Author's Notes:

I was finally able to produce a longer chapter!

Really hoping you enjoy it.

Reminders: Thoughts are in Italics, Brackets indicate setting

Sound Effects indicated by *italics*

Finally: Disclaimer in Ch. 1

[Heartland Park]

Jaden found his way to Heartland Park easily. It looked to be the one place in the large city with an extended amount of grass and trees. All around him, lively groups of people dueled, walked, or picnicked at the base of the trees. With his new D-gazer, he watched intense battles that took place between a small group of middle school kids. The group had already prepared match-ups to decide who was dueling whom so Jaden was left to watch.

"Impressive, isn't it?" asked a female voice that Jaden recognized. Yubel materialized next to him and was keenly watching the current duel. "I wonder if this augmented reality is Kiba Corp's doing?"

Jaden shrugged. "Beats me but it looks like fun. I can't wait to get my game on!"

After that, just watching wasn't enough for the Slifer-red duelist. If there wasn't anyone in this area to duel he was going to have to find another. He stood up and started running further into the park; Yubel following along behind him.

The park became larger and quieter as Jaden ran. He was about to turn back when...

*W h a m*

He collided with someone who appeared from behind a statuary wall. The two were tossed backwards by the impact.

"Jaden?" Yubel asked with a hint of worry.

"I'm alright," he replied, "but what did I hit?"

"That young boy over there," she replied.

Looking over, Jaden took note of a smaller boy with black spiked hair. The black spikes were similar to Yusei's but the front of the hair came up to a double spike, which was dyed pink in color.

"You okay over there pal?" asked Jaden.

Yuma stirred and looked over at the red-coated teen. "Yah, I'm good." He felt like something was missing from his waist area. What's missing? Finally, he remembered clearly, his deck! The portable cardholder was laying next to the stranger.

Jaden was the first to pick himself up off the ground. He dusted off his prized coat before taking notice of the holder at his feet. "This yours?" he asked Yuma. The youth in front of him nodded and Jaden bent down to retrieve the case. When he picked it up, a weird sensation tingled up Jaden's arm and his eyes flashed. Powerful and dangerous cards. Some felt normal but there were definitely others with abnormal abilities. He looked over curiously at the deck's owner only to be shocked.

"Who's THAT?" asked Jaden, pointing directly at Astral.

Yuma was shocked by the sudden question. Who the young man pointed at was obviously Astral but there was no way anyone but Yuma could see the blue spirit. Then something struck Yuma as odd. He hadn't asked What Astral was but rather Who. He thought about playing it safe. "What are you talking about? There's no way anyone could be there," he replied and then added, "Could you possibly pass my deck back?"

"Yuma! What is the meaning of this? Can that boy actually see me?" interrupted Astral.

The boy in red obviously heard Astral's questions and tried a different approach. "The name's Jaden and I'm guessing your name's Yuma," he said while pointing at the youth opposite of him. Jaden then addressed Astral, "To answer your question, yes I can see you. And now, you get to answer mine from earlier, who are you."

"Astral." The blue spirit kept his answer short and wasn't keen to say anymore. Instead he appeared to be more interested in the boy's deck that Jaden still held in his hand.

"Jaden," he heard Yubel address him from the right. "The two in front of us share a bond a little different from our own, but perhaps they will tell us more if they see me." Jaden nodded. His eyes glowed in their unique red and green scheme.

Yuma and Astral couldn't believe their eyes when they witnessed the summoned figure before them. A demonic looking spirit rose up from behind the red-coated boy and spread her wings. Neither could speak so Yubel gave an introduction.

"I am Yubel, duel spirit and guardian of Jaden. His specialty is communication with duel spirits and I am his support." She then added, "Normally, we roam and search for those in need of Jaden's unique talent."

Jaden walked over to Yuma. "I believe this is yours pal." He handed the deck back to the spiked youth. "One thing though. Your deck seems a little out of the ordinary. I'm always up for a challenge and right now I need a chance to get my game on. You wouldn't be interested, would you?"

"You bet I would! I never back down from a challenge; that's my Kattobingu spirit!" replied Yuma.

"But Yuma, what about your sister's assignment at the docks?" interrupted Astral. The blue spirit was still cautious about the visitors. He was not sure if this was the right time for a duel, and he could not confirm if the brown-haired youth and spirit partner harbored ill intentions.

"The docks huh," said Jaden jumping in, "I was there earlier and I have an interesting story for your sister. If we duel I'll give you a tour of the place and some good info to take back."

"If that's the case then it's a duel!" burst out Yuma. His glowing partner looked on and Yuma could sense Astral's uncertainty toward the duel. "It's a win-win Astral. Sis will get her scoop and I get to duel. Kattobingu daze, Ore!" With duel disks and D-Gazers set, a duel for the ages began.

Author's notes:

Hopefully you're not too disappointed the literal collision of characters.

Sorry I couldn't fit in some dueling details- next chapter should include a piece.

Warning: Setting jumps ahead

Overall, I'm really enjoying putting this down on paper... errr digital text.

Hope readers enjoy it too!