"This is no mere game we play today, not at all. If you believe that this is all for fun and entertainment, then you do not understand what it means to duel. This is a war, and only the strong, the smart, and the daring will survive it. One will win, one will lose, and all will be changed forever after this fight."

-Geno Roads

Prologue

Duel monsters has changed.

It started out as a game of the pharaohs and priests, leaders of Egypt, designed to make the art of combat more civilized. It was a battle of souls, not muscles, where the cunning and intelligent destroyed those who relied upon strength alone. The game had a deeper meaning, as each creature was liked to a life. The death of one man could save the lives of millions by creating a creature of immeasurable strength and power. The creatures back then were Kas, controlled by the Ba part of the mind. The combination of the two in battle could allow man and monster to perform the grandest of tasks. And if one was willing to sacrifice their very being to their monster....the results were nothing short but amazing.

The game remained as it was as the kingdom expanded, growing and gaining prominence. Normally, such rituals would have stayed unchanged for the ends of time. However, was a catalyst added, it would rapidly change, and the fates of all involved would be changed as well. This is what happened with duel monsters. This is how the game would transform from a battle of the highest class to a game played by school children.

This catalyst was Kappa Neo. After his war against Egypt and the Pharaoh over the death of his wife Shima and the sealing of his daughter, Kaikou's, soul, Kappa Neo left the sands of Egypt forever to travel forever alone. The citizens, their pharaoh sealed away and their hero now gone, blamed Duel Monsters for the hardships that had fallen upon them. Pharaoh Seto was forced to forever seal away the games. The game would have forever ended, had it not been for 2: Kappa Neo and Shadi.

Kappa Neo, the immortal Medji doomed to walk the earth forever, unable to die even by his own hands, continued to keep the game alive by wielding his Ka as well as the Ba/Ka of his wife in battle. Stories of the warrior that could summon armies to his aid.

Years later, the tales of the Pharaoh and duel monsters had become nothing more bed time stories for the children of Egypt. One child would cling to these stories, begging his parents again and again to tell him of the amazing monsters and warriors of the past. And when he learned of what his tribe guarded, it made him even more detrimined to resurrect the games.

The rest, as they say, is history. Shadi went to Pegasus, who created the games and brought life back into the 7 items. Kappa Neo became Geno Roads, trained the Chitoshi children, and did battle with Yugi Moto and his brother Agile Krieg. In the end, Geno ascended to become the king of gods, and the world dealt with the aftermath of a bloody war between demons and gods that lasted 2 years and ended with Geno's, now Kaos, victory.

Many would say that the game could not change now, that it had reached it's limits. There are even a few that would have you believe that now, what with the events of the war, there was no reason to continue the kids game. Others would simply write it off.

24 years have gone by since Kaos had ascended. 19 years since Raia and Guy shared that night of passion in his loft, only 9 months later to be pregnant and married. 23 years since Yami Moto had been returned to earth, 20 since Yami and Gala had tied the knot and Gala found herself with child. Times had changed, families started. Even Kaos and Neph had 2 more children. People began to tell others that it appeared as if the Roads family was ready to settle down and live out it's life in peace

If someone told you that the Roads family could settle down....someone lied.

As much as they will not admit it, the blood of the Roads family is that of warriors, of generals, of mages and gods. In their very soul is a hunger to go on, to find the next challenge. And even if they are not about to go seek it, it will be the next generation that will bring about the next change.

Duel Monsters has Changed.