negated!" Ruby shouted.

ℹ️ Number 39: King of Wishes - Hope (LIGHT)
1 OU ⇒ 0 OU
LIGHT & DIVINE ⇒ LIGHT

Weiss' eyes widened as one of the knight's wings extended to block the lightning arrow.

During the Damage Step, one of the few effects that can activate are effects that alter a monster's battle stats. Weiss activated Halo's effect at attack declaration; had she done it before damage calculation, Ruby would not have been able to react to it, and would've lost Hope.

"Oh, you little bi–!" Weiss' voice was cut off as Hope's supercharged blade sliced through Halo's body. The light in the Number's body flickered out as the top half became separated from the bottom half, and slowly slid down. Glorious Halo exploded shortly after.

🥊Weiss 
4000 LP - 2000 DMG = 2000 LP

"Damn it…!" Weiss hissed to herself. At the very least, 'Clavykis' couldn't beat over 'Sovereignty'.

"I enter my Main Phase 2. I set a card, and end my turn," Ruby then said. Weiss' face flushed with anger.

"Fine… I draw!" Weiss growled. She examined her hand to formulate a plan that would at least get their Duel to a standstill. "I activate 'Monster Reborn'!" An ankh appeared in front of her, which opened a dark portal. "Return, Glorious Halo!" A pillar of light shot out, and her ace monster returned, an arrow already drawn as it glared at Number 39.

ℹ️ Number 102: Holy Lightning - Glorious Halo (LIGHT)
RK 4 / 2500 ATK / 0 OU

Once the summon was successful, Weiss smirked. "Now, there are 4 Fairies in my Graveyard," Weiss said cockily, with her head held high. "'Sovereignty', 'Scepter', 'Scale', and 'Scout'." Ruby's eyes widened Weiss held up for slender fingers. "That means, I can summon 'Archlord Kristya' from my hand!"

"Oh…" Ruby gasped. Light shattered next to Number 102, which formed a hole in reality. The crack was pulled apart by silver hands. A divine figure in white armor and bright orange wings floated out. It raised one fist into the air and shouted, which covered the entire field in a blinding sheen of light.

ℹ️ Archlord Kristya (LIGHT)
LV 8 / 2800 ATK

"As I'm sure you're aware, 'Kristya' prevents both of us from Special Summoning," Weiss said with a self-assured smile. "And since it was Special Summoned with its own effect, I'll add my 'Scepter' back to my hand." As she slid the card back between her fingers, Weiss narrowed her eyes.

"Battle! 'Kristya' attacks Number 39!" The orange wings flared out, and 'Kristya' leapt into the air. It suddenly flew back down and kicked Hope's core, which caused cracks to appear all over the Number's body. Without the Overlay Units to grant Hope its divinity, 'Kristya' kicked through it, and the shrapnel of the resulting explosion phased through Ruby's body.

🥊Ruby
2000 LP - 300 DMG = 1700 LP

"And, Number 102 attacks 'Clavykis'!" Glorious Halo released the drawn arrow, and in an instant it pierced through the monster's body, which made it explode as well. Ruby hissed in annoyance as her LP trickled down even lower.

🥊Ruby
1700 LP - 600 DMG = 1100 LP

"Oh, you've gotta be kidding me…" Ruby grumbled to herself as the smoke faded away. She went through all that trouble to defeat Number 102, only for not just one, but two floodgates to stare down at her. And she could've done something about; her set card was 'Magikey Locking'; she could've used it to Xyz Summon 'Vepartu'. It wouldn't have won her the game, but at the very least, she could've used it to stall out for a turn.

"I end my turn…" Weiss said. Ruby nodded.

"Okay, think…" Ruby whispered to herself. What can she do to get out of this situation? She has 'Faustian Bargain' in her deck, but due to the fact that you can only activate cards if you can resolve the effect, 'Kristya' prevents her from activating it. Her deck also has 'Primite Drillbeam', but with 'Dragoons of Draconia' being the only Normal in her hand, even if she negates either monsters' effect, it can't beat over them.

'Primite Imperial Dragon' can do the trick. It Normal Summons itself as a Quick Effect on Weiss' field, and with 'Alexandrite Dragon' in her graveyard, it will also banish 102 and 'Kristya'. The only problem is that Ruby has to hard draw into it, and not die on Weiss' turn.

"I draw!" Ruby exclaimed. She brought the card to her eyes; 'White Elephant's Gift'. This could work… it could also backfire in her face. "I summon 'Dragoons of Draconia'!" Ruby pressed onwards either way. She can't surrender to Weiss.

A green-skinned lizard man appeared while mounted on a two legged raptor dragon. The lizard man snarled as it loaded the muskets in both its arms.

ℹ️ Dragoons of Draconia (FIRE)
LV 4 / 1800 ATK / Scale 2

"I activate 'White Elephant's Gift'! By tributing 'Dragoon', I draw two cards!" Ruby shuddered as she sucked in air through her teeth and slowly grabbed the cards from her deck.

"Ah, fine…! I set the Pendulum Scale with Scale 7 'Dragonox, the Empowered Warrior'!" Ruby slid the card into the right-most Spell/Trap Zone. A red gem appeared on the field, with a stylized 7 fading underneath. The blue beam burst out from the ground with a blue man in black draconic armor contained inside.

ℹ️ Dragonox, the Empowered Warrior (SPELL)
Scale 7

"Then… I activate 'Heart of the Underdog'!" A large gust of wind suddenly burst to life and wrapped itself around Ruby's body. "...I end my turn."

"That's it? That's your last line of defense?" Weiss scoffed. She glanced at the Pendulum Monster Ruby controlled. "I can easily take it out with any form of backrow removal and win the game."

"I can say the same about literally any of your boards up," Ruby shot back. "So, hurry up and draw."

"Fine!" Weiss once her turn started. "Now, I'll–!" But like before, she choked. "Oh, come on…!" She shook her head at the disappointing draw. "Whatever, I've won anyways. Battle! Glorious Halo attacks!"

"I activate 'Dragonox's' Pendulum effect! It will destroy itself to end the Battle Phase!" At her command, the warrior let out a shout and exploded. The force created by the blast knocked Halo's arrow off course, and grazed Ruby's ear. The heiress seethed before taking a breath to calm herself down.

"It doesn't matter anyway. I end my turn…" Weiss growled.

Ruby nodded. "Fine…" She looked at her deck. "Well, here goes nothing." The wind around her intensified as she placed her hand on the top card of her deck.

"I draw!" Ruby snapped out, and slowly, she brought the card to her eyes. "'Robotic Knight', a Normal Monster. I draw again!" The wind veil became stronger as she drew again. "...'Gagagigo', I draw again!"

Weiss bit her lip as the wind became stronger. "'Sea Dragoons of Draconia'! I draw again!" Ruby tensed up a little; had she not drawn 'Heart of the Underdog' she would've been so screwed. "'Leotron'! It's another Normal, so I draw again!"

Ruby grabbed the fifth card. "Alright…! One more time! I draw!" She brought out her card, and…

"I summon 'Robotic Knight'!" Ruby said in a calm, collected voice. "I end my turn." A black knight with plating designed to look like a red suit marched onto the field next to her, with a sword in hand and a minigun attached to the other.

ℹ️ Robotic Knight (FIRE)
LV 4 / 1600 ATK

Weiss was slightly unnerved by the sudden change in demeanor. Ruby didn't look anxious or nervous anymore. Her face was impassive, almost like she was watching a comedy show that was hilariously unfunny.

"...Then it's time I end this…!" Weiss slowly started as she drew her card. She didn't even bother to look at it before she swept her hand forwards "Ba–!"

"During the Main Phase, I activate 'Primite Imperial Dragon's' effect!" Ruby shouted. "I can tribute summon it!" 'Robotnik Knight' became encased in a thick wall of ore, which began to crack after a second. Light streamed from the holes, and with a loud roar, the cocoon exploded, which created a large dragon made entirely of brown rock, and which had a long-clubbed tail (LV 6 / 2600 ATK).

[Primite Imperial Dragon]
[EARTH / Dragon / Effect]
[2600 ATK / 0 DEF]

"When 'Imperial Dragon' is summoned, its effects activate! First, It will negate the effects of your monsters…!" 'Imperial Dragon' let out a gravelly roar. Stalactites fell down from the sky and pierced through Weiss' monsterw, which forced both onto their knees. "And then, it will banish every monster with the same Attribute as 'Alexandrite Dragon'!"

Weiss gasped. 'Alexandrite' was LIGHT. All her monsters were LIGHT.

'Imperial Dragon' clenched its fist and thrust it into the sky. Glorious Halo, 'Kristya' and the remaining 'Sovereignty' (that Weiss honestly forgot about) were impaled by stalagmites that shot out from the ground. Slowly, they turned to stone and eroded away by the winds of Ruby's 'Heart of the Underdog'.

"I…" Weiss breathed out. She reached out and managed to grasp some of the sand that Glorious Halo had become, but it quickly slipped between her fingers. She looked at the cards in her hand. "Argh…! I activate the Continuous Spell 'Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen'!" Marble pillars appeared, and Weiss now stood in front of a white throne.

"Now, since I control no monsters, I can Special Summon a Fairy Monster from my hand! Like 'Star Seraph Scepter'!" She snarled. The staff from earlier reappeared, though its body glowed a little brighter.

ℹ️ Star Seraph Scepter (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1800 ATK

"Now, 'Scepter' will search 'Scripture', which I normal summon!" As the staff glowed, and next to a glowing book with a golden spine appeared.

ℹ️ Star Seraph Scripture (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1800 ATK

When it opened and the pages started to flutter, Ruby's eyes glowed silver. "I activate the effect of 'Primite Roar' from my GY!" She shouted, which shocked Weiss. "Since you normal summoned a monster, I can banish 'Roar', and then target my 'Alexandrite Dragon' in my GY!" Another cocoon of rock appeared. Ghostly flames burned inside, and the spirit of the dragon flew out. "Since 'Scriptures' has less ATK than my 'Dragon', it's banished!"

Weiss' arms fell to her side as the cocoon floated into the air and fell on top of the holy book. It exploded, and took 'Scriptures' with it.

"...I end my turn." Weiss whispered quietly.

Ruby nodded, and drew her card. "I summon 'Gagagigo'!" A blue-scaled lizard man jumped out of a pool of water and hissed quietly as it stood up.

ℹ️ Gagagigo (WATER)
LV 4 / 1850 ATK

"Battle! 'Gagagigo' attacks 'Scepter'!" The lizard man lunged and scratched Weiss' staff with its claws, shredding it to pieces. Weiss barely reacted as it exploded.

🥊Weiss 
2000 LP - 50 DMG = 1950 LP

"'Imperial Dragon'!" Ruby's monster whirled around and struck Weiss with its clubbed tail.

🥊Weiss 
1950 - 2600 ATK = 0 LP

GAME!

"Game set, and match," Glynda said. The crowd of students politely cheered for the two girls as Ruby's monsters faded away. The applause was short lived, however, as Glynda raised her hand to silence her students.

"Now, Weiss…" Glynda began. The girl in white didn't even let her speak. She just whirled around and walked off stage. Ruby raised an eyebrow as she walked off. "As I said before, expand on the 'Star Seraph' portion of your deck. It has little synergy otherwise. Also, you cannot have just Number 102 as your only point of interaction with your opponent. There are simply too many workarounds."

Weiss didn't say anything as she opened the door to exit the arena and left. Glynda sighed and shook her head in disappointment. "And Ruby?"

She straightened immediately as Glynda turned to her. "You should remove some of those vanilla monsters. I know your strategies revolve around them, but if you draw to many, you've lost. At least consider only having one per Attribute."

"Yes ma'am! I'll take that into consideration!" Ruby said stiffly. Glynda nodded at her and then looked at her tablet.

"Alright. Let's start another game. The next Duelists will be…" As she continued, Ruby walked back to her seat. As she did, she giggled to herself excitedly and even kicked her feet a little underneath her desk.

She did it! She finally has a win under belt! And there's more to come as she improves her deck!

Ruby hums silently as she watches the next Duel unfold. As she takes notes on the strategies and cards used, she remembered about Xyz Encore. "Right, I have to give this to her…" Ruby mumbled as she took the two copies she had out.

"...Hmph! Maybe I'll give it to her when she learns to not be so rude!" Ruby huffed. She slid both cards into her Deck Box and continued to watch the Duel unfold.

[ Star Seraph Sanctum ]
Field Spell

Once per turn: if you Summon a "Star Seraph" monster; you can return that monster to the hand, and if you do, add 1 "Star Seraph" monster from your deck to your hand. If this card leaves the field: you can activate this effect; until the end of your opponent's next turn, all monsters they control lose 100 ATK for each "Star Seraph" monster you summoned this turn.

Chapter Text

"Blake!"

The cat faunus' ear twitched when she heard Yang calling her. She turned around and frowned as Yang walked towards her with a big friendly smile. Blake slid the back into the shelf.

"We're in the library," Blake huffed. Yang's smile didn't waver in the slightest.

"Sorry! I just wanted to make sure I could find you in this big place," She responded, and gestured to the wide-open space around them; two floors of nothing but bookshelves, tables and playmats for practice and study.

Blake sighed and turned around. As she walked off, she slapped Yang's thigh with her tail. "Hey!" She huffed.

"You do know that I heard you the moment you walked in, right?" Blake said as she walked forwards, a point she emphasized by wiggling the triangular ears on her head.

"I mean, you could've texted me where you were, but you didn't pick up your scroll," Yang said. Blake reached into her pocket and took out her scroll. It was on silent.

"Oh," Blake murmured.

"You should at least put it on vibrate, don't y'think? In case we need help with a Number," Yang suggested to her.

Blake nodded, though, she hesitated for a moment. "Whenever we're off campus. I doubt a Number is going to show up while we're in classes," She said. Yang placed a hand on her hip.

"I was possessed by a Number," Yang reminded her.

"Well, yes, but you got possessed outside campus, not in it," Blake argued. Yang still didn't look convinced.

"Oh, before I forget!" Yang reached into her Side Deck and presented Blake with two copies of Xyz Encore. "A little something the Headmaster gave us to fight off Numbers. They remove the units first, making it vulnerable to removal!"

Blake took the cards and examined them for a moment. The effect reminded her of 'De-Fusion' and 'De-Synchro'. "Oh, it's unreactable, too," Blake commented.

"Pretty sweet, right?" Yang laughed, to which Blake nodded.

"Give my thanks to Ozpin next time you see him," Blake said.

Yang nodded, but then frowned. "Hey, what's that supposed to mean?"

"What do you think I meant?" Blake flashed her a smirk and continued to walk deeper into the library. Yang grumbled half-heartedly, but she continued to follow the faunus regardless.

Yang shook her head. "Whatever…" she sighed. Her face brightened a moment after. "So, did you read what Copper sent in the group chat last night?" She asked Blake excitedly.

Blake nodded. "I did. They've written the ending of the campaign. Nora and Fox are saying they're good to finish in half an hour. I can too."

"Really? Then, I'm game too! We ended right at the good part!" Yang said excitedly. "Let's go to their room right now!"

"Okay, then. Let's head over to their dorm, then. Once I'm done checking out these books," Blake said, lifting the novels in her arms. Yang blinked, and then smirked.

"Sorry, but I don't think any of these books in this library are going to suit your… tastes," Yang teased Blake. Her tail and ears shot up, and her cheeks quickly changed to a bright shade of red.

"Oh, shut it, Yang…!" Blake hissed.

About an hour later, the pair made their way to the west side of the Beacon campus, and into one of the many repurposed towers. After they climbed up two flights of stairs, they entered a hallway of dorm rooms meant for male second years.

"Copper is in Room 14, right?" Yang asked.

Blake nodded. "It's not, it'll take any trouble to find it, though," She said as she pointed forwards to a mop of orange hair.

"Isn't that… Hey! Nora!" Yangs calls out. In a moment, an excitable ginger dashes towards and grabs both girl's shoulders.

"Oh, it's you two!" Nora says as she shakes both of them lightly. "I was wondering when you'd show up!"

"Oh, like I'd miss this! I'm so excited to see what you and Copper have been cooking all break!" Yang said excitedly as she pumped fists with her.

"Oh believe me, I have plenty cooked up! Not just for classes, but for this campaign too!" Nora exclaimed with loud enthusiasm.

Blake winced at the volume of both girl's voices, and her ears flattened against her head to keep herself from going deaf. She was about to say something, but somebody already beat her to the punch.

"Nora, you might want to tone it down. There might be some people trying to sleep," Behind the girls, a dark-skinned boy wearing an orange vest and black pants. His eyes were also pure white.

"It's the middle of the day, Fox!" Nora brushed him off. "Who would be sleeping at this time of day?"

"Cats," Yang said with a smirk. Blake sighed.

"I bet you think you're funny," She grumbled.

"Oh, I know I am. Right Nora?"

"Hell yeah!" Nora and Yang shared a high five. "Anyways, who's excited for the ending to our 'Dungeons and Duel Monsters' campaign?"

"I am, I think we left off at a particularly intriguing spot," Fox said, straightening up a little as he talked. "I didn't expect that the 'Atlanteans' would ever consider coming to us for help."

"I mean, we did save the world from the 'Worms', if I remember correctly," Blake commented. The other girls started to walk, so Blake tapped Fox's shoulder to let him as they had started to move.

"I mean, it's not like the 'Worms' are all that threatening. Have you seen their cards?" Yang joked. "I bit if I decided to play as any of my 'Mikankos' I could have wiped the floor with them!"

"Well, it's good thing we only make use of the cards' lore on our D sessions," Fox said. "Starting with fighting the 'Melffy's' and working their way down to 'Worms' would be an… odd difficulty curve."

"More than odd, in all honesty," Blake said. The group stopped in front of Copper's room (Nora tugged on the collar of Fox's vest before he could walk off).

"Copper?" Blake raised her hand and gently knocked on the door.

"Come in," A vaguely feminine voice called out.

The group entered the room. The beds on the side had already shifted for a large table in the center. There was also someone standing by the window and looking out of it; a tall person with gray hair and wearing a denim jacket over a tank top with an atomic symbol in the center. They also wore a gray skirt with knee-high white socks.

"Copper!" Nora jumped over the chair and wrapped them in a tight hug, which was nearly enough to crack their poor back.

"Ah, Nora…!" Copper gasped at both Nora's strength and her enthusiasm. "I missed you too… please let go of me…!"

"Oh, right!" Nora hopped off them and immediately jumped into the closest seat she could find. She was practically vibrating in place as the others sat down.

"I see you're all excited to hear what I've written, yes?" Copper asked. They reached underneath the desk to pull out a thick binder and a handful of books. "You guys have your character sheets, right?" They all nodded.

As Blake took out hers, her ear flicked.

…Must be the wind.

"So, where did we leave off…" Copper murmured to themself as they flipped through pages. "Ah, right…" They reached into the binder and pulled out a few Duel Monsters cards; namely, 'Pacifis, the Phantasm City', 'Atlantean Dragoons', and 'Water Enchantress of the Temple'.

"Alright!" Copper cleared their throat and began to talk in an overly dramatic, more masculine voice. "When last time we ended our journey…"

The Atlantean Dragoons gave you special charms protected you from the harsh conditions of the sea. They dropped you off at the entrance of the Pacifis, the Phantasm City. Already, just outside the city walls, you can feel an eerie, ghost-like chill which emanated from the town square.

"Wait, is this place haunted?" Lady Labrynth asked with a stunned elegant voice which carried a hint of fear. "Wait a–! I'm not scared of ghosts!"

"What do the ruins look like?" Beast of Talwar asks the rest of the party to begin to grow accustomed to the water pressure and the temperature.

The Phantasm City is a large, decrepit place. Light barely reached the city. While Beast of Talware and Lady Labrynth are accustomed to low light environments on account of being Fiends, the others struggle to see anything past seven feet. "Hah," Beast of Talware snickered.

"Urgh… it's too dark!" Water Enchantress of the Temple huffs. She raised her wooden staff and murmured something quickly under her breath. Three spheres of light burst out and illuminate the area.

The glowing lights reveal weathered marble pillars that stuck out of the ground. The bases were covered in many generations of barnacles. A forest of kelp surrounded the area, but there wasn't even a vine floated by the path that led to the city, nor inside the city walls.

The walls–

"I wanna blow them up," Black Salvo suddenly said with a malicious grin on her face. Slowly, the rest of the party turned to the floating bomb in disbelief.

"I-I'm sorry?" Water Enchantress stammered. "You can't destroy the castle walls!"

"Why not? If I blast 'em, that'll get the attention of Phantasm Spiral Dragon, right?" Black Salvo asked with an eager grin. Her fuse was lit.

"...Well, she has a point," S:P Little Knight said. "This might be easier than going through a dungeon."

"Guys!" Water Enchantress stomped her foot on the ground with a huff. "You can't just blow up the walls. Not only the Atlanteans want to reclaim this city so that they can use this as a place of worship for the newly ascended god, Poseidra!" The other party members remained silent as they considered their options to move forwards.

"So… you're saying we can't blow this place up?" Black Salvo asked.

"If you do, the Atlanteans are going to hunt you down for the rest of our lives," Water Enchantress said in a deadpan voice.

"Fine! No explosions!" The floating bomb pouted.

"I don't think we'd need bombs, anyways," S:P Little Knight said. She reached behind her and pulled out a kunai and a rope. "I'm going to attach this rope to the dagger, and toss it up. That way, we can climb up the walls and enter the city," She announces.

…

S:P Little Knight throws the kunai with considerable strength. The blade flies upwards and embeds itself into the wall. She then tugs on the rope, and finds that the kunai is somewhat loose.

"Oof… it looks like only light people like S:P and I can climb up," Water Enchantress states with a frown on her face. "Anybody else will be too heavy?"

"Really? Damn…" Lady Labrynth glances at her twin swords. "Can I use my blades to make my tits smaller?"

Water Enchantress whirls around and lets out a baffled gasp. "H-huh? What the– how!?"

"By… slicing them off?" Lady Labrynth says as if her line of thinking was completely reasonable and not at all stupid. "Eh!? Run that by me again!?"

"Wouldn't it be more reasonable to take off your armor?" Beast of Talwar commented. He then placed his hand on his chin. "...You do have armor, right?"

"Yeah?" Lady Labrynth responded with a shrug. Her smile brightened as another idea came to her mind. "Wait, why don't you fly me up over the walls! I can carry Nora, and you can carry both of us! I don't think she's that heavy, anyways."

"I have wings?" Beast of Talwar blinked. "Well… I guess I'll go with the plan Yang suggested."

…

Beast of Talwar spread their wings and slung Lady Labrynth of his shoulder. With Black Salvo in her arms, Beast of Talware flew upwards. The water made it difficult to fly, but they managed to scale over the wall and enter Pacifis. Meanwhile, S:P Little Knight first climbs up the wall using the rope and kunai she threw into it. Once she made it over, she tossed another rope to Water Enchantress, and allowed her to climb afterwards.

Now that the party has entered the city, they were able to see more of the landscape. Some buildings had been crushed by the weight of the water. The only things that remained were houses made of stone and the occasional skeleton. The streets were completely barren.

"What do the skeletons look like?" S:P Little Knight asked.

Water Enchantress walks towards one of the many skeletons that littered the floor. She kneels down and removes the skull from the spin. "It looks like a race of humanoids once lived here," She comments as she examines the skull. "They might be the descendents of the Mermail clan…"

"That could be another reason why they want to reclaim this city," S:P Little Knight comments under their breath. "They want to reclaim their history from the elements… before it's washed away entirely."

"In that case, the sooner we kick Phantasm Dragon's ass, the better!" Black Salvo floated out of Lady Labrynth's arms and started to float away.

"Hey!" Lady Labrynth tries to catch Black Salvo, but the tiny black bomb is a slippery beast; it swerves out of the way and cackles as it disappears into the city. "Oh, that little…!" Water Enchantress let out a panicked whine as the bomb began to fly away, so she gave chase.

"Why you–! Vandal! Get back here!" The Spellcaster cried out as both she and the bomb disappeared from view.

"Don't worry." Beast of Talwar places his hand on Lady Labrynth's shoulder. "I'm sure she can't cause that much property damage."

"Well, we should get her and blow out her fuse, regardless," Lady Labyrnth said. "I do not want the Atlanteans on my ass."

Beast of Talwar shrugged. "Fair enough." He started to jog after the flying bomb. Lady Labrynth was about to chase after him, but she paused and looked back at her. "Hey, Blake, you coming?" Lady Labyrinth looks over her shoulder to see the yellow ninja with a frown on her face.

"Hm?" She straightens when she realizes her name had been called. "It's nothing, I just thought I heard something…" Blake mumbled to herself. "Let's Nora before she does something stupid." S:P Little Knight dashed away, and Lady Labrynth followed after her.

The group descends deeper and deeper into the hidden bowels of Pacifis. The city is wrought with strange beasts and spirits of the dead. They press on, slaying whatever opponent comes their way. But as they do, the pressure of the water becomes more intense.

In the center of the city lies a broken and crumbling amphitheatre. "Be careful guys… I can sense a strange power coming there," Water Enchantress says as they step onto the main stage of the structure.

"Gee, I wonder why…" Lady Labynth sighs. In the middle of the stage was a large whirlpool that seemed to stretch upwards to the surface of the ocean. The vortex was also glowing; a mystical bright light streamed through the rippling, spinning water.

"I see…" Beast of Talwar comments. "There must be away to get rid of the vortex. Perhaps Water Enchantress," He begins, pointing away from the group, "can use her water magic to get rid of it?"

"I'm not sure… I think we might have to find some other way to disable it…" Water Enchantress says. She has Black Salvo in her arms, with the bombs mouth taped shut. Once she noticed the vortex, Black Salvo began to shake and tremble to free herself, to say that she can explode to bring down the vortex.

"Nora, an explosion can't solve all of our problems," Lady Labrnyth sighed tiredly. S:P Little Knight nods beside her.

"I think there might be another way to disable it," Water Enchantress says. She raises her staff and digs it into the water weakened marble floor. Once she managed to dig it down enough so that the staff didn't tip over. She turns to the group and places her hands behind her back.

"There is… one spell I know. But it's ancient magic, and its study is outlawed," They continue. "With it, I can take control of the ocean for moment and let you inside."

As Copper talked, Blake's ear twitched once more. She looked around the room with furrowed brows, which caught Yang's attention. "Something wrong?" She asked quietly as Copper's words enthralled Nora and Fox.

"Nothing," Blake whispered back. Her amber eyes flitted across the room. "I think I can hear something…?"

"Must be a fly, then," Yang said nonchalantly. Blake looked away from the ceiling to turn her amber gaze on Yang.

"...Maybe," She sighed, but the faunus sounded unconvinced. "Or maybe I'm going crazy."

"Blake, we're at a school that teaches how to play a card game. I think we're all a little crazy here," Yang laughed quietly. Blake rolled her eyes. She couldn't find the sound after a few moments, so she returned her attention to the D campaign.

"...There we go!" Water Enchantress finished drawing a sigil on the floor. It looked like a collection of gears and mechanical pieces, while the outside had oddly-designed numbers lining the circumference. "Now, place your hand on this card," Copper says. She tapped the face-down on the center of the table.

With Water Enchantress' hand outstretched, the four other party members moved closer. They each placed their palm on top of the witch's (though for Black Salvo, Lady Labynrth simply placed her on top of all the hands.

"Now what!?" Black Salvo asked eagerly, her voice muffled by the tape over her mouth.

"Patience…" Copper said. They reached towards the face-down card in the center of the. "Now, in a few moments, I'll cast the spell. Ready…?"

The four party members nodded and stepped inside the circle. Water Enchantress grinned as they flipped over the card.

"Yang!" Blake shouted.

The Number 47 appeared on the ceiling.

Yang never should have done this. Yang never should've thought of this.

Ruby was in her arms, crying and wailing as Yang did her best to carry across the forest. But she was heavy. So heavy for these tiny, stick-like arms and this small chubby body. But she couldn't stop now. Her entire body ached, but she couldn't stop. Her chest was crying desperately for air, but Yang wouldn't stop.

A Grimm was behind them. Chasing them. Tearing through trees so it can eat them. Its limbs were long and lanky, covered in armor made of bones. It reeked of death. Yang could hear its high-pitched shrieks of rage. It mixed with the sound of baby Ruby's crying to nearly burst her eardrums.

It had already ripped through the wagon with ease Yang pulled Ruby along with earlier. Nothing would be able to stop its rampage.

Yang kept running until she tripped on a root. Her heart dropped as the crying Ruby fell from her hand and hit the floor with a thunk. She went silent."Ruby!" She tried to crawl over to her, but her face was pushed to the ground.

Slowly, Yang managed to turn her head. And she wished she hadn't; the demented face of the grimm leered down at her, its jaw open to reveal several sets of sharp teeth. Yang whimpered as the horrid smell of death from the Grimm's mouth invaded her nostrils.

Why? Yang just wanted to find her mom. Any mom. Why did this have to happen? She squeezed her eyes shut and waited for the Grimm to lean down and bite her head off.

Instead, she heard a whine and a roar. The pressure pinning her body disappeared in an instant. Still, just to be safe, Yang kept her eyes shut for a few more moments. Once nothing happened, she slowly peeled her eyes open.

Her jaw dropped slowly as beautiful with black hair and red dress ran up to her. "Yang! You're okay!"

"S… Summer…?" Yang breathed out quietly. Summer Rose smiled warmly at Yang, and cupped her cheeks.

"I'm here. I'm back." She whispered softly. Summer gave Yang a tight hug. "Let me go help your sister, okay?" Yang remained frozen in place as Summer broke the hug. Her warm, comforting hands remained on Yang's shoulder until she left to ensure Ruby's safety.

Yang half expected Summer to disappear, but instead, with Ruby in one arm and Yang in the other, they went back home.

"Summer!" The door burst open before she even reached the front yard. Taiyang ran out and embraced the girls, holding them all tightly with his strong arms. "You're all okay!"

Yang blinks. The next few moments pass by in a blur. Summer and Taiyang fuss over her, and after a moment, they did something to baby Ruby. "She has a bump on her head…" Summer pointed out.

"I can take her to the clinic," Taiyang offered. Summer nodded and handed Ruby to him.

"Right, I'll stay here with Yang, then. She still looks like she's in shock…" Yang blinks, and manually closes her mouth.

As Taiyang disappears out the door with Ruby in his arms, Summer walks towards Yang and kneels down to look her in the eyes. She smiles warmly at her, and raises a hand to ruffle Yang's hair.
"I'm sorry. For scaring you," Summer spoke softly. She giggled quietly, but it was a hollow, clear sound. "I didn't mean to be gone for so long. It's been… what, 14 years at this point? But I'm back now."

Yang furrowed her brows, which Summer took note of. "Come here, my Sunny Little Dragon…" Summer leaned forward and hugged Yang tightly. "I'll never leave you again…!"

Yang exhaled softly as her mother embraced her. She was warm and soft. Yang wanted to hug her back… but something kept her from doing so. Her chin rested on Summer's shoulder, and her purple eyes flitted about curiously.

Something was off. At this point, Summer had been confirmed dead only two weeks ago. The funeral was two days ago. Yet, Summer claimed to be back after 14 years…?

Today was fourteen years later. Yang shouldn't be in a child's body.

"I can't believe I've missed so many years," Summer whispered, her distorted voice breaking slightly. Yang blinked. She was 19 years old again, wearing her RA uniform. She was also taller than Summer. "I knew you would grow up to become an excellent Duelist."

And that nickname… Sunny Little Dragon… How did Summer know about it? She was already dead when her dad came up with the name.

"...Yang? Is something wrong?" Summer asked. Yang was too lost in her thoughts to listen.

…Why was she outside in the first place? Summer was presumed dead, and Taiyang had sunk into despair. Ruby couldn't take care of herself, so Yang grabbed that wagon. And… they went to look for their mother? No, that couldn't be, Summer is right here, alive and well.

"Argh…!" Yang hissed and raked a hand through her messy blonde locks. Summer looked even more confused.

"Is something troubling you?" Yang's biological mother asked. "I can help. I'm here now."

Yang frowned, and pushed Summer away. "Yang!" The blonde didn't listen. She walked towards the bookshelf.

On the bookshelf, there was always that picture. Her Dad, Mom, and Uncle Qrow. Dad, Mom, and Uncle Qrow.

Taiyang.

Summer.

Qrow…

"Wait…" Yang grabbed the picture from the bookshelf. There's something wrong. Didn't… Didn't Qrow have a sister? He mentioned her from time to time… how come their aunt wasn't in this picture?

"Yang," Summer called out in her distorted voice again. Yang turned around and looked Summer in the eyes with such intensity that it nearly made the woman jump back.

"Yang…?" Yang's mother called out.

Summer… is dead. Yet, she's here.

That's impossible. Summer might be Yang's mother, but not by blood. She was…

Yang looked back at the picture. Taiyang had both his hands out. One was on Summer's shoulder, the other was looped around nothing. Qrow looked like we were leaning against the air. Yang's eyes widened in realization.

Raven returned to the photo. Yang's biological mother. Yang shot her head up, and looked at Summer. She was smiling softly.

"...Copper!" Yang hissed. They did something to her. Blake tried to warn her, but whatever trick Copper pulled still managed to trap her. "Mom–!"

"You have to go," Summer murmured softly. She nodded slowly. "It's okay. I knew you were going to figure it out sooner or later…" Yang's expression softened, and for a moment, she regretted even thinking about lashing out at her Mom, even if it was just a… dream? Memory? Something like that.

"Still… you've grown into a fine young woman," Summer said. She walked up to Yang and cupped her cheek. "I'm glad to have been your mother, even if it was only for a short while…"

Yang looked away. "Yeah, that's what she would've said…" She takes a breath to steal herself. "Number 17!" The dragon emerges from the back and howls. The sound caused the wooden roof to shatter.

"Rest in peace…" Yang murmured solemnly. Her eyes turned red. "Vice Stream!"

The dragon opened his mouth and blasted everything with its powerful, swirling beam. As the dreamscape crumbled around her, Summer continued to smile.

Copper blinked. Then, they received a face-full of fist. Blood spewed out from their nose as they were launched from their seat to the wall.

As they struggled to pick themself up, Yang stood up from her seat and examined the room. Nora, Fox, and Blake had slumped forwards, each with blank looks on their face and glazed over-eyes. Yang's eyes turn red as she glares at Copper.

"What the heck did you do?" Yang demanded to know. Copper wiped the blood off their nose as they stood back up.

"I figured I'd do something to lighten their loads…" Copper murmured rather cryptically.

"You're stealing their memories," Yang hissed, remembering her own time in the dreamscape.

"And…?" Copper asked Yang with a raised eyebrow. "Aren't there some things you'd like to forget? Something embarrassing, something sad, cringy, or even traumatic?" They leaned against the wall to support themself.

"I'd still be pissed if it was something minor. You can't just go through someone's memories like that, asshat!" Yang scowled at the other student.

Copper scoffed. "Please… I was doing you a favor, wasn't I? Those memories I was going to take from you only caused you harm and grief."

"Yeah, they did. But, you know what it also did? It made me a better person. A stronger person!" Yang shouted. "Return them to normal. Now."

"Pfft. You know I won't do that…" Copper said in a smug tone. A smirk crossed their lips as they made their way back to their seat. They carelessly swept their hands across the table. Yang winced as the D&DM set up clattered against the floor.

Copper then reached under the table, and grabbed a thick glass playmat. Yang raised an eyebrow.

"You can sense it, right?" Copper asked. They raised their arm, and on the back of the hand was the Number 47. "This Number is the thing that granted me the ability to see into your dreams. Take it away, and they should return to normal."

"Should?" Yang's eyes turned red.

"I've only had this thing for like, what, three days? A week? Most I've done is take memories away and store them away in blank cards. I've never restored them," Copper said with a roll of their eyes. "Defeating 47 might place all the memories back, or it might destroy them. Are you willing to take that–"

"That's not even a question." Copper blinked as Yang dropped back into her seat and crossed her arms. She glared at Copper.

"If I stay with 47, I could figure out a way to return those memories?" Copper suggested.

"Or, you could become even more dangerous and start taking more than just memories."

"Ah, fair enough," Copper shrugged. They took out there deck and placed in the designated area; so did Yang. "But… this place seems a little small, doens't it? If the Numbers were to be summoned here, it might cause more damage than necessary."

Yang watched as Copper raised their hand. "So, let's change the scenery real quick." They snapped their fingers.

Yang first heard the crackle of lightning, and then rain beating down on her. "What the–! Shit!" She turned around and nearly slipped on the wet, metal floor. She grabbed the railing of the ship before she could faceplant.

"How the hell!?" Once Yang steadied herself, she found her Duel Disk, with her deck already loaded. She then looked across, and found Copper, an aircraft carrier just like she was. Somehow, they were both in a swirling vortex in the middle of a stormy night.

"There. Now, we won't have to hold!" Copper said. They raised their arm and activated the Duel Disk strapped to it. "So, let's do it then!"

Yang let out a snarl. "Fine!" Her Duel Disk turned on as well, with sparks flying as the blades slammed together.

Copper & No. 47 (4000 LP) VS Yang Xiao Long (4000 LP)
DUEL!

"I'll begin! I activate the effect of 'Icejade Ran Aegirine' from my hand! By discarding 'Nopenguin', I can summon it from my hand and an 'Icejade Token'!" Yang watched as the water between the carrier rippled and bulged. Something lunged from the water; a woman made of clear, colorless water and wearing a dress made of crystal. She was accompanied by a crystalline butterfly that landed on her finger.

ℹ️ Icejade Ran Aegirine (WATER)
LV 7 / 2500 DEF / Tuner

ℹ️ Icejade Token (WATER)
LV 3 / 0 ATK

"I tune my Level 7 'Ran Aegirine' to my Level 3 Token!" Copper shouted. The woman stood up from her seat and the butterfly fluttered into the sky. "I Synchro Summon Level 10 'Icejad Gymir Aegirine'!" The beam of light that came forth parted the waters. The woman grew larger, her body became opaquer, the twintails became longer, and red lines of cybernetic energy flowed through the hair clips and on her horns.

ℹ️ Icejad Gymir Aegirine (WATER)
LV 10 / 3000 ATK

"Now, I activate the spell card 'Rite of Aremesire'! This card summons an 'Adventurer Token', and then, since I can activate the Continuous Spell 'Fateful Adventure' directly from my deck!" Yang couldn't help but groan as Generic Harem Anime Protagonist #42069 appeared on the field, complete with black hair and a bland face.

ℹ️ Adventurer Token (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 2000 ATK

In addition to that, a beam of light came from the storm clouds."I activate 'Fateful Adventure's' effect! I'll add 'Wandering Gryphon Rider' to my hand, and then discard 'Ice Barrier'. Also, because I control the 'Token', I can summon it!" Behind 'Aegirine', a purple griffin with a purple body and dark brown feathers landed. A small cat-like rider (like, it looked as big as Zwei) propped itself on the head and smiled smugly at Yang.

ℹ️ Wandering Gryphon Rider (WIND)
LV 7 / 2800 DEF

"I then set a monster." Copper gently placed the card sideways on the Monster Zone. It appeared in the center of the ocean, and from the back a spiked purple sphere with angry red eyes and spikes over it appeared. "That ends my turn," They said.

"Right. I draw!" Yang shouted. She glanced down. "First things first, let's get rid of that griffin. I equip 'Mikanko Water Arabesque' onto your 'Aegirine'!" Copper blinked, and they turned to look at the watery tendrils that appeared around their Synchro Monster.

"What…?"

"Confused?" Yang asked with a smirk. "'Arabesque' doesn't care which monster is returned to the hand, y'know, which means your monsters are fair game too! I activate 'Arabesque's' effect again to Special Summon!"

"Argh…! In response, I'll activate 'Gryphon's' effect! By shuffling it back into my deck, it'll negate and destroy 'Arabesque'!" The large beast cawed and reared back on its hind legs. The rider fired an arrow at the tendrils, and then flew away, giggling 'Adventurer Token' tossed a bag of money at it."

"Now, I summon 'Ni-Ni the Mirror Mikanko', and equip 'Mikanko Purification Dance' and 'Mikanko Dance - Mayowashidori' onto it!" From the turbulent ocean, the young girl with watery cat ears leapt out and landed with audible thud next to Yang.

ℹ️ Ni-Ni the Mirror Mikanko (WATER)
LV 3 / 0 ATK

Once she inserted the Equip Spells, a green rooster spirit appeared behind her, and the mirrors that 'Ni-Ni' used as her weapons grew larger.

"Now! 'Ni-Ni', attack 'Gymir'!" The girl made of water twirled above the raging sea water, slowly approaching the 'Icejade'. 'Aegirine's' hair began to glow as it charged a ball of energy between its hand and released it. With a giggle, 'Ni-Ni' used her tendrils to maneuver the mirrors in front of the blast, which caused it to split into multiple beams and strike Copper.

"Shit–!" The small lasers knocked them back and sent them skidding across the runway (4000 LP to 1000 LP).

🥊Copper 
4000 LP - 3000 DMG = 1000 LP

"After the battle, 'Mayowashidori' activates! It'll return your Token to the hand!" The swordsman blinked, and looked up as the rooster spirit flapped its wings. It was launched off the carrier and drowned at sea. "I never liked isekai, anyways," Yang huffed.

"You just haven't watched any good ones," Copper snarked as they stood back up. Yang rolled her eyes at their comment.

"Ah, yes! I would love to sift through hours of harem slop before I find one that looks even remotely interesting," Yang shot back sarcastically. "Anyways, I set two cards face-down and end my turn."

"Aye-aye, Cap'n Joy Kill," Copper sighed. "But, during your End Phase, I activate the graveyard effect of 'Ice Barrier'. I will send 'Icejade Creation Aegirocassis' to my graveyard, in order to add 'The Great Emperor Penguin' from my deck to my hand. And, once per turn, I can equip 'Aegirocassis' to 'Gymir' from my graveyard!"

The carrier Yang was on began to shift and tremble chaotically. "Woah, woah!" Luckily, 'Ni-Ni' placed her arms on Yang's shoulder to keep her steady. On the other side of the field, the water exploded outwards, and 'Gymir' now stood on a massive vehicle made of ice and crystal. The sharp edges were blackened and had red lines running along them. 'Gymir's' own dark pieces turned darker as well.

ℹ️ Icejad Gymir Aegirine (WATER)
3000 ATK ⇒ 3400 ATK

"Now it's my turn. I draw!" Instead of reaching for any of the cards in their hand, they instead grabbed the face-down monster. "I Flip Summon 'Penguin Ninja'!" On the field, the spiked sphere sank back into the card, which turned over. A penguin in a purple gi jumped out from it, carrying with a scroll and two throwing stars.

ℹ️ Penguin Ninja (WATER)
LV 3 / 1400 ATK / Flip

Yang scoffed. "When it's Flip Summoned, 'Penguin Ninja' can target two of Spell/Traps and return them to the hand! I choose both of your 'Mikanko' Equip Spells." Yang yelped. "In addition, the 'Nopenguin' in my graveyard can special summon itself, since the effect of a Penguin monster has activated! And when it is on the field, the effects of my 'Penguin' monsters now banish instead of bounce!" Copper explained.

"I activate the effect of my 'Ni-Ni'! It can gain control of one Monster you control! I'm targeting Gymir'!" Yang explained as she Chained the effect of her monster to 'Nopenguin'. Copper didn't even flinch as it happened.

'Ni-Ni's' tendrils rushed towards 'Gymir' and wrapped around her limbs. The monster tried to pull away, but 'Ni-Ni' proved herself to be deceptively powerful as she dragged the crystal woman away.

ℹ️ Icejad Gymir Aegirine (WATER)
Copper & No. 47 ⇒ Yang

Afterwards, a black portal to the graveyard opened, and a small cartoon penguin carrying a white sign with a big red X appeared next to it.

ℹ️ Nopenguin (WATER)
LV 3 / 1600 ATK

Both it and 'Penguin Ninja' tossed their weapons, which knocked away the rooster spirit and made 'Ni-Ni's mirrors smaller.

"Alright! That gets your annoying spells outta the way," Copper smirked. Yang snarled. "Next, I'll unequip my 'Icejade Creation' from 'Gymir' in order to Special Summon it!" 'Gymir' jumped off from the large vehicle and slowly floated down in front of Yang. Meanwhile, the 'Creation' dragged itself across the water and turned around. The sharp edges became less intense and duller (LV 7 Tuner / 2000 ATK).

ℹ️ Icejad Gymir Aegirine (WATER)
3400 ATK ⇒ 3000 ATK

ℹ️ Icejade Creation Aegirocassis (WATER)
LV 7 / 2000 ATK / Tuner

"I will tribute 'Icejade Creation' to summon 'The Great Emperor Penguin'!" The monster began to crack and shatter apart, and the shards were blown away by the loud trill of a monstrously size Penguin that was twice the size of a human.

ℹ️ The Great Emperor Penguin (WATER)
LV 5 / 1800 ATK

"I will tribute 'Emperor Penguin' to summon two more Penguins from my Deck! Appear, 'Glacial Beast Polar Penguin', and 'Penguin Soldier'!"

The first new monster was a much meaner looking flightless bird that was not only a little chubbier, but also wore thick ice armor.

ℹ️ Glacial Beast Polar Penguin (WATER)
LV 3 / 1000 DEF / Tuner

The next penguin looked more like its contemporaries, with purple feathers and a light pink belly. It also had red pauldrons and small and flat short sword.

ℹ️ Penguin Soldier (WATER)
LV 2 / 500 DEF / Flip

"When 'Polar Penguin' is Special Summoned, I can bounce your 'Ni-Ni'. But remember, my penguins banish instead with 'Nopenguin' on the field!" The armored penguin flapped its wings, jumped into the air, and 'Nopenguin' batted 'Polar Penguin' into 'Ni-Ni'. The girl fell overboard.

"Now, I activate 'Penguin Ninja's' effect! It can change 'Penguin Soldier' to face-down defense mode!" The 'Ninja' tossed the scroll towards the 'Soldier', who quickly and then sank into the water. A face-down monster appeared in its place.

"Since I control a face-down monster, I can summon 'Penguin Squire' from my hand, and then reduce it's level by 2!" Yang let out a snarl as Copper raised a card from their hand and flipped it over to reveal a knightly light-blue penguin with bushy yellow eyebrows. The same monster appeared on the field, and raised its sword to the sky in a heroic fashion (LV 5 Tuner to LV 3 Tuner / 1800 ATK).

ℹ️ Penguin Squire (WATER)
LV 5 ⇒ LV 3 / 1800 ATK / Tuner

As soon as they do, Copper stumbles. Yang watched as they placed a hand on the railing to support themself. Yang realized that she did something similar when she dueled Ruby. "It's coming…!"

Copper looks up and smirks. "I…! Overlay Level 3! Go, Nopenguin and Polar Penguin!" The two flightless birds trill and fly into the air as twin balls of light energy. In the center of the sea, an Overlay Network made of twinkling stars opens, and as the penguins fall inside, it implodes in a bright blast of multicolored stardust.

"Let me introduce you to my greatest weapon! From the blackened depths of the ocean emerges the most terrifying predator! Surface, Number 47! Dream Eating Hound - Nightmare Shark!"

The storm around them only becomes stronger as water bubbles and explodes from the center. Number 47's dormant state resembles a blue cone with sharp metal spirals moving up the cylindrical object. The metal becomes to move and wire, almost like a drill as something within it begins to thrash. A tail bursts out from the bottom, and the metal spiral separates to form two bladed arms. A shark's head comes from the top, and the rest of the egg shifts to form a sharp humanoid-like body without any legs.

The shark flies in the air with its wings and roars at Yang with enough force to blow away the rain and even dry her clothes. The Number 47 is branded at the base of the monster's dorsal fin.

[Number 47: Dream Eating Hound - Nightmare Shark]
[WATER / Sea Serpent / Xyz / Effect]
[2000 ATK / 2000 DEF]

ℹ️ Number 47: Dream Eating Hound - Nightmare Shark (WATER)
AKA "Number 47: Nightmare Shark"
WATER & DIVINE

"'Dream Eating'...?" Yang murmured to herself. She turned her head away from the Number and glanced at Copper. They raised their hand and clenched it tightly, which caused the Number 47 to appear, branded on the back of their hand.

"And I'll Synchro Summon again! This time, I'll tune my Level 3 'Penguin Squire' to my Level 3 'Penguin Ninja'!" Instead of disappearing as normal, the 'Squire' raised their sword into the air. The light from 'Fateful Adventure' turned and landed on the 'Squire's' blade, which made it glow. 'Penguin Ninja' stood beside the 'Squire' as their allies appeared from the sky, including a priest, a wizard, and a fighter.

"Summoned from another world, 'Penguin Brave' emerges!" Copper shouted. The five penguin heroes trilled and raised their weapons into the air (LV 6 / 2400 ATK).

[Penguin Brave]
[WATER / Aqua / Synchro / Effect]
[2400 ATK / 1200 DEF]

"Of course the 'Penguins' are isekai heroes…!" Yang groaned to herself.

"I actually have no idea if that's true…" Copper huffed as they scratched the back of their head. "However, I do know that Nightmare Shark's first effect activates here!" They pointed to imposing the beast that stood next to the goofy RPG team. "So does 'Penguin Brave's'. When 'Penguin Brave' is summoned, I can also summon a 'Penguin' monster in face-down defense mode." Copper reached for their deck and pulled out a card. Yang didn't get to see what it was before it appeared on the field.

"Since a WATER monster was summoned, I can attach a WATER monster from my hand or Graveyard to Nightmare Shark as material!" A dark portal opened. The ghostly form of 'Penguin Ninja' floated out of it, and then began to orbit the Number.

ℹ️ Number 47: Dream Eating Hound - Nightmare Shark (WATER)
2 OU ⇒ 3 OU

"And now, I'll activate Nightmare Shark's!" Copper shouted. The first Overlay Unit fell into the monster's metal chestplate.

ℹ️ Number 47: Dream Eating Hound - Nightmare Shark (WATER)
3 OU ⇒ 2 OU

That power surged through it's body, and Nightmare Shark swung its bladed arm down. Yang's eyes widened as a beam of light parted the ocean and crashed into… something. A wall of light appeared in front of her, with a large hole in the center. There was a similar looking hole in front of Copper as well.

"What the…?" Yang muttered. She stepped back. "Hey! What did that do!?"

"Wouldn't you like to know? Don't worry, you'll find out soon enough," Copper teased. They swung their hand forwards. "Now, It's the Battle Phase! Nightmare Shark attacks!"

That made Yang raise an eyebrow. "What the–! Even if Nightmare Shark is indestructible, 'Gymir' is stronger than it!" She said as the Number flapped its wings and flew towards 'Gymir'.

No, it didn't. It flew over 'Gymir'.

"Direct Dream Feast!" Yang raised her arms to defend herself, but she was far too slow. Nightmare Shark pulled back one arm and thrust it forward with unnatural speed. Yang screamed in pain as more than half of the metal arm pierced through her body. Briefly, her eyes rolled to the back of her head as she coughed up blood from her mouth and fell down as the Number drew back its arm.

🥊Yang
4000 LP - 2000 DMG = 2000 LP

"Hm…?" Once Number 47 returned to them, Copper waited for Yang to move. She was on her hands and knees, breath ragged blood dripped from the new hole in her stomach and her gaping mouth. "She's not standing… but she hasn't collapsed, either…"

Yang's mind was running at a mile a minute. She reached for the hole in her stomach and winced. She could reach inside and feel her intestines, her own bones. She would've said that the sensation made her sick to her stomach, but she's not sure if it had been torn out.

But… she's not dead. It hurts, it hurts so badly she can barely think, but logically speaking, she should be very dead right now.

Yang shook her head. She can't worry about that right now. Despite the fact that her spinal cord no longer connected to her legs, Yang found the strength to push herself and stagger on her own two feet. She fought the urge to gag, and wiped the blood off her lips with her fist.

"Is… that the… th-the best you got… asshat!?" She yelled. Copper took a step back, both out of fear and respect. They chuckled and shook their head.

"No, not at all. That might not have killed, but this certainly will!" Copper snapped their fingers and pointed to Yang again. "'Penguin Brave'! Attack Yang directly! Direct Combined Heroics!" The five heroes let out a cry, and aggressively waddled their way towards Yang with weapons in flippers.

"I'm not letting you do that again! I activate the Continuous Trap 'Spirit Barrier'!" Before the 'Penguins' could beat her to pulp, the shield around her closed and crystallized. The weapons of the incoming party bounced away. They dejectedly walked back to their spot on the field.

"That's interesting. 'Spirit Barrier' prevents battle damage if you control a monster," Copper complimented. "Though, given you run a Deck based around damage reflection, I suppose it makes sense. It's insurance in case someone negates their effects."

Yang coughed. The red liquid was washed away by the rain. "I know. It's my deck."

"And something I should have accounted for… Oh, woe is me, I suppose. I set a card face-down, and end my turn." Copper sighed.

"'Ni-Ni's' effect wears off, and 'Gymir' returns to you," Yang grumbled. Copper nodded enthusiastically.

ℹ️ Icejad Gymir Aegirine (WATER)
Yang ⇒ Copper & No. 47

"That means I can also equip 'Creation Aegirocassis' back onto it as well!" They added. The tendrils released 'Gymir', and as she floated back, the crystalline vehicle emerged from the sea again.

ℹ️ Icejad Gymir Aegirine (WATER)
3000 ATK ⇒ 3400 ATK

"That's not all. I also activate my second set card, 'Mikanko Promise'!" Yang said. "Now, I can summon 'Ha-Re the Sword Mikanko' from my deck, and equip 'Mikanko Water Arabesque' from my graveyard to it!" Water splashed and parted, and the red dancer with fiery mouse ears.

ℹ️ Ha-Re the Sword Mikanko (FIRE)
LV 3 / 0 ATK

The water tendrils appeared around her a moment later. "And, when 'Ha-Re' is equipped, it can add a 'Mikanko' Equip Spell from my deck to my hand," Yang then said. That 'Mayowashidori' was the only copy I had…! Yang thought to herself. "I add 'Fire Dance'.

"Fine by me. I pass the turn to you, now," Copper said.

"Draw…" Yang grunted in a shaky voice. She was starting to get light-headed from the bloodloss. "I activate 'Water Arabesque's' effect…! I Special Summon 'Hu-Li' from my deck and equip 'Water Arabesque' onto it… and return 'Ha-Re' to my hand…" The tendrils turned into a torrent that spiraled around the monster, and when it died down, 'Ha-Re' had taken 'Hu-Li's' place.

ℹ️ Hu-Li the Jewel Mikanko (WIND)
LV 3 / 0 ATK

"And when 'Hu-Li' has a card equipped to it, it will add an 'Mikanko' Trap from the deck, right?" Copper teased. With gritted teeth, Yang nodded.

And I can't just choose anything willy-nilly either… When chained, 'Gymir's' first effect also banishes every copy of the card it's chained to from the field and graveyard. Yang thought to herself. "I add 'Spiritwalk'. Then, I activate 'Fire Dance', and summon back 'Ha-Re the Sword Mikanko'!" On the bridge of the ship, a small tornado of Fire appeared, which 'Ha-Re' twirled out of.

ℹ️ Ha-Re the Sword Mikanko (FIRE)
LV 3 / 0 ATK

"When 'Ha-Re' is summoned, I can add a 'Mikanko' Equi Spell to my hand." Yang took the deck out of its slot and sifted through the contents. "I add 'Mikanko Reflection Rondo'!" She says. The disk automatically shuffles and ejects the top card from the deck. Yang grabbed card from her deck and placed it in her hand.

"Now, I equip 'Reflection Rondo' onto Nightmare Shark!" Copper didn't even flinch as the shark was taken away from him. 

ℹ️ Number 47: Dream Eating Hound - Nightmare Shark (WATER)
Copper & No. 47 ⇒ Yang

Nightmare Shark shook its head and cried as it pulled into a large mirror and trapped its spirit inside it. Yang hissed as she the Number's spirit tried to bond itself into her soul, but Levice Dragon was already wrapped tightly around her, preventing taking control.

"Now, I enter the Battle Phase! Nightmare Shark attacks you directly!" Yang shouts, her voice raspy from the effort of maintaining her own sanity.

"I'll stop you with this: the Continuous Trap 'DNA Transplant'!" Copper shouted. A doctor and his two assistants appeared from the card's artwork, carrying a DARK orb in their hands. "With this, I can change the Attribute of all monsters on the field to DARK!"

Before the blade arm could reach Copper, it stopped inches away from their nose. They let out a shaky sigh of relief, while Yang grunted in annoyance.

"What the hell!?" Yang shouted.

"I suppose I should fully explain what Nightmare Shark can do," Copper sighed dramatically. "You see, when it uses an Overlay Unit, it prevents monsters from attacking other monsters for two turns. But, if they're WATER Attribute, then they can attack directly!" Yang snarled.

"Did you really have to wait to say that until now?" Yang hissed at them.

"Well, Public Knowledge is off in impromptu Duels, and despite you controlling the card, you clearly haven't read it's text." Copper shrugged.

Yang narrowed her eyes, which made them wince. "Fine… I enter my Main Phase 2… and Overlay Rank 3 Dream Eating Hound - Nightmare Shark!" Copper's eyes bulged out of their head as Nightmare Shark collapsed in on itself, returning to its dormant state, and fell into the red Overlay Network. "I Summon Rank 5 'Xyz Armor Fortress'!"

Copper hissed and took a step back as large mecha blue appeared and hurled its launcher around its body as a show of strength.

ℹ️ Xyz Armor Fortress (WATER)
RK 5 / 2500 ATK / 3 OU
WATER ⇒ DARK

Yang snapped her fingers. "I activate 'Fortress'' effect! I can detach all three Materials from it, then, I can add three 'Armored Xyz' Cards to my hand!" Said material flew into the warhead, and the large mecha fired it's weapon.

ℹ️ Xyz Armor Fortress (DARK)
3 OU ⇒ 0 OU

"I chain 'Penguin Brave's' effect! When you activate a Monster's effect, I can flip over one of my face-down WATER monsters! Inspire them with your courage, great heroes! I flip summon 'Penguin Soldier'!" The five penguin heroes raised their weapons and trilled. 'Penguin Soldier' timidly flipped itself and joined the others' valiant warcry.

ℹ️ Penguin Soldier (WATER)
LV 2 / 500 DEF / Flip
WATER ⇒ DARK

Yang nodded. "I'll add 'Armored Xyz', 'Full-Armored Xyz', and 'Reincarnation Unveiling Mail' from my deck to my hand!"

"'Penguin Soldier's' flip effect activates'! It will return your 'Armor Fortress' to the hand, or the Extra Deck in this case!" The monster valiantly waddled its way to the hulking mecha, and slapped its blade against 'Armor Fortress' foot. Somehow, that was enough to send the robot overboard and make it sink to the bottom of the ocean.

"That's fine by me pal, because now I can do this! I overlay Level 3 'Hu-Li' and 'Ha-Re' to Xyz Summon!" The equip spells they had were destroyed, now that the pair had left the field. They both flew into the spiraling red Network, which exploded a moment later. "I Summon Rank 3 'Xyz Armor Torpedo'!" The next mecha appeared, orange and white instead of black, and it came with missile launchers attached to its wrists.

ℹ️ Xyz Armor Torpedo (WATER)
RK 3 / 2500 ATK / 2 OU
WATER ⇒ DARK

"Now, by detaching both its Materials, I get to draw a card'!"

ℹ️ Xyz Armor Torpedo (DARK)
2 OU ⇒ 0 OU

Yang pulled out the card with such force that it stung the hole in her body and made her stagger backwards. She coughed up blood and examined her card.

"Now, I rebuild the Overlay Network with Rank 3 'Armor Torpedo', and summon Rank 5 'Xyz Armor Fortress'!" The monster that was just returned reappeared with a heavy, mighty grunt. The Penguins let out a small, disgruntled sigh when it did.

ℹ️ Xyz Armor Fortress (WATER)
RK 5 / 2500 ATK / 1 OU
WATER ⇒ DARK

"And, since its effect is a soft Once per Turn, I'll activate it again, and add 'Armored Shark' from my deck to my hand!"

ℹ️ Xyz Armor Fortress (DARK)
1 OU ⇒ 0 OU

Copper sighed, but couldn't do anything as Yang searched yet again. "Now, I Overlay again! I use Rank 5 'Xyz Armor Fortress' to Xyz Summon Rank 7 'Full Armored Dark Knight Lancer'!"

For a moment, the turbulent sea calmed down. Then, the center of the vortex split open, pushing out the carriers and launching water into the sky. A large warrior with dark armor pulled itself out of the sea, carrying with it a large red lance.

[Full Armored Dark Knight Lancer]
[WATER / Aqua / Xyz / Effect]
[2800 ATK / 1500 DEF / 1 OU]

ℹ️ Full Armored Dark Knight Lance (WATER)
2800 ATK ⇒ 3100 ATK
WATER ⇒ DARK

"I then summoned 'Armored Shark' in my hand! And when I do, I can also summon 'Shark Stickers' as well!" A thin shark covered in orange armor jumped out of the water, and on it's stomach was a smaller, thinner remora.

ℹ️ Armored Shark (WATER)
LV 3 / 2000 DEF
WATER ⇒ DARK

ℹ️ Shark Stickers (WATER)
LV 3 / 1000 DEF
WATER ⇒ DARK

"I overlay Level 3 'Armored Shark' and 'Shark Strikcers'!" Yang shouted. She grit her teeth tightly, and her hair started to glow and crackled like a burning pyre. Her hair flowed more like light blue fire as the Number 17 projected itself from her scalp and onto the storm clouds. "I Xyz Summon Number 17: Levice Dragon!"

A spiny purple cocoon emerges from the sea, and begins to uncurl. A long and purple dragon roars as its thin and sharp legs settle on the carrier's runway, behind Yang.

Number 17: Levice Dragon
[WATER / Dragon / Xyz / Effect]
[2000 ATK / 0 DEF]

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
AKA "Number 17: Leviathan Dragon"
WATER & DIVINE
WATER ⇒ DARK

"I activate the Spell Card 'Armored Xyz'! I take 'Xyz Armor Torpedo', and equip it onto my Levice Dragon! That changes Levice's ATK to match 'Armor Torpedo's'! And, Levice gets a boost of its own when for every Equip Card on my field!" The orange mecha came out of the sea, and began to break apart. The pieces covered Number 17's long body with bright orange armor. Two thin metal arms sprouted from the neck of the dragon, and connected to the two torpedo launchers positioned on either side of Levice's head..

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
2000 ATK ⇒ 3000 ATK

"Then, I equip 'Reincarnation Unveiling Mail' to 'Dark Knight Lancer'!" Yang continued. The monster roared and raised its spear into the sky, which caused its armor to go from black to white and purple.

ℹ️ Full Armored Dark Knight Lance (DARK)
3100 ATK ⇒ 3400 ATK

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
3000 ATK ⇒ 3500 ATK

"Since a card was equipped, 'Dark Knight Lancer' can attach 'Gymir' to it as material!" Copper eyes widened as the red spear fired a beam at the crystalline woman, which caused her body to dissolve into an orb that orbited around the Xyz Monster.

ℹ️ Full Armored Dark Knight Lance (DARK)
1 OU ⇒ 2 OU
3400 ATK ⇒ 3700

"I set two cards and end my turn," Yang finally concluded with a hiss of annoyance. "So, hurry up and go so I can kick the crap out of you next turn!"

Copper examined the field, eyes wide with amusement "Oh, ho ho ho…! It's really cute that you think that you can defeat something like a Number that easily!" Copper raised the hand they just drew and turned it around. "I activate the spell card Numbers' Reincarnation!"

"What…!?" The ocean began to swirl chaotically. Yang gasped as the dormant form of Nightmare Shark burst out of the sea.

"Numbers' Reincarnation takes a Number Xyz Monster that I own from anywhere and returns it to the Extra Deck! Then, I can Special Summon the monsters from my Graveyard necessary to summon it, and immediately Xyz Summon the Number I just returned!"

Yang snarled angrily as the Overlay Network formed once more. 'Polar Penguin' and 'Penguin Ninja' flew out. Both of them and the dormant Number 47 fell inside, and once it exploded, Nightmare Shark flew out and howled loudly again, this time shaking the carrier Yang stood on.

ℹ️ Number 17: Dream Eating Hound - Nightmare Shark (WATER)
RK 3 / 2000 ATK / 2 OU
WATER & DIVINE
WATER ⇒ DARK

"Now, I flip over my set 'Puny Penguin'!" In another time, Yang might have cooed at how cute the monster was – two small penguin babies, with one hiding behind the other.

ℹ️ Puny Penguin (WATER)
LV 1 / 200 ATK
WATER ⇒ DARK

But right now, she can only think of how such a thing might try to screw her over.

"I activate the effect of my 'Ret-Time Revive Emit-ter' from my hand! I'll flip my 'Penguin Soldier' face-down, then summon it!" The small swordsman trilled and cowered again, and then a pale girl in a white dress that carried a brown appeared, sweeping away the water on the floor.

ℹ️ Ret-Time Revive Emit-ter (DARK)
LV 2 / 800 ATK / Tuner

"Now, I flip summon 'Penguin Soldier'!" The card that was just turned face went back up again, revealing 'Penguin Soldier' who seemingly just woke up from a nap.

ℹ️ Penguin Soldier (WATER)
LV 2 / 500 DEF / Flip
WATER ⇒ DAR

"Oh, you won't be able to get rid of my monsters like that!" Yang snarked, which made Copper pause. See, 'Unveiling Mail' and 'Armor Torpedo' both grant targeting protection to my monsters, which means that you won't be able to bounce them away."

Copper snarled lightly, but didn't they appear to be that frustrated. "Fine, then. I'll take back 'Ret-Time'," Copper huffed in displeasure and annoyance. "Afterwards, I'll activate Number 47's effect." After detaching 'Penguin Ninja'. The shark howled and swung its arms, cracking the shields around both their ships.

ℹ️ Number 17: Dream Eating Hound - Nightmare Shark (WATER)
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

"Now, I'll use 'Puny Penguin' and 'Penguin Soldier' to Link Summon 'Marincess Coral Anemone'!" Both monsters turned into code, and merged together to form a ginger woman dressed in an anemone themed dress.

ℹ️ Marincess Coral Anemone (WATER)
LINK-2 / 2000 ATK / ←↓
WATER ⇒ DARK

"Since a WATER monster was Special Summoned, Nightmare Shark attaches 'Emperor Penguin' to it as Material."

ℹ️ Number 17: Dream Eating Hound - Nightmare Shark (WATER)
1 OU ⇒ 2 OU

And, since 'Puny Penguin' was flipped face-up before it hit the field, I can summon back the 'Penguin Ninja' I just removed from Nightmare Shark, face-down!" Yang winced once the spiked sphere appeared on the field.

"Oh crap…!" Yang hissed.

"That means, on my next turn, 'Spirit Barrier' and 'DNA Transplant' will be banished and I'll get to attack you directly!" Copper exclaimed eagerly.  "Can you manage to win at that time…?"

"Well…" Yang narrowed her eyes, and lips slowly turned upwards in a wide smirk. To be honest, I've already won a loooong time ago."

Copper blinked in surprise, and scoffed. "Really? You've got to be bluffing," They scowled. "With 'DNA Transplant', none of your monsters can attack me! I end my turn."

"That's what you think," Yang said as she drew her card. "But, I've been hiding something from you. Think of it as payback for when you hid Nightmare Shark's effect from me!"

"Oh, and what's that? Number 47's effect lingers on the field, you can't get rid of it!" Copper snapped back.

"Oh…? I'm not fighting its effects… I'm using it to my advantage!" Yang pointed to her armored dragon. "See, 'Armored Xyz' does more than just increase my dragon's power! It also… changes 'Armor Torpedo's' Attribute back to WATER!"

"What!?" Copper stepped back and nearly slipped on the wet floor. At their gasp of shock, Levice Dragon raised its neck into the air and roared.

ℹ️ Number 17: Levice Dragon (WATER)
DARK & DIVINE ⇒ WATER & DIVINE

"That's right! 3500 ATK coming up, directly to your Life Points!" Yang said. "Levice Dragon!" In response to her command, the launchers began to hum as spiraling dark energy crackled around the torpedoes. "Give it everything you've got! Armored Vice Launcher!" With a roar, Levice Dragon fired the torpedoes. They flew into the air, flying higher and higher until they rocketed back down, each one blew up right next to Copper.

"Yang…! Youuuu…! GWAAAAAAAARGH!"

🥊Copper
1000 LP - 3500 DMG = 0 LP

The carrier Copper was on exploded and began to sink. Nightmare Shark howled in anger as it began to disappear. Without its bond to Copper's soul now severed, it lost the ability to maintain the dream world they were.

"I did it…?" Yang murmured to herself as the world around her cracked and dissolved. Number 17 hissed in her mind. Gently, it used its mouth to raise Yang's clenched fist and open it. A phantom hand shot out from her real one and travelled towards the wreckage. She grasped something and instinctively Yang clenched her fingers around it and pulled back on her arm.

Number 47 was between her fingers, the spirit within it dormant.

Slowly, Yang pried her eyes open. "Agh… what the heck was that?" She pushed herself out of her seat and stood up. "Did… that all really happen?" She looked around, and found Fox, Blake, Nora, and Copper all in their seats with eyes shut.

Yang stuffed her hands inside her pockets and searched for something. After a moment, she found what she was looking for. A black bordered card which had the name Number 47. "I… won it?"

Number 17 said that, had Ruby not been knocked out by Hope's effect, 39 would've done the same to it. Yang pursed her lips. "So… what's the deal? Is it dead, or–!" Yang flinched as an ear-grating roar, which she could only assume was some sort of laugh, echoed in her mind. 17 taunted Yang for assuming that she could kill a Number.

"Well, sorry for asking…!" She grumbled. 17 informed her that 47 was simply unconscious, in human terms. It will awaken again at some point in the future, completely loyal to her. She nodded. "And what about Copper? What'll happen to them?"

On cue, Copper began to stir in their seat. "Woah, Copper!" Yang quickly rushed to their side and placed her arms on their shoulders to help them up. "You okay, buddy?"

"Yang…?" Copper murmured, their voice shaky and eyes unsteady. "My head, ow…!"

"Careful, buddy. I did hit you pretty hard back there, huh?" Yang chuckled awkwardly, and the sound quickly trailed off when Copper gave her a deadpan stare. For a moment, Yang wondered if they didn't remember.

"You shot me with torpedoes…" They grumbled.

"...Well, it was either that or you beat me and steal who knows how many memories from who knows how many people," She countered. Copper raised their hand to speak, but they shrugged instead.

"Okay, fair enough…" They sighed and sunk back into their seats with a heavy groan. "Sorry… about all that. I wasn't really in the greatest headspace at the moment."

Yang patted their shoulders. "Believe me, I know the feeling." 17 snorted. "...Can I ask what happened? Or, at least, how you got that Number?"

Copper's side-eyed Yang for a moment. "Ah… All you need to know is shit went downhill," They sighed. They pulled their legs up onto their seat and hugged their knees tightly. "I went to clear my head, and… I found it. 47."

"And 47 made you forget. It… ate your dreams, or something?" Yang asked. Copper let out a low scoff.

"No, nothing like that. Lemme show you." Copper jumped off and led Yang to their bed. They knelt down and pulled out a heavy four-inch binder. Yang whistled at the sight of it.

"You were busy, huh?" She commented.

"I did feel better after I made Nightmare Shark seal away my memories. I thought… I could make other people feel the same." Copper closed their eyes shut and opened the binder. Inside were pages and pages of sleeved Duel Monsters cards; while the backs were normal, the fronts were completely white. Some of them have even started to fade away entirely, disappearing in clouds of sparkles.

"They're gone?"

"Because you took 47, I think," Copper reasoned. "Its power was a result of my own desires. And now that I don't have it, its effect on the world is gone, alongside my connection to it."

Slowly, Yang nodded. "That means…?"

"Yeah, I remember," Copper murmured quietly. They pushed the binder back under the bed and squeezed their eyes shut.

"Hey…" Yang murmured softly. Copper flinched as she placed a hand on their shoulder. "I think you should remember." They didn't respond immediately, but they tilt their head a little to the side. "It'll… give you strength, y'know? Sure, something bad happened… but you're still you. You're still here, fighting the good fight."

Copper stood up straight. While their face was passive, Yang smiled. "And that means you'll keep fighting, won't you? Even if it feels like the whole world is going against you, you'll keep going, because you want what's best for you, and to spite whoever told you to get screwed!"

Copper snickered. "That last part doesn't sound too much like me," They laughed quietly, a genuine smile forming on their face. "But I like it. I've never been spiteful to anyone before, but now I know a handful of people I want to personally annoy with my existence!"

"That's the spirit!" Yang cheered. Then she heard Blake snore.

"Oh, right, them," Copper murmured as they and Yang glanced at their D group.

"Well, this is going to be a mess and a half to explain…" Yang awkwardly said.

However, Copper smiled. "I have a few ideas, actually. Sit down and follow me lead," They said.

Yang saluted. "Aye-aye, Cap'n Killjoy!" She jumped back into her seat. She watched Copper disappear into their walk-in closet and come out with an airhorn. Yang's smile dropped.

"They had a Number?" Blake asked as she and Yang walked into the mess hall for dinner. She spoke a little louder than normal to hear herself.

Yang nodded. "Yeah. Copper got it sometime during the break, and basically went ham with it."

"Well… that's concerning," Blake murmured to herself, which confused Yang.

"Ah, concerning how?" Yang asked. "I saved the day, didn't I?"

Blake paused and looked up at Yang, her amber eyes meeting with lilac ones. "Yang, the summer vacation was three months. That's three months to get to know their Numbers, possibly collect other Numbers, figure out duel strategies surrounding their Numbers, and use their powers for who knows what."

Yang blinked. "Oh shit we're screwed."

[Number 47: Dream Eating Hound - Nightmare Shark]
[WATER / Rank 3]
[Sea Serpent / Xyz / Effect]
[2000 ATK / 2000 DEF]

2 Level 3 WATER monsters
[Numbers' Divinity]
Once per turn: if a WATER monster is Special Summoned to your field; you can attach 1 WATER monster from your hand or GY to this card as Xyz Material. You can detach one material from this card; until the end of the next turn (even if this card leaves the field), neither player can declare an attack, except with WATER monsters also, WATER monsters cannot attack other monsters and must attack directly. You can only activate this effect of "Number 47: Dream Eating Hound - Nightmare Shark" if it has not been activated last turn.

[Numbers' Reincarnation]
Quick-Play Spell

Target 1 "Number" Xyz Monster card that you own on either player's field, GY, or banishment; return that target to the Extra Deck, then, Special Summon from your GY the minimum amount of materials listed in it's card text with their effects negated. Immediately after this effect resolves, Xyz Summon the returned monster using the Special Summoned Monsters as Xyz Material.

Chapter Text

Weiss sulked in her dorm room. Outside, the sky had begun to turn orange. Classes should end soon, and that means the insufferable red blot she calls her roommate will appear soon.

With a heavy sigh, Weiss pulled her knees up to her chest and buried her face in them.

She feels like shit.

Weiss has a penalty game scheduled for the coming Friday. Every Duel she has participated in has resulted in her loss. Every time she Duels, everyone has found some way around her Number, whether it's flipping it face-down, negating its effects before she can use it, or simply beating over it.

And, she's still missing her third copy of 'Nibiru'.

Why? Why, why, why? Weiss undeniably has quite possibly the strongest card in the game. So why has she suffered loss after loss after loss. Her win/lose ratio is in the gutter.

"This is embarrassing…!" Weiss hissed through her teeth.

On her nightstand, her phone begins to buzz. For a moment, Weiss considered not answering it. And she almost didn't. She was curious about who was calling her, however. So, she got off her bed and reached for it.

'Jacques Schnee.'

God damn it.

Weiss raised her shaking thumb, tapped the screen, and brought to her ear. "Good afternoon, Father," she said in a quiet voice.

"Weiss," Jacques said in a cold voice. "I've been reviewing your Duel Records lately." As his voice trailed off, Weiss couldn't help but flinch. She should've seen this coming, but it still surprised her just how quickly Jacques took action. It wasn't even that hard to search someone's record. All you had to do was type in their Duelist I.D. in KaibaCorp's database.

"You have…?" Weiss asks in a quiet voice. There was a grunt of affirmation on the other side.

"Needless to say, I am… very disappointed in you, my daughter," Jacques said. Weiss clenched her fist. "When you said you wanted to attend Beacon, it was under the excuse–"

"I wasn't making any excuses, Father," Weiss said defensively.

"Quiet." Weiss hissed. Her mouth clamped shut. "You said attending Beacon would improve your skills. Yet, I only see evidence of the opposite. I see loss, after loss, after loss."

"I…!" Weiss began, her mind ran out a mile a minute to come up with an excuse. "I was simply caught off guard by the average skill level of Beacon's students, that's all."

"However, you have Number 102," Jacques countered. "You should not be losing to anyone, Weiss." Weiss grit her teeth. She knows she shouldn't be losing. But hearing it come from Jacques' mouth makes it sound insulting. It makes her sound inferior.

"Father…" Weiss bit her lip anxiously. "There are other people with Number cards at this school."

"...what?" Jacques growled slowly.

"There are other Duelists with Numbers cards at this school," Weiss repeated slowly, emphasizing each word. Jacques was silent at the other end of the call for a moment, then two. Weiss wondered what exactly he was thinking about.

"I see. I suppose that somewhat explains some of your losses," He grumbled. Weiss smiled briefly. "But don't expect me to believe that's the cause of all your defeats."
"Of course not, Father," Weiss nodded. She secretly hoped that would've been enough to excuse her poor performance. She also hoped there wouldn't be any sort of ultimatum, but alas.

"Weiss, you came to this school, so I expect you to improve. If you don't improve your Duel Record by next Friday, I will personally drag you back to Atlas. Understand?" Weiss flinched at his scathing words.

"I understand, Father…" Weiss responded with a whisper. The line cut off there, but Weiss kept her phone next to her ear for a few moments.

"...bastard," She hissed underneath her breath. She tossed her phone back on the nightstand, which then clattered onto the floor. At the same time, Ruby opened the door and heard the crash.

Her silver eyes scanned the room and spotted the now cracked phone on the floor. "Did something happen?" Ruby asked.

"I got jumpscared," Weiss said plainly. Ruby raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything.

"Alrighty then…" she nodded. The room fell into an awkward silence. "You didn't get lunch with the rest of us today. Or dinner."

"You really think I'd eat anything from the mess hall?" Weiss said.

Ruby shrugged. She placed her bag onto the bed, reached into it, and pulled out an apple. "Still, you should eat something. We're going to need a lot of energy soon." Weiss looked at Ruby with a frown as she said that.

"What do you mean?" Weiss asked as she took the apple. She took a bite out of it.

"Blake and Yang were attacked by a Number user earlier today," Ruby said. Weiss spat out the apple she just bit into.

"WHAT!?" Weiss shouted.

"In between classes, Blake and Yang were attacked by a Number," Ruby reiterated. "Luckily, Yang managed to beat them, and she took it away."

"Sh-she took it…?"

Ruby nodded. "Yeah. I just said that." She said in a deadpan voice. Weiss frowned at Ruby's tone. It sounded insulting.

"That sounds super vague! What, did she grab the deck box and snatch it? Use a card to take control of it?" Weiss asked.

"Well, Yang won a Duel, and then 17 sort of… raised her hand, and she like… spiritually grabbed 47 out of the person she Dueled against? Something like that," Ruby said with a shrug. "Yang's not even entirely sure what happened. We're going to go talk to Ozpin tomorrow morning to see if he knows anything about what happened." Weiss nodded.

"I see, I see…" Weiss crossed her arms under her chest and hummed silently. If someone like Yang can obtain a Number by defeating someone in a duel, then surely, so can she.

Now, she just has to know where to find out who to take one from…

Weiss grabbed her phone, brushed away the broken glass and went towards her news app. As Ruby began to take her schoolwork out of her bag, Weiss scrolled their various news articles to find something that vaguely resembled like some sort of attack.

Eventually, she found one. "Ah ha…" There was going to be a protest in front of the Vale City School District building, regarding faunus children and the items given to them to hinder their senses.

If any sort of attack would happen today, it would be there. Weiss smirked, got up from her bed, and strutted out of the room. Ruby noticed her and raised an eyebrow.

"Weiss? Were you going?" She asked.

"The bathroom," Weiss said haughtily. She closed the door behind her.

"...Oh, so she's a terrible liar, too," Ruby groaned. She shook her head and entered the bathroom that was next to her closet door.

Sometimes, it pays to be filthy rich. It doesn't matter if Beacon was a bit out of the way from the rest of Vale, if you offer enough money, somebody will be willing to drive you if you can pay for the drive and the gas bill. Though… if your name ends with 'Schnee', then they might get second thoughts.

Weiss never understood why the company, and by extension, her name gets so much hate. They provide a great service for the world; they deserve respect. They save failing business, hire faunus workers, and, most importantly, supply dust for the Duel Force. Remnant would be a lot worse off with them.

Alas, nobody respects hard working businessmen who run companies.

So, Weiss has to put on a disguise. She now wore a green bomber jacket and black leggings, and also had a pair of sunglasses to cover her eyes. She hid her recognizable hair underneath a hat, and her long ponytail was tucked underneath jacket. It was the perfect disguise.

Weiss tossed a wad of Lien at the driver and briskly walked out of the stuffy vehicle. It smelled like sweat. She adjusted her collar and hat to make sure absolutely no white was peeking out.

After walking down a few blocks, Weiss eventually found her destination. In front of a small building with the Vale City logo on the side of the entrance, there was a small gathering of faunus and… normal people, to Weiss' surprise. They had gathered at the front steps of the building, marching and carrying signs.

Weiss rolled her eyes at the display. They carried signs like 'Don't Scar My Child', and 'You Can't Tame Us', and other dribbles like that. "Don't they know equal rights have already been passed…?" She whispered to herself as she watched them march.

"At a glance, I suppose it does look silly. In a cynical way, I suppose." Weiss flinched at the elderly voice that came from behind. Slowly, she turned around and saw an elderly, hunched over woman with a walking stick (and smaller than her). Her hands were covered in bandages.

"Huh? Wh-whaaaa? What are we talking about? I'd never thought of such a thing…!" Weiss murmured awkwardly. Her fidgeting made the older woman giggle.

"Ha ha, definitely not!" She said with a laugh. With her bandaged hands, she awkwardly raised her walking stick and pointed to a small boy in the crowd with awkwardly sized shoes with a bulge on the back of the heel. "See him? That's my grandson. He's a platypus faunus, just like his father. He even inherited his spurs, ha ha…!"

"Spurs…?" Weiss asked. The woman nodded.

"Platypi have poisonous spurs, you know. Why, I remember one day the baby boy accidentally nicked me with them. I was out for two hours!" Weiss' eyes bugged out at the nonchalant comment.

"Oh, relax. Platypus venom isn't deadly, and since we're partly human, it's not nearly as painful, either. I'm just glad my boy can defend himself." The old woman then leaned closer to Weiss and whispered conspiratorially, "Just get stung be a real one. It will be painful."

"But… What if he doesn't use it to defend himself?" Weiss asked. She cringed at how the question sounded, especially to someone who might sympathize with the small child, but the woman just gave her a good-natured smile. "Wouldn't it be safer to remove them, so that it doesn't cause any... accidents?"

"It's not as easy as you think. There's glands on his heels that produce venom. If we get rid of the spurs, we'd also have to remove a good chunk of his heels, too." Weiss blinked. "And if we did that, he won't be able to walk correctly, much less run."

"I…" Weiss looked down at her feet. The old woman examined her face carefully.

"In the 60s, there were no protections against such bodily modifications," The woman continued, watching as Weiss slowly moved her eyes to the bandages.

"Y-you're hands…?"

"They were my claws. I had my nails removed to protect my classmates from cutting themselves on them. At least, that's what the principal at the time said," She revealed. Weiss grimaced and held onto her wrists tightly.

"But, everything's alright now, isn't it?" Weiss asked. The old woman shrugged.

"Well, children with feathers, fur, small tails, and ears aren't at risk," The old woman commented, which made Weiss smile. "But what about those with sharp claws like me? With venom, like my grandson, or anything that can be considered 'dangerous' by non-faunus?"

Weiss felt uncomfortable. She doesn't like feeling uncomfortable. She shook her head.

"Think of it like this," The old woman then said to get Weiss' attention. "What if… you were born in a world where everybody only has one eye, and you were born with two. How would you feel if someone told you they had to remove one eye so that you weren't deemed a threat?"

Weiss raised one hand to the scar over her left eye. "I'd…"

Thankfully, something else happened for Weiss to ignore the uncomfortable thoughts for now.

Somebody walked out of the district building; a man in a brown suit and white tie. His eyes were narrowed. Strapped to his other arm was a mass-produced Duel Disk.

"Oh no…" Weiss gasped. Even from this distance, she could see the Number 72 on the right side of his neck.

"Great… What is this about, then…?" The man hissed. The protestors walked towards and surrounded him.

"What's this about!?" One mother with tail feathers walked up to him and shoved a paper into his face. "Stop sending me these! I'm not going to remove my son's talons! They're a part of him!"

"I can't stop my son from molting! What do you expect me to do, make him pluck all his feathers off?"

"My child's prehensile tail is a part of her! How would you like it if I told you to stop using your dominant hand!"

Weiss watched as the parents voiced their frustrations to that man with the Number. They were angry that their animal features were being demonized, and some were being requested to be removed. But the man didn't react; he stared blankly in front of him, seemingly not even registering the people there.

"A… A-any moment, now…" Weiss whispered. To herself.

The man gritted his teeth.

"You guys… just keep demanding more, and more." he screwed his eyes shut, and opened them. "I've had enough!"

Weiss blinked as a large wooden figure appeared before them; it was red and light brown, and in front of it were two spiked wheels with shogi pieces in center. Weiss' eyes widened as the wooden monster growled deeply and launched its pieces forwards.

They crashed into the ground behind, breaking in parts of the streets. The protestors yelled in fear as Number 72 loomed over them. Its spiked wheels started to turn rapidly, and when it lowered them to the ground, the friction against the asphalt sent sparks flying everywhere.

"That was just a warning shot…" The man slurred as he walked at the frightened crowd. "Now get out! Next time, I won't miss!"

"My boy!" The old woman yelled. As Number 72 ominously moved towards the protestors, with it's spiked wheels whirring loudly.

And then, Glorious Halo punched the side Number 72, knocking it to the side. "What the hell!?" Number 72's host gasped as another blow from Number 102 knocked it to the ground.

"What in the world is going on…!?" The echidna woman cried out. She looked towards Weiss, who's expression was a mixture of shock, fear, and defeat. The Number 102 was glowing on the back of her neck.

Did she do that? Or, was 102 doing this on it's on?

Weiss blinked, then turned around. "What are you doing? Get out of here!" She urged the old woman. "Call the cops and the Duel Force!"

"Oh…! Yes, of course!" She and the rest of the protestors fled the scene, just as Number 72 picked itself back up. It launched its shogi pieces at Number 102, who caught the spiked wheels before it could move behind its shoulders. While the Numbers had tried to restrain each other, Weiss marched up to the man in the suit.

"You!" Weiss yelled, getting his attention away from the Numbers. "How dare you, what do you think you're doing?"

"These assholes were blocking my way out!" The suited man snarled as he loomed over Weiss, casting a shadow over her. "Can't they see that they're little protest is harming me?"

"They just blocked the entrance! And you just tried to kill them!" Weiss shouted back. The man snarled and pushed her away.

"Get out of my way. I don't have time for this," He said. He grabbed Weiss' shoulder and pushed her away. Weiss nearly tripped and fell down the stairs, but she grabbed his shoulders to keep her steady.

"Absolutely not," She said in an even, tight voice. "You don't deserve your Number, not after that stunt you pulled. I'll take it from you."

The man narrowed his eyes angrily at Weiss. "No, you won't. You won't take my power from me!" The Numbers disappeared, and returned to their cards. Weiss and the man than placed themselves on the center of the street in front of the district building and activated their Duel Disks.

Brans J. Armstrong (4000 LP) VS Weiss Schnee (4000 LP)
DUEL!

"I summon 'Inzektor Dragonfly'!" Brans placed his card in the center zone, and in front of him, a man in red armor, with four transparent wings, and a black bodysuit that wielded a crossbow appeared.

ℹ️ Inzektor Dragonfly (DARK)
LV 3 / 1000 ATK

"And by discarding my 'Inzektor Ladybug', I can activate the Spell Card 'Zektrike Kou-ou'!" Weiss took a step back as she heard a motorcycle rev up as the card appeared on Brans' field. "This card lets me Special Summon 'Inzektor Giga-Mantis' from my deck!"

Weiss ducked and yelped as the motorcycle depicted on the art flew out, carrying with it a heavily armored man in green with two large bladed tonfas.

ℹ️ Inzektor Giga-Mantis (DARK)
LV 6 / 2400 ATK

"Now, I activate the effect of my 'Inzektor Dragonfly'! I can equip the 'Ladybug' I discarded to it!" Brans exclaimed as the motorcycle disappeared. 'Dragonfly' tossed its crossbow away and then clenched its fists. Black and red disks appeared on the monster's chest, hips, and joint guards. "And, when my 'Ladybug' is equipped to a monster, it gains its ATK and LV!" The tokusatsu man yelled, the wings buzzed quickly.

ℹ️ Inzektor Dragonfly (DARK)
LV 3 ⇒ LV 5 / 1000 ATK ⇒ 1500 ATK

"Now, I will activate my 'Ladybug's' effect! By sending it to the grave, this will make these boosts remain until the end of the turn!" The disks disappeared from 'Dragonfly', but that only made its wings buzz faster. "This also activates 'Dragonfly's' effect! Now, I can Special Summon an 'Inzektor Giga-Weevil' from my deck!" 'Dragonfly' grabbed it's crossbow again and fired at the space next to it. A portal appeared, and a bulkier man in dark gray with a long and thin snout piece appeared (LV 6 / 2600 DEF).

ℹ️ Inzektor Giga-Weevil (DARK)
LV 6 / 2600 DEF

"He's got two monsters with the same level, now…" Weiss murmured to herself. She glanced worriedly at Brans, who began to hiss in pain. He grabbed his right wrist, and on the back of the hand blazed the Number 72.

"I overlay my Level 6 'Giga-Weevil' and 'Giga-Mantis'!" Brans yelled. The Overlay Network glittered to life, with thousands of gold stars shimmering as two dark beams of energy fell into it. "I Xyz Summon Rank 6! Appear, Number 72: Line Monster Chariot's Rook!"

The Overlay Network exploded, and a giant shogi board appeared; tilted upwards on its side. The individual tiles on the board flew out of their spaces, and thin branches started to grow from them. They formed into the same figure as before, hardening into the thin light brown and red wooden doll with two shogi pieces in its spiked wheels.

The yellow core in the center of its head glowed. The spiked wheels whirred rapidly as the Number 72 was branded onto the left side of its chest.

[Number 72: Line Monster Chariot's Rook]
[EARTH / Beast-Warrior / Xyz / Effect]
[2500 ATK / 1200 DEF]

ℹ️ Number 72: Line Monster Chariot's Rook (EARTH)
AKA "Number 72: Shogi Rook"
EARTH & DIVINE

"I activate my 'Rook's' first effect! I can move it from the rightmost Monster Zone to the next space on the left and then summon my 'Inzektor Giga-Cricket' on the Zone it left!" Brans placed his card in its new zone. Chariot's Rook lifted itself into the air and placed itself on the new zone. It left one shogi piece on that Zone, and once Rook settled in its new spot, the shogi pieces opened, and a new armored man with oversized claws walked out.

ℹ️ Inzektor Giga-Cricket (DARK)
LV 5 / 2000 ATK

Weiss hissed in annoyance. A Number this earlier into the game, especially one that can special summon a card from the hand for free, was annoying, but nothing she can't handle. She can still win this duel handily.

Then, Brans started to shake again. Weiss' eyes widened when she noticed the Number 19 on his chin.

"I overlay Level 5 'Giga-Cricket' and 'Dragonfly'!" He shouted again. A guttural yell came from his mouth as another galactic overlay Network appeared in front of him, drawing both monsters inside. "I Xyz Summon Number 19! Freezerdon!"

Weiss flinched as the Network exploded, and a massive gust of ice-cold wind pushed her back. Frost rose from the floor as a giant ice needle began to crack. Strong, muscular limbs began to burst out from the ice, tied to a massive horned beast with four thick wings on its back. The monster clenched its fists, and howled into the air, with thick mist leaving its mouth as it roared.

A glowing Number 19 was tattooed onto the beast's right pectoral.

[Number 19: Freezerdon]
[WATER / Dinosaur / Xyz / Effect]
[2000 ATK / 2500 DEF]

ℹ️ Number 19: Freezerdon (WATER)
AKA "Number 19: Freezadon"
WATER & DIVINE

"I activate Freezerdon's effect!" Brans continued. "It will let me add a Number Spell/Trap from my deck to my hand!" Weiss watched with bated breath as the monster lurched forwards and ate one of its overlay units.

ℹ️ Number 19: Freezerdon (WATER)
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

"A Number Spell/Trap…?" Weiss gasped softly.

"I add Numbers' Overlay Surge to my hand!" A Continuous Trap broke free from Number 19's back and then disappeared. "I set two cards face-down, and end my turn."

"Hmph. If that's the best you can do, then my victory has already been assured! I draw!" Weiss exclaimed. She looked at the card she drew, and–

This is terrible. While her face remained impassive, inside Weiss was screaming in panic as she drew 'Shining Angel', which did little to fix up the stunning mess that was her starting hand. She can't perform any sort of Special Summon this turn

Still, she can fix this. She just has to get lucky…

"I activate 'Cards from the Sky'," She began, her voice only a little shaky. "By banishing one LIGHT Monster from my hand, and giving up my ability to enter the Battle Phase and Special Summon this turn, I can draw 2 cards."

"What…?" Brans murmured loudly. "Who would play such an awful card?"

"It's not awful!" Weiss shot back. "I banish 'Consecrated Light'!" Weiss reached into her new cards, and hoped to all that was holy and numerical that she didn't get any duds. "I draw!" Nervously, she looked at her hand and saw 'Guiding Light' and 'Explossum'.

"I activate the effect of 'Explossum' from my hand!" Weiss yelled out. Brans gasped as small blue tapir suddenly appeared on Freezerdon's head. "Now that 'Explossum' has been equipped to Number 19, it will be destroyed once the last Overlay Unit has been removed! Also, you have to remove one Overlay Unit during each of your Standby Phases from it!"

Brans shocked expression turned to one of mild annoyance. He looked down from the sleeping tapir and glared at Weiss with a bored expression. "Is that it?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Weiss shot back. "I just destroyed your Number!" She shook her head. "Whatever. I set a monster and two cards face-down. I end my turn!"

Brans scoffed. "If that's the best you've got, then I win this turn! I draw!" He shouted.

"Not so fast! Explossum's will make your Freezerdon explode, first!" Weiss interrupted. The tapir on the frozen dinosaur began to shift and snore angrily. Weiss smirked at her self-assured (minor victory), but Brans had other plans.

"Once per turn, when a Number Xyz Monster has to detach an overlay unit, Freezerdon lets me banish the top card of my graveyard face-down instead!" Weiss gasped as a wave of cold energy filled the air, and completely froze 'Explossum'. "So much for your so-called 'strategy'." The heiress took a step back as the two monsters glared at her.

"Now! I activate Chariot's Rook's effect! I move it to the center monster zone, where your set monster and 'Explossum' are!" The wooden figure and both shogi pieces lifted themselves up again, and placed themselves in the center. "Then, I activate Chariot Rook's second effect, by detaching an overlay unit!" Said unit flew into Chariot's Rook yellow core, which made the shogi pieces glow (2 OU to 1 OU).

ℹ️ Number 72: Line Monster Chariot's Rook (EARTH)
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

"And, because an Overlay Unit was removed, Freezerdon boosts both my monsters' stats by 500!" Weiss clenched her fists tightly. Her nails dug into the pliant flesh of her palms as the frozen, spiked armor reappeared on both monsters.

ℹ️ Number 72: Line Monster Chariot's Rook (EARTH)
2500 ATK ⇒ 3000 ATK

ℹ️ Number 19: Freezerdon (WATER)
2500 DEF ⇒ 3000 DEF

"Now, Chariot's Rook will destroy all cards you control in this column!" In an instant, the spiked wheels launched themselves forward, shattering 'Shining Angel' and 'Explosum'.

"No!" Weiss yelled as her primary defense shattered right before her eyes. Brans didn't let up once he saw her fearful expression.

"And now, I will switch Freezerdon to Attack Mode!" Weiss stepped back as the dinosaur stood up on its two hind legs and roared.

ℹ️ Number 19: Freezerdon (WATER)
3000 DEF ⇒ 2500 ATK

"I attack you directly! Go, Freezerdon!" The frozen dinosaur roared loudly, and cold air began to freeze in its mouth, forming into a giant icicle. With a loud roar, Number 19 threw its head forward and launched the giant icicle directly at Weiss.

"I activate 'Counter Gate'!" Weiss yelled out. A gate appeared in front of her and intercepted the icicle, causing it to shatter. However, the shockwave from the blow slammed into Weiss and knocked her away.

"Agh–! Kyaaaah!" She skidded across the street, the friction tearing her legging as and her soft skin. She landed with a thud on her back. Her knees were scraped and bleeding, and her arms were covered in scratches. "Argh…!"

With a grunt of effort, Weiss pushed herself onto her feet. Her knees ached painfully, and she shivered as warm blood trickled down to her ankles. "'C-counter Gate'... negates the attack, and then I get to draw a card…!" Brans snarled but nodded.

Weiss drew, and examined the card she received carefully. "And then, since I drew a monster, I can summon it to the field! 'Star Seraph Scepter'!" Weiss staggered lightly as she placed the card on the Duel Disk. Her signature staff appeared on the field, and for a moment, its gentle glow reinvigorated her.

ℹ️ Star Seraph Scepter (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1800 ATK

"And, when 'Scepter' is summoned, I can add a 'Star Seraph' monster from my deck to my hand. I choose, 'Star Seraph Sentinel'." Weiss staggered as her deck shuffled and automatically ejected the card.

"So, you've managed to survive, huh? Fine, I don't mind extending this. Chariot's Rook! Attack 'Star Seraph Scepter'!" The shogi pieces rose into the air, and they rocketed towards the glowing staff. Before the attack landed, Weiss activated her second face-down.

"I activate 'Stained Glass of Light & Dark'!" Weiss yelled just as the shogi pieces were about to destroy her monster. "Now, since I control a Fairy monster, I get to draw three cards, however, I must place two cards from my hand on the bottom of my deck."

As she returned her cards, the spiked wheels shattered the rod. Once Weiss drew, the spiked wheels slammed into her and started to spine. Weiss wailed in pain as they tore into her arm, breaking the skin and sending backwards once more.

🥊 Weiss
4000 LP - 1200 DMG = 2800 LP

Weiss' arms now bore multiple long cuts, crisscrossing across her skin from her elbow to the edge of her wrists. She stood back up, trying her best to ignore the painful sensations.

"Still up…!" Brans growled. "I activate the Continuous Trap, Numbers' Overlay Surge!" He shouted. Weiss barely managed before she found herself being slammed into the ground again. The time, her head whipped back, slamming into the concrete with enough force to make her dizzy (2800 LP to 2200 LP / 2 OU to 3 OU).

🔥 Weiss
2800 LP - 600 DMG = 2200 LP

ℹ️ Number 72: Line Monster Chariot's Rook (EARTH)
1 OU ⇒ 2 OU

"This card activates if I destroy a monster by battle or card effect with a Number Xyz Monster. I can attach any card from my grave to a Number monster, and then you take damage equal to the Number's Rank by 100 points!" Brans explained, though, Weiss could barely hear it. Her entire body felt heavy as she laid on her back and caught her breath.

Slowly, she managed to lift her body. One eye was partially closed as she glared at the two Numbers. "It won't be long before I wreck you completely, and take your Number for myself. I end my turn!"

Weiss nodded. She stood up, at which point her hat fell off, and her long white hair came down to her back of her knees. She hissed and spat out a glob of blood from her mouth and grabbed her deck.

"...draw…!" Weiss hissed quietly. "I summon 'Star Seraph Sentinel'!" A new metal fairy appeared, which had curved wings and a vaguely bird shaped body, but also an arrow track along its spine, which also made 'Sentinel' part crossbow.

ℹ️ Star Seraph Sentinel (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1000 ATK

"I can summon it if I control no monsters. Also, when it is summoned, I can summon another 'Star Seraph' monster from my deck or grave, however, that monster is banished if it leaves the field. I summon 'Star Seraph Scripture'!" Weiss staggered as she reached for her deck, but she quickly regained her footing for long enough so that she could reach into her deck and summon the Fairy shaped as a book.

ℹ️ Star Seraph Scripture (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1600 ATK

"Then, I activate 'Scripture's' effect! By sending 'Transaction Rollback' from my hand to the grave, I can bring back my 'Star Seraph Scepter'!" The holy book opened its pages, and then Weiss grabbed another card from her hand. "Then, since I activated a Fairy Monster's effect, I can summon 'Protecting Spirit Loagaeth' from my hand!" Between the 'Star Seraphs', an angel with long blonde hair and four red wings.

ℹ️ Protecting Spirit Loagaeth (LIGHT)
LV 7 / 2400 ATK

Once it appeared, the pages from 'Scripture' began to shake and scatter, which caused and allowed the golden scepter to fly out.

ℹ️ Star Scepter (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1800 ATK

"When 'Scepter' is summoned, it lets me add 'Star Seraph Saber' to my hand…!" Weiss said. She then gestured to her humanoid angel. "Then, I activate 'Loagaeth's' effect! I target my 'Star Seraph Sentinel', and your 'Numbers' Overlay Surge'. When this effect resolves, your trap will be banished, and 'Sentinel' will be switched to defense mode." Brans furrowed his brow.

"In that case, I will use Chariot's Rook's effect, by banishing the top card through Freezerdon's! And, I will chain my Rook first effect to move it in front of your 'Scepter'!" Slowly, Chariot's Rook moved and slammed its pieces into the staff once more. Afterwards, 'Loagaeth' swung her staff, blasting the Continuous Trap and setting 'Sentinel' on the floor.

ℹ️ Star Seraph Sentinel (LIGHT)
1000 ATK ⇒ 1200 DEF

"I Normal Summon 'Star Seraph Saber'!" Weiss weakly placed the card in her zone. A large golden and red claymore appeared where 'Scepter' was struck down. "Now, I overlay my Level 4 'Scripture', 'Sentinel', and 'Saber'!" Weiss felt a familiar burn on the back of her neck as her three monsters spiraled upwards into the air and crashed back down into the Overlay Network.

"Come forth, Number 102: Holy Lightning - Glorious Halo!" After the explosion, the large golden bowman appeared on the field and whirled around to aim its bow forwards.

[Number 102: Holy Lightning - Glorious Halo]
[Light / Fairy / Xyz / Effect]
[2500 ATK / 2000 DEF]

ℹ️ Number 102: Holy Lightning - Glorious Halo (LIGHT)
AKA "Number 102: Star Seraph Sentry"
LIGHT & DIVINE

"What's more is that Glorious Halo is granted an ability by 'Sentinel', since it was used as an Overlay Unit! Now, all monsters you control lose 500 ATK!" Brans looked up, and saw that Glorious Halo now had an angelic crossbow in their hand. They aimed it upwards and fired; the arrow burst in the air, and streams of light began to rain down.

"Hmph! I activate the Counter Trap, Numbers Protection! This card will negate Number 102's effect, and destroy it!" Brans countered, the card flipped up, and a shield of Numbers blocked the arrows from raining down on Rook and Freezerdon. Once all the arrows had been absorbed, the shield tilted downwards and fired a beam at Glorious Halo. Weiss' Number crossed its arm over its just to block the attack, but it staggered backwards. Her eyes widened as she saw the light fade from it's body.

"When Glorious Halo would be destroyed, I can remove all of its Overlay Units instead!" Before the beam could pierce through her monster, the Overlay Units around Number 102 flew towards the trap and caused it to disappear. Glorious Halo fell to one knee; its body was steaming, and there was a large scorch mark in the center of its chest (3 OU to 0 OU, LIGHT & DIVINE to LIGHT).

ℹ️ Number 102: Holy Lightning - Glorious Halo (LIGHT)
3 OU ⇒ 0 OU
LIGHT & DIVINE ⇒ LIGHT

"Glorious Halo may have lost its divinity, however, doing so also weakens your monsters!" Weiss shouted.

"What are you talking about?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. Weiss smirked and simply pointed to Number 102. It rose to its feet and released a loud cry from its head, and caused a field of static electricity to shoot out from its body. The blast engulfed 19 and 72, making both of them stagger to the floor.

ℹ️ Number 72: Line Monster Chariot's Rook (EARTH)
2500 ATK ⇒ 1750 ATK

ℹ️ Number 19: Freezerdon (WATER)
2000 ATK ⇒ 1250 ATK

"They lost 250 ATK for every Unit removed to protect Glorious Halo. And, not only have they been weakened, but their effects can also no longer activate or resolve!" Brans gasped as he watched his monsters struggle to recover from the blow they've been dealt.

Weiss gritted her teeth. She was in a good position right now, but who knows how that might last. She needs more monsters on the board, immediately. "I pay half my LP and banish 'Transaction Rollback' from my grave to activate it's effect! I target 'Stained Glass of Light & Dark', and then 'Transaction Rollback' will copy it's effects!"

"Which means you will draw three, and then shuffle back two from your hand," Brans grumbled. Weiss eagerly nodded, even as her Duel Disk sparked and shocked her.

🔥 Weiss
2200 LP / 2 = 1100 LP

"That's three more chances for me to beat you with! I draw…!" She muttered weakly. Once she did, her eyes brightened at the cards she drew. "I activate the Spell Card 'Overlay Capture'! Now, I can remove all of Freezerdon's Overlay Units from it, and then Glorious Halo will gain this card as a Unit!"

"You…!" Brans growled. Freezerdon wailed angrily as its sole Overlay Unit was taken and sent to the graveyard.

ℹ️ Number 19: Freezerdon (WATER)
1 OU ⇒ 0 OU
WATER & DIVINE ⇒ WATER

Meanwhile, 'Overlay Capture' appeared in front of Number 102, and became a shining sphere that orbited around the Number. "That means Number 102 regains its divinity!" The energy from the Unit beamed into Glorious Halo, and repaired the damages across its body.

ℹ️ Number 102: Holy Lightning - Glorious Halo (LIGHT)
0 OU ⇒ 1 OU
LIGHT ⇒ LIGHT & DIVINE

"And now, I enter the Battle Phase! 'Protecting Spirit Loagaeth' attacks Freezerdon!" The four winged angels raised her staff and blasted the frozen dinosaur with a beam of lightning. Without it's Overlay Units to protect it, the beam pierced through the monster and it exploded. Shards of ice pricked Brans' skin as he took damage for the first time this duel (4000 LP to 2850 LP).

🥊Brans
4000 LP - 1150 DMG = 2850 LP

"You…!" Brans growled. "...Whatever. Since my Number monster was destroyed, Numbers Protection is set to my field once more!" Weiss hissed in annoyance as the Counter Trap appeared from a portal to the graveyard, and then placed itself face-down.

"That won't matter!" Weiss boasted. "Glorious Halo! Attack Number 72!" Her newly invigorated monster roared with power as it drew back its bow and took aim at the weakened wooden doll. "Go! LIGHTNING CLUSTER!" An arrow of pure light was released and crackled with energy as it pierced through the monsters' chest. The lightning from the electrified bow crackled against the wood, which caused it to ignite and explode.

Brans yelled out in pain as the backlash from the attack and heat from the fire pushed back against him.

🥊Brans
2850 LP - 750 DMG = 2100 LP

He collapsed on the ground, but quickly pushed himself back.

"There…!" Weiss breathed out once Brans' field was empty of monsters. "Now, with no cards in your hand… and only a useless trap on your field, you have no chance of beating… me!" Weiss' vision turned blurry from the blood loss. She staggered forwards to regain her footing, but didn't pass out yet.

Brans snarled at her. "Don't you dare think you've yet, just because my Numbers are gone. You should know that they are more than just normal cards. And I'll show you… just what I mean!" Brans yelled as he drew his card, but he didn't bother to glance at it just yet.

"I activate the effect of Numbers' Overlay Surge from my Graveyard!" He suddenly declared, which made Weiss flinch. "I banish this card, and then for every Number Xyz Monster that was destroyed last turn, I get to draw one card!"

"Number 19 and 72 were both destroyed, so I draw two cards!" He glanced at his new cards, and smirked wickedly. "I activate Numbers' Reincarnation! Now, I return Chariot's Rook to my Extra Deck, summon back my 'Inzektor Giga-Mantis' and 'Giga-Weevil', and then immediately Xyz Summon my Chariot's Rook once more!"

Weiss took a step back as the two tokusatsu insects appeared in front of her, and immediately flew into the Overlay Network. "Return once more, Line Monster Chariot's Rook!" And as the monster she worked to destroy reappeared, a sinking feeling appeared in the bottom of her heart as it appeared in front of her monster.

ℹ️ Number 72: Line Monster Chariot's Rook (EARTH)
RK 6 / 2500 ATK / 2 OU
AKA "Number 72: Shogi Rook"
EARTH & DIVINE

"I… can't do anything…!" With the Counter Trap on the field, she can't use Glorious Halo's effect to weaken Chariot's Rook. She needs it to protect her Number.

Brans chuckled. "That's right…! There will be no escape for you! I activate Rook's effect!" The monster's Overlay Unit fell into it's core, and Chariot's Rook rammed its pieces into Glorious Halo's chest (2 OU to 1 OU).

"Nghh…!" Weiss stumbled backwards as the impact and horrible grinding sound irritated her ears. "Number 102 will detach its Overlay Units to protect itself!" Eventually, with the last bit of strength from Glorious Halo's unit, it managed to knock away 72's shogi pieces.

ℹ️ Number 102: Holy Lightning - Glorious Halo (LIGHT)
1 OU ⇒ 0 OU
LIGHT & DIVINE ⇒ LIGHT

It released a wave of electricity afterwards, making Chariot's Rook stumble.

ℹ️ Number 72: Line Monster Chariot's Rook (EARTH)
2500 ATK ⇒ 2350 ATK

"Now, my monsters can't be destroyed…!"

"That's what you think. But, I have ways of circumventing your monster's continuous effect, like this Spell Card! I activate the Equip Spell 'Power of the Guardians'!" Brans laughed mockingly at Weiss as a shimmering aura enveloped his monster, making it howl loudly.

"Number 72 attacks 'Loagaeth'! And now, my Equip Spell gains a counter, and raises my monster's ATK by 500 points!" Cyan eyes went wide as Rook's shogi pieces grew in size (2350 ATK to 2850 ATK).

ℹ️ Number 72: Line Monster Chariot's Rook (EARTH)
2350 ATK ⇒ 2850 ATK

Weiss shrieked as the shogi pieces ripped her angel apart. Feathers, metal and wind crashed into her and knocked the air out of her. She was sent flying backwards, her body skidding across the floor until she crashed into the side of a car with enough force to cave it in (1100 LP to 650 LP). Her vision became blurry as she tried to recollect herself.

🥊 Weiss
1100 LP - 450 DMG = 650 LP

"When… 'Loagaeth' is destroyed…!" Weiss coughed. She stumbled out of the wreckage and fell to her knees. Her forehead was bleeding. Warm blood trickled down her left, scarred eye. "Glorious Halo… is immune to battle destruction for the rest of this turn…!" The feathers gently fell on top of the wounded Number, allowing it to stagger to its knees.

"Is that so…?" Brans looked at his hand. "Fine. I end my turn here. You look like you can barely stand, ha ha ha!"

Weiss glared at Brans as he laughed. "I…!" She didn't get to finish her retort, as she retched out blood from her throat and fell further down. She used her hands to support herself, but they are already beginning to shake.

"You kids, always so eager to fight for your beliefs, even though you know nothing of the real world!" Brans shouted at Weiss. "Faunus are inherently more dangerous than humans! They have additional abilities, and we have none!"

Weiss, slowly, angled one eye to glare at Brans as he started to rant. "But people are so stubborn! They view change as a threat to safety, not the cause! If their parents teach them how to use their dangerous animal characteristics, then the faunus will turn against us! We'll have another war, and the true humanity will be pushed to the wayside!"

"No, that's wrong!"

Brans gasped. Weiss felt a pair of warm hands on her shoulder gently lift her up.

"Your…!" Weiss raggedly breathed out. The platypus kid from earlier, the one that was the echidna woman's grandson, helped her up slightly.

"My mama didn't teach me to use my pointy things to hurt people!" The kid shouted at Brans, which only angered him further. "I won't hurt anyone! I'm not like you!"

"Lies!" Brans shouted at him. "You're all liars!"

As he yelled, Weiss looked around the street. The protestors from earlier were still here, or maybe they came back. Some looked at her with anger, and others sympathy.

"Didn't… I tell you to leave…?" Weiss gasped.

"And leave you here all alone?" Weiss turned around and saw the echidna woman. "Weiss Schnee…?"

"I…!" Weiss flinched at the sound of her. She can hear them. She can hear them shouting her name. It was a loud, excited roar coming from behind her. "You hate me, don't you? You're hear to see me… suffer?"

"Of course not! Whatever gave you that idea?" The old woman laughed good naturedly. "We don't know why you're here, Miss Schnee. But, you're fighting for us, aren't you? That's why you wanted us all to leave and handle this villain by yourself, didn't you?"

…Is that the reason why? Weiss isn't so sure anymore. She felt that the Numbers were her priority, yes, but…

These people are fighting to live the way they want. To keep someone else from dictating every moment in their life. Weiss gritted her teeth hard.

"I think… I understand, now…" She whispered to herself.

"All of you, leave!" Brans shouted, but his words were lost to crowd's cheers. Cheers for Weiss to get up, to continue the duel.

"No…!" Weiss' eyes began to glow. Soon, cool, ice-blue flames burst from her irises as she forced herself to stand up. "You leave! I DRAW!"

Brans yelped as Weiss grabbed another card from her hand. "I activate 'Mystical Space Typhoon' to destroy Numbers Protection!"

"You dare?" Brans yelled. A powerful cyclone flew from the card and surrounded his face-down; the turbulent winds made it shatter.

"And then, I activate the Spell Card, Rank-Up-Magic Barian's Force!"

"R-rank-Up what…!?" Brans stepped back and watched as a collection of dark purple clouds appeared in the sky. Red lightning crackled between the clouds as Glorious Halo transformed into a dark red sphere of energy.

"This card Ranks Up Glorious Halo into another monster that's one Rank higher!" Glorious Halo roared as it spiralled into the sky, and disappeared inside the eye of the storm above them.

"Go! Chaos Xyz Evolution!"

In a faraway continent with dark skies and blackened land, there was a massive door with a symbol of Barian's Force carved into it, and chains wrapped around it

The red gem in the center glowed, and the chains shattered. Streams of light pushed the door open.

"I rebuild the Overlay Network with Rank 4 Glorious Halo!" Weiss shouted. The clouds above them exploded, releasing dark green and black energy; the inverted colors of an Overlay Network's supernova. "Appear, Rank 5! I Xyz Summon Number C102: Unholy Lightning - Noble Daemon!"

Number 102 came crashing back down, but it had transformed into a much stronger form. Gold and yellow had turned silver and black. Its legs and arms were now lightly armored, with sharp pieces jutting out from knees and elbows. On its upper body, crimson chaotic energy coursed inside of it, running through like blood. And instead of a longbow, the monster now wielded a black-tipped spear that it effortlessly twirled between its sharp fingers.

Number C102 clenched its free hand tightly as the Number 102 blazed on the lower half of its right wing, and a red spiked crystal stabbed itself into the ground in front of it.

[Number C102: Unholy Lightning - Noble Daemon]
[LIGHT / Fairy / Xyz / Effect]
[2900 ATK / 2400 ATK]

ℹ️ Number C102: Unholy Lightning - Noble Daemon (LIGHT)
AKA "Number C102: Archfiend Seraph"
LIGHT & DIVINE

"What… is that thing…?" Brans staggered backwards as the Chaos Number tilted its head down to glare at him.

Weiss, despite her injuries, found the strength to smirk at him. "And then, Barian's Force drains your Number of its Overlay Units!" Brans let out a panicked shout as Chariot's Rook was blasted by a red beam from Noble Daemon that struck its core. The Overlay Unit that orbited around it flew away, and transformed into a diamond shaped red crystal that joined its twin.

ℹ️ Number 72: Line Monster Chariot's Rook (EARTH)
1 OU ⇒ 0 OU  

ℹ️ Number C102: Unholy Lightning - Noble Daemon (LIGHT)
1 OU ⇒ 2 OU

"Battle!" Weiss yelled. "Noble Daemon attacks, and activates its effect!" The crystal it just absorbed rose into the air and flew into the tip of Number C102's spears. "Your monster's attacks becomes 0!" 

ℹ️ Number C102: Unholy Lightning - Noble Daemon (LIGHT)
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

The weapon crackled with dark red lightning as the monster hoisted it over its shoulder and aimed it at Chariot's Rook. Even though Brans looked a little intimated, he regain his composure. "Think again! If Chariot's Rook uses its effect to move Zones, it can also dodge any targeted effects!" Brans said. "And, 'Power of the Guardians' gains another spell counter, and gains 500 ATK!"

"Then it's a good thing this effect doesn't target," Weiss added. Brans froze.

The chain resolved. First, Chariot's Rook moved to the far end of the field, and its power increased.

ℹ️ Number 72: Line Monster Chariot's Rook (EARTH)
2850 ATK ⇒ 3350 ATK

Then, Noble Daemon tossed its spear, and it cleanly pierced through Chariot's Rook, making the wooden doll fall to the ground with a heavy clank (2850 ATK to 0 ATK).

ℹ️ Number 72: Line Monster Chariot's Rook (EARTH)
3350 ATK ⇒ 0 ATK

"Now, Noble Daemon! End this! CHAOS BOLTSTORM!" With a powerful shout, Number C102 launched itself at the downed Rook. With ferocious intensity, Noble Daemon ripped its spear out of 72's chest, and then stabbed it through the monster's head. Chariot's Rook let out a sharp cry as its body began to crack and shatter.

"No! Nooo, this can't be!" Brans yelled as the shrapnel crashed into his body. His neatly pressed suit became covered in soot and small cuts as the blast from his monster's destruction flung him into the air. "HYAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"

🥊Brans
2100 LP - 2900 DMG = -800 LP

GAME!

"I… won…!" Weiss let out a ragged, bloody breath as Brans landed on his head and went limp. Number C102 walked towards her and gently raised her hand, making sure to not cut her even more with its sharp claws. A spectral hand shot out and reached into Brans' body. He twitched as Weiss yanked it free and pulled two cards out from him. Freezerdon and Chariot's Rook were now in her hands. They were hers.

Noble Daemon disappeared shortly after. With nobody to support her, Weiss' lost her balance and began to topple. Just as she was about to collapse, she felt a pair of arms wrap around her and gently place her on the ground. She was barely able to hear someone call for an ambulance.

Weiss' dull eyes managed to catch a glimpse of purple, black and blonde before she went unconscious.

[Number C102: Unholy Lightning - Noble Daemon]
[LIGHT / Rank 5]
[Fairy / Xyz / Effect]
[2900 ATK / 2400 DEF]

4 Level 5 LIGHT Monsters
(This card's name is also always treated as "Number C102: Archfiend Seraph")
[Divine Chaos].
If this face-up card would be destroyed (by battle or card effect), you can remove 1 Xyz Material from this card instead. If you do, decrease the ATK of all monsters your opponent controls by 1000. Once per turn (Quick Effect): you can detach one Xyz Material from this card; one monster your opponent controls has it's ATK changed to 0, also negate it's effects. If this card has "Number 102: Star Seraph Sentry" as Xyz Material, it gains this effect:

If an opponent's monster activates an effect while its Current ATK is not equal to its Original ATK, negate the activation and destroy it.

[Number 72: Line Monster Chariot's Rook]
[EARTH / Rank 6]
[Beast-Warrior / Xyz / Effect]
[2500 ATK / 1200 DEF]

2 Level 6 Monsters
(This card's name is also always treated as "Number 72: Shogi Rook"
[Number's Divinity]
Once per turn, during either player's turn: you move this card to another unoccupied Monster Zone on your field, then, you can Special Summon 1 Level 6 or Lower Monster into the Zone this card was moved from. If you activated this effect in response to an opponent's card effect targeting this monster, this card is unaffected by that effect. (Quick Effect): you can detach one Xyz Material from this card; destroy all cards your opponent controls in this card's column. You can only activate each effect of "Number 72: Line Monster Chariot's Rook" once per turn.

[Number 19: Freezerdon]
[WATER / Rank 5]
[Dinosaur / Xyz / Effect]
[2000 ATK / 2500 DEF]

2 Level 5 Monsters
(This card's name is also always treated as "Number 19: Freezadon")
[Number's Divinity]
You can activate each of the following effects of "Number 19: Freezerdon" once per turn.
If a "Number" Xyz Monster you control would activate its effect by detaching an Xyz Material, you banish the top card of your deck face-down instead. You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; add 1 "Number" or "Numeron" Spell/Trap, except "Numeron Network" or cards that mention it, from your deck to your hand, OR if you do not have a "Number" Spell/Trap in your deck at the start of the Duel, you can manifest 1 from outside your deck instead. If an Xyz Monster you control detaches it's Xyz Material; you can make all Xyz Monsters you control gain 500 ATK and DEF.

[Star Seraph Sentinel]
[LIGHT / Level 4]
[Fairy / Effect]
[1000 ATK / 1200 DEF]

If you control no monsters, you can Special Summon this card from your hand. You can only Special Summon "Star Seraph Sentinel" this way once per turn this way. If this card is summoned: you can Special Summon 1 "Star Seraph" monster from your hand or deck. You can only activate this effect of "Star Seraph Sentinel" once per turn. An Xyz Monster that was summoned using 3 or more monsters on the field, including this card on the field, as Xyz Material gains this effect:

If it is Xyz Summoned: all monsters your opponent controls lose 500 ATK.

[Rank-Up-Magic Barian's Force]
[Spell Card]

Target 1 face-up Xyz Monster you control; Special Summon, from your Extra Deck, 1 "Number C" or "CXyz" monster with the same type as the target, but 1 Rank higher, by using it as Xyz Material (This Special Summon is treated as an Xyz Summon. Xyz Materials attached to the target also become Xyz Material on the summoned monster). Then, if possible, detach all Xyz Material from a monster your opponent controls and attach it to the summoned monster as Xyz Material(s).

[Numbers' Overlay Surge]
[Continuous Trap]

If a "Number" Xyz Monster destroys a card(s) by battle or card effect: you can attach one card from your GY to it as an Xyz Material, then inflict damage to your opponent equal to that Monster's Rank x 100. If this card is in your GY (except the turn it was sent there): you can banish this card from your GY; draw 1 card for each Xyz Monster you controlled with different names that were destroyed last turn.

Chapter Text

Yugi has his arms crossed over his chest as examined Weiss from the opposite side of the glass.

The protestors had called the authorities. The Kame Game Shop was the closest OTS to the district building, so Yugi was sent to aid the police officers. It turns out he didn't need to know, as Weiss one the Duel just moments before he arrived.

It's how she won the Duel that concerned him.

"'Rank-Up-Magic Barian's Force…'" Yugi whispered to himself. The door behind him opened, and two figures walked in: Ozpin and Kaiba.

"So, it's true then?" Ozpin asked as he and the CEO approached the entrance to Weiss' hospital room. "Weiss has done it? She's summoned a Chaos Number?"

"That she has," Yugi confirmed. He sounds both impressed and conflicted at the same time. "I felt her activate the 'Rank-Up-Magic' card." Kaiba furrowed his brows.

"She's becoming more dangerous by the minute. There's no doubt that this Duel has partially knocked her off her high horse. She might start applying herself in my school, at this point," Kaiba inferred. He narrowed his eyes at the unconscious heiress.

"That may be a good thing," Ozpin said slowly, carefully watching the expression of his two allies. "There is no doubt that 102 is powerful. C102 is even stronger than it. If we can convince her to join our side–!"

"Why do you still cling to that false hope?" Kaiba asked before Ozpin could finish his statement.

"Kaiba…" Yugi muttered.

Ozpin paused and glanced at Kaiba's direction. He looked at Weiss before asking, "What do you mean by that?"

"You tried to control an Over-Hundred Number before, it looks how that worked out. Amber is now stuck in cryo-stasis under Beacon, while 107 eats away at her mind," Kaiba hissed, stomping towards Ozpin.

Yugi steps in between them, before Kaiba could sneer at Ozpin. "Seto. Calm down." The man's nostrils flared, but he stepped away.

"Kaiba… I understand your frustrations," Ozpin began, choosing his next words carefully to not agitate him even further. "I had no idea what Salem's creations were capable of." A wave of regret passes through his face as he looks at Weiss again.

"But I won't make the same mistakes again. Ms. Schnee is young, and thus her mind is malleable. And while the Over-Hundred Numbers may have been created by Salem, they still behave the same as them. Our influence on Ms. Schnee's development could in turn influence the Glorious Halo."

Kaiba let out a gruff scoff at Ozpin's plan. "Really? And how, pray tell, are you supposed to do that?"

"We teach her. I'm the Headmaster of Beacon. You hired me to train the next generation of honorable Duelists. I will do just that," Ozpin answered confidently, looking at Kaiba from the reflection on the window.

"...What if you can't?" Yugi asked, which surprised both Ozpin and Kaiba.

"Aren't you supposed to be an optimistic one?" Kaiba asked.

"That's more Jonouchi's thing. I'm optimistic, but I'm also… rational," Yugi supposed. He shrugged and then turned to Ozpin.

"What happened to Amber is… terrible," He continued with a slight shudder. "If you continue with this plan, you could possibly subject Weiss to a similar fate."

"That… is true," Ozpin murmured. His head hung low, and the shadow of his bangs covered his eyes. "However, we've all also seen what trying to remove an Over-Hundred Number can do." Both Kaiba and Yugi grimaced.

"I still say we expel her," Kaiba suggested, making Ozpin frown. "It gets her off our enemies' radar and out of danger. I can also keep track of her while she's at Atlas."

"Can't you keep track of anyone with a card?" Yugi said in a deadpan voice, talking about the sticker with the Eye of Wdjat on the lower left corner of every card.

"If she leaves her deck or Duel Disk behind, then I can't," Kaiba said.

"That removes a vital piece of the board, Kaiba," Ozpin argued against his plan. "And, that would leave 102 and Weiss alone, together. I cannot let that happen."

Kaiba narrowed his eyes on his employee. "What if I ordered you to stand down and expel Weiss right here, right now?"

"I cannot, in any good conscience, allow myself to do that," Ozpin said back.

"Oh, dear…" Yugi muttered to himself. "Let's… settle this outside."

Kaiba and Ozpin stood on the roof of the hospital. Yugi stood in between them with his Duel Disk active.

"Okay. Public Knowledge will be on, and we'll be playing with 4000 LP," he announced as he tapped the settings onto the screen. Both Kaiba and Ozpin nodded at the arranged settings. Once both had agreed to the rules, a large coin appeared between them. One side had 'Blue-Eyes', while the other had a green gear.

It launched itself upwards and landed on the 'Blue-Eyes'.

Ozpin (4000 LP) VS Seto Kaiba (4000 LP)
DUEL!

"I start with 'Card of Consonance'! By discarding my 'White Stone of Legend', I draw two cards. 'White Stone of Legend' also lets me add 'Blue-Eyes' to my hand!"

Ozpin could only frown as Kaiba brought his starting hand from five to six. "I activate 'Wishes for Eye of Blue'!" Kaiba began, swiping the holographic screen projected by his custom made Duel Disk. "Now, by discarding my 'Master with Eye of Blue', I can add 'Maiden of White' and 'Roar of the Blue Eyed Dragons' from my deck to my hand! Afterwards, I activate 'Maiden of White's' effect from my hand!"

Kaiba's monster was a beautiful young woman with pale skin and long white hair. Her eyes were a vibrant shade of cobalt blue, and she wore white dress with golden engraving that depicted a white dragon.

"'Maiden of White's' effect lets me banish it from my hand to automatically activate 'True Light' from my deck!" The woman clasped her hand in front of her chest in prayer, and behind her, a large stone tablet burst out of the ground.

"I then activate 'Roar of the Blue Eyed Dragons'!" Kaiba's eyes flashed as pulled out a card from his deck. "The light from my dragon erases the darkness! Come forth! 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon'!"

Ozpin felt it before he could see; a slitted eye opening, and glaring at him. On the field, a large dragon covered in blinding white scales swooped from down from the clouds. Its appearance caused them to part, and allow beams of sunlight to land on the ground.

The monster hovers behind the Kaiba, his eyes shining with power. His mighty beast rears back its neck and howls loudly as it appears.

[Blue-Eyes White Dragon]
[LIGHT / Dragon]
[3000 ATK / 2500 DEF]

"I activate 'Wishes for the Eye of Blue's' second effect by banishing it!" Kaiba continued. "I equip 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon' from my Extra Deck with it!" 'Blue-Eyes' let out a roar as a light blue sheen envelops its body.

ℹ️ Blue-Eyes White Dragon (LIGHT)
3000 ATK ⇒ 3400 ATK

"And then, by tributing Blue-Eyes, I can summon 'Blue-Eyes Tyrant Dragon'!" The white dragon craned its neck upwards and roared, causing its body to shift and grow. Its wings became covered in an ethereal golden glow, its tail became tipped, and sharp spikes came out from the corners of its mouth. Once its evolution was completed, it whirled around and roared at Ozpin.

ℹ️ Blue-Eyes Tyrant Dragon (LIGHT)
LV 8 / 3400 ATK

"Next, I Normal Summon 'Neo Kaiser Sea Horse'!" A heavily armored man in blue, white, and hold armor appeared, trilling softly as it pointed its gold tipped spear forward.

ℹ️ Noe Kaiser Sea Horse (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1700 ATK / Tuner

"And, I'll immediately use it to Link Summon 'Spirit with Eyes of Blue'!" From the portal, a stone pillar emerged with a small bust. The bust cracked, and transformed into a small, younger version of 'Blue-Eyes'. It chirped and glared.

ℹ️ Spirit with Eyes of Blue (LIGHT)
LINK-1 / 300 ATK / 0

"Since my 'Sea Horse' was sent to the grave, it can send 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' from my Deck to the grave. And, when 'Spirit' is Link Summoned, I can add 'Mausoleum of White', which I immediately activate!" Ozpin remained steadfast as the entire world was covered in dark blue sprites. The small pixels reformed together, transporting the Duelist to a large temple made of pure white marble. In the center of the field, the same bust that 'Spirit' burst out of rose from the ground.

"My 'Mausoleum' lets me Normal Summon another Level 1 LIGHT Tuner monster. So, I Normal Summon 'Sage with Eyes of Blue'!" A man in dark blue robes, carrying a staff with 'Blue-Eyes'' wings walked onto the field.

ℹ️ Sage with Eyes of Blue (LIGHT)
LV 1 / 0 ATK / Tuner

"When my 'Sage' is summoned, I can add a Level 1 LIGHT Tuner from my deck to my hand. I'll choose 'Effect Veiler'. Then, I activate my 'Spirit's' effect! By tributing it, I can summon 'Blue-Eyes' from my graveyard!"

The small white dragon trilled loudly and began to grow larger and larger until it took the form of the original 'Blue-Eyes'.

ℹ️ Blue-Eyes White Dragon (LIGHT)
LV 8 / 3000 ATK

"Now, I tune my Level 1 'Sage' to my Level 8 'Blue-Eyes'!" Kaiba shouted. The dragon roared and flew into the air, while the 'Sage' transformed into a blinding white ring. Instead of green, a white pillar flew between the ring, engulfing the dragon. The 'Mausoleum' trembled, causing spirits to fly into the pillar as well. The pillar expanded, filling the room until everything had been covered.

"I Synchro Summon Level 9! 'Blue-Eyes Spirit Dragon'!"

Gradually, the light faded, revealing a pure white, ghostly dragon with blinding golden claws and spikes.

[Blue-Eyes Spirit Dragon]
[LIGHT / Dragon / Synchro / Effect]
[2500 ATK / 3000 DEF]

"'True Light's' effect activates. Once per turn, I can set a Spell or Trap that mentions 'Blue-Eyes' from my deck. I set 'Ultimate Fusion' face-down. I end my turn here. It's your move, Oz…"

"Very well. I draw," Ozpin said calmly, reaching for the top card of his deck. He glanced at his cards, and then scanned Kaiba's field. "First, as I control no monsters, I can summon 'Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit'." Kaiba raised an eyebrow as a yellow golden sphere appeared in front of him, which brought back memories of a certain other dragon.

The only difference was this orb had a silver bit of metal, and a red, stylized Eye of Wdjat in the center. It creaks as it begins to open and unfold, revealing a dragon made of white cosmic energy.

ℹ️ Hieratic Dragon of Tefnuit (LIGHT)
LV 6 / 2100 ATK

"I will continue by activating the Spell Card, 'Hieratic Dragon Dawn'. This card has two main effects: I can either reveal a 'Hieratic' Spell to add another one with a different name to my hand, or tribute a 'Hieratic' monster from my hand or field to Set a 'Hieratic' Trap from my deck. I should also mention that I'm locked into summoning only Dragons for the duration of the turn."

Kaiba only hums as Ozpin raises one hand and flips it over to reveal 'Hieratic Dragon of Eset'. "I will tribute my monster in order to set 'Hieratic Seal of Reflection'. I should also mention that this card can be activated this turn. Also, as my 'Hieratic Dragon' was tributed, I can summon any Normal Dragon monster from anywhere except the banishment, so long as its ATK and DEF are reduced to zero. I shall summon the LV 6 monster 'Labradorite Dragon' from my deck."

Once the card was ejected, and Ozpin placed it in his backrow. Afterwards, a sphere appears in the space next to 'Tefnuit', which contained a four legged dragon made of smooth rock curled up inside.

ℹ️ Labradorite Dragon (DARK)
LV 6 / 2500 DEF ⇒ 0 DEF / Tuner

"Next, I will tribute 'Tefnuit' to summon 'Hieratic Dragon of Su'." That white dragon disappears, and in its place another sphere emerged and unfolded to reveal a dragon made of blue energy.

ℹ️ Hieratic Dragon of Su (LIGHT)
LV 6 / 2200 DEF

Kaiba let out a snarl. "Like 'Eset', 'Tefnuit' summons another 'Labradorite Dragon'." However, Kaiba clicked his tongue and cockily wagged his finger.

"I don't think so. I activate 'Blue-Eyes Spirit Dragon's' effect! Once per turn, an effect that activates in the graveyard is negated! I also chain the Quick-Play 'Ultimate Fusion'! I can shuffle back my two 'Blue-Eyes' to Fusion Summon! And, for every monster used as Fusion Material, I can destroy one of your cards!"

"I activate my Counter Trap, 'Hieratic Seal of Reflection'. I will tribute 'Hieratic Dragon of Gebeb' in my hand to negate the activation." Kaiba didn't so much as flinch when the 'Fusion' card sparked and exploded. The smile on his face was still present. "And, since 'Gebeb' was tributed, I can summon 'Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord' from my deck."

The monster appeared overhead, and was a large, golden sphere nearly three times the size of the 'Hieratic Dragons', but did not glow or move at all.

ℹ️ Hieratic Seal of Sun Dragon Overlord (LIGHT)
LV 8 / 0 DEF

"That protects my 'True Light'." Kaiba said with a light smirk.

"That it does…" Ozpin muttered. He was originally going to use 'Su's' effect to tribute 'Gebeb' and destroy 'True Light', but he has to make do with what he has instead. "Very well. I suppose I should move on to Plan B. I will Overlay my 'Labradorite Dragon' with my 'Dragon of Su'!"

The dragons broke free from their imprisonments and rose into the sky. A red spiral galaxy appeared in front of him, and exploded as the two flew inside. "I Xyz Summon Rank 6 'Hieratic Dragon King of Atum'!"

Another sphere appeared on the field, and burst open with dark purple flames. A dragon made of dark purple energy broke free from the seal it was contained in, and roared.

ℹ️ Hieratic Dragon King of Atum (LIGHT)
RK 6 / 2400 ATK / 2 OU

"I will activate its effect!" A moment later, the orb flying around the dragon flew into the Eye of Wdjat on its chest.

ℹ️ Hieratic Dragon King of Atum (LIGHT)
2 OU ⇒ 1 OU

"I will detach 1 Overlay Unit in order to summon any Dragon monster from my deck, so long as its ATK and defense becomes 0."

"I think not! I will discard 'Effect Veiler' to target and negate your monster's effect!" A sphere suddenly appeared around the gold-armored dragon and trapped it, which caused the purple flames to flicker and die out.

"It seems I've stopped every attempt to call out one of your dragons," Kaiba said with a cocky smirk. "You've already used your Counter Trap, and you've got nothing that you can summon." he crossed his arms over his chest and smiled. "So, will you end your turn here?"

Ozpin said nothing for a moment. He allowed himself a smile. "Oh, Kaiba. If only you were my student…" The CEO frowns. "It seems there's something I can still teach you. You may have stopped my plans, so I might as well go back to Plan A."

"You've gotta be kidding me…" Kaiba groused. Yugi smirked from the sidelines.

"I banish 'Light End Dragon' from my Extra Deck to summon 'Dark End Evaporation Dragon' from my hand!" A geyser of dark, thick mist appeared in front of them, and Kaiba could catch a glimpse of yellow eyes. The gas parted, and a dragon with yellow-eyed, sharp smile on its chest and tattered wings took the field.

ℹ️ Dark End Evaporation Dragon (DARK)
LV 8 / 2600 ATK

"Since I've summoned a Dragon monster, I can also summon 'Knight Armed Dragon, the Armored Knight Dragon' from my hand. A fourth dragon appeared on the field, this one smaller and covered in red armor, but also a large blade on its left hand.

ℹ️ Knight Armed Dragon, the Armored Knight Dragon (WIND)
LV 3 / 1400 ATK

"And, when it is summoned, it can take on the attribute and level 'Light End Dragon'. The dragon raised its blade, which became bathed in white light.

ℹ️ Knight Armed Dragon, the Armored Knight Dragon (WIND)
 WIND ⇒ LIGHT / LV 3 ⇒ LV 8

"I activate 'Spirit Dragon's' effect! I can summon any LIGHT Dragon Synchro Monster from my Extra Deck!"

Kaiba snarled. 'Spirit Dragon' raised its head to the sky and howled, and a green light filled the mausoleum. "It seems that you don't know your place yet. Well then, allow me to remind you why I am the reason your fight with Salem hasn't ended yet!" Its wings spread and begin to widen. Its shoulders begin to shift as well; they widen as two more heads begin to shoot out from its body.

"Appear! Not even the depths of Hell cannot smoother this dragon's bright light! Blue-Eyes Spirit Ultimate Dragon!"

The light was faded, and revealed a large, ghostly yet beautiful pure white dragon with gold edges and spikes, and purple markings. Long manes of white hair whirl and whip about rapidly as the monster spins around, and all three heads roar at Ozpin.

[Blue-Eyes Ultimate Spirit Dragon]
[LIGHT / Dragon / Synchro / Effect]
[3500 ATK / 4000 DEF]

Ozpin didn't look very concerned. "I activate 'Dark End Evaporation Dragon's' effect. I can either Fusion Summon, or give up 500 of 'Dark End's' ATK to destroy your 'Tyrant Dragon'."

"Think again! 'Blue-Eyes Ultimate Spirit Dragon's' effect now activates! 'Evaporation Dragon's' effect is negated, and 'Blue-Eyes' gains 1000 ATK!" The three headed dragon spread its wings; a circle of light appeared around 'Evaporation Dragon' and erupted. The dark scales were bleached, and they slowly became grey and colorless. Based on how loudly 'Evaporation Dragon' screeched, the process wasn't all that painless. Once the light faded, 'Ultimate Spirit Dragon' spread its wings and grew even more powerful.

ℹ️ Blue-Eyes Ultimate Spirit Dragon (LIGHT)
3500 ATK ⇒ 4500 ATK

Still, Ozpin didn't seem all too concerned. "I will now build the Overlay Network with my Level 8 'Dark End Evaporation Dragon' and 'Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord'. I Xyz Summon Rank 8, 'Hieratic Sky Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis'." As the red spiral galaxy went supernova, the burst was suddenly consumed by fire.

A large golden sphere appeared on Ozpin's field. With a loud shriek, it unfolded, and released a massive pyre of bright red and dark purple flames. A muscular body made of red fire materialized from the flames, and had golden appear snapped to it. The large beast roared, and released rainbow colored fire from its mouth.

The Eye of Wdjat sparkled red and purple as the god of the sun clenched its fist and roared into the air.

[Hieratic Sky Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis]
[LIGHT / Dragon / Xyz / Effect]
[3000 ATK / 2400 DEF / 2 OU]

"I will also send my 'Armed Dragon' and 'Dragon King of Atum' to Link Summon." The two monsters howled, and turned into two streams of red and yellow code. "I will Link Summon 'Hieratic Seal of the Heavenly Spheres'."

Multiple dormant golden spheres appeared in the air. The largest one, which also glowed deep red, hovered down the Extra Monster Zone; the other sphere followed it, and began to orbit around the one in the center.

ℹ️ Hieratic Seal of the Heavenly Spheres (LIGHT)
LINK-2 / 0 ATK / ↙↘

"When 'Knight Armed Dragon' is sent to the grave, it gives my 'Sky Dragon' 1000 ATK." The flames become more intense as 'Sky Dragon Overlord' roars again.

ℹ️ Hieratic Sky Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis (LIGHT)
3000 ATK ⇒ 4000 ATK

"Now, 'Sky Dragon Overlord' will attack 'Tyrant Dragon'." Instead of blasting it with flames, 'Sky Dragon Overlord' spread its large, holographic wings. Its metal armor turned white-hot as a massive wave of fire was launched from the wings. 'Tyrant Dragon' screeched as its body melted slightly, and then exploded. Kaiba hissed as shrapnel was launched his way.

🥊Kaiba
4000 LP - 400 DMG = 3600 LP

"That ends my turn," Ozpin said. Kaiba dusted off his suit and waved his hand.

"During the End Phase, 'True Light' will summon 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' from my graveyard!" Kaiba shouted. The tablet brightened, and a portal to the graveyard opened and allowed the original 'Blue-Eyes' to swoop out.

ℹ️ Blue-Eyes White Dragon (LIGHT)
LV 8 / 3000 ATK

"In addition, any monster summoned through 'Spirit Dragon's' effect is destroyed. 'Ultimate Spirit Dragon' began to disappear. "However, when 'Ultimate Spirit Dragon' is destroyed, it can summon a LIGHT Dragon Monster from my graveyard! Return, 'Blue-Eyes Tyrant Dragon'!" As quickly as it had disappeared, the golden winged dragon returned to the field, and let out an enraged shout.

ℹ️ Blue-Eyes Tyrant Dragon (LIGHT)
LV 8 / 3400 ATK

"Now, I draw!" Kaiba shouted. "'True Light's' effect activates! I can set 'Chaos Form' from my deck to the field! Then, I activate 'The Melody of Awakening Dragon'! By discarding 'Priestess with Eyes of Blue', I can add 'Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon', and 'Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon' to my hand."

Ozpin lips tightened into a thin line.

"'Priestess' effect activates from the grave. I can return 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' to my hand, in order to summon it to my field." A mature, pale woman in a blue dress, and carried a bust that depicted the iconic white dragon in her hand.

ℹ️ Priestess with Eyes of Blue (LIGHT)
LV 1 / 0 ATK / Tuner

"And now, I can summon 'Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon'!" Kaiba shouted. A new dragon that looked exactly like the original appeared, only this one had blue lines of energy coursing through it's body.

ℹ️ Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon (LIGHT)
LV 8 / 3000 ATK

"Once per turn, 'Alternative White Dragon' can destroy your monster!"

"Since you've decided to target my monster, I can use an Overlay Unit to have 'Sky Dragon' negate that effect." 'Alternative' reared back its head, but before it could release a beam of lightning, 'Sky Dragon Overlord' spread its wings and released heavenly light onto the newly summoned dragon, which made it explode.

Kaiba didn't falter yet. "I activate the Ritual Spell 'Chaos Form'! By tributing 'Blue-Eyes' from my hand, I can Ritual Summon 'Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon'!" Ozpin looked up as a massive gate appeared in front of them. The spirit of the original dragon appeared and burst in flames as it moved through the gate.

A much larger dragon landed with a thud on the ground; it's scales had turned dark, its body was covered in dark spikes, and dark lights appeared from the wings (LV 8 / 4000 ATK).

ℹ️ Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon (DARK)
LV 8 / 4000 ATK

This time, Ozpin did frown.

"I activate 'Hieratic Seals'' effect," he declared. The golden sphere glowed, and they all flew into the one in the center, which became bright red and began to expand.

Kaiba flipped over the last card in his hand. Ozpin gasped. Yugi sighed in exasperation.

"By tributing 'Priestess', 'Chaos MAX', and 'Tyrant Dragon', I can summon GOD SOLDIER OF OBELISK from my hand."

'Priestess' raised the bust in her hands to the sky, and the two dragons roared loudly, causing the stained glass around them to crack and shatter. All three disappeared in a shower of sparkles, and then the floor began to rumble.

A fissure formed on the floor of the mausoleum, and began to expand. Large blue claws, each one the size of a grown man, clamped onto the edges and pulled the floor apart. A large, muscular man from the floor, which caused the place of worship to collapse on top of them, despite the field spell still being in play.

When Ozpin looked up, all he could see of the creature's face were pointed horns and a dark blue headdress. But after a moment, dark red eyes blinked into a view, and the gem on its forehead pulsed with power.

The Tormentor, the God of Judgement and Punishment, the GOD SOLDIER OF OBELISK, glared down at its old master.

[God Soldier of Obelisk]
[DIVINE / Divine-Beast / Effect]
[4000 ATK / 4000 DEF]

"OBELISK is unaffected by anything that isn't a Divine-Beast," Kaiba said. "So, which card will you send back to my hand?"

"...True Light." Kaiba, with a smirk, ejected the card from the Spell/Trap Zone. "And, when 'Hieratic Seal' is tributed, it can summon any Dragon Monster from my deck. I choose 'Decoy Dragon'." A small green lizard with two big, beady eyes on the forehead appeared next to the large dragon of fire.

ℹ️ Decoy Dragon (FIRE)
LV 2 / 200 DEF ⇒ 0 DEF

Kaiba only scoffed. "That's it? Very well… OBELISK attacks 'Sky Dragon Overlord'!" The large god raised its fist and smashed it into the fiery dragon's face. Despite both having the same ATK, only 'Sky Dragon Overlord' was destroyed.

"I set 'True Light' face down. I end my turn." Kaiba said.

Ozpin nodded, and he drew. Immediately, 'True Light' flipped face up. "I activate my card's effect to summon 'Blue-Eyes' from my grave!" The legendary dragon appeared on the field once more, and Ozpin hissed to himself.

ℹ️ Blue-Eyes White Dragon (LIGHT)
LV 8 / 3000 ATK 

"I set one card, and end my turn." That was all he could do.

Kaiba let out a cocky huff, and drew his next card. He had drawn a monster.

"I summon 'Assault Wyvern'!" Kaiba shouted. A blue dragon with bladed wings and large, sharp tusks appeared on his side of the field.

ℹ️ Assault Wyvern (LIGHT)
LV 4 / 1800 ATK

Ozpin steeled himself.

"Now, 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' attacks 'Decoy Dragon'!" He yelled.

"When 'Decoy Dragon' is targeted for an attack, it can summon back 'Dark End Evaporation Dragon'!" Two dots beneath the dragon's big eyes, its real eyes, shined brightly. 'Blue-Eyes' opened its mouth and fired, but the blast was redirected to the large, dark-scaled dragon from earlier, who swooped in to protect the smaller dragon (LV 8 / 2000 DEF).

ℹ️ Dark End Evaporation Dragon (DARK)
LV 8 / 2000 DEF

It didn't remain on the field for long as it took a blast of White Lightning to the face immediately. "Now, 'Assault Wyvern' attacks 'Decoy Dragon'!" The smaller dragon chirped, while the larger one howled and sliced it in half with a flick of its wings.

"Obelisk attacks you directly!"

Ozpin exhaled through his nose as the large titan slammed its fist down on him.

🥊Ozpin
4000 LP - 4000 DMG = 0 LP

GAME!

Ozpin dropped to his knee as the field disappeared. Only OBELISK remained after a moment. It wasn't until Kaiba huffed that the god returned to its card.

"You really believe you can protect Weiss?" Kaiba asked.

"I stood my ground, even as a god loomed over me," Ozpin said. With a grunt, he pushed himself back up to his feet and slid the card he set out. "I might've been able to stall for another turn." It was 'Solemn Strike'. "...Had you activated the Trap."

Kaiba scoffed. "One semester," he said, which confused Ozpin.

"Excuse me?"

"At the end of the semester, we reveal everything to her. If she does not accept our assistance, then I will personally remove her from my school." The two men stared at each for a moment, but eventually, Ozpin nodded.

"Thank you," he said, but his response was only met with a grunt.

"You shouldn't, not yet."

Just as they were about to depart, Yugi felt his scroll buzz. He opened it and called out to the other Duelists. "Weiss has regained consciousness. Also, Ruby and Pyrrha are here to visit her."

"Let them in," Kaiba said without looking away from the headmaster.

"What about Blake and Yang?" Ozpin asked.

"They're not here," Yugi answered. "We should head back."

"Yes, let's." Ozpin sighed.

Weiss blinked when she heard the door to her room unlock. It slowly opened, and she heard a stiff, somewhat high-pitched voice call out to her.

"Weiss?"

"Come in," Weiss said to Ruby. She pushed the door open completely, and revealed Pyrrha he stood behind her.

"Are you alright?" Pyrrha asked in a panicked, rushing towards the side of the bed. Ruby, meanwhile, remained at the doorway.

"I'm fine," Weiss huffed as Pyrrha fussed over her. "A little battered, but that's it."

Pyrrha nodded silently. "So, that means you've…" Again, Weiss nodded, and nodded her head to the deck box on the table next to her. Ruby placed herself next to Pyrrha as she reached for the Extra Deck and pulled out two Xyz Monsters they've never seen before. 72 and 19. "I won them."

Ruby also managed to catch of a third Xyz Monster. C102. Her eye itched.

"That's incredible…!" Pyrrha gasped. "You've gotten two Numbers in one Duel?"

Weiss pursed her lips, and didn't speak for a few moments. Her original plan was to come back to Beacon's and boast about her strength as a Duelist, but… the desire rang hollow inside her now.

"How tough was it?" Ruby asked. Weiss flinched and looked away. "Weiss?"

"Where are Blake and Yang?" Weiss tried to divert the conversation. Pyrrha, despite being slightly socially inept, could feel the tension between the two.

"They thought you got an even bigger head because of this win," Ruby answered, which made Pyrrha flinch slightly. "They didn't want to deal with your ego, so they didn't come."

"That's…"

"Ruby!" Pyrrha hissed, and gently slapped the redhead's shoulder. "What she means is–"

"No… I understand," Weiss sighed. "I've been… frustrating to deal with at school, haven't I?" She heard Ruby scoff.

Said girl shook her head and craned it back to look at the ceiling. "Okay, Weiss? I don't normally curse, but…" Ruby inhaled, and looked directly at her with narrowed eyes. "You're the biggest asshole I've ever met, with an overblown, undeserved ego that comes from your rich lifestyle back at Atlas and nothing else. Genuinely, fuck you."

Weiss' mouth opened slightly at the harsh words. Pyrrha was completely taken aback, and covered her mouth with her hands. And yet, Weiss only chuckled lightly. "How long have you wanted to tell that to me?"

"Since last Sunday," Ruby admitted.

"I guess I deserve it. I'm sorry for… being so difficult," Weiss murmured with a sobered expression. Ruby nodded.

"Apology acknowledged."

"Not accepted?"

"Not yet." Ruby then glanced at the Deck Box in Pyrrha's hand. Weiss winced.

"So… I think I might need some help," Weiss said bashfully. She turned her head away from the other girls and looked to the side. A gentle red blush appeared on her cheeks.

…Cute, Ruby thought. Wait, what the—

"Help with what?" Pyrrha asked. Weiss blushed even harder. She even grabbed the edge of her blanket and pulled it up so it covered everything under her nose.

"M-my deck…" Weiss said. "I admit it's… not up to par with our opponents, or the quality of decks used by our classmates. I was wondering if you… if you could take a look and get me some deck building tips?"

"Huh?" Pyrrha took the Deck out and began to sift through the cards. "I'm sure it's not that bad… Oh. Ooooo…" Pyrrha hissed awkwardly. Ruby looked over her shoulder, and physically recoiled.

"Weiss… I don't mean to sound rude, buuuuut–"

"This is dogwater," Ruby said bluntly. Weiss winced but looked to Pyrrha for reassurance.

"...Yeah, I can't sugarcoat this. This is not a very good constructed Deck." Weiss whined into her bedsheets. "The 'Star Seraph' core is fine, but… everything else…" As Pyrrha sifted through the cards, Ruby grabbed one and inspected it.

"Weiss, this is a card from 'Pharaoh's Servant', that set was, like, twenty years ago!"

"I-I thought 'Earthshaker' might become viable at some point…"

"No… no it won't," Ruby sighed. "Not to mention, everything has a floating effect these days."

"Alright… fine. Just… help me make a new deck, please?" Weiss asked the two girls. Ruby and Pyrrha looked at each other, and then back at Ruby.

"Okay, fine. Let's see what we can salvage from here, then," Ruby huffed.

[Hieratic Dragon Dawn]
Normal Spell

Activate one of these effects. You can only activate 1 "Hieratic Dragon Dawn" per turn.

*You can reveal 1 "Hieratic" Spell in your hand, then add 1 "Hieratic" Spell with a different name than the revealed card from your deck to your hand.
*Tribute 1 "Hieratic" monster in your hand or on your field, then set 1 "Hieratic" Trap from your deck to your field. You can activate that card this turn.

[God Soldier of Obelisk]
[DIVINE / Level 10]
[Divine-Beast / Effect]
[4000 ATK / 4000 DEF]

Must be Tribute Summoned with 3 Tributes. Once per turn, during either player's turn: you can Tribute Summon this card from your hand. Neither player can activate cards or effects in response to this card's Tribute Summon, or the activation of its effects. This card is unaffected by your opponent's cards or effects, except by cards empowered by the Numeron Code, or other Divine-Beast monsters. This card cannot be destroyed by battle, except by a card whose only original attribute is DIVINE. Once per turn, during your Main Phase, you can Tribute up to 6 other monsters you control: apply one of these effects for every two monsters tributed. This is a Quick Effect if you control "Sky Dragon of Osiris" or "Winged Dragon of Ra".

*Destroy all cards your opponent controls.
*Increase this card's ATK by 4000, OR if you tributed a DIVINE Divine-Beast Monster, it's ATK becomes ∞
*Inflict 4000 damage to your opponent.

Chapter Text

Yang slammed twenty box sets of The Infinite Forbidden onto Weiss' bedside counter, making all the girls yelp.

"How… much did that cost?" Blake asked warily.

"Don't ask," Yang brushed her off. "Alright, so the 'Fiendsmith' cards are hella expensive, and also pretty rare, too. Buying the singles is practically out of the question."

Pyrrha tilted her head curiously. "They're expensive? How much?" Ruby took out her scroll and typed something in, and hissed silently.

"The cheapest I can find for near mint is forty Lien," Ruby told them.

Weiss turned her head to Yang. "Just to be clear, we're digging into the 'Fiendsmith' engine just for me… yes?"

"Well, actually, I was thinking of getting it for all of us," Yang said. "So, three 'Engraver', three 'Tract', and 1 each of 'Lacrima', 'Lurrie', 'Requiem', 'Sequence', 1 'Necroquip', 1 'Desirae', and a 'High King Caesar' for good measure." The other four girls stared at her with looks ranging from disappointment to shame.

"Yang, half of the cards we need are Secret Rares, we're going to need more than ten boxes of INFO," Ruby huffed, which made Yang wince.

"Also, 'Lacrima' isn't even in INFO, it's in ROTA," Blake added, which made Yang. Blake went silent for a while before her ears twitched.

"Okay, I get it! Point is, digging through the boxes is cheaper! Probably!" Yang started passing the boxes around, two for each of them. "Now, stop whining and let's start opening! We've got over 400 Lien's worth of cards to pull, so let's go gambling!"

In the end, they only managed to get two copies of 'Fiendsmith Tract', and one 'Fiendsmith Engraver'. The girls looked at their pools with a blank smile on each of their faces.

"On the bright side, at least we all have a copy of 'Silhouhatte Rabbit' now?" Pyrrha said with a shrug.

"Yeah, that's nice, but none of us have space for Trap monsters in our Decks," Weiss sighed. She reached for the counter with her bandaged arms and pulled out her wallet. "I don't think any of us got 'Trick', either…"

"Aw, dang it…" Blake murmured quietly.

"So, what now?" Ruby asked with a shrug.

"If you'd like, I can go see if I have any 'Fiendsmith' cards in my collection?" Pyrrha suggested to the others.

"You might, but enough for all four of us? I doubt it. We might have to buy singles online, but those cards are definitely going to be overpriced…" Blake's tail flicked in agitation.

Ruby crossed her arms and thought for a moment. "How many card shops are in the area?" She asked. "We could go to some of them, and get some more box sets or haggle with the prices on the singles."

"There's four in a five mile radius from us," Weiss said as she glanced at her scroll. "The card listings don't show any 'Fiendsmiths', though."

"So we're going to have to ask about them, in that case," Pyrrha sighed. She tapped her finger against her knee and sighed. "In that case, I should go with whoever is going out to buy the sets. We might get a discount if they see me."

"Are you going to pay for it yourself?" Weiss asked her. Pyrrha shrugged in response.

"Probably? I'm the second richest person here, so it's not like buying a few box sets would drain my bank account," Pyrrha said with a shrug.

"With our luck, it might be a few hundred box sets," Blake grumbled.

"Okay then!" Yang said with a clap of her hands. "Why don't you, Pyrrha, and Ruby go to the shops and start buying cards? Me and Weiss–"

"Weiss and I," Blake corrected.

"-Will stay here and keep looking for lower prices online," Yang suggested.

"Why are you staying with Weiss?" Ruby asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Because I'm the only one who wouldn't mind hanging with the ice queen for more than half an hour, and we need Pyrrha's credit card," Yang said with a satisfied smirk. Weiss glared at her.

"I'm sorry, ice queen?"

"Would you prefer Ice Bi–!" Pyrrha managed to slap her hand over the blonde's mouth before she could finish, and Ruby gently grabbed Weiss' wrist so that she didn't grab the IV drip and try to fling at Yang.

"Can we not get into a fight right now?" Ruby hissed as Weiss tried to shake her off.

Pyrrha laughed awkwardly as she felt Yang smugly smirk against her palm. "I'm sure she didn't mean anything by it, ha ha ha…!"

Once Weiss calmed down, Ruby stepped away from her. "Are you sure about this, Yang? If we come back and find one of you dead, I'm not paying for your funeral."

"Relax, Rubes!" Yang's voice was slightly muffled by Pyrrha's hand. "I'll make sure to keep things civil for a while!"

Ruby glowered at her older sister. "All right, fine…" She shook her head and smiled at the others. "Let's get going then. The sooner we got those cards, the better."

Pyrrha nodded. She pulled away from Yang. "Who knows? Maybe you two will become friends when we come back?"

As she and Ruby left, Blake gave the two other girls a deadpan stare. She shrugged and followed the others. "Let's go gambling…!" She said before closing the door.

Not even a minute after they left, Yang turned around and flipped Weiss off. "Eat shit and die."

"Yes, fuck you."

A short bus ride later, Pyrrha, Blake, and Ruby managed to reach the first card shop. Pyrrha pulled her hoodie and put on a pair of glasses to disguise herself; the group mutually agreed that using Pyrrha's status would be a last resort.

Unlike the Kame Game Store, the shop was much wider and had a handful of tables off to the side. Some people were already there, playing games or testing strategies. Ruby scanned the shop, and noticed one of the patrons was glaring at Blake.

"I'll go talk to the manager about the 'Fiendsmith' cards," Pyrrha said, not noticing the look. Blake simply nodded, but Ruby frowned.

"Are you gonna be okay…?" Ruby asked. She noticed that Blake's tail wrapped itself around her left leg.

"It's nothing I haven't noticed," She whispered back. Blake looked away from him and smirked at Ruby. "Don't worry. I'll kick him in the nuts if he tries anything." Ruby managed a half-hearted smile before walking away to join Pyrrha.

With the other two gone, Blake did what she normally did whenever she had down time; she found the nearest corner, pulled up her scroll, and started to read. She's in the fourth chapter of the 'World Legacy' novel, and while she already knew what was going to happen, she was more excited about the prose.

Well, she wanted to. But she heard footsteps coming from her left. Her ear twitched, but she kept her eyes on the screen even as a shadow passed over her. She kept ignoring the presence until the person cleared his throat.

"Hey." Slowly, Blake's slitted eyes looked away from the screen and glared at the smelly guy looming over her. "There's a 'No Loitering' rule in the shop," he growled and pointed to the sign at the entrance. Blake scoffed.

"I'm not loitering; I'm waiting for my friends to finish buying their things," Blake huffed in response, which only made the smelly guy snarl.

"Either buy something or get out," he warned her. Blake started to tap her foot against the floor.

"...Do you even work here?" She asked.

Before anything else could happen (unfortunately for Blake, she really felt like kicking something), a cold metal blade separated the two. The blade of 'Drytron Alpha Thuban'. The dragon-like machine turned its head to the smelly man and growled.

The man only laughed. "Oh, yeah! Like that's going to scare–!" He tried to walk through what he assumed was a hologram, but he cut his hand on 'Thuban's' blade. "Oh shit." Even Blake's eyes widened.

"It would be beneficial for your health if you do not escalate the situation," an oily voice called at. Slowly, Blake turned around, and spotted a figure cloaked in a black robe and white hood. Also, there was a symbol of a red panther's head with three claw marks behind.

"Wh… Wh-white Fang…!?" Blake whispered. The figure's face was entirely hidden, but there was a hole in the back of the outfit that allowed a scorpion tail to pop out.

The man rushed out of the store without saying a word. Blake cringed as she briefly smelled urine, but thankfully, the smell disappeared when he left. With him gone, 'Thuban' glared at Blake for a moment and then disappeared. The hooded figure looked at Blake.

"You are safe now, Sister," He said. His scorpion tail swayed behind him for a moment. "I will be in the area for a moment, protecting our fellow brothers and sisters from harm. Do not hesitate to call me if you are being disturbed." Blake didn't react until he left.

"Hey, wait!" She shouted. Blake dropped her scroll and ran out of the store. Ruby was barely able to catch a glimpse of her leaving.

Blake ran down the streets, frantically looking around for the person in the White Fang uniform. And yet, despite her eyes being better than a normal human's, she couldn't find him instantly. She ran for a few moments until spotted a sloth of white on the rooftops. Blake grit her teeth and ran towards the building.

Once she got close, she dropped to the floor and launched herself onto the awning and used that to propel herself to the railing on the roof. She grabbed the metal and flipped herself onto the roof.

"Who are you?" She demanded. The figure with the scorpion tail was silent.

"Heh… this was easier than I thought it would be," He chuckled darkly, and there was a hint of excitement in his voice. "I'm glad that I didn't have to waste any more time." He grabbed the sleeve of the uniform and tossed it off.

Blake snarled as the figure revealed himself to be a tall, slim man with yellow eyes and ponytail in the shape of a scorpion tail. "Good morning, sister. My name is Tyrian Callows, and I will be… your opponent today!" He took out a blank card from his hand, and flashed it at Blake.

She yowled as a bright light came from the empty artwork, blinding her for a few seconds. Once the light faded, the card had also disappeared. Blake blinked in confusion. "What was that…? What did you do!?" She demanded to know. Tyrian smirked at her frustration.

"I'm afraid I can't reveal such information at this moment. For now, we shall do battle!" He raised his right arm, and the circular disk on his wrist expanded into a dark bladed Duel Disk.

Blake gritted her teeth and activated her own Duel Disk.

Blake Belladonna (4000 LP) VS Tyrian Callows (4000 LP)
DUEL!

"I activate the Field Spell 'White Rose Cloister'!" Tyrian hummed to himself as the roof of the building they were on shifted, and became a lovely garden with marble pillars and steps with white roses blooming from bright green bushes. "Whenever I control no monsters, I can use 'Cloister's' effect to summon 'Red Rose Dragon'!" One of the flowers flew off from the bush, and burst into white petals to reveal a small quadruped dragon with roses on its shoulders.

ℹ️ Red Rose Dragon (DARK)
LV 3 / 1800 DEF / Tuner

"Next, since I control a Dragon Tuner, I can summon 'White Rose Dragon'!" Its brethren appeared next to it; a wyvern with a large white rose on its back and spikes running along the length of its tail.

ℹ️ White Rose Dragon (DARK)
LV 4 / 1200 ATK

"I tune Level 3 'Red Rose Dragon' to Level 4 'White Rose Dragon'!" The two dragons trilled as their bodies dissolved and created a large beam of green light. "I Synchro Summon LV 7 'Periallis, Empress of Blossoms'!" The new monster was a tall woman with green hair wearing a kimono. Along the skirt where large orange tulips that had long strings attached to them led to a bell.

ℹ️ Periallis, the Empress of Blossoms (LIGHT)
LV 7 / 2400 DEF

"Now, my 'Dragons'' effects activate, since they were used as Synchro Material! First, 'Red Rose' will summon 'Roxrose Dragon' from my deck, and then adds 'Basal Rose Shoot' from my deck to my hand, and then 'White Rose' will send 'Staysailor Romarin' from my deck to the Grave!" A new flower bloomed next to the Synchro Monster, which bloomed to reveal another new dragon with a pink, flower neck.

ℹ️ Roxrose Dragon (DARK)
LV 3 / 1600 ATK / Tuner

"When 'Roxrose Dragon' is summoned, I can add 'Frozen Rose' from my deck to my hand, and, when 'Staysailor Romarin' is sent to the grave, I can also send 'World Carrotweight Champion' to the grave too!" Blake explained. Tyrian didn't look the least bit concerned. He simply smiled disarmingly and kept his hands behind his back, which Blake abhorred.

"I activate 'Carrotweight Champion's' effect from my graveyard!" She called out. "I can send 'Dark Verger' from my hand to the grave in order to summon it!" A large weed with eyes on its two petals appeared on the ground, but they were pulled out of the ground flexed carroty muscles.

ℹ️ World Carrotweight Champion (DARK)
LV 4 / 1900 DEF

"Now, I tune my Level 3 'Roxrose Dragon' to my Level 4 'Carrotweight Champion'! I Synchro Summon Level 7 'Black Rose Moonlight Dragon'!" A whirlwind began behind her, and quickly became a turbulent tornade a large dragon with crystalline-rose petal wings appeared behind her and roared.

ℹ️ Black Rose Moonlight Dragon (LIGHT)
LV 7 / 2400 ATK
Black Rose Moonlight Dragon ⇒ Black Rose Dragon

"I summon 'Spore'!" The fluffy owo ball appeared as if it were tumbleweed; slowly rolling onto the field.

ℹ️ Spore (WIND)
LV 1 / 400 ATK / Tuner

"I tune Level 1 'Spore' to Level 7 'Periallis'! I Synchro Summon Level 8 'Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon'!"

A large dragon with yellow eyes and armor made of crystal swooped out of the pillar of light. The blue, three tipped tail coiled around its body as it threw its head forwards and roared.

ℹ️ Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon (WIND)
LV 8 / 3000 ATK

"I set two cards face-down, and end my turn," Blake concluded, emptying her hand. Tyrian finally smiled.

"Good. I've been waiting for this. I draw!" He said, his tail twitching excitedly.

"I'll start by summoning 'Evil Thorn'." The ground in front of him crumbled, and produced a drooping pink plant with a large spike fruit on the other arm.

ℹ️ Evil Thorn (DARK)
LV 1 / 100 ATK

"Once per turn, 'Evil Thorn' can tribute itself to deal you 300 damage, and then summon two more 'Evil Thorns' from my deck."

At first, Blake raised an eyebrow. That wasn't a 'Drytron' card. She was hesitant at first, but nodded. Tyrian smirked.

The fruit bulged, and then exploded. The sharp vines shot through the air and phased through Blake's body.

🔥 Blake 
4000 LP - 300 DMG = 3700 DMG

Two seeds clattered to the floor, which then sprouted into more 'Evil Thorns'.

ℹ️ Evil Thorn (DARK) (x2)
LV 1 / 100 ATK

"And now, I'll Overlay my two Level 1 'Evil Thorns'!" Tyrian laughed out loud. Blake took a step back as a golden Network appeared in front of her, sucking in both monsters. "I Xyz Summon Number 13: Cain's Devil!"

The hair on Blake's neck stood on edge as a confessional appeared in front of her. The green, blood-soaked curtains opened, which made chains that carried a bonesaw and a cross. The booth formed into a three-pronged shell with a humanoid face in the center. In the centerpiece where the wood met, there was a face with horns that curled upwards.

The chains linked together and pulled the cross to the center of its body. The Number 13 was branded onto the right side of its shell.

[Number 13: Cain's Devil]
[DARK / Fiend / Xyz / Effect]
[500 ATK / 500 DEF / 2 OU]

ℹ️ Number 13: Cain's Devil (DARK)
AKA "Number 13: Embodiment of Crime"
DARK & DIVINE

"What the… hell is that?" Blake whispered as the yellow-eyed demon stared blankly at her. Tyrian chuckled to himself quietly, and licked his lips. Blake shivered again.

"You'll learn in due time. For now, just sit back and enjoy the show," Tyrian said as he grabbed another card from his hand. "For now, I'll activate the effect of 'Drytron Zeta Albhidah' from my hand! By tributing 'Drytron Delta Altais', I can summon it, and then add a Ritual Spell, like my 'Meteonis Drytron' from my deck to my hand!"

Lightning and ice crackled next to the Number, and formed into a dragon-shaped machine which wielded a blade and a large shield in its arms.

ℹ️ Drytron Deltta Altais (LIGHT)
LV 1 / 0 DEF

"And then, I will also activate the effect of my 'Drytron Nu II'! Since I control a 'Dyrtron' monster, I can summon it!" Next to the mechanical dragon, a bipedal machine with two large guns on its shoulder entered the field.

ℹ️ Drytron Nu II (LIGHT)
LV 1 / 0 DEF

"And, when 'Nu II' is summoned, I can search for another 'Dyrtron' Monster!"

"I activate 'Synchro Dragon's' effect!" Blake called out before the search could go through. "I negate and destroy 'Nu II', and then my dragon gains its ATK!" 'Crystal Wing' roared and arched its back and raised its arm to reveal its wings. The sparkled, and then shot out a beam of white energy that shattered the dragon-shaped machine. Once it was gone, 'Crystal Wing' roared again as the orange glow of its mouth and eyes became brighter.

ℹ️ Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon (WIND)
3000 ATK ⇒ 5000 ATK

"Feh… I suppose then, I will activate 'Delta Atais' effect from my grave. By tributing my 'Zeta Albhidah', I can summon it back to the field!" The weapon wielding dragon snarled, and in a moment its body transformed into a long, six-legged machine with curved horns that reached its wings.

ℹ️ Drytron Zeta Albhidah (LIGHT)
LV 1 / 0 ATK

"Now, I can reveal my 'Meteonis Drytron' and then draw a card." He inspected the card he got, and cackled. "Oh, would you look at that! It seems my turn has been saved!"

"What's that supposed to mean…?" Blake snarled. Tyrian smiled at her.

"It means I summon the 'Ultimate Bright Knight Ursatron Alpha' I just drew!" Tyrian laughed as he placed his card on the Duel Disk; a mechanical dragon similar to 'Alpha Thuban', but had ice covering its sharp edges, appeared on the field with a snarl.

ℹ️ Ultimate Bright Knight Ursatron Alpha (LIGHT)
LV 7 / 2000 ATK

"When 'Ursatron Alpha' is summoned, I can activate the Field 'Drytron Fafnir', which I activate." The beautiful rose garden shook. Blake looked around as the sky became dark and was filled with stars; above them all, a massive dragon-shaped airship hovered over the field, and growled lightly. "Then, I can also add another 'Drytron Nova' to my hand, for next turn."

Tyrian smirked as he drew his next card. "Now, I'll activate my Ritual Spell, 'Metonis Drytron'! I can tribute Machine Monster in order to Ritual Summon Level 12 'Drytron Meteonis Draconids'!"

Blake looked up as the stars in the sky began to twinkle brighter, and shine with almost blinding intensity. Tyrian began to cackle as four lights slammed into the ground, and formed a shell of metal. That shell took the form of a large, dragon-shaped machine. That dragon with light blue armor bore two blades above its arms, and two lower arms attached to massive shields, and on its shoulder were large cannons primed to fire.

'Drytron Meteonis Draconids' slammed its foot on the ground and roared.

[Meteonis Drytron Draconids]
[LIGHT / Machine / Ritual / Effect]
[4000 ATK / 4000 DEF]

Blake flinched as the monster loomed over her. "'Moonlight Dragon's' effect activates, and returns 'Draconids' to the hand!" Said monster beated its crystal wings, and sent beams of light that slammed into the large machine's body. It roared and disappeared back into the sky.

"Oh, well… I'm going to win this turn anyway," Tyrian shrugged. Blake's eyes widened. "Battle! Cain's Devil attacks Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon!" The towering, shelled demon launched its bonesaw forward. "I should also mention that Cain's Devil reflects damage, hee hee heee…!"

Blake's eyes widened. "On attack declaration, I activate 'Frozen Rose'!" She exclaimed in a panicked voice. "I send 'Crystal Wing' to the graveyard, and then add the Plant Monster Ruddy Rose Witch to my hand!"

Before the bonesaw could land a blow, 'Crystal Wing' disappeared from the field. Tyrian chuckled. "Oh well… I guess I can't be too mad. A replay occurs, after all, which means I can redirect the attack to 'Moonlight Dragon'!" Tyrian swept his hand forward, and Number 13 continued its attack. Cain's Devil's bonesaw struck the monster's neck, and Blake felt a similar pain bloom on her own neck.

"Arrrgh!" She yelled and recoiled backwards.

🔥Blake
3700 LP - 1900 DMG = 1800 LP

"That's the end of my turn…" Tyrian chuckled darkly. Blake hissed and placed a hand on the top of her deck.

"During my Draw Phase, 'White Rose Cloister' lets me predict which card my next draw will be. If I predict correctly, then for the rest of the turn, even if the Field Spell disappears, all Level 7 and higher Synchro Monsters I control will gain 1000 ATK points until the End Phase!"

"Oh, really?" Tyrian asked excitedly. "Oh ho ho ho! Well, go on! I'm excited how you think that will go…"

"Shut up," Blake hissed. "I predict I will get… a monster card. I draw!" Blake turned the card over, and frowned.

"Well?" Tyrian grumbled impatiently.

"The card I drew… is 'Synchro Rumble'," She told him. Tyrian groaned.

"Ah, well then nothing will save you from this, then," He bemoaned, which made Blake blink. "During the Standby Phase, Cain's Devil effect activates! First, it will return one Xyz Material it has to the deck, and then, I Xyz Summon a monster on top of Cain's Devil!"

One of the two orbs flew in front of Cain's Devil's face, and slammed back into Tyrian's deck. "Now, I rebuild the Overlay Network with Number 13: Cain's Devil! I Xyz Summon Number 31: Abel's Devil!"

The Overlay Network appeared in the sky, and Cain's Devil reverted back into its dormant form and flew inside. The network exploded, and a similar confessional, although made with darker wood, flew down… and placed itself on Blake's field.

"Wh-what…!?" Blake gasped as the chains flew out and wrapped themselves around her arms, lifting her up. "Wh-what's going on!" The confessional unfolded again, and the revealed monster looked similar to Cain's Devil, but the most prominent difference was that this monster had a spiked ball instead of a bonesaw, and its horns pointed downwards.

Blake yelled as the chains tied her to the cross on the center of its chest, crucifying her. The Number 31 was branded on the right side of its shell, and Blake screamed as a similar mark was burned onto the skin of her right shoulder.

[Number 31: Abel's Devil]
[DARK / Fiend / Xyz / Effect]
[500 ATK / 500 DEF / 2 OU]

ℹ️ Number 31: Abel's Devil (DARK)
AKA "Number 31: Embodiment of Punishment"
DARK & DIVINE

"Happy? I made it just for you!" Train taunted her. Blake grunted and squirmed against the cross, hissing as the iron chains dug into her skin.

"L-let go of me…!" Blake groaned. She shook her head and clenched her fists, but nothing worked. "L-let go…!" The Number 31 glowed on her shoulder. A terrible burning sensation bloomed from it, and nearly knocked her unconscious.

"Blake, don't go!"

The cat faunus sneered as her mother sprinted after her. Kali Belladonna tried to place her hands on her daughter's shoulders, but each time Blake pushed her away.

"Well, someone has to go!" Blake shot back, her tail straight and pointed to the air in frustration. "And it's not like I'm going alone. I'll have Adam and the others with me. We'll keep each other safe."

"We don't know that! Yes, Kua Kuana needs supplies, but not like this! Raiding Atlas distributions will only put our target on our backs–!" Blake whirled around quickly, and pushed her finger against Kali's chest.

"Then what the fuck are we supposed!?" Blake demanded from Kali, jabbing her finger deeper against Kali's chest. "Wait until Dad gets some deal going? How long is that going to take? How long before there's too many people on this tiny ass island to support, until we run out of water or food!?"

Kali took a step back. She bit her lip and tried to say something, but Blake didn't let her. "No! I'm tired of this shit! I'm both you and Dad being too cowardly to do anything!"

"Blake–!"

"Shut up!" Blake's arms moved before her mind did, she felt something hit her palm. She blinked, and found her mother on the floor, looking up with tears in her eyes, and with a red mark on her cheek.

"Bl-blake…" Kali whimpered.

Blake grit her teeth and ran away.

Blake's chest heaved, and she slumped forwards on the chains that held her up. "I…!" She tried to say, the Number started to move forwards.

"Nuh-uh-uh! When Abel's Devil is summoned through Cain's Devil's effect, you're not allowed to summon any monsters, or activate any cards or effects until Abel's Devil declares an attack! Furthermore, Abel's Devil is forced to fight during each Battle Phase!" Blake hissed through her teeth as Abel's Devil lunged forward, and threw the large iron ball towards Tyrian. He laughed, and then let out a choked grunt as the ball crashed into him and sent him skidding across the floor.

🥊Tyrian
4000 LP - 500 DMG = 3500 LP

"Don't you feel… so much better now…?" Tyrian grunted as he stood back up. Blake gasped for air as the chains around her finally loosened. "Letting out all that frustration and anger in you?" Tyrian licked his lips to remove the droplet of blood which trickled down from the corner of his lips.

Blake snarled at Tyrian, who found the noise amusing. "They say keeping all that frustration is bad for your health. So, why don't you release some of it…?" He taunted her.

Abel's Devil finally released Blake from its grasp, and she fell to the floor with a thud. Her yellow eyes flashed with intense malice. "'Moonlight Dragon' attacks you directly!" She roared. And she did, the Number 31 burned on her shoulder once more.

The original 'Black Rose Dragon' roared as its vines slashed through 'Kuibelt' and 'Mo Ye'. The two Duelists that stood behind them yelled as the vines continued to move through the air and lift them into air.

Blake stood behind them. 'Roxrose' and 'Ruddy Rose Witch' were behind her, the smaller monster struggling to move the large crate filled with dust inside them. Beyond them, an SDC manufacturing plant burned to the ground, with 'Raidraptors' flying in circles in the air like vultures, and 'The Bystial Lubellion' and 'Masquerade the Blazing Dragon' fighting off other weaker monsters.

As the guards struggled and groaned in the tight grip of Blake's monster. She wondered what to do with them.

She had yet to make a decision when her communicator buzzed. She raised a hand to her ear. "Yes?" She asked calmly.

"Did you retrieve the dust on your end?" Adam asked her. Blake turned around to her two smaller monsters. 'Ruddy Rose Witch' gave her a thumbs up. She and 'Roxrose' had moved the crate a whopping four inches forwards.

"Yes, we have. 'Black Rose' is occupied at the moment, so I need someone else to retrieve it," Blake said. There was a grunt on the other end of the line.

"I'll tell Illyia to help you move it to the drop off point," He said. He went silent for a few moments, and one of the 'Raidraptors' circling the air began to fly towards Blake. "Anything else?" Adam asked.

Blake looked up at the two guards. 'Black Rose's' thorns were digging into their skin, and making them bleed. "I have two enemies pinned down. What do you want to do with them?"

"I don't care," Adam huffed. "Do what you think is best." Blake then heard the twinkling rings of a Tuner monster. "I have to go. Stay safe." She managed to hear the dragons roar loudly before the line cut off.

Blake kept her hand against her ear, but her slitted eyes slowly trailed up 'Black Rose's' eyes and landed on the struggling Duelists. For a moment, she considered taking them as hostages. Barter for more dust, maybe even some food and water, otherwise the vines and thorns embed themselves too deep into their soft, squishy bodies.

But… would the SDC care. So many of their brothers and sisters are killed each day from poor conditions at the mines. Some accidents also result in the deaths of the human enforcers watching their every move.

No. They wouldn't care.

'Black Rose' sensed Blake's hatred, and on its own, it slammed the two humans into the ground.

Blake gripped her head and yelled in pain as 'Moonlight Dragon' beat its wings and launched beams of light at 'Tyrian'. He didn't even flinch.

"Go, 'Battle Fader'!" A small metal demon with a bell on flew out from his hand.

ℹ️ Battle Fader (DARK)
LV 1 / 0 ATK

"The Battle Phase ends here!" Blake grit her teeth.

Before continuing, she read Number 31's effect, and grimaced. Not only would summon back 13 back to Tyrian's field on his Standby Phase, if she tries to chain anything to it to that effect, it would detach a unit to negate the chained effect. And, it couldn't be used as Link Material, or be tributed since she doesn't own it. Great. Just great.