DISCLAIMER: I don't own Yu-gi-oh Zexal, which belongs to its respective owners. The only thing I own is my OC.

This is a AUish fic where some of my theories are canon.

Chapter One: A Dark Intoduction

No POV

"Ahahahah! Hahahaha!" A young boy sat upon a silver throne, laughing uncontrollably. He wore a silver mask that appeared to cover his face, one eye, and half his mouth. Pale braided blonde hair bounced on his shoulder. His one visible eye was a cold, unforgiving yellow. His clothes were a minty blue shade with ruffles on each shoulder. He also wore white pants, a gold belt, and plain brown shoes. White gloves clapped in twisted glee. It was obvious that this was no normal child.

"Vetrix, shall I report?" asked a teenage girl. She had wavy medium-length lavender hair that curled at the top and deep aquamarine eyes. She was dressed in a magenta 1700s-inspired wear with pale magenta ruffles on the sleeves and her torso, black fingerless gloves, black boots with white trim, and white pants with ruffles on the tips. Gold trim lined the coat at the tips and pointed like straps on her shoulders with an embroidered dot on each.

"Certainly, please do, Due," said Vetrix. His voice was rather high-pitched and yet malicious at the same time.

"I have discovered the ages of Faker's sons. The elder is eighteen, and the younger is nine. I have also learned they live in the Heartland City Capital Building."

"Good, good. Anything else?"

"That is all."

"Alright then. I want you to investigate them. Befriend them. Gain their trust. Reveal their secrets. Report it all to me." He smiled.

"Vetrix, are you sure this is a good idea? Quinton and I have always done the bulk of the missions. Will Trey and Quattro be able to take on my responsibilities?"

"Of course I'm sure. It's a fail-safe plan. Besides, you'll still go on missions. Don't think this one is going to give you time off. I want my revenge as soon as possible. You're dismissed." He waved a hand as though it was no big deal for the girl to spy on an innocent person, condemned for the sins of his father.

Due nodded and curtsied, her trademark farewell. Haunting never-ending hysterical laughter much like a hyena's cry rang through the room once more.

Kite POV

Hart. My little brother. I'll do anything for him. And Heartland said the only way to help him is to collect all one hundred of these cards called "Numbers." They hold the power to fix his mental and physical illness. Maybe then we can be happy again, like we were six years ago. Back when it was just me, Hart, and Orbital 7.

Before they came and ruined everything. Now Hart's dying and I might share his fate if I become a number hunter. The strain on me could potentially destroy me physically and mentally. But that doesn't matter. I'll gladly exhaust my soul for my brother. I'll move the sky for him.

A blue, cream, yellow, and pink platform filled the hole in the floor. It carried a tall blue-green haired figure. His orange glasses with the strange pink V-shaped bridge glowed an icy blue. He carelessly waved around his teal-coated arms as he talked.

"Kite, look at your poor, sick brother. Don't you want to help him?" Heartland remarked manipulatively.

I said nothing and stared at the glowing city through the large blue-tinted windows. A star dashed through the endless navy sky.

"He's not going to heal unless you collect the numbers for me."

"I know. I've made my decision. I'll do it."

"Excellent! Hart will thank you."

Hart twisted and groaned is his sleep. Then, his bloodshot eyes opened. But instead of the normal gold shade, electric blue shined like the star I had watched die minutes ago. Red lightning surged around his body. He started screaming. I hated when he did this. I felt so helpless. Luckily, the screaming died out eventually. The electricity faded slowly and he stilled.

Granted, this wasn't the first time this had happened. However, it was the first time Mr. Heartland experienced Hart's power surges. And each time I saw him go through this, I wished to take his pain. That way, he would no longer have to live a slave to pain and depression.

"When can I start number hunting?"