Yu-Gi-Oh! Hearts of Darkness *Reboot* [IC/PG-13/Started/Not Accepting]

[宇佐見 蓮子@C94]

[color=#EE82EE]"Un~? There's blood coming out of my mouth?" [/color][color=#000000]Fubuki was confused by the sudden shock Emily received once she started asking her questions, since in her mind, [i]people would just react normally when a stranger suddenly asks personal questions.[/i]In the car, she wiped her mouth with her index finger and saw fresh, red blood on it. It wasn't much, but it still shows that the damage she suffered from the accident was more than external. [/color][color=#EE82EE]"Well, I guess you weren't lying about that. I don't feel pain anywhere on my body though. Odd, right? Oh, by the way, I'm not a hunter. I don't shoot Deer nor Ducks. I'm just a normal teenage girl who somehow got caught along in a tournament of odd mystical powers." [/color][color=#000000]Completely oblivious to what Emily meant when she said hunter, Fubuki decide to just calm down and wait until the car reaches the hospital. [/color][color=#ee82ee]"Ah, how rude of me. I still haven't asked your name yet. My name's Fubuki. Fubuki Kandou. Pleased to meet you, Ms...?" [/color][color=#000000]Fubuki reached her hand out towards Emily, asking for a handshake. [/color]

[color=#000000]*meanwhile*[/color]

[i]"Ah, she left again. Oh well, she'll need to rest for tomorrow, right? Speaking of tomorrow, just what did Amber mean by that rich bastard wanting to put us together in a duel? Damn, I should have asked for details..." [/i]No matter how though and cold Yuki appears like on the outside, he was still a young man, his mind shouldn't have to go through such mental and emotional events. The prospect of death looms directly above him and his friends. As if at any given moment, Amber, Leon, Fubuki and anyone else in this tournament could die. But, he decides once again to bury his "heart" (emotions) and "soul" (fear) to focus on making sure that everyone he knows makes it out of this tournament alive. [i][color=#4b0082]"If I show any more signs of weakness, then someone could die. Amber got arrested because I didn't look after her well enough. Fubuki got captured because I didn't pay more attention to her. I will now bury my selfish wants and focus on keeping everyone alive, at least until this tournament ends. I... I... This is my chance redeem myself after those years of sin at the hands of 44." [/color][/i][color=#000000]After making his resolve, Yuki looked at the officer standing near him and gave him a fake smile before leaping out of the window and flew towards the night. Just after he left the police station, two orbs suddenly appear beside Yuki, a yellow one and a purple one. [/color][color=#4b0082]"51..? 44..?" [/color][color=#000000]Yuki asked the orbs. [/color][color=#ffd700][b]"Correct." [/b][/color][b][color=#000000]"This is indeed us." [/color][/b][color=#000000]They responded. [/color]

[color=#4b0082]"Great timing, both of you. Listen, I need you both to do something. 44, could you try to locate Fubuki? I don't care how, just find her and tell her status to me. As for you, 51, I need you to go to Amber and ask if everything's alright."[/color]

[b]"And you? What're you gonna do?"[/b]

[color=#4B0082]"I have a little something to do with a certain bastard and a certain butler." [/color]

[color=#ffd700][b]"Tch, fine. I'll go look after your girlfriend. 44, just communicate with me telephatically and you'll find her in no time."[/b][/color]

[b][color=#000000]"Right then. Bye, Yuki. Hope things turn out well with your girlfriend."[/color][/b]

[color=#000000]Saying so, 51 and 44 transformed to their real forms and dashed towards their targets, leaving Yuki still in the air with a slightly irritated look on his face. [/color][color=#4b0082]"G-g-girlfriend..." [/color][color=#000000]After ending their conversation, Yuki tried to scout for Dorian's numbers, but he can't seem to find any trace of them. Maybe he's just being less wary? Or did Dorian's numbers suddenly got the ability to hide from 51's Number searching ability? As Yuki is figuring out where Dorian is, 51 landed in a roof above the alley where Amber is. [/color][color=#ffd700][b][i]"My, they're so cute together.. But I think Yuki and Amber would look even better... Oh, what was I thinking? Focus, I gotta focus. -Leon? Hey, Amber doesn't seem to be fine. Is she alright?"[/i][/b][/color]

[Merci]

As soon as Number 51 landed, a centauric Number with '8' on it ran past, dragging along a giant statue with the Number '69'. The Number, 8, ignored 51, while 69 simply couldn't move. Then the Heraldic King kept on dragging its partner until they were far enough away, before the horselike Number bowed down in front of a child. Or at least, his cyber ghost form.

"You failed?" Tron asked, somewhat unsurprised. "...no matter. My sons and I shall deal with them tomorrow. Number 91 must not be allowed to reach the finals by possession of somebody other than me or Josep."

And with that, both Numbers returned to their card forms, and then the cyber ghost of Tron disappeared, the memories of the event returning to the real Tron back in the Chinese restaurant.

[Durandamon]

[color=#00ffff]"I'm NOT alright!" [/color]- mumbled Sonya, her voice muffled from her crying and from Zebulos' chest, but it didn't take a genius to know she was very upset - [color=#00ffff]"Whatever 69 said is true...you left everyone out there; you were one of the strongest Numbers! And you just...gave your life for me? I should have died, and you should have lived! You'd be the same as before...and...and..." [/color]- she stopped talking, and resumed her crying, her face buried deep into Zebulos' chest.

[color=#800080]"Amber!"[/color] - Leon didn't expect her girlfriend to faint like she did, but it was understandable; her small, young body had gone through so much that night. Leon placed her over his back, and turned around, going to his house. He had both his backpack and Amber's hanging over his left shoulder, hurting him a bit as he walked. Eventually he reached the building, and had to drop Amber for a second to open the door. As soon as he reached, Leon dropped the backpacks on a chair, and Amber on his bed. He took her goggles and her jacket off her, covering her with the bed sheets. - [color=#800080]"Poor girl...she looks so peaceful when she is asleep thou."[/color]

[color=#ff0000]"Da big bahs up there sure doesn't want her to get naw sleep."[/color]

[color=#800080]"Amen to whatever you said. Well, I shouldn't stay here or I'll wake her up..."[/color] - Leon tiptoed to the living room, where he laid on the couch; he didn't feel like sleeping that night either.

--------------

[color=#ff0066]"My name is E-Emily...Lockha-" [/color]- even if Emily wished to continue speaking to the newly arrived Fubuki, she felt like throwing up, like if her head was spinning around at high speed. She politely asked the young officer to let her off the car, convincing him that she would be okay on her own. The car left and she felt even sicker; her head was now hurting and her heart was pounding. -[color=#ff0066] "W-What's this...? Ahh..."[/color]
[color=#ff8c00]"This is your punishment."[/color] - spoke the voice of Ashika from behind Emily, full of anger but restrained.
[color=#ff0066]"W-What!? Do you have something to do with this, Ashika?"[/color]
[color=#ff8c00]"I realized that your mission with Leon was a foolish choice, and more it was to deny it. You have a new objective now, and I'll make sure that you accomplish it."[/color]
[color=#ff0066]"W-What d-do you want me to do...?"[/color]
[color=#ff8c00]"You? Nothing...nothing at all..." [/color]- Ashika drew closer to Emily, and placed a hand on Emily's forehead, intensifying the pain to the point where she fell to the ground, unable to stand on her feet. -[color=#ff8c00] "Just sleep, my dear Aemilia...sleep."[/color] - Slowly, the pain started to fade away, as she fell into a deep slumber.

-------------

"We're here, m'am." - the police car with Fubuki had reached her destination; the hospital - "Do you want me to escort you in? It's the least I can do..."

[Kohakuchan19]

Zebulos was saddened by the words Sonya had cried. The worst part was that she had wished death upon herself.

[color=#008080][b]"Sonya... I just don't know what to say... I don't know any other reason to have done such a thing, except that perhaps my formal self could not see a world without you in it... Perhaps I had even tried to survive somehow.. but I don't know... I just don't know what happened...!" [/b][/color]Zebulos gave Sonya a soft kiss on the lips [color=#008080][b]"It's bad enough I made you cry that day.. I won't make that same mistake twice... I promise you.. You and everyone else..." [/b][/color]

Zebulos had looked up to number 51 just before leaving with the others.

[color=#008080][b]"Amber will be alright.. she just over exerted herself..."[/b][/color]

Zebulos and Sonya followed Leon closely to his home, and then when Amber had been tucked in, Zebulos sat down near the bed, keeping an eye on her. After everything that had happened, and after learning so much about himself in one day, Zebulos had made a decision, he was going to fight with all of his might, and never give up.

[Durandamon]

[color=#00ffff]"Zebby...you don't need to apologize, at all. Really..."[/color]
[color=#800080]"Oh, 51...I didn't hear her back there."[/color] - Leon popped a can of coke and started drinking, now sitting on his couch instead of laying there. - "I should probably text the guy while I'm at it..." - he grabbed his phone and quickly typed.
[b]With Amber at my place. Numbers appeared, thing got ugly. See ya tomorrow.[/b]
[color=#800080]"I should be tired by now...sigh...Zebulos, quick talk!" [/color]- Leon exclaimed, loud enough for him to hear it from the bedroom, while not loud enough for Amber to wake up. Leon walked outside, and sat on the sidewalk, waiting for Zebulos.

[Kohakuchan19]

Zebulos looked to Sonya as she told him he didn't have to apologize.. but he did, not just to Sonya, but to all of the others that he had left behind, and his past holder who had died due to his actions.. but for many it was probably too late.. His late holder was long since gone, and the numbers which had fallen, probably didn't remember. Even a Veteran number like 8 did not recognize Zebulos as 93..

Zebulos' ears twitched as he heard Leon call him for a talk. He curious to see what he wanted, went outside as well in his physical form so that he could be heard.

[color=#008080][b]"You called for me Sir Leon? What is it that you want of me?" [/b][/color]

Zebulos remained standing. [color=#008080][b]"... Tell me.. are you afraid to lose that which is most dear to you...?"[/b][/color]

[Durandamon]

[color=#800080]"Haha, don't call me a sir, m'lord." [/color]- He looked at Zebulos, surprised that he understood his situation - [color=#800080]"Indeed...I don't want to lose anyone. Amber, Sonya, Emi, none of you. Still...what can I do? I'm lost here. And I don't know what happened before, but all of you seem upset about it. What was that...thing? The one that fought all of the Numbers..." [/color]- he stood up, facing the wall. - [color=#800080]"All of the Numbers can fight, but what about us? Amber...she is a strong girl, but her body can't stand this much!"[/color] - to emphasize his anger, he punched the wall with strenght - [color=#800080]"And she is stronger than I am too...I'm scared Zebulos. Not only of whatever happens on this tournament, but of the past repeating itself...and me losing all of you guys..."[/color]

Meanwhile, Sonya had her ear against the door, trying to catch whatever they were saying -[color=#00ffff] "Leon..."[/color]

[Kohakuchan19]

Zebulos looked to Leon and then patted his shoulder

[color=#008080][b]"You don't have to be formal either. But.. I can assure you.. I am not about to let the past simply repeat.. I will make things different this time..."[/b][/color]

Zebulos then felt it necessary to answer his other questions.

[color=#008080][b]"I don't rightly remember exactly.. but.. I do remember that it was very big.. and that it blackened the sky with it's presence... no... it COVERED the sky! looking back now.. I remember it's fearsome maw eating me whole.. and that it had scales like that of quills. As for fighting it.. I don't know how we will defeat it yet.. But I know the numbers are all needed. even the dead numbers will find a way to come back and fight if they have not already been reincarnated as I have.. But we all need our rest.. Try to get some sleep Leon... If you even so much as desire to be strong for tomorrows events."[/b][/color]

After he waited for a response from Leon, he went back inside. As he did so, he noticed Sonya by the wall.

[color=#008080][b]"Well Sonya.." [/b][/color]Zebulos said with a smile[color=#008080][b] "It is Dark and getting late, we will need our rest as well. I will be up in the bedroom in case there's another attack.. Good night my dear."[/b][/color] Then Zebulos walked up to Sonya and kissed her with a soft hug, before retreated into to other room.

[Merci]

[b][i]The following events took place shortly before the start of the banquet.[/i][/b]

The shadow of Tron walked.

Now was the time to finish up all the loose ends. Now was the time for destruction. Now was the time to continue working with what had once been worked with, to finish up what has been starting for millenniums now. Now was the time for something his three sons were meant to do, but there would have to be multiple exceptions to the rule. One of them was a certain blue-haired man called 'Chi'....

The duel was progressing remarkably well for this man, who was succeeding in pushing the ironclad boy into a corner. Then, after three Level 10 monsters had been gathered, he started an Xyz Summon. From the overlay network rose a giant obelisk covered in cracks and red lighting bolts began to strike all around the duel, before finally one of the bolts hit the obelisk, shattering it and causing a wide bright light to engulf the area. When it had faded away, in its place was a giant dragon with the number [i]'97'[/i] on it.

[color=blue]"This is Number 97: Hadadu Thundering!!!!"[/color]

Then with a swift move, its effect activated, forcing Tron's Number 8 to turn into a glowing orb that was then stolen and attached to the powerful divine beast, bringing its ATK all the way up to 5000. Tron however, remained calm at this monstrosity, and as Chi declared an attack, he countered it with a mere Mirror Force. Chi activated its effect though, and detached a material from it to negate the destruction. (ATK 4000)

"My turn." He continued, and proceeded to activate only one card, which happened to be High Medallion Arts. This card allowed him to Xyz Summon with monsters from the graveyard, and so he overlaid three Level 4 monsters to bring forth... "I Xyz Summon Number 69: God Medallion, Coat of Arms."

Then an alienlike being appeared on the field, with a glowing '69' on it (ATK 2600). At first, Chi merely laughed, as his own Hadadu Thundering was still amazingly superior- that is, until all the orbs vanished and the life of his monster faded away, its ATK decreasing to 0. On the other hand, Number 69's ATK shot up to a whole [i]ATK of 5600[/i].

[color=blue]"Impossible...."[/color] Poor Chi muttered, his entire body shaking in disbelief.

"Number 69 negates and absorbs the effects of all other monsters on the field." Tron shrugged. "Your Number must be one of the most powerful in this tournament and it's only by luck I managed to catch you before you could sign up for the finals. Unfortunately, this thing you call 'Hadadu Thundering' is inferior to my 'Coat of Arms'. Too bad. Now end this, my Number, with [b][i]GOD RAGE!!!"[/i][/b]

While Chi was still stuttering in disbelief, a powerful beam of red fiery energy was blasted from where 69 was, penetrating the gigantic dragon without any resistance whatsoever and decreasing Chi's LP from 4000 all the way to 0. He never even got a chance to cry out. The winner was Tron.

Then the little boy walked over to the now-collapsed man, and with Photon Hand ripped out Number 97 from his soul, at the cost of the former dueling teacher's life. He then dropped the newly-obtained Number into his Egyptian box, where it joined all the other Numbers in screaming agony. With this, Tron had made a fine addition to his collection of Numbers.

[Lord JZ of the Enigma]

Josep sat at the entrance to the final arena, where the duel coaster semi-final would be held, he looked around once again before closing his eyes, sleeping on the stairs, as he did a small amount of black smoke came from his mouth each time he exhaled, it was becoming a natural part of him, and he didn't even notice. The smoke slowly traveled out and rose to the sky, looking over the whole city, it seemed to pinpoint the location of all 99 Numbers, including the two Josep currently possessed, the black smoke then spread into a cloud behind it, distorting it's shape into a Dragon's head, but it dissipated before too many people could take notice.

Back on the ground Josep's body sat there, completely unaware of what was going on, when a pickpocket came nearby to take anything he had of value. He smiled at the thought that some kid just tried sleeping in such an open place, but as he reached his hand forward, another cloud of black smoke came out from his mouth, and covered both of them, as the cloud slowly enveloped the thief, he tried to run away, but the smoke seemed to hold him down, and swallow him slowly, from the center of the cloud he heard a horrible roar, and he was covered, a muffled scream was heard, only to be silent once again. Josep's body continuing his sleep.

[Durandamon]

[color=#800080]"Sigh..."[/color] - Leon was afraid of the beast Zebulos described; he could almost see the sky darkening for himself. In hindsight, that may have been because it was almost night time. He turned around, and headed for the door. Zebulos' speech was comforting to Leon, and he decided to ask something else - [color=#800080]"I don't know if you remember, or if I should ask Sonya or Star, but...what did your previous Holders do during the fight? I'm a bit curious..." [/color]- Leon was as surprised as Sonya when they caught her eavesdropping their conversation -[color=#800080] "Only men should hear mantalk, baka Sonya."[/color]
[color=#00ffff]"I-I-I was...I was making sure y-you were okay!" -[/color] Sonya's red cheeks were enough to tell she was lying, but Leon just rolled his eyes at her and sat on the couch again. -[color=#00ffff] "I guess it's good night then, Zebby!" [/color]- Sonya hugged and kissed Zebulos back, before turning around and standing across Leon - [color=#00ffff]"I'll stay with him for the same reason."[/color]
[color=#800080]"Night, Zebulos."[/color]

[Merci]

"So my plan failed..." Dr. Faker muttered.

But then again, it had been a plan that was bound to fail. He hadn't originally been planning on participating until that accursed Akuma dragged him into this with the Numbers. Now he was in the middle of the battle, when in fact he should have been watching on the sidelines until the final battle between the two finalists, when his Sphere Field would collect all the Numbers-

Since he was participating, he may as well win the whole thing. It was a waste of resources as well as time, but for Faker there seemed to be no other option. If he ever wanted to rule the world, he would have to go through a lot to do so. Backing out now was not an option. That Byron Arclight somehow managed to return from the Balian World after sacrificing him, having become 'Tron', and now he appeared to be homicidal as well as being in possession of most of the Numbers. Tron was the only one Faker could remotely consider as an opponent, he would rather leave Tron's defeat to somebody else, or capture him within the Sphere Field...

Dr Faker possessed only a few Numbers, but if he managed to survive, then he will end up in possession of pretty much them all. It was more than he had hoped for. He had been hoping for about thirty or forty Numbers to appear, but never such a large number as [i][b]99[/b][/i]. It was more than he could hope for. And he simply [i]couldn't[/i] miss this chance.

To rule the world.

[b]"Thank you for coming to this wonderful banquet."[/b] He said to the people still remaining within the banquet, introducing himself. It was a rare occasion for him to appear in public, but right now all he wanted was for them all to go away. [b]"Unfortunately, as someone who is not me has poisoned the cake, it may be unsafe for anyone to stay here. Therefore, leave. There shall be a wonderful 'Duel Coaster' for you all to watch tomorrow!"[/b]

Not even bothering to ask Mr Heartland to do it, Dr Faker had them hurriedly go away, imitating his servant's usual pompous tone in front of the public.

He had bugged the whole banquet so as to hear the conversations of everyone. Unfortunately, Tron had only appeared for a tiny amount of time, so the information he was hoping to gather...wasn't gathered. He would have a few of his minions search through the rest of the recorded information. While Tron was an enemy, he was also a distraction for Dr Faker. Perfect.

He frowned for a moment when he watched a janitor, a foreign janitor, take a piece of the cake. Apparently he hadn't heard that it was poisoned-

A corpse. A corpse of the famous Rector Yuda within the cake. It appeared as though he had died via a combination of suffocation and poisoning. Presumably, he had been placed within the cake itself, and might've escaped had the poison not slowed him down. He found that rather funny, and stifled a small laugh.

[Love of Ghibli]

It was the day of the semi finals the long awaited morning had finally arrived for Dorian and as he showed up to the event definitely well rested he had a cartoonistic pout on his face.

[color=#ff8c00]"I'm early aren't I?[/color]"
[color=#800000]"Yep"[/color]
[color=#ff8c00]"And I have this nagging feeling that something big went down last night and I missed it."[/color]
[color=#800000]" Well can the numbers tell you anything?" [/color]
[color=#ff8c00]"Ha no...we were discussing possible felonies to commit after this tournament was over." [/color]he said with a slight laugh as he was proud of his current status among the competitors. There were only three people he was really concerned about and they should be trying to kill each other therefore all should be right with the world and he should come out the victor. Butler was simply standing there when his eyes darted to the side as he sensed murderous intent and malice afoot. Naturally Seth was the two, but thanks to Dorian's cruel sense of humor Seth had to wear a mesh shirt with a dog collar and leash therefore looking like some kind of emo BDSM boy. For Dorian it was hilarious to watch as Butler held the leash to the pet boy it was theatrical in a way. Though Dorian did notice the fact that Butler was alarmed he turned his gaze at the front gates and saw some hipster boy sleeping by a tree. Upon closer inspection it was young Joesp. While Dorian did feel the disturbing black cloud defense aura surrounding the young dragon user Dorian's pride and master plan would not have allowed this travesty to go on.

"[color=#ff8c00]Oh this simply won't do. Butler get ready to go in we're going to have to bathe this one.[/color] *sigh* [color=#ff8c00]Sometimes I'm just too nice for my own good. [/color]*chuckle*"

With that Dorian stepped forward into the dragon cloud and as he was confronted with REDMD and the unholy anti-number dragon army he simply let out a smile and summoned the spirits of his extra deck including the numbers and as the inevitable battle pursued it parted the way so that Butler could pick Joesp up with one arm (still holding Seth's leash. Dorian was prepared to have this spirit battle all throughout the journey to and from the hotel. It would be a nice warm up fight for the tourney. He had more than enough time and the new hotel was almost walking distance from the gates. It wouldn't take long to throw the boy in a shower...he seemed to have a peculiar...odor about him that needed to be cleaned.

[Kohakuchan19]

(a mesh suit...? That might be a bit much Beginning. maybe a Dog Suit or something.)

As Seth stood there with wearing a ridiculous outfit, and being pulled along by a leash. This was clearly an act of Public Humiliation. Seth's expression was both annoyed, and embarrassed. Sure no one was around at the moment to gawk at him, but soon there would be tons of different people, old and new, would be getting an eye full.

[color=#000080][b]"You are a sick son of a b****, you know that?" [/b][/color]Seth sneered at Dorian.
____________

Meanwhile, Amber was waking up, finding herself in Leon's bedroom, and Zebulos resting in the Corner. He had been standing guard all night, making sure that no one would come to attack her in her sleep. As Amber sat up, the ruffling of the sheets caught Zebulos' ears and he awoke as well.

[color=#000000][b]"yaaaaaaawn! Zebby?" [/b]Said Amber, wiping her eyes. [b]"We aren't dead.. Are we..?"[/b][/color]

[b][color=#008080]"yaaaawn... No M'Lady... We are very much alive, thanks to whatever you did to turn Number 8 to help us."[/color][/b]

[b][color=#000000]"Huh...? I don't remember much of what happened.. The last thing I remember was begging number 8 to help... But I after that I blacked out.."[/color][/b]

[b][color=#008080]"I see... I suppose even under Tron's command, You can't change the way a Number thinks.. Perhaps Number 8 is more considerate and understanding than we once thought.."[/color][/b]

[b][color=#000000]"M..maybe.. You should get more rest in the deck box Zebby. I need to get ready for the day.."[/color][/b]

Zebulos nodded in agreement, as he retreated into the deck box, per Amber's request. Amber then proceeded to change her clothes and got dressed into her normal Blue hoodie and Jeans outfit. She then did up her hair the way she usually does, fastening her goggles/D-gazer over her forehead. She then grabbed her backpack and her deckbox, then opened it to pull out her full heart frame to look at it for a brief moment before putting it all back in her backpack. She then went to the living room area and saw Leon and Sonya, They too were resting... Amber walked over to Leon and jostled him a little to wake him up.

[color=#000000][b]"Leeeeeooooon~ Wake up sleepy-head! We have a tournament to go to!"[/b][/color]

[Love of Ghibli]

Dorian while having slight fun playing Dragon wars with Joesp's automated defenses had made his way back to the hotel room after taking a quick 5 minute taxi ride. Of course he left the cleaning and deodorizing of Joesp to Butler. In the mean time he decided to simply look at Seth in his lovely little dog costume. It was funny not because it demeaned Seth but hopefully it would get another interwebz worthy reaction out of Amber once she witnessed it.

[color=#ff8c00]Oh Seth you're so funny. I can see why Emily is now taken with you. Oh you know what, maybe we can get you poodle costume to go with her princess motif. But don't worry you'll probably have company soon enough.[/color] Dorian put his finger on his chin and looked puzzled for a second. [color=#ff8c00]Hey Seth, help me out here. When I put Amber in a cage she I put a hamster wheel in their for her to get some exercise or what? I mean I would hate for her to get fat right. But if I get a hamster wheel then I really wouldn't be able to have the cage moved how I see fit now will I? See the problem Seth? What are your thoughts on the matter?[/color] He said simply trying to get under the boys skin.

[Merci]

Dr Faker's eyes flickered open, and his body shot up. The World Duel Carnival was about to begin, and he had no intention of missing it, Number or no Number. But he had the odd feeling that there was something wrong with the Carnival, that there was an unseen force somewhere within that he didn't know about. He knew about Tron, but who else could there possibly be that would give him a bad feeling...?

He checked the list for all the finalists, and naturally the people who worked for him had dived into a deep investigation into each and every one of them. He already knew who V and his brothers were, they all being the family of Byron Arclight, and Tron being the result of having dragged himself out of that Balian World. An impressive feet, by the way. V's real name was Chris, while IV and II's real names were-

Faker's attention waned away as he looked up the information on each of the finalists.

----------------------------------------

"Well, today's the day, huh?" Rai said, waking up from his bed.

[color=yellow][i]Indeed. Now, let us liberate the rest of the finalists of their Numbers,[/i][/color] 77 replied.

"Are you still going on about that....? The only thing I need finishing is that duel with Amber. I have to settle things with her, you know, for the sake of pride and stuff like that." The cybernetic human sighed as he got out of the bed, staring at his own body. There were patches of metal all around his skin, large patches that he simply couldn't hide without a full suit or a superhero costume...

"Well, let's hope we make it out of this alive...!"

---------------------------

Tron does not sleep. Tron is great. Tron is amazing. Tron is powerful. Tron is alien. Tron is Byron and not Byron at the same time. Amazing Tron wants to collect all the Numbers.

Tron has in his possession over sixty Numbers, and the rest of them all reside within the finalists' hands. One of them, Akuma, had been foolish enough to banish them to the Balian Sector, thinking they were safe there. But that had been a ridiculous and futile attempt, for he himself had come from that world, and he simply went there again to retrieve all those Numbers, increasing his stock even more.

He laughed maniacally at the sun. Yes. He could sense great things coming. Destruction. The Numbers. The Dragons. Everything, absolutely everything shall soon have their destinies decided.

[Kohakuchan19]

[color=#000080][i]"You bastard...." [/i][/color]Seth thought to himself as he scowled at Dorian a little more, refusing to give him any satisfaction by verbally answering his questions. [color=#000080][b]"I know you sort of killed your conscience and whatnot.. But what is your deal anyway? Amber never did anything to you before you tried to steal her number and have her killed, Why can't you leave Amber the hell alone!?"[/b][/color]

Even if he wasn't trying to hide it, anyone could tell that Seth was far from the happiest person in the world. Seth waited for an answer from Dorian, but even if he had said nothing, Seth spoke once more.

[color=#000080][b]"You are not untouchable you know.... You won't get away with any of this foolishness that easily."[/b][/color]

[Love of Ghibli]

Dorian was busy laying on a bed while Seth was busy inquiring. How rude of him not to answer a sincere question. Though Seth's frustration only served to fuel Dorian's inner villain laughter. They still had some time before the tourney was underway, but Joesp getting prepared shouldn't take so long.

[color=#ff8c00]Well sense we have time I guess conversing with you wouldn't be the death of me? So where to begin. Well first, my initial intrigue in token girl was simple. I wanted her numbers because she, along with Leon, and Joesp's pink haired and loud mouthed wench, showed they're numbers on the opening day. Naturally when I saw the parings of the dragon-user and that pink savage or random strippers and the gerbils, I chose to go with the clearly weaker choice. Dorian laughed as his story gets interesting. Now whether you know it or not life started getting fair for me. Leon got a powerful number, you came in the picture and started making everything easier...thank you by the way you were an excellent distraction...then you were "freed" and well you know the rest. [/color]

[color=#ff8c00]As for the trying to steal her numbers...Why is that so foreign and cruel to you all? I mean I at least want to keep them...well those that act right, Joesp is going to feed them to a Dragon, that kid from the hospital with the knocked out brother he was trying to get numbers at the warehouse you set on fire, and I'm pretty sure goggle slut took the purple number from someone else as well. Why am I the bad guy for doing what everyone else is doing? Hypocrites...[/color]

Dorian takes a deep sigh as he is a little annoyed at this hate for gathering numbers. [color=#ff8c00]Anywho, yeah I got it already, your friends went to the police and were probably there conspiring with them last night. I can't even bother to be worried with law enforcement. I mean I've stared at death countless times over and for weak willed people like you who can only be important when they are possessed by a card. Pitiful truly pitiful [/color]*yawn*[color=#ff8c00] no wonder you and Emily hit it off so well. Both of you are affection starved shells that need someone to validate their pointless existence. [/color]

[color=#ff8c00]Oooh now if you behave in public today I might just give you dog treat.[/color] he said snickering

[Des ＨＥＲＯ]

(I think I might have overdid Jame's entrance...)

James arrived to the Semi-Finals of the WDC casually wearing this time a long white trench coat that he has prepared for. He was exhausted from working all night and preparing for this very moment and the wounds that have been inflicted on him during the Preliminaries. Despite that, James remained calm and collective into his real analytical self because his fake Personalities he had hidden himself from has failed. He had to show no weakness if he had any chance of winning.

[i][color=#DAA520]‘Winning?’[/color][/i]

James then realized that he has changed completely since he began the WDC. He had forgotten the about the prize he desired before the Tournament even started and he must resort to anything to win it for his master. Memories flourished through his mind as he stopped in the arena looking down on the ground.

[spoiler=Memories]
[i][b]‘How’s the work kiddo?’ [/b][/i]
[i]‘I have seen no Duelist using any of the special Archetype you requested…I can’t belive they are making us wait. I feel so ecstatic for this Tournament; I hope we achieve the wish,’ [/i]

[i][b]‘That is quite a mile away. You would go and enjoy the World Duel Carnival while I catch up with you,’[/b][/i]
[/spoiler]

James couldn’t believe it. He was once so perfect and confident of winning the WDC during the beginning of the adventure but he has become nothing more than a shell of his former glory after numerous failures. A tear dropped from his eyes as his emotions battled it. He washed the sweat off of his forehead and stopped continued on. He had to have his revenge on IV for his humiliation. He had to redeem himself.

He stopped motionless.

But his Number amplified on his emotions and swarmed around his heart as he looked around the arena. More and more thoughts pierced and bombarded his mind as his desire for revenge was his flaw that the Numbers took advantage over to use him as their toy along with Omega.

[spoiler=Memories]
[i]‘I am as prepared as I need to for the WDC, but the hard part will certainly be finding these simple Number Holders to beat. Master Omega is surely very resourceful these days; the insane genius took all that effort for me to collect him a few Numbers. I cannot wait for his plans to come into action. Let the hunt begin,’ [/i]

[i]‘Most Number Holders will have no awareness of the true potential power a single Number hold over them. Therefore, a high amount of Number Holders will just show off their power ignoring the fact that someday they will lose it. How ignorant of them to think I was once like them,’ [/i]

[i]‘Waste of time,’ [/i]

[i]‘Let’s see how much of a challenge the average Number Holder will be, hopefully I will locate a Number Holder amongst the crowd. To think I was once like that, any Number Holders amongst them are foolish to succumb so easy to the demonic Numbers,’[/i]


His Numbers flooded a picture in his own mind of that turning point of his pride dragging down to nothing. He feared and knew what the Numbers were targeting. The moment his attempt to challenge a random Duelist in a crowd and Photon Hand them was foiled when he was intercepted by Seth. His Numbers replayed and replayed the duel again and again through his mind in a attempt for him to succumb to them and realize the message they are telling him.
[/spoiler]

[color=#DAA520][i]‘What?’[/i][/color]

James couldn’t tell what they were saying to him through the messages of his memories because there was nothing he could gain from getting his revenge on Seth because Seth is out of the WDC without a Number. But then he realized his Numbers were trying to make him turn against Seth’s friends who are in the WDC who he formed an[i] alliance[/i] with to stop all the big bad Number Hunters such as Tron.

[color=#DAA520][i]‘But…I if I didn’t change…Would I have been one of them or with Amber and co’s side,’[/i][/color] James thought struggling to think of the alternate scenario. He then fought back at the Numbers. [color=#DAA520][i]‘NO! I have unfinished business with IV! They are my-’[/i][/color]

His Numbers interrupted his thoughts as they continued to bombard him with negative emotions as he continued to focus his mind to resist it. [color=#2F4F4F][i]‘Think about it, you will have to fight those other Number Hunters if you are going to survive this and complete your goal,’[/i][/color] Number 34 said to James within his mind with a sly persuasive echo in its croaked voice.

[color=#FF0000][i]‘You are going to have to steal all the enemies Numbers or be robbed of us…You either win knowing you have caused destruction or you die with your soul in agony,’[/i][/color] Number 61 roared in his mind laughing aggressively trying it take over but James resisted them from his heart. For now.

[Durandamon]

Leon slowly opened his eyes, having been asleep for only an hour or two before Amber shook him awake. He pulled himself up and sat on the uncomfortably small couch, where Sonya was still fast asleep - [color=#800080]"Huh...Ammie I was sleeping...the tournament can waaaait...why don't we sleep in...*yawn*" [/color]- he grabbed Amber by the wrist and pulled her and himself down on the couch, closing his eyes and pretending to be sleeping - [color=#800080]"zzz..."[/color]

[color=#00ffff]"Mmm~?"[/color] - Sonya woke up when Leon got back into the couch, stretching her arms longer than she should be able to. - [color=#00ffff]"Mmm~ Where's Zebby~?"[/color] - she slowly mumbled to Amber.

[Kohakuchan19]

Amber looked over to Sonya shortly after being pulled onto the couch by Leon.

[b]"Oof...! He's resting in the Deck Box. I think he might have been up all night.. Judging by the look of you two, you two probably were too.."[/b]

Amber looked to Leon and frowned

[b]"Leon.. Time or not time, Did you at least get your Deck ready for today? We're going to have to give everything our all you know.."[/b]

Although Amber was trying to be serious about it, She could not help but get a little comfortable in Leon's arms. She cuddled with him for a bit as she waited for his response.

[color=#008080][b]"Good Morning Sonya... I'm in here as Amber said.. Did you manage to get any sleep..?"[/b][/color]

________________

[color=#000080][b]"First of all... Any additional numbers Amber has now she won in a fair duel... You on the other hand... You just swoop in and take whatever you want just because you think you can."[/b] [/color]Seth said. [color=#000080][b]"As for me, I was possessed by a number that was too strong for me to handle... You on the other hand are just flat out cruel all on your own."[/b][/color]

[Durandamon]

Leon couldn't help but giggle at Amber frowning and nagging him; she looked cute even when she was angry -[color=#800080] "As a matter of fact, I did work on my deck last night...all night. You can see..." [/color]- Leon pointed at the table with cards scrambled all over it with his free arm, while he held Amber tighter with the other. - [color=#800080]"...that I replaced a lot of cards. I couldn't get any sleep..."[/color]

[color=#00ffff]"Oh, hi Zebby~ Sleep? Not much. I was helping Leon with his deck all night...I think I went to bed around 2 or 3 a.m. thou..."[/color]

[color=#800080]"At least you got some rest, I barely closed my eyes an hour before Ammie woke me up. So, as a punishment..." [/color]- Leon held Amber with both arms and kissed her - [color=#800080]"...you'll stay here with me all day!"[/color]

[Kohakuchan19]

Amber smiled a little as Leon gave held her tight and kissed her. As nice as it would have been to be able to just relax all day with Leon, she knew that she had to get ready for the upcoming onslaught.

[b]"You know we can't stay here all day Leon.. We have to meet everyone at the Semi-Finals. If we don't get there on time we'll be disqualified. and I'm also worried about what Tron is up to..."[/b]

[color=#008080][b]"Yawn... Amber is right.. As nice as it would be to just take a day off, we have to be there within the next few hours... hmmm on that note... We could at least rest for a bit longer. If Leon didn't sleep well, we should give him a chance to rest."[/b][/color]

[b]"I guess we could.. Leon might be able to duel well if he can't stay awake... Lets see..."[/b]

Amber turned took her phone and set an alarm to go off at a certain time.. then hugged Leon lovingly.

[b]"There.. When that alarm goes off, we get ready to go and have time to get there."[/b]

[Durandamon]

Leon put a more serious face when Amber mentioned Tron, remembering what had happened the other night. -[color=#800080] "Sigh...I know, sorry Amber."[/color] - Leon cuddled with her, sharing her loving hug. -[color=#800080] "Everything will work for the best, you don't have to worry. I agree with the sleeping part thou..."[/color]

[color=#00ffff]"Yeah, Leon is useless when awake, I can't imagine how he'd be while asleep."[/color]

[color=#800080]"I'd yell at you if I wasn't so tired. Oh...I just realized something..." [/color]- Leon got up, slowly and drowsy, grabbed Amber over his shoulder and walked to the bedroom, where he slowly covered her and himself with the quilts - [color=#800080]"Ahh...this is more comfortable! I haven't slept here in three days, thanks to some girl..." [/color]- he said jokingly, hugging Amber - [color=#800080]"I *yawn* love you~" [/color]- he managed to say, half awake and half asleep.

[Love of Ghibli]

A chill went down Dorian's spine. Meaning at this moment some lovey-dovey revolting mess was going down....ugh its like Disney with card games he thought. Anywho Seth's little reply was...so truthful it was almost cute especially since he is wearing a dog suit. Seth was like a little puppy barking constantly trying to protect people.

[color=#ff8c00]Aww look at you trying to flatter me, but flattery won't get you anywhere. I guess I could correct you though, I've gotten all my numbers fair and square too. You just think that because I want Ms. Spreads-her-legs-for-token-money's numbers that I won't get them in a fair fight. The problem with that theory is that you can't get numbers from other people with out playing fair. Of course you should know that by now, but then again you did say you are pretty weak. Did you or your rag-tag crew of card imps ever think that I might be good at this game? Or maybe that since I've clearly been an intrusive obstacle in your lives that maybe I know how all your decks work, yet you have [i]never [/i]seen me play before. Pity though because while I did spend a good amount of money on Emily for fun, I did however over pay for things that didn't really require effort or money. Sad really, I mean who would have thought that all I had to do was ask the Armored Rat questions and I could get all the answers I ever wanted.[/color]Dorian starts laughing...[color=#ff8c00]And what's better is that in return all they wanted was information they already had...hahahahaha. See Seth I'm not cruel, you and your friends are just naive and I am one of those people in the world who will take advantage of that.[/color]

Dorian looks at the clock. [color=#ff8c00]Hmm how long does it take to clean that boy?[/color] [color=#ff8c00]I mean I can't have us both be disqualified, then again two hours is more than enough time, I think the gates should at least be open by now.[/color] He looks at Seth for a second and then looks towards the bathroom where Butler and Joesp are. [color=#ff8c00]Hey Butler! I'm getting room service for the dragon boy and Foofie[/color] (Seth's dog name). [color=#ff8c00]Is Dragon boy conscious?[/color] He yelled across the room picking up the phone while the hotel knows his order by heart. [color=#ff8c00]Hey what you want to eat Dogbert?[/color] He asked looking at Seth very nonchalant.[color=#ff8c00] I was going to get us something to eat at a concession stand in the stadium and have you performs some tricks, but why eat garbage when you can have food right[/color]? he said jokingly

Butler on the other hand was busy giving the works to a naked and for some weird reason still sleeping Joesp in the jacuzzi bath in the hotel. Unfortunately due to the horrid stench and bug infestation of Joesp's clothes Butler made the executive decision to burn them instead of deigning to clean them. No matter there were plenty of extra non-embarrassing clothes prepared for Seth that could be given to Joesp. While making sure to get behind the ears, in between the toes, in the armpits, places that most likely shouldn't be mentioned, and in the hair it was a most arduous task. Fortunately the dragons stopped attacking probably after realizing there was no malicious intent. Butler heard his masters question. [color=#800000]"No he's still out!"[/color] His base voice resonating through the suite. Butler simply resumed his task making it so that Dorian would be proud of his work which wasn't hard since Dorian is always proud of his Butler. Though he couldn't help but pity the boys (Joesp and Seth) for their situation. [color=#800000][i]Why is it always the young ways that have to bare the weight of the world? [/i][/color]he thought.