Chapter 20

Hello guys. Sorry for very late update, but my entire work has been deleated after I was at the end of this Chapter. So after cursing all three Egyptian Gods for puting me through so much pain, I started from SCRATCH!

For future referances I won't abandon this story EVER! This was really one of a time thing and I will make sure that this sort of thing never happens again.

That being said, usual update scheduale is back in action, so 7-8 days. Chapter 20 is finally here and my second milestone. Only about 30 Chapters to go. :D

Your reviews will be answered in inbox in next couple days.

I don't own Yugioh Arc V or anything releated to it. I do own my OC Jason Yuki.

[Play Yugioh 5DS Opening 5, Going my Way]

Run! The path of evolution that connects to the future

There lies a new legendary duel!

Cards from each Yugioh Generations were showed as Jason grabbed one. Green light occured and scene changed with Jason wearing a red helmet with dark visior, while riding a red D-Wheel on a open road. Yuya, Serena, Kurosaki, Gongenzaka, Sawatari rode their respective D-Wheels as well.

Scene changed to clear blue sky in the City as Lancers Ace Monsters were shown flying around.

The feelings of indecision, shake them all off

The possibilities are infinite, set them all free

The beginning is always dependent on you

Everyone is wandering about, pursue the light

All of the Lancers looked behind to find dosen Duel Chaser on their tails. Scene changed to show Roget with serious expression looking down of them, while several chess pieces were scattered around.

Jason speed up and placed four cards on his Duel Disk, which materilised and revealed Flame Wingman, Neos, Great Tormado and Winged Kuriboh respectivly.

Yuya followed with his Monsters: Timbreaker Magician, Odd-Eyes, Dark Rebellion and Tunning Magician.

Yuzu and Serena running to each other and then Yuzu pulled her along in spin with a smile and their bracelets flash before the two have been revealed to have swapped clothes, Yuzu smiling and Serena looked at her confused.

Scene now showed all Lancers assembled in dymond formation.

It looks like you've lost sight of the fleeting dream

The bonds that connect us will definitely never lose

(Growing! Go my way!)

Jason with blank gold eyes lost in void of Darkness, kneeling on the ground as mirror images of Ryan, Serena and Yuzu were shown.

Scene showed Council of the City and high above them on the left side was Roget with his Securiy Officers. On Rigjt sie Akaba Keo was standign with Obelisk Force.

High above everyone stood Supreme King with his loyal soldiers - Duelists of Death looking down on everyome with murderous glare.

Yuri transitions the scene as he made a wide gesture as Yuya, Yugo, Yuto, Yugo, Yuzu, Serena, Rin and Ruri posed.

Become the storm, dance

and tear the darkness apart

Even if you can't see the place you're struggling towards now

Start running, with those legs

There's nothing to be afraid of

On this path towards the future

Going my way! Cut open a path and go!

Jason rode his D-Wheel as Elemental Hero Shadow Flame Neos appeared and flew high in the air, alongside Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon.

Jason and Yuya were standing on the roof with serious expressions and their Ace Monsters flew past them.

Serena clasped her hands as her Ace- Cat Dancer appeared from Fusion Vortex and did a small dance, standing behind her mistress.

Yugo Summomed Clear Wing Synchro Dragon on his D-Wheel and immediately ordered it to Attack a gigantic dragon with humdred eyes that destroyed the City.

Shun followed up and Xyz Summons Raid Raptor - Satellite Cannon Falcon that attacked a fiedish dragon traped in a crystal.

Jack faced a man in black armor in front of medival castle. He placed a card on his Duel Blade and in a huge wave of fire - Scarlight Red Dragon Archfied appeared. He looked behind him as Crow smrked and Summomed Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Rain Shower to fight the man together.

A red D-Wheel shooted out of ruined building and a man with glowing red mark on his right arm pulled up a handlebar and stood up from his D-Wheel to face Supreme King, while white dragon hovered above him.

This pulse of yours beats so violently as the engine goes full throttle

You head on forward aiming for your goal, just as you believe in your friends

You've fallen down once too many times, but you'll try again

The time has now come to pull yourself together

Jason with shocked expression looked over devestated City.

Scene showed Serena and Yuzu back to back, clasping their hands as a Fusion Vortex apleared and their Ace Monsters came out of it.

Yuya rode his D-Wheel with his eyes glowing bright red, redy to perform his trademark Pendulum Summon.

Odd-Eyes Rebellion destroyed the streets with his scale of wrath, as Gongenzaka Summoned Susano-O.

You see a wild dream complete with an endless sky

There's no need to hesitate, now just go spread your wings and take off

(Growing! Go my way!)

Odd-Eyes Rebellion and Clear Wing Synchro Dragon fought eachother as their respective owners: Yuya and Yugo rode them while Jack watched the situation from his penthouse at Tops Area with emotionless look.

Be one with the wind, soar off right now

and go regain your courage

Let us overlay our dreams from that day long gone

Now take what you have, place them in your arms

There's nothing to be afraid of

On this path towards the future

Going My Way! Cut open a path and go!

Reiji pushed his glasses up and activated his Duel Disk in order to face shadowy creature with gold eyes in a destroyed Neo Domino City...

Jason and Yuya rode through the tunnel with Jason having Shadowflame Neos and Yuya having Odd-Eyes Rebellion as both their Monsters clashed creating sparks.

Scene changed and showed Yuya, Jason, Yuzu, Serena, Kurosaki and Yugo standing at the Duel Lane as confetti rained around Duel Stadium.

Chapter 20: Forging your own path.

Go Stardust Dragon!" Stardust roared as he began charging up his Attack whle Crow began searching for an Action Card, but without any in sight.

"SHOOOTING SONIC!"

Stardust unleashed his trademark attack towards Crow while Raikiri stood in front of his master protectivly. Attack hit and Raikiri got destroyed creating a loud explosion that spread across entire Duel Lane.

"AAARGHHHH!" Crow's D-Wheel wobbled as his Life Points decreased to 0

Jason: 250 LP x0

Crow: 0000 LP x0

"It's finally over!" Melisa sighed in relief. "In a jaw-droping Duel full of twist and turns, winner is Yuki Jason!"

"Aww..." Tanner had a dissapointed look on his face.

"Crow lost..." Frank said.

"Thanks God." Yuzu breathed in relief, before tensing up at seeing three kids glaring at her. "S-sorry."

"It's okay." Amanda reasured her. "It would be better for Crow to lose to Jason than to someone else."

I smiled and speeded up towards Duel Stadium, with Flame Wingamn and Stardust still hovering above me. With a loud sound of screeching tires, I stoped, took of my helmet and got off my D-Wheel.

"Jason!"

I heared a voice calling out to me and turned around to see Sam runing towards me, smile plastered on his face.

"That was an awesome Duel!" He said with ethusiasam.

"Heh." I smirked as I took out Tuning Magician. "I did tell you that every can has a purpose. Now do you realise what Jack meant by that?"

"I do." Sam gave me a small nod, embarassed at misunderstanding Jack's words. "Every card has a purpose, as long as you know how to use it."

I handed Tuning Magician back to him, but was suprised when he stoped me.

"Keep it." He told me. "If you want to reach top and become The King, you need every help that you can get."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"Thanks." I quickly pocketed my card and saw Stardust Dragon giving out one more roar, before dissapearing in silver particles. His card was resting on my D-Wheel and let out a small silver shine. I picked it up and looked at it as it slowly began vanishing from my hand.

"Thank you Yusei." I thought with a smile as I turned to face Crow that was siting on his D-Wheel with emotionless expression on his face.

"Crow." I walked up to him and shook his shoulder, but to no avail.

"Crow." I called out to him again, this time a little louder, but he still didn't respond.

Memory Fragment

"Where am I?"

Crow looked around, noticing that he is floating above run down district that resembles streets in which he grew up as a Commons.

"Oh God!" He looked at his transparent hands and began panic in comical manner. "Am I dead?! Did that final attack blast me off my D-Wheel and sent me to my doom! Who is going to take care of the kids now?!"

"You little Satellite brat! Get back here!"

Crow forgot his little issue and re-directed his attention towards source of the voice. He noticed two Security Officers chasing a kid that was dressed in simple green jeans, with orange shirt and brown, leather vest. Most shokcing feature about the boy was that he had same orange hair as Crow.

"I must keep going." Kid muttered to himself, limping on his right foot while carrying two brown paper bags.

"Why am I seeing this?" Crow thought aloud as he hardened his gaze at the scene. "And that kid... He seems familliar."

Kid continued running for few more minutes before ending up in a dead end. Insted of worrying, he just pushed dumpster and open a small metal door that was hidden behind it. He slowly crawled inside and closed the door while hoping that Security won't catch him.

"Where did he go?" One of them asked, looking left and right for any signs of the troublemaker.

"Tch..." Second officer grunted with annyoed expression. "He escaped! Let's spread out and search for him."

"Right."

They both began running while kid smirked at his hideout proving efficient yet again.

"Crafty brat." Small smile found its way on Crow's face.

Growing up as Commons, Crow knows how it feels to be unfairly discriminated and treated badly by Security and Tops. If he didn't have Martha, he would probably be dead in a ditch by now and nobody would even miss him. But thanks to her, he got a chance for a better life and for that he will always be grateful to her. It was Martha's kindness and actions that made him in the man he is today. That's why he took in Frank, Amanda and Tanner. He saw himself in them, same scared little kid that just wanted to be accepted.

He heared a sound of metal and turned to see kid geting out of his little 'hideout' safely. Upon seeing his face, he let out a gasp.

"T-that's... Me!"

True to his words, kid looked exactly like Crow did when he was younger. Despite their uncany resemblence, Black Feather Duelist didn't seem to recal this particular event.

"I..." Little Crow stammered, limping on his right foot while carrying his bags. "I still need to continue running. Those Security punks might find me and..."

Little Crow fell on the concrete floor, pain surging through his leg. To make things worse, it started raining and poor boy fell unconcious.

Blinding light occured that covered Crow's eyes.

Memory Fragment ends

(Jason POV)

"Black Feather sucks..."

"What was that?!" Crow exclaimed as he swinged his right hook at me which I barely dodged.

"I'm just messing with you." I chuckled. "Are you okay? You spaced out there for a second."

"Y-yea..." Crow muttered under his breath, before geting off his D-Wheel and reaching his hand out to me. "That was a good Duel. You really are though."

I rubbed back of my head sheepishly as we shook hands.

"You're not bad yourself, but I am better." I said with a hint of arrogance in my voice.

Crow sweadroped with a small smile. "Well it's good to see that you're modest."

I turned serious. "Crow, I came to this Dimension to retrive our friend and to find new comrades in our fight against Academia. But seeing how you, Frank, Amanda and Tanner have a hard life, I decided to help you out."

Crow listened intesivly as I continued.

"Just like you, I want to create a peaceful future for everyone. A future where everyone could be geniune happy in society where Tops and Commons live together in peace and harmony. I know that it might seem impossible, but I will do everything in my power to help everyone that reside in the City."

I held up my fist with a smile. "That's a promise."

Roget's Office

"Crow, Jason." Yuya said with a smile watching the monitour where his friends were. "You really think that Jason will agree to that?!"

"He won't have a choice." Roget smiled deviously.

After apprehanding Yuya, he brought him to his office and explained him his plan of control of the City. Of course, he left out that he was a pawn in all of this, to more higher and powerful being, but that didn't matter. His cover up to act is that he wants to Commons to rebel against Tops. In order to do so, final piece should be Duelist that will defeat King of The City, thus crushing last hope Tops and Commons had. He led Yuya to belive that he wants to Jason to join him, in a peaceful way, but the boy himself doesn't interest him. What interest's him is the power inside of him. And to unleash it, he has to break Hero Duelist to the point where he wants to fall into darkness and despair willingly. And he knew who will help him with that.

"Immediately apprehand Hiragi Yuzu on the course." He spoke to his workers through intercom.

"Stop it! I won't let you do as you please!" Yuya wrestled him and at that moment, two officers came rushing in and grabeg him, draging him out of the room.

"Troubled kid..." Roget thought aloud.

Back with Jason

(Jason's POV)

"Thank you Jason." Crow said after he heared my speech as we fist bumbed. "And don't forget. You also have a comrade in your fight against Academia."

"That's enough chit chat."

Two bulky guys in green mechanic suits came on Crow's sides.

"Sheesh." Crow got out of their grip. "I'm going."

"Crow!"

"Don't worry about me." He told me. "I'll be okay."

With that he disaapeared in the darkness. But if anything goes as it did in canon, he will be alright. That is if that stinky Battle Beast doesn't card him, but I will prevent that.

I got on my D-Wheel and ride of to the garage. I parked it, took off my helmet and quietly followed Sam to my room.

Half hour later.

"Yep. Nothing better than taking a long shower after playing Children Card Game."

I got out of my bathroom with one towel wraped around my waist and other one around my head. I quickly dressed in my usual wardrope consisting of red jacket, red sneakers, black undershot and gray pants. I do wonder how would I look in Osiris/Slifer Red Uniform from Duel Academia. I would probably resemble Judai even more. I do wonder why I still have my usual black hair and green eyes from my World. Shouldn't it be brown hair and brown eyes like Judai had, considering I'm his reincarnation in his World. Eh, I'm probably overthinking this...

"Speaking of my World..." I droped to my bed with exparated sigh. "I can't help but wonder if my family noticed that I'm gone. I can just picture shocked and horrified look on my mom's face when she entered my room to wake me up for school only to see that I'm not there."

"And what about rest? Dad, Ted, Jennifer and Anna... I just hope that they aren't too worried. If I do find my way back home, what would I say to them when they ask me where I was all this time. Hey! Sorry for worrying you, but I was stuck in Anime revolving around Children's Card Game. I had to help main protagonist with tomato hair save his pink haired girlfriend and stop Dimensional War, while me and said protagonist are being ocassionaly possesed by our past, demonic lifes."

"I know their reactions. Jennifer and Anna would look at me like I grew another head Ted would laugh his ass off like a jerk he is, while my mom and that would be dissapointed and angry about me 'lying'."

"Ted's reaction would piss me off the most with everything I've been through in this month and a half in this World. Bad enough that he makes fun of me about playing a Card Game for Children. Despite me using Yugioh Abridged referance, Yugioh has evolve so much that a simple child wouldn't even began to comprehend the compexiviry of this game. Sure let's give a 6 years old a Zoodiac Deck and hope that he can learn to play game from it. My idiot brother couldn't even play a freaking Blue-Eyes Deck thay was fucking easy to play and understand with all new support cards that came out in early 2016.

I sighed once again and get up from my bed and glance at Duel Stadium from my window. Despite me having issues with my bro, I still miss him. I miss all of them... I hope that I'll be able to see them after everything is over.

"We sure kicked ass didn't we." Tuning Magician cheerfuly exclaimes by my side.

"We sure did." I reply with a smile. "I am exicted for next Duel that will..."

Just then a soft knock was heared on my door and a familliar voice spoke.

"Jason-dono."

My eyes widened at the voice. I walked towards my door and whispered.

"Tsukikage..."

XYZ Dimension - Heartland City.

"ARRRGHHHHHH!"

A loud scream was heared as third Obelisk Soldier's Life Points decreased to 0 as he fell hard on the floor, bloody and bruised next to his comrades.

"Scums..."

From top of the ruined building, a figure in brown, messy cloak jumped down, deactivating her Duel Disk as it made its way towards three fallen and injured soldiers that were scared for their lifes.

"Are you ready to repent." She held a pink Xyz Dimension Duel Disk that begab emitating small pink light.

"P-please..." Red spoke in a weakend tone.

"Spare us." Green followed the suit.

"I don't negotiate with killers." She coldy brushed them off as light from her Duel Disk became emitating even more. "Begone, runts."

A pink light covered three Obelisks, as their screams of mercy and agony echoed through deserted districts in which they were. After few moments screams stoped and three cards with their faces fell by the girls feet.

"Pathetic..." She said in monotone voice and continued walking like nothing happened.

This was third group of Obelisk students that she defeated today. She still doesn't know why she was so scared of them when they invaded for the first time. They were pathetic, unoriginal bastards that always spawn their stupid Hound Dog Fusions...

A single tear traveled down girl's cheek and hit the floor. She looked around, more tears welling up in her eyes upon seeing the state of her once prideful and peaceful hometown.

It was hell.

Heartland was initially a peaceful city, where many enjoyed Dueling. They never saw Duel Monsters as a tool of destruction and use it to hurt others like Academia did. She always belived that Dueling was supposed to be about having fun and bringing smiles to everyone no matter the outcome. Her beliefs strengthened when that man came into their town.

She continued walking, mix of emotions taking her over upon seeing once great Heartland School, now turned into pile of debris and rubble.

She walked inside, glancing upon the huge hallways of the school. She never wanted to come here. Memories were too painful, but she had to retrive something important to her friend in this school, before it completely colapses.

"Locker 426." She though aloud, holding a key in her right hand.

She was a part of Clover Branch with her brother and friends, so she didn't really recognize much of the era where Spade Branch is. Correction. Was.

She opened the desired locker and saw its content. Nothing much really. Just few books and pencils, with ridiciously large amounts of black chokers.

"Knowing him, he will be pissed if I don't save his precious chokers." Girl thought with a faint smile. "So the best thing that I could do is leave them here. Those things never looked good on him to begin with."

She felt a metal attachment at the back of the locker and begab pulling it until it came off. She threw the metal on the floor and saw black Deck Box residing in secret compartment with two pictures with familliar faces on them.

"Yuto, Ruri... Shun." At the mention of last name, she couldn't help but blush. She saw pictures of Ruri wraping her hands around Kurosaki and blushing Yuto.

Yuto wore black and white jacket with black undershirt under it, a black belt with black jeans and black shoes.

"He really loves black..." Girl thought.

Kurosaki on the other hand wore a brown and gray jacket with black-ish shirt underneeth it.

Ruri wore a knee-length, yellow dress with a belt over a white neck shirt, and white high-heeled shoes.

Girl smiled. These were really the peaceful times. She swore on all their falling comrades and friends that she will avenge them, no matter what it takes and bring back peace to their homeland.

In fit of rage she took out three cards containing Obelisk Force and riped them to shreds, with no regard for their pitiful existance. After all they did, after all pain and misery they caused her and her loved ones, they should burn in 9th circle of Hell for all that she cared.

She took few deep breaths, trying to calm herself. Looking at the second picture she couldn't help but crack another smile. On the picture were Yuto and Ruri peacefully sleeping on a grassy filed ovelooking the river at Hearland bridge.

Girl giggled at the memeory.

Flashback

After day spent together at the reastaurant, movie and just walking around Heartland, exhausted Yuto and Ruri decided to relax at their favorite spot in the city. Yuto's hand was wraped around Ruri, while she snuggled closer to him with a small blush on her face.

"Anna!" A female voice in a nearby bush complained.

Voice came from a aroudn 12 years of age. She had blue eyes and short light-purple and lilac hair that is restrained by light green and orange hair clips that resemble bicycle helmets. She wore a light blue dress with a teal turtleneck under a tan dress held up with brown shoulder straps and a blue belt that had a golden symbol resembling twin birds back to-back and green and orange punches at both hips. She also wore brown tights, blue boots and white gloves.

"Come on Sayaka." Girl, now know as Anna whispered as she held a camera in her hands. "Lossen up a little. This is fun, isn't it?"

Anna had red, spiky hair, while her yellow eyes were positioned directly beneath the bangs of the layer closest to her face.

Her attire is a pink and white shirt, which reaches below her waist, black compression shorts and a pair of boots in the same colors as her shirt.

Strangely enough, girl always had a huge pink cannon with her.

"I just don't feel comftorable in spying on our friends." Sayaka pinched the bridge of her nose. "Can we please just go."

"Of course not." Anna answered all to happily. "I still have one last thing to do."

"Wait, Anna!" Sayaka called out to her, but she slowly approched still sleeping couple.

She sighed. "Something tells me that this won't turn our so good."

Meanwhile, Yuto and Ruri were still sleeping while snuguling together.

SNAP!

Flash of light and sound of camera made young couple shot their eyes opent and jolt from the grassy field. Yuto looked at grining Anna in confusion while Ruri growled in anger upon seeing the camera in her friends hand.

"Anna!" Ruri yelled, red from anger and embarassment. "What the heck are you doing?"

"This?" She held up her camera, grin never leaving her face. "Oh, just some blackmail material."

"Blackamail material?" Ruri repeated in confusion. Just then, Sayaka began runing towards them and stoped to catch some breath.

"Sayaka! Are you involved in this too?" Ruri asked her childhood friend in a mix of hurt and anger.

"No, I'm not." Girl held up her hands defensively. "Me and Anna were hanging out when she saw you two in a restaurant. Despite my protest, she insisted that I go with her to spy on you." She said last sentence while shooting Anna a look.

"Yuto stood up, dusting himself before turning to Anna with a michiveous grin on his face. "You want a date with Shun?"

"Why.. Yes I would." Anna happily confirmed with a faint blush on her face.

"Anna..." Ruri let out an exparated sigh. She knew that her friend had a crush on her brother for quite a while now, but she never imagined that she would go this far. "Why don't you ask him yourself."

"I could do that. Or, you know..." She held her camera in right hand. "I can show this picture to Shun. Considering his temper, we all know how he'll react when he finds out that his best friend is dating his little sister."

"Anna!" Saya glared at Railway user.

When they imagiend Shun's reaction if he ever found out about them dating, Yuto and Ruri grew pale and started sweating bullets. Shun was always overprotective of Ruri and would always let out a huge amount of killer intents towards anyone who would try to hit on his sister.

One incident happened few months ago, when some guy slaped Ruri's ass in front of him trying to act all tough. By that time Yuto and Ruri were dating about few weeks and Phantom Knight Duelist wanted to put him six feet under for doing that to his girlfriend, but couldn't do anything because he would blow his cover up. Same thing can't be said for Shun, who in a fit of rage, punched the guy so hard that it broke his jaw in two places. That wasrn't enough so he mount him and began punching him until he was black, blue and red. Yuto and Ruri stoped him before the worst case scenario happened. Guy was still hospitilaised for a month and kept his distance from Raidraptor Duelist and his sister.

Yuto knew that Shun wouldn't react that badly, considering their past together. But he knew that he would be angered either way, so he wouldn't want to take that risk. Neither would Ruri.

Ruri, however hated that her brother treated her like a little kid. Ever since they parents died in a car accident few years back, she was everything that he had. Still, it was exhausting that he wouldn't butt out of her personal life and let her date whoever she wants.

"So... What did you decide?" Anna's statment, snaped young couple out of their thoughts.

"Fine." Ruri puffed her cheeks in annoyence. "I will see what I can do..."

"YAY!" Anna cheered promting another sigh from Ruri.

Flashback ends

Anna smiled at the fond memory. She started developing feeling towards Kurosaki during their Duel in which she was the representative of Clover Branch and Shun was in Spade Branch. With back and forth Duel going on, Kurosaki managed to weaken and destroy her Superdreadnought Rail Cannon with his Satellite Cannon Falcon.

Being her usual sore loser, Anna refused to admit defeat and requested immeidate rematch. Her attitude annoyed Shun and Yusho steped in, reminding them about true meaning of Dueling - to enjoj it and make people smile. Forced to do so, Anna accepted defeat and as punishemnt for her behaviour, she and Shun were forced to spend a day together.

Even if she was relentite to do so, she eventually agreed. On their little "date" she was quite suprised when she found out everything that she has in common with Shun. Obviously they like Dueling more than anything, except their younger siblings, but they tend to be way too hot headed and often end up in tough situations because of it and yet manage to end up on the top most of the times.

After that day they spent more and more time together, leading their friends to belive that they were an item, rumours which they way too quickly dissmised.

Both of them kept their feelings to eachother, despite being painfully obvious. At Ruri's request (forced by blackmail from Anna), Shun agreed to take Anna to a date.

Even if it started awkward first, they lossened up a bit and went to see a movie, followed by dinner at their favorite restaurant in Heartland.

Anna looked at the pictures, tears starting to form in corner of her eyes at remembering what happened next.

After Invasion started and they had to flee to safety, both Anna and Shun slowly drifted apart because of it. Ruri's kidnaping and carding of Anna's best friend Umimi Habara, destroyed every ounce of their relationship. Things didn't got better when Anna, as one of the leaders of Resistance disagreed with Shun's decision to go to Standard with Yuto to kidnap Akaba Reiji. He wanted to save his sister and Anna was selfish by insisting that he stayed in Heartland to protect it.

Many harsh words were said back then and Anna wished that she could take them back...

She wiped her tears and placed pictures and Deck Box in dark brown knapsack that she carried on her back. After acquiring what Yuto desired, she left Heartland School.

Outside of the ruins of Spade Branch

Anna walked out of huge hole in the wall, taking few deep breaths to calm herself, knowing what's coming.

She droped her knapsack on the floor and pulled out her collapsible pink cannon out it and aimed towards ruined building in front of her. A loud bang could be heared as remaining of building turned to dust.

"No need to hide." She called out. "Show yourself."

"My, my..." Dark figure in a black cloack came out of the shadows. According to his voice, its a male. "Anna Kaboom noticing my presence. I'm honoured."

Anna's browed twitched at mention of her nickname. She got it because of her trademark cannon and her habit of shooting at people.

Kaboom... Just at mention of that nickname made her blood boil. Many of her comrades gained nicknames worthy of their Dueling Skills and to be called "Kaboom" is just undignifying for Duelist of her caliber.

She snaped from her thoughts when a red Duel Anchor straped itself around her Duel Disk. She didn't resist it. In fact, she approved her enemies actions. After all, if fool is so eager to be turned into a card, who is she to deny his wish.

Stranger activated his blue Academia Duel Disk while having a confident smirk on his face. "Huge award is given for your head. This must be my lucky day."

Anna remained silent.

"Silent type, huh?" Academia Duelist seemed to be dissapointed. "That's no fun."

"Didn't catch your name." Anna coldly stated.

"Never said it..." Soldier answered as both of them activated their respective Duel Disks. "It's Houzan Gokaido."

"DUEL!" They yelled in unision.

Anna: 4000 LP x5

Houzan: 4000 LP x5

"Ladies first." Houzan gracefully offered.

"I Summon Night Express Knight!" Anna slamed a card on her Duel Blade and a railway appeared followed by a knight in white/silver armor with golden outlines around its body. It had a shiled in its left hand and a spear in its left.

"I can Normal Summon this card withour releasing, but its original Attack becomes 0.

ATK: 3000-0000 / DEF: 3000 (LV: 10)

"Oh." Houzan's brow furrowed. "Is your trademark Xyz Summon up next?"

Anna ignored his comment and carried on with her move. "Furthemore, since I Normal Summoned my Knight Express Knight, I can Special Summon Heavy Freight Train Derricrane!"

A big yellow train appeated next to Anna's first Monster.

"When Freight Train is Summoned this way, its Attack and Defense gets cut in half."

ATK: 2800-1400 / DEF: 2000-1000 (LV: 10)

"Two Level 10 Monsters..." Houzan muttered. "So you are planing to perform Xyz Summon."

"No. I'm going to perform a Fusion Summon, but I Summoned two Monsters of the SAME level just to mess with you." Anna told him, her voice driping with sarcasam.

"No need to be rude." Academia student huffed.

"Fuck you!" Anna cursed as she held up her hand. "With my Level 10 Night Express Knight and Heavy Freight Train Derricrane, I Overlay!"

Her Monsters transformed into black energy beams and entered XYZ portal.

"XYZ Summon! Come forth! Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Gustav Max!"

Ground violently shook as a huge green railway gun emerged from the ground pointing towards suprised Obelisk.

ATK: 3000 / DEF: 3000 (RNK: 10)

"I activate Gustav Max's effect! By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can inflict you 2000 Points of Damage!"

Before her opponent could say anything, one Overlay Unit bursted and Gustav Max fired its cannon towards Houzan.

BOOOOMMM!

Calming sounds of fire could be heared around the area following Gustav Max's assault. Small smoke cleared, revealing smirking Houzan standing there.

Anna's gaze hardened. "Explain."

"It's simple really." He showed her a card as a ghostly figure of tortured man in black robes and pink skin appeared behind him.

"By sending my Shaddoll Uhri to the Graveyard, I can negate Battle or Effect Damage that I would normally recived." He explained as he slid a card in the Graveyard and another one ejected from his Duel Disk.

"Then, I can set one Shaddoll Monster from my Deck. I choose Shaddoll Squamata." He finished as a Monster in Defense Mode appeared in front of him.

"Shaddoll, huh?" Anna thought with neutral expression. According to data Resistance acquired during the War, lower ranked Soldiers use Antique Gear, while those who are higher ups use their own personal Deck, Shaddolls, or upgraded version of Antique Gears. Nevertheeless that didn't stop her in the past and it won't stop her now.

"You managed to get out of that one, huh? Consider me impressed." She placed a card facedown and ended.

Anna: 4000 LP x2

Houzan: 4000 LP x5

"You haven't seen anthing yet!" He declared. "I draw! I Flip Summon my Shaddoll Squamata!"

Small snake-like puppet with purple strings attached to its limbs appeared.

ATK: 1800 / DEF: 1000 (LV: 4)

"I activate Squamata Flip Effect!" He continued as his Monster blasted a dark wave of energy towards Gustav. "When this card is Fliped Summoned, I can target and destroy one Monster on your Field!"

"You really think that something like that is going to stop me?" Anna rhetorically said as her facedown reveled itself showing image of speeding train on a railway. "I activate my Railway Connection! I can select one Machine-Type Monster I control and increase it's Attack and Defense by 500. Furthemore, for duration of this turn, that selected Monster cannot be targeted or destroyed by Card Effects."

Glowing green aura surrounded Anna's Monster, protecting it from Squamata's effect and increasing its Attack and Defense to 3500.

"So you managed to do that much." Houzan huffed. "Big deal. My strategy is far from finished."

He grabed another card and placed it in his Spell/Trap Card Zone.

"I activate Continuous Spell Shaddoll Abyss." Card showed image of pitch black area with Shaddoll Beast and Dragon in it. "With this card in play, once per turn, I can Flip Summon in addition to my Normal Summon/Set."

"So with this you can activate Flip Effects much faster."

"Precisely." He confirmed Anna's words. "I set a Monster and then Flip it due to Abyss effect. Come out - Shaddoll Hedgehog!"

Small purple hedgehog appeared.

ATK: 800 / DEF: 200 (LV: 4)

"When Shaddoll Hedgehog is Flip Summoned, I can add one Shaddoll Spell or Trap from my Deck to my Hand." He explained as he showed his card. "I add Shaddoll Fusion."

"And why wait? I'll activate it right now. You see, with this I can perform a Fusion Summon using Monsters from my Hand and/or Field as Materials. However since you control a Monster Summoned from the Extra Deck, I can use a Shaddoll Monster from my Deck. "

Black Fusion Vortex appeared behind him and two Monsters - Shaddoll Beast (From the Deck) and Shaddoll Falcon.

"Savage beast controled by strings, become one with elegent bird and unleash your true power." Houzan clasped his hands together. "Fusion Summon! Come forth! Level 5! El Shaddoll Winda!"

Dark blue bird-like puppet with horizontal eyes appeares on the Field. On it's back was puppet of a young woman with green hair and a sorcerer staf.

ATK: 2200 / DEF: 800 (LV: 5)

Anna looked at unusual Monster, her expression void of any emotion.

"Impressed, huh?"

"Not this time." She coldly said. "With only 2200 Attack Points, it won't do you any good. But even an amateur such as yourself wouldn't make such a foolish mistake."

"Oi!" Houzna glared daggers at her. "Who are you calling amateur?! My turn isn't yet finished and..."

"Then continue with your move!" Anna raised her voice. "I don't have all day to play around with you."

"Bitch..."

"What was that?!"

"N-nothing." He stammered and continued. "Due to Shaddoll Beast being sent to the Graveyard, I can draw one card. And due to my Flaco also being sent to the Graveyard by a Card Effect, it's Special Summoned to my Field in facedown Defense Position."

"Battle!" He declared, suprising Anna for a bit. "I attack your Gustav Max with Winda!"

Winda raised her staff that began generating wave of dark purple energy.

"Quick-Play Spell activate! Battle Fusion! When my Monster battles, it gains Attack equal to Attack of your Monster!"

Blue aura surrounded Winda, increasing Fusion Monsters Attack to 5700.

"I banish my Trap: Railway Connection to activate it's final effect!" Anna delcared, her Trap bursting into particles, as her Monster got enveloped in bright light just before the Attack connected.

"One of my Machine-Type Monsters won't be destroyed in Battle and any Battle Damage will be cut in half."

Her Monster sustained attack and her Life Points droped to 2900.

"Tch..." Shaddoll Duelist grunted. "To think that you even managed to get out of that. Your reputation really proceeds you. I set two cards facedown and end my turn. My Battle Fusion wares out, so Wandra Attack is reduced to 2200"

"My Monsters Attack is also returned to base level." Anna added.

Anna: 2900 LP x3

Houzan: 4000 LP x0

"My turn." Anna added a card to her hand.

"That Fusion Monster will be a problem." She thought glancing at its effect on her Duel Disk. "I have to get rid of it if I want to Xyz Summon."

"To start things off, I detach last Overlay Unit from my Gustav Max to hit you for 2000 Points of Damage!"

Last Overlay Unit bursted and Gustav Max blasted a flaming cannon ball towards Academia Duelist that got blasted few metars back, his Life Points and body taking a huge hit.

His cloack got torned to shreds and he got up from the floor, grunting in pain. Anna got a better look on him. He disregarded his shreded cloack and now wore a standard Obelisk Blue outfit and had brown spiky hair with brown eyes.

"You'll pay for that!"

"Overlay Unit that was detached was Heavy Freight Train Derricrane." Anna carried on, ignoring her opponents constant bickering. "Due to his effect, when he's detached as an Overlay Unit from Xyz Monster, I can target and then destroy one card on your Field!"

"I choose to destroy Shaddoll Squamata."

Holographic image of Derricrane appeared and ran over defenseless Monster, destroying it.

"I appriciate your help." Houzan said with a smug look on his face. "When Squamata is sent to Graveyard by a Card Effect, I can sent one Shaddoll Monster from my Deck to Graveyard."

He took a card and slid it in Graveyard slot. "I sent another copy of Shaddoll Beast, as such, its effect activates. When its send to Graveyard by a Card Effect, I draw a card."

"You'll need it." Anna spat with a hint of arrogance in her voice.

"Battle! I attack your Shaddoll Hedgehog with my Gustav Max!"

"Not so fast, I play both of my facedowns! Flash Fusion and Trap Shaddoll Core!"

A creature resembeling demonic gold dragons appeared on the Field.

ATK: 1450 / DEF: 1950 (LV: 4)

"This Trap can be Summoned as a Monster." He clarified. "Also, it can be treated as any Monster for one Fusion Materials that lists an Attribute on Shaddoll Fusion Monster. So with Flash Fusion I fuse my Shaddoll Core treated as a Wind Monster, Hedgehog and Winda!"

All three of his Monster swirled in a black Fusion Vortex

"Fusion Summon! Come out El Shaddoll Khugrok!"

Monster that appeared seemed like a mix of mediveal knight and a puppet. His armor was purple in color, it had a sword in his right hand and two wings coming from his back. He was riding a black pupet-like horse with red eyes with black tomoes in them.

ATK: 3000 / DEF: 2600 (LV: 10)

"When Khugrok is Special Summoned, I cat Cut Attack and Defense of all Monsters you control."

Dark wave of energy blasted Gustav Max, reducing its Attack and Defense to 1500.

"And not only that." He continued. "Since his first effect was sucessfull, he can select one Monster you control and inflict Damage equal to the Attack or Defense which your Monster lost."

Anna flinched as Houzan's Monster unleashed dark aura that enveloped her, droping her Life Points to 1400.

"Tch..." She grunted. "I set two cards facedown and end it with that."

Anna: 1400 LP x1

Houzan: 2000 LP x1

"My turn!" He drew a card from top of his Deck in most dramatic manner as possible. "I Flip Summon my Shaddoll Falco!"

Small purple bird appeared.

ATK: 600 / DEF: 1400 (LV: 2)

"When this card is Fliped Summoned I can Special Summon one Shaddoll Monster from my Graveyard in facedown Defense Position. I choose Shaddoll Beast."

"Not quite." She pressed a button on her Duel Disk. "I activate my Trap Skill Drain! By paying 1000 Life Points I can negate effects of all face up Monsters on the Field!"

Glow around Shaddoll Falco, Gustav Max and El Shaddoll Khugrok deminished, indicating their power loss.

"You little..." He muttered rest of his sentance under his breath, obviously displeased at his plan failing.

"Still, now you have only 400 Life Points." Houzan pointed out. "One attack from my Khugrok will finish you."

His knight Monster unleashed a beam of dark energy promting Anna to leave out a long exparated sigh.

"Why am I always Dueling idiots?" She rubbed her temple and activated her other facedown. "I activate my Railway Union Trap!"

Card showed image of smaller and bigger train on the tracks. "I can select one Machine-Type Monster in my Graveyard and add it to my hand. Then its Original Attack are added to my Monster."

"Say what?!" Shaddoll user started sweating bullets when he saw the card she choosed. "I add my Night Express Knight. His Attack is 3000, so that much is added to Gustav Max."

ATK: 1500-4500 / DEF: 1500 (RNK: 10)

"No, wait!"

His pleas fell of deaf ear. Gustav Max blasted knight-like Monster, sending huge shock waves around entire Field. Monster got destroyed and his Life Points decreased to mere 500.

"Khugrok effect now activates!" He declared, griping his shoulder in pain. "When this card leaves the Field, I can Special Summon one Shaddoll Monster from my Graveyard in facedown Defense Position.

"I choose Shaddoll Beast." He glanced at his last card in his hand and placed it facedown. "I end my turn."

"Due to Railway Union effect, Monster that got its Attack increased is destroyed."

Her Monster vanished into particles.

Anna: 400 LP x3

Houzan: 500 LP x0

"I draw." Anna took a quick peek at the card she drew before adding it to her Hand. "Like before, by reducing Night Express Knight Attack to 0, I can Normal Summon him without a Tribute."

ATK: 3000 / DEF: 3000 (LV: 10)

Her got-to Monster appeared and yet its Attack was still 3000.

Houzan's eyebrow twitched when he figured out her strategy. "I see. Since your Monsters effect activated from Hand, when you Summoned him Skill Drain negated its effect, this enabaling you to Normal Summon 3000 Attack Monster without any cost."

"Precisely." Anna confirmed with a small nod. "And now it's time to end you! I attack your Shaddoll Falco with Night Express Knight!"

Her Monster charged towards Falco with his spear in his hand, ready to penetrate him.

"Don't be impatient." He told her. "Duel still isn't over. I activate my Trap Negate Attack!"

Green barrier appeared in front of Shaddoll Falco, protecting it from Knight's assault.

"Your move." Anna stated after she saw her attack failing.

"Damn." He couldn't help but blurt out at seeing her stoic face. "Not even a flinch of irritation at your attack failing." He nonchamtly shrugged. "Your comrades were more fun to play with."

Anna flinched at the mention of her comrades. Anger boiled in her chest and he griped her hand so hard to the point where it started to bleed.

"There it is! The pain, sorrow and sadness they felt..."

Anna let out a decent amount of killer intent and even thought Houzan felt KI directed towards him, his egocentric and gloating nature overcome his fear.

"Best part were the screams of begging they did after we defeated them."

After seeing Anna seemingly calm, he inwarldy sighed and drew his card.

Anna: 400 LP x2

Houzan: 500 LP x1

"For startes I play Pot of Greed and pick up twice more."

"Yosh!" He cheered inwarldy when he saw the card that he drew.

"I activate Mystical Space Typhoon and with it I shall destroy your pesky Skill Drain."

Huge Typhoon suddenly appeared and blew away Anna's trap who still had her head down.

"Now all of my Monster effect are returned." He stated proudly. "As such, I sacrifice my Falco to Summon a Monster in Defense Positon."

Reversed Monster appeared.

Due to Shaddoll Abyss, I can Flip him immediately.

Monster fliped and a young woman in purple skin with a long purple dress appeared. She had a long blue hair, yellow eyes and two wrist bands.

ATK: 1400 / DEF: 2100 (LV: 5)

"Due to her Flip Effect, I can add one Shaddoll card from my Graveyard or Deck to my Hand." He picked up a card from his Deck. "I add another copy of Shadaoll Fusion."

He couldn't help but let out a smirk at seeing Anna's unmoved form. "Cat got your tongue? Don't worry, your suffering will be over soon."

"Maiden effect activates!" He announced, his Monster clasping its hands as if praying while leting out dark aura that surrounded Night Express Knight. To her initial shock, her Monster transfered to Houzan's side.

"Sad isn't it?" He couldn't help but remark at her shocked expression. "Even your Monster abandoned you."

"I play Shaddoll Fusion." He activated a Fusion card. "With this, I fuse my Maiden and your Night Express Knight."

Both Monster swirled in a Fusion Vortex. "Fusion Summon! Come on out! El Shaddoll Shekhinaga!"

Monster that appeared had silverish body. By it's apperance, it was a female and it was siting on some kind of throne.

ATK: 2600 / DEF: 3000 (LV: 10)

"You dare use my Monster to Summon that 'thing'?!" She finally speak up, her voice driping with hatred.

"Battle!" He declared. "Shekhinaga attack her directly and end this Duel!"

Few tendrils covered in dark aura shooted out of Shekhinaga's body waraping themself around Anna.

"It's over!"

"I activate a Trap!" She declared. "Railway Reflector! With this I can banish one Machine-Type Monster in my Graveyard and for duration of this turn, any Battle Damage equal or less to banished Monster Attack Points is negated!"

Her Graveyard shone as he picked up her card. "I banish 2800 Attack Heavy Freight Train Derricrane, thus negating any possible Battle Damag you would inflict upon me. Then, I draw a card."

"You persistant little..." Houzan looked at his empy hand. "I end my turn."

"And your demise begins here!" Anna added. "For all pain, suffering and misery you caused my comrades, friends and family... YOU WILL PAY!"

Anna: 400 LP x4

Houzan: 500 LP x0

"I draw!" He glanced at her card, sending shivers down her opponents spine at the smirk she let out.

"This card can be Normal Summoned by reducing it's Attack to 0. Come out Heavy Simplon Express!"

Houzan unconciously took a step back when he saw the size of Summoned Monster. It was a hufe train painted in dark blue color and was long few hundred meters.

ATK: 5000-0000 / DEF: 5000-0000 (LV: 10)

"Due to his effect, from my Deck I can Summon another copy of Heavy Simplon Express with its effect and Attack and Defense reduced to 0!"

Another copy of said Monster appeared.

"Again two Level 10..." He muttered.

"With my two Level 10 Heavy Simplon Express, I Overlay!"

In a instant, both her Monsters turned into purole streams of energy and entered Xyz Portal!"

"Xyz Summon!" She declared. "Rank 10! Dredfull Inferno Express!"

Monster that came out of Xyz Portal was terrifing to say the least. It was huge black train covered in everlasting fire with human skulls on its hood. A dark and sinister laugh could be heard coming from trains passanger seat and dark clouds that gathered in the sky only added to Monsters already terrifing appearance.

ATK: 0000 / DEF: 0000 (RNK: 10)

"Even so..." He muttered, his legs trembeling from fear. "It's still weak."

"Dredfull Inferno Express... Gains Attack equal to Original Attack and Defense of every Monster that is attached to it as an Overlay Unit!"

"Say what?!"

Her Monster got surrounded by crimson seering flames and tripled in size.

ATK: 10000 / DEF: 10000 (RNK: 10)

"T-ten thousand?!"

"Don't worry." She told him with a sadistic smile. "Your suffering is far from finished.I activate Limiter Removal which will double Attack of all my Machine-Type Monsters!"

ATK: 20000 / DEF: 10000 (RNK: 10)

"No..." He legs gave up, he fell on floor unable to move. "...Way"

"And to end it..." She showed a card with an image of Train in repair shop. "Limit Overbreak! And I Equip it to my Dredfull Inferno Express."

"I can only equip this card to a Machine-Type Monster." She began explaining. "It is unable to attack for this turn, but it's worth the price because now I can destroy you!"

"By reducing Equiped Monsters Attack by thousand, I can cut your Life Points in half!"

Inferno Express Attack got reduced by 1000 and in a blazing column, fire wave was sent towards Houzan, reducing his Life Points to 200 and slaming him on a hard concrete floor.

"And this effect isn't only once per turn." She revelaed, suprising her opponent.

"T-that can't be." He stammered, struguling onto his feet.

"For invading our City and destroying our homes..." Girl tighten grip on her hand, "Feel the destruction you inflicted upon us!

Inferno Express Attack got reduced once again, this time to 18000 as another wave of fire was blasted towards Anna's opponent, cuting his Life Points to 100 while burning his clothes and good part of his skin.

"Please..."

"For the thousands you killed by your foolish and naive ideals about 'Utopia'!"

ATK: 18000-17000

Houzan: 50 LP x0

"When your destruction forced us to suffer disease, drought, and famine!"

Same action as before repeated, with Inferno Express lowering to 16000 and reducing Life Points to 25.

ATK: 17000-16000

Houzan: 25 LP x0

ATK: 16000-15000

Houzan: 12.5 LP x0

ATK: 15000-14000

Houzan: 6.5 LP x0

Few VERY painfull minutes later

Pain. That's all our fellow Academia Duelist felt. He struggled to maintain consciousness as a shard of flaming magma stabbed into his left arm, scattering sparks before he managed to beat it away with his right arm.

He didn't even know, or care how many Life Points he had left. All he knew was that they were low… very low.

Agony and new waves of pain, each more painful than the last riped through his body as his bones crunched against each other, his flesh burned, and his gashes bled.

"You don't look so good." Anna said, half mocking him.

ATK: 1000 / DEF: 1000 (RNK: 10)

Houzan: 1.11111111111111 LP x0

"To finish you, I activate effect of my Inferno Express!" She declared before an Overlay Unit bursted. "By detaching one Xyz Material I can destroy one Monster you control and inflict Damage to you equal to destroyed Monsters Attack!"

"You..." He coughed up blood as he glared at her. "Could have finished me already. Why?"

"WHY?!" She snaped. "You dare ask me that why after all you monsters did to my home and loved ones! LOOK AROUND YOU! EVERYTHING IS DESTROYED BECAUSE OF YOU!"

Crimson steam of fire erupted from Anna's Monster. "With Dredfull Inferno Express, I destroy your Shekhinaga's and inflict is 2600 Damage to you!"

His Monster got enveloped in crimson fire and bit by bit got destroyed, sending wave towards barely concious Houzan. He thet out a scream, tears streaming down his eyes as yet another blast of fire slashed his entire body.

Anna: 400 LP x1

Houzan: 0000 LP x0

"Weak... Pathetic..." She slowly made her way towards him.

"Any last words?" Small pink light came out of her Duel Disk.

He looked at her before muttering. "See you in Hell."

A bright light enveloped his form and after few seconds a card with his face appeared.

"Looking forward to it..."

Synchro Dimension - King's Throne

"What was the meaning of that vision?"Jack Atlas wondered aloud, siting on his throne with his right hand gently rubbing his temple. On small table next to him was a water with few aspirins mixed in to it.

"This isn't the first time this happened." He took out his Ace Monster Red Deamons. "Ever since my Duel with Yuki Jason I've been having strong and unusual visions."

Flashback

Jack fell to his knees, clutching his head with both of his hands as his his personal assistant dialed 911.

"Hold on Atlas-Sama!" She yelled in a panicked voice as she spoke to her phone. "Yes, King is feeling really bad! Sent paramedics immediately!"

Jack felt like someone was strangeling him. All he could do is cough weakly, hacking out the last vestiges of air in his body. His face paled even more so than usual. His hand were trembeling and he desperately tried to obtain as little oxygene as he could get. Soon he felt his conciounus slip from here and from that point everything went blank...

Memory Fragment

"Where am I? King of Synchro Dimension wondered as he floated above destroyed district in some strange looking City. He noticed that his arms and for the matter of fact his entire body transparent. He looked around, noticing poor condition of the streets as he landed on the ground.

"Am I back in the Slums?" He thought walking around. "No. It looks like Commons district in Neo Domino City, but this place is in worse shape than my old 'home' ever was."

Around corner a small child, presumably around 10 years of age suddenly appeared. Due to it's clothing and apperance it seemed like a girl, but to Jack it was clear that the child in front of him was a boy. He wore yellow hat over his long curly red hair. He wore a dirty light blue cloak with simple orange T-Shirt underneeth it. He had gray eyes and just beneeth his right one was a small criminal mark. He also wore black sandals while having a necklace resting over his neck.

Overall, boys apperance was rather poor, making Jack realise that this kid, just like himself, didn't have an easy life. Criminal mark resting on boys left cheek only confrimed his thoughts. Still, he couldn't shake this strange feeling that he knew him from somewhere.

"Y' better run Rally-Chan!" One of three thugs that were chasing the boy exclaimed while one of them was holding a pipe in his right hand. "Because if you don't you're gonna be in a world of hurt!"

Boy, now know as Rally triped over small piece of debris and fell on the hard concerate floor. Leader of the thugs prepared to hit him with a pipe when a Duel Monsters card hit him in his hand making him drop his weapon.

"Oi bastard! What the hell did you do?!" Thug growled, holding his hand in pain.

Rally had a dumbfounded expression on his face and looked at person in front of him that was standing on half-ruined building. Look of shock and fear spread across thugs faces when their eyes fell upon that person.

Curious about sudden change in their attitude, Jack also looked at the figure only for his eyes to widen in shock.

"Impossible." He breathed. "That's..."

"Jack!" Synchro Dimension King turned towards Rally who called out his name. No, not his name, but name of a figure that was standing on the building. This Jack had a simillar appearance to his. He had a long white overcoat with blue shirt and gray pants with black shoes. Strangely enough ARC-V Jack was amazed at seeing the type of Duel Disk his doppelganger wore around his left arm.

It was an older Duel Disk white and red in color that had five specific Monster Zones. Unlike more advanced Duel Disk, directly undereeth Monster Slots were 5 Spell and Trap Card Slot, which, by the looks of it would activate by pressing big buttons on round portion of the Disk.

Jack jumped from the building and glared at three thugs while leting a decent amounts of killer intent towards them.

"You do know who's field this is, don't you?" He glared at them with a hint of warning in his voice.

Rally quickly got behind Jack as three thugs took a step back.

"I wasn't trying to pick a fight with you. Honest." Thug with brown hair tied in a ponytail held up his hands defensively.

Jack wouldn't listen. He activated his old fashioned Duel Disk. "I am the King here! I will listen to your drivel afterwards!"

A card was placed on his Duel Disk and ARC-V Jack was shocked when he saw the Monster that emerged. It look exactly like his Red Deamons Dragon only without cracked horns and scared right arm.

Dragon roared loudly, scaring trio of thugs that ran away from him.

"Well that excalated quickly." Jack (ARC-V) muttered while rubing his head in pain. "But who is this person? He looks like me, acts like me and has same Ace Monster like me."

"Ha!" Rally called out to them. "You better run away, you bunch of cowards."

When boy turned around, Jack was long gone...

"I have to figure out what's happening..."

Few Minutes Later

Jack (ARC-V) followed his look-alike and walked into some sorts of abandoned Theathre. There, on the stage, he saw Jack siting on a throne while seemingly being deep in thoughts.

"What is it?" Jack asked as Rally walked in through front doors.

"I just wanted to say proper thanks for helping me out earlier."

"I was just protecting my field." He told him.

Rally rubbed his hair sheepishly before gaining a smile. "Ya know, we're tuning up Yusei's D-Wheel right now, but we're taking it for a test run tommorow."

"Yusei?" Jack (ARC-V) narrowed his eyes.

"Why don't you come Jack? It's going to be freaking fast that you wouldn't belive it!"

Jack lowered his head, unwilling to look at the boy.

"We have been friends, so let's Duel like we used to in old days." Rally suggested while walking up to him.

"I am not same as him."

"What happened to you and Yusei?"

"We are just different... In our goals..."

"But I... Just want to see you too get along like before." Rally said with a grim expression. "You were like brothers. And besides, both of you are our only hope of Satellite."

"Satellite? And Yusei..." More pain surged through his head.

"Well, if you change your mind, you can come by at any time."

With that Rally took off, leaving Jack alone.

Scene changed to same theathre as before with Jack leaning on his throne. Suddenly a set of footsteps were heared, prompting Jack to get up from his throne.

"Who's there?!" Jack yelled, demanding an answer.

"Pleased to meet you, Jack Atlas."

Both Jack's turned to see the person in question as it came out of the shadows.

He was an effeminate man who strongly resembled a clown. He wore red lipstick, had two red lines running vertically over his eyes, and spiky purple hair. His outfit consisted of red coat with a black collar and gold trim, underneath a white shirt with gold lining, gloves, and black and gold boots.

"That's... Mayor Jeager!" Jack (ARC-V) breathed at seeing one of the most influential people in Neo Domino City standing in front of his double. He had a privlege to meet Jeager few times in the past, mostly when he won and defended title of Duel King, so he realised that a person of his status coming here must be because of some important reason.

"You can call me Jeager." Clown man told him as he stood next to Jack's throne. "I have come here on errand of Public Security Maintenance Bureau's Director, Rex Godwin."

"Rex Godwin? Isn't that peasant Roget Director of Security?" Jack (ARC-V)

"What does Public Security Maintenance Bureau want with me?" Jack asked in a harsh tone."

"To invite you to the City." He paused before continuing. "The Director has thought it imperative that there be a King that would reign over the City."

He walked forward, now standing in front of the throne. "The presence of a King would not only instils dreams and hope into the citizens bit as a symbol of the City, but also lead to City's expansion and Public Security. We would like to give that title to you."

"Give?!" Jack (ARC-V) clenched his fist, trying to content his rage. "Ridicilous! In order to be Duel King you have to earn that title!"

Jeager pointed towards him, specificly his righ arm. "Furthemore, that birthmark on your right hand is a mark of a King."

"Birthmark?" Jack (ARC-V) wondered, looking at this doppelganger.

"Tommorow at 5 PM, the pipeline will cease discharge for one hour." He sat on his throne. "We have preperations set to usher you in. However... You will need two items as passport sort to speak to enter our City."

A sadistic smirk spread on Jeager's face, leting ARC-V Jack to realise that these 'passports' aren't worth it.

"Those are Red Deamons Dragon and Stardust Dragon cards."

"Stardust..." Jack's eyes widened. "That's the card Yuki Jason played in his Duel against Crow. Is that card the reason of these visions?"

"We do realise that you are not in possesion of Stardust. Regardless of that, you need both of them. How you're going to obtain it is none of my concern."

Seeing unsure look on Jack's face Jeager spoke again. "To belive me or not is up to you. But I do ask you to give it some careful considiration. These chances come only once in a lifetime. If you want to stay in Satellite and be King of Slums, go right ahead. However, if you want to become real King, a King that eveyone would respect and fear, you should take up on my offer. Choice is yours..."

Jack looked down, spoting a cockroach next to his feet. With one last clownic laugh, Jeager dissapeared.

"We hope to see you in a City..." Jack turned to the source of the sound, but didn't find Jeager. He gritted his teeth and crushed cockroach with his feet.

Scene changed again this time showing Jack standing on edge of the roof on one of Satellite building while Rally approched him.

"Why did you call me here?" Gentle wind blew on Rally's face. "You said that you wanted me to do something. What is it?"

"He couldn't have..." Jack (ARC-V) thought, observing situation in his spirit form.

"I decided to leave this place."

Upon hearing those words, Rally perked up. "Really? But how?"

"I need your help to do that." He approched Riley slowly, hiting him on back of his neck and knocking him out.

Scene changed yet again, showing a garage with four teens. They were all gathered around silver colored D-Wheel.

"Man, that Rally sure is late." One with blue bandana noted. "We told him that test run is today."

"Seems like he's been going in and out of Jack's place." Bulky guy in brown leathered vest added.

"Gee, what an opportunist." Third man with glasses said.

"Quit it." Jack focused on fourth member that was working on his D-Wheel. He could see faces of all others clearly, but for some reason this man's face was blurred. "Rally is free to hang put with whoever he wants."

"I know that, but..."

A monitor on D-Wheel rang and Yusei pressed the button showing Jack on it.

"Jack..."

"Someone has kidnapped Rally." Jack blunlty said, while his Synchro Dimension incarnation narrowed his eyes at his cold and uncaring tone.

"What was that?!" Yusei yelled as he turned to his friends "Let's split up."

"Right!"

All four of them went their seperate ways, while Yusei rode his D-Wheel, hoping that he could find his friend easier with it

"This won't turned out good." Jack (ARC-V) followed mystery man.

Yusei rode around Satellite, deserating trying to find his friend when he got a call.

"Yusei, I know where Rally is." Jack told him. "Meet me at Satellite peer."

With a simple nod, Yusei speeded up, rushing towards the location.

Few Minutes Later

With a loud sound of screeching tires, Yusei's D-Wheel stopped and he jumped out of it and rushed towards Jack.

"Where is Rally?" Yusei asked taking off his helmet.

"There." Jack pointed towards the sea as both Yusei and Jack (ARC-V) gasped when they saw boy tied up with a rope and left on a small wooden boat while waves raged on.

"If this continues, he will be swept by the sea soon..." Jack told him. "And if he capsizes in this storm, he is done for."

"What is Rally doing there anyways?!"

"I'm going to tell you the truth." Jack brushed off his outburst and faced him. "I did it."

"Jack..."

"I got invitation from the City." He began explaining. "Tickets to my road as a King are my Red Deamons and your Stardust."

"So Stardust initially belonged to this Yusei fellow." Jack (ARC-V) thought. "So how did Jason got in possesion of that card?"

"There is also an option of you collecting both cards and going to City to rule as a King. What will it be?"

Rally's screams could be heared as waves increased even more.

"Are you going to stand here and fight me." He pointed towards Rally. "Or are you going to help him?"

Without second thought, Yusei took off his jacket and jumped in the sea, swimming towards his friend.

Jack looked on with emotionless expression on his face. He picked up Yusei's Deck Box and pulled out a card from it. He droped rest of his Deck and got on Yusei's D-Wheel and rode off, never looking back.

Rally fell into water and Jack cursed himself that he couldn't help him. However, Yusei got to him just in time and swimmed with him to the shore.

"Sorry Yusei." Rally had a devestated expression on his face. "It was because of me..."

"Don't worry about it." Yusei taped him on the back with a small smile on his face. He picked up his Deck and began walking home with his friend.

Memory Fragmant ends

Flashback ends

"Just what is going on?" He got up from his throne and looked over the window. For some reason, 30 minutes break was in session and now they will begin with Duels.

"Jason must know something about this. I have to speak with him."

He walked towards his door , bit stoped when he heared Melisa's announcment. "Just great..."

Jason's Room

(Jason POV)

My Duel with Crow was finished, but I still didn't relax. I will trust Reiji's plan that Tsukikage told me. It actually caught me off guard for a second, but this way both Yuzu and Serena will have extra protection if needed.

"Ladies and gentleman!" Melisa enthusiasticly announced. "After our little break it's time for our second match of the day!"

Crowd cheered even more as Melisa continied. "As you already know, Yuki Jason and Crow Hogan showed us a terrific Duel and our Hero Duelist will Duel again today!"

"Say what?!" Yugo stared at her in disbelief.

Serena muttered something under her breath. Sure she understood Reiji's actions, but she waited whole day to Duel and it's just isn't fair to be pushed to the side like that.

"Due to some maintance problem, next Quarter-Final Match will be prolonged." Screen showed Yuya's and mine picture. "Insted we will move on to our Semi-Final Match between Yuki Jason and Sakaki Yuya!"

"No faaiiirrr!" Yugo threw a hissy fit and started pounding his pillow in comical manner while crying comical tears. "This was my chance to shinee! And I lost it just because of some joker and tomato look alike?!"

He cracked his knuckles. "When I get my hands on them!"

"Why did they postpone next Quarter-Final Match?"

"I wanted to see Serena-chan Duel."

"From his first Duel, that Yugo kid has some crazy skills. I wmated to see him Duel again"

"But even so,this next match should be quite interesting."

Simillar comments were heared from audience and although they were displeased, Melisa vas relived when she saw that they didn't riot.

Security HQ - Roget's Office.

"What is the meaning of this?!"

Director of Public Security Maintenance Bureau yelled, slaming his fist on Control Pannel while having an enraged look on his face.

"Let me clarify."

Main screen in his office lit up, showing Akaba Reiji staring at him with a small smirk on his face.

"You!" He got up from his chair and glared at him. "Explain NOW!"

"Gladly." He pushed his glasses up. "Since I knew that you would do anything to get your hands on both Hiragi Yuzu and Serena I took some precations. While I have complete faith in Reira's, Tsukikage and mine abilities to protect the girls, few extra hands would always be helpful, wouldn't you say."

"Tch.." He frowned. "You really think that something like that can stop me?! Even if Sakaki Yuya and Yuki Jason help you in securing those girls, they won't be enough against hundrends Security!"

"Juding by state of this City that your 'leadership' caused and Shinji's Weber persistant speeches about unjustice, Commons are soon to riot and with that all fallen Lancers will be able to break free from unerground, which will give us enough man power to hold you and your Security off."

Reiji continued before Roget had a chance to speak. "Besides, with Yuya's Pendulum Summon, Serena's intense training that she recived in Academia and Jason being Absolutely Flawless, your mind controled "army" are destined to fail."

With that screen turned off. Roget just looked at it before picking uo his chair and slaming it on the screen, destroying it completely.

With Jason

(Jason POV)

Door of my room opened and Sam stood there while bowing down respectfully. He had a smile on his face.

"Follow me."

With Yuzu and Sora

"Why are those two Dueling already?" Yuzu wondered aloud.

Currently Yuzu, Frank, Amanda, Tanner and Sora were hiding from Security

"Who knows?" Sora shrugged. "But still, it should be a good Duel. As far as I know, they didn't Duel since Jason first came to You Show."

"Yea, they didn't." Yuzu nodded.

Sora looked at Yuzu, contenting to ask her a question that has been bothering him for a long time. He wanted to ask Yuya, but Security caught him before he had a chance to do so.

"Yuzu..." Sora tried to form a descend sentance to ask the question.

"What is it?" She titled her head in confusion.

"About Jason... I saw his Duel with Kurosaki."

"Oh..." She looked down, griping her shorts.

"Oh my, that was a scary Duel." A shiver went down Tanner's spine when he remembered the state Jason was in during that Duel.

"I agree. That was really terrifimg." Amanda nodded.

Sora placed his hands in pockets and leaned on the wall. "This isn't the first time it happened right? That phenomenom occured during his Duel against Akaba Reiji and our Duel in Maiami City Championship."

"I know..." Yuzu whispered. "To be honest, he did tell us what happened and even if its hard to belive, with everything that's been happening lately with Dimensional War and everything I do belive him."

"So... What's the deal?" Sora asked her. "I only saw him that pissed off when I accidentally ate his cheetos."

Sora had an uneasy feeling when he remembered 'Cheetos Incident' from their time in Standard Dimension.

Flashback

"WHERE THE FUCK ARE MY CHEETOS?!"

Jason raged, running around You Show, opening drawers and closets, searching every room and every corner of the School to find them.

"SORAA!"

Boy jumped from the couch, staring at Jason with small smile on his face, while empty bags of cheetos rested on coffe table in front of him.

"Whhyy hello there Jason." He happily waved at him.

"Sora..." Jason began speaking with a hint of anger in his voice. "Explain. NOW!"

"This is a payback for puting a Tabasco sauce in my Ice Cream." He hid behind the couch as Jason dangerously approched him.

"I already bought you another one when we went to the pool the other day!" Jason exclaimed, red from anger.

"It was different!" Sora defended. "That was limited edition Ice Cream, you can't replace it with some stupid copy."

"GIVE ME MY CHEETOS SORA!"

"They're gone." Sora calmly replied with a small grin.

"THEN SO WILL YOU BE!" Jason proceeded to chase Sora around entire School, while the boy in question ran for his life.

Flashback ends

"Really?" Yuzu looked at him dumbfounded. "He did all that because of some cheetos?"

"We worked it off." Sora assured her. "So what's the deal with his gold eyes and evil purple aura."

"Well..." Yuzu got up and proceeded to drag Sora from three kids that were looking at them curiously.

"Do you know how Kaibaman mentioned name 'Supreme King' during their Duel back in the Spirit World?"

Sora did remember that. In fact, when he got sent to Academia he confronted Akaba Leo and asked him if Duel Monsters really have souls. Leader of Academia was suspicious, but when Sora explained him where he got that information, man immediately froze. Sora barely heared his faint whisperes of "We have another one" under Leo's breath.

"I do remember." Sora nodded. "He was taunting Jason, saying him that he expected much more from Supreme King."

"Well, Supreme King is supossed to be a ruthless ruler descending far from the past, where both Duel Monsters and Spirits lived together in harmony. According to Jason, at some point, King went beserk and tried to rule everything and everyone. However, King eventually died, but his spirit is always reincarnating in new vessel of his descended over the years. And that descended is currently Jason."

"A-are you for real?!" Sora litearly had a WTF expression on his face. "Yuzu that is ridicilous!"

"Yea, why would you belive me." She said, her voice driping with sarcasam. "It's as ridicilous as beliving that there are four Dimensions named after Summoning Methods and on each and every one of the are counterparts of Yuya and me."

"Well, when you put it that way." He laughed in a sheepish manner.

Sora turned serious. "Back then... In my Duel with Yuya in Maiami City Championship..."

Flashback

Yuya used Pendulum Effects of Xiangke Magician and Xiangsheng Magician to change OmDark Rebellion from Rank 4 to Leve 7 Monster - same as Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon that was currently on the Field.

"I'll bring back your smile with my Dueling Sora!" Yuya declared with stell determination. "I Overlay my Level 7 Odd-Eyes and Dark Rebellion!"

Both of his Monsters turned to purple streams of energy and entered Xyz Portal.

"Dragon of dual-colored eyes. Unleash the black imperial wrath, and eradicate all opposing enemies! Xyz Summon! Come forth! Rank 7! Dragon with eyes glowing with anger! The Supreme King Black Dragon - Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon!"

Flashback ends

"Yuya added 'Supreme King' in his Xyz/Pendulum Monsters chant... Is that mere coincidence or is there something more in this ancient spirit that is possesing Jason?"

"First one to go out on the course is Sakaki Yuya!"

"Yuya?!" Sora and Yuzu exclaimed in unision.

Duel Course

(Jason POV)

"Next up is our all favorite Hero Duelist - Yuki Jason!"

I jumped out of the garage and waved at enthusiastic crowd as I did a quick lap and stopped next to Yuya.

"Hey, Jason..."

"Take off your helmet."

Yuya looked at me, confusion spread on his face at my demand, but he did it as he was told. Once I held his helmet I searched for the chip and found it in top right corner. I pulled it out a crushed it while giving Roget an arrogant smirk.

"That bastard!" Roget slamed his fist on his desk.

"What was that?"

"Electric Shock Chip." I responded, geting gaspes of shock and disbelief from Yuya and audience. "Director of Public Security Maintenance Bureau planted it in my helment during my Duel with Kurosaki. Chip is programed to send electrical shocks to a certain part of a person's brain to stimulate their aggressiveness. That's the reason why I acted so destructive before."

"I knew that Security was that corrupted, but still..." Yugo gritted his teeth. "To actually treat a human being like that."

"Anyways..." Melisa sounded shocked, but she decided to continue with regular schedule. "Let's resume. Action Field On! Field Spell: Crossover Accel!

"Duel Mode: On! Auto Pilot, Stand By."

Action Field activated like usual and enveloped entire Duel Lane. I tossed Yuya's helmet back and braced myself as holographic screen in front of us began counting down.

3

2

1

"Riding Duel Acceleration!"

We both speeded up, racing towards exit of Duel Place.

"Did Tsukikage told you about our plan?" Yuya asked.

"He did."

"Good. Now let's give our best!" Yuya said with enthusiasam

"Right." I nodded.

"DUEL!"

Jason: 4000 LP x5

Yuya: 4000 LP x5

We were currently in a tunnel connecting Duel Stadium with rest of the City.

I looked at my friend. "Yuya. Do you know what Jack Atlas meant when he said that your Dueling was self satisfaction?"

And just like that, all enthusiasam that he had instantly vanished. I hate doing that, but with so much changes that happened from canon story, I feel obliged to make him forge his own path without relying on his fathers words so much. Yuya looked down, unwiling to answer.

"Entertainment Duel, huh?" Jack said before bluntly speaking his mind. "That Duel was pure self satisfaction! Far from true Entertainment!"

"I... don't know." He admitted. "I always tried my best to have fun in Duel and make everyone smile just like my father did..."

"Well maybe that's the problem." I told him before speeding up, leaving the Duel Palace first.

"First turn goes to Jason!"

"I'll start." I picked up two cards in my Hand. "I set a Monster in Defense Postion and one card facedown. That's all for now."

"Jason is playing it safe for first move." Melisa commented. "But with potential Yuya's Pendulum cards bring, that passive move can be his downfall."

Jason: 4000 LP x3

Yuya: 4000 LP x6

"That's the problem?" Yuya thought. "What did he mean by that? No. I can't think about that now."

"I draw!" He riped a card from his Deck and grabed two others. "With Scale 2 Entermate Trump Witch and Scale 8 Entermate Endymion Magician, I set the Pendulum Scale."

Yuya placed his cards on Duel Blade and Rainbow color word Pendulum spread around it. Two Monster rose from in blue pillars. On Yuya's left was a small witch in blue and pink dress with yellow hair tied in a pingtails. Other was a magician-like Monster with black rod in his hands. It had a long black armor with purple cape.

"With this, I can Summon Monsters from Level 5-8 simutaneously.!" He declared as his Pendulum began swinging. "Swing, Pendulum of Souls! Draw an arc of light across the ether! Pendulum Summon! Appear now my Monsters!"

Two light shooted out of the Pendulum Portal. "Stargazer Magician and Dragon with wondrous and beautiful dichromatic eyes! Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

ATK: 1200 / DEF: 2400 (LV: 5)

ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 7)

"There it is! Yuya sucessfully Pendulum Summons."

"That boy doesn't waste any time, huh?" One woman from the Tops asked. refering to Yuya.

"He sure doesn't." Other one responded. "But we shouldn't count out Yuki Jason yet. He proved in his Duel against King and Crow Hogan that even in worst situation, he can create multiple miracles."

"Looks like name caller is in trouble." Yugo thought aloud with a small grin, not noticing his Clear Wing leting out a small shine. "Crush him tomato head!"

"I activate Pendulum Effect of my Endymion Magician!" He carried on, his Monster blasted a stream of purple energy towards Odd-Eyes, increasing his Attack Points further to 3300.

"Not only does this card increase Attack of one Odd-Eyes, Magician or Entermate Monster I control by 800, but it can also grant that Monster an Ability to deal Piercing Damage."

"3300 Attack and can also Damage him while he has Monsters in Defense Mode." Serena noted.

"Battle! Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon attack his facedown Momster!" He commanded amd his Ace Monster roared before blasting crimson red fire towards my Monster. "Spiral Strike Burst!"

My facedown Monster revelaed itself and it was 1000 Defense Hero Caller. It got destoeyed with ease and small fire enveloped me, reducing my Life Points to 1700.

"Dammit!" I inwardly cursed. "If Odd-Eyes had real life effect that would be the game right here..."

"With one strike, Yuya took out more than half of Jason's Life." Melisa exclaimed.

"Hero Caller effect activates." I interrupted as a card ejected from my Deck. "When he gets destroyed, I can Special Summon one Elemental Hero Monster from my Hand or Deck. I Special Summon Elemental Hero Blazeman from my Deck in Defense Position."

In a small vortex of fire Blazeman appeared, kneeling with arms in cross formation.

ATK: 1200 / DEF: 1800 (LV: 4)

"Furthemore, when Blazeman is Summoned I can add one Polymerization from my Deck to my Hand." I continued. "And after Hero Caller's effect resolved, I can draw an extra card."

"Told you." Woman from Tops gloated that her prediction turned out to be true while other one scoffed.

"That's exacly like you." Yuya smiled. "Always being one step ahead and prepared for every situation."

"Well of course." I nodded with a grin. "To be the best, you have to prepare for every possible scenario."

"True. In that case, it's a good thing that I still have my Trump Girl Pendulum Effect!" He spread out his hands as Trump Girl waved her wand, creating sparkles that enveloped Odd-Eyes and Stargazer.

"With her effect, once per turn during my Main or Battle Phase, I can perform a Fusion Summon using Monsters I control as Materials!"

"Fusion Summon during Battle Phase?!" Melisa gasped.

"That is interesting..." Jack noted, geniunely impressed.

"I fuse Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and my Stargazer Magician."

"Wielder of mysterious powers, become the bright light in the eyes of the dragon! Fusion Summon! Come forth! Arcane dragon wielder of ancient magic! Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Yuya's first Fusion Monster took the stage, his roar echoing around entire City.

ATK: 3000 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 8)

"There it is folks! Yuya sucesfully performs a Fusion Summon!"

"Number of times my Rune-Eyes can attack is determined by original Level of Spellcaster-Type Monster I used to Summon it. Since I used Level 5 Stargazer, so he can wager three attack during each turn."

"Three attacks?!" Yugo muttered, shock evident on his face and voice.

"Go Rune-Eyes! Destroy his Elemental Hero Blazeman! Shiny Burst!"

A horizontal lights were blasted towards my Hero, as a small smirk crossed my lips.

"Don't be impatient." I told him. "Duel still isn't over. I activate my Trap: Negate Attack!"

Green barrier appeared in front of my Monster and deflected Yuya's attack.

"With this your attack is not only negated, but Battle Phase ends."

"Tch..." Yuya grunted. "I place a card facedown and end my turn."

Jason: 1700 LP x6

Yuya: 4000 LP x1

"Jason managed to avoid multiple attack due to nasty effect of Rune-Eyes. But it beggs the question: Why didn't Jason activated Negate Attack earlier?"

"Simple really. I had to get Blazeman on the Field and with him out, my Fusion Summon for this turn is assured." I explained. "But before that I will activate Blazeman effect! I can send one Hero Monster from my Deck to Graveyard and for duration of this turn, Blazeman has same Attribute, Attack and Defense as the Monster sent."

I took a card from my Deck and send it to Graveyard. "I send my Necroshade which means that Blazeman's Attack and Attribute changes."

Blazeman's power rose to 1600.

Cue Judai Theme

"Next I activate Polymerization!" Fusion Vortex appeared behind me. "I fuse my Blazeman on the Field with Clayman in my Hand. Fusion Summon! Come on out! Elemental Hero Gaia!"

ATK: 2200 / DEF: 2600 (LV: 6)

"Jason responded with a Fusion Summon of his own."

"Gaia's effect activates! Earth Splitter!" Gaia punched the ground, sending debris towards Rune-Eyes.

"I cut your Dragon's Attack in half and then my Gaia gains the same amount your Monster lost."

ATK: 3000-1500 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 8)

ATK: 2200-3700 / DEF: 2600 (LV: 6)

"3700..." Melisa muttered.

"And that's not all folks. Next I Normal Summon my Elemental Hero Heat!"

Hero in yellow and red costume erupted from vortex of fire and appeared in Attack Mode.

ATK: 1600 / DEF: 1200 (LV: 4)

"Heat effect activates!" I continued as his Attack rose to 2000. "For every Elemental Hero I control, he gains 200 Attack."

Yuya searched left and right for an Action Card. He spoted one on the corner of a road and snached it.

"Now that we have out entire cast here I can play my R-Righteous Justice!" Letter R appeared between my two Heroes. "For every Elemental Hero I control, I can destroy up to that many Spell and Traps on the Field."

"What?!" Yuya had a worried expression on his face.

"Since Pendulum Cards are treated as Spell Cards while in Pendulum Zone, they are qualified for my Card Effect."

Two red beams shooted out of my card and pierced Trump Girl and Endymion Magician, destroying them.

"Unbelivible." Melisa was at loss of her words. "Not only did he weakend Yuya's Monster, but with that Spell Card, he also sealed off his Pendulum Summon."

"Yosh. Time to Battle! I attack your Rune-Eyes with my Elemental Hero Heat!"

Fire Attributed Hero blasted a wave of fire towards Arcane Dragon.

"Action Spell: Evasion! Your attack is negated."

"Nice one, but I still have Gaia!" My Earth Hero brought up his fist and slamed it on the ground, creating massive earthquake because of it that eventualy destroyed his Fusion Monster.

"Trap Card activate!" His facedown revealed itself showing image of dragon with dichromanic eyes while in the background a lone blue Pendulum was swinging back and forth.

"Pendulum Endurance! It activates only when you destroy Monster I control in Battle. Any Battle Damage I would recive is negated!" Blue barrier protected him from after shock. "Then I can Special Summon one Pendulum Monster from my Graveyard or face up Extra Deck! Return to me Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

His Ace Monster emerged, signalising its apperance with a mighty roar.

ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 7)

Judai Theme ends

"Sakaki Yuya managed to hold of attacks from two Monsters, negated every Damage he would normally recive and even brought back his Ace Monster. Truly splendid."

"Wow. I didn't expected that." I stated with geniune suprise. "To be honest, I thought that you would search left and right for another Action Card to save yourself. No offense."

"None taken." Yuya waved me off as we drove with equal speed. "Before we came to Synchro I realised that I relied to much on Action Cards insted of Dueling my opponents with my own strenght."

I blinked once, twice, hundred times and rubbed my eyes under my helmet visior to re-foucus again. Yuya Sakaki, pioneer of Pendulum Summon and person with most ridicilous hair in all of Yugioh, as well person that Yugioh fandom HATED for using Action Cards too much just said that he will not use them so often...

"Jason?"

"Who are you and what did you do to my Action Cards using, hippo riding, tomato haired, pancake loving, lemon dating friend?"

"Oi, oi!" Yuya exclaimed in offended tone. "I can change. Besides, you were the reason why I considered to change my Dueling style."

"I was?"

"Yep." He nodded, poping letter 'p'. "In all your Action Duels that I witnessed you taking a part in, you never once grabed an Action Card first. When we confronted you about it, you said and I quote: "I want to belive in my Deck for victory. If my opponent decides to save himself by using an Action Card, than I will too. True Duelist has to belive in his own strenght and Deck. He musn't rely on some convinience to show up, because sooner or later, he might find himself cornered where such privlege wouldn't be availible."

I smiled. "Well, I'm glad that I helped you to grow as a Duelist, even if it was in my own, small, humble way." My smile droped. "However Yuya, in order for you to reach true potential and evolve even further, you have to use your own words and not rely on someone elses like you've been doing so far..."

"My own... Words..." Yuya repeated as I speeded up.

"I place a card facedown and end it with that."

Jason: 1700 LP x1

Yuya: 4000 LP x2

"Yuya." I adressed him again. "You should stop speaking to me with borrowed words. Speak with me with your own words and will. With you own Dueling!"

"Hm..." Jack observed the situation with his usaal neutral look.

"What is he saying?" Yuya thought. "I always did my best to inherit and continue my fathers Dueling... I always though that his Dueling is greatest..."

"I draw!" Yuya started, puting aside his thoughts.

Unknown to both of them, a figure in purple uniform was standing on the rooftop of Duel Palace, observing the Duel while holding a card in his right hand.

"It's him!" Figure spoke with venom and disgust.

"I set a card." He began, reversed card appearing behind him. "Odd-Eyes! Attack his Elemental Hero Gaia! Spiral Strike Burst!"

"You know what to do Jason?" Neos asked me as I pressed a button on my Duel Disk.

"You bet I do." My Trap revealed itself. "I play my Trap! Hero Barrier! If I control at least one Elemental Hero on my Field, I can negate attack of your Monster!"

Spiraling shiled appeared in front of Gaia, saving him from spiraling flames

"I end it with that." Yuya concluded.

Jason: 1700 LP x2

Yuya: 4000 LP x1

"My turn, I draw! I activate my Spell: Hero Avarice!" Image of the card showed avarice with big letter 'H' on it. "With this I can send one Level 4 or lower Hero Monster I control to the Graveyard and then draw cards equal to it's Level." I explained as Heat vanished in sparkles of light. "By sending Heat, I draw four new cards."

"I use effect of Necroshade in Graveyard. I can Summon Level 5 or higher Elemental Hero Monster without any Tribute. I Summon Elemental Hero Neos!"

From sparkles of light Neos emerged and stood next to Gaia.

ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 7)

"And here it is folks!" Melisa commented. "Jason Summoned his Ace Monster!"

I stopped momentearly when I heared a loud growl coming from none other than Odd-Eyes. Dragon is observing Neos, while leting out dangerous aura around it.

"Odd-Eyes?" Yuya repeated confused at his Monsters behaviour.

"What gives?" My eyes flashed gold for a brief moment as I saw huge dark figure standing behind Yuya's Monster. However, when I blinked it was already gone.

"That was... Strange..." I couldn't help but muster. "Anyways... I play Gift of the Martyr. By sacrificing Gaia, my Neos gains Attack equal to Gaia's Original Attack."

ATK: 2500-4700 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 7)

"Tch..." Yuya grunted. while glancing at his facedown.

"Not yet." He thought.

"Go Neos! Attack his Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! WRATH OF NEOS!"

Neos leaped in the sky and came down towards Odd-Eyes slashing him across the chest, creating a huge explosion and eventually destroying him.

"And to end it, I set two cards facedown. Gift of Martyr effect ends, so my Neos Attack is reduced to normal."

Jason: 1700 LP x1

Yuya: 1800 LP x2

"My turn!" Yuya began. "I activate Pendulum Reload. I return as many Pendulum Monsters that are face up in Extra Deck and then draw a card for each one +1." Three cards poped out of his Extra Deck. "I return Entermate Trump Witch, Stargazer Magician and Entermate Endymion Magician to draw four new cards."

Pendulum of Souls OST

"This is..." Yuya's eyes widened at seeing image of odd-eyed dragon with green and blue body armor.

Back in with Yuri on the roof, Predatorplants Duelist was in a trance while he held his card that was leting out strong purple shine.

"With Scale 2 Oafdragon Magician and Scale 8 Timegazer Magician, I set the Pendulum Scale."

"That voice..." I turned to look behind me and saw faint image of Yuri standing next to Yuya.

"Are they synchronizing?" I looked towards the roof behind me and saw Yuri standing there. "They are already here..."

"Next, I will activate effect of Oafdragon Magician and with it return my Odd-Eyes from my Extra Deck back to my Hand." He explained as his Monster swing it's staff, leting out a green aura.

"Pendulum Summon!" He declared as his Pendulum shone even brighter. "Come out! My Monsters!"

Two beams of light shone out of Pendulum Portal and landed in front of Yuya.

"Entermate Trump Girl and Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon."

ATK: 200 / DEF: 200 (LV: 2)

ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 7)

"Yuya Pendulum Summons again."

"Trump Girl effect allows me to Fusion Summon using this card I control and any other Pendulum Monster as Material. I fuse it with my Odd-Eyes!" Both Monsters entered Fusion Vortex.

"Sorcerer with unlimitless potential, beciem one with heteromanic Dragon and create new power!" Yuya chanted "Fusion Summon! Come forth, Odd-Eyes Vortex Dragon!"

Monster that came out of the Fusion Vortex had a regular Odd-Eyes design. Main diffrence was that it had an armor clored in green and dark blue, while white lines were spread among its armor.

ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 7)

"Yuya performs another Fusion Summon." Melisa said. "But it's Attack is equal to Jason's Neos."

"That won't be an issue." Yuya stated. "When Summoned, Vortex Dragon can return one Attack Position Monster my opponent controls back to the Hand."

Green tornado ravaged the Duel Lane and enveloped my Neos. My Ace screamed as it turned into particles and returned to my Hand.

"Without any Monsters out, this could be the end." Serena observed. "But knowing Jason and his crazy luck of his..."

"Battle!" Yuya/Yuri declared. "Odd-Eyes Vortrex Dragon Attack him directly!"

Vortex Dragon opened up his mouth and blasten green fire beam towards me.

"I play my Trap: Defense Draw!" My trap revealed itself. "Battle Damage is negated and I can draw one card!"

"I won't allow that!" Yuya/Yuri said in unision. "When Spell, Trap or Monster Effect is activated, I can return one face up Pendulum Monster from my Extra Deck to Deck and negate activation of that card and destroy it!"

"Ahh!" Melisa panicked. "This is a huge pinch for Jason! Will he be able to survive this?!"

"JASON SAMA!"

"Annoying fan girls." I grimly thought.

"I activate Hero's Gardna effect from my Hand." I placed a card on my Duel Blade as Monster resembling Necro Gardna only with darker color schemes appeared.

ATK: 1100 / DEF: 1000 (LV: 3)

"When I'm targeted for a Direct Attack, I can Special Summon this card from my Hand and immediately end the Battle Phase." Invisible force filed appeared, dispatching Vortex Dragon attack. "Then, I can draw one card."

Pendulum of Souls ends

"I end my turn." Yuya concluded.

"As expected you Summoned Fusion Monster from Pendulum." I said. "To bad that you refuse to use very thing that YOU created to grow and evolve further."

"What do you mean?"

Jason: 1700 LP x3

Yuya: 1800 LP x2

"My turn, I draw!" I began as I looked at my new card. "This can help."

"I Summon Neo Space Nexus!"

Monster that appeared resembled Elemental Hero Neos, only it was smaller in size and had a light blue rod in his hands. His eyes were blue and gold outlines spreaded alongside his body.

ATK: 1900 / DEF: 1300 (LV: 4)

"Nexus effect activates!" I continued as my Monster swirled his rod. "Once per turn, I can Special Summon one Elemental Hero Neos or one Neo-Spacian from my Hand, Deck or Graveyard with its effect negated.

"Not going to happen." Yuya interjected. "By returning Odd-Eyes from my Extra Deck back to my Deck, Vortex Dragon negates Nexus effect and destroys it!"

"Quick-Play Spell: Effect Shut!" I placed a card in my Duel Disk. "When your Monster activates an effect, that effect is negated and your Monster is destroyed."

Green light that raideted from Vortex Dragin's wings got absorbed into my Spell, gathering energy before blasting it towards Yuya's new Fusion Monster.

"That plan horribly backfired." Man from the Tops shook his head disprovingly.

"I activate my Continuous Trap! Heavenly Blessing. Once per turn my Dragon-Type Monster cannot be destroyed by Battle or Card Effect."

Purple aura surrounded Vortex Dragon and protected it from destruction.

"You managed to save your Monster, but I can still Summon mine." I told him. "From my Hand I Summon Neos!"

ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 7)

"Furthemore, Neo Space Nexus can be treated as any Material for Summoning of Neos Fusion Monster. I treat it as Flare Scarab."

Blinding light occured from Nexus rod and in its place stood Flare Scarab.

"It transformed?" Yuya's eyes widened.

"With these two." I pointed at Neos and Nexus. "I Contact Fuse!" Like in every Neos Contact Fusion, galaxy vortex appeared in the sky and Neos and Nexus (Flare Scarab) jumped in it. After few seconds Flare Neos descended.

ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 7)

"When Nexus is used as Material for Summoning of Neos Fusion Monster, I draw a card." I glanced at it before activating it.

"I play Equip Spell Instant Neo Space and equip it to my Flare Neos." Small colorfol circle appeared under Flare Neos.

"Now Flare Neos effect activates!" I continued. "For every Spell and Trap on the Field he gains 400 Attack. With your Continuos Trap, two Pendulum Cards, my facedown and Instant Neo Space, Neos gains 2000 Attack!"

ATK: 2500-4500 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 7)

"Flare Neos, attack his Vortex Dragon!" I commanded as my Fusion Monster focused his energy in creating a massive orb of fire that he blasted towards his Monster. "BURNS RUSH!"

Yuya twisted his handlebars, moving left and right in order to find an Action Card. I expected that to be honest. He made that decision recently and it would be hard for him not to use Action Cards to protect himself.

"Action Spell: Great Escape!" He slid a card in his Duel Disk. "Battle Phase ends immediately."

"Yuya used an Action card to protect himself!"

Jason: 1700 LP x0

Yuya: 1800 LP x3

Yuya drew his card. "Yosh. This can help."

"With my Pendulum Scale, I Pendulum Summon once more!"

Single orange light shooted out of the portal and from it arrived a Magician Monster with brown hair, small crown on his head and was wearing brown cloak that resembles the ones from Middle Ages.

"Come out - Timebreak Magician!"

ATK: 1400 / DEF: 0000 (LV: 3)

"Another Pendulum Summon." Yugo noted

"Eh?" Melisa had a confused expression on her face. "Why did he Summoned only one Monster? Did he ran out of them or..?"

"When Timebreak Magician is Pendulum Summoned from my Hand and no other cards were Summoned with him, his Attack Points are doubled." Yuya explained as his Monsters sword grew twice its size with small glow encircling it.

ATK: 1400-2800 / DEF: 0000 (LV: 3)

"Oh, so that's why..."

"I activate Spell Card Magician Illusion." Card showed image of a Stargazer and Timegazer Magician in front of dark altar "I can select one Magician-Type Monster I control and then its Attack is transfered to one other Monster I control. I choose to give 2800 Timebreak to my Odd-Eyes Vortex Dragon."

ATK: 2500-5300 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 7)

"Yuya managed to power up his Dragon with a Soell Card. It's 5300 vs 4500."

"I activate Spell Spiraling Strike Burst! If I control Odd-Eyes Monster, such as my Vortex Dragon, I can target and destroy one card you control." He pointed at my Fusion Monster. "I choose your Neos!"

Card blasted flaming torent of fire towards my Neos and pierced in through the chest. smoke occured covering up most of the Duel Lane."

"Did it work?" Melisa wondered.

"Sorry to dissapoint." Smoke cleared, revealing Neo Space Nexus standing in front of Flare Neos. "Monster that wa Summoned using Nexus as Material can't be removed from the Field once per turn."

"I expected that much." Yuya admitted. "However you lost your last defense."

"Go Vortex Dragon!" Yuya declared as his Monster fired a green wave of fire towards me. "Finish of his Neos!"

Fire enveloped my Monster that screamed before being destroyed.

"Effect of Instant Neo Space activates!" I took a card from my Deck and placed it on my Duel Blade. "Since Monster Equiped with this card left the Field, I can Special Summon my Neos!"

ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 7)

"But I still have my Timbreaker Magician's attack." Yuya reminded.

His Monster wielded his sword, making its way towards my Hero as I soeeded up and grabed an Action Card resting on a wind shield.

"Action Spell: Miracle! Destruction of my Neos is negated and all Battle Damage is cut in half!"

Upon connecting with Neos forearms, Timbreaker's sword broke, as he retreated to Yuya's side.

"Even then, he managed to hold off my attacks." Yuya thought.

"Phew." I wiped sweat from my brow. "That was really close. I have to be carefull in the future."

"Effect of Magician's Illusion weares of and my Odd-Eyes attack is reduced to normal."

"This is truly turning out to be an exicting Duel." Gael stated.

"Indeed." Azul agreed. "Both Duelist are giving their all to succeed."

Jason: 750 LP x1

Yuya: 1800 LP x0

"My move, I draw!" Small smirk formed on my lips when I saw the card that I drew. "I equip my Neos with Hero's Violent Spirit!"

Neos got surrounded in vermillion aura and his attack got increased to 3300.

"This card can only be equiped to Hero Monster." I began explaining. "It gains 800 Attack and ability to attack twice per turn and when he does, you can't activate any Spell or Traps."

"He is not giving him much option." Serena commented.

"That's one powerfull card." Commons in the crowd said with a grin.

"And with that card in play, he can't use his Heavenly Blessing to save his Dragon."

"I at..."

"I activate last effect of Heavenly Blessing!" Yuya unexpectedly interrupted me. "I can send this card to the Graveyard with one Dragon-Type monster I control and then, I regain Life Points equal to selected Monsters Attack Points."

Vortex Dragon dissapeared alongside Yuya's Trap. Entermate Duelist got surrounded in blue aura as his Life Points jumped to 4300.

"In last attempt to save himself, Sakaki Yuya had to sacrifice his Dragon to survive."

"That was a nice save." I praised him. "But now I change my Hero Gardna to Attack Mode." My Monster rose up with his 1000 Attack.

"Battle! Neos destroy his Timebreak Magician!" Neos rushed to Yuya's side and with one swift punch he destroyed his Monster, droping his Life to 3700.

"Go Neos! Second Battle!"

Before Yuya got time to react a vermillion flash enveloped him, making his D-Wheel highly unstable, as his Life Points droped further to 400.

"With one more Attack from Hero Gardna, Sakaki Yuya could be defeated!"

Young tomato grabed an Action Card after he got control of his D-Wheel. "Action Magic: Damage Draw! When I take 2000 or more Damage, I draw two cards!"

"It's over! Hero Gardna attack him directly and end this Duel!" My Monster proceeded to deliver finishin blow

"From my hand, I can discard Entermate Barrier Balloon Tapir to negate next Battle Damage to 0."

Small purple ballon elephant appeared on the Field, absorobing Hero Gardna's punch before he bursted into confeti.

"Yuya managed to survive for this turn, but he is still in a huge pinch!"

"I end my turn." I said. "Due to my Hero's Violent Spirit, I can draw one card from my Deck during my End Phase"

Jason: 750 LP x1

Yuya: 400 LP x2

Yuya drew his card. "I activate Pendulum Effect of Oafdragon Magician! Once per trun if I have a Magician card in my other Pendulum Zone, I can add one Odd-Eyes or Magician Monster from my Extra Deck to my Hand." A card ejected from his Extra Deck and he took it.

"I add Timebreaker Magician. Next I Normal Summon Entermate Odd-Eyes Synchro!" His Tuner/Pendulum Monster appeared.

ATK: 200 / DEF: 600 (LV: 2)

"During my Main Phase, I can Synchro Summon using this card on my Field and one Monster in my Pendulum Zone."

"I tune my Level 6 Oafdragon Magician that is in my Pendulum Zone with my Level 2 Entermate Odd-Eyes Synchro."

Odd-Eyes Synchro turned into two Synchro Rings and Oafdragon Magician went through it as horizontal lights flashed on the Field.

"Hero's blade that sets forth unyielding light! Now and here, along with a flash, awaken! Synchro Summon! Level 8! Enlightenment Paladin!"

ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 8)

"Just like in Duel with Shinji Weber, Sakaki Yuya perfomed a miracle by using Monster from Pendulum Zone to Synchro Summon!"

"When Enlightenment Paladin is Summoned using Magican Monster as Material, I can take one Spell Card from my Graveyard and add it to my Hand. I add my Pendulum Reload and activate it right away!"

"Now I can shuffle number of Pendulum Monsters in my Extra Deck and then draw cards equal to Monster returned to my Deck +1."

With effect of Pendulum Reload, Yuya took Entermate Odd-Eyes Synchro and Oafdragon Magician from Extra Deck, shuffled them back and drew 3 cards.

"I Re-Set my Pendulum Scale by placing Stargazer in my other Pendulum Zone." His other Monster rose up.

"Pendulum Summon!" A single light shooted out of his Pendulum Portal. "Timebreak Magician!"

"And just like before, since he's Pendulum Summoned alone, his attack is doubled."

ATK: 1400-2800 / DEF: 0000 (LV: 3)

"Now I Normal Summon Entermate Power Magician!"

Monster that emerged resemble Timebreak Magician. It had black hair with green eyes, a dark green cloak and a sword in its right hand with black boots.

ATK: 1300 / DEF: 100 (LV: 3)

"When Entermate Power Magician is Summoned, I can destroy one card you control. I choose Neos!"

Neos screamed as it got destroyed, resulting in small smoke to cover my D-Wheel.

"Yuya manged to destroy Jason's Ace Monster."

"After effect resolves, Power Magician is banished." He placed it in banished compartment. "Then I can select one Magician, Odd-Eyes or Entermate Monster I control and for duration of this turn it gains 1000 Attack! I choose my Enlightenment Paladin!"

ATK: 2500-3500 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 8)

"Battle! I attack your Hero Gardna with my Timbreak Magician!"

Just as attack from his Monster dangerously approched, I grabed an Action card and activated it.

"I activate Damage Banish! Battle Damage from this Battle is negated!" I pressed a button on my Duel Disk. "I also activate my Trap Revenge Return! When Monster I control is destroyed by Battle, I draw a card."

"Not only did Jason avoid huge Damage, but he also managed to get a good draw!"

"However, I still have my Enlightenment Paladin!" He stated as his Monster swing it's sword towards me. "Attack him direclty!"

My Graveyard shone. "Due to Hero Gardna being in the Graveyard, I can banish it, negate your Direct Attack, End Battle Phase and at the end draw a card."

Hero Gardna appeared on front of me, negating his attack as I drew a card.

"I set a card facedown." He said. "At end of my turn Enlightenment Paladin Attack is reduced to normal."

Jason: 750 LP x4

Yuya: 400 LP x1

"This truly is a breath taking Duel!" Melisa commented. "Both Duelist with less than 1000 Life Points are fighting their strongest to come out on top!"

"Go you two!"

"Give it your all!"

Crowd cheered louder and louder. Chants of my and Yuya's name echoed through entire City.

"My move!" I drew my card. " "I activate Hero Lives. By paying half of my Life Points, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower Elemental Hero From my Deck." My Life Points droped to 325 as I placed my card.

"I Summon Bubbleman in Defense Mode."

ATK: 800 / DEF: 1200 (LV: 4)

"When Bubbleman is Summoned and I don't have any other cards on my Field, I get to draw twice more." I picked up two more cards. "Now I play Fusion Recovery. I can return one Polymerization and one Fusion Material Monster from my Graveyard back to my Hand. I decide to add Blazeman and now I will Summon him."

ATK: 1200 / DEF: 1800 (LV: 4)

"I activate Blazeman's effect!" I continued as small sparkles of fire came out of my Hero Monster. "I can send one Hero Monster from my Deck to Graveyard and for this turn only my Blazeman's Attack, Defense and Attribute becomes as sent Monsters. I send my Shadow Mist."

ATK: 1200-1000 / DEF: 1800-1500 (LV: 4)

"Eh?" Melisa had a doumbfunded expression on her face. "Why did he sent such a weak Monster?"

"Idot..." Serena silently said. "Didn't she paid any attention to his Duel against Jack and Crow?"

"When Shadow Mist is sent to the Graveyard, I can add one Hero Monster from my Deck to my Hand." I explained. "I add my Burstinatrix."

"Next up is my favorite Spell: Polymerization!" Fusion Vortex appeared behind me. "I fuse my Bubbleman on my Field with my Burstinatrix in my Hand. Fusion Summon! Come forth - Elemental Hero Steam Healer!"

Monster that I Summoned wore a heavy purple armor with red orbs and outlines around it.

ATK: 1800 / DEF: 1000 (LV: 5)

"And to boot, I activate my Field Spell: Skyscraper."

I placed a card in my Field Zone followed by huge buildings surrounding us.

"When Elemental Hero battles while this Field Spell is in play, it gains 1000 Attack Points." I explained before I pointing at Yuya's Synchro Monster. "And rest assured that I'll use that power to good use! Steam Healer destroy his Enlightenment Paladin!"

Steam Healer quickly rushed to Yuya's Monster, leting out vaporing steam from his hand that enveloped Magican Monster before destroying it and reducing Yuya's Life to 100.

"Trap Card activate!" Yuya gritted his teeth as his new card revealed itself, showing image of Timbreak Magician with two cards by its side. "Magician's Draw! When a Spellcaster Monster leaves the Field, I get to draw two cards."

"Speaking of Special Abilities, here is mine." Blue aura enveloped me as my Life jumped to 2825. "Like his name suggestes - when my Steam Healer destroys a Monster in Battle and sends it to the Graveyard I gain Life Points equal to destroyed Monsters Attack!"

"Quite niffty ability." Man from the Tops said.

"That boy never ceases to amaze me." Gael stated, impressed.

"I agree" Azul nodded.

"I should thank you for that." Yuya said with a smirk, confusing me and the audience.

"What does he mean?" Yugo wondered as his Standard Counterpart held up a card.

"When my opponent recovers Life Points, I can Special Summon this card! Entermate Life Swordsman."

Yuya Summoned a Magician Monster with blue eyes and orange hair with geeen and black cloak. It wore black boots and yellow light saber with light green handle.

ATK: 0000 / DEF: 0000 (LV: 1)

"When I Summon Life Swordsman this way, his Attack becomes equal to the amount of Life Points you gained."

ATK: 2500 / DEF: 0000 (LV: 1)

"So awesome!" Boy from the Tops couldn't hide his exictment.

"Those guys really know how to Duel." Commons said.

"Yet another twist, folks!" Melisa regained her composure after initial shock. "Just when Jason managed to recover huge chunk of his Life Points, Yuya took advantage for that and Summoned a powerfull Monster without any cost."

"I'm so pumped!"

"Keep us entertained even more!"

I was quiet. I kept looking at Yuya behind me, both of us were serious, which was really unusual for both of us. Just then...

"Hahahahahaha!"

We let out a long geniune laugh. This Duel was... Something different... We both knew that. We countered eachother strategy perfectly, neither one of us steping down. This is the TRUE meaning of Dueling. Adrenaline, action and just having fun. I guess that both of us forgot about the most important thing in Dueling due to this War.

"Those two..." Serena shook her head with a faint smile across her lips.

"S-sorry." Yuya said between laughs.

"No, i-its okay." I wiped a single tear from corner of my eyes. "I was thinking the same thing."

"Yuya you've become strong, that much I can admit. I really wasen't expecting you to pull of such a move."

"Well I did what I had to." He said with a smile.

"That's interesting." I praised him. "But this kind of Dueling can only get you so far."

I leaned to my right and snatched an Action card that was resting in a bubble.

"Action Spell: Dimensional Fighter. With this my Blazeman's Attack will increase by 1000" Blazeman's Attack was currently at 2000.

"Blazeman attack his Life Magician!" I commanded as my Monster unleased a torrent of fire towards Yuya's Magician Monster. "And don't forget that with Skyscraper on the Field, Blazeman Attack increases even further." His attack was at 3000.

"Action Spell: Redirection!" Yuya activated an Action Card of his own. "I can change Attack target to one other Monster I control and then negate any Battle Damage to 0."

Timbreak Magician stood protectivly in front of his colleague as fire scortched him and destroyed him.

"Monster that was destroyed by Monster powered up with Dimensional Fighter is banished."

"With that, Yuya won't ve able to resurect him anymore."

"I activate Cosmic Cyclon!" I inserted my card in Duel Disk and in few seconds a small hurricane appeared and enveloped Timegazer Magician that was in Yuya's Pendulum Zone. "By paying 1000 Life Points, I can banish one Spell or Trap on the Field."

"Now Yuya won't be able to Pendulum Summon." Serena noted.

"I set a card facedown and end my turn."

"This isn't good." Yuya thought. "Just when I thought that I was ahead, he destroys my Monster and recovers his Life Points..."

Yuya clinged on his pendant. "What do Jason and Jack thinking? What am I missing to reach my true potential? I always belived that my fathers Entertainment Duel is the best..."

Yuya's eyes widened when he remembered a very important thing his father said to him before his Duel with Strong Ishijima.

Flashback

Yuya and his father Yusho were at Maiami City bridge watching the sunset take place, as Yuya sat on the railing with his father next to him.

"Dad. Isn't Strong Ishijima... The challenger really strong this time?"

"Yes. But you don't have to worry." Yusho replied with a smile upon seeing his son's worried expression. "Even if he's strong, dad will do his best. So you should do your best too in your Junior Matches."

"Yeah!" Yuya exclaimed with enthusiasam. "I will win the tournament and then become Duelist just like you, dad."

Yusho patted his son's head. "Yuya, you got that a bit wrong. Insted of aiming to become Duelist like me, you should forge your own path and be yourself. That's what truly is important."

Flashback ends

"That's what truly is important... To be like myself and forge my own path in the World. Until now, I always chased after my dad in hope of being just like him and that was my biggest mistake that Jason and Jack talked about."

"You should stop speaking to me with borrowed words. Speak with me with your own words and will. With you own Dueling!"

"However Yuya, in order for you to reach true potential and evolve even further, you have to use your own words and not rely on someone elses like you've been doing so far..."

"As expected you Summoned Fusion Monster from Pendulum." Jason said. "To bad that you refuse to use very thing that YOU created to grow and evolve further.

"From now on, I have to use my own words... Pendulum as a way to surpass myself…?" Along with that, he remembered his Duel against the principal, against Shuzo, and what he told him.

"As the first one to open the door called Pendulum Summoning, you need to set an example for those who follow!"

Yuya came to realization. That's right. He was the first person to perform Pendulum Summon. Pendulum wasn't something that he borowed from anyone. Those are his own words his own will that he showed to all his opponents. Following this realization, beneath his Duel suit, Yuya's Pendulum Pendant was shining. Yuya then saw it. He saw a silhouette of Magician Monster. The Pendulum once again opened a new path for him.

Jason: 1825 LP x1

Yuya: 100 LP x3

"I see what I have to do now..." Yuya drew his card. "To forge my own path I have to speak with my own words!"

Small smirk made its way towards Jack's lips.

"That's right Yuya!" I told him with a smile. "Now show me what you got!"

"Right!" He nodded. "I activate Monster Reborn to resurect my Enlightenment Paladin!"

ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 8)

"Now I re-set Pendulum Scale with Entermate Terhike!"

Next to Stargazer Magician a small Monster wearing a typical performers wardrobe rose up in blue pillar with huge number 5 below him. It s outfit was orange and black in color and he wore a mask that covered top half of his face.

Pendulum of Souls OST

"With this I can simutanusly Summon Monsters from Level 2 to 6 !"

"Swing, Pendulum of Souls! Draw an arc of light across the ether! Pendulum Summon! Appear now! My Monster!"

Single light shooted out of Pendulum Portal. "Entermate Cheermole!"

ATK: 600 / DEF: 1000 (LV: 2)

"Entermate Terhike Pendulum Effect!" Yuya declared as his Monster let out an small orange shine that enveloped my Life Magician and Cheermole. "When I Pendulum Summon, I can draw cards equal to number of Entermate, Magician and Odd-Eyes Monster I control." He drew twice more. "Then Tehrike is Banished!"

His Monster turned into small particles.

"Hold on. I'll Summon you right away!"

Yuya held up his hand. "I tune my Level 2 Cheermole with Level 8 Enlightenment Paladin!"

"Say what?!" Yugo yelled.

"Impossible..." Jack commented. "Enlightenment Paladin is not Tuner."

"There is a Synchro Monster that can be Summoned by releasing one Pendulum Summoned Pendulum Monster and one Synchro Monster." Yuya explained as he took a card from his Extra Deck and showed it to me.

"What?" Azul mustered.

"Is such thing even possible?" Bordeaux asked.

"We shall see..." Taki commented.

Enlightenment Paladin turned into eight green Synchro Rings and Entermate Cheermole went through it turning into two white spheres.

"From the peaceful depths of time. Release the light throughout the wide world, revive!"

Skys parted as huge green light blasted from the sky and hit the ground behind Yuya's D-Wheel as his Monster emerged.

"Synchro Summon! Level 10! Super Magical Swordsman of Nirvana! Nirvana High Paladin!"

Magician Monster in colorfol armor with bottom of it being blue and uper partclad in gold. It wielded a great sword and it shouldered the blade. Behind it a rainbow circle formed.

ATK: 3300 / DEF: 2500 (LV: 10)

"Wow..." Yugo was at loss of his words.

"He actually did it..." Serena watched wide eyed.

"What a suprise!" Melisa scremaed in michrophone, almost popin our eardrums. "Yuya not only completes Pendulum Summon, but he also peforms a Synchro Summon without a Tuner!"

Pendulum of Souls OST ends

"When did you get a card like that?" I asked him. I already know the answer, but I'm interested in what he has to say about it. He can't say that it magically appeared in his Extra Deck just a few moments ago.

Yuya nonchantly shrugged. "I don't know."

I sweatdroped. "Seems legit."

"I activate effect of my Entermate Life Swordsman!" Yuya declared as said Monster bursted into particles that traveled to Yuya's Synchro Pendulum Monster. "I can tribute this card and then select one Monster I control, until the end of this turn it Attack increases by same amount that my Life Swordsman had."

ATK: 3300-5800 / DEF: 2500 (LV: 10)

"Crap!" I cursed.

"Nirvana High Paladin, attack his Steam Healer! TRUTH SKHAVATI!"

Nirvana High Paladin extended its sword that got surrounded in purple and green aura and viciuosly slamed it towards my Fusion Monster, destroying it the same instance the attack connected.

"Did he won?" Audience was at the edge of their seats.

"Trap card: Alchemy Circle activate!" I stated, as one of my reversed card appeared. "I reduce attack of all my Monsters to 0 and for this turn all Battle Damage I take from Battles involving them is redice to 0. Furthemore, for every Monster destroyed I get to draw a card."

"Jason saved himself in last second." Melisa commented.

Yuya looked at Blazeman as he grabed an Action card few moments ago..

"If I destroy his Blazeman, he will draw a card and if I don't he can send some powerfull Hero from his Deck to Graveyard to increases his Attack. And with Skyscraper still activated, I cannot risk it."

"Action Spell: Berserker Warrior. For this turn only I can select one Monster I control and grant him an ability to attack twice. I attack your Elemental Hero Blazeman with my Nirvana High Paladin."

With another sword slam, my last Monster got destroyed.

"With another Monster destroyed, I draw once more."

"I set a card an end my turn with that. Entermate Life Swordsman effect ends and my Monster Attack is reduced to normal."

Jason: 1825 LP x4

Yuya: 100 LP x1

"I draw!" Small smirk formed on my lips when I saw the card that I drew. "I activate my Spell Universal Contact!"

Card showed image of Air Neos in centre with Neos and Air Hummibird on his left and right side respectfully. In the background was universe.

"When I activate this card, From my Hand, Deck and/or Graveyard I can Summon one Elemental Hero Neos and up to two Neo-Spacian Monsters with their effects negated."

Bright light shone, blinding everyone present. When it died down Air Hummibird and Aqua Dolphin stood next to Neos.

"Three of them..."

"Let's go... Time to Summon an Ultimate Neos Fusion."

"Neos, Aqua Dolphin, Air Hummibird!" I raised up my hand as Contact Fusion Vortex appeared in the sky. "When power of these three become one, they call upon mightiest Elemental Hero from deep reaches of universe into action!"

All three of my Monsters jumped in galaxy vortex as blinding light occured.

"Triple Contact Fusion! From Galaxy Vortex Show yourself - Elemental Hero Storm Neos!"

Clouds darkened as figure began descending towards Duel Lane. Storm raged around entire City making Melisa's reporter choper highly ustable.

"What... Power..."

"Meet strongest Neos Fusion."

Storm Neos had a claw on each of his hands resembling that of a Wolverine. It had a light blue armor with red outlines around it that went from his helmet to his lower part of the body. His wings were sharp and enteriro of it were covered in pink feathers.

ATK: 3000 / DEF: 2500 (LV: 9)

"Storm Neos Monster effect." I continued, ignoring murmurs of shock at my Super Special Awesome Monster that was still surrounded by some wind "Once per turn, it can destroy all Spell and Traps on the Field."

"What?" Yuya said in shock.

"Go! Ultimate Typhoon!"

Storm Neos spread out his wings that le out a strong wind that eventually destroyed Yuya's Stargazer and his facedown and my Skyscraper.

"To have an effect like that..."

"So much for my facedown..." Yuya thought.

"But without your Skyscraper, Storm Neos is still weaker than my Nirvana High Paladin." Young tomato pointed out.

"Yeah, yeah..." I nonchantly waved. "That would be the case if I didn't have my Universal Contact in my Graveyard. While it remains in my Graveyard all Neos and Neo-Spacian Monster's Attack increases by 500."

ATK: 3000-3500 / DEF: 2500 (LV: 9)

"And Sakaki Yuya only has 100 Life remaining. If this connects, it will be over."

"Battle! Storm Neos!"

Neos's claws were claded in rason sharp wind as it dashed towards Yuya's Nirvana High Paladin. Synchro/Pendulum Monster countered with his sword, bit was overpowered eventually and later on destroyed.

"Action Spell: Half Life. I regain Life Points equal to half of the Attack of attacking Monster." Yuya's life rose to 1850 before loweirng to 1650.

"Damn." I laughed. "And just when I thought I got you."

"I'm full of suprises. Like this one for instances. When my Nirvana High Paladin is destroyed, I can place it in my Pendulum Zone."

Yuya's Monster rose up in a blue pillar with number 8 below it.

"Universal Contact while in the Graveyard also prevents my Neos Fusions from returning back to Extra Deck." I thought as I placed a facedown card.

"Dammit." Yuya looked at the card in his Hand. "Odd-Eyes Protector. Powerfull Quick-Play Spell that increases Attack of Level 5 or higher Dragon-Type Monster by same amount of Monster it Battles. But to activate it I have to have Odd-Eyes on the Field first."

Jason: 1825 LP x2

Yuya: 1650 LP x2

He placed his fingertips on his Deck and drew. "Yosh!"

Yuya's Entertainment Theme

"Ladies and Gentleman!" Yuya spread his hands as some magical spotlight lighten him "I might be currently in a pinch, but rest assured that will soon change."

"Oh... It would seem that Yuya still has a plan." Melisa said.

"From my Hand I activate Odd-Eyes Melody." Card showed image of Odd-Eyes surrounded by musicsl melodies. "To activate this card I have to destroy one card on the Field. I choose Storm Neos!"

Red aura surrounded Neos and then destroyed him.

"After first act gets sucesfully compleated, I can Special Summon one Odd-Eyes Monster from my Deck." He placed a card on his Duel Disk.

"Appear! Wondrous and beautiful dichromatic eyes! Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Light and green orbs lit up as Yuya's dragon roared to life.

ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 7)

"Without any cards on the Field, the outcome is pretty clear, isn't it." Yuya winked as his Monster prepared to attack. "I attack you directly with Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Spiral Strike Burst."

Crimson fire came out of Odd-Eyes mouth and went straight towards me.

"I have to interrupt your act." I said with a smile." I activate Trap Secret Mission. With this I end the Battle Phase."

Odd-Eyes attack bursted and turned into confeti, dazzling the audience.

"So cool." Kids from Top said.

"Give it your all you two!"

"I place a card facedown. With that my act ends." Yuya and Odd-Eyes bowed gracefully.

Yuya's Entertainment Theme ends

"Phew..." I took few deep, steady breaths to calm myself. That was really interesting. It's only fair fir me to entertain the crowd now that you've done your part."

"Looking forward to it."

Cue Judai Theme

Jason: 1825 LP x3

Yuya: 1650 LP x0

"This is it, Yuya." I looked at my friend. "I draw!"

"I activate Spell Arrival of Hero. With this card I can Special Summon one Normal Elemental Hero from my Deck." Card ejected from my Deck and I took it.

"Arrive! Elemental Hero Neos!"

Loud explosion echoed and from galaxy vortex a single light beam shooted out and traveled around the Field for a few seconds before kanding in front of me. Light dispearsed and Neos stood there.

ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 7)

"Both of participants have their Ace Monsters out." Melisa noted. "Something is telling me that this will be last move."

"I agree." Yuya and I said in unision.

"With Universal Contact still being in the Graveyard, Neos Attack increases by another 500." His Attack was at steady 3000.

"Neos attack his Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Wrath of Neos!"

Neos jumped in the air and immediately came towards Odd-Eyes.

Yuya smirked as he pressed a button on his Duel Disk. "I got you now. I activate Quick-Play Spell Odd-Eyes Protector! When Level 5 or higher Drsgon-Type Monster I control Battles, it gains Attack equal to the Monster it Battles."

ATK: 2500-5500 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 7)

"Go Odd-Eyes!" His Monster blasted a crimson fire towards my Ace. "Spiral Strike Burst! As well, until the end of Dmaage Step, you can't activate Spell or Trap Effects."

He clenched his fist triumphantly. "Jason! This Duel is mine."

"It would seem that..." Melisa stopped when she saw my smirk.

"Is that so, Yuya?" I held up a card making him nervous. "Spell and Traps don't work now, but Monster effect do. I activate Neo-Hero Booster's effect from my Hand."

Hero in blue and white uniform sith letter H on his chest appeared in spirit form and got absorbed in Neos.

"That's the card that old man from the Card Shop gave him." Serena recalled our trip to Kame Game Shop.

"When one of my Neo-Spacian's or Elemental Hero Battles, until the end of this turn it gains Attack equal to Monster its battling!"

ATK: 2500-8000 / DEF: 2000 (LV: 7)

Neos punched the flames away LIKE A BOSS! He went towards Odd-Eyes, cuting through remaining blades like hot knife on butter. He stood above Odd-Eyes and punched him across the head hard, creating a huge explosion that echoed through the Field.

Judai Theme ends

Jason: 1825 LP x1

Yuya: 0000 LP x0

"It's finally settled!" Melisa yelled. "In possibly best Duel of the tournament, the one that advances to Final Match of Friendship Cup is Yuki Jason!"

Jask silently stood up from his throne and exited the room.

"Phew..." Serena breathed in a sigh of relief. "He won."

Yuya and I silently drove back to the Stadoum. On our drive there, I occasionaly looked at him and was pleased that he, despite being defeated had a smile of geniune happines.

We stoped and got off our D-Wheel, waving at enthusiastic crowd that stood up upon witnessing our Duel.

"Jason..." I turned to Yuya. "Thank you for realising something important. Until now, I've always tried to copy my father insted of being my own person. When he dissapeared, Dueling that he thaught me and this Pendant around my neck were everything that I had left from him."

"Yuya..." I mustered in a sad tone.

"Even he told me that I shpuld forge my own path in the World, with my own Dueling, I suppose that I forgot that."

We shook hands. "Thank you one more time."

I did Judai's pose. "Gotcha! That was a fun Duel."

"It sure was." Yuya replied with a smile. "Although, next time we Duel, things are going to turn out quite differently."

"Looking forward to it." I told him before geting serious. "Are you ready gor a plan?"

"I am." He answered and went towards to guards to be escorted to the Unerground.

Few minutes later

Sam escorted me to my room like usual and I got prepared to watch Serena's Duel with Yugo.

That poor fool Yugo. How can you not see that Serena isn't your precious girlfriend Rin. Different hair, Deck and completely diffrent personality and the FACT that she explicitly said that she isn't Rin wasen't a slight tip off?! So you had to hug her until she beat the crap out of you and then still think that she's your kidnapped girlfriend. I like the guy, but he's dense. I met a lot of stupid people in my life, but this is a new level of stupidity even for him.

"Oi Yugo what are you doing?!" Old Commons yelled, upon seeing Yugo passed out before Duel began. "Get your hands off of my Serena!"

My eyes twitched and I let oit a decent amount of killer intent.

"That old dickhead!" I yelled, prompting my Deck to shine and Dark Panther to emerge.

"Kid, relax..." He had a devious grin on his face. "You still have a better chance."

My face got flustered, as my rage to replace with emberassment. "That's not it! Serena is a friend and a comrade and I sure as hell won't let slimy old shithead like him get his hands on her!"

"Right." He teased. "Wasen't he a dickhead before?"

"I don't fucking care!" I snapped, glaring at my Duel Spirit that couldn't stop himself from smirking. "Shithead, dickhead the same fucking thing. The point is that guy is so dead if I he touches her!"

"Okay, chill out..." He walked to my bathroom door and looked at me. "Could you?"

His question made me blink. "What?"

"Could you open the door please?"

"What are you going to do in the bathroom anyway? You are a spirit, don't you have bathrooms in the Spirit World?" I pointed out. "Or litter boxes?"

"I am a panther, not a cat." He growled with a hint of warning in his voice. "Besides, I have to put on my make up."

"Dude you're a spirit..." I began, but realised that even if I talk to him, he won't understand. I sighed with expiration and opened the door for him. "You're such a slut..."

"Thank you." He answered as I closed the door.

I sat on my bed and watched the Duel. Pretty much like it went in Anime - Serena thrashed him in begining due to Roget altering course to her benefit. Yugo brought out his Clear Wing and got a slight advantage with it.

I tuned out because I already knew the outcome of the Duel. I recalled Reiji's plan once again as I held up a small chip-like device in my hands.

Flashback

"Jason-dono."

"Tsukikage?" I got up from my bed and walked towards the doors. "What are you doing here."

"I came here to inform you about Reiji-dono plan." He said in his usual calm manner.

"Plan?"

"I do belive that first you should know that Roget is helding Executive Council, Reiji-dono and Reira-dono as captives."

"He does?!" I half-yelled. I already knew that Roget would take higher-up of the City as captives to fufil his wretched plans, but I have to keep up my act.

"That's not the most conserning thing." His question left me confused. I don't remember this in cannon storyline. I guess that these are consequences of me fucking up the plot so many times before...

"Supreme King got to him."

My blood run cold. Supreme King is manipulating Roget? Why would he do something like that? More importantly, HOW could he manipulate him? Isn't he suppossed to be inside of me? NO HOMO!

"When he took us as captives, he told us his plan." Tsukikage began explaining. "First we thought that he wanted to become ruler of Synchro Dimension, but when he mentioned that we are mere "pawns" to the strenght of a true King, we became suspicious."

"Oh God..." I rubbed my sore eyes. How could this happen? I could take care of bunch of brats in smurf uniforms that are playing War, I could take care of purple haired stuck up bastard that thinks he's above everyone... But how can I handle a being of pure power that is craving to rule everything and everyone...

"Are you sure that's the case?" I asked again. I really hope that he is wrong.

"We are positive." Crap. "After asking people that are working in Security H.Q..."

"Hold up." I waved my hands. "Back up a little. You asked them and they just answered you."

Tsukikage nervously coughed. "I may had to result to some rather... Unpleasent methods to extract information from them."

I chuckled. "I so have to train at your Dojo."

I already did train with Gongenzaka at his Dojo. I missed training, so I asked him if I could train with him and after long pleas, his father finally accepted. We trained together up to Maiami City Championship and we really had a good time.

"Ninja's always facinated me. Can you teach me Shadow Clone Jutsu?" I asked him, waiting for his answer.. "Imagine how powerfull we would be against Academia."

"We are not that kind of Ninja's." He quickly said. "You are refering to pure fiction. We are true warriors..."

"How about Rasengan?" I interrupted him.

"No.."

"Chidori?" I teased him again

"We are not..."

"How about Sage Jutsu?"

"That doesn't even exist!" He raised his vocie, which was really unusual for calm and stoic person Tsukikage usually is.

"We digressed." He rubbed his temple. "According to his workers, he's been acting strange for few hours. We know that he desires to kidnap both Serena-dono and Yuzu-dono, so we have to do anything to protect them. That's why Reiji-dono hacked Tournaments Schedule and moved your Duel with Yuya-dono before Serena's Duel with Yugo."

This actually turns out great. With this, both Serena and Yuzu will have extra protection and I will have time to teach Yuya that way of his Dueling he did until now is wrong.

I noticed small envelope on the bottom of my door and I took it. "What's this."

"Minature explosive device. If you win your Duel with Yuya you will have chance to use it. You strape it to your door and press a button. In five seconds a small explosion will occure that will be strong enough to blow the door."

"Cool." I stated simply.

"Also, judging by way Commons have been acting, a riot will happen soon."

"I figured that much. Shinji's speech really brought out burried desire for revenge that was hiding in Common's heart."

"True." Tsukikage agreed. "With riot, everyone sent to Unerground will be free, so we will have extra man power to protect the girls."

"Thanks." I placed small chip on my bed. "Are Serena and Yuya informed of Reiji's plan?"

"They are." He said. "I bid you farewell. Be prepared."

With those parting words, he dissapeared.

Flashback ends

I noticed the end of a Duel with Yugo synchronizing with Yuya to Summon Crystal Wing.

Man, I hate that card. Those are one of the cards you want to have and not face against. Before it was Synchro and one Level 1 Tuner to Summon that fucker and now Ultimaya Tzolkin can bring it out with ease.

Still that Lio Dancer was a great card, but sadly against Crystal Wing only Xyz and Level 4 or belows work. Yugo's Monster Attack rose to 6500 and it destroyed Serena's Lio Dancer, reducing her Life to 0. Afterwards, Serena seemed to enjoj Dueling and she remembered all those words that I said to her before.

"Time to move." I quickly got up and placed small chip on the door. I wore my jacket as a cape and pressed a button and in a flash got to other end of the room.

5

4

3

2

1

Nothing...

"That's strange..." I pressed button again and just like before I got to other end of the room.

5

4

3

2

1

Nothing again.

"Fuck it." I activated my Duel Disk and placed a card on it. "NEOS"

Outside of my room

Two Security Officers were chatting happily when a loud explosion occured and they jumped a few steps back.

"Thanks Neos." My Monster nodded and dissapeared.

"You!" One of Officers pointed at me accusingly as I walked through the rubble. "You have to stay inside!"

"That's what your mom said." I told him and his enraged expression was priceless.

I quickly dashed towards them and punched him in the jaw and he colapssed on the floor. Other one tried to throw a punch of his own, but I ducked and upercut him, making him stumble a little. However, my assault didn't stop there. I kicked him in liver and he crouched in pain. One swift knee to the head finished it as he was out cold like his colleague.

"Sorry bitches." I took their bats just in case I ran into some trouble. "I have a waifu to save."

I continued running and just around the next corner ran into a tall male figure. Not realising who it was, I threw a punch at him, but he caught my hand and pushed me back.

Those purple eyes with spiky blonde hair and long white trench coat.

"Jack..."

"Yuki Jason." He eyed me suspiciously, his voice void of emotion even more so than usual. "We need to talk."

Bum. That's all for this Chapter. Yea, I know cliffhanger, but what can you do... It was bound to happen sooner or later.

Anna's personality in this story will be quite different in begining. I always thought that her personality from Zexal would be drasticly changed if she lost everything in a War. Her usual temper and hotheaded and reckless attitude would be changed to get revenge in Academia.

And there will be some AnnaxShun moments. Don't ask me why, I just thought that they would be a good match. :)

I moved Jason's Duel with Yuya so that Jason could teach him not to rely on his fathers teaching so much. If they Dueled after Serena and Yugo's Duel, there wouldn't be any time for Jason to help Yuya created his own path because they would be too hurry to help Serena and Yuzu.

I didn't alter Serena's Duel because I really didn't see need to. Duel used the purpose to teach her to have fun while Dueling and ARC-V writers, suprisingly, did a good job on that. However, she and Yuzu will Duel in next Chapters so you don't have to worry about that.

Memory Fragments are poping up. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

With Jack and Crow withnessing Jason Summin Stardust, they will have a lot of questions for him. More of their memories will resurface during more 'crucial" moment.

Original Cards:

Shaddoll Uhri (Level 3, Spellcaster-Type, Dark Attributed Monster)

Flip: You don't take any Damage for duration of this turn.

When you would take Battle or Effect Damage, send this card from your Hand to the Graveyard. Negate Damage and then Special Summon one Shaddoll Monster from your Deck in facedown Defense Position.

Shaddoll Abyss (Continuous Spell)

Once per turn, you can Flip Summon in addition to your Normal Summon/Set.

El Shaddoll Khugrok (Fusion Monster, Spellcaster-type, Level 10, Wind Attributed)

2 Shaddoll Monster + Wind Monster

ATK: 3000 / DEF: 2600

When this card is Summoned, cut Attack and Defense of all Monsters your opponent controls to half, then inflict Damage to your opponent equal to current Attack or Defense of one Monster they control. Whiel thos card is face up on the Field, all Xyz Monsters effects are negated. If this card leaves the Field, Special Summon one Shaddoll Monster from your Graveyard in facedown Defense Position.

Shaddoll Maiden (Level 5 3, Spellcaster-Type, Dark Attributed Monster)

ATK: 1400 / DEF: 2000

Once per turn, take control of one Monster your opponent controls. If that Monster is on the Field during your End Phase, take damage equal to that Monsters Original Attack.

FLIP: Add one Shaddoll card from your Deck or Graveyard to your Hand.

Railway Connection (Normal Trap)

Effect: Select one Machine-Type Monster you control, for this turn, it gains 500 Attack and Defense and cannot be targeted and destroyed by Card Effects.

You can banish this card from your Graveyard, prevent destruction of one Machine-Type Monster you control by Battle and if you do, cut any Damage you spuld take in half.

Railway Union (Trap Card)

Effect: Select one Machine-Type Monster in your Graveyard; add it to your Hand and then one Machine-Type Monsters you control Attack increases by same amount of added card. During the End Phase, destroy the Monster that Attack got increased this way.

Train Reflector (Normal Trap)

Effect: Banish one Machine-Type Monster from your Graveyard; During duration of this turn, negate any Battle Damage that you would take that is equal or less to banished Monster Attack Points. Then, draw one card.

Heavy Simplon Express (Machine-Type, Level 10)

ATK: 5000 / DEF: 5000

Effect: You can Normal Summon this card without tributing, but this card Attack is reduced to 0. When this card is Normal Summoned this way, you can Special Summon one more Heavy Simplon Express from your Deck with its effects negated and Attack reduced to 0. During the End Phasr, if this card is on the Field, banish it and take Damage equal tovthis cards Original Attack

Dredfull Inferno Express (Machine-Type, Earth Attributed Monster, RNK 10)

Effect: This card cannot be destroyed by Card Effects. This card Original Attack becames equal to Attack and Defense of all Monsters that are attached to it as Overlay Unit. You can detach one Xyz Material from this card, destroy one Monster your Opponent Control and deal Damage equal to that Monsters Attack.

Limit Over Break (Equip Spell)

Equip to Machine-Type Monster you control; It cannot Attack whiel equiped with this card. You can reduce equiped Monsters Attack by 1000 to cut your oppinents Life Points in half.

Entermate Endymion Magician (Level 4, Dark Attributed Spellcaster Type Monster)

ATK: 1200 / DEF: 1000

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, you can select one Entermate, Odd-Eyes or Magician Monster you control, it gains 800 Attack Points and can deal Piercing Damage.

Effect: While this card is face up on the Field all Entermate, Odd-Eyes and Magician Monster you control gain 400 Attack.

Pendulum Endurance (Trap Card)

Effect: Activate only when one of your Monster is destroyed in Battle. Negate any Battle Damage and then Special Summon one Pendulum Monster from your Graveyard or face up Extra Deck.

Heavenly Blessing (Continuos Trap)

Effect: Once per turn, Dragon Tyoe Monsters you control cannot be destroyed by Battle or by Card Effects. You can send this card and one Dragon-Type Monster to the Graveyard (this is a Quick Effect) gain Life Points equal to attack that Monster had on the Field.

Odd-Eyes Protector (Normal Spell)

When Level 5 or Highier Dragon-Type Monster battles, it gains Attack equal to Monster it Battles. Also until end of Damage Step, your opponent cannot activate Spell or Traps. You can only activate Odd-Eyes Guardian once per turn this way.

Magician's Illusion (Normal Spell)

Effect: Select on Spellcaster-Type Monster you control; one otjer Monster you controsl gains Aattack equal to attack of that selected Monster until the end of this turn.

Pendulum Reload (Normal Spell)

Effect: Return as may Pendulum Monsters from your Extra Deck to your Deck, then draw cards equal to number of Monsters returned +1.

Entermate Power Magician (Level 3, Dark attributed Monster)

ATK: 1300 / DEF: 100

Effect: When this card is Summoned, destroy one card your opponent control, then banish this card. Until End Phase of the turn this card effect resolved (and was not negated) you can select one Magician Entermate or Odd-Eyes Monster you control and increse its Attack by 1000.

Magician's Draw (Normal Trap)

Effect: Activate only when Spellcaster-Type Monster you controled keaves the Field. Draw two cards.

Entermate Terhike (Level 2, Wind atttibuted Monster, Pendulum Scale 5)

Pendulum Effect: When you Pendulum Summon, draw cards equal to number of Entermate, Odd-Eyes and Magician Monsters you control. Afterwards, banish this card.

Effect: When this card is Normal or Special Summoned, destroy up to two Odd-Eyes, Magician and/or Entermate Monster on your Field, then draw cards equal to number of destroyed Monsters. Afterwards banish this card.

Odd-Eyes Melody (Normal Spell)

Effect: Destroy one card on the Field and if you do, Special Summon one Level 5 or higher Odd-Eyes Monster from your Deck.

Neo Space Nexus (Light Attributed, Level 4 Warrior-Type Monster)

ATK: 1900 / DEF: 1300

This card can be substitued for any Fusion Monster that lists Neos or Neo-Spacian as Material.

When this card is Summoned, Special Summon one Elemental Hero Neos or one Neo-Spacian Monster ignoring its Summoning condition andnwith ots effects negated (if any).

If this card is used for a Summon of Neos Fusion Monster, draw one card, then banish this card. Once per turn, Neos Fusion Monster that used this card as Material cannot leave the Field.

Universal Contact (Normal Spell)

Effect: Special Summon one Elemental Hero Neos and up to two Neo-Spacian Monsters from your Hand, Deck, Graveyard or Banished Zone wit their effect negated (if any). Your opponent cannot activate Cards of Effects in response to this Cards Activation or those Monsters Special Summon. While this card is in your Graveyard, all Neos and Neo-Spacian Monsters you control gain 500 Attack and Neos Fusion Monsters don't have to activate their effects that shuffles them back to Extra Deck.

Redirection (Action Card)

Effect: When a Monster you control is selected as attack target, redirect that attack to one other Monster yoh control and make any Battle Damage from that attack 0.

Dimensional Fighter (Action Card)

Effect: Increase attack of one Monster you control by 1000. If Monster that attack got increase this way desteoys a Monster by Battle, banish that Monster.

Berserk Warrior (Action Card)

Select one Monster you control; it can attack twice in this turn.

Don't forget to review, favorite and follow.

Until next time. :)

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