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

[Love of Ghibli]

Dorian shivered for a second as if someone was planning malicious things behind his back. It was somewhat of an entertaining sensation. He simply stared at Hannah through the window keeping Inferno at bay with his own patience. He looked around to see if anyone was coming and while people were passing to and fro no one was paying much attention as usual. Weird though Dorian was under the impression that Ms. Hannah here was someone important and should have a full time guard around her, but then again who has time to allocate those resources for a vegetable. Dorian had thought about going inside but that would be a crime and no need to risk that just to antagonize poor Joesp. Though that maddening thought did give him an idea. He took his scalpel and put it up his sleeve and he then gave himself a little tour of the hospital.
~~~~
The police chief was leaning in listening intently to the story hoping this Dorian character had made some kind of flaw but the story that he told almost made him sad. [color=#008000]So let me get this straight he wanted "something" from the girl, didn't get it, and your friend broke into his hotel room....Exactly what do you think the police can do you for here? I-I-I'm curious I'm positively curious[/color]. He waited for Leon's reply maybe if this Dorian did something illegal then the police can take some action if not then life will just suck for these kids.

[Kohakuchan19]

[color=#0000ff]"Proof huh... You mean to tell me that right here.. right now... that you can prove that these Number cards have these awesome powers that others do not... and that you can talk to them?"[/color] The rookie asked Amber in disbelief.

[color=#000000][b]"Yup!"[/b][/color] Amber started as she held out The card that read Zebulos' name. [b][color=#000000]"Zebby, can you materialize like you did at Leon's house today?"[/color][/b]
[b][color=#008080]"Are you sure it's a good idea M'Lady...?"[/color][/b]
[b][color=#000000]"We have to convince them somehow Zebby... Do it for me...? Please?"[/color][/b]
[b][color=#008080]"Siiiigh... Alright... Just this once..."[/color][/b]

Amber then asked the Rookie officer to step back as her card started to glow, which that alone was a bit freaky to the officer, but then something came out of the picture of the card. He saw a large opossum in armor and cloak appear. The beasts had any weapons he had sheathed as not to pose a threat, but the rookie immediately began to freak out.

[color=#0000ff]"AAAAH!!! GIANT RAT!!!"[/color]
[color=#000000][b]"H-hold on a minute! Calm down will you? Zebulos here wouldn't hurt a fly! .... as long as they don't bother me..."[/b][/color]
[color=#0000ff]"T...THAT is what a number looks like!? He's huge! for a rat that is..."[/color] Said the officer as her stared at Zebulos who was at least 1 foot taller than he was (Zebby is about 6 ft tall)
[color=#008080][b]"M'lady asked you to calm down... And I'm not a rat.. I'm an opossum..."[/b][/color]
[b][color=#000000]"No number is the same sir... But Zebulos is a good number.. He'll always be on our side."[/color][/b]
[color=#0000ff]"T...This is crazy... Is this the kind of thing that has been causing problems in the tournament?"[/color]
[color=#000000][b]"Well... Not all numbers are good guys I'm afraid..."[/b][/color]
[color=#0000ff]"Right... CHIEF!! You might want to come and see this...![/color]

[evilfusion]

After a moment or two of unresolved chaos still occurring, III decided it'd be best to leave for the rendezvous. He was running close to Tron's deadline, and Akuma seemed distracted still. It occurred to him that whatever Dr. Faker had intended with poisoned food, it was sure to come crashing down soon, and no doubt there would be consequences for the attending finalists, whether hospitalization or security matters.

As such, he raised his left hand, the green crest forming on the back and conjuring a small galaxy portal, which he stepped into, disappearing swiftly from the banquet hall. He reappeared outside the designated location, adjusted his coat, and went inside, his eyes swiftly locating Tron, whose mask made him stand out significantly, as well as his eldest brother, V, already there.

The boy walked over to the table, bowing his head respectfully. "I apologize if I'm late, Tron," he stated, giving an acknowledging nod to V. "Good evening, V," he said, adding a more formal tone to his brother's name. It was a habit of his to address his older brothers with this tone, which oddly was never used when speaking to Tron. Likewise, III never actually referred to Tron by anything other than 'Tron'.

[Lord JZ of the Enigma]

Upon reaching the hospital he rushed though the security and front desk, no one was going to get in his way, no one could even see him by Red-Eyes' power, he was sensing Dorian, looking for him, wanting to end him once and for all, he had abused the powers of Numbers to do things for nonsensical reason other then feed his ego, and now he threatened Hannah by being near her, he was done, he had had enough, he would make Dorian suffer for once in his pathetic existence.

[b][i]"DORIAN.....WHERE ARE YOU, YOU WORM" [/i][/b]he roared in conjunction with Red-Eyes, smelling him up in a different floor from Hannah, he didn't like what he smelled, but he would make him pay for even attempting to enter her presence, Red-Eyes was feeding off of this negativity, it was temporary, but all of this anger would allow him to enter that form, if only for a short while, he grinned in malice.

[Love of Ghibli]

A voice came from behind and right into Joesp's ear. [color=#ff8c00]Shhhh keep your voice down you're in a hospital.[/color] As Joesp turned around it was Dorian smiling and somewhat laughing as he he had on a white Doctor's robe over his suit. It helped mask his scent from Joesp but that was purely a coincidence seeing as Dorian was simply having some fun touring the hospital. He even paid a couple residents to give him a doctor's coat so he could look even more fly and official. Dorian saw Joesp's impending rage and grabbed his mouth catching a laugh. Dorian then proceeded to simply walk past Joesp and stood next to Hannah's room looking at her through the glass.

[color=#ff8c00]Oh look at you all mad. You almost look like you can do something, but we know that isn't true. Your whole gimmick is about standing back, being moody, and talking about what you could do and not actually doing anything. So now that we got that out of the way...Hi, how are you? You don't call, you don't write, its almost like we aren't friends anymore how sad. But I guess that is okay because Hannah here explained how you are a little shy. Of course I didn't get to talk to her much Inferno Chevalier...you know what let's just call him Chevy, Chevy here is just bent on finishing the job he started. What are your thoughts on the matter Mr. J?[/color]

Dorian was amused at himself watching Joesp get possessed by Red-Eyes or join with Red-Eyes...what ever it didn't matter everything was fun hopefully this little display would tip this inactive wonder right over the edge. But in case this wasn't enough there were contingencies

~~~

The police chief hear the ruckus outside and was about to shoot somebody on general principle. However he decided to just step outside and see what this foolishness was about. Of course waiting for him was a giant rat in a suit of armor and 6ft tall. Without saying a word he simply turned around went back into his office where Leon was and then in his draw he pulled out a bottle of scotch, a glass, and a manila folder with some papers inside. The chief took these items and walked down the hall to one of the interview rooms not saying anything to anybody. The officers knew what was to come. Earmuffs were being distributed, people began to make sure everything was nailed down securely, and sharp objects put away.

After a minute of eerie silence BANG!! BOOM!! Only sounds of tables hitting walls, glass breaking, shots being fired, insanity was loose. the station simply stood still as this fiasco was going trying not to make any sudden movements. About ten minutes of continuous noise later the chief came back looking somewhat calm yet very sweaty and not carrying anything walked back to his office. But before he went inside he looked at one of the other officers and calmly said: "[color=#008000]We need a clean up in interview room 4. Get on that will you.[/color]" The random policemen nodded which was funny seeing as no one knew who he was talking to exactly but the job would get done.

The chief went back and pointed to Amber and friends and they were escorted into the chiefs office. As he kept moving his fingers through his hair still trying not to panic he just asked one simple question.

[color=#008000]"Is that (pointing to Zebulous) what this Dorian fellow is after?"[/color]

[Kohakuchan19]

Amber was a bit confused at first as to why the other officers were so frantic all the sudden, and even more confused as they gave her a pair of earmuffs. Then she heard all the ruckus and was a bit surprised at first, but quickly got over it. Once the Sheriff returned, he seemed okay, but somewhat exhausted. She then noticed that he was signaling her and her friends to follow him into his office. As Amber and company were escorted to the office, Everyone took a seat except for Zebulos, who remained standing. As Amber was asked the question she was prepared with an answer.

[b]"I believe so.. I can't really think of anything else that guy would want from me.."[/b]She said[b] "You see he's not just any other Duel Monsters card.. He's a number! I have one other Number too, but I don't want to take up too much space." [/b]Amber looked to Zebulos. [b]"Zebby, Why don't you introduce yourself?"[/b]

[b][color=#008080]"As you wish M'lady.." [/color][/b]said Zebulos [color=#008080][b]"I am Number 89: Rocket Knight King- El Zebulos... But you may simply call me Zebulos."[/b][/color]

[b][color=#000000]"I hope I didn't spook you guys too bad bringing him out here... But I didn't see any other way to prove how important a roll Numbers have played in the tournament and with recent events... I assume you've heard of a Numbers Card... They're basically super powerful Duel Monster Cards. But they aren't just cards as you can plainly see.. They are living breathing spirits!"[/color][/b]

[color=#008080][b]"Amber may not have been awake when Dorian first crossed our path... But I could see it all.. He came with another Man.. a Butler.."[/b] [/color]Zebulos began to explain [color=#008080][b]"Amber was in a Comatose state then.. At first.. Dorian tried to talk everyone into letting him simply take me and the other number... But knowing how important we were to her, they refused.. Among the party at the time was Sir Leon, Sir Seth, and Sir Yuki over here.. Because they refused.. They took more dangerous measures.. The Butler in particular.. They attempted to Take us by force, but there was resistance.. Then They decided that they would try to kill Amber and her friends... Even to obtain a number card... It was sick and twisted, to think anyone would go to such measures.." [/b][/color]

[color=#0000ff]"So... How do we know this giant.. Rat.. Opossum thing is telling the truth...?" [/color]The Rookie asked hesitantly.

[color=#000000][b]"Zebulos would never lie! Why would he need to? He is a figure of righteousness, and Justice!"[/b][/color]

[b][color=#008080]"It is alright M'lady.. I cannot simply expect these humans to believe me right off the bat.. I am really only here to prove to the officers that Numbers are real, and can be just as tangible as I am now."[/color][/b] Zebulos looked to the Sheriff [color=#008080][b]"We know you want to help our friend Seth.. I believe that as much as Amber and the others. But remember this.. Dorian has at least 4 numbers of his own.. each one is very strong, and dangerous.. As long as Dorian is their holder, they will try to defend him from any and all threats. We will have to work together."[/b][/color]

[Lord JZ of the Enigma]

"Those days are over Dorian, I do what I need to do to keep her safe" he said in a much calmer tone, his anger still seething through as he reached forward and grasped for Dorian's throat. "You honestly think you're exempt from pain? mocking others when they show emotion? Just because your an empty sack of a human being you think you're above others, honestly you're nothing more then a thorn in my side right now, just a small prick when it comes down to the matter of things, that's why you haven't entered the room. You say you're a threat and you haven't even gone inside her room yet, I can tell I don't smell your awful stench on the doorknob much less in there, you're too much of a coward to get in trouble with something physical in this world like the police".

After a few seconds he let go of his throat and aimed his fist to sock him in the jaw, the aura of montage Dragon swatting away any of his Numbers that tried to interfere, a quick cross, just to leave him on the ground whether or not it hit he didn't care. "You actually think you're worth anything in this conflict other then a placeholder? Prove your worth in the tournament then I'll show you what I can do, not here...because, as you said.....we're in a hospital...."

Josep proceeded to enter the room and reactively punched to his sides, where Hannah's two guards were hiding, leaving them unconscious as he sat by her side, he left the door open in case Dorian wanted to retort.

[Merci]

"Hello, III." Tron greeted his youngest son as he walked in.

They had come in the exact order he had expected. His oldest son V, being the most loyal, had come first. Then came his youngest son, III, the one who always appeared to take responsibility for the family. And finally, there was IV. Reckless IV. Unfaithful untrustworthy IV. But for that reason he had been chosen as the primary Number Hunter of the family, and by attaining Number 89: Bacterian Overlord, he had successfully achieved and reached Tron's expectations. In a way, one could say IV was his favorite among them. Unlike V and III, he wasn't all too reserved.

But it is a given fact that IV will never exceed the expectations of the ironclad boy self-named 'Tron', this amalgam entity of unknown origin who is supposedly the man the three sons know as Byron Arclight. The boy called IV can never exceed his expectations. Unfortunately, this is a given fact.

"There is less than an hour left." He stated. "Certainly, by then, IV and our special guest will arrive."

With that, he patiently awaited the arrival of the last two.

[Love of Ghibli]

Dorian smiled as Joesp calm voice spoke about change it was somewhat soothing and almost reassuring. When Joesp grabbed Dorian's throat he almost laughed but really could not get the air to breathe since he was being choked. As he listened to these string of insult he did not show pain nor elation just apathy. Then Joesp pulled back for a punch it was then that Dorian sensed this might not end well. He took the hit and fell to the ground rubbing his jaw listening to this speech about how unimportant he is. As Joesp went inside he rubbed his jaw and was pretty much thankful that the floor was clean because that would have meant getting his super expensive suit dirty. He got up and dusted himself off and went inside Hannah's room he stepped over the guards and walked right on the other side of Hannah's bed.

Dorian made eye contact with Joesp for a quick second and looked at Hannah. He then palmed Hannah's face. As Joesp would naturally move into action Dorian gave him a quick look and Joesp found himself in another web unable to move like what was done with red eyes before. Dorian simply had Hannah's face in his hand and he felt her faint breathe on his palm and without looking at Joesp he said in the creepiest calm manner. [color=#ff8c00]Life is a balancing act. We have consequences and repercussions for all of our actions. I taunt you, you hit me in the face, Seth breaks into my hotel room, now he practically belongs to me, and so on and so on. So what should your consequence be? I don't know I'll think of one.[/color] At that moment the number 72 lit up on his hand and heat was being transferred into Hannah's body and she was starting to sweat. Noticing Joesp most likely angered state Dorian still continued with his speech but this time he was walking over to Joesp. [color=#ff8c00]Anywho about the tournament tomorrow let me explain what will happen. You will start off all powerful, you'll probably beat someone unimportant with a number, because for some odd reason we all seem to have one; but then there will come that time where you have to face Goggles or one of her friends and you know what will happen...[/color] At this point he is staring right in Joesp's face. [color=#ff8c00]You will falter and fail and do nothing just like now.[/color] Dorian added another restraint to Joesp (aso the snake) as he went back to the other side and leaned in over Hannah. [color=#ff8c00]It is the king who orders the knight to slay the dragon, remember that [/color]he said as he gave Hannah a soft kiss, stood up and licked his lips. [color=#ff8c00]Hmmm[/color]. He turned around and walked out the door releasing all of the restraints on Joesp [color=#ff8c00]See you tomorrow.[/color]

Dorian proceeded to exit the hospital somewhat pleased with himself as he did work without having Butler their to make sure he didn't get hurt . Of course Dorian did get hurt and that most likely would not have happened if Butler was there but still these will be noted as growing pains. Dorian called the concierge from the new hotel and proceeded to have car sent for him. The car arrived within ten minutes and he got inside looking up at the hospital to see if his little pet dragon project was looking down. Once he got in the car his calmness went away.

[color=#ff8c00]OWW OW OW Ouch. He hit me...he hit me, reptile lizard man reject hit me!!![/color]
[color=#a52a2a]Calm yourself do you know how hard it is to restrain a dragon with web and you made me do it twice in one night![/color]
[color=#008000]You didn't have to touch it, dragon's are pretty tough you know![/color]
[color=#ff8c00]Ugh quit whining he couldn't over exert himself with the pink one their he would have hurt her and that wasn't going to happen.[/color]
[color=#008000]Why not use Biida, he can handle dragons?[/color]
[color=#ff8c00]No need to hunt rabbits with cannons. Besides I just hope this works, I can't use numbers against him or Tron outside of a card game so this plan though genius relies on dragon boy to act right.[/color]
[color=#a52a2a]Well you are great at antagonizing people. I'm sure Goggle slut and Co. are still mad at you from before so this time sure wouldn't be different.[/color]
[color=#ff8c00]Aww thanks.[/color] Dorian says rubbing his jaw and making a pouty face. [color=#ff8c00]He still hit me though. [/color]
~~~~
The police chief listened as the 6ft Orkin-man target decided to speak in addition to simply existing. It was like being caught up in a twisted sci-fi movie but not having the luxury of being one of the main characters. However the giant..creature did spin a nice tale. The chief found himself readily amused and maybe the scotch had just worked its magic but he was kind of believing this story. Of course then Zebby mentioned the tag force battle of Police and this merry group of kids versus the Von Schroeder family. He had to let Mr. Justice know some facts about their current situation.

[color=#008000]Allow me to explain some things to you now Mr...Zebulous. It seems to me like your friend Seth here is the only person we know for SURE broke a law. This Dorian fellow seems to be a really nasty person and I know I talked to him, but what law can you prove he broke? You and these children seem to not understand that when you do something wrong you have to be punished for it. Of course..you don't seem to be alone in this aspect.[/color] The chief glares at the policemen with a black eye and Amber not being in jail. For example let me show you this. The chief types a couple of keystrokes and turns his monitor around so everyone can see. Its a video of Amber going ape all over Butler's car, but someone went and replaced all the parts of her talking with monkey noises.

[color=#008000]"Anyone want to explain this and how we are supposed to deal with this issue right here?"[/color]

[Kohakuchan19]

(Beginning.. that was the creepiest thing I think I've ever seen Dorian do... or read.. SAME DIFFERENCE!!")

Amber understood what the officer meant, but when she saw the video of what she had done she almost fell apart, but she spoke, trying not to sound shaky

[b]"... The Kaito Brothers... When I was in a coma, they took me to one of their facilities... It's sure to have security cameras right..? If we could just get get footage of what happened there, that would be all the proof you need to prove that he's guilty... for Attempted Murder..."[/b]

Amber took another look at the screen and then looked a bit embarrassed... Is that how she looked when she attacked? She could hardly believe that was her...

[color=#008080][b]"Please turn that off sir... She gets it, she did a bad thing.."[/b][/color]

[b][color=#000000]"No I didn't!" [/color][/b][color=#000000]Amber denied [b]"If The Police Didn't allow Dorian or Butler to have custody of Seth in the first place.. And if The Police would have helped when I begged for help.. THIS... THIS would never had happened... I attacked cause I wanted to save my Brother!!" [/b][/color]

[color=#000000]Amber tried not to get teary eyed here, but she stood up as tall as she could to show she meant what she said.[/color]

[color=#000000][b]"I'll admit it! I have a history of anger issues from when I was a kid! I had a habit of taking matters into my own hands when it came of bullies and such... Some people even made fun of me for it.. But whenever MY friends were in trouble, I always stood up for them.. To me.. What I did tonight was no different.. I was trying to protect my friend from the bully.." [/b]She then pointed at the Sheriff and the other officers watching. [b]"Because the Teachers and Principle never did.... a GOD DAMN THING!!!"[/b][/color]

[color=#000000]Zebulos could sense that Amber was experiencing some sort of past trauma, but he decided it was best to calm her down now, before she got into more trouble[/color]. He set his large hands on Amber's Shoulders and had her sit down.

[color=#008080][b]"M'lady.. You need to calm down... You are so much better than that now."[/b][/color]

[b][color=#000000]"Zebulos..." [/color][/b][color=#000000]Amber sat down, then looked to the officers, ashamed of her own reaction. [b]"I must be punished.. Then so be it.. but as long as Seth is stuck in this situation.. This may not be the last time you see me in the building.."[/b][/color]

[Lord JZ of the Enigma]

"I'd...." he looked at Hannah, touched by that monster, he wiped her face off with his thumb and kissed her himself, properly. Honestly if she had felt that she would have killed him on the spot, but what Dorian had said also disturbed him, he would stop trying when he had to fight Amber and her friends....would he? They were kinder then other duelists, they were trying to stop all the violence.......[b][i]"THEY HOLD NUMBERS AND CANNOT BE TRUSTED"[/i][/b]

"You've been very vocal lately Red-Eyes....." Josep said as he stood up, he looked down at the car Dorian eventually left in. "He didn't threaten her, he just wanted to get me angry.....you do too Red-Eyes....and this Tron guy.....I wonder what he wants with me.....dammit, when did I become so important? Or am I just a piece? Dorian seems to think so, he's using me for something, what does he intend to gain......and Tron, he's not exactly mister personality either, but he has the same goal as us...so let's see what he has to say....." Josep looked at Hannah one last time, hoping next time he sees her she'll be awake and happy and strangling Dorian. "How fast can I get there with your help Red-Eyes? I have less then an hour"

[b][i]"ARE YOU AFRAID OF HEIGHTS?"[/i][/b]

[Love of Ghibli]

Dorian arrived at the hotel where Butler and Seth were staying and as he walked into the room Butler was already glaring at him.

[color=#800000]O_O[/color]
[color=#ff8c00]Man you and this sixth sense thing is creepy[/color]
[color=#800000]O_O[/color]
[color=#ff8c00]Okay yes I'm sorry I got a little carried away might have suffered for it but these are growing pains right?[/color] Dorian says with a nervous giggle.
[color=#800000]O_O[/color] Butler at this moment lifts up his hand to reveal an ice-pack for his masters jaw.
[color=#ff8c00]Ugh...I promise it will never happen again.[/color] Dorian looks down in shame which is a very rare instance in fact there are only 3 sets of people in the world that can make him feel shame, Butler, his family, and toddlers everyone else for the most part can go suck a lemon.
[color=#800000]That is fine now get some rest you have a tournament to win tomorrow. What about Seth?[/color]
[color=#ff8c00]Did you strip him and throw him in the closet?[/color]
[color=#800000]No[/color]
[color=#ff8c00]Oh..then leave him be simply having him is more than enough he's probably messaging all his friends now which is going to do so much more harm than good. Funny though cause we didn't even torture him like with others.[/color]
[color=#800000]Maybe because you somewhat like these kids.[/color]
[color=#ff8c00]O_O[/color]
[color=#800000]Just kidding[/color]
[color=#ff8c00]Don't joke you're creepy when you're funny which is hard since 90% of the population is disturbed by your presence alone.[/color]

Dorian simply walked away to his own great room and proceed to change out of his suit and go to sleep for the night tomorrow was a big day.

~~~

The chief was barely able to tolerate Amber's constant stream of self-righteous word vomit. [color=#008000][i]Is this what they call minstration[/i][/color] he thought [color=#008000][i]my wife was never this bad.[/i][/color] However somewhere in the litany of trash towards the beginning he heard something useful.

[color=#008000]Wait...wait security cameras, you mean like something tangible and usable. Well now we are talking, talking about something important actually. Now we will look into the matter of this whole camera business and you all just..ugh go somewhere before I wake up and find out this was all a dream. Black eye here will escort you out[/color]. He waved his hands signalling everyone to leave while he somewhat tried to compose himself. On all of the nights why did this have to happen on his watch?

[Premier Alexander Romanov]

Atsuko mused about this possibility. She and Chris had a plan for getting through to the finals, but it all depended on how much help they could get from their benefactor. [color=#FF0000]"Honestly, this Tron guy freaks me out, but I just got a new Number of my own. She's a little shy, though."[/color]

V shook his head at the masked young man in front of him. [color=#0000ff]"No thank you, father. I already had something on my way here."[/color] He always made sure not to have anything Tron might put his hands on, out of fear of his own father stabbing him in the back. He was devoutly loyal to Tron, but that didn't mean he had to fully trust him. Maybe after this debacle was done and over with. He then nodded upon III's arrival and smiled at the younger boy. [color=#0000ff]"Good to see you again."[/color]

[Des ＨＥＲＯ]

After all the excitement from the Banquet streamed down to silence, James became bored and realized he had a lot to prepare for the Duel Coasters. He then looked back to Neo and Rai (OOC: Well I assume they are still at the banquet). [color=#daa520][b]“I guess I will be going to make final preparations to my deck for the Duel Coaster,”[/b][/color] he informed them casually walking away. [color=#daa520][b]“Good luck in the Duel Coaster,”[/b][/color]


___


As James entered his hotel room, he was surprised about it being completely silent. But he didn’t care as he went to his room to reconstruct his deck. [color=#daa520][i]‘I have it all planned, I normally have the hand and field advantage in a duel…All I need is the Life Points advantage…’[/i][/color] he thought getting out his D-Pad to look at the list of cards to add to his deck and use his D-Gazer to order them. Normally it would take days or weeks to arrive, but since Heartland is more advanced, it can arrive nearly instantly from local Card Shops that already have the ideal cards.


After hours of constructing his deck, James couldn’t help smirking as he felt he finally was prepared. [color=#daa520][i]‘Perfect, now my friends shall help me for my revenge,’[/i][/color] he thought as he planned that immediately when getting on the Duel Coaster, he will target IV for a rematch and slowly assist all the others afterwards with what they need. The only problem was Tron and all the Numbers he could potentially spam but James knew that Tron would be targeted by nearly everyone…Could Tron defeat more than half of the contestants by himself on the Duel Coaster at the same time? Impossible!

[Merci]

Rai gave a thumbs-up to the stranger. "You too!" Then he looked back at Atsuko. "So you have a new Number too, huh? Mine's 77. I can't wrap my head around his personality though, but I think he's some sort of extremist... Even so, I'm not doubting Tron's power, but I hope he'll be eliminated before the Duel Coaster ends. Therefore, there won't be anything to worry about in the finals...though to be honest, I don't think I'll make it there."

-----------

Tron chuckled a little as V, the man formerly known as Chris, denied his request.

"Ah, but it's only natural~!" He laughed out, reverting to his childish persona for a moment. "In any case, I can sense our special guest is on the move here. But on the other hand, my last son doesn't seem to be concerned with heading here. A pity if he doesn't make it in time, I was looking so forward to him and his presentation of the obtained Bacterian Overlord."

[Premier Alexander Romanov]

Atsuko nods. [color=#ff0000]"She's Number 18. I'm still trying to trust her after seeing what happens to others who are corrupted by their Numbers countless times, but my partner Chris has a pair of good Numbers, and I'm willing to try and trust her, even though she took one of my favorite cards and transformed it in order to complete herself. However, she seems very sweet and caring."[/color]

Inside a sort of shared space between the two duelist's heads, a figure approached the electric dinosaur. The figure, clearly female, had on a cheerleader's outfit made of red and blue armor plates with the words "MAGNET WARRIORS" printed on the front in gold lettering. She had similar white stockings on her legs that said the same thing. Her "hair", another plate of armor, was gold, but with two ponytails made from red and blue armoring. In her hands were a pair of pom-poms of alternating red and blue bits. What exposed parts of her there were a silverish-grey, and her face was a gold domino mask with black dinamond-shaped portions where the eyes would be that had green motes within for the eyes. Finally, on her back, in between her shoulder blades, was a gold "18".
[color=#a9a9a9]"H-Hello...Number 77..."[/color] Number 18 asked cautiously. [color=#a9a9a9]"I am Number 18, the partner of your partner's friend. Maybe we could be friends?"[/color]

[Merci]

Number 77 materialized, a [s]purple[/s] golden electrical dinosaur with red eyes and green lines running across his body. In actuality, if one were to peel off his scales they would come up with a hard black thingie underneath, so if it was entirely removed he would appear as just a large shaped circuit board. He frowned at 18 a bit. [color=yellow]"Hmph. You look a lot different than before, but there's no mistaking that Number. Greetings, 18. So we meet again."[/color] He stated at her, his eyes unable to recognize her form. [color=yellow]"You might not remember, but I believe you saved my life once." [i]Though in vain. Ha ha.[/i][/color]

Rai laughed a bit. "To be honest, I may be a little corrupted myself, but not by a lot. I can still think normally and do as I please. To be honest, 77 latched onto me after I defeated an opponent..."

[Premier Alexander Romanov]

Atsuko nodded at this, but looked a bit glum. [color=#ff0000]"I don't feel odd at all, save for a little sad for my Number. Eighteen...she seems...lonely. She's scared of the one who hurt her, and needs someone to help her. She found me, and figures she can make the feeling mutual, helping me with my mo- helping me with a personal issue I have in exchange for me providing her shelter."[/color]

Eighteen was a bit confused as to what Seventy-Seven was saying. He had met her before, and she had saved his life? She clutched her head for a bit before looking back up at him. [color=#A9A9A9]"I'm sorry, have we met before? I...I don't remember much from before the masked man hurt me..."[/color] She shuddered from her memory of the agony that Tron had put her through. [color=#A9A9A9]"Could you help jog my memory, since it appears that I have lost it since I found my new partner?"[/color]

[Merci]

As Tron continued to wait, he couldn't help but look at the clock. It was nearly time. So for the final preparation, he clicked his fingers and an Egyptian box appeared out of nowhere, one with the 'Eye of Wdjat' on it. It slowly floated down to the ground and landed with a 'clank!'. For just a tiny split second, he playfully opened the tip a little bit, [b][i]HELPMEMEHELPHEMPL PHEPME IHRTHURTS ITHRUTS HELP PLEASE PLEASE PLEAsE SAeVUE MEEEEAE HELPPPPPP-[/b][/i] and closed it again. Something seemed to be odd. Why was the box slightly lighter? It was so miniscle a difference that any ordinary human wouldn't have noticed it.

But Tron being Tron, he noticed. One of them had escaped.

He cursed himself for a moment, but quickly calmed down. The runaway Number must have most likely run off to one of the semifinalists. Therefore, he'll encounter it during the Duel Coaster. Nothing to worry about.


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


Chidorisaurus frowned a bit, a hard expression to do for a dinosaur. [color=yellow]"Oh...? You escaped from that kid, huh? Well, I wouldn't know how to jog your memory. Perhaps during the Duel Coaster you might remember. But you may want to put it in mind that there was once a war. Many years ago. Us versus...[i]it.[/i] It is better if you remember 'it' in your own time."[/color] But the thing is, this Number, or perhaps both of them might not have much more time than a day with all the Hunters running amock...


"Mother, you mean?" Rai raising an eyebrow. "Well, personally I don't remember my parents. I mean, somebody must have paid for the hospital when I was struck by a bolt of lightning and turned me into a half-cyborg thing...but I don't seem to ever see them anymore. I have to admit, I don't even know my surname...." He muttered absent-mindedly.

[Lord JZ of the Enigma]

It had taken a while, but Josep had managed to find where Tron had caused him to walk to. wherever the hell he was at, eventually finding the room. "So this is it huh?" he looked around and saw the other two, one quite......menacing with Sephiroth-like hair and the odd Green Tattoo over his left eye. The other one was a.....girl? she seemed nice.....wait was it a guy? he had felt all-male spirits.....but this one looked a lot like a girl...wait no, that's not important.

"You cause a huge stir at the party mister Tron....all those voices you controlled them all quite well......and the fact you have these two as...bodyguards shows you're either cautious or a huge schemer.......I can say honestly I don't trust you completely, but that's to be expected....you are however the only person with control over Numbers unlike any other and if it's to save Hannah...then I'll hear you out...." Josep looked at the helmet wearing boy, if he said one thing wrong he might be in for his own murder.....

[Merci]

"Ah, hello there, Josep!" Tron greeted, waving to him like a kid. He was grinning widely, as if they were two old friends meeting again after millenniums. But his arm then dropped and sighed a bit, though the grin still remained on his face. "Yes, the party. Ah, that was one of the greatest fun I've had in a while. And those voices...well of course."

He stood up, and extended his hand, as if for a handshake.

"Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Byron Arclight, a man betrayed by Dr Faker. He sacrificed and sent me into the Balian World to rot and die, but with my willpower I managed to return...albeit slightly, ah, distorted. These two 'bodyguards' of mine are actually my three ever-loyal sons. I named them each III, IV, and V... well, IV being the rebellious one still hasn't made it here." He laughed faintly at this. "In any case, while in that 'Balian World' I gained powers unlike any other. I also gained the ability to control the Numbers via a 'Crest'. I've granted each of my sons these crests so they will not be overtaken by the Numbers, and I myself also have one."

As if to emphasize this, a green crest glowed on his head for a bit. "If you wanted, I [i]could[/i] forge one on Hannah for you. Theoretically, it would straightaway allow her to awaken, since the crest will immediately repel the power of the Number responsible for her situation. Not only that, but it would also allow her to use Numbers in a duel without ill effect...but you will never trust me to do such a thing, will you? That is why I can offer you something else."

Then he clicked his fingers and a glass vial appeared out of thin air. The ironclad boy grabbed it and held it out in front of Josep. Inside the vial was what appeared to be a tiny bit of green water.
"This has the same properties as a 'crest', but you have your own free will for it. If you wished, you could test it first on any Number person you know, and see the results. That is, it will flush out the Number from the soul, freeing the person, and the soul cannot be infiltrated by one again. All you have to do is to pour the liquid into the mouth of your dear girl..."

He began to toss the vial around, juggling it. But of course, he wouldn't let it fall.

[i]"There's only thing you have to do to obtain it."[/i] He continued, his grin now a sly smile. [b]"Abandon and forget all friendships you've ever had. All the ones with the humans of course, of course other than Hannah."[/b]

He let his gaze fall upon Josep, and sat back down. This was a Chinese restaurant, with Tron and his three sons on side of the table, and Josep on the other. He put the vial onto the table. Then, randomly; "This is off-topic, but if you would like something to eat, just order it. These people work 24/7."

[Lord JZ of the Enigma]

Josep had a little time to think, this was a great opportunity, not only had this man....boy....person given him a chance to bring Hannah back from her state, but all he had to do was......forsake every relation he had. It didn't sound too bad, he had cut ties with his family already...why were a bunch of kids he just met a few days ago such a problem to forget....it was their involvement in all of this, it made sense, everything they had done was a part of all of this mess.... "All I have to do is forget them then? you really aren't asking for much...."

He felt a sudden wave go over him, he seemed to still be holding on to them, but the vial..."If you could stop moving the vial like that...it...it makes me uncomfortable...." he said honestly as he looked at the "sons". "I do have to ask about the test.....who do you suggest I use it on? I;m sure you would rather defeat most of the remaining people during the tournament then weaken them without their spirits, that would be boring and if your performance during the banquet means anything, you don't want to be bored...." he questioned.

[Merci]

Tron laughed.

"Your lives are my amusement. I can never be bored as long as you people keep it interesting." He replied, though he did stop juggling the vial about. "To be honest, I won't be targeting anyone during the semifinals, as that will be the job of my three sons. All my opponents during that time will probably be brave yet foolish duelists, all hoping to defeat the almighty me. But I'm sure there'll be someone you could test it on. How about somebody like, ah, perhaps Dorian?"

Dorian von Schroeder. It was fun while it lasted. The man's actions had been one of his greatest amusements. But alas, in the end he was but another pawn. Still, he'd have to go away, just like everyone else. They all had to be disposed of, and their Numbers taken in the end. But of course, not that Josep would succeed in using the vial on him. That chance would never come.

Then Tron suddenly stood up, and extended out his hand once more.

"Go on then. Shake my hand, relish your ties of friendship, and then you will receive this vial." He playfully showed it to Josep, but it was still slightly out of reach.

[evilfusion]

III observed the exchange between Tron and Josep in absolute silence. It was one of his better known traits: He could sit and stand while anything was going on around him, and yet say and do nothing until the situation required him to. In some cases, that made him a pushover, but more often, it made certain he would not act too rashly before knowing what he was up against. It was this sort of thing that made him an above-average duelist, even if previously, he was far too shy to actually attend tournaments, unlike IV.

However, his brow furrowed slightly as Tron chatted. The dismissiveness the masked boy showed, mingling with malice and cruelty...the memories III had never showed such a side of any of his family members. Yet times had changed once Tron returned from...whatever hellish void he had inhabited. Consumed by a hatred for Dr. Faker, and burning with revenge and power...it changed and touched them all. From him to V, even, they all used their personal pain, hate, and anger towards the agenda at hand, at Tron's commands and methods, even if those methods were distasteful.

But for Tron to draw others into his inner circle...III felt a small pang. He knew the pain and burdens the family had faced, and directed them towards revenge, but why bring in others? Revenge...it had just been the family then. A way to reforge the lost bonds that had cracked when their father had vanished.

III forced himself to remain impassive, yet his eyes flickered with depressive uncertainty, hopefully unnoticed to others. Like other pain...he would bear it inside and be wary that more was to come in the future. He accepted his task ahead: To help take down the Number-wielding finalists so that Tron...no, so the family itself...would be protected and restored.

Even if he had to use [i]that[/i] Number.

[Premier Alexander Romanov]

Atsuko smiled at Rai. [color=#ff0000]"Well, maybe, if you win, you could wish for Dr. Faker to help you find your parents."[/color]

Number 18 looked up at Chidorisaurus happily, and jumped up onto his back. She relaxed against his neck, and wrapped her arms as best as she could around them. [color=#A9A9A9]"Thank you. I wish you and your owner luck in the upcoming battle. Hopefully, we won't have to fight each other."[/color]

Chris, on the other hand, was getting hungry. With no way to tell what food had been poisoned by that little maniac, many guests had left the banquet on account of there being nothing safe to eat. He sighed and used his D-Pad to see what there was around here that catered.
[color=#A57164]"So, laddie, are ya evar gonna use onna us inna duel?"[/color]
He turned to see a spectral image of a brutish warrior clad entirely in gold and silver armor. The warrior had a helmet resembling a lion, complete with a fanged muzzle, and glowing red orbs for eyes inside of the eye slots. Behind the helmet was an unruly mane of orange-red hair, and a red cape draped over his armored shoulders. His torso plate was rotund while his arms and legs were chunky. Around his waist was a segmented metal belt with a bronze buckle that had an "X" design, and a red "66" on his left shoulder plate.
[color=#665D1E]"My colleague does have an excellent query, young master."[/color]
On Chris' opposite side was a slender knight, also with silver and gold armor that had a red cape behind him. His helmet had the sleek design of a hawk, and he also had red orbs for eyes. His long arms each had a sword in hand, but near his stomach were a pair of smaller, shorter arms with short swords. Finally, his feet ended in boots mimicking talons. On the right side of his angular chest plate was a red "48".
[color=#D4AF37]"Well, [i]mis Números[/i], I have been trying to keep your existence concealed."[/color] Chris replied, grinning. [color=#D4AF37]"After all, no one has been gunning for me because no one except Atsuko knows about you two."[/color]
[color=#665D1E]"Excellent strategy, young master, but we sensed the distress of our fellow digit-related combatants. Something is quite afoot with that enigmatic masked child."[/color]
[color=#A57164]"Tha' lil' b*****d wants a fight! Well, I promise izza fight he'll git!"[/color]
[color=#D4AF37]"Settle down, you two. Don't you worry. He's going down."[/color]

V sighed and walked into the back of the kitchen. His father, or what was left of him, was becoming more and more ludicrous by the day. He knew that Tron had probably done something to the food and drink out in the dining area of the restaurant, but it was impossible for him to have poisoned all of the food in storage. V therefore went back through the kitchen to the pantry and perused around before finding a pitcher of unsweetened tea in a refrigeration unit. The plastic wrap on top of the pitcher seemed to have been on the pitcher for quite some time, meaning Tron couldn't have tainted it. He unwrapped the pitcher, still cold, and took the tea out to the table. Once he had returned, he set the tea as far from Tron as he could, then fetched a pair of cups. He poured a glass, then offered it to III. [color=#0000ff]"Tea, brother?"[/color]