A Fateful Meeting Between Heroes

A/N: Hey guys & gals! So I'm back with another story. I had a few requests to continue my last story, A Hero's Future, and give it an epilogue; specifically from Alexandrite Dragoness. So big shoutout to Alexandrite Dragoness for giving me the idea for this story. However, I really liked the ending of my last story. I think it served as a realistic "ending" for that story. So what I've decided to do instead is write a crossover story which will serve as a sequel of sorts to my last two stories: "A Hero's Future" and "Contemplations of the Black Rose and Satellite's Shooting Star." Hopefully you guys enjoy!

The journey of a hero has always been something of an enigma; a story worth continuing because one needs to know what happens next. For Jaden Yuki, his journey was coming to a crossroad of sorts. He had always been the type to be constantly on the move. Looking for his next adventure, the next person he could help, the next amazing duelist he'd come upon. But after getting reacquainted and falling in love with his old companion, Alexis Rhodes, Jaden was not entirely decided on his next course of action.

It had been a few months since Jaden had seen Alexis; four, to be exact. His travels were becoming less and less fulfilling and his thoughts became occupied more and more with memories of his time with Alexis. So it came as no surprise to his travelling companion Yubel that he was at odds with his next course of action.

"Jaden. It's time you made a decision. After everything that happened between you and that girl, you might as well go see her. If it were up to me, I would rather you not go see her. But there's just something about her that keeps on drawing you back to her." Yubel said to Jaden as he walked under the night sky.

"Yeah, you're right. I've been trying to keep in contact with her but her schedule never quite lines up with mine so we don't get to talk much."

"Can you blame her though? You don't HAVE a schedule Jaden. You wake up whenever you want and run aimlessly around the world trying to help others. It's admirable of you for wanting to do this, but we've helped so many people over the years. Again, I can't believe I'm the one to mention this but don't you think it's time for some change?"

Pondering carefully over Yubel's words, Jaden had to admit that he wasn't entirely in love with his current lifestyle. While he did have quite a bit of success finding and "mentoring" people who had special powers, he had to admit that it wasn't ideal.

"Yeah, I guess you're right Yubel. I think it's time I went to go see Alexis."

Leaving a few days later, Jaden had arranged a flight back to New York to see Alexis. He had hoped that she would be excited to see him after all this time. As the plane started to take off, Jaden began to mentally prepare himself for what could possibly be the next chapter of his life.

Landing in New York after an exhausting ten hour flight, Jaden sprinted off the airplane and towards Alexis' apartment hoping that she wouldn't be too surprised by his arrival, or disappointed. While making his way towards his destination, nostalgia had hit Jaden, being reminded once again of the amazing memories he had created with Alexis. His excitement grew more with every step that he took which solidified Jaden's choice to come back to New York.

Making his way into Alexis' apartment building, he took the elevator up to her floor and walked slowly towards her room. While he was incredibly ecstatic to see Alexis again, there was a slight ping of anxiety which he felt.

What if she didn't feel the same way anymore?

Maybe she couldn't wait for me?

Was it fair of me to leave so suddenly like that?

Shaking his head violently, Jaden steeled his resolve and continued on towards her door. His choice had been made. Regardless of what was would happen next, he could not turn back now. Standing in front of Alexis' door, Jaden's arm moved on its own accord, knocking twice for good measure.

The sound of light and gentle footsteps approaching the door made Jaden's heart rate quicken. He had not felt this anxious in quite some time. When the footsteps finally stopped and the door opened, he was met with a face he had not seen in quite some time.

Alexis Rhodes was shocked to see who was at her door. She was just about to step out for an evening stroll, but she didn't expect this deterrent in her plans. Her impassive face quickly turned to confusion, which then turned into the biggest smile Jaden had seen in months.

"Jaden! You came back!" Alexis exclaimed, saving no time in sharing a warm embrace with the brown-haired hero.

"Alexis…" Jaden quietly responded as his cheeks acquired a slight rosy colour to them.

"Jaden, I'm so glad to see you! I missed you so much. Please, come in."

Stepping into Alexis' apartment, Jaden hopes to regain the time that was lost between the two due to his travels.

"Alexis… I missed you so much." Jaden said while seating himself on the chairs which he and Alexis had spent much time talking on. Easing into a sense of familiarity would not be as hard as Jaden thought it would be. He already felt at home.

The warmth of Alexis' apartment enveloped Jaden so quickly he almost lost himself in it. Jaden found this quite interesting because the apartment wasn't very flamboyant or extravagant. It was cozy and inviting, which reminded him of some of the reasons why he loved staying there. If Jaden was being honest with himself, what really brought him back was Alexis Rhodes.

She helped him realize what he was missing in his life.

A chance.

A choice.

A future.

A hero is expected to give up everything for the benefit of the people around them. Their lives carry a sacrificial air to it that could and would suffocate most individuals. The burden of responsibility that is placed on them is nothing short of unfair. However, the mark of a hero is understanding where to draw the line. For Jaden, it was his future. He had been tied down by the mistakes of his past, but now was his time to set himself free.

To fulfill his potential by becoming the man he was always supposed to be.

Grabbing Alexis' hand gently, Jaden blushed slightly, mustering up the courage to ask Alexis the most difficult question he has ever had to before.

"Alexis. I did a lot of thinking while I was gone. You were right. I wasn't able to see myself clearly because I was so blinded by my regrets. I had to change! It was only after I left that I realized…

I already had.

When I was on my journey again, it wasn't as enjoyable for me. I felt as if I was missing something. And at the same time, you kept on appearing in my thoughts, dreams, daydreams, etc. It was only after Yubel made it clear to me that I realized that it was you that I needed."

Looking down momentarily, Jaden took a deep breath readying himself to continue with his ramblings.

"Alexis. All I'm trying to say is that I'm so thankful for you. And I-I need to ask you something."

"Oh?" Alexis responded. Intrigued by Jaden's sudden shift in tone she mentally prepared herself for what was to come.

"Will you… let me stay with you, Alexis? I want to be with you. I'm tired of running around when the future I was looking for was here all along."

"Jaden… Of course. If you didn't ask, I would have. Or at least tried to get you to stay a little longer. But I guess that wasn't necessary, was it?" Alexis said, while slightly smirking at Jaden's admission.

"Guess not." Jaden responded sheepishly while rubbing the back of his head.

Alexis and Jaden smiled at each other for a little while longer, then turned to face the window once more to watch the stars, content with where the future had taken them.

A/N: Alright! First chapter is up. Not the greatest, but it will be pivotal in setting up the rest of this story. I'm hoping that as time goes on my writing can improve. Anyways, please R&R and let me know what you'd like to see out of the characters.