Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or anything to do with the franchise. This fan fiction is merely for entertainment purposes and not my own profit.

Author's Note: Well, hello again! It is Mag-san, returning after a quite a long hiatus, unintended of course. I have a lot to deal with the last year, more like two years. For those of you who don't read my original Yugioh fic, I have been dealing with a lot, mostly the fact my mom was arrested and deported after a year in a detention center. I couldn't see her because I didn't come to the US legally and had no valid ID. I applied for the DACA for students, which allows me to work and go to school without worrying about being deporting. I have to renew it every two years. After my mom was arrested, my sister was taken by her dad to live with him in Florida since I am not economically stable enough to take care of her. Overnight, my mom and sister were out of my life. It hurt a lot, because for a long time, it was just the three of us. Thankfully, my mom is okay and my sister talks to me daily through texts and calls. It has been rough on her, as she going through adolescence and something like this has had a big impact on her. It broke my heart because I also saw the people who I thought were my friends just abandon me. When I needed them the most they moved on with their lives. So writing has not been coming to me as naturally as it used to. But hearing from all of you and how you love my stories makes me smile and helps me keep going. Thank you all so much! You have no idea how much I appreciate it. Enough about me, let's get back to the story, shall we?

Chapter 9: A Reason to Live

"As children, we are told stories of good and evil. A little girl in red stalked by a hungry wolf; two children tricked by a witch; a queen jealous of her own stepdaughter; a brave prince facing a fierce dragon...the list goes on. In these timeless tales there are lessons that underline them, ones that helps us to learn and grow from them. As students, no, as warriors of Duel Academia, one of the most important lesson we bestow upon you is one that is hard to accept but never forgotten. On the battlefield, anything and everything can happen. The enemy can decide to play by the rules, or break every single one, in order to obtain what they desire. It is your duty to as Duelists, to prevent this, and that, sadly, entails risking your very lives to do so."

The assembly of students and staff, a sea of black, took in his words with forlorn faces. They gathered at the Wall of Memory. It was a massive stone structure in the shape of a finely cut crystal. Around it were orbs of lavender light, floating in a circle perfectly still. Edged onto the stone were names of all who had fought and died in battle. Rutherford stood in front of it as he addressed his students in their mourning. The Guardians stood a few away from him to the side, the faculty to the other.

"Our fallen comrades will not be forgotten. Their actions made a difference in the lives of many. And it is for that reason, that we will forge on ahead and keep fighting and protecting those in need as they did so valiantly. They will forever be a part of us and this school. Let us celebrate the valiant fallen!"

As he turned with a wave, several names began to be edged onto the stone with an invisible pen of light. Each one glowed for a bit until finally cooling into place. Aki's eyes watered as she saw Scott's name edged on, Dayna holding onto her shoulder for comfort. Leo sniffled, trying to stop crying as Carly held him and Luna in her arms. The twin girl's eyes were red and puffy. She had cried the night before, so she could put on a brave face when needed. But hearing her brother beside her was taking such a toll on her. Her eyes stung as she fought back her tears. Rosetta, Gear, and Lumina lay beside them their heads bowed.

From the crowd, near the front, Yusei, Jack and Crow watched on in respect. They hadn't had a chance to meet Scott and his crew, but from what they had been told, they had been highly respected and had been part of the Special Guard. Said group, all dressed in a more formal uniform, all hooded, silent. However, they were feeling, they were holding it in out of respect. Yusei had been shocked, and more than a little concerned, having heard that such a powerful group on par with the Guardians had died. It spoke of how strong their foes had been. And they were still out there. As the last of the names glowed for a bit before settling onto the stone, there was a moment of silence. The only sound was the rustling of the leaves as a small breeze blew by. Afterward, people filed in neatly as one by one, paying their respects to their comrades. The families of each of the members were nearby, some crying, others quiet in their grief. Rutherford approached them, giving his condolences. From where they stood, Yusei noticed Rutherford say something of great importance as some of the family members looked at him with wide eyes of gratitude.

As he looked on, Shun walked up to Rutherford, who then nodded without turning to him. Wondering what they were talking, Yusei looked away. It was a private moment, and it was not his business. Rutherford was merely comforting the families in their losses. As he and his brothers reached the stone, they bowed their heads in respect, making their way back to the courtyard where some of the students stood, talking among each other, others comforting those who could not handle the grief, while others just stood in silence, either out of respect or because words could not describe how they felt. Even Yamada had come back from Satellite for the ceremony, a fatherly look about him as he stood by his nephew's side. Apparently, Natsu's ex-girlfriend, Nanae, was among the group lost. Though they had broken up some time ago, the hurt still went deep for Natsu.

Crow suggested they go to the Card Shop for a while, giving Natsu his space, "I can't imagine what the poor guy is going through."

"It's best we just leave him be and not bring it up," Jack added. "We may not know what it's like to lose someone you felt that strongly about, but we have had our share of losses."

"Yeah," Crow said in a low tone, his eyes stormy.

Yusei knew who his friends were thinking about. It was the first person that came to their minds among the others they had lost the wild that Satellite had once been. Each loss had been great, never leaving their hearts, but it was the death of their dear friend, Robert Pearson that had hit them the most. And it wasn't that he had died, but the mysterious circumstances surrounding it that held onto them the most. To most, Robert had died after a fire had started in his bike shop, but thanks to Yamada, the boys had found out that Robert had been murdered. With his expertise in arson, Jack was able to confirm that the fire had not be accidental. To this day, they still held out that they would one day find out the truth behind the incident, and get justice for their friend, who had been the kind of person who had not deserved such a horrible fate.

"Perhaps, while we search for answers to our past, we may find the clues we need to finally give Robert the justice he and his kids deserve," Yusei said, Jack and Crow nodding.

The little ones in their home had been looked after by Robert from the start, taken in by Martha after his untimely death. The sounds of their crying as the funeral proceeded had been almost too much for Crow to bear.

"Not that I don't love to reminisce," Jack started, "but I have to bring up the elephant in the room. What the hell do you guys think really happened to them?"

Yusei knew it was a touchy subject, especially after the ceremony, but Jack had a point, "From the bystander's perspective, it seems as if they had been on a very dangerous mission. As skilled as they were, something must have happened that they had not anticipated. The enemy was far more powerful than they had thought."

"Okay, what about the duelist's perspective?" Crow asked, his quick eyes making sure no one could hear them.

They were already on their way back to their dorm, the path empty of students as most were still at the Wall of Memory, others at the main building where a nice buffet was set up for those up to eating.

"From that point-of-view, the obvious is that they were on a top-secret mission, the details covered by the facade of a routine assignment," Yusei explained. "From how those at the ceremony behaved, it is plain to see Rutherford knew what it was about, and more importantly, who is responsible."

"You mean how Shun and he were acting, speaking in barely audible whispers," Jack brought up.

"Yes," Yusei nodded as they reached the lonely train station. "They don't want to speak of it aloud. Creates too much tension."

"So what do we do now? Unless you guys forgot, because I didn't, we're only Guardians-in-training. I don't think we can get involved, even with all the experience we have," Crow reminded them, being the voice of reason for once.

Yusei and Jack pondered what he had said. He wasn't wrong. They were only trainees, yet they had the experience their classmates lacked when it came to these kinds of matters.

"How nosy," they all jumped, Carly standing but a few feet from them. "But you are right. You guys do know a thing or two about situations like this one. For us to ignore that would just be counter-productive in our future work together."

"How-how did you get here without us hearing you?" Crow asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

"I have my ways," Carly merely smiled, walking around them to the edge of the platform.

As they watched her just blankly stare at the air, Yusei remember what she had seemed like the last time they had seen her.

"How are you feeling?" Yusei took a few steps toward her, catching the others a bit off-guard.

"I'm doing better, thank you," she turned only slightly to him.

She didn't say anything as she then swung her right leg to the side, moving past Yusei with a twirl, up to a stoic Jack. Crow, on the other hand, wished more than anything to have his phone out record the whole thing. Girls weren't usually so bold towards Jack. Yes, they flirted with him, putting up the giggly, bubbly, airhead act to get his attention, but Jack hated that kind of girl. Then again, Jack seemed to hate any kind of girl that clung to him like glue. But Carly was one weird girl. The weirdest Crow had ever met. But he kind liked that about her, because she didn't pretend to be someone else, just herself.

"Jack, I wanted to apologize for my behavior during that lesson," Carly spoke softly, her head up but her eyes downcast behind her glasses. "I shouldn't have lost it the way I did. I should have understood why you were asking about the Archives. You want answers that you and Yusei and Crow have probably been looking for a very long time for. I acted the way I did for certain reasons, but that still doesn't mean I should have just gone off on you like that. Please, accept my most humble apologies. I didn't mean it."

She then shocked them by bowing to Jack. Crow's mouth had come unhinged, Yusei's eyes wide in disbelief. Jack himself stared at her like she was some oddity he had never seen before. How she bowed to him so easily...he instantly hated it.

"Stand up," he ordered in a firm, even tone.

"Huh?" she just looked up.

"Please, stand up," Jack looked at her as though asking to do so.

She understood, straightening up.

"I'll accept your apology on one condition," Crow looked like he was about to go off on Jack himself. "Please accept my apology for my arrogant and insensitive behavior. I am still new here, and was unaware of the rules concerning the Archives, but it should have been obvious that they are of high importance and cannot be shared with just anyone."

If Crow's mouth could any further down, it would have had Yusei not decided to close it for him. Carly looked at Jack with eyes of wonder. Had that just happen? No way! To get a better look, she immediately took off her glasses, revealing her eyes to Jack and his brothers for the first time. But it was Jack who got the very best look at them. He took a slight intake of air as he stared back at her beautiful gray eyes. They somehow seemed to sparkle, a shade of color he wasn't used to. They seemed to peer into his very soul, which he was not completely comfortable with. Luckily, at that moment, Carly spun away, as if she hadn't just invaded Jack's personal space.

Putting her glasses back, Carly remained oblivious, "I have to say, I had you, of all, Jack, pegged wrong. Thank you. You're not such bad guy after all."

"Thanks, I think," Jack replied, trying to forget the scent of waterfalls out of his head.

Meanwhile, Crow shared a look of complete shock with Yusei, as though mentally asking if that had just happened. Yusei's response, yes, yes it had.

"Well, look at the time! I am late, late, late for a very important date!" Carly exclaimed as she hopped away from them backwards.

"What are you? The white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland?" Crow yelled.

"With some of the Cheshire Cat to spice up the mix!" she giggled uncontrollably. "No one can catch me! Bye bye now!"

And with that, she hopped around the corner and disappeared, leaving the three of them ever so confused.

"Soooo...she just came by to jump-scare us, act kind of spacy, then give Jack a really formal apology, get Jack to apologize to her and then hop away, daring us to catch her?" Crow counted off what had just happened, trying to make heads or tails of it.

"Maybe that's her way of grieving," Yusei said. "Different people and all that."

"Maybe," Crow just shrugged it off. "At least she's interesting. If I have to hear one more girl complain about what color red looks better on her, I swear!"

Yusei laughed as the train arrived. As the two walked in, Jack took a bit longer to join them. He stood by the doors as they closed, still processing what had happened. He had never met someone so spastic, so random, so weird! And she was a Guardian of the highest level too? Somehow, despite what Natsu and the others had told him, he still didn't buy it. Was she really that strong? And according to that waitress, Carly had actually fought a stealer of children, one of the nastiest of demons. One way or another, Jack had made it a vow, to see just how strong this Carly really was.

The streets of Paris were abuzz with gossip as the annual Fashion Week had begun. Designers, models, reporters, celebrities, had all descended on the City of Lights as the event was in full swing. At one show in particular, people were on their toes as they watched in awe. They were all captivated by the beauty that was Misty Lola, the world's most in demand model. She held herself with such grace and power, it was quite intimidating for other models. But she was nothing but a sweetheart to her fellow models, whose respect she had earned. Cameras flashed, music pumping loudly as she finished the show with the line's best dress. Once backstage, a reporter came up to her, having snatched a highly coveted interview with her. His colleagues were left seething with envy.

"Ms. Lola! Hello, my name is Walter Cunningham. I'm with the New York Times," the reporter introduced himself.

"Hello, Mr. Cunningham," Misty shook his hand as they sat down in an area for interviews.

"Thank you for taking the time to talk to us," Walter smiled.

"It's my pleasure, Mr. Cunningham," Misty took a glass of water into her thin fingers, taking a sip before continuing. "I am always happy to give back to my fans. Without their support, I wouldn't be where I am today."

"And I am sure they will be thrilled with our issue next month," Walter said as he began the interview. "So, Ms. Lola, you have come from humble beginnings to become the reigning queen of the fashion world! Yet you seem to maintain yourself with a sense of humility, something not many others in your profession share. Do you think it was your upbringing that has played a part in how you present yourself?"

"I would say so," Misty nodded. "My parents believed in hard work and earning one's goals. They didn't want for my brother or myself to feel as though things were just going to be handed to us. Working towards what we wanted would make finally achieving it all the more rewarding."

"I see," Walter said as he jotted down her response. "Speaking of your brother, if you do not mind talking about it, how have you been since his passing?"

Misty took a deep breath, knowing her brother Toby would be brought up, "I am doing as well as can be expected. Each day was an ordeal after he passed. There were times when I wished to join him, I felt so lost…it was one of the darkest moments of my life."

"Were those thoughts running through your head when you had your car accident?" Walter pushed on, his tone soft as not to pressure her.

"Yes. I thought of my parents' passing, and how hard it had been for us, but we at least had comfort in each other," Misty stared at the glass in her lap with distant eyes. "It made the pain of their loss bearable, but when I lost Toby…when I awoke in the hospital, I realized how lucky I was, and how despite the sadness I carry even to this day, it would make no difference if I were to die too. It wouldn't bring my mother, or father, or Toby back. It was a blessing in disguise. And I am thankful for what I have now more than I ever have before."

"That is wonderful to hear, Ms. Lola. I know your fans would agree that they are happy to see how you have been able to see what you still have," Walter said in a sympathetic voice.

"You're right," Misty smiled, her gaze steady on the still water, "and I have gained so much more as well."

"Oh? And what is that?" Walter chuckled.

Misty smirked, her eyes glazed with a slight malevolence that could go unnoticed if one looked away too soon, "A reason to live."

The sun was setting over the city landscape, washing it in a warm, orange glow. Aki stared outside, whose gaze was directed to the KNIGHT'S TOWER dorm, more precisely, to the now empty room that was once Scott's. Her eyes, heavy with remorse and red, looked away. Her face was puffy, her nose sniffling as she turned away from the windowsill, walking slowly to her bed. She gently laid down, closing her stinging eyes for a moment, her head hurting from all the crying of the last couple of days. Rosetta flew to her side, crawling underneath her arm and purring comforting. Aki smiled, holding her little friend a bit tighter.

"Rosetta, what do I do now?" Aki asked, petting the dragon. "This has happened before, losing a friend or loved one in the line of duty. It's something they teach us, but honestly, I don't think you can ever be prepared when someone you care about dies."

"I don't think you're meant to," Aki turned to her door, Carly standing there with a tray of food. "Come on, you need to eat. I also don't think Scott and the others would want you to starve yourself over their deaths. They would want you to keep your strength up for the long days ahead. And I need my best friend to back me up too."

Carly set the food down on a small table she conjured up next to Aki's bed. It was a nice stew, the steam rising, with a soft loaf of bread on the side that looked like had just come straight out of the oven.

"Thanks, Carly," Aki sat up, Rosetta scuttling to the pillow and herself a little bed out of it. "You're right. Scott never liked it when people felt sorry for him. It never did any good, he said. I just…I thought I could handle it better than I am."

"It's perfectly natural to feel like you do, especially since you and Scott were so close," Carly sat on the windowsill, looking to the KNIGHT'S TOWER dorm. "They were like family, so the hurt goes deep. It won't fade away overnight. It takes time that sometimes spans years, and sometimes it doesn't. I learned that the hard way."

"Carly," Aki left her spoon mid-air as she looked to her friend. "I guess, I tend to forget you've been at this longer than most of us. You've been through this plenty of times, huh?"

"Too many times," Carly sighed, now staring at the red-orange sky. "But I can't let it get to me. I don't forget it, but it doesn't overcome me. That's the key to it. Letting it be a reminder of what we fight for, and what we die for."

Aki could see the pain clear on Carly's face. Despite the huge glasses she wore, Aki could read her friend like a book. They had been friends since childhood, so over time, they had learned each other's quirks and mannerisms. It was ironic really. Most people assumed Carly's life had always been nothing but sunshine and rainbows from how happy and goofy she was. But they didn't know what Aki knew. She knew the reason why Carly's smile was always so big, and why she always worked so hard, and why she cared so much more for others than herself. Aki had had a tough childhood, her powers being pretty uncontrollable then. But her life had been good in comparison to the hell Carly had endured. Sometimes, Aki would watch Carly teaching Rua or some of the younger students with such eagerness, it made her wonder, just where did Carly get that kind of strength from?

"Aki," she perked up at her name. "Better finish your soup soon. The others want to meet in 10 minutes."

"Okay," Aki nodded, getting back to her soup.

"And also," Carly said before walking out, "it won't be easy, but we'll make things right again."

"How you can so sure?"

"Because," Carly pushed up her glasses, her eyes clear for a moment, "I have faith."

"I still can't believe what happened," a middle-aged woman said to the fruit vendor. "Those duelists were Guardians! What's strong enough to beat a whole squad of high-level trained duelists? The thought is terrifying!"

"I know, Mrs. Glennis, but it happens more often than you'd think," the vendor said. "They go out there, risking their lives so we can live in peace…it ain't no wonder they won't come back one of those times. But those people did good. I got it on good word they did what they had to do to stop some big attack on a big city! I don't which one, but they died heroes."

"Oh, bless their souls," Mrs. Glennis held her hand to her heart. "Such bravery! Oh, I just can't imagine how their families must be feeling. But it's like your said, they died heroes. Let's remember them like that."

"Amen to that," the vendor said as he handed her a bag of green apples.

They were so immersed in their conversation, they failed to notice the strange man standing by them, listening to their every word. He was wearing a black sweater, the hoodie over his head to conceal his face, with simple pants and sneakers. He had blend in as not to arouse suspicion.

"Heroes, huh?" he scoffed, turning his back to them and walking into a nearby alley. "How stupid."

"Silence," came a voice from the shadows, his colleague hidden from view. "You're new, so Master Rudger is giving you a chance to proof yourself. Do not underestimate the enemy. It took an entire horde of shadow creatures to defeat them and even then, they still dealt us a fatal blow."

"Huh, please! These are a bunch of pampered kids sheltered for most of their lives! What can they do that I can't?" the man scoffed.

"You do know most of the students there come from bad backgrounds, right? Many of them are orphans from Zero Reverse," the other pointed out.

"Oh, yeah, forgot about that," the first said scratching his head. "I tend to forget people on this side lost someone on that day. But anyway, what was so important that I have to be here? Master Rudger knows I can't stand the city. Too damn noisy."

"Danyael, it is only for a short time. The circle must be completed before we can commence with the next phase. It is imperative we find the last host."

"I know, but how are we supposed to find the host when we don't even know what they look like? Anything, even a special mark of some sort would make this easier," Danyael grumbled annoyed. "Besides, isn't Master Rudger supposed to be able to sense the other hosts?"

"Once they have joined with one of the gods, yes, but when they remain human, it is only when they are in the immediate vicinity that he can sense them," the voice explained.

"Great," Danyael slumped onto the wall beside him. "So what now, Idra?"

"We have to keep an eye on the academy. They know something about what is going on but haven't made a move yet," Idra spoke as he emerged from the shadows, draped from head to toe in a dark purple-gray cloak. "We must remain vigilant for the emmergance of the last host. Whoever they are, they have eluded Master Rudger the longest. They must incredibly powerful to have remained hidden."

"Must be," Danyael shrugged as he made his way down the alley, Idra following.

As much as he hated the city, with how loud it was and how cramped it felt with so many people around, Danyael had a job to do. He had made a vow to serve Rudger without question, and he was going to do whatever his master ordered him, even if it made him fall deeper and deeper into the darkness he had chosen to succumb to on the day the world had split.

There was a solemn quiet that had fallen upon the training grounds as Aki and Carly made their way to the meeting. They walked close, saying not a word. Though Aki's spirits were lifted somewhat after her conversation with Carly, there was still an ache deep within her she could not ignore. It was like someone had reached inside her and had twisted around, trying to rip out her heart. It was still intact, but not unwounded. Like Carly had said, it would take time. Despite all magic she held, Aki knew she couldn't just make the pain disappear. Well, she could, but that wouldn't make it better. It would actually just lay hidden inside her and then explode out at the worst time. So, she would just have to deal with it.

"Aki," Carly's voice pulled her out of her train of thought. "You're overthinking again."

"I can't help it," Aki sighed humbly. "You know how I am."

Carly just smiled to herself, knowing it was true. She wouldn't argue it. They reached the center of the grounds, where there lay a beautiful placid pond, shimmering in the now rising waning moon. The crickets played their nightly tune as fireflies started their flight across the surface of the still water. Aki stood at the edge of the pond, staring pensively into space. Carly hopped onto the low hanging branch of a tree, swinging her legs back and forth as they waited for the others. Soon enough, the soft steps of numerous feet caught their attention, but neither moved from their spots. Vaughn walked up with Dayna, his arm tight around her shoulders. She laid her head on his chest with a gentleness one rarely saw in her. Anasta was still sniffling, Beauregard, petting her head in comfort. Her eyes were bright red from crying. Shun appeared out of thin air, his face tired and shoulders sagging. Natsu jumped out of nowhere onto the same tree as Carly but on a different branch. She looked to him, his face a stone.

She didn't say anything. Ms. Bartlet walked alongside Raphael, both of whom had returned from speaking with their fallen students' families. It had not been easy, it never was. And it never got any easier with time. Everyone remained silent as they waited for their leader to arrive. A small breeze blew through, the water epping slightly as Rutherford strode out of the shadows. He was accompanied by Kaz and all of people, Shiromori. Instead of his kimono, he wore a nice light-black suit with matching gloves. His ears and tails were also absent. He locked eyes with Carly, who turned his attention to Aki. Shiromori sighed sadly, sensing the sadness within his friend. Beside him was a young girl who could have been his fraternal twin. Miyuki shared a lot of traits with her cousin, though she was shorter and had slightly wild yet tamed hair reached just above her midsection pulled into ponytail. She wore a similar outfit to Shiromori's only more feminine. She kept to her cousin's side, glancing over to Natsu. She wanted nothing more than to go to her friend's side and give him the biggest hug ever, but she stayed put.

"Everyone," Rutherford nodded as he stood before them. "I am glad you are all here. I know this has not been the best of days, and I wanted to start by thanking everyone for really rallying together as you have. It isn't'…easy to put on a brave face when you've been dealt such a deep blow. So, I am grateful we have been able to keep it as well as we have."

"It isn't the first time we've lost someone," Vaughn spoke up, his voice quite serious for him. "But this time, we know more about the ones responsible. So the real question everyone is too afraid to ask it what we are going to do about? And when?"

Everyone looked to Rutherford, the older man prepared for what he would say, "Well, I won't beat around the bush. You all deserve better than that. Let me explain this in better detail for those not caught up. Almost 15 years ago, the tragedy that has been known since as Zero Reverse was a calamity unlike any other the world had seen for a very long time. The cause of it was the meltdown of the Ener-D Reactor, a project meant to unite the world rather than destroy. But somewhere along the way, someone decided to turn it into a weapon of mass destruction. That someone was named Rudger Godwin, the older brother of our 'beloved' Director Rex Godwin."

Some were surprised by the revelation, but kept their shock to themselves. They had known the Director had some involvement, but not that extend.

"Rudger had manipulated the events leading to the Zero Reverse, making one it one of this priorities to first remove the one in charge of the project out of the picture, Professor Hakase Fudo," at the name Aki felt her body tense before turning to Carly, who in turn felt a wave of concern wash over.

Natsu twitched in response as well but remained in his spot.

"For those of you who didn't know this, yes, Yusei Fudo is in fact the son of Professor Hakase Fudo and his wife Yumei, his second-in-command," Shun explained. "For those of us who knew Hakase, we have kept this secret for the sake of the safety of his son. The Ener-D Reactor had been well known at the time but the identity of those in charge was kept hidden due to potential danger the reactor itself could have caused should it malfunction."

"But that happened anyway," Dayna spoke up, taking a few steps to them. "Rudger gained control of the situation and caused the meltdown. Do you really think people would blame Hakase for what happened when it was someone else' fault?"

"Of course they would," Vaughn answered before the other two could. "Day-day, think about it. Yeah, Rudger caused the meltdown, but it was Hakase's project, his 'baby'. Back then, people were terrified, confused, angry…they needed someone to blame if there was someone. Imagine how life could have been for Yusei if people knew who his parents were. A lot worse than what he already had to deal with, I'll tell you that."

"Speaking from personal experience?" Beauregard asked, Vaughn just scoffing at him. "In any case, Vaughn has a point. It was better that way, but time has passed. Yusei is here, and he deserves to know the truth about his past, because something tells that may be catching up to him."

"That's not the worst of it," Carly sighed, the others looking up at her.

She gave a knowing glance to Rutherford, who realized she knew more than he thought, "How did you find out?"

"Shiro told me," she said, Shiromori closing his eyes in thought. "Not only was Rudger the Director's brother, but he was also something far more important. Rudger Godwin…was a Signer."

The air filled with tension as Carly's words seeped into everyone's minds.

"A Signer?" Anasta asked, her voice but a whisper.

"And I thought this was screwed up before!" Vaughn kicked at the dirt, hands in his pockets.

Natsu's attention drew to Aki, who he could tell was still processing it. She clamped her left hand onto her right arm, gripping it as it sank in.

"Will they come after her?" Yamada finally spoke. "I already fortified security back in Satellite, but something tells me it won't do any good. Kaz here is good, but if I have to come back to duty at the academy…"

"There won't be need for that," Ms. Bartlet assured him. "She's perfectly safe here. The enemy won't risk an attack here so rashly. We will be ready for them."

"What about the little one? They'll both be targets," Raphael reminded them. "Her brother is strong, but he's nowhere near the level he needs to be to protect her."

"We'll just have keep a sharp eye out. We have to keep acting as though nothing is wrong. Otherwise we would have mass panic on our hands," Rutherford said. "Let's not forget about the third, now with him…."

As the older faculty went on about, all the words started to swirl in Aki's head like a whirlpool of incoherent babbling. Everything around her felt stiff, the air suddenly having a hard time reaching her lungs. Her heart pounded loudly, almost like someone was holding it to her ear. She could hear it bumping blood to her right arm as it started to throb but not from her grip. Her vision was blurring, what was clear, now muddy and misshapen. She had cried so much in the last week, her pain over Scott and their friends, the confusion, the frustration, the need to look for answers she so desperately wanted.

"Stop!" somehow her voice yelled out.

They all quieted down as Aki approached them. Carly just looked on from her place, letting her friend say what she needed to say.

"Let's get something straight," Aki started, firm and strong. "I am not some dainty, frail little girl. Never was, never will be. I am a duelist, a Guardian. I risk my life everyday by just having that title. This isn't the first time my life has been in danger and won't be the last, not if I'm not doing my job right, which I always try my best at. So, this Rudger was a Signer? Emphasis on 'was'. He isn't anymore, and that's all I need. I am a Signer, ever since I was born. I have had to live with that and I made my peace with it a long time ago. This is my home, well, my second home, but you get the gist."

Rutherford chuckled as she went on.

"Whatever made him stray from that path, it won't happen to me. Do you know why? Because I have my friends, my family, this whole academy for goodness' sake," Aki made a big gesture with arms as she made point. "I'm not alone. Ask Carly, she won't leave me alone whenever I'm in a bad mood. It's kind of annoying."

"I love you too!" Carly chirped.

"Sir, I understand why you need to do what you have to," Aki said as she stood in front of Rutherford with a look of such confidence, he remembered how far she had come. "I will explain this to Rua as best as I can. I'm her mentor, but more than that, I'm her friend. She's a Signer too. But please, have a little faith in us. You know us. We won't fall like Rudger did."

Rutherford took it in, taking a deep breath, "Well, you make a good point. You know how I am, Aki. I care very much for my students and faculty. This place is so much than just a school to me."

"Sir, if I may be so bold," Kaz stepped up, "I think that goes for everyone here."

"You're right," Rutherford smiled. "Okay, we won't do anything to restrict your lives here. But we still have the matter of Mr. Atlus."

"What do you mean?" Aki asked confused. "You don't mean…"

"He's a Signer too," Shun said. "And the son of Stella Atlus, the architect of the Ener-D Reactor."

"Him too?" Anasta said. "I guess I did sense something different about him like with Aki and Rua. But with three Signers at the school, does that mean the last two will be here soon, or are they already here?"

"That the billion-dollar question," everyone was surprised to hear Natsu finally join in.

"Don't you mean 'million-dollar'?" Dayna corrected him.

"I don't do small change," Natsu smirked, the first time in days. "Either way, the Signers are being drawn to the school, so you know what that means. The Dark Signers won't be far behind. And that's when the real fight begins."

"Then the solution is simple," Carly hopped down with ease. "We'll just have to fight back."

"Ha! You make it sound so simple," Dayna scoffed. "So we just fight the bad guys and win the coming war and all live happily ever after?"

"No one said this would be easy," Carly smiled warmly, Shiromori giving her all his attention, something that was not unnoticed by Miyuki. "In the old fairytales, things did not always work out. Sometimes the little girl was eaten, the bad guy won, the prince never rescued the damsel…but like the Chancellor said, there are lessons in them. It isn't about having a happy ending, it's about to just make it to the next day. We're duelists, Guardians, we chose this path, and on it there are bumps and twists."

Carly took Aki's into her own, holding onto them ever so tightly.

"Yes, we will lose people. Yes, there will be tears and blood and fear. But what our enemy does not know, is just how far we will go to protect the ones we love and the one who can't protect themselves. So, to answer your question, Dayna, no, I don't believe we will just beat the bad guys and everything will be set right again. After this, nothing will be the same, but we will still be here, in one way or another."

"Well! If that doesn't inspire one, nothing will!" Dayna smiled big, putting her hands on top of Carly and Aki's. "But we still can't just let this go unpunished. Scott, Danny, Nanae, Yuri, Farrah, and Matsumoto…we can't just forget what happened."

"And we won't," Shiromori said. "We have already begun our counter-strike. You are right, we cannot let the deaths of our friends go without justice. They died for us to keep the fight going, and that is exactly what we will do."

"If Rudger and his minions think they can get away with this, they have another coming," Miyuki said with crossed arms, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "It will be a reminder that no one can just go messing with the Guardians."

"For once I agree with the girl," Raphael said. "If war is coming, then we have to prepare to show the enemy what a horrible mistake it was to pick a fight with us."

Everyone nodded in agreement. To control what was to come would be futile, but what they could control was their role in it. They were the Guardians; it was time to remind the world of just what they were capable of. Aki felt a weight on her shoulders as she realized what was to come. As though reading her mind, Carly squeezed her hand in reassurance.

"We'll be fine," Carly promised. "That's why we're here."

Whoo! Glad to finally update. I cannot say sorry enough times for how late this is. As I said in the first note, life has not been easy this last few years. But I have made steps to better myself since. I recently moved out and am in process of getting a car. I also got a great new job, so things are looking up. I just need to get back into the rhythm of my writing again. I do apologize again for how short this may seem in comparison to my previous chapters but I have a ton planned for the next chapters and I felt it was best to save that for said chapters rather than mushing it into this one. I will not stop writing, just to ease the minds of those who may believe so. I would not do that without telling you guys. Thank you again for all the support!

Please review, because it makes me so happy to hear from you all!

Preview: Time starts ticking as Rudger starts making his move just as Yusei, Jack and Crow are finally told the truth of the past.